■^ « ,- "7-* A,*' , / . <<> 4Hi^-\ "^z" ^^^^^ ^'^^Z' -. ."^ <• ' » <*» n^ . " ° < r:> "^W^^ /\ ^0-7-^ ,1l:^j^-^^ u ^^0^ .4)tf. *^ (a ^ ■-^ 3) oijtli:ne map Kanuo 15 East.R.lG.E. SEN ifcuigoirEasl. s c o . Rcingc 2iUcsl. RcMi0c2OWosl H, U R Oi N CO :_.J/_.l R R 'O W CO y '.±. HISTORY OF OHIO. CHAPTER I, INTRODUCTORY -TOPOGRArHY -GEOLOGY -PRIMITIVE -RACES -ANTIQUITIES -INDIAN TRIBES. THE present State of Ohio, comprising an extent of country 210 miles north and south, 220 miles east and west, in length and breadth — 25,576,969 acres — is a part of the Old Northwest Ten-itory. This Territory embraced all of the present States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and so much of Minnesota as lies east of the Mississippi River. It became a corporate existence soon after the formation of the Virginia Colony, and when that colony took on the dignity of State government it became a county thereof, whose exact outline was unknown. The county embraced in its limits more territory than is com- prised in all the New England and jMiddle States, and wa.s the largest county ever known in the United States. It is watered by the finest system of rivers on the glolie ; while its inland seas are without a parallel. Its entire southern boundary is traversed by the beautifid Ohio, its western by the majestic Mississippi, and its northern and a part of its eastern are bounded by the fresh-water lakes, whose clear waters preserve an even temper- ature over its entire surface. Into these reservoirs of commerce flow innumerable streams of limpid water, which come from glen and dale, from mountain and valley, from forest and prairie — all avenues of health, commerce and prosperity. ( )hio is in the best part of this territory — south of its river arc tropical heats ; north of Lake Erie are polar snows and a polar climate. The territory comprised in Ohio has always re- mained the same. Ohio's history differs somewhat i'rom other States, in that it was nin'cr under Ter- ritorial government. When it was created, it was made a State, and did not pass through the stage incident to the most of other States, i. e., exist as a Territory before being advanced to the powers of a Stato. Such was not the case with the other States of the West ; all were Territories, with Terri- torial forms of government, ere they became States. Ohio's boundaries are, on the north. Lakes Erie and IMichigan ; on the west, Indiana ; on the south, the Ohio'^River, separating it from Kentucky; and, on the east, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It is situated between 38° 25' and 42° north latitude ; and 80° 30' and 84° 50' west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50' west from Washington. Its greatest length, from north to south, is 210 miles; the extreme width, from east to west, 220 miles. Were this an exact out- line, the area of the State would be 46,200 square miles, or 29,568,000 acres ; as the outlines of the State are, however, rather in-egular, the area is estimated at 39,964 square miles, or 25,576,960 acres. In the last census— 1870— the total num- ber of acres in Ohio is given as 21,712.420, of which 14,469,132 acres are improved, and 6,883,- 575 acres are woodland. By the last statistical report of the State Auditor, 20,965,3711 acres are reported as taxable lands. This omits many acres untaxable for various reasons, which would make the estimate, 25,576,960, nearly con-ect. The face of the country, in Ohio, taken a.s a whole, presents the appearance of an extensive monotonous plain. It is moderately undulating but not mountainous, and is excavated in places by the streams coursing over its surfixce, whose waters have forced a way for themselves through cliffs of sandstone rock, leaving abutments of this material in bold outline. There are no mountain ranges, geological uplifts or peaks. A low ridge enters the Stated near the northeast corner, and cros.ses it in a southwesterly direction, emerging near the inter- section of tlie 40th degree of north latitude with 12 HISTORY OF OHIO. the western boundary of the State. This " divide " separates the lake and Ohio River waters, and main- tains an elevation of a little more than thirteen hundred feet above the level of the ocean. The highest part is iu Logan County, where the eleva- tion is 1,550 feet. North of this ridge the surface is generally level, with a gentle inclination toward the lake, the ine- (jualities of the surface being caused by the streams which empty into the lake. The central part of Ohio is almost, in general, a level plain, about one thousand feet above the level of the sea, slightly inclining southward. The Southern part of the State is rather hilly, the valleys growing deeper as they incline toward the gi'eat valley of the Ohio, which is several hundred feet below the general level of the State. In the southern counties, the surface is generally diversified by the inequalities produced by the excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries, exercised through long periods of time. There are a few pi'airies, or plains, in the central and northwestern parts of the State, but over its greater portion originally existed im- mense growths of timber. The " divide," or water-shed, referred to, between the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio River, is less elevated in Ohio than in New York and Penn- sylvania, though the difierence is small. To a per- son passing over the State in a balloon, its surface presents an unvarying plain, while, to one sailing down the Ohio River, it appears mountainous. On this river are bluffs ranging from two hundred and fifty to six hundred feet iu height. As one ascends the tributaries of the river, these bluffs diminish in height until they become gentle undu- lations, while toward the sources of the streams, in the central part of the State, the banks often become low and marshy. The principal rivers are the Ohio, Muskingum, Scioto and Miami, ou the southern slope, emptying into the Ohio ; on the northern, the Maumee, Sandusky, Huron and Cuyahoga, emptying into Lake Erie, and, all but the first named, entirely in Ohio. The Ohio, the chief river of the State, and from which it derives its name, with its tributaries, drains a country whose area is over two hundred thousand square miles in extent, and extending from the water-shed to Alabama. The river was first dis- covered by La Salle in 1GG9, and was by him nav- igated as far as the Falls, at Louisville, Ky. It is formed by the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, in Pennsylvania, whose waters unite at Pittsburgh. The entire length of the river, from its source to its mouth, is 950 miles, though by a straight line from Pittsburgh to Cairo, it is only (515 miles. Its current is very gentle, hardly three miles per hour, the descent being only five inches per mile. At high stages, the rate of the current increases, and at low stages decreases. Sometimes it is barely two miles per hour. The average range between high and low water mark is fifty feet, although several times the river has risen more than sixty feet above low water mark. At the lowest stage of the river, it is fordable many places between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The river abounds in islands, some of which are exceed- ingly fertile, and noted in the history of the West. Others, known as " tow-heads," are simjjly deposits of sand. The Scioto is one of the largest inland streams in the State, and is one of the most beautiful riv- ers. It rises in Hardin County, flows southeast- erly to Columbus, whei'e it receives its largest affluent, the Olentangy or Whetstone, after which its direction is southerly until it enters the Ohio at Portsmouth. It flows through one of the rich- est valleys in the State, and has for its compan- ion the Ohio and Erie Canal, for a distance of ninety miles. Its tributaries are, besides the Whet- stone, the Darby, Walnut and Paint Creeks. The IMuskingum River is formed by the junc- tion of the Tuscarawas and Waldhouing Rivers, which rise in the northern part of the State and unite at Coshocton. From the junction, the river flows in a southeastern course about one hundred miles, through a rich and populous valley, to the Ohio, at Marietta, the oldest settlement in the State. At its outlet, the Muskingum is over two hundred yards wide. By improvements, it has been made navigable ninety-five miles above Mari- etta, as far as Dresden, where a side cut, three miles long, unites its waters with tho.se of the Ohio Canal. AH along this stream exist, in abundant profusion, the remains of an ancient civiliza- tion, whose history is lost in the twilight of antiq- uity. Extensive mounds, earthworks and various fortifications, are everywhere to be found, inclosing a mute history as silent as the race that dwelt here and left these traces of their evistence. The same may be said of all the other valleys in Ohio. The IMiami River — the scenes of many exploits in pioneer days — rises in Hardin County, near the headwaters of the Scioto, and runs southwesterly, to the Ohio, passing Troy, Dayton and Hamilton. It is a beautiful and rajiid stream, fluwing through 7" >> HISTOPtY OF OHIO. 13 a highly prochictive and populous valley, in whieh limestone and hard timber are abundant. Its total length is about one hunared and fifty miles. The Maumee is the largest river in the northern part of Ohio. It rises in Indiana and flows north- easterly, into Lake Ene. About eighty miles of its course are in Ohio. It is navigable ao far as Perrysburg, eighteen miles from its mouth. The other rivers north of the divide are all small, rapid-running streams, affoi'ding a large amount of good water-power, much utilized by mills aud man- ufactories. A remarkable feature of the topography of Ohio is its almost total absence of natural lakes or ponds. A few very small ones are found near the water-shed, but all too small to be of any practical value save as watering-places for stock. Lake Erie, which forms nearly all the northern boundary of the State, is next to the last or lowest of America's " inland seas." It is 290 miles long, and 57 miles wide at its greatest part. There are no islands, except in the shallow water at the west end, and veiy few bays. The greatest depth of the lake is off Long Point, where the water is 312 feet deep. The shores are principally drift-clay or hard-pan, upon which the waves are continually encroaching. At Cleveland, from the first sur- vey, in 1796, to 1842, the encroachment was 218 feet along the entire city front. The entire coast is low, seldom rising above fifty feet at the water's edge. Lake Erie, like the others, has a variable sur- face, rising and falling with the seasons, like great rivei-s, called the "annual fluctuation," and a gen- eral one, embracing a series of years, due to mete- orological causes, known as the " secular fluctua- tion." Its lowest known level was in February, 1819, rising more or less each year, until June, 1838, in the extreme, to six feet eight inches. Lake Erie has several excellent harbors in Ohio, among which are Cleveland, Toledo, Sandusky, Port Clinton and Ashtabula. Valuable improve- ments have been made in some of these, at the expense of the General Government. In 1818, the first steamboat was launched on the lake. Owing to the Falls of Niagara, it could go no farther east than the outlet of Niagara Kiver. Since then, however, the opening of the "Welland Canal, in Canada, allows vessels drawing nut more than ten feet of water to pass from one lake to the other, greatly facilitating navigation. As early as 183(5, Dr. S.l\ Ilildreth, Dr. John Locke, Prof J. H. Riddle and Mr. I. A. Lapluan, were ajipointed a committee by the Legislature of Ohio to report the " best method of obtaining a complete geological survey of the State, and an estimate of the probable cost of the same." In the preparation of their report, Dr. Hildreth examined the coal-measures in the southeastern jiart of the State, Prof Kiddle and Mr. Lapham made exam- inations in the western and northern counties, while Dr. Locke devoted his attention to chemical analyses. These investigations resulted in the presentation of much valuable information con- cerning the mineral resources of the State and in a plan ft)r a geological survey. In accordance with the recommendation of this Committee, the Legislature, in 1837, passed a bill appropriating $12,000 for the prosecution of the work during the next year. The Geological Cor]is appointed consisted of W. W. Mather, State Geolodst, with Dr. Hildreth, Dr. Locke, Prof J. P. Kirtland, J. W. Foster, Charles Whittlesey and Charles Briggs, Jr., Assistants. The results of the first year's work appeared in 1838, in an octavo volume of 134 pages, with contributions from JMather, Hildreth, Briggs, Kirtland and Whittlesey. In 1838, the Legislature ordered the continuance of the work, and, at the close of the year, a second report, of 286 pages, octavo, was issued, containing contribu- tions from all the members of the survey. Succeeding Legislatures failed to provide for a continuance of the work, and, save that done by private means, nothing was accomplished till 1869, when the Legislature again took up the work. In the interim, individual enterprise had done much. In 1841, Prof James Hall passed through the State, and, by his indentification of several of the formations with those of New York, for the first time fixed their geological age. The next year, he issued the first map of the geology of the State, in common with the geological maps of all the region between the Alleghanies and the jNIississippi. Similar maps were publi^^hed by Sir Charles Lyell, in 1845; Prof. Edward Hitchcock, in 1853, and by J. Mareon, in 1856. The first individual map of tlie geology of Ohio was a very small one, published by Col. Whittlesey, in 1848, in Howe's History. In 1856, he published a larger map, and, in 1865, another was issued by Prof. Nels(m Sayler. In 1867, Dr. J. S. Newberry published a geological map and sketch of Ohio in the Atlas of the State issued by H. S. Stebbins. Up to this time, the geological knowledge was very genei'al in its character, and, consequently, errone- ous in many of i:s details. Other States had been J^i 14 HISTORY OF OHIO. accurately surveyed, yet Ohio remained a kind of terra iiicoffiiita, of whicli the geology was less known than any part of the surrounding area. In 1809, the Legislature appropriated, for a new survey, 813,900 for its support during one year, and appointed Pr. Ne\vl)erry Chief (geologist ; E. B. Andrews, Edward Orton and J. II. Klippart were appointed Assistants, and T. G. Wormley, Chemist. The result of the first year's work was a volume of 164 pages, octavo, published in 1870. This report, accompanied by maps and charts, for the first time acL-urately defined the geological formations as to age and area. Evidence was given which set at rest (questions of nearly thirty years' standing, and established the fact that Ohio in- cludes nearly double the number of formations be- fore supposed to exist. Since that date, the sur- vey's have been regularly made. Each county is being surveyed by itself, and its formation ac- curately determined. Elsewhere in these pages, these results are given, and to them the reader is referred for the specific geology of the county. Only general results can be noted here. On the general geological map of the State, are two sections of the State, taken at each northern and southern extremity. These show, with the map, the general outline of the geological features of Ohio, and are all that can be given here. Both sections show the general arrangements of the formation, and prove that they lie in sheets resting one upon another, but not horizontally, as a great arch traverses the State from Cincinnati to the lake shore, between Toledo and Sandusky. Along this line, which extends southward to Nashville, Tenn., all the rocks are raised in a ridge or fold, once a low mountain chain. In the lapse of ages, it has, however, been extensively worn away, and n(jw, along a large part of its course, the strata which once arched over it are re- moved from its summit, and are found ri'sting in regular order on either side, dipping away from its axis. Where the ridge was highest, the erosion has been greatest, that being the reason why the oldest rocks are exposed in the region about Cin- cinnati. By following the line of this great arch from Cincinnati northward, it will be seen that the Ilclderberg limestone (No. 4), midway of the State, is still unbroken, and stretches from side to side ; while the Oriskany, the Corniferous, the Hamilton and the Huron fonuations, though generally re- moved from the crown of the arch, still remain over a limited area near Bcllefontaine, where they form an island, which proves the former continuity of the strata which compose it. On the east side of the great anticlinal axis, the rocks dip down into a basin, which, for several hundred miles north and south, occupies the inter- val between the Nashville and Cincinnati ridge and the first fold of the Alleghany Mountains. In this basin, all the strata form trough-like layers, their edges outcropping eastward on the flanks of the Aileghanies, and westward along the anti- clinal axis. As they dip from this margin east- ward toward the center of the trough, near its middle, on the eastern border of the State, the older rocks are deeply buried, and the surface is here underlaid by the highest and most recent of our rock formations, the coal measures. In the northwestern corner of the State, the strata dip northwest from the anticlinal and pass under the Michigan coal basin, precisely as the same forma- tions east of the anticlinal dip beneath the Alle- ghany coal-field, of which Ohio's coal area forms a part. The rocks underlying the State all belong to three of the great groups which geologists have termed " systems," namely, the Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous. Each of these are again sub- divided, for convenience, and numbered. Thus the Silurian system includes the Cincinnati group, the Medina and Clinton groups, the Niagara group, and' the Salina and Water-Line groups. The Devonian system includes the Oriskany sand- stone, the Carboniferous limestone, the Hamilton group, the Huron shale and the Erie shales. The Carboniferous system includes the Waverly group, the Carboniferous Conglomerate, the Coal ]Meas- ures and the Drift. This last includes the surface, and has been divided into six parts, numbering from the lowest, viz.: A glacialed surface, the Gla- cial Drif^, the Erie Clays, the Forest Bed, the Ice- berg Drift and the Terraces or Beaches, which mark intervals of stability in the gradual recession of the water surface to its present level. " The history we may learn from these forma- tions," says the geologist, '' is something as Ibl- lows : " First. Subsequent to the Tertiary was a period of continual elevation, during which the topog- raphy of the country was much the same as now, the draining streams following the lines they now do, but cutting down their beds until they flowed sometimes two hundred feet lower than they do at present. In the latter part of this period of ele- vation, glaciers, descending from the Canadian HISTORY OF OHIO. 15 islands, excavated and occupied the valleys of the great lakes, and covered the lowlands down nearly to the Ohio. "Second. By a depression of the land and ele- vation of temperature, the glaciers retreated north- ward, leaving, in the interior of the continent, a great basin of fresh water, in which the Erie clays were deposited. '■^ Third. This water was drained away until a broad land surface was exposed within the drift area. Upon this surface grew forests, largely of red and white cedar, inhabited by the elephant, mastodon, giant beaver and other large, now ex- tinct, animals. "Fourth. The submergence of this ancient land and the spreading over it, by iceberg agency, of gravel, sand and bowlders, distributed just as ice- bergs now spread their loads broadcast over the sea bottom on the banks of Newfoundland. "Fifth. The gradual draining-ofF of the waters, leaving the land now as we find it, smoothly cov- ered with all the layers of the drift, and well pre- pared for human occupation." " In six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and rested the seventh day," records the Scriptures, and, when all was done. He looked upon the work of His own hands and pronounced it "good." Surely none but a divine, omnipotent hand could have done all this, and none can study the ''work of His hands" and not marvel at its completeness. The ancient dwellers of the Mississippi Valley will always be a subject of great interest to the antiquarian. Who they were, and whence they came, are still unanswered questions, and may remain so for ages. All over this valley, and, in fact, in all parts of the New World, evidences of an ancient civilization exist, whose remains are now a wonder to all. The aboriginal races could throw no light on these questions. They had always seen the remains, and knew not whence they came. Explorations aid but little in the solu- tion of the problem, and only conjecture can be entertained. The remains found in Ohio ecjual any in the Valley. Indeed, some of them are vast in extent, and consist of forts, fortifications, moats, ditches, elevations and mounds, embracing many acres in extent. "It is not yet determined," says Col. Charles Whittlesey, "whether we have discovered the first or the original people who occupied the soil of Ohio. Modern investigations are bringing to light evidences of earlier races. Since the presence of man has been established in Europe as a cotempor- ary of the fassil elephant, mastodon, rhinoceros and the horse, of the later drift or glacial period, we may rea.sonably anticipate the presence of man in America in that era. Such proofs are already known, but they are not of that conclusive charac- ter which amounts to a demonstration. It is, how- ever, known that an ancient people inhabited Ohio in advance of the red men who were found here, three centuries since, by the Spanish and French explorers. " Five and six hundred years before the amval of Columbus," says Col. Charles Whittlesey, "the Northmen sailed from Norway, Iceland and Green- land along the Atlantic coast as far a.s Long Island. They found Indian tribes, in what is now New En- gland, closely resembling those who lived upon the coast and the St. Lawrence when the French and English came to possess these regions. " These red Indians had no traditions of a prior people ; but over a large part of the lake country and the valley of the Mississippi, earth-works, mounds, pyramids, ditches and forts were discov- ered — the work of a more ancient race, and a peo- ple far in advance of the Indian. If they were not civilized, they were not barbarians. They were not mere hunters, but had fixed habitations, cultivated the soil and were possessed of consider- able mechanical skill. We know them as the Mound-Builders, because they erected over the mortal remains of their principal men and women memorial mounds of earth or unhewn stone — of which hundreds remain to our own day, so large and high that they give rise to an impression of the numbers and energy of their builders, such as we receive from the pyramids of Egypt." Might they not have been of the same race and the same civilization ? Many competent authori- ties conjecture they are the work of the lost tribes of Israel ; but the best they or any one can do is only conjecture. " In the burial-mounds," continues Col. Whit- tlesey, " there are always portions of one or more human skeletons, generally partly consumed by fire, with ornaments of stone, bone, shells, mica and copper. The largest mound in Ohio is near jMiamisburg, Montgomery County. It is the second largest in the West, being nearly seventy feet high, originally, and about eight hundred feet in circumference. This would give a supei-ficial area of nearly four acres. In 1864, the citizens of ]\Iiamisburg sunk a shaft from the summit to the natural surface, without finding the bones 16 HISTORY or OHIO. or ashes of the great man for wIkuu it was intended. Tlie exploration lias considerably lowered the mound, it being now about sixty feet iu height. " Fort Ancient, on the Little IMiami, is a good specimen of the military defenses of the Mound- liuildei-s. It is well located on a long, high, nar- row, precipitous ridge. The parapets are now from ten to eighteen feet high, and its perimeter is sufficient to hold twenty thousand fighting men. Another prominent example of their works exists near Newark, Licking County. This collection presents a great variety of figures, circles, rectan- gles, octagons and parallel banks, or highways, covering more than a thousand acres. The county fair-ground is permanently located within an ancient circle, a (juarter of a mile in diameter, with an embankment and interior ditch. Its high- est place was over twenty feet from the top of the moat to the bottom of the ditch." One of the most curious-shaped works in this county is known as the "Alligator," from its sup- posed resemblance to that creature. When meas- ured, several years ago, while in a good state of preservation, its dimensions were two hundred and ten feet in length, average width over sixty feet, and height, at the highest point, seven feet. It appears to be mainly composed of clay, and is overgrown with grass. Speaking of the writing of these people, Col. Whittlesey says : " There is uo evidence that they luid alphabetical characters, picture-writing or hieroglyphics, though they must have had some mode of recording events. Neither is there any proof that they used domestic animals for tilling the soil, or for the purpose of erecting the imposing earth- works they have left. A very coarse cloth of liemp, flax or nettles has been found on their burial-heartlis and around skeletons not consumed by fire. " The most extensive earthworks occupy many of the sites of modern towns, and are always in the vicinity of excellent land. Those about the lakes are generally irregular earth forts, while those about the rivers in the southern part of the State are generally altars, pyramids, circ;les, cones and rectangles of earth, among which fortresses or strongholds are exceptions. " Those on the north may not have been cotem- porary or liave been built by the same people. They are far less prominent or extensive, which indicates a people less in numbers as well as indus- try, and whose principal occupation was war among themselves or against their neighbors. This style of works extends eastward along the south shore of Lake Ontario, through New York. In Ohio, there is a space along the water-shed, between the lake and the Ohio, where there are few, if any, ancient earthworks. It appears to have been a vacant or neutral ground between different nations. " The Indians of the North, dressed in skins, cultivated the soil very sparingly, and numufactured no woven cloth. On Lake Superior, there are ancient copper mines wrought by the Mound- Builders over fifteen hundred years ago." Copper tools are occasionally found tempered sufficiently hard to cut the hardest rocks. No knowledge of such tempering exists now. The Indians can give no more knowledge of the ancient mines than they can of the mounds on the river bottoms. " The Indians did not occupy the ancient earth- works, nor did they construct such. They were found as they are now — a hunter race, wholly averse to labor. Their abodes were in rock shel- ters, in caves, or in tempoi'ary sheds of bark and boughs, or skins, easily moved from place to place. Like most savage races, their habits are unchange- able ; at least, the example of white men, and their cffijrts during three centuries, have made little, if any, impression." When white men came to the territory now em- braced in the State of Ohio, they found dwelling here the Iroquois, Delawares, Shawanees, Miamis, Wyandots and Ottawas. Each nation was com- posed of several tribes or clans, and each was often at war with the others. The first mentioned of these occupied that part of the State whose northern boundary was Lake Erie, as far west as the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, where the city of Cleveland now is ; thence the boundary turned southward in an iiTCgular line, until it touched the Ohio Iliver, up which stream it continued to the Pennsylvania State line, and thence northward to the lake. This nation were the implacable foes of the French, owing to the fact that Champlain, in 1G09, made war against them. They occupied a large part of New York and Pennsylvania, and were the most insatiate conquerors among the aborigines. When the French first came to the lakes, these monsters of the wilderness were engaged in a war against their neighbors, a war that ended in their con(|uering them, possessing their terri- tory, and absorbing the remnants of the tribes into their own nation. At the date of Champlain's visit, the southern shore of Lake Erie was occupied by the Eries, or, as the orthography of the word is HISTORY OF OHIO. 17 sometimes given, Erigos, or Errienous.* About forty years afterward, the Iroquois (Five Nations) fell upon them with such fury and in such force that the nation was annihilated. Those who escaped the slaughter were absorbed among their conquerors, but allowed to hve on their own lands, paying a sort of tribute to the Iroquois. This was the policy of that nation in all its conquests. A few years after the conquest of the Eries, the Iroquois again took to the war-path, and swept through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, even attacking the Mississippi tribes. But for the intervention and aid of the French, these tribes would have shared the fate of the Hurons and Eries. Until the year 1700, the Iroquois held the south shore of Lake Erie so firmly that the French dared not trade or travel along that side of the lake. Their missionaries and traders penetrated this part of Ohio as early as 1650, but generally suffered death for their zeal. Having completed the conquest of the Hurons or Wyandots, about Lake Huron, and murdered the Jesuit missionaries by modes of torture which only they could devise, they permitted the residue of the Hurons to settle around the west end of Lake Erie. Here, with the Ottawas, they resided when the whites came to the State. Their country was bounded on the south by a line running through the central part of Wayne, Ashland, Richland, Crawford and Wyandot Counties. At the western boundary of this county, the line di- verged northwesterly, leaving the State near the noi'thwest corner of Fulton County. Their north- ern boundary was the lake ; the eastern, the Iro- quois. The Delawares, or " Lenni Lenapes," whom the Iroquois had subjugated on the Susquehanna, were assigned by their conquerors hunting-grounds on the Muskingum. Their eastern boundary was the country of the Iroquois (before defined), and their northern, that of the Hurons. On the west, they * Father Louis Hennepin, in his work published in 1684, thus alludes to the Eries: ''These good fathers," referring to the priests, " were great friends of the Hurons, who told them that the Iroquois went to war beyond Virginia, or New Sweden, near a lake which they called ' Erige,' or 'Erie,'' which signifies 'the cai,' or ' nation of the cat,' and because these savages brought captives from this nation in returning to their cantons along this lake, the Hurons named it, in their language, ' Erige,' or ' Erike,' 'the lake of the €01,' and which our Canadians, in softening the word, have called ' Lake Erie.' " Charlevoix, writing in 1721, says: "The name it bf^ars is that of an Indian nation of the Huron (Wyandot) language, which was formerly seated on its banks, and who have been entirely destroyed by the Iroquois. Erie, in that language, signifies ' cat,' and, in Bome acounts, this nation is called the ' cat nation.' This name, probably, comes from the large numbers of that animal found in this region." extended as far as a line drawn from the central part of Richland County, in a semi-circular direc- tion, south to the mouth of Leading Creek. Their southern boundary was the Ohio River. West of the Delawares, dwelt the Shawanees, a troublesome people as neighbors, whether to whites or Indians. Their country was bounded on the north by the Hurons, on the east, by the Dela- wares ; on the south, by the Ohio River. On the west, their boundary was determined by a line drawn southwesterly, and again southeasterly — semi-circular — from a point on the southern boundary of the Hurons, near the southwest corner of Wyandot County, till it intersected the Ohio River. All the remainder of the State — all its western part from the Ohio River to the Michigan line — was occupied by the Miamis, Mineamis, Twigtwees, or Tawixtawes, a powerful nation, whom the Iro- quois were never fully able to subdue. These nations occupied the State, partly by per- mit of the Five Nations, and partly by inheritance, and, though composed of many tribes, were about all the savages to be found in this part of the Northwest. No sooner had the Americans obtained control of this country, than they began, by treaty and purchase, to acquire the lands of the natives. They could not stem the tide of emigration ; peo- ple, then as now, would go West, and hence the necessity of peaceflilly and rightfully acquiring the land. " The true basis of title to Indian territory is the right of civilized men to the soil for pur- poses of cultivation." The same maxim may be applied to all uncivilized nations. When acquired by such a right, either by treaty, purchase or con- quest, the right to hold the same rests with the power and development of the nation thus possess- ing the land. The English derived title to the territory between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi partly by the claim that, in discovering the Atlantic coast, they had possession of the land from "ocean to ocean," and partly by the treaty of Paris, in Feb- ruary, 1763. Long before this treaty took place, however, she had granted, to individuals and colo- nies, extensive tracts of land in that part of Amer- ica, based on the right of discovery. The French had done better, and had ac(juired title to the land by discovering the land itself and by consent of the Indians dwelling thereon. The right to pos- sess this country led to the French and Indian war, ending in the supremacy of the English. 18 HISTORY OF OHIO. The Five Nations claimed the territory in ques- tion by right of cou(iuest, and, though professing friendship to the EngUsh, watched them with jeal- ous eyes. In 1G84, and again in 172G, that con- federacy made cessions of lands to the English, and these treaties and cessions of lands were re- garded as sufficient title by the English, and were insisted on in all subse(iuent treaties with the Western Nations. The following statements were collected by Col. Charles Whittlesey, which show the principal treaties made with the red men wherein land in Ohio was ceded by them to the whites : In September, 1726, the Iroquois, or Six Na- tions, at Albany, ceded all their claims west of Lake Erie and sixty miles in width along the south shore of Lakes Erie and Ontario, from the Cuyahoga to the Oswego River. In 1744, this same nation made a treaty at Lancaster, Penn., and ceded to the English all their lands "that may be within the colony of Virginia." In 1752, this nation and other Western tribes made a treaty at Logstown, Penn., wherein they confirmed the Lancaster treaty and consented to the settlements south of the Ohio River. February 13, 1763, a treaty was made at Paris, France, between the French and English, when Canada and the eastern half of the Mississippi Valley were ceded to the English. In 1783, all the territory south of the Lakes, and east of the Mississippi, was ceded by England to America — the latter country then obtaining its independence — by which means the country was gained by America. October 24, 1784, the Six Nations made a treaty, at Fort Stanwix, N. Y., with the Ameri- cans, and ceded to them all the country claimed by the tribe, west of Pennsylvania. In 178.5, the Chippewas, Delawares, Ottawas, and Wyandots ceded to the United States, at Fort Mcintosh, at the mouth of the Big Beaver, all their claims east and south of the " Cayahaga," the Portage Path, and the Tuscarawas, to Fort Laurens (Bolivar), thence to Loramie's Fort (in Shelby County ) ; thence along the Poi'tage Path to the St. Mary's River and down it to the "Omee," or jNIaumee, and along the lake shore to the "Cayahaga." January 3, 1786, the Shawanees, at Fort Fin- ney, near the mouth of the Great Miami (not owning the land on the Scioto occupied by them), were allotted a tract at the heads of the two Miamis and the Wabash, west of the Chippewas, Delawares and Wyandots. February 9, 1789, the Iroquois made a treaty at Fort Harmar, wherein they confirmed the Fort Stanwix treaty. At the same time, the Chippewas, Ottawas, Delawares, and Wyandots — to which the Sauks and Pottawatomies assented — confirmed the treaty made at Fort Mcintosh. Period of war now existed till 1795. August 3, 1795, Gen. Anthony Wayne, on behalf of the United States, made a treaty with twelve tribes, confirming the boundaries estab- lished by the Fort Harmar and Fort Mcintosh treaties, and extended the boundary to Fort Re- covery and the mouth of the Kentucky River. In June, 1796, the Senecas, represented by Brant, ceded to the Connecticut Land Company their rights east of the Cuyahoga. In 1805, at Fort Industry, on the Maumee, the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippewas, Shawa- nees, Menses, and Pottawatomies relinquished all their lands west of the Cuyahoga, as far west as the western line of the Reserve, and south of the line from Fort Laurens to Loramie's Fort. July 4, 1807, the Ottawas, Chippewas, Wyan- dots, and Pottawatomies, at Detroit, ceded all that part of Ohio north of the Maumee River, with part of Michigan. November 25, 1808, the same tribes with the Shawanees, at Brownstown, Mich., granted the Government a tract of land two miles wide, from the west line of the Reserve to the rapids of the IMaumee, for the purpose of a road through the Black Swamp. September 18, 1815, at Springwells, near De- troit, the Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomies, Wy- andots, Delawares, Senecas and Miamis, having been engaged in the war of 1812 on the British side, were confined in the grants made at Fort Mcintosh and Greenville in 1785 and 1795. September 29, 1817, at the rapids of the Maumee, the Wyandots ceded their lands west of the line of 1805, as far as Loramie's and the St. Mary's River and north of the Maumee. The Pottawatomies, Chippewas, and Ottawas ceded the territory west of the Detroit line of 1807, and north of the Maumee. October 6, 1818, the Miamis, at St. Mary's, made a treaty in which they surrendered the re- maining Indian territory in Ohio, north of the Greenville treaty line and west of St. Mary's River. The numerous treaties of peace with the W^est- ern Indians for the delivery of prisoners were — ^ liL HISTOKY OF OHIO. 19 one by Gen. Forbes, at Fort Du Quesne (Pitts- burgh), in 1758 ; one by Col. Bradstreet, at Ei-ie, in August, 17G-1; one by Col. Boquet, at the mouth of the Walhonding, in November, 17 64 ; in May, 17()5, at Johnson's, on the Mohawk, and at Philadelphia, the same year; in 1774, by Lord Dunmore, at Camp Charlotte, Pickaway County. By the treaty at the Maumee Rapids, in 1817, reservations were conveyed by the United States to all the tribes, with a view to induce them to cultivate the soil and cease to be hunters. These were, i'rom time to time, as the impracticability of the plan became manifest, purchased by the Gov- ernment, the last of these being the Wyandot Reserve, of twelve miles square, around Upper Sandusky, in 1842, closing out all claims and com- posing all the Indian difficulties in Ohio. The open war had ceased in 1815, with the treaty of Ghent. " It is estimated that, from the French war of 1754 to the battle of the Maumee Rapids, in 1794, a period of forty years, there had been at least 5,000 people killed or captured west of the Alleghany Mountains. Eleven organized military expeditions had been carried on against the West- ern Indians prior to the war of 1812, seven regu- lar engagements fought and about twelve hundred men killed. More whites were slain in battle than there were Indian braves killed in military expedi- tions, and by private raids and murders ; yet, in 1811, all the Ohio tribes combined could not mus- ter 2,000 warriors." Attempts to determine the number of persons comprising the Indian tribes in Ohio, and their location, have resulted in nothing better than estimates. It is supposed that, at the commence- ment of the Revolution, there were about six thousand Indians in the present confines of the State, but their villages were little more than movable camps. Savage men, like savage beasts, are engaged in continual migrations. Now, none are left. The white man occupies the home of the red man. Now "The verdant hills Are covered o'er with growing grain, And white men till the soil, Where once the red man used to reign." CHAPTER II. EARLY EXPLORATIONS IN THE WEST. WHEN war, when ambition, when avarice fail, religion pushes onward and succeeds. In the discovery of the New World, wherever man's aggrandizement was the paramount aim, failure was sure to follow. When this gave way, the followers of the Cross, whether Catholic or Protestant, came on the field, and the result before attempted soon appeared, though in a different way and through different means than those supposed. The first permanent efforts of the white race to penetrate the Western wilds of the New World preceded any permanent English settlement north of the Potomac. Years before the Pilgrims anchored their bark on the cheerless shores of Cape Cod, "the Roman Catholic Church had been plant- ed by missionaries from France in the Eastern moiety of Maine; and LeCaron, an ambitious Franciscan, the companion of Champlain,had passed into the hunting-grounds of the Wyandots, and, bound by the vows of his life, had, on foot or pad- dling a bark canoe, gone onward, taking alms of the savages until he reached the rivers of Lake Huron." This was in 1615 or 1616, and only eight years after Champlain had sailed up the wa- ters of the St. Lawrence, and on the foot of a bold cliff" laid the foundation of the present City of Quebec. From this place, founded to hold the country, and to perpetuate the religion of his King, went forth those emissaries of the Cross, whose zeal has been the admiration of the world. The French Colony in Canada was suppressed socm after its es- tabhshment, and for five years, until 1622, its im- munities were enjoyed by the colonists. A gi-ant of New France, as the country was then known, was made by Louis XIII to Richelieu, Champlain, Razilly and others, who, immediately after the res- toration of Quebec by its English conquerors, entered upon the control and government of their province. Its limits embraced the whole ba.'^in of the St. Lawrence and of such other rivers in New France as flowed directly into the sea. While away to the south on the Gulf coast, was also included a country rich in foliage and claimed in wtue of the unsuccessful efforts of Coligny. :\ 20 IIISTOEY OF OHIO. Reliiiious zeal as much as commercial prosperity had influenced France to obtain and retain the de- pendency of Canada. The commercial monopoly of a privileged company could not foster a colony ; the climate was too vigorous for agricult- ure, and, at first there was little else except relig- ious enthusiasm to give vitality to the province. Champlain had been touched by the simplicity of the Order of St. Francis, and had selected its priest,s to aid him in his work. But another order, more in favor at the Court, was interested, and succeed- ed in excluding the mendicant order from the New World, established themselves in the new domain and, by thus enlarging the borders of the French King, it became entrusted to the Jesuits. This "Society of Jesus," founded by Loyola when Calvin's Institutes first saw the light, saw an unequaled opportunity in the conversion of the heathen in the Western wilds; and, as its mem- bers, pledged to obtain power only by influence of mind over mind, sought the honors of opening the way, there was no lack of men ready for the work. Through them, the motive power in opening the wilds of the Northwest was religion. " Religious enthusiasm," says Bancroft, "colonized New Eng- land, and religious enthusiasm founded Montreal, made a conquest of the wilderness about the upper lakes, and explored the Mississippi." Through these priests — increased in a few years to fifteen — a way was made across the West from Quebec, above the regions of the lakes, below which they dared not go for the relentless Mohawks. To the northwest of Toronto, near the Lake Iro- quois, a bay of Lake Huron, in September, 1634, they raised the first humble house of the Society of Jesus among the Hurons. Through them they learned of the great lakes beyond, and resolved one day to explore them and carry the Gospel of peace to the heathen on their shores. Before this could be done, many of them were called upon to give up their lives at the martyr's stake and re- ceive a martyr's crown. But one by one they went on in their good work. If one fell by hun- ger, cold, cruelty, or a terrible death, others stood ready, and carrying their lives in their hands, established other missions about the eastern shores of Lake Huron and its adjacent waters. The Five Nations were for many years hostile toward the French and murdered them and their red allies whenever opportunity presented. For a quarter of century, they retarded the advance of the missionaries, and then only after wearied with a long struggle, in which they began to see their power declining, did they relinquish their warlike propensities, and allow the Jesuits entrance to their country. While this was going on, the traders and Jesuits had penetrated farther and farther westward, until, when peace was declared, they had seen the southwestern shores of Lake Superior and the northern shores of Lake Michigan, called by them Lake Illinois.* In August, 1654, two young adventurers penetrated the wilds bordering on these western lakes in company with a band of Ottawas. Beturning, they tell of the wonderful country they have seen, of its vast forests, its abundance of game, its mines of copper, and ex- cite in their comrades a desire to see and explore such a country. They tell of a vast expanse of land before them, of the powerful Indian tribes dwelling there, and of their anxiety to become an- nexed to the Frenchman, of whom they have heard. The request is at once granted. Two missionaries, Grabriel Dreuillettes and Leonard Grareau, were selected as envoys, but on their way the fleet, propelled by tawny rowers, is met by a wandering band of Mohawks and by them is dis- persed. Not daunted, others stood ready to go. The lot fell to Rene Mesnard. He is charged to visit the wilderness, select a suitable place for a dwelling, and found a mission. With only a short warning he is ready, "trusting," he says, "in the Providence which feeds the little birds of the desert and clothes the wild flowers of the forest." In October, 1660, he reached a bay, which he called St. Theresa, on the south shore of Lake Superior. After a residence of eight months, he yielded to the invitation of the Hurons who had taken refuge on the Island of St. ]\Iichael, and bidding adieu to his neophytes and the French, he departed. While on the way to the Bay of Che- goi-me-gon, probably at a portage, he became separated from his companion and was never after- ward heard of Long after, his cassock and his breviary were kept as amulets among the Sioux. Difficulties now arose in the management of the colony, and for awhile it was on the verge of dis- solution. The King sent a regiment under com- mand of the agtid Tracy, as a safeguard against the Iroquois, now proving themselves enemies to * Mr. C. W. Butterfield, author of Cranford'.i Cantjiaign, and good atithoritv, says: "John Nicholet, a Frenchman, left Quebec and Three Rivers in the siinimer of KiSt, and visiteil the Hurons on Georgian Bay, tho Oliippewas at tlio Sault Ste. Marie, and tlith of March, 1()75, they left their huts and, rowing on up the Chicago to the jxirtage be- tween that and the Desplaines, embarked on their way. Amid the incessant rains of spring, they were rapidly borne down that stream to the Illi- nois, on whose rushing flood they floated to the object of their destination. At the great town the missionary was received as a heavenly messenger, and as he preached to them of heaven and hell, of angels and demons, of good and bad deeds, they regarded him as divine and besought him to remain among them. The town then contained an immense coneourvSe of natives, drawn hither by the reports they heard, and assembling them before him on the plain near their village, where now are pros- perous farms, he held before their astonished gaze four large pictures of the Holy Virgin, and daily harangued them on the duties of Christianity and the necessity of conforming their conduct to the words they heard. His strength was fast declining and warned him he could not long remain. Find- ing he must go, the Indians furnished him an escort as far as the lake, on whose turbulent waters he embarked with his two faithful attendants. They turned their canoes for the Mackinaw Mis- sion, which the afflicted missionary hoped to reach before death came. As they coasted along the eastei'n shores of the lake, the vernal hue of May began to cover the hillsides with robes of green, now dimmed to the eye of the departing Father, who became too weak to view them. By the H)th of the month, he could go no farther, and requested his men to land and build him a hut in which he might pass away. That done, he gave, with great composure, directions concerning his burial, and thanked God that he was permitted to die in the wilderness in the midst of his work, an unshaken believer in the faith he had so earnestly preached. As twilight came on, he told his weary attendants to rest, promising that when death should come he would call them. At an early hour, on the morn- ing of the 2()th of May, 1675, they heard a feeble voice, and hastening to his side found that the gen- tle spirit of the good missionary had gone to heav- en. His hand grasped the crucifix, and his lips bore as their last sound the name of the A'irgin. They dug a grave near the banks of the stream and buritMl him as he had requested. There in a lonely wilderness the peaceful soul of Man|uette had at la.st found a rest, and his weary labors closed. His companions went on to the mission, where the news of his death caused great sorrow, for he was one beloved l)y all. Three years afler his burial, the Ottawas, hunting in the vicinity of his grave, determined to carry his bones to the mission at their home, in accor- dance with an ancient custom of their tribe. Hav- ing opened the grave, at whose head a cross had been ]ilanted, they carefully removed the bones and '^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 25 cleaning them, ;\ fiiiiLTul procession of thirty canoes bore them to the Mackinaw Mission, singing the songs he had taught them. At the shores of the mission the bones were received by the priests, and, with great ceremony, buried under the floor of the rude chapeh While Marquette and Joliet were exploring the head-waters of the "Great River," another man, fearless in purpose, pious in heart, and loyal to his country, Avas living in Canada and watching the operations of his fellow countrymen with keen eyes. When the French first saw the in- h()sj)itable shores of the St. Lawrence, in 1535, under the lead of Jacques Cartier, and had opened a new country to their crown, men were not lacking to further extend the discovery. In 1608, Champlain came, and at the foot of a cliff on that river founded Quebec. Seven years after, he brought four Recollet monks ; and through them and the Jesuits the discoveries already narrated occurred. Champlain died in 1G35, one hundred years after Cartier's first visit, but not until he had explored the northern lakes as far as Lake Huron, on whose rocky shores he, as the progenitor of a mighty race to follow, set his feet. He, with others, held to the idea that somewhere across the country, a river highway extended to the Western ocean. The reports from the missions whose history has been given aided this belief; and not until Marquette and Joliet returned was the delu- sion in any way dispelled. Before this was done, however, the man to whom reference has been made, Robert Cavalier, better known as La Salle, had endeavored to solve the mystery, and, while living on his grant of land eight miles above Montreal, had indeed effected important discoveries. La Salle, the next actor in the field of explor- ation after Champlain, was born in 1G43. His father's family was among the old and wealthy burghers of Rouon, France, and its members were fre(juently entrusted with important govern- mental ])ositions. He early exhibited such traits of character as to mark him among his associates. Coming from a wealthy family, he enjoyed all the advantages of his day, and received, for the times, an excellent education. He was a Catholic, though his subsequent life docs not prove him to have been a religious entluisiast. From some cause, he joined the Order of Loyola, but the cir- cumscribed sphere of action set for him in the order illy concurred with his independent dis- position, and led to his separation from it. This was effected, liowever, in a good spirit, as they considered him fit for a different field of action than any presented by the order. Having a brother in Canada, a member of the order of St. Sulpice, he determined to join him. By his connection with the Jesuits he had lost his share of his father's estate, but, by some means, on his death, which occuiTed about this time, he was given a small share; and with this, in 1666, he arrived in Montreal. All Canada was alive with the news of the explorations; and La Salle's mind, actively griLsping the ideas he afterward carried out, began to mature plans for their perfection. At Montreal he found a semi- nary of priests of the St. Sulpice Order who were encouraging settlers by grants of land on easy tei'ms, hoping to establish a barrier of settlements between themselves and the Indians, made ene- mies to the French by Champlain's actions when founding Quebec. The Superior of the seminary, learning of La Salle's arrival, gratuitously offered him a grant of land on the St. Lawrence, eight miles above Montreal. The grant, though danger- ously near the hostile Indians, was accepted, and La Salle soon enjoyed an excellent trade in furs. While employed in developing his claim, he learned of the great unknown route, and burned with a desire to solve its existence. He applied himself closely to the study of Indian dialects, and in three years is said to have made great progress in their language. While on his farm his thoughts often turned to the unknown land away to the west, and, like all men of his day, he desired to explore the route to the Western sea, and thence obtain an ea.sy trade with China and Japan. The " Great River, which flowed to the sea," must, thought they, find an outlet in the Gulf of California. While nuising on these things, Marquette and Joliet were preparing to descend the Wisconsin; and La Salle himself learned from a wandering band of Senecas that a river, called the Ohio, arose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a distance tlaat it would require eight months to reach its mouth. This must be the Great River, or a part of it : for all geographers of the day considered the Mississippi and its tributary as one stream. Plac- ing great confidence on this hypothesis. La Salle repaired to Quebec to obtain the sanction of Gov. Courcelles. His i)lausible statements soon won him the Governor and iM. Talon, and letters patent were is.sued granting the exploration. No pecuniary aid was offered, and La Salle, hav- ing expended all his means in improving his 7~ :v liL 26 HISTORY OF OHIO. estate, was obliged to sell it to procure the necessary outfit. The Superior of the seminary being favorably disposed toward him, purchased the greater part of his improvement, and realiz- ing 2,800 livres, he purchased four canoes and the necessary supplies for the expedition. The semi- nary was, at the same time, preparing for a similar exploration. The priests of this order, emulating the Jesuits, had established missions on the north- ern shore of Lake Ontario. Hearing of populous tribes still further west, they resolved to attempt their conversion, and deputized two of their number for the purpose. On going to Quebec to procure the necessary supplies, they were advised of La Salle's expedition down the Ohio, and resolved to unite themselves with it. La Salle did not alto- gether favor their attempt, as he believed the Jesuits already had the field, and would not care to have any aid from a rival order. His dispo- sition also would not well brook the part they assumed, of asking him to be a co-laborer rather than a leader. However, the expeditions, merged into one body, left the mission on the St. Law- rence on the Gth of July, 1G69, in seven canoes. The party numbered twenty-four persons, who were accompanied by two canoes filled with Indians who had visited La Salle, and who now acted as guides. Their guides led them up the St. Lawrence, over the expanse of Lake Ontario, to their village on the banks of the Genesee, where they expected to find guides to lead them on to the Ohio. As La Salle only partially under- stood their language, he was compelled to confer with them by means of a Jesuit stationed at the village. The Indians refused to furnish him the expected aid, and even burned before his eyes a prisoner, the only one who could give him any knowledge he desired. He surmised the Jesuits were at the bottom of the matter, fearful lest the disciples of St. Suli)ice should gain a foothold in the west. He lingered here a month, with the hope of accomphshing his object, when, by chance, there came by an Iro(juois Indian, who assured them that at his colony, near the head of the lake, they could find guides ; and offered to conduct them thither. Coming along the southern shore of the lake, they pa.ssed, at its western extremity, the mouth of the Niagara River, where they heard for the first time the thunder of the miuhty cata- ract between the two lakes. At the village of the Iroquois they met a friendly reception, and were informed by a Shawanese prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in si.x weeks' time, and that he would guide them there. While preparing to commence the journey, they heard of the missions to the northwest, and tlie priests resolved to go there and convert the natives, and find the river by that route. It appears that Louis Joliet met them here, on his return from visiting the copper mines of Lake Superior, under command of M. Talon. He gave the priests a map of the country, and informed them that the Indians of those regions were in great need of spiritual advisers. This strengthened their intention, though warned by La Salle, that the Jesuits were undoubtedly there. The authority for Joliet's visit to them here is not clearly given, and may not be true, but the same letter which gives the account of the discovery of the Ohio at this time by La Salle, states it as a fact, and it is hence inserted. The missionaries and La Salle separated, the former to find, as he had predicted, the followers of Loyola already in the field, and not wanting their aid. Hence they return from a fruitless tour. La Salle, now left to himself and just recovering from a violent fever, went on his journey. From the paper from which these statements are taken, it appears he went on to Onondaga, where he pro- cured guides t'o a tributary of the Ohio, down which he proceeded to the principal stream, on whose bosom he continued his way till lie came to the falls at the present city of Louisville, Ky. It has been asserted that he went on down to its mouth, but that is not well authenticated and is hardly true. The statement that he went as far as the falls is, doubtless, correct. He states, in a letter to Count Frontenac in 1677, that he discovered the Ohio, and that he descended it to the falls. Moreover, Joliet, in a measure his rival, for he was now preparing to go to the northern lakes and from them search the river, made two maps repre- senting the lakes and the Mi.ssis.sippi, on both of which he states that La Salle had discovered the Ohio. Of its course beyond the falls, La Salle does not seem to have learned anything definite, hence his discovery did not in any way settle the great fjuestion, and elicited but little connnent. Still, it stimulated La Salle to more effort, and while musing on his plans, Joliet and Marquette push on from Green Bay, and discover the river and ascertain the general course of its outlet. On Joliet's return in 1G73, he seems to drop from further notice. Other and more venturesome souls wei'e ready to finish the work begun by himself and the zealous Marquette, who, left among the far-away nations, laid down his life. The .sj^irit of y •■^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 29 La Salle was equal to the enterprise, and as he now- had returned from one voyage of discovery, he stood ready to solve the mystery, and gain the country for his King. Before this could be ac- complished, however, he saw other things must be done, and made preparations on a scale, for the time, truly marvelous. Count Frontenac, the new Governor, had no sooner established himself in power than he gave a searching glance over the new realm to see ii' any undeveloped resources lay yet unnoticed, and what country yet remained open. He learned from the exploits of La Salle on the Ohio, and from Joliet, now returned from the West, of that immense country, and resolving in his mind on some plan whereby it could be formally taken, entered heartily into the plans of La Salle, who, anxious to solve the mystery concerning the outlet of the Great Kiver, gave him the outline of a plan, saga- cious in its conception and grand in its compre- hension. La Salle had also informed him of the endeavors of the English on the Atlantic coast to diver*- the trade with the Indians, and partly to counteract this, were the plans of La Salle adopted. They were, briefly, to build a chain of forts from Canada, or New France, along the lakes to the Mississippi, and on down that river, thereby hold- ing the country by power as well as by discovery. A fort was to be built on the Ohio as soon as the means could be obtained, and thereby hold that country by the same policy. Thus to La Salle alone may be ascribed the bold plan of gaining the whole West, a plan only thwarted by the force of arms. Through the aid of Frontenac, he was given a proprietary and the rank of nobility, and on liis proprietary was erected a fort, which he, in honor of his Governor, called Fort Frontenac. It stood on the site of the present city of Kingston, Canada. Through it he obtained the trade of the Five Nations, and his fortune was so far assured. He next repaired to France, to perfect his arrange- ments, secure his title and obtain means. On his return he built the fort alluded to, and prepared to go on in the prosecution of his plan. A civil discord arose, liowever, which for three years prevailed, and seriously threatened his projects. As soon as he could extricate himself, he again repaired to France, receiving additional encouragement in money, grants, and the exclusive privilege of a trade in buffalo skins, then consid- ered a source of great wealth. On his return, he was accompanied by Henry Tonti, son of an illus- trious Italian nobleman, who had fled from his own country during one of its political revolutions. Coming to France, he made himself famous as the founder of Tontine Life In.surance. Henry Tonti possessed an indomitable will, and though he had suffered the loss of one of his hands by the ex- plosion of a grenade in one of the Sicilian wars, his courage was undaunted, and his ardor un- dimmed. La Salle also brought recruits, mechanics, sailors, cordage and sai.s 4br rigging a ship, and merchandise for tratiSc with the natives. At Montreal, he secured the services of M. LaMotte, a person of much energy and integrity of character. He also secured several missionaries before he reached Fort Frontenac. Among them were Louis Hennepin, Gabriel Ribourde and Zenabe Membre. All these were Flemings, all llecollets. Hennepin, of all of them, proved the best assist- ant. They arrived at the fort early in the autumn of 1678, and preparations were at once made to erect a vessel in which to navigate the lakes, and a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River. The Senecas were rather adverse to the latter proposals when La Motte and Hennepin came, but by the eloquence of the latter, they were pacified and rendered friendly. After a number of vexa- tious delays, the vessel, the Griffin, the first on the lakes, was built, and on the 7th of August, a year after La Salle came here, it was launched, passed over the waters of the northern lakes, and, after a tempestuous voyage, landed at Green Bay. It was soon after stored with furs and sent back, while La Salle and his men awaited its return. It was never afterward heard of. La Salle, becoming impatient, erected a fort, pushed on with a part of his men, leaving part at the fort, and passed over the St. Joseph and Kankakee Rivers, and thence to the Illinois, down whose flood they proceeded to Peoria Lake, where he was obliged to halt, and return to Canada for more men and supplies. He left Tonti and several men to complete a fort, called Fort " Crevecoeur " — broken-hearted. The Indians drove the French away, the men mutinied, and Tonti was obliged to flee. When La Salle returned, he found no one there, and going down as far as the mouth of the Illinois, he retraced his steps, to find some trace of his garrison. Tonti was found safe among the Pottawatomies at Green Bay, and Hennepin and his two folh)wers, sent to explore the head-waters of the Mississippi, were again home, after a captivity among the Sioux. La Salle renewed his force of men, and the third time set out for the outlet of the Great River. :v 30 HISTORY OF OHIO. He left Canada early in December, 1681, and by February (J, 1082, reached the majestic flood of the mighty stream. On the 24th, they ascended the Chickasaw Bluffs, and, while waiting to find a sailor who had strayed away, erected Fort Prud- homme. They passed several Indian villages fur- ther down the river, in some of which they met with no little opposition. Proceeding onward, ere- long they encountered the tide of the sea, and April (), they emerged on the broad bosom of the Gulf, "tossing its restless billows, limitless, voice- less and lonely as when born of chaos, without a sign of life." Coasting about a short time on the shores of the Gulf, the party returned until a sufficiently dry place was reached to effect a landing. Here another cross was raised, also a column, on which was inscribed these words: " Louis i.e Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre, Regne; Le Neuviejie, Avril, 1G82.'" * "The whole party," says a "proces verbal," in the archives of France, " chanted the Te Deum, the Exaudlat and the Dumitie salvum fac Regem^ and then after a salute of fire-arms and cries of Vive le Roi, La Salle, standing near the column, said in a loud voice in French : " In the name of the most high, mighty, invin- cible and victorious Prince, Louis the Great, by the grace of God, King of France and of Navarre, Fourteenth of that name, this ninth day of April, one thousand six hundred and eighty two, I, in virtue of the commission of His Majesty, which I hold in my hand, and which may be seen by all whom it may concern, have taken, and do now take, in the name of His Majesty and of his suc- cessors to the crown, possession of this country of Louisiana, the seas, harl)or, ports, bays, adjacent straights, and all the nations, people, provinces, cities, towns, villages, mines, minerals, fisheries, streams and rivers, comprised in the extent of said Louisiana, from the north of the great river St. Louis, other- wise called the Ohio, Alighin, Sipore or Chukago- na, and this with the consent of the Chavunons, Chickachaws, and other people dwelling therein, with whom we have made alliance; as also along the river Colbert or Mississippi, and rivers which discharge themselves therein from its source beyond the Kious or Nadouessious, and this with their consent, and with the consent of the Illinois, Mes- igameas, Natchez, Koroas, which are the most con- siderable nations dwuUiug therein, with whom also * Louis the Great, King of France and of Navarre, reigning the ninth day of April, lf.b;2. we have made alliance, either by ourselves or others in our behalf, as far as its mouth at the sea or Gulf of Mexico, about the twenty-seventh degree of its elevation of the North Pole, and also to the mouth of the River of Palms; upon the assurance which we have received from all these nations that we are the first Europeans who have descended or ascended the river Colbert, hereby protesting against all those who may in future undertake to invade any or all of these countries, peoples or lands, to the prejudice of the right of His Majesty, acquired by the consent of the nations herein named." The whole assembly responded with shouts and the salutes of fire-arms. The Sieur de La Salle caused to be planted at the foot of the column a plate of lead, on one side of which was inscribed the arms of France and the following Latin inscrip- tion: Robertvs Cavellier, cvm Domino de Tonly, Legato, R. P. Zenobi Membro, RecoUecto, et, Viginti Gallis Primos Hoc Flvmeu inde ab ilineorvm Pago, enavigavit, ejvsqve ostivin fecit Pervivvna, none Aprilis cio ioc LXXXIL The whole proceedings were acknowledged be- fore La Metaire, a notary, and the conquest was considered complete. Thus was the foundation of France laid in the new republic, and thus did she lay claim to the Northwest, which now includes Ohio, and the county, whose history this book perpetuates. La Salle and his party returned to Canada soon after, and again that country, and France itself, rang with anthems of exultation. He went on to France, where he received the highest honors. He was given a fleet, and sailors as well as colon- ists to return to the New World by way of a south- ern voyage, expecting to find the mouth of the Mississippi by an ocean course. Sailing past the outlets, he was wrecked on the coast of Texas, and in his A"iin endeavors to find the river or return to Canada, he became lost on the plains of Arkansas, where he, in 1087, was basely murdered by one of hisfollowcrs. " Youaredowu now. Grand Bashaw," exclaimed his slayer, and despoiling his remains, they left them to be devoured by wild beasts. To such an ignominious end came this daring, bold adven- turer. Alone in the wilderness, he was left, with no monument but the vast realm he had discov- ered, on whose bosom he was left without cover- ing and without protection. "For force of will and vast conception; for va- rious knowledge, and quick adaptation of his genius HiSTOuy OF OHIO. 31 to untried circumstances ; for a sublime magnani- mity, that resigned itself to the will of Heaven, and yet triumphed over affliction by energy of purpose and unfaltering hope — he had no superior among his countrymen. He had won the affec- tions "of the governor of Canada, the esteem of Colbert, the confidence of Seignelay, the favor of Louis XIV. After the beginning of the coloniza- tion of Upper Canada, he perfected the discovery of the Mississippi from the Falls of St. Anthony to its mouth ; and he will be remembered through all time as the father of colonization in the great central valley of the West."* Avarice, passion and jealousy were not calmed by the blood of La Salle. All of his conspiratcirs per- ished by ignoble deaths, while only seven of the six- teen succeeded in continuing the journey until they reached Canada, and thence found their way to France. Tonti, who had been left at Fort St. Louis, on " Starved Rock" on the Illinois, went down in search of his beloved commander. Failing to find him, he returned and remained here until 1700, thousands of miles away from friends. Then he went down the Mississippi to join D' Iberville, who had made the discovery of the mouth of the Mis- sissippi by an ocean voyage. Two years later, he went on a mission to the Chickasaws, but of his subsequent history nothing is known. The West was now in possession of the French. La Salle's plans were yet feasible. The period of exploration was now over. The great river and its outlet was known, and it only remained for that nation to enter in and occupy what to many a Frenchman was the "Promised Land." Only eighteen years had elapsed since Marquette and Jolict had descended the river and shown the course of its outlet. A spirit, less bold than La Salle's would never in so short a time have pene- trated for more than a thousand miles an unknown wilderness, and solved the mystery of the world. When Joutel and his companions reached France in 1688, all Europe was on the eve of war. Other nations than the French wanted part of the New World, and when they saw that nation greedily and rapidly accumulating territory there, they en- deavored to stay its progress. The league of Augs- burg was formed in 1687 by the princes of the Em- pire to restrain the ambition of Louis XIV, and in 1 688, he began hostilities by the capture of Philipsburg. The next year, England, under the lead of William III, joined the alliance, and Loui.s found himself compelled, with only the aid of the Turks, to contend against the united forces of the ■Empires of England, Spain, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Yet the tide of battle w^a- vered. In 1680, the French were defeated at Walcourt, and the Turks at Widin ; but in 1690, the French were victorious at Charleroy, and the Turks at Belgrade. The next year, and also the next, victory inclined to the French, but in 1693, Louvois and Luxemberg were dead and Namur surrendered to the allies. The war extended to the New World, where it was maintained with more than equal success by the French, though the En- glish population exceeded it more than twenty to one. In 1688, the French were estimated at about twelve thousand souls in North America, while the English were more than two hundred thousand. x\t first the war was prosecuted vigorously. In 1689, De. Ste. Helene and D'Iberville, two of the sons of Charles le Morne, crossed the wilderness and reduced the English forts on Hudson's Bay. But in August of the same year, the Iroquois, the hereditary foes of the French, captured and burned Montreal. Frontenac, who had gone on an ex- pedition against New York by sea, was recalled. Fort Frontenac was abandoned, and no French posts left in the West between Trois Rivieres and Mackinaw, and were it not for the Jesuits the en- tire West would now have been abandoned. To recover their influence, the French planned three expeditions. One resulted in the destruction of Schenectady, another, Salmon Falls, and the third, Casco Bay. On the other hand. Nova Scotia wa.s reduced by the colonies, and an expedition against Montreal went as far as to Lake Champlain. where it failed, owing to the dissensions of the leaders. Another expedition, consisting of twenty-four ves- sels, arrived before Quebec, which also failed through the incompetency of Sir William Phipps. During the succeeding years, various border con- flicts occurred, in all of which border scenes of savage cruelty and savage ferocity were enacted. The peace of Ryswick,"in 1697, closed the war. France retained Hudson's Bay, and all the places of w^hich she was in possession in 1688; but the boundaries of the English and French claims in the New V/orld were still unsettled. The conclusion of the conflict left the French at liberty to pursue their sclieme of colonizatit u in the Mississippi Valley. In 169S. D" Iberville was sent to the lower province, wliich, erelong, was made a separate independency, called Louisiana. 33 HISTORY OF OHIO. Forts were erected on Mobile Bay, and the division of the territory between the French and the Spaniards was settled. Trouble existed between the French and the Chickasaws, ending in the cruel deaths of many of the leaders, in the fruitless endeavors of the Canadian and Louisi- anian forces combining against the Chickasaws. For many years the conflict raged, with unequal successes, until the Indian p(.)wcr gave way before superior military tactics. In the end, New Orleans wtis founded, in 1718, and the French power secured. Before this was consummated, however, France became entangled in another war against the allied powers, ending in her defeat and the loss of Nova Scotia, Hudson's Bay and Newfound- land. The peace of Utrecht closed the war in 1713. The French, weary with prolonged strife, adopted the plan, more peaceful in its nature, of giving out to distinguished men the monopoly of certain districts in the fur trade, the most pros- perous of any avocation then. Crozat and Cadillac — the latter the founder of Detroit, in 1701 — were the chief ones concerned in this. The founding of the villages of Kaskaskia, Ca- hokia, Vincennes, and others in the Mississippi and Wabash Valleys, led to the rapid develop- ment, according to the French custom of all these parts of the West, while along all the chief water-courses, other trading posts and forts were established, rapidly fulfilling the hopes of La Salle, broached so many years before. The French had, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, four principal routes to their western towns, two of whicli passed over the soil of Ohio. The first of these was the one followed by Marcjuette and Joliot, by way of the Lakes to Green Bay, in Wisconsin; thence across a portage to the Wisconsin River, down which they floated to the Mississippi. On their return they came up the Illinois River, to the site of Chicago, whence Joliet returned to Quebec by the Lakes. La Salle's route was first by the Lakes to the St. Joseph's River, whicli he followed to the portage to the Kankakee, and thence downward to the Mississippi. On his second and third attempt, he crossed the lower peninsula of Michigan to the Kankakee, and again traversed its waters to the Illinois. The third route was established about 171(!. It followed the southern shores of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Maumee River; following this stream, the voyagers went on to the junction between it and the St. Mary's, which they followed to the"Oubache" — Wabash — and then to the French villages in Vigo and Knox Counties, in Indiana. Vincennes was the oldest and most important one here. It had been founded in 1702 by a French trader, and was, at the date of the establishment of the third route, in a prosperous condition. For many years, the traders crossed the plains of Southern Illinois to the French towns on the bottoms opposite St. Louis. They were afraid to go on down the "Waba" to the Ohio, as the Indians had fright- ened them with accounts of the great monsters below. Finally, some adventvirous spirit went down the river, found it emptied into the Ohio, and solved the problem of the true outlet of the Ohio, heretofore supposed to be a tributary of the Wabash. The fourth route was from the southern shore of Lake Erie, at Presqueville, over a portage of fifteen miles to the head of French Creek, at Waterford, Penn.; thence down that stream to the Ohio, and on to the Mississippi. Along all these routes, ports and posts were carefully maintained. Many were on the soil of Ohio, and were the first attempts of the white race to possess its domain. Many of the ruins of these posts are yet found on the southern shore of Lake Erie, and at the outlets of streams flowing into the lake and the Ohio River. The principal forts were at Mackinaw, at Presqueville, at the mouth of the St. Joseph's, on Starved Rock, and along the Father of Waters. Yet another power was encroaching on them : a sturdy race, clinging to the inhospitable Atlantic shores, were coming over the mountains. The murmurs of a conflict were already heard — a con- flict that would change the fate of a nation. The French were extending their explorations beyond the Mississippi; they were also forming a political organization, and increasing their influence over the natives. Of a passive nature, however, their power and their influence could not with- stand a more aggressive nature, and they were obliged, finally, to give way. They had the fruitful valleys of the West more than a century; yet they developed no resources, opened no mines of wealth, and left the country as passive as they found it. Of the growth of the West under French rule, but little else remains to be said. The sturdy Anglo-Saxon race on the Atlantic coast, and their progenitors in England, began, now, to turn their attention to this vast country. The voluptuousness HISTORY OF OHIO. 33 of the French court, their neglect of the true basis of wealth, agriculture, and the repressive tendencies laid on the colonists, led the latter to adopt a hunter's life, and leave the country unde- veloped and ready for the people who claimed the country from "sea to sea." Their explorers were now at work. The change was at hand. Occasional mention has been made in the his- tory of the State, in preceding pages, of settle- ments and trading-posts of the French traders, explorers and missionaries, within the limits of Ohio. The French were the first white men to occupy the northwestern part of the New World, and though their stay was brief, yet it opened the way to a sinewy race, living on the shores of the Atlantic, who in time came, saw, and conquered that part of America, making it what the people of to-day enjoy. As early as 1GG9, four years before the discov- ery of the Mississippi by Joliet and Marquette, La Salle, the famous explorer, discovered the Ohio River, and paddled down its gentle current as far as the falls at the present city of Louisville, but he, like others of the day, made no settlement on its banks, only claiming the country for his King by virtue of this discovery. Early in the beginning of the eighteenth cent- ury, French traders and voyagers passed along the southern shores of Lake Erie, to the mouth of the Maumee, up whose waters they rowed their bark canoes, on their way to their outposts in the Wa- bash and Illinois Valleys, established between 1G75 and 1700. As soon as they could, without danger from their inveterate enemies, the Iroquois, masters of all the lower lake country, erect a trading-post at the mouth of this river, they did so. It was made a depot of considerable note, and was, probably, the first permanent habitation of white men in Ohio. It remained until after the peace of IT Go, the termination of the French and Indian war, and the occupancy of this country by the English. On the site of the French trading- post, the British, in 1794, erected Fort IMiami, which they garrisoned until the country came under the control of Americans. Now, Maumee City covers the gi'ound. The French had a trading-post at the mouth of the Huron River, in what is now Erie County. When it was built is not now known. It was, how- ever, probably one of their early outposts, and may have been built before 1750. They had an- other on the shore of the bay, on or near the site of Sandusky City. Both this and the one at the mouth of the Huron River were abandoned before the war of the Revolution. On Lewis Evan's map of the British Middle Colonies, published in 1755, a French fort, called " Fort Junandat, built in 1754," is marked on the east bank of the San- dusky River, several miles below its mouth. Fort Sandusky, on the western bank, is also noted. Several Wyandot towns are likewise marked. But very little is known concerning any of these trading-posts. They were, evidently, only temjjo- rary, and were abandoned when the English came into possession of the country. The mouth of the Cuyahoga River was another important place. On Evan's map there is marked on the west bank of the Cuyahoga, some distance from its mouth, the words '■^French Housed'' doubt- less, the station of a French trader. The ruins of a house, found about five miles fi-om the mouth of the river, on the west bank, are supposed to be those of the trader's station. In 17SG, the Moravian missionary, Zeisberger, with his Indian converts, left Detroit in a vessel called the Mackinaw, and sailed to the mouth of the Cuyahoga. From there they went up the river about ten miles, and settled in an abandoned Ottawa village, where Independence now is, which place they called " Sainfs Rest." Their stay was brief, for the following April, they left for the Huron River, and settled near the site of Milan, Ei'ie County, at a locality they called New Salem. There are but few records of settlements made by the French until after 1750. Even these can hardly be called settlements, as they were simply trading-posts. The French easily afiiliated with the Indians, and had little energy beyond trading. They never cultivated fields, laid low forest^i, and subjugated the country. They wore a half-Indian race, so to speak, and hence did little if anything in developing the West. About 1749, some English traders came to a place in what is now Shelby County, on the banks of a creek since known as Loramie's Creek, and established a trading-station with the Indians. This was the first English trading-place or attempt at settleiuent in the State. It was here but a short time, however, when the French, hear- ing of its existence, sent a party of soldiers to the Twigtwecs, among whom it was founded, and de- manded the traders as intruders upon French ter- ritory. The Twigtwees refusing to deliver up their friends, the French, assisted by a large party of Ottawas and Chippewas, attacked the trading- house, probably a block-house, and, after a severe V J> ^ 34 IIISTOllY OF OHIO. battle, captiircil it. Tlie traders wore taken to Canada. This 11 -rt was called by the En<;lisli '• Pickawillany," from which '•Pitjiia" is probably derived. About the time that Kentucky was set- tled, a Canadian Frenchman, named Lorami', established a store on the site of the old fort, lie was a bitter enemy of the Americans, and for a long time Loramie's store was the headquarters of mischief toward the settlers. The French had the faculty of endearing them- selves to the Indians by their easy assimilation of their habits; and, no doubt, Loramie was equal to any in this respect, and hence gained great influ- ence over them. Col. Johnston, many years an Indian iVgcnt from the United States among the "Western tribes, stated that he had often seen the " Indians burst into tears when speaking of the times when their French father had dominion over them ; and their attachment always remained unabated." 80 much influence had Loramie with the In- dians, that, when Gen. Clarke, from Kentucky, invaded the Miami Valley in 1782, his attention was attracted to the spot. lie came on and burnt the Indian settlement here, and destroyed the store of the Frenchman, selling his goods among the m?n at auction. Loramie fled to the Shawanees, and, with a colony of that nation, emigrated west of the Mississippi, to the Spanish possessions, where he again began his life of a trader. In 170 1, during the Indian war, a fort was built on the site of the store by Wayne, and named Fort Loramie. The last ofiiccr who had command here was Capt. Butler, a nephew of Col. Kichard Butler, who fell at St. Clair's defeat. While here with his family, he lost an interesting boy, about eight years of age. About his grave, the sorrowing father and mother built a substantial picket-fence, planted honeysuckles over it, which, long after, remained to mark the grave of the soldier's boy. The site of Fort Loramie was always an im- portant point, and was one of the places defined on the boundary line at the Greenville treaty. Now a barn covers the spot. At the junction of the Auglaize and 3Iaumee Rivers, on the site of Fort Defiance, built by Gen. Wayne in 1794, was a settlement of traders, established some time before the Indian war began. "On the high ground extending from the Maumee a quarter of a mile up the Auglaize, about two Imndred yards in width, was an open space, on the west and south of which were oak woods, with hazel undergrowth. Within this opening, a few hundred yards above the point, on the steep bank of the Auglaize, were five or six cabins and log houses, inhabited principally by Indian traders. The most northerly, a large hewed-log house, divided below into three apart- ments, was occupied as a warehouse, store and dwelling, by George Ironside, the most wealthy and influendal of the traders on the point. Next to his were the houses of Pirault (Pero) a French baker, and McKenzie, a Scot, who, in addition to merchandising, followed the occupation of a silver- smith, exchanging with the Indians his brooches, ear-drops and other silver ornaments, at an enormous profit, for skins and furs. Still further up were several other fami- lies of French and English; and two Ameri- can prisoners, Henry Ball, a soldier taken in St. Clair's defeat, and his wife, Polly Meadows, captured at the same time, were allowed to live here and pay their masters the price of their ransom — he, by boating to the rapids of the Mau- mee, and she by washing and sewing. Fronting the house of Ironside, and about fifty yards from the bank, was a small stockade, inclosing two hewed-log houses, one of which was occupied by James Girty (a brother of Simon\ the other, occasionally, by Elliott and McKee, British Indian Agents living at Detroit."* The post, cabins and all they contained fell under the control of the Americans, when the British evacuated the shores of the lakes. While they existed, they were an undoubted source of Indian discontent, and had much to do in prolonging the Indian war. The country hereabouts did not settle until some time after the creation of the State government. As soon as the Frc^nch learned the true source of the Oliio and Wabash Bivers, both were made a highway to convey the products of their hunt- ers. In coursing down the Ohio, they made trading-places, or depots, where they could obtain furs of the Indians, at accessible points, genei'ally at the mouths of the rivers emptying into the Ohio. One of these old forts or trading-places stood about a mile and a half south of the outlet of the Scioto. It was here in 17-40; but when it was erected no one could tell. The locality must have been pretty well known to the whites, however; for, in 1785, three years before the settlement of IMarietta was made, four families ♦Narrativo of 0. M.Spencer. :V HISTORY or OHIO. 35 made an ineffectual attempt to settle near the same place. They were from Kentucky, but were driven away by the Indians a short time after they arrived, not being allowed to build cabins, and had only made preparations to plant corn and other necessaries of life. While the men were encamped near the vicinity of Piketown, in Pike County, when on a hunting expedition, they were surprised by the Indians, and two of them slain. The others hastened back to the encampment at the mouth of the Scioto, and hurriedly gathering the families together, fortu- nately got them on a flat-boat, at that hour on its way down the river. By the aid of the boat, they were enabled to reach Maysville, and gave up the attempt to settle north of the Ohio. The famous "old Scioto Salt Works," in Jack- son County, on the banks of Salt Creek, a tributary of the Scioto, were long known to the whites before any attempt was made to settle in Ohio. They were indicated on the maps published in 1755. They were the resort, for generations, of the In- dians in all parts of the West, who annually came here to make salt. They often brought white prisoners with them, and thus the salt works be- came known. There were no attempts made to settle here, however, until after the Indian war, which closed in 1795. As soon as peace was as- sured, the whites came here for salt, and soon after made a settlement. Another early salt spring was in what is now Trumbull County. It is also noted on Evan's map of 1755. They were occu- pied by the Indians, French, and by the Americans as early as 1780, and perhaps earlier. As early as 1761 Moravian missionaries came among the Ohio Indians and began their labors. In a few years, under the lead of Revs. Fredrick Post and John Heckewelder, permanent stations were established in several parts of the State, chief- ly on the Tuscarawas River in Tuscarawas County. Here. were the three Indian villages — Shoenburn, Gnadenhutten and Salem. The site of the first is about two miles south of New Philadelphia ; Gna- denhutten was seven miles further south, and about five miles still on was Salem, a short distance from the present village of Port Washington. The first and last named of these villages were on the west side of the Tuscarawas River, near the margin of the Ohio Canal. Gnadenhutten was on the east side of the river. It wa's here that the brutal massacre of these Christian Indians, by the rangers under Col. Williamson, occurred March 8, 1782. The account of the massacre and of these tribes appears in these pages, and it only remains to notice what became of them. The hospitable and friendly character of these Indians had extended beyond their white breth- ren og the Ohio. The American people at large looked on the act of Williamson and his men as an outrage on humanity. Congress felt its influence, and gave them a tract of twelve thousand acres, embracing their former homes, and induced them to return from the northern towns whither they had fled. As the whites came into the country, their manners degenerated until it became necessary to remove them. Through Gen. Cass, of IMichigan, an agreement was made with them, whereby Con- gress paid them over $6,000, an annuity of $400, and 2-1,000 acres in some territory to be designated by the United States. This treaty, by some means, was never effectually carried out, and the princi- pal part of them took up their residence near a Moravian missionary station on the River Thames, in Canada. Their old churchyard still exists on the Tuscarawas River, and here rest the bones of several of their devoted teachers. It is proper to remark here, that Mary Heckewelder, daughter of the missionary, is generally believed to have been the first white child born in Ohio. How- ever, this is largely conjecture. Captive women among the Indians, before the birth of Mary Heckewelder, are known to have borne children, which afterward, with their mothers, were restored to their friends. The assertion that Mary Heckewelder was the first child born in Ohio, is therefore incorrect. She is the first of whom any definite record is made. These outposts are about all that are known to have existed prior to the settlement at Mari- etta. About one-half mile below Bolivar, on the western fine of Tuscarawas County, are the remains of Fort Laurens, erected in 1778, by a detachment of 1,000 men under Gen. Mc- intosh, from Fort Pitt. It was, however, occu- pied but a short time, vacated in Augaist, 1779, as it was deemed untenable at such a distance from the frontier. During the existence of the six years' Indian war, a settlement of French emigrants was made on the Ohio River, that deserves notice. It illus- trates very clearly the extreme ignorance and credulity prevalent at that day. In ]May or June of 1788, Joel Barlow left this country for Europe, " authorized to dispose of a very large body of land in the West. " In 1790, he distributed pro- posals in Paris for the disposal of lands at five T •66 HISTORY OF OHIO. shillings per acre, -which, says Volney, " promised a eUmate healthy and delightful ; scarcely such a thing as a frost in the winter ; a river, called by way of eminence ' The Beautiful, ' abounding in fish of an enormous size ; magnificent forests of a tree from which sugar flows, and a shrub which yields candles ; venison in abundance ; no military enrollments, and no quarters to find for soldiers." Purchasers became numerous, individuals and whole families sold their property, and in the course of 1791 many embarked at the various French sea-ports, each with his title in his pocket. Five hundred settlers, among whom were many wood carvers and guilders to His Majesty, King of France, coachmakers, friseurs and peruke makers, and other artisans and arfisfes, ecjually well fitted for a frontier life, arrived in the United States in 1791-92, and acting without concert, traveling without knowledge of the language, customs and roads, at last managed to reach the spot designated for their residence. There they learned they had been cruelly deceived, and that the titles they held were woi'thless. Without food, shelterless, and danger closing around them, they were in a position that none but a Frenchman could be in without despair. Who brought them thither, and who was to blame, is yet a disputed point. Some afiirm that those to whom large gi'ants of land were made when the Ohio Company procured its charter, were the real instigators of the movement. They failed to pay for their lands, and hence the title reverted to the Government. This, coming to the ears of the poor Frenchmen, rendered their situation more distressing. They never paid for their lands, and only through the clemency of Congress, who after- ward gave them a grant of land, and confirmed them in its title, were they enabled to secure a foot- hold. Whatever doubt there may be as to the causes of these people being so grossly deceived, there can be none regarding their sufferings. They had followed a jack-o-lantern into the howling wilderness, and must work or starve. The land upon which they had been located was covered with immense forest trees, to level which the coach- makers were at a loss. At last, hoping to conquer by a coup de main, they tied ropes to the branches, and while a dozen pulled at them as many fell at the trunk with all sorts of edged tools, and thus soon brought the monster to the earth. Yet he was a burden. He was down, to be sure, but as much in the way as ever. Several lopped off the branches, others dug an immense trench at his side, into which, with might and main, all rolled the large log, and then buried him from sight. They erected their cabins in a cluster, as they had seen them in their own native land, thus affording some protection from marauding bands of Indians. Though isolated here in the lonely wilderness, and nearly out of funds with which to purchase pro- visions from descending boats, yet once a w'eek they met and drowned care in a merry dance, greatly to the wonderment of the scout or lone Indian who chanced to witness their revelry. Though their vivacity could work wonders, it would not pay for lands nor buy provisions. Some of those at Gallipolis (for such they called their settlement, from Gallia, in France) went to Detroit, some to Kaskaskia, and some bought land of the Ohio Company, who treated them liberally. Congress, too, in 1795, being informed of their sufferings, and how they had been deceived, granted them 24,000 acres opposite Little Sandy River, to which grant, in 1798, 12,000 acres more were added. The tract has since been known as French Grant. The settlement is a curious episode in early West- ern history, and deserves a place in its annals. 7" :t HISTORY OF OHIO. 37 '.I. ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS —TRADERS CHAPTER III. -FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN THE WEST — ENGLISH POSSESSION. AS has been noted, the French title rested on the discoveries of their missionaries and traders, upon the occupation of the country, and upon the construction of the treaties of Ryswick, Utrecht and Aix la Chapelle. The English claims to the same region were based on the fact of a prior occupation of the corresponding coast, on an opposite construction of the same treaties, and an alleged cession of the rights of the Indians. The rights acquired by discovery were conventional, and in equity were good only between European powers, and could not aflFect the rights of the natives, but this distinction was dis- regarded by all European powers. The inquiry of an Indian chief embodies the whole controversy: " Where are the Indian lands, since the French claim all on the north side of the Ohio and the English all on the south side of it?" The English charters expressly granted to all the original colonies the country westward to the South Sea, and the claims thus set up in the West, though held in abeyance, were never relinquished. The primary distinction between the two nations governed their actions in the New World, and led finally to the supremacy of the English. They were fixed agricultural communities. The French were mere trading-posts. Though the French were the prime movers in the exploration of the West, the English made discoveries during their occupation, however, mainly by their traders, who penetrated the Western wilderness by way of the Ohio River, entering it from the two streams which uniting form that river. Daniel Coxie, in 1722, published, in London, "A description of the English province of Carolina, by the Spaniards called Florida, and by the French called La Louis- iane, as also the great and famous river Mescha- cebe, or Mississippi, the five vast navigable lakes of fresh water, and the parts adjacent, together with an account of the commodities of the growth and production of the said province." The title of this work exhibits very clearly the opinions of the English people respecting the West. As early as IGoO, Charles I granted to Sir Robert Heath "All that part of America lying between thirty- one and thirty-six degrees north latitude, from sea to sea," out of which the limits of Carolina were afterward taken. This immense grant was con- veyed in 1638, to the Earl of Arundel, and after- ward came into the possession of Dr. Daniel Coxie. In the prosecution of this claim, it appeared that Col. Wood, of Virginia, from 1G5-4 to 1664, ex- plored several branches of the Ohio and "Mescha- cebe," as they spell the Mississippi. A Mr. Need- ham, who was employed by Col. Wood, kept a journal of the exploration. There is also the ac- count of some one who had explored the Missis- sippi to the Yellow, or Missouri River, before 1676. These, and others, are said to have been there when La Salle explored the outlet of the Great River, as he found tools among the natives which were of European manufacture. They had been brought here by English adventurers. Also, when Iberville was colonizing the lower part of Louis- iana, these same persons visited the Chickasaws and stirred them up against the French. It is also stated that La Salle found that some one had been among the Natchez tribes when he returned from the discovery of the outlet of the iMississippi, and excited them against him. There is, however, no good authority for these statements, and they are doubtless incorrect. There is also an account that in 1678, several persons went from New England as far south as New Mexico, '' one hundred and fifty leagues beyond the Meschacebe," the narrative reads, and on their return wrote an account of the expedition. This, also, cannot be traced to good authority. The only accurate account of the English reaching the West was when Bienville met the British vessel at the "English Turn," about 1700. A few of their traders may have been in the valley west of the Alleghany IMount- ains before 1700, though no reliable accounts are now found to confirm these suppositions. Still, from the earliest occupation of the Atlantic Coast by the English, they claimed the country, and, though the policy of its occupation rested for a time, it was never fully abandoned. Its revival dates from 1710 properly, though no immediate endeavor was made for many years after. That "^ 38 HISTORY OF OHIO. year, Alexander Spottswood was made Governor of Virginia. No sooner did he assume the functions of ruler, than, casting his eye over his dominion, he saw the great West beyond the Alleghany Mount- ains unoccupied by the English, and rapidly filling with the French, who he observed were gradually confining the English to the Atlantic Coast. His prophetic eye saw at a glance the animus of the whole scheme, and he determined to act promptly on the defensive. Through his representation, the Virginia Assembly was induced to make an appro- priation to defray the expense of an exploration of the mountains, and see if a suitable pass could not then be found where they could be crossed. The Governor led the expedition in person. The pass was discovered, a route marked out for future em- igrants, and the party returned to Williamsburg. There the Governor established the order of the "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe," presented his report to the Colonial Assembly and one to his King. In each report, he exposed with great bold- ness the scheme of the French, and advised the building of a chain of forts across to the Ohio, and the formation of settlements to counteract them. The British Government, engrossed with other matters, neglected his advice. Forty years after, they remembered it, only to regi'et that it was so thoughtlessly disregarded. Individuals, however, profited by his advice. By 1730, traders began in earnest to cross the mount- ains and gather from the Indians the stores beyond. They now began to adopt a system, and abandoned the heretofore renegade habits of those who had superseded them, many of whom never returned to the Atlantic Coast. In 1742, John Howard de- scended the Ohio in a skin canoe, and, on the Mississippi was taken prisoner by the French. His captivity did not in the least deter others from coming. Indeed, the date of his voyage was the commencement of a vigorous trade with the In- dians by the English, who crossed the Alleghanies by the route discovered by Gov. Spottswood. In 1748, Conrad Weiscr, a German of Herenberg, who had acquired in early life a knowledge of the Mo- hawk tongue by a residence among them, was sent on an embassy to the Shawanees on the Ohio. He went as flir as Logstown,a Shawanee village on the north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles be- low the site of Pittsburgh. Here he met the chiefs in counsel, and secured their promise of aid against the French. The principal ground of the claims of the English in the Northwest was the treaty with the Five Nations — the Iroquois. This powerful confed- eration claimed the jurisdiction over an immense extent of country. Their policy differed considera- bly from other Indian tribes. They were the only confederation which attempted any form of gov- ernment in America. They were often termed the '• Six Nations," as the entrance of another tribe into the confederacy made that number. They were the coni juerors of nearly all tribes from Lower Canada, to and beyond the Mississippi. They only exacted, however, a tribute from the conquered tribes, leaving them to manage their own internal affairs, and stipulating that to them alone did the right of cession belong. Their country, under these claims, embraced all of America north of the Cherokee Nation, in Virginia; all Kentucky, and all the Northwest, save a district in Ohio and Indi- ana, and a small section in Southwestern Illinois, claimed by the Miami Confederacy. The Iroquois, or Six Nations, were the terror of all other tribes. It was they who devastated the Illinois country about Rock Fort in 1680, and caused wide-spread alarm among all the Western Indians. In 1(184, Lord Howard, Governor of Virginia, held a treaty with the Iroquois at Albany, when, at the request of Col. Duncan, of New York, they placed them- selves under the protection of the English. They made a deed of sale then, by treaty, to the British Government, of a vast tract of country south and east of the Illinois Eiver, and extending into Can- ada. In 172G, another deed was drawn up and signed by the chiefs of the national confederacy by which their lands were conveyed in trust to England, " to be protected and defended by His Majesty, to and for the use of the grantors and their heirs."* If the Six Nations had a good claim to the West- ern country, there is but little doubt but England was justified in defending their country against the French, as, by the treaty of Utrecht, they had agreed not to invade the lands of Britain's Indian allies. This claim was vigorously contested by France, as that country claimed the Iroquois had no lawful jurisdiction over the West. In all the disputes, the interests of the contending nations was, however, the paramount consideration. The rishts of the Indians were little resjarded. The British also purchased land by the treaty of Lancaster, in 1744, wherein they agreed to pay the Six Nations for land settled unlawfully in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. The In- * Annals of the Weat. 71 '■^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 39 dians were given goods and gold amounting to near a thousand pounds sterling. They were also promised the protection of the English. Had this latter provision heeu faithfully carried out, much blood would have been saved in after years. The treaties with the Six Nations were the real basis of the claims of Great Britain to the West; claims that were only settled by war. The Shawanee In- dians, on the Ohio, were also becoming hostile to the English, and began to assume a threatening exterior. Peter Chartier, a half-breed, residing in Philadelphia, escaped from the authorities, those by whom he was held for a violation of tlie laws, and joining the Shawanees, persuaded them to join the French. Soon after, in 1743 or 1744, he placed himself at the head of 400 of their war- riors, and lay in wait on the Alleghany River for the provincial traders. He captured two, exhib- ited to them a captain's commission from the French, and seized their goods, worth £1,600. The Indians, after this, emboldened by the aid given them by the French, became more and more hostile, and Weiser was again sent across the mount- ains in 1748, with presents to conciliate them and sound them on their feelings for the rival nations, and also to see what they thought of a settlement of the English to be made in the West. The visit of Conrad Weiser was successful, and Thomas Lee, with twelve other Virginians, among whom were Lawrence and Augustine Washington, brothers of George Washington, formed a company which they styled the Ohio Company, and, in 1748, peti- tioned the King for a grant beyond the mountains. The monarch approved the petition and the gov- ernment of Virginia was ordered to grant the Com- pany 500,000 acres within the bounds of that colony beyond the AUeghanies, 200,000 of which were to be located at once. This provision was to hold good for ten years, free of quit rent, provided the Company would settle 100 families within seven years, and build a fort sufficient for their protection. These terms the Company accepted, and sent at once to London for a cargo suitable for the Indian trade. Tins was the beginning of English Companies in the West; this one forming a prominent part in the history of Ohio, as will be seen hereafter. Others were also formed in Virginia, whose object was the colonization of the West. One of these, the Loyal Company, received, on the 12th of June, 1749, a grant of 800,000 acres, from the line of Canada on the north and west, and on the 29th of October, 1751, the Green- briar Company received a grant of 100,000 acres. To these encroachments, the French were by no means blind. They saw plainly enough that if the English gained a foothold in the West, they would inevitably endeavor to obtain the country, and one day the issue could only be decided by war. Vaudreuil, the French Governor, had long anxiously watched the coming struggle. In 1774, he wrote home representing the consequences that would surely come, should the English succeed in their plans. The towns of the French in Illinois were producing large amounts of bread-stuffs and provisions which they sent to New Orleans. These provinces were becoming valuable, and must not be allowed to come under control of a rival power. In 1749, Louis Celeron was sent by the Governor with a party of soldiers to plant leaden plates, suit- ably inscribed, along the Ohio at the mouths of the principal streams. Two of these plates were afterward exhumed. One was sent to the jNIary- land Historical Society, and the inscription* deci- phered by De Witt Clinton. On these plates was clearly stated the claims of France, as will be seen from the translation below. {England's claim, briefly and clearly stated, read as follows: "That all lands, or countries west- ward from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea, between 48 and 34 degrees of North Latitude, were expressly included in the grant of King James the First, to divers of his subjects, so long time since as the year 1606, and afterwards con- firmed in the year 1620; and under this grant, the colony of Virginia claims extent so far west as the South Sea, and the ancient colonies of Mass- achusetts Bay and Connecticut, were by their respective charters, made to extend to the said South Sea, so that not only the right to the sea coast, but to all the Inland countries from sea to sea, lias at all times been asserted by the Crown of England. "f To make good their titles, both nations were now doing their utmost. Professedly at peace, it only needed a torch applied, as it were, to any point, to instantly precipitate hostilities. The French were * The following is tho translation of the inscription of the plate found at Venango: " In the year 1749, reign of Louis XV, King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of Gallisoniere, Commander-in-chief of New France, to establisli tranquillity in certain Indian villages in these Cantons, have buried this i)late at the confluence of the Toraclakoin, (hia twenty-ninth ot July, near the River Ohio, otherwise lieautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of tho said river, and all its tributaries; and of all the land on both sides, as far as the sources of said rivers; inasm\ich as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by th'dr arms and by treaties; especially by those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and Ail La Chapelle." i Colonial Records of Pennsylvania. 40 HISTORY OF OHIO. busily engaged erecting forts from the southern shores of Lake Erie to the Ohio, and on down in the TlUnois Valley ; up at Detroit, and at all its posts, preparations were constantly going on for the crisis, now sure to come. The issue between the two governments was now fully made up. It ad- mitted of no compromise but the sword. To that, however, neither power desired an immediate ap- peal, and both sought rather to establish and fortify their interests, and to conciliate the Indian tribes. The English, through the Ohio Company, sent out Christopher Gist in the fall of 1750, to explore the regions west of the mountains. He was instructed to examine the passes, trace the courses of the rivers, mark the falls, seek for valuable lands, ob- serve the strength, and to conciliate the friendship of the Indian tribes. He was well fitted for such an enterprise. Hardy, sagacious, bold, an adept in Indian character, a hunter by occupation, no man was better qualified than he for such an undertak- ing. He visited Logstown, where he was jealously received, passed over to the Muskingum River and Valley in Ohio, where he found a village of Wyan- dots, divided in sentiment. At this village he met Crogan, another equally famous frontiersman, who had been sent out by Pennsylvania. Together they held a council with the chiefs, and received assurance of the friendship of the tribe. This done, they passed to the Shawnee towns on the Scioto, received their assurances of friendship, and went on to the jNIiami Valley, which they crossed, remarking in Crogan's journal of its great fertili- ty. They made a raft of logs on which they crossed the Grreat Miami, visited Piqua, the chief town of the Pickawillanies, and here made treaties with the Weas and Piankeshaws. While here, a deputation of the Ottawas visited the Miami Con- federacy to induce them to unite with the French. They were repulsed through the influence of the English agents, the Miamis sending Gist word that they would " stand like the mountains. " Crogan now returned and pubHshed an account of their wanderings. Gist followed the Miami to its mouth, passed down the Ohio till within fifteen miles of the falls, then returned by way of the Kentucky River, over the highlands of Kentucky to Virginia, arriving in May, 1751. He had visited the Mingoes, Delawares, Wyandots, Shawa- nees and Miamis, proposed a union among these tribes, and appointed a grand council to meet at Logstown to form an alliance among themselves and with Virginia. His journey was marvelous for the day. It was extremely hazardous, as he was part of the time among hostile tribes, who could have captured him and been well rewarded by the French Government. But Gist knew how to act, and was successful. While Gist was doing this, some English traders established themselves at a place in what is now known as Shelby County, Ohio, and opened a store for the purpose of trading with the Indians. This was clearly in the limits of the West, claimed by the French, and at once aroused them to action. The fort or stockade stood on the banks of Loramie's Creek, about sixteen miles northwest of the present city of Sydney. It received the name Loramie from the creek by the French, which received its name in turn from the French trader of that name, who had a trading-post on this creek. Loramie had fled to the Spanish country west of the Mississippi, and for many years was a trader there ; his store being at the junc- tion of the Kansas and Missouri, near the present city of Kansas City, Mo. When the English traders came to Loramie's Creek, and erected their trading-place, they gave it the name of Pick- awillany, from the tribe of Indians there. The Miami confederacy granted them this privilege as the result of the presents brought by Crogan and Gist. It is also asserted that Andrew Montour, a half-breed, son of a Seneca chief and the famous Catharine Montour, who was an important fac- tor afterward in the English treaties with the Indians, was with them, and by his influence did much to aid in securing the privilege. Thus was established the first English trading-post in the Northwest Territory and in Ohio. It, however, enjoyed only a short duration. The French could not endure so clear an invasion of their country, and gathering a force of Ottawas and Chippewas, now their allies, they attacked the stockade in June, 1752. At first they demanded of the Miamis the surrender of the fort, as they were the real cause of its location, having granted the English the privilege. The Miamis not only refused, but aided the British in the defense. In the battle that ensued, fourteen of the Miamis were slain, and all the traders captured. One account says they were burned, another, and j)robably the correct one, states that they were taken to Canada as prisoners of war. It is probable the traders were fi-om Penn- sylvania, as that commonwealth made the Miamis presents as condolence for their warriors that were slain. Blood had now been shed. The opening gun of the French and Indian war had been fired, and both liL HISTORY OF OHIO. 41 nations became more deeply interested in affairs in the West. The English were determined to secure additional title to the West, and, in 1752, sent Messrs. Fry, Lomax and Patton as commissioners to Logstown to treat with the Indians, and confirm the Lancaster treaty. They met the Indians on the 9th of June, stated their desires, and on the 11th received their answer. At first, the sav- ages were not inclined to recognize the Lancaster treaty, but agreed to aid the English, as the French had already made war on the Twigtees (at Picka- willany), and consented to the establishment of a fort and trading-post at the forks of the Ohio. This was not all the Virginians wanted, however, and taking aside Andrew Montour, now chief of the Six Nations, persuaded him to use his influence with the red men. By such means, they were in- duced to treat, and on the 13th they all united in signing a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a settlement southwest of the Ohio, and covenanting that it should not be disturbed by them. By such means was obtained the treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley. All this time, the home governments were en- deavoring to out-maneuver each other with regard to the lands in the West, though there the outlook only betokened war. The French understood bet- ter than the English how to manage the Indians, and succeeded in attaching them firmly to their cause. The English were not honest in their actions with them, and hence, in after years, the massacres that followed. At the close of 1752, Gist was at work, in con- formity with the Lancaster and Logstown treaties, laying out a fort and town on Chartier's Creek, about ten miles below the fork. Eleven families had crossed the mountains to settle at Gist's resi- dence west of Laurel Hill, not far from the Yough- iogheny. Goods had come from England for the Ohio Company, which were carried as fir West as Will's Creek, where Cumberland now stands ; and where they were taken by the Indians and traders. On the other hand, the French were gathering cannon and stores on Lake Erie, and, without treaties or deeds of land, were gaining the good will of the inimical tribes, and preparing, when all was ready, to strike the blow. Their fortifications consisted of a chain of forts from Lake Erie to the Ohio, on the border. One was at Presque Isle, on the site of Erie ; one on French Creek, on the site of Waterford, Penn.; one at the mouth of French Creek, in Venango County, Penn.; while opposite it was another, effectually commanding that section of country. These forts, it will be observed, were all in the limits of the Pennsyl- vania colony. The Governor informed the Assem- bly of their existence, who voted £600 to be used in purchasing presents for the Indians near the forts, and thereby hold their friendship. Virginia, also, took similar measures. Trent was sent, with guns and ammunition and presents, to the friendly tribes, and, while on his mission, learned of the plates of lead planted by the French. In October, 1753, a treaty was consummated with representa- tives of the Iro(i(uois, Delawares, Shawanees, Twig- twees and Wyandots, by commissioners from Pennsylvania, one of whom was the philosopher Franklin. At the conferences held at this time, the Indians complained of the actions of the French in forcibly taking possession of the dis- puted country, and also bitterly denounced them for using rum to intoxicate the red men, when they desired to gain any advantage. Not long after, they had similar grounds of complaint against the English, whose lawless traders cared for nothing but to gain the furs of the savage at as little ex- pense as possible. The encroachments of the French on what was regarded as English territory, created intense feel- ing in the colonies, especially in Virginia. The purpose of the French to inclose the English on the Atlantic Coast, and thus prevent their extension over the mountains, became more and more ap- parent, and it was thought that this was the open- ing of a scheme already planned by the French Court to reduce all North America under the do- minion of France. Gov. Dinwiddle determined to send an ambassador to the French posts, to as- certain their real intentions and to observe the amount and disposition of their forces. He selected a young Vii'ginian, then in his twenty-first year, a surveyor by trade and one well qualified for the duty. That young man afterward led the Ameri- can Colonies in their struggle for liberty. George Washington and one companion, Mr Gist, suc- cessfully made the trip, in the solitude of a severe winter, received assurance from, the French com- mandant that they would by no means abandon their outposts, and would not yield unless com- pelled by force of arms. The commandant was exceedingly polite, but firm, and assured the young American that " we claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discovery of La Salle (in 1669) and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley." 42 HISTORY OF OHIO. During "Washington's absence steps were taken to fortify the point formed by the junction of the ^Monongahchi and Alleghany ; and when, on his return, he met seventeen horses loaded with mate- rials and stores for a fort at the forks of the Ohio, and, soon after, some families going out to settle, he knew the defense had begun. As soon as Washington made his report, Gov. Dinwiddle wrote to the Board of Trade, stating that the French were building a fort at Venango, and that, in March, twelve or fifteen hundred men would be ready to descend the river with their Indian allies, lor which purpose three hundred canoes had been collected ; and that Logstown was to be made headquarters, while forts were to be built in other places. He sent expresses to the Governors of Pennsylvania and New York, apprising them of the nature of affairs, and calling upon them for assist- ance. He also raised two companies, one of which was raised by Washington, the other by Trent. The one under Trent w^as to be raised on the frontiers, and was, as soon as possible, to repair to the Fork and erect there a fort, begun by the Ohio Company. Owing to various conflicting opinions between the Governor of Pennsylvania and his Assembly, and the conference with the Six Nations, held by New York, neither of those provinces put forth any vigorous meas-ures until stirred to action by the inva-sitjns on the frontiers, and until directed by the Earl of Holderness, Secretary of State. The fort at Venango was finished by the French in April, 1T54. All along the creek resounded the clang of arms and the preparations for war. New York and Pennsylvania, though inactive, and debating whether the French really had in- vaded English territory or not, sent aid to the Old Dominion, now all alive to theconquest. The two companies had been increased to six; Washing- ton was raised to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and made second under command of Joshua Fry. Ten cannon, lately from p]ngland, were for- warded from Alexandria ; wagons were got read}'^ to carry westward provisions and stores through the heavy spring roads; and everywhere men were enlisting under the King's promise of two hundred thousand acres of land to those who would go. They were gathering along Will's Creek and far beyond, while Trent, who had come for more men and supplies, left a little band of forty-one men, working away in hunger and want at the Fork, to which both nations were looking with anxious eyes. Though no enemy was near, and only a few Indian scouts were seen, keen eyes had observed the low fortifications at the Fork. Swift feet had borne the news of it up the valley, and though Ensign Ward, left in command, felt himself secure, on the 17th of April he saw a sight that made his heart sick. Sixty batteaux and three hundred canoes were coming down the Alleghany. The com- mandant sent him a summons, which evaded no words in its meaning. It was useless to contend, that evening he supped with his conqueror ; the next day he was bowed out by the polite French- man, and with his men and tools marched up the Monongahela. The first birds of spring were fill- ing the air with their song ; the rivers rolled by, swollen by April showers and melting snows; all nature was putting on her robes of green ; and the fortress, which the English had so earnestly strived to obtain and fortify, was now in the hands of the French. Fort Du Quesne arose on the incomplete fortifications. The seven years' war that followed not only affected America, but spread to all quar- ters of the world. The war made England a great imperial power ; drove the French from Asia and America; dispelled the brilliant and extended scheme of Louis and his voluptuous empire. The active field of operations was in the Canadas principally, and along the western borders of Penn- sylvania. There were so few people then in the present confines of Ohio, that only the possession of the country, in common with all the West, could be the animus of the conflict. It so much concerned this part of the New World, that a brief resume of the war will be necessary to fully under- stand its history. The fall of the post at the fork of the Ohio, Fort Du Quesno, gave the French control of the West. Washington went on with his few militia to re- take the post. Though he was successful at first, he was in the end defeated, and surrendered, being allowed to return with all his munitions of war. The two governments, though trying to come to a peaceful solution of the question, were getting ready for the conflict. France went stead- ily on, though at one time England gave, in a measure, her consent to allow the French to retain all the country west of the Alleghanies and south of the lakes. Had this been dime, what a different future would have been in America ! Other des- tinies were at wt»rk, however, and the plan fell stillborn. England sent Gen. Braddock and a fine force of men, who marched directly toward the post on the Ohio. His ill-fated expedition resulted only in the total defeat of his armv, and his own death. ■7' V liL HISTORY or OHIO. 43 Washington saved a remnant of the army, and made his way back to the colonics. The Eu- gHsh needed a leader. They next planned four campaigns; one against Fort Du Quesne; one against Crown Point; one against Niagara, and one against the French settlements in Nova Scotia. Nearly every one proved a failure. The English were defeated on sea and on land, all owing to the incapacity of Parliament, and the want of a suit- able, vigoi'ous leader. The settlements on the front- iers, now exposed to a cruel foe, prepared to defend themselves, and already the signs of a government of their own, able to defend itself, began to appear. They received aid from the colonies. Though the French were not repulsed, they and their red allies found they could not murder with impunity. Self-preservation was a stronger incen- tive in conflict than aggrandizement, and the cruelty of the Indians found avengers. The great Pitt became Prime Minister June 20, 1757. The leader of the English now appeared. The British began to regain their losses on sea and land, and for them a brighter day was at hand. The key to the West must be retaken, and to Gen. Forbes was assigned the duty. Preceding him, a trusty man was sent to the Western Indians at the head-waters of the Ohio, and along the IMo- nongahela and Alleghany, to see if some compro- mise with them could not be made, and their aid secured. The French had been busy through their traders inciting the Indians against the English. The lawless traders were another source of trouble. Caring nothing for either nation, they carried on a distressing traffic in direct violation of the laws, continually engendering ill-feeling among the na- tives. "Your traders," said one of them, "bring scarce anything but rum and flour. They bring little powder and lead, or other valuable goods. The rum ruins us. We beg you would prevent its coming in such quantities by regulating the traders. * * * These wicked whisky sell- ers, when they have got the Indians in liquor, make them sell the very clothes off" their backs. If this practice be continued, we must be inevitably ruined. We mostearnostly, therefore, beseech you to remedy it." They complained of the French traders the same way. They wore also beginning to sec the animus of the whole conflict. Neither power cared as much for them as for their land, and flattered and bullied by turns as served their purposes best. The man selected to go upon this undertaking was Christian Frederic Post, a JMoravian, who had lived among the Indians seventeen years, and mar- ried into one of their tribes. II ' v*;is a missionary, and though obliged to cross a coiiii ry whose every stream had been dyed by blood, and every hillside rung with the death-yell, and grown red with the light of burning huts, he went willingly on his way. Of his journey, sufferings and doings, his own journal tells the story. He left Philadelphia on the 15th of July, 1758, and on the 7th of August safely passed the French post at Venango, went on to Big Beaver Creek, where he held a conference with the chiefs of the Indians gathered there. It was decided that a great conference should be held opposite Fort Du Quesne, where there were Indians of eight nations. "We will bear you in our bosom.-," said the natives, when Post expressed a fear that he might be delivered over to the French, and royally they fulfilled their promises. At the conference, it was made clear to Post that all the AVestern Indians were wavering in their allegiance to the French, owing largely to the fail- ure of that nation to fulfill their promises of aid to prevent them from being deprived of their land by the Six Nations, and through that confederacy, by the English. The Indians complained bitterly, more- over, of the disposition of the whites in over-run- ning and claiming their lands. "Why did you not fight your battles at home or on the sea, instead of coming into our country to fight them?" they asked again and again, and mournfully shook their heads when they thought of the future before them. " Your heai't is good," said they to Post. " You speak sincerely; but we know there is alwa3's a gi-eat number who wish to get rich ; they have enough ; look ! we do not want to be rich and take away what others have. The white people think we have no brains in our heads ; that they are big, and we are a handful ; but remember when you hunt for a rattlesnake, 3-ou cannot always find it, and perhaps it will turn and bite you before you see it."* When the war of Pontiac came, and all the West was desolated, this saying might have been justly remembered. After concluding a peace, Post set out for Philadelphia, and after incredi- ble hardships, reached the settlement uninjured early in September. His mission had more to do than at first is apparent, in the success of the English. Had it not been for him, a second Brad- dock's defeat might have befallen Forbes, now on his way to subjugate Fort Du Quesne. Thixnigh the heats of August, the army hewed its way toward the West. Early in September it •Post's Journal. 7" :V 44 HISTORY OF OHIO. reached Raystown, whitlier Washington had been ordered with his troops. Sickness had prevented him from being here ah'eady. Two officers were sent out to reconnoiter the fort, who returned and gave a very good account of its condition. Gen. Forbes desired to know more of it, and sent out Maj. Grant, with 800 men, to gain more complete knowledge. Maj. Grant, supposing not more than iJOO soldiers to be in the fort, marched near it and made a feint to draw them out, and engage them in battle. He was greatly misinformed as to the strength of the French, and in the engagement that followed he was badly beaten — 270 of his men killed, 42 wounded, and several, including himself, taken prisoners. The French, elated with their victory, attacked the main army, but were repulsed and obliged to retreat to the fort. The army con- tinued on its march. On the 24th of November they reached Turtle Creek, where a council of war was held, and where Gen. Forbes, who had been so ill as to be carried on a litter from the start, de- clared, with a mighty oath, he would sleep that night in the fort, or in a worse place. The Indi- ans had, however, carried the news to the French that the English were as plenty as the trees of the woods, and in their fright they set fire to the fort in the night and left up and down the Ohio River. The next morning the English, who had heard the explosion of the magazine, and seen the light of the burning walls, marched in and took peaceable possession. A small fortification was thrown up on the bank, and, in honor of the great English statesman, it was called Fort Pitt. Col. Hugh Mer- cer was left in command, and the main body of the army marched back to the settlements. It reached Philadelphia January 17, 1759. On the 11th of March, Gen. Forbes died, and was buried in the chancel of Christ's Church, in that city. Post was now sent on a mission to the Six Na- tions, with a report of the treaty of Easton. He was again instrumental in preventing a coalition of the Indians and the French. Indeed, to this ob- scure Moravian missionary belongs, in a large measure, the honor of the capture of Fort i)u Quesne, for by liis influence had the Indians been restrained from attacking the army on its march. The garrison, on leaving the fort, went up and down the Ohio, part to Presque Isle by land, part to Fort Vcnanuo, while some of them went on down the Ohio nearly to the Mississippi, and there, in what is now Massac County, 111., erected a fort, called by them Fort IMassac. It was afterward named by many Fort Massacre, from the erroneous supposition that a garrison had been massacred there. The French, though deprived of the key to the West, went on preparing stores and ammunition, expecting to retake the fort in the spring. Before they could do this, however, other places demanded their attention. The success of the campaign of 1758 opened the way for the consummation of the great scheme of Pitt — the complete reduction of Canada. Three expeditions were planned, by which Canada, ah'eady well nigh annihilated and suft'ering for food, was to be subjugated. On the west, Prideaux was to attack Niagara ; in the center, Amherst was to advance on Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; on the east, Wolfe was to besiege Quebec. All these points gained, the three armies were to be united in the center of the province. Amherst appeared before Ticonderoga July 22. The French blew up their works, and retired to Crown Point. Driven from there, they re- treated to Isle Aux Nois and entrenched them- selves. The lateness of the season prevented fur- ther action, and Amherst went into winter quar- ters at Crown Point. Early in June, Wolfe appeared before Quebec with an army of 8,000 men. On the night of September 12, he silently ascended the river, climbed the heights of Abra- ham, a spot considered impregnable by the French, and on the summit formed his army of 5,000 men. Montcalm, the French commander, was compelled to give battle. The British col- umns, flushed with success, charged his half-formed lines, and dispersed them. "They fly! they fly!" heard Wolfe, just as he expired from the effect of a mortal wound, though not till he had ordered their retreat cut oft", and exclaimed, "Now, God be praised, I die happy." Montcalm, on hearing from the surgeon that death would come in a few hours, said, " I am glad of it. I shall not live to see the surrender of Quebec." At five the next morning he died happy. Prideaux moved up Lake Ontario, and on the 6th of July invested Niagara. Its capture would cut off the French from the west, and every en- deavor was made to hold it. Troops, destined to take the small garrison at Fort Pitt, were held to assist in raising the siege of Niagara. M. de Aubry, commandant in Illinois, came up with 400 men and 200,000 pounds of flour. Cut off" by the abandonment of Fort Du Quesne from the Ohio route, he ascended that river as far as the Wabash, thence to portage of Fort 3Iiami, or Fort Wayne, "y: HISTORY or OHIO. 47 down the Maumee to Lake Erie, and on to Presqu- ville, or Presque Isle, over the portage to Le Boeuf, and thence down French Creek to Fort Venango. He was chosen to lead the expedition for the relief of Niagara. They were pursued by Sir William Johnson, successor to Prideaux, who had lost his life by the bursting of a cannon, and were obliged to flee. The next day Niagara, cut off from succor, surrendered. All America rang with exultation. Towns were bright with illuminations ; the hillsides shone with bonfires. From press, from pulpit, from platform, and from speakers' desks, went up one glad song of rejoicing. England was victorious everywhere. The colonies had done their full share, and now learned their strength. That strength was needed now, for ere long a different conflict raged on the soil of America — a conflict ending in the birth of a new nation. The English sent Gen. Stanwix to fortify Fort Pitt, still looked upon as one of the principal for- tresses in the West. He erected a good fortifica- tion there, which remained under British control fifteen years. Now nothing of the fort is left. No memorial of the British possession remains in the West but a single redoubt, built in 1764 by Col. Bouquet, outside of the fort. Even this can hardly now be said to exist. The fall of Quebec did not immediately produce the submission of Canada. M. de Levi, on whom the command devolved, retired with the French Army to Montreal. In the spring of 17 GO, he be- weged Quebec, but the arrival of an English fleet caused him to again retreat to Montreal. Amherst and Johnson, meanwhile, effected a union of their forces, the magnitude of whose armies convinced the French that resistance would be useless, and on the Sth of September, M. de Vaudreuil, the Governor of Canada, surrendered Montreal, Quebec, Detroit, Mackinaw and all other pouts in Canada, to the English commander-in- chief, Amherst, on condition that the French in- habitants should, during the war, be "protected in the full and free exercise of their religion, and the fidl enjoyment of their civil rights, leaving their future destinies to be decided by the treaty nf peace." Though peace was concluded in the New World, on the continent the Powers experienced some (lifiiculty in arriving at a satisfactory settlement. It was finally settled by what is known in history as the "family compact." France and Spain saw in the conquest the growing power of England, and saw, also, that its continuance only extended that power. Negotiations were re-opened, and on the 3d of November, 1762, preliminaries were agreed to and signed, and afterward ratified in Paris, in February, 1763. By the terms of the compact, Spain ceded to Great Britian East and West Florida. To compensate Spain, France ceded to her by a secret article, all Louisiana west of the Mississippi. The French and Indian war was now over. Canada and all its dependencies were now in pos- session of the English, who held undisputed sway over the entire West as far as Mississippi. It only remained for them to take possession of the out- posts. Major Robert Rogers was sent to take pos- session of Detroit and establish a garrison there. He was a partisan officer on the borders of New Hampshire, where he earned a name for bravery, but afterward tarnished it by treasonable acts. On his way to Detroit, on the 7th of November, 1760, he was met by the renowned chief, Pontiac, who authoritatively commanded him to pause and ex- plain his acts. Rogers replied by explaining the conquest of Canada, and that he was acting vinder orders from his King. Through the influence of Pontiac, the army was saved from the Indians sent out by the French, and was allowed to pro- ceed on its way. Pontiac had assured his protec- tion as Ion"; as the Enfrlish treated him with due deference. Beletre, the commandant at Detroit, refused to surrender to the English commander, until he had received positive assurance from his Governor, Vaudreuil, that the country was indeed conquered. On the 29th of September, the colors of France gave way to the ensign of Great Britain amid the shouts of the soldiery and the astonish- ment of the Indians, whose savage natures could not understand how such a simple act declared one nation victors of another, and who wondered at the forbearance displayed. The lateness of the season prevented further operations, but early the next spring, jMackinaw, Green Bay, Ste. Marie, St. Joseph and the Ouitenun surrounded, and nothing was left but the Illinois towns. These were se- cured as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made. Though the English were now master^ of the West, and had, while many of these events nar- rated were transpiring, extended their settlements beyond the Alleghanios, they were by no means secure in their possession. The woods and prairies were full of Indians, who, finding the English like the French, carin"; more for gain than the welfare y- ^1 48 HISTORY OF OHIO. of the natives, began to exhibit impatience and re- sentment as they saw their hinds gradually taken from them. The English policy differed very materially from the French. The French made the Indian, in a mea.sure, independent and taught him a desire for European goods. They also affiliated easily with them, and became thereby strongly endeared to the savage. The French were a merry, easy-going race, fond of gayety and delighting in adventure. The English were harsh, stern, and made no advances to gain the friend- ship of the savage. They wanted land to cultivate and drove away the Indian's game, and forced him farther west. "Where shall we go?" said the Indian, despondently; "you drive us farther and farther west; by and by you will want all the land." And the Anglo-Saxon went sturdily on, paying no heed to the complaints. The French traders incited the Indian to resent the encroach- ment. " The English will annihilate you and take all your laud," said they. " Their father, the King of France, had been asleep, now he had awakened and was coming with a great army to reclaim Can- ada, that had been stolen from him while he slept." Discontent under such circumstances was but natural. Soon all the tribes, from the mountains to the Mississippi, were united in a plot. It was discovered in 1761, and arrested. The next sum- mer, another was detected and arrested. The officers, and all the people, failed to realize the danger. The rattlesnake, though not found, was ready to strike. It is only an Indian discontent, thought the people, and they went on preparing to occupy the country. They were mistaken — the crisis only needed a leader to direct it. That leader appeared. CHAPTER IV. PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY— ITS FAILURE— BOUQUET'S EXPEDITION— OCCUPATION BY THE ENGLISH. PONTIAC, the great chief of the Ottawas, was now about fifty years old. He had watched the conflict between the nations with a jealous eye, and as he saw the gradual growth of the English people, their encroachment on the lands of the In- dians, their greed, and their assumption of the soil, his soul was stirred within him to do something for his people. He had been a true friend of the French, and had led the Indians at the defeat of Braddock. Amid all the tumult, he alone saw the true state of affairs. The English would inevit- ably crush out the Indians. To save his race he saw another alliance with the French was neces- sary, and a restoration of their power and habits needed. It was the plan of a statesman. It only failed because of the perfidy of the French. Matur- ing his plans late in the autumn of 1762, he sent messengers to all the Western and Southern tribes, with the black wampum and red tomahawk, em- blems of war, from the great Pontiac. "On a cer- tain day in the next year," said the messenger, "all the tribes are to rise, seize all the P]nglish posts, and then attack the whole frontier." The great council of all the tribes was held at the river Ecorces, on the 27th of April, 176.3. There, before the assembled chiefs, Pontiac deliv- ered a speech, full of eloquence and art. He recounted the injuries and encroachments of the English, and disclosed their designs. The French king was now awake and would aid them. Should they resign their homes and the graves of their fathers without an effort? Were their young men no longer brave? Were they squaws? The Great Master of Life had chided them for their inactivity, and had sent his commands to drive the "Red Dogs" from the earth. The chiefs eagerly accepted the wampum and the tomahawk, and separated to prepare for the coming strife. The post at Detroit was informed of the plot the evening before it was to occur, by an Ojibway girl of great beauty, the mistress of the com- mander. Major Gladwin. Pontiac was foiled here, his treachery discovered, and he was sternly ordered from the conference. A regular seige followed, but he could not prevail. He exhibited a degree of sagacity unknown in the annals of savage war- fare, but all to no purpose ; the English were too strong for him. At all the other posts, save one, however, the plans of Pontiac were carried out, and atrocities, unheard of before in American history, resulted. The Indians attacked Detroit on the first of May, '.^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 49 and, foiled in their plans, a siege immediately fol- lowed. On the 16th, a party of Indians appeared before the fort at Sandusky. Seven of them were admitted. Suddenly, while smoking, the massacre begins. All but Ensign Paulli, the commander, fail. He is carried as a trophy to Pontiac. At the mouth of the St. Joseph's, the mission- aries had maintained a mission station over sixty years. They gave way to an English garrison of fourteen soldiers and a few traders. On the morning of jMay 25, a deputation of Pottawato- mies are allowed to enter. In less than two min- utes, all the garrison but the commander are slain. He is sent to Pontiac. Near the present city of Fort Wayne, Ind., at the junction of the waters, stood Fort Miami, garrisoned by a few men. Holmes, the com- mander, is asked to visit a sick woman. He is slain on the way, the sergeant following is made prisoner, and the nine soldiers surrender. On the night of the last day of INIay, the wam- pum reaches the Indian village below La Fayette, Ind., and near Fort Ouitenon. The commander of the fort is lured into a cabin, bound, and his garrison surrender. Through the clemency of French settlers, they are received into their houses and protected. At Michilimackinac, a game of ball is projected. Suddenly the ball is thrown through the gate of the stockade. The Indians press in, and, at a signal, almost all are slain or made prisoners. The fort at Presque Isle, now Erie, was the point of communication between Pittsburgh and Niagara and Detroit. It was one of the most tenable, and had a garrison of four and twenty men. On the 22d of June, the commander, to save his forces from total annihilation, surrenders, and all are carried prisoners to Detroit. The capitulation at Erie left Le Boeuf with- out hope. He was attacked on the 18th, but kept off the Indians till midnight, when he made a successful retreat. As they passed Ve- nango, on their way to Fort Pitt, they saw only the ruins of that garrison. Not one of its immates had been spared. Fort Pitt was the most important station west of the Alleghanies. " Escape 1 " said Turtle's Heart, a Delaware warrior ; " you will all be slain. A great army is coming." "There are three large English armies coming to my aid," said Ecuyer, the commander. " I have enough provisions and ammunition to stand a siege of three years' time." A second and third attempt was made by the savages to capture the post, but all to no avail. Baffled on all sides here, they destroy Ligonier, a few miles below, and massacre men, women and children. Fort Pitt was besieged till the last day of July, but withstood all attacks. Of all the outposts, only it and Detroit Avcre left. All had been captured, and the majority of the garrison slain. Along the frontier, the war was waged with fury. The Indians were fighting for their homes and their hunting-grounds; and for these they fought with the fury and zeal of fanatics. Detachments sent to aid Detroit are cut off. The prisoners are burnt, and Pontiac, infusing his zealous and demoniacal spirit into all his savage allies, pressed the siege with vigor. The French remained neutral, yet Pontiac made requisitions on them and on their neighbors in Illinois, issuing bills of credit on birch-bark, all of which were faithfully redeemed. Though these two posts could not be captured, the frontier could be annihilated, and vigorously the Indians pursued their policy. Along the borders of Pennsylvania and Virginia a relentless warfare was waged, sparing no one in its way. Old age, feeble infancy, strong man and gentle woman, fair girl and hope- ful boy — all fell before the scalping-knife of the merciless savage. The frontiers were devastated. Thousands were obliged to flee, leaving their possessions to the torch of the Indian. The colonial government, under British direc- tion, was inimical to the borders, and the colonists saw they must depend only upon their own arms for protection. Already the struggle for freedom was upon them. They could defend only them- selves. They must do it, too ; for that defense is now needed in a different cause than settling dis- putes between rival powers. " We have millions for defense, but not a cent for tribute," said they, and time verified the remark. Glen. Amherst bestirred himself to aid the frontiers. He sent Col. Henry Bouf[uet, a native of Switzerland, and now an officer in the Engli.sh Army, to relieve the garrison at Fort Pitt. They followed the route made by Gen. Forbes, and on the way relieved Forts Bedford and Ligonier, both beleaguered by the Indians. About a day's jour- ney beyond Ligonier, he was attacked by a body of Indians at a place called Bushy Bun. For awhile, it seemed that he and all his army would be destroyed ; but Bouquet was bold and brave and, under a feint of retreat, routed the savages. He passed on, and relieved the garrison at Fort 50 HISTORY OF OHIO. Pitt, and thus secured it against the assaults of the Indians. The campaign had been disastrous to the En- gUsh, but ftital to the plans of Pontiac. He could not capture Detroit, and he knew the great scheme must fail. The battle of Bushy Run and the relief of Fort Pitt closed the campaign, and all hope of co-operation was at an end. Circum- stances were combined against the confederacy, and it was fast falling to pieces. A proclamation was issued to the Indians, explaining to them the existing state of aiFairs, and showing to them the futility of their plans. Pontiac, however, would not give up. Again he renewed the siege of De- troit, and Gen. Gage, now in command of the army in the colonies, resolved to carry the war into their own country. Col. Bradstreet was or- dered to lead one army by way of the lakes, against the Northern Indians, while Col. Bouquet was sent against the Indians of the Ohio. Col. Bradstreet went on his way at the head of 1,200 men, but trusting too much to the natives and their promises, his expedition proved largely a fail- ure. He relieved Detroit in August, 1764, which had been confined in the garrison over fifteen months, and dispersed the Indians that yet lay around the fort. But on his way back, he saw how the Indians had duped him, and that they were still plundering the settlements. His treaties were annulled by Gage, who ordered him to destroy their towns. The season was far advanced, his provisions were getting low, and he was obliged to return to Niagara chagrined and disappointed. Col. Bouquet knew well the character of the Indians, and shaped his plans accordingly. lie had an army of 1,500 men, 500 regulars and 1,000 volunteers. They had had experience in fighting the savages, and could be depended on. At Fort Loudon, he heard of Bradstreet's ill luck, and saw through the deception practiced by the Indians. He arrived at Fort Pitt the 17th of September, where he arrested a deputation of chiefs, who met him with the same promises that had deceived Bradstreet. He sent one of their number back, threatening to put to death the chiefs unless they allowed his messengers to safely pass through their country to Detroit. The decisive tone of his words convinced them of the fate that aAvaited them unless they complied. On the 3d of Octo- ber the army left Fort Pitt, marched down the river to and across the Tuscarawas, arriving in the vicinity of Fredrick Post's late mission on the 17th. There a conference was held with the assembled tribes. Bouquet sternly rebuked them for their faithlessness, and when told by the chiefs they could not restrain their young men, he as sternly told them they were responsible for their acts. He told them he would trust them no longer. If they delivered up all their prisoners within twelve days they might hope for peace, otherwise there would be no mercy shown them. They were completely humbled, and, separating hastily, gathered their captives. On the 25th, the army proceeded down to the Tuscarawas, to the junction with White Woman River, near the town of Coshocton, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and there made prepa- rations for the reception of the captives. There they remained until the 18th of November; from day to day prisoners were brought in — men, women and children—and delivered to their friends. Many were the touching scenes enacted during this time. The separated husband and wife met, the latter often carrying a child born in captivity. Brothers and sisters, separated in youth, met ; lovers rushed into each other's arms ; children found their parents, mothers their sons, fiithers their daughters, and neighbors those from whom they had been separated many years. Yet, there were many dis- tressing scenes. Some looked in vain for long-lost relatives and friends, that never should return. Others, that had been captured in their infancy, would not leave their savage friends, and when force was used some fled away. One mother looked in vain for a child she had lost years be- fore. Day by day, she anxiously watched, but no daughter's voice reached her ears. One, clad in savage attire, was brought before her. It could nob be her daughter, she was grown. So was the maiden before her. " Can not you remember some mark?" asked Bouquet, whose sympathies were aroused in this case. "There is none," said the anxious and sorrowful mother. "Sing a song you sang over her cradle, she may remember," suggested the commander. One is sung by her mother. As the song of childhood floats out among the trees the maiden stops and listens, then approaches. Yes, she remembers. JMother and daughter arc held in a close embrace, and the stern Bouquet wipes away a tear at the scene. On the 18th, the army broke up its encamp- ment and started on its homeward march. Bouquet kept six principal Indians as hostages, and re- turned to the homes of the captives. The Indians kept their promises fliithfully, and the next year representatives of all the Western tribes met Sir William Johnson, at the German Flats, and made '^ a treaty of peace. A tract of land iu the Indian country was ceded to the whites for the benefit of those who had suffered in the late war. The In- dians desired to make a treaty with Johnson, whereby the Alleghany River should be the west- ern boundary of the English, but he excused him- self on the ground of proper power. Not long after this the Illinois settlements, too remote to know much of the struggle or of _ any of the great events that had convulsed an empire, and changed the destiny of a nation, were brought under the English rule. There were five villages at this date: Kaskaskia, Cahokia, St. Philip, Vin- cennes and Prairie du Rocher, near Fort Chartres, the military headquarters of these French posses- sions. They were under the control or command of M. de Abadie, at New Orleans. They had also extended explorations west of the Mississippi, and made a few settlements in what was Spanish terri- tory. The country had been, however, ceded to France, and in February, 1764, the country was formally taken possession of and the present city of St. Louis laid out. As soon as the French knew of the change of government, many of them went to the west side of the river, and took up their residence there. They were protected in their religion and civil rights by the terms of the treaty, but preferred the rule of their own King. The British took possession of this country early in 1765. Gen. Gage sent Capt. Stirling, of the English Army, who arrived before summer, and to whom St. Ange, the nominal commandant, surren- dered the authority. The British, through a suc- cession of commanders, retained control of tlie coun- try until defeated by George Rogers Clarke, and his "ragged Virginia militia." After a short time, the French again ceded the country west of the Mississippi to Spain, and re- linquished forever their control of all the West in the New World. The population of Western Louisiana, when the exchange of governments occurred, was estimated to be 13,538, of which 891 were in the Illinois country — as it was called — west of the Mississippi. East of the river, and before the French crossed into Spanish country, the population was estimated to be about 8,000. All these had grown into coiiniiuuities of a peculiar character. Indeed, that peculiarity, as has been observed, never changed until a gradual amalgamation with the American people effected it, and that took more than a cen- tury of time to accomplish. The English now owned the Northwest. True, they did not yet occupy but a small part of it, but traders were again crossing the mountains, ex- plorers for lands were on the Ohio, and families for settlement were beginning to look upon the West as their future home. Companies were again forming to purchase large tracts in the Ohio coun- try, and open them for emigration. One thing yet stood in the way — a definite boundary line. That line, however, was between the English and the Indians, and not, as had heretofore been the case, between rival European Powers. It was necessary to arrange some definite boundaiy before land com- panies, who were now actively pushing their claims, could safely survey and locate their lands. Sir William Johnson, who had at previous times been instrumental in securing treaties, wrote re- peatedly to the Board of Trade, who controlled the greater part of the commercial transactions in the colonies — and who were the first to exclaim against extending English settlements beyond a limit whereby they would need manufactures, and there- by become independent of the Mother Country — urging upon thinn, and through them the Crown, the necessity of a fixed boundary, else another Indian war was probable. The Indians found themselves gradually hemmed in by the growing power of the whites, and began to exhibit hostile feelings. The irritation became so great that in the summer of 1767, Gage wrote to the Governor of Pennsylvania concerning it. The Governor communicated his letter to the General Assembly, who sent repre- sentatives to England, to urge the immediate set- tlement of the question. In compliance with these requests, and the letters of prominent citizens, Franklin among the number, instructions were sent to Johnson, ordering him to complete the purchase from the Six Nations, and settle all differences. He sent word to all the Western tribes to meet him at Fort Stanwix, in October, 1768. The con- ference was held on the 24th of that month, and was attended by colonial representatives, and by Indians from all parts of the Northwest. It w;is determined that the line should begin on the Ohio, at the mouth of the Cherokee (Tennessee), thence up the river to the Alleghany and on to Kittan- ning, and thence across to the Susquehanna. By this line, the whole country south of the Ohio and Alleghany, to which the Six Nations had any claini, was transfen-ed. Part of this land was made to compensate twenty -two traders, whose goods had been stolen in 1763. The deeds made, were upon the express agreement that no claims should — 1 IS ever be based on the treaties of Lancaster, Logs- town, etc., and were signed by the chiefs of the Six Nations for themselves, their aUies and dependents, and the Shawanees, Delawares, Mingoes of Oliio, and others; though the Sliawanees and Dehiware deputies did not sign them. On this treaty, in a great measure, rests the title by purchase to Ken- tucky, Western Virginia and Western Pennsylva- nia. Tlie rights of the Cherokees were purchased by Col. Donaldson, either for the King, V^irginia, or for himself, it is impossible to say which. The grant of the northern confederacy was now made. The white man could go in and possess these lands, and know that an army would protect him if necessary. Under such a guarantee. West- ern lands came rapidly into market. In addition to companies already in existence for the purchase of land, others, the most notable of these being the "Walpole" and the "Mississippi" Land Companies, were formed. This latter had among its organizers such men as Francis Lightfoot Lee, Kichard Henry Lee, George Washington and Arthur Lee. Before any of these companies, some of whom ab- sorbed the Ohio Company, could do anything, the Revolution came on, and all land transactions" were at an end. After its close. Congress would not sanction their claims, and they fell through. This did not deter settlers, however, from crossing the mountains, and settling in the Ohio country. In spite of troubles with the Indians — some of whom regarded the treaties with the Six Nations as un- lawful, and were disposed to complain at the rapid influx of whites — and the failure of the land com- panies, settlers came steadily during the decade from 17G8 to 1778, so that by the close of that time, there was a large population south of the Ohio River; while scattered along the northern banks, extending many miles into the wilderness, were hardy adventurers, who were carving out homes in the magnificent forests everywhere cov- ering the country. Among the foremost speculators in Western lands, was George Washington. As early as 1763, he employed Col. Crawford, afterward the leader in " Crawford's campaign," to purchase lands for him. In 1770, he crossed the mountains in company with several gentlemen, and examined the country along the Ohio, down which stream he passed to the mouth of the Great Kanawha, where he shot some buffalo, then plenty, camped out a few nights, and returned, fully convinced, it seems, that one day the West would be the best part of the New- World. He owned, altogether, nearly fifty thou- sand acres in the West, which he valued at $3.33 per acre. Had not the war of the Revolution just then broken out, he might have been a resident of the West, and would have been, of course, one of its most prominent citizens. CHAPTER V, AMERICAN EXPLORATIONS— DUNMORE'S WAR— CAMPAIGN OF GEORGE ROGERS CLARKE- LAND TROUBLES— SPAIN IN THE REVOLUTION — MURDER OP THE MORAVIAN INDIANS. nV/TEANWHILE, Kentucky was filling with -i-V_L citizens, and though considerable trouble was experienced with the Indians, and the operations of Col. Richard Henderson and others, who made unlawful treaties with the Indians, yet Daniel Boone and his associates had established a commonwealth, and, in 1777, a county was formed, which, ereUmg, was divided into" three. Louisville was laid out on land belonging to Tories, and an important start made in this "part of the West. Emigrants came down the Ohio River, saw the northern shores were inviting, and sent back such accounts that the land north of the river rapidly grew in favor with Eastern people. One of the most important Western characters. Col. (afterward Gen.) George Rogers Clarke, had had much to do in forming its character. He was born November 19, 1752, in Albemarle County, Va., and early came West. He had an unusually sagacious spirit, was an excellent sur- veyor and general, and took an active interest in aU State and national affiurs. He understood the animus of the Revolution, and was prepared to do his part. Col. Clarke was now meditating a move unequaled in its boldness, and one that had more to do with the success of America in the struggle for independence than at first appears. He saw through the whole plan of the British, :^ HISTOKY or OHIO. 53 who held all the outposts, Kaskaskia, Detroit, Vincennes and Niagara, and determined to circum- vent them and wrest the West from their power. The British hoped to encircle the Americans by these outposts, and also unite the Indians in a common war against them. That had been attempted by the French when the English con- quered them. Then the French had a powerful ally in the person of Pontiac, yet the brave front- iersmen held their homes in many places, though the Indians " drank the blood of many a Briton, scooping it up in the hollow of joined hands." Now the Briton had no Pontiac to lead the scat- tered tribes — tribes who now feared the unerring aim of a settler, and would not attack hun openly— - Clarke knew that the Delawares were divided in feeling and that the Shawanees were but imperfectly united in favor of England since the murder of their noted chiefs. He was convinced that, if the British could be driven from the Western posts, the natives could easily be awed into submission, or bribed into neutrality or friendship. They admired, from their savage views of valor, the side that became victorious. They cared little for the cause for which either side was fighting. Clarke sent out spies among them to ascertain the feasibility of his plans. The spies were gone from April 20 to June 22, and fully corroborated his views concerning the EngUsh policy and the fejlings of the Indians and French. Before proceeding in the narrative of this expe- dition, however, it will be well to notice a few acts transpiring north of the Ohio River, especially re- lating to the land treaties, as they were not without effect on the British policy. Many of the Indians north and south of the Ohio would not recognize the validity of the Fort Stanwix treaty, claiming the Iroquois had no right to the lands, despite their conquest. These discontented natives har- assed the emigrants in such a manner that many Indians were slain in retaliation. This, and the working of the French traders, who at all times were bitterly opposed to the English rule, filled the breasts of the natives with a malignant hate, which years of bloodshed could not wash out. The murder of several Indians by lawless whites fanned the coal into a blaze, and, by 1774, several retalia- tory murders occurred, committed by the natives in revenge for their fallen friends. The Indian slew any white man he found, as a revenge on some friend of his slain ; the frontiersman, acting on the same principle, made the borders extremely dan- gerous to invaders and invaded. Another cause of fear occurred about this time, which threatened seriously to retard emigration. Pittsburgh had been claimed by both Pennsyl- vania and Virginia, and, in endeavoring to settle the dispute. Lord Dunmore's war followed. Dr. John Connelly, an ambitious, intriguing person, induced Lord Dunmore to assert the claims of Vir- ginia, in the name of the King. In attempting to carry out his intentions, he was arrested by Arthur St. Clair, representing the proprietors of Pennsyl- vania, who was at Pittsburgh at the time. Con- nelly was released on bail, but went at once to Staunton, where he was sworn in as a Justice of Peace. Returning, he gathered a force of one hundred and fifty men, suddenly took possession of Pittsburgh, refused to allow the magistrates to enter the Court House, or to exercise the functions of their offices, unless in conformity to his will. Connelly refused any terms off"ered by the Penn- sylvania deputies, kept possession of the place, acted very harshly toward the inhabitants, stirred up the neutral Indians, and, for a time, threatened to make the boundary line between the two colonies a very serious question. His actions led to hostile deeds by some Indians, when the whites, no doubt ! urged by him, murdered seven Indians at the ' mouth of the Captina River, and at the house of a settler named Baker, where the Indians were decoyed under promises of friendship and offers of rum. Among those murdered at the latter place, was the entire family of the famous INIingoe chief, Logan. This has been charged to Michael Cresap ; but is untrue. Daniel Greathouse had command of the party, and though Cresap may have been among them, it is unjust to lay the blame at his feet. Both murders, at Captina and Yellow Creek, were cruel and unwarranted, and were, without doubt, the cause of the war that followed, though the root of the matter lay in Connelly's arbitrary actions, and in his needlessly alarming the Indians. Whatever may have been the fiicts in relation to the murder of Logan's family, they were of such a nature as to make all feel sure of an Indian war, and preparations were made for the conflict. An army was gathered at Wheeling, which, some time in July, under command of Col. Mc- Donald, descended the Ohio to the mouth of Cap- tina Creek. They proposed to march against an Indian town on the IMuskingum. The Indians sued for peace, but their pretensions being found spurious, their towns and crops were destroyed. The army then retreated to Williamsburg, having accomplished but little. 7 :£ 54 HISTORY OF OHIO. The Dolawarcs were anxious for peace ; even the Miugoes, whose rehitives had been shiin at Yellow Creek, and Captina, were restrained; but Logan, who had been turned to an inveterate foe to the Americans, came suddenly upon the Monongahela settlements, took thirteen scalps in revenge for the loss of his family, returned home and expressed himself ready to treat with the Long Knives, the Virginians. Had Connelly acted properly at this juncture, the war might have been ended; but his actions only incensed both borderers and In- dians. So obnoxious did he become that Lord Dunmore lost faith in him, and severely repri- manded him. To put a stop to the depredations of the Indians, two large bodies of troops were gathered in Vir- ginia, one under Gen. Andrew Lewis, and one under command of Dunmore himself Before the armies could meet at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, their objective point, Lewis' army, which arrived first, was attacked by a furious band of Dela- wares, Shawanees, Iroquois and Wyandots. The conflict was bitterly prolonged by the Indians, who, under the leadership of Cornstalk, were deter- mined to make a decisive eiFort, and fought till late at night (October 10, 1774), and then only by a strategic move of Lewis' command — which re- sulted in the defeat of the Indians, compelling them to cross the Ohio — was the conflict ended. Mean- while, Dunmore's army came into the enemy's country, and, being joined by the remainder of Lewis' command, pressed forward intending to an- nihilate the Indian towns. Cornstalk and his chiefs, however, sued for peace, and the conflict closed. Dunmore established a camp on Sippo Creek, where he held conferences with the natives and concluded the Avar. When he left the country, he stationed 100 men at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, a few more at Pittsburgh, and another corps at Wheeling, then called Fort Fincastle. Dunmore intended to return to Pittsburgh the next spring, meet the Indians and form a definite peace ; but the revolt of the colonies prevented. However, he opened several offices for the sale of lands in the West, some of which were in the limits of the Pennsylvania colony. This led to the old boundary dispute again; but before it could be settled, the Ilevolution began, and Lord Dunmore's, as well as almost all other land speculations in the West, were at an end. In 1775 and 1776, the chief events transpiring in the West relate to the treaties with the Indians, and the endeavor on the part of the Americans to have them remain neutral in the family quarrel now coming on, which they could not understand. The British, like the French, however, could not let them alone, and finally, as a retaliatory measure. Congress, under advice of Washington, won some of them over to the side of the colonies, getting their aid and holding them neutral. The colonies only offered them rewards i'or prisoners ; never, like the British, offering rewards for scalps. Under such rewards, the atrocities of the Indians in some quar- ters were simply horrible. The scalp was enough to get a reward, that was a mark of Indian valor, too, and hence, helpless innocence and decrepit old age were not spared. They stirred the minds of the pioneers, who saw the protection of their fire- sides a vital point, and led the way to the scheme of Col. Clarke, who was now, as has been noted, the leading spirit in Kentucky. He saw through the scheme of the British, and determined, by a quick, decisive blow, to put an end to it, and to cripple their power in the West. Among the acts stimulating Clarke, was the attack on Fort Henry, a garrison about one-half mile above Wheeling Creek, on the Ohio, by a renegade white man, Simon Girty, an agent in the employ of the British, it is thought, and one of the worst wretches ever known on the fiontier. When Girty attacked Fort Henry, he led his red allies in regu- lar military fashion, and attacked it without mercy. The defenders were brave, and knew with whom they were contending. Great bravery was displayed by the women in the fort, one of whom, a Miss Zane, carried a keg of gunpowder from a cabin to the fort. Though repeatedly fired at by the sav- ages, she reached the fort in safety. After awhile, however, the effect of the frontiersmen's shots began to be felt, and the Indians sullenly withdrew. Be-enforcements coming, the fort was held, and Girty and his band were obliged to flee. Clarke saw that if the British once got con- trol over the Western Indians the scene at Fort Henry would be repeated, and would not likely, in all cases, end in favor of the Americans. With- out communicating any of his designs, he left Har- rodsburg about the 1st of October, 1777, and reached the capital of Virginia by November 5. Still keeping his mind, he awaited a favorable op- portunity to broach his plans to those in power, and, in the meanwhile, carefully watched the exist- ing state of feeling. When the opportunity came, Clarke broached his plans to Patrick Henry, Gov- ernor of Virginia, who at once entered warmly into them, recognizing their great importance. -e) ^ ^ ^ HISTORY OF OHIO. Through his aid, Clarke procured the nocessar}' au- tliority to prosecute his plans, and returned at ouce to Pittsburgh. He intended raising men about this post, but found them fearful of leaving their homes unprotected. However, he secured three companies, and, with these and a number of volun- teers, picked up on the way down the Ohio Pviver, he fortified Corn Island, near the falls, and made ready for his expedition. He had some trouble in keeping his men, some of those from Kentucky refusing to aid in subduing stations out of their own country. He did not announce his real inten- tions till he had reached this point. Here Col. Bowman joined him with his Kentucky militia, and, on the 24th of June, 1778, during a total eclipse of the sun, the party left the fort. Before his start, he learned of the capture of Burgoync, and, when nearly down to Fort Massac, he met some of his spies, who informed him of the exag- gerated accounts of the ferocity of the Long Knives that the French had received from the British. By proper action on his part, Clarke saw both these items of information could be made very beneficial to him. Leaving the river near Fort Massac, he set out on the march to Kaskas- kia, through a hot summer's sun, over a country full of savage foes. They reached the town un- noticed, on the evening of July 4, and, before the astonished British and French knew it, they were all prisoners. jM. Kocheblave, the English commander, was secured, but his wife adroitly con- cealed the papers belonging to the garrison. In the person of M. Gibault, the French priest, Clarke found a true friend. When the true character of the Virginians became apparent, the French were easily drawn to the American side, and the priest secured the surrender and allegiance of Cahokia through his personal influence. M. Gibault told him he would also secure the post at St. Vincent's, which he did, returning from the mission about the 1st of August. During the interval, Clarke re- enlisted his men, formed his plans, sent his pris- oners to Kentucky, and was ready for ftiture action when M. Gibault arrived. He sent Capt. Helm and a single soldier to Vincennes to hold that fort until he could put a garrison there. It i^ but proper to state that the English commander, Col. Hamilton, and his band of soldiers, were absent at Detroit when the priest secured the village on the "Ouabache." When Hamilton returned, in the autumn, he was greatly surprised to see the Amer- ican flag floating from the ramparts of the fort, and when approaching the gate he was abruptly halted by Capt. Helm, who stood with a lighted fuse in his hand by a cannon, answering Hamilton's demand to surrender with the imperative inquiry, "Upon what terms, sir?" "LTpon the honors of war," answered Hamilton, and he marched in greatly chagrined to see he had been halted by two men. The British commander sat quietly down, intending to go on down the river and sub- due Kentucky in the spring, in the mean time off"ering rewards for American scalj^s, and thereby gaining the epithet '' Hair-buyer General." Clarke heard of his actions late in January, 1779, and, as he says, " I knew if I did not take him he would take me," set out early in February with his troops and marched across the marshy plains of Lower Illinois, reaching the Wabash post by the 22d of that month. The unerring aim of the Westerner was eflectual. "They will shoot your eyes out," said Helm to the British troops. " There, I told you so," he further exclaimed, as a soldier vent- ured near a port-hole and received a shot directly in his eye. On the 24th the fort surrendered. The American flag waved again over its ramparts. The "Hair-buyer General" was sent a prisoner to Virginia, W'here he was kept in close confinement for his cruel acts. Clarke returned to Kaskaskia, perfected his plans to hold the Illinois settlements, went on to Kentucky, from whei'e he sent word to the colonial authorities of the success of his expe- dition. Had he received the aid promised him, Detroit, in easy reach, would have fallen too, but Gen. Green, failing to send it as promised, the capt- ure of that important post was delayed. Had Clarke filled, and Hamilton succeeded, the whole West would have been swept, from the Alle- ghauies to the Mississippi. But for this small army of fearless Virginians, the union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might have been effected, and the whole current of American history changed. America owes Clarke and his band more than it can ever pay. Clarke reported the capture of Kaskaskia and the Illinois country early after its surrender, and in October the county of Illinois was established, extending over an unlimited expanse of country, by the Virginia Legislature. John Todd was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor. In November, Clarke and his men received the thanks of the same body, who, in after years, secured them a grant of land, which they selected on the right bank of the Ohio River, opposite Louisville. They expected here a city would rise one day, to be the peer of Louisville, then coming i^ 5G HISTOKY OF OHIO. into prominence as an important place. By some means, their expectations failed, and only the dilapidated village of Clarkesburg perpetuates their hopes. The conquest of Clarke changed the face of affairs in relation to the whole country north of the Ohio River, which would, in all probability, have been made the boundary between Canada and the United States. When this was proposed, the strenuous arguments based on this conquest, by the American Commissioners, secured the present boundary line in negotiating the treaty of 1793. Though Clarke had failed to capture Detroit, Congress saw the importance of the post, and resolved on securing it. Grcn. McCosh, commander at Fort Pitt, was put in command, and $1,000,- 000 and 3,000 men placed at his disposal. By some dilatory means, he got no further than the Tuscarawas River, in Ohio, where a half-way house, called Fort Laurens, for the President of Congress, was built. It was too far out to be of practicable value, and was soon after abandoned. Indian troubles and incursions by the British were the most absorbing themes in the West. The British went so far as Kentucky at a later date, while they intended reducing Fort Pitt, only abandoning it when learning of its strength. Expeditions against the Western Indians were led by Gen. Sullivan, Col. Daniel Broadhead, Col. Bowman and others, which, for awhile, silenced tlie natives and taught them the power of the Americans. They could not organize so readily as before, and began to attach themselves more closely to the British, or commit their depredations in bands, fleeing into the wilderness as soon as they struck a blow. In this way, several localities suffered, until the settlers became again exasper- ated; other expeditions were formed, and a second chastisement given. In 1781, Col. Broadhead led an expedition against the Central Ohio Indians. It did not prove so successful, as the Indians were led by the noted chief Brant, who, though not cruel, was a foe to the Americans, and assisted the British greatly in their endeavors to secure the West. Another class of events occurred now in the West, civil in their relations, yet destined to form an important part of its history — its land laws. It must be borne in mind, that Virginia claimed the greater portion of the country north of the Ohio River, as well as a large part south. The other coloni(!s claimed land also in the AVest under the old Crown grants, which extended to the South or Western Sea. To more complicate mat- ters, several land companies held proprietary rights to portions of these lauds gained by grants from the Crown, or from the Colonial Assemblies. Others were based on land warrants issued in 1703; others on selection and survey and still others on settlement. In this state of mixed affairs, it was difficult to say who held a secure claim. It was a question whether the old French grants were good or not, especially since the change in government, and the eminent pros- pect of still another change. To, in some way, aid in settling these claims, Virginia sent a com- mission to the West to sit a.s a court and determine the proprietorship of these claims. This court, though of as doubtful authority as the claims themselves, went to work in Kentucky and along the Ohio River in 1779, and, in the course of one year, granted over three thousand certificates. These were considered as good authority for a definite title, and were so regarded in after pur- chases. Under them, many pioneers, like Daniel Boone, lost their lands, as all were required to hold some kind of a patent, while others, who possessed no more principle than "land-sharks" of to-day, acquired large tracts of land by holding a patent the court was bound to accept. Of all the colonies, Virginia seemed to have the best title to the Northwest, save a few parcels, such as the Connecticut or Western Reserve and some similar tracts held by New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. When the territory of the Northwest was ceded to the Greneral Government, this was recognized, and that country was counted as a Virginia county. The Spanish Government, holding the region west of the Mississippi, and a portion east toward its outlet, became an important but secret ally of the Americans. When the French revolt was suppressed by O'Reilly, and the Spanish assumed the government of Louisiana, both Upper and Lower, there was a large tract of country, known as Florida (East and West\ claimed by P^ngland, and duly regarded as a part of her dominion. The boundaries had been settled when the French first occupied Lower Louisiana. The Spaniards adopted the patriarchal form of rule, as much jis was consistent with their interests, and allowed the French full religions and civil liberty, save that all tribunals were after the Spanish fashion, and governed by Spanish rules. The Spaniards, long jealous of England's growing power, secretly sent the Governors of Louisiana word to aid the Americans in their struggle for freedom. Though :^ :^ HISTOKY OF OHIO. 57 they controlled the Mississippi River, they allowed an American officer (Capt. Willing) to descend the river in January, 1778, with a party of fifty men, and ravage the British shore from Manchez Bayou to Natchez. On the 8th of May, 1779, Spain declared war against Great Britain; and, on the 8th of July, the people of Louisiana were allowed to take a part in the war. Accordingly, Galvez collected a force of 1,400 men, .and, on the 7th of September, took Fort Manchac. By the 21st of September, he had taken Baton Rouge and Natchez. Eight vessels were captured by the Spaniards on the Mississippi and on the lakes. In 1780 Mobile fell; in March, 1781, Pensacola, the chief British post in West Florida, succumbed after a long siege, and, on the 9th of May, all West Florida was surrendered to Spain. This war, or the war on the Atlantic Coast, did not immediately affect Upper Louisiana. Great Britain, however, attempted to capture St. Louis. Though the commander was strongly suspected of being bribed by the English, yet the place stood the siege from the combined force of Indians and Canadians, and the assailants were dispersed. This was done during the summer of 1680, and in the autumn, a company of Spanish and French resi- dents, under La Balme, went on an expedition against Detroit. They marched as far north as the British trading-post Ke-ki-ong-a, at the head of the Maumee River, but being surprised in the night, and the commander slain, the expedition was defeated, having done but little. Spain may have had personal interests in aiding the Americans. She was now in control of the Mis- sissippi River, the natural outlet of the Northwest, and, in 1780, began the troubles relative to the navigation of that stream. The claims of Spain were considered very unjust by the Continental Congress, and, while deliberating over the qiiestion, Virginia, who was jealously alive to her Western interests, and who yet held jurisdiction over Ken- tucky, sent through Jefferson, the Governor, Gen. George Rogers Clarke, to erect a fort below the moutli of the Ohio. This proceeding was rather unwarrantable, especially as the fort was built in the country of the Chickasaws, who had thus far been true friends to the Americans, and who looked upon the fort as an innovation on their territory. It was completed and occupied but a short time, Clarke being recalled. Virginia, in 1 780, did a very important thing ; namely, establishing an institution for higher edu- cation. The Old Dominion confiscated the lands of " Robert McKenzie, Henry Collins and Alex- ander McKee, Britons, eight thousand acres," and invested the proceeds of the sale in a public semi- nary. Transylvania University now lives, a monu- ment to that spirit. While Clarke was building Fort Jefferson, a force of British and Indians, under command of Capt. Bryd, came down from Canada and attacked the Kentucky settlements, getting into the country be- fore any one was aware. The winter before had been one of unusual severity, and game was ex- ceedingly scarce, hence the army was not prepared to conduct a campaign. iVfter the capture of Rud- dle's Station, at the south fork of the Licking, Bryd abandoned any further attempts to reduce the set- tlements, except capturing Martin's Station, and returned to Detroit. This expedition gave an additional motive for the chastisement of the Indians, and Clarke, on his return from Fort Jefferson, went on an expedition against the Miami Indians. He destroyed their towns at Loramie's store, near the present city of Sydney, Ohio, and at Piqua, humbling the natives. While on the way, a part of the army remained on the north bank of the Ohio, and erected two block-houses on the present site of Cincinnati. The exploits of Clarke and his men so effectually chastised the Indians, that, for a time, the West was safe. During this period of quiet, the meas- ures which led to the cession of Western lands to the General Government, began to assume a defi- nite form. All the colonies claiming Western lands were willing to cede them to the Government, save Virginia, which colony wanted a large scope of Southern country southeast of the Ohio, as far as South Carolina. All recognized the justice of all Western lands becoming public property, and thereby aiding in extinguishing the debts caused by the war of the Revolution, now about to close. As Virginia held a somewhat different view, the cession was not made until 1783. The subject, however, could not be allowed to rest. The war of the Revolution was now drawing to a close ; victory on the part of the colonies was apparent, and the Western lands must be a part of the public domain. Subsequent events brought about the desired cession, though several events transpired before the plan of cession was consum- mated. Before the close of 1780, the Legislature of Virginia passed an act, establishing the "town of Louisville," and confiscated the lands of John a) V '.jL 58 HISTORY OF OHIO. Connelly, who was one of its original proprietors, and who distinguished himself in the coinmencc- mcnt of Lord Dunmore's war, and who was now a Tory, and doing all he could against the patriot cause. The proceeds of the sale of his lands were divided between Virginiaand the county of Jefferson. Kentucky, the next year, was divided into three counties, JeflFerson, Lincoln and Fayette. Courts were appointed in each, and the entry and location of lauds given into their hands. Settlers, in spite of Indian troubles and British intrigue, were pouring over the mountains, particularly so during the years 1780 and 1781. The expeditions of Clarke against the Miami Indians ; Boone's cap- tivity, and escape from them ; their defeat when attacking Boonesboro, and other places — all combined to weaken their power, and teach them to respect a nation whose progress they could not stay. The pioneers of the West, obliged to depend on themselves, owing to the struggle of the colonies for freedom, grew up a hardy, self-reliant race, with all the vices and virtues of a border life, and with habits, manners and customs necessary to their peculiar situation, and suited to their peculiar taste. A resume of their experiences and daily lives would bo quite interesting, did the limits of this history admit it here. In the part relating directly to this county, the reader will find such lives given ; here, only the important events can be noticed. The last event of consequence occurring in the West before the close of the Revolution, is one that might well have been omitted. Had such been the case, a great stain would have been spared the character of Western pioneers. Reference is made to the massacre of the Moravian Christian Indians. These Indians were of the Delaware nation chiefly, though other Western tribes were visited and many converts made. The first converts were made in New York and Connecticut, where, after a good start had been made, and a prospect of many souls being saved, they incurred the enmity of the whites, who, becoming alarmed at their suc- cess, persecuted them to such an extent that they were driven out of New York into Pennsylvania, where, in 1744, four years after their arrival in the New World, they began new missions. In 1748, the New York and Connecticut Indians fol- lowed their teachers, and were among the founders of Friedenshutten, "Tents of Peace," a hamlet near Bethlehem, where their teachers were sta- tioned. Other hamlets grew around them, \intil in the interior of the colony, existed an Indian community, fi'ee from all savage vices, and grow- ing up in Christian virtues. As their strength grew, lawless whites again began to oppress them. They could not understand the war of 1754, and were, indeed, in a truly embarrassing position. The savages could form no conception of any cause for neutrality, save a secret sympathy with the English ; and if they could not take u}) the hatchet, they were in the way, and must be removed. Fail- ing to do this, their red brothers became hostile. The whites were but little better. The old suspi- cions which drove them from New York were aroused. They were secret Papists, in league with the French, and furnished them with arms and in- telligence; they were interfering with the liquor traffic; they were enemies to the Government, and the Indian and the white man combined against them. They were obliged to move from place to place; were at one time protected nearly a year, near Philadelphia, from lawless whites, and finally were compelled to go far enough West to be out of the way of French and English arms, or the Iroquois and Cherokee hatchets. They came finally to the IMuskingum, where they made a set- tlement called Schonbrun, "beautiful clear spring," in what is now Tuscarawas County. Other settle- ments gathered, from time to time, as the years went on, till in 1772 large numbers of them were within the borders of the State. Until the war of independence broke out, they were allowed to peacefully pursue their way. When that came, they were between Fort Pitt and De- troit, one of which contained British, the other Americans. Again they could not understand the struggle, and could not take up the hatchet. This brought on them the enmity of both lielligerent parties, and that of their own forest companions, who could not see wherein their natures could change. Among the most hostile })ersons, were the white renegades McKee, Girty and Elliott. On their instigation, several of them were slain, and by their advice they were obliged to leave their fields and homes, where thoy had many comforts, and where they had erected good chapels in which to worship. It was just before one of these forced removals that 3Iary, daughter of the missionar}' Heckewelder, was born. She is supposed to be the first white female child born north of the Ohio River. Her birth occurred April KJ, 1781. It is but proper to say here, tliat it is an open ques- tion, and one that will probably never be decided, :^ ^- HISTORY OF OHIO. 59 i. e. Who was the first white child born in Ohio ? In all probability, the child was born during the captivity of its mother, as history plainly shows that when white women were released from the Indians, some of them carried children born while among the natives. When the Moravians were forced to leave their settlements on the Muskingum, and taken to San- dusky, they left growing fields of corn, to which they were obUged to return, to gather food. This aroused the whites, only wanting some pretext whereby they might attack them, and a party, headed by Col. David Williamson, determined to exterminate them. The Moravians, hearing of their approach, fled, but too late to warn other settle- ments, and Gnadenhutten, Salem and one or two smaller settlements, were surprised and taken. Under deceitful promises, the Indians gave up all their arms, showed the whites their treasures, and went unknowingly to a terrible death. When ap- prised of their fate, determined on by a majority of the rangers, they begged only time to prepare. They were led two by two, the men into one, the women and children into another "slaughter- house," as it was termed, and all but two lads were wantonly slain. An infamous and more bloody deed never darkened the pages of feudal times ; a deed that, in after years, called aloud for venge- ance, and in some measure received it. Some of Williamson's men wrung their hands at the cruel fate, and endeavored, by all the means in their power, to prevent it; but all to no purpose. The blood of the rangers was up, and they would not spare "man, woman or child, of all that peaceful band." Having completed their horrible work, (March 8, 1782), Williamson and his men returned to Pittsburgh. Everywhere, the Indians lamented the untimely death of their kindred, their savage relatives determining on their revenge; the Chris- tian ones could only be resigned and weep. Williamson's success, for such it was A-iewed by many, excited the borderers to another invasion, and a second army was raised, this time to go to the Sandusky town, and annihilate the \Vyandots. Col. William Crawford was elected leader ; he accepted reluctantly ; on the way, | the army was met by hordes of savages on the 5th of ' June, and totally routed. They were away north, in what is now Wyandot County, and were obliged to flee for their lives. The blood of the murdered Moravians called for revenge. The Indians de- sired it ; were they not relatives of the fallen Christians? Crawford and many of his men fell into their hands ; all suffered unheard-of tortures, that of Crawford being as cruel as Indian cruelty could devise. He was pounded, pierced, cut with knives and burned, all of which occupied nearly three hours, and finally lay down insensible on a bed of coals, and died. The savage captors, in demoni- acal glee, danced around him, and upbraided him for the cruel murder of their relatives, giving him this only consolation, that had they captured Will- iamson, he might go free, but he must answer for Williamson's brutality. The war did not cease here. The Indians, now aroused, carried their attack as far south as into Kentucky, killing Capt. Estill, a brave man, and some of his companions. The British, too, were active in aiding them, and the Uth of August a large force of them, under Girty, gathered silently about Bryant's Station. They were obliged to re- treat. The Kentuckians pursued them, but were repulsed with considerable loss. The attack on Bryant's Station aroused the peo- ple of Kentucky to strike a blow that would be felt. Gen. Clarke was put at the head of an army of one thousand and fifty men, and the Miami country was a second time destroyed. Clarke even went as far north as the British trading-post at the head of the Miami, where he captured a great amount of property, and destroyed the post. Other outposts also fell, the invading army suffering but little, and, by its decisive action, practically closing the Indian wars in the West. Pennsylvania suf- fered some, losing Hannahstown and one or two small settlements. Williamson's and Crawford's campaigns aroused the fury of the Indians that took time and much blood and war to subdue. The Revolution was, however, drawing to a close. Amer- ican arms were victorious, and a new nation was now coming into existence, who would change the whole current of Western matters, and make of the Northwest a land of liberty, equality and union. That nation was now on the stage. ^c :^i ^ ?> .^ 60 HISTORY OF OHIO. CHAPTER VI. AMERICAN OCCUPATION— INDIAN CLAIMS — SURVEYS — EAFxLY LAND COMPANIES — COMPACT OF 1787 — ORGANIZATION OF THE TERRITORY- EARLY AMERICAN SETTLE- MENTS IN THE OHIO VALLEY — FIRST TERRITORIAL OFFICERS— ORGANIZATION? OF COUNTIES. THE occupation of the West by the American, really dates from the campaign of Gen. Clarke in 1778, when he captured the British posts in the IlUnois country, and Vincennes on the Wabash. Had he been properly supported, he would have reduced Detroit, then in easy reach, and poorly de- fended. As it Avas, however, that post remained in charge of the British till after the close of the war of the Revolution. They also held other lake posts; but these were included in the terms of peace, and came into the possession of the Ameri- cans. They were abandoned by the British as soon as the different commanders received notice from their chiefs, and British rule and English occupation ceased in that part of the New World. The war virtually closed by the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Va., October 19, 1781. The struggle was prolonged, however, by the British, in the vain hope that they could re- trieve the disiister, but it was only a useless waste of men and money. America would not be sub- dued. "If we are to be taxed, we will be repre- sented," said they, "else we will be a free govern- ment, and regulate our own taxes." In the end, they were free. Provisional articles of peace between the United States and Great Britain were signed in Paris on the 30th of November, 1782. This was followed by an armistice negotiated at Versailles on the 20th of January, 1783; and finally, a definite treaty of peace was concluded at Paris on the 3d of the next September, and ratified by Congi-ess on the 4th of January, 178-1. By the second article of the defi- nite treaty of 1783, the boundaries of the United States were fixed. A glance at the map of that day shows the boundary to have been as follows: Beginning at Passamaquoddy Bay, on the coast of Maine, the line ran north a little above the forty- fifth parallel of latitude, when it diverged southwest- erly, irregularly, until it reached that parallel, when it foll(jwed it until it reached the St. Lawrence River. It followed that river to Lake Ontario, down its center ; up the Niagara River ; through Lake Erie, up the Detroit River and through Lakes Huron and Superior, to the northwest extremity of the latter. Then it pursued another irregular western course to the Lake of the Woods, when it turned south- ward to the Mississippi River. The commissioners insisted that should be the western boundary, as the lakes were the northern. It followed the Mis- sissippi south until the mouth of Red River was reached, when, turning east, it followed almost a direct line to the Atlantic Coast, touching the coast a little north of the outlet of St. John's River. From this outline, it will be readily seen what boundary the United States possessed. Not one- half of its present domain. At this date, there existed the original thirteen colonies : Virginia occupying all Kentucky and all the Northwest, save about half of Michigan and Wisconsin, claimed by Massachusetts ; and the upper part of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and the lower part (a narrow strip) of Michigan, claimed by Con- necticut. Georgia included all of Alabama and ]Mississipj)i. The Spaniards claimed all Florida and a narrow part of lower Georgia. All the coun- try west of the Father of Waters belonged to Spain, to whom it had been secretly ceded when the fam- ily compact was made. That nation controlled the Mississippi, and gave no small uneasiness to the young government. It was, however, hapjjily set- tled finally, by the sale of Louisana to the United States. Pending the settlement of these questions and the formation of th ' Fedi ral Union, the cession of the Northwest by Virginia again came before Congress. That body found itself unable to fulfill its promises to its soldiers regarding land, and again urged the Old Dominion to cede the Terri- tory to the General Government, for the good of all. Congress forbade settlers from occupying the Western lands till a definite cession had been made, and the title to the lands in question made good. But speculation was stronger than law, and without waiting for the slow processes of courts. ^^ (T :\ the adventurous settlers were pouring into the country at a rapid rate, only retarded by the rifle and scalping-kuite of the savage — a temporary check. The policy of allowing any parties to obtain land from the Indians was strongly discouraged by Washington. He advocated the idea that only the General Grovernment could do that, and, in a letter to James Duane, in Congress, he strongly urged such a course, and pointed out the danger of a border war, unless some such measure was stringently followed. Under the circumstances, Congress pressed the claims of cession upon Virginia, and finally in- duced the Dominion to modify the terms proposed two years before. On the 20th of December, 1783, Virginia accepted the proposal of Congress, and authorized her delegates to make a deed to the United States of all her right in the territory northwest of the Ohio. The Old Dominion stipulated in her deed of cession, that the territory should be divided into States, to be admitted into the Union as any other State, and to bear a proportionate share in the maintenance of that Union; that Virginia should be re-imbursed for the expense incurred in subduing the British posts in the territory; that the French and Canadian inhabitants should be protected iu their rights ; that the grant to Gen. George Rogers Clarke and his men, as well as all other similar grants, should be confirmed, and that the lands should be considered as the common property of the United States, the proceeds to be applied to the use of the whole country. Congress accepted these condi- tions, and the deed was made March 1, 1784. Thus the country came from under the dominion of Virginia, and became common property. A serious difficulty arose about this time, that threatened for awhile to involve England and America anew in war. Virginia and several other States refused to abide by that part of the treaty relating to the payment of debts, especially so, when the British carried away quite a number of negroes claimed by the Americans. This re- fusal on the part of the Old Dominion and her abettors, caused the finglish to retain her North- western outposts, Detroit, Mackinaw, etc. She held these till 178(j, when the questions were finally settled, and then readily abandoned them. The return of peace greatly augmented emigra- tion to the West, especially to Kentucky. When the war closed, the population of that county ( the three counties having been made one judicial dis- trict, and Danville designated as the seat of gov- ernment) was estimated to be about twelve thousand. In one year, after the close of the war, it increased to 30,000, and steps for a State government were taken. Owing to the divided sentiment among its citizens, its perplexing questions of land titles and proprietary rights, nine conventions were held before a definite course of action could be reached. This prolonged the time till 1792, when, in De- cember of that year, the election for persons to form a State constitution was held, and the vexed and complicated questions settled. In 1783, the first wagons bearing merchandise came across the mountains. Their contents were received on flat- boats at Pittsburgh, and taken down the Ohio to Louisville, which that spring boasted of a store, opened by Daniel Broadhead. The next year, James Wilkinson opened one at Lexington. Pittsburgh was now the principal town in the West. It occupied the same position regarding the outposts that Omaha has done for several years to Nebraska. The town of Pittsburgh was laid out immediately after the war of 1764, by Col. Campbell. It then consisted of four squares about the fort, and received its name from that citadel. The treaty with the Six Nations in 1708, con- veyed to the proprietaries of Pennsylvania all the lands of the Alleghany below Kittanning, and all the country south of the Ohio, within the limits of Penn's charter. This deed of cession was recog- nized when the line between Pennsylvania and Virginia was fixed, and gave the post to the Key- stone State. In accordance with this deed, the manor of Pittsburgh was withdrawn from market in 1709, and was held as the property of the Penn family. When Washington visited it in 1770, it seems to have declined in consequence of the afore-mentioned act. He mentions it as a "town of about twenty log houses, on the Monongahela, about three hundi-ed yards fi-om the fort." The Penn's remained true to the King, and hence all their land that had not been surveyed and returned to the land office, was confiscated by the common- wealth. Pittsburgh, having been surveyed, was still left to them. In the spring of 1784, Tench Francis, the agent of the Penns, was induced to lay out the manor into lots and offer them for sale. Though, for many years, the place was rather un- promising, it eventuiilly became the chief town in that part of the West, a position it yet holds. In 1780, John Scull and Joseph Hall started the Pittsburgh Gazette, the first paper published west of the mountains. In the initial number, appeared a lengthy article from the pen of H. H. Brackenridge, « 1^ 63 HISTORY OF OHIO. afterward one of the most prominent members of the Pennsylvania bar. He had located in Pittsburgh in 1781. His letter gives a most hope- ful prospect in store for the future city, and is a highly descriptive article of the Western country. It is yet preserved in the "Western Annals," and is well worth a perusal. Under the act of peace in 1783, no provision was made by the British for their allies, especially the Six Nations. The question was ignored by the English, and was made a handle by the Americans in gaining them to their cause before the war had fully closed. The treaties made were regarded by the Indians as alliances only, and when the En- glish left the country the Indians began to assume rather a hostile bearing. This excited the whites, and for a while a war with that formidable con- federacy was imminent. Better councils prevailed, and Congress wisely adopted the policy of acquiring their lands by purchase. In accordance with this policy, a treaty was made at Fort Stanwix with the Six Nations, in October, 1784. By this treaty, all lands west of a line drawn from the mouth of Oswego Creek, about four miles east of Niagara, to the mouth of Buifalo Creek, and on to the northern boundary of Pennsylvania, thence west along that boundary to its western extremity, thence south to the Ohio River, should be ceded to the United States. (They claimed west of this line by conquest.) The Six Nations were to be secured in the lands they inhabited, reserving only six miles square around Oswego fort for the support of the same. By this treaty, the indefinite claim of the Six Nations to the West was extinguished, and the question of its ownership settled. It was now occupied by other Western tribes, who did not recognize the Iroquois claim, and who would not yield without a purchase. Especially was this the case with those Indians living in the northern part. To get possession of that country by the same process, the United States, through its commissioners, held a treaty at Fort Mcintosh on the 21st of January, 1785. The Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa and Ottawa tribes were pres- ent, and, through their chiefs, sold their lands to the Government. The Wyandot and Delaware nations were given a reservation in the north part of Ohio, where they were to be protected. The others were allotted reservations in Michigan. To all was given complete control of their lands, allow- ing them to punish any white man attempting to settle thereon, and guaranteeing them in their ri2;hts. By such means Congress gained Indian titles to the vast realms north of the Ohio, and, a few months later, that legislation was commenced that should determine the mode of its disposal and the plan of its settlements. To facilitate the settlement of landsthus acquired, Congress, on May 20, 1785, passed an act for dispos- ing of lands in the Northwest Territory. Its main provisions were : A surveyor or surveyors should be appointed from the States ; and a geographer, and his assistants to act with them. The surveyors were to divide the territory into townships of six miles square, by lines running due north and south, and east and west. The starting-place was to be on the Ohio River, at a point where the western boundary of Pennsylvania crossed it. This would give the first range, and the first township. As soon as seven townships were surveyed, the maps and plats of the same were to be sent to the Board of the Treasury, who would record them and proceed to place the land in the market, and so on with all the townships as fast as they could be prepared ready for sale. Each town- ship was to be divided into thirty-six sections, or lots. Out of these sections, numbers 8, 11, 26 and 29 were reserved for the use of the Government, and lot No. 16, for the establishment of a common- school fund. One-third of all mines and minerals was also reserved for the United States. Three townships on Lake Erie were reserved for the use of officers, men and others, reftigees from Canada and from Nova Scotia, who were entitled to grants of land. The Moravian Indians were also exempt from molestation, and guaranteed in their homes. Sol- diers' claims, and all others of a like nature, were also recognized, and land reserved for them. Without waiting for the act of Congress, settlers had been pouring into the country, and, when or- dered by Congress to leave undisturbed Indian lands, refused to do so. They went into the In- dian country at their peril, however, and when driven out by the Indians could get no redress from the Government, even when life was lost. The Indians on the Wabash made a treaty at Fort Finney, on the Miami, January 31, 1786, promising allegiance to the United States, and were allow'ed a reservation. Thistrcaty did not include the Piankeshaws, as was at tir.st intended. These, refusing to live peaceably, stirred up the Shawa- nees, who began a scries of predatory excursions against the settlements. This led to an expedition against them and other restless tribes. Gen. Clarke commanded part of the army on that expedition. :^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 65 but got no farther than Vincennes, when, owing to the discontent of his Kentucky troops, he was obliged to return. Col. Benjamin Logan, how- ever, marched, at the head of four or five hundred mounted riflemen, into the Indian country, pene- trating as far as the head-waters of Mad River. He destroyed several towns, much corn, and took about eighty prisoners. Among these, was the chief of the nation, who was wantonly slain, greatly to Logan's regret, who could not restrain his men. His expedition taught the Indians sub- mission, and that they must adhere to their con- tracts. Meanwhile, the difficulties of the navigation of the Mississippi arose. Spain would not relinquish the right to control the entire southern part of the river, allowing no free navigation. She was secretly hoping to cause a revolt of the Western provinces, especially Kentucky, and openly favored such a move. She also claimed, by conquest, much of the land on the east side of the river. The slow move- ments of Congress; the failure of Virginia to properly protect Kentucky, and the inherent rest- lessness in some of the Western men, well-nigh precipitated matters, and, for a while, serious results were imminent. The Kentuckians, and, indeed, all the people of the West, were determined the river should be free, and even went so far as to raise a regiment, and forcibly seize Spanish prop- erty in the West. Great Britain stood ready, too, to aid the West should it succeed, providing it would make an alliance with her. But while the excitement was at its height, Washington coun- seled better ways and patience. The decisive tone of the new republic, though almost overwhelmed with a burden of debt, and with no credit, debarred the Spanish from too forcible measures to assert their claims, and held back the disloyal ones from attempting a revolt. New Tork, Massachusetts and Connecticut ceded their lands, and now the United States were ready to fulfill their promises of land grants, to the sol- diers who had preserved the nation. This did much to heal the breach in the West, and restore confidence there ; so that the Mississippi question was overlooked for a time, and Kentucky forgot her animosities. The cession of their claims was the signal for the formation of land companies in the East ; com- panies whose object was to settle the Western coun- try, and, at the same time, enrich the founders of the companies. Some of these companies had been formed in the old colonial days, but the recent war had put a stop to all their proceedings. Congress would not recognize their claims, and new com- panies, under old names, were the result. By such means, the Ohio Company emerged from the past, and, in 1786, took an active existence. Benjamin Tupper, a Revolutionary soldier, and since then a government .surveyor, who had been west as far as Pittsburgh, revived the question. He was prevented from prosecuting his surveys by hostile Indians, and returned to Massachvisetts. He broached a plan to Gen. Rufus Putnam, as to the renewal of their memorial of 1783, M'hich re- sulted in the publication of a plan, and inviting all those interested, to meet in February in their re- spective counties, and choose delegates to a con- vention to be held at the " Bunch-of-grapes Tav- ern." in Boston, on the first of March, 1780. On the day appointed, eleven persons appeared, and by the 3d of March an outline was drawn up, and subscriptions under it began at once. The leading features of the plan were : " A fund of $ 1 ,000,000, mainly in Continental certificates, was to be raised for the purpose of purchasing lands in the Western country; there were to be 1,000 shares of $1,000 each, and upon each share $10 in specie were to be paid for contingent expenses. One year's inter- est was to be appropriated to the charges of making a settlement, and assisting those unable to move without aid. The owners of every twenty shares were to choose an agent to represent them and attend to their interests, and the agents were to choose the directors. The plan was approved, and in a year's time from that date, the Company was organized."* By the time this Company was organized, all claims of the colonies in the coveted territory were done away with by their deeds of cession, Connect- icut being the last. While troubles were still existing south of the Ohio River, regarding the navigation of the Mis- sissippi, and many urged the formation of a sepa- rate, independent State, and while Congress and Washington were doing what they could to alia}- the feeling north of the Ohio, the New England associates were busily engaged, now that a Com- pany was formed, to obtain the land they wished to purchase. On the 8th of March, 1787, a meet- ing of the agents chose Gen. Parsons, Gen. Put- nam and the Rev. Mannasseh Cutler, Dii-ectors for the Company. The last selection was quite a fitting one for such an enterprise. Dr. Cutler was ■» HiBtorical CollectionB, [7: 66 HISTOKY OF OHIO. an accomplished scholar, an excellent gentleman, and a firm believer in freedom. In the choice of him as the agent of the Company, lies the fact, though unforeseen, of the beginning of anti-slavery in America. Through him the famous " compact of 1787," the true corner-stone of the Northwest, originated, and by him was safely passed. He was a good "wire-puller," too, and in this had an advantage. Mr. Hutchins was at this time the geographer for the United States, and was, prob- ably, the best-posted man in America regarding the West. Dr. Cutler learned from him that the most desirable portions were on the Muskingum River, north of the Ohio, and was advised by him to buy there if he could. Congress wanted money badly, and many of the members favored the plan. The Southern mem- bers, generally, were hostile to it, as the Doctor would listen to no grant which did not embody the New England ideas in the charter. These members were finally won over, some bribery be- ing used, and some of their favorites made officers of the Territory, whose formation was now going on. This took time, however, and Dr. Cutler, be- coming impatient, declared they would purchase from some of the States, who held small tracts in various parts of the West. This intimation brought the tardy ones to time, and, on the 23d of July, Congress authorized the Treasury Board to make the contract. On the 26th, Messrs. Cutler and Sargent, on behalf of the Company, stated in writing their conditions; and on the 27th, Con- gress referred their letter to the Board, and an order of the same date was obtained. Of this Dr. Cutler's journal says: " By this grant we obtained near five millions of acres of land, amounting to S3, 500,000; 1,500,- 000 acres for the Ohio Company, and the remainder for a private speculation, in which many of the principal characters of America are concerned. Without connecting this peculation, similar terms and advantages for the Ohio Company could not have been obtained." Messrs. Cutler and Sargent at once closed a ver- bal contract with the Treasury Board, which was executed in form on the 27th of the next Octo- ber.* By this contract, the vast region bounded on the south by the Ohio, west by the Scioto, east by the seventh range of townships then surveying, and north by a due west line, drawn from the north * Land Laws. boundary of the tenth township from the Ohio, direct to the Scioto, was sold to the Ohio associ- ates and their secret copartners, for $1 per acre, subject to a deduction of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. The whole tract was not, however, paid for nor taken by the Company — even their own portion of a million and a half acres, and extending west to the eighteenth range of townships, was not taken ; and in 1792, the boundaries of the purchase proper were fixed as follows : the Ohio on the south, the seventh range of townships on the east, the six- teenth range on the west, and a line on the north so drawn as to make the grant 750,000 acres, be- sides reservations ; this grant being the portion which it was originally agreed the Company might enter into at once. In addition to this, 214,285 acres were granted as army bounties, under the resolutions of 1779 and 1780, and 100,000 acres as bounties to actual settlers; both of the latter tracts being within the original grant of 1787, and adjoining the purchase as before mentioned. While these things were progressing, Congress was bringing into form an ordinance for the gov- ernment and social organization of the North- west Territory. Virginia made her cession in March, 1784, and during the month following the plan for the temporary government of the newly acquired territory came under discussion. On the 19th of April, Mr. Spaight, of North Carolina, moved to strike from the plan reported by Mr. Jefferson, the emancipationist of his day, a provis- ion for the prohibition of slavery north of the Ohio after the year 1800. The motion prevailed. From that day till the 23d, the plan was discussed and altered, and finally passed unanimously with the ex- ception of South Carolina. The South would have slavery, or defeat every measure. Thus this hide- ous monster early began to assert himself. By the proposed plan, the Territory was to have been diAaded into States by parallels of latitude and merid- ian lines. This division, it was thought, would make ten States, whose names were as follows, beginning at the northwest corner, and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cheresonisus, Assenispia, Metropotamia, Illinoia, Saratoga, Washington, Polypotamia and Pelisipia.* A more serious difficulty existed, however, to this plan, than its catalogue of names — the number of States and their boundaries. The root of the evil was in the resolution passed by Congress in October, * Spark's Washington. HISTOKY OF OHIO. 67 1780, -wlucli fixed the size of the States to be formed from the ceded lands, at one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles S(|uare. The terms of that resolu- tion being called up both by Virginia and Massa- chusetts, further legislation was deemed necessary to change them. July 7, 1786, this subject came up in Congi'ess, and a resolution passed in favor of a division into not less than three nor more than five States. Virginia, at the close of 1788, assented to this proposition, which became the basis upon which the division should be made. On the 29th of September, Congress having thus changed the plan for dividing the Northwestern Territory into ten States, proceeded again to consider the terms of an ordinance for the government of that region. At this juncture, the genius of Dr. Cutler displayed itself. A graduate in medicine, law and divinity ; an ardent lover of liberty ; a celebrated scientist, and an accomplished, portly gentleman, of whom the Southern senators said they had never before seen so fine a specimen from the New England colo- nies, no man was better prepared to form a govern- ment for the new Territory, than he. The Ohio Company was his real object. He was backed by them, and enough Continental money to purchase more than a million acres of land. This was aug- mented by other parties vintil, as has been noticed, he represented over five million acres. This would largely reduce the public debt. Jefierson aud Vir- ginia were regarded as authority concerning the land Virginia had just ceded to the General Gov- ernment. Jefi'erson's policy was to provide for the national credit, and still check the growth of slavery. Here was a good opportunity. Massachusetts owned the Territory of Maine, which she was crowd- ing into market. She opposed the opening of the Northwest. This stirred Virginia. The South caught the inspiration aud rallied around the Old Dominion and Dr. Cutler. Thereby he gained the credit and good will of the South, an auxiliary he used to good purpose. Massachusetts could not vote against him, because many of the constituents of her members wore interested in the Ohio Com- pany. Thus the Doctor, using all the arts of the lobbyist, was enabled to hold the situation. True to deeper convictions, he dictated one of the most com- pact and finished documents of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any statute-book. Jefferson gave it the term, "Articles of Compact," and rendered him valuable aid in its construction. This " Compact" preceded the Federal Constitution, in both of which are seen Jefferson's master-mind. Dr. Cutler followed closely the constitution of IMas- sachusetts, adopted three years before. The prom- inent features were : The exclusion of slavery from the Territory forever. Provision lor public schools, giving one township for a seminary, and every six- teenth section. ( That gave one tliirty-sixth of all the land for public education.^ A provision pro- hibiting the adoption of any constitution or the enactment of any law that would nullify pre-exist- ing contracts. The compact further declared that " Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall always be en- couraged." The Doctor planted himself firmly on this plat- form, and would not^'ield. It was that or nothing. Unless they could make the land desirable, it was not wanted, and, taking his horse aud buggj-, he started for the Constitutional Convention in Phil- adelphia. His influence succeeded. On the 13th of July, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage and was unanimously adopted. Every member from the South voted for it ; only one man, Mr. Yates, of New York, voted against the measure ; but as the vote was made by States, his vote was lost, and the " Compact of 1787 " was beyond re- peal. Thus the great States of the Northwest Territory were consecrated to freedom, intelligence and morality. This act was the opening step for freedom in America. Soon the South saw their blunder, aud endeavored, by all their power, to re- peal the compact. In 1803, Congress referred it to a committee, of which John Ilandt)lph was chairman. He reported the ordinance was a com- pact and could not be repealed. Thus it stood, like a rock, in the way of slavery, which still, in spite of these provisions, endeavored to plant that infernal institution in the "West. "Witness the early days of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. But the compact could not be violated ; New England ideas could not be put down, and her sons stood ready to defend the soil of the West from that curse. The passage of the ordinance and the grant of land to Dr. Cutler and his associates, were soon fol- lowed by a recjuest fi-om John Clove Synnues, of New Jersey, for the country between the IMiamis. Symmos had visited that part of the West in 1780, and, being pleased with the valleys of the 3Iiamis, had applied to the Board of the Treasury for their purchase, as soon as they were open to set- tlement. The Board was empowered to act by Congress, and, in 1788, a contract was signed, giv- ing liim the country he desired. The terms of his u* 68 HISTORY OF OHIO. purchase were similar to those of the Ohio Com- pany. His appHcation was followed by others, whose successorfailure will appear in the narrative. The New England or Ohio Company was all this time busily engaged perfecting its arrange- ments to occupy its lands. The Directors agreed to reserve 5,760 acres near the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum for a city and commons, for the old ideas of the English plan of settling a country yet prevailed. A meeting of the Direct- ors was held at Bracket's tavern, in Boston, No- vember 23, 1787, when four surveyors, and twen- ty-two attendants, boat-builders, carpenters, black- smiths and common workmen, numbering in all forty persons, were engaged. Their tools were purchased, and wagons were obtained to transport them across the mountains. Gren. Rufus Putnam was made superintendent of the company, and Ebenezer Sproat, of Rhode Island, Anselm Tup- per and John Matthews, from Massachusetts, and R. J. Meigs, from Connecticut, as surveyors. At the same meeting, a suitable person to instruct them in religion, and prepare the way to open a school when needed, was selected. This was Rev. Daniel Storey, who became the first New England minis- ter in the Northwest. The Indians were watching this outgrowth of aflfairs, and felt, from what thej^ could learn in Ken- tucky, that they would be gradually surrounded by the whites. This they did not relish, by any means, and gave the settlements south of the Ohio no little uneasiness. It was thought best to hold another treaty with them. In the mean time, to insure peace, the Governor of Virginia, and Con- gress, placed troops at Venango, Forts Pitt and Mcintosh, and at Miami, Vincennes, Louisville, and Muskingum, and the militia of Kentucky were held in readiness should a sudden outbreak occur. These measures produced no results, save insuring the safety of the whites, and not until January, 1789, was Clarke able to carry out his plans. During that month, he held a meeting at Fort Harmar,* at the mouth of the Muskingum, where the New England Colony expected to locate. The hostile character of the Indians did not deter the Ohio Company from carrying out its plans. In the winter of 1787, Gen. Rufus Put- *Fnrt Ilarmar wasbnilt in HSr), by a dotachment of United States soldiers, under CDnmiand of Maj. John Doughty. It was name?- 78 HISTORY OF OHIO. their towns on the approach of the army, and were congregating further northward. While engaged on Fort Defiance, Wayne received continual and full reports of the Indians — of their aid from Detroit and elsewhere; of the nature of the ground, and the circumstances, favorable or unfavorable. From all he cotild learn, and considering the spirits of his arm}, now thoroughly disciplined, he determined to march forward and settle matters at once. Yet, true to his own instincts, and to the measures of peace so forcibly taught by Washington, he sent Christ()])her Miller, who had been naturalized among the Shawanees, and taken prisoner by Wayne's spies, as a messenger of peace, offering terms of friendship. Unwilling to waste time, the troops began to move forward the 1 5th of August, and the next day met Miller with the message that if the Amer- icans would wait ten days at Auglaize the Indians woidd decide for peace or war. Wayne knew too well the Indian character, and answered the mes- sage by simply marching on. The 18th, the legion had advanced furty-one miles from Auglaize, and, being near the long-looked-for foe, began to take some measures for protection, should they be at- tacked. A slight breastwork, called Fort Deposit, wiis erected, wherein most of their heavy baggage was placed. They remained here, building their works, until the 2Uth, when, storing their baggage, the army began again its march. After advancing about five miles, they met a large force of the ene- my, two thousand strong, who fiercely attacked them. Wayne was, however, prepared, and in the short battle that ensued they were routed, and large numbers slain. The American loss was very slight. The horde of savages were put to flight, leaving the Americans victorious almost under the walls of the British garrison, under Maj. Campbell. This ofiicer sent a letter to Gen. Wayne, asking an explanation of his conduct in fighting so near, and in such evident hostility to the British. Wayne replied, telling him he was in a country that did not belong to him, and one he was not authorized to hold, and also charging him with aiding the Indians. A spirited corre- spondence followed, which ended in the American commander marching on, and devastating the In- dian country, even burning McKee's house and stores under the muzzles of the English guns. The 14lh of September, the army marched from Fort Defiance for the Miami village at the junc- tion of the St. ^Mary's and St. Joseph Rivers. It reached there on the 17th, and the next day Gen. Wayne selected a site for a fort. The 22d of Oc- tober, the fort was completed, and gan-isoned by a detachment under Maj. Hamtramck,who gave to it the name of Fort Wayne. The l-ith of October, the mounted Kentucky volunteers, who had be- come dissatisfied and mutinous, were started to Fort Washington, where they were immediately mustered out of service and discharged. The 28tli of October, the legion marched from Fort Wayne to Fort Greenville, where Gen. Wayne at once established his head(juarters. The campaign had been decisive and short, and had taught the Indians a severe lesson. The Brit- ish, too, had failed them in their hour of need, and now they began to see they had a foe to contend whose resources were exhaustless. Under these circumstances, losing faith in the English, and at last impressed with a respect for American power, after the defeat experienced at the hands of the ''Black Snake," the various tribes made up their minds, by degrees, to ask for peace. During the winter and spring, they exchanged prisoners, and made ready to meet Gen. Wayne at Greenville, in June, for the purpose of forming a definite treaty, as it had been agreed should be done by the pre- liminaries of January 2-1. During the month of June, 1795, representa- tives of the Northwestern tribes began to gather at Greenville, and, the 16th of the month, Gen. Wayne met in council the Delawares, Ottawas, Pottawato- mies and Eel River Indians, and the conferences, which lasted till August 10, began. The 21st of June, Buckongahelas arrived ; the 23d, Little Turtle and other Miamis ; the loth of July, Tarhe and other Wyandot chiefs ; and the 18th, Blue Jacket, and thii'teen Shawanees and Massas with twenty Chiiipewas. Most of these, as it appeared by their statements, had been tampered with by the English, especially by McKee, Girty and Brant, even after the pre- liminaries of January 24, and while Mr. Jay was perfecting his treaty. They had, however, all de- termined to make peace with the "Thirteen Fires," and although some difficulty as to the ownership of the lands to be ceded, at one time seemed likely to arise, the good sense of Wayne and tlie leading chiefs prevented it, and, the odth of July, the treaty was agreed to which should bury the hatchet for- ever. Between that day and the 3d of August, it was engrossed, and, having been signed by the various nations upon the day last named, it was finally acted upon the 7th, and the presents from HISTORY OF OHIO. 79 the United States distributed. The basis of this treaty was the previous one made at Fort Harmar. The boundaries made at that time were re-affirmed ; the whites were secured on the hinds now occu- pied by them or secured by former treaties ; and among all the assembled nations, presents, in value not less than one thousand pounds, were distributed to each through its representatives, many thousands in all. The Indians were allowed to remove and punish intruders on their lands, and were permitted to hunt on the ceded lands. " This great and abiding peace document wa.s signed by the various tribes, and dated August 3, 1795. It was laid before the Senate December 9, and ratified the 22d. So closed the old Indian wars in the West." * * Annals of the West." CHAPTER VIIL JAY'S TREATY— THE QUESTION OF STATE RIGHTS AND NATIONAL SUPREMACY — EXTENSION OF OHIO SETTLEMENTS— LAND CLAIMS— SPANISH BOUNDARY QUESTION. WHILE these six years of Indian wars were in progress, Kentucky was admitted as a State, and Piuckney's treaty with Spain was com- pleted. This last occurrence was of vital impor- tance to the West, as it secured the free navigation of the Mississippi, charging only a fair price for the storage of goods at Spanish ports. This, though not all that the Americans wished, was a great gain in their favor, and did much to stop those agitations regarding a separation on the part of Kentucky. It also quieted affairs further south than Kentucky, in the Georgia and South Carolina Territory, and put an end to French and Spanish intrigue for the Western Territory. The treaty was signed November 24, 1794. Another treaty was concluded by Mr. John Jay between the two governments, Lord Greenville representing the English, and Mr. Jay, the Ameri- cans. The negotiations lasted from April to November 19, 1795, when, on that day, the treaty was signed and duly recognized. It decided effectually all the questions at issue, and was the signal for the removal of the Rritish troops from the Northwestern outposts. This was effected as soon as the proper transfers could be made. The second article of the treaty provided that, " His ]Majesty will withdraw all his troops and garrisons from all posts and places within the boundary lines assigned by the treaty of peace to the United States. This evacuation shall take place on or before the 1st day of June, 179(5, and all the proper measures shall be taken, in the interval, by concert, between the Government of the United States and His INIajesty's Governor General in America, for settling the previous arrangements which may be ne.cessary respecting the delivery of the said posts; the United States, in the mean time, at their discretion, extending their settle- ments to any part within the said boundary line, exce{>t within the precincts or jurisdiction of any of the said posts. ''AH settlers and all traders within the precincts or jurisdiction of the said posts shall continue to enjoy, unmolested, all their property of every kind, and shall be protected therein. They shall be at full liberty to remain there or to remove with all, or any part, of their effects, or retain the property thereof at their discretion ; such of them as shall continue to reside within the said boundary lines, shall not be compelled to become citizens of the United States, or take any oath of allegiance to the Government thereof; but they shall be at full liberty so to do, if they think proper ; they shall make or declare their election one year after the evacuation aforesaid. And all persons who shall continue therein after the expiration of the said year, without having declared their intention of remaining subjects to His Britannic Majesty, shall be considered as having elected to become citizens of the United States." The Indian war had settled all fears from that source ; the treaty with Great Britain had estab- lished the boundaries between the two countries and secured peace, and the treaty with Spain had secured the privilege of na\ngating the ^Mississippi, by paying only a nominal sum. It had also bound the people of the West together, and ended the old separation question. There was no danger from that now. Another difficulty arose, however, relatinsr to the home rule, and the organization of -<' 80 HISTORY OF OHIO. the home government. There were two parties in the country, known as Federalist and Anti-Federal- ist. One favored a central government, whose au- thority should be supreme ; the other, only a compact, leaving the States supreme. The worth- lessuess of the old colonial system became, daily, more apparent. While it existed no one felt safe. There was no prospect of paying the debt, and, hence, no credit. When Mr. Ilauiilton, Secretary of the Treasury, offered his financial plan to the country, favoring centralization, it met, in many places, violent opposition. Washington was strong- enough to carry it out, and gave evidence that he would do so. When, therefore, the excise law passed, and taxes on whisky were collected, an open revolt occurred in Pennsylvania, known as the " Whisky Insurrection." It was put down, finally, by military power, and the malcontents made to know that the United States was a gov- ernment, not a compact liable to rupture at any time, and by any of its members. It taught the entire nation a lesson. Centralization meant pres- ervation. Should a " compact " form of government prevail, then anarchy and ruin, and ultimate sub- jection to some foreign power, met their view. That they had just fought to dispel, and must it all go for naught ? The people saw the rulers were right, and gradually, over the West, spread a spirit antagonistic to State supremacy. It did not revive till Jackson's time, when he, with an iron hand and iron will, crushed out the evil doctrine of State supremacy. It revived again in the late war, again to be crushed. It is to be hoped that ever thus will be its fate. " The Union is insepa- rable," said the Government, and the people echoed the words. During the war, and while all these events had been transpiring, settlements had been taking place upon the Ohio, which, in their influence upon the Northwest, and especially upon the State, as soon a.s it was created, were deeply felt. The A'^irginia and the Connecticut Reserves were at this time peopled, and, also, that part of the Miami Valley about Dayton, which city dates its origin from that period. As early as 1787, the reserved lands of the Old Dominion north of the Ohio were examined, and, in August of that year, entries were made. As no good title could be obtained from Congress at this time, the .settlement practically ceased until 1790, when the prohibition to enter them was withdrawn. As soon as that was done, surveying betjan airain. Nathaniel Massie was amon"; the foremost men in the survey of this tract, and lo- cating the lands, laid oft" a town about twelve miles above Maysville. The place was called Manchester, and yet exists. From this point, Massie continued through all the Indian war, despite the danger, to survey the surrounding country, and prepare it for settlers. Connecticut had, as has been stated, ceded her lands, save a tract extending one hundred and twenty miles beyond the western boundary of Pennsylvania. Of this Connecticut Ileserve, so far as the Indian title was extinguished, a survey was ordered in October, 1786, and an oflice opened for its disposal. Part was soon sold, and, in 1792, half a million of acres were given to those citizens of Connecticut who had lost property by the acts of the British troops during the lievolutionary war at New London, New Haven and elsewhere. These lands thereby became known as " Fire lands " and the "Sufferer's lands," and were located in the western part of the Reserve. In May, 1795, the Connecticut Legislature authorized a committee to dispose of the remainder of the Reserve. Before autumn the committee sold it to a company known as the Connecticut Land Company for $1,200,000, and about the 5th of September quit-claimed the land to the Company. The same day the Company received it, it sold 3,000,000 acres to John Mor- gan, John Caldwell and Jonathan Brace, in trust. Upon these quit-claim titles of the land all deeds in the Reserve are based. Surveys were com- menced in 1796, and, by the close of the next year, all the land east of the Cuyahoga was divided into townships five miles square. The agent of the Connecticut Land Company was Gren. Moses Cleve- land, and in his honor the leading city of the Re- serve was named. That township and five others were reserved for private sale; the balance were disposed of by lottery, the first drawing occurring in February, 1798. Dayton resulted from the treaty made by Wayne. It came out of the boundary ascribed to Symnies, and for a while all such lands were not recognized as sold by Congress, owing to the failure of Symmes and his associates in paying for them. Thereby there existed, for a time, considerable un- easiness regarding the title to these lands. In 1799, Congress was induced to Issue patents to the actual settlers, and thus secure them in their pre- emption. Seventeen days after Wayne's treaty, St. Clairs Wilkinson, Jonathan Dayton and Israel Ludlow contracted with Symmes for the seventh and eighth 3?: :V a 4^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 83 ranges, between Mad River and the Little Miami. Three settlements were to be made: one at the mouth of Mad River, one on the Little Miami, in the seventh range, and another on Mad River. On the 21st of September, 1795, Daniel C. Cooper started to survey and mark out a road in the pur- chase, and John Duulap to run its boundaries, which was completed before October 4. On No- vember 4, Mr. Ludlow laid off the town of Day- ton, which, like land in the Connecticut Reserve, was sold by lottery. A gigantic scheme to purchase eighteen or twenty million acres in jMichigan, and then pro- cure a good title from the Government — who alone had such a right to procure land — by giving mem- bers of Congress an interest in the investment, appeared shortly after Wayne's treaty. When some of the members were approached, however, the real spirit of the scheme appeared, and, instead of gaining ground, led to the exposure, resulting in the reprimanding severely of Robert Randall, the principal mover in the whole plan, and in its speedy disappearance. Another enterprise, equally gigantic, also ap- peared. It was, however, legitimate, and hence successful. On the 20th of February, 1795, the North American Land Company was formed in Philadelphia, under the management of such pat- riots as Robert Morris, John Nicholson and James Greenleaf This Company purchased large tracts in the West, which it disposed of to actual settlers, and thereby aided greatly in populating that part of the country. Before the close of 1795, the Governor of the Territory, and his Judges, published sixty-four statutes. Thirty-four of these were adopted at Cincinnati during June, July and August of that year. They were known as the Maxwell code, from the name of the publisher, but were passed by Governor St. Clair and Judges Symmes and Turner. Among them was that which provided that the common law of England, and all its stat- utes, made previous to the fourth year of James the First, should be in full force within the Terri- tory. "Of the system a.s a whole," says Mr. Case, " with its many imperfections, it may be doubted that any colony, at so early a period after its first establishment, ever had one so good and applicable to all." The Union had now safely passed through its most critical period after the close of the war of independence. The danger from an irruption of its own members; of a war or alliance of its West- ern portion with France and Spain, and many other perplexing questions, were now eflectually settled, and the population of the Territory began rapidly to increase. Before the close of the year 179G, the Northwest contained over five thousand inhabitants, the requisite number to entitle it to one representative in the national Congress. Western Pennsylvania also, despite the various conflicting claims regarding the land titles in that part of the State, began rapidly to fill with emigrants. The "Triangle" and the " Struck District " were surveyed and put upon the market under the act of 1792. Treaties and purchases from the various Indian tribes, obtained control of the remainder of the lands in that part of the State, and, by 1796, the State owned all the land within its boundaries. Towns were laid off, land put upon the market, so that by the year 1800, the western part of the Keystone State was divided into eight counties, viz., Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango and Armstrong. Theordinance relative to the survey and dis- posal of lands in the Northwest Territory has already been given. It was adhered to, save in minor cases, where necessity required a slight change. The reservations were recognized by Congress, and the titles to them all confirmed to the "gi-antees. Thus, Clarke and his men, the Connecticut Reserve, the Refugee lands, the French inhabitants, and all others holding patents to land from colonial or foreign governments, were all confirmed in their rights and protected in their titles. Before the close of 1796, the upper North- western posts were all vacated by the British, under the terms of Mr. Jay's treaty. Wayne at once transferred his headquarters to Detroit, where a county was named for him, including the north- western part of Ohio, the northeast of Indiana, and the whole of Michigan. The occupation of the Territory by the Ameri- cans gave additional impulse to emigration, and a better feeling of security to emigrants, who fol- lowed closely upon the path of the army. Na- thaniel Mas.-ie, who has already been noticed as the founder of iManchestcr, laid out the town of Chillicothe, on the Scioto, in 1796. Before the close of the year, it contained several stores, shops, a tavern, and was well populated. With the increase of settlement and the security guar- anteed by the treaty of Greenville, the arts of civilized life began to appear, and their influence upon pioneers, especially those born on the frontier, ^ began to manifest itself. Better dwellings, schools, churehes, dress and manners prevailed. Life began to assume a reality, and lost mucb of that recklessness engendered by the habits of a frontier life. Cleveland, Cincinnati, the Miami, the IMus- kiugum and the Scioto Valleys were filling with people. Cincinnati had more than one hundred log cabins, twelve or fifteen frame houses and a population of more than sis hundred persons. In 1796, the first house of worship for the Presby- terians in that city was built. Before the close of the same year, INIanchester contained over thirty families ; emigrants from A'irginia were going up all the valleys from the Ohio; and Ebenczer Zane had opened a bridle- path from the Ohio River, at WheeUng, across the country, by Chillicothe, to Limestone, Ky. The next year, the United States mail, for the first time, traversed this route to the West. Zane was given a section of land for his path. The popu- lation of the Territory, estimated at from five to eight thousand, was chiefly distributed in lower valleys, bordering on the Ohio River. The French still occupied the Illinois country, and were the principal inhabitants about Detroit. South of the Ohio River, Kentucky was pro- gressing favorably, while the " Southwestern Ter- ritory," ceded to the United States by North Carolina in 1790, had so rapidly populated that, in 1793, a Territorial form of government was allowed. The ordinance of 1787, save the clause prohibiting slavery, was adopted, and the Territory- named Tennessee. On June 6, 1796, the Terri- tory contained more than seventy-five thousand inhabitants, and was admitted into the LTnion as a State. Four years after, the census showed a population of 105,602 souls, including 13,584 slaves and persons of color. The same year Tennessee became a State, Samuel Jackson and Jonathan Sharpless erected the Redstone Paper Mill, four miles cast of Brownsville, it being the first manufactory of the kind west of the Alle- ghanies. In the month of December, 1796, Gen. Wayne, who had done so much for the development of the West, while on his way from Detroit to Philadel- phia, was attacked with sickness and died in a cabin near Eric, in the north part of Pennsylvania. He was nearly fifty-one years old, and was one of the bravest officers in the Revolutionary Avar, and one of America's truest patriots. In 1809, his remains were removed from Erie, by his sou, Col. Isaac Wayne, to the Radnor churchyard, near the place of his birth, and an elegant monument erected on his tomb by the Pennsylvania Cincinnati So- ciety. After the death of Wayne, Gen. Wilkinson was appointed to the command of the Western army. AVliile he was in command, Carondelct, the Spanish governor of West Florida and Louisiana, made one more effort to separate the Union, and set up either an independent government in the West, or, what was more in accord with his wishes, effect a union with the Spanish nation. In June, 1797, he sent Power again into the Northwest and into Kentucky to sound the existing feeling. Now, however, they were not easily won over. The home government was a certainty, the breaches had been healed, and Power was compelled to abandon the mission , not, however, until he had received a severe reprimand from many who saw through his plan, and openly exposed it. His mission closed the efforts of the Spanish authorities to attempt the dismemberment of the Union, and showed them the coming downfall of their power in Amer- ica. They were obliged to surrender the posts claimed by the United States under the treaty of 1795, and not many years after, sold their Amer- ican possessions to the United States, rather than see a rival European power attain control over them. On the 7th of April, 1798, Congress passed an act, appointing Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, Governor of the Territory of the Mississippi, formed the same day. In 1801, the boundary between America and the Spanish pos- sessions was definitely fixed. The Spanish retired from the disputed territory, and henceforward their attempts to dissolve the American U^nion ceased. The seat of the jMississippi Territory was fixed at Loftus Heights, six miles north of the thirty-first degi'ee of latitude. The appointment of Sargent to the charge of the Southwest Territory, led to the choice of William Henry Harrison, wdio had been aid-de-camp to Gen. Wayne in 1794, and whose character stood very high among the people of the West, to the Secretaryship of the Northwest, which place he held until appointed to represent that Territory in Con- Kress. HISTORY OF OHIO. 85 CHAPTER IX. FIRST TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS— DIVISION OF THE TERRITORY— FORMA- TION OF STATES— MARIETTxV SETTLEMENT— OTHER SETTLEMENTS— SETTLEMENTS IN THE WESTERN RESERVE — SETTLEMENT OF THE CENTRAL VALLEYS- FURTHER ^^ETTLEMENTS IN THE RESERVE AND ELSEWHERE. THE ordinance of 1787 provided that as soon as there were 5,000 persons in the Territory, it was entitled to a representative assembly. On October 29, 1798, Governor St. Clair gave notice by proclamation, that the required population ex- isted, and directed that an election be held on the third Monday in December, to choose representa- tives. These representatives were required, when assembled, to nominate ten persons, whose names were sent to the President of the United States, who selected five, and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed them for the legislative council. In this mode the Northwest passed into the second grade of a Territorial government. The representatives, elected under the proclama- tion of St. Clair, met in Cincinnati, January 22, 1799, and under the provisions of the ordinance of 1787, nominated ten persons, whose names were sent to the President. On the 2d of March, he selected from the list of candidates, the names of Jacob Burnet, James Findlay, Henry Vander- burgh, Robert Oliver and David Vance. The next day the Senate confirmed their nomination, and the first legislative council of the Northwest Territoiy was a reality. The Territorial Legislature met again at Cincin- nati, September 10, but, for want of a quorum, was not organized until the 24th of that month. The House of Representatives consisted of nine- teen members, of whom seven were from Hamilton County, four from Ross — erected by St. Clair in 1798; three from Wayne — erected in 179G; two from Adams — erected in 1797; one from Jeffer- son — erected in 1797; one from Washington — erected in 1788 ; and one from Knox — Indiana Territory. None seem to have been present fi-om St. Clair County (Illinois Territory). After the organization of the liCgislature, Gov- ernor St. Clair addressed the two houses in the Rep- resentatives' Chamber, recommending such meas- ures as, in his judgment, were suited to the con- dition of the country and would advance the safety and prosperity of the people. The Legislature continued in session till the 19th of December, when, having finished their business, they were prorogued by the Governor, by their own request, till the first Monday in November, 1800. This being the first session, there was, of necessity, a great deal of business to do. The transition from a colonial to a semi-independent form of government, called for a general revision as well as a considerable enlargement of the stat- ute-book. Some of the adopted laws were re- pealed, many others altered and amended, and a long list of new ones added to the code. New offices were to be created and filled, the duties at- tached to them prescribed, and a plan of waj's and means devised to meet the increased expenditures, occasioned by the change which had now occurred. As Mr. Burnet was the principal lawyer in the Council, much of the revision, and putting the laws into proper legal form, devolved upon him. He seems to have been well fitted for the place, and to have performed the laborious task in an excel- lent manner. The whole number of acts passed and approved by the Governor, was thirty-seven. The most im- portant related to the militia, the administration of justice, and to taxation. During the session, a bill authorizing a lottery was passed by the council, but rejected by the Legislature, thus interdicting this demoralizing feature of the disposal of lands or for other purposes. The example has always been followed by subse((uent legislatures, thus honorably characterizing the Assembly of Ohio, in this re- spect, an example Kentucky and several other States might well emulate. Before the Assembly adjourned, they issued a congratulatory address to the people, enjoining them to " Inculcate the principles of humanity, benevolence, honesty and punctuality in dealing, sincerity and charity, and all the social aflfections." At the same time, they issued an address to the President, expressing entire confidence in the wis- dom and purity of his government, and their warm attachment to the American Constitution. 3- ' >> 86 HISTORY OF OHIO. The vote on this address proved, however, that the differences of opinion agitating the Eastern States had penetrated the West. Eleven Representatives voted for it, and five against it. One of the important duties that devolved on this Legislature, was the election of a delegate to Congress. As soon as the Governor's proclama- tion made its appearance, the election of a person to fill that position excited general attention. Be- fore the meeting of the Legislature public opinion had settled down on William Henry Harrison, and Arthur St. Clair, Jr., who eventually were the only candidates. On the 3d of October, the two houses met and proceeded to a choice. Eleven votes were cast for Harrison, and ten for St. Clair. The Leg- islature prescribed the form of a certificate of the election, which was given to Harrison, who at once resigned his office as Secretary of the Territory, proceeded to Philadelphia, and took his seat. Con- gress being then in session. " Though he represented the Territory but one year, " says Judge Burnett, in his notes, " he ob- tained some important advantages for his constitu- ents. He introduced a resolution to sub-divide the surveys of the public lands, and to offer them for sale in smaller tracts ; he succeeded in getting that measure through both houses, in opposition to the interest of speculators, who were, and who wished to be, the retailers of the land to the poorer classes of the community. His proposition be- came a law, and was hailed as the most beneficent act that Congress had ever done for the Territory. It put in the power of every industrious man, how- ever poor, to become a freeholder, and to lay a foundation for the future support and comfort of his family. At the same session, he obtained a liberal extension of time for the pre-emptioners in the northern part of the Miami purchase, which enabled them to secure their farms, and eventually to become independent, and even wealthy." The first session, as has been noticed, closed December 19. Gov. St. Clair took occasion to enumerate in his speech at the close of the session, eleven acts, to which he saw fit to apply his veto. These he had not, however, returned to the Assem- bly, and thereby saved a long struggle between the executive and legislative branches of the Territory. Of the eleven acts enumerated, six related to the formation of new counties. These were mainly disproved by St Clair, as he always sturdily main- tained that the power to erect new counties was vested alone in the Executive. This free exercise of the veto power, especially in relation to new counties, and his controversy with the Legislature, tended only to strengthen the popular discontent regarding the Governor, who was never fully able to regain the standing he held before his in- glorious defeat in his campaign against the Indians. While this was being agitated, another question came into prominence. Ultimately, it settled the powers of the two branches of the government, and caused the removal of St. Clair, then very distasteful to the people. The opening of the present century brought it fully before the people, who began to agitate it in all their assemblies. The great extent of the Territory made the operations of government extremely uncertain, and the power of the courts practically worthless. Its division was, therefore, deemed best, and a committee was appointed by CongTess to inquire into the matter. This committee, the 3d of March, 18U0, reported upon the subject that, "In the three western counties, there has been but one court having cognizance of crimes in five years. The imnuuiity which offenders experience, attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and aban- doned criminals, and, at the same time, deters useful and virtuous citizens from making settle- ments in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assistance is experienced in civil as well as criminal cases. The supplying to vacant places such necessary oflScers as may be wanted, such as clerks, recorders and others of like kind, is, from the impossibility of correct notice and information, utterly neglected. This Territory is exposed as a frontier to foreign nations, whose agents can find sufficient interest in exciting or fomenting insurrection and discontent, as thereby they can more easily divert a valuable trade in furs from the United States, and also have a part thereof on which they border, which feels so little the cherisliing hand of their proper gov- ernment, or so little dreads its energy, as to render their attachment pei-fectly uncertain and am- biguous. " The committee would further suggest, that the law of the 3d of March, 1791, granting land to certain persons in the western part of said Ter- ritory, and directing the laying-out of the same, remains unexecuted; that great discontent, in consequence of such neglect, is excited in those who are interested in the provisions of said laws, which require the innnediate attention of this Legislature. To minister a remedy to these evils, it occurs to this committee, that it is expedient V [^i.: HISTORY OF OHIO. that a division of said Territory into two distinct and separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made by a line beginning at the mouth of the great jNIiami River, running directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States and Canada." * The recommendations of the committee were favorably received by Congress, and, the 7th of May, an act was passed dividing the Ter- ritory. The main provisions of the act are as follows : "That, from and after the 4th of July next, all that part of the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward of a line beginning at the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north until it intersects the territorial line between the United States and Canada, shall, for the purpose of tem- porary government, constitute a separate Territory, and be called the Indiana Territory. " There shall be established within the said Ter- ritory a government, in all respects similar to that provided by the ordinance of Congress passed July 13, 1797." t The act further provided for representatives, and for the establishment of an assembly, on the same plan as that in force in the Northwest, stipulating that until the number of inhabitants reached five thousand, the whole number of representatives to the General Assembly should not be less than seven, nor more than nine ; apportioned by the Governor among the several counties in the new Terri- tory. The act further provided that " nothing in the act should be so construed, so as in any manner to affect the government now in force in the terri- tory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River, further than to prohibit the exercise thereof within the Indiana Territory, from and after the aforesaid 4th of July next. " Whenever that part of the territory of the United States, which lies to the eastward of a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, and running thence due north to the territorial line between the United States and Canada, shall be erected into an independent State, and admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the orig- inal States; thenceforth said line shall become and remain permanently, the boundary line between such State and the Indiana Territory." ♦Ameri-'an State Papers. tLand Laws. It was further enacted, " that, until it shall be otherwise enacted by the legislatures of the said territories, respectively, Chillicothe, on the Scioto River, shall be the seat of government of the ter- ritory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River ; and that St. Vincent's, on the Wabash River, shall be the seat of government for the Indiana Territory." * St. Clair was continued as Governor of the old Territory, and William Henry Harrison appointed Governor of the new. Connecticut, in ceding her territory in the West to the General Government, reserved a portion, known as the Connecticut Reserve. When she afterward disposed of her claim in the manner narrated, the citizens found themselves without any government on which to lean for support. At that time, settlements had begun in thirty-five of the townships into which the Reserve had been divided ; one thousand persons had established homes there ; mills had been built, and over seven hundred miles of roads opened. In 1800, the settlers petitioned for acceptance into the Union, as a part of the Northwest; and, the mother State releasing her judi- ciary claims. Congress accepted the trust, and granted the request. In December, of that year, the population had so increased that the county of Trumbull was erected, including the Reserve. Soon after, a large number of settlers came from Pennsylvania, from which State they had been driven by the dispute concerning land titles in its western part. Unwilling to cultivate land to which they could only get a doubtful deed, they abandoned it, and came where the titles were sure. Congress having made Chillicothe the capital of the Northwest Territory, as it now existed, on the 3d of November the General Assembly met at that place. Gov. St. Clair had been made to feel the odium cast upon his previous acts, and, at the open- ing of this session, expressed, in strong terms, his disapprobation of the censure cast upon him. He had endeavored to do his duty in all cases, he said, and yet held the confidence of the President and Congress. He still held the ofiice, notwithstanding the strong dislike against him. At the second session of the Assembly, at Chil- licothe, held in the autumn of 1801, so much out- spoken enmity was expi*essed, and so much abuse heaped upon the Governor and the Assembly, that a law was passed, removing the capital to Cincinnati * Land Laws. J^ '-^ HISTORY OF OHIO. a^rain. It was not destined, however, that the 'l\'rritorial Assembly should meet ai;ain anywhere. The unpopularity of the Governor eaused many to long for a State government, where they could choose their own rulers. The unpopularity of St. Clair arose partly from the feeling connected with his defeat; in part from his being connected with the Federal party, fast falling into disrepute; and, in part, from his assuming powers which most thought he had no right to exercise, especially the power of subdividing the counties of the Terri- tory. The opposition, though powerful out of the Assembly, was in the minority there. During the month of December, lS01,it was forced to protest against a measure brought forward in the Council, for changing the ordinance of 1787 in such a man- ner as to make the Scioto, and a line drawn from the intersection of that river and the Indian boundary to the western extremity of the Reserve, the limits of the most eastern State, to be formed from the Territory. Had this change been made, the formation of a State government beyond the Ohio would have been long delayed. Against it, llepresentativesWorthington,Langham, Darlington, Mas.sie, Duulavy and Morrow, recorded their pro- test. Not content with this, they sent Thomas Worthington, who obtained a leave of absence, to the scat of government, on behalf of the objectors, there to protest, before Congress, against the pro- posed boundary. While Worthington was on his way, Massie presented, the -Ith of January, 1802, a resolution for choosing a committee to address Congress in respect to the proposed State govern- ment. This, the next day, the House refused to do, by a vote of twelve to five. An attempt was next made to procure a census of the Ter- ritory, and an act for that purpose passed the House, but the Council po.stponed the considera- tion of it until the next session, which would com- mence at Cincinnati, the fourth Monday of No- vember. 3Icanwhile, Worthington pursued the ends of his mission, using his influence to effect that organ- ization, "which, terminating the influence of t3T- anny," was to "meliorate the circumstances of thou- sands, by freeing them from the domination of a despotic chief." His efforts were successful, and, the 4th of March, a report was made to the House in favor of authorizing a State convention. This report was based on the assumption that there were now over sixty thousand inhabitants in the proposed boundaries, estimating that emigration had increased the census of 1800, which gave the Ter- ritory forty-five thousand inhabitants, to that num- ber. The convention was to ascertain whether it were expedient to form such a government, and to prepare a constitution if such organization were deemed best. In the formation of the State, a change in the boundaries was proposed, by which all the territor}^ north of a line drawn due east from the head of Lake IMichigan to Lake Erie was to be excluded from the new government about to be called into existence. The committee appointed by Congress to report upon the feasibility of forming the State, suggested that Congress reserve out of every township sections numbered 8, 11, 26 and 29, for their own use, and that Section 16 be reserved for the maintenance of schools. The committee also suggested, that, "religion, education and morality being necessary to the good government and happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged." Various other recommendations were given by the committee, in accordance with which. Congress, April 30, passed the resolution authorizing the calling of a convention. As this accorded with the feelings of the majority of the inhabitants of the Northwest, no opposition was experienced ; even the Legislature giving way to this embryo gov- ernment, and fiiiling to assemble according to ad- journment. The convention met the 1st of November. Its members were generally Jeff"ei'sonian in their na- tional politics, and had been opposed to the change of boundaries proposed the year before. Before proceeding to business. Gov. St. Clair proposed to address them in his official character. This propo- sition was resisted by several of the members; but, after a motion, it was agreed to allow him to speak to them as a citizen. St. Clair did so, advising the postjioncment of a State government until the people of the original eastern division were plainly entitled to demand it, and were not subject to be bound by conditions. This advice, given as it was, caused Jefferson instantly to remove St. Clair, at which time his office ceased.* " When the vote was taken," says Judge Burnet, "upon doing what * After thia, St. Clair returtied to his old home in the Ligonier Valley, Pennsjivania, where he HvimI with hia children in almost abject poverty. He had lost money in his public life, as he gave close attention to public affairs, to the detriment of his own business. He presented a claim to Congress, afterward, for supplies furniflied to the army, but the claim was outlawed. After trying in vain to get the claim allowed, he returned to his home. Pennsylvania, learning of his distress, gr.anted hini an annuity of S^ifil), alterward raised to Sli'^O. He lived to eTijoy this but a short time, bis death occurring August 31, 1818. He was eighty-four years of age. -:f: HISTOKY OF OHIO. 89 he advised them not to do, but one of thirty-three (Ephraim Cutler, of Washington County) voted with the Governor." On one point only were the proposed boundaries of the new State altered. " To every person who has attended to this sub- ject, and who has consulted the maps of the West- ern country extant at the time the ordinance of 1787 was passed, Lake Michigan was believed to be, and was represented by all the maps of that day as being, very far north of the position which it has since been ascertained to occupy. I have seen the map in the Department of State which was before the committee of Congress who framed and reported the ordinance for the government of the Territory. On that map, the southern bound- ary of Michigan was represented as being above the forty-second degree of north latitude. And there was a pencil line, said to have been made by the committee, passing through the southern bend of the lake to the Canada line, which struck the strait not far below the town of Detroit. The line was manifestly intended by the committee and by Congress to be the northern boundary of our State; and, on the principles by which courts of chancery construe contracts, accompanied by plats, it would seem that the map, and the line referred to, should be conclusive evidence of our boundary, without reference to the real position of the lakes. "When the convention sat, in 1802, the under- derstanding was, that the old maps were nearly correct, and that the line, as defined in the ordi- nance, would terminate at some point on the strait above the Maumee Bay. While the convention was in session, a man who had hunted many years on Lake ^lichigan, and was well acquainted with its position, happened to be in Chillicothe, and, in conversation with one of the members, told him that the lake extended much farther south than was genei'ally supposed, and that a map of the country which he had seen, placed its southern bend many miles north of its tnie position. This information excited some uneasiness, and induced the convention to modify the clause describing the north boundary of the new Stste, so as to guard against its being depressed below the most north- ern cape of the Maumee Bay."* With this change and some extension of the school and road donations, the convention agreed to the proposal of Congress, and, November 29, Historical Transactions of Ohio. — Judge Bi'rnett. their agreement was ratified and signed, as was also the constitution of the State of Ohio — so named from its river, called by the Shawanees Ohio, meaning beautiful — forming its southern bound- ary. Of this nothing need be said, save that it bore the marks of true democratic feeling — of full faith in the people. By them, however, it was never voted for. It stood firm until 1852, when it was superseded by the present one, made neces- sary by the advance of time. The Greneral Assembly was required to meet at Chillicothe, the first Tuesday of March, 1803. This change left the territory northwest of the Ohio River, not included in the new State, in the Territories of Indiana and Michigan. Subse- quently, in 181G, Indiana was made a State, and confined to her pi'esent limits. Illinois was made a Territory then, including Wisconsin. In 1818, it became a State, and Wisconsin a Territory at- tached to Michigan. This latter was made a State in 1837, and Wisconsin a separate Territory, which, in 1847, was made a State. IMinnesota was made a Territory the same year, and a State in 1857, and the five contemplated States of the territory were complete. Preceding pages have shown how the territory north of the Ohio Iliver was peopled by the French and English, and how it came under the rule of the American people. The war of the Revolution closed in 1783, and left all x\merica in the hands of a new nation. That nation brought a change. Before the war, various attempts had been made by residents in New England to people the country west of the Alleghanies. Land com- panies were formed, principal among which were the Ohio Company, and the company of which John Cleves Symmes was the agent and chief owner. Large tracts of land on the Scioto and on the Ohio were entered. The Ohio Company were the first to make a settlement. It was or- ganized in the autumn of 1787, November 27. They made arrangements for a party of foi'ty-seven men to set out for the West under the supervision of Gen. Rufus Putnam, Superintendent of the Com- pany. Early in the winter they advanced to the Youghiogheny River, and there built a strong boat, which they named "3Iayflower." It was built by Capt. Jonathan Devol, the first ship-builder in the We.st, and, when completed, was placed under his command. The boat was launched April 2, 1788, and the band of pioneers, like the Pilgrim Fathers, began their voyage. The 7th of the month, they arrived at the mouth of the Muskingum, 1£ 90 HISTORY OF OHIO. their destination, opposite Fort Harmar,* erected in the autumn of 1785, by a detachment of United States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, and, at the date of the Mayflower's arrival in possession of a company of soldiers. Under the protection of these troops, the little band of men began their labor of laying out a town, and commenced to erect houses for their own and subsequent emigrants' occupation. The names of these pioneers of Ohio, as far as can now be learned, are as follows: Gen. Putnam, Return Jonathan Meigs, Win- throp Sargeant ( Secretary of the Territory ), Judges Parsons and Varnum, Capt. Dana, Capt. Jonathan Devol, Joseph Barker, Col. Battelle, Maj. Tyler, Dr. True, Capt. Wm. Gray, Capt. Lunt, the Bridges, Ebenezer and Thomas Cory, Andrew Mc- Clure, Wm. Mason, Thomas Lord, Wm. Gridley, Gilbert Devol, Moody Russels, Deavens, Cakes, Wright, Clough, Green, Shipman, Dorance, the Masons, and others, whose names are now be- yond recall. On the 19th of July, the first boat of families arrived, after a nine-weeks journey on the way. They had traveled in their wagons as far as Wheel- ing, where they built large flat-boats, into which they loaded their efibcts, including their cattle, and thence passed down the Ohio to their destination. The families were those of Gen. Tupper, Col. Ichabod Nye, Col. Cushing, Maj. Coburn, and Maj. Goodale. In these titles the reader will ob- serve the preponderance of military distinction. Many of the founders of the colony had served with much valor in the war for freedom, and were well prepared for a life in the wilderness. They began at once the construction of houses from the forests about the confluence of the rivers, guarding their stock by day and penning it by night. Wolves, bears and Indians were all about them, and, here in the remote wilderness, they were obliged to always be on their guard. From the ground where they obtained the timber to erect their houses, they soon produced a few vegetables, and when the families arrived in August, they were able to set before them food raised for the *The outlines of Fort Harmar formed a regular pentagon, embracing within the area about three-fourths of an acre. Its walls were formed of large horizontal timbers, and the bastions of largo uprighttimbersaboutfourteenfeet in height, fastened to each other by strips of tinil)er, tree-nailed into each jiicket. In the rear of the fortMiij. Doughty laid out fine gardens. It continued to be occupied by United States troops until September 179H, when they were ordered to Cincinnati. A company, under Capt. Haskell, continued to make the fort their headquarters during the Indian war, occasionally assisting the colonists at Marietta, Belpre and Waterford against the Indians. When not needed by the troops, the fort was used by the people of Marietta. first time by the hand of American citizens in the Ohio Valley. One of those who came in August, was Mr. Thomas Guthrie, a settler in one of the western counties of Pennsylvania, who brought a bushel of wheat, which he sowed on a plat of ground cleared by himself, and from which that fall he procured a small crop of wheat, the first grown in the State of Ohio. The Marietta settlement was the only one made that summer in the Territory. From their arrival until October, when Governor St. Clair came, they were busily employed making houses, and prepar- ing for the winter. The little colony, of which Washington wrote so favorably, met on the 2d day of July, to name their newborn city and its pub- lic sqares. Until now it had been known as " The Muskingum" simply, but on that day the name Marietta was formally given to it, in honor of Ma- rie Antoinette. The 4th of July, an ovation was held, and an oration delivered by James M. Var- num, who, with S. H. Parsons and John Arm- strong, had been appointed Judges of the Terri- tory. Thus, in the heart of the wilderness, miles away from any kindred post, in the forests of the Great West, was the Tree of Liberty watered and given a hearty growth. On the morning of the 9th of July, Governor St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The ordinance of 1787 had provided for a form of government under the Governor and the three Judges, and this form was at once put into force. The 25th, the first law relating to the militia was published, and the next day the Gov- ernor's proclamation appeared, creating all the country that had been ceded by the Indians, east of the Scioto River, into the county of Washing- ton, and the civil machinery was in motion. From that time forward, this, the pioneer settlement in Ohio, went on prosperously. The 2d of Septem- ber, the first court in the Territory was held, but as it related to the Territory, a narrative of its pro- ceedings will be found in the history of that part of the country, and need not be repeated here. The 15th of July, Gov. St. Clair had published the ordinance of 1787, and the commissions of himself and the three Judges. He also assembled the people of the settlement, and explained to them the ordinance in a speech of considerable length. Three days after, he sent a notice to the Judges, calling their attention to the subject of organizing the militia. Instead of attending to this important matter, and thus providing for their safety should trouble with the Indians arise, the HISTORY OF OHIO. 91 Judges did not even reply to the Governor's letter, but sent him what they called a "project" of a law for (Uvi;ling real estate. The bill was so loosely drawn that St. Clair immediately rejected it, and set about organizing the militia himself. He divided the militia into two classes, "Senior" and "Junior," and organized them by appointing their officers. In the Senior Class, Nathan Gushing was ap- pointed Captain; George Ingersol, Lieutenant, and James Backus, Ensign. In the Junior Class, Nathan Goodale and Charles Knowls were made Captains ; Watson Casey and Samuel Stebbins, Lieutenants, and Joseph Lincoln and Arnold Colt, Ensigns. The Governor next erected the Courts of Pro- bate and Quarter Sessions, and proceeded to ap- point civil officers. Rufus Putnam, Benjamin Tupper and Winthrop Sargeant were made Jus- tices of the Peace. The 30th of August, the day the Court of Quarter Sessions was appointed, Archibald Cary, Isaac Pierce and Thomas Lord were also appointed Justices, and given power to hold this court. They were, in fact, Judges of a Court of Common Pleas. Return Jonathan Meigs was appointed Clerk of this Court of Quarter Sessions. Ebenezer Sproat was appointed SheriflP of Washington County, and also Colonel of the militia; William Callis, Clerk of the Supreme Court; Rufus Putnam, Judge of the Probate Court, and R. J. Meigs, Jr., Clerk. Following these appoint- ments, setting the machinery of government in motion, St. Clair ordered that the 25th of Decem- ber be kept as a day of thanksgiving by the infant colony for its safe and propitious beginning. During the fall and winter, the settlement was daily increased by emigrants, so much so, that the greatest difficulty was experienced in finding them lodging. During the coldest part of the winter, when ice covered the river, and prevented navi- gation, a delay in arrivals was experienced, only to be broken as soon as the river opened to the beams of a spring sun. While locked in the winter's embrace, the colonists amused themselves in vari- ous ways, dancing being one of the most promi- nent. At Christmas, a grand ball was held, at which there were fifteen ladies, "whose grace," says a narrator, "equaled any in the East." Though isolated in the wilderness, they knew a brilliant prospect lay before them, and lived on in a joyous hope for the future. Soon after their arrival, the settlers began the erection of a stockade fort ( Campus Martins ), which occupied their time until the winter of 1791. During the interval, fortunately, no hos- tilities from the Indians were txi^erienced, though they were abundant, and were frequent visitors to the settlement. From a communication in the American Pioneer, by Dr. S. P. Hildreth, the following description of Campus Martins is derived. As it will apply, in a measure, to many early structures for defense in the West, it is given entire : " The fort was made in the form of a regular parallelogram, the sides of each being 180 feet. At each corner was erected a strong block-house, surmounted by a tower, and a sentry box. These houses were twenty feet square below and twenty- four feet square above, and projected six feet be- yond the walls of the fort. The intermediate walls were made up with dwelling-houses, made of wood, whose ends were whip-sawed into timbers four inches thick, and of the requisite width and length. These were laid up similar to the structure of log houses, with the ends nicely dove-tailed together. The whole were two stories high, and covered with shingle roofs. Convenient chimneys were erected of bi'icks, for cooking, and warming the rooms. A number of the dwellings were built and owned by individuals who had families. In the west and south fronts were strong gateways ; and over the one in the center of the front looking to the Mus- kingum River, was a belfry. The chamber beneath was occupied by Winthrop Sargeant, as an office, he being Secretary to the Governor, and perform- ing the duties of the office during St. Clairs ab- sence. This room projected over the gateway, like a block-house, and was intended for the protection of the gate beneath, in time of an assault. At the outer corner of each block-house was erected a bastion, standing on four stout timbers. The floor of the bastion was a little above the lower story of the block-house. They were square, and built up to the height of a man's head, so that, when he looked over, he stepped on a narrow platform or "banquet" running ai'ound the sides of the bulwark. Port-holes were made, for musketry as well as for artillery, a single piece of which was mounted in the southwest and northeast bastions. In these, the sentries were regularly posted every night, as more convenient than the towers ; a door leading into them from the upper story of the block-houses. The lower room of the southwest block-house was occupied as a guard-house. " Running from corner to corner of the block- houses was a row of palisades, sloping outward, 92 HISTORY OF OHIO. and resting on stout rails. Twenty feet in advance of these, was a row of very strong and large pick- ets, set upright in the earth. Gateways through these, admitted the inmates of the garrison. A few feet beyond the row of outer palisades was placed a row of abattis, made from the tops and branches of trees, sharpened and pointing outward, so that it would have been very diflficult for an enemy to have penetrated within their outworks. The dwelling-houses occupied a space from fifteen to thirty feet each, and were sufficient for the ac- comiuodation of forty or fifty families, and did actually contain from two hundred to three hun- dred persons during the Indian war. "Before the Indians commenced hostilities, the block-houses were occupied as follows : The south- west one, by the flimily of (tov. St. Clair; the northeast one as an office for the Directors of the Company. The area within the walls was one hundred and forty-four feet square, and afforded a fine parade ground. In the center, was a well eighty feet in depth, for the supply of water to the inhabitants, in case of a siege. A large sun-dial stood for many years in the square, placed on a handsome post, and gave note of the march of time. " After the war commenced, a regular military corps was organized, and a guard constantly kept night and day. The whole establishment formed a very strong work, and reflected great credit on the head that planned it. It was in a manner im- pregnable to the attacks of Indians, and none but a regular army with cannon could have reduced it. The Indians possessed no such an armament. " The garrison stood on the verge of that beauti- ful plain overlooking the Muskingum, on wliich are seated those celebrated remains of antiquity, erected probably for a similar purpose — the defense of the inhabitants. The ground descends into shal- low ravines on the north and south sides ; on the west is an abrupt descent to the river bottoms or alluvium, and the cast passed out to a level plain. On this, the ground was cleared of trees beyond the reach of rifle shots, so as to afford no shelter to a hidden foe. Extensive fields of corn were grown in the midst of the standing girdled trees be- yond, in after years. The front wall of palisades was about one hundred and fifty yards from the IMuskingum River. The appearance of the fort from without was imposing, at a little distance re- sembling the military castles of the feudal ages. JJetweon the outer palisades and the river wore laid out neat gardens for the use of Gov. St. Clair and his Secretary, with the officers of the Com- pany. " Opposite the fort, on the shore of the river, was built a substantial timber wharf, at which was moored a fine cedar barge for twelve rowers, built by Capt. Jonathan Devol, for Gen. Putnam ; a number of pirogues, and the light canoes of the country ; and last, not least, the Mayflower, or ' Adventure Galley,' in which the first detach- ments of colonists were transported from the shores of the ' Yohiogany ' to the banks of the IMuskingum. In these, especially the canoes, during the war, most of the communications were carried on between the settlements of the Company and the more re- mote towns above on the Ohio River. Traveling by land was very hazardous to any but the rangers or spies. There were no roads, nor bridges across the creeks, and, for many years after the war had ceased, the traveling was nearly all done by canoes on the river." Thus the first settlement of Ohio provided for its safety and comfort, and provided also for that of emigrants who came to share the toils of the wilderness. The next spring, the influx of emigration was so great that other settlements were determined, and hence arose the colonies of Belpre, Waterford and Duck Creek, where they began to clear land, sow and plant crops, and build houses and stockades. At Belpre (French for "beautiful meadow"), were built three stockades, the upper, lower and middle, the last of which was called " Farmers' Castle," and stood on the banks of the Ohio, nearly oppo- site an island, afterward fiimous in Western history as Blennerhasset's Island, the scene of Burrs con- spiracy. Among the persons settling at the upper stockade, were Capts. Dana and Stone, Col. Bent, William Browning, Judge Foster, John Rowse, Israel Stone and a Mr. Keppol. At the Farmers' Castle, were Cols. Cushing and Fisher, Maj. Has- kell, Aaron Waldo Putnam, jNIr. Si)arhawk, and, it is believed, George and Israel Putnam., Jr. At the lower, were Maj. Goodale, Col. Rice, Esquire Pierce, Judge Israel Loring, Deacon Miles, Maj. Bradford and Mr. Goodenow. In the summer of 1789, Col. Ichabod Nye and some otliers, built a block-house at Newberry, below Belpre. Col. Nye sold his lot there to Aaron W. Clough, who, with Stephen Guthrie, Joseph Leavins, Joel Oakes, Eleazer Curtis, Mr. Denham J. Littleton and Mr. Brown, was located at that place. "Every exertion possible," says Dr. Hildi'eth, who has preserved the above names and incidents, ll. HISTORY OF OHIO. 93 "for men in these circumstances, was made to se- cure food for future difficulties. Col. Oliver, ]Maj. Hatfield White and John Dod,rt, and pit them runnuig; and these, the first mills in Ohio, were never de- stroyed during the subsetjucnt Indian war, though the proprietors removed their familes to the fort at IMarietta. Col. E. Sproat and Enoch Shep- herd began mills on Duck Creek, three miles from jMarietta, from the completion of which they were driven by the Indian war. Thomas Stanley be- gan mills farther up, near the Duck Creek settle- ment. These were likewise unfinished. The Ohio Company built a large horse mill near Campus Martins, and soon after a floating mill." The autumn before the settlements at Belpre, Duck Creek and Waterford, were made, a colony was planted near the mouth of the Little jMiami River, on a tract of ten thousand acres, purchased fromSymmes by Maj. Benjamin Stites. In the pre- ceding pages may be found a history of Symmes' purchase. This colony may be counted the second settlement in the State. Soon after the colony at 3Iarietta was founded, steps were taken to occupy separate portions of Judge Symmes' purchase, be- tween the Miami Rivers. Three parties were formed for this purpose, but, owing to various delays, chiefly in getting the present colony stead- fast and safe from future encroachments by the savages, they did not get started till late in the fall. The first of these parties, consisting of fifteen or twenty men, led by Maj. Stites, landed at the mouth of the Little Miami in November, 1788, and, constructing a log fort, began to lay out a village, called by them Columbia. It soon grew into prominence, and, befoi'o winter had thoroughly set in, they were well prepai'ed for a frontier life. In the party were Cols. Spencer and Brown, Majs. Gauo and Kibbey, Judges Goforth and Foster, Rev. John Smith, Francis Dunlavy, Capt. Fliuu, Jacob White, John Riley, and Mr. Hubbell. All these were men of energy and enterprise, and, with their comrades, were more numerous than either of the other parties, who commenced their settlements l^elow them on the Ohio. This village was also, at first, more flourishing; and, for two or three years, contained more inhabitants than any other in the Miami purchase. The second IMiami party was formed at Lime- stone, under Matthias Denham and Robert Pat- terson, and consisted of twelve or fifteen persons. They landed on the north bank of the Ohio, oppo- site the mouth of the Licking River, the 24th of December, 1788. They intended to establish a station and lay out a town on a plan prepared at Limestone. Some statements affirm that the town was to be called " L-us-aiiti-villc,'' by a romantic school-teacher named Filson. However, be this as it may, Mr, Filson was, unfortunately for himself, not long after, slain by the Indians, and, with him probably, the name disappeared. He was to have one-third interest in the proposed city, which, when his death occurred, was transferred to Israel Ludlow, and a new plan of a city adopted. Israel Ludlow surveyed the proposed town, wlio.se lots were principally donated to settlers upon certain condi- tions as to settlement and improvement, and the embryo city named Cincinnati. Gov. St. Clair very likely had something to do with the naming of the village, and, by some, it is asserted that he changed the name from Losantiville to Cincinnati, when he created the county of Hamilton the en- suing winter. The original purchase of the city';? site was made by Mr. Denham. It included abotit eight hundred acres, for which he paid 5 shillings per acre in Continental certificates, then worth, in specie, about 5 shillings per pound, gross weight. Evidently, the original site was a good investment, could Mr. Denham have lived long enough to see its present condition. The third pai'ty of settlers for the Miami pur- chase, were under the care of Judge Symmes, himself They left Limestone, January 29, 1789, and were much delayed on their downward jour- ney by the ice in the river. The}' reached the '■ Bend," as it was then known, early in February. The Judge had intended to found a city here, which, in time, would be the rival of the Atlantic cities. As each of the three settlements aspired to the same position, no little rivalry soon mani- fested itself The Judge named his proposed city North Bend, from the fact that it was the most northern bend in the Ohio below the mouth of the Great Kanawha. These three settlements ante- dated, a few months, those made near Marietta, already described. They arose so soon after, partly from the extreme desire of Judge Synunes to settle his piuxhase, and induce emigration here instead of on the Ohio Company s purchase. The Judge labored earnestly for this purpose and to further secure him in his title to the land he had accpiired. all of which he had so lar been unable to retain, owino: to his inability to meet his payments. All these emigrants came down the river in the flat-boats of the day, rude aff"airs, sometimes called y (>, Gov. St. Clair and his Secretary arrived in Cincinnati, and organized the county of Hamilton, so named in honor of the illustrious statesman by that name. It included all the country north of the Ohio, between the Miamis, as far as a line running " due east from the :^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 95 Standing Stone forks " of Big Miami to its inter- section with the Little Miami. The erection of the new county, and the appointment of Cincin- nati to be the seat of justice, gave the town a fresh impulse, and aided greatly in its growth. Through the summer, but little interruption in the growth of the settlements occurred. The Indians had permitted the erection of defensive works in their midst, and could not now destroy them. They were also engaged in traffic with the whites, and, though they evinced signs of discon- tent at their settlement and occupation of the country, yet did not openly attack them. The truth was, they saw plainly the whites were always prepared, and no opportunity was given them to plunder and destroy. The Indian would not attack unless success was almost sure. An oppor- tunity, unfortunately, came, and with it the hor- rors of an Indian war. In the autumn of 1790, a company of thirty- six men went from Marietta to a place on the Muskingum known as the Big Bottom. Here they built a block-house, on the east bank of the river, four miles above the mouth of Meigs Creek. They were chiefly young, single men, but little acquainted with Indian warfare or military rules. The savages had given signs that an attack on the settlement was meditated, and several of the know- ing ones at the strongholds strenuously opposed any new settlements that fall, advising their post- ponement until the next spring, when the question of peace or war would probably be settled. Even Gen. Putnam and the Directors of the Ohio Com- pany ad\ased the postponement of the settlement until the next spring. The young men were impatient and restless, and declared themselves able to protect their fort against any number of assailants. They might have easily done so, had they taken the necessary precautions ; but, after they had erected a rude block-house of unchinked logs, they began to pass the time in various pui'suits ; setting no guard, and taking no precautionary measures, they left them- selves an easy prey to any hostile savages that might choose to come and attack them. About twenty rods from the block-house, and a little back from the bank of the river, two men, Francis and Isaac Choate, members of the com- pany, had erected a cabin, and commenced clearing lots. Thomas Shaw, a hired laborer, and James Patten, another of the associates, lived with them. About the same distance below the block-house was an old ''Tomahawk Improvement" and a small cabin, which two men, Asa and Eleazur Bullard, had fitted up and occupied. The Indian war-path, from Sandusky to the mouth of the Muskingum, passed along the opposite shore of the river. " The Indians, who, during the summer," says Dr. Hildreth, " had been hunting and loitering about the Wolf Creek and Plainfield settlements, holding frequent and friendly intercourse with the settlers, selling them venison and bear's meat in ex- change for green corn and vegetables, had with- drawn and gone up the river, early in the au- tumn, to their towns, preparatory to going into winter quarters. They very seldom entered on any warlike expeditions during the cold weather. But they had watched the gradual encroach- ment of the whites and planned an expedition against them. They saw them in fincied security in their cabins, and thought their capture an easy task. It is said they were not aware of the Big Bottom settlement until they came in sight of it, on the opposite shore of the river, in the afternoon. From a high hill opposite the garrison, they had a view of all that part of the bottom, and could see how the men were occupied and what was doing about the block-house. It was not protected with palisades or pickets,-and none of the men were aware or prepared for an attack. Having laid their plans, about twilight they crossed the river above the garrison, on the ice, and divided their men into two parties — the larger one to attack the block-house, the smaller one to capture the cabins. As the Indians cautiously approached the cabin they found the inmates at supper. Part entered, addressed the whites in a friendly manner, but soon manifesting their designs, made them all pris- oners, tieing them with leather thongs they found in the cabin." At the block-house the attack was far different. A stout Mohawk suddenly burst open the door, the first intimation the inmates had of the pres- ence of the foe, and while he held it open his comrades shot down those that were within. Rush- ing in, the deadly tomahawk completed the on- slaught. In the assault, one of the savages was struck by the wife of Isaac Woods, with an ax, but only slightly injured. The heroic woman was immediately slain. All the men but two were slain before they had time to secure their arms, thereby paying for their failure to properly secure themselves, with their lives. The two excepted were John Stacy and his brother Philip, a lad six- teen years of age. John escaped to the roof. -r n. 96 HISTORY OF OHIO. where he was shot by the Indians, while begging for his Ufe. The firing at the block -house alarmed the Billiards in their cabin, and hastily barring the door, and securing their arms and ammunition, they fled to the woods, and escaped. After the slaughter was over, the Indians began to collect the plunder, and in doing so discovered the lad Philip Stacy. Tlu'y were about to dispatch him, but his entrea- ties softened the heart of one of the chiefs, who took him as a captive with the intention of adopt- ing him into his fomily. The savages then piled the dead bodies on the floor, covered them with other portions of it not needed for that purpose, and set fire to the whole. The building, being made of green logs, did not burn, the flames con- suming only the floors and roof, leaving the walls standing. There were twelve persons killed in this attack, all of whom were in the prime of life, and valuable aid to the settlements. They were well provided with arms, and had they taken the necessary pre- cautions, always pressed upon them when visited by the older ones from Marietta, they need not have suff"ered so terrible a fate. The Indians, exultant over their horrible victory, went on to Wolf's mills, but here they found the people prepared, and, after reconnoitering the place, made their retreat, at early dawn, to the great re- lief of the inhabitants. Their number was never definitely known. The news reached Marietta and its adjacent settlements soon after the massacre occurred, and struck terror and dismay into the hearts of all. Many had brothers and sons in the ill-fated party, and mourned their loss. Neither did they know what place would fall next. The Indian hostilities had begun, and they could only hope for peace when the savages were efiectually conquered. The next day, Capt. Rogers led a party of men over to the Big Bottom. It was, indeed, a melan- choly sight to the poor borderers, as they knew not now how soon the same fate might befall them- selves. The fire had so disfigured their comrades that but two, Ezra Putnam and William Jones, wcTC recognized. As the ground was frozen out- side, a hole was dug in the earth underneath the block-house floor, and the bodies consigned to one grave. No further attempt was made to settle here till after the peace of 1795. The outbreak of Indian hostilities put a check on further settlements. Those that were estab- lished were put in a more active state of defense, and every preparation made that could be made for the impending crisis all felt sure must come. Either the Indians must go, or the whites must retreat. A few hardy and adventurous persons ventured out into the woods and made settle- ments, but even these were at the imminent risk of their lives, many of them perishing in the attempt. The Indian war that followed is given fully in preceding pages. It may be briefly sketched by stating that the first campaign, under Gen Har- mar, ended in the defeat of his army at the Indian villages on the Miami of the lake, and the rapid retreat to Fort Washington. St. Clair was next commissioned to lead an army of nearly three thou- sand men, but these were furiously attacked at break of day, on the morning of November 4, 1791, and utterly defeated. Indian outrages sprung out anew after each defeat, and the borders were in a continual state of alarm. The most ter- rible sufi"erings were endured by prisoners in the hands of the savage foe, who thought to annihilate the whites. The army was at once re-organized. Gen. An- thony Wayne put in command by Washington, and a vigorous campaign inaugurated. Though the savages had been given great aid by the Brit- ish, in direct violation of the treaty of 1783, Gen. Wayne pursued them so vigorously that they could not withstand his army, and, the 20th of August, 1794, defeated them, and utterly annihilated their forces, breaking up their camps, and laying waste their country, in some places under the guns of the British forts. The victory showed them the hopelessness of contending against the whites, and led their chiefs to sue for peace. The British, as at former times, deserted them, and they were again alone, contending against an invincible foe. A grand council was held at Greenville the 3d day of August, 1795, where eleven of the most power- ful chiefs made peace with Gen. Wayne on terms of his own dictation. The boundary established by the old treaty of Fort Mcintosh was confirmed, and extended westward from Loramie's to Fort Recovery, and thence southwest to the mouth of the Kentucky River. He also purchased all the territory not before ceded, within certain limits, comprehending, in all, about four-fifths of the State of Ohio. The line was long known as " The Green- ville Treaty line." T^pon these, and a few other minor conditions, the United States received the Indians under their protection, gave them a large number of presents, and practically closed the war with the savajres. r';^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 97 The only settlement of any consequence made dur- ing the Indian war, was that on the plat of" Hamilton, laid out by Israel Ludlow in December, 1794. Soon after, Darius C. Orcutt, John Green, William Mc- Clennan, John Sutherland, John Torrence, Benjamin F. Randolph, Benjamin Davis, Isaac Wiles, Andrew Christy and William Hubert, located here. The town was laid out under the name of Fairfield, but was known only a short time by that name. Until 1801, all the lands on the west side of the Great Miami were owned by the General Government ; hence, until after that date, no improvements were made there. A single log cabin stood there until the sale of lands in April, 1801, when a company purchased the site of Hossville, and, in March, 180-4, laid out that town, and, before a year had passed, the town and country about it was well settled. The close of the war, in 1795, insured peace, and, from that date, Hamilton and that part of the Miami Valley grew remarkably fast. In 1803, Butler County was formed, and Hamilton made the county seat. On the site of Hamilton, St. Clair built Fort Hamilton in 1791. For some time it was under the command of Maj. Rudolph, a cruel, arbitrary man, who was displaced by Gen. Wayne, and who, it is said, perished ignobly on the high seas, at the hands of some Algerine pirates, a fitting end to a man who caused, more than once, the death of men under his control for minor offenses. On the return of peace, no part of Ohio grew more rapidly than the Miami Valley, especially that part comprised in Butler County. While the war with the Indians continued, but little extension of settlements was made in the State. It was too perilous, and the settlers pre- ferred the security of the block-house or to engage with the army. Still, however, a few bold spirits ventured away from the settled parts of the Terri- tory, and began life in the wilderness. In tracing the hist(.iries of these settlements, attention will be paid to the order in which they were made. They will be given somewhat in detail until the war of 1S12, after which time they become too numerous to follow. The settlements made in Washington — Marietta and adjacent colonies — and Hamilton Counties have already been given. The settlement at Gal- lia is also noted, hence, the narration can be re- sumed where it ends prior to the Indian war of 179.5. Before this war occurred, there were three small settlements made, however, in addition to those in Washington and Hamilton Counties. They were in what are now Adams, Belmont and Morgan Counties. They were block-house settle- ments, and were in a continual state of defense. The first of these, Adams, was settled in the winter of 1790-91 by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. near where Manchester now is. Gen. Massie determined to settle here in the Virginia Military Tract — in the winter of 1790, and sent notice throitghout Ken- tucky and other Western settlements that he would give to each of the first twenty-five families who would settle in the town he proposed laying out, one in-lot, one out-lot and one hundred acres of land. Such liberal terms were soon accepted, and in a short time thn'ty families were ready to go with him. After various consultations with his friends, the bottom on the Ohio River, opposite the lower of the Three Islands, was selected as the most eligible spot. Here Massie fixed his sta- tion, and laid off into lots a town, now called IManchcster. The little confederacy, with !Massie at the helm, went to work with spirit. Cabins were raised, and by the middle of March, 1791, the whole town was inclosed with strong pickets, with block-houses at each angle for de- fense. This was the first settlement in the bounds of the Virginia District, and the fourth one in the State. Although in the midst of a savage foe, now inflamed with war, and in the midst of a cruel conflict, the settlement at Manchester suf- fered less than any of its cotemporaries. This was, no doubt, due to the watchful care of its in- habitants, who were inured to the rigors of a front- ier life, and who well knew the danger about them. " These were the Beasleys, Stouts, Washburns, Ledoms, Edgingtons, Denings, Ellisons, Utts, McKenzies, Wades, and others, who were fully cfpial to the Indians in all the savage arts and stratagems of border war." As soon as they had completed preparations for defense, the whole population went to work and cleared the lowest of the Three Islands, and planted it in corn. The soil of the island was very rich, and produced abundantly. The woods supplied an abundance of game, while the river furnished a variety of excellent fish. The inhabitants thus found their simple wants fully suppHed. Their nearest neighbors in the new Territory were at Columbia, and at the French settlement at Gallip- olis ; but with these, owing to the state of the country and the Indian war, they could hold little, if any, intercourse. 98 HISTORY OF OHIO. The station being established, Massie continued to make locations and surveys. Great precautions were necessary to avoid the Indians, and even the closest vigilance did not always avail, as the ever- watchful foe was always ready to spring upon the settlement, could an unguarded moment bo ob- served. During one of the spring months. Gen. Massie, Israel DonaLson, William Lytic and James Little, while out on a survey, were surprised, and Mr. Donalson captured, the others escaping at great peril. Mr. Donalson escaped during the march to the Indian town, and made his way to the town of Cincinnati, after suffering great hard- ships, and almost perishing from hunger. In the spring of 1793, the settlers at Manchester com- menced clearing the out-lots of the town. While doing so, an incident occurred, which shows the danger to which they were daily exposed. It is thus related in Howe's Collections : " Mr. Andrew Ellison, one of the settlers, cleared an out-lot immediately adjoining the fort. He had completed the cutting of the timber, rolled the logs together, and set them on fire. The next morning, before daybreak, Mr. Ellison opened one of the gates of the fort, and went out to throw his logs together. By the time he had finished the job, a nunil)er of the heaps blazed up brightly, and, as he was passing from one to the other, he ob- served, by the light of the fires, three men walking briskly toward him. This did not alarm him in the least, although, he said, they were dark-skinned fellows ; yet he concluded they were the Wades, whose complexions were very dark, going early to hunt. He continued to right his log-heaps, until one of the fellows seized him by the arms, calling out, in broken English, ' How do ? how do ? ' He instantly looked in their faces, and, to his surprise and horror, found himself in the clutches of three Indians. To resist was useless. " The Indians (piiikly moved oiF with him in the direction of Paint Creek. When breakfixst was ready, Mrs. Ellison sent one of her children to ask its father home ; but he could not be found at the log-heaps. His absence created no immedi- ate alarm, as it was thought he might have started to hunt, after completing his work. Dinner-time arrived, and, Ellison not returning, the family became uneasy, and began to suspect some acci- dent had happened to him. His gun-rack was examined, and there hung his rifles and his pouch. Gen. Massie raised a party, made a circuit around the place, finding, after some search, the trails of four men, one of whom had on shoes; and the fact that Mr. Ellison was a prisoner now became apparent. As it was almost night at the time the trail was discovered, the party returned to the station. Early the next morning, preparations were made by Gen. Massie and his friends to con- tinue the search. In doing this, they found great difiiculty, as it was so early in the spring that the vegetation was not gro\?n sufiiciently to show plainly the trail made by the savages, who took the precaution to keep on high and dry ground, where their feet would make little or no impres- sion. The party were, however, as unerring as a pack of hounds, and followed the trail to Paint Creek, when they found the Indians gained so fast on them that pursuit was useless. "The Indians took their prisoner to Upper Sandusky, where he was compelled to run the gantlet. As he was a large, and not very active, man, he received a severe flogging. He was then taken to Lower Sandusky, and again compelled to run the gantlet. He was then taken to Detroit, where he was ransomed by a British ofiicer for ^100. The officer proved a good friend to him. He sent him to Montreal, whence he returned home before the close of the summer, much to the joy of his family and friends, whose feelings can only be imagined." "Another incident occurred about this time," says the same volume, "which so aptly illustrates the danger of frontier life, that it well deserves a place in the history of the settlements in Ohio. John and Asahel Edgington, with a comrade, started out on a hunting expedition toward Brush Creek. They camped out six miles in a northeast direction from where West Union now stands, and near the site of Treber's tavern, on the road from Chillicothe to Maysville. They had good success in hunting, killing a number of deer and bears. Of the deer killed, they saved the skins and hams alone. They fleeced the boars; that is, they cut off" all the moat which adhered to the hide, with- out skinning, and left the bt>nes as a skeleton. They hungup the proceeds of thoir hunt, on a scaf- fold out of the reach of wolves and other wild ani- mals, and returned to Manchester for pack-horses. No one returned to the camp with the Edgingtous. As it was late in December, few apprehended dan- ger, as the winter season was usually a time of re- pose from Indian incursions. When the Edgingtons arrived at their camp, they alighted from their horses and were preparing to start a fire, when a platoon of Indians fired upon them at a distance of not more than twenty paces. They had "V HISTORY OF OHIO. 101 evidently found the results of the white men's labor, and expected they would return for it, and pre- pared to waylay them. Asahel Edgington fell dead. John was more fortunate. The sharp crack of the rifles, and the horrible yells of the savages as they leaped from their place of ambush, frightened the horses, who took the track for home at full speed. John was very active on foot, and now an opportunity offered which required his utmost speed. The moment the Indians leaped from their hiding-place, they threw down their guns and took after him, yelling with all their power. Edgington did not run a booty race. For about a mile, the savages stepped in his tracks al- most before the bending grass could rise. The uplifted tomahawk was frequently so near his head that he thought he felt its edge. He exerted himself to his utmost, while the Indians strove with all their might to catch him. Finally, he be- gan to gain on his pursuers, and, after a long race, distanced them and made his escape, safely reach- ing home. This, truly, was a most fearfiil and well-contested race. The big Shawanee chief, Capt. John, who headed the Indians on this occasion, after peace was made, in narrating the particulars, said, " The white man who ran away was a smart fellow. The white man run; and I run. He run and run; at last, the white man run clear off from me." The settlement, despite its dangers, prospered, and after the close of the war continued to grow rapidly. In two years after peace was declared, Adams County was erected by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, the next year court was held, and in 1804, West Union was made the county seat. During the war, a settlement was commenced near the present town of Bridgeport, in Belmont County, by Capt. Joseph Belmont, a noted Dela- ware Revolutionary ofiicer, who, because his State could furnish only one company, could rise no higher than Captain of that company, and hence alwaj'S maintained that grade. He settled on a beautiful knoll near the present county seat, but erelong suffered from a night attack by the In- dians, who, though unable to drive him and his companions from the cabin or conquer them, wounded some of them badly, one or two mortally, and caused the Captain to leave the frontier and return to Newark, Del. The attack was made in the spring of 1791, and a short time after, the Captain, having provided for the safety of his family, accepted a commission in St. Clair's army, and lost his life at the defeat of the General in November. Shortly after the Captain settled, a fort, called Dillie's Fort, was built on the Ohio, opposite the mouth of Grave Creek. About two hundred and fifty yards below this fort, an old man, named Tato, was shot down at his cabin door by the Indians, just as he was in the act of entering the house. His body was pulled in by his daugh- ter-in-law and grandson, who made an heroic de- fense. They were overpowered, the woman slain, and the boy badly wounded. He, however, man- aged to secrete himself and afterward escaped to the fort. The Indians, twelve or thirteen in num- ber, went off unmolested, though the men in the fort saw the whole transaction and could have punished them. Why they did not was never known. On Captina Creek in this same county, occurred, in May, 1794, the " battle of Captina," a fa- mous local skirmish between some Virginians fi'om Fort Baker, and a party of Indians. Though the Indians largely outnumbered the whites, they were severely punished, and compelled to abandon the contest, losing several of their bravest warriors. These were the only settlements made until 1795, the close of the war. Even these, as it will be observed from the foregoing pages, were tem- porary in all cases save one, and were maintained at a great risk, and the loss of many valuable lives. They were made in the beginning of the war.and such were their experiences that ftirther attempts were abandoned until the treaty of Greenville was made, or until the prospects for peace and safety were assured. No sooner, however, had the prospect of quiet been established, than a revival of emigration be- gan. Before the war it had been larsie, now it was largely increased. Wayne's treaty of peace with the Indians was made at Greenville, in what is now Darke County, the 3d of August, 1795. The number of Indians present was estimated at 1 .oOO, divided among the principal nations as follows: ISO Wyandots, o81 Delawares, 143 Shawanees, 45 Ottawas, 4G Chip- pewas, 240 Pottawatomies, 73 3Iianiis and Eel River, 12 Weas and Piankeshaws, and 10 Kicka- poos and Kaskaskias. The principal chiefs were Tarhe, Buckongahelas, Black Hoof. Blue Jacket and Little Turtle. IMost of them had been tam- pered with by the British agents and traders, but all had been so thoroughly chastised by Wayne, and f)und that the British only used them as tools, that they were quite anxious to make peace with the " Thirteen Fires." By the treaty, former ones 102 HISTORY OF OHIO. were establislied, the boundary lines confirmed and enlarged, an exchange and delivery of prisoners effected, and permanent peace assured. In the latter part of September, after the treaty of Greenville, Mr. Bedell, from New Jersey, selected a site for a home in what is now Warren County, at a place since known as " Bedell's Sta- tion," about a mile south of Union Village. Here he erected a block-house, as a defense against the Indians, among whom were many renegades as among the whites, who would not respect the terms of the treaty. Whether Mr. Bedell was alone that fall, or whether he was joined by others, is not now accurately known. However that may be, he was not long left to himself; for, ere a year had elapsed, quite a number of settlements were made in this part of the Territory. Soon after his settlement was made, Gen. David Sutton, Capt. Nathan Kelley and others began pioneer life at Deerfield, in the same locality, and, before three years had gone by, a large number of New Jersey people were estabUshed in their homes; and, in 1803, the county was formed from Hamilton. Among the early settlers at Deerfield, was Capt. Robert Benham, who, with a companion, in 1779, sustained themselves many days when the Captain had lost the use of his legs, and his companion his arms, from musket-balls fired by the hands of the Indians. They were with a large party com- manded by Maj. Rodgers, and were furiously attacked by an immense number of savages, and all but a few slain. The event happened during the war of the Revolution, before any attempt was made to settle the Northwest Territory. The party were going down the Ohio, probably to the falls, and were attacked when near the site of Cincinnati. As mentioned, these two men sus- tained each other many days, the one having per- fect legs doing the necessary walking, carrying bis comrade to water, driving up game for him to shoot, and any other duties necessary; while the one who had the use of his arms could dress his companion's and his own wounds, kill and cook the game, and perform his share. They were rescued, finally, by a flat-boat, whose occupants, for awhile, passed them, fearing a decoy, but, becoming convinced that such was not the case, took them on down to Louisville, where they were nursed into perfect health. A settlement was made near the present town of Lebanon, the county seat of Warren County, in the spring of 1796, by Henry Taylor, who built a mill one mile west of the town site, on Turtle Creek. Soon after, he was joined by Ichabod Corwin, John Osbourn, Jacob Vorhees, Samuel Shaw, Daniel Bonte and a Mr. Manning. When Lebanon was laid out, in 1803, the two-story log house built in 1797 by Ichabod Corwin was the only building on the plat. It was occupied by Ephraim Hathaway as a tavern. He bad a black horse painted on an immense board for a sign, and continued in business here till 1810. The same year the town was laid out, a store was opened by John Huston, and, from that date, the growth of the county was very prosperous. Three years after, the Westeni Star was established by Judge John McLain, and the current news of the day given in weekly editions. It was one of the first newspapers established in the Territory, outside of Cincinnati. As has been mentioned, the opening of naviga- tion in the spring of 1796 brought a great flood of emigration to the Territory. The little settle- ment made by Mr. Bedell, in the autumn of 1795, was about the only one made that fall ; others made preparations, and many selected sites, but did not settle till the following spring. That spring, colo- nies were planted in what are now Montgomery, Ross, Madison, Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula and Cuyahoga Counties, while preparations were in turn made to occupy additional territory that will hereafter be noticed. The settlement made in Montgomery County was begun early in the spring of 1796. As early as 1788, the land on which Dayton now stands was selected by some gentlemen, who designed laying out a town to be named Venice. They agreed with Judge Symmes, whose contract covered the place, for the purchase of the lands. The Indian war which broke out at this time prevented an extension of settlements from the immediate neighborhood of the parent colonics, and the proj- ect was abandoned by the purchasers. Soon after the treaty of 1795, a new company, composed of Gens. Jonathan Dayton, Arthur St. Clair, James Wilkinson, and Col. Israel Ludlow, purchased the land between the Miamis, around the mouth of Mad River, of Judge Symmes, and, the 4th of November, laid out the town. Arrangements were made for its settlement the ensuing spring, and donations of lots, with other privileges, were offered to actual settlers. Forty-six persons entered into engagements to remove from Cincinnati to Day- ton, but during the winter most of them scat- tered in diffei'cnt directions, and only nineteen ful- filled their contracts. The first families who HISTORY OF OHIO. 103 made a permanent residence here, arrived on the first day of April, 1796, and at once set about establishing homes. Judge Symmes, however, becoming unable soon after to pay for his purchase, the land reverted to the United States, and the set- tlers in and about Dayton found themselves with- out titles to their lands. Congress, however, came to the aid of all such persons, wherever they had purchased land of Symmes, and passed a pre-emp- tion law, under which they could enter their lands at the regular government price. Some of the set- tlers entered their lands, and obtained titles directly from the United States ; others made arrangements with Daniel C. Cooper to receive their deeds from him, and he entered the residue of the town lands. He had been the surveyor and agent of the first company of proprietors, and they assigned to him certain of their rights of pre-emption, by which he became the titular owner of the land. When the State government was organized in 1803, Dayton was made the seat of justice for Montgomery County, erected the same year. At that time, owing to the title question, only five families resided in the place, the other settlers hav- ing gone to farms in the vicinity, or to other parts of the country. The increase of the town was gradual until the war of 1812, when its growth was more rapid until 1820, when it was again checked by the general depression of busi- ness. It revived in 1827, at the commencement of the Miami Canal, and since then its growth has always been prosperous. It is now one of the best cities in Ohio. The first canal boats from Cincinnati arrived at Dayton January 25, 1829, and the first one from Lake Erie the 2-lth of June, 1845. In 1825, a weekly line of stages was established between Columbus and Cincinnati, via Dayton. One day was occupied in coming from Cincinnati to Dayton. On the 18th of September, 1808, the Dayton Repertory was established by William McClureand George Smith. It was printed on a foolscap sheet. Soon after, it was enlarged and changed from a weekly to a daily, and, ere long, found a number of competitors in the field. In the lower part of ]Miamisburg,in this county, are the remains of ancient works, scattered about over the bottom. About a mile and a quarter southeast of the village, on an elevation more than one hundred feet above the level of the Miami, is tlie largest mound in the Northern States, ex- cepting the mammoth mound at Grave Creek, on the Ohio, below Wheeling, which it nearly equals in dimensions. It is about eight hundred feet around the base, and rises to a height of nearly seventy feet. When first known it was covered with forest trees, whose size evidenced great age. The Indians could give no account of the mound. Excavations revealed bones and charred earth, but what was its use, will always remain a con- jecture. One of the most important early settlements was made cotemporary with that of Dayton, in what is now Ross County. The same spring, 179G, quite a colony came to the banks of the Scioto Kiver, and, near the mouth of Paint Creek, began to plant a crop of corn on the bottom. The site had been selected as early as 1792, by Col. Nathaniel Massie* and others, who were so de- lighted with the country, and gave such glowing descriptions of it on their return — which accounts soon circulated through Kentucky — that portions of the Presbyterian congi'egations of Caneridge and Concord, in Bourbon County, under Eev. Robert W. Finley, determined to emigrate thither in a body. They were, in a measure, induced to take this step by their dislike to slavery, and a desire for fi'eedom from its baleful influences and the un- certainty that existed regarding the validity of the land titles in that State. The Rev. Finley, as a preliminary step, liberated his slaves, and addressed to Col. Massie a letter of inquiry, in December, 1794, regarding the land on the Scioto, of which he and his people had heard such glowing ac- counts. "The letter induced Col. Massie to visit Mr. Finley in the ensuing March. A large concourse of people, who wished to engage in the enterprise, assembled on the occasion, and fixed on a day to meet at the Three Islands, in Manchester, and proceed on an exploring expedition. Mr. Finley also wrote to his friends in Western Pennsylvania * Nathaniel Massie was born in Goochland County, Va., Decem- ber 28, 17G3. In 1780, he engaged, for a Bbort time, in the Revolu- tionary war. In 1783, he left for Kentucky, where he acted as a surveyor. Ho was afterward made a Government surveyor, and labored much in that capacity for early Ohio proprietors, being paid in lands, the amounts graded by the danger attached to tlie survey. In 1701, he established the settlement at Manchester, and a year or two after, continued his survey.-^ iiii the Sattle of Point Pleasant, in 1774. After his death, the mother, Methoataske, returned to the south, where she died at an advanced age. Tecum=eli was born about the year 1768. He early showed a passion for war, and, when only 27 years of age, was made a chief. The next year he removed to Deer Creek, in the vicinity of Urbana, and from there to the site of Piqua, on the Great Miami. In 1798 he accepted the invitation of the Delawares in the vicinity of White River, Indiana, and from that time made HISTORY OF OHIO. 121 the old Indian town of Piqua, the ancient Piqua of the Shawanees, on the north side of Mad River, about five miles west of Springfield. The town was destroyed by the Kentucky Rangers under Gen. George Rogers Clarke in 1780, at the same time he destroyed " Old Chillicothe." Immense fields of standing corn about both towns were cut down, compelling the Indians to resort to the hunt with more than ordinary vigor, to sustain them- selves and their wives and children. This search insured safety for some time on the borders. The site of Cadiz, in Harrison County, was settled iu April, 1799, by Alexander Henderson and his family, from Washington County, Penn. When they arrived, they found neighbors in the persons of Daniel Peterson and his family, who lived near the forks of Short Creek, and who had preceded them but a very short time. The next year, emi- grants began to cross the Ohio in gTeat numbers, and iu five or six years large settlements could be seen in this part of the State. The county was erected in 1814, and Cadiz, laid out in 1803, made the county seat. While the settlers were locating in and about Cadiz, a few families came to what is now Monroe County, and settled near the present town of Beallsville. Shortly after, a few persons settled on the Clear Fork of the Little Muskingum, and a few others on the east fork of Duck Creek. The next season all these settlements received addi- tions and a few other localities were also occupied. Before long the town of Beallsville was laid out, and in time became cjuite populous. The county was not erected until 1813, and in 1815 Woodsfield was laid out and made the seat of justice. The opening of the season of 1800 — the dawn of a new century — saw a vast emigration west ward. Old settlements in Ohio received immense increase of emigrants, while, branching out in all directions like the radii of a circle, other settle- ments w^ere constantly formed until, in a few years, all parts of the State knew the presence of the white man. Towns sprang into existence here and there ; mills and factories were erected ; post offices and post-routes were established, and the comforts and conveniences of life began to appear. With this came the desire, so potent to the mind of all American citizens, to rule themselves through representatives chosen by their own votes. Hith- erto, they had been ruled by a Governor and Judges appointed by the President, who, in turn, appointed county and judicial officers. The arbitrary rulings of the Governor, St. Clair, had arrayed the mass of the people against him, and made the desire for the second grade of government stronger, and finally led to its creation. CHAPTER X. FORMATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT— OHIO A STATE— THE STATE CAPITALS— LEGIS- LATION— THE "SWEEPING RESOLUTIONS "—TERRITORIAL AND STATE GOVERNORS. SETTLEMENTS increased so rapidly in that part of the Northwest Territory included iu Ohio, during the decade from 1788 to 1798, despite the Indian war, that the demand for an election of a Territorial Assembly could not be ignored by Gov. St. Clair, who, having ascertained that 5,000 free males resided within the limits of the Territory, issued his proclamation October 29, 1798, directing the electors to elect representatives to a General Assembly. He ordered the election his home with them. He was most active in the war of 1812 atjai list the Americans, and from tlie time ho t)PKan his work to unite the tribes, his history is so closely identificU therewith that the reader is referred to the history of that war in succeeding pages. It may not be amiss to say that all stories regardinj? the manner of his death are Considered erroneous. Ho was undoubtedly killed in the outset of the battle of the Thames in Canada in lSl-1, and his body secretly buried by the Indians. to be held on the third Monday in December, and directed the representatives to meet in Cincinnati January 22, 1799. On the day designated, the representatives * assembled at Cincinnati, nominated ten persons, whose names were sent to the President, who selected five to constitute the Legislative Council, ♦Those elected were: from Washington County, Return Jona- than Meigs and Paul Fearing; from Hamilton County, William Goforth, William McMillan, John Smith, John Ludlow, Robert Benhain, AaronCaldw-ll and Isaac Martin; from St, Clair Ctiunty (lllinois\ Shadrach Bond; from Knox County (Indiana), John Small; from Randolph County (Illinois i, John Edgar; from W'ayne County, Solomon Sibley, Jacob Visgar and Charles F. i habert de Joncaire; from Adams County, Joseph I'arlingt"n and Nathaniel Blassie; from Jefferson Cn nty, James I'ritcliar ; from lioss County, Thomas Worthinjjton, Ellas Langhau), Samuel Findley and Eduard Tiffin. The five gentlemen, except Vanderbiirfrh, chosen as the Upper House were all from counties afterward included iu Ohio. 122 HISTORY OF OHIO. or Upper House. These five were Jacob Burnet, James Findley, Henry Vanderburgh, Robert Oliver and David Vance. On the 3d of March, the Senate confirmed their nomination, and the Territorial Government of Ohio* — or, more prop- erly, the Northwest — was complete. As this comprised the essential business of this body, it was prorogued by the Governor, and the Assembly directed to meet at the same place September 1 6, 1799, and proceed to the enactment of laws for the Territory. That day, the Territorial Legislature met again at Cincinnati, but, for want of a quorum, did not organize until the 24th. The House consisted of nineteen members, seven of whom were from Ham- ilton County, four from Ross, three from Wayne, two from Adams, one from Jefferson, one from Washington and one from Knox. Assembling both branches of the Legislature, Gov. St. Clair addressed them, recommending such measures to their consideration as, in his judgment, were suited to the condition of the country. The Council then organized, electing Henry Vanderburgh, Presi- dent; William C. Schenck, Secretary; George Howard, Doorkeeper, and Abraham Carey, Ser- geant-at-arms. The House also organized, electing Edward Tif- fin, Speaker ; John Reilly, Clerk ; Joshua Row- land, Doorkeeper, and Abraham Carey, Sergeant- at-arms. This was the first legislature elected in the old Northwestern Territory. During its first session, it passed thirty bills, of which the Governor vetoed eleven. They also elected William Henry Harri- son, then Secretary of the Territory, delegate to Congress. The Legislature continued in session till December 19, having much to do in forming new laws, when they were prorogued by the Gov- ernor, until the first Monday in November, 1800. The second session was held in Chillicothe, which had been designated as the seat of government by Congress, until a permanent capital should be selected. May 7, 1800, Congress passed an act establish- ing Indiana Territory, including all the country west of the Great Miami River to the Mississippi, and appointed William Henry Harrison its Gov- ernor. At the autumn session of the Legislature * Ohio never existed as a Territory proper. It was known, both before and after the division of tlie Northwest Territory, as the "Territory northwest of the Ohio River." Still, as tlio country comprised in its limits was the principiil theater of action, the sliort resume given liere is made necessary in the logical course of events. Ohio, as Ohio, never existed until the creation of the State in March, 1803. of the eastern, or old part of the Territory, Will- iam McMillan was elected to the vacancy caused by this act. By the organization of this Territory, the counties of Knox, St. Clair and Randolph, were taken out of the jurisdiction of the old Ter- ritory, and with them the representatives, Henry Vandenburgh, Shadrach Bond, John Small and John Edgar. Before the time for the next Assembly came, a new election had occurred, and a few changes were the result. Robert Oliver, of Marietta, was cho- sen Speaker in the place of Henry Vanderburgh. There was considerable business at this session ; several new counties were to be erected ; the coun- try was rapidly filling with people, and where the scruples of the Governor could be overcome, some organization was made. He was very tenacious of his power, and arbitrary in his rulings, afiirming that he, alone, had the power to create new coun- ties. This dogmatic exercise of his veto power, his rights as ruler, and his defeat by the Indians, all tended against him, resulting in his displace- ment by the President. This was done, however, just at the time the Territory came from the second grade of government, and the State was created. The third session of the Territorial Legislature continued from November 24, 1801, to January 23, 1802,- when it adjourned to meet in Cincin- nati, the fourth Monday in November, but owing to rea.sons made obvious by subsequent events, was never held, and the third session marks the decline of the Territorial government. April 30, 1802, Congress passed an act "to enable the people of the eastern division of the territory northwest of the Ohio River, to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of such States into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes." In pursuance of this act, an election had been held in this part of the Territory, and members of a constitutional convention cho- sen, who were to meet at Chillicothe, November 1, to perform the duty assigned them. The people throughout the country contemplat- ed in the new State were anxious for the adoption of a State government. The arbitrary acts of the Territorial Governor had heightened this feeling ; the census of the Territory gave it the lawful number of inhabitants, and nothing stood in its way. The convention met tlie day designated and proceeded at once to its duties. When the time arrived for the opening of the Fourth Territorial HISTORY OF OHIO. 123 Legislature, the convention was in session and had evidently about completed its labors. The mem- bers of the Legislature (eight of whom were mem- bers of the convention) seeing that a speedy termination of the Territorial government was inev- itable, wisely concluded it was inexpedient and unnecessary to hold the proposed session. The convention concluded its labors the 29th of November. The Constitution adopted at that time, though rather crude in some of its details, was an excellent organic instrument, and remained almost entire until 1851, when the present one was adopted. Either is too long for insertion here, but either will well pay a perusal. The one adopted by the convention in 1802 was never submitted to the people, owing to the circumstances of the times ; but it was submitted to Congress February 19, 1803, and by that body accepted, and an act passed admitting Ohio to the Union. The Territorial government ended March 3, 1803, by the organization, that day, of the State government, which organization defined the pres- ent limits of the State. " We, the people of the Eastern Division of the Ter- ritory of the United States, Northwest of the River Ohio, having the right of admission into the General Government as a member of the Union, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, the Ordinance of Congress of one thousand seven hundred and eighty- seven, and of the law of Congi-ess, entitled ' An act to enable the people of the Eastern Division of the Terri- tory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio, to form a Constitution and a State Government, and for the admission of such State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purpo- ses ;' in order to establish justice, promote the well- fare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the follow- ing Constitution or form of government; and do mu- tually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the name of the State of Ohio."* — Preamble, Constitution of 1S02. When the convention forming the Constitution, completed its labors and presented the results to Congress, and that body passed the act forming * The name of the State is derived from the river forming its Biuthern lioundary. Its origin is somewhat obscure, liut is com- monly ascribed to the Indians. On tliis point, Col. Johnston says: "The Shawanoese called the Ohio River '/ii'i-fo-/n-ia, S'pe, i. c, 'Eagle River.' The Wyanilots were in the country generations before tlie ShawanoesB, and, consequently, their name of the river is the prim- itive one and should stand in preference to all others. Ohio may be called an im]irovemcnt on tlie expression, '0-he-ztih,' and was, no doubt, adopted by the early French voyagers in their boat-songs, and is substantially the same wort as used by the Wyandots: the meaning applied by the French, fair and beautiful ' la belle river,' being the same precisely as that meant by the Indians — 'great, grand and fair to look upon.' " — Howe's Calleclioiis. Webster's Dictionary gives the word as of Indian origin, and its meaning to be, " Beautiful." the State, the territory included therein was di- vided into nine counties, whose names and dates of erection were as follows: Washington, July 27, 1788; Hamilton, Janu- ary 2, 1790; (owing to the Indian war no other counties were erected till peace was restored); Ad- ams, July 10, 1797; JeflPerson, July 29, 1797; Ross, August 20, 1798; Clermont, Fairfield and Trumbull, December 9, 1800; Belmont, Septem- ber 7, 1801. These counties were the thickest- settled part of the State, yet many other localities needed organization and were clamoring for it, but owing to St. Clair's views, he refused to grant their requests. One of the first acts on the as- sembling of the State Legislature, March 1, 1803, was the creation of seven new counties, viz., Gal- lia, Scioto, Geauga, Butler, Warren, Greene and Montgomery. Section Sixth of the "Schedule" of the Consti- tution required an election for the various oflBcers and Representatives necessary under the new gov- ernment, to be held the second Tuesday of Janu- ary, 1803, these officers to take their seats and as- sume their duties March 3. The Second Article provided for the regular elections, to be held on the second Tuesday of October, in each year. The Governor elected at first was to hold his ofiSce until the first regular election could be held, and thereafter to continue in ofiice two years. The January elections placed Edward Tiffin in the Governor's office, sent Jeremiah Morrow to Congress, and chose an Assembly, who met on the day "designated, at Chillicothe. IMichael Baldwin was chosen Speaker of the House, and Nathaniel Massie, of the Senate. The Assembly appointed William Creighton, Jr., Secretary of State ; Col. Thomas Gibson, Auditor ; AVilliam McFarland, Treasurer; Return J. Meigs, Jr., Samuel Hun- tington and William Sprigg, Judges of the Su- preme Court ; Francis Dunlevy, Wyllys Silliman and Calvin Pease, President Judges of the First, Second and Third Districts, and Thomas Worth- ington and John Smith, United States Senators. Ciaarles Willing Byrd was made the United States District Judge. The act of Congress forming the State, con- tained certain requisitions regarding public schools, the " salt springs," public lands, taxation of Gov- ernment lands, Symmes' purchase, etc., which the constitutional convention agreed to with a few minor considerations. These Congress accepted, and passed the act in accordance thereto. The First General Assembly found abundance of work :^: 'A 124 HISTORY OF OHIO. to do regarding these various items, and, at once, set themselves to the task. Laws were passed re- garding all these ; new counties created ; officers appointed for the same, until they could be elected, and courts and machinery of government put in motion. President Judges antl lawyers traveled their circuits holding courts, often in the open air or in a log shanty ; a constable doing duty as guard over a jury, probably seated on a log under a tree, or in the bushes. The President Judge in- structed the officers of new counties in their duties, and though the whole keeping of matters accorded with the times, an honest teeling generally pre- vailed, inducing each one to perform his part as efiectually as his knowledge permitted. The State continually filled with people. New towns arose all over the country. Excepting the occasional sicknesses caused by the new climate and fresh soil, the general health of the people im- proved as time went on. They were fully in ac- cord with the President, Jefferson, and carefully nurtured those principles of personal liberty en- grafted in the fundamental law of 1787, and later, in the Constitution of the State. Little if any change occurred in the natural course of events, following the change of govern- ment until Burr's expedition and plan of secession in 1805 and 1806 appeared. What his plans were, have never been definitely ascertained. His action related more to the General Government, yet Ohio was called upon to aid in putting down his insurrection — for such it was thought to be — and defeated his purposes, whatever they were. His plans ended only in ignominious defeat; the breaking-up of one of the finest homes in the Western country, and the expulsion of himself and all those who were actively engaged in his scheme, whatever its imports were. Again, for a period of four or five years, no exciting events occurred. Settlements continued ; mills and factories increased ; towns and cities grew ; counties were created ; trade enlarged, and naught save the common course of events trans- pired to mark the course of time. Other States wore made from the old Northwest Territory, all pai-ts of which were rapidly being occupied by settlers. The danger from Indian hostilities was little, and the adventurous whites were rapidly occupying their country. One thing, however, was yet a continual source of annoyance to the Americans, viz., the British interference with the Indians. Their traders did not scruple, nor fail on every opportunity, to aid these sous of the forest with arms and ammunition as occasion offered, endeavoring to stir them up against the Americans, until events here and on the high seas culminated in a declaration of hostilities, and the war of 1812 was the result. The deluded red men found then, as they found in 1795, that they were made tools by a stronger power, and dropped when the time came that they were no longer needed. Before the opening of hostilities occurred, how- ever, a series of acts passed the General Assembly, causing considerable excitement. These were the fiimous "Sweeping Resolutions," passed in 1810. For a few years prior to their passage, considera- ble discontent prevailed among many of the legis- lators regarding the rulings of the courts, and by many of these embryo law-makers, the legislative power was considered omnipotent. They could change existing laws and contracts did they desire to, thought many of them, even if such acts con- flicted with the State and National Constitutions. The " Sweeping Resolutions " were brought about mainly by the action of the judges in declaring that justices of the peace could, in the collection of debts, hold jurisdiction in amounts not exceed- ing fifty dollars without the aid of a jury. The Constitution of the United States gave the jury control in all such cases where the amount did not exceed twenty dollars. There was a direct con- tradiction against the organic law of the land — to which every other law and act is subversive, and when the judges declared the legislative act uncon- stitutional and hence null and void, the Legisla- ture became suddenly inflamed at their independ- ence, and proceeded at once to punish the admin- istrators of justice. The legislature was one of the worst that ever controlled the State, and was composed of many men who were not only igno- rant of common law, the necessities of a State, and the dignity and true import of their office, but were demagogues in every respect. Having the power to impeach officers, that body at once did so, having enough to carry a two-thirds majority, and removed several judges. Further maturing their plans, the " Sweepers," as they were known, construed the law appointing certain judges and civil officers for seven years, to mean seven years from the organization of the State, whether they had been officers that length of time or not. All officers, whether of new or old counties, were con- strued as included in the act, and, utterly ignoring the Constitution, an act was passed in January, 1810, removing every civil officer in the State. :v (2 i^ ■ rf ^ y* HISTORY OF OHIO. 125 February 10, they proceeded to fill all these va- cant oflBces, from State officers down to the lowest county office, either by appointment or by ordering an election in the manner prescribed by law. The Constitution provided that the office of judges should continue for seven years, evidently seven years from the time they were elected, and not from the date of the admission of the State, which latter construction this headlong Legisla- ture had construed as the meaning. Many of the counties had been organized but a year or two, others three or four years ; hence an indescribable confusion arose as soon as the new set of officers were appointed or elected. The new order of things could not be made to work, and finally, so utterly impossible did the injustice of the proceed- ings become, that it was dropped. The decisions of the courts were upheld, and the invidious doc- trine of supremacy in State legislation received such a check that it is not likely ever to be repeated. Another act of the Assembly, during this pe- riod, shows its construction. Congress had granted a township of land for the use of a university, and located the township in Symmes' purchase. This Assembly located the university on land outside of this purchase, ignoring the act of Congress, as they had done before, showing not only ignorance of the true scope of law, but a lack of respect un- becoming such bodies. The seat of government was also moved from Chillicothe to Zanesville, which vainly hoped to be made the permanent State capital, but the next session it was again taken to Chillicothe, and com- missioners appointed to locate a permanent capital site. These commissioners were James Findley, Jo- seph Darlington, Wyllys Silliman, Reason Beall, and William McFarland. It is stated that they reported at first in favor of Dublin, a small town on the Scioto about fourteen miles above Colum- bus. At the session of 1812-13, the Assembly accepted the proposals of Col. James Johnston, Alexander McLaughlin, John Kerr, and Lyne Starling, who owned the site of Columbus. The Assembly also decreed that the temporary seat of government should remain at Chillicothe until the buildings necessary for the State officers should be erected, when it would be taken there, forever to remain. This was done in 1816, in December of that year the first meeting of the Assembly being held there. The site selected for the capital was on the east bank of the Scioto, about a mile below its junction with the Olentangy. Wide streets were laid out, and preparations for a city made. The expecta- tions of the founders have been, in this respect, re- alized. The town was laid out in the spring of 1812, under the direction of Moses Wright. A short time after, the contract for making it the capital was signed. June 18, the same day war was declared against Great Britain, the sale of lots took place. Among the early settlers were George McCor- mick, George B. Harvey, John Shields, Michael Patton, Alexander Patton, William Altman, John Collett, William McElvain, Daniel Kooser, Peter Putnam, Jacob Hare, Christian Heyl, Jarvis, George and Benjamin Pike, William Long, and Dr. John M. Edminson. In 1814, a house of worship was built, a school opened, a newspaper — The Wtstern Intelligencer and Columbus Gazette, now the Ohio State Journal — was started, and the old State House erected. In 1816, the "Borough of Columbus " was incorporated, and a mail route once a week between Chillicothe and Columbus started. In 1819, the old United States Court House was erected, and the seat of justice removed from Franklinton to Columbus. Until 1826, times were exceedingly " slow " in the new capital, and but lit- tle growth experienced. The improvement period revived the capital, and enlivened its trade and growth so that in 1834, a city charter was granted. The city is now about third in size in the State, and contains many of the most prominent public institutions. The present capitol building, one of the best in the West, is patterned somewhat afler the national Capitol at Washington City. From the close of the agitation of the '• Sweeping Resolutions," until the opening of the war of 1812, but a short time elapsed. In fact, scarcely had one subsided, ere the other was upon the country. Though the war was national, its theater of opera- tions was partly in Ohio, that State taking an act- ive part in its operations. Indeed, its liberty depended on the war. ■7" (2 k^ 1±. 126 HISTORY OF OHIO. LIST OF TERRITORIAL AND STATE GOVERNORS, From the organization of the first civil government in the Northwest Territory (17J Ohio was apart, until the year 1880. to 1802), of which the State of (a) Arthur St. Clair ^Charles Willing Byrd (6) Edward Tiffin (c) f Thomas Kirker Samuel Huntington (d) Return Jonathan Meigs. ■f Othniel Looker Thomas Worthington (e) Ethan Allen Brown , fAllen Trimble Jeremiah Morrow Allen Trimble Duncan McArthur Robert Lucas Joseph Vance W ilson Shannon Thomas Corwin (/) Wilson Shannon JThomas W. Bartley Mordecai Bartley William Bebb (g) Seabury Ford (h) Reuben Wood U)^ William Medill Salmon P. Chase William Dennison David Tod (k) John Brough ^Charles Anderson Jacob D. Cox Rutherford B. Hayes Edward F. Noyes William Allen (/) Rutherford B. Hayes (m) Thomas L. Young Richard M. Bishop Charles Foster Hamilton Ross Adams Trumbull Washington .., Hamilton Ross Hamilton Highland Warren Highland Ross Pike Champaign .., Belmont , Warren Belmont Richland Richland Butler Geauga Cuyahoga Fairfield Hamilton Franklin Mahoning Cuyahoga , Montgomery. Trumbull Hamilton Hamilton Ross .Sandusky Hamilton Hamilton Sandusky Term Commenced. July 13 Nov. March 3 March 4 Dec. 12 Dec. 8 April 14 Dec. 8 Dec. Jan. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec, April 13 Dec. 3 Dec. Jan. Dec. July Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Aug. 30 .Jan 9 Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. March 2 Jan. 14 Jan. 14 1788 1802 1803 1807 1808 1810 1814 1814 1818 1822 1822 1826 1830 1832 1836 1838 1840 1842 1844 1844 1846 1849 1850 1853 1856 1860 1862 1864 1865 1866 1868 1872 1874 1876 1877 1878 1880 Term Ended. Nov. March 3 March 4 Dec. 12 Dec. 8 March 25 Dec. 8 Dec. Jan. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. April 13 Dec. 3 Dec. Jan. Dec. July 15 Jan. 14 Jan. Jan. Jan. Aug. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. March 2 Jan. 14 Jan. 14 1802 1803 1807 1808 1810 1814 1814 1818 1822 1822 1826 1830 1832 1836 1838 1840 1842 1844 1844 1846 1849 1850 1858 1856 1860 1862 1864 1865 1866 1868 1872 1874 1876 1877 1878 1880 (a) Arthur St. Clair, of Pennsylvania, was Governor of the North- west Territory, of which Ohio was a part, from July 13, 1788, when the first civil government WHS cstahlished in the Territory, until about the close of the year 1802, when he was removed by the President. ♦Secretary of the Territory, and was acting Governor of the Territory after the removal of Gov. St. Clair. (6) RosigiK'd March 3, 18(l7, to accept the office of U. S. Senator. (c) Return .Jonathan Meigs was elected Governor on the second Tuesday of October, 18(i7, over Nathaniel Massie, who contested the election of Meigs, on the ground that "he had not been a resident of this Slate for four years ne.\t preceding the election, as required by the Constitution,"' and the General Assembly, in joint convention, declared that ho was not eligible. The office was not given to Massie, nor does it appear, from the records that he claimed it, but Thom;i8 Kirker, acting Governor, continued to discharge the duties of the office until December 12, 1808, when Samuel Huntington was inaugurated, he having been elected on the second Tuesday of October in that year (rf) Resigned March 2.5, 1814, to accept the oifice of Postmaster- General of the United States. (e) Resigned January 4, 1822. to accept the office of United States Senator. (/) Resigned April 13, 1844, to accept the office of Minister to Mexico. (gj The result of the election in 1818 was not finally determined in joint convention of the two houses of the General Assembly until •January 19,1849, and the inauguration did not take place until the 22dof that month. (;*) Resigned July 15, 1853 to accept the office of Consul to Val- paraiso. (,;) Elected in October, 1853, for the regular term, to commence on tiie second Monday of January, 1854. (k) Died August 29, 1865. t Acting Governor. t Acting Governor, vice Wilson Shannon, resigned. 'i Acting Governor, vice Reuben Wood, resigned. ? Acting Governor, vice John Brough, deceased. (I) Resigned March 2, 1877, to accept the office of President of the United States. (m) Vice Rutherford B. Hayes, resigned. € »^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 127 CHAPTER XL THE WAR OF 1812— GROWTH OF THE STATE— CANAL, RAILROADS AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS —DEVELOPMENT OF STATE RESOURCES. IN June, 1812, war was declared against Great Britain. Before this, an act was passed by Con- gress, authorizing the increase of the regular army to thirty-five thousand troops, and a large force of volunteers, to serve twelve months. Under this act, Return J. Meigs, then Governor of Ohio, in April and May, 1812, raised three regiments of troops to serve twelve months. They rendez- voused at Dayton, elected their officers, and pre- pared for the campaign. These regiments were numbered First, Second and Third. Duncan Mc- Arthur was Colonel of the First ; James Findlay, of the Second, and Lewis Cass, of the Third. Early in June these troops marched to Urbana, where they were joined by Boyd's Fourth Regiment of regular troops, under command of Col. Miller, who had been in the battle of Tippecanoe. Near the middle of June, this little army of about twenty-five hundred men, under command of Gov. William Hull, of Michigan, who had been author- ized by Congress to raise the troops, started on its northern march. By the end of June, the army had reached the Maumee, after a very severe march, erecting, on the way. Forts McArthur, Ne- cessity and Findlay. By some carelessness on the part of the American Government, no official word had been sent to the frontiers regarding the war, while the British had taken an early precaution to prepare for the crisis. Gov. Hull was very care- ful in military etiquette, and refused to march, or do any offensive acts, unless commanded by his superior officers at Washington. While at the Maumee, by a careless move, all his personal efi"ects, including all his plans, number and strength of his army, etc., fell into the hands of the enemy. His campaign ended only in ignominious defeat, and well-nigh paralyzed future efforts. All Mich- igan fell into the hands of the British. The com- mander, though a good man, lacked bravery and promptness. Had Gen. Harrison been in com- mand no such results would have been the case, and the war would have probably ended at the outset. Before Hull had surrendered, Charles Scott, Governor of Kentucky, invited Gen. Harrison. Governor of Indiana Territory, to visit Frankfort, to consult on the subject of defending the North- west. Gov. Harrison had visited Gov. Scott, and in August, 1812, accepted the appointment of Major General in the Kentucky militia, and, by hasty traveling, on the receipt of the news of the surrender of Detroit, reached Cincinnati on the morning of the 27th of that month. On the 30th he left Cincinnati, and the next day overtook the army he was to command, on its way to Dayton. After leaving Dayton, he was overtaken by an ex- press, informing him of his appointment by the Government as Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the Indiana and Illinois Territories. The army reached Piqua, September 3. From this place Harrison sent a body of troops to aid in the de- fense of Fort Wayne, threatened by the enemy. On the 6th he ordered all the troops forward, and while on the march, on September 17, he was informed of his appointment as commander of the entire Northwestern troops. He found the army poorly clothed for a winter campaign, now ap- proaching, and at once issued a stirring address to the people,' asking for food and comfortable cloth- ing. The address was not in vain. After his appointment, Gen. Harrison pushed on to Au- glaize, where, leaving the army under command of Gen. Winchester, he returned to the interior'of the State, and establishing his headquarters at Frank- linton, began active measures for the campaign. Early in March, 1812, Col. John Miller raised, under orders, a regiment of infmtry in Ohio, and in July assembled his enlisted men at Chillicothe, where, placing them — only one hundred and forty in number — under command of Captain Angus Lewis, he sent them on to the frontier. They erect- ed a block-house at Piqua and then went on to Defiance, to the main body of the army. In July, 1812, Gen. Edward W. 'Tupper, of Gallia County, raised one thousand men for six months' duty. Under orders from Gen. Winches- ter, they marched through Chillicothe and Urbana, on to the Maumee, where, near the lower end of the rapids, they made an ineffectual attempt to drive off the enemy. Failing in this, the enemy ■^ ^ 128 HISTORY OF OHIO. attacked Tupper and his troops, who, though worn down with the march and not a Uttle disorganized through the jealousies of the officers, withstood the attack, and repulsed the British and their red allies, who returned to Detroit, and the Americans to Fort McArthur. In the fall of 1812, Gen. Harrison ordered a detachment of six hundred men, mostly mounted, to destroy the Indian towns on the Missisinewa}' River, one of the head-waters of the Wabash. The winter set in early and with unusual severity. At the same time this expedition was carried on, Bonaparte was retreating from Moscow. The expe- dition accomplished its design, though the troops suffered greatly fi-om the cold, no less than two hundred men being more or less frost bitten. Gen. Harrison determined at once to retake Michigan and establish a line of defense along the southern shores of the lakes. Winchester was sent to occupy Forts Wayne and Defiance; Perkins' brigade to Lower Sandusky, to fortify an old stockade, and some Pennsylvania troops and artil- lery sent there at the same time. As soon as Gen. Harrison heard the results of the Missis- ineway expedition, he went to Chillicothe to con- sult with Gov. Meigs about further movements, and the best methods to keep the way between the Upper Miami and the Maumee continually open. He also sent Gen. Winchester word to move for- ward to the rapids of the Maumee and prepare for winter quarters. This Winchester did by the middle of January, 1813, establishing himself on the northern bank of the river, just above Wayne's old battle-ground. He was well fixed here, and was enabled to give his troops good bread, made from corn gathered in Indian corn-fields in this vicinity. While here, the inhabitants of Frenchtown, on the llaisin River, about twenty miles from Detroit, sent Winchester word claiming protection from the threatened British and Indian invasion, avowing themselves in sympathy with the Americans. A council of war decided in favor of their request, and Col. Lewis, with 550 men, sent to their relief Soon after. Col. Allen was sent with more troops, and the enemy easily driven away from about Frenchtown. Word was sent to Gen. Winchester, who determined to march with all the men he could spare to aid in holding the post gained. He left, the 19th of January, with 250 men, and ar- rived on the evening of the 20th. Failing to take the necessary precaution, from some unex- plained reason, the enemy came up in the night, established his batteries, and, the next day, sur- prised and defeated the American Army with a terrible loss. Gen. Winchester was made a pris- oner, and, finally, those who were intrenched in the town surrendered, under promise of Proctor, the British commander, of protection from the Indians. This promise was grossly violated the next day. The savages were allowed to enter the town and enact a massacre as cruel and bloody as any in the annals of the war, to the everlasting ignominy of the British General and his troops. Those of the American Army that escaped, ar- rived at the rapids on the evening of the 22d of January, and soon the sorrowful news spread throughout the army and nation. Gen. Harrison set about retrieving the disaster at once. Delay could do no good. A fort was built at the rapids, named Fort Meigs, and troops from the south and west hurriedly advanced to the scene of action. The investment and capture of Detroit was aban- doned, that winter, owing to the defeat at French- town, and expiration of the terms of service of many of the troops. Others took their places, all parts of Ohio and bordering States sending men. The erection of Fort Meigs was an obstacle in the path of the British they determined to remove, and, on the 28th of February, 1813, a large band of British and Indians, under command of Proc- tor, Tecumseh, Walk-in-the-water, and other In- dian chiefs, appeared in the Maumee in boats, and prepared for the attack. Without entering into details regarding the investment of the fort, it is only necessary to add, that after a prolonged siege, lasting to the early part of May, the British were obliged to abandon the fort, having been severely defeated, and sailed for the Canadian shores. Next followed the attacks on Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, and other predatory excur- sions, by the British. All of these fiiled of their design; the defense of Maj. Croghan and his men constituting one of the most brilliant actions of the war. For the gallant defense of Fort Stephenson by Maj. Croghan, then a young man, the army merited the highest honors. The ladies of Chillicothe voted the heroic Major a fine sword, while the whole land rejoiced at the exploits of him and his band. The decisive efforts of the army, the great num- bers of men offered — many of whom Gen. Harrison was obliged to send home, much to their disgust — Perry's victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813 — all presaged the triumph of the American arms, soon to ensue. As soon as the battle on the lake was over, the British at Maiden burned HISTORY or OHIO. 129 their stores, and fled, while the Americans, under their gallant commander, followed them in Perry's vessel to the Canada shore, overtaking them on the River Thames, October 5. In the battle that ensued, Tecumseh was slain, and the British Army routed. The war was now practically closed in the West. Ohio troops had done nobly in defending their northern frontier, and in regaining the Northwest- ern country. Gen. Harrison was soon after elected to Congress by the Cincinnati district, and Gen. Duncan McArthur was appointed a Brigadier General in the regular army, and assigned to the command in his place. Gen. McArthur made an expedition into Upper Canada in the spring of 1814, destroying considerable property, and driv- ing the British farther into their own dominions. I'eace was declared early in 1815, and that spring, the troops were mustered out of service at Chilli- cothe, and peace with England reigned supreme. The results of the war in Ohio were, for awhile, similar to the Indian war of 1795. It brought many people into the State, and opened new por- tions, before unknown. Many of the soldiers im- mediately invested their money in lands, and became citizens. The war drove many people from the Atlantic Coast west, and as a result much money, for awhile, circulated. Labor and provisions rose, which enabled both workmen and tradesmen to enter tracts of land, and aided emigration. At the conclusion of Wayne's war in 1795, probably not more than five thousand people dwelt in the limits of the State ; at the close of the war of 1812, that number was largely increased, even with the odds of war against them. After the last war, the emigration was constant and gradual, building up the State in a manner that betokened a healthful life. As soon as the effects of the war had worn off, a period of depression set in, as a result of too free speculation indulged in at its close. Gradu- ally a stagnation of business ensued, and many who found themselves unable to meet contracts made in " flush " times, found no alternative but to fail. To relieve the pressure in all parts of the West, Congress, about 1815, reduced the price of public lands from $2 to $1.25 per acre. This measure worked no little liardship on those who owned large tracts of lands, for portions of which they had not fully paid, and as a consequence, these lands, as well as all others of this class, reverted to the Government. The general market was in New Orleans, whither goods were transported in flat- boats built especially for this pupose. This com- rflterce, though small and poorly repaid, was the main avenue of trade, and did much for the slow prosperity prevalent. The few banks in the State found their bills at a discount abroad, and gradu- ally becoming drained of their specie, either closed business or failed, the major part of them adopt- ing the latter course. The steamboat began to be an important factor in the river navigation of the West about this period. The first boat to descend the Ohio was the Orleans, built at Pittsburg in 1812, and in December of that year, while the fortunes of war hung'over the Jand, she made her first trip from the Iron City to New Orleans, being just twelve days on the way. The second, built by Samuel Smith, was called the Comet, and made a trip as far south as Louisville, in the summer of 1813. The third, the Vesuvius, was built by Fulton, and went to New Orleans in 1814. The fourth, built by Daniel French at Brownsville, Penn., made two trips to Louisville in the summer of 1814. The next vessel, the JEtna, was built by Fulton & Company in 1815. So fiist did the business increase, that, four years after, more than forty steamers floated on the Western waters. Improvements in machinery kept pace with the building, until, in 1838, a competent writer stated there were no less than four hundred steamers in the West. Since then, the erection of railways has greatly retarded ship-building, and it is alto- gether probable the number has increased but little. The question of canals began to agitate the Western country during the decade succeeding the war. They had been and were being constructed in older countries, and presaged good and prosper- ous times. If only the waters of the lakes and the Ohio Biver could be united by a canal run- ning through the midst of the State, thought the people, prosperous cities and towns would arise on its banks, and commerce flow through the land. One of the firmest fiiends of such improvements was De Witt Clinton, who had been the chief man in forwarding the " Clinton Canal," in New York. He was among the first to advocate the feasibility of a canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River, and, by the success of the New York canals, did much to bring it about. Popular writers of the day all urged the scheme, so that when the Assem- bly met, early in December, 1821, the resolution, offered by Micajah T. Williams, of Cincinnati, ■7" 130 HISTOKY OF OHIO. for the appointment of a committee of five mem- bers to take into consideration so much of the Governor's message as related to canals, and see if some feasible plan could not be adopted whereby a beginning could be made, was quickly adopted. The report of the committee, advising a survey and examination of routes, met with the approval of the Assembly, and commissioners were ap- pointed who were to employ an engineer, examine the country and report on the practicability of a canal between the lakes and the river. The com- missioners employed James Geddes, of Onondaga County, N. Y., as an engineer. He arrived in Columbus in June, 1822, and, before eight months, the corps of engineers, under his direction, had examined one route. During the next two sum- mers, the examinations continued. A number of routes were examined and surveyed, and one, from Cleveland on the lake, to Portsmouth on the Ohio, was recommended. Another canal, from Cincin- nati to Dayton, on the Miami, was determined on, and preparations to commence work made. A Board of Canal Fund Commissioners was created, money was borrowed, and the morning of July 4, 1825, the first shovelful of earth was dug near Newark, with imposing ceremonies, in the presence of De Witt Clinton, Governor of New York, and a mighty concourse of people assembled to witness the auspicious event. Gov. Clinton was escorted all over the State to aid in developing the energy everywhere apparent. The events were important ones in the history of the State, and, though they led to the creation of a vast debt, yet, in the end, the canals were a benefit. The main canal — the Ohio and Erie Canal — was not completed till 1832. The Maumee Canal, from Dayton to Cincinnati, was finished in 1834. They cost the State about ^G,000,000. Each of the main canals had branches leading to important towns, where their construction could be made without too much expense. The Miami and Mau- mee Canal, from Cincinnati northward along the Miami River to Piqua, thence to the Maumee and on to the lake, was the largest canal made, and, for many years, was one of the most important in the State. It joined the Wabash Canal on the ea.stern boundary of Indiana, and thereby saved the construction of many miles by joining this great canal from Toledo to Evansville. The largest artificial lake in the world, it is said, was built to supply water to the Miami Canal. It exists yet, though the canal is not much used. It is in the eastern part of Mercer County, and is about nine miles long by from two to four wide. It was formed by raising two walls of earth from ten to thirty feet high, called respectively the east and west embankments ; the first of which is about two miles in length ; the second, about four. These walls, with the elevation of the ground to the north and south, formed a huge basin, to retain the water. The reservoir was commenced in 1837, and finished in 1845, at an expense of several hundred thousand dollars. When first built, dur- ing the accumulation of water, much malarial disease prevailed in the surrounding country, owing to the stagnant condition of the water. The citi- zens, enraged at what they considered an innova- tion of their rights, met, and, during a dark night, tore out a portion of the lower wall, letting the water flow out. The damage cost thousands of dollars to repair. All who participated in the proceedings were liable to a severe imprisonment, but the state of feeling was such, in Mercer County, where the oifense was committed, that no jury could be found that would try them, and the aff'air gradually died out. The canals, so efiicacious in their day, were, however, superseded by the railroads rapidly find- ing their way into the West. From England, where they were early used in the collieries, the transition to America was easy. The first railroad in the United States was built in the summer of 1826, from the granite quarry belonging to the Bunker Hill Monument Associa- tion to the wharf landing, three miles distant. The road was a slight decline from the quarry to the wharf, hence the loaded cars were pro- pelled by their own gravity. On their return, when empty, they were drawn up by a single horse. Other roads, or tramways, quickly followed this. They were built at the Pennsylvania coal mines, in South Carolina, at New Orleans, and at Baltimore. Steam motive power was used in 1831 or 1832, first in America on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and in Charlestown, on a railroad there. To transfer these highways to the West was the question of but a few years' time. The prairies of Illinois and Indiana offered superior inducements to such enterprises, and, early in 1835, they began to be agitated there. In 1838, the first rail was laid in Illinois, at Meredosia, a little town on the Illinois River, on what is now the Wabash Railway. "The first railroad made in Ohio," writes Caleb Atwater, in his "History of Ohio," in 1838, "was finished in 1 836 by the people of Toledo, a town :^: :^ liL HISTOKY OF OHIO. 131 some two years old then, situated near the mouth of Maumee River. The road extends westward in- to Michigan and is some thirty miles in length. There is a road about to be made from Cincinnati to Springfield. This road follows the Ohio River up to the Little Miami River, and there turns northwardly up its valley to Xenia, and, passing the Yellow Springs, reaches Springfield. Its length must be about ninety miles. The State will own one-half of the road, individuals and the city of Cincinnati the other half This road will, no doubt, be extended to Lake Erie, at Sandusky City, within a few short years." "There is a railroad," continues Mr. Atwater, " about to be made from Painesville to the Ohio River. There are many charters for other roads, which will never be made." Mr. Atwater notes also, the various turnpikes as well as the famous National road from Baltimore westward, then completed only to the mountains. This latter did as much as any enterprise ever en- acted in building up and populating the West. It gave a national thoroughfare, which, for many years, was the principal wagon-way from the At- lantic to the Mississippi Valley. The railroad to which Mr. Atwater refers as about to be built from Cincinnati to Springfield, was what was known as the Mad River Railroad. It is commonly conceded to be the first one built in Ohio.* Its history shows that it was chartered March 11, 183(), that work began in 1837; that it. was completed and opened for business from Cincinnati to Milford, in December, 1842; to Xe- nia, in August, 1845, and to Springfield, in Au- gust, 1846. It was laid with strap rails until about 1848, when the present form of rail was adopted. One of the earliest roads in Ohio was what was known as the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Rail- road. It was chartered at first as the Monroeville & Sandusky City Railroad, March 9, 1835. March 12, 1836, the Mansfield & New Haven road was chartered; the Columbus & Lake Erie, March 12, 1845, and the Huron & Oxford, February 27, 1846. At first it ran only from Sandusky to Monroeville, then from Mansfield to Huron. These * Hon. E D. Mansfield staies, in 1873, that the " first actual piece of railroad laid in Ohio, was made on the Cincinnati & Sandusky Railroad; but, about the same time we have the Little Miami Rail- road, which was surveyed in 1836 and 1837. If this, the generally accepted opinion, is correct, then Mr. Atwater's statement as given, is wrong. His history is, however, generally conceded to be correct. Written in 1838, he surely ought to know whereof he was writing, as the railroads were then only in construction ; but few, if any, in operation. two were connected and consolidated, and then ex- tended to Newark, and finally, by connections, to Columbus. It is unnecessary to follow closely the history of these improvements through the years succeeding their introduction. At first the State owned a share in nearly all railroads and canals, but finally finding itself in debt about $15,000,000 for such improvements, and learning by its own and ^ neigh- bors' experiences, that such policy was detrimental to the best interests of the people, abandoned the plan, and allowed private parties entire control of all such works. x\fter the close of the ^Mexican war, and the return to solid values in 1 854 or there- abouts, the increase of railroads in all parts of Ohio, as well as all parts of the West, was simply marvel- ous. At this date there are more than ten thou- sand miles of railroads in Ohio, alongside of which stretch innumerable lines of telegraph, a system of swift messages invented by Prof IMorse, and adopted in the United States about 1851. About the time railroad building began to as- sume a tangible shape, in 1840, occurred the cele- brated political campaign known in history as the " Hard Cider Campaign." The gradual encroach- ments of the slave power in the West, its arrogant attitude in the Congress of the United States and in several State legislatures : its forcible seizure of slaves in the free States, and the enactment and attempted enforcement of the '■ fugitive slave" law all tended to awaken in the minds of the Northern people an antagonism, terminating only in the late war and the abolishment of that hideous system in the United States. The "Whig Party" strenuously urged the abridgment or confinement of slavery in the Southern States, and in the contest the party took a most active part, and elected William Henry Harrison President of the United States. As he had been one of the foremost leaders in the war of 1812, a resident of Ohio, and one of its most pop- ular citizens, a log cabin and a barrel of cider were adopted as his exponents of popular opinion, as expressive of the rule of the common people repre- sented in the cabin and cider, in turn representing their primitive and simple habits of life. He Uved but thirty days after his inauguration, dying on the 9th of April, 1841, when John Tyler, the Vice President, succeeded him as Chief Executive of the nation. The building of railroads; the extension of com- merce ; the settlement of all parts of the State ; its srrowth in commerce, education, religion and 132 HISTOEY OF OHIO. population, are the thief events from 1841 to the iMexican war. Hard times occurred about as often as they do now, preceded by " flush " times, wlien speculation ran rife, the people all infatuated with an insane idea that something could be had for nothing. The bubble burst as often a.s inflated, ruining many people, but seemingly teaching few lessons. CHAPTER XII. MEXICAN WAR— CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE STATE— WAR OF THE REBELLION— OHIO'S PART IN THE CONFLICT. THE Mexican War grew out of the question of the annexation of Texas, then a province of Mexico, whose territory extended to the Indian Territory on the north, and on up to the Oregon Territory on the Pacific Coast. Texas had been settled largely by Americans, who saw the condi- tion of affairs that would inevitably ensue did the country remain under Mexican rule. They first took steps to secede from Mexico, and then asked the aid of America to sustain them, and annex the country to itself. The Whig party and many others opposed this, chiefly on the grounds of the extension of slave territory. But to no avail. The war came on, Mexico was conquered, the war lasting from April 20, 18-46, to May 30, 1848. Fifty thousand vol- unteers were called for the war by the Congress, and SI 0,000,000 placed at the disposal of the President, James K. Polk, to sustain the army and prosecute the war. The part that Ohio took in the war may be briefly summed up as follows: She had five vol- unteer regiments, five companies in the Fifteenth Infantry, and several independent companies, with her full proportion among the regulars. When war was declared, it was something of a crusade to many ; full of romance to others ; hence, many more were ofl'ered than could be received. It was a campaign of romance to some, yet one of reality, ending in death, to many. When the first call for troops came, the First, Second and Third Regiments of infantry responded at once. Alexander Mitchell was made Colonel of the Fir-st; John B. Wellerits Lieutenant Colonel ; and L. Ilamer Giddings, of Dayton, its Major. Thomas Hanna, one of the ablest lawyers in Ohio, started with the First as its Major, but, before the regiment left the State, he was made a Brigadier General of Volunteers, and, at the battle of Mon- terey, distinguished himself; and there contracted disease and laid down his life. The regiment's Colonel, who had been wounded at Monterey, came home, removed to Minnesota, and there died. Lieut. Col. Weller went to California after the close of the war. He was United States Senator from that State in the halls of Congress, and, at last, died at New Orleans. The Second Regiment was commanded by Col. George W. Morgan, now of Mount Vernon ; Lieut. Col. William Irwin, of Lancaster, and Maj. Will- iam Wall. After the war closed, Irwin settled in Texas, and remained there till he died. Wall lived out his days in Ohio. The regiment was never in active field service, but was a credit to the State. The oflicers of the Thii'd Regiment were, Col. Samuel R. Curtis; Lieut. Col. G. W. McCook and Maj. John Love. The first two are now dead ; the Major lives in McConnellsville. At the close of the first year of the war, these regiments (First, Second and Third ) were mustered out of service, as their term of enlistment nad expired. When the second year of the war began, the call for more troops on the part of the Government induced the Second Ohio Infantry to re-organize, and again enter the service. William Irwin, of the former organization, was chosen Colonel; William Latham, of Columbus, Lieutenant Colonel, and William H. Link, of Circleville, Major. Nearly all of them are now dead. The regular army was increased by eight Ohio companies of infantry, the Third Dragoons, and the Voltigeurs — light-armed soldiers. In the Fif- teenth Regiment of the llnited States Army, there were five Ohio companies. The others were three from Michigan, and two fntm Wisconsin. Col. ^Morgan, of the old Second, was made Colonel of 'the Fifteenth, and John Howard, of Detroit, an old artillery officer in the regular army. Lieutenant Colonel. Samuel Wood, a captain in the Sixth sJ ^ "V HISTOHY OF OHIO. 133 United States Infantry, was made Major ; but was afterward succeeded by Mill, of Vermont. The Fifteenth was in a number of skirmishes at first, and later in the battles of Contreras, Cherubusco and Chapultepec. At the battle of Cherubusco, the Colonel was severely wounded, and Maj. Mill, with several officers, and a large number of men, killed. For gallant service at Contreras, Col. Mor- gan, though only twenty-seven years old, was made a Brevet Brigadier General in the United States Army. Since the war he has delivered a number of addresses in Ohio, on the campaigns in Mex- ico. The survivors of the war are now few. Though seventy-five thousand men from the United States went into that conflict, less than ten thousand now survive. They are now veterans, and as such de- light to recount their reminiscences on the fields of Mexico. They are all in the decline of life, and ere a generation passes away, few, if any, will be left. After the war, the continual growth of Ohio, the change in all its relations, necessitated a new organic law. The Constitution of 1852 was the result. It re-affirmed the political principles of the "ordinance of 1787 " and the Constitution of 1802, and made a few changes necessitated by the advance made in the interim. It created the office of Lieutenant Governor, fixing the term of service at two years. This Constitution yet stands notwithstanding the prolonged attempt in 1873-74 to create a new one. It is now the organic law of Ohio. From this time on to the opening of the late war, the prosperity of the State received no check. Towns and cities grew ; railroads multiplied ; com- merce was extended ; the vacant lands were rapidly filled by settlers, and everything tending to the advancement of the people was well prosecuted. Banks, after much tribulation, had become in a measure somewhat secure, their only and serious drawback being their isolation or the confinement of their circulation to their immediate localities. But signs of a mighty contest were appai'eut. A contest almost without a parallel in the annals of history ; a contest between freedom and slavery ; between wrong and right ; a contest that could only end in defeat to the wrong. The Republican party came into existence at the close of President Pierce's term, in 1855. Its object then was, prin- cipally, the restriction of the slave power ; ultimately its extinction. One of the chief exponents and sup- porters of this growing party in Ohio, was Salmon P. Cha.se ; one who never faltered nor lost fiiith ; and who was at the helm of State; in the halls of Con- gress; chief of one the most important bureaus of the Government, and, finally, Chief Justice of the United States. When war came, after the election of Abraham Lincoln by the Republican party, Ohio was one of the first to answer to the call for troops. Mr. Chase, while Governor, had re-organized the militia on a sensible basis, and rescued it from the ignominy into which it had fallen. When Mr. Lincoln asked for seventy-five thousand men, Ohio's quota was thirteen regiments. The various chaotic regiments and militia troops in the State did not exceed 1,500 men. The call was issued April 15, 1861 ; by the 18th, two regiments were organized in Columbus, whither these companies had gathered; before sunrise of the 19th the first and second regiments were on their way to Wash- ington City. The President had only asked for thirteen regiments; thirty were gathering; the Government, not yet fully comprehending the nature of the rebellion, refused the surplus troops, but Gov. Dennison was authorized to put ten additional regiments in the field, as a defensive measure, and was also authorized to act on the defensive as well as on the offensive. The immense extent of southern border made this necessary, as all the loyal people in West Virginia and Ken- tucky asked for help. In the limits of this history, it is impossible to trace all the steps Ohio took in the war. One of her most talented sons, now at the head of one of the greatest newspapers of the world, says, regard- ing the action of the people and their Legislature : " In one part of the nation there existed a grad- ual growth of sentiment against the Union, ending in open hostility against its integrity and its Con- stitutional law ; on the other side stood a resolute, and determined people, though divided in minor matters, firmly united on the question of national supremacy. The people of Ohio stood squarely on this side. Before this her people had been di- vided up to the hour when — "'That fierce and sudden flash across the rugged black- ness broke, And, with a voice that shook the land, the guns of Sum- ter spoke; And whcreso'er the summons came, there rose the angry din, As -when, upon a rocky coast, a stormy tide sets in.' " All waverings then ceased among the people and in the OhioLedslature. The Union must be ^ 134 HISTORY OF OHIO. preserved. The white heat of patriotism and fe- alty to the flag that had been victorious in three wars, and had never met but temporary defeat then meked all parties, and dissolved all hesitation, and, April 18, 18GI, by a unanimous vote of ninety-nine Representatives in its favor, there was passed a bill appropriating $500,000 to carry into effect the requisition of the President, to protect the National Government, of which sum $450,000 were to purchase arms and equipments for the troops required by that requisition as the quota of Ohio, and $50,000 as an extraordinary contingent fund for the Grovernor. The commissioners of the State Sinking Fund were authorized, by the same bill, to borrow this money, on the G per cent bonds of the State, and to issue for the same certificates, freeing such bonds from taxation. Then followed other such legislation that declared the property of volunteers free from execution for debt during their term of service; that declared any resident of the State, who gave aid and comfort to the enemies of the Union, guilty of treason against the State, to be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for life; and, as it had become already evi- dent that thousands of militia, beyond Ohio's quota of the President's call, would volunteer, the Legislature, adopting the sagacious suggestion of Gov. Dennison, resolved that all excess of volunteers should be retained and paid for service, under direction of the Governor. Thereupon a bill was passed, authorizing the acceptance of volunteers to form ten regiments, and providing $500,000 for their arms and equipments, and $1,500,000 more to be disbursed for troops in case of an in- vasion of the State. Then other legislation was enacted, looking to and providing against the ship- ment from or through the State of arms or mu- nitions of war, to States either assuming to be neutral or in open rebellion; organizing the whole body of the State militia; providing suitable offi- cers for duty on the staff of the Governor ; re- quiring contracts for subsistence of volunteers to be let to the lowest bidder, and authorizing the appointment of additional general officers. " Before the adjournment of that Legislature, the Speaker of the House had resigned to take command of one of the regiments then about to start for Washington City ; two leading Senators had been appointed Brigadier Generals, and many, in fact nearly all, of the other members of both hou.ses had, in one capacity or another, entered the military service. It was the first war legislature ever elected in Ohio, and, under sudden pressure. nobly met the first shock, and enacted the first measures of law for war. Laboring under difficul- ties inseparable from a condition so unexpected, and in the performance of duties so novel, it may be historically stated that f>r patriotism, zeal and ability, the Ohio Legislature of 1861 was the equal of any of its successors ; while in that exu- berance of patriotism which obliterated party lines and united all in a common effort to meet the threatened integrity of the United States as a nation, it surpassed them both. " The war was fought, the slave power forever destroyed, and under additional amendments to her organic law, the Lhiited States wiped the stain of human slavery from her escutcheon, liberating over four million human beings, nineteen-twentieths of whom were native-born residents. " When Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Ohio had two hundred regiments of all arms in the National service. In the course of the war, she had furnished two hundred and thirty regiments, besides twenty-six independent batteries of artillery, five independent companies of cavalry, several companies of sharpshooters, large parts of five regiments credited to the West Virginia con- tingent, two regiments credited to the Kentucky contingent, two transferred to the United States colored troops, and a large proportion of the rank and file of the Fifty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Massa- chusetts Regiments, also colored men. Of these or- ganizations, twenty-three were infantry regiments furnished on the first call of the President, an ex- cess of nearly one-half over the State's quota ; one hundred and ninety-one were infantry regiments, furnished on subsequent calls of the President^ — one hundred and seventeen for three years, twenty- seven for one year, two for six months, two for three months, and forty-two for one hundred days. Thirteen were cavalry, and three artillery for three years. Of these three-years troops, over twenty thousand re-enlisted, as veterans, at the end of their long term of service, to fight till the war would end." As original members of these organizations, Ohio furnished to the National service the magnificent army of 310,05-4 actual soldiers, omitting from the above number all those who paid commuta- tion money, veteran enlistments, and citizens who enlisted as soldiers or sailors in other States. The count is made from the reports of the Provost Marshal General to the War Department. Penn- sylvania gave not quite 28,000 more, while Illinois fell 48,000 behind; Indiana, 116,000 less; 3?: •«»*.■ • i. 'SS ^^uhU-aJ^y yScLo~7^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 137 Kentucky, 235,000, and Massachusetts, 164,000. Thus Ohio more than maintained, in the National army, the rank among her sisters which her popu- lation supported. Ohio furnished more troops than the President ever required of her ; and at the end of the war, with more than a thousand men in the camp of the State who were never mustered into the service, she still had a credit on the rolls of the War Department for 4,332 soldiers, beyond the aggregate of all quotas ever assigned to her ; and, besides all these, '6,479 citizens had, in lieu of personal service, paid the commutation ; while In- diana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New York were all from five to one hundred thousand behind their quotas. So ably, through all those years of trial and death, did she keep the promise of the memorable dispatch from her first war Governor : " If Kentucky refuses to fill her quota, Ohio will fill it for her." "Of these troops 11,237 were killed or mor- tally wounded in action, and of these 6,563 were left dead on the field of battle. They fought on well-nigh every battle-field of the war. Within forty-eight hours after the first call was made for troops, two regiments were on the way to Wash- ington. An Ohio brigade covered the retreat from the first battle of Bull Run. Ohio troops formed tlie bulk of army that saved to the Union the territory afterward erected into West Virginia ; the bulk of the army that kept Kentucky from seceding ; a large part of the army that captured Foi't Donelson and Island No. 10 ; a great part of the army that from Stone River and Chickamauga, and Mission Ridge and Atlanta, swept to the sea and captured Fort McAllister, and north through the Carolinas to Virginia." When Sherman started on his famous march to the sea, someone said to President Lincoln, "T hey will never get through; they will all be captured, and the Union will be lost." " It is impossible," replied the President ; "it cannot be done. There is a mighty siglit of fight in one hundred thou- sand Western men." Ohio troops fought at Pea Ridge. They charged at Wagner. They helped redeem North Carolina. They were in the sieges of Vicksburg, Charleston, Mobile and Richmond. At Pittsburg Landing, at Antietam, Gettysburg and Corinth, in the Wilderness, at Five Forks, bcfi)re Nashville and Appomattox Court House ; " their bones, reposing on the fields they won and in the graves they fill, are a perpetual pledge that no flag shall ever wave over their graves but that flag they died to maintain." Ohio's soil gave birth to, or furnished, a Grant, a Sherman, a Sheridan, a McPherson, a Rosecrans, a McClellan, a McDowell, a Mitchell, a Gilmore, a Hazen,a Sill, a Stanley, a Steadman,and others — all but one, children of the country , reared at West Point for such emergencies. Ohio's war record shows one General, one Lieutenant General, twenty Major Generals, twenty-seven Brevet Major Generals, and thirty Brigadier Generals, and one hundred and fifty Brevet Brigadier Generals. Her three war Governors were William Dennison, David Todd, and John Brough. She furnished, at the same time, one Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, and one Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase. Her Senators were Benjamin F. Wade and John Sherman. At least three out of five of Ohio's able-bodied men stood in the line of battle. On the head stone of one of these soldiers, who gave his life for the country, and who now lies in a National Cemetery, is inscribed these words : " We charge the living to preserve that Constitution we have died to defend." The close of the war and return of peace brought a period of fictitious values on the country, occa- sioned by the immense amount of currency afloat. Property rose to unheard-of values, and everything with it. Ere long, however, the decline came, and with it " hard times." The climax broke over the country in 1873, and for awhile it seemed as if the country was on the verge of ruin. People found again, as preceding generations had found, that real value was the only basis of true prosper- ity, and gradually began to work to the fact. The Government established the specie basis by gradual means, and on the 1st day of January, 1879, began to redeem its outstanding obligations in coin. The effect was felt everywhere. Busi- ness of all kinds sprang anew into life. A feeling of confidence grew as the times went on, and now, on the threshold of the year 1880, the State is en- tering on an era of steadfast prosperity ; one which has a sure and certain foundation. Nearly four years have elaped since the great Centennial Exhibition was held in Philadelphia ; an exhibition that brought from every State in the Union the best products of her soil, factories, and all industries. In that exhibit Ohio made an ex- cellent display. Her stone, iron, coal, cereals, woods and everj'thing pertaining to her welfiire were all represented. Ohio, occupying the middle ground of the Union, was expected to show to foreign na- tions what the valleys of the Mississippi and Ohio 138 HISTORY OF OHIO. could produce. The State nobly stood the test and ranked foremost among all others. Her cen- tennial building was among the first completed and among the neatest and best on the grounds. During the summer, the Centennial Commission extended invitations to the Governors of the several States to appoint an orator and name a day for his delivery of an address on the history, progress and resources of his State. Gov. Hayes named the Hon. Edward D. Mansfield for this purpose, and August 9th, that gentleman delivered an address so valuable for the matter which it contains, that we here give a synopsis of it. CHAPTER XIII. OHIO IN THE CENTENNIAL— ADDRESS OF EDWARD D. MANSFIJILD, LL. D., PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 9, 1876. ONE hundred years ago, the whole territory, from the Alleghany to the Rocky Mountains was a wilderness, inhabited only by wild beasts and Indians. The Jesuit and Moravian missionaries were the only white men who had penetrated the wilderness or beheld its mighty lakes and rivers. While the thirteen old colonies were declaring their independence, the thirteen new States, which now lie in the western interior, had no existence, and gave no sign of the future. The solitude of nature was unbroken by the steps of civilization. The wisest statesman had not contemplated the probability of the coming States, and the boldest patriot did not dream that this interior wilderness should soon contain a greater population than the thirteen old States, with all the added growth of one hundred years. Ten years after that, the old States had ceded their Western lands to the General Govei-nment, and the Congress of the United States had passed the ordinance of 1785, for the survey of the pub- lic territory, and, in 1787, the celebrated ordinance which organized the Northwestern Territory, and dedicated it to freedom and intelligence. Fifteen years after that, and more than a quarter of a century after the Declaration of Independ- ence, the State of Ohio was admitted into the Union, being the seventeenth which accepted the Constitution of the United States. It has since grown up to be great, populous and prosperous under the influence of those ordinances. At her admittance, in 1803, the tide of emigration had begun to flow over the AUeghanies into the Valley of the Mississippi, and, although no steamboat, no railroad then existed, nor even a stage coach helped the immigrant, yet the wooden " ark " on the Ohio, and the heavy wagon, slowly winding over the mountains, bore these tens of thousands to the wilds of Kentucky and the plains of Ohio. In the spring of 1788 — the first year of settlement — four thousand five hundred persons passed the mouth of the Muskingum in three months, and the tide continued to pour on for half a century in a widening stream, mingled with all the races of Europe and America, until now, in the hundredth yearof America'sindependence, thefive Statesof the Northwestern Territory, in the wilderness of 177G, contain ten millions of people, enjoying all the blessings which peace and prosperity, freedom and Christianity, can confer upon any people. Of these five States, born under the ordinance of 1787, Ohio is the first, oldest, and, in many things, the greatest. In some things it is the greatest State in the Union. Let us, then, attempt, in the briefest terms, to draw an outline portrait of this great and remark- able commonwealth. Let us observe its physical aspects. Ohio is just one-sixth part of the Northwestern Territory — 40,000 square miles. It lies between Lake Erie and the Ohio Eiver, having 200 miles of navigable waters, on one side flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other into the Gulf of Mexico. Through the lakes, its vessels touch on 6,000 miles of interior coast, and, through the Mississippi, on 36,000 miles of river coast; so that a citizen of Ohio may pursue his navigation through 42,000 miles, all in his own country, and all within naviga- ble reach of his own State. He who has circumnavi- gated the globe, has gone but little more than half the distance which the citizen of Ohio finds within his natural reach in this vast interior. Looking upon the surface of this State, we find no mountains, no barren sands, no marshy wastes, no lava-covered plains, but one broad, compact 1' HM *2 k^ •.H 148 HISTORY OF OHIO. CHAPTER XIV. EDUCATION* — EARLY SCHOOL LAWS — NOTES — INSTITUTES AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNALS- SCHOOL SYSTEM — SCHOOL FUNDS— COLLEGES A.ND UNIVERSITIES. WHEN the survey of the Northwest Terri- tory was ordered by Congress, March 20, 1785, it was decreed that every sixteenth section of land should be reserved for the "maintenance of public schools within each township." The ordinance of 1787 — thanks to the New England Associates — proclaimed that, " religion, morality and knowledge being essential to good government, schools and the means of education should forever be encouraged." The State Constitution of 1802 declared that " schools and the means of instruc- tion should be encouraged by legislative provision, not inconsistent with the rights of conscience." In 1825, through the persevering eflforts of Nathan Gruilford, Senator fi-om Hamilton County, Ephraim Cutler, Representative from Washington County, and other friends of education, a bill was passed, " laying the foundation for a general system of common .schools." This bill provided a tax of one- half mill, to be levied by the County Commis- sioners for school purposes ; provided for school examiners, and made Township Clerks and County Auditors school officers. In 1829, this county tax was raised to three-fourths of a mill ; in 1834 to one mill, and, in 1836, to one and a half mills. In March, 1837, Samuel Lewis, of Hamilton County,was appointed State Superintendent of Com- mon Schools. He was a very energetic worker, trav- eling on horseback all over the State, delivering ad- dresses and encouraging school officers and teachers. Through his efforts much good was done, and * From the School Commissioners' Reports, principally those of Thomas W. Harvey, A. M. Note 1. — The first sthool taught in Ohio, or in the Northwestern Territory, was in 1791. The first teacher was Blaj. Austin Tiipper, eldcstson of Gon. Benjamin Tupper, both Revolutionary officers. The room occupied was the same as that in wliich.the first Court was held, and was situated in the northwest block-house of the garrison, called the stockade, at Marietta. During the Indian war school wiis also taught at Fort Harmar, Point Marietta, and at other set- tlements. A meeting was held in Marietta, April 29, 1797, to con- sider the erection of a school building suitable for the instruction of the youth, and for conducting religious services. Kesolulions were adopted which led to the erection of a building called the Muskingum Academy. The building was of frame, forty feet long and iwenly-four feet wide, and is yet(1878)8tanding. Thebuilding was twelve ffet high, with an arched ceiling It stood upon a stone foundation, three steps from tlie ground. There were two chimneys and a lobby projection. There was a cellar under the whole build- ing. It stood upon a beautiful lot, fronting the Muskingum River, and about sixty feet back fiorn the street. Some large trees were many important features engrafted on the school system. He resigned in 1839, when the officewas abolished, and its duties imposed on the Secretary of State. The most important adjunct in early education in the State was the college of teachers organized in Cincinnati in 1831. Albert Pickett, Dr. Joseph Ray, William H. McGruffey — so largely known by his Readers — and Milo C Williams, were at its head. Leading men in all parts of the West at- tended its meetings. Their published deliberations did much for the advancement of education among the people. Through the efforts of the college, the first convention held in Ohio for educational purposes was called at Columbus, January 13, 183G. Two years after, in December, the first convention in which the different sections of the State were represented, was held. At both these conventions, all the needs of the schools, both com- mon and higher, were ably and fully discussed, and appeals made to the people for a more cordial support of the law. No succes.sful attempts were made to organize a permanent educational society until December, 1847, when the Ohio State Teach- ers' Association was formed at Akron, Summit County, with Samuel Galloway as President; T. W. Harvey, Recording Secretary; M. D. Leggett, Corresponding Secretary; William Bowen, Treas- urer, and M. F. Cowdrey, Chairman of the Executive Committee. This Association entered upon its work with commendable earnestness, and has since upon the lot and on the street iu front. Across the street was an open coinniou, and beyond that the river. Immediately opposite the door, on entering, was a broad aisle, and, at the end of the aisle, against the wall, was a desk or pulpit. On the right and left of the pulpit, against the wall, and fronting the pulpit, was a row of slips. On each sideof the door, facing the pulpit, were two slips, and, at each end of the room, one slip. These slips wore stationary, and were fitted with desks that could be let down, and there were boxes in the desks for holding books and papers. In the center of the room was an open space, which could be filled with movable seats. The first school was opened here in 1800." — Letter of A. T. Nye. Note 2. — Another evidence of the character of the New England Associates is the founding of a public library as early as 1790, or before. Another was also established at Belpre about the same time. Abundant evidence proves the existence of these libraries, all tend- ing to the fact that the early settlers, though conquering a wilder- ness and a savage foe, would not allow their mental faculties to lack for food. The character of the books shows that "solid" reading predominated. "?) >> iL HISTORY or OHIO. 149 ■? never abated its zeal. Semi-annual meetings were at first held, but, since 1858, only annual meetings occur. They are always largely attended, and al- ways by the best and most energetic teachers. The Association has given tone to the educational interests of the State, and has done a vast amount of good in popularizing education. In the spring of 1851, Lorin Andrews, then Superintendent of the Massillon school, resigned his place, and be- came a common-school missionary. In July, the Association, at Cleveland, made him its agent, and instituted measures to sustain him. He remained zealously at work in this relation until 1853, when he resigned to accept the presidency of Kenyon College, at Gambler. Dr. A. Lord was then chosen general agent and resident editor of the Journal of Education, which positions he filled two years, with eminent ability. The year that Dr. Lord resigned, the ex officio relation of the Secretary of State to the common schools was abolished, and the office of school com- missioner again created. H. H. Barney was elected to the place in October, 1853. The office has since been held by Rev. Anson Smyth, elected in 1856, and re-elected in 1859 ; E. E. White, appointed by the Grovernor, November 11, 1863, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of C. W. H. Cathcart, who was elected in 1862; John A. Norris, in 1865; W. D. Henkle, in 1868; Thomiis W. Harvey, in 1871; C. S. Smart, in 1875, and the present incumbent, J. J. Burns, elected in 1878, his term expiring in 1881. The first teachers' institute in Northern Ohio was held at Sandusky, in September, 1845, con- ducted by Salem Town, of New York, A. D. Lord and M. F. Cowdrey. The second was held at Char- don, Geauga Co., in November of the same year. The first institute in the southern part of the State was held at Cincinnati, in February, 1837; the first in the central part at Newark, in March, 1848. Since then these meetings of teachers have occurred annually, and have been the means of great good in elevating the teacher and the public in educational interests. In 1848, on petition of forty teachers, county commissioners were author- ized to pay lecturers from surplus revenue, and the next year, to appropriate $100 for institute pur- poses, upon pledge of teachers to raise half that amount. By the statutes of 1864, applicants for teachers were required to pay 50 cents each as an examination fee. One-third of the amount thus raised was allowed the use of examiners as trav- eling expenses, the remainder to be applied to in- stitute instruction. For the year 1871, sixty-eight teachers' institutes were held in the State, at which 308 instructors and lecturers were employed, and 7,158 teachers in attendance. The expense incurred was $16,361.99, of which $10,127.13 was taken from the institute fund; $2,730.34, was contrib- uted by members; $680, by county commis- sioners, and the balance, $1,371.50, was ob- tained from other sources. The last report of the State Commissioners— 1878— shows that eighty- five county institutes were held in the State, con- tinuing in session 748 days; 416 instructors were employed; 11,466 teachers attended; $22,531.47 were received from all sources, and that the ex- penses were $19,587.51, or $1.71 per member. There was a balance on hand of $9,460.74 to com- mence the next year, just now closed, whose work has been as progressive and thorough as any former year. The State Association now comprises three sections; the general association, the superintend- ents' section and the ungraded school section. All have done a good work, and all report progress. The old State Constitution, adopted by a_ con- vention in 1802, was supplemented in 1851 by the present one, under which the General Assem- bly, elected under it, met in 1852. Harvey llice, a Senator from Cuyahoga County, Chairman of Senate Committee on "Common Schools and School Lands," reported a bill the 29th of March, to provide "for the re-organization,^ supervision and maintenance of common schools." This bill, amended in a few particulars, became a law March 14, 1853. The prominent features of the new law were : The substitution of a State school tax for the county tax ; creation of the office of the State School Commissioner; the creation of a Township Board of Education, consisting of repre- sentatives from the subdistricts ; the abolition of rate-bills, making education free to all the youth of the State; the raising of a fund, by a tax of one- tenth of a mill yearly, " for the purpose of fur- nishin"- school libraries and apparatus to all the common schools." This "library tax" was abol- ished in 1860, otherwise the law has remained practically unchanged. School journals, like the popular press, have been a potent agency in the educational history of the State. As early as 1838, the Ohio School Director was issued by Samuel Lewis, by legisla- tive authority, though after six months' continu- ance, it ceased for Vant of support. The same year the Pestalozzian, by E. L. Sawtell and H. K. Smith, of Akron, and the Conwion School k. 150 HISTORY OF OHIO. Advocate, of Cincimiati, were issued. In 1846, the School Journal began to be published by A. D. Lord, of Kirtland. The same year saw the Free School Clarion, by W. Bowen, of Massillon, and the School Friend, by W. B. Smith <& Co., of Cincinnati. The next year, W. II. Moore & Co., of Cincinnati, started the Western School Journal. In 1851, the Ohio Teacher, by Thomas Rainey, appeared; the Heics and Edu- cator, in 1863; and the Educational Times, in 1866. In 1850, Dr. Lord's Journal of Educa- tion was united with the School Friend, and became the recognized organ of the teachers in Ohio. The Doctor remained its principal editor until 1856, when he was succeeded by Anson Smyth, who edited the journal one year. In 1857, it was edited by John D. Caldwell ; in 1858 and and 1859, by W. T. Coggeshall; in 1860, by Anson Smyth again, when it passed into the hands of E. E. White, who yet controls it. It has an immense circulation among Ohio teachers, and, though competed by other journals, since started, it maintains its place. The school system of the State may be briefly explained as follows: Cities and incorporated vil- lages are independent of township and county con- trol, in the management of schools, having boards of education and examiners of their own. Some of them are organized for school purposes, under special acts. Each township has a board of edu- cation, composed of one member from each sub- district. The township clerk is clerk of this board, but has no vote. Each subdistrict has a local board of trustees, which manages its school affairs, subject to the advice and control of the township board. These officers are elected on the first Monday in April, and hold their offices three years. An enumeration of all the youth between the ages of five and twenty-one is made yearly. All public schools are required to be in session at least twenty-four weeks each year. The township clerk reports annually such facts concerning school affairs as the law requires, to the county auditor, who in turn reports to the State Commissioner, who collects these reports in a general report to the Legislature each year. A board of examiners is appointed in each county by the Probate Judge. This board has power to grant certificates for a term not exceed- ing two years, and good only in the county in which they are executed ; they may be revoked on sufficient cause. In 1864, a State Board of Examiners was created, with power to issue life cer- tificates, valid in all parts of the State. Since then, up to January 1, 1879, there have been 188 of these issued. They are considered an excellent test of scholarship and ability, and are very credit- able to the holder. The school funds, in 1865, amounted to ^3,271,- 275.66. They were the proceeds of appropriations of land by Congress for school purposes, upon which the State pays an annual interest of 6 per cent. The funds are known as the Virginia Mili- tary School Fund, the proceeds of eighteen quar- ter-townships and three sections of land, selected by lot from lands lying in the United States Military Reserve, appropriated for the u.se of schools in the Virginia Militar}^ Reservation; the United States Military School Fund, the proceeds of one thirty-sixth part of the land in the United States Military District, appropriated "for the use of schools within the same;" the Western Reserve School Fund, the proceeds from fourteen quarter- townships, situated in the United States Military District, and 37,758 acres, most of which was lo- cated in Defiance, Williams, Paulding, Van Wert and Putnam Counties, appropriated for the use of the schools in the Western Reserve; Section 16, the proceeds from the sixteenth section of each township in that part of the State in which the Indian title was not extinguished in 1803; the Moravian School Fund, the proceeds from one thirty-sixth part of each of three tracts of 4,000 acres situated in Tuscarawas County, orig- inally granted by Congress to the Society of United Brethren, and reconveyed by this Society to the United States in 1824. The income of these funds is not distributed by any uniform rule, owing to defects in the granting of the funds. The territo- rial divisions designated receive the income in proportion to the whole number of youth therein, while in the remainder of the State, the rent of Section 16, or the interest on the proceeds arising from its sale, is paid to the inhabitants of the originally surveyed townships. In these terri- torial divisions, an increase or decrease of popula- tion muht necessarily increase or diminish the amount each youth is entitled to receive ; and the fortunate location or judicious sale of the sixteenth section may entitle one township to receive a large sum, while an adjacent township receives a mere pittance. This inequality of benefit may be good for localities, but it is certainly a detriment to the State at large. There seems to be no legal remedy for it. In addition to the income from the before- mentioned funds, a variable revenue is received ^ s ^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 151 from certain fines and licenses paid to either county or township treasurers for the use of schools; from the sale of swamp lands (125,720.07 allotted to the State in 1850), and from personal property escheated to the State. Aside from the funds, a State school tax is fixed by statute. Local taxes vary with the needs of localities, are limited by law, and are contingent on the liberality and public spirit of difierent com- munities. The State contains more than twenty colleges and universities, more than the same number of female seminaries, and about thirty normal schools and academies. The amount of property invested in these is more than $6,000,000. The Ohio University is the oldest college in the State. In addition to the regular colleges, the State controls the Ohio State University, formerly the Agricixltural and Mechanical College, established from the proceeds of the land scrip voted by Con- gress to Ohio for such purposes. The amount realized from the sale was nearly $500,000. This is to constitute a permanent fund, the interest only to be used. In addition, the sum of $300,000 was voted by the citizens of Franklin County, in consideration of the location of the college in that county. Of this sum $111,000 was paid for three hundred and fifteen acres of land near the city of Columbus, and $112,000 for a college building, the balance being expended as circumstances re- quired, for additional buildings, laboratory, appa- ratus, etc. Thorough instruction is given in all branches relating to agriculture and the mechanical arts. Already excellent results are attained. By the provisions of the act of ]March 14, 1853, township boards are made bodies politic and cor- porate in law, and are invested with the title, care and custody of all school property belonging to the school district or township. They have control of the central or high schools of their townships ; prescribe rules for the district schools ; may appoint one of their number manager of the schools of the township, and allow him reasonable pay for his services ; determine the text-books to be used ; fix the boundaries of districts and locate schoolhouse sites ; make estimates of the amount of money re- quired ; apportion the money among the districts, and are required to make an annual report to the County Auditor, who incorporates the same in his report to the State Commissioner, by whom it reaches the Legislature. Local directors control the subdistricts. They enumerate the children of school age, employ and dismiss teachers, make contracts for building and furnishing schoolhouses, and make all necessary provision for the convenience of the district schools. Practically, the entire management rests with them. CHAPTER XV. AGRICULTUIIE— AREA OF THE STATE— EARLY AGRICULTURE IN THE WEST— MARKETS— LIVE STOCK — NURSERIES, FRUITS, ETC. — CEREALS — ROOT AND CUCURBITACEOUS CROPS— AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS— AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES— POMOLOGICAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. " Oft did the harvest to their sickles yield, Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke ; How jocund did they drive their teams afield ! How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke." THE majority of the readers of these pages are farmers, hence a resume of agriculture in the State, would not only be appropriate, but valuable as a matter of history. It is the true basis of national prosperity, and, therefore, justly occupies a foremost place. In the year 1800, the Territory of Ohio con- tained a population of -45,305 inhabitants, or a little more than one person to the square mile. At this date, the admission of the Territory into the Union as a State began to be agitated. When the census was made to ascertain the legality of the act, in conformity to the ''Compact of 1787," no endeavor was made to ascertain additional statis- tics, as now ; hence, the cultivated land was not returned, and no account remains to tell how much existed. In 1805, three years after the ad- mission of the State into the Union. 7,252,856 acres had been purchased from the General Gov- ernment. Still no returns of the cultivated lands were made. Lq 1810, the population of Ohiowa.s 230,760, and the land purchased from the Gov- 152 HISTORY OF OHIO. eminent amounted to 9,933,150 acres, of which amount, however, 3,569,314 acres, or more than one-third, was held by non-residents. Of the lands occupied by resident land-owners, there appear to have been 100,968 acres of first-rate, 1,929,600 of second, and 1,538,745 acres of third rate lands. At this period there were very few exports from the fai'm, loom or shop. The people still needed all they produced to sustain themselves, and were yet in that pioneer period where they were obliged to produce all they wanted, and yet were opening now farms, and bringing the old ones to a productive state. Kentucky, and the country on the Monongahela, lying along the western slopes of the Alleghany Mountains, having been much longer settled, had begun, as early as 1795, to send considerable quan- tities of flour, whisky, bacon and tobacco to the lower towns on the Mississippi, at that time in the possession of the Spaniards. At the French set- tlements on the Illinois, and at Detroit, were being raised much more than could be used, and these were exporting also large quantities of these materials, as well as peltries and such commodities as their nomadic lives furnished. As the Missis- sippi was the natural outlet of the West, any at- tempt to impede its free navigation by the various powers at times controlling its outlet, would lead at once to violent outbreaks among the Western settlers, some of whom were aided by unscrupulous persons, who thought to form an independent Western country. Providence seems to have had a watchful eye over all these events, and to have so guided them that the attempts with such objects in view, invariably ended in disgrace to their per- petrators. This outlet to the West was thought to be the only one that could carry their produce to market, for none of the Westerners then dreamed of the immense system of railways now covering that part of the Union. As soon as ship-building commenced at Marietta, in the year 1800, the farmers along the borders of the Ohio and Musk- ingum Rivers turned their attention to the culti- vation of hemp, in addition to their other crops. In a few years sufiicicnt was raised, not only to furnish cordage to the ships in the West, but large quan- tities were worked up in the various rope-walks and sent to the Atlantic cities. Iron had been discovered, and forges on the Juniata were busy converting that necessary and valued material into implements of industry. By the year 1805, two ships, seven brigs and three schooners had been built and rigged by the citizens of Marietta. Their construction gave a fresh impetus to agriculture, as by means of them the surplus products could be carried away to a foreign market, where, if it did not bring money, it could be exchanged for merchandise equally valuable. Captain David DevoU was one of the earliest of Ohio's shipwrights. He settled on the fertile Muskingum bottom, about five miles above Marietta, soon after the Indian war. Here he built a "floating mill," for making flour, and, in 1801, a ship of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Muskingum, and the brig Eliza Greene, of one hundred and fifty tons. In 1804, he built a schooner on his own account, and in the spring of the next year, it was finished and loaded for a voyage down the Mississippi. It was small, only of seventy tons burden, of a light draft, and intended to run on the lakes east of New Orleans. In shape and model, it fully sustained its name, Nonpa- reil. Its complement of sails, small at first, was completed when it arrived in New Orleans. It had a large cabin to accommodate passengers, was well and finely painted, and sat gracefully on the water. Its load was of assorted articles, and shows very well the nature of exports of the day. It con- sisted of two hundred barrels of flour, fifty barrels of kiln-dried corn meal, four thousand pounds of cheese, six thousand of bacon, one hundred sets of rum puncheon shocks, and a few grindstones. The flour and meal were made at Captain Devoll's floating mill, and the cheese made in Belpre, at that date one of Ohio's most flourishing agricultural dis- tricts. The Captain and others carried on boating as well as the circumstances of the days permitted, fear- ing only the hostility of the Indians, and the duty the Spaniards were liable to levy on boats going down to New Orleans, even if they did not take it into their erratic heads to stop the entire navi- gation of the great river by vessels other than their own. By such means, merchandise was car- ried on almost entirely until the construction of canals, and even then, until modern times, the flat-boat was the main-stay of the shipper inhabit- ing the country adjoining the upper Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Commonly, very little stock was kept beyond what was necessary for the use of the family and to perform the labor on the flirm. The Scioto Valley was pei'haps the only exception in Ohio to this general condition. Horses were brought by the emigi-ants from the East and were characteristic of that region. In the French settlements in Illi- nois and about Detroit, French ponies, marvels of y ■^ HISTORY OF OHIO. 155 endurance, were chiefly used. They were impractic- able in hauling the immense emigrant wagons over the mountains, and hence were comparatively unknown in Ohio. Until 1828, draft horses were chiefly used here, the best strains being brought by the "Tunkers," " Mennonites," and " Ormish," — three religious sects, whose members were invariably agriculturists. In Stark, Wayne, Holmes, and Richland Counties, as a general thing, they congregated in communities, where the neat- ness of their farms, the excellent condition of their stock, and the primitive simplicity of their manners, made them conspicuous. In 1828, the French began to settle in Stark County, where they introduced the stock of horses known as " Selim," "Florizel," "Post Boy" and ''Timolen." These, crossed upon the descents of the Norman and Conestoga, produced an excellent stock of farm horses, now largely used. In the Western Reserve, blooded horses were in- troduced as early as 1825. John I. Van Meter brought fine horses into the Scioto Valley in 1815, or thereabouts. Soon after, fine horses were brought to Steubenville from Virginia and Penn- sylvania. In Northern Ohio the stock was more miscellaneous, until the introduction of improved breeds from 1815 to 1835. By the latter date the strains of horses had greatly improved. The same could be said of other parts of the State. Until atler 1825, only farm and road horses were required. That year a race-course — the first in the State — was established in Cincinnati, shortly followed by others at Chillicothe, Dayton and Ham- ilton. From that date the race-horse steadily im- proved. Until 1838, however, all race-courses were rather irregular, and, of those named, it is difficult to determine which one has priority of date over the others. To Cincinnati, the prece- dence is, however, generally given. In 1838, the Buckeye Course was established in Cincinnati, and l)efore a year had elapsed, it is stated, there were fifteen regular race-courses in Ohio. The eff"ect of these courses was to greatly stimulate the stock (if racers, and rather detract from draft and road horses. The organization of companies to import blooded horses has again revived the interest in this class, and now, at annual stock sales, these strains of horses are eagerly sought after by those having occasion to use them. Cattle were brought over the mountains, and, for several years, were kept entirely for domestic uses. By 1805, the country had so far settled that the surplus stock was fattened on corn and fodder, and a drove was driven to Baltimore. The drove was owned by George Renick, of Chillicothe, and the feat was looked upon as one of great im- portance. The drove arrived in Baltimore in ex- cellent condition. The impetus given by this movement of Mr. Renick stimulated greatly the feeding of cattle, and led to the improvement of the breed, heretofore only of an ordinary kind. Until the advent of railroads and the sliipment of cattle thereon, the number of cattle driven to eastern markets from Ohio alone, was estimated at over fifteen thousand annually, whose value was placed at $600,000. Besides this, large numbers were driven from Indiana and Illinois, whose boundless prairies gave free scope to the herding of cattle. Improved breeds, "Short Horns," "Long Horns" and others, were introduced into Ohio as early as 1810 and 1815. Since then the stock has been gradually improved and acclimated, until now Ohio produces as fine cattle as any State in the Union. In some localities, especially in the Western Reserve, cheesemaking and dairy interests are the chief occupations of whole neighborhoods, where may be found men who have grown wealthy in this business. Sheep were kept by almost every family, in pio- neer times, in order to be supplied with wool for clothing. The wool was carded by hand, spun in the cabin, and frequently dyed and woven as well as shaped into garments there, too. All emigrants brought the best household and farming imple- ments their limited means would allow, so also did they bring the best strains of horses, cattle and sheep they could obtain. About the year 1809, Mr. Thomas Rotch, a Quaker, emigrated to Stark County, and brought with him a small flock of Merino sheep. They were good, and a part of them were from the original flock brought over from Spain, in 1801, by Col. Humphrey, United States Minister to that country. He had brought 200 of these sheep, and hoped, in time, to see every part of the United States stocked with Me- rinos. In this he partially succeeded only, owing to the pi'ejudice against them. In 1816, Messrs. Wells & Dickenson, who were, for the day, exten- sive woolen manufacturers in Steubenville, drove their fine flocks out on the Stark County Plains for the summer, and brought them back for the winter. This course was pursued for several years, until fiirms were prepared, when they were per- manently kept in Stark County. This flock was originally dei'ived from the Humphrey importation. The failure of Wells & Dickenson, in 182-1, placed '^ 150 HISTOKY OF OHIO. -7 a good portion of this flock in the hands of Adam Hildebrand, and became the basis of his celebrated flock. Mr. T. S. Humrickhouse, of Coshocton, in a communication regarding sheep, writes as fol- lows: " The first merinos brought to Ohio were doubt- less by Seth Adams, of Zanesville. They were Humphrey's Merinos — undoubtedly the best ever imported into the United States, by whatever name called. He kept them part of the time in Washington, and afterward in Muskingum County. He had a sort of partnership agency from Gen. Humphrey for keeping and selling them. They were scattered, and, had they been taken care of and appreciated, would have laid a better found- ation of flocks in Ohio than any sheep brought into it from that time till 1852. The precise date at which Adams brought them cannot now be as- certained; but it was prior to 1813, perhaps as early as 1804." "The first Southdowns," continues Mr. Hum- rickhouse," "New Leicester, Lincolnshire and Cots- wold sheep I ever saw, were brought into Coshocton County from England by Isaac Maynard, nephew of the famous Sir John, in 1834. There were about ten Southdowns and a trio of each of the other kinds. He was ofi"ered $500 for his Lin- colnshire ram, in Bufi"alo, as he passed through, but refused. He was selfish, and unwilHng to put them into other hands when he went on a farm, all in the woods, and, in about three years, most of them had perished." The raising and improvement of sheep has kept steady tread with the growth of the State, and now Ohio wool is known the world over. In quan- tity it is equal to any State in America, while its quality is unequaled. The first stock of hogs brought to Ohio were rather poor, scrawny creatures, and, in a short time, when left to themselves to pick a livelihood from the beech mast and other nuts in the woods, degenerated into a wild condition, almost akin to their originators. As the country settled, however, they were gathered from their lairs, and, by feed- ing them corn, the farmers soon brought them out of their semi-barbarous state. Improved breeds were introduced. The laws for their protection and guarding were made, and now the hog of to- day shows what improvement and civilization can do for any wild animal. The chief city of the State has become famous as a slaughtering place ; her bacon and sides being known in all the civil- ized world. Other domestic animals, mules, asses, etc., have been brought to the State as occasion required. Wherever their use has been demanded, they have been obtained, until the State has her complement of all animals her citizens can use in their daily labors. Most of the early emigrants brought with them young fi'uit trees or grafts of some favorite variety from the " old homestead." Hence, on the West- ern Reserve are to be found chiefly — especially in old orchards — New England varieties, while, in the localities immediately south of the Reserve, Penn- sylvania and Maryland varieties predominate ; but at Marietta, New England fruits are again #>und, as well as throughout Southeastern Ohio. One of the oldest of these orchards was on a Mr. Dana's farm, near Cincinnati, on the Ohio River bank. It consisted of five acres, in which apple seeds and seedlings were planted as early as 1790. Part of the old orchard is yet to be seen, though the trees are almost past their usefulness. Peaches, pears, cherries and apples were planted by all the pioneers in their gardens. As soon as the seed produced seedlings, these were transplanted to some hillside, and the orchard, in a few years, was a productive unit in the life of the settler. The first fruit brought, was, like everything else of the pioneers, rather inferior, and admitted of much cultivation. Soon steps were taken by the more enterprising settlers to obtain better varieties. Israel Putnam, as early as 1796, returned to the East, partly to get scions of the choicest apples, and, partly, on other business. He obtained quite a quantity of choice apples, of some forty or fifty varieties, and set them out. A portion of them were distrib- uted to the settlers who had trees, to ingraft. From these old grafts are yet to be traced some of the best orchards in Ohio. Israel Putnam was one of the most prominent men in early Ohio days. He was always active in promoting the interests of the settlers. Among his earliest efibrts, that of improving the fruit may well be mentioned. He and his brother, Aaron W. Putnam, living at Bel- pre, opposite Blennerhasset's Island, began the nursery business soon after their arrival in the West. The apples brought by them from their Connecticut home were used to commence the busi- ness. These, and the apples obtained from trees planted in their gardens, gave them a beginning. They were the only two men in Ohio engaged in the business till 1817. In early times, in the central part of Ohio, there existed a curious character known as "Johnny % HISTORY OF OHIO. 157 Appleseecl." His real name was John Chapman. He received his name from his habit of planting, along all the streams in that part of the State, apple-seeds from which sprang many of the old orchards. He did this as a religious duty, think- ing it to be his especial mission. He had, it is Siiid, been disappointed in his youth in a love affair, and came West about 1800, and ever after followed his singular life. He was extensively known, was quite harmless, very patient, and did, without doubt, much good. He died in 18-47, at the house of a Mr. Worth, near Fort AVayne, Indiana, who had long known him, and often befriended him. He was a minister in the Swed- enborgian Church, and, in his own way, a zealous worker. The settlers of the Western Reserve, coming from New England, chiefly from Connecticut, brought all varieties of fruit known in their old homes. These, whether seeds or grafts, were planted in gardens, and as soon as an orchard could be cleared on some favorable hillside, the young trees were transplanted there, and in time an orchard was the result. jMuch confusion regarding the kinds of fruits thus produced arose, partly from the fact that the trees grown from seeds did not always prove to be of the same qual- ity as the seeds. Climate, soil and surroundings often change the character of such fruits. Many new varieties, unknown to the growers, were the result. The fruit thus produced was oft^n of an inferior growth, and when grafts were brought from the old New P]ngland home and grafted into the Ohio trees, an improvement as well as the old home fruit was the result. After the orchards in the Reserve began to bear, the fruit was very often taken to the Ohio River for shipment, and thence found its way to the South- ern and Eastern seaboard cities. Among the individuals prominent in introducing fruits into the State, were 3Ir. Dille, of P]uclid, Judge Fuller, Judge Whittlesey, and jMr. Lindley. George Hoajdly was also very prominent and ener- getic in the matter, and was, perhaps, the first to introduce the pear to any extent. He was one of the most persistent and enthusiastic amateurs in horticulture and pomology in the West. About the year 1810, Dr. Jared Kirtland, father of Prof. J. P. Kirtland, so favorably known among horticulturists and pomologists, came from Connecticut and .settled in Poland, jMahoning County, with his fomily. This family has done more than any other in the State, perhaps, to advance fruit culture. About the year 182-i, Prof. J. P. Kirtland, in connection with his brother, established a nursery at Poland, then in Trumbull County, and brought on from New England above a hundred of their best varieties of apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and smaller fruits, and a year or two after brought from New Jersey a hundred of the best varieties of that State ; others were ob- tained in New York, so that they possessed the larg- est and most varied stock in the Western country. These two men gave a great impetus to fruit cult- ure in the West, and did more than any others of that day to introduce improved kinds of all fruits in that part of the United States. Another prominent man in this branch of indus- try was Mr. Andrew H. Ernst, of Cincinnati. Although not so early a settler as the Kirtlands, he was, like them, an ardent student and propa- gator of fine fruits. He introduced more than six hundred varieties of apples and seven hun- dred of pears, both native and foreign. His object was to test by actual experience the most valuable sorts for the diversified soil and climate of the Western country. The name of Nicholas Longworth, also of Cin- cinnati, is one of the most extensively known of any in the science of horticulture and pomology. For more than fifty years he made these his especial delight. Having a large tract of land in the lower part of Cincinnati, he established nurseries, and planted and disseminated every variety of fruits that could be found in the United States — East or West — making occasional importations from European countries of such varieties as were thought to be adapted to the Western climate. His success has been variable, governed by the season, and in a measure by his numerous experi- ments. His vineyards, cultivated by tenants, gen- erally Germans, on the European plan, during the latter years of his experience paid him a hand- some revenue. He introduced the famous Catawba grape, the standard grape of the West. It is stated that ]Mr. Longworth bears the same relation to vineyard culture that Fulton did to steam navi- gation. Others made earlier effort, but he was the first to CvStablish it on a permanent basis. He has also been eminently successful in the cultivation of the strawberry, and was the first to firmly establish it on Western soil. He also brought the Ohio Ever- bearing Raspberry into notice in the State, and widely disseminated it throughout the country. Other smaller fruits were brought out to the West like those mentioned. In some cases fruits ^( s ^ 158 HISTORY OF OHIO. indigenous to the soil were cultivated and improved, and as improved fruits, are known favorably where- ever used. In chronology and importance, of all the cereals, corn stands foremost. During the early pioneer period, it was the staple article of food for both man and beast. It could be made into a variety of forms of food, and as such was not only palata- ble but highly nutritious and strengthening. It is very difficult to determine whether corn originated in America or in the Old World. Many prominent botanists assert it is a native of Turkey, and originally was known as " Turkey wheat." Still others claimed to have found mention of maize in Chinese writings antedating the Turkish discovery. Grains of maize were found in an Egyptian mum- my, which goes to prove to many the cereal was known in Africa since the earliest times. Maize was found in America when first visited by white men, but of its origin Indians could give no ac- count. It had always been known among them, and constituted their chief article of vegetable diet. It was cultivated exclusively by their squaws, the men considering it beneath their dignity to engage in any manual labor. It is altogether probable corn was known in the Old World long before the New was discovered. The Arabs or Crusaders probably introduced it into Europe. How it was introduced into America will, in all probability, remain un- known. It may have been an indigenous plant, like many others. Its introduction into Ohio dates with the settlement of the whites, especially its cultivation and use as an article of trade. True, the Indians had cultivated it in small quantities ; each lodge a little for itself, but no effort to make of it a national support began until the civilization of the white race became established. From that time on, the increase in crops has grown with the State, and, excepting the great corn States of the West, Ohio produces an amount equal to any State in the Union. The statistical tables printed in agricultural reports show the acres planted, and bushels grown. Figures speak an unanswerable logic. Wheat is probably the next in importance of the cereals in the State. Its origin, like corn, is lost in the mists of antiquity. Its berry was no doubt used as food by the ancients for ages anterior to any historical records. It is often called corn in old writings, and under that name is frequently mentioned in the Bible. "As far back in the vistas of ages as human records go, we find that wheat has been cultivated. and, with corn, aside from animal food, has formed one of the chief alimentary articles of all nations ; but as the wheat plant has nowhere been found wild, or in a state of nature, the inference has been drawn by men of uncjuestioned scientific ability, that the original plant from which wheat has been derived was either totally annihilated, or else cul- tivation has wrought so great a change, that the original is by no means obvious, or manifest to bot- anists." It is supposed by many, wheat originated in Persia. Others affirm it was known and cultivated in Egypt long ere it found its way into Persia. It was certainly grown on the Nile ages ago, and among the tombs are found grains of wheat in a perfectly sound condition, that unquestionably have been buried thousands of years. It may be, however, that wheat was grown in Persia first, and thence found its way into Egypt and Afiica, or, vice versa. It grew first in Egypt and Africa and thence crossed into Persia, and from there found its way into India and all parts of Asia. It is also claimed that wheat is indigenous to the island of Sicily, and that from there it spread along the shores of the Mediterranean into Asia Minor and Egypt, and, as communities advanced, it was cultivated, not only to a greater extent, but with greater success. The goddess of agriculture, more especially of grains, who, by the ijrreeks, was called Demeter, and, by the Romans, Ceres — hence the name ce- reals — was said to have her home at Enna, a fertile region of that island, thus indicating the source from which the Greeks and Romans derived their Ceralia. Homer mentions wheat and spelt as bread; also corn and barley, and describes his heroes as using them as fodder for their horses, as the people in the South of Europe do at present. Rye was introduced into Greece from Thrace, or by way of Thrace, in the time of Galen. In Caesar's time the Romans grew a species of wheat enveloped in a husk, hke barley, and by them called " Far." During the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii, wheat, in an excellent state of preserva- tion, was frequently found. Dr. Anson Hart, Superintendent, at one time, of Indian Affairs in Oregon, states that he found numerous patches of Avheat and flax growing wild in the Yackemas country, in Upper Oregon. There is but little doubt that both cereals were intro- duced into Oregon at an early period by the Hud- son Bay, or other fur companies. Wheat was also HISTORY OF OHIO. 159 found by Dr. Boyle, of Columbus, Ohio, growing in a similar state in the Carson Valley. It was, doubtless, brought there by the early Spaniards. In 1530, one of Cortez's slaves found several grains of wheat accidentally mixed with the rice. The careful negro planted the handful of grains, and succeeding years saw a wheat crop in Mexico, which found its way northward, probably into California. Turn where we may, wherever the foot of civil- ization has trod, there will we find this wheat plant, which, like a monument, has perpetuated the memory of the event; but nowhere do we find the plant wild. It is the result of cultivation in bygone ages, and has been produced by "progress- ive development." It is beyond the limit and province of these pages to discuss the composition of this important cereal ; only its historic properties can be noticed. With the advent of the white men in America, wheat, like corn, came to be one of the staple prod- ucts of life. It followed the pioneer over the mountains westward, where, in the rich Missis- sippi and Illinois bottoms, it has been cultivated by the French since 1690. When the hardy New Englanders came to the alluvial lands adjoining the Ohio, Muskingum or jMiami Rivers, they brought with them this "stafi" of life," and forth- with began its cultivation. Who sowed the first wheat in Ohio, is a question Mr. A. S. Guthrie answers, in a letter published in the Agricultural Report of 1857, as follows: " My father, Thomas Guthrie, emigrated to the Northwest Territory in the year 1788, and arrived at the mouth of the Muskingum in July, about three months after Gen. Putnam had arrived with the first pioneers of Ohio. My father brought a bushel of wheat with him from one of the frontier counties of Pennsylvania, which he sowed on a lot of land in Marietta, which he cleared for that purpose, on the second bottom or plain, in the neighborhood of where the Court House now stands." Mr. Guthrie's opinion is corroborated by Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth, in his "Pioneer Settlers of Ohio," and is, no doubt, correct. From that date on down through the years of Ohio's growth, the crops of wheat have kept pace with the advance and growth of civilization. The soil is admirably adapted to the growth of this ce- real, a large number of varieties being grown, and an excellent quality produced. It is firm in body, and, in many cases, is a successful rival of wheat produced in the great wheat-producing regions of the United States — Minnesota, and the farther Northwest. Oats, rye, barley, and other grains were also brought to Ohio from the Atlantic Coast, though some of them had been cultivated by the French in Illinois and about Detroit. They were at first used only as food for home consumption, and, until the successful attempts at river and canal naviga- tion were brought about, but little was ever sent to market. Of all the root crops known to man, the potato is probably the most valuable. Next to wheat, it is claimed by many as the staff of life. In some localities, this assumption is undoubtedly true. What would Ireland have done in her fam- ines but for this simple vegetable? The potato is a native of the mountainous districts of tropical and subtropical America, probably from Chili to Mexico ; but there is considerable difficulty in deciding where it is really indigenous, and where it has spread after being introduced by man. Humboldt, the learned savant, doubted if it had ever been found wild, but scholars no less famous, and of late date, have expressed an opposite opinion. In the wild plant, as in all others, the tubers are smaller than in the cultivated. The potato had been cultivated in America, and its tubers used for food, long before the advent of the Europeans. It seems to have been first brought to Europe by the Spaniards, from the neighbor- hood of Quito, in the beginning of the sixteenth century, and spread through Spain, the Netherlands, Burgundy and Italy, cultivated in gardens as an ornament only and not for an article of food. It long received through European countries the same name with the batatas — sweet potato, which is the plant meant by all English writers down to the seventeenth century. It appears that the potato was brought from Virginia to Ireland by Hawkins, a slave-trader, in 1565, and to England by Sir Francis Drake, twenty years later. It did not at first attract much notice, and not until it was a third time imported from America, in 1623, by Sir Walter Raleigh, did the Europeans make a practical use of it. Even then it was a long time before it was exten- sively cultivated. It is noticed in agricu'tural journals as food for cattle only as late as 1719. Poor people began using it, however, and finding it highly nutritious, the Royal Geographical Society, in 1663, adopted measures for its propagation. About this time it betran to be used in Ireland as J .Jk. liL IGO HISTORY OF OHIO. food, aud from the beginning of the eighteenth cent- ury, its use has never dedined. It is now known in every (juarter of the world, and has, by cultiva- tion, been greatly improved. The inhabitants of America learned its use from the Indians, who cultivated it and other root crops — rutabagas, radishes, etc., and taught the whites their value. When the pioneers of Ohio came to its fertile valleys, they brought improved species with them, which by cultiva- tion and soil, are now greatly increased, and are among the standard crops of the State. The cucurbitaccous plants, squashes, etc., were, like the potato and similar root crops, indigenous to America — others, like the melons, to Asia — and were among the staple foods of the original inhabitants. The early French missionaries of the West speak of both root crops and cucurbi- taccous plants as in use among the aboriginal inhab- itants. "They are very sweet and wholesome," wrote Marquette. Others speak in thesame terms, though some of the plants in this order had found their way to these valleys through the Spaniards and others through early Atlantic Coast and Mex- ican inhabitants. Their use by the settlers of the West, especially Ohio, is traced to New England, as the first settlers came from that portion of the Union. They grow well in all parts of the State, and by cultivation have been greatly improved in quality and variety. All cucurbitaceous plants require a rich, porous soil, and by proper atten- tion to their cultivation, excellent results can be attained. Probably the earliest and most important imple- ment of husbandry known is the plow. Grain, plants and roots will not grow well unless the soil in which they are planted be properly stiiTed, hence the first requirement was an instrument that would fulfill such conditions. The first implements were rude indeed ; gener- ally, stout wooden sticks, drawn through tlie earth by thongs attached to rude ox-yokes, or fastened to the animal's horns. Such plows were in use among the ancient Egyptians, and may yet be found among uncivilized nations. The Old Testa- ment furnishes immerous instances of the use of the plow, while, on the ruins of ancient cities and among the pyramids of Egypt, and on the buried walls of Babylon, and other extinct cities, are rude drawings of this useful implement. As the use of iron became apparent and general, it was util- ized for plow-points, where the wood alone would not penetrate the earth. They got their plow- shares sharpened in Old Testament days, also coulters, which shows, beyond a doubt, that iron- pointed plows were then in use. From times mentioned in the Bible, on heathen tombs, and ancient catacombs, the improvement of the plow, like other farming tools, went on, as the race of man grew in intelligence. Extensive manors in the old country required increased means of turning the ground, and, to meet these demands, ingenious mechanics, from time to time, invented improved plows. Strange to say, however, no improvement was ever made by the farmer himself This is ac- counted for in his habits of life, and, too often, the disposition to "take things as they are." When America was settled, the plow had become an im- plement capable of turning two or three acres per day. Still, and for many years, and even until lately, the mold-board was entirely wooden, the point only iron. Later developments changed the wood for steel, which now dlone is used. Still later, especially in prairie States, riding plows are used. Like all other improvements, they were obliged to combat an obtuse public mind among the ruralists, who surely combat almost every move made to better their condition. In many places in America, wooden plows, straight ax handles, and a stone in one end of the bag, to bal- ance the grist in the other, are the rule, and for no other reason in the world are they maintained than the laconic answer: " My father did so, and why should not I? Am I better than he?" After the plow comes the harrow, but little changed, save in lightness and beauty. Formerly, a log of wood, or a brush harrow, supplied its place, but in the State of Ohio, the toothed instru- ment has nearly always been used. The hoe is lighter made than formerly, and is now made of steel. At first, the common iron hoe, sharpened by the blacksmith, was in constant use. Now, it is rarely seen outside of the South- ern States, where it has long been the chief imple- ment in agriculture. The various small plows for the cultivation of corn and such other crops as necessitated their use are all the result of modern civilization. Now, their number is large, and, in many places, there are two or more attached to one carriage, whose operator rides. These kinds are much used in the Western States, whose rootless and stoneless soil is admirably adapted to such machinery. When the grain became ripe, implements to cut it were in demand. In ancient times, the sickle HISTORY OF OHIO. 161 was t1-ie only instrument used. It was a short, curved iron, whose inner edge was sharpened and serrated. In its most ancient form, it is doubtful if the edge was but little, if any, serrated. It is mentioned in all ancient works, and iu the Bible is frequently referred to. " Thrust in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe." wrote the sacred New Testament, while the Old chronicles as early as the time of Moses : " As thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn." In more modern times, the handle of the sickle was lengthened, then the blade, which in time led to the scythe. Both are yet in use in many parts of the world. The use of the scythe led some thinking person to add a " finger " or two, and to change the shape of the handle. The old cradle was the result. At first it met considerable oppo- sition from the laborers, who brought forward the old-time argument of ignorance, that it would cheapen labor. Whether the cradle is a native of America or Europe is not accurately decided; probably of the mother country. It came into common use about 1818, and in a few years had found its way into the wheat-producing regions of the West. Where small crops are raised, the cradle is yet much used. A man can cut from two to four acres per day, hence, it is much cheaper than a reaper, where the crop is small. The mower and reaper are comparatively mod- ern inventions. A rude reaping machine is men- tioned by Pliny in the first century. It was pushed by an ox through the standing grain. On its front was a sharp edge, which cut the grain. It was, however, impracticable, as it cut only a por- tion of the grain, and the peasantry preferred the sickle. Other and later attempts to make reapers do not seem to have been successful, and not till the present century was a machine made that would do the work required. In 1826, Mr. Bell, of Scotland, constructed a machine which is yet used in many parts of that country. In America, Mr. Hussey and IMr. McCormick took out patents for reaping machines of superior character in 1833 and 1834. At first the cutters of these machines were various contrivances, but both manufacturers soon adopted a serrated knife, triangular shaped, at- tached to a bar, and driven through " finger guards " attached to it, by a forward and backward motion. These are the common ones now in use, save that all do not use serrated knives. Since these pioneer machines were introduced into the harvest fields they have been greatly improved and changed. Of late years they have been constructed so as to bind the sheaves, and now a good stout boy, and a team with a " harvester," will do as much as many men could do a few years ago, and with much greater ease. As was expected by the inventors of reapers, they met with a determined resistance from those who in former times made their living by harvest- ing. It was again absurdly argued that they would cheapen labor, and hence were an injury to the laboring man. Indeed, when the first machines were brought into Ohio, many of them were torn to pieces by the ignorant hands. Others left fields in a body when the proprietor brought a reaper to his farm. Like all such fallacies, these, in time, passed away, leaving only their stain. Following the reaper came the thresher. As the country filled with inhabitants, and men in- creased their possessions, more rapid means than the old flail or roller method were demanded. At first the grain was trodden out by horses driven over the bundles, which were laid in a circular inclosure. The old flail, the tramping-out by horses, and the cleaning by the sheet, or throwing the grain up against a current of air, were too slow, and machines were the result of the demand. In Ohio the manufacture of threshers began in 18-46, in the southwestern part. Isaac Tobias, who came to Hamilton from Miamisburg that year, com- menced building the threshers then in use. They were without the cleaning attachment, and simply hulled the gxain. Two years later, he began manufacturing the combined thresher and cleaner, which were then coming into use. He continued in business till 1851. Four years after, the in- creased demand for such machines, consequent upon the increased agricultural products, induced the firm of Owens, Lane & Dyer to fit their estab- lishment for the manufacture of threshers. They afterward added the manufacture of steam engines to be used in the place of horse power. Since then the manufacture of these machines, as well as that of all other agricultural machinery, has greatly multiplied and improved, until now it seems ;is though but little room for improvement remains. One of the largest firms engaged in the manufact- ure of threshers and their component machinery is located at Mansfield — the Aultman & Taylor Co. Others are at Massillon, and at other cities in the West. Modern times and modern enterprise have devel- oped a marvelous variety of agricultural implements 162 HISTORY OF OHIO. — too many to be mentioned in a volume like this. Under special subjects they will occasionally be found. The former's life, so cheerless in pioneer times, and so full of weary labor, is daily becom- ing less laborious, until, if they as a class profit by the advances, they can find a life of ease in farm pursuits, not attainable in any other profession. Now machines do almost all the work. They sow, cultivate, cut, bind, thresh, winnow and carry the grain. They, cut, rake, load, mow and dry the hay. They husk, shell and clean the corn. They cut and split the wood. They do al- most all ; until it seems as though the day may come when the farmer can sit in his house and simply guide the afiairs of his farm. Any occupation prospers in proportion to the interest taken in it by its members. This interest is always heightened by an exchange of views, hence societies and periodicals exercise an influence at first hardy realized. This feeling among prominent agriculturists led to the formation of agricultural societies, at first by counties, then districts, then by States, and lastly by associations of States. The day may come when a national agricul- tural fiiir may be one of the annual attractions of America. Without noticing the early attempts to found such societies in Europe or America, the narrative will begin with those of Ohio. The first agricul- tural society organized in the Buckeye State was the Hamilton County Agricultural Society. Its exact date of organization is not now preserved, but to a certainty it is known that the Society held public exhibitions as a County Society prior to 1823. Previous to that date there were, doubt- less, small, private exhibitions held in older local- ities, probably at Marietta, but no regular organi- zation seems to have been maintained. The Hamilton County Society held its fairs annually, with marked success. Its successor, the present Society, is now one of the largest county societies in the Union. During the legislative session of 1832-.33, the subject of agriculture seems to have agitated the minds of the people through their representatives, for the records of that session show the first laws pa.ssed for their benefit. The acts of that body seem to have been productive of some good, for, though no records of the number of societies or- ganized at that date exist, yet the record shows that " many societies have been organized in con- formity to this act," etc. No doubt many societies held fairs from this time, for a greater or less number of years. Agricultural journals* were, at this period, rare in the State, and the subject of agricultural improvement did not receive that at- tention from the press it does at this time ; and, for want of public spirit and attention to sustain these fairs, they were gradually discontinued until the new act respecting their organization was passed in 1846. However, records of several county societies of the years between 1832 and 1846 yet exist, showing that in some parts of the State, the interest in these fairs was by no means diminished. The Delaware County Society re- ports for the year 1833 — it was organized in June of that year — good progress for a beginning, and that much interest was manifested by the citizens of the county. Ross County held its first exhibition in the autumn of that year, and the report of the mana- gers is quite cheerful. Nearly all of the exhibited articles were sold at auction, at greatly advanced prices from the current ones of the day. The en- try seems to have been free, in an open inclosure, and but little revenue was derived. Little was ex- pected, hence no one was disappointed. Washington County reports an excellent cattle show for that year, and a number of premiums awarded to the successful exhibitors. This same year the Ohio Importation Company was organ- ized at the Eoss County fair. The Company began the next season the importation of fine cattle from England, and, in a few years, did incalculable good in this respect, as well as make considerable money in the enterprise. These societies were re-organized when the law of 1846 went into effect, and, with those that had gone down and the new ones started, gave an im- petus to agriculture that to this day is felt. Now every county has a society, while district, State and inter-State societies are annually held; all promotive in their tendency, and all a benefit to every one. The Ohio State Board of Agriculture was organ- ized by an act of the Legislature, passed February 27, 1846. Since then various amendments to the organic law have been passed from time to time as *The Western Tillerwaa published in Cincinnati, in 1826. Itwas " miscelliineouB," but contained many excellent articles on agri- culture. The Farmers^ Record was published in Cincinnati, in 1831, and continued for several years. The Ohio Farmer was published at Batavia, Clermont County, In 1833, by Hon. Samuel Jlodary, These were the early agricultural journals, some of which yet survive, though iu new names, and under new management. Others have, also, since been added, some of which have an exceedingly large circulation, and are an influence for much good in the Stat«. IS) HISTORY OF OHIO. 163 the necessities of the Board and of agriculture in the State demanded. The same day that the act was passed creating the State Board, an act was also passed providing for the erection of county and district societies, under which law, with subsequent amendments, the present county and district agri- cultural societies are managed. During the years from 184G down to the present time, great impnive- ments have been made in the manner of conduct- ing these societies, resulting in exhibitions unsur- passed in any other State. Pomology and horticulture are branches of in- dustry so closely allied with agriculture that a brief resume of their operations in Ohio will be eminently adapted to these pages. The early planting and care of fruit in Ohio has already been noticed. Among the earliest pioneers were men of fine tastes, who not only desired to benefit them- selves and their country, but who were possessed with a laudable ambition to produce the best fruits and vegetables the State could raise. For this end they studied carefully the topography of the coun- try, its soil, climate, and various influences upon such culture, and by careful experiments with fruit and vegetables, produced the excellent varieties now in use. Mention has been made of Mr. Longworth and Mr. Ernst, of Cincinnati ; and Israel and Aaron W. Putnam, on the Muskingum River ; Mr. Dille, Judges Fuller and Whittlesey, Dr. Jared Kirtland and his sons, and others — all practical enthusiasts in these departments. At first, individual efforts alone, owing to the condition of the country, could be made. As the State filled with settlers, and means of communication became better, a desire for an in- terchange of views became apparent, resulting in the establishment of periodicals devoted to these subjects, and societies where different ones could meet and discuss these things. A Horticultural and Pomological Society was organized in Ohio in 1866. Before the organiza- tion of State societies, however, several distinct or independent societies existed ; in fact, out of these grew the State Society, which in turn produced good by stimulating the creation of county societies. All these societies, aids to agriculture, have pro- gressed as the State developed, and have done much in advancing fine fruit, and a taste for assthetic cul- ture. In all parts of the West, their influence is seen in better and improved fruit ; its culture and its demand. To-day, Ohio stands in the van of the Western States in agriculture and all its kindred associa- tions. It only needs the active energy of her citizens to keep her in this place, advancing as time advances, until the goal of her ambition is reached. CLIMATOLOGY— OUTLINE - CHAPTER XVI. -VARIATION IN OHIO— ESTIMATE IN DEGREES— RAINFALL— AMOUNT —VARIABILITY. THE climate of Ohio varies about four degrees. Though originally liable to malaria in many districts when first settled, in consequence of a dense vegetation induced by summer heats and rains, it has became very healthful, owing to clear- ing away this vegetation, and proper drainage. The State is as favorable in its sanitary char- acteristics as any other in its locality. Ohio is re- markable for its high productive capacity, almost every thing grown in the temperate climates being within its range. Its extremes of heat and cold are less than almost any other State in or near the same latitude, hence Ohio suffers less from the ex- treme dry or wet seasons which affect all adjoining States. These modifications are mainly due to the influence of the Lake Erie waters. These not only modify the heat of summer and the cold of winter, but apparently reduce the proftision of rainfall in summer, and favor moisture in dry pe- riods. Xo finer climate exists, all conditions consid- ered, for delicate vegetable growths, than that por- tion of Ohio bordering on Lake Erie. This is abundantly attested by the recent extensive devel- opment there of grape culture. Mr. Lorin Blodget, author of "American Clima- tology," in the agricultural report of 1858, says; "A district bordering on the Southern and West- ern portions of Lake Erie is more favorable in this respect (grape cultivation) than any other on the Atlantic side of the Rocky Mountains, and it will ultimately prove capable of a very liberal extension of vine culture." ^- ^. -^ 164 HISTORY OF OHIO. Experience has proven Mr. Blodget correct in his theory. Now extensive fields of grapes are everywhere found on the Lake Erie Slope, while other small fruits find a sure footing on its soil. " Considering the climate of Ohio by isother- mal lines and rain shadings, it must be borne in mind," says Mr. Blodget, in his description of Ohio's climate, from which these fiicts are drawn, " that local influences often require to be considered. At the South, from Cincinnati to Steubenville, the deep river valleys are two degrees warmer than the hilly districts of the same vicinity. The lines are drawn intermediate between the two extremes. Thus, Cincinnati, on the plain, is 2° warmer than at the Observatory, and 4° warmer for each year than Ilillsboro, Highland County — the one being 500, the other 1,000, feet above sea-level. The immediate valley of the Ohio, from Cincinnati to Gallipolis, is about 75° for the summer, and 54° for the 3'ear; while the adjacent hilly districts, 300 to 500 feet higher, are not above 73° and 52° respectively. For the summer, generally, the river valleys are 73° to 75° ; the level and central portions 72° to 73°, and the lake border 70° to 72°. A peculiar mildness of climate belongs to the vicinity of Kelley's Island, Sandusky and Toledo. Here, both winter and summer, the cli- mate is 2° warmer than on the highland ridge ex- tending from Norwalk and Oberlin to Hudson and the northeastern border. This ridge varies from 500 to 750 feet above the lake, or 850 to 1,200 feet above sea level. This high belt has a summer temperature of 70°, 27° for the winter, and 49° for the year ; while at Sandusky and Kelley's Island the summer is 72°, the winter 29°, and the year 50°. In the central and eastern parts of the State, the winters are comparatively cold, the average falling to 32° over the more level districts, and to 29° on the highlands. The Ohio River valley is about 35°, but the highlands near it fall to 31° and 32° for the winter." As early as 1824, several persons in the State began taking the temperature in their respective localities, for the spring, summer, autumn and win- ter, averaging them for the entire year. From time to time, these were gathered and published, inducing others to take a step in the same direction. Not long since, a general table, from about forty local- ities, was gathered and compiled, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century. This table, when averaged, showed an average temperature of 52.4°, an evenness of temperature not equaled in many bordering States. Very imperfect observations have been made of the amount of rainfall in the State. Until lately, only an individual here and there through- out the State took enough interest in this matter to faithfully observe and record the averages of several years in succession. In consequence of this fact, the illustration of that feature of Ohio's climate is less satisfactory than that of the temperature. "The actual rainfall of different months and years varies greatly," says Mr. Blod- get. "There may be more in a month, and, again, the quantity may rise to 12 or 15 inches in a single month. For a year, the variation may be from a minimum of 22 or 25 inches, to a maxi- mum of 50 or even 60 inches in the southern part of the State, and 45 to 48 inches along the lake border. The average is a fixed quantity, and, although requiring a period of twenty or twenty- five years to fix it absolutely, it is entirely certain and unchangeable when known. On charts, these average quantities are represented by depths of shading. At Cincinnati, the last fifteen years of observation somewhat reduce the average of 48 inches, of former years, to 46 or 47 inches." Spring and summer generally give the most rain, there being, in general, 10 to 12 inches in the spring, 10 to 14 inches in the summer, and 8 to 10 inches in the autumn. The winter is the most variable of all the seasons, the southern part of the State having 10 inches, and the northern part 7 inches or less — an average of 8 or 9 inches. The charts of rainfall, compiled for the State, show a fall of 30 inches on the lake, and 46 inches at the Ohio River. Between these two points, the fiill is marked, beginning at the north, 32, 34, 36 and 38 inches, all near the lake. Farther down, in the latitude of Tuscarawas, IMonroe and ]\Iercer Counties, the fall is 40 inches, while the south- western part is 42 and 44 inches. The clearing away of forests, the drainage of the land, and other causes, have lessened the rain- fall, making considerable difference since the days of the aborigines. CRAWFORD COUNTY COURT HOUSE. PAET II. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER I. PRIMITIVE GEOLOGY — PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTY — GEOLOGICAL CAUSES AND CON- DITIONS— TOPOGRAPH V—ME1E0R()L0G Y. THERE is nothing within the scope of hu- man attainments more beneficial and en- chanting to maukhid, than to looli back through the mists and shadows of past years to tlie morning of creation, and to trace through the lapse of time the numberless achievements of the genius of man. How strangely real and ominous have been the quiet whispers of prophecy from departed years, and how the radiant figure of the Future has ever stood beckoning with fairy hands to the world from the fleeting shadows of coming ^ears, with the glad promise of " Peace on earth, good will to- ward men ! " Out from the gloom of the past, troop the sorrowing specters of desolate and utterh' ruined lives, and wander away in lone- liness before the visions of the mind, like the shadows of a dream. From the dark depths of ages, long since dead, there comes the warn- ing voice of a sad experience, directing human life and endeavor to fountains of joy far sweet- er than ambi'osial streams in the happy islands of the West. Thrice blessed is the man whose depth and purity of heart and mind enable him to see and enjoy the beautiful in nature, literature or art. The archaeologist wanders with patient step through storm and sunshine in distant lands, searching with mingled pleas- ure and toil for crumbling mementoes of pre- historic man. The soldier, following his flag on the red field of war, recalls the courage of the Trojan during the Heroic x\ge, and emu- lates his daring in the heat of battle. The orator, glowing with the inspiration of elo- quence, loves to dwell upon the grandeur of Oriental nations. The tireless sculptor meets his conception of artistic genius in the sublime marble of Phidias or Praxiteles. The genius of the mathematician is delighted, though baffled, by the profound problems of Euclid and Archimedes. The Christian looks back with joy over the toiling 3'ears to the pensive vales and winding streams of Judea, and the simple story of the lowl}' Nazarene cheers man} a weary heart with the glad promise of eternal life. The gra3--haired philosopher looks with mingled awe and pleasure upon the pro- found logic of the Peripatetics. The song of the poet, immeasurabU' beautiful and sweet, is but the glad refrain of the divine measure sung by the bards in Eastern climes, long years before the earth was vexed with the sub- lime spectacle of a crucified Savior, looking in pity upon the world He was dying to redeem. There is not a legend or poetic tale coming to us from the distant shore of the Dead Sea ~7[: ihL 166 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Past that does not bear to the children of men some sweet lesson of social or moral excel- lence. It is the province of history to gather and record the events from which these beauti- ful lessons and morals are derived. Since the dawn of intelligence, no field of research has been more fruitful in affording bountiful evidences of the origin of animate and inanimate creation than the testimony of the rocky structure of the earth and the knowl- edge of the natural laws which control the movements of the universe. Written indelibly on the bright page of nature, is the wonderful progress of evolution from the simplest combi- nation of effects to the sublime mechanism that guides the circling spheres. The heavenly bodies are everywhere found to be moving under the guidance and control of immutable laws, many of which have been discovered by the efforts of astronomers and mathematicians. It seems proper, before entering upon the de- tailed geology of Crawford County, to give a brief explanation of what is known as the nebular Jii/put/iesis, a beautiful theory framed by Laplace, and one that is now generally accepted. This theory supposes the substance composing all the heavenly bodies, including the earth, to have been diffused in a gaseous or nebular state throughout all space, and that, in revolving and cooling through periods of time, whose length cannot be computed, it gradually threw off vast portions, in obedience to universal physical laws. These vast portions, intensel}' hot and revolving with frightful rapidity, slowl}^ cooled and contracted, throwing off, in turn, other vast portions, which, b}' a similar pi'ocess, formed the present solar S3'stems. So many circum- stances connected with the movements of the celestial bodies point to the truth of the hypothesis, that but few scientific men at present question its correctness. To harmonize with the prevailing theory, there must be found the logical effects inevitably resulting from the relations of matter and law, as laid down in the terms of the hypothesis. According to the theory, the sun was once an incandescent sphere whose radius extended from the sun's center to an indefinite distance beyond the planet Neptune. The earth was a portion of this inconceivably vast body, and all the com- posing elements — liquids and solids — were in the form of nebulce, and were heated to a degree unknown to present physicists. As this pon- derous body, sweeping onward through space with inconceivable velocity, and on an orbit whose measurement bewilders thought, slowly cooled, there was thrown off, from the outer surface of its equatorial region, a belt, which finally broke, and gathered itself into a ball, still retaining its circular motion around the central bod}', and gaining a new one on its axis. This bod}' was Neptune, and, in a similar man- ner, all the planets of our solar system, except the satellites, are supposed to have been cast off from the great central body. The planets, when first cast off, were immensel}' large and in an incandescent state. They, there- fore, in turn, while cooling, threw off other portions, which formed the satellites or moons of the planets. The earth, though first extending be^'ond the orbit of the moon, sub- sequently threw off that body, and after- ward cooled to its present size and condition of temperature. It is interesting to know at what stage of the cooling process the condi- tions of the constituent elements became such as to form the various compounds, such as air. water, minerals, animal and vegetable life, etc. A crust of rocks glowing with heat was formed upon the surface of the earth. Air and water appeared, and oxygen and hydrogen began forming their wonderful combinations. The earth must have presented a beautiful scene when the sixtj^-five simple elements began to unite. The thin, rocky crust was broken by incessant volcanic eruptions, and storms of lieiy lava lighted the darkness of primeval night with lurid flame. Water, rising in the form of HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. vapor to vast heights, became condensed, and was swept in great storms of wind and hght- 1 nin- along the surface of the earth, and precip- itated on the red-hot rocks beneath, only to hiss and boil, and again rise as vapor to lofty aerial heio-hts. Slowly the rocks cooled, and the water couM finally rest upon the surface without boil- ino- The air was saturated with vapor, which | continued to rise under the combined heat of the sun above and the earth beneath. After a time, though the air was hot and poisonous, the water became fitted for the simpler forms of animal and vegetable life. Geologists have bestowed the name Azoic upon those rocks which were formed prior to the appearance of life upon the earth, except, perhaps, the lowest forms From the Azoic Age to the present, innumerable species of animals and plants have spruncrinto existence, and lived as long as the condiUons under which life was possible re- mained, after which they became extinct, new and improved varieties taking their place, ihe casts of fossiliferous plants taken from the rocks indicate that vegetable life began with the sim- plest forms, such as algae and lichens. Afterward, at different periods, came liver-worts, mosses, ferns o-round-pines, conifers, cycads, sigiUarias, endooens and finally angiosperms. Vegetation reached its greatest perfection during the Car- boniferous Age, when the conditions of heat and moisture were suitable for the luxuriant growth of timber, which was afterward trans- formed into inexhaustible beds of coal. Fos- siliferous casts indicate that animal life began with the lowest protozoans. Afterward came radiates, moUusks, articulates and vertebrates, endincT with man, the highest type of all earthly life °These facts are reasonably conclusive from the language written indelibly on the rocky formations of the earth. If the surface were level, it would be covered with water ; but since, among other causes, lateral pressure and volcanic eruptions have elevated portions and lowered others, the area of water is confined to the low land. That almost or quite all the surface was at some time or times under water, is not disclaimed by any man familiar with geoloo-ical evidences. The soil, wherever exam- ined and at whatever depth, is found to exhibit unmistakable indications of having been covered with water. There is scarcely a square yard of earth, stratified or unstratified, that does not contain the casts of vegetation and of animals whose life was possible only beneath the water. By carefully comparing the casts found in strata of rocks in different parts of the globe, reason- ably accurate conclusions are reached regarding the time when the different species of animals and plants existed, and when the various strata were formed. Strata of rock were formed by layers of the heated interior of the earth becoming cooled and cohering to the under surface of the solid crust, by streams of melted lava which overspread the country in the neigh- borhood of volcanoes, and by the more universal process of deposition while covered with water. Durino- the irregular and comparatively frequent upheavals and subsidences, the surface became covered with alternate growths of vegetation and strata of sand, clay or solid rock. Thus it is that, in digging wells or other deep excava- tions those materials are passed through in strata which vary in thickness and relative po- sition.* ^, . ^ . The lower strata of earth in Ohio were tr^t formed, as shown by excavations in different parts of the State, near the commencement ot the Lower Silurian, but it was subsequently, durinittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- road. The following proximate statements of the annual product of these quarries in quick- lime were obtained from the owners : Bushels. .T. B. Christie 20,000 Dennis Coder 4,000 Luther M. Myers 1.5,750 Mary Schnavely 4,000 Schnavely Brothers 6,000 Joiin Schnavely 20,000 Busliels. Nicholas Poole 10,000 Perry Wilson 20,000 Total proximate annual product 99,750 " The retail price on the ground is about 20 cents per bushel. It is delivered in wholesale quantit}' at Nevada for 18 cents. If the ag- gregate production sells for 18 cents, the rev- enue amounts to about $18,000 per year. All the kilns used at Osceola are of the old stjde, requiring to be empted entirely before second use. By this method, there is a loss of wood and of labor. The following tabular view shows the amount of wood required per hun- dred bushels, at some of the quarries, and the weight of the lime per bushel, as nearly as can be ascertained : Perry Wilson Jolin Schnavely... Luther M. Myers. FORMATION. Upper Corniferous , Lower Corniferous. Lower Corniferous. Hours of Biirninsr. GO 60 60 Cunls per 100 Bushels. Nearly 3 Nearly 3 Nearly 2) Pavs f jr ■\Voo(i. §51 7o 1 75 1 75 Weight per Bushel. 65 to 70 65 " In the southeastern part of the count^^, the quarries in the Berea grit have been wrought for about fort}' years, and have become cele- brated throughout a wide extent of country' for the excellence of the building-stone which they afford. Stone from Berea is, on close compar- ison, seen to be of a coarser grain and less firm than that taken from beds of the same horizon in the central counties of the State. The lime- stone sold at the quarries in the Avestern part of the county brings about $1 a perch, or $5 a cord. The sandstone taken out in the eastern part of the count}' brings a better price. The best sells for $2 a perch, while other grades bring but $1.50 and $1. A cheaper quality is sold for 50 cents per load. Flagging sells for from 6 to 20 cents per square foot ; a thin kind of walling stone for 50 cents per load. " For brick and common red pottery, the Drift clays are considerably used. These clays afford in all places a very fine material for these uses. There is probably not a square mile within the county where such clay could not be obtained. In the progress of examination, the clay has been found peculiarly suitable for tile and brick, of which large quantities are manufac- tured in almost every township in the county. Large quantities are made at Bucyrus, from a light clay loam, which contains no gravel, and of which inexhaustible supplies are found in the creek bottoms. The brick made are of a dark red color, showing no evidence of lime when broken. •' The eastern portion of the count}', espe- cially the rolling strip of land that characterizes the line of junction between the Berea grit and the Bedford shale, is well supplied with gravel and sand. These knolls are largely made up of stratified gravel and sand, mingled with Northern bowlders. One of the oldest gravel pits in the county is that near Leesville. Hun- dreds of car and wagon loads are taken from it HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 179 annually, and the supply will not fail for many years to come. The pit also affords large num- bers of Northern bowlders of all sizes, averaging about eighteen inches in diameter. Large quan- tities of excellent sand, deposited in beds, or banks, on the Sandusky, in the southern part of Liberty Township, furnish Bucyrus and all the surrounding country with an abundant supply for building purposes. Several deposits of sand and gravel were also noted in the flat and more claj^ey portions of the county ; but here they are much more rare and also more valuable. One occurs on Nathan Cooper's land, in the bank of the Sandusky, on the southwest quarter of Section 32, Liberty Township. Scattered at irregular intervals over the county, are found these gravel beds, many of which graduate into a fine sand, not only suitable for rough walls, but for the finer portions of masonic work. The county is well supplied with sandstone, lime- stone, sand, cla}' and gravel." There are, within the limits of the county, several depressed portions of land, or] basins, which, before clearings were made or sluices dug, were covered with water during the year. Having been in that damp condition, ver}' likely for centuries, they became covered to the depth of several feet with a vegetable mixture of leaves, twigs, and the root and stock of the mai'sh-moss. Sphagnum, in an imperfect state of decomposition. Peat beds are usually largely composed of this moss, which has the propertj' of slowly dying at the extremities of the roots. It grows in the mud and muck of wet land, and finally accumulates a deep bed of its decaying roots. The peat or other basins also contain large quantities of decaying vege- tation, washed in by periodical floods, and con- tributing to the peat accumulation. In the large marsh in Cranberr\' Township there are found, in some places, beds of decomposing vegetation to the depth of several feet, although the peat thus formed is im[»ure, and contains large quantities of earthy ingredients. Within the memory of middle-aged people, the marsh was almost impenetrable, except when frozen, on account of the water and mud, and, although many portions are yet wet and impassable, ex- tensive and costl}^ systems of drainage promise a speedy preparation of these rich alluvial basins for cultivation. The peat in this marsh when dry will readily burn, and occasionally catches fire, burning until extinguished by rain or otherwise. Owing to its impurit}- and meagerness, however, and an abundance of cheaper and better fuel, the peat is not likely to become utilized in this respect. The principal feature of this marsh in early years was the prevalence of cranberries, which gi'ew there in great abundance. The beny is a member of the Heath Family, and is known to botanists as Oxycoccus niacrocarpus. The plant is a creeper, or trailer, with slender, hardy, woody stems, and small evergreen leaves, more or less white underneath, with single flowers, borne on slender, ei'ect pedicles, and having a pale rose corolla. The berries, which get ripe in autumn, are red, with some 3'ellow, and are very acid. The stems are from one to three feet long, and the flowers are lateral, rendering eas}' the gathering of the berries. Hundreds of bushels grew annually in this marsh when the count}^ was first settled, and from infoi'ma- tion obtained from the Indian tribes, they gath- ered the berries for man}- 3'ears before the ap- pearance of white men, convcA'ing them on ponies to cities in Eastern and Northern Ohio, and even to those in Pennsylvania and New York. Cranberry gathering was an important industry to the early settler, as it furnished him an annual revenue, proportioned to his energ}-. With the price of $3 or $4 per bushel, a cranberr}' marsh could be made profitable at present, as it is done in several localities farther east. But tho conditions for the possi- ble life of the plant have been removed, or al- tered, and cranberries, with insignificant excep- tions, no longer grow in the county. They also ±1 :i£ 180 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. previously grew in the Bear Marsh, in northern Sandusky, on the wet land in Southern Vernon, and on other low lands in the county, but not in sufficient quantity to become available or valuable to the citizens. In Southern Huron Count}'^ was an extensive cranberry marsh, a portion of which, comprising about 300 acres, lay in northern Auburn Township. This fur- nished large quantities of berries, and was vis- ited annually by scores of citizens for miles around. The marsh also contained peat, al- though not as pure nor as deep as that in Cran- berry Township. Sluices and trenches have been dug to convey the standing water into Honey Creek or its branches, and the marsh is now quite dr}', and in a few 3'ears will be culti- vated. In the margins of these marshes and other depressions in the county is found an im- pure bog iron ore, although not in sufficient quantity to become of economic value. While no effort has been made to extract the iron, yet the ore has been dug and used for roads and private walks. It is in Crawford County that the vast prai- ries prevailing in Western States are first made manifest. A large one, about thirty miles long, and having an average width of five or six miles, begins in northeastern Whetstone Town- ship, extending southwestwardly across Bucy- rus and Dallas Townships, far down into Ma- rion County. This large section of country was named " Sandusky Plains " by the Indians, from its proximity to the river of that name. Why this land was not covered with a heavy forest like the country surrounding it, is difficult to explain. The character of the soil seems to indicate that the plains were covered with wa- ter, or were at least wet, after the surrounding country had become dry. This is shown b}' the fact, among others, that the soil contains more decaying vegetation, and is more largely alluvial than in other townships in the count}'. These facts also imply that the plains were somewhat depressed, and were silt basins, in which were collected the washings of the sur- rounding soil. So far as examined, the drift and washed soil of the plains is deeper than in other portions of the county. The drift is not found distributed at about the same depth over the plains, but occurs in knolls and embank- ments, scattered at irregular intervals over the surface. These knolls were about the only por- tions covered with timber when the settlers first appeared. The other portions, notwithstanding their exposure to the heat of the sun, were quite wet, and covered with a rank growth of weeds, sedges and coarse grass. The growth of the timber in comparatively late years, was no doubt prevented, in a measure, by destructive fires, which swept over the plains annually, destroying the young trees, and extending far enough into the surrounding timber to prevent its encroachment on the prairie. It is likely, also, that the character of the soil had some- thing to do with the non-appearance of the timber. The plains are frequently crossed with uneven belts of woodland, dividing their extent into a succession of prairies. Since the coun- tr}^ has become well settled, and the surrounding timber has been largely cut away to make room for the farms, and since rapidly-growing varie- ties of trees have been planted in groves upon every farm, the prairie can be scarcely distin- guished from other portions of the county. The soil of the plains is well adapted for the growth of corn ; much better than other portions of the county less alluvial in nature. A dearth of bowlders and other surface stones on the plains is noticeable, and the gravel and sand beds occur less frequently than in surround- ing localities. Its elevated situation and proximity to Lake Erie give to Crawford County a fine, healthy climate. The rigor of winter is modified, as is also the heat of summer. From meteorological tables, it is ascertained that the isothermal line passing through Crawford County reaches one of its points of highest latitude in the county. r \A' HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 181 showing a temperature corresponding to that In other localities about 100 miles south. A great difference is noticed in the Michigan Pen- insula, where the temperature in the center of the State corresponds with that in Northern In- diana. Palmetto, and other timber growing in the warm climate of the Southern States, has been found in Northern Ohio, near Lake Erie, and far up into Michigan, giving unmistakable proof of the mildness of the climate, even if other proof wex'e lacking. The climate near these bodies of water is less subject to great and sudden extremes of heat and cold than country farther removed from such water. The mildness and salubrity are undoubtedly due to the proximity of the lakes, which temper the cold of winter and the heat of summer. Phys- icists account for this phenomenon by the state- ment that large bodies of water during the summer absorb the heat poured b}' radiation into the atmosphere from the heated land near the water, and that, during the winter, the water slowly parts with its latent heat accumulated in hot weather. Crawford County shares, in a measure, the mildness of climate due to the modifying influence of the lakes. Although the county is somewhat removed from the lake shore, yet thermometers show a comparatively equable temperature. The uniformity of the climate, however, is not so perfect as in counties bordering on the lake. A failure to record meteorological phenomena in the county pre- vents an accurate knowledge of the state of the weather in past years. The mean temperature for the winter months at Urbana is 28.75°, while that for the summer is 71.11°, giving a mean for the whole time, with observations taken during six months of each year, of 50°. It will also be seen that the greatest cold recorded was 17° below zero, and the greatest heat 95° above the same point. The following table is taken from the report of the Secretary of State for 1877 :* JANIARY. FEBRUARY. DF.CEMBEB. TEAB. a 3 a 'S 1 1 a a 1 a s s a 0. 1855. 18*50. 18t)5. 1870. 1875. Menns. 69.64 80 84 94 93 90 93 90 45 45 48 45 41 46 50 51 44 67.98 67.23 70.02 70.75 67.12 69.77 74.50 70.79 68.60 84 90 95 90 94 94 92 44 48 49 57 55 48 48 58 55 68.81 69.94 71.69 76.56 75.08 72.73 71.81 76.26 73.37 82 90 85 87 92 92 88 95 85 72.92 70.7 49 48 54 50 46 44 44 50 49 66.64 68.58 74.32 72 68 72.50 71.68 69.70 73 13 67.81 67.81 68.58 72.01 73.38 71.57 71.39 72.00 73.39 69.93 71.11 The observations for both of the above tables were made at Urbana, Ohio, with an or- dinary thei'mometer. It will be noticed that the mean temperature for each month during the nine years given is quite uniform^ varying but little through the lapse of nearl}' half a century. The uniformity of the temperature nearer the lakes is more noticeable, and does not show as great a divergence between winter and summer as is shown bj the tables above. The elevated situation of the county, on the " backbone " of Ohio, is favorable for an ob- servance of the direction, force and velocity of the wind. The healthfulness of any locality is largel}' dependent upon the purity and force of the wind ; and, since observations have estab- lished the fact that the motion of the air may be ascertained for from six to forty-eight hours in advance, the knowledge becomes of great value in serving to prevent loss of life and property in all parts of the country, and espe- ciallj' so on the lakes and oceans. Hence it is that extensive signal S3'stems have been de- vised and put in operation on the shores of all the great lakes and on every sea coast. From measurements made bj' different railroad com- panies in the count}^, Bucyrus is found to be elevated 434 feet above Lake Erie and 1,009 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. It is not the highest point in the count}', however, Crestline being 1,176 feet above the ocean, and Gallon 1,171. vSubtracting from these figures 575 feet, the assumed elevation of the lake above the- ocean, will give the elevation of the last two cities above Lake Erie. From observations made at eight points in Ohio, it is ascertained that the prevailing direction of the wind is from the southwest and west, although during the past year, as shown by the report of the Secretar}' of State, it has been from the south- east at Cincinnati. The approximate move- ment of the atmosphere per annum is about 50,000 miles, with a mean hourly velocity of 6 miles. March is found to be the windiest month, while August is the quietest. The humidity of the air varies with the direction and character of the wind. The majority of heav}' storms of wind and rain come from the southwest, and the height of mercury in the barometer varies about two inches, but the an- nual variation is usually less than this. The mean height during the last year was 30.063 inches. Winds from across Lake Erie usually contnin a large percentage of moisture, varying with the season and the slant of the wind. Except in times of unusual storms, the veloc- ity of the wind rarely exceeds thirty miles per hour. It is probable that the county is too far removed from the lake shore to be swept by what are known as " sea breezes." Winds thus created b}^ a relative change in the temperature of the atmosphere covering large bodies of f* JJ^l HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 183 water and the neighboring land, made by une- qual powers of radiatiou during the day and night, are usually laden with moisture, and are extremely icy and cold. These winds from the north sweep over Crawford County oftener and with greater velocity during the winter and spring months than at other seasons of the year. The county has been visited by several tornadoes during past years. One of these swept across the northern tier of town- ships about the beginning of the present cen- tury. It must have swept everything before it, as, when the first settlers arrived, in about 1820, no large trees were standing in its course, and the ground was strewn with de- caying timber that had been torn asunder and broken off by the fury of the wind. The ground was covered with a heavy gi'owth of young timber. Another storm of later occur- rence passed across Whetstone Township, and was seen by several old settlers yet living. A description of this storm will be found in the history of the above township. Both of these storms came from the southwest. Other winds of less intensit}' have visited the county with a greater or less loss of property, and the future will likely bring many others. Every citizen should provide himself with a good barometer in order to avoid the unexpected appearance of gi*eat storms of wind and rain. The winds most likely to be followed by a precipitation of rain or snow are those var^'ing from southeast to southwest. The annual range of the barometer at Cincinnati during the past year was 1.318 inches. The barome- ter rai-ely fails to give warning of the approach of storms, and, if its language was alwavs heeded, thousands of dollars could be saved annually to the citizens throughout the coun- try. Localities with telegraphic communica- tion can readily receive the knowledge of an appi'oaching change of weather as soon as such knowledge becomes known ; but other sections lack the means of obtaining such information, and consequently are the oftenest to lose prop- erty and life because of their inability to learn of coming storms. A barometer, costing but a few dollars, would give the desired informa- tion, and, in the aggregate, prevent the loss of valuable property. A singular occurrence connected with the fall of rain and snow during the year is, that the quantity falling each 3'ear at any localit}- is about the same. The amount varies but few inches from 3'ear to year, and it is noticed that in almost everj- case heav^' and continuous rains during a portion of the year are followed by a lack of rain during the remainder. If the spring is unusually wet, one of the other seasons will be correspondingly dr}'. This uniformity of rain in an^' given locality is difficult to explain. When the air is motionless, and saturated with moisture, the evaporation from the earth under- neath is decreased. The greater the amount of water in the soil and on the surface, the greater will be the quantity' evaporated, other things being equal. It follows that, after the soil is soaked with water by incessant rains, the atmos- phere above becomes thoroughlv saturated, and> consequeutl}', much cooler, owing to the absorp- tion of heat during the process of evaporation. It also follows from these facts that the presence of so much moistui'e above prevents the wind from setting in toward that locality, and, conse. quently, prevents the further fall of rain. On the contrary-, the winds charged with rain-clouds blow from that locality to others where the atmosphere is lighter, and where the season has been dry. This leaves the locality above men- tioned without rain until the temperatui'e has become warm, and the relative humidity between that and surrounding sections of country has become reversed, when rain clouds again appear, and the same phenomena are repeated. This will account, in a measure, for the uniformity of the fall of rain at any locality during the year. Other circumstances, no doubt, influence and 184 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. vary the causes referred to, although the latter may be regarded as primary. No record of the annual fall of rain, so far as known, has been kept in Crawford County. That at Urbana, Ohio, for the past twenty-eight years, including melted snow, has been 39f inches. This will give the proximate fall in the county, although the mean fall may vary several inches from that figure. No figures can be given as to the prob- able fall during any season of the year, the quantity being subject to variation from local causes. The following comparative table, show- ing the annual amount of water from rain and melted snow, in inches, at several stations in Ohio, for ten years, was prepared by Milo G. Williams, of Urbana, Ohio : STATIONS. 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 Cincinnati 28.91 45.01 46.70 31.86 32 83 22.08 8106 40.90 34.93 41.60 45.09 50.03 46.31 36.03 20.16 4294 45.21 40.92 39.84 41.85 42.86 42.71 39 02 37.44 42.25 49.14 41.89 28.03 40.86 40.18 32.30 46.96 35.64 31.11 29.02 30.64 32.78 82 54 31.13 82.86 28.53 37.74 32.78 45.49 47.98 37.17 41.40 42.23 35.88 47.20 41.20 33.38 38.32 39.57 34.03 38.43 34.74 25.81 44.45 36.09 41.04 45.71 46.05 43.16 39.78 29.40 Portsmouth 41.22 M ariet ta 48.19 Urban a 41 93 Cleveland 45.22 Hudson 36.45 Toledo 32.84 GO 28 40.22 28.72 36.60 32.07 28.53 80.35 31.60 Little Mountain 60 45 48.66 48.08 Mean 43.52 CHAPTER II. THE MOUND BUILDERS — WYANDOT AND OTHER INDIAN TRIBES — THE BORDER WARS- FORD'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST SANDUSKY— PERSONAL ADVENTURE— JOHN ROSE. -CRAW- "Lo! the poor Indian, whose untutored mind, Sees God in clouds and hears Him in the wind." ry^HE lack of mounds and other evidences _L of the presence of a semi-barbarous race in Crawford County, before the Indian first lighted his camp-fires on the prairie, or in the forest of the Western Continent, has led archae- ologists and antiquarians to the conclusion that the county was a portion of the neutral ground which separated the hosts of two or more hostile nations of Mound Builders. Tliat a strange and partially uncivilized people re- sided throughout all the countr}-, in times which ante-date the Indian's occupancy of the soil, is established by conclusive evidence, aside from the denial of the Indian races, of their having had any participation in the erection of the approximate 10,000 mounds scattered througliout the continent. In several places in Crawford Count}', the earl}' settlers found ob- scure and imperfect artificial earth embank- ments, which, in all probability, were thrown up by the Indians and not the Mound Build- ers. One of these is located on Broken Sword Creek, in Holmes Township, although nothing now remains but an irregular and barely noticea- ble ridge. If the county was between two opposing tribes at war, it was, undoubtedly, the scene of frequent battles, where the fate of primitive nations was decided. The soil gives no word of encouragement to such a thought, which is purely speculative. The mounds and their contents, however, speak plainly as to the characteristics of this strange people, although nothing is suggested to lead the miud to a knowledge of their origin or final destiny. Some authorities have suggested that the Mound Builders ultimately deteriorated into fk HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 185 the ancestors of the Indian races ; but the ma- jority of intelligent writers on the subject dis- courage such a view, and present facts going to show that an interval of many centuries elapsed after the disappearance of the Mound Builders, and before the appearance of the Indian. There is no evidence showing that the Mound Builders ever had a written language ; and the only testimony of their presence and attainments is found in the various mounds, which are fast disappearing before the march of Time, the infinite iconoclast. From their works must be derived the solution of their history, habits, customs, their mode of life and degree of civilization, their knowledge of the arts of peace and war, and their ultimate fate, whether by extinction through war, famine or pestilence, or whether they became the ances- tors of the succeeding Indian races. Although Crawford County contains no mounds, or other works of the Mound Builders, yet, since research has thrown so much light upon their lives and customs and aroused so much interest among scientists, a brief state- ment will be given of the progress that has been made in this branch of archaeological re- search. The mounds have been divided into mounds proper, effigies and inclosures. Mounds proper are subdivided into sepulchral, temple, sacrificial, memorial and observator3^ Effigies are divided into animal, emblematic and sym- bolical. Inclosures are military, covered or sa- cred.* The most of the above works were con- structed of earth, a few of stone, and a fewer still of earth and stone combined. Sepulchral mounds are usuall}' conical, and some of them are seventy feet in height. They are more numerous than any other kind, and, beyond doubt, were used as memorials over the dead. Within these mounds, implements and orna- ments are often found, supposed to have been placed there when the individual was buried, for use in the Spirit Land. Ashes and charcoal *Isaac Smucker, in Ohio Statistics. are often found in proximity to the skeleton under conditions which render it probable that fires were used in the burial ceremony. With the skeletons are often found specimens of mica, pottery, bone and copper beads and bones. The skeletons found in each mound are usually limited in number, although a mound in Lick- ing Count}' contained fifteen, and one in Har- din County contained three hundred. Colonel Whittlesey and others entertain the opinion, however, that the skeletons belonged to the In- dians, who had used the mounds for burial pur- poses. Temple mounds are few in number, and are ordinarily circular. They are invariably truncated, and are often surrounded with em- bankments, inclined planes, or spiral pathways or steps, leading to the summit. It is supposed that these elevations were surmounted with wooden temples, all traces of which have been removed by the ravages of time. These mounds and the buildings at their summits are thought to have been erected for religious purposes. Sacrificial mounds are ordinarily stratified, with convex layers of clay and loam above a stratum of sand. They contain ashes, charcoal, igneous stones, calcined animal bones, beads, stone implements, pottery and specimens of rude sculpture. Altars of igneous clay or stone are often found. Evidences of fire upon the altars yet remain, showing that various ani- mals and probably human beings were im- molated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit. These mounds infrequentl}' contain skeletons, together with implements of war ; mica from the AUeghanies ; shells from the Gulf of Mex- ico; obsidian of different colors, red, purple and green varieties of porphyry, and silver, copper and other metallic ornaments and uten- sils. Mounds of observation were apparently designed for alarm-towers or signal stations. Some writers have fancied that they " occur in chains, or regular systems, and that many of them still bear traces of the beacon fires that were once burning upon them.'' The}' are often 186 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. found built like towers from the summits of embankments surrounding inclosures. One of the latter, in Licking County, has a height of twenty-five feet. "Along the Miami River," says Judge Force, " are dotted small mounds or projecting highlands, which seems to have been built to carry intelligence by signals along the valley." Memorial mounds ax-e of that class of tumuli intended to commemorate some impor- tant event, or to perpetuate the memory of some distinguished character. xMost of the stone mounds belong to this class, and usually contain no bones, for the supposed reason that the mounds were erected to perpetuate great events, and not to be used as sepulchers. They are thought to be coincident in design with the Bunker Hill Monument, and with the beautiful marble column on the field of (lettN'sburg. Effigies are elevations of earth in the form of men, beasts, birds, reptiles, and, occasionally, of inanimate objects, varying in height from one foot to six feet above the surrounding surface, and often covering many acres of land. Mr. Schoolcraft expresses the belief that this class of mounds was designed for " totems " or tribu- lar symbols ; while Prof Daniel Wilson and other writers of distinction entertain the opin- ion that they were erected in accordance with the religious belief of the various tribes of Mound Builders who worshiped, or in some way venerated, the animals or objects repre- sented by the elevations. A large mound near Newark represents a bird of enormous size, with its wings outspread, in the act of flight. Its length is about 200 feet. An excavation in this effig}- disclosed a clay and stone altar, upon which were evidences of fire, together with ashes and charcoal. The surroundings indicated that the altar had been used for sacrificial of- ferings. Another mound near Newark repre- sents a huge alligator having a total length of 200 feet. Prof Daniel Wilson believes that it " sj'mbolizes some ol)ject of special awe and veneration, thus reared on one of the chief ' high places' of the nation, with its accompany- ing altar, upon which these ancient people of the valley could witness the celebration of the rites of their worship, its site having been obviously selected as the most prominent fea- ture in a populous district, abounding with military, civic and religious structures." The most remarkable mound in Ohio is in Adams County. Its form is that of an enormous ser- pent, more than a thousand feet in length, with body in graceful, anfractuous folds, and tail ending in triple coils. The greatest width of the body is thirty feet, and the effigy is elevated about five feet above the surrounding soil. " The neck of the figure," says the American Cyclopaedia, " is stretched out and slightly curved, and the mouth is opened wide, as if in the act of swallowing or ejecting an oval figure, which rests partly within the distended jaws. The. combined figure has been regarded by some as a representation of the oriental cosmo- logical idea of the serpent and the egg." Defensive inclosures are irregular in form, and are always on high ground, in positions difficult to approach by a savage foe. " The walls," says the American C3'clopoedia, "gener- ally wind around the borders of the elevations they occupy, and, when the nature of the ground renders some points more accessible than others, the height of the wall and the depth of the ditch at those weak points are pi'oportionally increased. The gateways are narrow and few in number, and well guarded by embankments of earth, placed a few j'ards inside of the open- ings or gatewaj's, and parallel with them, and projecting somewhat beyond them at each end, thus fully covering the entrances, which, in some cases, are still further px'otected bj^ projecting walls on either side of them. These works are somewhat numerous, and indicate a clear appre- ciation of the elements, at least, of fortification, and unmistakabh' point out the purpose for which they were constructed. A large number of these defensive works consist of a line of ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 187 ditches and embankments, or several lines car- ried across the neck of peninsulas or bluff headlands, formed within the bends of streams — an easy and obvious mode of fortification^ common to all rude peoples." Man}- defensive mounds are found in Ohio, and the most notice- able one is in Warren County. The embank- ments are nearly four miles in length, varying in height from ten to twenty feet, to accord with the locality to be protected, and inclose several hundred acz'es. Covered ways, or parallel walls, are often found, either connecting different in- closures, or portions of the same. The}^ were undoubtedly designed to protect those passing back and forth within. There are large num- bers of sacred inclosures of almost every con- ceivable shape, and many of them were de- signed with surprising geometrical accurac}'. Some archaeologists maintain that many of the so-called sacred inclosures were intended and used for national games and celebrations, and it is probable that those without the altar were used as such. The mounds and their contents afford abun- dant opportunity to speculate as to the character and customs of the ancient people, of whom nothing is left save their crumbling habitations. They were unknown to the Indians, whose traditions I'eveal nothing of the Mound Build- ers' histor}', which will forever remain unwrit- ten and unknown. They were a numerous people, as is clearly proved by the magnitude and elaboration of their works. The}- were unquestionably subservient to rulers, or supe- riors, who had power to enforce the erection of gigantic structures, which, considering the semi-barbarous condition of the people, their lack of suitable implements of labor, and their imperfect and insufficient knowledge of me- chanical principles, are surprisingly vast in ex- tent and ingenious in design. Their works in- dicate that the people were war-like ; that the}- were familiar with man}' mathematical and me- chanical rules ; that they were religious and probably idolatrous, as the effigies and sacred structures imply ; that they were skilled in the manufacture of bone and metallic ornaments and pottery ; that they had attained no little degree of perfection in the working of metals ; and that they were essentially homogeneous in customs, pursuits, religion and government. They were unquestionably well advanced in many of the arts of civilization. They of ne- cessity were an agricultural people, being too numerous to live by the chase alone. Super- stitious and uninformed, they offered burnt and other sacrifices and oblations to both good and bad spirits. Dr. Foster said that they wor- shiped the elements, such as fire, air and watei' — ^that they worshiped the sun, moon and stars, and offered human sacrifices to the gods they worshiped. Their origin and ulti- mate fate are enveloped in obscurity. It is thought by many intelligent writers that they were the progenitors of the Aztecs and Peru- vians, found upon the shores of the New World when first visited by white men from Europe. It is thought that they were members of the same great family. However, authorities are widely at variance in their opinions regarding the origin of this strange people. But little can ever be known of their history ; yet throughout all the future, the civilized world will look with awe upon the decaying remnants of their works, and weave the bright fabric of romance about their mysterious lives. When the Indian first appeared upon the Western Continent is unknown ; and his origin, like that of the Mound Builder, lies largely within the province of speculation. When Europeans first came to the country, the In- dians were found in possession of the soil, and their rude camp fires were burning on every stream. The most of their villages were tem- porary, depending for location upon the preva- lence of game, upon which the people largely subsisted. Sometimes their towns remained unchanged for scores of years, becoming popu- 188 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. lous and opulent. During the latter half of the last century, or about the time of Col. Bouquet's expedition to their towns in Ohio, among others there were found the following tribes of Indians living in what afterward became the State of Ohio : The Wyandots (called Hurons by the French), the Delawares and Shawanese (both of the Algonquin group), the Miamis (also called Twigtwees), the Mingoes (a branch of the Iro- quois or Six Nations), and the Ottawas and Chippewas. The Wyandots occupied the country in the vicinit}' of the Sandusky River. The Delawares were established on the Mus- kingum and Tuscarawas Rivers, and a few other places. The Shawanese were chiefly found on the Scioto and Mad Rivers, and at few other points. The Miamis were on the Great and Little Miami Rivers. The Mingoes were in great force at Mingo Bottom, on the Ohio River, and at sev- eral other points in Ohio. The Ottawas occu- pied the valley's of the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers, and the Chippewas, few in number, were confined to the southern shore of Lake Erie. By the provisions of the treaty at Fort Mcin- tosh in 1785, the Ottawas, Wyandots and Dela- wares wei-e assigned territory in Northern Ohio, west of the Cuyahoga River. The WA'andots, as indicated by the idioms and other characteristics of their language, were related to the Iroquois or Six Nations ; but, about the middle of the seventeenth cen- tur}', the3' embraced the religious faith of the Roman Catholics, and for some reason unknown severed their connection with their relatives, the Iroquois, and cast their lot with the power- ful Algonquins.* Their original residence was in Canada, some authorities fixing their loca- tion on Georgian Bay, and others, as Mr. Schoolcraft, on Montreal Island. Their num- ber is estimated to have been about 40,000 souls. Some time after this they became in- volved in a war with the Iroquois, by whom they were nearly exterminated, after which, ♦American Cyclopedia. they removed first to Charity Island, and after- ward to Quebec. They were found south of the Great Lakes in 1660, by some French traders, and ten years later, having become in- volved in a war with the powerful Sioux, they removed to Michilimackinac, and were accom- panied by Father Marquette. Afterward thej^ established themselves at Detroit, their hunting- grounds extending into Northern Ohio. Rem- nants of the tribe were yet in Canada, while that at Detroit, in 1778, was estimated to con- tain about 180 warriors. In 1829, a small band of the tribe was located in Michigan. They numbered about forty, and were provided with annuities by the Government. Immedi- ately after the war of 1812, the principal por- tion of the Wyandots, numbering about 600, was established on the Sandusky River on a tract of land eighteen miles long east and west, and twelve miles wide. In 1835, the Wyan- dots decided to sell a strip of land five miles wide on the eastern border of their Reservation, and the land was accordingly thrown into mar- ket, very likely through the influence of the whites, who coveted the possessions of the Indian. In 1843, the Wyandots were trans- ferred to Kansas, where the}' have since resided, and the land of their Reservation was annexed to the adjoining counties. When the white settlers first came to the county, and for many years afterward, the Wyandot Indians were established on their Reservation, which, until 1835, included a por- tion of Crawford County. Each year the Indi- ans were the recipients of an annuity of $10 per capita, paid to them by the agent of the Govei-nment located at their Reservation. The white settlers invaded the lands of the Wvan- dots to trade and converse with them, and to learn more of their habits. The Indians, in turn, mingled freel}' with the whites at their settlements, buying ammunition, tobacco, orna- ments, etc., and disposing of valuable furs and other products of the chase. The Indians -n- \ ^. ^^y-^^pocy ^- HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 191 traded largely at Bucyrus ; but their usual dealing with, the settlers was carried on in their villages, or at the store in their Reservation, where their creditors came to adjust their accounts, and where avaricious and unscrupu- lous men came to obtain, b}' artifice or impos- ture, the annuity paid the natives by the Gov- ernment. Each Indian came forward with his family, and the money belonging to him was counted out, placed upon the counter by the agent, and was conveyed to the buckskin pouch of the Indian, or quite often was turned over b}' the agent, at the Indian's suggestion, to the settler who held an unsettled claim against the Indian, and who was aware of the importance of being present when the agent distributed the annuities, if he desired a speedy settlement. White hunters and trappers invaded the Reser- vation without authority, killing and trapping large numbers of valuable animals. The Indi- ans also roamed far and wide over the country adjoining their lands, in small detachments, locating temporarily where hunting and trap- ping were good, and changing their camps as game became scarce or failed altogether. Mills were built on the streams in the Reservation ; blacksmith and carpenter shops were erected, trading posts were established, and tlie various Christian denominations in surrounding settle- ments sent ministers to preach to the Indians. Among the ministers who laboi'ed faithfull}' in the Reservation, were Revs. Daniel and James Hooker, Russell Bigclow, H. 0. Sheldon, Mr. Finlc}', Mr. Thompson and Mr. Wheeler, all of whom were Methodists. Notwithstanding the cessation of war and the permanent establish- ment of peace between the Wyandots and the settlers, all the war-like customs were still re- tained by the Indians, who were unable and unwilling to forget so soon the time-honored ceremonies of their tribe. War and scalp dances were held annually at their villages of Sandusky, Pipe Town and Broken Sword, the latter being situated about a mile west of the present village of Nevada, Wyandot County, the location afterward falling within the bounda- ries of Crawford County. Here the settlers often assembled, sometimes to participate in the wild ceremonies, but more frequently to look on the strange pantomimes with increasing and thrilling interest. Large fires were built, and the savages, armed and painted as if for the war-path, surrounded them in circles, and then with a wild, monotonous song accompani- ment, they began their dance around the fire, springing up and down, first on one foot and then on the other, chanting in the meantime a gutteral "he, he, he; haw, haw, haw!" which signified "me big Indian!" interspersing the song with wild whoops, made to quaver at first by the motion of the hand on the lips, but end- ing with a clearness and force that made the forest ring. Their annuities were largely spent for "cockhoos}'" or " Sandusky water ;" and, when under its influence, the savage nature was pi'edominant and asserted itself in fre- quent brawls and fights. The chiefs were elected by a vote of the tribe, the qualifications for that high office being honor, courage, and achievements in the chase and on the war-path. Some of the Indians were remarkable for strength and endurance, though they met their mutch in man}" of the white hunters. Their intercourse with the settlers was freely con- tinued until they were removed by the Gov- ernment to Kansas. There are many interesting incidents and circumstances connected with the Wj'andot Indians which occurred long before the settlers arrived, and which have never been made pub- lic save in miscellaneous newspaper articles. A few of these will be narrated. The facts from which the}'' are derived were disclosed by Judge G. W. Leith, of Nevada, Ohio, whose grandfather, John Leith, was for twentj'-nine 3'ears, beginning in 17G3, a captive and a trad- er among the Wyandots. John Leith, when a bo}' of about sixteen, was employed by an ex- ^'. 193 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. perienced trader to go into the Indian country to tratlic with the natives. They built a rude store in an Indian village, where Lancaster, Ohio, now stands, and began trading cloth, ammunition, firearms and ornaments for furs of all kinds. After a time, Leith was left in charge of the store while his employer returned to Fort Pitt with a cargo of furs. While he was gone, an Indian war broke out all along the border settlements, and the Indians, fear- ing the destruction of their village, made immediate preparations to retire farther into the wilderness. Young Leith was summoned before Capt. Pipe, the chief of the tribe, who savagely informed him that his people were marching into the Indians' country, destroying and laying waste their villages and crops, and murdering their families. The boy was told to stand up, which he did, expecting to be in- stantly tomahawked, but he was told that he must either become a member of the tribe or be put to death. The ceremony of adoption was gone through with, greatly to the boy's relief, and the Indians bestowed upon him the name "John Tit." He went West with the tribe, and, several years afterward, the Indians having become the allies of the British, he was employed by the latter to open a store at San- dusky and trade with the Indians. Here he remained throughout the Revolution and the bloody Indian wars which followed it, a power- less and horrified spectator of the cruelty and fiendish atrocity of the Indian tribes. Here he became acquainted with and often met the no- torious outlaws Matthew Elliott, Alexander McKee and the three brothers, Simon, George and James Girt}-. His store became the head- quarters where these noted renegades came for supplies of various kinds, and where they assembled both before and after their bloody raids on the defenseless settlements. He mar- ried a captive white girl, named Sally Lowry, under romantic circumstances, and, finally, in 1791, after having waited anxiously for many years, he succeeded in escaping with his wife and two children to the white settlements, closely pursued by the infuriated Indians. Soon after his store was established at San- dusky, he saw for the first time a white man run the gauntlet. The following is a narrative of that event, written by his biographer and grandson. Judge Leith : " One fine day in early summer, a band of warriors came in from the south with a captive, a powerful young Virginian. He had been overpowered and captured in a hand-to-hand struggle. I saw him stripped for the race, and thought him as fine a specimen of a man as I ever saw. His action was unimpaired, the onl}^ wound per- ceivable being a long gash on the fleshy part of his thigh, which, although considerably swelled, did not impede his motion. He was stripped naked and painted black for the race at my store. Two lines of Indians were formed, ex- tending back from the store about two hundred yards. He was marched back through the lines in a southerly direction, the savages pant- ing and yelling for the onset. Poor fellow ! he stepped with the elasticity of a race-horse, confidently believing that if he succeeded in the race his life would be spared. But his doom was sealed, and this was but the opening scene in the horrible tragedy. The warriors were armed with guns loaded with powder to be shot into his naked body, the boys were armed with bows and arrows, and the squaws and children with clubs and switches. No one was allowed to strike or shoot until the victim was opposite to where he stood, so that the speed of the runner might not be impeded or checked by a front fire. The word was given, ' All ready, go ! ' and simultaneously a yell went up all along the line from the savages, who were eager to inflict the severest punish- ment upon the helpless captive. The young fellow came through the lines with astonishing swiftness, and ran into the store where I was. He was covered with ragged and gaping HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 193 wounds made by the discharges of powder and the tomahawks, and the arrows stuck out from his blackened body like the shafts of a clothes- rack. He gave me a most imploring look, as if he expected me to help him, and suddenly sprang high in the air as if in terrible agony. He turned and went out at the door, when he was brained with a tomahawk and fell to the ground with his last despairing groan. They cut off his head and raised it some twelve or fifteen feet in the air on a pole, and left his body lying in the yard. I asked the privilege of the warriors to take the head down and bury the body out of sight. They told me haughtily, 'Your people do not bury our dead, and we will not bury yours.' I told them that unless I could have the privilege of burying the corpse out of my sight I would move ray store over to the 'Tymochtee.' They then said I might do as I pleased. I took the head down, placed it on the body, washed both and wrapped them in a clean blanket and buried them The Indians drove stakes down through the body, eager to glut their vengeance to the very last. This was one of the results of the march of the Virginians into the Indian country." Leith and his wife were members of different tribes, and, despite their wishes to the contrary, they were necessarily separated the greater por- tion of the time. Every argument and induce- ment were oflfered the wife's captors to permit her to go and live with her husband, and finally they concluded to do so. The Indians at first concluded to tattoo her boy by pricking powder and vermilion into the skin with a needle ; but this procedure was abandoned, and the Indians, in council, decided that they should be stripped of all their clothing and allowed to go. This was done, and the Indians said to her : " Now, if you want to go to Sandusky, go." " She shouldered her boy, waded the ' Walholding,' the 'Tuscarawas,' passed through the wilder- ness, slept in the leaves by a log, contending with briars, nettles, flies, mosquitos, and living on June berries, wild onions, wild peas, elm bark, roots, etc. She came to a squaw, who was tending a small piece of corn and taking care of several Indian children, while the war- rior was abroad. The squaw said : ' Where you go ? ' She replied : ' Sandusky — my husband.' ' Where clothes ? ' ' They took them ' (point- ing from whence she came). ' You hungry ? ' ' Yes.' ' Me get meat.' The squaw told her to remain until the warrior x'eturned ; but she con- cluded to journey on. The squaw gave her a piece of blanket and some deer meat, and she started. I was at the time busily engaged in handling pelts, revolving in my mind what I should do. I was whipping the pelts and throw- ing them on a pile, and had just stepped in to get another supply, when I saw my wife approaching. She threw the child down on the skins, dropping there herself, saying : ' Here, John, I have brought your boy.' The fatigue of the journey and the joy of the meeting over- whelmed her for a time. There have been many happy meetings under far more favorable cir- cumstances, but at no time or place was there ever a meeting that filled the parties with more triumphant joy."* For the purpose of subjugating and punish- ing the hostile Wyandots, Delawares, Shaw- anese and other Indian tribes that refused to enter into peace treaties with the Government, and that were outraging humanity by repeated acts of savage barbarity toward the settlers, several expeditions were fitted out and sent against them in 1764. Col. Bouquet marched against them with an army of 1,500 men ; where- upon the Indians sued for peace in the most abject manner, and over 300 white captives were surrendered to the victorious array. Compara- tive peace was thus secured until 1771:, when another border conflict, known as Lord Dun- more's War, was begun. Various expeditions were sent against the savages, many of whom ♦Leith's Narrative. 194 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY were slaughtered, and their fields and villages pillaged and burned. The Indians, who, when the Colonies rebelled, became allies of the Brit- ish, began, under the leadership of various chiefs and the white renegades, a bloody border wai', and conducted it with such malignant ferocity as to cast gloom and terror over the frontier settlements. War parties of infuriated savages traversed the forests of Eastern Ohio under the command of Girty, Elliott and others of their stripe. The Wyandots became so re- vengeful and troublesome that, in 1782, it was resolved to organize an expedition to be sent out for the reduction of Sandusky, their princi- pal village. The force consisted wholly of vol- unteers ; yet it was understood by each man that all wei'e to be govei'ned by military rules, and, in all cases, were expected to obey the commands of their officers. The rendezvous was to take place on the 20th of May, 1782, at Mingo Bottom, a beautiful plateau of about 250 acres, on the Ohio River, a few miles below Steubenville. Each man furnished his own equipments, not doubting that his State would make good any loss resulting from the expedi- tion. By the 24th of May, 480 men had assem- bled at Mingo Bottom, mounted and armed for the journey. " For some time," says John Leith, b}'^ his biographer, " the Wyandots and other hostile tribes in Ohio had become aware, through their spies on the border, of an unusual commotion in the white settlements on the frontier. Reports of a pending invasion of their country swept rapidly from one Indian village to another, and scouts were dispatched to ascei'- tain the cause of the commotion in the white settlements." John Leith was eraploj'ed by the British to traffic with the Indians, and had at Sandusk}', the objective point of the military expedition, about $8,000 worth of goods. When the indications began to point to a contemplated invasion of the Indian country by the Ameri- cans, Mr. Leith, foreseeing the proliability of the destruction of Sandusk}", in which case the goods in his care would fall into the hands of the invaders, dispatched several Indian runners to watch the movements of the congregating borderers at Mingo Bottom.* Scarcely a day passed that did not bring some Indian runner to Sandusky and other villages with informa- tion regarding the number and strength of the advancing army and its probable course and design. The volunteers met at one o'clock on the 24th to elect their officers and perfect their organi- zation. It was deemed best to divide the force into eighteen companies, each of which was to elect its captain b}^ vote. There were chosen one Colonel, four Field Majors, and one Brigade Major. William Crawford was chosen Colonel; Daniel Williamson, John McClelland, Major Brinton, and Thomas Gaddis, Majors; Daniel Loet, Brigade Major; John Knight, Surgeon; John Slover and Jonathan Zane, Guides. John Rose was detailed to act as aid to the com- manding officer. Each man was provided with thirty days' provisions, and early in the morn- ing of May 25, 1782, the army, in four columns, began its march through the woods for San- dusky, distance 150 miles. " The route lay thi'ough what is now the counties of Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Ashland, Rich- land and Crawford — neai'ly to the center of Wyandot County, Ohio. The whole distance, except about thirty miles at the end of the route, was through an unbroken forest. But little worth}' of note transpired on the journey until after reaching what is now W^'andot County. Every precaution was employed to guard against surprises, and the armj' marched on as rapidly as could be done through the deep forest. While at their third encampment, several of the men lost their horses. These men were thus forced to return to Mingo Bot- tom, which they did reluctantly. On the fourth day of the march the army reached the Mus- kingum River. During the evening two In- *Juilge George W. Leitb, Nevada, Ohio. «<^ ^ HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. 195 dians were seen watching the army. They were pursued and fired at, but without effect. This had the effect of hastening the movements of the army, which up to this time had advanced but about fifteen miles a day. One of the men died and was buried in Holmes County. B3' the evening of the 1st of June, the army had reached a point in Richland County, eight miles almost due east of Crestline, Crawford Count}'. The army crossed into what is now Crawford County at one o'clock in the afternoon of the 2d, and about an hour afterward reached the Sandusky River at a point immediately east of what is now the village of Leesville, at the mouth of a small creek called Allen's run, when a halt was called, and the volunteers took a half-hour's rest on the banks of the stream, for which they had been for some time anxiously' looking.* The army had traveled in the last five days about eighty-five miles. They were now fairly in the enemy's country, due east from the point of destination only twent3--five miles. Slover announced to the commander that the open country — the Sandusky' Plains — was but a few miles away in a southwest direc- tion. Following along the southern margin of the stream until it suddenly swept around to the north, the army then struck off from it through a somewhat broken country for two miles, and encamped a short distance beyond, where the surface was quite level. They were still in what is now Jefferson Township, but very near the eastern edge of the plains. Early on the morning of the 3d of June, the arm}^ moved out into the sunlight of the open coun- try. It was at a point not very far west of a small stream flowing south into the Whetstone Creek, in what is now Whetstone Township — a memorable spot, as will be seen hereafter. Many of the volunteers had never before seen *It has long been a tradition among the citizans of Jefferson Township, CrawfoiJ County, Ohio, tliiit, initny yeTrs ago when a large tree was cut down on tlie lianks of tlie slrrtim wlier>- this on- Ciimpment liad been, Col. Crawford's name and the date of liis stop- ping there were found cut dee|ily into the wood, and covered with mauy concentric layers of growth. prairie land, and gave vent to exclamations of delight at the novel scene. The route of the army was through the present townships of Bucyrus and Dallas, in Crawford County — pass- ing a little over three miles south of what is now the town of Buc^'rus — thence into what is now Antrim Township, Wyandot County. Here the army encamped near the site of the present village of Wyandot, within ten miles of their point of destination. The next morning — the 4th of June — at 7 o'clock, after care- ful preparations for an emergency, the army began its march in nearly a northwest direction. After about six miles' travel, the mouth of the Little Sandusky was reached. The spot was a familiar one to Slover, who had been there be- fore. Crossing the river, Crawford's course was along the east bank of the stream, follow- ing the Indian trace in a direction a little west of north, in what is now Pitt Township. The army moved with great caution. Not an In- dian, however, was seen. Crawford was assured by Slover that the Wyandot town was close at hand. As 3'et there had not been discovered any indications of an Indian settlement, except a sugar-camp, where maple sugar had evi- dently been made the previous spring. Pass- ing a bluff bank, the river made a sudden turn, flowing almost directly west. The movement of the army was now rapid. A little farther on, just where the river enters what is now Crane Township, suddenlj- an opening in the woods before them was discernible — the Wyandot town was reached. To the utter astonishment of the whole army it was found uninhabited. All was a solitude ! The log huts had, apparently, been deserted for some time. Here was a di- lefnma!"* It is now well to learn the cause of the dis- appearance of the Indians. The village which the American army had reached was in reality the old town of Sandusky, which had been deserted a j^ear or two before, the Indians ♦Crawford's campaign against Sandusky. — BuTTBRriEU). •t. 196 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. establishing tliemselves about three miles north of the pi'esent town of Upper Sandusky, on the river. This was really the point upon which the blow Avas designed to fall, although Slover and Zane were unaware of the removal of the Indians to the new town of Sandusky, which was called Half King's Town, from its being the residence of the Wj'andots' head chief, Pomoacan, or Half King. Leith's store was at Half King's Town. He was in the employ- ment of British traders, five of whom had placed their goods in his charge for disposal. His spies brought tidings every day of the progress and probable designs of Crawford's army. Information was brought in by swift runners as soon as the men began to assemble at Mingo Bottom, and messengers were instantl}'^ dis- patched b}' the apprehensive Indians for assist- ance to DePeyster, the commandant at Detroit, and to all the Indian villages likely to be attacked. In response to the call, a consider- able force of mounted troops, consisting of Butler's Rangers, was ordered from Detroit to the valley of the Sandusky, to assist the dusky allies of Great Britain in repelling the invaders. Captain Pipe, or Kogieschquanoheel, the Dela- ware war-chief, with the same object in view, started south with about two hundred warriors from Pipe Town, a Delaware village on Tymoch- tee Creek, about five miles from its mouth. Two hundred warriors from the Shawanese towns in Logan Countj^ were also dispatched to assist the W^^andots, against whom the army of Crawford was now seen to be marching. Leith, to prevent his goods from falling into the hands of the enemy, packed them on horses and started for Lower Sandusky, driving his cattle before him. He started in great haste on the morning of the 4th, and met, during the forenoon, Matthew EUittt, and, soon afterward, " the whole British army, composed of Butler's Rangers," all of whom were hurrying forward to assist in opposing the progress of Crawford's command. Tiie troops took Leith's cattle, but permitted him to proceed with his goods. The squaws and children of the Delawares and Wyandots were hidden away in a deep ravine on Tymochtee Creek, about a mile from its mouth. The allied forces that were to resist the encroachment of the American army rapidly assembled at a spot nearly two miles southwest of Half King's Town. Here about four hun- dred Wyandot warriors, under their war-chief Zhaus-sho-toh, and two hundred Delawares under Captain Pipe, were lying in ambush, anxiously awaiting the approach of both the enemy and re-enforcements. This was the sit- uation of the hosts of Great Britain on the morning of the 4th of June, 1782. " The American army halted half an hour on the site of the deserted W3'andot town, discuss- ing in council the best course to be pursued. All were satisfied of the presence of another village at no great distance down the river, and, full of hope for the result, the army was or- dei'ed to advance. It reached the springs where Upper Sandusky is now located, and soon after- ward several of the men expressed a desire to return, alleging the}' had but five da^'s' provis- ions in reserve. The command was halted, and a council of war was called. Zane and others advised an immediate return. They were of the opinion that the Indians would bring an overwhelming force against them. They argued that the Indians were concentrat- ing at some point not far distant, preparing for a determined resistance. Crawford thought likewise, and it was finall}'^ determined by the council that the army should continue its march that day, but no longer. Crawford had previ- ously formed a companj' of light-horse to act as scouts in advance of the army. They fol- lowed along the Indian trail, and saw, to their left, on the prairie, a beautiful island or grove, which seemed to beckon them from the fierce heat of the sun. The}^ halted here a few mo- ments to enjoy the cool shade. The spot was somewhat elevated above the surrounding: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 197 country, and notwithstanding the trees, was thickly covered with tall, wild grass. The}" were surrounded with prairie, which was dotted here and there with small, island-like groves. The scouts moved on to the north, and, having gone about a mile, suddenly came in full view of the enemy, having unsuspectingly approached near the rendezvous of the latter. The Indians were running directly toward them, and the scouts immediately dispatched one of their number to inform Crawford of the appearance of the savages, and then slowly retired as the foe advanced. The warriors in advance were the Delawares, under Capt. Pipe, in whose com- pany were Wingenund, a distinguished Delaware chief, and the notorious renegade, Simon Girty. The Wyandots, under Zhaus-sho-toh, were held back for the time by Matthew Elliott, another renegade. Just as the council of the army had ended, the scout from the north came riding up at full speed, announcing the discovery and advance of the enemy. The news was received with evident satisfaction by the whole army. The volunteers rapidly mounted and fell into line, ready to meet the foe for whom they had so long been anxiously looking. An advance was ordered, and obeyed with alacrity, and the army soon joined the retiring scouts, who re- ported the savages ahead in considerable force, prepared for battle. It was now that the splen- did genius of John Rose began to exhibit it- self His cool eye flashed with fire, as he gal- loped along the line, carrying the orders of his commander, and cheering the men by his daunt- less demeanor. The army had advanced scarcely a mile, when the enem}' was discovered in front, taking possession of the grove already men- tioned. Crawford ordered his men to dismount, and a quick charge soon drove the Indians from the grove into the open prairie. The Wyandots held in reserve at this moment came up. Elli- ott, who commanded the entire force of the enemy, ordered Capt. Pipe to flank to the right, and attack Crawford in the rear, which was quickly done, and the action at once became general. The firing was very close and hot. The Americans were outnumbered, but they had the advantage in position. Girtj^ rode a white horse, and his shouts were frequently heard above the reports of the rifles, although he carefull}^ kept beyond gunshot. The battle continued until dark, decreasing in intensity as the Indians slowly retired before the murderous fire of the frontiersmen. The afternoon had been intensely hot, and the men had suffered severely from thirst. No water was in the grove except a small, stagnant pool, which, bad as it was, was used by the men. The victory was clearly with the Americans, although their savage foe was far from being dispirited. Re- enforcements for the enem}' were hourly ex- pected. The Americans had lost five men killed and nineteen wounded, and the enemy had undoubtedly suffered a greater loss, as they were more exposed. The savages skulked in the tall grass of the prairie, while the borderers from tree-tops poured a deadl}" fire upon them, as their heads rose above the gi*ass. One of the men from his high position saw the dauntless Rose pursued by a party of mounted Indians. They were so close to him as to throw their tomahawks, but were finally baflfled by his re- markable coolness and superior horsemanship. One of the Indians in the battle was " Big Captain Johnny," who was seven feet in height, and as frightfully ugly as he was large. The enemy drew ofl' at dark, and Crawford was left in possession of the field. Both parties lay on their arms during the night, and both adopted the precaution of kindling large fires, and then retiring some distance in the rear of them, to guard against a night attack. The Wyandots were encamped north of the grove, and the Delawares south. The action took place on what is now the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 2 south, Range 14 east, of the Government survey. " The battle began again on the mornino; of '.k^ 198 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the 5th, and continued during the day, but was little better than a skii-mish, as the firing was done at long range, with frequent cessations. Four men were wounded during the day. The enemy were expecting re-enforcements and did not care for a general engagement, and Craw- ford formed obstacles in the way of a general attack until nightfall. As the afternoon wore away, the army was astonished by the informa- tion that the enemy were receiving re-enforce- ments. Mounted troops were seen advancing, and to the surprise and dismay of the Ameri- cans,they were seen to be white men. In fact, they were Butler's Rangers. A council of war was called, and, while the officers were deliberating, a large re-enforcement of Indians — two hundred strong — was seen advancing to the assistance of the enemy. Other small squads arrived, and the ' enemy kept pouring in hourly from all quarters,' are the words of Rose. Crawford instantly saw that the army must assume the defensive, and the council of war unanimously resolved upon a night retreat. The enemy out- numbered them more than two to one, and, in the language of Rose, 'Prudence, therefore, dic- tated a retreat.' The volunteers killed were now buried, and fires burned over their graves. The wounded were mounted on horses, and soon after dark the entire army, in four divi- sions, with Crawford at the head, began its re- treat. Just as this moment, they were discov- ered by the enemy, who opened a hot fire in the rear. This created much confusion, many of the men hurrying off without orders, leaving seven dangerously wounded men behind. All but two, however, were removed by their com- rades. McClelland's division was in front and was hotly engaged with the Delawares and Shawan- ese. The army started back over the route it had come, keeping together as well as could be done in the darkness. Although the enemy were aroused, yet, not knowing whether the Ameri- cans intended a retreat or a night attack, they made no concerted effort to pursue them. Mc- Clelland was badly wounded and left to the in- furiated savages, and his division suffered the loss of several men. The other divisions de- scribed a circle to the west, and finally arrived at the deserted Indian Village, when a halt was called. Detached parties continued to arrive until the command numbered about 300. It was now discovered that Col. Crawford, Dr. John Knight, John Slover and other prominent officers and men were missing. Daniel Will- iamson took command of the army, and began to create order out of the confusion, receiving great assistance from the intrepid Rose. Under their new commander the soldiers took up their retreat. Men, separated during the night from the main body, continued to arrive, among whom was John Sherrard,who told a melancholy story. In company with John Harbaugh, he had become separated from his division, and while making his way through the woods after daylight, suddenly saw an Indian off to the left. He called to his companion, who was not quick enough to screen himself, and who was instantly shot by the savage, exclaiming as he fell : ' Lord have mercy upon me, I'm a dead man !" and immediately' expired. The Indian ran away, and Sherrard, taking his dead companion's saddle and bridle, hurried off. He soon discov- ered that he had left his provisions, and turned back to secure them. He found that the Indi- an had been before him, and had scalped the lifeless soldier, and taken his horse, gun and provisions. Harbaugh had been shot through the breast. " Not long after the army had reached the open country southeast of the mouth of the Lit- tle Sandusky Creek, and was well on its way in the plains, a large bod}^ of the enemy was dis- covered a considei'able distance in the rear. It consisted of mounted Indians and the British light cavalry. At noon, the arm}^ had reached a point on the trail, due south of the present site of Bucyrus. ' The enemy,' sa3's Rose, ' hung on our rear through the plains ;' and they now HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 199 began to press the Americans. The eastern verge of the prairie was not very far ahead. By 2 o'clock the woodland had almost been reached, when the enemy crowded hard upon their rear, and began a flank movement of the Americans both right and left. 'It was evi- dently their design,' sa^'s Rose, to retard our march until they could possess themselves of some advantageous ground in our front, and so cut off our retreat, or oblige us to fight at a dis- advantage. Although it was best to avoid a general engagement on the plains, on account of the numbers of the enem}^ yet they pressed our rear so hard that we concluded on a gene- ral and vigorous attack, while our light-horse secured the entrance of the woods.' " Here it was that the battle of Olentangy took place about 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the Gth of June, 1782. The spot is on the north- west quarter of Section 22, Township 3 south. Range 17 east, of the Government survey, in what is now Whetstone Township, Crawford Count}-, Ohio. While the battle was in prog- ress, clouds began to obscure the sun, and the change of the temperature from intense heat to comparative coolness indicated an approaching storm, and was a great relief to the exhausted men. Williamson exerted himself to encourage his men, and was greatlj' assisted by Rose, whose spirit, cheerfulness and coolness were only surpassed by his wonderful skill and in- trepidity. He was a foreigner, and but little was known of him, except that he was highly cultured and a perfect gentleman. His martial bearing and astonishing coolness at the moment of extreme danger aroused the admiration of the whole army. He was a natural leader, and was of invaluable aid in encouraging and di- recting the men. " Stand to your ranks, boys," said he, " fire low, and do not throw away a single shot. Remember, everything depends upon your steadiness." The battle was con- ducted with great spirit on both sides for about an hour, when the enemy, who had fought fu- riously, " attacking the Americans on the front, left flank, and rear," gave way on all sides, and withdrew beyond gunshot. " We had three killed and eight wounded," is the language of Rose. The loss of the enemy is not known, al- though probably much severer than that of the Americans. It is said that a Frenchman, dis- guised as an Indian, and fighting for the enemy at this battle, had painted a large red spot upon his breast, remarking as he did so : " Here is a mark for the Virginia riflemen." He was killed instantly by a ball which struck the spot with which he had decorated his person. Just as the battle ended, a furious rain-storm swept across the plains, drenching the men to the skin, and rendering the firearms almost useless. The dead were hastily buried, the wounded cared for, and the troops again continued their retreat. The enem}' followed them in consider- able force, harassing them with a desultory fire, but keeping at a respectful distance. The shots at last became so galling that, in shifting the various companies to new positions, and thus exposing some divisions to a sudden fire, the men hurried forward in confusion, which was almost precipitated into a panic and a rout. It was only through the almost superhuman ef- forts of Williamson and Rose that the waver- ing companies were reduced to order. The army pressed rapidly forward, and at dark had reached the spot in Crawford Count}^, near Leesville, where it had stopped on its wa}^ out. The army halted and camped for the night, as did also the enemy a short distance away. Every pi*ecaution was adopted by both parties against a night surprise and attack. The night passed without incident, and at daybreak the retreat was renewed. The enemy immediately advanced and opened fire, " Two of the bor- derers were, at this juncture, unfortunately cap- tured, and, it is supposed, immediately toma- hawked. Now, however, to the great relief of the army, the pursuit was abandoned. 'The Indians,' says Dunlevy, ' pursued the main body ^ 200 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY no longer.' The last hostile shot was fired near where the village of Crestline now stands. Here the Americans had their last view of the foe ; it was a welcome adieu. Not a single savage or British ranger was afterward seen by the army." The retreat was rapidly continued, and the vigilance and discipline of the army were con- siderably relaxed, though not entirely aban- doned. INIany of the men had consumed their last provisions, and naturally all were anxious to get home. A large portion of the men were on foot ; and, as the army moved along, it was often joined by comrades who had been sepa- rated from it on the night the retreat com- menced, and who were greeted with loud hur- rahs as the}' appeared. Not a word was learned, however, of Crawford. The troops reached Mingo Bottom on the 13th of June, just twenty days from the time they 'had left the same spot, so full of hope and expectancy. Here they found several of the missing men, who had arrived before them. Great excitement was created on the border when the news of the fiiilure of the expedition became known. Strag- glers from the main body, who had reached the settlements in advance, gave exaggerated ac- counts of the disaster. Reports were circulated and currently believed that the savages were pursuing the volunteers even to the Ohio River, and, in a panic, the settlers fled to the forts for protection. The appearance of the army, how- ever, quieted all apprehension"' of sudden and serious danger. - The army crossed the Ohio River, opposite Mingo Bottom on the 13th, and encamped for the last time. On the morrow, the men were discharged and returned to their homes. The total loss in killed, those d3'ing from wounds and those who afterward suffered death in the wilderness, together with a few whose fate never became known, was less than sevent}' men. The States whence the volunteers had marched made good all losses of prop- erty', and many of them received pensions for services, of which the Sandusky campaign was the basis. On the night when the army began its retreat, the confusion was so great that many of the men became separated from the main body, and, being unable to recover the trace, were com- pelled to make the eflfort to reach home alone. Among the number thus bewildered were John Slover, James PauU and five others, all on foot. They marched north until they reached Ty- mochtee Creek, when the}^ turned south and finally crossed into Crawford County. They came very near being discovered several times by bands of Indians. They traveled all day, and the next night were at a point about five miles eastof Bucyrus. They crossed Sandusky and Vernon Townships and journeyed on until they came to Wayne County, when they were attacked by a party of Shawanese that had fol- lowed them. Two of the men were shot dead, Paull ran and escaped, and the others, includ- ing Slover, were taken prisoners. The Indians immediately started for the Shawanese towns on Mad River, in what is now Logan County, Ohio. Arriving there, the prisoners were set upon by the inhabitants, who beat them with clubs and tomahawks. The oldest man was seized, stripped naked and painted black with charcoal and water. All except Slover were compelled to run the gauntlet, but the Indians inflicted the most of the punishment upon the man who had been painted black. He was cut with tomahawks, beaten with clubs, and his naked bod}' was shot full of powder. Holes were blown into his flesh by the discharges. The savages were a long time beating, wounding, pursuing and kill- ing him. He was afterward cut in pieces, and his head, limbs and body were raised on poles on the outside of the town. The other com- panions of Slover were sent to other towns, where they shared the same awful fate. Slover was at Wapatomica, and while there saw three bodies lying on the ground — black, bloody, mu- tilated and burnt with powder. He recognized il^ HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. 201 them as belonging to William Crawford, a nephew of the Colonel, and William Harrison, the Colonel's son-in-law. He believed the third bod.y to be that of Maj. McClelland, but was not certain. The bodies were frightful to look at. The next da}^ the heads were raised on poles and the corpses given to the dogs. What an awful fate ! All these men had been members of Crawford's arm}-, and had been captured while endeavoring to make their way to the settlements. " What a gorge of Infernal revelry did these unfortunate prisoners afford the infu- riated savages." Slover had been a captive among the Indians many 3'ears before, receiv- ing the name Mannucothe. The Indians knew him, and, having summoned him to a council held for the purpose, interrogated him concern- ing the state of the war. He told them, among other things, that Cornwallis had surrendered. The next day, Matthew Elliott and James Girty came to the Council. They assured the Indians that Slover had lied. Slover was looked upon with suspicion b}' the savages, who were aware of his having been with Crawford's army ; and, notwithstanding the fact that he had once been adopted by them, but had afterward gone to the white settlements, the Indians began to enter- tain misgivings that he was their foe. Their belief in his enmity was firmly established by the statements of Elliott and Grirty, and they resolved to put him to death by the most cruel tortures. He was allowed to go freely among the Indians, but was closely watched, and was kept in suspense several days as to his fate. It was about this time that twelve white men were brought in captives from Kentucky, three of whom were tortured to death with fire at Wapa- tomica. The remainder were sent to other towns, where the}' shared a like fate. About forty warriors, among whom was George Girty, finally took Slover, stripped him naked, painted him black, tied his arms securely behind him, and fastened a rope around his neck. In this condition he was driven to a village seven miles distant, the Indians beating him terribly on the wa}', and, when there, he was tied to a post and a fire builded around him. While it was burn- ing, a sudden rain-storm came on and extin- guished the fii-e, and the Indians, after some discussion, resolved to put ofi" his death until the morrow. They kept beating, kicking and wounding him until long after midnight, when finally they tied him securely in a block-house, with three warriors to watch. These at last lay down to sleep. Slover then, knowing it to be his last and onl}' chance, began to make des- perate eflTorts to free himself He tore at the cords for a long time, and at last thought he must give it up. It was now daybreak. He made a last desperate eflTort, when, to his great surprise and joy, the cord came untied, and he was free. He stepped over the sleeping bodies and ran rapidly out into the woods. He caught a horse that was feeding near, and, using the rope with which he had been tied as a halter, he mounted and rode rapidly away. He was entirely naked, and covered with wounds and black paint. His horse was a good one ; and, knowing that he would be swiftlj' pursued by the blood-thirsty savages, he urged it to its best pace. The animal finally' gave out, and Slover pushed forward rapidly on foot. Finally, after four days of intense sufllering and hardship, having had nothing to eat save a few berries and crawfishes, he arrived, on the 10th of July, at Wheeling — the last of Crawford's army to return. On the night of the retreat, Crawford, like others of his command, became separated from his comrades. He called aloud, but received no reply. After a time, he was joined by Dr. Knight, who said he thought the army was in advance. They started on, and were soon joined by two other men. Neither knew which way to go. They first started southwest, but finally turned north, and, after traveling two miles, they turned due east, keeping fifteen yards apart, as a precaution against surprise. "l ^\^l^cM- I HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 209 Indian corn ; a horse, a cow, a few hogs and some poultry, comprise his live stock ; and his farther operations are performed with his rifle. The formation of a settlement in his neighbor- hood is hurtful to the success of his favorite pursuit, and is the signal for his removing into more remote parts of the wilderness. In case of his owning the land on which he is settled, he is content to sell at a low price, and his establishment, though trifling, adds much to the comfort of his successor. The next class of settlers differs from the former, in having considerably less dependence on the killing of game, in remaining in the midst of a growing population, and in devoting themselves more to a^n-iculture. A man of this class proceeds on small capital ; he either enlarges the clearings begun in the woods by his back-woodsman pre- decessor, or establishes himself on a new site. On his arrival in a settlement, the neighbors unite in assisting him to erect a cabin for the reception of his family; some of them cut down the trees, others drag them to the spot with oxen, and the rest build up the logs. In this way a house is commonly reared in a day. For this well-timed assistance, no payment is made, and he acquits himself by working for his neighbors. It is not in his power to hire laborers, and he must depend, therefore, on his own exertions. If his family is numerous and industrious, his progress is greatly accelerated. He does not clear away the forest by dint of labor, but girdles the trees. By the second summer after this operation is performed, the foliage is completely destroyed, and his crops are not injured by the shade. He plants an orchard, which thrives abundantly under every sort of neglect. His live stock soon becomes much more numerous than that of his back- woods predecessor ; but, as his cattle have to shift for themselves in the woods, where grass is scanty, they are small and lean. He does not sow grass seed to succeed his crops, so that his land, which ought to be pasturage, is over- grown with weeds. The neglect of sowing grass seeds deprives him of hay ; and he has no fodder laid up, except the blades of Indian corn, which are much withered, and do not ap- pear to be nutritious food. The poor animals are forced to range the forests in winter, where they can scarcely procure anything which is green, except the buds of the underwood, on which they browse. These are sometimes cut down that the cattle may eat the buds. Want of shelter in the winter completes the sum of misery. Hogs suffer fiimine during the droughts of summer, and the frosts and snows of winter ; but they become fat by feeding on the acorns and beech-nuts which strew the ground in autumn. Horses are not exempted from their share in these common sufierings, with the addition of labor, which most of them are not very able to undergo. * * * * The set- tler, of the grade under consideration, is only able to bring a small portion of his land into cultivation ; his success, therefore, does not so much depend upon the quantity of produce which he raises, as on the gradual increase in the value of his property. When the neigh- borhood becomes more populous, he, in general, has it in his power to sell his property at a high price, and to remove to a new settlement, where he can purchase a more extensive tract of land, or commence farming on a larger scale than formerly. The next occupier is a capitalist, who immediately builds a larger barn than the former, and then a brick or frame house. He either pulls down the dwelling of his predeces- sor, or converts it into a stable. He erects better fences, and enlarges the quantity of cul- tivated land, sows down pasture fields, intro- duces an improved breed of horses, cattle, sheep, and these, probably, of the merino breed ; he fattens cattle for the market, and perhaps erects a flour-mill, or a saw-mill, or a distillery. Farmers of this description are frequently part- ners in the banks, members of the State Assem- bly, or of Congress, or Justices of the Peace. Ml 210 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The condition of the people has, necessarily, some relation to the age and prosperity of the settlements in which they live. In the earliest settlements of Ohio, the first and second rate farmers are most numerous, and are mixed to- gether. The three conditions of settlers de- scribed, are not to be understood as uniformly distinct, for there are intermediate stages, from •which individuals of one class pass, as it were, into another. The first invaders of the forest frequently become farmers of the second order ; and there are examples of individuals, acting their parts in all the three gradations."* This general picture of the early settlements of Ohio, is borne out by the first twenty-five years of historj^ in every township in Crawford County. The Ohio fever took strong hold of man}' of the communities in the older States, and no sooner was the " New Purchase " heard of, than hundreds, anxious to secure a home with plent}' of land, flocked to the new country. The eastern tier of townships formerl}- belong- ing to Richland, Auburn, Vernon, Jackson and Polk, were surveyed by Maxwell Ludlow, in 1807. The remaining territory was surveyed in 1819, by Deputy Surveyor General Sylvanus Bourne. The early pioneers came close after the surveyors, and in many places found the bark still fresh upon the stakes that marked the different sections. The first actual settler, however, was more bold, and, braving the dan- gers and inconveniences of frontier isolation, penetrated the dense forest, and took up a claim on the border of the Sandusky Plains, eight miles from the nearest cabin, and twice that many miles from what might be called a com- munity. He is represented as a man of large athletic proportions, standing six feet high, of strong determination, keen intelligence, and full of the true spirit of enterprise. Tliis was Samuel Norton, the founder of the village of Bucyrus. He came from Susquehanna County, Penn., and, after selecting his quarter-section * Flint's Letters from America, 1818. on the present site of the county seat, he re- turned to his native State for his famil}'. The land was not yet surveyed, nor offered for sale ; but here he erected his pole cabin, and pro- ceeded to make a clearing, trusting that he would have no difficulty in securing the land by purchase, when put on the market. In this cabin, located near the site of the present rail- road bridge, his daughter, Sophronia, was born ; the first white child, probably, within the origi- nal limits of the county. "At this time his only neighbors were David Beadle, and his sons, Mishel and David, Daniel McMichael, and Joseph Young. Col. Kilburn's 'Song of Bu- cyrus ' has it : " ' First Norton and the Beadles came With friends, an enterprising band ; Young and McMichael, men of fame, Soon joined the others hand in hand.' " Of these, Daniel McMichael settled on a quar- ter-section, two miles east on the river ; Young settled on the farm now owned by John A. Gormly ; Mishel Beadle, on the farm now owned by L. Converse, and David Beadle, just southwest of the village of Bucyrus. Of the settlers who came into the various parts of the county about this time, were Resolved White, a descendant of the child born on the Ma}'- flower ; Rudolph Morse and David Cummins, in the present limits of Auburn Township ; Ja- cob Snj^der, near Leesville ; David Anderson and Andrew Dixson and sons, in Vernon Town- ship ; John Brown and his son, Michael Brown, on the farm owned by the late Mr. Beltz, of Polk Township ; David Reid and two men named Pleteher, a little south of that point ; in Sandusky Township, there were Westel, Ridge- ly and J. S. Griswell, near where the Buc3'rus and Leesville road crosses the Sandusky River ; a little south was Peter Bebout ; Samuel Knisely, at Kniscly's Springs, and his brother Joseph, and John B. French, just north of him. Near the Bear Marsu, were Isaac Matthews l^ M'. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 211 William Handle}^, Nelson Tustason, two fami- lies of Mclntyres, and John Davis. "* " *The great avenue of travel at this early period was along the route followed by Gen. Crook's army in 1813, and rendered this section of country particularl}^ accessible to immigra- tion from Pennsylvania. Another feature of the early settlement of the county, will be ob- served in the fact that there was no common center in this territory, from which the increas- ing population seemed to disperse over the county. This country had filled the eye of many in the older settlements, who were pre- pared to move forward so soon as the way should be opened, and, when once the treaty barriers were removed, there was a general rush for the various points that had already been canvassed. The settlement in what is now Au- burn Township, was largely made up of New Englanders, and received" its first white inhab- itants in 1815. These facts, somewhat at va- riance with the histor3^ of the greater part of the count^', have their explanation in the loca- tion of this township adjoining the ' fire lands ' of the Western lleserve. These lands, appro- priated for the use of certain citizens of Con- necticut, who suffered by the devastation of the English during the Revolutionary war, were early settled by these beneficiaries, and naturally- attracted others of their friends to the same vi- cinity. Although much of the land in Auburn at an early date was occupied by marshes, it still presented attractions enough in its near- ness to old friends, to induce John Pettigon and William Green to settle here as earl}- as 1815. Two years later, Charles Morrow joined the little settlement ; in 1819, the little colony from New York, named above ; John Blair, in 1821, and A. T. Ross in 1825. Vernon was principally settled by New Englanders, many of them locating Revolutionary war land warrants. The land w-as not the most inviting, a lai-ge part of it being covered with marshes. *Juhn Moderwell's letters in Bucyrus Journal, 18C8. The first settler was George Byers, in 1818. He occupied a squatter's claim, and was noto- rious in the early times as a trapper. Coming soon after him was James Richards, in 1821, and George Dickson from Pennsylvania, in 1822. The settlement in the southeast corner of the county was an earl}- and important one. This whole corner of the county was known as Sandusky Township, in Richland County. Ben- jamin Leveredge and his sons James and Na- thaniel, together with George Wood- and David, came in 1817, and were the first to settle on the present site of Gallon. Benjamin Sharrock came in 1818 and Asa ITosford in 1819. These hardy, stalwart men were followed, in 1 820, b}' Father Ketteridge, a great trapper and hunter, b}- Rev. James Dunlap. in 1822, and Nathan iMerriman in 1824. James Nail, in his printed recollections, says : " In 1819, 1 left my fother's farm and came to what was then called San- dusky Township, Richland Count}-, and bought 160 acres of Congress land, about two miles from Gallon, on the road to Leesville. All the settlers then heard of, in what is now Crawford County, were three brothers by the name of Lev- eredge, living a little west of where Gallon is, and my brother-in-law, Lewis Leiberger, who settled on a piece of land adjoining me. Living with Leiberger, I put up a cabin on my land, and commenced clearing it. In the fall of 1821, 1 married, and settled on my piece of land. By this time, some other settlers came into the community, such as John Brown, Benjamin Sharrock, Nehemiah Story and others." Whet- stone was first settled about 1820. and num- Ibered among its earliest pioneers. Esi Norton, Frederick Garver, Eleman Rowse, Christopher Bair, John Kent and others. The conununity hei-e grew rapidly, and by 1827 numbered some thirty families, principally from Pennsyl- vania and the New England States. Liberty was first invaded by Daniel McMicliael, who was followed b}- Ralph Bacon in 1821, from Mentor, Ohio. In the same year, the families :l^ 213 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY of John Maxfield, a native of Vermont, and John 0. Blowers, from Wa3'ne County, Ohio, were added to the population of the township. In 1822, William Blowers, Calvin Squier and Nehemiah Squier, came from New York, and in 1823, some sixteen families were added to this settlement, principally from the far Eastern States. The settlement of Chatfield was not quite so rapid as some of the southern and eastern parts, but had a nucleus about which a settle- ment gathered as earl}- as 1820. An early character was Jacob Whetstone, who spent his time hunting and trapping. The more impor- tant family was represented b}' Silas and Oliver Chatfield, whose name has been perpetuated in that of the township. Holmes township labored under some disadvantages at this period. The western portion was still reserved to the In- dians, and along its southern border an exten- sive cranberry marsh made it undesirable for settlement. Mr. Hearman was the first resident of the township, who was followed in a short time b3' William Flake. The growth of the set- tlement here was slow, and it was probably 1825, before it could aspire to the title of com- munity. "The diflrtculty and trials of the early set- tlers of Crawford Count}', although not so great as those encountered by the first settlers west of the Alleghanies, were yet such as would be considered by their descendants of the present day as almost insurmountable. Nearly all the land within the present limits of the county was covered by heavy timber, which almost entirely prevented the sun's rays from reaching the ground. This, in connection with the formation of the country and the nature of the soil, necessarily made ver}- muddy roads, even with the little travel then passing on them, and mud, and the fever and ague pro- duced by the same causes, were the great drawbacks to the rapid development of this country. The distance from mills and from other settlements was also among the serious difficulties they had to contend with. For sev- eral years, nearl}' all the flour used had to be brought from the mills on Mohican Creek and its tributaries, in Richland County, thirty and forty miles distant. The practice then was to make a trip in an ox wagon to the vicinity of one of these mills, purchase a small quantity of wheat from some of the settlers there, have it ground, and carry the flour back to Bucyrus — the voyage consuming from a week to ten days' time. " Most of the pioneers were men of small means. Their stock of cash being generally ex- hausted upon paying the Government price for eighty, or, at most, one hundred and sixty acres of land, many became discouraged at the hardships they had to encounter and returned to their old homes. Others would have done so could they have raised the wherewith to carry them there. This, however, did not last long, most of them becoming entirely satisfied after a few years' residence, the improvement of the country each 3'ear making it more toler- able to live in, and giving increasing promise of its future prosperity. " The total change in the appearance of the countr}^ to one wlio can look back forty-five years (written in 18G8) seems almost mirac- ulous. Could one of the residents here in 1825, after an absence of forty years, now re- turn, he would find it difficult to recognize a single familiar landmark or half a dozen famil- iar faces, and one who has not a correct record of his age is inclined to think he has been here a century instead of less than half of one."* It will be observed that quite a large pro- portion of these earl}' settlers were of New England origin. This fact of late j'ears has been entirely changed, and the German element in most parts of the county has assumed the ascendency. This change began about 1832. In this year and succeeding ones, there was a *JUoder\vcir8 Letter?', liiCS. IV 4. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 213 large accession of German population coming direct from Europe. Coming by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence to Clevekind or Sandusk}^ the Maumee Valley presented the most available place for settlement at that time, and this fact undoubtedly determined the destination of scores of persons who have since made this once marshy and unhealthful country to become a strong competitor with localities far more highly favored by nature. In 1848, the political troubles of Germany brought another considerable addition to the Teutonic element of Crawford, and many a German "agitator" is to-day among the county's most reliable citizens. The origin of Crawford County as a distinct political division of the State dates back to February 20, 1820. At this time, the whole Maumee Valley was opened to settlement, and was divided up into counties for judicial and governmental purposes. Townships 1, 2 and 3 south, in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 east, and all the land east of these townships up to what was then the western limits of Richland County, was named Crawford County, in honor of the gallant soldier who ended, in 1782, a brave and praiseworthy career on the plains within these boundaries. This division did not at that time have any political significance or power, but was simply attached to Delaware County, an association that did not even have the merit of an equality in the disadvan- tages. Fortunately, the matter of law or taxa- tion did not enter very largely into the "experiences of the pioneer settlements until a nearer county seat was provided. December 15, 1823, the county of Marion, roughly blocked out at the time Crawford was named, was regularly organized, and became the guardian of her younger sister, as the act reads, " for judicial purposes." Save that some of its townships had received a name and something of a start toward civilization, Craw- ford was the same insignificant figure in affairs of state as before. On the 17th of February in the following year, the increase of popula- tion having become so great as to make it inconvenient for the more remote settlers to go to Marion to transact their business, that part of Crawford which was situated north of the Wyandot reservation, "including one tier of townships lying east and west," was attached to Seneca County for judicial purposes. This continued until January 31, 1826. Crawford County was independently organized and intro- duced into the sisterhood of counties by the following act : Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., that the county of Crawford be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate and distinct county. Sec. 2. That all Justices of the Peace residing within the county of Crawford shall continue to dis- charge the duties of their respective offices until their commissions shall expire and their successors are chosen and qualified. Sec 3. That the qualified electors residing in the county of Crawford shall meet in their respective townships on the first Monday of April next, and elect their several county officers, who shall hold their re- spective offices until the next annual election, and until others are chosen and qualified according to law. Sec. 4. That all suits and actions, whether of a civil or criminal nature, which shall have been commenced, shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execution, and all taxes, fines and penalties which shall have become due shall be collected in the same manner as if this act had not been passed. Sec. 5. That Zalmon Rowse is hereby appointed Assessor for said county of Crawford, who shall, on or before the first d^y of April next, give bond, as is pro- vided in the fourth section of the "act establishing an equitable mode of taxation," to the acceptance of Enoch B. Merryman, who is hereby authorized to re- ceive said bond, and deposit the same with the County Auditor of said county forthwith after such Auditor shall have been elected and qualified ; and the Asses- sor herein appointed shall be required to perform the same duties, hold his office for the same time and in the same manner as if he had been appointed by a court of common pleas for said county of Crawford ; and the Auditor of State is hereby required to trans- mit to said Assessor a schedule of all lands subject to >> 214 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. taxation within said county, which schedule said As- sessor shall return with his other returns to the County Auditor. Sec. 6. That the Commissioners elected according to the provisions contained in the third section of this act shall meet on the first Monday in May next, at the town of Bucyrus, and then an'l there determine at what place in said county of Crawford the judicial courts shall be held till the permanent seat of justice shall be established in said county. Sec. 7. That those townships and fractional town- ships in Crawford County which have heretofore been aiiached to and formed a part of any township in Marion or Seneca Counties respectively, are hereby attached to, and declared to be a part of, Crawford Township, in said Crawford County, till the same shall be otherwise provided for by the Commissioners of said county. The county thus organized included a scope of territory three Congressional townships in width, and extending from the eastern bound- ar}- of Sandusky and Cranberry Townships to the western boundary of Crawford, Salem and MitHin Townships, in W^'andot County. The larger part of what is now AVyandot County, and three miles of the western portion of Holmes and Eueyrus townships, was covered by the AVyandot Indian reservation. In 1835, the In- dians sold to the government a strip seven miles off the east end of their reservation, which was sold by the government publicl}' in IMarion, Ohio. This tract extended in what is now Wyandot County, some two miles. A considerable part of this land located around the present village of Osceola, was bought by a company who laid out this town and sold a good many lots in the belief that the county seat would eventually be removed there, as it was near the center of the county as then con- structed. This speculation was defeated on February 3, 1845, by the erection of Wyandot County. In the general re-organization of the counties that then took place, Crawford lost all the territory west of the middle line of town- ships in Range 15 east, and gained from IMarion County a strip of territory two miles while extending to the Richland County line, and from the latter county on the east a tract four miles wide, extending the whole length of Craw- ford from north to south, some twenty miles. In 1848, a tier of fractional sections were taken oflE" in the erection of Morrow County, leaving Craw- ford in its present outlines. In the matter of township lines the information is not so accu- rate. The early records of this county having, unfortunately, been burned, the only clew is to be found by a tedious search in the early records of Delaware and Marion Counties. Bucyrus, Liberty and Whetstone were probabl}' erected by the Commissioners of Delaware County, but with what boundaries is not known. During the three years this county was attached to Marion, a number of townships north, east and west of the Indian reserve were erected. S^'ca- more, Tymochtee, Pitt and Antrim Townships were among these. "Tj^mochtee Township," says Mr. Moderwell, " lay directly west of S^'ca- more, and probably contained more inhabitants forty [now fifty-two] years ago, than any town- ship in the county, and contributed its full share to the business of our courts." What was done before the latter part of 1831, b}^ the Commis- sioners of Crawford is open to conjecture only. In 1845, there were the following sixteen town- ships, of which none of those located within the present limits of Crawford, were erected subse- quent to 1831 : Antrim, Bucyrus, Center, Chatfield, Cranberry, Crawford, Holmes, Jack- son, Liberty, Lykens, Mifflin, Pitt, Sandusky, Sycamore, Tymochtee, and Whetstone. On the 6th of March, 1845, the commissioners of Crawford County took the following action iu regard to the fractional townships and territory added : This d.ay, it was resolved by the Commissioners of Crawford County, that the following fractional town- ships taken from the counties of Kichland and Marit>n, and those lying on the west side of said county of Craw- ford, according to an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, passed February 3, 1845, to erect the >v ^ s HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 215 new county of Wyandot, and alter the boundaries of Crawford, be organized into separate townships, to wit: All that part taken from the county of Richland, and being in Township twenty-two (22) north, Range twen- ty (20) west, be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate township, and shall be known by the name of Auburn : All that part taken from the county of Richland, and being in Township twenty-one (21) north. Range twenty (20) west, be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate township, and shall be known by the name of Vernon. All that part taken from the county of Richland, and being in Township twenty (20) north. Range twenty (2 I) west ; and all that part taken from Township nineteen (19) north. Range twenty (20) ; and all that part taken from the county of Marion, and being in Township fifteen (15) north. Range twenty-one (21), be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate township, and shall be known by the name of Polk : All that part taken from the county of Marion, and being in township four (4) south. Range sixteen (16) east ; and all that part taken from the county of Marion, and being in Township four (4) south. Range fifteen (15) east ; and all that part taken from Township three (8) south, Range fifteen east, except six sections off the north end of said fractional township, be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate township, and shall be known by the name of Dallas : All that part taken from Township two (2) south, Range fifteen (15) east, and six sections off the north end of fractional Township three (3) south, Range fif- teen (15) east be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate township, and shall be known by the name of Todd : All that part taken from Township one (1) south. Range fifteen (15) east, be, and the same is hereby, or- ganized into an independent township, and shall be known by the name of Texas : All that part taken from the county 'of Marion, and being in Township four (4) south, Range seventeen (17) east, be, and the same is hereby, attached to Whet- stone : All that part of fractional Section thirty-one (31), thirty-two (32), in Township three (3) south, Range sixteen east, be, and the same is hereby, attached to Bucyrus. It will be observed that the township of Polk, as thus constructed, occupied the southeast corner of the county as Dallas does the southwest. To this arrange- ment the citizens objected, and in the following June the line of division between Jackson and Polk Town- ships was run from the " northeast corner of Sec- tion twenty-seven (27), in Polk Township, and thence west on the section line to the southwest corner of Sec- tion twenty-two (22), in Jackson Township." On the 10th of March, 1873, Jefferson Town- ship was erected out of the twenty sections in the western part of Jackson Township. There had been two polling precincts for some time, and, a jealousy springing up in regard to the division of officers, a division was made, cut- ting Jackson Township off with but eight sec- tions. With these changes, Crawford County stands as at present, divided into sixteen town- ships. Three of these have thirty-six sections, one has forty full sections besides eight frac- tional sections, two have thirty sections, and two eighteen sections, and the others have re- spectively twenty-eight, twenty-six, twenty- four, twent3'-two, twenty-one, twenty, twelve and eight sections. The first election provided for by the act erecting the count}^, was contested with consid- erable spirit. By a provision of the act, the first Commissioners were empowered to fix the place for holding the courts, until permanently fixed by commissioners appointed by the State. The result of the election, therefore, practi- cally decided this interesting question, and this fact constituted the point on which the factions joined issue. The western part of the population considered the village of Crawford, located on the Broken Sword Creek, the more generally accessible, and the southern part pre- ferred Bucyrus as the site for the county seat The result was a victory for the partisans of Bucyrus, in the election of Thomas McClure, John Magers and Greorge Poe, who established the county seat, temporarily, at Bucyrus. In 1 830, Judge Williams, of Delaware ; R. S. Dickenson, of Fremont, and J. S. Glassgo, of Holmes Count}^, Commissioners appointed by the Legislature for the purpose, confirmed this action of the County Commissioners, and es- IT 216 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY tablisbed the county seat permanently at Buc}'- rus. A Mr. Beardsley received the first ap- pointment as Clerk, but shortly afterward resigned, and was succeeded by Col. Rowse, who held the office for a number of years, and at the samQ time discharged the duties of County Recorder. He was succeeded as Clerk by J. B. Larwill, D. W. Swigart, Alexander P. Widman, J. R. Clymer, Thomas Coughlin, David C. Cahill and A. A. Ruhl ; and as Re- corder, by Jacob Howenstine, James Robinson, Frank M. Bowyer, William Stremmel and 1). 0. Castle. Hugh McCracken was the first Sher- iff, and was succeeded by John Miller, John Moderwell, David Holm, John Shull, Samuel Andrews, James L. Harper, John Cald- well, James Clements, Jonathan Kissinger, William C. Beal, John Franz, Joseph Worden, Daniel Keplinger, James Worden, Henry J. Row and John A. Schaber. James Martin was first elected Auditor, and was succeeded in this office by Charles Merriman, Edward Billips, John Caldwell, Jacob Howenstein, George Sinn, Owen Williams, John Pitman, A. M. Jack- son, E. R. Kearsley, A. A. Ruhl, Samuel Hoyt, William Scroggs, Frederick M. Swingley, J. H. Robinson. The first County Treasurer, John H. Morrison, was succeeded by Gen. Samuel Mjers, George Lauck, Charles Hetich, Otto Fieldner, George Donnenwirth, Joseph Roop, John Franz, J. B. Franz, John G. Birk, C. H. Shoner and W. Riblet. The first Probate Judge was Harvey Eaton, who was succeeded by George Wiley, P. S. Marshall, J. S. Elliott, Abram Summers, James Clements, Robert Lee and Shannon Clements. The delay in permanently locating the coun- ty seat, caused a delay in erecting public build- ings. The Commissioners provided for the first sessions of the courts in private houses, but feeling the need of a jail, contracted with Z. Rowse, in 1827, to build one of squared tim- ber. This served to accommodate the county as a place for the archives of the county as well as the rogues, but was destroj-ed by fire about 1831, destroying all the records of the Com- missioners up to October 31, 1831. When, in 1830, the question of the location of the seat of justice was settled, the proprietors of Bucy- rus donated Lots 89, 90 and 92, and the citi- zens made liberal contributions to erect the public buildings. In this year the first court house was built and finished, in 1832, though not finally accepted by the Commissioners un- til June 4, 1833. Col. Kilbourne was archi- tect, and Nicholas Cronebaugh, Abraham Holm, Sr., and William Early, contractors. There is no clew to the specifications, but from later records it is ascertained that it was built with a cupola, and the whole was painted white on the outside. The inside was painted a light blue. In 1837, a bell was added, at a cost of about $100. In this year, a proposition to build a new jail was submitted to the people, which was indorsed, and, on February 4, 1839, Z. Rowse received a contract for the building. The records give no inkling of specifications, but it was built of brick, on the court-house yard, and was fiimlly accepted by the county in July, 1840, and fenced around at a cost of $58, in 1844. In 1854, the building of a new brick court house was agitated, and, in 1856, was completed at a cost of about $18,000. 0. S. Kinney, of Cleveland, was the architect, and Auld & Miller, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, the contractors. In the fall of this year, a proposition to spend $12,000, in buying a farm and build- ing an Infirmary building, was submitted to the people and lost, but in the following spring, April, 1857, the people voted for a new jail. Accord ingl}', on August 3, 1858, a contract was entered into with E. Jacobs & Co., of Cincin- nati, to build the whole of the prison part, at a cost of $5,500, and with George B. Terwilleger, of Bucyrus, for all the work, save the prison part, for $3,076.98. This was placed on Lot 88, which was donated to the county for this pur- pose by Samuel Norton. Finally, in 1867, the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 217 building of an Infirmary was undertaken, at a cost of $33,000, David Shank being tlie con- tractor. Tliis building is a large two-story rectangular brick building, with basement, with an addition in the rear, and is finely situated on the farm in Whetstone Township. The style of construction is plain, verging on unsightli- ness. A recently erected building for the in- sane is much more presentable, though showing off the main building at a disadvantage. The farm is composed of 300 acres of good farming land, and is provided with good barns and out- buildings. •' At the time the town of Bucyrus was laid out, the only outlet to the lake with teams was by way of New Haven, and the time required to make the trip with an ox team was usually from ten days to two weeks. Directly north was an almost unbroken wilderness to the Hu- ron Plains, and very few settlers between this and Sandusky City. The citizens here raised, by subscription, funds to open a wagon track through to Honey Creek. Any person that ever passed over it found it a hard road to travel. At this time, we had a weekly mail from Marion and Sandusky City. At times in the winter, when the ground was not sufficiently frozen in the woods to bear a horse, the carrier would leave his horse here, take the mail on his shoulders, and carry it afoot to Sandusky and back. One of the first, and probably the most important public improvement, and one that did more for the interest of the town and the openiug-up and settlement of the county, was the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike road. " In 1826, an act was passed by the General Assembly incorporating seven gentlemen of Franklin County, Judge Merriman and Col. Kowse, of Bucyrus, and seventeen others named in the act, and residing along the line of road, and their associates, by the name of the Colum- bus and Sandusky Turnpike Company, with a capital of $100,000, the stock divided into shares of $100 each, and the company to be governed by a board of nine directors. The charter was accepted by the company, and, by an act of Congress, passed in 1827, there were about 32,000 acres of land given to the State of Ohio in trust for the use of said company, to aid them in the construction of the road. Soon after, the incorporators met in the brick school- house in Bucyrus, and completed the organiza- tion of the company. Col. Kilbourne was sur- veyor, and Orange Johnson was one of the locating Commissioners and the principal agent as long as the road was under the control of the company. It was some seven years in building, and was finished in 1834, and was 106 miles in length from Columbus to Sandusky. The aver- age cost was a little more than $700 per mile. It was a splendid road when dry, but being only a clay or mud pike, in the spring or wet season of the year, it was in places almost impassable. This finally wore out the patience of those who were obliged to pay toll for the use of the road, and an attack was made upon the toll gates by an armed mob, which started out from Colum- bus and leveled every gate to the northern part of Delaware County. This brought the question before the Legislature of 18-13, which repealed the act incorporating the company. The case was brought before the Legislature again for a re-heariug, but was passed over from time to time, until the session of 1856, when the Senate passed a bill authorizing the company to bring suit against the State, but this was lost in the House, which seems to have ended the matter. " The citizens, from the time the building of this turnpike was determined upon, took a lively interest in having it pass through Bucy- rus. For some years, it was the great thorough- fare of the State from the river to the lakes, and was the principal road to market for the coun- ties of Delaware, Union and Marion. Seventy- five wagons loaded with wheat were counted passing through Bucyrus in one day, all of which would return loaded with goods, and the constant traffic incident to so much transporta- )^ 218 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. tion, created business, and was an active stimu- lus in developing the town and county. " For the first ten j'cars after the settlement of the county, it may be truly said of the in- habitants that tlicy were poor, having but little to sell, and no market for that little, except what supplied the wants of new-comers, and some cattle and hogs which had to be driven mostly to the East on foot, and there sold at barel}' living prices. One steer or cow would bring about as much now as four did at that time, and other products were equall}' low. After the New York Canal was completed, there was quite a change for the better ; prices of store goods came down, and many articles of produce, particularly wheat, found a ready market at the lake. " About 1828-29, there was a xevy marked improvement in times. Emigrants, in large numbers, were arriving, many of them substan- tial men with considerable means, who bought out man}' of the first settlers, enabling such as were in debt to pay up with cash, thus gradu- ally' substituting a money currenc}^ for our old s^'stem of barter. About this time, the Ger- mans commenced settling rapidly in the county, some of them locating on low, wet land, which the}' have since brought into a fine state of cultivation. " At this time a better class of houses was being put up than heretofore. In 1831, Mr. Hahn got into his new brick hotel in Bucyrus, now the Sims House. The following summer, Mr. Norton built his brick house at the north end of the town. In this year, 1832, the United States Land Office was removed to Bucyrus, from Tiffin. Thomas Gillipsie was Register, and Joseph H. Larwill, Receiver. Lands were now rapidly entered ; frequently, on IMonday morning (or if the office had been closed for a day or two), fi-om twenty to forty persons have been seen gathered around the office of the Register, waiting for the door to open, each fearful some other person was after the same land he wished to obtain. This was the com- mencement of the daj'S of wild speculation that apparently pervaded the whole country. Crawford County, being comparatively new and less wealth}^, did not partake of this spirit so fully as the older sections. The removal of the Government deposits from the United States Bank to local banks gave an impetus in this direction, which resulted in the opening of a large number of banks and the flooding of the countx}' with paper mone.y. Produce and real estate, both in town and country, ran up to fabulous prices. A kind of mania for land appeared to possess the people. This continued until 1837, when the bubble burst, and Craw- ford County suftered keenly with the rest of the nation for its folly. The recovery was slow, and it was not before 1845 that the effects of the panic of '37 could be said to have lost their power. The establishment of the State Bank in this j'ear had a salutary efiect upon the business of the county. The Irish famine, occurring directly after this, creating a demand for our produce, which brought coin principally in return, added to the improved feeling here. The Mexican war, closely following this event, resulting in large expenditure by the Govern- ment, was of great benefit to a new country like Crawfordj that needed nothing so much as a good market. Then followed the discovery of gold in California. These causes together furnished the county, with the rest of the coun- try, an abundance of money and an excellent currency. The county now improved rapidly ; towns were flourishing, and the farming inter- ests were never more flourishing." The growth of the county in point of popula- tion has been regular and healthful, as will appear from the accompanying table. In the census of 1830, it has been found impossible to ascertain the proper division of the total among all the townships. So far as given, the information has been derived from reliable sources. IB ;fr HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 219 TOWNS. Auburn Antrim Biicyrus liiic^Tus Village.., Center Chattield Cranberry Crawfoid I'allas Holmes Jackson , Crestline Village.. *Jeft'er8on Liberty Lvkens Slifflin Pitt Polk Gallon Village Sandusky Svcaraore Texis TodJ Tymochtee Vernon Wbetatone 139 579 334 750 951 261 1654' 2315 l;!2 878, 13.il 680 1042 812 I 406 744j 1238 630 1711 1469, 1782 742 1185 316 423 t- 1318 679; 958, 822 545 57S 1659, I ii24: 1276 1057 Totals 4778' 13167 18177 23881 2.5556 30575 1870 1880 l.'i5i 1718 2180 3000 1176 1238 3848 1430 1339 407 1639 1813 1487 1247 1281 370 1570 1742 2279 1788 1597 1265 1140 944 836 19671 3523 792| 665 566 5G6 1093 1156 12241 ' 1524 1490 IvGi 1821 500 i6i;o 3,- Total 211 ^. £k_ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 255 Separate Jislricts: Primary — Males 8 Females 37 High — Males Females 1 Total. 52 Grand total 263 Average wages of teachers per month — Primary — Males I '8 00 Females 21 00 Separate districts: Primary— Males 48 00 Females 34 00 High— Males 62 00 Females '-J ^0 Pupils enrolled — Township : Primary — Males 2,560 Females 2,094 Total Separate districts : Primary High- 4,654 Males 1,222 Females 1,206 Males 112 Females 154 Total. Grand total Average daily attendance — Townships : Primary — Males 1,477 Females 1,298 2,694 7,348 Total Separate districts : Primary 2,775 High- Males 823 Females 81 1 Males 77 Females 116 Total 1-827 Grand total 4,602 The following is the report of the Auditor of the County to the State Commissioner of Schools : " It affords me pleasure to report an increased interest in the schools of Crawford County. It seems that every effort is being made through- out the county to procure the best talent for teachers that can be had. The County Board of School Examiners have exercised care in the examination of applicants in theory and practice, as well as the branches of education. "The union schools in Gallon, Crestline and Bucyrus are managed by careful and attentive school boards, with competent and efficient superintendents and a good corps of teachers. The schools are rapidly improving. Especially is this the case with the Bucyrus Union Schools, under the able management of Prof F. M. Ham- ilton, who has brought our schools up to a stand- ard that will compare favorably with the best schools in the State. The Teachers' Institute, which is always well attended, is producing an influence in promoting the interest and welfare of our common school system." A few extracts from the annual report of Hon. J. J. Burns, the State Commissioner of Common Schools, are appropriate, and are given for the benefit of those who feel an inter- est in the proper education of the rising gene- ration. He says : " How shall we cause our pupils to make the largest possible attainments in these founda- tion branches, and also have them, when they leave school, thirsting for more knowledge, and possessing trained mental faculties, so that they may acquire it ; the organ of these faculties to be contained in a healthy body, while mind and body are under the guidance of correct moral principles? To avoid waste of time and labor is to be able to better do the work in hand, and to apply the savings to something beyond. A search for wastage is a highly practical thing, and economy here a moral duty. " I have often asserted that there is a wast- age in having pupils spend time in learning to spell hundreds, yes, thousands of words, which they never have occasion to use outside of the spelling class, while probably the dictionary, whicli should be in constant use, rests in pen- sive quietness on the teachers desk, if indeed, there is one in the room. The meaning of words and their pronunciation are of far more moment than their spelling. The best text books from which to learn these are the reader and diction- ary ; the best proofs of progress are correct -^ 256 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. oral reading and written compositions. In pen- manship, we want more drill in writing from dictation, in having the pupils put their thoughts or recollections upon paper rapidly and neatly. Copying that beautiful line at the top of the page with care and patience is a good exercise, but some better gymnastic is required to fit the writer for hours of real work. In one way or another, language rightly claims a large share of the attention of the teacher. It is the grand characteristic which distinguishes man from the other animals, the most direct product of his inner consciousness. '' The child has begun the study of language before his school-life commences. Learning to talk seems as natural as learning to laugh or cry or pla}'. But so much of knowledge and the world is hidden in books, that a key must be found to unlock these treasures, and that ke^- is reading — the power to translate the writ- ten word ; to recognize it as the graphic symbol of an idea before in possession, so that the ability to reverse the process will follow. and printed words become the source of ideas. As the pupil masters words and their meanings, he is getting into his possession the tools with which he may dig in books for further knowl- edge, make his own knowledge more useful to him as a social being, and secure a body for his thoughts, without which incarnation the}' are as little subject to control as the weird fancies of a dream. The art of silent reading deserves more attention in school — pi-actice in grasping the meaning of a passage in the shortest possible time, and reproducing it with pen or tongue. But along with this, in its earlier stages, and for a short time preceding it, is the oral reading exercise, wherein the reader must serve as eyes to the listener, so that the}^ ma}', through his voice, see the printed page. " The translation of a written sentence into a spoken sentence is much more than the mere translation, in their right order, of the words of the written sentence ; and. to do this well, re- quires, besides the names of the written charac- ters, culture of voice, training of eye, quicken- ing of emotion. To serve as medium through which others may know the printed page, catching the syllables upon the ear, is not low art. To breatlie life into dead words, and send them into the depths of the moral and intel- lectual natui'e of the hearer, and that with power to convince, to arouse, to subdue, greater than if the hearer had been his own interpreter, is high art indeed. ***** * * " One very good result of increased attention to literature in the schools is the marked increase in the amount of wholesome reading — history', biography, travels, poetry, popular science, and the lessened demand for dime novels and other low fiction. Few questions are, in their bear- ings upon the future of our country, more important than this : What are the hoys and girls reading? I would not, then, have less time spent in our schools upon language, but teachers may well look into the subject, and see whether that time is spent to the best ad- vantage. " The public regard arithmetic, par excellence, as the practical study. It is the practical educator's strong tower, and we have it taught in season and out. Measured b}' any definition of the practical, as a means either to fit one dii'ectly for bread-getting in the common busi- ness of life, or as a means of mental culture and discipline, a large part of arithmetic, as found in our books and taught from them, falls short. Instead of inti'oducing at an early stage the science of geometry, we fritter away valuable time upon annuities and allegations and progressions ; and as for interest, one would think that mankind in general made a living by shaving each other's notes. Children begin early to develop the idea of numbers. It concerns matter of their daily life. The elemental steps of writing and reading numbers naturally fol- low, and usualh' are not diflScult of acquire- ^ g) HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 257 ment. But there is such a gap between the conditions needed for the ready learning of tliese things, and the more mature judgment and that knowledge of business and the world demanded in the intelligent solution of ordinarily difficult problems in discount and certain other branches of applied arithmetic. Back and forth across this stretch the boy's mind must swing like a pendulum, repelled by what it cannot compre- hend and b)' what it has grown tired of He marks time when he could so readily oblique into some other study and march forward. Then, by and by, if these advanced parts of arithmetical science are needed, their acquisi- tion would be easy. Meanwhile the child may give increased attention to literature and be learning interesting and profitable lessons about this world into which he has come, and in what body he came, and how to take care of it. While these priceless practical lessons are in progress, one can fancy that the arithmetic itself would enjoy the rest. " In the time which can be saved, also a few short steps could be taken in some other branches now much neglected. The reason for, and the practical mode of doing, many things which are to be done in real life by the citizen, the man of business, the manager of a household, might be taught in the schools. Something of the nature of the materials which we eat, drink and wear, and economy in the buying and using, would be excellent lessons. If he is a benefactor of mankind who causes two blades of grass to grow where one grew before, the language does not furnish a name for him or her, who shall cause the laboring man to know how to make one dollar produce the good results of which he must now expend two. No matter whether we regard the school as established primaril}- for the good of the children, or for the preservation of the State, we must admit that the most valuable result of all education, is the building of good charac- ters. This, to speak definitely, is to instill cor- rect principles and train in right habits. Citi- zens with these, 'constitute a State.' Men and women with these are in possession of what best assures rational happiness, the end and aim of human life. "I am not forgetting that we grade for 'de- portment,' and that deportment is a sort of outside view of character. But our sight is very short, even when we attempt to trace actions back to their causes, and we are entirely blind to the evil intention which never met its opportunit}-, to the fierce but quiet combat against wrong impulses, when nothing marks the victory but a continued walk in the path of right. Yet, in every properl}- conducted school, these lessons are being given. The faithful teacher is following an unwritten curriculum, and training his pupils in truthfulness, honesty, obedience to law, neatness, cheerfulness, kind- ness, in that divine summing up of active vir- tues, the Golden Rule. He is acting lectures on these theories, and constantly', b}' his own example, pleading at the door of the child's moral nature for all that is true, beautiful and good. Pure sentiments, generous promptings, love for Grod and man, should be the fruits of a liberal education. If this child grows into this inheritance, he has riches which he can keep and yet give away, which he will carr}' out of the world, yet leave behind to build his noblest monument." The newspaper of the present age, is one of the most important features in the history of the country, and possesses as much interest, and as accurately measures the progress of social de- velopment, as any other influence that can be brought to bear ; perhaps, more. It is the faithful chronicler of passing events, which, as time rolls on, become historical facts. With- out the newspaper, the country would be a benighted wilderness. And the county press is no weak part of the vast newspaper influence of the countr}'. Its power is felt at home, and in its own immediate circle it wields a greater :£ 258 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. influence, perhaps, than the great cosmopolitan journal does in the country at large. We shall devote considerable space in this chapter to the press of Crawford Count^^ The histoiy which follows, of the Bucyrus press, is b}' Thos. P. Hopley, and is compiled in an able manner : Tf the county newspaper of 1880 be com- pared with those published in Bucyrus from thirty to flfty years ago, it will become apparent that the press of Crawford County has kept pace with the progress of the last half-centur3\ Fifty year ago, the Bucyrus editor had, seem- ingly, no use for a pen. The scissors were the brains of the establishment, and his publication each successive WQek was filled with advertise- ments and such news items, political articles and miscellaneous matter as could be gleaned from the exchanges. Occasionally a marriage notice was published, or a three or four- line announcement that some prominent citizen of tiie county was dead. The editor published columns of second-hand political news ; but never seemed to consider that his readers might take an interest in events occurring within their own county and neighborhood. After the j-ear 1840, original political editorials became fre- quent ; but the dearth of local news continued until several j'ears after 1850. It is doubtful if the entire amount of local news published in all the Bucyrus papers previous to the year 1850 exceeded what can be found in either the Journal or Forum during any tliree months of the year 1880. The first printing press brought to Bucj'rus, or Crawfoi'd Count}-, was the propert}' of William Y. McGill. It was an old Ramage press, and about 1820 (Moderwell), he contem- plated publisliing a Jackson paper, but after the first number appeared the publication was dis- continued. McGill must have been a man of excellent financial judgment, for he had discre- tion enough to foresee that, even in that da^^ running a newspaper in Crawford County would not be an easy road to financial prosperity, and he promptly suspended the new enterprise. He continued as a resident of Bucyrus and vicinity for many years, occasionally teaching school in the village and surrounding countrj'. April 1, 1833, he acted as election clerk in Lil)erty Township ; and, at the same time, his fellow- citizens having implicit confidence in his integ- rity, elected him to the lucrative office of " Fence Viewer." This is the only office received by the man wiio introduced the printing press into Crawford County. When war was declared with Mexico, McGill left for the seat of hostil- ities, deeming, no doubt, that the success he had failed to obtain by his pen might be gained with the sword, but misfortune was still his lot, for while on the way home he took sick and died at Newport, Ky. It is doubtful if smy copies of this first newspaper published in Crawford are preserved at the present time. The second attempt at journalism was made by William Crosby, who obtained possession of McGill's press and materials and, about Septem- ber 1, 1831, commenced publishing a newspaper advocating Democratic principles. He must have been more successful than his predeces- sor, if the number of issues published be taken as proof for the statement. The oldest copy known to be in existence is at the Bucyrus Jour- nal office, and dated March 9, 1833. Crosby's pa- per was then known as the Western Journal and Buajrns Advertiser, and was " printed and pulv lished on Sandask}- avenue a few doors north of the post office." The post office was then kept at St. Johns' store where Malice «fe Gloyd's establishment is at the present time. This issue of March 0, 1833, is No. 80 and in Vol. II. If tlie newspaper appeared regularly each week for the preceding seventy-nine weeks, then it must have been established about September 1, 1831, but it is doubtful if the publitratiou was issued regularly every Sat- urday, and consequently the Western Journal might have been started several months pre- vious to September, 1831. The only local :rv: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 259 news contained in No. 80, is two marriage notices; the issues being filled with miscella- neous reading matter and advertisements, from which many historical facts in regard to the the early history of Bucyrus can be proved if necessary. In those days, mone}' being scarce, the publisher notifies his patrons that their subscriptions can be paid in " county orders, bacon, wheat, sugar and other articles." No. 80 does not present a fine t^-pographical appearance, and in these later days any tenth- rate pressman would not take pride in show- ing this issue as a specimen of his work- manship. It would seem that Crosby's print- ing ink ran out and he supplied the deficiency by " opening a crock of apple buttei*." The pub- lisher continued the paper for about three years ; the issue of July 12, 1834, No. 32, of Vol. Ill, whole number, 136, being still in existence. It was then called the Bucj'rus Journal. Crosby sold the printing office to Charles P. West, who published for about one year the People s Press, which aimed to be neutral in politics. In 1845, President Polk appointed Crosby Consul of the Port at Talcabuano, Chili, in South America. Moderwell sa3'S in regard to Crosby's later his- tor}" : " Finding the office was not a ver}- lucra- tive one, he resigned and engaged in the whale fisher}', which proved to be much more profita- ble, and in which he is still engaged. He vis- ited Bucyrus in October, 1867." David R. Lightner was employed in the Peoples Press office before the publication was discontinued, and, when West sold the establish- ment to Joseph Newell, ari'angements were made for a new paper, to be published by New- ell & Lightner. Mrs. Newell, however, opposed this new move on her husband's part, and, in order to " keep peace in the family, " Newell turned the enterprise over to John Reeder, and gave him ten bushels of wheat for " taking the bargain off his hands." Reeder and his son, Jonathan, and his nephew, Lightner, then starte(>the O/u'o Intelligencer. The first num- ber appeared about January 1, 1836, for the twenty -first number was issued July 23, and the forty-second December 30, 1836. This paper was neutral in politics, the issue of July 23 publishing both Presidential electoral tick- ets. The name of the firm was then D. R. Lightner & Co. ; but, after fifty-two numbers had been published, John Reeder retired and his son Jonathan, continued in partnership with his cousin Lightner, for several more numbers of Volume II. Young Reeder also became discouraged and sold his interest to John Caldwell. The Ohio Intelligencer was then discontinued, and Caldwell & Lightner started the Cravford Repuhliean about August 1, 1837. with Caldwell as editor, and D. R. Lightner as publisher. The office was then on the corner now occupied by Frank Blickes' store. In the eighth number, dated November 4, 1837, on the first page, and November 28 on the third, the proprietors make the following announcement : '• The experiment we have commenced in publishing a Democratic paper, is now in full tide of operation, and with the result so far we have no reason to complain. In addition to the old list of subscribers, we have obtained about one hundred and twenty- five new ones, and are daily receiving more. We want two hundred more immediatelv, and no labor or expense will be spared to make our paper interesting. An interesting and impor- tant crisis is now approaching in both our State and National affairs, with which every man in the count}^ should make himself ac- quainted, and which we will endeavor to lay before our readers faithfully as they transpire." This number was issued dui'iug the panic of 1837, and, money being very scarce, the pro- prietor, in order to secure patronage. pul)lished on the fourth page, in sale-bill tvpe, the follow- ing notice : " Wheat, corn, buckwheat, oats, pork, beef, butter and candles will be received on subscription at this office." At^er fiftj'-two numbers of the Crawford Repuhliean had been *C <2 Tv" '^ 260 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY published, Caldwell retired fi-om the firm, and Lightner continued the paper another year, or rather for another volume of fift3'-tvvo numbers, the last appearing about January 1, 1840. The Democratic part}- were not satisfied with the management of the paper under Lightner, who sa3'S that '' some declared I was not a good Democrat for publishing a communication from Bishop Tuttle, in which the people were ad- vised to examine both sides." Lightner was not sorry to be relieved, and the office was transferred to Cakhvell, and the paper discon- tinued for about three months. Mr. Lightner was afterward elected Ma3or of Bucyrus in April, 1842, and re-elected in 1843. He is at present a resident of the town. Caldwell, for many years a resident of Crawford Count}-, re- moved to California, and was murdered while carrying mail. In the summer or lall of 1838, a new Whig paper, the Bucyrus Democi'at, was established by John 8hrenck. Numlier 52, of Volume I, was issued October 2, 1839. An exam- ination of this issue would prove that if it be a specimen of the political newspapers pub- lished in 1839, the character of Bucyrus news- papers has improved very much during the past forty years. It would seem that the sole idea for which Shrenck published the Democrat was to abuse the Democratic candidate for Prose- cuting Attorney. This gentleman was re- elected by a larger majority than ever, and is still an honored and respected citizen of the i town, while the Democrat "yielded up the ghost " nearly forty years ago. Shrenck con- tinued the paper several years ; No. 47, of Vol. j III, was issued May 4, 1842, and it was pub- j lished during a political campaign of that year, j After a precarious existence of four years, he removed the press and materials to Upper San- dusky, and from there to Fremont, Ohio, where he died a few years afterward. This Bucyrus Democrat was the first paper published in the county in opposition to the Democratic party, j The Democracy of Crawford were anxious to have an organ at Bucyrus. and the publishers of the Okie Statesman, at Columbus, recommended Thomas J. Orr and John White as two printers who could conduct a paper to suit the party. About April 23, 1840, these young men, having obtained possession of the printing material formerly owned by Caldwell & Lightner, started the Democratic Republican, the fourth number of which appeared May 14, 1840. White then retired from the establishment ; it is generally reported that the partnership ^vas dissolved by Orr kicking White out of the office for being intoxicated. Considering the present partisan meaning attached to the words Demo- cratic and Bepublican, it appears strange that, in 1840, the organ of Crawford County Democ- racy should be named the Democratic Eepnb- lican, while the Whig paper, opposed to the De- mocracy, should be called the Bucyrus Demo- crat. Orr continued in the newspaper business at Bucyrus for several years, and was supported by the Democratic party. The first volume of the Democratic Republican was completed May 28, 1841 , and, shortly after this, Orr commenced issuing the paper very irregularly, for although the second volume was started June 4, 1841, it had only reached the thirty-eighth number by July 23, 1842. The other fourteen numliers were possibly issued during the next eight months, but on Saturday, April 15, 1843, the second number in Volume I, of the Bucyrus Republican was published. In the next twelve months the paper was generally regularly is- sued, the fifty-second number appearing June 8, 1844. When the Presidential campaign was over, the Republican was published so irregu- larly that the patrons became disgusted with Orr's management, and the Peoples Foruvi, es- tablished in the spring of 1845, received the patronage of many who had formerly supported the Republican. No. 27, of A^ol. II, was issued March 22, 1845, and soon after this the paper was discontinued. Orr was elected Cl<^rk of ;r^ A- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 268 the Court in 1851, and re-elected in 1854. In 1859, he was chosen to represent Seneca, Craw- ford and Wyandot Counties in the State Sen- ate. During the second session, the war broke out. and Orr supported the measures adopted b}' the Legislature, for the preservation of the Union. For doing this, he was bitterly de- nounced by many Democrats, and, when he sought a re-nomination at the next primary election, received onl}- 782 votes in Crawford Count}^, while Judge Lang, of Tiffin, received 760. Orr afterward removed to Calhoun County, Iowa, where he died Jul}' 2, 1874. Many leading Democrats in Crawford County were not satisfied with Orr's irregularly issued publication, and J. K. Knapp, Jr., who had for several 3'ears been connected with the Marion Mirror^ was induced to establish another Dem- ocratic paper at Bucyrus. The first num- ber of this, the Peoples Forum, appeared April 12, 1845, and for more than thirty-five years the Forum has been regulaiiy published b}' dif- ferent proprietors. Knapps office, for a few weeks was opposite the court house, then a few doors east, near the Methodist Episcopal Church. In April, 1848, the printing material was removed to the room over Lauck & Failor's store ; April, 1850, to the Anderson Block, now the residence of C. K. Ward and George C. Gormly ; in the spring of 1855, to the Sims House corner. Knapp sold the paper to Mor- decai P. Bean, in 1847, and he was proprietor for ten years. During the latter part of this decade, Philip Dombaugh was associated with him, but never owned an interest, although con- sidered publisher for scs'eral 3'ears. The}' finall}' dissolved business relations April 24, 1857, and shortly afterward Bean sold the Fo- rum, to J. A. Estill, now editor of the Holmes County Farmer. The office was removed to Quiuby Block April 1, 1859, and, in a few weeks, passed into the hands of A. McGregor, present editor of the Starh County Democrat, who re- mained until April 20, 18G0, and then trans- ferred the paper to Thomas Beer, now a Judge of the Common Pleas Court. The office was removed to Burkhart's Block, now the propert}' of J. G. Mader, Jr., January 1, 1862, and April 25, Henry Barnes and Thomas Coughlin pur- chased Beer's interest in the paper. After five months, Barnes retired from the partnership, but Coughlin continued as proprietor until April, 1868. In October, 1867, he was elected County Clerk, and re-elected in 1870. Before entering upon the duties of this position, he sold the office to John E,. Clymer, Clerk for the previous seven 3'ears. About this time, the office, which had been improved b}' the addition of a fine Cincinnati cylinder press and other new printing material, was removed from Blair's Hall to the second story of No. 8 Quinbj- Block. August, 1867, Coughlin emplo3'ed, as associate editor of the paper, William Hubbard, who con- tinued with the Forum until April, 1869. This gentleman was an unusualh' eai'nest and forci- ble writer, who had attained, as editor of the Logan County Gazette, a national reputation. When he retired from the Forum, the partner- ship of Hubbard & Coughlin was formed, and they liought the Democratic I\^ortJncest. at Na- poleon, Ohio, which the gifted Hubbard edited until he died, May 11, 1872. J. E. Cljmer con- tinued as publisher of the Forum fornine years, until April 20, 1877. when he sold the office to Maj. J. H. Williston. In February, 1871, an engine was purchased, and the paper printed by steam. For over twenty-seA'en years, the paper was folio inform until, in October, 1871, it was changed to a quarto, and subscribers who desired it semi- weekly were furnished four pages on Tuesday, and four pages on Frida}'. This sj'stem was continued until the four-page form was resumed November 17. 1876. During the nine years Mr. Clymer was publisher, the office occupied, at diflerent times, each floor of No. 8 Quinby Block. In December, 1878, the establishment was removed to the basement of the Deal Block, where it has continued since 264 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. that time. An attempt was made to establish a daily Forum during the past year. The first number appeared July 12, 1880, but, after con- tinuing regularly for four months, the daily was discontinued Novembers. In June, 1851, the name of the publication was changed from the Peoples Forum, to the Crawford County Forum. It is well known that Crawford County has alwaj^s been strongly Democratic, and dur- ing the past thirty-five years the Forum has been regarded as the party organ. Its course on the many questions at issue before the na- tion have met with the hearty approval, and the firm stand it has always taken in the inter- ests of the party have been enthusiastically in- dorsed by the Crawford County Democracy. After Shrenck's Bucyrus Democrat had been discontinued, the Whigs of Crawford were without an organ for nearly ten years. Near the close of 1852, subscription papers were cir- culated throughout the county, and, as enough subscribers were guaranteed to warrant J. A. Crevier in publishing a new Whig paper, Janu- ary 6, 1853. the first number of the Bucyrus Journal was issued. Soon after this, the Re- publican party was organized, and the Journal, under Crevier, warmly espoused the doctrines advocated by its leaders. Since then, the pa- per, under different proprietors, has faithfully labored in the interests of the Republican part}'. With the exception of eleven eight- page numbers, printed during the first three months of 1856, it has always been folio in form. For two years, the office was located " at the comer of Main street and Pill alley ; " then on Main street, north side of square ; May 1, 1856, it was removed to near where Ritz & Van Voorhis' restaurant is at the pres- ent time ; February 22, 1858, to McCoy's build- ing, opposite the court house ; January 1, 1859, to the second story of Rowse's new block, where the paper was published for seventeen years. In the year 1853, a strike occurred among the printers at work on the Pittsburgh daily papers ; two of them, David R. Locke and James C Robinson, started on a Western trip. The}' reached Plymouth, Ohio, and were induced by citizens to revive the Advert her, which they sold in 1855, and, with Rudolph Brinkerhofi!', purchased the Mansfield Herald. Soon after, Locke sold his interest in this pa- per, and March 20, 1856, purchased of Crevier, the Bucyrus Journal. For several months his brother, D. W. Locke, was associated with him, but they dissolved partnership July 15. Shortly afterward, Locke prevailed upon his former partner to take an interest in the Jour- nal, and, in April, 1857, the two friends were again united in their business interests. The office was improved by the addition of a Rob- inson Princeton power press, which was the first cylinder press brought to Bucyrus. These two enterprising men cordially worked together, and advocated in the Journal many new enter- prises needed by the community. Among the many public and private improvements which were the result of their persistent agitation, are the gas-works, the cemetery, the many shade trees, the well-paved sidewalks, and many buildings. In April, 1861, Mr. Robinson was appointed Postmaster of Bucyrus, by Pres- ident Lincoln, which position he held until re- moved, for political reasons, by President John- son in 1866. Mr. Locke retired from the Jour- nal, November 13, 1861, and purchased the Fremont Journal, and afterward an interest in the Toledo Daily Blade, with which paper he is connected at the present time. While editor of the Fremont Journal, he commenced writing the noted Naahy Lettem, which obtained for him a national reputation. September 2, 1867, Mr. Robinson sold his interest in the Journal to J. Hopley for $2,000. April 1, 1862, Ralph Robinson became associated with his brother in publishing the paper, and continued with Mr. Hopley until May 20, 1868, when he also sold his interest to his partner. After leaving the printing otHce, James G. Robinson em- HISTORY OF CRAAVFOliD COUNTY 265 barked in the drug business with Dr. M. C. Cuykendall, and continued at this until he died, April 14, 1872. Ralph Robinson removed to Iowa, and has since been connected with the Fairfield Ledger, Clarinda Herald and Newton Journal, of which he is now sole proprietor. In October, 1875, a new Cottrell & Babcock improved drum cylinder press was added to the printing material of the Journal, and shortly afterward. December 30, the office was removed to the Converse Block, and fitted up with steam power. [For many years the pres- ent editor of the Journal has been engaged collecting files of Bucyrus newspapers, and he has secured many copies of publications printed in the village during the early settlement of this county. All of his files were kindly placed at the disposal of the gentlemen engaged on this county history, and these papers have proved, in many eases, a valuable aid to the historian, and furnished many historical facts that otherwise w^ould have been over-looked. — Historian.] Two German papers have been published in Bucyrus, during the past three decades. The first number of the Craioford Count i/ Demo- krat was issued September, 15, 1855, by Mor- decai P. Bean, proprietor of the Forum. This German paper was continued for several years ; a portion of this time it was under the charge of Bernhardt Roch, who was killed by the ears at Dayton, Ohio, Api'il 10, 1863, and shortly afterward the Denwkrat was discontinued. The first number of the Deufscher Courier was i)ub- lished in Januar3% 1875, by Joseph Killian, proprietor of the 3Iansfield Courier. In about a year the otHce w'as removed to Mansfield, but for some time after this, a Bucyrus edition of the paper w'as published. The Independent Democrat was started by Dr. A. E. Jenner, of Crestline, in February, 1873. The office was first located in that town; the paper was folio in form until Ma}' 14, 1875, when it was changed to eight pages, and the name to the Crairfnrd Cimntij Democrat. For two years it was in charge of A. N. Jenner, son of the proprietor, who continued in the office until July 15, 1875. Some months previous to his retirement, J. E. D. Ward purchased an in- terest in the office, and, when young Jenner left, continued sole publisher until Charles Wright became associated with him in Novem- ber, 187(3. About this time the office was re- moved to Bucyrus, but. some months previous to this change, a Bucyrus edition of the Demo- crat had been printed at Crestline. Wright re- tired after several weeks" experience, and Frank Plants took his place. When Major Williston purchased the Forum, in April. 1877. the pub- lishers of the Democrat soon found they could not successfully compete with him for the pat- ronage of the Crawford Count}- Democracy, and their paper was discontinued about July 1, 1877. Since the first printing press was brought to Bucyrus, several attempts have been made by different parties to establish other miscella- neous publications. In 1838, William Bobbins issued the first number of a semi-monthl}' pub- lication called the Buckeye. It was printed at the RepnhJican office, and the articles contained in it were of a class to amuse rather than in- struct ; no efforts were made to publish local news. The Buckeye was continued for several months ; No. 9. Vol. I, appeared April 27, 1839, but shortly aftei- this the paper was dis- continued. In May, 1855, the first number of an agricultural papei", the Crawford County Farmer., was printed at the Jourmd office. Rob- ert N. Patterson was publisher; J. A. Crevier and C. Elliott were editors. It was a monthly paper, four pages in size, and •' devoted to agri- culture, horticulture, gardening, mechanics and domestic industry." but discontinued after sev- eral numbers. May 1, 18151, No. 1. of Vol. I, of the Millers' Jourutd was published by Raub & Butterfield. It was a small four-page luouthly "devoted to the interest of millers — terms. 50 Ml 266 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. cents per annum. " Although it was issued in the interest of the Ingham California Wheat Cleaner, it was a bona-tide publication, but the second number never appeared. Martin Deal, who has the only copies in existence, says this was the first milling journal ever printed in the United States. In 1867, Henry J. Deal pub- lished the first number of the Bucyrus Chronicle, a paper for bo3's. The next year the name was changed to Bucyrus Budget, and the second number appeared, which was followed by several others during the next six months. Another amateur publication was started January 1, 18()9, by J. E. Hopley & Co. This little sheet. The Acorn, was issued semi-monthly ; after the first three months, the senior partner gave his brother, Thomas P., an old shot-gun, if he would assume the financial responsibility. An entire volume of twenty-six numbers was published, and then the Acorn was planted but never sprouted. In July, 1879, Daniel Kanz- leiter issued the first cop}' of the Sunbeam, an illustrated sheet printed " semi-occasionall3^" The wood-cuts were designed and engraved by the publisher, and four copies of the Sunbeam appeared before it " ceased to shine for twenty- five cents a year." The newspaper history of Gralion ranks next to that of Bucyrus. The following sketch of the Galion press was compiled by Dr. J. C. Mcllvaine : The newspaper business com- menced early in the history of Gralion, indeed before it was possible to secure patronage suf- ficient to support it. The frequent changes of names, politics and partners, of the first paper in Galion, give evidence of the trials and dif- ficulties of the enterprise. The early printers of Oliiohad an obstacle to the circulation of their papers in the matter of postage, that was almost fatal to their success. There was a dis- count on bank bills, and specie sent by mail in small sums, lost enormously. If the publisher of a county newspaper re- ceived enough for a bare subsistence, it was con- sidered suflftcient remuneration for his arduous duties. But till within late 3'ears such papers have not paid for themselves. While the churches and schools molded the character of the people in their own peculiar wa}', another influence was quietly gaining its sway over the masses, widening out the scope of mind. Relig- ion and education are the two great powers of civilization, refinement and human progress. The press, though silent in its admonitions, its chronicles and histories of the ever present, has made its influence felt throughout the world, to an extent unequaled by any other power. In 1855. the first newspaper was published in Galion. The establishment was owned by John W. Putnam, who was, for man}' 3'ears, the worthy editor of the Ohio Statesman. The of- fice was removed by him from Union City, and the first numbers were printed in the building now owned bj^ James Martin, but at that time b}' P. W. Webber, and which stands on Main street. Dr. D. Abger became a partner, and the name of the paper was changed to the Galion Weekly Train. It was independent in politics, but the partnership lasted but a short time. Dr. Abger removed to Crestline, where he started a paper, and J. V. D. Moore, came from Union City, and took his place as a partner with Mr. Putnam. When the campaign of 1856 opened Mr. Moore retired and Jacob Riblet took his place. With this change of proprietors, there came a change in the political complexion of the paper. From Independent it became Dem- ocratic, and was re-christened the Galion Di.s- trict Democrat. In 1857, Andrew Poe, a former citizen of Mansfield, purchased Mr. Riblet's in- terest in the paper, and soon after Mr. Putnam retired. The business did not pa}' IMr. Poe, and soon after it was sold under an execution. In the year 1864, it was bought by the Matthias brothei's, and edited b}' Peter Schum, who is now puljlishing a daily and weekly journal in Joplin, Mo., called the Joplin Morning News. It :^ HISTORr OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 267 was not long until H. S. Z. Matthias took the editorial control, and changed the name of the paper to the Gallon Democrat. It was Demo- cratic in politics, but was not properly sup- ported, and was soon after abandoned, and the office changed into a job office until July, 1865. At this time, Mr. Matthias commenced publish- ing a paper called the Weekly Review, independ- ent in politics. In September, 1871, the Mat- thias brothers sold out to John C. Covert, of the Cleveland Leader, who changed its name back to Democrat, but made it Republican in its tone. In the fall of 1872, G. W. DeCamp, of Mansfield, edited it under the same political color, but changed the name back to Gallon Revieio, and so continued until it passed into the hands of the present proprietors, A. D. Rowe and F. E. Coonrod, in July, 1874. These gentlemen made it once more Democratic in politics, and conducted it in that faith until February 1, 1877, when it flopped again, and became Republican in sentiment, remaining so to the present time (1880). The office is in the third storj' of the Sponhauer Block, where they have plenty of room and a good office. The present editor and owner of the Gallon Sun is George T. Ristine. The Sun was es- tablished by Mr. Ristine, October 31, 1872, as an independent weekly newspaper of twenty- eight columns. The success that followed this enterprise warranted him in enlarging the paper to its present size. The office is located in the second story of the Ristine Block, on East Main street. In 1875, Mr. Ristine introduced steam power into the establishment, making it the first steam printing house in Gallon. In August, 1876, a campaign paper was es- tablished, under the name of the RcpnhUcan Free Press. As such it was run for one year and seven months. On the 29th of September 1877, it was purchased by S. G. Cummings & Co., which company changed the name of the paper to the Gallon Enquirer, and have pub- lished it ever since as a Democratic paper. Hon. J. G. Meuser is the political editor, and H. S. Z. Matthias has charge of the local de- partment. The office is a fine one, and is in the second story of David Mock3''s new l)lock, on South Market street. The three weekly sheets of Gallon are fair specimens of county newspapers. There is a hearty support given to each one, and the sub- scription lists are large. Of the three, one is Democratic, one Republican and one neutral, or independent. Each issue of these papers is largel}' sought for by the citizens of the town. The Crestline press is of more recent origin than either that of Bucyrus or Gallon, and con- sequently its history is more brief. The Crest- line Advocate is the only paper now published in the town. There have been others established, however, but after a short career were discon- tinued. The newspapers of Crestline will be noticed more at length in the chapter devoted to that town. The perfection of the railroad system of the country is one of the grandest achievements of modern times. As we contemplate the im- provements of railroad construction, and the perfection to which the system has beeu I)rought in the last quarter of a century, we are ready to accept any suggestions or prophecies on the subject, though it be to the effect, that in a quarter of a century more we will be flying through the air as we now fl}' over the country at the heels of the iron horse. The ideas which led to the invention of rail- roads, originated more than two centuries ago. In the seventeenth centur}-, roads were con- structed in the collieries, in the north of En- gland, with wooden rails, upon which carriages ran to and from the mines, drawn by horses or mules. Later, the tops of these rails were cov- ered with plate or bar iron, to render them more durable. About the year 1776, flanges were addetl to the wheels to keep the wagons from running oft' the track. As early as 1704. the use of locomotives instead of animals was sug- ±' .-5) 2G8 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. gested, though we hear of no h^eomotive being built until about 180"). Slowly, and by little at a time, improvements were made, and roads were extended from the mines to the shipping- points, and tiien to the chief markets. Steam was introduced, and in 1S25, (Jeorge Stephenson invented and placed in successful operation an engine that drew a train of cars over a wooden i-ailway, protected by an iron covering, at the rate ot twehe miles an hour. This great achievement astonished the Knglish people, who prophesied only dire disaster and distress would attend the operating of such a monster. In 1826, the first railroad in the United States was built. This was a " tramway ' from the granite quarries of Quincy, Mass., to the Neponset lliver, a distance of three miles. A second road was laid out in January following, from the coal mines of 3Iauch Chunk, Penn., to the Lehigh lliver, a distance of nine miles. Other similar enterprises followed, among which, in 1828, was the Baltimore & Ohio, now one of the greatest railroad corporations in the country'. It has increased in business and importance since the publication of the following statement : " The receipts for traveling and transportation on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, for the six months ending the 31st of August, 1833, ex- ceeded $108,000. The receipts during the same period last year did not quite amount to $90,- 000 ; the increase, therefore, was about #18,000, being an average of $3,000 per month."' From 1830 to 1835, railroads in the East re- ceived a consideral)le impulse. Improvements of all kinds were being made in them, a speed of twenty and thii'ty miles an hour was attained, and the benefits of their construction and use were becoming more and more apparent. As the railroad system developed in the older set- tled Eastern States, the Western people caught the " Internal Improvement " fever, and, with a laudable ambition to give to their own States a full share of those advantages accruing to the people of the East, voted away millions of money for the construction ol" railroads and canals. Legislatures responded to the ardent j messages of their (Governors in a liberal man- i ner. by chartering such a numl)er of roads as to literally checker the map of their States. They saw nothing but the most prosperous times ahead, and the system of financiering that was inaugurated well-nigh, in the end, impoverished the entire country. Ohio stepped to the front of the Western States in the old internal improvement system. "In January, 1817, " sa^s Howe, -the first res- olution relating to a canal connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie was introduced into the Legislature. In 1819, the subject was again agitated. In 1820, on the recommendation of Gov. Brown, an act was passed providing for the appointment of three Canal Commission- ers, who were to emplo}' a competent engineer and assistants for the purpose of surveying the route." But, as the canals of the State have no especial place in this work, we shall not go into details. This brief allusion is made merely to illustrate the excitement which i)revailed in regard to the system of in- ternal improvement. There is some question as to the first rail- road built in the State of Ohio. Many are of the opinion, and with a good show of author- ity, that the Cincinnati & Sandusky, originally known as the Mad River Railroad, was the first road built in the State. Others claim that a little road, about fifteen miles in length, ex- tending from Toledo into the State of Mich- igan, was the first. While still others claim the Little Miami as the pioneer railroad. But, with these conflicting statements, it is not alto- gether an easy matter to definite!}' decide as to the priority of the ditterent roads in either commencement or completion. A '■ preponder- ance of the evidence," legally speaking, hovv- evei'. is in favor of a division of the Mad River, or Cincinnati & Sandusky, Railroad. Other roads followed in rapid succession in dif- Tv" HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 269 ferent parts of the State, and, as the years went by. cuhninated in the perfect sj^stem we have to-day. The first road to intersect Crawford County was the Mad River road, above referred to, which passes through the northwestern part of Wyandot County, then a part of Crawford County. In 1851, the Cleveland & Columbus Railroad, now known as the Cleveland, Colum- bus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis, or " Bee Line," Railroad, was built through the eastern part of the county. The question of building this road was agitated as early as 1835-36. But, as railroad-building was then in its infancy, it was not until 1851 that the line from Cleve- land to Columbus was completed, an event that was celebrated b}' a great banquet at Cleveland, to which everj'body was invited. An effort was made to secure it to Bucyrus, but sufficient inducements financially were not made to the company, and a route further east was chosen. x\ccording to an act of the Leg- islature then in force, on a majority vote of the electors of any county through which a rail- road might pass, the County Commissioners were allowed to subscribe to the capital stock. In the spring of 1846, a proposition to sub- scribe $50,000 to the Cleveland & Columbus Railroad was submitted to the people of Craw- foi'd County, and defeated by a vote of 1,507 to 361. In January, 1862, the CleA^eland & Columbus road purchased the Springfield, Del- aware & Mount Vernon Railroad for $134,000, by which more direct connection was made with Cincinnati. Some years later, this road purchased the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, which forms the Indianapolis Divi- sion of the Bee Line, one of the great railroad corporations of the countr^^ But the main road of Crawford County is the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad, passing from east to west almost through the center of the county. From the most reliable facts to be obtained, the historv of this road may be thus briefly given : In February, 1848, the Legislature of Ohio passed an act incorpo- rating the "Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company." On the 11th of April of the same 3'ear, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed a similar act, making the company a corporation of that State. The act of incorporation of the Ohio Legislature gave the company- power to construct a railroad from Mansfield, in Rich- land County, eastward by wa}' of Wooster, Massillon and Canton, to some point on the east line of the State, within the county of Columbiana, and thence to the city of Pitts- burgh ; and from Mansfield westwardly by wa}' of Bucyrus to the west line of the State. The work on this road was commenced in Jul}', 1849, and the entire track was laid and the road was opened for travel from Pittsburgh to Crestline on the 11th of April, 1853. The Board of Directors had determined in 1850 to make Crestline the terminus of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad. This made further action necessary b}' the citizens of Crawford County and of the people west in order to se- cure a continuation of the line through Buc}'- rus westward. The subject was warmly dis- cussed for some time, and efforts in this direc- tion were finally successful. On the 20th of March, 1851, the Ohio Legis- lature gi-anted a charter to the "Ohio & In- diana Railroad Company," for the purpose of making a road from a point on the Cleveland & Columbus Railroad, through Bucyrus and Upper Sandusky to the west line of the State, and thence to Fort Wayne, in Indiana. Liberal subscriptions were made to the stock of this com pan}' by the citizens of Crawford County, and the County Commissioners, after a vote by the people, which determined their authorit}' to act, took, in the name of the' count}', $100,000 of the stock. The organization of the com- pany was completed at Bucyrus on the 4th of July, by electing a board of Directors, which met soon after and selected Dr. Willis Merriman 270 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. President. On the 10th of the same month, J. R. Straughn was elected Chief Engineer, who at once commenced making the necessary surveys for the location of the road. In Sep- tember following, the Directors fixed the east- ern terminus of the road at Crestline, and in January, 1852, awarded the contract to William Mitchel & Co., for building the entire road from Crestline to Fort Wayne, a distance of 131 miles, the compan}' to furnish the rails. The contractors prosecuted the work with energ}', and had it read}' for passing trains over the whole road on the 1st of November, 1854; the contractors receiving in part payment for work, stock in the road. Stock was also paid for in wild lands, farms, town lots, right of way and farm products ; but little cash was paid into the treasury by the stockholders. The people in the counties between Fort Wayne and Chicago, determined to make a strong effort to build the last link in the chain between Phila- delphia and Chicago. A convention was called at Warsaw, Ind., in September, 1852, for devis- ing ways and means for accomplishing the object. This meeting was largely attended by those interested in the enterprise, and the ob- ject in view proved successful ; inasmuch as that in 1856, the work was so nearly completed on this new line, that, by using a portion of the Cincinnati, Peru & Chicago Railroad, a continuous Jine was opened on the 10th of November, 1856, from Pittsburgh to Chicago. On the 1st of August, 1856, the three corpora- tions were consolidated under the name and title of the - Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad," b}- which name it has ever since been known. Such is the history, in brief, of this great railroad thoroughfare, one of the best roads in the United States. It belongs to the Pennsylvania system, and is the direct source of its communication with the great West. Saj's a local historian of the county : "Where was an isolated wilderness is now a thriving garden, connected with all parts of the continent. Less than a generation ago, the necessary supplies of life could be secured only by tedious journeys through almost trackless forests ; now we take the cars and speed away to the best markets in the world in less time than the pioneers went forty miles to mill on horseback, with a bushel of grain divided be- tween the two ends of the sack." The Atlantic & Lake Erie Railway, a road now known as the Ohio Centi-al, is one in which the people of Crawford County have taken an active interest from the first inception of the enterprise, up to the completion of the road. This project was agitated as early as 1868-69, and meetings held in the different counties and towns through which the road was designed to pass. At these meetings, the idea of a railroad through the county, running from northwest to southeast, was discussed, and in the summer of 1869, the route from Toledo to Pomero}^ began to assume a tangible form. A number of meet- ings were held in towns along the proposed line, and much enthusiasm manifested for a road that had already- been incorporated as the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railway. In the fall of 1869, a survey of the route was commenced, and the county papers announced the fact " that the work had actually commenced ; that a corps of engineers had been emplo^^ed at each end of the route ; one corps leading south from Chaun- ce}', and the other north from Newark to Toledo, and our citizens will know within sixt}^ da3'S, weather permitting, where the road will run." The Columbus Jimrtxd, in May, 1870, pub- lished the following : ■• Our local columns yes- terday morning, contained a notice of the letting of a contract for the construction of 118 miles of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railway, being so much of the line as lies north'of Trimble Town- ship, Athens County, and south of Bucyrus, Crawford Count}'^, passing through or near Millerstown, Oakfield, New Lexington, Reho- both and Mount Perry, in Perry County ; New- ark, Grreenville, Alexandria, Johnstown and RT* HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 271 Hartford, in Licking County ; Sparta and Mount Gilead, in Morrow County, and Bucyrus and other points, in Crawford County." A contract was made with A. M. Huston & Co. for the construction of that part of the road lying be- tween the Athens line and Bucyrus. By this contract the road was to be finished, and ready for trains from Newark to Bucyrus by April 1873. In Februarj', 1872, a contract w\as let to Michael Morau and W. V. & A. M. McCracken, of Bucyrus, to grade the road from the latter place to Toledo. A contract was awarded in July of the same j^ear, to B. B. McDonald & Co., of Bucyrus. to put iron on two sections of the road from Pomeroy north. A contract was made about the same time for the bridge across the river at Buc3'rus. With varying progress, the work on the road moA^ed along through the summer and fall. The following extract is from a letter written by the President to a gen- tleman in Toledo, under date of December 6, 1872 : " A carefully revised estimate of the cost of construction, made with more than one- half of the road-bed between Toledo and Ferrara, in the ver}- heart of the ' Great Vein ' coal-field completed, shows an excess of reliable stock subscription, applicable to that portion of the work, of more than $200,000 over-esti- mated cost. That stock subscriptions have not been more rapidly collected, and the work vigorously prosecuted during the past summer, is the I'esult of a well-considered conclusion, arrived at in the earl}- part of the season, that, with the prevailing price of iron and equipment, the interest of the company would not be sub- served thereby. It has now been determined by the board, to collect the subscriptions and push forward the work as fast as possil)le. with a view to its completion the coming sum- mer." But with all the ftivorable circumstances at- tending the enterprise, the first 3^ear or two after it was inaugurated, it dragged along rather slowly, and in September, 1875, a meet- ing was held at Bucvi'us, when the following points in the history of the road were brought to light : " That the road was in imminent danger ; that it had been proposed to sell portions of it, and this would virtually sacrifice Wyandot, Crawford and other counties ; that this propo- sition was defeated in the board, for the pres- ent ; that the road was in debt, and that, if something was not done in thirty days, the project would have to be abandoned." In view of this, it was proposed to organize a new com- pany to finish the road upon terms similar, though not quite so favorable, to those secured by the Ohio Construction Company ; that this Company be formed by a subscription of $450,- 000, to be apportioned among the counties along the line ; the sum allotted to Crawford being $50,000. The terms of the subscription were, that it was to be paid in installments of ten per cent a month, and no installment pay- able until $400,000 of reliable subscriptions should be made. In March, 1876, the county papers mention the fact that two locomotives have been bought and arrangements made for the third, for •' our new railroad." Fifty miles of the road was to be completed and the cars to be running over it b}- June. The 1st of September it was an- nounced that fifteen cars were being painted and finished at the Bucyrus Machine Works, to be used for the purpose of delivering rails on the road, and that the rails for the division from Moxahala to^ew Lexington would all be delivered in two weeks. With all these cheer- ing prospects, however, it was not until the latter part of the summer of 1880 that trains ran through Crawford County on this road. During the winter of 1879-80. it took a new lease of life, after a Rip Van Winkle sleep of a couple of years, and during the spring and sum- mer was prosecuted to completion. In 3Iarch, 1878, the road was sold, and bid oflf for $106,668, in trust for certain bond- JA 272 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. holders. A short time previous to its sale, the name and title of the road had been changed from •• Atlantic & Lake Erie Railway," to the " Ohio Central Railroad." This change of name was made for the purpose of selling the bonds to better advantage than could be done under the old name. In the Ohio Central, Crawford County has another outlet, which will prove of incalculable benetit to the county seat and tlie county generally. It gives direct com- munication with the vast coal-fields of South- eastern Ohio, and with the city of Toledo, one of the best markets in the State. The Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad, or, as now known, the '' Northwestern Ohio Railwa}'," also passes through a corner of Crawford County, but is of no special benefit except to the northeastern part of the county. The first efforts made toward building the Mansfield & Coldwater road were about the year 1867. Parties in Toledo, acting in con- junction with the citizens of New Washington and vicinity, made strong endeavors to engi neer the project through, and have the road to run directly from Toledo to Crestline, passing thi'ough New ^^'ashington and Annapolis. This was the original intention of the parties inter- ested, and of the two towns, Annapolis and New Washington, the one subscribing the larg- est amount of stock, was to have the depot. Annapolis won the depot b}- the most liberal subscription, but the road was not built through the town, on account of the indiflference to the matter of the citizens of Crestline declining to take sufficient interest or stock to obtain it through their town. The citizens of New Washington then conferred with the interested parties in Toledo and Mansfield, and finally suc- ceeded in getting the road from Toledo to Mans- field, under the name and title of " Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad." Work commenced on the road in the spring of 1872, and, b3' October of the same year,enough of the track was laid to allow construction trains to pass back and forth between Toledo and New Washington. On the 1st of May, 1873, regu- lar trains first began running over the road. In June, 1878, through some financial trouble or eml^arrassment, the road passed into the control of the Pennsjdvania Company, and its name was changed to " Northwestern Ohio Railway." It now forms an important division of that company. The road merely touches the northeastern part of the county, passing through two townships, and having two stations in the count}', viz.: New Washington, in Cran- berry Township, and DeKalb, in Auburn Town- ship. There was about $30,000 of stock sub- scribed to the road in the two townships named above. Shares were $50 each, so as to enable any farmer in ordinary' circumstances to take a share or two. The amount was made up by subscriptions of from one to five shares. The road is now completed, and, as stated in the beginning of this sketch, is of no particular benefit to the county at large, but merely to a ver}' small corner of it. The Atlantic & Great Western Railway has one station in Crawford County, (jralion is the headquarters of the third and fourth divisions of this road. The Atlantic & Great Western was put through the county, or a little corner of it, in the summer of 1863, and, in June, 1864, the last rail was laid at Dayton, with consider- able ceremony. Shortly after its completion, the shops of the third and fourth divisions were built at Gallon. In 1874, the large brick shops were erected, which added greatly to the pros- perity of the town. Gallon is also the eastern terminus of the Indiana Division of the Cleve- land, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, and its junction with the main line. This requires shops also of this compan}' at Gal- ion. These two roads, with their immense shops and hundreds of employes, constitute the life and vitality of the place. It is estimated that at least 65 per cent, of the population of Gallon is railroad men and their families. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 273 From the foregoing pages, it will be seen that Crawford County is well supplied with railroads and lacks neither modes of travel or transpor- tation, but is in direct and easy communica- tion with all the Ijest markets both East and West. CHAPTER VI. THE aGUICULTURAL SVSTIvM -EXTENT OF CLEAll GR AINS— M 1 NO R PRO U UCTS— STO( -K-R ^T^HE gi'eat resource of a country in its earl}' -L history, and the true secret of its independ- ence in its later j^ears, is found in its agriculture. Here are found the elements that make up the distinctive characteristics of the national life — the secret enginer}^ that carries on the nation to its appointed destiny. Upon this the national policy is based, and whatever there may be of manufactures, of science or of art, finds its alma mater in the productive labor of the farmer. No historical survey, therefore, can be complete that neglects to trace the rise and progress of the agricultural system, and to none of the great factors of a nation's progress can intelli- gent eflbrt be placed to greater advantage than when applied to this root of all industries. In a recent address to an assembly of busi- ness men, one of Ohio's greatest leaders said : " You are living illustrations of the first chil- dren of the pioneers who planted Ohio. When your fathers were born, Ohio was unknown, ex- cept as a trackless wilderness, and yet, where the smoke from not a dozen white men's cabins ascended to the sky in all this territory, now three and a quarter millions of happy people, prosperous, honorable and successful, are living and guiding the destinies of a people as great in numbers and Avealth, as all who inhabited the thirteen colonies when our fathers won their independence. What a spectacle is that ! And all this prosperity was won by the simple, plain, straightforward process of downright hard work — that is what did it — labor first laid out on the raw material that (iotl made, and then capital. LNGS — STYLE OF CULTIVATION — GRA.SS CROP— AISING— AGRICULTURAL S(JCIETIES. which is only another name for crystallized labor, saved up, protected and saved by the strong arm of equal and just and honest law. Now this is Ohio." In a restricted sense, it might be just as trul}^ said, " This is Crawford Count}-." Authentic data by which to determine the earlier practices of the farmers, and their re- sults, are difficult to obtain, and the letters of Flint, an English traveler, written from the Miami, Scioto and Maumee Valleys in 1818, may give, perhaps, as correct a picture of that interesting period of agriculture as can be ob- tained. He says: "I saw some people threshing buckwheat ; they had dug a hollow in a field, about twenty feet in diameter, and six or eight inches in depth. In this the grain was threshed by the tiail, and the straw thrown aside in the field to rot. The wheat is cleared of the chaflf by two persons fanning it with a sheet, while a third lets it fall before the wind. " On his way to Chillicothe, he stopped some days at a cabin, and writes of his host, a farmer, as follows: " He told us that Indian corn sells for 25 cents per bushel, and that he could procure twenty-thousand bushels of it within three miles oi" his house. This appeared to be some- what surprising, on considering that the cleared grounds form onlv small detacheel parcels when compared with the intervening woods. Wheat sells at 75 cents per bushel. This sort of crop is at present more profitable than Indian corn, as in most cases it yields more than a tiiird part by measure ; it does not require to :Ll 274 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. be cleared of weeds, and is more easily carried to market. The predominance of crops of In- dian corn is occasioned by the ease with which it is disposed of in feeding hogs and other stock, and, perhaps in some degree, by prejudice. Farming establishments are small. Most cul- tivators do everything for themselves, even to the fabrication of their agricultural implements. Few hire others permanently, it being difficult and expensive to keep laborers for an}' great length of time. They are not servants, all are hired hands. Females are averse to menial employments. The daughters of the most numerous families continue with their parents. There is only one wa}' of removing them. * * * The utensils used in agriculture are not numerous. The plow is short, clumsy, and not calculated to make either deep or neat fur- rows ; the harrow is triangular, and is yoked with one of its angles forward, that it may be less apt to take hold of the stumps of trees in its way ; light articles are carried on horseback, heavy ones b}' a coarse sledge, by a cart or b}^ a wagon. The smaller implements are the ax, the pick-ax, and the cradle, scythe — by far the most commendable of backwoods appai-atus. The lands of Ohio are understood to be more fertile than those of Penns3dvania. With good culture, from 60 to 100 bushels of maize per acre are produced. On an acre of land near the mouth of the little Miami, one of the first settlers raised the extraordinary quantity of 114 bushels. The advanced state of population in the southern part of the State, has withdrawn the most choice tracts of ground from the land office ; good lots, however, may still be bought from private individuals at a moderate price. The higher country, lying nearly equidistant from the River Ohio and Lake Erie, is under- stood to be healthy, fertile, abounding in springs of water, and possessing a good navigation downward in wet seasons of the year, by means of the Rivers Muskingum, Scioto and Miamis. The northern part of the State is described as having many large prairies, of a rich quality, but unhealthy." This picture, though of gen- eral application, presents in vivid colors the crude beginnings of sixty ^-ears ago, in Craw- ford Count}- , as truly as of the spot where he wrote. The experience of every agricultural community in the State passed through all these stages, but, before even such advancement could be noted, there was a work to be done, of which the curious Englishman could give but little account. The first white settlers here found, for the most part, a country thickly covered with a heavy growth of timber, and the land shielded from the piercing rays of the sun by the dense for- est foliage, saturated with the moisture which the character of the country favored. To erect here a home and render the land subject to an annual tribute for the sustenance of his family, tasked the powers of the pioneer to their ut- most. It was an even-handed struggle for subsistence, and anything accomplished might safely be set down as an improvement. This was practically true of the first twenty years in the history of a settlement. An average of five years were consumed before the frontier could be relied upon to furnish a support, and, in the meanwhile, the fare supplied by the abun- dance of game and wild fruits was eked out with economical purchases of corn from the older settlements. After erecting a cabin with the aid of hospitable neighbors, from five to ten acres were felled. It was then " chopped over," i. e., the trees cut into suitable lengths for rolling into piles for burning. After the universal bee for rolling, came the burning, which was not the least exacting of the fron- tier farmer's labor. When the amount of labor performed, and the dearth of labor-sav- ing conveniences are considered, it will appear that, in accomplishing so much, labor was not less effectively applied than now, but in such a consideration the methods must not be lost sight of On a single claim, this much was i) ry M'. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 275 frequently done in three months, and a small crop of corn harvested in the first year, but the average results were not so favorable. The point to be gained was to get in readiness for the " bee " as earl}' as possible, for when the "rolling season" began, there was an uninter- rupted demand upon the settler for from six to eight months in the fields of his neighbors. Many were called upon when they could least afford the time, but, from the necessities of the situation, there was no refusal possible, and, large as this demand appears, it will not be considered exorbitant when it is remembered that neighborhoods covered an area of from ten to fifteen miles squai-e. Under such cir- cumstances, the prevailing tendency' is to un- derrate the value of timber, and to carry the work of clearing to the very verge of denud- ing the land of this important aid to agricult- ure. This tendenc}' has not been so marked in Crawford County as in many of the older counties of Northern and Northeastern Ohio. While the clearing has been carried to the far- thest extent consistent with ordinary prudence in some parts, there are other parts, especially in the western portions of the county, where the proportion of timber lauds is considered b}' the farmers too large, and the timber is marketed very freel}'. xVnother fact which has a tendency to bring up the proportion of wood- land is found in the prairie districts of the county. Here, fort}' j-ears ago, the timber was kept back hj the frequent burnings of the Indians ; but, since the land has fallen into the hands of the whites, this timber has grown to a serviceable size, and almost obliterated the dis- tinctive characteristics of the plains. Wood is still the principal article in use for fuel, selling at moderate prices save where the bad roads of spring and winter make its delivery moi'C ex- pensive than the timber itself Coal found its way into the larger villages of the county as fuel but comparatively a few 3'ears ago, and is even now used as much on account of its con- venience as because a cheaper material than wood. Its introduction was not marked, per- haps, until 1868, and it has not yet found its way into the public buildings of the county. The prevailing s^'stem of agriculture in Craw- ford Count}- ma}' properly be termed that of mixed husbandry. Specialties find little favor with the farmers. The practice is to cultivate the various kinds of grain and grasses, and to raise, keep and fatten stock, the latter business being the leading pursuit of about one-tenth* of the farmers. The mode of cultivating the farm- ing lands has not been of the highest. Provided with a rich and varied soil, the average farmer has not felt the need of studying the principles of such branches of learning as relate to agri- culture, and has frequently hesitated to receive, or rejected, the teachings of science. A few persons, however, were found at a comparatively early day who brought to the business of farm- ing that amount of patient investigation which the gi'eatest industry of this country demands. Farmers are becoming less and less unwilling to learn from others, and the husbandry of the county is attaining a commendable thorough- ness, and is improving in every respect. Owing to the productiveness of the soil, the subject of fertilizers has not received the atten- tion which it has obtained m many other parts of the State. Phosphates and plaster are sel- dom used, and many have scarcely exercised the customary care in preserving the ordinary accumulations of the barnyard, much less to add to this store by artificial means. Barn- yards are arranged to carry off the drainage of the stables, rather than retain it for use on lands, and straw and other feeding refuse is left to the disposal of stock, without a consideration as to the best means of converting it into the best medium for restoring the vitality of the crop lauds. There are many fields to be found in the county that have been cropped with wheat or corn for years without renewing or * Ai;ricultiiral Koi)ort of 1876. ^ «) \^ 276 IILSTORY OF CRAWFORD COLTNTY. fertilizing, and others have only been relieved by a rotation of grain crops. 'I'his practice has, in most cases, borne its legitimate result, and is awakening a decided interest among the most progressive fai'mers in this vital subject. Ro- tation of crops, on a more or less extended scale, is now being gradually introduced, corn being the first crop planted on sod ground, fol- lowed by a second crop of corn, or oats, or flax, and then wheat. With the latter crop the ma- nure is used, as it is thought it shows largest results in this crop, and leaves a better soil for the grass which follows. Deep plowing has never been popular with the mass of Crawford County farmers. Some experiments were made with the Michigan double plow, but its great draft, with the general lack of appreciation of the value of deep plowing, soon caused it to ftill into disuse. The objection that the upper soil was buried so deep by the iMichigan plow that several seasons were required to effect the proper mixture of the soils, was remedied by a later experiment. This consisted of two plows, be- tween which the team was divided. A shallow soil-plow* turned over the surface, which was followed b}^ a long steel-plow without a turning- board. This proved, in many places, a vast improvement upon the old plan, furnishing the requisite depth without burying the upper soil, and loosening the subsoil, thus furnishing a natural escape for the excessive moisture, which the chai-acter of the hard-pan too often resists, allowing it to escape onl}' by evaporation. But the prejudice against subsoiling was too firmly rooted to allow the experiment to spread, and it is now considered impracticable, or even in- jurious to the land. Artificial drainage has been necessary from the first in many parts of the county. In a large portion of the eastern part of the county, at an early date, marshes occupied almost the whole country, and pioneer life was little more than a hopeless struggle against the miasma of the air and the miry con- dition of the earth. Speaking of the jNIaumee Valley, in which this county is situated, Secre- tary Klippart says : " Every acre, almost, of the entire Northwest requires thorougli underdraining, because there is nowhere a porous or gravelly subsoil, but, on the contrary, I have everywhere found a stiff clay subsoil. Even in places where the soil was very sandy, the subsoil was an almost im- pervious clay. Without thorough underdrain- ing, the actual fertility of the soil cannot be developed."* Surface draining, by county ditcliing, has been carried to a considerable extent, the State Report of 1876 placing tlie number of public ditches at forty, with an aggregate length of 195 miles. The longest of these ditches extends twenty-four miles, and four of them connecting with ditches of adjoining counties. Less atten- tion has been given to tile training. According to the report referred to, there were but two tile manufactories in the county at that time. There has been a marked increase of interest in this subject of late years, however, and many are learning the value of tile even in meadow lands. The demand has increased, so that the manu- factories of these goods are driven to supply the demand. The increased value which tliese efforts have added to the lands of the county, would be difiieult to determine. Low lands that were an entire waste are being reclaimed, so that there are not more than 300 acres of what can be properly called waste land in over 252,000 acres in the whole county. The land thus underdrained produces the finest crops_ and, it is claimed, can I)e cultivated much sooner after a rain, or from eight to ten days earlier in the spring. The sulyect of grass lands lias always been an important one in Crawford Count}', from the fact that a majority of tlie farmers are more or less interested in grazing stock, though forming a more prominent feature in the soutliern part of the count}. In this part of the county, * In Uoport of !«"(). 3nn :f^ £k_ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 277 grain is raised principally for home consump- tion, and the system of husbandry, so far as any has prevailed, has been directed mainly to secure the best results for the grass crop. Timothy grass, with a mixture of clover, is mainly relied upon for the supply of hay, meadows being turned over about once in five years. Meadows are generally pastured and are turned out frequently as pasture lots, after serving in their prime as meadows. Of late, some attention is being paid to under-draining this class of grass lands, and some attention is paid to top-dressing with barnyard manures. Orchard and blue-grass, though iutroduced in a limited way, have not taken any strong hold upon the interests of the farmers. There is considerable hesitation manifested in experi- menting with blue-grass, as it is claimed by many — among them some scientific agricultur- ists — that the June grass, poa pratenais, is the same thing, modified by the diflTerence of soil and climate. Millet and Hungarian grass sup- plied a want in the agricultural econom}?^ of twenty years ago, but are not now used at all. In the matter of clover lands, the prevailing policy is to grow it for the seed, which is a cash article, and finds a ready sale. For this pur- pose, the seed is very sparingly sown, in order to secure a large stalk, and a consequent large yield of seed. Three bushels is a ver}- large yield and two bushels is consideralily larger than the average yield. It is generally sowed in combination with timothy, for the purpose of producing a quality of hay highly esteemed for milch cows and sheep. It is largely used as pasturage, but the predominant purpose is for seed. The acreage turned under has been very small in past years, but this short-sighted policy is being remedied of late, aud more value is being placed upon it as a means of renewing exhausted lands. In the cultivation of the cereals, the dis- tinctive features of the husbandry of Crawford County are plainly marked. The aim of the early settlers was, obviously, to derive from their lands, their only resource, a simple but sure subsistence, and, to this end, a system of mixed husbandry was a necessit}'. Their descendants, hedged about by the results of their fathers' experience, and aiming to sell their surplus product in such form as would take from the land the smallest amount of its fertility, have, from the nature of the case, fol- lowed in their footsteps. The Maumee Valley, while not rivaling the Miami or the Muskingum Valleys, as a wheat countr^^ is, nevertheless, well adapted to its cultivation. Of this divi- sion of the State, Crawford County's average for nine years, immediately subsequent to 1849, 14,781 acres, producing 187,980 bushels, was third in the list of counties. This showing would, doubtless, have been greatly changed, had not so large a proportion of her territory been devoted to stock-raising. In 1876, though the acreage had increased to 23,281 acres, with a product of 232,075 bushels, it had been out- stripped by Sandusky Count}', which had in- creased from an acreage of some 12,000 to over 30,000 acres in 1876, and stood fourth in the list. In the report of 1879, Crawford Count}^ still retained its position of 1876, with a breadth sown of 29,880 acres, and a product of 017,786 bushels. In the early culture of wheat, a great man}^ discouragements were met- The first settlers found the blackbirds an almost insuperable oljstacle, and, when rid of this pest, found it of so i*ank a gi'owth as to be unfit for use, which gained it the name of "sick wheat." Later, the weevil destroyed it year after year, and, when no particular excep- tion could be taken to the season, the crop seemed to fail because it was in an uncongenial climate. During the period succeeding 1849. the yield, it will be observed, was less than thirteen bushels. In 1876, the yield was still lower, being less than ten bushels to the acre, but for the last four 3'ears, the product per acre has rapidl}' increased, as it was, in 1878, over ^ 278 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY twenty bushels per acre. During later years, and especially during the past four prosperous years, there has been a marked improvement in the results of wheat culture. The grain seems to have become acclimated ; and farmers, gain- ing more confidence in its stability, have sown during the present season — fall of 1880 — a larger breadth than any year previous. The favorite seed in earl}' years, was the old blue- stem. This, however, was late in maturing, and proved objectionable on that account. This was supplanted by the Mediterranean, which matured some ten daj^s earlier, and is still cul- tivated to a considerable extent. Under con- tinued cultivation, it has lost much of its '' rye appearance," to which man}' had objections. The Fultz wheat was introduced by Dr. George Keller, by seed from the Agricultural Depart- ment at Washington, about 1872. This is get- ting to be a favorite with the farmers, and larger quantities are being sowed. Experi- ments have been made with the Genesee, white Mediterranean and Amber. No particular sys- tem has been adopted in the cultivation of this grain. At an early date, the practice of plow- ing "bare fallows" during the summer, and then re-plowing the same, before sowing in wheat, was occasionally practiced, but it is now resorted to in scarcely a single instance. The object seems to be to put no work into the cultivation of the grain, that can be possibly avoided, and get passable results. There seems to exist, also, a feeling among a large class of the farmers, that improved methods are an in- jury to the soil, and that the old wa}' is the only safe way. Corn ground is sometimes used for growing wheat, but generally it is sown on oat or flax stubble lands. After plowing, manure is spread upon the surface ; and, when the seed is sown broad-cast, the wheat and manure are harrowed in together. When the drill is em- ployed, as in a majority of cases, the manure is well harrowed in in the first place. The practice of sowing wheat upon the same ground for several successive years, does not obtain to an}' great extent, save where occasionally the soil seems well-nigh exhausted. The breadth of land sown is quite uniform, with a gradual increase from an average of 14,000 acres up to 1858, to 23,000 in 1876, and some 30,000 acres in the present year. The diflflculty experienced in commanding anything like a complete file of the State Reports, renders anj'thing like a com- parative statement impossible, and we shall be obliged in this chapter to forego any attempt at tabulated statement. The grain is threshed in t^e barn or barn^'ard, the straw being piled, with little effort at stacking, in the 3'ard adjoin- ing. Horse machines were introduced about 1840, which, with the various improvements, held the ground until late years, since when, the steam thresher ha^ been the favorite. Trac- tion engines are used bonsiderably, as the level character of the land is quite suitable to this mode of locomotion. E.3'e and barle}' are but little cultivated. The former is cultivated almost exclusively for the straw, which finds a ready sale in limited quantities for binding stalks, and, when chopped up, as packing for eggs. The average yield of the grain is about fifteen bushels per acre. Barle}' is occasionall}' raised to some extent and, where the soil is fitted for it, proves a valuable crop. Its cultivation, however, has received very little local encouragement. Though there are several brewing establish- ments in the county, there is very little local demand, as the}' use corn principally in their manufactures. The crop for 1878 was 4,658 bushels from 232 acres — an average of a trifle over twenty bushels per acre. This is a considerable falling-oft' from the earlier years. In the early history of the county, buck- wheat was sown considerably, as a substitute for wheat, but, as the culture of the latter grain prospered, the former has become less promi- nent, and the acreage has shrunk from an aver- ■?l; HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 281 age of 867 acres in 1850-58, to 169 acres in 187G, and 40 acres in 1878. Oats are extensively grown, but find a home demand nearly equal to the supply. It is a reasonably sure crop, and, though occasionally affected by droughts, it. is relied upon with con- siderable confidence. Rust has at times proved a serious drawback in the earl}' years, but it has not been a subject of serious complaint in later years. The breadth sown is quite uniform, and does not vary materially, save to gradually' increase in extent. The crop in 1878, was 617,- 968 bushels from 17,283 acres, which was an average crop for the past five years. The corn crop, while not grown to the exclu- sion of the others, is one upon which the farm- ers most confidentl}' rely, and the land devoted to its culture, especially in the southern part of the county, is onl}' limited by the necessities of the situation. It is far more stable in its yield, less liable to disease, and may be slighted in its cultivation with greater impunity, than any other crop. The soft varieties of seed are gen- erally preferred, and are usuall}- planted on sod ground, though a second crop off the same field is not an uncommon occurrence. It is usuall}' well put in, the gi'ound being prepared with considerable care, and worked until it " tassels out."' The old rule of "going through" the field a certain number of times before " laying by '" the crop, has long since been abandoned by the better farmers. The last plowing, after the corn has reached the height of five or six feet, is considered the most effective in its cul- tivation, but the exigencies of the season often prevent the fai-mer's bestowing this crowning attention. The majorit}- of the farms in the northern part of the county being small and worked principally by the owners alone, the wheat and clover cutting coming close together, frequently obliges the small farmer to slight his corn. When, however, the farmer is able to hire help, or has boys who can be trusted to do the work, the plow is kept going through the corn, an expense that is ampl}^ repaid by the increased yield. The manner of harvesting the crop differs materially in the different sections of the county. Among the small farmers of the north part of the county, the crop is usu- ally cut and husked in the field, and the stalks either stacked or hauled to the barn for use during the winter. In the other section of the county, when lai'ge farms are the rule, and feed- ing stock the leading occupation, the crop is freq'uenth' not cut or husked at all. The gen- eral practice is to husk enough to supply horses with feed, and the rest left standing for the cat- tle and hogs that are turned in to feed indis- criminatel}'. Husking from the standing stalk is practiced occasionally, but it is generall}- considered wasteful of time and material. The Maumee Valle}' for years was greatly retarded in its development on account of the lack of natural drainage, which converted a vast terri- tory into what is generally known as the Black Swamp, ard by the Indian reservation, which held large tracts of land out of the market. Since 1850, however, there has been a rapid ad- vance in the cultivation of cereals, and this di- vision is rapidly gaining upon the Scioto and Miami Valleys, which have so long constituted the corn-fields of Ohio. Among the eighteen counties that make up this division — the north- west part of the State — Crawford stands third in her corn product, with an average yield of 615,370 bushels from 18,943 acres in 1850-58. 1,159,259 bushels from 29,777 acres in 1876, and 1,531,111 bushels from 32,048 acres in 1878. But a comparativelv small proportion of this is exported, the greater part of the product be- ing consumed bv stock fed in all parts of the county. Some of the largest results shown In* farmers in raising this crop were b}' Linus Ross, in 1852, one acre, with a 3'ieldof 126 bushels ; by E. Barritt, in 1853, three acres, with an av- erage yield of 129.2 bushels per acre ; by S. S. Caldwell, in the same year, three acres, with an average of 124.25 per acre, and in 1859, b}' Jo- 282 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. seph Kerr, from one acre, 128 bushels, Abel Dewalt, from one acre, 117.29 bushels, and Abram Eckart, from one acre, 117 bushels. The other crops that occupy or have occupied a more or less prominent place among the agri- cultural products of the county, are potatoes, flax or sorghum. The quality of this soil is well adapted to the raising of potatoes, and farmers who have given considerable attention to the proper cultivation of this highly prized and indispensable esculent, have always been well rewarded for their labor and painstaking. It is a staple vegetable, universally used, always commands a fair price, and its general cultiva- tion for exportation would undoubtedl}^ prove highl}^ remunerative. The fact, however, seems to have been overlooked or the obstacles greatly exaggerated, and no more are produced than are needed for the home supply. The leading varieties are the Early Rose, Early Ohio, with the Peerless and Peachblow cultivated in con- siderable quantities as a winter potato. The Triumph is highly prized and cultivated by some, while the Prairie Seedling and White Peachblow are being cultivated as experiments. The Neshannock, Early Climax, Brownell's Beauty, Beauty of Hebron, Dunsmore Seedlings, are among those that have strong friends among the farmers. The average 3neld of this crop is good, and is not often seriously affected b}^ disease or insects. Flax, although grown in this county to some extent every year, is subject to violent fluctua- tions in the acreage devoted to its culture. It is now raised exclusively for the seed, which has become an important article of commerce, large amounts being purchased annually by the warehousemen at the villages of the county. It is an exacting crop, and the fiber is only in- cidentally valuable, owing to the unsalable con- dition in which it has to be sold ; an amount of discouragement which is only overbalanced by the fact that tlie seed frequently commands a high price, and is always a cash article. It is not relied upon to any great extent, however, as a source of revenue. Some years ago, a flax- mill at Galion, made a market for the fiber, but the usual fate of these institutions overtook it ; it was burned down, and the promise of busi- ness did not warrant it^ rebuilding. The history of the cultivation of sorghum cane in Crawford County, is similar to that of most other parts of the State. The first intro- duction of this cane in the United States, was by D. J. Brown, of the United States Patent Office. He procured the seed in France, and left it at the Patent Office in November, 1854, whence it was distributed through the States of Georgia and South Carolina. Here it was thoroughly experimented with, and a good sirup manufac- tured and exhibited at the fair of the United States Agricultural Society in 1857. Experi- ments were early made in Crawford, by William Cox, of Sandusky Township, but it did not take any strong hold in the county until 1862. In the early part of this year, the papers of the county took up the subject and urged upon the farmers the necessit}' of cultivating sorghum to suppl}' the deficiency of shipments from the South. This advice was quite generally heeded, and the first introduction of the seed was re- ceived b}' the farmers with great enthusiasm. The first seed, perhaps, was brought in about 1857, and small bags containing about half a pint, sold readily for a dollar each. The exper- imenters, however, were not over-sanguine, and, though the aggregate acreage reached a consid- erable extent, the largest amount under culti- vation on a single farm, was not more than two acres. The requisites for the successful culti- vation of this crop, as given by the most eminent authority upon the subject, R. G. Peters, of Georgia, are "First, appropriate soil : a warm, dry soil, and, where it is practicable, sandy loams or those of a limy nature ; rich upland rolls are better than bottoms ; sandy loams with clay subsoil are good ; au}^ soil good for winter wheat will do ; the rich, black :x: A HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 283 corn lands produce as large or larger stalks, but the juice is not so rich, nor the flavor of the sirup so good. Second, pure seed : Much of the cane of this country has become mixed with broom corn ; it will not pay to raise such ; the pure sorgo and one or two kinds of the im- phee will pay. One pound of good seed is enough for an acre. Third, proper culture : Plow deep, and let tlie ground be stirred afresh just before planting, that weeds may not get a start ; the largest yield may be had b}' drilling one way ; four feet one way by two the other, does very well ; most persons plant as they do corn ; cover not over half an inch with fine dirt ; don't plant until the ground is warm — from the 15th to the last of May, according to the season. Fourth, prepare the seed : Put the seed into a vessel, and pour boiling water on it ; after about a minute, tui'n it into a basket for the water to drain off, and cover it with a wet paper, and let it stand for about twenty-four hours in a warm place ; this will crack the hull, and cause it to start some seven or eight days sooner than if started dry, thereby causing it to get the start of the weeds and ripen earlier in the fall ; stir the ground from the time you can see the plant, until three feet high ; about six seeds in a hill is the correct quantity'. " The experience of the farmers here is summed up in an article b}' J. H. Cox, who took an active part in this project as follows : " Here comes a man with a load of cane, and the question is. how much cane did you plant ? ' Well, I planted about an eighth or a quai-ter of an acre (as the case may be), and after a long time it came up. I hadn't the ground in very good order ; and when it did come, I thought it was so small it wouldn't come to anything, so I just run through it a couple of times with the shovel plow, and let it go. I did not go to see it until after harvest, or until T went to cut up my corn, and T found it iuul done pretty well after all, considering the chance, so I cut it up, and brought it down to get it worked.' Here is another : He has done a lit- tle like the first, only he sowed buckwheat on his cane patch, and harrowed it over, but the cane would grow, and he got five gallons of ex- cellent molasses. We have made over 150 gal- lons of sirup from the cane grown on half an acre. * * * ^y^ have in our possession a gallon of sirup that we will put up in competi- tion with anything that anybody has made, and it was made from green cane. * * * My ex- pei'ience is. that it will stand more cold than corn. * * * It will stand drought better than corn, for the reason that the roots grow deeper than corn. Wet weather will work out its destruction. '* The papers were full of discussion of this sort, but with a unanimous conclusion in its favor. Mills, both iron and wooden, though the former were considered preferable, were secured and put into operation, and hundreds of gallons of the sirup manufact- ured. The first produced in most cases, owing to the lack of information on the subject, and the carelessness with which its manufiicture was conducted, was sony stuff. To the skeptical part of the community, this result strength- ened the prejudice formed against the under- taking and greatly discouraged many of the experimenters. Another cause which contrib- uted to this result, which is suggested in the foregoing quotations, was the exercise of a ruinous economy on the part of the majority of farmers. Instead of purchasing new seed, and sparing no pains to make a fair trial of this new crop, the majority of those who planted it borrowed seed of their neighbors and allowed the work of the farm to seriously interfere with the cultivation of the cane. The result was that the cane deteriorated in quantity and qual- ity, and the whole thing ^vas voted a tailure. A few. however, were not so easily discouraged, and kept up the experiment until a really fine molasses was obtained. Experiments involv- ing considerable expense were made to pro- *Bucyr>is J./tirn8(; IIISTOHY OF CHAWFOUI) COU>,'TY. borer arc to use the knife, cutting away the out- er hark iVom tlie cliaunel made by the insect, ami killino- the insect. Another remed}', which is hirgel}' used and found efficacious, is to ap- ply boiling water. The amount to be applied to a tree varies with its size. For a tree a year (till, a quart would be sufficient, while a pailful would do no harm to one of full size, as the earth would absorb the heat before it would penetrate the thick bark so as to injure. The best time to appl}- h( Front Royal was recaptured. The Eighth skirmished all the way from Rectortown, a dis- HISTORY OF CKAWFOKD COUNTY 301 tance of eighteen miles, capturing among other prisoners the famous Belle Boyd. Shields' division was soon after broken up, and, on the 3d and -Ith of Jul}-, the Eighth was thrown out toward the swamps of the Chickahominy, hav- ing several severe skirmishes, in which it lost a number of men. AVhile the army lay at Harrison's Landing, the Eighth was united with the Second Corps, French's division and Kimball's brigade, with which force it contin- ued during the remainder of its service. The Second Corps acted as rear guard to the army in its retreat until after it crossed the Chicka- homin}^ It then proceeded to Alexandria via Yorktown and Newport News, arriving on the 28th of July. On this march, until the troops arrived at Chain Bridge, the Eighth was under fire but once, and that at Grermantown, a few miles north of Fairfax Court House. Soon after this, the battles of South Mountain and Antietam took place. In the first, the corps to which the eighth belonged was not actively en- gaged, but crossed the mountain * and skir- mished with the enemy at Boonesboro and Keedysville, where a heavy artillery duel com- menced on the morning of the 16th of Septem- ber. In almost the first discharge of the enemy's guns, W. W. Farmer, a Color Sergeant of the Eighth, was killed. In the battle of Antietam, on the following day, the regiment particularl}' distinguished itself, cliangiug front together with the Fourteenth Indiana, a move- ment executed in fine style and at an oppor- tune moment, thereby saving the brigade from rout, and winning for it the title of the " Gib- raltar Brigade" from Gen. Sumner, who com- manded the Second Corps. After this battle, the regiment moved to Bolivar Heights, then to Falmouth, participating in a number of skirmishes by the way. On tlie 18th of December, at the battle of Fredericksburg, the Eighth formed the right wing of the forlorn hope, and in the movement lost twent}- -eight killed and wounded. The army remained in camp here until the 28th of April, 1863, when it crossed over the river and fought the battle of Chancellorsville, in which engagement the Eighth lost two men killed and eleven wounded. This was the last battle in which the gallant Eighth took part, until that of Gettysburg. In this hai'd-fought and brave- ly contested fight, it took an honorable part, and lost one hundred and two in killed and wounded. It followed in the pursuit of Gen. Lees army across the Potomac, participating in several skirmishes, and moved with the nation- al forces to the Rapidan. It was sent to New York City in August to quell the riots conse- quent upon the draft, after wliich it returned to tlie field and joined the arm}' at Culpepper, on the 10th of October, where it again fronted the enemy. In November, it took part in the battle of Robinson's Cross Roads, Locust Grove and Mine Run, acting most of the time as skirmishers. It, with the troops, crossed the Rapidan, Februar}- 6, 1864, and fought the battle of Morton's Ford, having several officers and men wounded. The campaign of 1864 opened on the 3d of May, and, in the battles which followed, the Eighth bore its accustomed part, and was under fire for two days, at one time. In these several engagements its loss was upward of sixty killed and wounded. In the numerous skirmishes from Spottsylvania to Petersburg, and in the battles of North Anna, Cold Harbor, and in front of Petersburg, it was activeh' engaged. The term of service of the gallant Eighth expired on the 25th of June, and it was relieved from duty, being at the time in the trenches before Petersburg. With a handful of war- worn veterans, comprising but seventy-two officers and men fit for dutj-, of the ten compa- nies, which had entered it three years before, the Eighth started for home. The little band was frequently greeted with tokens of respect on the way, especially at Zanesville where a collation was spread for them. It arrived at ^1 'ht 302 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Cleveland on the morning of July 3, and was cordially- received bv tlie Mayor and Military Committee. On the 13th of July, 1864, the regiment was paid oft', and formally mustered out of the llnited States service. The Twent3'-third Ohio Infantry is the next regiment in which Crawford County was repre- sented by an organized body of men. Compa- ny C was raised in and around Gallon, and was known originally as the " Gallon Guards.'' The}' were, man}' of them, railroad men, were a fine-looking bod}', and as good soldiers as went from the county during the war. The commis- sioned officers were John AV. Skiles, Captain ; J. R. McMuUin, First Lieutenant and T. P. Harding, Second Lieutenant. Capt. Skiles was an old soldier of the Mexican war, and an efficient officer. " He was wounded," says the Bucyrus Journal, '• at Middletown, Md., which resulted in the loss of an arm at the elbow." He was promoted to Major of the Eighty- eighth Ohio Infantry on the 29th of July, 1863, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Lieut. MciMullin was originally Captain of the old " Mansfield Artillery Com- pany," a position he creditably filled. He was early promoted to Quartermaster of the Twenty- third. Further information of the commis- sioned officers of Company C. we have been un- able to obtain. The Twenty-third was a regiment that turned out many gallant officers during the late war ; in fact, it was sometimes called " the regi- ment of Brigadier Generals." Among its first officers, several became noted Generals. Its first Colonel, Gen. Rosecrans, became one of the ablest Generals of the army. Scammon, Hayes (now President) and Stanley Matthews were also gallant officers. Several others be- came Brigadiers. The regiment was organ- ized at Camp Chase in June, 1861. and before leaving for the field Col. Rosecrans, its Com- mander, was promoted to Brigadier General, and Col. Scammon succeeded to the command of the Twenty-third. On the 25th of July, the regiment was ordered to West Virginia, where it arrived on the 27th, and the next day proceeded to Weston. For some time after its arrival in West Virginia, it operated principally against scattered bands of the enemy, being divided up into squads. On the 1st of Septem- ber, the regiment was united, and moved with the main body of Gen. Rosecrans' army, but participated in no particular engagement- During the winter its time was devoted chiefly to discipline and drill. Orders were received on the 17th of April, 1862, to quit winter quar- ters, and, accordingly, on the 22d the army moved in the direction of Princeton, the Twenty- third being in the advance. Princeton was reached May 1, but until the 8th the time was spent mostly in foraging and in slight skirmish- ing with the enemy. On the 8th, the Twenty- third was attacked by the rebel Gen. Heath, with an overwhelming force, and compelled to fall back, which it did in good order. During this expedition, the regiment suflfered extreme hardships, owing to the enemy having cut off all sources of supplies. It was ordered to Green Meadows on the 13th of July, and on the 15th of August orders were received to hasten to Camp Piatt, on the Great Kanawha, where it arrived on the morning of the 18thj having marched one hundred and four miles in a little more than three days — a march, claimed by its officers to be the fastest on record made by any considerable force. The regiment embarked for Parkersburg, where it took cars for Washington City, from whence it proceeded with Gen. McClollan's army to Frederick City. It reached IMiddletown, Md., on the 12th, where was commenced the battle of South Mountain, which culminated in the great battle of Antie- tam, on the 17th of September, in both of which engagements the Twenty-third took an active part. At South Mountain, it was the first Infantry engaged, being under command, r ^: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. :!03 at the time, of Lieut. Col. Ha3'es. In this en- gagement, Col. Hayes, Capt. Skiles (of Company C), Lieuts. Hood, Ritter and Smith, were badly wounded. Capt. Skiles was shot through the elbow and had his arm amputated. Additional to these, over one hundred were killed and wounded, out of three hundred and fifty who went into action. During the entire day, the regiment lost nearly two hundred men, of whom one-fourth were killed on the field, or after- ward died from their wounds. The regimental colors were riddled, and the blue field almost completely carried away by shells and bullets. In the battle of Antietam which followed, the Twenty-third fought with the Kanawha Divi- sion, and, though for a time fully exposed, es- caped without very great loss. It returned with the Kanawha Division to West Virginia, where it arrived on the 10th of October. After considerable marching and counter-marching in the Kanawha Valley, the regiment went into winter quarters at the falls of the Great Ka- nawha. In the early part of 1868, it was ordered to Charleston,Va.,when March, April, May, June and a part of Jul}- were spent in light duties. In the latter part of July, it participated in the Morgan raid, and did good service in heading off Morgan's band on the line of the Ohio River, at Buffington Bar and near Hockingport. It then returned to Charleston, Va., where it remained inactive until April 29, 1864, when it joined Gen. Crook for a raid on the "N'^irginia and Tennessee Railroad. This was a long and toilsome march over the mountains, but was cheerfully pei'formed. On the 9th of May, the battle of Cloyd Mountain was fought. In this engagement, Capt. Hunter, of Compan}- K, and Lieut. Seaman, commanding Company D, were killed ; Capt. Rice, Company A, was slightly wounded, and Lieut. Abbott, of Com- pany I, severely, while a large number of pri- vates were killed and wounded. Another en- gagement took place next day at New River Bridge, in which artillery was mostly used. The march was continued for many days, and the troops suffered accordingl}'. The Twenty- third arrived at Staunton, Va., on the 8th of June, where it joined Gen. Hunter's command. The three-3'ears term of the regiment expired on the 11th of June, when those not re-enlisting were sent home, also the old colors, which were no longer in a condition for service. The troops continued skirmishing in the country, and June 11 reached Lexington. Hei'e Gen. Hunter did an act unworthy of glory. By his order, the Military Academy, Washington Col- lege and Gov. Letcher's residence were burned. Says Whitelaw Reid : " Good discipline onl^- secured the execution of this order, which was protested against, formally, by Gens. Crook and Averill, and, tacitly, b}' nearly everj- oflScer and man of the entire command."' Skirmishing and fighting and marching continuously was the regular routine for some time, and culmi- nated in the retreat of the National forces from Lynchburg. The hardships endured may be fitly illustrated by the following extract from the diary of an officer of the Twenty-third : "June 19. — Marched all day, dragging along ver}- slowl}'. The men had nothing to eat. the trains having been sent in advance. It is al- most incredible that men should have been able to endure so much, but they never faltered, and not a murmur escaped them. Often men would drop out silently, exhausted, but not a woi'd of complaint was spoken. Shorth' after dark, at Liberty, had a brisk little fight with the enemy's advance ; reached Buford's Gap about 10 A. M. of the 20th. Gen. Crook remained here with Hayes' Brigade, holding the Gaj) until dark, inviting an attack. The army was. how- ever, too cautious to tlo more than skirmish. After dark we withdrew and marched all night to overtake the command in the advance. Reached Salem about 9 A. .M. Hunter had passed through Salem, and a body of the enemy's Cavalry had fallen upon his train and captured the gi*eater part of his artillery. - \3» :ij* :\^ 304 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. About the sumo time Crook was attacked in front and rear, and, after a sharp tight, pushed through, losing nothing. Heavy skirmishing all day, and nothing to eat, and no sleep. Continued the march until about 10 P. M., when we reached the foot of North Mountain and slept. At 4 A. M. next morning (22d)^ left in the advance, the first time since the re- treat commenced. By a mistake, a march of eight miles was made for nothing. Thus we toiled on, suffering intensely with exhaustion, want of food, clothing, etc. On the 27tli, a supply train was met on Big Sewell Mountain. Men all crazy. Stopped and ate ; marched and ate ; camped about dark, and ate all night. Maix'hed 180 miles in the last nine days, fighting nearly all the time, and with very little to eat." On the 1st of July, the column reached Charleston, where it took a rest until tiie 10th, when the Twenty-third embarked for Parkersburg. The command reached Martins- burg on the 1-lth, and on the ISth, moved to Cabletown, beyond Harper's Ferr^-. Hayes' brigade, including the Twent3--third, was sent to attack Early's army of 20,000 men in flank. The enemy had already whipped the First Di- vision, with the whole Sixth Corps to back them. After some heavy skirmishing, the Twenty-third and Twenty-sixth Ohio were sur- rounded b}' two divisions of the enemy's cav- alry, but fought their way out and returned to camp. In the battle of Winchester, on the 24th of July, the National forces were defeated after a well-contested fight. The Twenty-third lost in the engagement one hundred and fift^'-thi'ee men, ten of whom were commissioned officers. A series of marches and counter-marches were made, and continued until the 14th of August, when Duval's brigade had quite a battle with a large rebel force. The Twenty-third was in a hard fight at Berry ville on the 3d of September, which ttwk place after dark, in which it lost Capts. Austin and Gillis, both brave and gallant officers. The battle of Opequan fol- lowed on the 19th, and was one of the most se- vere fights of the war. Tlie regiment suffered heavily. It also took part in the battle of North Mountain on the 20th, suffering but a slight loss. The troops now enjoyed a rest un- til the 10th of October, whi'u the battle of Cedar Creek occurred, in which the Twenty- third participated with its accustomed bravery. It was to this battle, that Sheridan made his famous ride from Winchester, which is thus de- scribed by a chronicler of the time : " Suddenly there is a dust in the rear, on the Winchester pike ; and almost before they are aware, a young man in full Major General's uniform, and riding furiously a magnificent black horse, lit- erally ' flecked with foam,' reins up and springs off by Gen. Crook's side. • There is a perfect roar as everybody recognized Sheridan ! He talks with Crook a little while, cutting away at the top of the weeds with his riding-whip. Gen. Crook speaks half a dozen sentences that sound a gi-eat deal like the crack of the whip ; and b}^ that time some of the staflT are up. They are soon sent flying in all directions, etc." The regiment saw little more hard fighting after this, but was engaged mostl}' during the fall of 1864, as train guard, and on the 1st of January, 1865, proceeded to Cumberland, and on the 12th to Grafton. Here it was detailed to protect the railroad until the 19th, when it returned to Cumberland, and there remained in drill and discipline until March 1. After the surrender of Gen. Lee, the I'egiment lay in idleness until July 26, when the welcome order was received to " go home." The Twent^'-third was mus- tered out at Cumberland, and took the cars for Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, when it was paid off' and discharged. The Thirty-fourth Infantry drew a company from C^rawford Countj'. Company E was from this count}', and was organized with the following officers : J. W. Shaw, Captain ; F. B. Helwig, First Lieutenant, and W. H. Carpenter, Second Lieutenant. & V HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 305 Capt. Shaw was promoted to Major, October 10, 1862, to Lieutenant Colonel, July 18, 1863, and was killed July 24, 1864, at the battle of Winchester. First Lieut. Helwig was promoted to Captain, July 17, 1862, and mustered out with regiment. Second Lieut. Carpenter was discharged August 1, 1863. Isaac P. Grover was promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 3, 1862, to First Lieutenant, March 2, 1864. and to Captain, September 30, 1864. Isaiah C. Lindsey was promoted to Second Lieutenant March 16, 1864, and as such mustered out. N. P. Marvell was promoted to Second Lieutenant, September 30, 1864, to First Lieutenant, No- vember 26, 1864, and mustered out April 4, 1865. The Thirtj^-fourth Regiment wa^ organized at Camp Lucas in July and August, 1861, and on the 1st of September it moved to Camp Dennison. It was there prepared for the field, and adopted as its uniform (a license allowable at that earl}' period of the war) a light blue Zouave dress. In compliment to their Colonel, A. S. Piatt, of Logan County, the name " Piatt Zouaves" was adopted. The regiment left Camp Dennison for Western Virginia on the 15th of September, 1861, with full ranks, and on the 20th arrived at Camp Enyart, on the Kanawha River. Its first battle was fought at Chapmansville, on the 25th, where it lost one man killed and eight wounded. During the re- mainder of autumn and winter, it was kept pretty busy in guarding the rear of Gen. Rose- crans' arm}'. In March, 1862, it was ordered to Gauley Bridge to join Gen. Cox in his dem- onstrations on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. It participated in the battle of Princeton on the 17th and 18th of May, losing several men, and having Lieuts. Peck and Peters wounded, and Capt. 0. P. Evans taken prisoner. In August, 1862, Gen. Cox was or- dered to join Gen. McClellan, when there were but six regiments left to guard the Kanawha Valley. The Thirty-fourth and Thirty-seventh were attacked at Fayetteville, on the morning of September 10, by a rebel force 10,000 strong, under Gen. Loring. By the aid of breastworks previously constructed, and a few pieces of ar- tillery, they were enabled to hold the place un- til midnight, when they evacuated it. The Thirty -fourth fought for a part of the time in an open field against odds, and necessarily lost heavily. Of six companies engaged (the other four being absent on a scout) the loss was 130, or fully one-third engaged. One-half of the offi- cers were either killed or wounded. Cutting their way out, they fell back to the Kanawha River, made a stand at Cotton Mountain the next day, and at Charleston on the 1 2th, where a severe engagement took place. From this point the National forces fell back to Point Pleasant, leaving the entire valley in the hands of the enemy. Gen. Cox returned, in October, with his command, and the valley was regained. Nothing of moment occurred from this time until in May, 1863, when the regiment was sup- plied with horses, and became ■' Mounted Rifles." An expedition, on the 13th of July, consisting of the Thirty-fourth, two companies of the First, and seven companies of the Second Virginia Cavalry, under command of Col. Toland, made a descent on the Virginia & Ten- nessee Railroad, and had a severe engagement at Wytheville, in which they were victorious, but lost heavily. Among the killed of the Thirty-fourth was Col. Toland. With his dying breath, he requested his horse and sword to be sent his mother. Tlie brigade left Camp Piatt with nearly one thousand men, marched six hundi'ed and fifty-two miles in eleven days, traversing some of the highest mountains in Western Virginia. Over two hundred and fifty horses were captured, together with three hun- dred and sixty prisoners, two pieces of artillery, and a large amount of commissary stores. Upon the fall of Col. Toland, the command de- volved on Lieut. Col. Franklin, who attempted 306 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. a retrograde movement, but found it difficult to perform from the great numbers of the enemy in the vicinity. For several days the command was moving aimlessly in the mountains, desti- tute of food for themselves or horses, and con- tinuously harassed b}' the rebel cavalry. The command finally reached W^'theville considera- bly worn out and exhausted. Several short , expeditions under Gen. Duffie, who had as- \ sumed command of the Kanawha cavalry, closed the year's campaign. About two-thirds of the Thirty-fourth re-en- | listed as veterans in January, 1864. Another i expedition in May, against the Virginia & Ten- nessee Railroad, was inaugurated, in which the Thirty-fourth participated, but without any se- vere loss. It left Meadow Bluffs, where it had been some time stationed, to join Gen. Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley, and at Panther Gap Mountain had a slight skirmish. On the 5th of June, it reached Goshen, where another slight skirmish took place with a body of the enemy's cavalry. Staunton was reached on the 8th of June, where the regiment joined Gen. Hunter in his disastrous raid to Lynchburg. The com- mand passed through Brownsburg, Lexington, Buckhannon, and, crossing the Blue Ridge at the Peaks of Otter, reached the town of Lib- erty on the 16th, where another skirmish oc- curred. The attack was made on L^-nchburg in the afternoon of the 18th, and was partially suc- cessful, but a re-enforcement of twenty thou- sand men from Richmond, under the rebel Gen. Early, so strengthened the town, that the national forces found it advisable to fall back. The Thirty-fourth suffered severely. The re- treat commenced at dark on the evening of the 19th, the rear being heavily pressed by the enemy. A second skirmish took place at Lib- erty. At Salem, Gen. Hunter lost most of his artillery, but the mounted portion of the Thir- ty-fourth, being a few miles in the rear, hurried to the scene of action, and, under Lieut. Col. Shaw, succeeded in recapturing it. The retreat continued, and on the 1st of July, the exhausted, ragged and starved troops reached Charleston, and were permitted to rest. The constant skirmishing, the starved bodies and blistered feet of those who took part in it, made " Hun- ter's retreat from Lynchburg " an event long to be remembered. While lying at Charleston, the regiment was dismounted, and its horses and equipments turned over to the cavalry. On the 10th of July, it embarked for Parkers- burg. The regiment was now in the Shenan- doah Valley. On the 20th of July a fight oc- curred near Winchester, in which the Thirty- fourth lost ten men killed and twenty wounded. Four days later occurred the fourth battle of Winchester, in which Gen. Earl}', taking advan- tage of the absence of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, overwhelmed Gen. Crook ; the latter, however, effected a retreat with the loss of only a few wagons. In this battle. Gen. Duval's Brigade (of which the Thirty-fourth was a part) had the honor of bringing up the rear, and the Thirty-fourth suffered severely, losing their commander, Lieut. Col. Shaw, a cool and de- termined soldier and officer. Capt. G. W. Mc- Kay was severely wounded, and died at Sandy Hook, Md., where he was taken by his com- rades. The command of the regiment now de- volved on Capt. West, who sustained well his reputation as a brave and gallant officer. Several months were now spent in skirmish- ing, marching and counter-marching, and, on the 1st of September, the Thirty-fourth again occupied Charleston, where the regimental offi- cers were busil}' engaged in making up the nec- essary papers for the discharge of the non-vet- erans, who, on the morning of the 3d of Sep- tember, proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, in charge of Capt. West. The Thirty-fourth, during the few months previous to this, had been receiving new recruits, and now numbered between four and five hundred men, present and absent, be- sides the non-veterans. The regiment marched to Summit Point, where it lay in camp until the "TT HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 307 19tli of September, the day on which occurred Sheridan's famous battle of Winchester, it be- ing the third time the regiment had fought over nearly- the same ground. It suffered terribly that day, the color-guard having no less than six men, in quick succession, killed and wound- ed while carr3ang the flag. It was finally brought through safely by George Rynals, of Company A. On the 22d occurred the battle of Fisher's Hill. The loss of the Thirty-fourth in these two engagements was sixty-one killed. It participated in the battle of Middletown, where, it behaved with its accustomed bravery. Its loss was two killed, twelve wounded and eight- een prisoners, among the latter Lieut. Col. Fui*- nej', who escaped at Mount Jackson a few daj's thereafter and rejoined his command. On the 11th of Januar}^, 1865, the Thirty-fourth and a part of the Eighth Cavalry were attacked at Beverley by the rebel Gen. Rosser. So secret was the attack that nearly the entire force was captured, though many afterward escaped. The survivors fell back to Philippi, and from there were ordered to Cumberland, Md., where they were consolidated with the Thirty-sixth Ohio. This union dates from Februar}' 22, 1865, in which the old Thirt^'-fourth lost its identity, the new organization being known as the Thirty- sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry. The Forty-ninth Infantry contained a com- pany of Crawford County men, viz., Company B. It was organized with the following com- missioned officers ; Amos Keller, Captain ; A. H. Keller, First Lieutenant ; and J. N. Biddle, Second Lieutenant. Capt. and Lieut. Keller were killed in the battle of Stone River. The Bucyrus Journal says; "February 15, 1863, the funeral of Capt. Amos Keller and Lieut. A. H. Keller took place in Bucyrus, the largest ever in the town. They were of Company B, of the Forty-ninth Regiment. Both wei"e born in the same month, ten years apart, and both sleep in the same grave in Oakwood Cemetery. Both were wounded at Stone River, December 31, 18G2. Amos lived thii'ty-six hours, and A. H. lived until January 25, 1863." This regiment was organized at Tiffin, under special authority from the Secretary of War. It moved to Camp Dennison on the 10th of Sep- tember, 1861, received its equipments on the 21st, and proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where it arrived next day, and reported to Gen. Robert Anderson, who had just assumed command at that place. It was the first organized regiment to enter Kentucky. Its reception was cordial in the extreme. A magnificent dinner was given them at the Louisville Hotel, and the members of the regiment had a good time generally. In the evening, it took the cars for Lebanon Junc- tion, with orders to report to Gen. Sherman, in command at that point. The next morning, it crossed Rolling Fork and marched to Elizabeth- town, and went into Camp Nevin. When the Second Division of the Army of Ohio was or- ganized later, the Forty-ninth was assigned to the Sixth Brigade, Gen. R. W. Johnson com- manding. From the 17th of December to the 14th of February. 1862, the regiment lay in camp, perfecting drill and discipline. It left camp for Nashville, where it arrived on the 3d of March, and established Camp Andrew John- son. On the 16th, it moved with Buell's army to join Grant's forces at Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived on the morning of the 6th of April, and went into battle with its brigade. During the battle, it twice performed the haz- ardous movement of changing front under fire. In the succeeding operations against Cor- inth, the Forty-ninth took part, having a sharp fight at Bridge's Creek, and at other points on the way, entering Corinth on the 30th of May. It participated in the great race of Bragg and Buell to Louisville, K}-., arriving at the latter place on the 29th of September. Resting but a few da^'s, it resumed the march in pursuit of the enemy. Though not in the battle of Perry- ville, yet it was engaged in skirmishing all the wav from Louisville to Crab Orchard. It 308 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. marcliod from Crab Orchard to Bowling Green, and then to Nashville. On the 2()th of Decem- ber, Gen. Rosecrans, then commanding the Army of the Cumberland, commenced his movement against Murlreesboro. In these operations the Forty-ninth took an active part and suffered se- verely. When the great battle opened, the en- tire field and staff of the Forty-ninth were pres- ent ; at its close, the regiment was in command of the Junior Captain, S. F. Gray. It was in this battle that Capt. and Lieut. Keller, of Com- pany B, were wounded, from which both after- ward died. By the capture of Gen. Willich, Col. Gibson, of the Forty-ninth, succeeded to the command of the brigade ; Lieut. Col. Drake was killed while bravel}' cheering on his men ; Maj. T^orter was wounded, and all the Senior Captains either killed or wounded. June 24, 1863. the regiment moved from Murfreesboro and had a severe engagement at Liberty Gap, where it lost several men. July 1, it reached Tullahoma and went into camp. The Fort}^- ninth, in the battle of Chickamauga, under com- mand of Maj. Gray, did some hard fighting and suffered severe loss. In the second day's fight, it is claimed that the Fortj'^-ninth, in connection with Goodspeed's battery, the Fifteenth Ohio and other troops, saved Thomas' Corps from being utterly swept from the field. When the National forces withdrew at night, the Forty- ninth, with its brigade, was the last to retire. On the 24th of November, it took part in the fight at Mission Ridge, and was among the first to plant its colors upon the summit. Soon after this, it moved with Granger's corps to the re- lief of Burnside, at Knoxville. This was one of the hardest campaigns of the war, and, in the midst of it, the gallant Forty-ninth, almost to a man, re-enlisted, and then came home to Ohio on a furlough, where it was received with great honor. The regiment, at the expiration of its fur- lough, reported at the headquarters of the Fourth Corps at Cleveland, Tenn., where the National forces were then concentrating and i*e-organizing for the Atlanta campaign. In this arduous campaign, the history of the regi- ment was that of the Fourth Army Corps. It took part in the engagements of Dalton, lle- saca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoo- chie River and Atlanta, exhibiting in every emergenc}' its qualities of courage and disci- pline, and suffering severely in the loss of men killed and wounded. When the arm}' was di- vided and Sherman commenced his march to the Sea, the Forty-ninth remained with the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Thomas, and participated in all the skirmishes, and the bat- tles of Franklin and Nashville. Before Nash- ville, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, it took part in several brilliant charges made by the Fourth Army Corps, and suffered severely in killed and wounded. After the pursuit of Hood's army ceased, it returned and went into camp at Huntsville, Ala., and remained there until the middle of March, 1865. On the 15th of June, it was sent to Texas. Four months it endured the hard service of that section, and was mustered out of the service at Victoria on the 30th of November, 1865. The following statistics will show something of the hard service of the Forty-ninth: "The whole number of names upon its rolls is one thousand five hundred and fifty-two ; eight of- ficers were killed in battle, and twent}' wounded, six mortall}'. Of the privates, one hundi*ed and twenty-seven were killed in battle, seventy-one were mortally wounded, one hundred and sixty- five died from hardships or disease, and seven perished in rebel prisons at Andersonville and Danville. Six hundred and sixteen were dis- charged on account of wounds or other disabil- ity. Five survive with the loss of an arm, and two with the loss of a leg. The men of the reg- iment suffered nine hundred and forty-two gun- shot wounds. The Sixty-fourth Infantry comes next in the calendar, and drew from Crawford County Com- V HISTOEY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 309 panj H, and furnished, also, recruits to Company K. Company H was organized with E. B. Finley, Captain ; William Starr, of Crestline, First Lieu- tenant, and Pinknc}^ Lewis, Second Lieutenant. Of other commissioned officers of either Com- pany H, or Company K, we have been unable to learn anything definite or of special impor- tance. This regiment was organized at Mansfield, November 9, 1861, and was a part of what was known as the " Sherman Brigade." About the middle of December, it moved to Cincinnati, thence to Louisville, K}". December 26, it pro- ceeded to Bardstown, Ky., and was there bri- gaded, after which it moved to Hall's Gap. After the battle of Mill Springs, it was ordered to Bowling Green, where it joined the national forces, and then proceeded to Nashville, Tenn. It remained at Nashville but a few days, when it was ordered to Pittsburg Landing, but did not arrive on the battle-field until 11 o'clock of the 7th of April, and then the bruut of the great battle was bver. One Company of the regiment, however (Company A, Capt. Mcll- vaine) succeeded in getting into action. The Sixtj'-fourth participated in the siege of Corinth, and afterward was sent to luka, Tus- cumbia, Decatur, Huntsville and Stevenson. Here it erected Fort Harker, in honor of its brave Brigade Commander. About the 1st of August, 1862, it moved with its brigade to Nashville, and from there with the national forces pushed on after Gen. Bragg to Louis- ville. The regiment remained at Louisville about ten days, when it marched toward Perrj'- ville, and had the mortification of witnessing that battle without permission to help their hard-pressed comrades. Following the enemy beyond Wild Cat, the national forces then re- turned, and proceeded to Nashville, and went into camp three miles from the city. The next battle in which the Sixty-fourth participated was that of Stone River. Li this battle, it did some hard fighting, and of about three hun- di-ed engaged, it lost seventy -five killed and wounded. A t Mu rfreesboro and the fighting and skirmishing incident thereto the Sixty-fourth bore its part. In the battle of Chickamauga (19th and 20th of September) it lost in killed wounded and missing over one hundred men. Falling back to Chattanooga, it was mostly em- ployed on picket duty until the movement of the national forces, under Hooker. It took part in the battle of Mission Ridge, and lost Capt. King, killed, and several men. In Jan- uary, 1864, about three-fourths of the regiment re-enlisted, and was sent home on furlough for thirty days. They were warmly received at Mansfield, and given a grand supper. At the expiration of its furlough, the regiment left for the front, arriving at Chattanooga on the 1st of April. The movements commenced now against Atlanta, and at the battle of Rock}' Face Ridge, Col. Alexander Mcllvaine then in command of the Sixty-fourth, and Lieut. Thomas H. Ehlers, with nineteen men were killed and sixt^'-five were wounded. At Resaca, on the 14th of June, the regiment lost several men killed and wounded, and on the 18th, at Muddy Creek, it again participated, but with slight loss. Dur- ing the whole campaign, it was almost con- stantl}' engaged in skirmishing, and, at the bat- tle of Peach-Tree Creek, on the 20th of July, Among its loss, was Sergt. Marion Trage, of Company H., who was shot through the head. From the date its brigade and division moved in front of Atlanta, until the 26th of x\ugust, the Sixty-fourth was almost hourly under fire. At Jonesboro, on the 3d of September, and at Lovejoy Station, on the 6th, it was engaged with but slight loss. After the fall of Atlanta, it went into camp there, until dispatched with the Fourth Army Corps in pursuit of Hood to Chattanooga ; while there, it received four hundred new re- cruits from Ohio. It now went on a recon- naissance in pursuit of Hood to Alpine, Ga., after which it returned to Chattanooga. At the (S w^ 310 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. battle of Spring PTill, the regiment was engaged, but its loss was slight. From that place, it proeeeded to Franklin, and took part in that battle, with a very severe loss, in killed, wounded and missing. This was the last struggle in this part of the country. The Sixty -fourth was sent to New Orleans, in June, where it remained three months, and was then sent to Victoria, Tex. Here, it performed garrison duty until December 3, 1865, when it was mustered out of the service and sent home. The Eighty-sixth Infantry also drew a com- pan}- from this county, together with some of its field officers, of whom W. C. Lemert was Major, and afterward, when the regiment was re-organized, was its Colonel. Company K was officered as follows : E. C. Moderwell, Captain ; Samuel Sraalley, First Lieutenant, and Horace Potter, Second Lieutenant ; J. M. McCracken was Orderly Sergeant ; J. B. Scroggs, Sergeant Major ; B. F. Lauck, Quartermaster's Sergeant, and H. V. Potter, Regimental Postmaster. The Eight3^-sixth was a three months' regi- ment, raised under the President's call for sevent}"-five thousand men, in May, 1862. There were two organizations, numbered as the Eighty-sixth Infantry, the one for three months ; the other for twenty-four months. The first, or three months' regiment, left Camp Chase for Western Virginia, on the 16th of June, 1862, and operated in that section of the country during its term of service. It was engaged mostly at Clarksburg and Parkersburg, in skirmishing with prowling bands of rebels, and in garrison duty. After its thrc^e months had expired, it returned to Camp Delaware, where it was paid off and discharged. The rebels, however, still manifesting a pur- pose to invade the northern border States, some of the old officers conceived the idea of re-or- ganizing the Eighty-sixth for six months. Maj. Lemert, of Bucyrus, received permission from Gov. Tod, and completed the organization of the regiment at Camp Cleveland, becoming its Colonel. About the time the regiment was completel}' organized, the rebel G-en. Morgan was making his raid through Indiana and Ohio, and by orders of Gov. Tod, the Eighty-sixth was ordered to join in his pursuit, and, accord- ingly, it participated in that short but intensely lively campaign. After the capture of Mor- gan, the regiment returned to Camp Tod, and on the 8th of August, 1863, was ordered to Camp Nelson, Kentucky, there to join in an expedition against Cumberland Gap. After the capture of the Gap, the Eighty-sixth re- mained as a part of the garrison, until its term of service expired. On the 16th of January, 1864, it started for home, arriving at Cleveland on the 26th, and on the 10th of February, it was mustered out of the United States service. The One Hundred and First Infantry con- tained two companies from Crawford County, viz., Companies C and E. The first was or- ganized with the following officers : B. B. Mc- Donald, Captain ; Isaac Anderson, First Lieu- tenant, and J. B. Biddle, Second Lieutenant. Capt. McDonald was promoted to Major Decem- ber 26, 1863, and to Lieutenant Colonel Feb- ruary 18, 1864, in which position he was mus- tered out with the regiment. Lieut. Anderson resigned January 2, 1863, on account of disa- bility ; Second Lieut. Biddle was killed Decem- ber 31, 1862. W. N. Beer was promoted from Sergeant Major to First Lieutenant on the 2d of January, 1863, and to Captain March 19, 1864, and, as such, mustered out with the regi- ment. J. M. Roberts was promoted to Second Lieutenant for braver}' at the battle of Murfrees- boro, Decembei", 31, 1862 ; to First Lieutenant March 19, 1864, and to Captain February 10, 1865, and was transferred to Company K. The almost romantic story of the capture of Capt. McDonald and a number of his com- rades and the Captain's escape from Libby Prison is well-known to the people of Crawford County. He was captured September 20, 1863, during the Chattanooga campaign, and re- — ® rr ii.: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 311 mained in that " Black Hole of Calcutta," Libby Prison, until the spring of 1864, when he, with a few fellow-officers, escaped b}' tun- neling underneath the prison-walls. There is in possession of his family, a large photograph of Libby Prison, in which his own quarters, while a prisoner within its somber walls, is marked. His daughters in Bucj'rus have care- fully preserved, as a relic, the chisel which he used in tunneling out of prison. It is a relic they highh' prize as the instrument which assisted their father, a gallant officer, to libert}-. Company E was organized with the follow- ing commissioned officers : William C. Par- sons, Captain ; Lyman Parcher, First Lieuten- ant, and Robert D. Lord, Second Lieutenant. Capt. Parsons died November 15, 1862 ; Lieut. Parcher was promoted to Captain, November 15, 1862; and resigned February 26, 1863. Second Lieut. Lord was promoted to First Lieutenant, November 15, 1862 ; to Captain, Februar}- 26, 1863, and was honorabl}' dis- charged August 12, 1863. Samuel S. Blowers was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and re- signed January' 9, 1864. Of other promotions and commissioned officers in Compan}^ E, we have been unable to learn anything definite. The One Hundred and First was one of that series of patriotic regiments raised in the dark days of 1862, when the national cause seemed to be drifting into final defeat. It was organ- ized and mustered into the service at Monroe- ville, on the 30th day of August, 1862. On the 4th of September, it was hurried off to Cincinnati, though scarcely read}- for field-serv- ice, and thence to Covington, to assist in repel- ling a threatened attack of Gen. Kirby Smith. September 24, it proceeded to Louisville, Ky., and was incorporated into Gen. Buells army, then Ij'iug at that place, after its forced march after Gen. Bragg. It was placed in the brigade commanded bj' Gen. Carlin, and in the division of Gen. Robert B. Mitchell. October 1, it marched with the national forces in pursuit of Gen. Bragg, and took part in the battle of Per- ryville, on the 8th of October. This was the initial battle of the One Hundred and First, and it bore itself bravel}' during the entire en- gagement, meriting and receiving the praises of both its brigade and division commanders, and losing several men. It followed in pursuit of the Rebels, and, at Lancaster, K}^, had a pretty severe skirmish with their rear-guard. Its march was continued through Crab Orchard, Danville, Lebanon and Bowling Green, and thence to Nashville, Tenn. At Nashville, Gen. Jeff C. Davis took command of the division, and on the 26th of December it marched with the army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Rose- crans. On the same evening, a force of the enemy was met by the Second Brigade, of Gen. Davis' division, of which the One Hundred and First was a part, and a severe skirmish took place. During the engagement, the One Hun- dred and First carried the crest of a hill under a heav}' fire, and captured two bronze field- pieces. The regiment, being a new one, be- haved like veterans, particularly signalizing itself. One of the guns captured had on it the word "Shiloh," and belonged to Georgia troops. On the 30th of December, the brigade to which the One Hundred and First belonged, was the first to arrive on the battle-field of Stone River. It engaged the enemy's outposts that evening, and drove them in with quite a severe skirmish. The regiment lay down on its arms at night, to dream of home, and man}' to sleep their last. With its brigade it stood firm, and was the first troops to receive the shock of battle, which came at daylight on the memorable 31st of December. During the en- tire fight, the One Hundred and First continued in the hottest, taking up six different positions and stubboinil}' maintaining them during the da}'. Col. Stern and Lieut. Col. Wooster were both killed on the front line of the army, and both died leading on their men to deeds of daring. The regiment continued in the front k 312 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. of the battle until its close, and lost sev^en offi- cers and two hundred and twelve men killed and wounded. During tlie remainder of the winter, the One Hundred and First was enga<>ed on expeditions around Murfreesboro, suffering- very much from fatigue and exposure. Says a publication of that day : " It was no uncommon tiling to see as many as fifty men of the regi- ment marching without shoes on their feet, and so ragged as to excite both the sj'mpathies and risibilities of their companions. This march- ing up and down the country — the purposes of utility of which were oftentimes wholly un- known — lasted until April 1863, when the regi- ment was allowed to go into camp at Murfrees- boro for rest, and for the purpose of perfecting its drill." The Tullahoma campaign was inaugurated the 24th of June, and the One Hundred and First moved with that portion of the army which operated at Liberty- Gap. Here they were en- gaged with the enemy for two days, and lost a number of men. It followed the fortunes of the army up to Chattanooga, and at the close of that campaign was with Gen. Davis' division at Winchester, Tenn. It marched on the Chatta- nooga campaign, August 17, and crossed the Tennessee River at Caperton's Ferry. From there it marched over Sand and Lookout Mountain, to near Alpine, Ga.; counter-mai'ch- ing, it recrossed Lookout Mountain to the field of Chickamauga, where it engaged in that bat- tle on the 19th and 20th of August, displaying great coolness and gallantry. During the sec- ond day's battle, the One Hundred and First re- took a National battery from the enemy, fighting over the guns with clubbed muskets. At Chat- tanooga, the army was re-organized, and the One Hundred and First Ohio became a part of the First Brigade, First Division, of the Fourth Army Corps, and on the 28th of Octo- ber this f)rigade marched to Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained in camp until January 16, 1864, and then marched to Ooltewali, Tenn. May 3, it moved with its brigade on tin; At- lanta campaign, and bore its part in all the hard fighting, until the fall of Atlanta changed the tiieater of war to another section. Its loss was heavy in the several battles and skirmishes of that arduous campaign. It marched from Atlanta to Pulaski, Tenn., and from there to Nashville. At the battle of Franklin, the One Hundred and First was ordered to retake an angle in the works held by the enemy. This it succeeded in doing, and held them until 10 o'clock P. M., although the enemy was within bayonet reach. In the battle of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, the One Hundred and First participated in the assault upon the enemy's works. After the battle and rout of Hood, it followed in pursuit as far as Lexington, Ala., and then marched to Huntsville, where it went into camp. It remained here until June 12, 1865, when with other regiments it was mus- tered out of the service. It at once started for home, and at Cleveland, Ohio, was paid off and discharged. The following, from the Bucyrus Journal of June 24, 1865, is a fitting finale to the history of this gallant regiment : " The One Hundred and First regiment has been mus- tei'ed out, and the members belonging to this count}' arrived at home during the past week. This regiment was recruited in Erie, Huron, Seneca, Wyandot and Crawford Counties, and left for the front on the 4th of September, 1862, nine hundred and eighty strong, under command of Col. Leaiider Stern, a prominent citizen of Tiffin. He fell at the battle of Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862. The following is the pres- ent roster of the regiment : Colonel, I. M. Kirby ; Lieutenant Colonel, B. B. McDonald ; Major, J. M. Latimer ; Chaplain, Rev. E. M. Cravath ; Adjutant, James L. Neff; Surgeon, T. M. Cook ; Assistant Surgeon, H. H. Russell ; Quartermaster, 0. J. Benham. Company A — Lieutenant, B. F. Bryant. Company B — ^Cap- tain, J. C. Butler ; Lieutenant, Charles Mor- r HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 313 foot. Company C — Captain, D. Smith ; Lieu- tenant, J. R. Homer. Company D — Captain, J. M. Latimer. Company E — -Lieutenant, J. M. Williamson. Company F — Captain, G. W. Hale. Company Gr — Captain, J. P. Fleming ; Lieutenant, J. F. Webster, Company H — Captain, W. N. Beer. Company I — Lieutenant, J. C. Smith. Compau}' K — -Captain, James M. Roberts ; Lieutenant, W. R. Davis. Col. Kirby is a Brevet Brigadier Greneral. He went into the field as Captain of Company F, and has won his star by brave deeds, and wears his well-earned honors with becoming dignity. The regiment is under command of Lieut. Col. McDonald, and returns with two hundred and thirty-five men and twenty officers. The record of the One Hundred and First has been a glorious one, having participated in every important battle from Perr^^ville to Atlanta, and always in the hottest of the fight. It took a very active part in saving the day at the bloody battle of Franklin." The One Hundred and Twenty-third Infan- try was represented by a company from Craw- ford County, together with quite a number of scattering recruits in other companies of the same regiment. When orders w^ere received to raise this regiment, this count}^ obtained per- mission to recruit three of the ten companies. But one full company, however (Company H), was raised and mustered into the One Hundred and Twenty third. This companv was officered as follows : John Newman, Captain ; David S. Caldwell, First Lieutenant, and H. S. Beving- ton. Second Lieutenant. Capt. Newman re- signed February 3, 1863. Lieut. Caldwell was promoted to Captain February 3, 1863, and honorably discharged July 24, 1864. Lieut. Bevington was promoted to First Lieutenant February 3, 1863, to Captain January 6, 1865, and honorably discharged February 1, 1865. William A. Williams was promoted from Or- derly Sergeant to Second Lieutenant February 3, 1863, and honorably discharged July 29, 1864. This regiment was organized at Monroeville, in Huron County, and mustered into the United States service for three years. This process was completed on the 16th of October, 1862, and on the same day the regiment proceeded to Zanesville, and from thence to Marietta. From Marietta it proceeded direct to Clarksburg) Va., where it arrived on the 20th, and on the 27th, left for Buckhannon. The fall and winter were spent in continual marching and counter- marching, until January 10, 1863, when it pro- ceeded to Romuey, where it arrived on the 12th. Here six weeks were spent in scouting and guarding the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road. On the 1st of March the regiment was sent to Winchester, and made several raids up the Shenandoah Valley. On the evening of June 13, the One Hundred and Twenty-third with its brigade, had an engagement with Gen. Early's corps, in which it lost nearly one hun- dred men killed and wounded. On the 14th the national forces were driven into their forti- fications and hardl}' pressed by overwhelming numbers of the enemy. It was finally decided to evacuate the place, and the troops marched out of the works in silence, at 2 o'clock in the morning, leaving the heavy artillery in position, but spiked. On the ^lartinsburg road the enem}' was found in a strong position, and, in attempting to cut its wa}- through, the One Hundred and Twentj'-third lost fifty men killed and wounded. During this time, Col. Ely, of the Eighteenth Connecticut, who was tempora- rily in command of the brigade, without appar- ent cause, surrendered to the enemy ; the whole brigade, except Company D, of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-third, were made prisoners of war and sent to Richmond, where the officers of the One Hundred and Twent3'-third remained in Libby Prison about eleven months. Capt D. S. Caldwell and Lieut. William D. Williams made their escape. Maj. Kellogg, who was woiuided and made his escape at Winchester, collected the straafijlers of the remment at Mar- y\', [Jl 314 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tinsburg, where the paroled men, after exchange, joined him, about the 1st of September, 1863. At this place the regiment was newly armed and equipped, but, being deficient in officers, it was engaged mainl}' in provost and picket dut}', until March 1, 1864, when it was distributed as guards along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, between Harper's Feny and Monocacy Junction. The regiment was collected about the 1st of April, at Martiusburg, and from thence moved to Winchester. Under command of Gen. Sigel, it made a raid up the valley, and, after a sharp fight on the loth of May, at New Market, in which the One Hundred and Twenty-third lost seventy men in killed and wounded, Gen. Sigel was forced to fall back to Cedar Creek. In a short time he was superseded by Gen. Hunter, who made preparations at once for the memora- ble Lynchburg raid. This ill-fated expedition has alreadv been described in the history of some of the other regiments representing Craw- ford County. The history of the One Hundred and Twenty-third, in the expedition, was the history of those already given. Hard marching, almost constant skirmishing, exposure and fatigue were some of its hardships, with loss of a number of men killed, wounded and missing. On the last of June, the worn-out and famished troops reached Gaule}' Bridge, where supplies were met and distributed to the starving troops. For two months, the troops were marching from one place to another, scouting and foraging, and finally reached ^lartinsburg again, where the}' had a brief rest. From Martinsburg they proceeded to Harper's Ferr}-, and moved on to Loudoun A'^ alley, east of the Blue Ridge, for the purpose of intercepting ICarl^^'s retreat to the Shenandoah Valley. After numerous defeats and losses, the command of the national army, in the valley, was given to Gen. Sheridan, who soon changed the aspect of aflfairs. The rebels were defeated at Berryville and at Winchester, in both of which engagements the One Hundred and Twenty-third participated. Its loss was five officers and about fifty men. After these operations the national troops remained at Cedar Creek until the 19th of October, watching the enem}^ and building fortifications. These fortifications were destined to fall into the hands of the enem3^ The battle followed in which Sheridan made his famous ride from ''Win- chester, twenty miles awa3^" The One Hundred and Twenty-third bore an active part in it and lost several men. After this battle the One Hundred and Twenty-third was engaged for one month guarding the Harper's Ferr}' & Winchester Railroad, after which it was attached to the Twenty-fourth Army Corps (Gen. Ords), in the department then com- manded by Gen. Butler. It arrived at Deep Bottom on the 27th of December, 1864, where it la}^ until the 25th of March, 1865, at which time it broke camp and moved to the Chicka- hominy. On the 30th of March, an advance was made on the rebel works, and skirmishing continued until the morning of the 2d of April, when the rebel works were carried. The One Hundred and Twenty-third, during this time, was three days on the skirmish line without relief, and their provisions had to be carried to them by the Regimental Quartei'master. The loss of the regiment was quite severe while on this long skirmish. On the 3d of April, the whole national army marched in pursuit of Gen. Lee, toward Danville. The One Hundred and Twenty-third was sent with other troops to burn High Bridge, and was unexpectedly sur- rounded by Gen. Lee's cavahy, and the entire force captured, and carried along, as prisoners of war, to Appomattox Court House, where the rebel army some time afterward surrendered, an event that virtually closed the war. Soon after this, the regiment proceeded to Annapolis, ]Md., and from thence went home to Camp Chase, where, on the 12th of June, it was mus- tered out of the United States service. The One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Infantry, (^yvt^]-rfe> clTJ^ .^^^^^ ^,^^^ HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY 317 for one hundred days' service, had two Com- panies from Crawford Count}'. This one hun- dred days' service was designated " National Guard " service. The two companies of the One Hundred and Thirtj'-sixth, were Com- panies A and C. The first was officered as fol- lows : Samuel Smalley, Captain ; (jreorge W. Myers, First Lieutenant, and James W. Fulker- son. Second Lieutenant. Compan^^ C was oflScered — W. A. Mitchell, Captain ; Ira M. Cory, First Lieutenant, and E. Paul, Second Lieutenant. The regiment reported at Camp Chase May 12, 1804 ; was mustered, uniformed, armed, equipped, and shipped to Washington Cit}-. It remained on garrison duty in and around Washington during its entire term of service, which expired August 20, 1864, when it was mustered out and discharged. The One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Infan- try drew a company from Crawford Count}', Compau}' B, which was mustered into the serv- ice with the following commissioned officers : Lyman Parcher, Captain ; Thomas A. Patter- son, First Lieutenant, and Isaac Z. Bryant, Second Lieutenant. These officers were all mustered out with the regiment at the close of its term of service. The One Hundred and SeA'entj'-ninth was organized for one j'ear's service, and was mus- tered in at Camp Chase on the 28th of Sep- tember, 1864. It was ordered to Xashville, Tenn., when it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps. It was present at the battle of Nash- ville, but was onlj' partly engaged. The regi- ment remained on duty at Nashville until June 18, 1865, when, its services being no longer needed, it was sent home to Columbus, paid ofl', and discharged on the 27th of June. When mus- tered out, its rolls bore the names of 38 officers and 698 men. This comprises the infantry regiments that drew anything like an organized body of men from the county. There were, however, a great many other regiments, in which the county was represented by scattering recruits. The Forty- fifth, Fifty-fourth, Fifty-fifth, Sixty-fifth, and several others, contained more or less men from Crawford County. Also several batteries and Cavalry regiments contained representatives. The Twelfth Cavalry, perhaps, was more strongh' represented than an}' other organiza- tion. Company A of this regiment contained many Crawford County men. Capt. E. C. Moderwell and Lieut. D. A. Newell, of Com- pany A, were also of this county. Capt. Mod- erwell, was promoted to Major, and in that po- sition was mustered out with the regiment. Lieut. Newell was promoted from Second to First Lieutenant November 24, 1863, and was honorably discharged May 20, 1865. The Twelfth Cavalry was recruited in the fall of 1863 and contained men from nearly every county in the State. It was organized at Camp Ta3'lor, near Cleveland, when it was mustered into the service on the 24th of No- vember, 1863, and, while a portion of it re- mained on dut}' at Johnson's Island during the winter, the remainder was equipped and mount- ed at Camp Dennison, and on the 29th of November, left for Louisville, and from thence was ordered to Lexington and Mount Sterling. It served principally in Kentucky until Feb- ruar}', 1865, when it was ordered to Nashville. From thence it moved to Murfreesboro, and then to KnoxA-ille. It accompanied Gen. Stone- man in his raid into North Carolina. It par- ticipated in the capture of Jefterson Davis and of Gens. Bi'agg and Wheeler. The Twelfth remained on dut}' in Tennessee and Alabama until the 14th of November. 1865, when it was mustered out at Nashville, and sent home to Columbus, paid oft' and discharged. The Third and Tenth Cavalry regiments also contained men from Crawford County, but just how many we were unable to ascertain. Capt. E. R. Brink was from this county. He entered the re<2:iment as First Lieutenant at its orarani- :r^ >^ 318 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. zation, was promoted to Captain, and resigned Ma}' 9, 1865. Of other representatives in the Third Cavalry, we have no definite informa- tion. In compiling the war histor}- of the county, we have drawn pretty freely on Whitelaw Reid's history of '• Ohio in the War." As it is claimed to be not whoU}' without errors, we have taken pains to consult members of the different regi- ments, so ftir as practicable, and have them compare it with their own I'ecoUections. By this means we have been enabled to detect and correct some errors that existed, and think that, as now given, the historj'^ of the regiments in which Crawford County was represented is sub- stantially correct. There may be omissions of regiments that should have mention, but, if so, it is not our fault. We have used the greatest exertions to obtain full information of the county's military history, but, in many cases have found the facilities for obtaining informa- tion meager. The count}' was twice drafted, but neither time for a very large number of men. The first took place the last of September, 1862, and was for the following numbers of men, by town- ships : Polk, 69 ; Jackson, 102 ; Whetstone, 45 ; Chatfield, 59 ; Sandusky, 33 ; Cranberry, 42 ; Texas. 2 ; Vernon, 30 ; Lykens, 40 ; Lib- ert}'. 56 ; Auburn, 22 ; Holmes, 55 ; Bucyrus, 22 ; Dallas, 0. The latter, it will be seen, had filled its quota and was not drafted, and it is said to be the only township in the county that had no draft during the war. There was some trouble at the time in regard to the draft, as to forcing the recruits thus obtained into the serv- ice. Some of the drafted men resisted, and, backed by a numerous party in the county op- posed to the war, there were, for a time, indica- tions and strong fears of a riot. It was by great exertions on the part of the lovers of peace and good order that a collision was pre- vented and serious consequences avoided. As it was, there were a few little scenes occurred that did not redound to the credit of all parties concerned. Another draft took place on the 1 6th of May, 1864, for a smaller number of men than the previous one. It was as follows, by townships: Bucyrus, 16 ; Auburn, 9 ; Holmes, 11; Texas, 2 ; Chatfield, 2 ; Cranberry, 1 ; Todd, 23 ; Polk, 24 ; Liberty, 8 ; Jackson, 5. These, however, we believe, were mostly filled up by voluntary enlistment before the day set for the drafted men to report at headquarters. Poets and painters have, by common accord, agreed to represent the angel of pity and sym- pathy in a female form — a tribute that is in no wise unmerited. From the earliest periods of the world's history, the kindest feelings of women have been excited by the woes of suffer- ing humanity, and her warmest sympathies aroused in alleviating trouble and aflfliction, and in the exercise of her kind and generous minis- trations. The most notable instance on record of woman's love and affection occurred over eighteen hundred years ago, at the home of Martha and Mary, at Bethany, and at the sepul- cher at the foot of Mount Calvary. And from that day to this, like an angel of mercy, woman has ever been found in the midst of woe and misery and suffering and sorrow. In sickness, there is no hand like hers to smooth the pil- low, moisten the fevered lips, and wipe the cold, damp dews of agony from the throbbing brow. This angelic spirit of the sex was beautifully exemplified during the late war. How many thousands of noble-hearted women left all the comforts and luxuries of home, and, braving the dangers of field and hospital, spent those four long, gloomy years in administering to the wants of suffering soldiers ! They went forth to the post of duty, expressing the conviction that, if they fell, their loss would not be felt. Heroic but mistaken souls ! The world sus- tains its heaviest loss when such spirits fall. But all the good accomplished during the war by female hands was not due alone to those \ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 319 who went forth to nurse and take care of the sick and wounded. Those who remained be- hind performed a work for good, the half of which has not yet been told, and which can scarcely be realized by the outside world. The Soldiers' Ladies' Aid Society was an or- ganization of broad and liberal beneficence, and one to which man}- a poor and wounded soldier was indebted for his A^ery life. The following extract is from a soldier's letter, published in the Bucyi'us Journal in an earl}' period of the war, and illustrates the good work of these societies. " It was about 5 o'clock in the aft- ernoon when I arrived in the hospital. Soon after m}' entrance I was stripped and bathed in a large tub of tepid water, shown to bed, and a nice clean white shirt and a pair of drawers were given me. I soon encased my tired limbs in my new wardrobe, and while doing so, m}' e5'es caught sight of the words, ' From the Woman's Aid Society,' stamped in black ink on each garment. I lay down, pulled the blanket over my head and thought of ray situation. Here I am in a hospital, prostrated with disease, worn out in body and mind, over eight hundred miles from any spot I can call home. jNIy own mother and sister long since dead ; but the no- ble-hearted women of the North — those angels of merc}- — are supplying the place of mother and sister, not only to me, but to thousands of suf- fering soldiers from every State. Presently I felt two large tears coursing down m}' cheeks, and running into my mustache, followed by myriads of others dropping on the sheet under m}- chin, forming innumerable little salt-water pools. When well I am a strong man, and it requires some sudden and deep grief to bring me to tears ; but tears of gratitude flowed from me that evening, as freely as drops of rain from an April cloud ; and, like a spoiled child I cried m3'self to sleep.' This is but one in- stance of the good accomplished by these soci- eties, originated and maintained b}' the noble ladies of the land. A soldiers' aid society was one of the earliest organizations inaugurated in the State, for the benefit of the sick and wounded in camp and hospital. This organization found a ready response among the ladies of Crawford County. A society, auxiliary to that of the State, was formed in Bucyrus, with branches in the different townships, which was instrumental in accomplishing a great and no- ble work. The first organization of the society in Buc}'- rus took place on the 14th of October, 1861. Mrs. Dr. Merriman was elected President ; Mrs. William Bowse, Secretary, and Mrs. Howbert, Treasurer. Lai'ge donations were made to the society, and 10 cents constituted the fee for membership. For some time the society met regularly in Quinby Block, but eventually be- come lukewarm, then dropped off into a Rip Van Winkle nap, from which it was aroused in the fall of 1862. It was re-organized and Mrs. J. Scroggs was elected President, and Mrs. Howbert, Secretary. But it seems to have be- come dormant again in a short time, in which state it remained until June, 1863. when it was re-organized a second time, and Mrs. I. C. Kingsley elected President ; Mrs. R. T. John- ston, Vice President ; Mrs. J. G. Robinson, Secretary, and ilrs. H. M. Rowse, Treasurer. Under this last organization, it continued in operation until the close of the war, and the return of the troops, no longer required its good work. The great number of boxes of clothing for the well and dainties and sweet- meats for the sick, sent off by the society and its township branches, made glad the heart of man}- a brave and gallant soldier. During the progress of the war, a mo\eraent was set on foot, having for its object the erec- tion of a monument to the memory of the sol- diers of Crawford County, who had fallen, or might f\\ll. in battle. In January, 1863. a prop- osition was made by the members of Oakwood Cemetery to donate a lot, valued at 612,"), pro- vided the citizens of the countv would subscribe ^W K ±'. 320 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. a sufficient amount ($2,0()U) to erect a suitable monument. An organization, or association, was formed, known as tlie " Crawford County, Ohio, Monumental Association ; by-laws and a constitution were adopted, and officers elected. For a time, great interest was manifested, and the strongest hopes were entertained of an early accomplishment of the laudable undertaking. But the zeal of those entrusted with the work died out, and the count3''s soldier dead still sleep with no other monument than that raised by their brave deeds in defense of their country. CHAPTER YIII.* BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP— TOrOGRArHICAI^SOME OF THE EARLY DRAWBACKS— SETTLEMENT- GAME AND riONEER SPORTS— THE NORTON FAMILY— TOWNSHIP ORGANI- ZATION—SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC. -WILD BUCYRUS TOWxNSHIP is situated in the southwestern part of Crawford County. It is bounded on the north by Holmes Town- ship, on the east by Whetstone, on the south by Dallas, and on the west b}^ Dallas and Todd. Bucyrus Township was known in the original Government surve}' as Township 3, of Range 16. At the present time, this division is of regular legal size, six miles square, consisting of thirty-six full sections or square miles, but, when first organized, it was considered a frac- tional township, for the reason that about one- third of the present territor}- was then a part of tlie W3^audot Indian reservation. The town- ship was named after the village located during the spring of 1822, in the northeastern corner. Two small streams form the water-course of this division of Crawford Count3% the Sandusky River, and the head-waters of one branch of the Scioto. The Sandusky enters the towmship at the northeastern corner, and winds along for nearly ten miles toward the southwest, until it leaves Bucyrus Township two miles north of the southwestern corner. The Scioto is formed by several rivulets, which drain the farms just south of Bucyrus corporation. For many miles this stream is a mere brook, which is fre- quently dry during the summer time. The general course of the Scioto is also toward the *Contributcd by Thomas I*. Hoiilcy. southwest, while flowing in Bucj-rus Township, and winds along nearlj' parallel with the San- dusky River, and some two miles southeast ; consequently the water-shed between the St. Lawrence Basin and the Mississippi Yalle}' ex- tends across Buc^'rus Township from northeast to southwest. There are several buildings locat- ed on this water-shed, of which it is asserted the rain falling on one roof assists in forming the broad Mississippi, while that descending upon tiie other finds its way into Lake Erie. The land in Buc^'rus Township is generally ver}- level, but near the Sandusky River it is more irregular, and the line of small blufts along this small stream are sometimes called hills by the inhabitants. The soil is ver}' fer- tile and w'ell adapted to farming, which is the principal occupation of the inhabitants, not residents of the town. However, man^^ of the farmers on the plains derive most of their in- come by raising cattle. When the country was first settled, these plains were covered with tall, rank grass of luxuriant growth, and numerous swamps abounded. Many old settlers assert that these plains were, fift}' 3'ears ago, so low and wet during tlie greater portion of the year as to render them unfit for farming. Most of the township was originall}- covered b}' a forest of very heavy timber, which almost entirely prevented the sun's rays from reaching the ^< HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. 321 ground ; this, in connection with the formation of the country and the nature of the soil, nec- essarily made very muddy roads, even with the little travel then passing on them. The general dampness of the country at that time produced fever and ague, which were also great drawbacks to I'apid improvement. The total change in the appearance of the country to one who can look back half a century, seems almost miraculous, and, could one of the early residents return, after an absence of fifty years, he would find it difficult to recognize a single familiar landmark or half a dozen familiar faces. Most of the pioneers wei'e men of small means ; their stock of cash being generally ex- hausted upon paying the Grovernment price for eighty, or, at most, one hundred and sixty acres of land. The distance from grist-mills and other settlements, where necessary supplies could be obtained, was about the most serious difficult}' with which they had to contend. For several years, nearl}- all the flour used had to be brought from the mills, on IMohican Creek, and its tributaries in Richland County, thirty or forty miles distant. The earliest practice of the settlers was to make a trip in an ox-wagon, and in the vicinity of these mills purchase a small quantity of wheat ; then have it ground, and carr}^ the flour back to Bucyrus Township, the " voyage " consuming at times from a week to ten days. Many became discouraged at the hardships they had to. encounter, and returned to their former homes in the East. Others would have followed their example could the}- have raised the wherewith to take them there. This state of afiairs, however, did not last long, most of the settlers becoming entirely satisfied after a few years' residence, the improvements of the early country each year making it more tolerable to live in, and giving inereaseil prom- ise of its future prosperity. Samuel Norton, the first settler of Bucyrus Township, was born within one mile of Con- gress Spring, near Saratoga, N. Y., March 3, 1780. His father was of Scotch descent, and, many years previous to the birth of Samuel, had emigrated from Scotland and settled in Connecticut. Samuel Norton was manned, Jan- uar}- 1, 1804, to Miss Mary Bucklin, who was born in Coventry, Kent Co., R. I., October 31, 1785. The Bucklins were of English descent, and Mary Bucklin's parents moved from Rhode Island to Little Falls, N. Y., when she was about six 3-ears of age, and some twelve 3'ears afterward to what is now Susquehanna County, Penn., where she was married to Samuel Nor- ton. The young couple settled near Elk Hill, then in Luzerne but now in Susquehanna County. This district is situated in the mount- ain regions of that State ; the land is poor, and even at that time the country was ver}- wild. It is said that at one time, while Norton was still a resident of Elk Hill, he shot a pan- ther which measured eleven feet and three inches. These wild beasts have nexev been seen in Crawford County since it was first set- tled b}- white men, and, although the first settlers of Bucyrus ToAvnship emigrated to a newer countrv, thev did not, in some respects, find a wilder one. Norton was dissatisfied with this wild, rocky Pennsylvania land, and, after re- siding there with his wife for over fifteen 3'cars, determined to seek a more congenial country. He took the Western fever and finally decided that his destination should be the land ob- tained by the New Purchase. His wife was op- posed to this movement of the Norton tamily, and refused to go unless her brother Albijence Bucklin would go along. Norton finally suc- ceeded in inducing Bucklin to accompany him with his famih'. liy pi'omising him fift}' acres of land. Very late in the spring of 1810. the pioneers left their home in Penns3-lvania. and. atter jour- ne^'ing about 000 miles in a big •• schooner" wagon, reached the present site of Bucyrus some time in October, 1819. The part}- consisted of the following eighteen persons — Samuel Norton 'W 'la 322 IIISTOKy OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and his wife. .Mary Norton, tlicir tliroe diiugh- ters, Louisa (now Mrs. H. Ourton, of Todd Township), Catharine (now Mrs. J. Shull, of Bu- cyrus), and Elizabeth (now Mrs. A. M. Jones, of IJueyrus). their tliree sons, Heuselhier, War- ren (now a resident of Missouri) and Waldo Norton ; Ali)ijenee Bncklin and wife, their six c'liiiih-en — Kstlier, Cynthia. Austris, Klizabeth, Ahnechi and l*itt ; also Polly, an adopted daughter of the Bueklins, and Seth Holmes. The latter was a Captain of teamsters during the war of 1812, and he always reported that the diyision he was in, which was commanded by Col. Morrison, passed oyer the land upon which Bucyrus is now located, and encamped for the night near where the Bucyrus Machine Works now stand. Holmes directed Norton and Bucklin to this sec- tion of the State, but, before they had finally determined upon a permanent location, the two families were left for a few days at the Harding settlement, near what is now the cit}- of (lalion, and the three men yisited different portions of the New Purchase. Of the eighteen members of this first settlement, seyen are still aliye — Mrs. H. Garton, of Todd Township ; Mrs. J. Shull and Mrs. A. M. Jones, of Bucyrus ; War- ren Norton, of Kirksyille, Adair Co., Mo; Esther and Cynthia, two of Bucklin's daughters, and Polly, the adopted child. The three latter are residents of Western States. After reaching their destination, the two fam- ilies liyed for three days in an Indian wigwam, which stood near the present site of the court house, and, during this brief period, the three men constructed a more durable residence. This first rude home was built of small round logs and erected upon the bluff of the Sandusky River, near the site now occupied by the resi- dence of Mr. Christian Shonert. The two fam- ilies moyed into this log cabin, and, shortly afterward, another was constructed near where Thomas Hall's barn is at the present time, and this was the first home of the Bucklin famil}-. When these settlers constructed their first cabin, the nearest white neighbors were eight miles off, on the banks of the Olentangy, and that settlement consisted only of a few squatters, who were generally as nomadic in habit as they were transient in location. It is reported, how- eyer, that, at this time, Daniel McMichael and family, who afterward occupied eighty acres north of Bucj'rus, were residents of this same settlement on the Olentang}'. In October, 1819, there was not a single white man within what are now the limits of Crawford County, north and west of Norton's, but a few white families lived at Tjanochtee, then in Crawford, but now Wyandot County. The Norton family occupied their first log-cabin home during one winter and until July, 1820. In this cabin was born, on February 11, 1819, Sophronia Norton (now Mrs. M. M. Johnson, of Chicago), who was the first white child born on what is now the town of Bucyrus, or probably the first in the present limits of Crawford Count}-. When a new sur- voy of the land occupied by these first settlers had been made, it was discovered that Norton's cabin (on the site of the present Shonert resi- dence) was just north of his land, and so he built another log cabin on the site now occu- pied by Mr. W. H. Drought's residence. This cabin was modeled after an improved style of ai'chitecture ; it was known in those days as a " double cabin " house, and had " stick chim- neys," or, chimnej-s with a foundation of stone, and then built of sticks and plastered with mud. In this cabin, it is related by some of the in- mates who are still living, the bark from bass- wood-trees was used for bed-cord, which was woven like chair-bottoms ; but the family had plenty to eat, and were happy. At one time, the}' had a barrel and a half of strained honey in the house, obtained from the wild bees of the woods. The phj'sical privations which many of these early families suffered, and the straits to which they were sometimes reduced, are hard to real- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 323 ize by citizens who, in the present day, have all the necessities, many of the conveniences and comforts, and a few of the luxuries, of life. In those days, many domestic articles designed for daily use about the household and farm were ver}' rude and unhandy. Those early pioneer settlers could not always visit the market when they needed useful implements, and, conse- quently, they pressed into service much mate- rial obtained from Nature's great storehouse. The fires, if permitted to go out, were relighted with punk and flint. Window-panes were made of oiled paper. When the Nortons arrived, in 1819, the nearest flouring-mills were at Lexing- ton, Richland Co., and the Herron Mills, near Fredericksburg. The man or boy who visited these mills walked the entire distance and led a horse loaded with two or three sacks of wheat. Sometimes there were many waiting, and some customers could not secure a grist for two or three days. These mills were run by water- power, and when the season was dry they were compelled to grind by hand. When the Norton family could not visit these mills, the}' secured flour and meal by pounding the wheat or corn in a mortar, with a wooden pestle. The mortar used was a log, hollowed out by burning a hole with fire until the cavity was large enough to hold half a bushel of grain. The meal was sifted with sieves of three different sizes, and three grades of flour were obtained. The finest was baked into bread ; the coarsest was boiled, and it sometimes required a whole day over the fire to soften it. When the wheat flour was all gone, the family subsisted on food prepared from corn meal, but frequently there was none of this in the cabin, and the mother of a family, busy with other household duties, was expected to provide a supper without even flour, corn meal, vegetables or meat. The father is away at work and will shortly appear, tii'ed and hun- gry. The pioneer women were full of resources ; they had an instrument they called a grater, made by taking one side of an old tin bucket. punching small holes close together all over it, and, nailing it on a board in such a manner that the middle is curved upward two or three inches from the board. Meal could be made by industriously rubbing ears of corn along its surface : and this must be done till sufficient meal is obtained to furnish food for supper, and breakfast next morning. The mother, then, having nothing in the house for supper, says to her children : '• Here. Louisa, you and Warren take this basket and go out to the corn-patch and bring in enough corn to grate for supper and breakfast." When the children return, the grater is taken down, and, after considerable hard labor, the meal was provided. If the corn meal was mixed and baked in a Dutch oven, it was called " pone ; " if baked on a board, near or over the fire, it was called "Johnny cake ; " and if it was made into round balls and baked in the oven, they then called these balls '• corn dodgers." A very common way was to boil the meal into mush and eat it with milk. But some- times flour and corn meal could not be either pounded with a pestle or grated with their rude instrument, for the reason that no grains of this description were in the cabin, and the Nortons could not secure of their few neighbors either grain, flour or meal. It is reported by Norton's daughters that they frequently lived for weeks without bread, during which time the family subsisted upon hone}^, pork, potatoes, and game from the woods. Wild turkeys were frequently shot ; they were cooked on a hook in the fire- place, with a pan underneath to catch the drip- pings, and these were poured over the suspended carcass with a spoon. The forests wei-e for many years fiUl of smaller game, upon which a meal could be made when other expedients failed. One winter, Mr. Norton killed five deer near the present site of T. C. Hall's barn. A deer-lick was situated near the river in this vi- cinity, and, when these animals visited this lick, they fell victims to the unerring shot of the first pioneer settler. Deer continued plenty in *^i :^ 324 HISTORY OF CRAWJX)HD COUNTY. the vicinity of Bucn-rus until after 1830. In consequence of tlie industr}- of many swarms of bees, Crawford, at an early day, was literally a land abounding with honey, if not milk. The Indians, depending on nature to provide food, never wasted Avhat they found in the for- est, and, in obtaining honey, never secured at one time more than they wished to supply their temporal wants. Norton found, in one day, twenty-three bee-trees, and the honey secured from the woods was always a rich treat to the children, and more especially when the family larder was not filled with those articles which, at this da}', ever}- family considers a necessity. Norton also secured his first swarm of bees from the wild bees found in the woods. The hardships suffered by the Norton family were not only in consequence of a scarcit}' of food. It was necessary for the family to be clothed, and in 1820, Mose Emrich could not close out regardless of cost his entire stock of winter clothing to the few settlers of Crawford County. Sixty years ago, the county was without a clothing store, shoe store, dry-goods store or millinery establishment. Then the Norton family had to provide their own clothing and not only that but also make the cloth before the garment could be cut and sewed ; nor was this all, for they frequently were compelled to spin the yarn with which they wove this cloth. The Nortons brought from Penns3'lvania both looms and spinning-wheels ; in those early days every young lady was taught to spin, and many added weaving to their skill as industrious and ' expert house-keepers ; mothers frequently were expected to cook, wash, scrub, bake, sew, spin and weave for a large family of small children without any assistance. Mrs. Norton's elder children were valuable aid in providing cloth- ing for their younger brothers and sisters. After the girls learned the art of spinning, they were made to finish so much each day. Mrs. Jones reports that, in order to encourage her, Mr. Norton cut the legs of the wheel and made it more convenient ; thtit she soon acquired great skill and became an expert. At first she was quite proud of her handiwork, but soon found, to her sorrow, they appreciated the skill of the best spinner in the Norton family, for they in- creased her '• stint " or task, and she had then less time for play. She relates that in her youthful da3-s she frequently regretted ever learning how to spin because it was such tedi- ous work. Shoi'tly after Mr. Norton settled in Crawford County, he visited the Quaker settle- ment near Mount Gilead, and procured ten pounds of wool ; this aided for some time in providing linsej'-woolsey for winter garments. Flax was procured before many months, and linen garments were made for summer wear. Norton finally purchased forty sheep from set- tlers in Marion County, and brought these val- uable domestic animals to his pioneer home, but in a few weeks they were all devoured by wolves. For many years, the settlers were not able to keep sheep in consequence of these same mutton-loving beasts. The earl}' settlers were not fond of these ravenous animals ; their howling and yelping made many a night hide- ous, ami for this and many other reasons it was soon decided that in order to civilize the county the wolves should be exterminated. A bounty was paid by the State for the scalp of each wolf, not that these scalps were valuable, but because each new scalp secured furnished addi- tional proof that the mutton-ci'op of the future looked more promising. The latest statistics prove that Crawford County has at the present time over fifty thousand sheep, but then, for over forty years, the County Commissioners for satisfactory reasons have stopped purchasing wolf-scalps. The only bears killed in Crawford since the Norton family removed to the town- ship were an old she-bear and two cubs that wandered into Whetstone Township some forty- five years ago from their former haunts in what is now Morrow County. The weather during ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 325 the winter of 1819-20 was veiy mild, and Nor- ton sowed his first crop in February, 1820 ; which yielded a bountiful harvest. Norton said in after years he never had a finer crop than the first one raised upon the soil of Bu- cyrus Township. In order to provide his family with shoes, Mr. Norton started a private tannery and for several years tanned all the leather necessary for family use ; it was also necessary for him to manufacture home-made shoes, and consequently he was the first tanner and shoemaker that settled in the count}- ; when other men arrived, however, who were skillful at these trades, he retired from busi- ness and patronized them. Norton brought the seed, from which his first fruit trees were raised, from his old home in Pennsylvania. Within a few days after the Norton family arrived at their new home, they were visited by a band of Indians from the Wyandot Reser- vation, near Upper Sandusk3^ These savage neighbors were always peaceable, and never committed any acts of depredation upon the person of any of the early settlers. They sometimes visited Norton's cabin when the men were absent, and at such times took great pleasure in frightening the unprotected in- mates. At first, Mrs. Norton could not con- ceal her terror during these visits. The smaller children would gather around her skirts for protection, but the appearance of the good lady was not encouraging to her elder children, who were as much frightened as their mother. The savages always enjoyed these scenes, and, when they discovered the eflfect their ver}' presence inspired, they gave vent to their feel- ings by numerous whoops and yells, which conduct on their part was not calculated to assure the frightened family that they were onh' the innocent victims for the harmless sav- age amusement which their unwelcome visitors were having. The Sandusky River was navi- gable for Indian canoes only at high water, but it is reported that numerous Indian trails trav- ersed the woods, which were being constantly used by the red man. These primitive high- ways were genei-ally worn deep into the soil, for the reason that in traveling the savages walked single file, and each member of the band stepped in the spot his predecessor's foot had been. One of these trails crossed over the site now occupied by the Bucyrus Machine Works, and during a fine day the Norton chil- dren were playing " hide and go seek " in this vicinity ; one young lady concealed herself be- hind a log, and, while in this position, a com- pany of the savages came along the trail. Charley Elliott, an Indian well known to many early settlers, was with this band at the time. When the natives saw the child, they raised a whoop, which caused the little girl suddenly to feel that the play for the time being might be postponed, and she made haste to vacate her place of concealment. The children all ran screaming toward home, and the savages, noticing the effect caused by their sudden ap- pearance, gave vent to their' satisfaction by numerous whoops, yells and grunts, which caused the children to make still better time in their endeavors to reach the cabin, although the delighted natives did not attempt to follow the frightened innocents. The spring after Mr. Norton's family removed to their new home, the Indians appeared in force at their sugar-camp, which was then situated on and near the present site of the public square. Man}' maple-trees were in this vicinity, and it had been the custom of these natives to visit this localit}' each spring for the purpose of boiling the maple sap down into sugar. At such times, they brought large brass kettles, which were furnished them among other sup- plies which they received each year from the Government, in accordance with the stipula- tions of a previous treaty. Most of these Wy- andot Indians were great beggai's. Each year, the United States distributed among this tribe a certain amount of goods, consisting of food. ^ 326 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. clothing, and also raanj' valuable utensils, wliieli latter articles were furnished in order to induce the natives to adopt civilized customs. These annual supplies destroyed what little in- dustry the tribe might have cultivated for several c(uituries, for it made them dependent upon the generosity of others ; and, naturally, if any additional articles wei'e needed by them, they endeavored to secure these also from the whites by plaintive appeals. If their efforts proved fruitless, they sometimes brought dried venison, which they endeavored to trade to the settlers for pork, and they frequently appeared with bark baskets filled with cranberries, which they desired to trade for bread and pork. The Indians considered all the game in the forests their propert}', and, when they found the coun- try was being rapidly settled b}' the whites, they frequentl}' came into the neighborhood to hunt, in order that the game would not fall into the hands of white settlers. When the lands of the New Purchase were offered for sale by the Government, Mr. Norton visited the land office at Delaware and entered four hundred acres, upon two hundred and forty of which the principal part of Bucyrus now stands. This tract of two hundred and forty acres extended from a line running along Perry street on the north, to a line along the Middle- town road on the south, and from the section line a short distance west of Spring street on the west to a parallel line three-fourths of a mile east, or one-fourth of a mile west of the Whetstone Township line. It is reported by Mr. Norton's daughters that a party of Quakers desired this same land, and, when Mr. Noi'ton visited the Government land office to secure his certificate, these Quakers tried to deceive him, endeavoring to persuade him that the lands Ik; was about to enter, did not correspond with the tract he desired, but they were not successful. Mr. Norton gave Bucklin fifty acres off from the east of this two hundred and forty for coming West with him, and after a few years Bucklin sold it to Mr. Harris Garton, son-in-law of Mr. Norton, and moved with his family to Michigan. The town of Bucyrus was surveyed on another fifty acres of Mr. Norton's land during the early part of 1822, and shortly after this Mr. Norton returned to Lakeville, Livingston Co., N. Y., and brought out to Bucy- rus, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Bucklin and her daughter Elizabeth. Mrs. Bucklin was an educated lady, and had practiced medicine for fort}' years in Rhode Island. When she reached this new country she did not wish to continue her practice, but the settlers, when ill, would send for her, and, as it was hard to re- fuse, she had an extensive reputation, if not a lucrative business. But the effect of a change at her time of life was not beneficial, and, sev- eral years after she arrived in the new country, she took sick and died. Her daughter Eliza- beth married Louis Stephenson, a hatter, who worked at his trade for some years in Bucyrus. The Norton family lived in their double-cabin house until 1823, when another residence was erected on what is now a vacant corner between the ]Main Street Mills and Perry street. This new building was an improvement on the round-log double-cabin house ; it was two stories high ; was built of hewn logs and occu- pied by the family for about eight 3-ears, until the}' removed to the lirick house now occupied by the Main Street Mills ; this building was erected in 1831, and used as a private residence about four years, but in December, 1835, he started a hotel in this block, at which time he gave a grand opening that was attended by many old settlers. Col. Kilbourne was present and amused the company with many favorite songs. Mr. Norton, as landlord, entertained man} prominent public men who visited the village, among whom was Gen. Harrison, when he passed through the place during the cam- paign of 1840. Samuel Norton was an Old School Baptist, and in the early days of the town, Elder Pharez Jackson, from near Gallon, 3y 2> HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 329 with his family about the year 1819. When Samuel Norton explored different portions. of the county during the early fall of that year, the McMichaels were living near the Olentang}-, some eight miles from the present site of Bucy- rus. The McMichaels then moved into what is now Libert}' Township, and were the first set- tlers in that division of Crawford County. Mr. McMichael resided in Liberty for some two 3'ears, during which time he erected the first grist-mill built in Crawford. He then removed to the vicinity of^Bucyrus and put up a log- house on the site now occupied bj' Hon. E. B. Finley's residence. He purchased from the Government the eighty acres upon which his cabin was erected ; also eighty acres east of Norton's land, and the eighty acres south of the Middletown road and east of Walnut street. For a few months he engaged in distilling whisky, the location of this establishment being the present site of the Bucyrus Gas Works. After residing north of Bucyrus for some two years he died, about the year 1825. McMichael was of Scotch-L'ish descent, and it is reported he was a member of the Presb3'terian Church. Mrs. Mary, or Polly McMichael, as she was usually called, lived man}' years after her first husband's death. December 9,1832, she was mar- ried by Rev. John C. Havens to John Shults. but she did not live a happ}- life with Shults, and they separated after several jeavs. Two incidents are related of Aunt Polly ; it is said by some of her grandchildren, that about the year 1825, she rode on horseback to Pennsyl- vania, her former home, the sole companion be- ing her youngest son Allen, then about six years of age. She then prevailed upon her mother, an aged widow lad}', to accompany her to the new settlement. The old lad}- rode on one horse, and Aunt Poll}^ occupied another with her child, and also a feather bed strapped on the horse behind her. It is also reported by Mr. Norton's daughter, that, when Gen. Har- rison was in Buc3'rus during the j'ear 18-10, Aunt Polly, then an old lady, visited him and reminded the General how she had cooked a meal for him some years previous. She told the General that he consented to hold her son David while she prepared the meal. The Gen- eral recognized her and admitted the occur- rence. This incident is reported to have oc- curred at the fort in Mansfield ; but it, like the fort, was situated at some point in Pennsylvania. Daniel McMichael and Aunt Poll}' were the parents of the following seven children : David, Matthew, William, Martha, Mary, Daniel and Allen. During the year 1821, Zalmon Rowse re- moved to Crawford County with his family and settled in Whetstone Township, but he be- came identified with the public business of the citizens at a very early day, and moved his family to Bucyrus Township. Mr. Rowse was a man well fitted for public trusts, and the citi- zens appreciated his natural abilities by elect- ing him to many important positions. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in Bu- cyrus Township, and served in this capacity for nearly twenty years. Li 1825, he was commis- sioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Regi- ment of Ohio Militia. During the latter part of 1825 and until Crawford County was organized in 1826. Col. Rowse served as one of the Commissioners of Marion County. When the new county was formed, Mr. Beardsley was appointed Clerk, but shortly afterward he re- signed, and Col. Rowse was his successor. He served the people faithfully in this position for many years ; at this time the recording of deeds and mortgages was part of the duties of Mr. Rowse, and the fine records prepared by him, which are on file at the Court House, are to this day a lasting proof that the confidence which the citizens frequently reposed in him was never misplaced, and it is not surprising that for the public interests he was re-elected many terms to the various positions he occu- pied. In 1826, Col. Rowse was one of the '.jL 330 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY charter members of the Cohimbus and Sandus- ky Turnpike ; he assisted also in 1846, when the Bucyrus Lodge of Freemasons was organ- ized, of which society he was also a charter member. He purchased from the Government the farm now owned by Col. William Monnett, southeast of town, and erected upon it the brick residence now occupied by the owner. Col. Kowse also erected, in 1831, the American Hotel, situated on the northwest corner of Main and Warren streets. In early life, he was addicted to the excessive use of liquor ; this vice was then a more general custom among the leading citizens of the county than at the present time. Many humorous incidents are related by early settlers in regard to the pranks played by Col. Howse and his boon companion. Col. Scott, when these fun-loving men started out to have a " good time." About the year 1835. they both reformed under the preaching of the late Rev. L. Gr. Grurley, D. D. Col. Rowse united with the M. E. Church, and Col. Scott with the Presbyterian ; during the remainder of their lives, both men were ex- emplary citizens and ornaments to the churches with which they were connected. Col. Rowse died August 15, 1854, having been a resident of Bucyrus Township over thirty j-ears, during which time no one citizen had a greater influ- ence than he in shaping the early interests of Crawford County. The year after Col. Rowse removed to this county, his brother, Heraan Rowse, settled in Whetstone Township, and shortly afterward purchased from the Govern- ment eighty acres on the pike one mile south of Bucyrus ; he continued a resident until about the year 1831, when he was killed while assisting at a barn-raising just southwest of the village. Seth Holmes, who came with the Nortons in 1819, was an old bachelor, and, after living in the town for several years, died, pre- vious U) 1827. His brother Truman was also an early settler, who moved to Bucyrus Town- ship with his family. Truman had four sons — Lyman, Harry, Klisha and Zalmon ; some of these removed to Holmes Township, which re- ceived its name from this family. Truman Holmes' daughter married Rensellaer Norton. Elisha. Thaddeus, David and John Kent were early residents of the township. Elisha en- tered the eighty acres immediately north of Bucklin's land ; this farm is now owned by James Kerr, of Pennsylvania, formerly a resi- dent of Bucyrus Township. Able Car}-, also an early settler, was a man full of oddities. He put up the first grist-mill erected in the township as early as 1821. Lewis Cary was another early settler of Buc^'rus Township, who i-eached the present site of the city with his wife and family, con- sisting of six sons and three, daughters, during the spring of 1822. Cary was born in New Jerse}^, near Morristown, October 19, 1783 ; he was earl}' apprenticed to a tanner, and, having learned the trade and also attained his majority, he removed to Smithfield, Jetferson Co., Ohio, where he established himself in business and married Miss Rachael Kirk, of that place. Their nine children were Susan, Abel, William, Aaron, Edmond. Isabel, Sarah, George and Benjamin. All of these grew to maturit}' ; but at the present time only one, Isabel, now Mrs. Alex. Caldwell, Sr.. is a I'esident of Crawford County. The Cary family removed from Jef- ferson County in " schooner wagons." and, when they arrived at Bucyrus, moved into an old building until a log cabin could be erected ; this first home occupied one of the lots upon which Christian Shonert's residence is at the present time. Cary put up the first hewed-log house, with a shingle roof and grooved floor, that was built in Bucyrus ; all the other cabins were made of round logs with a puncheon floor. Car}' visited the grist-mill in Knox County, for flour, and often the suppl}- of food in the house was so limited th.at an allowance was made for each child of their large family. A few months after reaching Bucyrus, Cary :ty- !.U. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 331 started the first tannery established in Craw- ford County, and for nearly sixt}- yeai's the tanning business has been conducted at this same location. It is now owned by Messrs. Shonert & Haller. Gary provided vats by sink- ing some large troughs in the ground, and it was necessary for him to pound his bark, as he had no facility for grinding it. His work was traded to other settlers for home-spun cloth, and he tanned some leather for the Indians, which they made into moccasins. He was, also, a good shoemaker, and the Indians were great admirers of the work he produced ; for, when they discovered that many of his shoes " squeaked," the}' were very anxious to secure a pair of this kind, always asking him to make for them " a shoe that talked." Car}- was a member of the society of Friends, and pos- sessed the good-will of all the Indians ; other settlers were troubled by these natives, occa- sionally, but the savages never molested anj' property belonging to their Quaker friend. It is related, by Mrs. Alex. Caldwell, that Susie Williams, an Indian squaw who carried wood to burn Col. Crawford some fort}' years pre- vious, was frequently in the village, and related her personal knowledge of this sad traged}' to many early settlers ; Cary purchased from the Government the 160 acres comprising the northeast quarter of Section 2 ; most of this land is now owned b}- Joseph Henry. About the 3'ear 1823, James Monroe appointed Cary first Postmaster of the village of Bucyrus. He served in this capacit}' during the administra- tion of John Quincy Adams, and was removed by President Jackson for political reasons Cary continued the tannery until about the year 1839, wiien he transferred the establish- ment to his son Aaron. Mr. Cary died Jan- uar}' 9, 186G, at Defiance, Ohio ; his wife, Rachael, died soon after the}' moved to Craw- ford County, about the year 1825, and was buried on her husband's land ; the grave is in Henry's apple orchard and is marked by a tombstone, bearing only the words " Rachael Cary." This Henry farm was occupied by the Carys for many years. A short time after Lewis Cary removed to Crawford County, his brother Aaron settled in Bucyrus. He was a saddler and harness- maker, but did not reside in the village many years. His cabin and shop was near Lewis Cary's tannery ; his daughter, Sarah, taught school in the upper part of the building. Amos Clark entered the eighty acres lying south of Norton's land, and west of Main street. He resided near where John Keil does at the present time ; after the year 1 830 he sold his land and removed West. It is reported he afterward went deranged on account of Millerism. In 1830, he also owned thirty -eight acres north of town, and donated a small portion of this for the old burying-ground which is situated on the Tiffin road. The family of General Samuel Myers removed to Bucyrus in 1826. During the early days, he owned several valuable pieces of land ; he purchased of the Beadles their tract just west of Norton's, and also another farm, which now lies in the southern part of Bucyrus corporation. Mr. Myers received a General's commission in the Ohio Militia ; he has always taken an active part in public af- fairs, and held many positions of honor and trust during the past fifty years. The ShroU family were also very early settlers. In 1830, George Shroll owned 1 36 acres, upon a portion of which Oakland Cemetery was afterward laid out. John Shroll owned 140 acres just west of his brother's land. George was an EUler in the early Lutheran Church. About July 1, 1835, he had occasion to go to Sandusky City, at which place at that time cholera was raging. After finishing his business he returned home, and in a very short time was taken down with cholera and died ; his brother Daniel, a Deacon of the same congregation, having nursed him during his sickness, was shortly afterward prostrated by the same disease and died also. ^ d- 332 H18T0RY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. j^ The Lutheran Church met on July 12, 1835, and, after showing clue respect to their memory, elected successors to fill the vacancy caused by their sad death. For man}' years after all the land had been entered in the vicinity of Bucyrus, the country south and west of town remained unsettled, and it was not until several years after 1830, that the gi'eater portion of these farms were owned by actual residents of the township. Much of the lands on the plains were low and wet, and many citizens, in that earl}- day, labored under the impression that, because timber was scarce in this section of the country, there would be great danger of freezing to death in the winter for want of fuel ; that is, if an}- one were fool- ish enough to settle on these timberless plains, which are. at the present time, considered among the finest agricultural lands in the State. It is reported, bj' many, that fift}- years ago a con- siderable portion of these plains were swamp lands, and, in exploring this eountr}- on horse- back, settlers would be compelled to ride in mud and water which reached to the saddle- girths. Some of the earl}- purchasers of the lands in Southern Bucyrus Township, were speculators, who bought at $1.25 per acre and held on to the property until they secured a much higher price. Among these capitalists was a man by the name of Henry W. Delavan who was possibly the largest non-resident land-owner of Crawford County at an early day. Previous to 1825, he entered at the Government Office many valuable tracts of land lying in Ci'awford County. In 1830, he owned, in Bucyrus Township, all of Section 26 ; the east half of Section 35, and the west half, northeast quarter, and half of southeast fourth of Section 25 ; total 1,520 acres, lie also owned 958 acres in Liberty Township. Among the early residents of the country south of Bucyrus, were the ^Marquis family. William A'ance Marquis was raised near Win- chester, A'a., and removed to Washington County, Penn., where he married Miss Mary Park, whose father was killed by the Indians. In 1801, he emigrated to Belmont County, Ohio, where he resided until 1829. Several years previous to this, he visited Crawfoi'd County and purchased several tracts of land, expecting to remove to this section of the State. The family reached Bucyrus November 12, 1829. and settled on the Plains three miles south of town, and at this time only two families lived between them and the village. John Marquis, son-in-law of William Vance Marquis, settled in Bucyrus Township, dui'ing the spring of 1828, on the farm near where David Marshal lives at the present time. Mr. William V. Mar- quis was an early member of the Presbyterian Church at Bucyrus, and an Elder for several years. He died in 1834, and Benjamin Beall's father bought the homestead from the Marquis heirs. Mr. and Mrs. INIarquis were the parents of the following ten children, four boys and six girls : Ann, Margaret, Joseph, David, Mary, Susannah, Ruth, William Park, Cynthia and George. Joseph and David are now resi- dents of Logan County, William Park of Seneca County, and George of Florida. Ruth Mar- quis married James McCracken, Esq., who was for nearly half a century one of the prominent citizens of Bucyrus Township. Over fifty years ago, scA^eral members of the Monnett family purchased land in Bucyrus Township ; previous to 1830, Isaac, William, Thomas and Osborne were residents. Isaac Monnett owned several farms on the Plains in 1830. Col. William Monnett is a resident of Bucyrus at the present time ; the other three are all dead. Rev. Jeremiah Monnett removed to Crawford County in 1835, and purchased the land then occupied by John Barney, whose daughter married Dr. St. Clair. Mr. Barney's house occupied the site upon which Rev. Thomas Monnett's barn is now located. This hewn-log cabin was the home of Rev. Jeremiah Monnett's family until a more satisfactory resi- dence was erected east of the pike road. ^i*'■^- Sis&ss. .#■-.1; ^:^^z^^^C ,X^^^2-^^^ 1 I 4 \E HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 335 Abraham Monnett, Esq., Rev. T. J. Monnett and Mrs. Mary Royce, residents of the town- ship at the present time, are children of Rev. Jeremiah Monnett. A man by the name of Dinwiddie settled on the farm some two miles south of Bucyrus, previous to 1830, and died a few years afterward. His only child married Lockwood Campbell and removed with her hus- band to Wood County. There were also sev- eral families of negroes settled on a section of land some two miles south of town, now known as the "Nigger Woods." They were formerly slaves and had been emancipated by their mas- ter, who resided in Virginia. It is reported by some that they formerly belonged to John Ran- dolph, who liberated and provided for all his slaves on his death-bed. However, as early as 1828, these negroes were sent to Crawford County, and given land to farm ; but, under the black laws of Ohio in force at that time, they were required by the Overseers of the poor to give bonds in the penal sum of $500 each for their good behavior, and that they would not become a township charge. Being unable to comply, a portion of them were placed in a cart and sent back to the Ohio River. Others left of their own accord, and but one family remained on the land. This was Old Solomon, who continued a resident of the township for some time ; and, when the old fellow died, his widow got married again. Among those who paid tax in 1830, on real estate located in Bucy- rus Township, were the following persons : Thomas Adams, John Black, John Bowman, Isaac Fickle, Joshua Lewis, John Miller, Joseph S. Merris, Joseph Pearce, Jane Stephenson and Gottlieb John Schultz. These citizens were all residents of the township during 1830 ; the land they owned at that time, which had been purchased from the Government by early set- tlers previous to 1825, was located as follows ; Thomas Adams, forty-eight acres, three miles west of Bucyrus, now owned by C. Wiseman ; John Black, the eighty acres south of town. now owned by Henry Flock ; John Bowman, eighty acres southwest of Bucyrus, now the property of William Magee ; Isaac Fickle, one hundred and sixty acres one-fourth mile west of Bowman's, now owned by William ShroU; Joshua Lewis, eighty acres south of Fickle's, now owned by G. Eckert ; John Miller, eighty acres northwest of Bucyrus, now owned by F. R. Bittikoffer; Joseph S. Merris, the eighty acres south of the present fair ground, now owned by C. Morfoot, and the heirs of Jacob Greenich ; Joseph Pearce, the eighty acres just west of John Miller's land; Gottleib John Schultz eighty acres just south of Miller's, now owned by A. Yost and others ; Jane Stephen- sou, one hundred and sixty acres two miles west of Bucyrus, now owned by Messrs. L. W. Buck and P. A. Beard, also the quarter-section now owned by William Caldwell. There were also, in 1830, some thirty other settlers, not previously mentioned, then living in Bucyrus Township, who paid tax on personal property ; many of these were also land-owners, but their real estate, if not in the village, was purchased from the Government after 1825. These early settlers were : John Bowman, Jr., John Bil- lups, Adam Bair, Thomas Bennett, Richard W. Cahill, J. Coulter, Isaac Ditty, D. and I. Din- widdie, Nicholas Failor, William and Joshua Foreacre, William Fraley. Jacob Forney, Jesse Goodell, Jonas Gilson, Peter Hesser, Sr., George Hesser, William Hughey, Sr., and son Williatn, Lewis Heinlen, John Kent, Christopher Noacre, George Oumiller, George Sinn, Daniel Seal, David Tipton, George Welsh, Frederick Wis- man and others. For nearly twenty years after 1820, only two-thirds of the land in Bucy- rus Township had been offered for sale by the Government. The eastern boundary line of the Wyandot Indian reservation was within three miles of Bucyrus village, and, conse- quently, extended into the township over two miles on the western side. About 1836, how- ever, the Indians sold to the Government a 336 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. strip seven miles wide from the east end of their reserve. The hind in this strip was sold by the Government at public sale in Marion. This tract included the land about the present town of Osceola ; a considerable portion of this was purchased b^- a company, and Osceola laid out. An attempt was made by this com- pany to have the count}' seat removed from Bucyrus to Osceola, and lots were sold in the little village with the expectation that it would soon be a larger town than Bucyrus ; this speculation, however, was spoiled by the crea- tion of Wyandot County, with the county seat at Upper Sandusky. In 1830, eighty-two per- sons paid tax on personal property in Bucyrus Township, and the population of this division was about seven hundred. By the U. S. Cen- sus taken, each decade since then, the popula- tion of the township, including Bucyrus cor- poration, was as follows: 1840, 1,654; 1850, 2,315; 1860,3,543; 1870.4,184; 1880,5,086. The number of inhabitants in the township outside the village, was as follows : 1830 about 200; 1840, 950; 1850, about 1,200; 1860, 1,336; 1870, 1,118; 1880, 1,238. The citizens of Bucyrus Township were or- ganized with a special civil government at an early date. Zalmon Rowse was the first Jus- tice of the Peace, and he undoubtedly received his first commission during the spring of 1823, as his second one was dated April 15, 1826, and at that time he had already been serving as Justice for two years. The jurisdiction of Col. Rowse extended over both Whetstone and Liberty Townships ; and it is doubtful if two Justices were elected for this territory until Enoch B. Merriman was chosen, in April, 1 824. Merriman soon resigned the office, and his suc- ces.sor was elected October 12, 1824. The first strife for office that occurred in the township, of which we have any positive proof, took place at this election. The result was as follows : To- tal number of votes cast, 49 ; of these, Conrad Roth had 26, Michael Beedle, 22, and Con- rad Roades, 1 . Calculating five citizens to each voter, the population at that time was about 250. Zalmon Rowse, the first Justice, served nearh' twenty years. Roth served three years, and was succeeded, in September, 1827, by Ed- ward Billups, and in April, 1828, by James McCracken, who served for six years. Mc- Cracken was also elected to the same position in 1836, and again in April, 1845. Since 1834, the following additional persons have been commissioned for this office in Bucyrus Town- ship : From 1834 to 1840— William Earley, Peter Worst, James C. Steen ; from 1840 to 1850 — Steen (for second term), David Holm, S. S. Caldwell, Jacob Howenstein, Jonas Stough, James Marshall : 1850 to 1860 — Howenstein (for second and third terms), Stough (for second and third terms), John B3'ers, John Smith, Christopher Elliot ; 1860 to 1870— Elliot (for second term), C. D. Ward, William M. Scroggs, Wilson Stewart, George Donnenwirth, Samuel S. Caldwell ; 1870 to 1880— James M. Van Voorhis, Caldwell (for second term), John C. Jackson, Chapman D. Ward and Allen Camp- bell. Messrs. Ward and Campbell are the pres- ent incumbents ; Campbell's first term will ex- pire in April, 1881, and Ward's second term in October, 1881. Impartial justice has generally been dispensed to those who, during the past fifty years, have brought cases before these township courts. Many amusing cases have been tried, and strange verdicts have some- times been rendered ; but these Justices were all fallible and ma}^ have made mistakes. Their motives were, it is to be hoped, pure, and if any unjust rulings were made b}' them, these were undoubtedly errors of the head and not of the heart. Albijence Bucklin and Elisha Kent were, in an early day, disputants before Squire Rowse. The verdict was in Kent's favor, and of course Bucklin was dissatisfied and very angry. The defeated contestant then poured out upon his opponent the vial of wrath he had treasured up, and scolded, abused and cursed -?p ■jv HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 337 him in a shameful manner. Having exhausted upon Kent all the words found in the latest vo- cabulary of profanity and vulgarit}', Bucklin appeai'ed satisfied with the result, and calmed his excited feelings. Squire Peter Worst, one of the early Justices, was a tailor by trade, and generally heard the cases while sitting cross- legged on his office bench, seldom pausing in the work upon which he was occupied. It is reported that one day a case was brought be- fore him, and he continued sewing while the plaintiff's side was being argued, after which he quit work for a moment, grabbed his docket, made several entries upon it, and continued his task. The counsel for the defendant was anx- ious to make a plea, and, growing impatient, asked, " Doesn't the Court wish to hear any ev- idence on the other side ? " " Oh, yes," replied the Squire, " you can talk just as long as you please, but I have decided the case in favor of the plaintiff" It is unuecessarj'^ to write of the details in this case, but the remark was charac- teristic of 3Ir. Worst, who was one of the earl}' settlers of Bueyrus Township. He was born in Cumberland County, Penn., November 6, 1802, and died at his residence, on the lot now occujDied b}^ W. P. Rowland's new home, May 20, 1873. Woi'st was early apprenticed to learn tailoring, and, May 29, 1828, married Miss Han- nah iNI. El}-. They were the parents of six chil- dren ; three sons and one daughter are still liv- ing. Shortly after marriage, the young coui^le started West, and reached Bueyrus several months afterward, having walked all the wa}- from Harrisburg, Penn. During the journe3\ the}^ stopped in several towns, in which, for a few da3's. Worst worked at his trade. Mr. Worst was a resident of the county for nearly forty-five years, and held various township and corporation offices during this period. He was a citizen of strongly marked character, peculiar and quaint, fond of harmless fun, and ever ready with an original remark or an innocent jest, but never with any unkindncss or sting in his cheerful mirth. In such high estimation was his character held that he was the standing administrator appointed to settle estates, and recognized by all as the best person for impor- tant trusts of this kind. There have been few persons in Crawford who have settled so many estates as " Old Peter Worst." It is reported that Judge Lawrence Hall, during his life, ex- claimed, " When I die, I want Peter Worst to settle my estate ! "' rounding the remark off with a characteristic oath to give it emphasis. When the gifted Judge died, several years after, his wishes were regarded. In his seventeenth jear, Mr. Worst experienced religion and united with the Metliodist Episcopal Church. He led an ex- emplary life and, it is said, occasionall}- asserted that he had never attended a theater, circus, or an}' immoral entertainment, had never played cards or witnessed persons dancing. He deemed such amusements frivolous and sinful. The next morning after President Lincoln was as- sassinated, Mr. Worst was hastening to town with his head thrust downward. While near ^lain street bridge, he met a friend, who told him the sad news. He stopped, asked some questions in regard to the trageily. and. when he was told the murder was committed in Ford's Theater, exclaimed, " He had no business to be there — had no business to be there ! "' and con- tinued his quick walk in the same peculiar man- ner. Although a strong Republican and an ar- dent admirer of President Lincoln, Mr. AVorst would not, with his religious ideas, excuse the President for being in what he considered an improper and sinful place. Bueyrus Township was not regularly organ- ized with the various township officers until about two years after the first Justice of the Peace was elected. The proceedings of the Commissioners of Marion County for Decem- ber 7, 1824, contain tlie following entry : '' On application of citizens of surveyed fractional Township 8, of Range 1C», an order was issued to organize the original fractional Township I), ^.\^ M'. 338 HISTORY Oi^ CRAWFORD COUNTY. of Range IG." It is not known who the first township officers were ; if any records were kept previous to the year 1833, they have all been destroyed. Col. Zalmon Rowse was pos- sibly the first Clerk, for, in those days of limited school privileges, few men could write a good hand, and the Colonel, being one of the few, was frequentl}- chosen to occup3' positions in which his fine penmanship was called into service. When Judge Scott settled in Bncyrus, the citizens then secured another excellent pen- man upon whom the}' could depend, and he was elected Township Clerk in 1832. He started a new record book, and the township is indebted to him for a model record, which has been a guide for his successors. The business trans- acted by the Trustees in those da3's was not ex- tensive, and the following detail of the proceed- ing at the first annual meeting on recoi'd is given, in order to show the character of the early public business : "March 4, 1833 — The Annual Meeting of the Trustees was, this day, held at the court house in Bucyrus. Present, a full board. Settled with Samuel Myers, Super- visor of Road District No. 1, and find fourteen days and a half of road labor unperformed within his district. Settled with William Ear- ley, Supervisor of the Third District, and find the labor charged to his district to be per- formed. Settled with James Coulter and John Marquis, Supervisors District No. 4, and find the labor charged to their districts to be per- formed, and issued an order in favor of James Coulter for 75 cents, and also one in favor of John Marquis, for $1, for their services as Su- pervisors of said district. Settled with George Hesser, Supervisor of the Fifth Road District, and find the labor charged to his district all performed. Also settled with Abraham Hahn, Treasurer of Bucyrus Township, and find in the treasury one note of hand against John Stalcy and Jacob Staley for $14.56, payable March 12, 1833 ; one note against James Coul- ter and Henry St. John, for 75 cents, and one note against Joseph S. Merris and Z. Rowse for $5.31, due June 1, 1833 ; and $3.15 cash — mak- ing a total of $23.77. Issued an order in favor of said Hahn for $1.48, for the percentage on monej's by him collected during the year 1832. Issued an order in favor of William Earley for 75 cents, for services as Supervisor during the last year. Also one in favor of James McLean, for advertising the township election in the spring of 1831, and notifying the officers of their election, for $1.55. Also issued one in favor of John S. George for $3, for services as Trustee. One in favor of Hemy Minich for $1.50 for similar services. One in favor of Nicholas Failor for $1.50, for services as Trustee. One in favor of Josiah Scott for $2.25, for services as Clerk of the township, and one in favor of R. W. Musgrave and Com- pany for 75 cents, for a blank book for the use of the township, and thereupon adjourned. Attest : J. Scott, Township Clerk." These proceed- ings prove that fifty years ago the township officers must have served for the good of the public. They could hardly be accused of " stealing " by rival candidates (if any) when the treasur}' contained onl}' $23.77, and of that amount all but $3.15 consisted of notes. Con- sidering the Treasurer received onl}' $1.48 for his trouble, it is not strange that at the next election no person was chosen to this lucrative (?) office. The first election for township of- ficers of which an}- record has been preserved, was held April 1, 1833, at the court house. The following persons were chosen : Trustees — Nicholas Failor, John Magers and John Mc- Cullough ; Clerk — Josiah Scott ; Constable — Ja- cob Hinnen ; Overseers of the Poor — John Nim- mon and Fiuoch B. Merriman ; Fence Viewers — George Shaffer, John Cronebaugh and Lewis Cary ; Road Supervisors — First District, Sam- uel Myers ; Second District, John Barnej^ ; Third District, Emanuel Deardorff; Fourth District, George Welsh ; Fifth District, George Hesser. No Treasurer was elected, and only one Con- ;^ ^yjtn.'i-y i^'/-'-' ^CcrT^ I I I I HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. *% stable was chosen ; the Trustees appointed Abraham Hahn for the former position, and also James McLean as an additional Consta- ble. In those, early days, township offices were generally chosen regardless of the views held by them on national and State politics, and men of both political parties were elected. The political character of the township dur- ing the past thirty-two years can be deter- mined by the votes cast for the different Presi- dential candidates during that period, and the result of each national political contest was as follows : 1848— Cass, Democrat, 207 ; Tay- lor, Whig, 214 ; Van Bureu, Free-Soil, 14. 1852 —Pierce, Democrat, 282 ; Scott, Whig, 212 ; Hale, Free-Soil, 7. 1856— Majority for Fre- mont, Republican, 95. 1860— Douglas, Demo- crat, 320 ; Lincoln, Republican, 419 ; Brecken- ridge. Democrat, 46 ; Bell, Unionist, 5. 1864 —Majority for McClellan, 93. 1868— Seymour, Democrat, 535 ; Grant, Republican, 361. 1872 —Greeley, Liberal, Republican and Democrat, 572 ; Grant, Republican, 394. 1876— Tilden, Democrat, 683 ; Hayes, Republican, 375 ; Green Clay Smith, Prohibition, 8. 1880— Winfield Scott Hancock, Democrat, 728 ; James A. Gar- field, Republican, 476 : Neil Dow, Prohibition, 11. The first settlers of Bucyrus Township, and this section of Crawford County generally, reached their new homes by following the route of the old army road which entered the Township just north of the point where the Pittsburgh, Fort Wnynae & Chicago Railroad crosses the line between Bucyrus and Whet- stone Townships. It is said that this rough military road was made by Gen. Crooks, who marched through this section, with his army, in 1813, en route for Fort Meigs. This "old army road" could be clearly distinguished for many years after Crawford County was first settled. In the year 1822, a county road was established " from the southeast corner of Sec- tion 13, now a part of Sandusky Township, to (T"" Bucyrus ; total length nine miles and two hun- dred and seventy-six rods. John Marshall was the Surveyor, and Marshal Beadle, Joseph Young and David Palmer were Viewers." This is the road in Southern Liberty Township, south of the Sandusky River, and is, possibly, the first surveyed and located from the eastern part of Crawford County to Bucyrus Township ; for several years, however, this highway was in an unfinished condition. In the same year, 1822, a State road was located from Norton, in Dela- ware County, to Sandusky City, in Huron County ; this extended through Bucyrus Township, along what was afterward known as the Columbus and Sandusky pike, but the first road was never finished. James Kilbourne was the Surveyor, and Solomon Smith and Luther Coe were the Commissioners. June 8, 1824, the Commissioners of Marion County established another road, "beginning at the east end of Crawford County, at the crossing of the road leading from Wooster to Upper San- dusky, on the line of said county, thence on the nearest and best ground to Bucyrus, making Daniel ^McMichael's mill a point. Joseph Young and Abel Cary were Viewers." This road was iiorth of the Sandusky River, in Lib- erty Township, and much of the route has since been abandoned. The same day this road was located, the Commissioners authorized an- other '' from a point on the Marion and ITpper Sandusky road, near David Tiptons. thence on the nearest and best route to Bucyrus. making Benjamin Salmon's peach orchard, Benjamin Fickles farm and David Bryant's, points on said road. Lewis Cary, Daniel Fickle and Samuel Norton were Viewers." This extended through Bucyrus Township, from southwest to northeast, and was near the present location of the Little Sandusky road. During the year 1824, what is now known as the Bucyrus and Mansfield road was located ; Amos Earl Amos Utley and James Perfect were Viewers, and i John Cassaday was the Surveyor. The next ±.': •.iL 340 HISTORY OF CEAWFORI) COUNTY year, 182."). the road from jMarysville to iMurion and Buc^Tus. was laid out and, shovtl}' after- ward, cut througli the country. Tlic most important road, located through the Township at an early day, was the Columbus & San- dusky Turnpike. In 1820, an act was passed by the Legislature, incorporating seven gentle- men, of Franklin County, Judge P]. B. Merriman and Col. Zalmon Rowse, of Bucyrus Town- ship, and seventeen others, named in the act and residing along the proposed line of the road, and their associates, by the name of the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike Company. The capital stock was $100,000, and divided into shares of $100 each. The Com- pany was governed b}' nine Directors. The Charter, granted b^^ the Legislature, was ac- cepted by the companj', and in 1827 Congress granted 32.000 acres of land to the State of Ohio, in trust for the use of said company, to aid in constructing this important highway- Shortly afterward, the incorporators met in the brick schoolhouse at Bucyrus, and completed the organization of the company. Col. Kil- bourne was appointed Surveyor, and Orange Johnson was one of the Locating Commis- sioners and the principal agent while the I'oad was under the control of the company. Some seven years wei'e required to complete this turni)ike ; it was finished in 1834, and was lOG miles in length from Columbus to Sandus- ky City. The average cost was a little more than $700 per mile. It was a splendid road when dry. but. being onl}' a clay or mud pike, in the spring or wet season of theyear, it was, in some places, almost impassable, and at times citizens were very indignant when toll was demanded by the gate-keeper. Some rough travelers, occasionally, threw down the toll-gates and drove through without paying. It is reported that one rough customer became so enraged because toll was demanded, that he hitched the gate behind his wagon and dragged it several miles. The funds derived bv toll were only sufficient to pay the gate-keepers, and the dividends to stockholders were few and far between. The road was permitted to run down, and, finally, in 1843, the Legislature repealed the act incorporating the company ; the corporation was not satisfied, and a case was brought before the General Assembly at each successive session, until 1850, when the Senate passed a bill authorizing the company to bring suit against the State ; but this act was lost in the House, and the matter was dropped. An act incorporating the road from Bucyrus to Upper Sandusky was passed March 3, 1834. and the road from Bucyrus to Oalion was laid out July 18, 1834. Most of those citizens who have died in Bucyrus Township during the past sixty years were buried in the graveyards now within the limits of Bucju'us corporation ; however, several cemeteries have been established in the country during this period. The ShroU burying ground, located about one mile southwest of Oakland Cemetery was started about 1830. Several years afterward a man by the name of Hesser, who resided in the southern part of the town- ship, was buried on his farm, which he purchased from the Government. No stone was placed over the grave to mark the spot, and the site has since been plowed over ; the land is now owned by Jonathan Carmean. Some forty years ago, Wooster Racy, a former proprietor of the farm now owned by G. H. Stewart, buried his wife and child on this land. The largest cemeterj^ in Bucyrus Township, outside the city limits, is at Monnett Chapel. This bury- ing-ground \v;is established at the same time the church was erected. The first interment was Margaret Slagle, wife of Michael Slagle, who died August 22, 1841, aged twenty-five years. The next was Simeon, son of Samuel Slagle, who died July 19, 1814. The graveyard at Mount Zion Church was started about the year 1868, a short time after the old Wilson School- house had been purchased for church purposes. -.^ ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 341 The children of many early settlers of Bucyrus Township had very little school instruction ; especially was this the case of those whose parents occupied land outside the village of Bucyrus. When the Marquis family settled on their farm three miles south of the town, in November, 1829, there were no schoolhouses in the southern portion of Bucyrus Township. Thomas Shawke asserts that when he moved to Bucyrus, in 1832, none had been erected be- tween Bucyrus and the Marion County line. This dearth of school buildings for the farmers' children continued for several years after 1830, but in a few neighborhoods small private schools were occasionally held. The first build- ing devoted to educational purposes which was put up outside the village was located very near it, at the western end of Warren street. It was built of logs about the year 1833, and is now used as a woodshed on the same lot. Pre- vious to 1834, there were but four school dis- tricts in the township ; March 12, of that year, the Trustees formed District 5, from Sections 25, 26. 35 and 36 (this is the same territory now embraced in the Wright District). Three years later, on June 5, 1838, it was re-divided and eight districts were formed ; four occupied the territory now embraced by Bucyrus Special District, the boundary lines being Sandusky avenue and Mansfield street ; these four were Districts 1, 6, 7 and 8. District 2 was imme- diately south of these four, and two miles square ; District 5 was the same as in March, 1834; District 3, comprised all of the town- ship south of the river, west of 2 and 5, and east of the Indian reservation ; this district was over four miles long, and nearly two miles wide. District 4 .was north of the river. In Octo- ber, 1838, an enumeration of the school chil- dren in these districts was taken, with the fol- lowing result : First, 82 ; Second, 70 ; Third, 72 ; Fourth, 31 ; Fifth, 41 ; Sixth, 51 ; Seventh, 107; Eighth, 75; total, 529. The otficers of the township during 1838, appointed three di- rectors for each district, but many of these men refused to be qualified, and the attempt to perfect the educational organization for the township was iuetfectual. The next years the districts were changed, and many who were ap- pointed as directors consented to serve. At an election held April 6, 1835, sixty -two votes were cast in favor of selling Section 16 land, and only one vote in opposition. The total amount of school funds for the difi'erent dis- tricts in 1840 was $1,419.63. In most of these districts the first schools were held in vacant log cabins which were pressed into the service for educational purposes. In what is now the Wright District, a special building was not erected until after 1840, but for several years previous to that schools were conducted. iMisses Susan Bovee and Harriet Huntley taught in this district in a vacant log cabin which stood south of the present residence of Bruce Monnett, as early as the year 1 836 ; Eliza Chapman, and Mr. Canaf, who had only one leg, taught pre- vious to 1840, in the old log church, which oc- cupied the present site of Rev. T. J. Monnett's barn ; at this time there were, possibly, more children in the district than at the present day. The householders of what is now the Beall District, No. 5, met at the cabin of David Dinwid- dle, March 22, 1834, and resolved to erect a schoolhouse on the southwest corner of Silas Sweeney's land. This building was not erected for several years, and then it was placed on An- drew Kerr's farm, now owned by Benjamin Beall. Among the first teachers of this district were Casper Rowse, Harriet Robinson, Abra- ham Myers, Sarah Butler and others. The first rude log school buildings of these country dis- tricts were replaced by fine frame houses, and these in turn are now being torn down and fine brick edifices erected. Six brick buildings have already been erected in the country dis- tricts of Bucyrus Township, viz.: In District No. 8, during 1876 ; in No. 5, during 1877 ; in >i\nHlip. poraLiuii. L/iiiiiig ^..v. ^ - ,, - AUhoncrh retired from active public pointed by President M-1i-n a Comm.ss.one. s.gnec A'thon^ r^ ne^^^^ ^_^ ^^^^^^ to settle the boundary between the p»b he lands hte, he lelt . ^ .^^ and the Great Virginia ---^t-,. — ^^:^^-l^^^^ l^ ,„ndred\dd.«ses on ately after this service was completed he was delneiecl ^^^_ ^ r: sit:r«astrr ;; :zz \ r ar pn.. k .» died . worthmgton, 346 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Ohio, April 9, 1850, in the eightieth year of his age. When Col. Kilbourne first appeared in the neighborhood for the purpose of persuading Norton into having a town surveyed upon his form, he did not take kindly to the idea, stating that he had at last secured a piece of ground which suited him, and did not wish to have it cut up by a town plat. Some of his neighbors, however, were anxious for a town to be located in the vicinity of their farms, and urged Nor- ton to consent to Kilbourne's proposition. The location was a very suitable one ; a direct line from Columbus, the State capital, to Sandusky City, the nearest point on Lake Erie, would pass within a few miles of Norton's land, and, even at that time, many citizens of the State were talking of a State road to connect these two cities. The tide of emigration was setting in toward the " New Purchase ; " many were set- tling in Crawford County, and, consequently the prospects for a thriving village at this point were very flattering. After some hesitation, Mr. Norton consented to make the venture, and a few years proved it to be a very wise and for- tunate decision on his part. At first, arrange- ments were made for laying out the plat of a town upon one hundred acres ; before this was completed, however, the contract was changed by mutual agreement, and the original town plat consisted of but fifty acres. The following is a copy of the agreement between Messrs. Norton and Kilbourne : To All Whom it May Concern: Know ye, that James Kilbourne, of Worthington, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, and Samuel Norton, of the county of Crawford and State aforesaid, have agreed, and do agree as follows, viz.: The said .James Kilbourne agrees to lay off a town for said Norton, on the southwest quarter of the first section of the third township south, and sixteenth range, of the public lands of the United States, the west line of which shall be forty-four rods east from the west line of said quarter, and parallel thereto, and shall extetid thence east one hundred rods, being bounded north and south by the quarter lines, so as to contain one hundred acres in said town plat of inlots, outlets and reserves. In laying off and estab- lishing said town, the said Kilbourne shall do, or cause to be done at his own proper expense, the following particulars, viz.: He shall make, or cause to be made, the preparatory survey and notes; project and make the plat ; survey the town ; cause the plat to be re- corded ; advertise, and attend the first public sale of lots; draw all the writings for that sale; advertise the applications for such State and county roads as the pro- prietors shall, within one year from this date, agree to be necessary, leading to and from said town ; draw pe- titions for said roads, circulate them for signers; pre- sent them to proper authorities, and attend the com- missioners and viewers who may be appointed thereon, to assist in selecting proper routes for said roads ; and, when the town shall be surveyed as aforesaid, the said Norton, his heirs or assigns, as principal proprietors, shall first choose and reserve one lot ; the said Kil- bourne, as projector, surveyor and minor proprietor, his heirs or assigns, shall next choose and reserve one lot; and the remainder of the town shall be the joint property of the said Norton and Kilbourne, their heirs and assigns, forever, in the proportion of three-fourths to the said Norton, and one-fourth to the said Kilbourne ; Provided, however, that the said Norton may reserve twelve rods in width of the west side of said town plat, as the same shall be platted, surveyed and re- corded as above, to his own proper use and disposal ; for which the said Kilbourne shall receive and hold, throughout the other parts of the town plat, in addition to his fourth part thereof, an interest and right equal in quantity to one fourth part of said twelve-rod reserva- tion; so that the said Kilbourne's interest in the eighty- eight acres cast of said twelve-rod reserve shall be as twenty-five is to eighty-eight, or, twenty-five acres in the whole; and the saiii Samuel Norton doth agree to appropriate the said tract for a town plat, to be laid off by said Kilbourne as above written, and upon the terms aforesaid ; and, so soon as the said Kilbourne shall have completed, all and singular, the obligations on his part, so far as that the town is ready for the public sale as aforesaid, the said Norton shall makeaud deliver to the said Kilbourne, iiis heirs or assigns, a good and suffi- cient warrantee deed of the said one-fourth part of the town plat aforesaid, provided he shall so soon receive the patent from the President for the tract of which the said town plat will be a part ; and, if the patent should not be so soon received, then and in that case the deed shall be made and delivered so soon as the said patent shall be received as aforesaid. In witness whereof, we "~a) r^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 347 have hereunto ^et our hands and seals, at Crawford County, this fourth day of October, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one. In presence of James Kilbourne [seal]. Seth Holmes, Jr., | Samuel Norton [seal]. BiRON Kilbourne. j The plat of the within described town, now named Bucyrus, is so changed to the west in laying off by mu- tual agreement as to leave but twenty-four, instead of forty-four, rods between said plat and the sectional line; and the reserve of Samuel Norton is extended on the plat to twenty-four, instead of twelve rods; there will, of course, remain but seventy-six, instead of eighty-eight, rods, or acres, of said plat east of Samuel Norton's reserve, of which seventy rods, containing seventy-six acres, James Kilbourne shall receive his proportion of the town, in amount twenty-five acres, instead of the eighty-eight acres, as within contracted. Said Norton shall have to his own use all the mill priv- ileges, with no other consideration than that of the contents of the ground contained therein, toward his part of the outlots of the plat ; and the ground bought of Mr. Holmes, if retained, shall be laid off into lots by said Kilbourne and added to the town, on the same prin- ciples and proportions of mutual advantage as the hun- dred acres contained in the foregoing contract. December 15, 1821. Samuel Norton. James Kilbourne. The foregoing contract is this day so changed by mu- tual consent that the part of the town of Bucyrus which is laid upon the lands of Samuel Norton is con- fined to such limits as to contain only the numbered in- lots, outlots and public grounds, with the avenue, streets and alleys, containing fifty acres, more or less ; and the projector and surveyor of the town, James Kil- bourne, his heirs and assigns, shall have and receive the one equal half part thereof, instead of the one- fourth part of the hundred acres, as previously stipu- lated in this contract. Witness our hands and seals, at said Bucyrus, this 12th day of February, 1822. Samuel Norton [seal]. James Kilbourne [seal]. The above contract occupies three pages of a sheet of foolscap. On the fourth page is in- dorsed the following language : " The within article of agreement, with the two modifications of the original contract herein contained, being complied with by the parties, is fully canceled and of no further effect. Bucj'rus, April 22, 1830. Samuel Norton, James Kilbourne." The original town plat, as surve^^ed by Kil- bourne, included, also, a portion of the land lying north of what is now Perry street and south of the river. This land, at that time, be- longed to Abel and Lewis Gary, Seth Holmes and Daniel McMichael. The date of the origi- nal town plat by the records in the Recorder's office at Delaware, is February 11, 1822. The land embraced in it, is at the present day within the following limits : It is bounded on the north by the Sandusky River ; on the east by a line drawn from a point on the Sandusky River, nearly due south to the center of the Middletown road ; this line would pass along the west side of the woolen mills lot at the east end of Perry street, and down the alle}' which lies just east of the Methodist Episcopal Church, D. W. Swigart's residence, the Lutheran Churchj'ard and the residence of Daniel Van Voorhis ; it would, also, pass just east of the lots now occupied by John Howald's carriage-shop, and Hiram Fisher's residence; the southern boundary line extends from the point where the eastern line intersects the center of the Middle - town road, due west to the allej' which is pa- rallel with Main street and just west of it. The western boundarj^ line extends nearly due north along this alley until the southeast corner of Lot 176 (now occupied b}^ the residence o^ Daniel Picking), thence west to the center of Poplar street, then north to the center of Ren- sellaer street, then west until the end of said street, then north to the southeast corner of Lot 157 (now occupied by the residence of M. Emrich), then west to the southwest corner of Lot 163 (now occupied by Dr. A. C. McNutt), then north across Mansfield street to the north- west corner of Lot 16-1 (now occupied by W. T. McDonald), then east across Spring and Poplar streets to the alley just west of Main, and then north along this alley to the river. This origi- nal town plat contained 176 lots ; eleven streets J) y^ 348 HISTORY OF CRAAVFORD COUNTY. were laid out. also two alleys and the public square. Five of these streets were named after various members of Samuel Norton's family. viz : Mary street, after his wife ; Rensellaer, Warren and Charles streets, after three of his sons ; Perry street, after his first grandson, Perry Garton. Mansfield street was so called because the road to Mansfield originally started from the eastern end of the street ; Walnut and Poplar streets were so named because trees of these varieties were found along their borders ; Spring street receives its name from a spring at the northern end, near the river ; Main street was the principal avenue of the village ; it was afterward called Sandusk}' avenue, because the State road from Columbus to Sandusky City extended over this street ; Galen street was possibly named after some member of the Nor- ton family. These eleven streets are, with the following exceptions, each sixty-six feet wide : Main is 82^ feet, and Warren 57f feet ; West alley extended north and south just west of Main street, and East alley was parallel to the same avenue and just east of it. The new town was chi'istened Bucyrus, by Col. Kil- bourne. There has been much speculation in regard to the origin of this word, and man\ persons have wondered why the town received this name. The word is so classical in sound that it is not surprising its meaning should not be universally understood unless its true origin is known. Doubtless many a classical scholar has examined his Latin dictionary and Greek lexicon to obtain a satisfactoiy derivation of the word, and during the past sixty years many plausible theories have been advanced. An ex- amination of the original contract between Messrs. Norton and Kilbourne will prove that the town was named Bucyrus l)etween the time the agreement was made (October 4, 1821), and the date it was first altered (December 15, 1821) ; it also proves that the name of the town was spelled in the first legal papers of the village, as at the present time. Of all the theories advanced in regard to the origin of this word Bucyrus, only two refer to Col. Kilbourne US authority, and, as it is beyond a doubt that this gentleman created and then adopted this name, these theories are both given. It is claimed by both authorities that Kill)Ourne desired to have a name for this town different from that of any burg ever inhabited b}' man since the world was created. He succeeded. The daughters of Samuel Norton, the original proprietor of the land, assert that one of Kil- bourne's favorite historical characters was Cyrus, the Persian General who conquered the Cit}^ of Babylon, and that the town was named by the Colonel in honor of this distinguished soldier. The country in the vicinity of the town was very beautiful at an early day, and the name C^tus being rather short (possil)ly too much so to suit the meter of his early songs), Kilbourne prefixed to the celebrated Persians name the syllable " bu," the sound of the first part of the word beautiful, and the old surveyor declared that the name should always mean "beautiful Cyrus." This theory is a very plausible one, and will be satisfactory to many citizens whose knowledge of the classics is even more limited than some who have prepared his- torical sketches for this work. But there ai-e those who solemnly assert that a classical scholar would smile at the formation of a word in this manner ; these persons declare that, as Col. Kilbourne was a very highly educated man, he would never attempt to coin a word in defiance of the rules laid down by Noah Web- ster and other distinguished men of letters who preceded him. The other authority', however, is also based upon Col. Kilbourne's statement- F. Adams, Esq.. of Bucyrus, who was well acquainted with the old surveyor, says that Mr. Kilbourne told him in after years that it was his desire the town should have a name of its own. and be the only town of that name — that the African town " Busiris" (in ancient Eg3'pt, near the River Nile) pleased his fancy, ~^\^ ,^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 349 and he changed it into Bucyrus as a good sounding name. These two statements are both from responsible and reliable sources ; it may be the dut}^ of an unbiased historian to draw conclusions from these facts presented, and endeavor to settle the disputed point, but in this case we will not undertake the task but will refer the matter to the patrons of this work. However, this name Buc3'rus did not suit some of the early settlers in the village, who were ill-natured enough to object to the Colonel's ideas about a queer name ; it has frequently been, in later years, a stumbling block to many non-residents, who invai-iabl}'' mispronounce the word. But these early residents who objected to the name are nearly all dead, and those who fail to speak the word like a native of the city are not firm believers in the future destiny of the place, and conse- quentl}^ should not be consulted in regard to the name ; undoubtedly all of the present in- habitants are satisfied, and many are proud of the name Bucyrus. The town having been named and sui-veyed by Kilbourne, durhig the winter and early spring of 1822. a public sale of lots was adver- tised and held. By this time, quite a small set- tlement had moved into the vicinity, and some of these persons were occupying lots which they contemplated purchasing after all the necessary surveys had been perfected. Mod- erwell writes, in regard to this early sale : " The lots brought from $30 to $45 each ; and those disposed of at this sale were all on Sandusky avenue and Walnut street, and but few south of the pul)lic square. Besides Samuel Norton, there were living here at that time Lewis and Abel Gary, Lewis Stephenson. Robert Moore, J. S. George, George P. Schultz. Samuel Roth, Harris Garton, Harry Smith, Russell Peck, E. B. and Charles Merriman, and a few others.'' This first public sale of lots was attended by many of the settlers from the surrounding country, and several farmers bought town lots during the earl}- j'ears of the village. One feature of this first public gathering of citizens to Bucyrus was the rendering by Col. Kilbourne of his " Song of Bucyrus," which ballad the author composed expressly for the occasion. The following is a copy of these verses as pub- lished in the Buc3'rus Journal of March 24, 1853 : 15UCTRUS SONG. Ye men of spirit, ardent souls, Whose hearts are firm and hands are strong, Whom generous enterprise controls, Attend! and truth shall guide my song. I'll tell you how Bucyrus, now Just rising, like the star of morn, Surrounded stands by fertile lands, On clear Sandusky's rural bourn. In these wide regions, known to fame, Which freedom proudly calls her own ; Where free-born men the heathen tame. And spurning kings — despise a throne. No lands more blest, in all the West, Are seen whichever way you turn, Than those ai'ound Bucyrus, found On clear Sandusky's rural bourn. The river valley, rich and green, Far as the power of sight extends, Presents a splendid rural scene, Which not the distant landscape ends. The bordering plain spreads like the main, Where native fruits its sides adorn, And nearly join the margin line Along Sandusky's rural bourn. First, Norton and the Beadle4 came, With friends (an enterprising band); Young and McMichael, men of fame, Soon joined the others, hand in hand ; By various plans t' improve the lands, They early rise with every morn. Near where the town Bucyrus stands, All on Sandusky's rural bourn, There teams of oxen move with pride. Obedient to their driver's word ; There the strong yeomen firmly guide The ploughs which cleave and turn the sward, The dale around, with herds abound, The fields luxuriant are with corn. Near where the town Bucyrus stands. All on Sandusky's rural bourn. ;rR > -^ 850 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Rich meadows there, extending far, By nature for the scythe prepared, And boundless pasture everywhere, Is free for all and ev'ry herd. The deep'ning mold, some hundred fold, Rewards with flax and wheat and corn. Those who with toil excite the soil, Along Sandusky's rural bourn. In seasons mild their forests wild, Through hills and valleys widely spread, The streamlets glide from ev'ry side. Concent' ring to their common bed ; Thence, fed by springs which nature brings, O'erhung by plum-tree, elm and thorn, Winds on the stream, with dazzling gleam, Along Sandusky's rural bourn. When gath'ring vapors dim the sky. And clouds condensed, their treasures pour ; When show'rs descend, and lightnings rend The heavens above, and thunders roar ; When growing rills the valley fills ; When gentle brooks to rivers turn ; Then moves with pride, the swelling tide. Along Sandusky's rural bourn. There youths and maids along the glades. Are often seen in walks around, Where flowers in prime, in vernal time. And where, in Autumn, fruits are found. With manly face, with dimpling grace. Give, and receive kind words in turn — In roseite bowers, where fragrant flowers, O'erspread Sandusky's rural bourn. Then, here, my friend, your search may end, For here's a country to your mind, And here's a town your hopes may crown. As those who try it soon shall find. Here fountains flow, mild zephyrs blow. While health and pleasure smile each morn. From all, around Bucyrus found. On fair Sandusky's rural bourn. Many times in after years when Col. Kil- bourne visited Bac3a'us. he sang this and other songs to admiring crowds. He was a great fa- vorite among the sturdy pioneer settlers, who esteemed him for his many social qualities ; and, when the knowledge that the Colonel was at the village spread throughout the neighborhood, many would assemble at Bucyrus to enjoy the rich season of fun which the old survej'or al- ways planned and directed when he appeared. He had a few old cronies, who were seldom ab- sent when the Colonel was willing to make a " night of it " with his boon companions. Brandy and eggnog were Kilbourne's favorite beverages, and these special friends of his never refused to indulge when stray glasses contain- ing liquids of this description were thrust into their hands ; consequently, when Kil bourne planned a good social time at the public house with a few friends, these old fellows were always willing and anxious to assist in disposing of the various liquors furnished by the Colonel's hospitality. In those days, when whisky was supposed to be a necessity in every household, nearly all indulged in strong drink, and for a man to be under the influence of liquor was not so serious as it is supposed to be at the present time. Even ministers did not object to an occasional glass, and many were regular drinkers ; some of these were frequently un- able to preach in consequence of indulging their appetites too freel}' in liquids that intoxi- cate. But in the earl}' da3's of the village, when ordained ministers appeared at irregular intervals, some of the settlers, learning that Kilbourne had formerl}' been an Episcopal Rec- tor, requested him to conduct religious services. It is reported that the Colonel consented in order that Buc3-rus would obtain some credit for being a moral and religious village, and ar- rangements were made for him to preach on a certain Sabbath. The night previous, however, he assembled with his usual companions at the public house, and until after midnight the jolly crowd had a fine time. Manj' songs were proposed and sung b}' the Colonel ; the bar- tender's till received numerous contributions, and much of his liquid-ware had been disposed of; conscquontl}', when they adjourned, many were much the worse for liquor. But the Rev- ei'end Colonel appeared next day ready for the religious exercises, and, in consequence of his ^W •5S. I 'Il HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 353 early experience as Rector, he conducted a very satisfactor}' meeting ; the effect of the previous night did not prevent him from preaching an excellent sermon. Not so, however, with some of his companions who took i)art in the revel- ries at the public house ; one of these mis- guided men, having learned that Kilbourne was to officiate at another meeting, seemed to con- sider this a continuation of the " good time " started the night previous, and made haste to assemble with the religious portion of the com- munity. The poor fellow was too far gone to notice the difference in the assembly, but he heard the familiar voice of Kilbourne asking some one to propose a hymn for the occasion, and the erring man, not knowing the horrid mistake he was making, commenced one of those drinking songs so familiar to his memor}^ The incident related above is reported to have taken place ; some of the early settlers do not remember the circumstance, but acknowledge that, considering the drinking customs of earlj- Bucyrus society, the story is a very plausible one. When the original town plat was sui'veyed, Norton, the first settler, lived just west of the propped town, on the lot now occupied b}- W. H. Drought's residence. Bucklin resided east, near the present site of T. C. Hall's barn ; the Beadles and Joe Ensley also lived west of the new town plat. The first cabin built on this land was by Norton, in 1819, on what is now C. H. Shonert's lot ; when Abel Gary removed to Bucyrus Township, it is possible he occupied this first cabin. The second residence con- structed on the town plat was by Lewis Stephen- son, on the southeast corner of Perry and Wal- nut streets. Among the early residents of the village were the following persons : Dr. Joseph McComb came in the fall of 1822, and resided on the second lot south of the corner of Marj' and Main streets ; he died many 3'ears after- ward at Fitzsimmons' tavern, in Whetstone Township, from the effects of excessive drink- ing. George P. Shultz was a resident of the village in the spring of 1822 ; he built a house of " rotten " logs on the river bank, at the north end of Walnut street, about 1823. He was the first " Dutchman " who moved to Bucju'us. For several years, Shultz kept a boarding-house ; he had an adopted daughter who married Harry Miller, an early cabinet-maker of the village. Dr. J. T. Hobbs came as early as 1825. and purchased the lot now occupied b}' (xeorge Shaeffer ; Hobbs afterward removed to Michi- gan. Harry Smith built a cabin, in 1823, on the lot now owned by G. K. Zeigler, at the southwest corner of Perry and Walnut streets. William Reeves built a log-house, in 1823. on the lot now occupied b}' the Shaeffer Block. Adam Bair, called the ■•black bear," or '• cuff bear," came from Columbus in 1823 ; it was al- ways reported that he had been an inmate in the Ohio Penitentiar}-. having been sent there from Wayne Count}', Ohio, for coining counter- feit mone}'. Adam Bair. called the -good bear," and a cousin of the former, moved to Bu- c^'rus about 1825 ; this family of Bairs built the old brick schoolhouse, which was torn down in 1868. Harris Garton moved to Bucyrus in 1822 ; he was born iii New Jersey, across the river from Philadelphia, and his father removed to Mansfield in 1818. Garton married Louisa, oldest daughter of Samuel Norton, in 1824. He bought out Albigence Bucklin's fifty acres about 1827, and in 1833 removed to what is now Wyandot Count}' ; after remaining there three years, he returned to Bucyrus, and shoilly aft- erward settled in Chatfield Township. Garton removed to his present home in South Todd Township in 1853. Ebenezer Dowd. a young ^ man and a tailor by trade, settled in Bucyrus I during 1826, and purchased a lot just south of I the southwest corner of Main and Galen streets. He resided in the village a few years, and then went West. Harry Burns followed the Nortons from Elk Hill, Penn. ; he married one of James Scott's daughters. Burns was an excellent shot :hL 354 HISTOEY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. with the rifle, but very laz}^ and only resided in the new town about five years. Mrs. Cloe Yost re- moved to Bucj'rus with her husband and family in the fall of 1828. John Moderwell settled in the town, in 1827, with Aunt Betsy ; they lived on the southwest corner of l^erry and Walnut streets. Moderwell was a cabinet-maker and millwright. He continued a resident of the place for nearly fifty years, during which time he held many positions of honor and trust, to which he was chosen by the citizens. George Lauck removed to the town about 1826, and shortly afterward purchased the northwest cor- ner of Marj' and Main streets, at which stand he conducted an inn for many years ; he after- ward purchased Garton's land, east of town, which was known in later days as the Lauck homestead. Hugh McCracken and old Bailey came in 1826, and in April of that year Hugh was commissioned first Sheriff of Crawford County. James McCracken settled in the vil- lage shortly afterward, and, previous to 1830, lived on the lot now occupied by George Ma- der's block ; his sister, the Widow Phillips, and her two daughters, Samantha and Susan (now Mrs. E. R. Kearsley), resided in the same house. A small log house, situated on this same lot, was used for school purposes, and Sallie Davis taught school in it as early as 1829. Gen. Sam- uel M3'ers, who came in 1826, purchased the lot immediately south of the one now occupied by Blicke's store, and Andrew Failor, several months previous to this, bought Lot 20, imme- diately south of Myers' property. Thomas Johnson, a cabinet-maker, came about the year 1826, and desired to follow his trade, but he could not secure seasoned lumber for material. He removed to Dallas Township, of which lo- cality he was a resident for man}- years. Judge John Nimmons removed from Wooster to Bu- cjTus in 1827, and opened a store ; his brother- in-law, K. W. Cahill, came with him and clerked in this establishment. John Deardorff settled in the village at an early day, and, when he died, Abner Rowse married his widow. Old Tommy Alsoph appeared in the village as earl}' as the year 1824. He was of English birth, and the son of wealthy pai'ents, who placed him in charge of George Cortall and other English colonists, who visited America about the year 1819, for the purpose of engaging in the manu- facture of silk near Athens, Ohio. Their en- terprise proved a failure, and many returned to the old countr3\ Alsoph, however, wandered up toward the New Purchase, and finally made his home in Crawford, where he resided for nearly forty years. He obtained, in after years, a regular quarterly' allowance from his relatives, amounting to about $400. Each quarter, after receiving these funds, he expended them with a lavish hand, and in a few days was without money. But he possessed a fine education, and occasionally taught schools in the village and surrounding country. Alsoph was ad- dicted to the excessive use of intoxicating liq- uors, and became a regular sot. He boarded with several families throughout the countr}', and was generally treated in a shameful manner. One old Methodist minister named Camp, who boarded him for a time, abused him terribly ; oc- casionally he kept Alsoph (ihained with a log chain. The people, generally, who consented to harbor him, tried on various pretexts to secure his quarterly allowance, and when they succeeded, cared very little how he fared until the next draft appeai'ed from the old country. Alsoph was slightly demented, or he never would have suffered the various impositions to which he was subjected. He was a great poli- tician, a fluent speaker, but very vacillating, and frequently changed from one party to another. Alsoph was finally placed by his relatives in the charge of Mr. J. Hopley ; he was reformed to a great extent, and taken back to England in 1862. The lots sold by Norton and Kilbourne alwaj'S brought fair prices. It is stated in some pioneer sketches that the lot upon which r ^Ic HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 355 Quinby Block is now situated, and also all the land between this block and the railroad, was originally sold for $5 in gold. Norton paid the Government about that amount for it, but sold the lots located upon this land for much more. The lot upon which the aforesaid block is now located was sold to Lewis Stephenson for $42. By November 28, 1826, forty-two lots in the village had been disposed of, and the fol- lowing parties were then owners : T . Price. Lot. (S.- -V A No. 10, Charles Merriman *-^0 0) No. 12, Hugh McCracken and French & Bowers 40 00 No. 13, Robert More '^f' f*^' No. 14, E. B. Merriman 40 00 No. 15, James McClure '^^ 00 No. 16, Dr. I. T. Hobbs 30 00 No. 17, John Miller 50 00 No. 19, J. S. Hughes' heirs 40 00 No. 20, Andrew Failor 45 00 No. 21, Henry Miller 40 00 No. 23, Dr. .Joseph McComb 40 00 No. 25, Hawkins Thompson (of Chillicothe) 30 00 No. 26, Nehemiah Squires 25 00 I No. 27, James Houston 40 00 I No. 28, Tatrick Height's heirs 40 00 No. 29, John Deardorff's heirs 50 00 No. 30, H. & L. Holmes 40 00 No. 31, Ebenezer Dowd GO 00 No. 32, John Hurh 40 00 No. 33, Edward Billups 40 00 No. 34, Harris Pratt 40 00 No. 35, Henry St. John 45 00 No. 36, Lewis Stephenson 42 00 No. 38, Kirklan & Clap.> 50 00 No. 40, James Marshal 40 00 No. 43, Jacob Drake 40 00 No. 44, John McClure 40 00 No .52, Harris Garton (given by Norton) 1 00 No. 53, Russel Peck No. 54, John Miller No. 64, Nathan Merriman No. 65, Nathan Merriman No. 06, E B. Merriman... 25 00 40 00 40 00 40 00 40 00 No. G9, Harris Garton (given by Norton) 1 00 No. 79, Ebenezer Uowd 40 00 No. 91, Joy Sperry 50 00 No. 93, Rensellaer Norton (given by Norton) 1 00 No. 94, Elihu DowJ '^^ ^^^^ An outlet, Hugh Long 25 00 In addition to these, the proprietors had do- nated to the citizens of the county and village the following land : Lot No. 86, for school purposes, valued at $50 ; Lot No. 90, for the court house, valued at $200 ; Lot No. 88, for jail, valued at $50. Much of the land embraced in the original town plat was low and wet, as was also the coun- try in the immediate vicinity. This general dampness caused considerable sickness, and the early inhabitants suffered much from the ague. James Nail, of Sandusky Township, in his early recollections published in the Fnrum during 1874, gives the following description of early Bucyrus life : " At this time. 1824, I went to Bucyrus and engaged mill-stones of a Mr. Bucklin, who was making them there out of a kind of ' nigger-head ' stones. After he finished them he gave me notice, and I went after them with a wagon and two yoke of cattle. I remained overnight with Bucklin, and as I could get no inclosure or stable, I let the oxen graze on the plain. In the morning when I went for them, they had started homeward, and it was about 10 A. M. when I found and brought them back to town. In the street, I met a man (Mr. Harry Smith). He asked me if I had breakfasted that day. I said no. He then said: ' Nearly every person in town has got the ague; go with me and take your breakfast.' He further remarked, ' I am the only man in this town that has any pork ; you must fill your stomach with pork ; then keep your mouth shut and breathe through your nose, or you will have ti shake of ague before you leave town.' After breakfast, my mill-stones were loaded, and I hauled them home." A few of the early in- habitants suflTei-ed additional privations in con- sequence of poverty. One case of privation has been graphically described by Mrs. Lucy Jlogers, who says : •■ My husband took sick on one occasion, and was bed-fast. He could neither eat nor drink a part of the time. 3Iean- while our scanty store of food was consumed :^. ^ 356 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY until not a particle was left in the house for our subsistence. The last crust was gone. Mj' prayer to God was that all of us, my 3'oung babe, iny lu'l[)loss husband and my starv- ing; self mioiit all die together before the sun should set. That night was one of sleepless agon}'. Next morning. T went through an In- dian trail, unfit as T was to go through the tall wet grass, which was then as high as a man's head. to William Langdon's, near Young's grist- mill, and, between sobs, told my pitiful story to him, and begged for some flour to keep my little family from starving to death. He did not know me and refused, but his wife — God bless her — spoke up and said ' You shall not starve if it takes all there is in the house.' Her husband relented and weighed me out nineteen pounds of flour, and then, blessing them for their charity, I returned home through the tall grass with the 'bird of hope' again singing in m}' bosom. How sweet the short-cake, without butter, meat or anything else, tasted that da}'. In the afternoon Aunt Lois Kent, learning of our destitution, brought us a pan of meal. I got some milk of Mrs. Shultz, and then made some mush. Believe me, the tears of joy and sorrow rained down my cheeks when this meal was eaten. I then told Louisa Norton, who afterward married Harris Garton, how terribly we were distressed by want and hunger. She went home and told her father, Samuel Norton, who said : ' This will not do, these folks have come to a new countiy, and they must be helped. They shall not starve in Bucyrus.' So every evening he sent us new milk fresh from the cow, and, as we needed it, a ham of meat. One day he sent Louisa over to us with a dressed pig. I never had a present that did me so much good. In a few weeks my hus- band recovered, and then we fared better." But very few of the early citizens were reduced to such extremes, although most families were many times without the necessaries of life. The citizens of early Bucyrus had their gala days when the farmers visited the village with their families to have a good time. Fourth of July was celebrated with even more patriotic fervor than at the present time. On that day, every lady who had brought a silk dress or fine article of wearing apparel from her former East- ern home, put it on, no matter how old the gar- ment was, and the nation's anniversary was generally celebrated by the fairer sex with a general display of all the old styles adopted for several generations previous. Many men took their enjoyment in a liquid shape, and the inns of the village were well patronized ; the large quantity disposed of by the l)ar-tenders assisted in creating an enthusiastic population. On one occasion at an early day, an English- man, named Martin, made the Fourth of July oration. He was a very smart man, and in glowing language fired the patriotic hearts of all true Americans by a vivid description of the tyrannies inflicted by Old England upon the colonies, and of the wonderful results which followed "On Bunker's crest, on Concord's field and Saratoga's plain." But the greatest features of the year were "Training Day" in the spring, and "General Muster" in the fall. The first muster held in Crawford County took place about the year 1 824, at the Scioto bridge, and for over twenty years the militia laM'S were enforced with more or less strictness, until they were finally repealed by the Legislature Many humorous incidents are related of these poorly drilled companies, and of the ineflficient officers. At one general muster after 1830, the militia commanded by Gen. Samuel Myers were drilled upon the plains just south of Bucy- rus. The force marched and re-marched to please their officers ; the men wheeled in vari- ous directions at the same time, as their own pleasure or fancy directed ; after much ma- neuvering, they were marched toward town. While on the road, the enemy appeared, a soli- tary man in a wagon, driving two horses. It is said he was just returning from Sandusky City, ) "V ^; '.I HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY. 357 where he had sold a load of wheat ; he felt proud, and despised the troops massed directly in the road he wished to occupy. " Turn out," commanded the General, and this order was reiterated by numerous similar remarks by the brave men occupying all gi'ades in the force. But the haughty civilian would not '' turn out.'' The General spoke to one of his Colonels, the late Judge Scott, and this officer rode forward to insist that the command should be obe,yed. The old fellow still refused, when the Colonel unsheathed his sword and waved it in close proximity to the heads of those faithful beasts drawing the wagon, supposing the war-like weapon would have some effect. And so it did, for the Colonel's unsteady hand permitted the sword to approach so near to these horses' heads, that one ear suffered, and it lay on the ground, a proof that the instrument was sharp. The old fel- low then turned out, but was ver}'^ indignant ; he returned to Bucyrus and demanded satisfaction. The Colonel was a general favorite in the vil- lage, and, when the man sought legal advice on the subject, he found the universal opinion to be " You have no recourse ; the county, for the day, was under military rule ; you should have turned out." At another time, Capt. George Shaeffer desired to drill his compan}- in the court house yard. Court was in session, and the confusion outside disturbed the proceed- ings. The Judge did not consider the militia supreme that day, and ordered the Sheriff to preserve order. This officer, John Moderwelb endeavored to carry out the wishes of the court, and ordered Shaeffer to keep quiet. The Captain disregarded this order, and the Sheriff made. an attempt to arrest the valiant officer ; the men clustered around their commander, who foolishly shouted out the order '' fire." One gun loaded with a l)lank cartridge went off in close proximity to Sheriff Moderwell's hantl, and the civil officer was slightly wounded. Occasionally, when the men turneil out to drill on muster days, the}' appeared in fantastic uni- forms, and these grotesque companies became so frequent in some counties that the}' had considerable influence in hastening the repeal of the old militia laws. One of these fantastic companies was organized by James Steen, John Caldwell, "Jake" Yost and others, after the year 18-40, which was possibly the last note- worthy incident connected with the early mili- tia raustei'S of Crawford County. The -Jake ' Yost of this fantastic company was a notorious character in the village at an early day. He was a cousin of the gentlemen bearing this name who are now citizens of Bucyrus. Mr. Yost was a shoemaker b}^ trade ; He mai'ried William Crosby's sister, a j'oung lady with very red hair ; Mi'. Yost possessed a very quarrelsome disposition, and when drunk, abused his wife and family in a shameful manner. One time he got into a dispute with a man named 3Ioffit, cousin of Philip Moffit, of Buc3'rus; the fuss was about a dog, and wound up with a fight. During the fracas, Moffit bit a piece off Yost's nose, and the latter was disfigured for life. Mr. Yost afterwanl moveil to Iowa. joincMl the church and lived an exemplary life. The first business enterprise established in the place was Abel Cary's mill for grinding grain, which was erected on the river just west of the north end ol Main street; this building was put up as earl}- as 1822, and a dam con- structed across the river at this point, but the machinery and mill were afterward removed to the old site of McLeans Flouring-mill. at the north end of Walnut street, where it was de- stroyed by fire some years afterward ; James Kelly, the proprietor at that time, then erected another mill on the same site in 1844. which re- mained twenty-six ^ears ; during the greater portion of this period, it was the property of James .McLean. This mill was destroyed by fire Saturday nigiit, April 0, 1870. It is im- possible to collect and describe, after si^ many years iuive elapsed, all the early business es- tablishments of the village, Init amonu" those y\: -s> i S58 inSTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. who were in business at Bucyrus during those early 3'ears of the village were the following persons : Joe Urapstead made the first chair in the town; Lewis Stephenson was a hatter in 1821 ; Lewis Gary started the first public tan- ner}' in 1822 ; he continued this business until 1839, when he transferred the establishment to his son Aaron, who conducted the business un- til he sold out to Richard Plummer. about 1855 ; Christian Shonert learned the trade un- der Aaron Gary, and purchased the tannerj^ of Plummer about 1856. Aaron Gary was a sad- dler and harness-maker as earl}' as 1823. Rus- sell Peck was a blacksmith near the present site of the American House as early as 1823. Bowcn burnt the first brick near the present schoolhouse lot to erect a brick l)lacksmitli- shop for himself; the building occupied the present site of the Blair and Picking Blocks. McMichael and Rogers ran a distillery located near the river in 1823. John Moderwell was a cabinet-maker as early as 1827, and Hany Miller also followed this same trade at an earl}' day. David Holm ran a tanner}- near the pres- ent site of G. G. Malic's residence in 1831, and at the same time Henry Minich had a tan- yard on the opposite side of the road. Brick yards were started at an early day near the site of A. W. Diller's present residence, J. R. Miller's butcher shop, and G. G. Malic's residence. William Bratton was a hatter during 1826, and had a shop in a round-log cabin which stood on the lot now occupied by Quinby Block. Elias Slagle was a proprietor of the old Gary mill at an early day. He was also interested in a pot- tery near this mill site at an early day, and after 1830 ran an oil-mill with a large circular tramp-wheel on the same lot. Jourdan Jones ran a wagon shop east of Rogers' tavern after 1830. Jesse Quaintance put up a mill on the river bank, southwest of the village, after 1830. In these early days, when many of the settlers spun their own yarn and wove their own cloth, several carding mills were estab- lished in the county. Among those started in Bucyrus are the following : Jourdan Jones ran a carding machine by tramp wheel-power near the present site of Vollrath's Flouring Mill, and sold his establishment to Lautenheiser, who put in a steam engine. Old man Kirk also ran a carding mill at an early day. Samuel Clapper induced Dr. A. M. Jones to establish him in this business, and Jones bought out Kirk, and the business was conducted by these men for several years just west of the southwest corner of Wiiflnut and Perry streets. In the spring of 18J:3, Dr. Jones visited Sandusky City and pur- chased a steam engine, and for some time they run their carding machine with this engine, both night and day, in consequence of the lai'ge amount of their business, and in the spring of 1844, Jones & Clapper bought a double ma- chine. Dr. Jones asserts that this steam en- gine purchased by him was the second one brought into Crawford County, the first engine being the one used at the old flouriug-mill run by James Kelly. The first store opened in the village was started on the lot just south of the gas works, by E. B. Merriman, who was known also as " Judge " and " Bishop " Merriman. Moder- well says, in regard to the early stores of the village : " Judge E. B. Merriman had the monop- oly, for some time, of exchanging goods with the red and white people for deer skins, furs, beeswax, honey, ginseng, cranberries and other articles, but he finally divided the trade with S. Bailey, from Pittsburgh, who soon concluded that the country was too new for a man so re- cently from the Emerald Isle, and he sold out to French & Bowers and rcturuinl to Pittsburgh, and they to Judge John Nimmons. About this time, additions had been made, and continued to be made, to the trade, in the persons of Henry St. John, Coleman & Kerns, Caldwell & McFarlan, D. S. Norton & Co., Martin Ban- Jones & Butler, B. Meeker, O. & D. Williams,' James Quinby, Babcock & Ranney, Smith & ;rv* HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 359 Moderwell, J. A. Gormly, Musgrave & Merri- man, John Beaver, Nj'e & Majors, Quinby & Grant, Phillips & x\nderson, Henry Converse, Loring Converse, and others." The first store, started in the village by Merriman as early as 1823, was not an extensive establishment. James Nail relates the following incident in re- gard to it : '-I now remember that the first goods I bought in a store at Bucyrus were from Bishop Merriman. As I was getting a few ar- ticles, a Mr. Peter Clinger took his pencil and paper and commenced writing. Merriman asked him what he was doing. He said he was taking an invoice of his goods, and that the amount of his stock was $37.41. Merriman said he was not far out of the way." These early stores could not sell a large amount of goods, for the few inhabitants in the village and vicinity were very poor, and, considering the great distance from the Eastern market and the poor facilities for transportation, the traffic in produce with the settlers was necessarily limit- ed. Moderwell sa^'s : '• For the first ten years after the settlement of the countr}', it ma}' be truly said of the inhabitants that thej' were poor ; having but little to sell, and no market for that little except what supplied the wants of new-comers." The few hogs and cattle raised had to be driven to the East on foot, and sold there at bareh- living prices. One steer or cow would now bring about as much as four did at that time, and other products were equally low. A price current at that time would have given about the following quotations : Wheat, per bushel, 40 to 50 cents ; corn, 15 to 25 cents ; oats, 12 to 18 cents ; potatoes, 12 to 25 cents ; cranberries, 50 cents ; hone}-, per gallon, 50 cents ; pork, per pound, 1^ to 2 cents ; butter, 5 to 6 cents ; maple sugar, 5 to (5 cents. After the New York Canal was completed, the Bucyrus merchants offered the settlers better prices for what was raised in the country, and they were also able to sell them store goods on more reasonable terms ; consequently, the set- tlers were in much better circumstances. Mer- riman purchased some hogs at an earh^ day, and it is reported that some of these animals were so wild from running loose in the woods that they had to be trained before thej^ could be driven East, and then it generally took the whole town to start the drove. E. B. Merri- man, the first store-keeper of Bucyrus, was elected one of the County Commissioners when Marion County was organized, and was ap- pointed, February 4, 1825, one of the Associate Judges for the Common Pleas Court for the same county. He afterward held the same of- fice in the new countj^ of Crawford. The loca- tion occupied by some of these earh^ mercan- tile establishments of the village was as fol- lows : Martin Barr occupied the lot north of the northeast corner of Main and Galen ; Ben- jamin Meeker kept store on Emrich's corner ; Henry St. John, on the Kaler coi'ner ; John Nimmon, in the fall of 1827, built the frame store which was torn down when the Fisher Block was erected on the same corner ; Babcock & lianney, near John M^ers' present site, north of the railroad ; the}- afterward built and occu- pied the brick storeroom which was torn down when the Bowman Block was erected ; Musgrave & Merriman occupied the present site of John- son & Son's drug store ; Daniel & Owen Will- iams, on the Rowse Block corner. Among the best customers of the early merchants and other business men of the village were the Indians, who came from the W3'andot Reservation to buj- articles in the village. The names of some of these warriors were Walpole, Hicks, Summon- dewat, Gra^'-Eyes, Sandstone, Barnett. Between- the-Logs, Sirehus, Jocco, Curly-Head, Big Tur- tle, Johnu3--Cake, Lewis Coon, Tom Enos, Char- ley Elliott and others. Sixty years ago, the occasional traveler pass- ing through this section of country, generall}- found when he needed entertainment for the night that the " latch-string" of the rude log cabins always •■ hung out." it was rare that a *7[i :i; :1^ ;{60 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY man was turned awaj' to seek lodging farther on his journey. The first regular inn kept in the village of Bueyrus was started by Abel Car}'. It was a rude log cabin with a ver}' low door, and occupied the lot at the northwest corner of Perry and Main streets. Gary did not continue at this business ver}- long. Some two years afterward, Robert More built a public house on the lot now owned by Mrs. Lucy Rogers. More opened the first public bar or saloon started in the village ; his daughter married Hugh McCracken. Squire S. Roth; generally pronounced Rhoades, by the early settlers, then opened an inn near Gary's old stand, and in a few months transferred the busi- ness to Dr. Pearce who was a regular physician and also pulled teeth for those early settlers, if they requiretl the services of a dentist. Ichabod Rogers bouglit out Robert More's inn, and after several years built the present residence of Mrs. Lucy Rogers on the northeastern cor- ner of Main and Perry streets. Many interest- ing incidents are related in regard to the busi- ness conducted at this stand. The Government did not permit the white settlers to sell the Indians any intoxicating drinks, but the laws on this subject were evaded ; the Indians always called for " Sandusky water." When the red man was under the influence of this " Sandusky water," he was just as reckless in his manners as many white settlers who became intoxicated with the same liquor which was sold to them as whisky. An Indian once stole a black silk handkerchief from Mrs. Rogers, and then went up street, and, before returning, threw it over into a lot. Mrs. Rogers suspected him and concealed his gun ; she then snatched the knife he carried in his belt, and, taking a large raw-hide, gave him a severe thrashing. The Indians were sometimes without money ; they then brought venison and cranberries which they wished to exchange for " Sandusky water," flour and other articles. Mrs. Rogers relates that at one time she had fifty bushels of cranberries in the house. Sometimes the Indians brought their silver trinkets and exchanged them for the articles they wished to purchase. One brave warrior appeai*ed late one evening and ordered supper ; he was verj* badly intoxicated, but asked a blessing before he commenced his repast. Ver}^ many noisy times were experienced in this old building by the proprietors with drunken Indians. It was necessary that the brave warriors should receive threshings occasionally to make them quiet and orderl}'. When in a fight with an Indian, if he said " woah," it was an acknowledgment on his part that he had been vanquished, and the brave was then ready to quit. But many white settlers also had very noisy times at the Rogers bar. It is related of one early promi- nent settler, that his favorite amusement when intoxicated was to hire some person to haul him in a wheelbarrow from one saloon to an- other. Mrs. Rogers states '• that the hotel business in Bueyrus was always profitable in those early days, in consequence of so many persons visiting the village to enter land at the land office ; that she has frequently admitted travelers at midnight who had joui'neyed all day to reach the village at nightfall." Among those who also conducted taverns or inns at an early day were Capt. Miller, Mr. Funk, Greorge Lauck, Abraham Hahn, Abraham Holm, Mr. Golrick, Samuel Norton, Jacob Poundstone, W. W. Miller, Samuel Picking and others. The sites occupied by some of these parties were as follows : Lauck's tavern was inaugu- rated in 1826, at the present site of Henry Willer's residence, on the northwest corner of Main and Mary streets. Abraham Hahn built the present Sims House and kept hotel there in 1830. Samuel Norton erected his building as a private residence, but opened it as a hotel in 1836. W. W. Miller occupied the present Western House stand, and in the year 1840 dug the famous sulphur pump well. Samuel Picking kept the " Spread Eagle" House north HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 361 of the Square, and afterward at Hahn's old stand. During the first winter Samuel Norton was a resident of Crawford County , his family was increased by the appearance of the first native white inhabitant of Bucyrus Township, and pos- sibly the first within the present limits of Craw- ford County ; this new citizen was Sophronia Norton (now Mrs. M. M. Johnson, of Chicago), who was born February 11, 1820. Among those born in the village at an early da}' were Jane Rogers, in 1822 ; Harris P. Norton, Au- gust 9, 1822 ; and Lucy Ann Stephenson, a short time afterward. It is reported, the first couple married in the village were Mary Inman and Samuel Carl. The young lad}' posted the required notice, or banns, to a tree, but some one tore it down. At one early marriage, it is asserted of the Squire who performed the cere- mony, that he was so intoxicated he did not know what to say, as he had forgotten the usual form of speech ; but a schoolmaster was pres- ent who did know, and he told the Justice, who repeated the w^ords over after the schoolmaster. The first death in the village was little Daniel, a four-year-old son of Mishael Beadle, who died about September 1, 1822, and was buried on the lot now occupied by Hiram Fisher s resi- dence, at the corner of Walnut street and the Middletown road. Several other persons were interred on this lot at an early day, among whom were the child of a Mr. Kel- logg, John DeardorflT, and his daughter, aged some four or five years. But this first spot used as a burying-ground was not afterward held sacred to the raemor}- of these departed ones ; the lot was plowed over and buildings erected upon it. Some twenty years ago, in digging a cellar drain, the collins of two chil- dren were uncovered, which event created con- siderable excitement in the neighborhood at that time. When Mrs. Lewis Car}' died, she was buried on her husband's land ; the site of her grave is now in Joseph Henry's apple or- chard. Several others were interred on this piece of ground, among whom were John Rodgers, Daniel McMichael, Mrs. Kirk, Eliza- beth Bucklin, Lewis Cary's old colored servant and others. The graveyard on the opposite side of the Tifl3n road was established about the year 1828, upon land donated by Amos Clark. It is i-eported that Samuel Yost, the little son of Abraham Yost, was the first person interred. The Lutheran graveyard, called also the " Southern Graveyard," was established about 1830, and it is said Henry Myers, son of Abraham Myers, was the first person buried in this piece of sacred ground. These two ceme- teries were the only public graveyards started in the village, until Oakwood Cemetery was laid out. in the year 1859. The land was purchased of Watson Moderwell, in the fall of 1858, by gentlemen who afterward formed the Oakwood Cemetery Association, which society was or- ganized Tuesday evening, March 8, 1859, with the following officers : President, Greorge Quin- by ; Secretary, Gerard Reynolds ; Treasurer, C. W. Fisher ; Trustees, A. M. Jones, John A Gormly, R. T. Johnson, Hiram Fenner and J. H. Keller. B. F. Hathaway was the engineer who formed the plan of the grounds, and laid off the walks and drives in the spring of 1859- The cemetery was dedicated with appropriate exercises June 22, 1859. The first interment, however, was made over six months previous, and was Lillie Ann Craig, daughter of J. A. and S. S. Craig, who died November 19, 1858, aged five years nine months and five days. One of the first, and probably the most im- portant, public improvements which enlisted the attention of the early citizens of Bucyrus, was the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike road. This great highway of trade and travel was of untold benefit to the town, and did much in securing settlers for the county. The citizens, from the time the building of this road was de- termined upon, took active measures to have it pass through Bucyrus. It required consid- 362 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. erable etfort to raise the amount of stock the company expected each count}' to take. Some of the citizens subscribed, and paid for more stock than all their real estate would have sold for in cash. As an evidence of the importance attached to the enterprise, one item may be given : At a meeting held for the purpose of getting stock taken, Abel Gary remarked, " If we succeed in getting the road, we may yel see a daily line of stages through Bucyrus.' In less than ten years from that time, two dail}' lines, and frequently one or two extra coaches each da}- passed through the village. This highway was originally built as a toll-road, and the United States Government gave the State of Ohio, in trust for the corporation that built it, a large grant of land, the onl}^ stipulation be- ing that in case of war the Government troops had the right to use the road. The first stage line was started in 1827, before the road was fairl}' .under headway. For some years, the turnpike was the great thoroughfare of the State, from the river to the lake, and was the principal road to the market, at Sandusky City, for the counties of Delaware, Union and Ma- rion. Seventy-five wagons, loaded with wheat, were counted passing through town in one day, over forty 3-ears ago. All of these would of course return, and the constant traffic incident to so much transportation created business, and was an active stimulus toward developing the town. The early settlers of Buc3a'us and this sec- tion of Crawford were for several years without convenient post-office accommodations, and it was necessary for them to receive their mail through the Delaware office. Mrs. Lucy Rogers asserts that for a year after she removed to the village (in 1822) with her husband, their horse was frequentl}^ loaned to persons who wished to visit Delaware for the purpose of se- curing the mail for this neighborhood. In the year 1823, an office was established at Bucyrus. The first mail route thi'ough the villaije was a weekly mail from Marion to Sandusky City, and it was carried on horseback. Occasion- all}^ in the winter when the ground was not frozen sufficient to bear a horse, the mail-car- rier would leave his beast at Bucyrus, and make the rest of the trip to Sandusky Cit}^ and back on foot. Lewis Cary was the first Post- master ; he kept the office at his tannery shop, on the lot now occupied b}' Messrs. Shonert & Haller. In those days, the rate of postage was 25 cents each letter, and the postal business transacted by Mr. Cary was not extensive, not- withstanding most of the settlers in Crawford County received their letters at the Bucyrus Post Office. Until 1826, only four offices were established in the territor}' then embraced in Crawford County ; these were Bucyrus, Little Sandusky, Tymochtee and Upper Sandusky, the latter three being in that part of Crawford which is now Wyandot County. The settlers of Liberty Township received their mail at Bucyrus until several years after 1840. Cary continued as Postmaster until the administra- tion of President Jackson, when Henry St. John, a merchant, was appointed. This was the first practical illustration in Crawford County of the political war-crj^, " To the victors belong the spoils." Since this time, whenever the polit- ical character of the White House was changed, Bucyrus has received a new Postmaster. St. John kept the office from 1829 to 1837, at his store on the corner now occupied by Malic & Gloyd, and was succeeded by John Forbes, a harness-maker. The office was removed to Forbes' shop, near the present site of the Raiser Block. The following list of mails, taken from the Crawford Republican of November 4, 1837, is an interesting relic of the postal business over forty years ago : The Mails. — The following i.s a list of the Mails to this place, the hour of their arrival and departure: The Tiffin Mail leaves Bucyrus every Friday morning at 7 o'clock A. M., and arrives at this oflBce on Saturday at 5 P. M. The Mount Vernon Mail departs every HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 363 Friday at 6 A. M., and arrives on Saturday at 7 P. M. The Fredericktown Mail arrives at this office every Wednesday by 6 P. M., and departs on Thursday at 5 P. M. The Perrysburg Mail leaves this office every Monday by 5 A. M., and arrives here on Thursdays at 6 P. M. The Kenton Mail arrives every Wednesday by 12 M., and departs the same day at 1 P. M. The New Haven Mail arrives every Tuesday by 12 M., and de- parts at 1 P. M. of same day. The Eastern Mail through Mansfield to Pittsburgh, arrives at this office every other day by 6 P. M., and departs the following morning by 4 A. M., closes at 8 P. M. The Northern Mail from Sandusky City arrives at this office every other day between 1 and 4 P. M. (closes at 1), and de- parts in 20 minutes for Columbus. The Great Southern Mail arrives every other day (same day of the North- ern) between 9 P. M., and 12 M., and departs in about 30 minutes for Sandusky City (closes at 8 P. M.). John Forbes, P. M. Post Office Bucyrus, August -30, 1837. The salary paid Forbes in 1840 was $293.47, and the net proceeds of tlie office for the Gov- ernment were $417,54. Since 1840, the follow- ing persons have held the office ; James Mc- Cracken from 1841 to 1845, near the present site of Mader's Block ; Alex Widman. same place for some eighteen months ; R. T. Johnston, for about thirty months, at H. H. Moderwell's pres- ent stand ; Heniy Converse from 1849 to 1853, in the frame building located on the present site of Miller's block ; Alex Ruhl,from 1853 to 1857, near the present site of Picking's Block, and then at the northwestern part of public square ; C. D. Ward, from 1857 to 1861, at Ruhl's last room ; J. (Jr. Robinson from 1861 to Novem- ber 1, 1866, in the western part of Rowse's Block ; Isaac Br^^ant, from November 1866, to about April 1, 1867, at same room ; W. C. Lemert from April 1867 to about September 1, 1867, at same room ; James P. Rader, from Sep- tember, 1867, to August 7, 1870, first in Rowse's Block, and then opposite Court House ; J. Hop ley, from August 7, 1870, to February 1, 1879, opposite court house ; C. W. Fisher, present incumbent, from February 1, 1879. at same room. The first house erected on the present site of Bucyrus was the first round-log cabin of Nor- ton's ; the second was Bucklin's home, which was followed shortly afterward by the habita- tions of the Beadle family. When Lewis Gary came in the spring of 1822, he built the first hewn-log cabin with shingled roof and grooved floor. The Journal, of December 13, 1861, con- tains the following item : " A friend who de- lights in antiquarian researches informs us that the first frame building in town was erected in the year 1823. It stood ou the lot now occu- pied b}' George Raiser's building ; then it was removed to the west end of Mansfield street and from there to the lot of A. M. Jackson (corner Middletown and Gallon roads), where, disguised by a new roof and weather-boarding, it makes a ver}' fine looking stable.'' If this be true, it still remains on this lot, and is now used as a wood-shed. Moderwell says : '' The first frame building erected in the towu was about fifteen feet square and stood on the ground now occu- pied b}' Mr. G. Jahns property, north of the railroad. The first brick on the lot where Blair's and Picking's blocks now stand.'" This building was used as a blacksmith-shop, and shortly after it was erected the little brick schoolhouse was built on the present Monnett House lot. These first buildings were followed in a few years by more substantial structures. Among the earl}' buildings erected, many of which remain at the present time, are the fol- lowing : Henry St. John built the Kaler corner in 1828 ; this same building has since been remodeled and improved. Gilmore built the old brick on the northeast corner of Main and Warren streets previous to 1830, and the Ore- gon House, one square south,was erected shortly afterward. Hahn built the Sims House in 1830, but this block was enlarged and improved in 18."J9. Norton erected the Main street 3Iills Block in 1831, anil the same j-ear Col. Zalmon Rowse put up the American House building on the northwestcorner of Main and Warren streets. f 364 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Dr. Willis Merriman erected the two-story frame north of Shaeff'er's block, about 1833. Thomas Shawke put up the Trimble House on the south- east corner of Mansfield and Walnut streets in 1836. The Drackert House, on Main street, south of the Square, was built by Jacob Bright for Mrs. Martha I. Hetich, about the year 1838, and used by her as a private residence for many years. Merrimans brick corner was erected by Robert Johnson for Dr. Willis Merriman dur- ing the 3^ear 18^0. J. P. Bowman's former residence, now owned by the Grormlys, was built shortl}' afterward. The buildings now occupied b}^ the Crawford County Bank, R. I. Johnson & Son's drug store and Correll's shoe store, were put up after the big fire of August 30, 1848 ; the Anderson Block, now the resi- dence of Messrs. Ward and George Gormly, previous to 1850, and the brick now occupied b}^ Scott & Adams, after 1850. Among the more imposing structures of later years are : The Raiser Block, north of the railroad, in 1857 ; Stoll's planing mills, in the fall of 1858 ; Wool- en Mills building, on East Perr3' street, in 1858 and 1859 ; Rowse's Block in 1858 ; Ritz, now Gorml}', Block in 1859; Bowman Block in 1861 ; Picking's Block in 1861 ; Burkhart's Block, now one-half of Mader's. about 1861, and the north half by Mader, about 1870; Blair's Block, commenced in 1864, finished in 1865 ; Birk's Block, about 1872 ; the Converse and Weber Blocks in 1873 ; Jerry Niman's Block, rear in 1873, front in 1874 ; Fisher Block in 1876 ; Picking Block, now occupied by Al Lewis, in 1877; Deal Block in 1878; Miller Block in 1877 ; the largest block ever erected in Bucy- rus commenced by George Quinby in 1858 and completed in 1859, the five eastern business rooms being finished in the former year, and the three western rooms in the latter. The Journal^ of January 14, 1860, said of this build- ing : " It is the largest and best block on the line of the railroad between Pittsburgh and Chi- cago ; having a frontage on the square of 166 feet. It is now occupied by the following firms : Room on the corner b}- Exchange Bank ; No. 2, Hall & Juilliard, dry goods ; No. 3, Graham & Tranger, dry goods ; No. 4, Fulton & Clark, drugs ; No. 5, Zwisler & Howbert, dry goods ; No. 6, Jones & Co., stoves and tinware ; No. 7, Cuykendall & Weber, groceries ; No. 8, Potter & Craig, hardware." Within a short time after Bucja'us was laid out, Norton and Kilbourne interested them- selves in making their new town a county seat. The village was then located in the southeast- ern corner of the territory named Crawford County, and, in 'those daj's, stood in great dan- ger of having a successful rival for county-seat honors. Crawford County was then unorgan- ized, and the inhabitants were temporarily attached to Delaware County for judicial pur- poses. Possibl}" the first attempt made to secure the county seat at Bucyrus was in the fall of 1823. when the citizens were active in securing the formation of a new county, to be styled Bucyrus. The proprietor of the land was ver}^ anxious that the proposed scheme should be successful, and he made the follow- ing agreement with a committee of citizens : To all whom it may concern : Know ye that I, Sam- uel Norton, of Bucyrus, in Crawford County and State of Ohio, have agreed, and do agree, as this in- strument witnesseth, that, in case the county of Bucy- rus should be established by law at the approaching sessioTi of the Legislature, for which petitions will be presented, and the seat of justice of said county per- manently established in the town of Bucyrus, then, and in that case, I will give, and, by a warranty deed free and clear of all incumbi-ances, convey unto such agent or agents as may be appointed to the trust, for the use of said new county in defi-aying the expenses of erecting a court house and otiices in said town of Bucyrus, one equal third part in number and value of all the numbered inlots and outlots of said town, or that may be numbered within the present year, wliich remain to me as original proprietor thereof; that is to say, one-third of all the lots numbered on the recorded plat of said town, or that may be numbered as afore- said, excepting those which have been bargained and \ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 365 sold, or that may be sold to individuals, by deeds or title bonds prior to the acceptance of this offer, and excepting also the fractional parts of said town origi- nally belonging to Abel Gary and Daniel McMichael. On a plat of said town accompanying this obligation are distinctly marked the lots by their numbers and situations composing the said third part intended to be given for the public uses aforesaid, and the foregoing agreement and the just fulfillment thereof I bind myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these prebents. In witness whereof, I have here- unto set my liand and seal at said Bucyrus this 20th day of November, 1823. Samuel Norton. In presence of A. I. Shover. This project to secure a county named Bucy- rus was not successful, but, December 15, 1823, the General Assembly of Ohio passed an act organizing Marion County, and, for two years, from April, 1824, to April, 1826, the southern portion of Crawford was attached to Marion. The population in the vicinity of Bucyrus increased rapidly, and, after considerable agita- tion and petitioning, the Legislature, on Janu- ary 81, 1826, passed another act, organizing Crawford Count}', which " authorized the Com- missioners elected in accordance with the third section of the act " to " meet on the first Mon- day in May next, at the town of Bucyrus, and then and there determine at what place in said county of Crawford the judicial courts shall be held till the permanent seat of justice shall be established in said county." This duty of these commissioners, to be elected in April, 1826, was the great issue discussed at the first election for county offices. The people in the southern part of the county were in favor of Bucyrus as the county seat, and those living in the western part insisted upon its being located at a town called Crawford, laid out b}' Joseph Newell, on the Broken Sword Creek, in Holmes Township. The friends of Bucyrus were suc- cessful, and Thomas McClure, John Magers and George Poe, their candidates, were suc- cessful, and the county seat was temporarilv established in the village. The first court was held in Lewis Car3''s front room, and, after the brick schoolhouse was erected, occupied tem- porary* quarters in that building. For several years, the new county was without a court house. In the meantime, the Auditor, Clerk of the Court and Recorder occupied quarters in the north end of BuC3'rus. A man named Fleck was convicted foj* some crime, and, about the year 1831, his friends set fire to the build- ings in which the records were kept, and the earl)' papers of the new count}- were all de- stroyed. The county seat was not permanent- ly located at Bucyrus until 1830, when the Legislature appointed a commission, consisting of Judge Williams, of Delaware ; R. S. Dick- enson, of Fremont, and J. S. Glassgo, of Holmes County, to visit Crawford County and decide the troublesome question. The report made by these gentlemen was favorable to Bucyrus, and this was accepted by the Legisla- ture. Samuel Norton then donated a large number of town lots, and other citizens made liberal contributions for the erection of public buildings. The first jail was erected about the year 1827, on the site now occupied by the Monnett House, which lot was donated by Samuel Norton. Zalmon Rowse was the con- tractor, and the building was made of squared timber, and contained two apartments. This jail was destroyed by fire, and when the next one was built it occupied the lot immediately south. The present jail was erected in 1859. The first court house was commenced and fin- ished in 1832. Col. Kilbourne was the archi- tect, and Nicholas Cronebaugh, Abraham Holm, Sr., and William Early were contractors. While this building was being erected, a serious acci- dent occurred, which resulted in the death of Eli Cronebaugh and a Mr. Seigler. The present court house was commenced in 1855, by Will- iam Miller, J. Jennings and David Auld, con- tractors. The building was finished by April 30, 1857, at which time a "court house warm- ing " was held. ■^ 366 HISTORY OF CRAWB^ORD COLTXTY. The town of Bucj'rus was incorporated b}' the Legishiture February 21, 1833. It is not certain who the first Ma3'or of the town was, as the records have all been destroyed, but it is generally supposed to be James IMcCraclcen. Since the year 1837, however, the following persons have been elected to this office : 1837, John Moderwell; 1840, Peter Worst; 1841, Nicholas Failor; 1842 and 1843, David R. Lightner ; 1844 and 1845, James Marshal; 184(), James McCracken ; 1847 and 1 848, James H.Hutchinson; 1850 and 1851, William M. Scroggs, who resigned in November, 1851, and Stephen 11. Harris was elected to fill the va- cancy ; Mr. Harris Avas also re-elected in 1852 and 1854. In 1853, George P. Seal was chosen ; 1855, 1856, 1857, Jacob Scroggs; 1858, S. J. Elliott, who resigned in November, and Jacob Scroggs was appointed by the council, and re- elected in 1859 ; in 1860, Henry C. Rowse ; 1861, S. R. Harris; 1862, William M. Scroggs; 1863 and 1864, E. B. Finley ; 1865, C. D. Ward ; 1866 and 1867, Wilson Stewart; 1868 and 1869, George Donnenwirth, Sr. ; 1870, William M. Reid was elected, but counted out, and Donnenwirth sworn in (Gen. Samuel Myers, C. G. Malic and William Rowland, three mem- bers of the Council elected at the same time denounced the proceeding, refused to serve and resigned. The case was tried and carried before the Supreme Court of Ohio, who decided in favor of Reid, when the term of office had nearly expired); 1872 and 1874, James Van Voorhis; 1876 and 1878. Chapman D.Ward; 1880, Allen Campbell, the present incumbent. The population of the village since 1830, was as follows: 1830, 500 estimated; 1840, 704; 1850, 1,100 estimated ; 1860, by United States census, 2,207; 1870, by census, 3,066 ; 1880, bj^ census, 3,848. Among the many interesting historical events which have occurred in Bucyrus was the dis- covery, by Abraham Hahn, of the perfect skele- ton of a mastodon, durins; the vear 1838. Mr. Hahn, having erected a saw-mill just north of the site now occupied by G. W. Hull's barn, on West Warren street, conceived the idea of con- structing a mill-race which would furnish suffi- cient water-power to run the establishment, and this water-course was finished by a considera- ble outlay of time and money. The source of this race was the swamps in Col. Zalmon Rowse's fields, now owned by William Monnett, and the line it followed to the mill would have, at the present time, about the following route : It crossed the Gallon Road near the southwest- ern corner of the fair ground ; then extended nearly due north along the east side of the Ohio Central, making a slight bend, and pass- ing east of the roundhouse and machine shops ; then nearly due west to S. R. Harris' land ; then northwest through the northeastern corner of the schoolhouse 3'ard, and, after con- tinuing in the same direction for a short dis- tance, changed to nearl}' due west, crossing Walnut street, near Dr. Cuykendall's office, Main street, near Mrs. Thomas Johnson's, and Poplar street, near the German Lutheran Church. While making the excavations for this mill-race, the skeleton was found in the swamp just east of the present site of the Ohio Central shops. This land for many years afterward was A-ery low and swampy ; a consid- erable portion in this immediate vicinity was covered by Mr. Hahn's mill-pond. A full ac- count of this discovery was printed in the Crawford Rrpnhh'ca)) extra, of August 14, 1838, and reprinted in the Fnnnn, Januar}' 9, 1880, from which the following is taken : BnrYRtis, August 14, 1838. Mr. Abraham Tlalin, wliile engaged with his work hands in excavating a mill-race, about thiee-fonrths of a mile east of Bucyru=', on yesterday, at the distance of from five to seven feet below the surface of the ground, discovered the skeleton of a mastodon, in a reclined position. The history of this genus of anim.als is in- volved in mystery. No tradition or human record fur- nishes evidences of its existence at any period. But that it once lived and walked upon the earlli, the prince ll£ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 367 of the quadruped kingdom, is abundantly proven by the numerous and almost entire specimens of its or- ganic remains, that have been discovered in various parts of North America; and which have excited the wonder and astonishment of the naturalist and anti- quarian. From the peculiar structure, and the im- mense size of its bones, it must have been an animal far exceeding in size and strength any species of the quadruped races now in existence. The place where this skeleton was found is very near the dividing ridge between the northern and southern waters of the State, in a wet, spongy soil. Tlie bones, so far as dis- covered, are in a fine state of preservation. The upper jaw and skull bones are perfect in all their parts, as formed by nature. The under jaw was accidentally divided in removing it from the earth. ' This is the only instance in which the skull of the mastodon has been found in a state of preservation; and it furnishes the only specimen from which correct ideas can be ob- tained respecting that massive, and singularly shaped organ. Some idea may be formed of the rank this monster held among the beasts of the forest, when clothed with skin and flesh, and nerved with life, from the following dimensions of some portions of it, which have been rescued from oblivion: THE SKULL .•VND UPPER JAW. Horizontal length ?)rt inches. Length following curvature of skull 42^^ " Breadth across the eyes 26J " Breadth at back of hea^ 25^ " A^'ertical height 22 " Height occipital bone 16 " Diameter of both nostrils 11^ " Diameter of each measuring the other way.. 5 " Diameter of tusk sockets -5^ to 6 " Depth of tusk sockets 22 " Diameter of eye sockets 6 " Weight of skull and upper jaw IGO pounds. THE UNDER JAW. Horizontal length following outside curva- ture 81 J inches. Height to junction with upper jaw 1(1^ " Weight 60 pounds. Front molars H\ inches apart. Back " .5f Length back molar 7.' inches. Breadth back molar 4 " Length front molar 4^ " FEMUR OR THIGH BONE. Length X7 inches. Largest circumference 80 ■' Smallest circumference 15^ " TIBI.i ^LAKGEST BONE BETWEEN THIGH .A.ND HOOF), Len gt h 22 J inch es. Largest circumference 24^ " Smallest circumference 11 " FIBULA (smaller BONE BETWEEN THIGH AND HOOF). Length 20J inches. Largest circumference 12^ " Smallest circumference 4.} " HUMERUS (BONE FROM SHOULDER TO KNEE). Length 30 inches. Largest circumference 34.^ " Smallest circumference 14| " RIB. Length outer curve 43i " Smallest circumference b\ " The following is a design of the skeleton of this monster, as drawn by the description gi\en above, and engraved by Daniel Kanzleiter, of Bucyrus : 1/ Mm Halin soon found the enterprise in which he had become involved would not be a financial success, and after several ^ears the business was abandoned. When the town was extended and improved toward the southeast, the mill- pond was drained and the water-course gradu- ally filled up with earth, but during the past twent}' years, in making excavations for sewers 368 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY and cellars, the remains of this race have fre- quently been found. At first, Mr. Ilahn exhib- ited the bones of this mastodon, but finally sold them, and the proceeds derived from the sale served to repa}- him for the immense finan- cial outlay he had made in building the race. He died at Mount Gilead, Ohio, January 19, 1 867, and in his obituary notice the following was published in regard to the latter history of the skeleton : " He afterward sold the skeleton to a man in Columbus for $1,800, and it was again resold to a Cincinnati man for i^2,800 ; was afterward taken to New York and put in Barnum's Museum, and probably consumed b}' the fire there a few years since." For manj- j'ears the village was without an}- regularly organized fire department, and the only protection in case of fire was the volun- teer bucket-brigade temporarily^ formed at each successive conflagration. The propriet}^ of organizing a regular fire company was dis- cussed during the summer of 18-18, and Friday evening, August 4, a large and respectable meeting of citizens assembled at the court house for this purpose ; J. H. Hutchinson was Chairman, and J. Scroggs, Secretary. J. E. Jewett, N. C. McFarland and J. Simms were appointed to prepare a constitution, and the meeting adjourned until August 11, 1848, at which time, or shortly afterward, the organiza- tion of the company was perfected. J. E. Jewett was Captain of the organization. Within a short time the members had a fine opportunity to show their mettle, for at raid- night on October 26, Howenstein & Sheckler's caV)inet-shop was discovered to be on fire, and, before the conflagration was quenched, several other buildings in the immediate vicinit}- were destroyed. The People s Fonmi, published the nextday, said : " Much credit is due the firemen and other citizens for their exertions to stop the progress of the flames." The first fire engine purchased, " Rescue No. 1," was of a very rude design. It was necessary to pour the water into the engine with buckets ; then shut down the lid of the tank, and the liquid was forced into the hose b}- turning a crank. For nearly ten 3'ears this was the only fire engine used in the community. In March, 1858, the Town Council purchased the present " Water Cloud," at a cost of $1,282.50, and the fire department was re-organized. The officers of " Water Cloud No. 2," were F. W. Butterfleld, Foreman ; D. M. Lindsay, Assistant Foreman ; M. Buch- man. Secretary', and John Gr. Birk, Treasurer. D. Shanks was Foreman of Mazeppa Hose Company. The first engine, " Rescue No. 1," was placed in charge of a junior company- composed of many young men residing in the village, who elected Gains C. Worst as their Foreman, and for several years " Let 'er Rip No. 1," ably managed b}- these 3-oung men, performed effi- cient work when needed. Possibly the first Chief Engineer of the Fire Department was E. R. Kearsley, who occupied that position July 2, 1859. The Buckeye Hook and Ladder Com- pany was first organized during 1859 with the following oflftcers : Foreman, A. E. Walker ; First Assistant, G. B. Terwileger ; Second Assistant, D. R. Locke (now proprietor of the Toledo Blade) ; Secretary, J. W. Keller ; and Treasurer, P. E. Bush. During the winter of 1859-60, the Town Council erected the pres- ent engine house ; it was to be " 32x40 feet, two stories high, with a ball above fitted up for the use of the fire companies and Town Coun- cil." This building was dedicated Monday evening, April 30, 1860, with appropriate exer- cises. In July, 1869, the Steam Fire Engine was purchased by the Council from Sibley & Co., of Seneca Falls, N. Y. The price paid for the engine was $5,100, and an addition, $2,400, was given for brakes, seats, two hose carts and 1,000 feet of rubber hose. The engine was received in Buc\'rus, Tuesday September 7, and the next daj- threw water the following distances : With 1,000 feet of hose and 1^-iuch nozzle, 147 feet; with 1,000 feet ;r>' CPlAAci/lrt/ili- ivytyti -5 I \^^ — HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ill of hose an(t 1-inch nozzle, 181 feet ; with 100 feet of hose and 1-inch nozzle, 236 feet. The engine weighs 3,600 pounds and will dis- charge from 400 to 450 gallons of water per minute. The first officers elected for the Steamer Fire Engine Compan}-, were : Foreman, B. F. Lauck ; Engineer, Wilson Stewart ; As- sistant Engineer and Fireman, William P. Rowland ; Foreman Hose Compan}-, John Couts ; Secretary, M. Fulton ; Treasurer, J. G. Birk. During the fi-ill of 1859. a company was formed, composed of many public-spirited bus- iness men of Bucyrus. for the purpose of build- ing and operating the Bucyrus Gas Works. The stockholders met at C. Elliott's office, Tues- day evening, November 22, and elected George Quinby, S. R. Harris, Horace Rowse, J. J. Soc- man and J. H. Keller, Trustees, until the works were completed. The Trustees perfected the organization of the company by electing Hor- ace Rowse President ; S. R. Harris, Secretary ; and George Quinby, Treasurer. The building was commenced during the fall of 1859, and completed in 1860, by B. B. McDonald & Co. After many anno3ing delays, the works were started, and the town was first lighted by gas Tuesday evening, October 23, 1860. The Bu- cyrus Journal, during that year, published the following description of the works : " The buildings are 32x68 feet in size, slate-roofed, and are well and substantially built. The gas- ometer contains 9,000 cubic feet. There are two benches of retorts, capable of generating 20,000 cubic feet of gas per day, with extra benches to provide against accidents." Satur- day evening, November 3, the stockholders elected the following Directors to conduct the business : Horace Rowse, George Quinby, John Keller, John H. Hofraan and B. B. McDonald ; Rowse was then re-elected President, and J. H. Hofman, Secretary. The stock was finally pur- chased b}^ a few members, and Messrs. Quinby and McDonald became owners of the works. They sold out to Monnett, Frazer & Co., about January 1, 1873, and the establishment is now owned by J. G. Frazer and Rev. T. J. Monnett. While Bucyrus can scarcely be called a man- ufacturing city, 3'et there are several institu- tions located within its limits that make some pretensions toward manufacturing, and deserve some mention as such. Prominent among these are the Eagle Machine Works. These works have grown out of an establishment of ver}'^ limited dimensions, which was started here more than twenty-five 3-ears ago. At the be- ginning, the work was done mostly liy hand, in a small shop which it occupied, and, as a man- ufacturing enterprise, amounted to but little. The following, from an article upon the subject of " Manufactories in Bucyrus," published in the Forum, of Februar}- 10, 1872, does justice to the Eagle Machine Works : " Messrs. Frey & Sheckler, two of the present partners, be- came workmen in the establishment, remaining in that capacity- until 1862, when the\' bought the concern, the former proprietors changing places with them. In 1867, the entire works were destroyed by fire, but, in 1868, the present firm — which, besides Frey and Sheckler, com- prises G. Quinb}- — was formed, and the works were rebuilt upon a much larger scale, and fur- nished throughout with the best of machiner}- and conveniences. The works are of brick, the machine-shop being 75x55 feet, and twcw stories ; the foundry', 35x50, besides cupola, and a Avareroom (frame) neai-l}- 160 feel in length." Since this article was penned, other buildings have been put up, and the works have now altogether six buildings, viz.: Foundry. , machine-shops, blacksmith-shops, engine-house, coke and sand house, office and pattern room, etc. Eighteen hands are emploved regularlv, and engines, horse-powers, saw-mills, brick ma- chines, together with a general foundry busi- ness, are some of the kinds of work turned out by the establishment. Of late 3'ears, the " Ea- gle Portable Enoine " has been made bv these •^ 372 HISTORY or CKAWFORB COUNTY. works. Their brick machines ai'e the best made — capable of making 15,000 brick per day, and are in use all over the country, even as far west as W^'oming and Indian Territories. The firm changed in 1875, Mr. Sheckler retir- ing ; and, in 1877, William Hoover purchased an interest, but Sheckler again became inter- ested, and the firm is now Frey, Sheckler & Hoover. All three of the partners are energetic business men, who believe that what is worth doing, is worth doing well, and the business, under their management, has become a promi- nent one, and is of a character that reflects credit upon the city and upon themselves. The Bucyrus Machine Works were started originally b}- William Burkhart, James Throupe and J. Moultrop about 1861. In the spring and summer of that year they put up a shop 40x60 feet, two stories high, on East Mansfield street. These works at one time were quite an enterprise and did a large business, but of late years have retrograded somewhat, and at the present time do not amount to much. They commenced work in a little blacksmith shop, and made a few " Excelsior " Machines, when Mr. Burkhart invented the " Bucyrus Machine." The old company continued in operation until the 1st of January, 1869, when its assets were transferred to a stock company, of which B. B. McDanald was Superintendent, and W. T. Mc- Donald, Treasuz'er, with a capital stock of $100,- 000. A portion of the works were destroj^ed by fire, in May, following this change, resulting in a loss of about $21 ,000. They were rebuilt with- out any unnecessary delay, and comprise at pres- ent several excellent buildings ; the main build- ing is of brick 200x40 feet, and three stories high ; blacksmith-shop 55x30, and foundry 40x- 60 feet. At one time the works gave employ- ment to a force of near 100 men, and manufact- ured as high as 700 machines in one year. The larger part of their trade was West, mostly in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas, the people of those sections showing a preference for the Buc3'rus Machine. Some idea of the good to the city, and the magnitude of the works when in the zenith of their glory, ma}' be drawn from the fact that as much as $25,000 were disbursed to their employes in one year, and in the con- struction of machines 200 tons of pig metal were used. Preparations were made at one time for the building of railway cars, and a switch was built from the works to the railroad. The company finally began to decline, and eventually passed into the hands of J M. Bid- die. In a few j^ears, it made another assignment, and was then purchased by A. Monnett & Co., who, after operating it for a time, leased it to Stucke}' & Diller, who are at present operat- ing it. But the establishment has not been manufacturing the Bucyrus Machine for some time, and is not doing the business it did a few years ago. The Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Com- pany is destined to become as familiar through- out the country as the Wheeler & Wilson, Howe, Singer, and others of that kind now. In 1868, William Franz and Dr. W. Pope com- menced the inventing of a knitting machine for both domestic and manufacturing purposes. They succeeded and obtained a patent, and have patented eight improvements since, and bought six others, making fourteen improvements and patents now owned by them, until their ma- chine is almost perfect. The Forum, in 1872, said : "In 1870, a company was formed here called the Bucyrus Knitting Machine Company, which commenced operations, but was dis- banded in 1871, and the present joint-stock company was formed." This company was composed of Dr. William Pope, Dr. C. Fulton, James Clements, John Franz, Thomas Beer, George Quinby, George Dounenwirth and Will- iam Franz. Of this company, George Quinby was President ; William Franz, Secretary, and Dr. W. Pope, General Agent. Says the Forum : " Last year 1,500 machines were made — this year the number will reach 2,500 ; the ice is HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 373 really just being broken, and the demand in the future will be enormous. The variety of work it is capable of producing is wonderful, being adapted to all manner of crotcheting — making tidies or afghans, as well as common hosiery. It knits a stocking, heel and toe com- plete, without taking it off' the hooks, in seven minutes, with but little hand finishing required." In 1878, a Hosiery Department was added to the establishment, in which some thirty young ladies are employed constantly. The following are the present officers : Dr. William Pope, President ; James Clements, Secretary ; William McCutcheon, Treasurer and Book-keeper ; John R. Perrot, Foreman, a position he has held since the formation of the present company. The works are doing a good business, and have ma- chines in Germany, England, Japan, and other foreign countries, in addition to the sales in our own country. The Forum, in its sketch of this enterprise, from which we have already quoted, draws this fanciful and prophetic pic- ture of its future : " The readers of the Forum will have no difficult}- in recalling to mind a familiar picture — a pleasant room made doubly pleasant by a genial fire on the hearth At hand is a corner sacred to 'Grandma,' and here she sits, hour after hour, knitting, knitting, weaving into common-place stockings a thou- sand pleasant memories of the past or visions of the future — this is her favorite employment. Gaze upon it while you ma}', reader, for soon grandmas occupation, like Othello's, will be gone. In place of the loved old lady, whose eye is fast growing dim, and whose hands trem- ble with age, will be seen a younger generation — in place of the bright needles that ' click ' and glisten as the stocking is slowly fashioned, will be a little machine labeled 'Franz & Pope's Pa- tent ' — the good wife or daughter seats herself, hastily turns a crank for a few minutes, and, presto ! here is a complete stocking. " Finally the Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Company will find their time fully employed in the fu- ture, and it is no difficult matter to predict a continuation of the present prosperit}- of this valuable industry. The Bucyrus Plow Works was originall}- es- tablished b}' A. Shunk, Sr., more than twenty years ago. His capital was limited ; the busi- ness was somewhat of an experiment, and was of small proportions, emjiloying but four men and doing the work all b}- hand-power. As the years went by, the business was increased, com- pelling the introduction of steam-power and magnificent buildings, occupying a large space ; a wood shop, 30x50 feet, brick, two stories high ; smith shop 50x18 feet ; grinding room, 25 feet square ; lumber room of the same dimensions ; engine room 20x20 feet, and foundry 40x60 feet. Persistent energy has worked these changes and improvements. The works have a capacity of 1,000 plows per year, of nine differ- ent varieties. The sale of these plows is chiefly in Ohio and the Western States, and so rapidly has their fame spread that every plow is sold before it leaves the shop, and even advance or- ders can scarceh' be filled, the demand for them is so great. In May, 1870, a firm was formed^ consisting of A. Shunk, Jr., F. R. and X. T., all brothers. Several changes have taken place, and the firm now is A. Shunk, Sr., alone. He, as we have said, was the originator of the es- tablishment, and still supervises the work. He is a man of genius, makes his patterns himself, and a plow, also, that has no superior in the market. One of the large and enterpi-ising establish- ments of Bucyrus is the {)laning-mill of the VoUrath Brothers. Gottlieb Vollrath came to the town in 1S49, and, in 1855, he started a planing-mill under the firm of G. Vollrath & Co., the firm comyrising Mr. Vollrath and two sons — Albert and Charles. In 18(57. William, another son, bought out his lather, and the firm became, as now, ^'ollrath Brothers, com- prising Albert, Charles and William. In 1868, their present brick building was erected, three i\^ 374 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY stories, 78x45 feet, besides tlie engine and boiler room, whicli is also of brick, and is 19x54 feet. In its arrangement, a view was had to conven- ience, the best possible macliinery was obtained, and every preparation made for conducting business upon a large scale. Now, an average of from fifteen to twenty men is employed, and large quantities of sash, doors, blinds, mold- ings, etc., and also a general planing-mill busi- ness is done. In addition to this, a large business is carried on in dressed and undressed lumber, their yards and mill occupying over an acre of ground. All of the brothers are prac- tical business men, and pay strict attention to the business. The Bucyrus Flouring Mill Company is also an enterprise of the Yollrath Brothers. In 1870, they fitted up a part of their planing-mill building, and commenced this line of business. In 1872, it was bought by F. A. Vollrath, a brother to those engaged in the planing-mill who has run it ever since. It is provided with three runs ofbuhrs — two for wheat and one for corn. It is supplied with a separate engine from that of the planing-mill, and is a first-class in- stitution in every respect. Mr. Vollrath is well known in town and county, and his pleasant face is familiar to all. The Buckeye State Wood Works was estab- lished in 1866, b}^ A. M. Jones & Company. Their line of manufacturing is confined prin- cipally to the making of spokes, hubs and bent work. The grounds embrace an area of an acre and a half, the buildings being — main work- shop, 100x40 feet ; engine-room, 50x20 feet ; warehouses, 22x156 and 18x40 feet. The orig- inal members of firm were A. M. Jones, W. C. Lennert. Lyman Parcher and John Jones. Nicholas Keel was afterward admitted, and, shortly after, John Jones and Lyman Parcher sold out to the other three partners, and the firm is still A. M. Jones & Co. The busi- ness has proved a success, and gives employ- ment to a large number of hands continually, the average being about thirty, requiring an an- nual disl)ursement of over $30,000 for wages and other expenses. The business was at first an experiment, but, under careful management, has grown volumious, and is one of the most important manufacturing interests of the town. The Donnenwirth Brewery ranks among the large manufacturing establishments of Bucyrus. It was originally established in 1858, by Henry Anthony. In the following spring G. Dounen- wirth, Jr., became a partner, and in the fall the firm became Gr. Donnenwirth & Son, his father taking an interest in the business with him. A large business is done in manufacturing - der lager," consuming yearly thousands of pounds of hops and thousands of bushels of barley in the manufacture of this drink that does not in- ebriate. We have the word of a good old Grerman, who said, when asked if lager would make a man drunk, that he had often drank as many as sixty or seventy glasses a daj^ with- out becoming intoxicated, but if a man was to make a hog of himself, he didn't know what the effect might be. We don't either. The Sandusky- Valley Mills were built in 1860, by S. A. Bowers and J. W. Delancy near the site of the Deardorff steam saw-mill. In 1861, Mr. Delancy retired, and Bowers con- tinued in the business until 1872, when he sold out to C. T. Miller. Mr. Miller failed shortly after, when Mr. Bowers took them back, and lately Mr. Delancy has again taken an interest in them, and the old firm of Bowers «&; Delanc}' are now operating them. Their building is 40x50 feet and three stories high, containing three run of buhrs and ample steam-power, furnished bj' two engines. These mills are doing a good business and are justly celebrated for the ex- cellence of their flour. Keller, StoU & Co., erected a planing-mill in 1859. Subsequently it changed to the manage- ment of StoU & Bro., and in 1869, the firm of Stoll, Bro. & Co., was formed. The mill is a large one ; the main building is 70x40 feet, with ;r^ HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. 375 eJ an engine room 40x18 feet, and the entire es- tablishment is supplied with the best of ma- chinery. A large number of men are employed, and an extensive business is done in sash, doors, blinds, etc., also in lumber of all kinds. R. C. Roer is now a member of the firm, and is one of the energetic business men of Bucyrus. Their market is both at home and abroad, and, whenever good work is required, there is a demand for their goods, and their trade is in- creasing. The Smutter Factory of M. Deal is one of the important industries of Bucyrus. Mr. Deal be- gan the manufacture of these machines in 1 868, then known as the California Smutter. It is a machine for taking smut out of wheat, and is of incalculable value to wheat growers and dealers. Mr. D. has added six new improvements to the machine since he commenced the business, and now manufactures thirt3'-six different styles of niachines for cleaning wheat. His present fac- tory, which is in one of the most pretentious buildings in the town, employs some twentj'-five men the year round, and has a capacity for put- ting up 500 machines per j'ear. There are now over six hundred local agencies in the United States, Canada, South America and England, and from $60,000 to $75,000 worth of machines are shipped annually. The Main Street Mills were established by Zeigler, Gross & Co., and in October, 1871, the firm of F. & J. Gross was formed, succeeding the old one, and in the following May, they built the present mills. The building is of brick, 48x50 feet, two stories besides basement, and engine-room. It had originally three run of buhrs and a capacity for manufacturing more than fifty barrels of flour ever)' twelve hours. In 1876, Mr. Zeigler returned to Bucy- rus, after an absence of some years, and became the proprietor of these mills, which he has operated successfully ever since. He has made some improvements ; has added another run of buhrs, and is doing a fine custom and merchant business. Mr. Zeigler has about twenty-seven years' experience in milling, and perfectly understands it in all of its details. An enterprise of some considerable interest to the town of Bucyrus is the shops of the Ohio Central Railroad Company, which are now in the course of building here. The shops and buildings comprise a roundhouse, designed for forty stalls, of which ten are to be completed for immediate use ; a machine and smith shop, 150x70 feet ; an engine and boiler house, 50x36 feet ; car shops, 100x70 feet, and an office and storeroom, 40x30 feet. All of these are being now built, and are of brick upon stone foundations, and are to be surmounted by a self-supporting metal roof. Some of the contractors in this work are as follows : The Union Planing Mills have a con- tract to furnish the door and window frames, flooring, etc. ; the Eagle Machine Works sup- plies the cast-iron work, and Stuckey & Diller the wrought-iron work. The local contractor, J. Gt. Frayer. under whose eye the work is being done, is pushing it rapidly forward, and is a contractor of great experience. These shops will be of great benefit to Bucyrus. and make it quite a railroad town. It is estimated that not less than one million of brick will be used, and that the cost of buildings and machinery will not be far from $100,000 at completion, and will continually increase in value as improvements are made and new machinery added. E. Blair's establishment should be mentioned among the manufacturing industries of Bucy- rus. The most important article of his manu- facture is '-swine jewelry," as it is facetiously termed, though other articles are, and have been for some time, made extensively by him. His wire work is well known. But in his '•' swine jewelry "' he has a large trade. It con- sists of a ring, or something of that sort, which, when placed in a- pig's -snoot."' effoctu- all)' stops him from following his legitimate J^ 376 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. calling — rooting. Mr. Blair nianuractures these usel'ul articles extensively, and has a large sale for them. The first secret society organized in the vil- lage of Hucyriis on a jx'rnianent basis was the Independent Order of (kid Fellows. The Pio- plrs Fnniin. pnhlislied September 20, 1845, contains tlie following advertisement : I. 0. 0. F. The installation of La Salle Lodge will take place in Hucjrus Monday evening, September 22, 1845. La Salle Lodge, after continuing for nearly ten 3'ears, surrendered their charter October 2, 1854, but, in about eighteen months, the char- ter was restored on February 26, 1856. The names of the members on the restored charter are Franklin Adams, W. R. S. Clark, William M. Scroggs. Benjamin Failor, C. W. Butterfield, Hiram Fenner and J. E. Zook. La Salle Lodge, No. 51. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is in a better financial condition than any other secret society in Bucyrus. A short time after the first permanent secret society had been organized in Buc^-rus b}' the Odd Fellows, gentlemen who were members of the Masonic fraternit}- were prevailed upon to establish a lotlge of their order in the village. Bucyrus Lodge, No. 189, of Free and Accept- ed Masons, was chartered October 20, 1846, with the following members : Col. Zalmon Bowse, Ilibbard P. Ward (Pastoj- M. E. Church), Joseph E. Jewett, Benjamin Warner, Madison W. Welsh, Araos L. Westover, John Caldwell and Jonas Stough. These charter members are all dead. Those of the first officers elected were : First Master, Joseph E. Jewett ; first Senior Warden, Amos L. Westover ; first Jun- ior Warden, Benjamin Warner. The early records of this society- are all lost, and it is impossible to ol)tain any satisfactory informa- tion in regard to the other first ofUcers. Some forty persons are at the present time coiniected with this lodge, the officers ol" which are as follows : Worshipful Master, Henry Stuckey ; Senior Warden, Dr. W. B. Carson ; Junior Warden, (). D. Ward ; Treasurer. William \^)11- rath ; Secretary, Lewis Stremmel ; Senior Dea- con, Dr. M. C. Cuykendall ; Junior Deacon, A. W. Diller ; Tiler, Jacob Haller. Crawford Lodge, No. 443, of Free and Ac- cepted Masons, was organized May 4, 1870, with the following charter members : Robert Lee, George F. Seiser, John A. Schaber, Ueorge Donnenvvirth, Jr., Samuel Hoyt, William Frantz, George C. Gormly, A. J. High and Joseph A. Shepard. The officers of Crawford Lodge at the present time are : Wilson Stew- art, P. M.; R. Lee, W. M.; A. J. High, S. W.; John Schaber, J. W.; George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasurer ; William McCutchen, Secretary ; George Didie, S. D.; Charles Muntz, J. D.; Frank Donnenwirth, Steward ; Stephen Bry- mier, Tiler. Ivanhoe Chapter, No. 117, Royal Arch Ma- sons, was instituted Januar}- 13, 1869, at the Buc^-rus lodge-room, b}' Charles C. Keifer, Grand High Priest, with the following charter members and officers : E. B. Finley, H. P.; Cochran Fulton, K.; E. R. Kearsley, S.; Samuel Hoyt, C. H.; George McNeal, G. M. 1st V.; William VoUrath, G. M., 2d V.; Moses Emrich, G. M. 3d v.; J. R. Clymer, S.; D. F. Welsh, G.; John A. Schaber, R. A. C; James Arm- strong, P. S., and Joshua Crouse. About thirty- five persons are connected with Ivanhoe Chapter at the present time, and the following persons are officers ; Wilson Stewart, H. P.; M. C. Cuykendall, K.; C. D. Ward, S.; William Frantz, C. H.; Henry Stuckey, P. S.; John Schaber, R. A. C; George W. Didie. G. M. 3d v.; William Vollrath, G. M. 2d A\; Nathaniel Steen, G. M. 1st Y.; J. H. Robinson, Secretary ; F. A. Vollrath, Treasurer ; C. Muntz, Guard. Bucyrus Council. No. 57, Royal and Select Masons, was organized February 10, 1870, at the Bucyrus lodge-room, at which time the following officers were installed : Samuel Hoyt, a) HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 377 Thrice Illustrious Grand Master ; Cochran Ful- ton, First Deputy Grand Master ; John A. Schaber, First P. C. W.; A. J. High, Recorder ; George F. Seiser, Captain of the Guard ; Joseph Goldsmith, Sentinel, and E. B. Finley, Treas- urer. These gentlemen, with E. R. Kearsley and William M. Scroggs, were the charter mem- bers of Bucyrus Council. The officers of this lodge at the present time are Cochran Fulton, T. I. G. M.; John A. Schaber, Deputy I. G. M.; Dr. Stensil, P. C. W.; A. J. High, Captain of the Guard ; F. A. Vollrath, Recorder ; George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasurer ; C. D. Ward, C. of Council ; H. Anthony, Warden ; J. G. Ott, Sentinel. ■ Demas Lodge. No. 108, Knights of Pythiasi was instituted on Tuesday afternoon and even- ing, September 11, 1877, by Leroy S. Dungan, of London, Ohio., Grand Chancellor of the State, with the following twenty-four charter members : Walter B. Ritchie, J. H. Robinson, Fred. M. Swingley, William Frantz, 0. E. Gravelle, Henry J. Deal, F. A. Vollrath, J. B. Kreider, Frank L. Plants, Jacob Haller, Jacob Broese, Theoren A. Rowse, Frank P. Kaler, Allen Campbell, G. K. Zeigler, Peter Weller, Ferdinand Weichold, Moses Emrich, E. M. Moore, William Trounstine, N. K. Zeigler, G. W. Harris, C. H. Shonert and Jefferson Didie. The first officers elected for Demas Lodge were J. H. Robinson, P. C; F. M. Swingley, C. C; William Frantz, V. C; 0. E. Gravelle, P.; H. J. Deal, K. R. S.; F. A. Vollrath, M. F.; Frank L. Plants, M. A.; Jacob Haller, I. G.; Jacob Broese, 0. G.; F. M. Swingle}' and William Frantz, Trustees ; E. M. Moore, Clerk. This lodge held their meetings in the third story of the Bowman Block for about one 3'ear, and then removed to their present quarters in the Miller Block. The society is in good financial con- dition. Section No. 119, P]ndowment Rank, Knights of Pythias, was instituted in Castle Hall of Demas Lodge, March 6, 1878, with the follow- ing sixteen charter members : David Price, Moses Emrich, Allen Campbell, Garrett K. Zeigler, William Frantz, F. A. Vollrath, Frank P. Kaler, Fernand Weichold, Lee Rothschild, Joseph Boure, Charles C. Scott, 0. E. Gravelle, W. B. Ritchie, Theoren A. Rowse, J. H. Robin- son and H. J. Deal. The following is a list of the first officers elected : William Frantz. Presi- dent ; J. H. Robinson. Vice President ; Allen Campbell, Secretary and Treasurer ; 0. E. Gra- velle, Chaplain ; H. J. Deal, Sentinel ; Charles C. Scott, Guard ; Frank P. Kaler, Guide. The object of this lodge is to provide financial assistance to the heirs of deceased members ; the amount of the insurance policy is $2,000. Frank L. Plants, who died Tuesday, February 18, 1879, is the only member of the lodge removed by death since it was organized. Howard Lodge, No. 109, of the Knights of Honor, was organized May 3, 1875, at the rooms of the Y. M. C. A., in Birk's Block, with the following charter members : William Raid, C. W. Fisher, E. P. Penfield, M. Emrich, J. M. Black, W. H. Drought. Allen Campbell. L. C. Caldwell, George Lauck, William Boure. W. B. Bennett, George Caswell, Jacob Deardorff, D. E. Fisher, H. H. Moderwell and S. D. Welsh. The first officers were C. W. Fisher, Dictator ; William M. Reid, Past Dictator; M. Emrich, Vice Dictator ; E. P. Penfield, Assistant Dicta- tor ; J. M. Black, Guide ; George A. Lauck, Reporter ; Allen Campbell, Treasurer ; L. C. Caldwell, Sentinel; Jacob Deardorft^ D. E. Fisher and H. H. Moderwell, Trustees. This lodge held their meetings for two j'ears in the third stor}- of the Bowman Block, and, in May, 1 877, they removed to their present quarters, in the third story of Fisher's Block. The object of the Knights of Honor is to provide financial assistance to the families of deceased members, and $2,000 is the amount of the insurance pol- icy. Ninetj-four persons are at present con- nected with Howard Lodge, and, since it was organized, three members have died, viz.: A. C. k 5) ,?, 378 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY Monnett, April 17, 1879 ; C. W. Tiinanus, May 8. 1879 ; Joseph Goodwin, May 3, 1880. Crawlbrd Council, No. 15, of the Ro^-al Ar- canum, was instituted September 12, 1877, at the lodge-room of the Knights of Honor, by Deputy Supreme Regent P. L. Teeple, with the following charter members : C. D. Ward, John A. Schaber, A. G. Rosino, G. W. Myers, S. B. Mills, William Vollrath, Nicholas Reehl, J. F. Fitzsimmons. G. W. Stewart, W. H. Drought, Charles Roehr, L. E. Jones, E. P. Penfield, J. H. Sherrard, S. D.Welsh, Charles Vollrath, W. M. Reid,W. B. Bennett, George A. Lauck, H. F. Har- ris, H. H. Moderwell and P. Bessinger. The first officers were E. P. Penfield, Regent ; W. M. Reid, Past Regent ; G. A. Lauck, Vice Regent ; J. H. Sherrard, Orator ; H. F. Harris, Secre- tary ; John A. Schaber, Collector ; S. D. Welsh, Chaplain : S. B. Mills, Guide ; P. Bessinger, Warden ; A. G. Rosino, Sentry ; C. Vollrath, Treasurer ; William Vollrath, L. E. Jones and George A. Lauck, Trustees. The meetings of the Crawford Council are held every Friday evening, in the third story of Fisher & Bros.' Block, which story this society occupies jointl}^ with the Knights of Honor. Three thousand dollars are paid to the families of deceased members. Fifty-two persons are at present connected with this lodge, which has lost but one member by death since it was organized, and this member — Quincey A. Rowse, who died February 17, 1878 — was the second from the lodges of the Ro3-al Arcanum in Ohio to be re- moved by death. The German Aid Association (Deutsche Un- terstatzungs GesdJschaft) was organized March 23, 1874, at Mader's Hall, with 120 members. At the second meeting, held March 25, the fol- lowing officers were chosen : John Schaber, President ; F. A. Vollrath, Vice President ; Charles F. Welp, Secretary ; F. Weichold, As- sistant Secretary ; George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasui-er ; George Mader, David Sheeley and Charles Metzger, Trustees. The object of this association is to provide financial assistance to its members in time of need. Three dollars each week is paid during sickness, and. upon the death of a member, his family receives $10 from the society funds and $1 from each mem- ber of the order. The initiation fee is $4, be- tween the ages of eighteen and thirtj^-five ; $5, from thirty-five to forty-five ; $6, from fort3'-five to fifty ; $7, from fifty to fifty -five. The quar- terly dues are 75 cents from each member. This association was incorporated under the laws of Ohio, July 14, 1874, with the following officers : John Schaber, President ; F. A. Voll- rath, Vice President ; Ferdinand Weichold, Sec- retary ; George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasurer ; J. G. Mader, H. Faerber and George Donnen- wirth, Trustees. The first loss by death was Robert Wagner, who died in May, 1875. At the present time, eighty-five of the industrious citizens of Bucyrus and vicinity are members of the Gesellschaft. During the past sixty 3'ears, many attempts have been made to establish other orders in Bucyrus for various purposes. Possibly the first society of any kind stai'ted in the village was the True American Society, of which order many prominent citizens of the place were members. The objects of this organization are now unknown, but the members signed the fol- lowing agreement : " We, whose names are un- dersigned, having conferred together upon. the objects proposed and designed by the True American Society, and believing the same to be of great importance, and worth}^ the aid and support of every true American citizen, we have resolved, and do resolve, ourselves into a branch of said society, to meet monthly, in the town of Bucyrus, on the Saturday next before ever}'' full moon in the year, and have therefore here- unto subscribed our names, in presence of each other. First signed at Bucyrus, July 31, 1823." The objects of this order ma}' have been similar to those of the American, or '' Know-Nothing," societies, which wielded considerable political ;j^ s ($ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 379 power some three decades afterward. Among those who signed the agreement and became True Americans were Samuel Norton, Lewis Stevinson, Amoz Clark, David Beadle, Ishi Norton and others. The secret societ}^ which created the greatest furor of an}- organized in the history of the town, was Lopez Lodge, No. 85, of the Independent Order of Sons of Malta, which was formed about July 1, 1859. The Forum, of July 16, 1859, said: " A division of the Sons of Malta was organized the other night in this place. Quite a number of our most re- spectable citizens became members. The order is spreading rapidly." Mathias Buchman was chosen Secretary, and it is reported many poor families received liberal donations during the short time this order flourished in the town. The Sons held a grand midnight parade at Bu- cyrus on the night of October 13, 1859, which was attended by many members of the order from neighboring towns. In preparing the history' of an important and active community which has existed for sixty years, of a prescribed length, very many events are necessaril}' omitted which should have re- ceived some notice. If, in perusing this brief sketch of Bucyrus, the reader has failed to find some mention of an event which he considers should have been written up, it is to be hoped he will deal charitably with the history. CITY OF CHAPTER X.* BrCYRUS — ITS RELIGIOUS HISTORY — THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES— SUNDAY SCHOOLS- EDUCATION M PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS— THE UNION SCHnOLHOUSE. THE first ministers of the Gospel who visited the pioneer settlements in the vicinity of Bucyrus for the purpose of organizing the relig- ious element, were missionaries sent out by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is probable that the first person to preach the word of God at what is now Bucyrus was a Rev. Mr. Bacon, who visited the place several times during the year 1821, and conducted religious services at the houses of various settlers. It is doubtful if he traveled a circuit regularl}^ organized by the denomination to which he belonged, but, as a missionary, visited in a roving manner many neighborhoods. His appointments were about once every four weeks, but were ver}- irregular- ly filled. The early Methodists of Bucyrus, when first organized as a station, were attached to the Scioto Circuit. Rev. Jacob Hooper, who was appointed to take charge of tliis work by the M. E. Conference in the tall of 1821, preached occasionally at Bucyrus. His circuit *Coiitribiiicd tiy Tbouias P. Hopley. was about seven hundred miles around, and services were held at each place about once every eight weeks by the regular minister in charge. Stephen D. Rowse states that, in after years, Rev. Hooper told him that he preached the first sermon ever delivered in Bucyrus under a big oak-ti'ce which stood near the present railroad depot. This minister was un- doubtedly assisted by others, and it is likely the settlers had religious services more fre- quently than once ever}- two months. Rev. Hooper was succeeded on the circuit in the fall of 1822 by the Rev. Thomas McCleary. The next year, the M. E. Conference marked out another smaller district for itinerant preachers to travel over, in order to give other new settle- ments regular circuit preaching. Revs. Thomas McCleary and James Roe traveled this* new circuit, and these men were assisted at times by Rev. William Blowers, of Liberty Township. (Revs. John 0. and William Blowers were the first licentiates of the M. E. Church in Craw- "TU -k* 580 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ford County.) The labors of these early cir- cuit riders were almost herculean. Mansfield, Plymouth, Bucyrus, Marion and Delaware were points of their district, with numerous inter- mediate appointments, all to be visited Ijy each preacher once in four weeks, occupying nearly ever}' da}' of the time to make preaching regu- lar once in two weeks at every appointment on the circuit. At that early day, there were scarcely any bridges over streams. Some of the way no roads, only Indian trails to follow, and oftentimes the sun, moon and stars, or a pocket compass, were the only guides through the pathless forest. But the unselfish labors of thes(! early circuit riders were fully appreci- ated by the sturdy pioneers, among whom universal friendship and unbounded hospitality prevailed. When the weather was fine, the ministers preached in the woods ; but, if other- wise, the services were conducted at the log cabins or schoolhouses. The old brick school- house, erected about 1826, was used for many years as a meeting-house by the M. E. Church. Occasionally an unfinished building answered the same purpose. About 1830, a large revival meeting was held in what is now the Sims House, which building was then in the process of erection. The early Bucyrus Church held several ver^' interesting camp-meetings in the large barn of Samuel Shaffner, who resided where Daniel Boyer lives at the present time. The first M. E. Church in Bucyrus was erected about 1832. This was the first building dedi- cated to the worship of Grod in the village. In those early days of the M. E. Church in Crawford County, the "quarterly conference and love feast " created a much greater impres- sion upon the community than at the present time. The meral)ers anticipated these meet- ings for weeks, and great preparations were made in order to provide food and lodging for those who attended from a distance. Some families, who possessed sufficient accommoda- tions, would entertain on these occasions sev- eral dozen guests. It is reported that at times the crowd was so large that tickets were issued on the occasion of love feast, and a doorkeeper appointed for the house of the Lord. These tickets were given to the various Class-Lead- ers, and by them distributed to church mem- bers. This system was necessary in order that those who desired to attend for their spiritual edification could gain admission to the church, and not be crowded out by some of the im- pious multitude who only assembled out of curiosit}'. This ticket system also served to keep out the ungodly who came occasionall}'^ to have fun by creating a disturbance. For many years, the Bucyrus Church was a station on the Delaware Circuit, and the various con- gregations contributed to build a parsonage at that place. About the year 1832, the circuit was changed, and funds were then raised for a parsonage at Marion. After 1840. the Bucy- rus Circuit was formed, and the parsonage built about 1841. Every fall, the Conference appointed two ministers to supply the stations on each circuit with regular religious services. These men were called senior and junior preachers, and generally the one who served in the latter capacity was appointed to the same circuit the next 3'ear as senior preacher, with some new man under him, but this was not always the case. The Methodists of Bucyrus were supplied with regular preaching by this system until September, 1855, when the Con- ference made the congregation a special sta- tion. Some difficulty then arose in regard to whether the parsonage was the property of the Bucyrus Methodists or of the other congrega- tions who had also contributed to erect it. The appointments for the circuits of which Bucyrus and Delaware formed two stations for many years were as follows: 1821, Jacob Hooper ; 1822, Thomas McCleary ; 1823, Thomas McCleary and James Roe ; 1824, Jacob Dixon ; 1825, James Gilruth ; 1826, Ab- ner Gofl"; 1827, James Gilruth and Cyrus Car- _S) .^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 381 penter; 1828, James Gilruth tind William Runnels ; 1829, David Lewis and Samuel P. Shaw ; 1830, Samuel P. Shaw and Alfred M. Lorain; 1831, Alfred M. Lorain and David Cadwallader. These ministers commenced their labors in each of the years above men- tioned about September 1. During this period, the following ministers were Presiding Elders : 1821 and 1822, Jacob Young, of the Scioto District: 1825 to 1828, James McMahon, of the Sandusky District; 1828 to 1831, Russell Bigelow and Greenberry R. Jones, of the Port- land District. Among the ministers who preached regularly to the Bucyrus churches from 1832 to 1854 were the following persons : David Cadwallader, Zephaniah Bell, Erastus Felton, Harvey Camp, John Kinnear, James Wilson, Adam Poe (son of the great Indian fighter), Thomas Thompson, Samuel P. Shaw, Peter Sharp, — Conoway, Oren Mitchell, - Hazzard, Hibbard P. Ward, George W. Breck- enridge, Samuel B. Giberson, Liberty Prentice, Henry Warner, Hobert Dubois and others ; 1849, David Gray, Gabriel Williams and Jesse Durbin ; 1850, David Gray and assistant ; 1851, N. Taylor and M. K. Hard ; 1852, Ste- phen Fant and assistant ; 1853. Stephen Fant and George Moore ; 1854, O. Burgess and E. B. Morrison. Since Bucyrus was made a spe- cial station, the following appointments have been made by the Conference, the pastorate commencing after the regular annual session in September : 1855, Uri Richards; 1856, H. S. Bradley; 1858, Dr. H. M. Shaffer; 1860, Dr. L. B. Gurley ; 1861, 0. Kennedy; 1862, Isaac Newton; 1865, A. Harmount ; 1867, Gershon Lease; 1869, D. D. T. Mattison ; 1871, G. W. Ball ; 1874, Dr. A. Nelson ; 1877, J. J. Henry (died in March, 1878, and J. H. Barron sent as a supply) ; 1878, O. Badgley. The want of space forbids a more extended reference to the many ministers who, during the past sixty years, have preached to the Bucyrus charge. Not a few of these were eminent for their ^ piety, and during their lives exerted much in- fluence in shaping the destiny of the early M. E. Church. It is, however, no disparagement to the rest to briefly tell of one who labored with the church in later years, and, just as he commenced to bring rich harvests to his Mas- ter's feet, was called to his reward. Joseph J. Henry was born at Ironton, Ohio, January 9, 1853. He was converted in his eighth year, and, July 11, 1871, licensed to preach the Gos- pel by the North Indiana Conference. Desir- ing to qualify himself for the work, he entered the college at Delaware. Before he had com- pleted the course, he was induced tc> take charge of the Olive Green Circuit, and, in his twentieth year, commenced his short but event- ful ministerial course. God blessed his labors, and the membership of both congregations was doubled the first year. He was returned, and the conversions were more numerous than be- fore. In 1874, he was appointed to take charge of the M. E. Church at Cardington, where in three years large revival meetings were conducted by him, which yielded rich harvests of Christians hopefully converted. In the fall of 1877, he was appointed as the successor of Dr. Nelson in the work at Bucy- rus A large revival meeting was held, lasting from January 6 to February 17, 1878, which was blessed by the Spirit. Over two hundred conversions were reported, and one hundred and eighty-three of these admitted to the church. After remaining at the church until 10 o'clock, Rev. Henry would frequently go home and study until past midnight in the preparation of sermons for the next day and evening. The intense mental exertion conse- quent upon this series of protracted meetings brought on brain fever, and, after suftering for some^two or three weeks, he died March 16, 1878. The M. E. congregation of Bucyrus continued to worship in their first brick church until the year 1851, when the present edifice was erected on the same site. It was dedicat [hL ;583 HISTORY OF CRAWFOIID COUNTY. ed Wednesday, October 29, 1851. Elder Poe preached the dedication discourse. In Decem- ber, 1871, the building was repainted, refitted and improved under the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ball, at a cost of $2,000. The organ was purchased of the Congregational Church about the year 1865. The M. E. Sunday school was established about the year 1834. Among those who have been Superintendent of it during the past quarter-century are Martin Deal, B. B. McVey. W. C. Lemert. G. W. Myers, James Lewis and H. E. Kratz. Of these gentlemen, Mr. Deal has had charge for some fifteen years at different times. Services have been con- ducted once each week for the Bucyrus congre- gation since the year 1832. The First Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus was the second congregation to be established in the place on a permanent basis. It is impos- sible to give, at this late date, anything like an accurate account of its early history, as all the records of the church, previous to the year 1838, have been lost. Rev. Silas Johnston, one of the former Pastors, in writing a sketch of the church about the year 1857, says : " We can only glean a little information from the few surviving fathers and mothers who were here before the organization of the church. When the com- munity was first settled, there were among the pioneers a few scattered Presb3'terian families, who loved the church of their fathei's, and looked and longed for some one to break unto them the Bread of Life. When the solemn Sab- bath came, they were ready to sit down and sigh for the ordinances of the sanctuary, which thej'^ had left behind in the land of their fathers, and these sighs and prayers that God would plant a vine in the wilderness, where their lot was cast, were not in vain. Occasionally, a minister of their faith came among them, and preached in some grove or private house. Probably, the Rev. Shab Jenks was the first Presbyterian minister who conducted religious services at Bucvrus. Rev. Robert Lee, father of Judge Robert Lee, of Bucyrus, was the first stated minister, and it is probable that he preached here by the appointment of the Home Mission- ary Society, and, in an informal way, organized a church. The Columbus Presbj'ter}', whose jurisdiction extended over this section, were not satisfied with the manner of proceeding, and, probably by their advice, in the spring of 1833, a petition was presented their Presbj^tery ask- ing for the organization of a church. This pe- tition, which was signed by thirty-four persons, was granted, and a committee, consisting of Revs. Shab Jenks and E. Washburn, was ap- pointed to visit Bucyrus for this purpose. These gentlemen met the petitioners during the sum- mer of 1833, and the church was organized for the second time. They repoi'ted to Columbus Presbytery at the next fall meeting, and the Bucyrus Church was enrolled. It is impossible to learn how many of the thirty-three petitioners were actual members when the church was first organized ; but only four are now living, viz., Mrs. John Moderwell, of Geneseo, 111. ; John Forbes and wife, near Springfield, Mo., and Mrs_ Andrew KeiT, near Bucj-rus. Like most newly organized churches in pioneer settlements, this congregation was for several years destitute of a church edifice. When the weather was pleas- ant, services were held in the grove under the broad canop}^ of heaven ; at other times, the meeting would be held in some private house. Afterward, the church worshiped in the brick schoolhouse, which stood on the lot now occu- pied by the ^lonnett House, and, after the com- pletion of the court house, this church, in com- mon with other denominations, occupied it as a place of worship, and continued to do so until the erection of their first church edifice, which was built in 1839. In the Bucyrus Republican, of May 22, 1839, J. H. Douglas, John Ander- son, John Forbes, Josiah Scott and J. A. Gormly advertise that sealed proposals will be received until June 1, for building a frame meeting-house 36x40 feet in dimensions. 5 ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 383 A number of ministers labored with this church during the early history of the congrega- tion, both before and after its organization, but at what time, and how long each one was here, is not now known. Rev. William Matthews preached to the congregation for some time, and Rev. Robert Lee was a stated suppl}'^ for several j^ears. Rev. Henrj^ Van Deman la- bored with the congregation a short time, and also Rev. Erastus Cratta. Rev. James Boggs began to preach to the charge a short time px'e- vious to the unhappy division of 1837, and, as he sided with the new-school party, he soon left for another field, as a large majority of the Bucyrus congregation belonged to the old- school branch of the church. May 4, 1839, the congregation invited Rev. William Hutchinson to labor among them, and a formal call was extended to him on July 3, He was ordained and installed as the first reg- ular Pastor of the church, September 4, 1839, and for man}' years faithfully labored to build up the charge. Success crowned his efforts, and some were received into the church at al- most every communion season. He had the warmest affections of his congregation ; was highl}^ esteemed by the whole communit}', and had ever}' prospect of a long settlement in this field ; but he was suddenly attacked with hem- orrhage of the lungs, which disabled him from preaching. He I'esigned the charge during the summer or fall of 1848, and removed to the mountain regions of Tennessee, where he re- mained until May, 1859, when he returned to Cratvford County with his family. Mr. Hutch- inson died February 1, 1860, aged fifty-seven, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. In 1849, tlie church engaged Rev. George S. Ing- lis to preach as a stated supply, and after eight- een months. Rev. Robert C. Colmory occupied the pulpit for three or four months. Then the pulpit was vacant for nearly two j'cars. April 1, 1852, an invitation was extended to Rev. Si- las Johnston, and soon afterward a formal call was tendered him, and he was installed by the Presbytery of Marion, September 8. Mr. John- ston continued his labors successfully for nearly six 3'ears, but, toward the close of that period, difficulties and division of feeling arose in the church, concerning the choir, instrumental mu- sic, and other matters. Feeling his influence crippled by such a state of aflairs, he asked the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation, which was done, with reluctance, September 16, 1357. During his pastorate he preached and lectured 1,006 times. In April, 1858, a call was extended to Rev. George Graham, who re- mained until his health failed, and, in the fall of 1860, he resigned. Early in the spring of 1861, Rev. John J. Walcott was called to the pastor- ate, and installed May 8. He remained until October 12, 1862, and when he left, the church was without a regular Pastor until April 11, 1864, when Rev. Alexander S. MilhoUand re- ceived a call. After remaining two 3'ears, Mr. MilhoUand resigned, and the church was sup- plied with preaching by numerous applicants for the pastorate, until January, 1867, when a unanimous call was extended to Rev. John H. Sherrard, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sherrard was installed April 19, 1867, and remained with the church for over eleven years, until August 4, 1878. Numerous candidates were invited during the next six months, and, Jauuar}' 19, 1879, Rev. J. T. Pollock preached his first ser- mon to the congregation as a stated suppl}- for one 3'ear, and, since then, has continued with the congregation. It is not certain who were elected and ordained Elders of the church at its organization ; but it is believed that they were Messrs. Robert Walker, William V. Mar- quis and James McCurdy. These three per- sons and Messrs. George Welsh, Aaron Carey and Samuel Andrews were members of the ses- sion previous to 1838, but the exact date of their ordination is not known. December 25, 1838, Messrs. John Dobbins, James Todd, John A. Gormly and William Robinson were If '-^ 384 IIISTOllY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. elected Ruling Elders, and the two former or- dained bv Rev. William D. Smith on Februar}' 1, 1839. At the same time all four were in- ducted into office, Messrs. (xorml}- and Robin- son having been ordained in another field. As time rolled on, these pillars of the church were, one after another, taken away b}' death and re- moval, and, in 1 844. the vacancy in the session was filled by the election of Josiah Scott and Nelson Thecker. who were ordained and in- stalled on January 15, 1844, by Rev. William Hutchinson. Mr. Scott was elected three dif- ferent times to this office before he finally ac- cepted. On November 7. 1852. Dr. Cochran Fulton was chosen and ordained, but Dr. Willis ^lerriman. who was elected at the same time, would not serve. Messrs. Andrew Kerr and John P. Black were added to the session July 7. 1 854. and then, for nearly fourteen years, no additional elections were held for this purpose. Alexander Caldwell and William H. Drought were chosen in February, 18()8, and ordained soon afterward. After another decade had passed away, the session became reduced b}- death and other causes, and July 7, 1878. the congregation elected Messrs. Andrew Walker, William M. Reid and James B. Gorml}', to fill the vacancy. These gentlemen were ordained by Rev. J. H. Sherrard, July 28. The Session at the present time is composed of the follow- ing persons : Messrs. Black, Caldwell, Drought, Walker, Reid and Grormly. Tt is not known what the numerical strength of the church was during its early histor}' ; but it increased gi'ad- ually, year after 3"ear, until the trembles and division of 1887 and 18l>8 rent it asunder. When Rev. William Hutchinson resigned, in 1848. there were over one hundred members but the congregation quarreled in choosing his successor, and the bad feeling in the church had reduced their number to eighty-two by April, 1852 — the date Rev. Silas Johnston com- menced his labors. During the next five and one-half years, he recei\-ed into tiie c;hui'ch seventy persons on examination and forty -nine by certificate ; the loss by death and removal being sixty-nine. When Mr. Johnson resigned, in October, 1857, the membership was 132, and during the next ten years this number was in- creased to 165. During Mr. Sherrard's pastorate of eleven years, 240 were received into the church, and the loss by death and removals was 175, leaving a membership on August 1, 1878, of 230. The church continued to wor ship in their first edifice until 1860, when it was sold to the Roman Catholic congregation, who removed it to their lot on Mary street. The Presbyterian then, in 1860, erected a fine brick edifice, 72x44feet, which cost about $9,000, and was dedicated May 26, 1861. This was frescoed, repainted and carpeted in the summer of 1873, and the building is now as chaste and attractive as it is commodious and comfortable. The Preslwterian Sunday school was organized in 1835. W. M. Reid has been Superintendent of the school during the past sixteen years. The Evangelical Lutherans residing in the village of Bucyrus and surrounding country were organized into a congregation some time during the year 1829, by Rev. David Shuh, at the old brick sciioolhonse. This minister, the first Pastor, had received a call from those who proposed establishing a Lutheran Church, and many of these persons had belonged to what Avas known in J*ennsylvania as the German Lutheran Church. Samuel Myers, of Nevada, Ohio, is the only person now living who took an act- ive part in organizing this congregation. .Mr. Shuh continued as Pastor for two years, and after his departure, in 1831, Rev. John Stough, of Liberty Township, was prevailed upon to hold services. Father Stough was at this time seventy years of age, and as he was anxious to retii'c from active service, the English-speaking portion of the congregation met December 1, 1832, and extended a call to Rev. F. L Rutii. of Ashland. Previous to this, all services were conducted in the (Jerman language, except an "^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 385 occasional sermon in English by Mr. Stough, Rev. Ruth came at stated times, from Ashland, and preached to his charge, and in the spring of 1835, removed to Bucyrus. The first record of a Church Council being elected, was in Jan- uary, 1833, when the following members were chosen : Elders, Abram Ma^er and George Schroll. Deacons, Nicholas Failor and Abram Schroll. Trustees, Adam Bair and Nicholas Cronebaugh. At the next church election, held May. 1835, four Elders, four Deacons and three Trustees were chosen, and shortly after this the church met with a severe loss by the death of George and Daniel Schroll. two members of the council, who died with the cholera. July 12, 1835, the congregation convened, and. after showing due respect to the departed brothers, elected John Bremen and Daniel Savage to fill the vacanc}'. From the time the church was organized, until 1835, services were held in the brick schoolhouse, and then the congregation removed to the court house, which the}' occu- pied until their firs^t church building was erected. The latter part of 1835. or early in 1836, the trustees purchased from Adam Mayer, for $400, the corner lot now occupied by the residence and office of Franklin Adams. After perfect- ing all the necessary arrangements, the corner- stone of the first Lutheran Church in Crawford County was laid August 20, 1836, in the pres- ence of what was then called a large concourse of people. The walls of the building were fin- ished, and the roof put on before winter, but the church was not completed and occupied un- til the fall of 1837, or the spring of 1838. At this time, the congregation was composed of two parts, German and English, each Itcing repre- sented in the Church Council ; together they numbered, in 1838. eight3'-one eommunicants. Rev. Stough held services occasionally in Ger- man, and Mr. Ruth was the regular Pastor, who continued to preach for the Knglish portion un- til he resigned in 1852. having watched over the spiritual interests of this charge for twenty years. Father Ruth is still living in Gallon. Rev. A. R. Howbert was his successor, and he remained until about April 1, 1856. Rev. J. Grouse then accepted a call and acted as Pastor until he resigned in Ma}-, 1864. Under his ad- ministration the present church building was erected. The German "interest in the old build- ing was purchased for about $400. and August 11, 1856, the congregation passed a resolution to build. The pastor and N. Failor were ap- pointed to solicit subscriptions, and by October 31 , between $5,000 and $6,000 had been raised. The church was not finished until the spring of 1858, and dedicated by Rev. Conrad, of Phila- delphia, May 16, of that year. In the mean- time the services were held in the small Bap- tist Church, which occupied the lot upon which Dr. M. C. Cuykendall's residence now stands. After Rev. Crouse resigned, in 1864, Rev. M W. Harama was elected, and continued as Pas- tor until February, 1867. Rev. J. H. Brown was then chosen by the church, and remained until October, 1870, when, with the consent of both congregations, he and Rev. J. B. Baltzh', of Lewistown, Penn., exchanged pulpits. Dr. Baltzl}- remained with the Buc3"rus church for six 3-ears, until Octocer 1, 1876. and then for five months the charge was without a regular pastor. Rev. A. H. Studebaker received a unanimous call from the congregation early in 1877, and continued with the church until June, 1880, when he was granted a vacation, and is at the present time making a tour in Europe — the pulpit in the meantime being filled by Rev. J. IMorris and others. The Fivangelical Lutheran Church Sabbath School was organized April 5, 1838, b}' the more prominent members of the congregation. A constitution was adopted providing that the school should be under the control of a board of managers selected from the church ; and the following persons were chosen : Nicholas Failor. rienr}' Minich. Abram Myers. Samuel Myers, Christian Howenstein and F. J. Huth. This 386 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Board of Managers appointed the following of- ficers for the school : President, Rev. F. A. Ruth ; A^ice Pi-esident, Nicholas Failor ; Secre- tary, Samuel IMyers ; Treasurer, Christian IIow- enstein. At the end of the first year the Sec- retary made an encouraging report, which was receiA'^ed and adopted b}- the Board of Mana- gers. The Treasurer reported " having received during the 3'ear $7.25, and of having disbursed for books, etc., $6.75, leaving a balance in his hands of 50 cents, which was transferred to his successor, Nicholas Failor." The second an- nual reports, made in April, 1840, showed that " there were in attendance sevent^'-five pupils under the charge of six male and seven female teachers, and that $13 had been collected and $12.35 had been expended during the year." Favorable reports are also on record for the years 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1843, and then the records were not preserved until 1862. The last election held for a board of managers was on July 6, 1S56, when the following persons were chosen : John Boyer, D. C. Boj'er, Joseph Failor, Samuel Failor. Edwin Boyer, Dan Min- ich and Benjamin R. Boyer. A short time after the year 1857, the modern custom of per- mitting the teachers to choose the officers was adopted. Since the school was organized, the pastor of the church has always been appointed to act as President or Superintendent of the school, except on two occasions. In March, 1854, the managers elected George P. Seal, who served as Superintendent until July 6, 1856, and George Lauck filled the same position from October 1, 1876, until March, 1877. The Lutheran school is the largest and best-organ- ized Sabbath school in Bucyrus ; not long since the aA'erage attendance during one year was 199. In April, 1861, the church purchased a pipe organ, the second instrument of the kind brought to town, which was used for the first time April 14; after nearly seventeen years of service this instrument was removed and a much finer one placed in the church ; this or- gan cost about $1,000 and was dedicated by a grand concert Friday evening, February 8, 1878. At the present time some 230 persons are connected with the congregation. The earl^' Evangelical Lutheran Congregation organized by Rev. David Shuh, in 1829, con- tained, during the first five years, many influ- ential members, who afterward united with the Reformed Church. After the English portion of this first congregation organized a separate society, and tendered Rev. F. I. Ruth a call to act as Pastor, the Germans who were left con- tinued to worship together, and services were conducted in their own tongue by Rev. John Stough. This venerable gentleman, however, had been an active minister nearly fift^^ 3'ears, and was so aged that he could only preach to the Bucyrus congregation at irregular intervals. About the 3'ear 1835, those professing the Re- formed faith, employed Rev. Frederick Gott- leib Maschop to preach for them. In the early day of the German churches in America, the dif- ference between the Reformed and Lutheran doctrines was so slight tharsome Pastors were styled ministers of the sect •• generallj'^ called the Lutherans or Reformed Church." Under the administration of Rev. Maschop, +hese de- nominations in Bucyrus were more witt'ely sepa- rated, and many German Lutherans would not attend the Reformed services. Finally those Germans who pi'ofessed Lutheranism, employed a Rev. Mr. Goergens to preach for them. This gentleman did not belong to the same sj'nod of which the Bucj^rus congregation formed a part, but his doctrines suited his charge better than those of the Rev. Maschop. In 1839, the church was more full}- organized and Rev. John Krauss received a call ; this gentleman for some time preached every fourth Sunday'. He continued with the congregation man}' 3-ears, and, although a man of considerable ability', could not resist the many temptations to in- dulge too freely in the "flowing bowl." Toward the latter part of his long pastorate, his habits LA HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 389 became very irregular, for he was frequently on long drunken sprees. The cause he professed to love suffered much by the sad life he led, and, in the interest of German Lutheranism, he was forced to resign his position, which he did in September, 1854. He removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and it is reported he sank deeper into vice until he finall}' started a saloon. In 1855> Rev. August Michaelis received a call from the congregation, which was accepted, and he re- mained for twelve years, until 1867, when he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Graessle, the present Pastor ; thus,during forty-one yeai's, the German Lutheran Church has been organized. Only three ministers have served as Pastors to this large and influential church. For man}- years the two congregations of this same de- nomination in Libert}' and Whetstone Town- ships assisted the Bucyrus church in providing funds to pay the Pastor's salary, and the min- ister in charge would hold services at each congregation in succession. Finally the Buc}^- rus German Lutheran Church became so wealthy and influential that this system was dis- continued, and since 1872, Mr. Graessle has labored solely in the interest of this church. In 1842, the congregation adopted a constitution, and the next 3'ear sold their interest in the church building erected about 1836, to the English Lutherans ; they continued to occupy this church, however, until their present edifice was erected in 1857. June 20, 1858, the build- ing was dedicated to the worship of God, and named " German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Good Hope." The Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other States convened at Buc^-rus for a six-days session on Thursday, May 23, 1872 ; some 120 ministers and fifty lay delegates were in attendance. lu March, 1873, the congregation purchased from G. F. Votteler, of Cleveland, a ver^' fine pipe organ, which was dedicated Sunday, March 16, 1873, with appropriate exercises. The Sunday school of this church was organized about the year 1844. The early histor}' of the German Reformed. Congregation of Bucj-rus was carefully com- piled by Rev. Eli Keller, the Pastor, during 1857, and copied into the Church records. This historj' is as follows : " Having carefully examined various documents found on hand and questioned certain aged persons with reference to the history of the German Re- formed Congregation of Bucyrus, it would seem that the same was organized about the 3'ear 1829, standing at that time connected with the Lutheran Congregation. Not being able to obtain the services of a Reformed Pastor, they continued under the administrations of Lutheran ministers until the year 1835, and during this period they, in connection with the Lutheran congregation, purchased a town lot with a view of erecting a Union Church edifice. In the year 1835, they procured the services of Rev. Frederick Gottlieb Maschop, a Reformed minis- ter, and held services in the brick schoolhouse. About the year 1 840, Rev. Maschop resigned and after some months Rev. J. J. Miller received a call, and during his pastorate, which lasted about three 3'ears, services were held in the court house. After the departure of Rev jNIiller, the congregation was without a Pastor until Rev. Wendel Wasnich received a call, and he continued with the charge about the same length of time as his predecessor, and resigned during the 3-ear 1848. During his pastorate, another lot was purchased, and the present church edifice erected. When Rev Wasnich resigned. Rev. Abraham Keller was elected to succeed him, and labored with the charge until the fall of 1852, when he was attacked with the cholera and suddenh* removed b}' death. Rev. Keller organized a Sunday school in connection with the congregation, but this new move was opposed b}- man}' prominent church members, who could not or would not appreciate the value of this branch of the church. After Mr. Keller's death, the congregation remained about one 3'ear without 890 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. regular services, and then elected Rev. Max Stem as their Pastor, who continued until thes pring of 1856, when he resigned. April 13, 1856, Rev. Eli Keller, a licentiate of the Mercersburg, Penn., Olassis, was elected and ordained July 6, as Pastor." During his sec- ond 3'ear with the congregation, it was re- organized. August 29, 1857, the following officers were elected : Elders — John H. Keller for two years ; John Rrehman, for three years. Trustees — Abraham Schroll, for three years ; Adam Bair, for two years ; George Brehman, for one 3'ear ; Clerk, John Miller. September 11. 1857, the church was duly incoi-porated b}^ the name of the German Reformed Congrega- tion of Bucvrus. September 16, the members adopted a new constitution and by-laws for their government. At this time sevent}- per- sons were members of the Buc3-rus charge- July 24, 1858, a missionary society was formed with the following officers : John Reiter, Presi- dent ; Aaron H. Keller, Secretary ; Abraham Steiger, Treasurer. Rev. Eli Keller continued with the congregation for over five years, until the fall of 1861, when he resigned and removed to Belleview, Huron Count3-. His successor was Rev. G. Rettig who remained about eighteen months. June 8, 1863, Rev. W. H. Fenneman was called " at a salary of $375 per year and horse feed," and after some two years Rev. W. Wittenweiler succeeded him. This Pastor remained about three 3'ears, and then Rev. J. D. Gehring was Pastor. When he resigned, the pulpit was filled b3' Rev. D. Zim- merman, who came from Gallon and preached for the congregation. Until his pastorate, services were held occasionally in the English language, but in accordance with the wishes of the ma- jority this custom was discontinued. In conse- quence of the clannishness manifested by this majority, the congi-egation has lost many valu- able members, who have united with the Ameri- can churches of Bucyrus. In May, 1 874, Rev. H. Nau received a call, and during his pastor- ate of eighteen months, the parsonage was built. Rev. A. Schade was his successor, and he continued until June 29, 1878, and then exchanged pulpits with Rev. H. Korthener, Pastor of the Sixth Reformed Church of Cleve- land, who has had, since that date, charge of the Bucyrus congregation. At the present time eight3' members are subject to the Church discipline. Dr. William Nast, the great pioneer of the German Methodists in the Western couutr3- was the first minister of that denomination to visit Bucyrus and preach to the Germans in their own language. In the year 1837, this dis- tinguished German theologian, then quite a 3'oung man, was appointed on the first circuit laid out in this section of Ohio for German Methodist preaching. The territor3^ covered b3' this first circuit was so extensive that five weeks' time was occupied in filling all the ap- pointments. Young Nast's route each five weeks was as follows : " He preached at Columbus the first Sunda3', then left for Basel, on the canal, then to Thornville, where services were held the second Sabbath ; then to Newark, Mount Vernon and Danville, where the third Sunday was spent ; then to Loudonville, Mans- field, Gallon and Buc3'rus, where services were conducted on the fourth Sabbath ; then to Mar- ion and a German settlement near Delaware, reached b3' the fifth Sunda3^ ; then to Worthing- ton and Columbus bj' the sixth Sabbath, when the route was completed." Services were also conducted, during the five weeks, at man3' points in the vicinity of these places. This pioneer circuit-rider of the German Methodist Episco- pal Church preached in the German language at the English Methodist Episcopal Church each Sunday he was in Buc3'rus, but it is un- certain how long he remained on the circuit. Before man3^ 3'ears, his talents were appre- ciated, and he was placed in charge of the Ger- man Methodist Church paper at Cincinnati. It was said of him in after 3'ears : " Dr. William -_«) k^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 391 Nast is looked upon as the great head and leader | of the German Methodists in the United States ; I lie has frequently surprised the country with his erudition, his ripe scholarship and the vast ex- tent of his knowledge." For many years, the German congregation was very weak, and the English Methodists kindly tendered them the use'of their church, which offer was accepted, and services were held there by the Germans until January, 1855. Among the ministers of this denomination who preached at Bucyrus before the church was erected, are the following: "Revs. Reimsneider (who was the immediate successor of Nast), Haefner, ReufF. Neuffer, Newton, Reihm, Christian Nachtrieb, Peter Sneider, Frederick Deither, George A. Renter, I Conrad Gahn and others. Rev. Gahn was ap- : pointed in the fall of 1853, and remained two \ years. During his pastorate, the German 3Ieth- odist Episcopal Sunday school was organized, in 185-i, at the basement of the English Meth- | odist Episcopal Church, and the German meet- ing-house was erected. The weak church of 1837 and 1840 was strengthened by the addi- tion of many from among the Germans who settled in the community and professed the doctrines taught by the ministers of this de- | nomination. Then the congregation became strong enough to build a house of worship, and, in the fall of 1854, the church was erected by John Sneider. The building was dedicated Sunday, January 14, 1855. In the morning. Dr. Warner, of Columbus, delivered the dedica- tion sermon in English. This was at the re- quest of the German congregation. A collec- tion was then taken up, of $143, to assist in paying for the church. Dr. Nast, who was pres- ent, preached in German at the afternoon meet- ing. Rev. Gahn, Pastor at this time, was a large man, with a strong voice. It is related of him that once, while preaching in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was sud- denly seized with bleeding at the mouth, and the services were interrupted for that day. This minister was assisted in his work by a young German, of noble birth, by the name of Herman Zur Jacobsnmhlen. Rev. Gahn left in the fall of 1855, and the following ministers were his successors, the pastorate of each com- mencing about September 1 of the year they were appointed: 1855, Wentz ; 1857^ George Berg ; 1859, Gustave Herzer ; 1860, J' Horst; 1862, Phillip B.Weber; January 1, 1864, Albert Vogel ; 1866, Anton Warns ; 1869, John C. Kopp ; 1871, John S. Schneider ; 1874, August F. Meuler; 1876, Philip Graessle ; 1879, August Gerlach ; 1880, John Haas. After Dr. Nast left, services were held at Bucyrus every four weeks until a few years before 1850, when the congregation was organized. Services ' were then held every two weeks, and the Pas- I tors preached at Gallon, Bucyrus, and the Broken Sword church. Some years after the Bucyrus church was erected, the churches at 1 Gahon and Bucyrus were made special stations, ' and. since that time, preaching is held every Sunday, but the Pastors of the church conduct religious services at the Broken Sword church every Sunday afternoon. The parsonage was built in 1863. The membership at the present time is about sixty. The records of the First Baptist Church, in Bucyrus, are nearly complete, and it is not a difficult task to compile an accurate history of the congregation since it was organized. The minutes of the first meeting are as follows : "February 21, 1838, met agreeal)le to adjourn- ment at Brother Kelly's, for the purpose of con- sulting upon the propriety of forming a confer- ence. Elder White in the chair. When, upon deliberation, we, whose names are hereunto affixed, being Regular Baptists, did resolve ourselves into a Conference, to be known by the name of the Regular Baptist Conference of Bucyrus : William White, Charles Kelly, Cy- rus Peck, Prudence White, Martha Kelly and Derias Sears." (None of these are at the pres- ent time living in Bucyrus. and possibly, they *^ 'iiL 393 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY are all dead.) This conference adopted fifteen articles of faitli, and during the first year held nu'ctings once each month, alternating for the first six mouths between the houses of Brothers Kelh^ and White. Services were then held in the brick schoolhouse, until their first church was completed, but before this building was occupied, the small congregation occasionall}' assembled at William Magers' home. Elder White was the first Clerk, and he imparted religious instruction to those who assembled at these monthlj' meetings. The little band was increased July 29, 1838, by William Magers and his wife Margaret G. Magers, Sevena Norton and Rachael Magers. Elder William Stevens was present upon this occasion, and preached upon the subject of "Baptism." This was the first sermon on record, delivered to this new congregation, and, after it was concluded, they repaired to the Sandusky River, and the ordi- nance of baptism was administered to the first three of the new converts by Elder White. James Quinby and John Shull were received and baptized February 3, 1839. On February ■4, 1839, they decided to call a council of neigh- boring churches, and February 14, delegates from Auburn and Fairfield, met with the mem- bers of Bucyrus Conference, and, " after con- sultation, it was resolved to proceed to the constitution of a church from the Conference, and next day Margaret Williams was baptized and received, making thirteen members. The early history of this congregation is a succes- sion of trials. Since it was organized, it has passed through many dark days, caused chiefly by the difficulty of providing funds to support the pastors who labored with the charge. The church was never strong in numbers, and very few of the members have been men of wealth, but the records prove that many who have been connected with this little band were sincere and earnest Christians. Covenant meetings were held every four weeks, at which the mem- bers gave their religious experience, or led in prayer. In August, 1839, an effort was made to secure a regular Pastor. Elder Thomas Stevens was the choice of the congregation, but the amount raised was only $54.50, and he could not promise to visit Bucyrus and preach even once a month for this sum. Shortly after this, William White and wife left Bucj'rus. The failure to secure a Pastor and loss of two members did not discourage the remainder, and the next spring Lot No. 107 was purchased, and upon it they erected their first chui'ch, which was opened for public worship, June 13, 1840. This building stood upon the site now occupied by the residence of Dr. M. C. Cuj'kendall. William Magers was chosen the first Deacon, January 4, 1840, and April 11, James Quinby was appointed first Treasurer. Elder Newton preached occasionallj- during the year 1841, but it does not seem that he was considered the regular Pastor, for Elder Samuel Wads- worth was with the congregation many times, and shared the duties and honors of this posi- tion. During this year many members were added to the church, among whom were So- phronia Norton, the first person born on the present site of Bucyrus, and Samuel Jones. It is recorded March 7, 1841, that "the church is awake in the cause of religion, and the Lord hath heard their prayer." October 2, 1841, Rev. Jacob Tharp received a call for one 3^ear, which was accepted. December 4, 1841, E. B. Merriman, James Quinb}- and Samuel Jones, were elected first Trustees under the act to in- corporate the First Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Bucyrus, and all business previously transacted was voted legal. December 29, George R. Baker and John Shull were " set apart to the office of Deacons, by the laj'ing on of hands." October 1, 1842, Rev. Tharp was asked to remain as Pastor, laboring half the time during the next year, and Elder Samuel Wadsworth was invited to preach the other half Elder Tharp resigned June 3, 1843, and after six months, on December 2, Rev. Edwin "1^ HISTORY OF CR.IWFORD COUNTY. 393 Eaton was invited, and immediately commenced his labors. He was oixlained Febi'uaiy 20, 1844, and continued with the church until his health failed, and he finally resigned July 5, 1845. During his pastorate, the Baptist Church was in a very flourishing condition, and re- ported by some authorities to be the strongest of the churches in the village. This young minister ordained in the little church at Bucy- rus removed to Illinois, and became eminent throughout the West ; after a successful and honorable ministry for many years, died within the last decade, mourned, not only by his own congregation, but throughout the country. It was decided on April 6, 1844, to open a Sun- day school, and a collection was taken up to purchase a school library-. January 4, 1845, James Quinby presented the church with a communion set. Unfortunately, this worthy member died, September 15, 1845, and, not- withstanding he released, in his will, the con- gregation from a debt of about $250 due him for money advanced to pay church expenses, his death was a great loss to the early Baptists. In after years, his place was well filled by his brother, George Quinb}-, who first united with the congregation, December 4, 1842. In Sep- tember, 1845, Elder J. G. Tunison was called to labor one-half his time, but December 6, it was decided " the church could not support a Pastor. Mr. Tunison was not liked by the members in the village, but the country mem- bers of Whetstone Township thought so much of him that they withdrew from the Bucyrus congregation, and formed the (31entangy Bap- tist Church, near Parcher's coi-ners, of which Rev. Tunison was Pastor for several j'eai's. This action seriously crippled the early church at Bucj'rus. and Rev. Tunison, in consenting to a division of the congregation for personal rea- sons, gave the cause he professed to love a stab from which it has never fully recovered. About this time, fifty-four members were reported to the Baptist Association. August 1, 1846, eight of these united with the church in the south- eastern part of Crawford County, and soon after- ward others left to unite with the Whetstone Township Church. February 6, 1847, Elder Pierson was called, and remained some ten months. In February, 1848, Elder Smedmer was called, and preached several months, and for the next five years services were held very irregularly. By the records, it appears only two meetings were held in the year 1 849. seven in 1850, six in 1851, one in 1852 and three in 1853. At most of these conferences a general desire was expressed to have regular preaching. During the latter part of 1850, Elder W. C. Shepherd was a member, and he was ordained Pastor January 2, 1851, but, after remaining another five months, resigned May 31. For over a year the record is silent, and at the onl}- recorded meeting, held June 5, 1852. George Quinby, Samuel Jones and John ShuU were elected Trustees. At this meeting, the propriety- of employing a Pastor in connection with the Olentang}' Church, was discussed. After three recorded conference meetings in 1853, the church was silent for regular Baptist meetings for five years, but occasionally a minister visited the place and called the scattered flock together. In August, 1858. the church and weekh* prayer meetings were revived, and after six months, on February 5. 1859, the following eight mem- bers ' agreed to renew their covenant :' Samuel Jones, John Shull, George Quinb}-, Mary Mc- Lean, Derias Sears. Mary Aiken. Elizabeth Sharp and Dolly Cook Everitt. Elder Wood was engaged to preach one-half the time, and meetings were continued during 1859. Then the church was silent for another period of over four years. In the spring of 1864, Rev. S. D. Bowker was invited b}' several members to visit Bucyrus, and at the first meeting, held in Quin- by's Hall, June 4, it was resolved to organize a Sabbath school and establish a weekh* prayer meeting. The use of the Congregational Church -.p -I^rr-^ 394 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Avas tendered, but foi* reasons refused, and Quinby Hall routed, in which reguhxr meethigs were heUl. During the three-years pastorate of liev. S. I). Bowlcer, several revival meetings were held, and many united with the church, which numbered, when he resigned Julj' 6, 18G7, nearly one hundred members. After a vacancy of several months, on December 19, 1867, a call was tendered llev. J. Huntington, of Sardinia, N. Y., who remained until July 2, 1871, when he i-emoved to Niles, Mich. During his stay with the congregation, they removed from Quinby Hall to their present church edifice. This building, originally erected by the Con- gregatioualists, was purchased from the Board of Education for $2,750, and fitted up b}' the Baptists at an additional cost of $2,000. The church was re-dedicated for religious purposes September 27, 1868. Rev. Walter N. Wyeth was Pastor from November -1, 1871, to May, 1872, when he resigned to take a position on the editorial corps of the Journal and Messenger^ of Cincinnati. May 4, 1872, Rev. L. G. Leonard, the present Pastor, received a call, and since that time he has been with the congregation. In the spring of 1876, he resigned, and Rev. J. S. Covert was employed, but, after remaining about one j'ear, difficulties arose, and Dr. Leon- ard resumed the pastorate. Since the church was organized, in 1838, the following persons have been elected to the office of Clerk : William White, 1838 ; James Quinb}-, June 3, 1839 ; John Shull, October 2, 1841 ; George Quinby, December 31, 1842 ; John Shull, February 6, 1847 ; James H. Reichenecker, July 3, 1847 ; George Quinby, August 31, 1850 ; M. V. Long- worth, Januar}^ 4, 1868 ; Clark Ludwig, Janu- ary', 1873 ; M. V. Longworth, the present incum- bent, January, 1874. The numlier connected with the congregation at the present time is seventy-nine. The Baptist Sabbath school was re-organized in 1864, and William P. Rowland served as Superirtendent ; his successor, W. B. Bennett, held the office nine 3-ears, and M. Y. Longworth has had charge of the school during the past six years. The first Roman Catholic services in Bucyrus were held about the 3'ear 1837, at the residence of Dr. Joseph Beohler, who lived north of the Sandusky River, on the lot now occupied by Christian Wingert, and formerly the site of his brewer\-. Rev. F. X. Tschenheus, C.S S.R., the first priest who visited Bucyrus, came about 1837, for the purpose of gathering the few Catholic families in this section of the county, and mass was said at Dr. Beohler's for several years at irregular intervals, once in two or three months, until he removed to Tiffin, Ohio. The services at Bucj'rus were then discontinued until about the year 1849, when, Catholic fam- ilies becoming more numerous, the fathers of this society made the town one of their missions. During the next eleven years, until 1860, mass was said in private houses. These services were not alwa^'s held at stated times, but generally at irregular intervals, and the priests did not re- side in the place, but came from Norwalk, Huron County, and New Reigel, in Thompson Town- ship, Seneca Count}*. Among those who visited the town during this period were Revs. Amathias Dombaugh, G. Arnold, J. Albrecht, August Reichert, Peter Kreusch, Mathieus Kreusch, — Jacob, — Gebhart and Barnhart Gwinn. In 1860, the old Presbj-terian meeting-house was purchased for $200, and removed b}- A. Kron- enberger, Sr., at an additional cost of $100, to their present lot on East Mar^' street. The building was re-dedicated by Bishop Rappe, May 26, 1861. The deed for the real estate, worth $350. was made out in A. Krouenberger's name, but afterward transferred to lit. Rev. Bishop Rappe. Rev. LTerhart Kleck celebrated the first mass and preached the first sermon in their new church. In 1863, a successful mis- sion was held by the Redemptorist Fathers G lessen and Jacobs, and some time afterward another was conducted by Revs. Neithard and Seelus ; each mission lasted about one week. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 395 The congregation was then attended until the year 18G5, by Rev. S. Falk and V. Arnould, Pastors of the Shelby Settlement, and also Rev. J. F. Gallagher, of Wooster. From 1865 to 1869, the congregation was attached to Upper Sandusky as a monthly mission. During this time the Pastors were : Rev. A. Spierings, from November, 1865, to Ma}^ 1867 ; Rev. Joseph Reinhardt, until February 2, 1868, and Rev. G. Peter until 1869. Rev. Reinhart was killed, how, or b}' whom, was never known, while on his way from Upper Sandusky to meet Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, who had visited Bucyrus to give confirmation. From 1869 to 1871, the congre- gation was without a priest, except once about Easter time, on account of difficulties arising between the German and Irish portions of the church. Finally, peace was restored, and Ma}- 5, 1871, Rev. D. Zinsmayer was appointed to the Bucyrus charge. He was the first resident Pastor, and during his sta}- with the congrega- tion man}' improvements were made. The church was thoroughly renovated, frescoed, pro- vided with furniture, and a fine bell, weighing 1.000 pounds, placed in the belfry. Rev. G. Peter had purchased for $1,000 the lot east of the church, but, during his Pastorate, onh' .$600 were paid upon this real estate. The congrega- tion, under Father Zinsmayer, raised sufficient funds to settle the debt, and also erected upon this lot a ver3' fine parsonage. Several fairs were held, and, although the congregation num- bered about thirtj'-two paying families and forty -five in all — the people, though mostly poor, assisted their Pastor by liberal subscrip- tions. April 27, 1877, Father Zinsma3-er was appointed to take charge of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Shelby, and Rev. H. D. Best, the present Pastor, was sent to Buc}'- rus. During the past three 3'ears, the debt left by his predecessor has been paid. The church has received, at different times, about $1,300 from the ' Ludwig Missionsverein " of Munich, Bavaria. May 19, 1878, Rev. H. D. Best pur- chased of Florian Loew, for $200, one and three- fourths acres of land, situated one mile east of Bucyrus, and this has been laid out for a ceme- tery. The first person interred in it was Mrs. Martha Doerfler, who died August 17, 1878. This cemetery was consecrated by Bishop Gil- more, of Cleveland, Tuesday afternoon, October 19, 1880. It is the custom of this church to establish independent schools, and this will, undoubtedl}' be the next project of those in charge of the congregation. Two attempts have already been made in the past — the first under Father Spierings, and afterward for four months under Father Zinsmayer — but for lack of means, these schools were discontinued. Considering the limited financial resources of most members of the Bucj-rus charge, the con- gregation is in a flourishing condition. Success has crowned their labors in the past, and the future looks bright. The Disciples, or Church of Christ, erected their church edifice in Bucyrus during the summer of 1876, and organized the congrega- tion in November of that year. Many promi- nent members of this church, however, were formerl}' connected with the Disciple Church, organized over forty A^ears previous in Whet- stone Township. About the year 1828, Oliver and Isaiah Jones, then residents of AVhetstone, having heard the doctrines of the church taught in Wa3ne Count}', invited Disciple preachers to their neighborhood. At that time there were no members of this denomination in Crawford Count\', and the ministers who accepted the invitation, were the first to sow the seed of their religious faith in this count}'. The two , men who extended this invitation, were for many years the strongest supporters of the Whet- stone Church , they were in no way related to each other, notwithstanding they both removed from Wayne County, bore the same name, and professed the same religious faith. Harrison Jones, son of Isaiah, and also one of the early members, is still living and an eminent minister 396 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. among the Disciples. The first services held in Whetstone Township by Disciple ministers was about the year 1 828, at the log cabin of Oliver Jones, b}^ Elders Comer and John Secrist. After the first meeting, Elder Comer went on to Michigan and Elder Secrist returned to Stark County, where he had been preaching. Secrist had formerly been a resident of Kentucky, and several years after 1828, he again visited Crawford Count}' and preached in the Camp- bell Schoolliouse, which was located at that time on the southern part of what is now the farm of W. L. Ferall. In those days members of this denomination were known as Camp- bellite Baptists. Elder Secrist was a very able man. and continued to preach the doctrines of his faith in the township at stated periods for some five years. When he left, Elders A. Burns and 3Iillison came occasionally and preached in the neighborhood ; this was after the year 1840. Elder Burns is a brother of Hon. Barne}' Burns, of Mansfield ; he is now minister of the church at Shelb3^ Elders Burns and Millison conducted services at the school- houses or private residences in the neighbor- hood, and sometimes at the barn of John Campbell, who was a prominent member of the church. Campbell represented Crawford County in the Ohio Legislature during the winter of 1833, 1835 and 1840. The Disciple meeting- house in Whetstone was built about the 3'ear 1845, and during the next thirteen years Dr. Lucy, John and Thomas Rigdon and Jonas Hartzell were elders of the congregation ; serv- ices were conducted during this period at very irregular intervals. Hartzell it still living at an advanced age in Iowa. About the year 1858, Polder Belton preached at stated periods and continued to do so until shortly after the war broke out ; since that time, IClders Richard Winbigler and Hathaway, have had charge of the church at different times ; services were also conducted occasionally by Charles E. Van Voorhis, who was raised in Whetstone Township, and has for man}' years been an active Disciple minister ; he is at present living in Knox Count}'. John Cornell also went out from the Whetstone Church, and is now a Dis- ciple minister in Iowa. Forty years ago the Whetstone Disciple Church was a very strong and influential congregation, but the losses by death and removal reduced the membership to such an extent that for many years religious services were held very irregularly. Finally about December 5, 1875, eight persons met at the residence of Jeremiah Correll, in Bucyrus, and resolved under Grod to build a house of worship in the town and to re-organize the church. These seven persons were James Kerr, J. W. Bogan, Samuel Keiffer. B. F. Keiffer, Edward Ferrell, Edward Campbell, William Arbuckle and Jeremiah Correll. A few days afterward the lot on the southeast corner of Lane and Warren streets was purchased, and Edward Campbell, Jeremiah Con-ell and B. F. Keiffer appointed a building committee. The foundation of the edifice was laid in the spring of 1876, and the basement completed by No- vember of that year, at which time thirty-three persons assembled and resolved to form them- selves into a church of Christ, " taking no creed but the Bible, and no name unknown to the Scriptures." A Sabbath school was organized ; Elder George T. Smith was called to preach, and has continued with the congregation since that date. His labors have been blessed, and, during the past four years. 100 additional mem- bers have united with the church. The upper room of their church edifice was completed during the summer of 1877, and the building dedicated to the service of Almighty God Sep- tember 2, 1877, Elder Isaac Errett oflftciating. This house of worship is designed after the Gothic style of architecture. The building is sixty-five feet long, fortv feet wide, and two stories high. The basement is eleven feet, and the audience room above has an arched ceiling nineteen feet above the floor at the sides, and HISTORY OF CRAAVFORD COUNTY. 397 twenty-seven feet in the center of the room. This is the only arched ceiling in town. The church is surmounted with a tower and spire whicii reach 120 feet from the ground. The cost of the entire building was about $11,000, and the entire amount was raised by the mem- bers by the time the church was dedicated. The United Brethren in Christ congregation was organized about August 15, 1879, with the following members : John Carson and wife, Anna, Charles and Robert Carson, Edward Sheckler and wife, Nettie Sheckler, Mrs. Eliza IVIonnett and daughters Lulu and Vertie, H. A. Raub, Lillie Eaub, Henry Couts and wife, Jacob Yeagle and wife. J. Gr. Hull, John Slagle, Miss Kate Steelsmith, J. (r. Wert and wife. Mar}' and Joseph Wert. These persons were all connected with the " Holiness Movement," which had. previous to this time, received its support in Bucyrus from members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. During the pastorate of Rev. Gr. W. Ball, this movement in the inter- est of " Christian Holiness," was organized, and most of the active members of the Methodist Episcopal congregation showed their sj'mpathy by their presence and influence at the special " Holiness " meetings. After a few months some withdrew, declaring they could not ac- quiesce in all that was said and done by those who professed to believe the doctrines taught ; other prominent members were removed bj' death, and, after Mr. Ball left the advocates of " Christian Holiness " in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, they were not so numerous and in- fluential. Their special Tuesday evening prayer meeting, however, was continued for many months under Dr. Nelson's pastorate, and the venerable gentleman kindly attended and led many meetings, although he could not coincide with all that was said at them. But the mem- bers of the " Holiness Band" were afterward denied the right to have the church basement for their special meetings, because a few re- fused to subscribe to the general church fund. and, after suffering for some time what they considered other persecutions, quietl}' withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and formed a United Brethren in Christ Congrega- tion, which denomination contains more mem- bers professing their views on '• Christian Holi- ness." The first trustees were John Carson, Jacob Yeagley, Henry Couts, J. Gr. Hull, and Barney Saylor. The store-room on the south- west corner of Main and Warren streets was rented and fitted up for a meeting-house. In the fall of 1879, the United Brethren Conference appointed Rev. Moses E. Spahr, Pastor of the Bucyrus charge, which is at the present time attached to Bucyrus Circuit. Rev. 0. H. Ram- sey was placed on this circuit in the fall of 1880. August 25, 1879, a United Brethren in Christ Sabbath School was organized with the following officers : John Carson. Superintend- ent ; Mrs. J. Gr. Wert, Assistant ; Charles Car- son, Secretary ; H. A. Raub, Treasurer ; An- netta Sheckler, Librarian. A lot has been pur- chased at the corner of Walnut and Lucas streets, and the congregation contemplate erect- ing a church building in the near future. During the past sixty 3'ears, several attempts have been made to establish other denomina- tions in Bucyrus, and the religious services held by two of these churches were continued many years. Rev. John Pettitt, a Congregationalist minister, removed to Bucyrus about 18-10, and for many years preached in various neighbor- hoods of Crawford County. Through his ef- forts, mainly, a society of this denomination was organized in the village. For some years their services were held at the Protestant Methodist Church. In the spring and summer of 1855, the brick church, which is now owned by the Baptists, was erected by the Congregational Society. The building was dedicated September 28, 1855, and about this time Rev. Oliver Bur- gess, who had been pastor of the Methodist Epis- copal Church for the preceding year, was em- ploj-ed to preach in the new edifice. Burgess re- liL 398 HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY mained one 3'etir, and then Rev. Pettitt supplied tLe pulpit until July, 1859, when the society ex- tended a call to Rev. Gideon Dana, former^ of Oberlin ; this gentleman remained two 3-ears ; during his pastorate the church purchased^ December, 1859, the first pipe organ ever brought to Bucyrus. Rev. Roljert ^IcCune was the immediate successor of 3Ir. Dana. He continued as Pastor from July, 18G1, to July ] 802, and then resigned to accept the position of Chaplain at the National Military Hospital, on Johnson's Island, near Sandusky Cit}-. Rev. I. C. Kingsle}' received a call in Jul}^, 1862, and remained until about January 1, 1864. Several ministers came occasionally- and preached, but after a few months the church was sold to the Board of Education for $3,000. The organ was afterward sold to the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Rev. John Pettitt, the founder of the church, and the most active member of the congregation during the many years it continued, removed, about 1866, to the northern part of Michigan. During the many years he was a citizen of Crawford Count}', he always took an active part in building up the moral interests of the community. For the last live years of his life, he rode regularly through summers heat and winter's snows to his appointment five miles distant, and, when the weather did not render the frontier school- houses untenaljle, he had from two to three ap- pc^intments each Sabbath. On the last da^- of his life. Sunday, May 11, 1879, he rode on horse- back to his appointment, but, upon his return, complained of being sick, and in half an hour passed from his labors to his reward, in the eightieth year of his age, after laboring as an active minister of Christ for more than half a century-. Some forty years ago, ministers of the Prot- estant M\'thodist Church visited Bucyrus and conducted religious services ; possibly the first member of this denomination to preach in the village was Rev. Seeley Bloomer. About 1845, Rev. Dalb}- organized a congregation at the house of John Moi'foot, who resided at that time on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Doll, just north of the northeast corner of Walnut street and the Middlet<:>wn road. Among the early members of this church were John Morfoot and wife, now Mrs. John Bo3'er, John Kelly and wife, John Fralic and wife, David Holma and wife, Matthew Fulloon and wife. Shortly after the congregation was organized, the lot on the northwest corner of Rensellaer and Walnut streets was purchased, and a meeting-house erected. Rev. Bamford was the first Pastor. Services were conducted once every two weeks. The congregation in the village was a station on Bucyrus Circuit, which included the neighbor- hoods of Wingert's Corners, Bear Marsh and Grass Run. Among those who had charge of this circuit during the decade from 1845 to 1855, were Revs. John W. Case, Jeremiah Jack, Aaron D. Abbott, Samuel Catlin and James Duffy. It is possible that other ministers preached regularly to the Bucyrus church dur- ing this period. Rev. I. C. Thrapp was Pastor in 1856, and, after he left, services were discon- tinued in the Bucja'us church. The building was removed, several years afterward, to the site now occupied b}' the Eagle Foundr}', and used as a work-shop until destroyed b}' fire in August, 1867. During the latter part of 1869, Rev. Alexan- der 31. Cowan, a minister connected with the Southern Presbyterian Church, visited Buc3'rus for the purpose of establishing a congregation of that denomination. Among those who aided and encouraged tliis minister during his labors in the place, b}- attendmg his services, were Dr. C. Fulton and wife. Judge James Clemens and wife, Judge Thomas Beer and wife, George L. Saulsbury and wife, Hon. C. D. Ward, Hon. William M. Scroggs, Hon. William Larwill, Samuel Hoyt, Dr. George Keller and others. The first sermon was preached in the court house. October 81, 1869, and shortly afterward e) HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY 399 Quinb}' Hall was rented, in which meetings were held every Sabbath, morning and evening, for several months, but the outlook for a strong and prosperous congregation was not flattering, and the meetings were discontinued. Through the eflbrts, mainl}-, of Robert Mac- Leod, civil engineer of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railroad, certain Episcopal ministers were induced to conduct services at Bucyrus during the year 1874. The first meeting was held May 3, b}- Rev. J. M. llillyar, of Mansfield, and Rector of the church atGralion. This gen- tleman continued the services during the sum- mer. He was assisted occasionally b}' other ministers. The meetings were held at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and among those Episcopalians who gave Mr. Hilh'ar aid and encouragement during the summer, in his eflbrts, were Robert MacLeod and famil}-. William Eccleston and family, W. T. McDonald, J. Hopley and others. The Sunday school cause early enlisted the attention of tliose pioneer settlers who desired to improve the morals of the community. James MeCracken, Esq., for mam* years a prominent citizen of the village and township, is authority- for the following statement : '• In the year 1827 or 1828, at the instance of an Episcopal missionary from Mt. Vernon, the first Sabbath school started in Bucyrus was or- ganized at the little brick schoolhouse. Abel Gary was elected President, and Dr. Hobbs, Secretary. There were also four Directors chosen, John Moderwell being one of them. These officers constituted an executive com- mittee for the government of the school. They appointed James MeCracken Superintendent." Although most of the working members in this school were connected with the early Presby- terian Church, 3'et it was not established in the interest of that denomination, but as a union school ; and it was attended and supported by members of the Methodist, Lutheran and Pres- byterian Churches. This moral agency was continued several years, but, after the iMethod- ists erected their church, thej' organized a sep- arate school, about 1834, in the interest of their congregation. The Presbyterians organized their school in 1835, and the Lutherans in 1838. Since then, the other denominations have established Sabbath schools, in the following order : Baptist, in 1844, and re-organized in 1864; German Lutheran, about 1844; Re- formed, about 185U ; German Methodist, about 1854 ; Disciple, 187G ; United Brethren in Christ, 1879. During the latter part of 1869. a Young Men's Christian Association was organized at Buc} rus. The first meeting held for this purpose assembled at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tuesday evening, November 2. The audience was addressed by Christian gentlemen from Mansfield. The Association was organized at the 31. E. Church, Friday evening, November 5. 1869, with the following officers : President, William M. Reid ; Vice Presidents, W. B. Ben- nett and B. F. Lauck ; Corresponding Secretary, M. Deal ; Recording Secretar}', George C. Gorm- le}' ; Treasurer, James B. Gormlej- ; Board of Managers, E. P. Penfield, G. W. Myers. M. V. Long:worth and J. J. Fisher. A daily prayer meeting was established, which continued for some months ; the association rented the sec- ond story of No. 8 Quinby Block, and fitted it up with a library and entertaining newspapers, and, for several 3'ears after, the prayer meeting was discontinued ; tiie organization maintained a special hall for the general use of all accepta- ble public meetings. For some three years, the Y. M. C. A. Hall was in the second story of Birks Block. Although the pioneer settlers of Bucyrus and surrounding country sufiered many hardships, and often sighed for the comforts and luxuries of their former Eastern homes, they ditl not forget that the minds of their cliildren needed instruc- tion, and at an early day the cause of education enlisted their attention. Unfortunately, a pio- de> 400 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. neer settlement, sixty years ago, did not possess, and could not obtain, the many modern educa- tional improvements. It is not surprising, then, that, in a community deprived of many conven- iences of life, the early schoolhouses were rude buildings, poorly furnished and illy adapted to the purpose for which they were used. But, in these rude log school buildings in those early pioneer days, many children, who afterward be- came good, substantial citizens of the country, received the only school instruction they ever obtained. And some, who, in after years, be- came distinguished citizens of the nation, not only for their high moral worth, but also for their intellectual attainments, received the foundation of their education in these pioneer schoolhouses. The first school taught on the site now occu- pied by the town of Bucyrus, was held in a lit- tle log cabin situated on the south bank of the Sandusky Biver, just north of the lot occupied by Silas Bower's residence. This cabin was erected by the Beadle family on their land, and had formerly been occupied by them as a res- idence. It has long since passed away, but at that time was west of the town plat, laid out on Norton's land after this cabin was built. Will- iam Blowers taught the school held in this rude building during the winter of 1 822-23. He was fully competent to take charge of it. as he pos- sessed a very good education. The attendance was not large, and nearly all those who were pupils in this first school at Bucyrus are dead and gone ; however, Horace Bowse and Mrs. A. M. Jones, two of them, still remain citizens of Bucyrus. Blowers charged a tuition fee of $1.50 per pupil, for a term of three months and " boarded around." His text-books were Pike's Arithmetic. Dillworth's Spelling-book and the Columbian Orator. The next winter. Blowers taught a school in Liberty Township : he was one of the first two licentiates of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Crawford County, and for many vears an active minister of that denomi- nation. Butterfield, in his history, relates the following in regard to this first school : "An incident of this school is remembered, the hero- ine of which is now one of the most respected matrons of our town — then a sprightl}' lass of half a dozen summers. Once upon a time, this 'pretty, winsome, wee thing' made her appear- ance in the school-room promptly at 9 o'clock, A. M., with a pair of new shoes upon her feet, an event calculated to produc a ' profound sen- sation ' in those pioneer times ; but in preparing the leather for these shoes, the blacking of the tanner gave out, and, as there was none to be had nearer than Zanesville, the consequence was. that, rather than send so man}^ miles for an additional supply, only one shoe was black ; the other icas quite red. In those daj'S, ' despotic fashion ' had not swayed her scepter over the heads of the mothers of Bucyrus." Shortly after this first school, Altie Kent taught another near where Samuel Ludwig now lives, and some of her pupils resided in the new town. Miss Elizabeth Norton, now Mrs. A. M. Jones, one of her scholars, relates that the teacher fur- nished her good pupils with " rewards of merit." These tokens wei'e home-made ; designed by the instructor, and highly colored with golden- seal and blood-root. Joseph Newell also taught in the same building after Miss Kent. The first public schoolhouse built in Buc3a*us was erected soon after the passage of the act of 1824, establishing free schools in Ohio. The site occupied by this building was at the east end of the lot. on the northeast corner of Walnut and Mary streets. This lot is now owned and occupied by Charles Vollrath. The schoolhouse stood on the spot just west of where the Roman Catholic Church now stands. " The building was of logs. The builders had no need of an architect ; hence there was no plan and specifi- cations. It was ' to be of logs, and twenty feet square ;' a summary understood b}- all without the aid of an elevation." — Buttrrfield. " It was furnished in the cheapest and most simple st3de. l±. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 401 All the children of the district who could be ' spared from work ' attended. A Board of Directors controlled or managed the school ; that is, they hired the teacher and drew orders on the Treasurer of the township for the pay- ment of his salary, which was $15 per month. Zalmon Rowse was the first teacher in the first schoolhouse, and, though not a professional teacher, his labors were entirely satisfactory^ to his neighbors. When the public fund, which at that time was small, became exhausted, the school was dismissed ; this generally occurred after a three-months term. During the summer months, a school was opened for the 3'ounger childi'en by some one who charged a small tuition fee." — Scroggs. Rowse continued his school during the summer one time, his neigh- bors agreeing to do his harvesting rather than have the school stop during that season. Jonas Scott and Horace Pratt also taught in this first log schoolhouse. Butterfield says of Pratt : " He is remembered as a good teacher ; but, notwithstanding his fine chirography, made his mark, as a few of the boys, now our old and I'e- spected citizens, have still a striking and vivid recollection. Like the memory of joys that are past, a recollection of him is pleasant, but a little mournful. Debating societies and teachers' institutes had never, at that day, discussed the question as to whether corporal punishment ought to be abolished from schools." In this old log schoolhouse the benches were placed around the sides ; windows were formed by sawing an aperture through the logs at the side, and the fire-place at the end furnished heat dur- ing the winter. The population of Bucyrus was soon increased b}' new settlers to such an extent that all the scholars could not be accommodated in the twenty-foot-square log schoolhouse, and arrangements were made by the citizens to con- struct a more suitable building. Samuel Norton deeded to the district for school purposes the lot now occupied by the Monnett House, and upon this was erected a brick schoolhouse, 18x36 feet in extent, and one story high. Al- gebertus Bucklin burnt the brick for this ])uild- ing about the year 182G. His brick-kiln was situated near where Thomas Hall's barn now stands, northeast of the present railroad junc- tion. This building was not onW used for school purposes, but served in those early days as a court house, town hall and meeting-house for the different religious societies. When used as a court house the jury had to be accommo- dated in shops or vacant buildings in other parts of the town. It was used as a meeting- house by the Methodists, both Protestant and Episcopal, the Lutherans, both English and German, the Presbj'terians, Old School and Se- ceders, Reformed Baptists and possibly other congregations. In this schoolhouse were taught orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic and geography, and, when the teacher was qualified, a few of the larger boys and girls were taught English Grrammer and Natural Philosophy. Among those who taught in this building at an early day were Horace Pratt, Sallie Davis, Dr. Horton, Mrs. Espy and two daughters, Maggie and Elmira, Mr. White and others. After several years, this brick schoolhouse could not contain all the children of the town, which received each year additional accessions, and schools were established in other parts of the village. The public school fund was not sufficient to employ teachers all the year round, and, consequently, between 1826-50, man}' private schools were started at different times. While the American House, ei'ected about 1830, and now occupied by William Shaw, was in an unfinished condition, a school was taught in what is now the hotel office. A frame building on the northeast corner of Perr}- and Walnut streets, torn down several years since, a log house on Main street, south of what is now Blicke's store, and other build- ings, were used for school purposes. The old log district schoolhouse, erected as earl}* as 1833, at the west end of Warren street, and now occupied as a wood-house, on the same lot, was 403 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the buildiiiij,- which nmny schohirs of the town attended. The prouressive citizens, knovvinsi- that the interests of their children demiinded more :ind better accouimodations, made arran<2;einents for a larger building. ]Mr. Scroggs sa^'s in his historical sketch : "In 1830, the brick school- honse, which was then too small to hold all the pupils, had to give way to a more imposing structure. A frame building, 50x30 feet, two stories high, divided into four rooms, with closets and suitable stairs, was erected upon the school lot near where the old brick had stood. The house was finished in good style, and was furnished with the best kind of school- house furniture then in use, made of black walnut plank, the value of which at this time would be a small fortune in itself The house was provided with a belfty and fine bell, and, when entirely finished, it was painted white with green blinds, and was the best and most imposing public schoolhouse in this part of the State. School was first opened in tiiis building, October, 1840, and was, in a qualified sense, a graded school. The first teachers were S. Fry. J. B. Squier, ^Misses Marshall, Gary and Espy. Mr. Fry taught the more advanced boys and had a general supervision of all the schools though he spent no part of his school hours in supervising, and never taught in a place other than the room under his immediate charge. Mr. Squier taught the smaller boys. Miss Mar- shall the more advanced girls, Miss Gary and Miss Espy the younger girls. All of these teachers, unless it be Miss Marshall, are still living, honored and respected members of society. There was no regular course of study prescribed. The common English branches were taught, and, when boys or girls desired instruction in Natural Philosophy and Algebra, they could be accommodated ; but. if they became extravagant in their desires, and wanted to get still higher, they had to be sent from home. The text books then used were : Webster's Elementary Speller. Mcduffey's First, Second. Third and Fourth Reader, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Golburn's Mental Arithme- tic, Adams' Practical Arithmetic. Olnev's Geography, Kirkluim's Grammar, and Com- stock's Natural Philosophy. Declamations and compositions were in order each week. Some of our most substantial citizens received all their school education in the old brick and frame schoolhouses." In those early days, it was seldom that the village school, supported I)}- the public school fund, offered facilities to those scholars who wislied to obtain a knowledge of the higher branches usuall}^ taught in normal schools and academies. In order to supply this want, experienced teachers would occasionally estab- lish a higher school and charge tuition. The Peoples Fornm, of March 23, 1849, contains a card from E. G. Chambers, announcing " tliat he had permanently located in the place and is prepared to teach, in the most thoroughly scientific manner, the various branches of science usually taught in high schools and colleges." Mr. Chaml)ers occupied for some months, one of the four rooms in the old frame schoolhouse, now the Monnett House. He did permanently locate in the county, for he is at present a resident of Whetstone Township. Some eighteen mon-ths previous to this, Joseph R. Whitham conducted a high school in the village. The People's Forum, of October 29, 1847, contained the following notice, which is given as a specimen of the educational system as it was just before the union schools were organized : High School. — The undersigned, a gradiuite of .Jef- ferson College, Penn.sylvania, would respectfully inform the citizens of Bucyrus and vicinity, that he proposes to commence a High School in the town of Bucyrus. Having had considerable experienc""'urveying. etc 10 00 The Session will commence November 15. Pupils commencing at any time before the middle, of the ses- sion, will be charged a full term ; those not commenc- ing until the middle, or after the middle, of the session, will be charged half a term. .Joseph R. Whitham. , BucYRUs, October 25, 1847. This gentleman taught in the frame building, and was employed several times to teach the reg- ular school, which he did as long as the public funds lasted, and then charged tuition of those scholars who desired to continue. It is reported of him that he possessed a good education, and liked the company of young ladies, but was somewhat " green." His admiration for one who is now the wife of a distinguished citizen of the town, and still admired by all her friends, was not disguised. One evening he called to see her and spend the evening. About 9 o'clock, the old folks, sensible, good old souls as the}' were, bid the 3'oung people good-night and retired. But Whitman very foolishly could not appreciate their kindness, and did not take advantage of this delightful • well, hour (we fear the lady if we should say a longer time) tendered him, and left for home. He ap- peared uneasy, and his mind must have troubled him. for. after going a very short distance, he returned, and when the young lady again an- swei'ed his knock at the door, he was so pro- fuse in his apologies " for keeping her up so late, and for staj'ing so long after the time at which she usually retired," that she told her most intimate friends how " green " he acted ; these intimate friends would not keep still, and told it as a " good joke " on Whitham. During the twenty-five years in the educa- tional liistor}- of BucN'rus. between 1825 and 1850. man}' ditferent persons taught public and private schools in the village. It would be a difficult task to secure the names of all these teachers, and a much greater one to describe the many particular incidents which occurred during the administration of each. Among those who taught during this i>eriod. and not previously mentioned are : Of the gentlemen. Messrs. McMullen, McGill, Wallace, Jacob Hof- mau. Yost, Myers, Lee, Camp, Davis, Plants, Kiskaden, Bowse, Sears, Squier, Fry. Needhara. Everson and Martin ; of the ladies, Emily Bowse, the Misses Gary, Margaretta Williams, the Misses Davis, Ann McCracken and Hannah J. Dunn. Man}' of these names will doubtless recall to the memory of old settlers, pleasing recollections of the times that are past. Of all those who were teachers in Bucyrus. previous to 1850, only one is at the present time a resi- dent of the town. This is Mr. Horace Bowse, who was also a scholar in the first school taught in Bucyrus Township. " Many of the rest have long since been piloted over the river by the grim ferryman." Until the year 1849, the common schools of Ohio with but few exceptions, were conducted upon the general plan of district schools. The Greneral Assembly of the State on February 21 of that year, passed an act '• for the better reg- ulation of the public schools in cities, towns and villages "' which permitted the organization of graded or union schools. ^lany towns throughout the State immediately took advan- tage of this law, and the citizens in Bucyrus were not slow to avail themselves of the oppor- tunity to secure a better school system, which was then offered by this act of 1849. But all public improvements, however necessary and beneficial to a community, are opposed by many citizens, and. when the question of graded schools was submitted to the qualified electors of the village in April, 1849, they rejected the new system. The friends of education were not discouraged, but continued to agitate the matter, and, after the new plan had been ex- -4* 404 HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. plained to the " intelligent voter," the question was again submitted some weeks later, about July, 1849. The result of this election was a victor}^ for the present graded school s^'stem by a fair majority. Jacob Scroggs, Esq., says, in his Centennial History : " The persons most active in securing this plan were Hon. Josiah Scott, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Dr. Willis Merriman, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Hon. L. W. Hall, J. B. Lar- will. Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, John Moderwell, M. P. Bean, editor of the Forum, and Col. Zalmon Bowse. There were no doubt others who were active and efficient in produc- ing the desii-ed result, but the above named are at this time prominent in the mind of the writer. The most serious and obstinate oppo- sition came from a few men of wealth, who had no children to educate, or who cared but little for any education beyond what was necessary to compute interest at 12 per cent." Shortly after this system had been adopted, the citizens assembled and elected the following persons as the first Board of Education of the Bucyrus Union Schools : Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Dr. Willis Merriman and John Moderwell. These were all active and zealous friends of education and of the new plan, and the union school was in the hands of its friends. The boai'd was organized by the election of Dr. Merriman as President, Aaron Cary as Secre- tar}^, and Dr. Jacob Augenstein as Treasurer. For some reason, the board was dela}' ed in get- ting ever3'thing arranged, and the organization of the schools was not completed until the spring of 1850. The board then published in the Peojilcs Forum of April 2G, 185U, the fol- lowing announcement : School Notice. — The Bucyrus Public Schools will commence on the first Monday in May, under the Su- perintendence of I. Booth, Principal. He will be assisted by Miss Taylor, of Syracuse, N. Y., assistant to the Principal in the High School; Mr. Bowles, of Ashland, to take charge of the Secondary or Grammar School; Mr. Schepf, of this place, to conduct the Ger- man department, aud Miss McCracken and Miss Fitz- simmons the primary scholars not entitled to admission to the school under the law, will be received on the following terms, viz. : For tuition in Primary Department, per quarter of eleven weeks %2 00 For tuition in Secondary Department or Grammar, per (Quarter of eleven weeks 3 00 For tuition in High School, per quarter of eleven weeks 5 00 By order of the Board of Education of Bucyrus. A. Cart, Secretary. In the above notice, the name of N. P. Tarr, teacher of the Junior Grammar, was for some reason omitted, and the grading during the first term was not as advertised by the Secre- tary, but as follows ; High School, Senior Grrammar, Junior G-rammar, Secondary and Primary. Miss Diana Taylor, the first High School teacher, was employed at $25 per month ; T. C. Bowles received the same amount for teaching the Senior Grammar ; N. P. Tarr, taught tlie Junior Grammar for a short time, but he took sick, and the board employed Jacob Scroggs to take his place at $20 per month. Misses Ann McCracken and Maria Fitzsimmons (now Mrs. Dr. Byron, of Upper Sandusky) had charge of the Secondary and Primary Depart- ments and received $13 per month. Prof Israel Booth, the first Superintendent, was emplo3'ed at a salary of $601) p.u' auuum. A special tax was levied by the board sufficient in amount, when added to the State fund, to pay these teachers aud current expenses. Prof Booth had a difficult task to perforin. It was necessarj' for him to organize and re- duce to a system the adverse elements of the old district schools. Butterfield says : "His fault was eccentricity and forgetfulness, but he succeeded and succeeded well." In the Cen- tennial sketch, it is stated : - He was a pains- taking and conscientious gentleman, who taught about one-half his time and had his regular ;rr ^ ^ -^%\ % v^^ /t^^ <^ ®- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 407 classes ; the remainder of the time was spent in supervising the subordinate teachei's and in instructing them in the best way to teach." Booth conducted for some months an educa- tional department in the Peoples Forum, and this was greatly instrumental in enlisting the attention of citizens to the work being per- formed. The Board adopted rules for the regu- lation of all departments ; eight to guide the Superintendent, nine for the teachers, and six special and twent^'-five short general rules for the pupils. The lower departments were held at the frame schoolhouse, and in them the com- mon branches were taught. The High School, during the first year occupied the Odd Fellows' Hall, situated in the second story of Ander- son's Block, now the residence of C. K. Ward and George C. Grormly. Their room was not provided with any school furniture, and the facilities for teaching and the convenience of the temporary occupants were not first-class. But in this lodge-room were taught Algebra, Natural Philosophy Latin, French, Drawing and all the common branches. After the first term, public examinations were held and exhi- bitions given for two nights, October 10 and 11, in the Lutheran Church. The school grew rapidl}^ in favor with the people, and after the first year all open opposition died out. Satur- day, October 26, 1850, the citizens voted to levy a tax of $4,000 for the purpose of building a new schoolhouse. The new building erected soon after was made to accommodate the high school and grammar schools, as the old frame was barely sufficient to accommodate the pri- mary and secondaiy grades. As the number of pupils increased, such changes were made in the grading and classification as the exigencies of the time appeared to demand. For several years only two terms were held each year ; the spring term, continuing during the summer, and the fall term, which extended through the winter. Miss Taylor, the first high school teacher, left after the first term, and Miss Carrie Thayer was her successor. Prof Booth ramained two years and was succeeded by H. S. Martin, for one term, at the rate of $500 per annum. Booth removed to Indiana and engaged in the prac- tice of law at Sullivan, where he died in 1860. The sixth session of the Union Schools com- menced Monday, November 8, 1852, with Prof J. M. Hill as Superintendent. He was a gradu- ate of Jefferson College, possessed a fine edu- cation and had great experience. He remained one year and received $600 for his services. The new brick building was first occupied in the fall of 1852 ; when he commenced, previous to this, the high school was held at the M. E. Church. David Kerr was then employed by the board, and took charge of the schools in the fall of 1853. For a short time previous to this, he had practiced law in Bucyrus. He re- ceived $600 per annum, remained two years, and " his kindness to the scholars will long be remembered by those whose good fortune it was to be cared for by him." His successor in the fall of 1855, was J. K. Mason, a graduate of Yale College — a young man of fine scholas- tic attainments, but with little experience as a teacher. He only remained six months, at the rate of $600 per year. [The following pages, upon Mr. Hople3^'s ad- ministration and management of the Bucyrus schools, we deem of interest, and have had it prepared carefully for this special department. — Historian.] At the opening of the spring term, in April, 1856, Mr. J. Hoplc}- entered upon his duties as Superintendent, and his labors constitute an era in the history of the schools. At that time, the union school system was in its infancy, and that a system or series of schools should be found in disorder was not so serious, nor so un- usual, as such a condition of affairs would be in the present day. Mr. Hople}' was intro- duced to his new duties by Bev. A. Howbert, President of the Board, with the remark, " We 7p fi^ 408 HISTORY OF CRAWFOllD COUNTY cannot tell you an3'thing about the schools, ex- cept that they are completely run down." The whole corps of teachers was new, and there were neither the registers of the past term nor any official reports to guide him. But the heart of the new Superintendent was in his work. He had been educated at the Roj'al Na- val College, located at Camberwell, a suburb of London, England This naval school was con- ducted mainly upon the Bell system, and, as pupil and as monitor under this plan, Mr. Hop- ley had been trained in the art of instructing large classes. He was. moreover, a good sys- tematizer, and he soon brought oi'der out of chaos. The citizens recognized this, and gave him their cordial support. To what extent he succeeded, two extracts from the Bucyrus pa- pers will show. The following notice of a con- test among the pupils of the high school is taken from a communication by Dr. W. R. S. Clark, and published in the Journal December 27, 185G. The portions complimentary to the Superintendent and teachers are omitted as un- necessary in a history of the Bucyrus schools : Not less than fifty scholars were at one time on the floor, each intently engaged in spelling and defining the words pronounced to them from McGufFey's Fourth Reader. After three hours, twelve of the two contend- ing parties still retained their position oa the floor, having neither spelled nor defined a single word incor- rectly, although 600 had been given to them. The finale was exceedingly spirited. The generality of the pupils retained their position until 995, 969, 936, 920 and 900 words had been pronounced. One young lady maintained her position against an opposition of ten, spelling down in succession nine of them, when the exercises were closed from the simple fact that the book had been exhausted. Altogether, this young lady must have spelled and defined over 250 words. The young lady to whom reference is made in so complimentary a manner was Miss Vir- ginia Swingly, now Mrs. J. B. (xormly ; and her sister. Miss Marcella Swingly, was the only per- son left on the other side. From the Journal, of December 3, 1857, the following is taken from a report of a similar contest, involving, this time, however, the three highest schools. This extract has an added in- terest, because it recalls the names of many who have since grown to be honored and respected citizens, and themselves heads of families : The multitude which crowded the spacious room was indicative of the deep interest which parents are taking in relation to the schools. * * * * I have taken some pains in procuring the names of those scholars that did so great credit to themselves, and am proud to publish them to the readers of the Journal, and feel confident that they cannot be excelled by any school in the country. The following are the names of those pupils who spelled through a book of over one thousand words : In the high school, Misses Mary E. Moderwell, Georgianna Merriman, Elizabeth Moder- well, Amanda Kimmel, Jane Sims, Melinda Lightner, Ophel'a Didie, Elizabeth Rexroth and Sarah Rexroth, and Master Hiram Moderwell; in the senior gi'ammar school, Misses Helen Van Tyne, Fidelia Howenstein, Mary Gormly, Lydia Rexroth, Elizabeth Rowse, Mar- garet Fulton, Anna T. Fulton, Elizabeth Bradley, Mas- ters A. Van Tyne, D. Hall, J. Moderwell, Eugene Sims, D. Kanzleiter, Rufus Kuhn and Leroy Henthorn. Miss Emma Shaw, from the junior grammar school, retained her place on the floor during the pronunciation of over 900 words, and Miss Mary Howenstein, from the same department, kept up until after 800 words had been de- livered, spelled and defined. These results were not produced by any un- usual effort, as Mr. Hopley afterward explained in a communication to the paper ; they were the result of steady perseverance, a few minutes onl}" each day, and of encouragijig mutual competition in large classes. In consequence of complaints wholly factious, a committee was appointed by the Board of Education to visit the schools to make a careful examination of their condition. This committee consisted of S. R. Harris. Esq., John A. Gorml}^ Esq., and Rev. J. Grouse, and the following extract taken from their report, illustrates the system upon which the schools were being so thoroughly taught and so rapidly elevated : In all the schools except the High School, there are but two classes in each department, and all the pupils HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 409 in each class are employed at the same time on the same lesson, and as a general thing each must not only perform his own part in the recitation, but must watch the mistakes or correctness of his classmates, and by correcting the mistakes or omissions of the others ad- vance himself in his class; and by the accuracy of his acquirements he maintains his own position in the class, and thus they are all kept at work at the same time. For example, and to illustrate our meaning, the committee observed a recitation of arithmetic in the Junior Intermediate Department. There was a class of about thirty small pupils reciting their lesson in sim- ple multiplication. They stood in order on the floor, each provided with a slate, and they all wrote on their slates the multiplicand and multiplier as announced by the teacher ; the first one in the class numerated the figures in the example, the next multiplied the first figures announcing the product, at which the whole class wrote the same on their slates, the third continued the operation for the next figure, and so on through the whole class, and if any one made a mistake it was corrected by the next one below who could correct it, and the lower one who made the correction advanced above. When the multiplication was completed, there- fore, the entire class had the same on their slates, and each several pupil had performed all the mental labor which was required to perform the entire multiplica- tion. In the Senior Grammar School, the whole room, amounting on that day to some fifty pupils, during the visit of the committee, performed an example in reduc- tion, both ascending and descending reduction, in the same manner, and the committee were pleased to see the readiness of their answers and the neatness of their work, as it appeared when completed on their slates. The pupils in all the departments appear to be judi- ciously classed in a similiar manner in all the other branches. The plan, therefore, appears to have the ef- fect to create an ambition and laudable emulation among the pupils, and fits the intellectual and indus- trious ones for proper advancement to the higher de- partments. Mr. Hopley's connection with the schools con- tinued for two years, and it is a striking proof of the value of his labors, that the organization that he then effected has remained substan- tially the same ever since. After retiring from the schools, he formed a partnership with A. M. Jackson, Esq., in the practice of the law. From a report made December 30, 1857, the following facts are taken : " Number of pupils enrolled during the past four months — males, 205 ; females, 193 ; total 398 ; being an in- crease of 44 over the same term of 185G nnd 1876, since April 1, 1856 ; average daily at- tendance 258.5." The number in each of the different grades was : High School, 33 ; Senior Grraramar, 56 ; Junior Grrammar, 64 ; Senior Intermediate, 61 ; Junior Intermediate, 54 ; Senior Primary, GQ ; Junior Primary, 64. In April, 1858, Prof Alexander Miller took charge of the schools, and remained until June, 1861, receiving a j'early salary of $800. But- terfield said in regard to this gentleman : " The superior qualities of Prof Miller as a teacher are well known in Ohio. His ripe scholarship, gentlemanly bearing, his high-toned morality and Christian character shed a bright luster on the position he occupied. He was appreciated by his employers and respected by all." Dur- ing his administration the enrollment increased to such an extent that the board rented at dif- ferent times the M. E. Church basement, the old Baptist Church, and finally the Congrega- tional Church basement, in which a second junior grammar school was organized. B. B. McVey was then employed by the board at $800 a year. He commenced in September, 1861, and remained until April, 1864. Butter- field says : '' His indomitable energy, affability and zeal made him a very popular Superin- tendent. The standard of our schools was elevated by him." Prof Samuel J. Kirkwood was his successor, and continued for one year and three months, receiving $1,000 per year. At the end of the June term, 1865, he resigned to take charge of the public schools in TitHn, Ohio. He is at the present time Professor of ^Mathematics and Astronomy in the university at Wooster, Ohio. In September, 1865, J. C. Harper com- menced his long term of five years. The salary paid him was increased several times. VI ® — lIl 430 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. nncl for tlie last twelve months' service be re- ceived $1,000. During the half clecaclc he was in chai'ge, the grading of the schools was more thoroughly systematized than at any other period, and the first class completed the course and graduated Mai-ch 25, 1870. In the six months preceding this date, the number of pupils enrolled was as follows : High school, 38 ; four grammar schools, 182 ; five interme- diate schools, 266 ; four primary schools, 299 ; total, 785. The crowning work of Mr. Har- per's administration was the building of the new union school house, the most important event in the histor}'^ of the Bucyrus Union Schools. Since the public schools of the town have been organized, there ma}' have been men in charge of them who possessed a better edu- cation than this gentleman, but no Superinten- dent has excelled him in the natural abilit}^ to govern the scholars. It is doubtful if, in the five years he was in charge, he personally used the rod upon refractory pupils more than half a dozen times. He will long be remembered by those scholars who attended the higher grades during his long term of service, for the man}' instructive and entertaining talks in which he imparted to them much valuable in- formation not found in the text books. Miss Mareella Swiugly, teacher of the high school for nearly all the preceding six years, was, in September, 1870, promoted to the su- perintendency, and received a salary of $1,100 during her third year. The idea of having a lad}^ Superintendent was declared to be an " experiment " by the board that employed her. It proved in most things to be a successful one. and, during the three years of her admin- istration, the pupils advanced in scholarship, and most citizens were satisfied. Occasionally, when difficulties arose in regai'd to government, she did not receive from the Board of Educa- tion that hearty support which should have been extended to a lady in charge of so many refractory pupils, and conse(piently at times the position she occupied was particularly try- ing and embarrassing. She was also opposed b}' citizens who did not believe the doctrines taught by those who are endeavoring to secure the adoption of their Sixteenth Amendment to the National Constitution. However, she had many warm friends, who have alwaj's admired her many sterling qualities as a Christian lad}'. It is worthy of historical note that she is the only person who has occupied in the Bucyrus Union Schools the different stations of a pupil in several grades, a teacher of several grades^ and finally G-eneral Superintendent over all departments. In the summer of 1873, the board succeeded in obtaining the services of Prof F. M. Hamil- ton, a graduate from the University of Michi- gan, located in Ann Arbor, at a salary of $1,700 per year. Since 1873, the schools have been under his fostering care, and during this period, seven classes have completed the high school course and graduated. He is a polished gentleman, possessing a fine classical education, and the fact that he is now serving his eighth year as Superintendent of the Bucyrus schools, is sufficient proof that his labors are appre- ciated by an unusually censorious public. Al- though Mr. Hamilton teaches over half his time there has never been a better general supervis- ion than during his administration. Teachers' meetings are held each week, conducted by the Superintendent. Examinations of teachers are conducted by examiners appointed by the board ; they are both oral and written. The pupils in the various grades are examined twice each term, and these tests of scholarship are also both oral and written. At the present time, the schools are graded and classified as follows : A, B, C, D and E Primary ; A, B and C Intermediate ; A, B and C Grammar ; the Ger- man-English School and the High School. The number of scholars enrolled in these depart- ments during the school year ending June 11, 1880, was as follows : ^f- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 411 BOYS. GIRLS. TOTAL. High school 31 Grammar schools '2 Intermediate schools 79 Primary schools 219 German-English school 64 54 70 104 208 48 85 142 183 427 112 Total. .465 484 949 Miss Diana Taylor, the first high school teacher, remained one term, and resigned Oc- tober, 1850, to accept a more desirable position. Since this time, the following persons have had charge of the high school in the order named : Carrie Thayer, Harriet Weight, Jnlia Brown, Delia Galusha, Julia Dustin, Emma McGregor, Martha Stewart, until July, 1856 ; Julia C. Breckenridge, until July, 1857 ; Julia A. Wal- work (now Mrs. Jacob Scroggs), until June, 1862 ; Jennie E. Jackson, until April, 1864: ; Marcella Swingley, until AprU, 1868; Sallie Freman, from January until June, 1869 ; Mar- cella Swingley, second term, until July, 1870 ; J. C. Shumaker, until July, 1871 ; Sarah Rex- roth (now Mrs. T. J. Monnett), until July, 1872 ; Anna Sigler, until July, 1873 ; A. G. Gumaer, until July, 1874; H. E. Kratz, until July, 1875; William Thomas, until July, 1876; D. C. Porter, until July, 1877, and J. W. Spindler, the present incumbent. Of these persons, Miss Walwork, now Mrs. Jacob Scroggs, had charge five years, the longest continuous term, and Miss Marcella Swingly, four years at one time, and one year at another. The persons who have successively taught the high school, have, in nearly every instance, fully met the expec- tation of those who employed them. IMany ex- celled as thorough and accomplished instruct- ors, and not a little of the prosperity and progress of the schools is due to their wisdom and energy. The want of space prevents a more extended reference to each. From 1866 until July, 1873, an assistant high-school teacher, was employed, and among those who have served in this capacity are : ^liss Anna McDonald (now Mrs. Shannon Clemens), until April. 1868 ; Anna R. Gary, from Januaiy until June, 1869 ; Alice Codding, until July, 1872 ; Lizzie Baltzly, until July, 1873. Since the graded-school system has been adopted in Bucyrus, many different persons have taught in the lower grades. It would be a difficult task to secure the names of all these teachers who have been employed during the past thirty years. At the present time the fol- lowing persons have charge of the several de- partments : High School, J. W. Spindler ; Grammar Schools— A, Miss Lizzie ^McCracken ; B, Miss Sarah Sheckler ; C, Mrs. C. P. Wiley ; Intermediate Schools— A, Mrs. Mary Beer ; B, Miss Mattie :\Iessner ; C, Miss Frankie Scroggs. Primary Schools— A, Miss Lizzie Stauffer ; B, Mrs. Emma Dalzell ; C, Miss jNIaud Keller ; D, Miss Dillie Clymer ; E, Miss Mary McCon- nell. German-English School, Mr. Carl F. Preuss and Miss A. M. McCracken. Of these teachers, Miss Mary McConnell has been em- ployed by the board for eight years ; Miss Sa- rah Sheckler, sixteen years ; and Mrs. C. P. Wiley, twenty-four years. Henry Wingert, the present janitor, has occupied that position since the erection of the new building. The frame schoolhouse, built in 1839, and the brick building, finished in 1852, furnished ample accommodation for several years. When the number of pupils increased, the board pro- vided more room by renting, at different times, tlie Methodist Episcopal Church basement, the old Baptist Church, and, about 1860, the base- ment of the Congregational Church, which was occupied for several years. But the different grades became crowded to such an extent that the question of erecting an additional building was agitated. At a special election, held 3Iay 18, 1868. it was decided to sell the old frame schoolhouse, to purchase additional ground east of tlie brick building, and to levy a tax of $2,000 for improvements. Three weeks later, on June 9, at another special election, the cit- izens voted unanimously to build an addition ^1 •^ 413 HISTORY OF CRAAVFORD COUNTY, to the brick school house, and to le\\y a tax of $0,000 for this purpose. The two and one-half acre lot east of the brick l>uildiiig was pur- chased of John A. Gormly for $1.G50, and $6,- 000 of the tax voted was levied, but the other propositions voted by the citizens were not cai-ried into eftect. Two years afterward, April 25, 18G5, the Congregational Church was pur- chased for $3,000, and fitted up with four schoolrooms, and these for a time relieved the crowded departments. In January, 186G, the territory of District No. 2 was added to Buc}'- rus Special School District, and shortly after this, the Senior Grammar Department was as- signed quarters in the old district schoolhouse, at the western end of Warren street. The proposition to levy a tax of $40,000, and build a large edifice, was submitted at a special elec- tion held February 24, 1806, but the citizens rejected this by a majority of 104 in a vote of over four hundred. It was generally admitted, however, that the interests of the children de- manded more and better school accommoda- tions ; and, after the question had been dis- cussed for another year, the board submitted, at a special election, held April 13. 1867, two other propositions, asking for either $10,000 or $20,000. Both of these were carried by large majorities. The board employed A. Koehler, a Cleveland architect, to elaborate their design, and furnish the necessary maps, elevations and specifications. The contract for building the edifice was let to the Bucyrus IMachine "Works at $46,000. Excavations for the cellar were commenced in the fall of 1867, and, in April, 1868, the old brick building was torn down. The corner-stone was laid Thursday, July 30, 1868, by the Masonic fraternity, in the pres- ence of about five thousand persons. In the cavit}' of this stone was tastened an oblong tin box, and within this they placed the following articles : " A parchment roll of the schools, beautifully written in India ink, by Fred M. Swingl}', showing the scholarship and deport- ment of everv scholar belonging to the union schools, a copy of the Holy Bible, copies of the Craiv/ord County Forum and Bucyrus Jour- nal, a fine specimen of printing, a certificate of the County Clerk, to which was attached the official seal, a marriage certificate by Probate Judge, with official seal, specimen of nickel coins, specimen of fractional currency, several pieces of curious coin, copy of the State School Commissioners' report, and various other ar- ticles." After the Masonic ceremonies, the crowd adjourned to the grove, where addresses were delivered by Bev. Joshua Crouse, John R. Clymer, editor of the Forum, and Rev. Ja- cob Graessle, Pastor of the German Lutheran Church. The stone foundation was completed during the summer of 1868, and the brick walls were rapidly pushed forward during the fall and early winter, so that by February 1, 1860, the immense structure was under roof For nine months succeeding April 1, 1868, the schools were discontinued. Monday, Jan- uarv 4, 1860, six departments were opened — the High School in Blair's hall, the Senior Grammar in the district schoolhouse, the Jun- ior Grammar and Intermediates in the old frame building. The new building was com- pleted during the summer of 1860, and dedi- cated on the evening of Septeml^er 28, at which time a large and intelligent audience assembled at Chapel Hall, where the following exercises were held : A masterly- poem of dedication, written by William Hubbard, was read by J. R. Clymer ; addresses were delivered by Rev. A. S. Milholland, C. W. Butterfield, Hon. D. W. Henkle, State School Commissioner, Prof J. C. Hartzler, Miss Sarah Frantz, and others. The ceremonies were then concluded with a public dance. The Bucyrus Union School building stands at the south end of Lane street. It is con- structed of stone and brick, in the most sub- stantial manner, and finished in a plain, but neat and durable stvle. In the creation of this HISTORY OF CEAWrOPiD COUNTY, 413 edifice, the board had several designs in view — to provide enough large, commodious, well-lighted, healthfullj- ventilated schoolrooms for the 3'outh, not only of the present, but for future generations. The building, which is three stories in height, with a nine-foot basement, and surmounted by a large dome, presents a massive, elegant and majestic ap- pearance. There is a breadth and spacious- ness about the entire structure, inside as well as outside, that pleases all who have compared it with other public buildings. The entire length is 20S feet ; depth of center or main building, 120 feet ; depth of wing, 45 feet. There are twenty-one large rooms, besides a fine hall for exhibitions, which is capable of seating 500 persons. The building also con- tains wide, air}' halls with convenient closets for clothes ; numerous doors for entrance and exit, so that the larger and smaller pupils are separated and all are secure in case of fire or other casualty'. The edifice is situated in the midst of a fine schoolyard, four acres in extent, one-half of which is composed of one of those beautiful oak groves so fi'equently found upon the Sandusky Plains. The total amount paid the Bucyrus Machine Compan}- on tlieir contract, was $50,415.69. The furniture, bell, furnaces, stone pavements, fences, gas-pipe, cisterns, wells, drains, out- buildings and other improvements cost over $25,000, making the entire cost of tlie edifice upward of $75,000. The citizens voted a tax of $20,000, April 13, 1867, and an additional $20,000 on November 28, 1868. The old buildings were sold for about $5,000. These levies were not sufficient to defra}- the entii'e expense of the new schoolhouse, and the board, desiring an additional $12,000, called a public meeting, which assembled at the court house, Januar}^ 22, 1870. They submitted a report to the citizens, who appointed a committee to examine the school accounts during the preced- ing four years. This committee made an elabo- rate report to the public, in which was included an itemized account of the expenses incurred by the boax'd during the period covered by the investigation. Although it was generall}- con- ceded that the board had made some mistakes, no evidence was found which proved them to be guilt}' of fraud or official dishonest}-. During the preceding four years, they had expended over $120,000 of school funds. The citizens, who were laboring under a heavy tax levied to raise this amount, naturally supposed the ex- penses incurred were too high, and, when the special election was held, March 2, 1870, they refused the additional $12,000, by a vote of 292 to 151. The school treasury was empty, and funds were necessary in order to conduct the schools ; the board applied to a friendly Legislature, which, by a special act, granted what the citizens had refused. But the citizens would not forgive the members of the board, who had outwitted them, and, when their term of office expired, they were not re-elected. The board of 1867, the original projectors of the union school building, was composed of the following gentlemen ; Dr. C. Fulton, Presi- dent ; John Pb. Clymer, Secretary ; John Franz, Treasurer ; Judge James Clements, George Donnenwirth, Sr., and Samuel Hoyt. Had this board asked for a levy to commence a $75,000 schoolhouse, the mouey would have been re- fused — the $40,000 proposition had been re- jected by a large majority when submitted to the citizens the previous year. So they asked for $20,000, and, having secured authority for this amount, adopted the plan for a new build- ing, which cost, before completed, nearly four times the sum originally authorized by the citizens. While the schoolhouse was well under headway, they were openly condemned by many citizens for their actions, and, after the structure had been completed, they were more bitterly denounced by the majority. Ten years have elapsed since the edifice was finished ; it is now all paid for, and every public-spirited & — J? L> 414 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. citizen is satisfied the monej^ has been expended for this worth}' purpose. Bucyrus has now a school building of which all are proud, and, if special credit be due to any persons for this fact, it belongs to those gentlemen, who, in 1867, over-ruling the economical wishes of a wealth}- community, succeeded in planning and furnishing for the public good, the largest and finest schoolhouse in Ohio. In 1870, during the administration of Prof J. C. Harper, the first class completed the high-school course and graduated, and each year since this date a class has been prepared for commencement day. Through the efforts mainly of Charles J. Scroggs, an Alumni Asso- ciation was formed during the summer of 1878. It is worthy of record in the history of Bucyrus schools that this young man, a member of the Class of 1877, completed the course before he had attained his fourteenth birthday. This Alumni Association, which includes all those who have completed the Bucyrus High School course, was formed with the following members : 1870 — blisses Anna Sears, Mary Howenstein (now Manley), Kate Swingley (now Fulton), Sallie Sims (now Spencer), Emma Summers (now Pero), and Sally Frantz (now Kerr). 1871 — Misses Millie Howenstein, Frankie Scroggs and Minnie Wright (now Rowse). 1872 — Misses Mary Lewis, Bell Johnston, Alice Sears, Joanna ■Myers (now Henthorn), Mary Scott (now Chalfant), Althea Quaintance (now Dier), and Hattie Summers (now Stamets), Charles Picking and Thomas P. Hopley. 1873 — Loran Jordan, S. Webster Van Winkle, Lewis Haman, jMisses Mary Kirkland, Ida Ruhl, Anna Boilhartz (now Ingman), and Irena Shaw (now Haman). 1874 — Misses Minnie Sears, Mary Jones, Bessie Wise, Kate Hopley, Annetta Sheckler and Nettie McCracken (now Cohnory), Harrv Howenstein, Charles Albright and Hamilton Ott. 1875 — Miss Ida Hofman, Charles Fisher, Pinkney Fisher, Frank Mon- nett, James Albright and Charles Penfield. 1876 — Misses Lizzie Deardorff and Clara Bid- die ; Hiram Fenner, James D. Beer and Edward M. Biddle. 1877— Misses Mary McKibben, Emma Lommason and Ida Messner ; Charles J. Scroggs. 1878 — Misses Sallie Harris, Blanche Ward, Ella Fuhrman, Sue McDonald, Dillie Clymer and Hattie E. Hopley ; Roy Chesney, Herbert Blair, Frank Ruhl, Edward Vollrath and Rufus Sears. All the Class of 1873, except Loran Joi'dan, refused to pass a special examination insisted upon by the Board of Education, claiming it to be unjust. Jordan received a diploma duly signed, the rest re- ceived certificates that they had completed the high-school course, which certificates were signed by the Superintendent, high-school teachers and three members of the board. The entire class were, after considerable discussion, made members of the Alumni Association. The first officers of this society were Thomas P. Hople}', President ; Mrs. Kate Fulton and Miss Dillie Clymer, Vice Presidents ; Miss Frank Scroggs, Secretary ; Roy Chesne}', Cor- responding Secretary ; Harry Howenstein, Treasurer. Since the association was formed, the following classes have been received into full membership at the annual re-unions : 1879 — Misses Anna Drought, Anna Reid, Ella Gormly, May Fre}^, L^'dia Streib, Fannie Pogue, Ida Bennett and Ida M. Pope ; Smith Bennett, William Beer and Edward Kern. 1880 — Misses Carrie Blair, Kate Van Voorhis, JIattie Jour- dan, Allie Yost, Delia Hull, Emma Munson, Kittle Everett and Allie McDonald ; Otto Voll- rath and Jay Robinson. At the present time the Board of Education is composed of the following citizens : Jacob Scroggs, Pi'csident ; Rev. Jacob Graessle, Sec- retary ; George Donnenwirth, Jr., Treasurer ; Judge Robert Lee, E. R. Kearsley, and C. H. Shonert. Tliese gentlemen have faithfully labored many years for the public gooil, and, under their management the schools are in a flourishing condition. The President of the :Ui HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 415 Board was a scholar in the Bucyrus schools over fort}" j'cars ago, and a teacher in the Junior Grammar Department, when the graded school system was first adopted in 1850. He has always taken a deep interest in the cause of education, and much of the present efficiency of tlie schools is due to his valuable efforts. In his Centennial History, Mr. Scroggs sums up the present policy of the board in the fol- lowing language : "In the spring of 1873, the board resolved that pupils should not graduate from the schools, until, in addition to the usual class examination b}' the teachers and Superin- tendent, they should pass a satisfactory exam- ination in all the branches taught in the entire course, commencing with orthography ; this ex- amination to be conducted b}' a committee of cit- izens appointed by the board. This resolution has been adhered to ever since, and, while it may have reduced the number of graduates, it has insured a higher scholarship. Review classes are organized in the high school, in which all branches taught in the lower grades are thor- oughly reviewed by members of the A or Senior Class. The necessit}' of this resolution above named, was made apparent when it was found that members of the A Class, who could pass an excellent examination in the studies of Senior year, could not conjugate a common irregular verb, or cast the interest on a plain English note of hand, upon which several pay- ments had been paid. The people are well pleased with the change, as they can see that the system of reviews can but tend to make more thorough scholars, and the}' know now that a graduate of our schools can, without trouble, procure a certificate to teach a common country school. The schools are firmly fixed in the hearts of the people ; they take a deep interest in, and are proud of them. A note- worthy feature of the Bucyrus schools is, that the colored children of the village have always been received in the schools with the white, and treated, not as outcasts, but as human beings, with minds to educate and souls to save. The motto of Bucyrus is, ' Education for all, with- out regard to sex, color, or previous condition.' " Some twenty years ago a Normal School was established at Bucyrus, and continued for sev- eral years. The Normal School Association was organized May 28, 1860, with the following officers: President, M. Deal; Vice President, W. R. S. Clark; Treasurer, George Quinby; Secretary, Girard Reynolds ; Corresponding Secretary, C. W. Butterfield. Prof Isaac F. Bangs, a graduate of the New York State Nor- mal School, was employed to act as principal, and Miss Harriet M. Angel, of Akron, Ohio, as assistant. The first term commenced Mon- day, August 13, 1860, and extended through twenty-two weeks. The sessions were held in Quinby Hall, and upon the top of the block, the sign, "Ohio State Normal School," was painted in large letters. These letters con- tinued many years after the school had been discontinued, and some of them are still visi- ble. The school was divided into four classes, Sub-Junior, Junior, Sub-Senior, Senior ; sixty- eight scholars were in attendance the first term. At the commencement of the second term, in Februaiy 1861, J. H. Adams, of Albany, New York, was employed as an additional assistant. The second year the school was in charge of Rev. Alexander Miller, M. A., formerly Super- intendent of the public schools in Bucyrus. He was assisted by E. C. S. 31iller, M. A., for- merly Superintendent of the Tiffin schools. This institute continued during the fall term of 1861, the winter term of 1862, and on Monday, September 2, 1862, the fall term of 1862 was commenced under the same management, but after a few months, the normal school was dis- continued on account of the poor attendance.* *NoTE. — The historian has been greatly aided in preparing this history of the Bucyrus Schools, by the historical address delivered by C. W. Butterfield, at the dedication of the new school building; also, by the paper prepared by Hon. Jacob Scroggs, fur the Centei.uial f>ketches of th« Public Schools of Ohio, published by the Stiite School Commissioner in 1S76. fV ■;i GALION_ UNION SCHOOL HOUSE. (Furnished by the School Board.) BUCYRUS UNION SCHOOL HOUSE. rFumished by School Board.) HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 417 CHAPTER XL* POLK TOAVNSHIP— ITS ORGANIZATION — FIRST ELECTION— TOPOGRAPHY, ETC.— THE PIONEERS- EARLY INDUSTRIES— INDIAN AND OTHER INCIDENTS— THE FIRST CHURCHES— SCHOOLS. SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP was surveyed by Maxfield Ludlow in 1807. Like all townships of the Government siu-vey, it was six miles square, and formed one of the western townships of Richland Coimty. There were very few settlers before 1817. It remained up to this time in an almost primitive condi- tion, many of the Delaware and Wyandot In- dians yet lingering, and little inclined to leave one of the finest hunting-grounds they had ever known. Long and stubbornly had they contended for their homes against the white settlers and their encroachments. Here was game in the greatest profusion, and meat could be obtained in abundance, with such ease that hunting was always a pastime and not an arduous toil. The forests were heavily tim- l^ered with every variety of stately tree; streams of sparkling brightness flowed fi'om in- numerable springs; the plains and prairies on the west were the abode of large herds of deer. This was the home of Wigenuud, and "within this tenitory Col. Crawford had been captured. Bloody tragedies had been enacted all over this ground, and through a thoiisand associations of fierce war and of gentle peace was this beautiful land endeared to these savages. Many maple groves were distributed throughout the township, and sugar was an article manufactured by whites and Indians. In 1812, the soldiers cut a road through the township, which passed north of the Olen- tangy, near the present site of Galion. An- other road fm-ther south had been cut out by * Contributed by Dr. J. C. Mcllvaine. the Pennsylvania militia, when the settlers began to an-ive; a few years later, they cut out roads for themselves. On the 12th day of February, 1818, the township was organized — twelve miles long by six wide — and called Sandusky. The name is derived from " Sandusquet " of the old French traders and voyageurs; the Sah-un-dus-kee, clear water, or San-doos-tee, at the cold water of the Wyandots, fi'om the clear, cold water of the springs near the south shore of Sandusky Bay, or it may have been derived fi-om the Sa-un-dustee — water within " water-pools " — also a Wyandot word. At the time of the organization of San- dusky, it included within its limits the pres- ent townships of Vernon, Jackson and Polk; the former, with the remnant of Sandusky, re- maining in Richland County. It remained in that shape until March 5, 1845, when the north half was taken fi'om it and called Yer- non Township. This left Sandusky six miles square again. About this time there was a mania for manufacturing new counties, town- ships and, especially, new county seats. This was a queer speculation, and outgerryman- dered anything ever known of the kind before or since. The originally surveyed townships were divided and cut up and rejoined until they almost lost their former identity. Fom* tiers of sections were taken from the west side of Sandusk}' Township, Richland County, and passed into the possession of Crawford County, on the 3d of February, 1845. To the west side of this tier of four sections was X^ 418 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. added what was known as the "three-mile sti'ip." On the south was added a strip one mile wide from Marion Connty. From all this aggregation of pieces of townships, a strip of land three miles wide and seven miles long was taken from the south side, and named Polk Township. It is at present bounded on the north by Jackson and Jeffer- son, on the east by Richland County, on the south by Morrow County, and on the west by Whetstone Township. Polk was unfor- tunately situated as regards an outlet to market. After the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Railroad was built, a majority of the fanners of Polk were trading in a county seat not their own. There was much dissatisfac- tion among the people on the eastern side of Polk; they had been pulled about in a ruth- less manner, against their will; Crawford County was j)oor; many of her public build- ings were yet unpaid for, and they thought their taxes would be increased to an enormous extent; especially was this the case with those who had formerly- been within the limits of Richland County. This county was compara- tively rich. The public buildings were mostly erected and paid for ; the people felt as though they had been taxed to em-ich the old county, and now that prosperity was dawning upon them, they were compelled to pay taxes in a poor county and assist in bringing them out of debt. !Much excitement followed the act, loud protestations were made, violence and bloodshed were threatened. Nothing serious, however, occuiTed, and the people did the most reasonable thing under the circum- stances that cotild be done. They sent Mr. Asa Hosford to the State capital as a lobby representative, and enjoined him to take care of their interests. He worked with fidelity, but failed in part of his mission. That por- tion of the new township which had been in Richland County, through their Representa- tive, induced the Legislature to pass an enact- ment whereby they were released from the payment of taxes upon the coimty buildings of Crawford. The Representative was Mr. Het- trick. He presented the facts of the case, and earnestly demanded the enactment. This was apparently so easily done and with so little opposition, that Mr. Hosford asked that the same favor be shown to the strip coming fi'om the south, in Marion County; Mi'. Het- trick offered the resolution, but IVIr. Cary, repre- senting the citizens of this southern strip, ob- jected on the ground that his constituents did not ask for it. This ended the matter. Previous to the formation of Polk Town- ship, the elections were held south of Crest- line nearly two miles, on Section 10, at the house of Mr. Fate. It was here that Maj. Robinson cast his maiden vote for Daniel Riblet, who was a candidate for Justice of the Peace. The Major was not quite twenty- one years of age; but this election, like all others, was of vast importance, and politics ran high. Gallon was the center of interest in the new township, and for many miles around. The narrowness of the township placed Gallon so near the line that, in many cases, those who did much for her prosperity and were interested in her growth, resided outside of Polk Township.* In an old book in the County Clerk's Office at Bucji'us, there was one allusion to Polk Township, which is given as a resolution by the County Comissioners : March 6, 1845. — Board met pursuant to adjourn- ment. Present, full Board. Resolution. — This day it was resolved, by the Commissioners of Crawford County, that the following fractional townships, taken from the counties of Richland and Marion, and those lying on the west side of said county of Crawford, accord- ing to an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, passed February third (3d), 1845, to * In writing this history, we are compelled to depend much upon old settlers' and newspaper accounts. )V HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 419 erect the new county of Wyandot, and alter the bound- aries of Crawford, was organized into separate town- ships, to wit : All that part taken from the county of Richland, and being in Township twenty (20) north, Range twenty (20) west, and all that part taken from Township nineteen (19), with Range (20), and all that part taken from the county of Marion, and being in Township fifteen (15) with Range twenty-one (21) be, and the same is hereby, organized into a separate town- ship by the name of Polk, and tha,t the County Auditor be and is hereby authorized to cause notice to be given to the said township of the foregoing organization and alteration, according to the statute of Ohio in such case made and provided. John Clements, Hamilton Kerb, Samuel Lee. Attest : 0. Williams, County Auditor. In selecting a name for this township, the first choice was for Jackson; it was Dan- iel Hoover's desire to so name it; but it was discovered in time that one of the new town- ships on the north had preceded them in the selection of the name Jackson. INIr. Polk be- ing President at this time, his name was pro- posed and accepted. According to the resolu- tion and orders of the Supervisor, Mr. James Eobinson was ordered to post, in three con- spicuous places within the township, notices, setting forth a list of offices then vacant, and ordering the time and place of election. The officers for Sandusky Township had already been elected, and when the election in Polk took place, soon after, it was only to fill vacan- cies caused by the separation, those having been elected in Sandusky and residing in Polk were to hold over till the next annual election. A. Underwood was one of them, having been elected Justice of the Peace. The record of the first election is in the pos- session of F. A. Keen, and is as follows r At an election held in the Township of Polk, in the county of Crawford, State of Ohio, on the 7th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1845, Isaac Criley, Joshua Canon and Pharas Jackson, Judges, and Solo- mon P. Nave and Samuel R. Canon, Clerks. The fol- lowing officers were duly elected and qualified : ^ Trustees— Asa Hosford, Samuel P. Lee, Bartholo- mew Reed, Jr. ; Clerk— Peter Cress ; Treasurer— John S. Davis ; Assessor — Samuel R. Canon ; Constables— John A. Loneus, Joseph Kimmel ; Supervisors— Eri Hosford, Joseph Diddy, Edward Cooper, David Thrush, William White, A. C. Jackson, Frederic Taylor, Jacob Stine- baugh, John Ashcroft, William L. Dille, Bart Reed, Sr., Andrew Reed, A. S. Caton, Phillip Ichorn, Phillip Zimmermaker, Isaac Nayer. At a meeting of the Trustees of Polk Township, held on the 26th day of April, 1845, among other business transacted was the sale of James Sutton, a town pauper. He was sold to the lowest bidder for his keeping for one year from above date. He was taken by Jacob Steinbaugh, at $100, clothing and doctor bills excepted. They proceeded also to levy a tax, for poor purposes, of 2 mills on the dollar, and f of a mill for Township purposes. At a meeting held on the 6th day of Sep- tember, 1845, present, Asa Hosford and Bartholomew Reed, they appointed the place of holding elections to be at the schoolhouse, in the borough of Gallon, in said township. Peter Cress, Toumship Clerk. To those who do not understand what is meant by the sale of paupers, we give in full a copy of a handbill found among the rec- ords. It must be remembered no county house existed at the time, and it was neces- sary to provide in some way for the poor; hence they were sold: Sale of Paupers.— There will be sold, on Wednesday, May 16, 1866, Mary Houk and Delia Hengst, paupers of Polk Township, Crawford County, Ohio, to the low- est responsible bidders, for one year. Terms of pay for keeping said paupers, half in six months from day of sale, and the remainder at the expiration of the year. Proposals will be received from 1 to 4 o'clock, p j^j Samuel Shunk, Daniel Hooter, John Lemon, May 1, 1866. Trustees. There are twenty-one sections in Polk Town- ship, of as fine land as exists in Northern Ohio. The timber was very heavy, and con- sisted mostly of beech, maple, oak, hickory, elm, black walnut and ash. The land, be- fore cleai-ing, has the appearance of being swampy and wet. This is caused by the hit^h and generally level condition, there be- '.k. 420 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ing no general slope to the land by wliich tlie water can run off at once. All over the town- ship, there is evidence of immense deposits of ch'ift; gravel-beds, mixed with iron and clay, with strata above or below it of fine and coarse sand, are abundant. The geological forma- tion is such that, in the primeval days, the land in this vicinity formed shoals, and one can easily conceive that the great mountain glaciers coming from the icy North, freighted with their load of stone, gravel and clay, were wrecked in the shallow sea over this township, grinding and pulverizing the primitive rock that formed this rich soil. The Olentangy River meanders throughout the whole length of the township. It enters in the northeast portion, winds I'ound in broad sweeps toward the south and passes out on the west side, on the farm of J. K. Sherer. All along its valley there are outcroppings of sandstone, of the Waverly group. There are at present, as far as we know, but two quar- ries in operation — those of John Flowers, and Dr. Coyle and James Green. The Olentangy waters the bottom lands of the whole town- ship, and springs abound in profusion; this might seem contrary to the genea'al expecta- tion, or to any one not a practical geologist, when it is remembered that Polk Township occupies a part of the dividing ridge or crest that separates the slope to the lakes on the north, and the valley of the Ohio that slopes to the south; but so it is. Within the town- ship are two springs but a few rods apart; the one on the north contributes its mite to Lake Erie, thunders with its waters over the ponderous Niagara, and wends its romantic way around and among the " Thousand Isles," and thence to the sea. The spring on the south side lingers slowly, clinging gently to its birthplace, as if in doubt as to which coiu-se it shall take. It finally takes its course toward sunny lands, and on thi'ough populous countries, rich meadows, gradually down to the " Fathw of waters," and thence to the Gulf of Mexico. Thus it can be seen that we are high upon a billow of land, and upon the very summit of the crest. When the first settlers came to Polk or Sandusky Township, the Olentangy was a beautiful stream; luxuriant groves existed on each side of it, and its banks were lined with a profusion of flowers and grasses; countless herds of deer drank of its sweet waters, and the red man loved and venerated the stream. Before the land was cleared up, the banks were tolerably full, and the stream never shrunk to its present proportions; year by year, numerous mills were erected upon its banks, and the falling waters turned the wheel of indtistry to the owners' profit and the great convenience of the settlers. Probably the first men who cleared any land within the present limits of Polk were Benjamin Leveredge and his two sons, James and Nathaniel. Most of the early settlers were from New York and Pennsylvania. No biography of this first family can be obtained, and very little is known of them previous to their arrival in this vicinity. They came in the year 1817, cutting their way to their land. The father built his cabin near the springs on Atwood street, Galion, on the quarter-section he had entered. James Leveredge erected his cabin on the ground now occupied by David Mackey's residence, and Nathaniel built his primitive dwelling near the center of the public square in Galion. The two former had water in abundance from the numerous springs in their vicinity, but Nathaniel dug a well near his cabin door. This was the well that was filled up about ten years ago, and traces of which were found within the pres- ent year (1880) by workmen while engaged in grading the square. In the year 1818, George Wood and David Gill arrived; they '^ HISTOEY OF CKAWFORD COUXTY. 431 settled north of the Olentangy, near the old military roal, cut out by soldiers in 1812. These two families were from Pennsylvania, Wood and Gill being brothers-in-law; Wood was a carpenter, and Gill followed school- teaching, mostly; he was well educated for the time, and the general business man in the community. James Gill was a son of David, and his widow still lives on the site of the farm owned by the former. Mrs. Fanny Bry- fogle, Mrs. Catharine Monnett, Mrs. Nelson Casey and the wife of Samuel IMosher were daughters of David Gill. George Wood had one son, George, Jr. ; the two families removed to jMissouri, where the older members died, and some of the younger returned to Gallon. It was also in the year 1818 that Benjamin Sharrock came to Polk Township; he erected a temporary shelter near the Reisinger Corners for hi.s family, while he made progress with his ax and saw on the farm south. On Satiu'day, September 19, 1819, Mr. Asa Hosf ord trudged afoot into Polk Township ; he stopped over Sunday with Benjamin Lever- edge. From the date of his arrival, Mr. Hos- ford became a leading citizen and was inter- ested from that time on with the concerns of the township requiring tact and ability. In 1820 came Nathaniel Story and Father Kit- teridge, the latter living with the former, who was by occupation a hunter and trapper. Mr. Skory erected his cabin near the crossing of Main street and the Olentangy, west of town. In the year 1822 came the liev. James Dun- lap, who went to farming, but afterward en- tered the ministry and taught school. In 1824 came Nathan Merriman, who, in the year following his arrival, ei'eqted a whisky distillery at the springs, near where the Lev- eredges lived. This was the first distillery in the township, and was known far and wide, and familiarly designated as "the still." Thus far we have eiven the date of arrival and the order of their coming of all that are known. There were others taking up land and settling throughout the township, but those above named formed the nucleus around which clustered the new settlement. The first grist-mill in Polk Township was erected by Mr. Hibner, on the banks of the Olentangy, near the railroad bridge, on the farm now owned by Mr. Bm-gener. A saw- mill was built north of Gallon ; Hosf ord's and Park's grist-mills and Sharrock's grist and saw mill were all within a few miles of each other, and run by the waters of the Olentangy, which is not now a romantic-looking stream. The lands which it drained have been cleared, and many of the springs which fed it have become dry. Immense ditches, with the modern system of draining, with its miles of tiling, have all tended toward the destruction of the stream, and its banks are full only aft- er the heavy rains or melting of accumulated snow; but a small rivulet carries the water from pool to pool ; the waters are dark, filthy and putrid. The wash from the city of Gallon, with the washes of gas-making and dyeing, together with slaughter-hoiises, have contrib- uted to the general nastiness. In some portions of the township, there is an approach to the formation of plains, but not extensively so ; the soil is generally a gravelly loam ; at a slight depth there is found a clean-washed gravel, and under the gravel a dense hard-pan. This gravel is satm'ated with healthy water, and is the cause of the numerous springs where this gravel crops out to the sm'face. Among the topographical featm-es of the township, there is one thing that deseiwes es- pecial notice. About sixty yeai*s ago, a terri- bly severe wind-storm swept over the north- west pwtion; the storm entered the western portion of the township on what is now known as the Belts farm, passing in a northeast di- 422 HISTORY OF CRxVWFORD COI'NTY rection, and out of the township near the farm of Hon. James Robinson. Its track was about one mile in width; every tree, almost without exception, was uprooted or twisted off, and prostrated in the most unimaginable con- fusion. The trees went down like grass before the sickle. Peter Snyder, now of Crestline, was at the time a boy, plowing in the field. Hearing the roar of the approaching storm, he made haste to find security; he entered an old-fashioned Pennsylvania log barn, set on a cobble-stone foundation; he repaired to the mow for safety, but hardly had he ai-rived there when the whole structui'e was raised three or fom* feet fi'om the foundation. While suspended in the air, the roof gave way and flew across the field, and the barn settled back to its foundation. Debris of all kinds was scattered over the ground, and among them were found numerous boughs and twigs of pine, which must have been brought from great distances. Deer and wild turkeys were killed and crushed and fearfully mangled, as were also many cattle belonging to the set- tlers. Disberry Johnson had five head of cat- tle in the woods that were penned in by the fallen timber, but, strange to say, uninjured. It required five days of chopping and clear- ing to release them from their strange captiv- ity. The year following this storm, fire broke out among the di-ied leaves and twigs in this windfall, and swept the whole length of it. The crops and buildings within close prox- imity were destroyed; for days the smoke was so dense that one could not see ten feet before him. Many times people would be obliged to prostrate themselves upon the ground to prevent suffocation. The settlers despaired of retrieving anything from the general wreck; many of them became despondent, and had they possessed the means, or any facili- ties, would have moved away fi'om the black- ened and charred iniins. The track of this windfall can at this day be traced in its course; where the trees were allowed to grow again, they are generally smaller; the trees going down and biu'ning in the manner they did saved much logging and clearing; but on some farms it took every acre of timber from them. The soil of Polk Township is eminently adapted to the raising of corn, although excellent wheat crops are harvested. The farther west in the township the more it is adapted to grazing and crops of grasses; stock can be kept better nowhere than on the plains and prairies which commence in Polk Township and extend for miles westward. In the year 182!*, William Murray, Maj. Jeffrey and James Dunlap rigged up a one- horse wagon with a pole in it for two horses. This was in what was called Ohio County, and is now in Western Virginia. They had rifles, ammunition, cross-cut saw, axes and several old quilts. They covered the wagon with a linen cover and started for the West. They crossed the Ohio at the mouth of Short Creek, above Wheeling, passed through New Phila- delphia, in Tuscarawas County, through Wooster, on to Mansfield, a town then having three stores, two taverns and a blacksmith- shop. On, west, they continued to a place they heard of as " Spangtown," "Moccasin," or " Goshen." Th«re were five families be- tween Gallon and Mansfield, as follows : Judge Patterson, Alfred Atwood's mother, a widow lady, old John Edgington, John Marshall and John Hibner. Just as they came to where the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad crosses Main street, Mr. Dunlap told his com- panions that he thought they were coming to a settlement, as he discovered sheep tracks. They laughed at him and said they were deer tracks, which they proved to be. They came on through the woods up to the square where there were two log cabins, in one of which K c.-^ Pif^^^w izfk HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 425 lived IVIr. Leveredge. At the foot of the hill, where Mrs. J. Gill now lives, was a cabin, where J. Dickerson then lived. Farther west, where J. R. Clymer's brick house now is, there was a double log cabin, owned by Will- iam Hosford, Asa Hosford's father; Horace Hosford had a blacksmith-shop on the Reis- inger Corners, where he lived; Grandfather Kitteridge lived on the other corner. They went southwest to iSenjamin Sharrock's house. They were twelve days making the trip of 150 miles; sometimes the mud was up to the wagon-bed. The next day, Mrs. ShaiTock baked them some bread, and they went to their land to erect a cabin. On the land were twelve or fourteen Indians, who had been on a big drunk the day before; one of them had been stabbed through the left side with a scalp- ing-knife. The Indian bragged over it and said, "Me berry stout Injun — stick big knife through — no kill — wooh!" The emigrants were much annoyed through the night by the howling of wolves. In a few days, they finished their cabin and returned for their fam- ilies. This Mr. Dunlap afterward entered the ministry, and, within ten years, has written a number of papers entitled, "Recollections of Crawford County." The settlers would espy a covered wagon coming, and cry out, "There comes another settler; " and start to meet him, and give him a hearty welcome, take axes and help to cut out a trail to his land and help him to select a good site for his cabin; all being agreed upon, they would chop and roll two logs together, kindle a fire between for the good woman to cook and provide something to eat, while they went to work clearing off a spot on which to erect a cabin. In two or three days, sufficient logs would be cut, and the cabin erected, and a hole cut in one side for a door. Then the household furnitui-e would be unloaded, con- sisting, generally, of two beds and bedding, a table, bureau, some chairs and kitchen furni- ture, piling them with the family, in the cabin, on the gi'ound floor. A young man-ied couple generally started in the same way, being as- sisted by their parents. A necessary piece of f lU'niture in the pioneer's cabin was a hominy- block, which was made by taking a log twenty inches thick and three feet long, chopping it in from each end and shaping it like a goblet; then setting it on end, kindle a fire under it and bui'n it out like a di'uggist's mortar; then they take a small pole, with an iron ring on one end, put an iron wedge into it to pound the corn, put the corn in, pour on hot water to loosen the hulls, and pound with the wedge until cracked into hominy. While the hus- band is pounding his hominy at night, the wife is spinning flax-tow or wool for clothing for the family. The following pioneer remin- iscence is pertinent to the subject: "I have seen a whole family,-consisiing of father, mother, children, pet pigs, young ducks and chickens, all occupying the same room at the same time, truly equal to Barnum's happy family. Although some endured hardships almost beyond endurance — having large fam- ilies to support and no money — meat could be obtained from the woods. The writer of these lines has seen the times when he has brought home a sack of meal and did not know where the next was to come from; yet, trusting in God, and working day and night, has at length obtained a competency for himself and family, as many others have done. When I look back fifty years and see this country a howl- ing wilderness, thronged with wild beasts of various kinds, hardly a white inhabitant from here to the Rocky Mountains, I am struck with wonder and surprise at the progi-ess of our nation. In 1825, we had a manufactur- ing establishment in Gallon, Polk ToAvnship, erected, I think, by old Nathan or Bishop Men-iman, of Bucyrus, to make whisky of our ^' 426 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. spare com and rye. About the same time, there was a horse-mill put up by old Mr. Sny- der (I think his given name was Christopher), at Middletown, north of Gallon two or three miles, where we could get grinding done. The farmers for miles around would piit a bag of corn or wheat on a horse with harness on, take another, if he had it, and go to mill. If his tui-n came before night, all right; if not, he would hitch up in the night and keep himself awake by traveling around ait°ir his horse. If it was wheat, he could turn a crank attached to a bolting cloth, and get his flour bolted by hand, and when his flour was ground would come home whistling and singing as happy as a lark. Perhaps his wife would tell him they were out of meat; taking his gun and dog, he would go out and shoot down a fat deer, as a farmer now goes out to his field to kill a fat sheep." Soon after the war of 1812 James Nail, Esq., was in Richland County ; his father's was the seventh family in the county. Mr. Nail was bom in Somerset County, Penn., Novem- ber 9, 1797; he left his father in 1819 and came to Sandusky Township, and bought 160 acres of land (called Congress land), two miles north of Gallon. In 1821, he married and seir tied on his land. When he first came, he knew of no neighbors but the Leveredges and his brother-in-law, Lewis Leiberger, with whom he lived till married. The next year, Leiber- ger moved away. Bee-trees were plenty at this time, and IVIr. Nail and his brother-in-law started one morning on a bee hunt, taking a southwest course. They camped the first night on Sandusky Plains, half-way between Gallon and Bucyrus, at a small stream; the next day they himted till evening, and camped on Sandusky River, two miles west of Bucy- rus ; they saw many deer and turkeys, many bee-trees, but not a human being or a settle- ment. By the year 1821, John Brovm, Benja- min Sharrock, Nathaniel Story and Mr. Hos- ford had moved into the neighborhood. For a long time, the Indians had been in the habit of taking large quantities of cranberries to Richland County; they would sometimes be seen with eight or ten horses loaded down with bark boxes filled with cranberries; these boxes were slung over the backs of the horses, and each one led by an Indian, single file. They traded the cranberries for meal, etc. ; the Indians kept secret the place of their growth, but Mr. Nail, his father-in-law, Samuel Brown, Michael Brown and Jacob Miller, determined to find the place where they were procured. They went southwest till they struck the Penn- sylvania army road, and followed it for several miles, which was easily distinguished; after going some distance, they thought they had better go farther north ; this they did till they struck the Sandusky River, east of Bucyrus. As they came to the stream, they heard a man chopping a little above; Mr. Nail told his companions that Indians were around, or else some white man had got in; they rode up and foimd Mr. Daniel McMichael, a man they had never seen before; he seemed much alarmed, but was re-assured when ]Mr. Nail rode up close to him. This man gave them directions, and went with them a distance, showing them the Indian trail that led to the cranbeiTy marsh. They camped out that night, and saw the camp-fii'es of several parties of Indians, but were not molested. The next morning, they gathered as many cranberries as their horses could carry. They reached home that evening ; in passing over the military road, the weeds were as high as their horses' heads. They saw but one man during the trip. Mr. Nail states that their food, when he was young, consisted of bear's meat, venison, turkey, corn-meal, pota- toes and hominy. Their clothing was gener- ally buckskin and linsey-woolsey; the chil- dren mostly went bareheaded and barefooted "~® V :hL HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. 497 nearly all the year. They made some kind of linen from the nettles. Some time after Mr Nail and his brother-in-law had hunted and marked their bee-trees, they went after the honey. After it was all collected, they lacked a little of two ban-els; Mr. Christian Snyder had moved to the neighborhood a little while before, and was about going back for his goods ; he offered to take the honey to Jeffer- son County for nothing, saying it would there sell for $1 a gallon. In 1822, Mr. Nail sold his land and bought eighty acres on a branch of the Whetstone, or Olentangy, southwest of Galion. Michael Brown, John Dunmeier and James Lever- edge assisted him in putting up his cabin; about this time, he had occasion to go to Mansfield on foot, which was twenty-two miles the way he was obliged to go ; he got back at 10 at night; but as he reached the house his dog barked violently. The wife drew the blanket that covered the door to one side, when the dog ran in the cabin followed by a wolf, who, seeing a large fire, ran back. Mr. Nail found his wife prepared for emei'gencies, sitting near the fire, the dog at her feet and the ax in her hand. About this time, Mr. Alexander McGrew came to Mr. Nail's, from Tuscarawas County, and solicited the contract for erecting a mill which Mr. Nail contem- plated erecting. A dam was made, and in six weeks' time, the fr'ame and running gear were in order. The farm and mill were sold that fall to IVIr. John Hauck, who was looking for a site for a carding-machine and fulling-mill. The settlers were too sparse, and the project was given up. Mr. Nail reserved the right to live in the cabin and use the mill for one year, which he did, fiu'nishing lumber to the settlers. In 1822, he moved one-half mile be- low his saw-mill and in 1824 erected a grist- mill. The mill-stones were made of " nigger- heads " by ]Mr. Buckland, of Bucyrus. The market prices at this time were as follows Coffee, 50 cents a pound; salt, 6 cents a pound powder $2 a pound; lead, 50 cents a pound chewing tobacco, 50 cents a pomid ; whisky 50 cents a gallon ; and the two latter articles, ]Mr. Nail says, no family could get along without. IVIr. Nathaniel Story was a native of Oxford County, Me., and came with his father's fam- ily to Ohio in 1818. They stopped a short time at the Williamson settlement, east of Galion ; they intended to buy some of the Vir- ginia military school lands, but failed in their object, and passed the winter of 1818-19 in a cabin of John Leveredge, situated southeast of the public square of Galion. Mr. Lever- edge had been killed but a short time previous to this, by a log falling upon him at the rais- ing of John Williamson's new hewed-log cabin. When they came into the settlement, that hewed-log cabin stood up near the square without a roof, and exactly as it was left when Leveredge was killed. In the spring of 1819, they moved into the house of jMr. Sturges, sit- uated northwest of Galion, on the brow of the hill across from John G. Kraft's brewery, and where the residence of Jesse Pm'key now stands. They lived there for f oiu* years. Mr. Story writes of the Indians as follows : "I was acquainted with most of the Wyandots and Delawares, among them the Walkers, Will- iams, Armstrongs, Dowdys, Johnny Cake, etc. Johnny Cake was a full-blooded Indian of much note. He was a well-developed man, of fine physical proportions, supple, athletic, and he possessed in an iiuusual degree the respect and confidence of all the white settlei*s of that day. His wife was three-fourths white, and an excellent woman for the opportunities that she had. There is a bit of romance connected with her histoiy, which may be interesting to readers, as it has never been published except in the Bucyrus Forum. The mother of Jolinny Cake's wife had been captm-ed fr-om her white fk^ 428 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. parents, somewhere in the eastern part of Ohio, by the Indians, probably during the war with Groat Britain in 1812-15, and adopted into one of the Indian families on the Sandusky. Here she was coiuied and married in Indian fash- ion, by Abraham "Williams, a half-breed In- dian. The fruit of the imion between this half-breed and white girl, was a beautiful daughter, who was coui'ted and married by Johnny Cake. Johnny went with an exploring expedition in 1823, or thereabout, to the Great West beyond the Mississippi. He was a marked man in council or courage, and so re- garded by all who came in contact with him. When his tribe removed from the Wyandot reservation in 1846, he and his wife went with them, and, when last heard from, in 1874, were living in wealth and good position among the Walkers, to whom he is related." The last time that IVIr. Story saw Johnny Cake was in 1845 or 1846. His father, Nehemiah Story, and himself, were working on the frame of a house where the widow of James W. Gill, Esq., now lives, on Main street, west side of Gallon. He stopped and talked with them a long time as he was passing through; he said that the Indians' hunting-grounds had been sadly interfered with by the white settlers, who killed or drove away the game, and for that reason he seldom came that way of late years. He seemed overjoyed to see and talk with them and revived many reminiscences of the past that had for years slumbered in their memories. At this time he weighed nearly two hundi-ed pounds, and was a splendid specimen of a wild Indian of the woods, who was keenly alive to the great facts of " manifest destiny." Clearly foreseeing the future, he spoke in raptm'ous terms of the white man, who brought with him the all-conquering forces of a superior and higher civilization, but grievously mourned, in broken accents, the decay of his own Indian race, whose doom was "wi'itten in the setting sun of the West." Says Mr. Story : " W^e shall never forget the appearance and expression of this man — this thoughtful but untutored child of the forest — as he affec- tionately and tearfully bade us good-bye. He wheeled the head of his pony toward the Sandusky Plains, and was soon lost to our gaze forever." Mr. Story remembers the exciting attempt of Tom Dowdy, a keen, small but sharp Indian, to murder a Canadian Indian. They were both in liquor, obtained at a tavern near where Gallon now stands. A quarrel ensued over the whisky bottle (as it does now sometimes among white people), and Tom took out his scalping-knife and stabbed his Indian companion, with a terrible stroke, in the side. The two Indians were afterward seen at an encampment on Shaw's Creek, south of Iberia. The whisky was gone, and the two Indians sat on opposite sides of the fire, smok- ing in peace. Dowdy once brought informa- tion to the Storys, that there was a certain white-oak tree that had in it five raccoons and a porcupine. This was business for Story, and exactly in his line. They went with Dowdy and his squaw, who was an excellent chopper, and soon had the tree down and the game se- cured. Dowdy and his wife took three of the coons, and the Storys took two. The skins were piu-chased by James Nail. This Indian, Dowdy, died at Pipetown some time afterward, in the severity of winter, and, in accordance with the custom of the Indians, his body, with his clothing and hunting implements, was laid upon a scaffold, at a safe height from the ground. Here it remained until the warm sun in the spring had softened the soil, when his remains were deposited in the earth. The Indians had a buiying-ground just north of where the Gill farm is, on the banks of the Olentangy. Here the dead fi*om the Indian village were buried. The graves were generally quite shallow; they made some dis- ^ >V ifk^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 439 tinction in the graves, according to the social status of the person; some of the graves had forks erected at each end, with a pole across; on this were laid strips of bark and twigs, but it soon gave way and was not renewed. How long this spot had been consecrated by the Indians, is not known, but they continued to use it up to their departui'e from this vicin- ity. In an early day, young men opened the graves, with the vain hope of obtaining ti'eas- ures. Some of the early doctors secured fur- nitui'e from this ground for their offices. The graveyard had little reverence shown it, and it was only when the field was cultivated, and the graves plowed level, that it became safe from molestation. In the year 1825, Mr. Nail added a distillery to his grist-mill and continued grinding and distilling till the year 1S35. Before mills were built in Polk Township the settlers went long distances to get grinding done. In 1822, they were going to Spring Mill, southeast of Ontario ; and, even after mills were built along the Olentangy, some were obliged to go below Belleville, by reason of the scarcity of water in Polk Township. Corn-meal was more plentiful than flour. It was generally cooked in f oiu" different ways : A very common way of using it was to make mush and eat it with milk ; when it was baked in a Dutch oven, it was called 2:)one ; when baked on a board, it was called johnny-cake; and when made into round balls and baked in the oven, it was called corn-dodgers. Mr. Nail relates that a family lived tln-ee miles southeast of Gallon, by the name of Jackson; a little fellow of this family would often come to mill with a bag of com to be ground; after the com was ground, he would lift the little fellow on top of the bag, of meal on the horse and start him for home. He generally had meal in one end of the bag, and a jug of whisky in the other end. ]\Ir. Nail had no thought at that time that little Abner M. Jackson would be the porfy man he afterward became, much less that he would become the Presiding Judge of our court. In 1835, IVIr. Nail sold his grist-mill and distillery to Mr. Parks, who came from Beaver County, Perm. INIr. Dunlap stated that after he retmned fi'om Virginia, where he had been for his fam- ily, the settlers had increased in numbers from twelve to twenty-five. About the time of his return, there was a double log cabin one mile southwest of Gallon, in which lived two fam- ilies, one by the name of Eiysman, and one by the name of Dun, or Doormise, who had a lit- tle daughter about fom' years of age. The mother was boiling sugar-water in the woods near by, and had the little girl by her. Think- ing it time the little one was in the house, she went with her to the fence, lifted her over the inclosure and told her to amuse herself until the mother arrived. Nothing was ever seen of the little girl after that day. A ntunber of strange Indians (called Canadians, because they belonged near the lakes where the set- tlers were French), had been roving around the settlements, and but a few hours before the child was missed. A party of four or five had been to Mr. Hosford's to purchase some whisky. But a few days before a party of Indians, supposed to be the same, had been to the house of Benjamin Sharrock, and attempted to negotiate for a yotmg girl which they wanted to raise in their tribe, and be adopted as one of them. "When the poor mother came in fi'om her woi'k and found that the little daughter had not come in the house, she knew almost intuitively that the little one was lost. She was fi-enzied with hoiTor, and a strange terror crept over her ; in a fi'antic manner, she roved up and do^vn tlu'ough the woods, one moment calling in endearing accents the niune of her little child, and the next the woods would ring with her piercing shi'ieks, her cries and W' >> 430 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, appeals to lioavon. Word had boon sont to Mr. Asa Hosf ord, aud ho came with men as promptly as possible; for three days and nights the woods wore searched ; parties of men were sent with information in every direction, but all of no Tise. The frantic mother suffered so much, that all the ofood-heartcd old pioneers tried to think of some new expedient; finally, they ceased their search in the woods and began to fh-ag the creek. Men, women and children, with ])oles, rakes, grapnels, and every imple- ment that could possibly be of use, were brought oiit for the purpose. But hopes of the lost one died within tliem, and the search was gi-adually given up, and the bright little one was lost forever. The strange Indians were never seen in the vicinity thereafter. It was the theoiy of those most thoroughly versed in Indian affairs that some chief was desirous of bringing up in his tribe a white squaw that should in time be the wife of one of his favorite sons, or his legitimate successor. The only mitigation of this horrible destiny was the fact that nearly all remembrance of her parents and her innocent childhood joys would be obliterated from her memory. Near the same place, a family by the name of Bashford had taken a little girl to raise. She went out to find the cows, which, by the ringing of a bell, she soon discovered; but she was confused aboiit the route to bo taken for the house ; she kept cool, and determined to stay with the cows, knowing that when they were found she would be all right. She followed them around until they lay down; she crawled up and laid as near the back of an old cow as she could, for the sake of the warmth. In the morning, she was found rambling around with the cat- tle and her feet somewhat fi-ost-bitten. She was much alanned by the howling of the wolves thi-ough the night. There were hardly any roads, except Indian trails, and women and children were often lost in passing from place to place, and in some instances men were lost. A man by the name of Samuel Dany went into the woods to shoot a deer; he soon became lost, and wandered round and round un- til he was j)erfectly confused. At last he came in sight of a cabin, and a woman standing in the door; he walked up to the fence, and in- quired of her where Samuel Dany lived. She laughingly told him he might come in and see. He was overjoyed to discover that it was his own wife and his own home. Mr. Dunlap, Owen Tuttle and James Auten went to the southeast corner of Polk one time, and in less than two houi's killed five deer on two acres of ground. In an early day, a gentleman trav- eling on his way west, passed through Gallon on a fine gray Canadian stallion. Some days after, the horse was found tied to a sapling on the Beltz farm; he had the appearance of having been there for several days, but no owner was ever found for horse, saddle or bri- dle; the traveler could never be traced beyond that place. A few years ago, while the roads were being worked, some human bones were turned up by a scraper on the hill at the end of the bridge over AVlietstone Creek, just be- low Mr. Hosford's mill. This spot was not far from the trail traveled between Bucp'us and Gallon at the time of the supposed mur- der. In connection with this sujiposed murder, we will give an account of one that did occiu', and one that chilled the hearts of early set- tlers with hoiTor. With all the hardihood of the w^hite men in Polk Township, mm'der never entered their thoughts, and this occur- rence cast a gloom over the settlement that was evident for years after. Mr. John Hammer and his brother-in-law. Bender, walked from Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., acro.ss the Alleghany Mountains, and joiu'neyed on foot to Wooster, Ohio, which, at that dav (183G), was considered neai* the border. Ham- K k HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 431 mer had with him $200 to buy land, besides spending-money. Bender had from $30 to $40 also, but no money for land, as he went along only for company and to see the West. They went to the bank in Wooster and had the cashier examine their money, to see if it was all good; here they were discovered by two robbers, who followed them at a distance and unobserved. At Gallon, they entered a groceiy store, where Hammer and Bender were, and made their acquaintance; they cas- ually asked them where they were bound for, when the men, suspecting nothing, replied that they were out looking over the Western country for some land to buy for a farm. The strangers stated that they were going that way, too, and could bear them company. They went on west together, till near the western boundary of Polk ; one of the robbers secured a stout stick, and soon after they all sat on a log and talked awhile; when they arose, Bender and Hammer took separate paths, running parallel, and the robbers each followed one of the men. One then placed his pistol to the back of Bender's head and shot him; Hammer heard the crack of the pistol, but, before he could tm'n, he was struck over the head by a heavy gi'een stick. He was terribly bruised and beaten, and but for the splintered condi- tion of the club, would certainly have been killed. While Hammer was being pounded so unmercifully, his comrade was having his pockets rifled; his handkerchief was torn from his neck and his watch taken, but his money was securely hid in his vest. Col. Sweeny was at that time very near, getting out logs for a saw-mill. Just after the crack of the pistol, one of the men employed yelled in a loud man- ner to the oxen. This fi-ightened the robbers and they fled through the woods. Nothing reliable was ever heard from them after. A stranger coming from Gallon the next day, on horseback, discovered the dead man lying on his back in the mud, and yelled at the top of his voice for help. Mr. Sweeny and his men heard him, and immediately came up to the scene of the murder. Harmner was ten'ified, and ran in a southwesterly direction, until he came upon a man plowing in a field, whose name was Goodale; Harmner could speak no English, but the farmer saw plainly that the man had been badly injured. He begged to have his brother-in-law brought to him before bmial, which was done. An in- quest was held in the woods where the mur- der was cormnitted. Abraham Hahn was the Coroner. The next day the body was buried in the Campbell graveyard. JMr. Hammer re- covered, and in a couple of months, bought a farm near Bucyrus, and paid down his $200. He returned to Pennsylvania, sold out his in- terests there, and, in two years' time, moved on to his farm. Many years after, the papers had an account of the execution of a mm'derer, who at the last moment confessed that he had killed Bender near the Olentangy, in Craw- ford County, Ohio, and also a man in the Sherer neighborhood. While searching the records in the different offices in Bucyrus, we came across a book, in which were recorded a great many descrip- tions of "marks." Mi-. Asa Hosford informed us that these books were kept in each township by the Clerk, and that each owner of stock was obliged to lay claim to some mark for his cattle, and have it recorded in this book. The cattle were marked in accordance with the rec- ord, and was prima facie evidence of his prop- erty. There were left crops, right crops, long crops and short crops, whole crops and half crops, and dumb-bells in profusion and con- fusion. Besides the natural game in the woods, many hogs had a proclivity for going deep into the woods for mast, on which they fattened readily. Eventually they would breed in the forest, and the woods became full i "V 2iJ^ 433 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. of wild hogs without a mark upon them. In many places, the hunters would shoot these down with impunity, and without fear of be- ing called to account. The great number of hogs in the forest was always a temptation to bears. These animals have a special liking for honey and pork. As bee-trees and wild hogs were generally to be found in the vicinity of settlers, so the bear was seen, perhaps, more often about settlements than deeper in the for- est. Bruin would sometimes make bold to at- tack a pig in his own domicile ; the peculiar cry made by the hog was generally recognized by the settlers, and they rushed out at once to "save their bacon." Sometimes men would steal to the woods and mark young cattle be- fore the owner had an opportunity, and these were the pests of settlers. It was in these times that those who had no need of whole- some laws and legal restrictions, were neces- sarily often annoyed by lawless and disorderly persons. There was no absolute seciu'ity for persons and property; personal coirrage and independent action were the greatest safe- guards, and the moral law was predominant in its sway over the masses. The plea of self- defense was more often heard than would be consistent in these times with a Jaw-abiding people. As the settlers cleared up the lands, they began to sow some wheat. They had no near market, and there was not much induce- ment to raise more than was needed for home consumption. Up to 1825, there was much of the produce hauled to Mansfield; for wheat at this time, they generally received 25 cents per bushel, in goods. Common sheeting or calico, was worth by the yard a bushel of wheat. The women would often go to market with a crock of butter in each end of a bag, thrown across a horse, and a basket of eggs on her lap. There they received 6 cents a pound for the butter, and 3 cents a dozen for the eggs. Hearing that a better market existed at the lake, some of the settlers made the venture of hauling some grain there. The neighbors, hearing of the retm'n of the adventurers. Hocked in to inquire about the facilities of trading at Sandusky, market prices, roads, etc. At the new market they received 55 cents per bushel for their wheat, purchased salt for $5 a barrel, and other articles in proportion. The news soon spread, and the market was turned to the north. Asa Hosford was influ- ential in getting the Columbus and Portland road to pass through Gallon, which became the highway for all traffic to the lake for many years after. He came into Polk Township on the 19th day of September, 1819, on foot, in company with his brother Horace. This was on Saturday, and Mr. Hosford determined to pass the Sabbath in quiet, and rest himself from his weary journey. He stopped with Benjamin Leveredge, for there was no hotel in all that country, and the settlers were glad to receive any one who could bring them news and talk to them of the outside world. On Sunday forenoon, IVIr. Hosford observed the arrival at the cabin of ten or twelve men and a few women; they took seats in the cabin, and he conversed with them concerninof the land and such topics as bore upon the times and place; finally a tall, rawboned man appeared, di-essed in linsey-woolsey shirt, wamus and pantaloons, moccasins on his feet, over his shoulder powder-horn and bullet-pouch, and aroimd his waist a belt with a large knife sus- pended by his side. On his arm he carried a long rifle. Mr. Hosford was passing his first Sabbath in a frontier town; he had no con- ception of what would happen; he asked no questions and quietly awaited developments. The tall man deposited his accouterments in a corner and took a seat; all was hushed for a few moments, when Benjamin Sharrock, for he it was, arose, and sung an old hymn; then HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 433 he knelt and prayed, after which he stood up and exhorted after the Methodist fashion. Mi'. Hosford was agreeably surprised, and this meeting made a lasting impression upon his mind. Mi'. Sharrock had bought out the Mr. Hauck who had come from Cincinnati to start a mill, in 1822. He erected a saw and grist mill on the Olentangy, Many of his old ac- couterments are in the possession of his de- scendants, who value them highly, and prize them as worthy of preservation among the ar- chives of the family. Mr. Sharrock remained on his farm for many years, until his death, within the present year (1880). This remark- able man was as old, if not older, than oiu- republic, for he believed himself to be one hundred and five years old at the time of his death. He has numerous descendants through- out the county, and his name will ever be prominent among the pioneers of Polk Town- ship and vicinity. When the first settlers came to Polk, they found a village of Wyandot Indians on the south side of the Olentangy, on ground that now forms the northern part of Gallon. They were peaceful and well disposed toward the white settlers, and rendered them valuable assistance in the erection of -their cabins, and at log-rollings. At one time, 'Mx. Hosford had employed a number of them to assist in a log-rolling; in the evening, when the day's work was done, they all assembled in Mi*. Hosford's kitchen; being slightly intoxicated, they were in humor for some demonstration of their pent-up spirits. Mr. Hosford, think- ing to amuse all present, and desiring to wit- ness some of their ceremonies, proposed that the Indians should give an exhibition of their war-dance. They readily acceded to his re- quest, and immediately placed one of their number, by name "Buckwheat," in the center of the room, and commenced a horrible dance around him. Hideous as they were of them- selves, they added to their repulsiveness con- tortions of body and countenance. They whooped and yelled and grew fiercer in their actions, till finally they di-agged Buckwheat roughly from his seat and threw him violently upon the floor. One of the braves placed his foot upon Buckwheat's neck and went through the pantomime of scalping him; while others represented themselves as plunging their knives into the quivering victim. Buckwheat played his part well; he was personifying a white man in captivity ; so realistic was this tableau, that a white man present became enraged at the apparent fear and trembling of Buck- wheat, and it almost required the personal re- straint of INIr. Hosford to prevent Buckwheat being killed. JVIi'. Hosford had reason to con- gratulate himself that before the exliibition commenced all arms and weapons had been concealed. This mimic dance and death of a white man at this period, made a lasting im- pression on those who saw it, and it brought vividly to their memories the hori'ible atroci- ties pei-petrated in this near neighborhood but a comparatively few years before. As we have before stated, from Mr. Hos- ford's first appearance in the township, new life and energy were infused into the settle- ment. He at once became the leading spirit of progress and advancement; he was intrust- ed with many positions of responsibility, and eno-ao-ed in many projects that were of per manent benefit to both Polk Township and Gallon; he circulated petitions for, and was influential in, obtaining the two roads that cross at the Reisinger Corners. The importance of these roads, in the development of the town- ship at that time, can hardly be estimated; comparatively it could only be equaled by the crossing of railroads in modern times. The first road opened was fi'om Mansfield to Upper Sandusliy; Main street in Gallon was foi-med of that poi-tion which passes through the cor- 484 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY poration. The road has been changed some- what from its former course; originally, it angled northeast at the intersection of Main and Columbus streets, and followed the mean- deriugs of the "Whetstone. This change was made over fifty years ago, which gives to Main street a due east-and-west bearing. This road was a stage route, and hotels soon lined the wayside. After this came the road from Columbus to Sandusky ; this road was surveyed by Col. Kilborne, of Bu.cyi'us, and was origi- nally known as the Columbus and Portland road, and many old deeds of land whose bound- ai'ies touched this road will be found to bear the above name. The tendency of a market on the lake was to make this road one of importance. The trip could be made in from five to seven days. Unless loaded coming back, the return trip was shortened. The farmers from the south, one hundred miles from the lake, all about Delaware and surrounding country, used this road as a highway for their produce. Hotels sprang up every three or four miles along the route, and some of them have kept a hun- dred and fifty teams and men over night. A tavern, on the farm of Hon. James Eobinson, frequently kept forty, and yet a majority of the farmers carried along their bread and food for themselves and horses, sleeping in their wagons. When they had passed over half the jom-ney, they would hang up in a tree a por- tion of the horse-feed to be consumed on their return. Wheat was seldom more than 50 cents a bushel, and they were obliged to econo- mize, or their produce would be absorbed by their expenses. We know of two men in Polk Township who marketed their grain in San- dusky and retxu-ned home at an expense of 6 cents each. These 6 cents piu-chased whisky, which was 3 cents a drink. Besides the traffic on these roads, the county began to be full of strangers; many men were hunting up lands. some for the purpose of settling and some for the purpose of speculation. So numerous were these travelers that hotel-keeping became one of the most honorable and lucrative occu- pations that one could engage in. So great was this spirit of speculation, so wild and reck- less were the people, that it was almost univers ally indulged in by those who were capable. Poverty was all that debarred any one fi'om the privileges. Polk Township being com- paratively poor, but few were cau.ght in the ruins of the crash; many plunged deeply in debt for land, supposing that the great num- ber of broad acres they carried could, in the near future, be unloaded with immense profit. With 1837 came the inevitable rviin that fol- lows speculation and high prices; business of all kinds was stagnated, manufacturing ceased, and markets were almost closed. The Ohio Legislature went promptly at work, enacted measures of relief and stay-laws; the United States had a surplus of money idle in the Treasury; this was divided among the States and subdivided in the counties according to population; it was then loaned out to farmers and others in sums of $100, taking as security a mortgage on real estate for five or ten years, with 8 per cent interest. This humane act was the means of averting hardship and suf- fering from many homes, and was of the ut- most good to those who were really poor. Mr. Hosford, seeing the travel that was likely to exist on the two roads that crossed west of Gallon— one road of which was a stage route, and the other a highway to the nearest market — opened a double log tavern at the Corners. The settlement had never been regularly christened, but was known as " Moc- casion," " Hardscrabble, " " Spangtown," " Go- shen," etc. In 1821, in answer to a petition by the citizens, for a post office by the name of Goshen, the Postmaster General replied that there already existed more than one town -,^ :li HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 435 by that name, and suggested the name of Gallon. This was accepted, and Horace Hos- ford became the Postmaster of the Corners. James Nail says that he never heard any preaching in his life till long after his arrival in Polk Township. The fii'st sermon he heard was preached south of his mill, in a house belonging to a Mr. Straw, by Elder Jackson,^ the grandfather of Jiidge Jackson. There was a great turn-out of the settlers for miles in every direction. In 1826, the Methodists formed a circuit through the neighborhood, and Eussel Bigelow appeared to preach the word of life, without money or without price. He was a good speaker, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures. He was large and muscular, had a voice like a lion, sharp, piercing eyes that when they became excited, seemed almost to biu'n like lire. All things combined to make him a veiy successful preacher; he was also a very exemplary Christian in his deportment, and had great influence with the people gen- erally. An old minister preached in the neigh- borhood of Polk Township many years ago. His name was John Rhinehart, and was bom in the glades of Pennsylvania; he moved to Ohio when it was a Territory; his home was in what is now Jefferson County; it is not known at exactly what period he was here, but it is stated that John Rhinehart, of Bloom- ing Grove, and his twin sister, the widow "Winn, of Cleveland, were born while he was preaching in this vicinity in the log cabins of the settlers. He entered, at the land office in Wooster, the land now owned by Thomas Rhinehart and Peter Zimmerman. This early pioneer is the father of Mrs. Dr. Coyle, of Gallon. Many of his descendants are living in this vicinity. Ml*. Hibner, as we have stated, erected the first grist-mill in the township; the mill was located east of town, where the old timbers may yet be seen jutting out from the bank at the railroad bridge on John Bnrgener's farm. Mr. Hibner had entof ed considerable land in the neighborhood. The buhr-stone of to-day was not proem-able, and "nigger-heads" were substituted. It may easily be conceived that these primitive mills had no great capacity, and yet the settlers were very thankful to have their grain ground for domestic use. There is a story, handed down by the Hibners, of an occurrence that took place while this family was living on the farm upon which the mill was located. Their log cabin was like all others at the time, and had the usual wall of stones back of the fire-place, with the huge chimney occupying one end of the cabin. ISIr. Hibner was away from the cabin, attending his work, and Mrs. Hibner was quietly attend- ing to her household duties ; but a short time before, she had placed the baby on a blanket on the floor, near the fii-e-place. Some time before, one of the stones forming the back wall of the fixe-place, had been loosened, and jostled from its place. Hearing some unusual noise, she looked up hastily and saw with hor- ror that a great black bear had thrust his paw through the crevice, and was making desperate efforts to reach the baby. Happily, the bear could not reach the child, and the mother quickly removed the little one fi'om the \dcinlty of the fire-place, when the bear hastily betook himself to tlie woods. Among those who should not be forgotten was IMi's. Brown, the wife of Samuel Brown, who had owned the northeast quarter of land that Mr. Buhl had bought, and which now forms the northeast portion of Gallon. The land was entered by Mr. Cracraft and sold to Samuel Bro\vn. Mi"s. Brown was known and beloved by all the families in the settlement. She spun and wove, and helped many families with their supplies of cloths, linen and yarn; many families never wove any, nor even pos- :rv 436 HISTORY OF CEAWFORD COUNTY. sessed tlie machinery. Mrs. Brown generally took in such work for many miles ai-ound, and had an enviable reputation for good, clean work. She is reputed to have done the first weaving in Polk Township, and for many years the only weaving. Buckskin was a common article of wear; wool was very scarce, and cot- ton high. It was very difficult to keep sheep, on account of the wolves, and in many old accoiints the article of wolves' scalps appears, for which the State paid a generous bounty. This bounty figures in accounts up to near the year 1840. Many other old settlers than we have named cleared land in Polk, and labored to conquer the wilderness, but we have given something of each one, as far as we could learn, and shall finish with Disbeiiy Johnson. He was from Vir- ginia, and was born about the year 1764. He was twelve years old at the breaking-out of the war of the Revolution, and remembered many incidents connected therewith that he was fond of relating diu'ing his latter days. He started with his family to Kentucky, about the year 1812, but was obliged to take refuge near Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh. During the year, he went down the Ohio Biver, and took refuge in the block-house at Booneville till the war was over and peace declared. As soon as he was safe in doing so, he removed to Harrison County, Ohio; here his first wife died, and he man-ied a widow lady by the name by Cooper. Mr. Johnson had six children by his fu'st wife, the widow had six by her fii-st- husband, and the couple were blessed by six more. As near as can be ascertained, Mr. Johnson removed to Polk To^\'usllip in the year 1817. Ho took up the northwest quarter of Section 26, where he lived for many years. He was a Justice of the Peace in early days, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His second wife was the grandmother of James P. Throckmorton, of Gallon, and a numerous progeny have descended from their eighteen children. The old windfall, already spoken of, destroyed all the timber on their farm, and it was upon Johnson's land that five head of cattle were imprisoned among the fallen tim- bers. Ml'. Johnson had two brothers captured by the Indians while lads, but by their own bravery they made their escape by quietly arising at nig-ht and tomahawking their two captors. Mr. Johnson died in the year 1868, and was buried in the cemetery at Gallon. Many families throughout the countiy are de- scended from this old Virginia stock. A large bear was caught in a trap by Sam- uel Johnson; he found the ti'ap down, and pieces of hair and fur attached to splinters of the trap, as also such evidence of scratching and clawing as only a bear could do. It was a mystery as to what had become of the bear, until one day soon after, while Asa Hosford, Mr. Johnson, Nat Story, James Nail and some others were working at a building, the sul^ject was brought up. Mr. Hosford at once told the men present that, for several days, some Indians had been canying bears' meat along a trail near his house. He had noticed that they had a bear's head, but no pelt. It was proposed that the whole party should start from the Corners that night, follow the trail till they came to where the Indians were en- camped, and secure the bear's pelt. James Nail was elected Captain of the squad, and they agreed to stand by his orders. The first adventiu'e that they met with was just east of the Corners, where the water from the springs crossed Main street. In the center of the road the water was three feet deep, and Nail ex- claimed that, as he had been elected captain, they must follow and obey him. He plunged thi'ough the water, while the rest followed after. It was quite dark, and they were wet on the first start, but this did not dampen their ardor, as they had already taken an antidote Al< HISTORY OF CEAWFORD COUNTY. 437 against the dew. They suspected that the Indians were encamped a few miles east of Galion. They fired off their guns, and as they approached the Indian camp, they heard a general scrambling and also heard the dogs barking from the bushes in the woods, whither the Indians had fled in their fear and conster- nation. The party entered the cabin and dis- covered by the crackling of the coals that the Indians had taken the precaution to pour water over their fire before they took flight, hoping thereby that the intruders might think the cabin unoccupied and pass it by unmolested. Some of the men thought that the Indians might have taken the pelt with them; Mr. Hosford, however, took down a pole which hung across the cabin, covered with numerous deer hides, coon-skins, mink, etc., and, rapidly throwing them aside, he soon came to a fresh bear-skin, which he knew by the long shaggy hair ; they took the bear-skin and returned home in triumph. They shot several volleys, whooped and yelled much after the Indian fashion, thereby creating considerable alarm along the route. They disposed of the pelt for about $5 worth of whisky; this beverage cost, gen- erally, 25 cents per gallon. Just north of Galion, where David Gill and George Wood settled, there can be seen the remains of their orchard; the young trees for this orchard were taken from one of Johnny Appleseed's nurseries. The west orchard, on the Clymer land, was raised from seedlings planted by the same man, as was also the orchard on the Sharrock homestead. Many more such instances could be made known of settlers availing themselves of these fruit- trees, but enough have been mentioned to show the usefiilness of this strange man. He brought with him numerous varieties of seeds (to be sown through the settlements), mostly of a medicinal character ; altogether, he was a strange, simple, good man, and worthy of all the praise that has been given in his memory. Asa Hosford came from Eichfield, Mass. At the age of twenty-one, he left New York (where his father had emigrated) with his brother Horace; they arrived at Cleveland in the first boat that ever sailed on Lake Erie. They started afoot for the interior, and arrived at Galion September 19, 1819, on Satui'day evening ; they rested over Sabbath at the house of Benjamin Leveredge; they passed the win- ter in Huron County, and in the spring were met by their father's family; who were on their way to Gallon; near the Corners, before any road was opened, and before any general travel was expected, the father erected a double log cabin. As settlers came in and travelers became numerous, IMr. Hosford, like all other settlers, was importuned for meals and lodging. All this while Asa Hosford was single, and working wherever he could find employment ; he worked for some time with his brother Horace, who had a blacksmith-shop near his father's dwelling. He worked along several years before he had saved $100, with which to procure a piece of land; the father never kept a hotel, but merely entertained those who could not find accommodation elsewhere, or had not facilities for camping out. Finally, Mr. Hosford sold the property to his son-in-law, but he never occupied it or used it for any purpose. In 1824, Asa Hosford opened a tavern in the double log house which he had bought from his brother-in-law ; he was not yet man'ied and he contracted with his sister to act as landlady; these duties she performed with success. IVIr. Hosford was a year finding a landlady that would px'omise to remain vnth him for all time; he married Miss Alta Kent, of Bucyrus. He prospered in this tavern for eight years, at which time they sold out to John Buhl ; they have three children living — Bebecca, Eri and Stephen. In the year 1824, the Corners was known as Galion; it had a 438 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. commodious hotel. Here two roads crossed, one of which was a stage route, and the other was a highway to market for a hundred miles south of the lake. The settlement of Gallon had a post office, a store with assorted goods, a blacksmith-shop, a schoolhouse, and a grist- mill in the vicinity. George Wood was a car- penter and ready to put up such work as was wanted. Soon followed the distillery at the springs on Atwood street, which consumed some of the grain, and enabled the people to enjoy their whisky at 18 to 25 cents a gallon. Nathaniel Story was hunting and working "time-about;" hunters abounded all over the country, and some trapping was done. Three or four old beaver dams exist in the vicinity of Gallon, but have never been inhabited since white men settled in the vicinity. It is quite probable that some of the old British fur companies had their trappers at work here years before; they certainly got large quanti- ties of fur; these furs were, doubtless, traded to China for the very tea for which the Ameri- cans were taxed before the Revolution. Many persons at an early date engaged in bee-hunting. A Mr. Schauber sold enoucjh honey to secm'o the pui'chase money on what is knoAvn as the Schauber farm. The beautiful forests abounded in bee-trees ; it is surprising to see the countless swarms that spread over the West. The Indians considered them the harbinger of the white man, as the whites do buffalo and deer of the Indian, and note that as the larger game retires the bee advances. The Indians with sui-prise found the moldering trees of their forests suddenly teeming with ambrosial sweets, and nothing can exceed the greedy relish with which they banquet for the first time upon this unbought luxiuy of the wilderness. The honey-bee swarms in myi'iads in the noble groves and forests that skirt and intersect the prairies, and along the alluvial bottoms of the creeks and rivers. The hunters generally place a piece of comb on a tree, and await the arrival of workei's. As soon as the bees have loaded themselves with honey, they take their flight straight for their own tree with their load. The hunters run after them with head erect and eyes aloft, frequently stumbling over obstacles at their feet; in this manner they track the bees to their individual colonies, mark the trees, and seek for more. They dare not cut down the trees until fully prepared to take away the honey, for the bears, skunks, raccoons and possums have sweet teeth and would soon devour any honey within their reach. The bear will gnaw for days together until they make a hole in the trunk, big enough to insert their paws, and then draw out honey, bees and all. Mr. Story states that in an early day, Doudy, an Indian, with his squaw, cut down a bee-tree. The grandfather of Story was along ; the honey was very fine, and the Indian, who was very fond of Mr. Story, sent him a lai'ge piece of comb on a piece of shellbark. Story was quite overcome by the generosity of the Indian, who, he says, was gentle in peace, while desperate and brave in war. Altogether, this was a prosperous communi- ty. Farms were being cleared in every direc- tion, and there wei'e no more doubts about the prosperity of the country. We have spoken somewhat of the attention the settlers paid to religion, and will now devote some space to education. ]Mi\ Phous Jackson is credited by Mr. Dunlap as the first teacher in the township of Polk. This may be true, outside of Gallon, but David Gill was certainly the first teacher in Gallon. However, we give IMr. Dunlap's statement, and when we write of Gallon we will give the school history fi-om beginning to end. He says that Phous Jack- son, a cousin of Judge Jackson, had taught two months in the winter of 1825, in a private house, the first and only school that had ever / HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 439 been taught in the township. In the fall of the next year, Mr. Dnnlap concluded to teach ; he held school for three months, at $1.25 per pupil. The people soon put up a log cabin, 12x14, seven logs high to the eaves, for a schoolhouse ; they split some slabs or puncheons for a floor, spread some clapboards overhead for a loft, had foolscap paper greased for win- dows, had slabs for seats, and a board for writing desk. Among the first scholars who attended that school now living, are Dr. Story, of Iowa, a Free-Will Baptist minister ; James Eeeves, a preacher, and Gen. George Row, of Marion, a lawyer. We cannot find the date of organization of school districts in the county, nor of subdistricts in Sandusky Township; at the first division, Gallon formed Subdistrict No. 9, and it remained so some time. Gallon was advanced to a borough in 1840, and elected her first Mayor, Joel Todd, but the school re- mained in the same order. The law under which school districts are formed is such that opportunities are ever present for making new districts or chanofingf their form, addins: to or taking from. Not even an attempt can be made to give the boundaries of old or new dis- tricts and their changes; their outline might present a geometrical figure, whose area a Newton would be puzzled to compute. The township was not settled in its different por- tions with the same rapidity, and while a " dis- trict" would be imperative in one part, perhaps the same area would have but a few families in some other portion of the township. However, they got along with their primitive schools and primitive teachers, and at this time have seven school districts and seven good brick school- houses. Nothing could be more prosperous than this conditon of things. The reports of these schools show prosperity, and a full and realiz- ing sense of the importance of education. The names of the schoolhouses in the several districts are as follows: Dice's, Rhinehart's, Hillgrove Klopfenstein, Jackson's, Williams', Bergner's. These schoolhouses have each good fviruitui-e, and in every respect are models of neatness and comfort, and each district is strenuous in its efforts to secure good and efficient teachers. Certainly the youth of Polk Township have no reason to complain of a lack of educational facilities, as they will compare favorably with those of any other State. The earliest record of the schools of the township are dated 1843. There were at that time nine districts. Gallon forming Subdistrict No. 9. The whole num- ber of school children for the year was 397. The following is the annual report of the enumeration of youth between the ages of five and twenty-one years in Polk Township, Craw- ford County, taken and returned to the under- signed township Clerk of said township, by the Local Directors, between the first and third Mondays in September, 1863 : 3 ■n NO. OF YOUTH. d « d. H to a 1 03 1 S 3 o ^ I'l ■3 "3 I 1 19 L7 23 29 41 9 44 19 18 39 35 33 18 43 38 45 3 and 4 5 and 6 2 and 3 2G, 27, 34, 35. ;^6, 1, 25, 26 •21 and 30 27, 2-i, 29, 33, 34. 38 2 45 3 62 i fi? 4 64 74 74 5 \ 6 27 87 27 7 { ^7 i Total 192 205 The trade of Polk continued for many years along the Columbus and Sandusky City road. Small lots of goods were brought back by the farmers, such as salt, groceries, etc. ; but many of the stores throughout the county brought their stock fi'om Philadelphia and Baltimore, over the mountains. This was expensive and tedious, but paid better than to buy goods at the lake that had passed through so many hands. In the year 1840, a strap railroad was built from Sandusky to Monroeville; the cars were drawn by horses. After this, the >^ 440 HISTORY OF CRx^^WrOKD COUNTY farmers of Polk and vicinity took their prod- uce to Monroeville, thereby saving thi-ee or four days of time, this trip consuming on an average not more than three days. Eventually the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark road was built; as soon as it was finished to Mansfield and Shelby, the latter place became the market for Polk Township, as Mansfield had been in the beo-inning. There it continued until the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati road was brought to Gallon. Then the era of taverns and long roads to market was ended forever in Polk Township. The reason that the Colum- bus & Sandusky road was not a stage route, was the fact that a north-and-south road, east and west of it, passed through the county seats, and those routes were selected for stage travel. The building of the railroad was an era in the growth and development of Polk Township as well as that of Gallon; she took rapid strides in growth; for many years, the popu- lation of Polk and Gallon was far behind Bucy- rus and its township, but ere many years Gallon and Polk led their rivals by a large majority. The census of 18S0 gives to Polk Township, outside of Gallon, a population of 883. This is a gain of only 37 dm'ing the last decade. We can hardly expect the population of Polk Township to ever rise to a very high figure. From the present geographical location of Polk, it is evident that no other town will ever exist within its limits other than Gallon. The whole township is given to agriculture, with almost no waste of untillable land, and no great interest can exist here. At the time the lands were mostly taken up, there was peace throughout the territory, and everybody felt seciu-e in making large pm'chases and invest- ing all their means. The natm-al result of this metliod of buying has been to create large farms. Thus, from year to year, the forests have been cut away, swampy and wet land has been drained, and nearly all of what was once considered poor land has been reclaimed. Year by year the acreage has increased; each farmer has widened out his domain of tillable land, while labor-saving machinery has lessened the demand for working hands. The gain of thirty-seven inhabitants in the last decade, bears no relation whatever to the increase of productiveness and large gains of marketable produce. Two miles east of Gallon are the tile works of Messrs. Weaver & Reed. This factory was started in May, 1879; they have a dry-kiln, 148 feet in length, with a commodious engine- house; there is a capacity for biu-ning 2,500 tile at one time. They have five men constantly employed, who average 7,000 tile per day. There is a large and increasing demand for tile throughout this and adjoining townships; the draining of lands, by means of a system of tiling, has passed from the domain of experi- ment to that of an assured and valued success. There are on the Infirmaiy grounds, or county farm of Crawford County, about two and one- half miles of tiling. Nearly every farmer in the township is acquainted with the system, and is well informed as to its value, where needed. There is no doubt but that a permanent de- mand will be made for these tile, that will in- sure their constant manufacture. The con- venience of the factory to the farmers of Polk is a matter of congratulation, as it always is Avhen the requirements of the farm can be produced in the near vicinity of their consump- tion. There is but one church in Polk Township, outside of Gabon. This is what is known as the old Baptist Church, just east of Gallon. A short trip through Polk Township in the sprino- of the year will reveal the fact that most of the wheat has been drilled in, and not sown broadcast. Good fences inclose all the farms, and the buildings are models of beauty ^k HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 443 and utility. When the grass is cut, you do not hear the continual whet, whet, of the back- breaking scythe ; but you do hear the rattle of machinery, and see the farmer comfortably seated on his mowing machine, di'iving his sleek and well-conditioned horses across the meadows; and, when the hay is cured and be- ing collected for housing away, you see the horse-rake gathering in the scattered hay in a rapid and cleanly manner. Then, at the barn or stack comes in the horse-fork, which per- forms the work that has always been laborious and tedious to the farmer. This same fork, in combination with an improved hay-knife, enables the farmer to load his ricks with ease, and haul to market with a great saving of time and labor. Then comes the grain. It was thought to be the acme of perfection, a few years ago, when wheat and grain were cut down rapidly enough to keep two rakers and binders busy behind a machine. Now, with the driver comfortably seated on the machine the grain is rapidly swept down, gathered up in bundles and tied, and when a sufficient number are accumulated can be dropped in one spot for putting up in shocks; and, suppose, under unavoidable circumstances, the grain be too dry to cut in this manner. They have only to take another machine, called the header, that will cut off the heads only from the straw, and the grain can be taken to the barn in tight wagon boxes. During the early days, wheat was threshed with a flail, or by tramping of horses and cattle ; men went fi'om farm to farm and contracted to do their threshing for them, generally at the price of one-tenth of the yield. The horse-power threshing machine involved considerable work and many hands and teams, yet it was a great advance over hand-flailing and tramping. Now, after harvest, can be seen all over the country, wreaths of smoke curling upward, which mark the spot where some little engine, run by steam, threshes the grain much more perfectly than was ever done by hand All hands are not obliged to stop and give the horses a rest; the motive power in a steam- thresher never gets tired. What a compari- son! The farmers of Polk ride in carriages every week, that, sixty years ago, would have stamped them at once as aristocratic in the extreme. Polk Township as it now exists (1880) is a model of what may be accomplished by pa- tience and well-directed industry. The early pioneers who have labored over sixty years to make of this a vineyard, to transmute the howl- ing wilderness into a blooming garden, are worthy of praise, honor and emulation. They have received the reward of their daring en- terprise, as far as material interests are con- cerned. The heavy timber and thick under- growth have been cleared away; their orchards are abundant, and they blossom and bear fruit ; broad acres of ripening grain redeem the promises of a full yield; an abundance of fine horses, cattle and sheep, with all kinds of stock, show well the luxuriousness of their rich meadows; the large and well-filled bai-ns, the beautiful country homes, with a thousand comforts and luxuries, above all attest that a bountiful harvest has succeeded fi-om the first sowings of civilization sixty years ago. The experiences and necessities of successive o-enerations have brought their legitimate results. From the first rude log cabin and barn, we can now see many beautiful mansions of frame and of brick, with spacious bams and outbuildings of the finest work. From the first rude schoolhouse, that was a wonder when it was built, we can now see seven well- appointed brick schoolhouses. Not only these opportunities are ever present, but it is rapidly becoming a custom for the farmers to send their sons and daughters to a higher grade of schools when they have done with their own, and the barrier between the countiy and city bred, is 444 HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. fast disappearing. Now it is a common cus- tom for the wealthy and retired merchant to have his country seat, and the fai'mer, after yeai's of toil and accumulation, bethinks him- self of a city residence with its advantages of school and cultivation for his children. CHAPTER XII.* CITY OF G ALIGN— FIRST PLAT AND ADDITIONS— SOME OF ITS BUSINESS MEN— GROWTH AND BUSINESS— HOTELS, BANKS. MILLS, ETC— INCORPORATION— FIRE DEPA RTM ENT — CEM ETERIES. /^ ALION was laid out September 10, 1S31, ^-^ by Michael and Jacob Kulil. At this time, it was in Sandusky Township, Eichland County. The original plat consisted of thii-ty-five lots, and extended fi'om Lot No. 1, on which the Ristine Block stands, to the second alley on "West Main street. The fii'st addition was made by the same parties December 14, 1833, and consisted of thirty-three lots. Over sixty separate and distinct additions have since been made. The nearest towns to Gallon, when it first made its appearance as a geographical location, were Mansfield, Upper Sandusky, New Haven and Mount Giload, and by calling them towns at that time they received a dignity that would hardly be accorded them now. Gallon was the natm-al inheritor of what little business and enterprise existed at the Corners. About the public square was higher ground and a more desirable location in eveiy respect for a village; the Corners were built upon low, swampy ground ; they were in close proximity to the sluggish head-waters of the Olentangy, and the land I'ose higher on every side of the settlement; nothing but the crossing of the roads ever gave that spot any prestige over any other locality. The business was not long in being transf eiTcd to the vicinity of the square, and the plat of the old settlement was taken up. It was, as we have intimated, known by numerous names; but when a post oflice was ♦Contibuted by Dr. J. 0. McUvaine. established in 1824, it began to curtail some of the titles, and select one upon which there could be some unanimityi' The petition signed by the residents, named Goshen as the most euphonious, but the Postmaster General in- formed the good people of the burg that there was already more than one Goshen, and with their permission he named the new post ofiice Gallon. The name can be foimd no- where else in the world. "WTiat suggested it^ or whether it was arbitrary upon his part, is unknown. /John Ruhl, the father of Michael and Jacob Ruhl, had entered several quartei- sections in the vicinity of Gallon. He came fi'om York County, Penn., direct to Gallon and moved into a log cabin 'at the Corners. The cabin was without a floor, except the earth ; the f am ily consisted of father, mother, Michael, Jacob, Levi, Henry, Peter and Rebecca ; the daughter, Rebecca, was married to IVIr. J. Criley, who lived on a farm, which now forms the southeast portion of the city; the west line of this farm is now South street, on the corner of which stands the residence of Samuel Myers. Mr. Criley had a carding machine and fulling mill ; the motive power of this machineiy was a steam engine, the fii'st that over did service in Gallon. Mr. Ruhl, Sr., was possessed of considerable means in lands and money; he purchased and sold to Jacob, his son, the northeast quarter of Section 31, and to Michael the southeast quar- ter of the same section. Henry Ruhl owned ilV" HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 445 tlie Gill farm, and Levi owned the land that was known as the Brewery land, on the State road, and Pet^r Ruhl owned a farm east of Asa Hos- foi'd's mill. Jacob Ruhl was an active member and a zealous worker in the Lutheran Church, and gave much of his time and influence toward the erection of the first public edifice that was dedicated to God in Gallon. He erected the first saw-mill in Polk Township or near vicinity of Gallon. James Nail had erected a saw-mill at a much earlier date, but, as near as can be determined, it was just without the present south line of Polk Township. IVIi*. Ruhl's saw-mill was on Noi*th Market street, at the creek; traces of the old race and dam are yet remaining east of the street. Michael Ruhl kept a store on the square in a fi-ame house; Jacob Ruhl kept a tavern where the Spoiihauer Block is. This was the first frame house erected in Gallon or Polk Township. It had been built by Asa Hosford, who, some time before, had erected a frame barn near the old Corners, which was also the fii'st fi'ame barn in the township. This barn was entitled to special recognition, as its walls and rafters had been witness to the word of God and hymns and prayer long before any building had been specially consecrated to Him. Michael Ruhl kept a varied stock in his store south of the square; goods of all descrip- tions that could be wanted in a fi'ontier to\vn were there. It has been said of him, however, that he inclined to drugs, and that he carried quite a stock of medicines, patent and other- wise; also that he possessed as much medical skill as was possible without a special prepara tion for the practice, and was always proud to be able to assist in alleviating sufiering and pain. John Ruhl, the father, died in Gallon. Jacob and Michael are both dead, and Peter yet resides in Gallon. Jacob has thi-ee daughters living in Gallon — JNIrs. O. T. Hart, INIrs. Seth Cimimings and Miss Mary Ruhl. The latter lady has her home with her sister, Mrs. Seth Cmnmings. ]Mrs. O. T. Hart, while a young girl, went to school at the old log schoolhouse on Main street. One day, while they were conning over their les- sons and deep in the mysteries of Webster's old speller, a man on horseback came riding fi'om the west, at a breakneck speed; his hair was disheveled, his clothing hung in the wind, and his countenance had an appearance of abject terror. He shouted and gesticulated in a loud and excited manner, saying that the Indians were coming in force, and bidding each one seek safety in flight. School was promptly dismissed, and the little ones fled with unabated spead to their homes for safe- ty. No Indians came, and the excitement died away. No one has ever accounted for the ori- gin of the alarm. Soon after the aii'ival of the Ruhls, they began to plan the work, which they afterward accomplished. They already possessed a manifest advantage in the great quantity of valuable land they possessed, and it was soon kno\VTi that they were in posses- sion of money with which they could pm-chase more ; and they determined to possess more ; they bought of others such pieces as they would need to carry out their enterprise, or that would sell at a good advance after their improvements were made. They were considered good men, of an enterprising na- ture, and valuable additions to the little com- munity. There were others in the settlement who had hoped to do much, and contom})lated the very work that the Ruhls were evidently enofaired in. But thev knew thev could not compete with the new-comers and their wealth. The result was that they com- bined their labor with the Ruhls and hon- estly aided them in the furtherance of their plans. It is not knowTU that any of the Ruhl family ever took advantage of any man's pov- eiipy or financial embarrassments when they 2il: >> 446 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. bid for their lands. When Col. Kilbourne ■was surveying his road from Columbus to Port- land, he tried hard to get the road through James Leveredge's land, so the two roads "vvould cross considerably east of where the crossing now is. Leveredge positively refused to allow it. It had been whispered around that Col. Kilbom*ne intended to lay out a vil- lage about half way between Columbus and the lake, and Levex*edge was bound that his farm should not be cut up into lots. In this he showed the childish fear of a surveyor that pertains to the Indians, for the latter have a superstitious di-ead of surveyors. The Col- onel wanted to avoid the swamp, and talked up the matter of a village to IVIi-. Hosford. This gentleman had not the means to do anything, but became the warm friend of Col. Kilbourne. The latter had stopped a few nights with Leveredge, who charged him a high price for his entertainment. Col. Kilbourne was a little soured, and, perhaps, justly incensed against the indifference of Gallon, and when his com- pass came to the last sight before reaching Galion, it pointed farther west, and the road took its present location. Col. Kilbourne was bound to have his town. Soon after, he ran the road from Columbus through where Bucy- rus now is, and there he planted his town. It has done well, and perhaps but for the rail- road interest here, would have been much ahead of Galion, as, in fact, she was for many years. By his influence, the road became a stage route to the lake. Thus it was that the Kuhls took up the work that Col. Kilbourne had planned, and that Asa Hosford had afterward contemplated. In nearly every instance they (the Ruhls) paid the price asked, and closed the bargain with ready cash or its equivalent. We are imable to find any of the deeds, or any records of their transfers, with the exception of one, which is in the possession of Hon. O. T. Hai-t, of Galion, a son-in-law of Jacob Ruhl. It is a cm'ious article of agreement between Samuel Brown and John Ruhl. At the time of the transfer, the land in question was in Sandusky Township, Richland County, the western line of the township of Sandusky being located on the west line of J. R. Clymer's orchard, and the west line of the farm in question, was the north and south quarter line, on the east line of Gill's farm. The land had been entered by Cracraft and sold to Samuel Brown. The document reads as follows : Article of agreement, made and entered into this first day of August, A. D. 1831, between Samuel Brown, of Sandusky Township, Richland Co., Ohio, yeoman, of the one part, and John Ruhl, of Sandusky Township, and Crawford County and State aforesaid, yeoman, of the other part ; WITNESSETH, That the said Samuel Brown, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, doth grant, bar- gain and sell unto the said John Ruhl, a certain tract of land, with all thereunto belonging (excepting one acre in the southeast corner of it, which being sold for a church yard), situated in Sandusky Township, Rich- land County, aforesaid, being the northeast quarter of Section 31, Township 20, Range 20, and containing — acres, and adjoining the public road leading from Mansfield to Biicyrus, Frederick Dickson and others, for which the said John Ruhl is to pay unto the said Samuel Brown, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, in the manner following, viz.: Eight hundred dollars in hand on the first day of September next, and seven hundred dollars on the first day of September, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-three. The said John Ruhl is to have six geese, six hens and one rooster, to be delivered up to the said Ruhl when said Brown gives full possession, and the said Ruhl is to have liberty to cut timber, dig, etc., on said land from the date hereof, and the said Brown is to give the said Ruhl a good right and title for said tract of land when he pays the hand money. But the said Brown is to have the crops now on the ground, and have privilege to live on the said land until the first day of April next; then he is to deliver up all unto the said John Ruhl, excepting the house now on the State road (now occupied as a schoolhouse), which, in case said Brown would not move on the first day of April next, he is to have the privilege of living in two V HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 447 months after, and Sarah Brown is to have stuff for a new frock when she signs the writing. The said Brown is to have the privilege of sugar camp next to the house, and all the pasture on the farm, excepting the six-acre meadow. But Ruhl is to have privilege to plow the fields. For the true performaace of the above agree- ments, both parties bind themselves, their heirs, exec- utors or administrators, one to each other, in the sum of thirty hundred dollars. In witness whereof, both have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and the year first above written. Witnesses: Samuel Brown, [seal.] Asa Hosford, John Rdul. [seal.] Ben J. Grove. The burying-ground referred to is the old one east of the German Reformed Chm'ch; the schoolhouse named above was the second one bnilt and ref eiTed to before. It was a cus- tom in former days, that holds good now in some coramunities, to present the wife stuff for a new frock whenever called upon to sign a deed. From this piece of land, and a corre- sponding piece on the south, was laid out the public square, and the first thirty-five lots of Gallon. It will not be unfair to say that the Ruhls had no idea nor full conception of the extent to which their new town would prosper. They could have had no knowledge of the coming of railroads, for it was not till the year 1844 or 1845 that IMi-. Hosford was intrusted with the developing of an interest in railroads in favor of Gallon. They could not have known that the Columbus and Portland wagon road would cease to be the highway to market, for the railroad from Sandusky to Mansfield had not been built. After all, they must have had luidaunted courage, and strong faith in the future. At this very time, one could look around and see but few houses about the square, and fewer people, while, looking down West Main street toward the Corners, there could be seen on the north-and-south road and about the hotel and little cluster of buildings there, an almost unceasing stream of wagons, fairly blocking the roads at times. The bustle and activity of the roads crossing here had, of course, made it an excellent tavern stand and location for post office and blacksmith- shop. Otherwise, it was a poor site for a grow- ing tovra. or city. Any one having a proper idea of the development of our country and the growth of the State, would never have laid out a town at the Corners; but this covdd be known to no one. The first railroad would stop the travel to market on the wagon road, and travelers would at once have better egress and ingress at a less cost than by staging over rough roads and deep mud. Mansfield was growing; smTounding towns gave evi- dence of advancement; foreigners were aiTiv- ing in great numbers, and the land was being rapidly taken up; travelers were numerous everywhere, and the stages and hotels were crowded with men, whose purpose and busi- ness it was to put their shoulder to the wheel, and, with mighty efforts, crowd the line of the frontier on to the west — through forest and prairie and over river and mountain. This spot where Gallon now stands has grown beyond all former expectations, and the whole State now occupies a position among her sister States that is enviable in the extreme. Nor is the end yet. The city of Gallon has an inherent property pertaining to its potential powers and possibilities that few realize. There are large opportitnities here for manufacture and whole- sale and shipping facilities that should be util- ized to a far greater extent than they are at the present time. We believe that a few more years of time will give to moneyed men a realizing sense of their golden opportunities. However, retiu*ning to the Ruhls, they foiuid their lots were having a fair sale, and quite a little business began to exist, which made some stir around the square. The business was gradually trtmsfeiTed from the Corners to the new plat, althoitgh it is a mistake to think that any of the buildings were removed. In f 448 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the winter of 1S8;{, the lliihls })iit on another addition of thirty-three lots, and they were niucli pleased with the prosperity of their yonng city. In the year 1886, Jacob Riihl erected a saw-mill at the creek on North Mar- ket street. The timber was heavy, and the ground wet and swampy ; the handling of the timber was an herculean task, yet paid well for the investment. It was the only saw-mill in the near vicinity, and furnished most of the sawed timber for the early buildings on the first and second plats. The panic of 1837 had little bad effect in Gallon. The Ruhls had paid, and paid well, for all they got; they had bought out Asa Hosford's hotel and nine acres; they had bought the southwest corner of the square and the fi-ame building that was the first erected in Gallon. East of the square, Samuel Brown owned on the north side, and Asa Hosford had pin-chased south and east of the square. Mr. Hosford had his own idea of about what he intended to do, but had no idea that any other person contemplated doing just the same thing. He had had a talk with Samuel Brown, and the two had agreed that they together would lay out a plat and become the proprietors of a village. Hosford was full of this plan and was feeling quite posi- tive of success. Imagine his chagrin when he found that Mr. Brown had sold to the Ruhls, and the latter were at his door in a quiet, gentle and most apologetic manner in the world, begging to Imow how much Mr. Hosford desired for this last piece of ground. Mr. Hosford woiild like to have founded a town ; but he was yet comparatively young and other opportunities might present themselves more favorably than the present. He accord- ingly asked a good high price for the land. Mr. Ruhl paid the price, and the platting went on. Thiis, when the panic of 1837 came, the Ruhls were out of debt. The farmers were mostly out of debt, and the city passed throuo-h the panic with colors flying, as she did during the panic of 1873. As far as manufactm-ing is concerned, there was almost none in 1837. Produce brought a very low price, but it could be consu.med or stored at home, and there was no crash by banks, for we had none in Gallon; and what cash was in the county was in the hands of the people. As a matter of course, some lost by reason of bills that became bad while in their possession, but that was a minor evil compared with the distress in some communi- ties. We know of one man in the West who has one room papered with bills of banks that were broken while in his possession. Directly after the war of 1812, settlers coming to Ohio paid $2 a bushel for wheat, $1 for corn. Eveiy- body sowed as much as they could, and put no restrictions upon the amount they would raise. In two years wdaeat was 25 cents a bushel, and could not be marketed when raised any distance from navigable streams, not even could the produce be traded for store goods. The resiilt of this was that farmers raised no more than was sufllcient for home consump- tion. Many of these men emigrated to Ohio, and some to this vicinity. They knew well from experience or tradition the results of the panic in 1815 or 1816, and treasured up wis- dom for what they had anticipated. One of the duties intrusted to Asa Hosford during the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1841-45 — during his visit to the State cai^ital — was that of securing an opening througli the township and city by means of a railroad. Mr. Hosford worked earnestly for this road. As first proposed, it was to end on the south at Columbus and strike the old San- dusky, Mansfield & Newark Railroad at some convenient point near Shelby. Now, to fully realize the condition of affairs, it must be re- membered that Polk Township and all the farming country that was nearer to Mansfield ■fT HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 449 than Sandusky, were having their trade and selling their produce at Mansfield and Shelby, Richland County, which was the most powerful county in Northern Ohio. She had brilliant men in her coui'ts and legislative halls, among whom might be mentioned Gov. Bartley, Thomas Ford, Judge Brinkerhoof, Judge Stuart, Bax'nabas Burns, and hosts of others. At this time, Thomas Bartley was President of the Senate, and Hettrick was Representa- tive. Hettrick had secured an enactment whereby that portion of Richland County that had passed into Crawfoi'd was released from taxation for public buildings for all time. But in regard to the railroad, Mansfield was the market town, and her people knew that a raih'oad through Gralion would destroy their trade with us; and on the west at Bucyrus, they were making a desperate struggle for the county seat against Galion. IVIi-. Hosford suc- ceeded in putting by the permanent location for two years, and it has been said that Galion came within one vote of securing the location here. With this opposition, Mr. Hosford had a large and formidable an-ay of opponents and a perfect galaxy of talent against him. The Representatives fi-om the two north and south extremes of the State were indiflerent about the road, for neither extremes of the road affected them. Eventually, the Repre- sentatives of Cleveland and Cincinnati con- ceived the idea of projecting the proposed road from the lake at Cleveland to Cincinnati, on the Ohio River. They at once interested themselves in the project, and went to work with ]Mi-. Hosford. They found an old charter bearing date of 1836. This charter was re- vived on the 15th day of March, 1845, and the road was completed in 1851, and knowTi as the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Rail- road. It is a fact little known that jMi*. Hosford never put forth any urgent claims to this honor, and has never made any clamorous demands for recognition in this respect. It is fitting in this place, to give him the credit he deserves, and recognize in him the chief worker in the interests of Galion for this rail- road. The success following this enterprise was great ; it took Galion from the woods and gave her a highway to the markets of the world. A great boon was this railroad to Gal- ion; her greatest era must date from its com- pletion; the natural gi'owth and prosperity of Galion were immediately advanced ; there were no valuable water privileges ; there were no rich veins of mineral wealth hidden beneath the soil. Galion had heretofore existed as a mere convenient center for agricultural interests; there was now a road that brought foreign produce and articles of home consumption to their doors, and which took in retm'n the wheat and corn and pork of their own pro- duction. For years, Polk and Galion had gone abroad with their products in search of a market. Now there was a reversal of condi- tions — Galion was now a market, and others came to her to trade. Sandusky, Milan, Mon- roeville and Mansfield were only casually men- tioned, and but few interests remained to call the citizens of Galion to these places. New settlers could reach the township and village with greater ease; goods and household fur- niture could be brought cheaper than by the long roads with cumbersome wagons across the mountains, through swamps and long reaches of wilderness. Gradually the property left the possession of the Ruhls, but they yet retained an influ- ence and had considerable power in shaping the destiny of Galion. The lands changed hands rapidly; new buildings were erected, of amoi'e modern style; new interests arose; the occupations of a large number of the citizens were changed, and fi'om a countiy towTi Galion rapidly assumed the habits and manners of a railroad center. In the year 1840, Galion ■^pv 450 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was advanced to tlie dignity of a borough, the definite date of which is not known. At this time, the population of Sandusky Town- ship was G79, and as near as can be determined, the population of Gallon within its present limits, was, in 1849, but 379. Surely there must have been a sparse settlement in 1840; however, as small as it was, she elected Joel Todd for her first Mayor. The first brick block in the village was erected in 1839, by Davis & Bloomer, on the northeast corner of the square, where for many years they carried on the dry-goods business. It was generally known as the " village store." This building is yet standing, and is occupied. The brick which forms it were made by Dr. Beard on the ground where now stands the Capitol Hotel. The Doctor found ample time between epidemics to manufacture brick. The first brick building for a residence was built by John Buhl, on the property at the Comers, and is the little brick on what is known as the J. R. Clynyr property. This was followed by the brick, in the east part of the city, now known as the Harding property. Thus it will be seen that there were but three brick buildings within the present limits of the city of Gallon in 1839, and each of them put on quite an aristocratic appearance. This can be readily understood when we know that the fii'st fi'ame building in the township was erected by Asa Hosford on the public square in the year 1832. The charter for the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad was issued Februaiy 25, 1848; it was completed in 1859, and consolidated with the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, forming what is now called the Indianapolis Division of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cin- cinnati Railroad; strips of land, 180 feet wide, extending from Main street to Atlantic & Great AVestem crossing, and fi-om South Mar- ket street to the old junction of the Indian- apolis branch with the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati road, were donated to the com- pany by Alpheus Atwood. The old Bellefon- taine & Indianapolis shops were finished in 1854. Thomas Quigley was the first master mechanic; he took the first engine, " Wash- ington," over the road. The roundhouse was destroyed by fire in 1866, but was immediately rebuilt. When the road was completed from Gallon to Marion in 1852, the shops were located at the latter place. A. M. Stewart, of Gallon, was one of the first workmen employed. He afterward, in 1863, with Mr. Duck, built the cattle yards and sheds in Gallon. H. S. Camp, also a resident of Gallon, was employed by the company for many years at this point as agent; he sold the first ticket at Marion, using a box car for an office; the money and tickets were carried home with him every night in a tin box. Previous to the completion of this road to Gallon and the location of its shops here, there were no resi- dences south of J. U. Bloomer's residence on South Market street. Many persons, at that time, desiring to take a walk into the country, would go no farther than the residence of J. U. Bloomer's, and the present site of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad depot was well into the suburbs. The Atlantic & Great Western was finished through Gallon in 1863, and the shops built shortly after the completion of the road. In 1871-72, the large brick shops were erected, and a new impetus was given to the building interests of Gallon. These railroads, with their immense shops, constitute the life and vitality of Gallon. It has been estimated that not less than 65 per cent of our present population is composed of railroad men and their families, and the average monthly sum paid out to the employes residing in Gallon was, five years ago, over $45,000. Since then the amount has increased to a much greater extent. The men from the shops of the Cleve- :i£ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 451 land, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, were removed to the new shops at Brightwood some few years ago ; they retained some hands here, and the blacksmith departr ment is of greater extent than at the time of removal; there are upward of a hundred men in the old shops. There are at present twenty- two day-men in engine house, and twenty- three night-men; there are thirty-five helpers and forgers; twenty-three in machine shop, and twenty-two in car department. There are ninety-eight engineers and firemen, anJ the whole number of men in the employ of this company and residing in Gallon is very near four hundi'ed. Among the old and well- tried engineers, running now on these divisions, are A. B. Quigley, who commenced in 1852; John Brunton, 1855; William Smith, 1853; Jerry Myers, Samuel Rule, Samuel Alleman, 1860. The Ohio & Pennsylvania shops are now in a prosperous condition; the men are working over hours. The immense undertaking of nar- rowing the gauge of the road from 6 feet to the standard of 4 feet 8| inches, has caused the narrowing of all the engines, and shoi-ten- ing the trucks on all the cars. Before the large shops were built, a portion of the roundhouse was utilized as a shop. There are accommoda- tions for twenty-two engines in the round- house. All the water used about the works comes from the creek, where the company have a pump. This is about a quarter of a mile north on Edward street. The fii'st super- intendent of the third and fourth divisions was H. D. Chapin, who remained for about one and a half years. Mr. T. A. Phillipps succeeded Mr. Chapin, and has retained the position ever since. On the Gth day of Jan- uary, 1880, the Atlantic & Great AVestern was sold by the foreclosure of mortgages, and passed into the hands of the Ohio & Pennsyl- vania Company. No sooner had they taken possession than they began to plan for the narrowing of the gauge, and the general im- provement of the road. All being ready, on the 22d day of June, ISSO, the signal was given, and from end to end of the road, men labored with might and main. This work had been so skillfully planned, every difficixlty anticipated, and all preparations so accurately made, that the road was narrowed in less than half a day. Very few trains were delayed, and hardly a break occurred in the great business of this road. The work of narrowing engines is yet going on, the average cost being $1,600. If a new boiler and fire-box are re- quired, the expense runs upward of $3,000. The machine shop proper contains the loco- motive works, the smith-shop and carpenter- shop. Just west of the roundhouse, there is a building occupied as rail-shop. The cost of all the buildings connected with local work has been estimated at nearly $100,000. The first master mechanic of these shops was James Ball; the date at which Ball took possession was 1864; H. M. Sprague succeeded IVIr. Ball in 1866; Mr. Sprague remained till 1869, when Allen Cook succeeded him; in 1873, C. W. Butts succeeded Cook; it was during the stay of Mr. Butts that a large poi-tion of the machinery was put in place; on the 1st of July, William Hill became the master me- chanic, and has retained his position ever since. INIr. Hill made large additions to the tools, and successively introduced new ma- chinery. In the same office with IMr. Hill are INIr. P. H. Martin, locomotive clerk for third and fom-th divisions, and Samuel Parsons, assistant locomotive clerk for third and foiu-th divisions. Both these gentlemen have been long connected with the shops here, and are well acquainted with all the minutiae and de- tails of their history. A. M. Brown is fore- man of the machine shop; William Price, foreman of blacksmith-shop; Robert Laird, 452 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. foreman of boiler-shop ; James Spittle, foreman of coppL'rsmith-shop; A. M. Ball is engine dispatcher and foreman of I'oundhouse, and is the oldest man on the road; Ed Schi'ock is store-keeper; A. N. Monroe is foreman of carjientcr-shoi^ ; C. H. Newell, foreman paint- shop; Hugh Ross has charge of the rail-shop, and Col. J. W. Holmes is superintendent of car I'epairs. Among some of the oldest en- gineers connected with the road are L. N. Harriman, J. T. Pinckney, J. T. AVright, J. C. Bull, J. M. Dando and E. A. Gurley. For several months the average number of men employed in the shops has been 302, including engineers and firemen of third and foui'th divisions. The average pay to each man by the day is $1.93, excluding those employed by the month, whose pay monthly amounts to $710. The average monthly pay to the shop department is $21,500. All this does not include the superintendent's office. There the pay-rolls are made up of the conductors, brake- men, and the monthly men in their depart- ment. For some considerable time, the subject of making Galiou a city of the second class had been in contemplation. A number of times a vote was taken and the people declined to favor it. Finally, in 1878, a charter was se- cured, and an election ordered. The city is divided into foui' wards, each of which was entitled to two Councilmen. Abraham Under- wood was elected Mayor the last election before the charter was received. James R. Homer was elected Mayor; John D. De Golley, Solic- itor; H. C. Sponhauer, Treasurer. Members of Council— First Ward, M. Wisler and C. R. Miller; Second Ward, H. Helfrich and D. Hoover; Third Ward, Samuel Myers and A. Long; Fom-th Ward, David Mackey and P. Daily. D. T. Price, Marshal. The names and the date of the election of each Mayor, fi'om the advance of Gallon to a borough, up to the time of the charter election, are given below with as much accuracy as is possible. Joel Todd, 1840, Daniel Hoover, 1846 (:Mr. Hoover resigned one year after election, to take the post office under President Polk); Alpheus Atwood, unknown; George Downer, unknown; Andrew Poe, 1858; W. C. Parsons, 1860 and 1862; Charles Quigley, 1864; Peter Cress, 1866; M. V. Payne, 1868; O. T. Hart, 1870; M. Burns, 1872 (resigned, and Samuel Myers elected to finish the term) ; Jacob Meu- ser, 1874 (resigned, and Wilson Armstrong elected to serve out the term) ; W. I. Goshorn, 1876; Abraham Underwood, 1878; charter election was in 1879, and J. R. Homer elected first Mayor of the city. Part of the time while Gallon was a borough, the term of office for mayor was two years, the balance of the time being but for one year. The assessed valuation of Gallon was, in 1860, $374,757; in 1870, $750,578; in 1870, it was $1,500,330, and in 1880, about $2,120,- 000. There was no separate census of Gallon prior to 1860, at which time the population was 1,965. In 1870, the population had in- creased to 3,523. At the present census (1880) there is a population of 5,634. Since 1874, the population has increased over 2,000, and the valuation has increased about $1,250,- 000. In 1874, the city and school debt of Gallon was $74,792. In October, 1880, the debt is about $17,000, and provisions are made for liquidating the last cent of indebt- edness in 1873. By that time, Gallon will be ready for new enterprises and projects for advancement toward her destiny. Of the various industries of the city of Gallon, we may mention " The Gallon Machine Works" as entitled to notice, as they deserve a much greater consideration than is generally accorded them. The immense railroad-shops in the near vicinity overshade them in impor- '.k. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY 453 tance, but, when we examine into the business of these works, it will be discovered that good woi'k has been done. They were established in 1854, and at the time of starting, the works consisted of one fi'ame building, which was devoted to the casting of small articles used mostly by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1856, the foundry was destroyed by fire, but by the energy of the proprietors, Messrs Squier & Homer, it was soon rebuilt, and in one month fi-om the fire was at work in the new quarters. In 1858, the machine shop was added by a INIr. Holms, who was the o^voier of the same for eight years, at the expiration of which time he was succeeded by J. B. Mc- Clinton, who shortly afterward associated his brother with him as a partner, under the firm name of McClinton & Brother. This was the style for three years, when the firm was known as McClinton & Co., and remained as such until July, 1875, when the present owners (the latter going into the firm in 1807) took sole charge of the machine shop. The machine shop and main building is a two story brick, 30x50 feet; the engine-room, 20x25 feet; the foundiy-room, 40x<30 feet; co^e-room, 12x20 feet. There are, in addition to these different departments, a paint and blacksmith shop and a pattern and storage room. All of these buildings occupy on the ground a surface of 132x150 feet. Constant employment is given to fifteen men, all of whom are experts in the different departments wherein they work. The engine has a power of twenty-five horse, and the machinery is of the best and most approved patterns and fully adequate to the pm'poses intended. Both members of the firm are prac- tical molders and have worked for wages. They are the kind of men that lead in their trades, and whose word and integrity are un- questioned. The senior member of the fii'm had charge of Woodruff & Beach's machine shop, at Hartford, Conn., for a number of years. J. R. Homer has held the office of United States Gauger for the Eighteenth Dis- trict; he has also been member of the Board of Education. IVIi-. Homer landed in Gallon with 50 cents in his pocket. This, with his honorable character and integrity, has made him one of the most respected citizens in the city. He was elected Mayor (although a Re- publican in principle) in a largely Democratic city, at the fii'st charter elected in Gallon. His 50 cents, with the other requisites, have brought him a fine residence, with other real estate, and a good paying business. His part- ner, Mr. A. C. Squier, is also a man of in- domitable will and perseverance. He is a master mechanic, and was connected with the machine works of Welch, Gray & Co., Bristol, Conn. This firm is manufactui'ing largely portable and stationary steam engines. Star feed cutters, saw-mills, wood-saws, etc. They also do all kinds of foundry work, and are prepared to repair engines, threshers, mowers and farming implements. The shops are lo- cated on Washington street, east of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Rail- road Freight Office. One of the most important considerations in the advantages of a city is its banking facili- ties. Much of the prosperity of a city may depend upon the integrity of these institu- tions. Like all other powers, with capabili- ties of working good, they may, when misused, be the instrument of great harm. When badly managed or dishonestly conducted, they may plunge a city into distress, paralyze man- ufactures, and bring disaster andniin to almost every industry. Diu'ing the last financial panic, when neighboring cities were so sucL denly plunged into debt and bankruptcy, and the whole county suffered so severely, the banks of Gallon stood fii*m and true to the interests of all trusts reposed in them. There are now in operation two national banks. iht. 454 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Their career, from the first beginning to the present, has been one of prosperity. They both enjoy the confidence of the community, and their credit is enviable. So it has ever been in the whole history of the banking busi- ness of Gallon. Not one cent has ever been lost to a depositor, nor has any one ever suf- fered from bad credit. The first bank estab- lished in Gallon was a private institution, owTied and conducted by John S. Davis and John U. Bloomer. They commenced opera- tions in the year 1852. It was not a bank of issue, nor has there ever been such a one in Gallon. This bank was located in the room now occupied by C. Fox as a clothing store, on East Main street. For seven or eigfht years, these gentlemen conducted their busi- ness with profit to themselves and convenience to the people. On the 22d day of February, 186-4, the First National Bank was organized. It ab- sorbed within itself the private bank of Davis & Bloomer, these gentlemen entering prom- inently into the new organization. The First National Bank of Gallon has a capital stock of ^50,000, divided into 500 shares of $100 each. The first Pi'esident of the concern was C. S. Crimm; J. IT. Bloomer was Cashier, and Miles Hosford, Teller. Crimm remains Presi- dent; O. L. Hays is Cashier, and W. P. Stentz, Assistant Cashier. The banking-rooms are conveniently and pleasantly located in the First National Bank Building, on the north- west corner of the public square. The Citizens' Bank was organized July 25, 1866. There was invested a capital stock of $20,000. The fii'st officers were John Beatty, President, and J. H. Green, Cashier. The bank was conducted under the above title for about six years. The rooms were in the building on South Market street, now owned by Dr. C. S. Coyle. On the 2d day of June 1872, it was incorporated as a national bank, at the same time the capital stock being in- creased to $60,000. About the year 1872, the association bought ground on the southeast corner of the square, and erected a brick block, and removed the bank to this place. The President is I. H. Pennock; Vice President, A. Long; Cashier, J. H. Green, and Assistant Cashier, Austin Lowe. The Citizens' Building Association, of Gal- ion, was organized the 3d of August, 1872. The authority upon which this association is founded is as follows: We, the undersigned residents and citizens of the incorporated village of Galion, Ohio, to wit, James H. Green, J. G. Meuser, S. G. Cummings, Henry Nau and C. Ernst Klopp, desiring to organize a company for the purpose of raising moneys to be loaned among the members of such company for use in buying lots, or houses, or building or repairing houses, agree to be- come a body corporate, under the act of the Legisla- ture of the State of Ohio, passed May 5, 1868, and the amendments thereto, and upon the terms and con- ditions following, to wit: The name and style of (he company shall be "The Citizens' Building Association of Galion, Ohio," and its place of doing business at Galion, in Crawford County. The capital stock of the company shall be three hundred thousand dollars, divided into fifteen hundred shares of two hundred dollars each. In testimony whereof, the parties afore- said have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals this 3d day of August, A. D. 1872. J. H. Green, J. G. Meuser, S. G. Cummings, H. Nau, C. Ernst Klopp. The officers, at the time of organization, were David Mackey, President ; J. G. Meuser, Secretary; Citizens National Bank, Treasurer. Directors — David Mackey, S. G. Cummings, C. Ernst Klopp, A. M. Brown, F. A. Keen, James Marshman, J. Jacob Schaefer. The shares have been reduced to about 1,000, the limit being between 500 and 1,500. This association is a solid concern, and is of real benefit in assisting worthy persons to build, ^ r?a>^-^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUN^TY. 479 ing belonging to Mr. Rndiger, and situated near the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad depot. The next year, they built a small frame church building on East Main street, near the railroad. After some time the congregation bought the prop- erty on South Union street, and north of the union school building. Here they erected a neat and tidy brick church. It was small, but of sufficient size to accommodate the grow- ing congregation. The parsonage was on the same ground. In 1865, the chm-ch was erected, and a parochial school was commenced at the same time. The priest at this time was Father John P. Pitts. He, in addition to church duties, took charge of the parochial school. In 1867, St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's con- gregations separated, and each society con- ducted a parochial school. In 1873, St. Pat- rick's society erected the fine brick church in the eastern part of Gallon. At this time, Father Girardin conducted the chm'ch and school. In 1877, St. Joseph's congregation purchased the property on the corner of Lib- erty and Church streets. This is the block of three lots, and the first brick schoolhouse in Polk Township. The congregation have remodeled the building, so that it now con- stitutes the parsonage, parochial school and church. Father Girardin left, by orders from Bishop Gilmore, and was replaced by Father Ksempker, who at present has charge. It is the intention of St. Joseph's Society to erect, in 1881, a fine brick church on one of their vacant lots south of the present building In October, 1869, the Rev. George S. Da- vis commenced missionary work in Gallon, in the interests of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He performed the service, and preached on alternate Sabbaths. His minis- trations were continued for about six months. Early in December, preliminary steps were taken for the organization of a parish, and the name of " Grace " was selected for the mission. No application was made at this time for admission to the convention. The first vestry were then elected, and were as fol- lows : Ml-. Ball, Senior AVarden ; Horace Hard- ing, Junior Warden and Clerk of Vestry. T. A. Phillips, Charles Horn, Vestrymen. Commu- nicants — Mr. Ball, C. Horn, H. Harding and wife, E. M. Sibley and wife, Ikli-s. A. W. Ball, Mrs. George Stowell, Mrs. T. H. Bancroft, Mrs. W. Smith. Sei'vices were then held in the Baptist Church building, on Walnut street. After IVIr. Davis ceased his labors in Gallon, the service was occasionally read by Messrs. Trimble, Doolittle and others. At length, however, all service ceased, and the church remained quiet and inactive for the space of three years. On Satm-day, July 5, 1873, Mr. Hillyar came to take charge of the church. No preparation being made for serv- ices, he spent his first Sabbath in visiting members and families. He found them hope- ful and in earnest spirits, with a fair amount of church attachment. On July 14, service was held in the chapel of the schoolhouse, after which the use of the hall of Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers was solicited and secured. In the afternoon after the first service in this hall, committees were appointed, and Bible and Sunday-school classes were formed. In the year 1874, a piece of ground was purchased on South Union street, of ^Mr. Fisher, for $650. Ground was soon broken, and a chm'ch edifice erected after a plan sub- mitted by the Bishop and designed by Lloyd & Peai'ce, of Detroit, Michigan. The fii-st services in the new church were held on June 27, 1875, fifth Sunday after Trinity. On December 19, 1875, the Rev. Marcellus Kar- cher, from the diocese of Central Pennsylva- nia, took charge of the mission, and entered upon his duties. He remained till October 1, 1876. During his stay, the ladies of the ^k^ 480 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. claiirch reduced the debt of $1,100 to $800. On May 25, 1870, the Festival of the Ascen- sion, the church was consecrated. Much was due to T. A. Phillips, who personally assumed the debt of $300, that the chiu'ch might have consecration. This chiirch building is a model of neat- ness and excellent arrangement. Its dimen- sions are ample, its proportions handsome, the appointments are elegant and complete. The entrance is on the northeast, facing east, the aisle running north and south. The en- trance to the vestry is on the southeast corner, on the right of the chancel. To the left of the chancel is the organ, which is one of the finest in the city. The woodwork and fur- nishings are of late design and richest finish. This little gem is well wortliy of the pride taken in it by the members of " Grace " Church. The present Rector of Grace Church is Kev. Samuel T. Street, who took charge in Febru- ary, 1880. There are twenty-nine communi- cants in the chiu'ch, and a well-conducted Sabbath school of about fifty members. Gallon has among her citizens a large num- ber of young men, who work hard and faith- fully in the shops, or on the road, or wherever their business calls them. A large portion of these men are single, or have but one room where they board. In consequence (as it is in all manuf actiiring towns) secret societies are in favor, and are generally well patronized. Some of these societies are merely specula- tive, but there is a constant danger of death and mangling in the particular work that engages a large proportion of the citizens, and a species of insurance is united with the advantages of a club-room. There are no less than five of the latter societies, consisting of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, American Legion of Honor. Among speculative secret societies are three of Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, two Blue Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, and one Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- sons. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, Division No. 16, meets every Monday evening in Engineers' Hall, East Main street, A. G. Bryan, C. E. ; Robert Boyd, F. A. E. ; J. R. Belton Corresponding Seci'etary and In- surance Agent. The Brotherhood of Locomo- tive Firemen, Union Lodge No. 5, meets on Sunday afternoon of each week in B. of L. E. Hall, A. N. Jenkinson, M., Theo. Woolley, R. S. Knights of Honor, Mutual Lodge No. 32, meets on the second Monday and foui-th Tuesday of each month, in Long's Block, southeast side of public square; E. J. Hann, D.; A. E. Reed, R. Royal Ai'canum, Galion Council No. 20, meets in the hall of the K. of H., first Thursday and third Friday of each month ; J. R. Homer, R. M. ; J. T. Ryone, Sec- retary. Eureka Lodge, No. 138, American Legion of Honor, meets in Odd Fellows' Hall, on second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month ; J. T. Ryone, C. ; A. Lewis, Sec- retary. Beside these named, there are many societies formed for mutual relief, social ad- vantages, and literary entertaimnent. All deaths in this community of membei's of insur- ance societies have been promptly paid, and all of the above associations are respected. But little difference exists in the principle upon which each is founded. The American Legion of Honor differs from the others chiefiy in admitting ladies to full member- ship. The charter of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., bears date of Oct. 17, 18G0. (A. L. 5860.) The petitioners to the Grand Lodge were, Jo- seph Hikketh, H. C. Carhart, William S. Paul, S. Stieger, P. W. Webber, C. Hostetter, A. C. Allen, H. S. Camp, H. M. Duff, J. Sedick, O. Lam, John C. Snyder, James S. Potter, Z. E. Ban-ett, C. D. Fullington, A. S. Skilton, William Smith, A. S. Caton, M. M. Camp, ^ HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY 481 Israel Belton, A. Beny, D. L. Dye, E. A. Browii, T. P. Harding, A. Poe, Albert Wal- ter, H. L. Fostney. These petitioners had been working successfully under a dispensa- tion, and, having a room properly furnished, the charter was granted, and signed by Horace M. Stokes, M. W. G. M., and J. D. Caldwell, Grand Secretary. Fidelity Lodge has well-furnished and am- ple rooms in the third story of Hackadorn's Block. The first officers wei'e: Joseph Hil- di-eth, W. M.; H. G. Carhart, S. W.; and Henry M. Duff, J. W. The officers for the present year (1880) are as follows: J. R. Homer, W. M. ; A. W. Lewis, S. W. ; J. R. Belton, J. W.; W. R. Davis, Treasurer; T. G. Barlow, Secretary; J. G. Mamott, S. D.; J. E. Miles, J. D. ; and S. B. Nute, Tiler. Masomy took a deep hold upon the aflfec- tions of the people, and the number of its votaries increased. Li the year 1868, it was decided to create a new Lodge. The follow- ing-named brethren had been working under a dispensation from Grand Master Matthius, and petitioned the Grand Lodge on the 21st of October, 1868, as follows: " To the Grand Lodge of the most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of the State of Ohio, convened and assembled at the city of Dayton, Ohio, greeting. L. H. York, G. W. Barker, Y. C. Case, Jerry Wemple, H. L. Gordon, A. W. Ball, C. H. Home, John Swisher, J. C. Hart- zler, Brock Quigley, having heretofore assem- bled under dispensation fi'om Grand Master Matthius, now pray for a charter under title of Gallon Lodge No. 414. Brother J. W. Holmes, Master; M. P. McGregor, Senior War- den; James A. Larnerd, Junior Warden. City of Dayton, Oct. 21, A. D. 1868, Era of Ma- sonry 5868." The charter was granted, and both lodges worked in their lodge rooms in Hockadorn's Block, southwest corner of the square, until the winter of 1879. Diu'ing the spring of 1878 a dispensation for a charter was secured, in accordance with a petition from J. W. Holmes, H. A. Cooper, H. R. Kelly, Samuel Wagner, G. W. Bui-t, O. L. Hays, J. Campbell, William Smith, A. B. Quigley, M. B. Mann, W. H. Raymond, John Swisher, Jeremiah Wemple, Brock Quigley, H. L. English, J. S. Graham, Albert Cook, C. J. Home, George W. James, John Blythe, J. R. Homer, A. S. Caton, T. H. Lindsley. This dispensation was granted, and the Chapter worked under it till Oct. 11, 1878, Year of Discovery 2408, at which time a char- ter was granted by the Grand Chapter of Ohio, convened at Columbus. J. W. Underhill, Grand High Priest; J. B. Hovey, Deputy Grand High Priest; Daniel A. Scott, Grand King; J. H. Chamberlain, Grand Scribe. Attest: James Nesbitt, Grand Secretary. First officers of Crawford Chapter No. 142, were George W. Biu't, High Priest; Otho L. Hays, King; William H. Raymond, Scribe. These three lodges were prosperous, and were con- stantly gaining in wealth and numbers. Soon after the formation of the Chapter, many of the Masons conceived the idea of fiu'nishing a new lodge-room. David Mackey was about building a tine three-story block on South Market street. The new lodge. No. 414, and the Chapter, seciured the upper story of this block, and had it finished under their own supervision. Every convenience of modern lodge-rooms was provided, and the room was divided with such accm-acy as regards con- venience and utility that it is practically per- fect. It is fm*nished in a beaiitif ul manner, with all the taste that refinement could sug- gest and money procure. They removed to the new lodge room in the winter of 1879. The main room is of fine proportions; the floor covered by a fine Brussels carpet, and the windows secured by inside shutters. A ^c ihL 483 HISTOKY OF CKAWrORD COUNTY. magnificent secretary's desk in one corner is harmonized by a fine imitation pipe organ in the opposite corner. The chairs are all of black walnut, those in the lodge-room of a dif- ferent pattern from those in the banquet-room. A library and banquet room are separated by sliding doors, and can be easily made into one. A kitchen, with a fine cooking range, with all the kitchen furnitiu'e, connects with the ban- quet-room. An ample pantry has its shelves full of table-ware. In short, this lodge-room and its accompaniments is well worthy of the pride taken in it, and a seat among the breth- ren is an honor of which one may feel proud. The present officers of Gallon Lodge No. 414, are as follows: John Blythe, W. M. ; L. H. York, S. W. ; D. S. Quigley, J. W. ; M. L. Hack- adorn, Treasvu'er; H. A. Cooper, Secretary; J. E. Williams, S. D.; T. M. Miller, J. D.; William Smith, Tiler. Officers of Crawford Chapter No. 142: G. W. Burt, H. P.; J. R. Homer, King; J. Blythe, Scribe; J.W.Holmes, Captain Host; H. A. Cooper, P. S.; D. S. Quigley, R. A. C; G. M. 3d V.; A. S. Caton, G. M. 2d V.; A. Cloak, G. M. 1st v.; W. H. Raymond, Treasurer; L. H York, Secretary; AVilliam Smith, Guard. The first subordinate lodge of the I. O. O. F. was instituted on the 9th day of March, 1853. The charter members of Gallon Lodge No. 215, are as follows: The Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, by authority of a charter from the Grand Lodge of the United States, do hereby grant this warrant or dispensation to U. S. Baker, D. M. Barton, D. W. Roberts, P. D. Connell, A. S. Caton, David Hiltabital, M. B. Payne, F. Ashbaugh, John P. Wisterman, John Crawford, Edward Kenyon, Charles Roberts, J. C. McQuaid, J. E. McQuaid, J. P. Smith, C. I. Hutchinson, D. L. Dye, and Sig- mund Baker. Done at Dayton, Ohio, the 20th day of January, 1853. Instituted March 9, 1853. This lodge met in several localities before they secured a permanent location. They built the third story to the brick block erected by IVIi*. Hostetter, and now owned by H. C. Carhart. The large German population in Gallon induced them to organize the Ober Rhein Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 604. They were granted a charter or dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the 12th day of May, 1875. It was instituted June 16, 1875. The charter mem- bers are Charles Slapp, Heinrich Reusch, Wilhelm Biehl, John Lorsch, Wilhelm Hol- lander, Heinrich Straub, Jacob Gugler, Freid- rich Koppe, John J. Sang, John Gaushorn, Jacob Schupp, Carl Storck, Hermann Mann- hardt. This lodge also met in different places before they were permanently located. Aug. 4, 1869, the Lebonah Encampment of Patriarchs No. 123, was instituted. The date of their charter was May 5, 1869. The char- ter members are William Rogers, W. W. Schafier, J. J. Rick, Hugh Ross, Henry Ogden, C. J. Slater, and A. M. Brown The two subordinate lodges and the Encampment are now located in the third story of Kesselmier's Block. Their lodge-room is beautifully pro- portioned jand handsomely finished. The walls are of artificial granite, and the em- blems of the order are hung around in beau- tiful order, and have a striking effect. They have their lodge excellently furnished, and the furniture is good. The ceiling is lavishly decorated in stucco work, and the beautiful chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, give, at night, a beautiful effect. The officers of Gallon Lodge are: Alex Bookwalter, N. G.; J. W. Coulter, V. G.; John Hart, Secretary. The officers of Ober Rhein Lodge are: Sam- uel Myers, N. G. ; Jesse Emmenigger, V. G. ; Jacob Ritzhaupt, Secretary. The officers of Lebonah Encampment are, W. G. Goshorn, C. T.; Samuel Dice, J. W.; W. W. Shaeflfer, Treasurer; Simon Bookwalter, Scribe. 1^ ;v \1 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY. 483 The older members of a family, emigi-ating from well-settled districts and wealthy com- munities, had advantages of education that pertain to such places ; but, in bringing their children to a new countiy, not the least bless- ing left in the old home is the privilege of education. First, cabins must be built, land cleared, roads made, clothing provided, and each hand must assist in bringing about them the necessities of life. Generally, for a few years there are not families enough in the community to support a teacher. Some few endeavor to impart a little instruction, in a rudimentary manner, at home. Finally the time arrives when families enough, by com- bined efforts, can support a school. The first schoolhouse erected in Galion was located in the near vicinity of C. Scrim's resi- dence, on West Main street, in 1822. There was no district formed. No parliamentary point obstructed the progress. No red tape or circumlocution hampered the completion of the work. This was a community of primi- tive ways and simple habits. There was a sudden awakening to the necessity of educa- tion, and of having a schoolhouse, and an instinctive impression that it could be built and a school supported. Acting upon this spontaneous impulse, the citizens came to- gether with their teams, axes, and all the tools and apparatus required. It was a round-log schoolhouse, with a clapboard roof. Poles were crossed on the ceiling and stuffed with moss; over this was plastered clay. Sections of logs were cut out for windows, of which there were three. Frames were made for these windows by Mr. George Wood, who was a carpenter; and, that the force of this remark may not be lost, we will merely state that the frames were an advance upon the ordinary foiTQ of window, which was generally a hole in the cabin, with greased paper covering it in the winter. A large fire-place, oj^ening into a chimney of sticks and clay, occupied one end of the building. The seats were of split logs, or slabs with the flat side up, holes bored slanting near the ends, and long pegs di'iven in to form benches. The most difficult of all feats to perform was to keep all four legs on the floor at one time. A few boards were se- cured, which were' attached to the walls around the building, to be utilized as writing desks. The building, when finished, was rude and uncouth in appearance, somewhat dark in the interior, but warm ; but it was the beginning of school. The germ of education was planted in the midst of the settlement; how well it took root, and grew from year to year; how it was carefully nurtiu-ed and cared for, and the grand result, the perfection of the school system, till now there seems little more to do — is evident to all. Mr. David Gill possessed an education, and a knowledge of business forms, in advance of his associates in Galion. It was conceded by all that he should first have the honor of teaching the youth of Gal- ion. Accordingly, we find him duly installed, with full authority at once with the book and the birch. The pay for the teacher and sup- port of the school did not come from assess- ments, but by subscription. No regulai* set of books wei'e studied. The Bible was fre- quently the reader, and Webster's old spelling- book was in requisition. The settlement increased in population, new families arrived each yeai', and younger chil- di'en became old enough to go to school. The child six years of age studied by the side of the boy sixteen years old. The necessities of education made a new demand upon the peo- ple. Not only was a lai-ger building needed, but pride stepped in and demanded that the new building should be better, neater and finer in every respect possible. The old grave- yard on West Main street was selected as the site of the new schoolhouse. Here a "scutched" ^ K 484 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, log schoolhouse was erected. The logs were lightly hewed on the outside after the build- ing was erected. This schoolhouse was used for religious worship, and was the first public building used for that purpose. In the year 1834, this building burned down. The next building erected for school purposes was a hewed-log building, on what is now Joel Rib- let's property, on North Market street. The gable ends were sided up and painted red; the roof was of shaved oak shingles ; the walls were chinked with clay, mud, and stone. Here, in the third schoolhouse built in Galion, we find the slab seats are yet predominant. An improvement existed, however, by the innovation of desks. These were made some- thing in the shape of a box, with poplar boards. A feature of this school was a piece of furniture called the dunce block. It was separated from the other seats, and generally placed in the aisle or near the teacher's desk. More than one father and mother of Galion can now bring to recollection the shame and confusion they experienced when occupying this lowly seat. But nothing could be added to the shame, when, occupying the dunce block, the " fool's cap " was placed on the head. These modes of punishment were in full vogue during the long time Mr. John Stauffer taught, and were generally not con- sidered inappropriate. We doubt very much that a teacher would be sustained for a single day in such a course at this time. This old building outlived its usefulness as a hall of learning, and now does duty on the lot north as a wagon shop, owned l)y Jacob Henenom. Most of the middle-aged citizens of Galion, who obtained their rudimentary education here, have attended school in this building. It was in this building that the first Sabbath school was organized, by Sarah Ruhl and IVIrs. Dr. Johnson. It was while this bviild- ing was in use that the township had been divided into districts. The town of Galion was made a sej^arate district or subdistrict, and was called No. 9. In 1845, the enumer- ation of school children for this district was 124. As we have stated, the last log schoolhouse had yet slab seats ; but, as soon as Polk Town- ship was organized, the officers of School Dis- trict No. 9 began to make improvements. Among the first innovations was a change in the pattern of the seats. We give below a contract between the directors and George Rensch, for this improvement: "Ai'ticle of agreement made and entered into this 20th day of October, 1846. The Direct- ors of District No. 9 of the first part, and George Rensch, of the second part, of Galion, Polk Township, Crawford County, and State of Ohio. Whereas, the said George Rensch does agree to make fifteen seats and fifteen desks, four feet long; desks eighteen inches wide, seats ten inches broad; one double desk and two seats eight feet long, with a division board in the south, a seat to be made at the end of every desk, and a platform four feet square, raised six inches from the floor, with a desk on it four feet long, eighteen inches wide, to be placed down the back to the seat that is to be put in front, with a seat to be placed behind the desk; likewise one batten door and hung, glass put in the windows, and patch the plastering, and furnish all the ma- terial. The work to be finished on or before the fifteenth of November, next, and done in a workmanlike manner. All of the work to be nailed together. And the aforesaid direct- ors doth agree to pay the said George Rensch the sum of $20, when the work is done as described above. Signed and sealed in pres- ence of witnesses. Witness, J. V. Bloomer, G. C. Wrenn. Directors, Isaac Wiley, Peter Cross, George Rensch." This third and last log school building was erected in 1834. t IV HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 483 The old system of select school teaching continued for some time after the Aki'on school law was enacted. Select schools were taught side by side with the public system, until the comparison became odious. It was not strange that all could not see the grand possibilities of the new system; neither was the law, or its execution perfected, as it now is. Schools were opened and taught as an educational factory, exactly as one would open a door or shop, depending upon the patronage of the people. Education was doled out at so much per month, by teachers who were their own censors. If a scholar was sick, or from any cause likely to be detained from school, a brother or sister could attend, and fill up the lost time. Thus the deficiency was made good, and all were satisfied. There were always a number of teachers who would solicit pupils for each term; these teachers supplied a want in the earlier days that was very necessary to the settlers. In many cases, where the people could not afford a schoolhouse, these teachers would rent a room, and thus enable the school to go on. They generally went from house to house and solic- ited pupils. They would set forth the pe- culiar advantages of their system, and dilate upon their marvelous facilities for discipline. They charged a certain sum for each pupil, and agreed to teach a definite length of time. These teachers were their own censors. No board of examiners made them tremble and fear and grow sick with the dread of a failure. Their authority was complete. No laws of State or town interfered with them. Many of these old style -teachers were faithful in their work, and taught good schools. Among some of them were David Gill, Phai'es Jack- son, John Morrison, Joel Todd, James Dun- lap. Later on, before the building of the first brick schoolhouse in Gallon, a select school was tauofht in the old frame Methodist Church, on West Main street, by Miss Rebecca Hosford, now Mrs. Maxfield. Soon after this school, Miss White, now the wife of IMr. H. C. Cai'hart, taught a select school in the old hotel building, near the northwest corner of the square, now occupied as a barber shop. In the earlier times, the teacher often boarded around from house to house, visiting the home of each pupil. In many respects, this was a good custom, as it brought the parents and teacher in closer relation, and developed a greater interest in the progress of their chil- di-en. Finally, came the Akron school law, in 1847. This was the basis upon which ovu' present perfected school system was fou.nded. When this law came into force, Gallon had grown and increased in population to that extent that new schools and a broader system was needed. To meet the requirements of this law, the schoolhouse now occupied by St. Joseph's Catholic society, was built. It was a large building for the times, and furnished abun- dant room. The first brick schoolhou.se in the township, it was a matter of pride with the inhabitants. This was the first graded school also, which was a feature unknown in the an- nals of school history of this vicinity. This building was erected in the year 1854, on the corner of Liberty and Church streets. ISIr. Lowe was appointed a committee of one to purchase the property. It belonged to Jacob Rnhl, who had owned the whole quarter-sec- tion. The whole block was pui'chased, in which there were three lots. It was some time after the new school system was inaugiu'ated, before the receipts from taxation were suffi- cient to keep a school for more than three months. In this case, school would be kept as long as the money held out, and then the citizens continued by subscription to keep the school sroinor for the usual length of time. There were four grrades in this first orojaniza- 486 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tion. No. 1 , primary , was so crowded with pupils that extra benches were placed aroimd the room for the scholars. It was taught by Mrs. Hackadorn and INIi-s. C. S. Crimm. No. 2 was taught by Hugh Williams; No. 3, by John Clymer, who afterward edited the Bucyrus Forum; No. 4 was taught by David Kerr, who was the first Superintendent of Schools. The seats were arranged in single rows. They consisted of wooden chairs, set upon a wooden pedestal adjusted to the center of the seat and screwed to the floor; the back of the chair or slat was also screwed to the desk behind it. The desks were of wood and iron. The cast- ing was done in Gallon, and the desks were made here. The blackboards were plastered into the walls. The building soon became crowded, and, to gain more room, the basement was finished off into two apartments, and a German school taught in one of them. This was a new element in the population of Gal- ion, that, from its numbers, demanded recog- nition. Abraham Underwood sold to a Ger- man the first land ever owned in Gallon by one of that nationality; but foreigners were arriving rapidly, and they were so numerous at this time that they demanded and obtained a German department in connection with the public system. This schoolhouse was sold just about the time of the erection of the union school building. It was afterward fit- ted with machinery, and a stock company ran a woolen-mill in it. This failed, and eventu- ally the building was purchased by the Cath- olic society, and is now used for a church and parochial school by the St. Joseph's Society. Mr. J. C. Hartzler was Superintendent of schools while the Union School building was erected. On the 21st of March, 1868; the last piece of ground required for school grounds was purchased. From this time on, the school board met frequently, and were chiefly occu- pied with the building. Many changes were made from the first plans, and improvements were suggested and carried out until the build- ing was completed. The architect of the building was J. W. Thomas, who was also Superintendent of the erection of the building. The contract was taken by Bird & Woodward, at $31,000. Numerous committees were ap- pointed to visit different parts of the country for the purpose of ascertaining the best mate- rials, and the most successful furnaces and ventilators, and pains were taken to copy from the best in all the parts of the building. It was said to be built in 1869, but the work was a long time being completed. Bonds were issued as a means of obtaining money for the building. In January of 1872, at the urgent demand of the tax-payers, J. G. Meuser and S. G. Cummings were appointed a committee to report the cost of the schoolhouse, grounds, and all matters wherein expenses were incurred in the improving of the grounds. Their re- port shows that the whole cost up to that date was $87,571. The grounds cost over $9,000; the item of fence alone was $2,371.60. This building occupies ground between Boston street on the west to South Union on the east, and from Walnut street on the north to a dis- tance about one-half across the block on the south. Fine walks are laid in the grounds; fine maples almost surround the block, and line the sidewalks; the grounds have been filled up and graded till they are perfect. It is the intention in the near fixture to ornament and adorn the grounds by landscape garden- ing. The present Superintendent, M. Manly, has occupied this position for six years, and has been elected for a term of three years more. In the year 1879, the brick schoolhouse in the eastern part of the city was built. This is a very neat and tastily designed piece of archi- tecture. It answers to something in the nature of a ward school, although, from the peculiar outlines of the different wards, no schoolhouse HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 487 can be erected with strict reference to them. This last schoolhouse is located north of East Main street, on the corner of Church and East streets. This building is in great favor with many of the citizens, who object to the large size of the union school building. In the east schoolhouse, there are three teachers employed. In the high school building, there are fourteen teachers, J. L. Lasley, teacher of high school, and A. W. Lewis, teacher of grammar school. The first graduating class from the high school was in 1871, and consisted of only two — "Willis Stentz, of the First National Bank, and S. S. Pague, who afterward graduated at West Point, and is now Lieut. Pague, U. S. A. There have been in all six schoolhouses erected in Gallon, three of which were log buildings, and three of brick. There are but two buildings used for school purposes at this time, and both of them are an honor to the city, both as regards their architectural beauty, and the perfect manner in which they are conducted. CHAPTER XIV. JACKSON TOWNSHIP— INTRODUCTORY — TOPOGRAPHY— ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES— THE WHITES — RAILROADS AND TOAVNS — THE EARLY LIFE OF CRESTLINE — RELIGIONS, ETC. "TN the eastern part of Crawford County, -*- lies Jackson Township, the smallest of its civil divisions. Like the little Republic of San Marino, situated amid the lesser ranges of the Apennines, and the smallest republic in the world, embracing but twenty-one square miles, Jackson Township is not only the smallest division of Crawford County, but probably the smallest township in the State of Ohio. From one of the largest townships, it has been whittled ofif and cut down, until it now comprises but eight square miles. In its original dimensions it included Jefferson Township, together with other portions of ter- ritory, and it was not until 1873, as shown in another chapter, that Jefferson was set off from Jackson. These two townships are hon- ored with good old Democratic names; the one for the hero of New Orleans, and the other for the great apostle of American De- mocracy. The latter name (Jefferson) was doubtless bestowed upon the township at the time of its creation, in consequence of the source from which its territory was taken. Being made of a " rib" from " Old Hickory," otherwise taken from the township of Jackson, it was not deemed advisable or prudent to offend the memory of the old iron-souled war- rior-President, by calling it by any other than a good, sound Democratic name. The history of the two townships is interwoven, they being one until so recent a date that it is difficult to separate them, and to give a distinct sketch of each, without " mixing things " almost un- intelligibly. The early settlement of the town- ship is noticed principally in the chapter devoted to Jefferson, as that portion now knowTi as Jefferson was settled first. Hence, but little will be given in this connection upon that subject. This little township, this little San Marino of Crawford County, has experienced wonder- ful changes in the last sixty years. There are but few American readers who are not familiar with the romantic story of Rip Van Winkle, as told by Washington Irving. This story recites the strange adventures that befell the long sleeper in the Catskill Mountains, k^ k. 488 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. wliich served but as a prelude to the surprise that awaited him when he awoke, no longer the loyal subject of George III, or the crony of Nick Yedder, the tapster, and the some- time boon companion of Van Brummel, the Dutch schoolmaster, but the fi'ee and sov- ereign citizen of this great Republic, then for a decade of years or more, piloting its way in " the full tide of successful experiment." Were "one to rise from the dead" who saw this country sixty years ago, in all its original wild- ness, or some of the "noble red men," whose hunting-grounds it once was, come back from the land of the Great Spirit, they would doubtless be as much bewildered at the change inwrought in these three-score years as was Rip Van Winkle when he awoke from his little nap in the Catskill Mountains. The pioneer found here an unbroken forest, miry swamps, the Wyandot Indians, and a profu- sion of game of all kinds. The visitor of to- day finds lloiu'ishing farms, palace homes, trunk-line railroads, and those concomitants of civilization — the church and schoolhouse. The patient ox, the old Gary plow, the reap- ing-hook and the scythe and cradle have given place to the improved machinery of to-day, so that the tilling of the soil is no longer a drudgery, but one of the sciences of the age in which we live. All this, the sixty years that have come and gone since the pioneer wan- dered here, have witnessed. The giant trees that have withstood the storms for ages, and in whose tops "The century-living crow Had his birth, then grew old and died Among their branches," have almost disappeared before the advancing tide of irmnigration, until now, a more flour- ishing or highly favored locality than the eight square miles of Jackson Township is scarcely to be found in the State. The land is rich, well improved, and has every facility, both natural and artificial, to render it valu- able to the husbandman. The surface features of Jackson Township are not dissimilar to the sm*rounding country. In its original state, it was heavily timbered, and in many places flat and|Swampy, but with a soil of almost unexampled richness. It was a section not unlike the " Black Swamp " in the western part of the State, or the " Black For- est" of Germany, where " Der Schwarzwald steht der finstrer Tannen," and when cleared of the timber, drained and properly cultivated, was very valuable. Ar- tificial or tile draining has done much to re- claim this swampy land, and reduce it to the fine state of cultivation we find it in at the present time. Its principal productions are corn, wheat and oats; also the more common of the smaller crops are grow^n to some extent. The timber is that indigenous to this section, and consists mainly of several kinds of oak, hickory, poplar, sugar maple, beech, elm, ash, and some walnut, and some of the common shrubs. It has but few water-courses or streams of running water, even of the smallest dimensions. One of the tributaries forming the Sandusky River, passes through the north part of the township. This, with Whetstone Creek, and one or two small brooks which are nameless on the maps, constitutes its natural drainage system. Geographically, Jackson Township, as we have said, lies in the eastern part of the county, and is bounded north by Vernon Township, east by Richland County, south by Polk Township, west by Jefferson Town- ship, and is situated in Range 20 west, of Township 20, and is fractional, being one sec- tion short of the foiu'th of a regular Con- gressional township. As nearly as the facts can be definitely ascertained, the eight sec- tions now comprising Jackson Township, were v^« ;r^ 'k. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY 489 originally in Richland County, and the twelve western sections, a part of Sandusky Township, in this county. In 1835, a petition was pre- sented to the County Commissioners, praying for a new township, and fifteen sections were stricken off from Sandusky, and called Jack- son, as already related, for the hero of New Orleans. In 1842, a four-mile strip was added to Crawford from Richland County, and eight new sections were added to Jackson, making in all twenty-eight sections. At that time, it embraced within its limits Jefferson Town- ship, which, as we have seen, remained a part of Jackson until 1873, when the citizens liv- ing in the western part petitioned the County Commissioners to be created a separate and distinct township, in order that they might enjoy some of the emoluments of office, Crestline being in the habit of capturing the majority of them, thus leaving the west end of the township out in the cold. In 1822, we learn that an election was held at the resi- dence of one of the prominent settlers, in what is now Jackson Township, and officers elected, but their names we were unable to obtain. This, then, may properly be termed the organization of Sandusky, now Jackson Township. In 1840, the township had a pop- ulation of 636: in 1870, it had, including Crestline, increased to 4,021, and in 1880, its present territory, exclusive of Crestline, con- tained 386 inhabitants; thus showing a gfrad- ual increase in population, taking into con- sideration the different extent of territory at the date of census. There are no towns or villages in Jackson except Crestline; indeed, there is no room for any others; for, by the time Crestline has grown to be as large as Cincinnati, it will cover the entire township, from end to end. Two trunk-line railroads cross almost at right angles, near the center, thus affording to the good people the most ample means of both travel and transportation. This portion of Crawford County was a fa- vorite hunting-ground of the Indian, long before the appearance of the white man. We have no record of Indian towns and villages in the present township of Jackson, but, in that portion now known as Jefferson, many facts of history pertaining to the red men are intimately connected and associated. Through it, Crawford moved upon his ill-fated cam- paign against the Indians, and within its boi'- ders he encamped one night, as he marched on to his destruction. Indeed, nearly every square mile of Jefferson has some Indian in- cident or legend attached to it. In its forests, he chased the bounding deer, or howled be- hind his flying prey, and in the glare of the "wigwam fire" he "wooed his dusky mate." And in the thick forests of Jackson, as at present limited, he is only associated through that portion lately stricken off. These forests were an attractive spot to the savage in an early day, and a favorite place of hunting. But, as the tide of civilization pressed on, the poor Indian was forced backward, and the spot where he had roamed as undisputed monarch, was destined to know him no more forever. Well might he have said: "The stranger came, a timid suppliant — few and feeble, and asked to lie down on the red man's bear-skin, and warm himself at the red man's fire, and have a little piece of land to raise corn for his women and childi-en; and now he has become strong and mighty and bold, and spreads out his parchments over the whole, and says, 'It is mine.' Stranger, there is not room for us both. The Great Spirit has not made us to live together. There is poison in the white man's cup; the white man's dog barks at the. red man's heels. If I should leave the land of my fathers, whither shall I fly? Shall I go to the south, and dwell among the graves of the Pequots? Shall I wander to the West, the fierce Mohawk — the man- ^1 liL 490 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. eater — is my foe. Shall I fly to the East, the great water is before me. No, stranger, here I have lived, and here will I die, and if here thou abidest, there is eternal war between me and thee." But as it always turns out, the strong trampled upon the weak; the red man was driven back, and upon the smoldering embers of his camp-fire the pale-face erected his cabin. He came to this part of the county close in the wake of the retreating savages, or really before the savages had left for distant reservations. The story of his life is one thrilling with border romance. It rests upon the mind like enchantment, and warms the heart with tender ties of sympathy. The old gray -haired man and the trembling grand- mother spend many a pleasant hour in dream- ing of the past, and tell the tale of early suf- fering and privation to the eager-listening child, who never tires of listening. All are eager to hear it, and all keenly enjoy it. To these good old people it revives the record of a life that has been one of toil and self- sacrifice. The early history of Jackson Township be- longs mostly to that portion now forming Jefferson, as already stated. There the first settlements were made, and there occurred many of those pioneer events which constitute the early history of a township, such as the building of mills, schoolhouses, the formation of church societies, and the first birth, death and marriage — events of great importance in all pioneer communities. The present town- ship holds a kind of secondary place in pioneer history, and its settlement is of more modern date. The original pioneer of this immediate section is supposed to have been Joseph Rus- sell. Mr. Snyder, who now lives in Crestline, but whose father settled in what is Jefferson Township at present, in 1810-17, thinks that Russell came here as early as 1820. He located about one mile south of Crestline, where JMi*. Stine now lives, and was from this State, somewhere in the vicinity of Coshocton. He moved from here to Hancock County, and was living there last known of him. John Doyle came soon after Russell, and settled adjoining to him. He came from Jefferson County, near Steubenville, and, after remaining some years, sold out and moved to Indiana, where he died. Two other families moved into the same neigh- borhood about the same time of Doyle, or very soon afterward, whose names are utterly forgotten. Mr. Snyder tells a sad story of one of them. The gentleman, whose name he does not remember, cleared a piece of ground, and the neighbors came in and rolled his logs for him. He set fire to the log-heaps, and was in the habit of attending to the burning of them and the brush on the cleared ground at night, his wife often going out to assist him. Upon a certain night, his wife remained in the cabin to do some of her household work, and he went out alone to his clearing, which was some distance from the cabin. His wife finished her work, and, as he had not come in, thinking nothing wrong with him, however, she went to bed. In the morning, he still had not come, when she went to look for him, and found him burned to death at a log-heap. From appearances, it seemed that, in attempt- ing to "mend up" the heap, it had rolled down, and a large log had caught his feet under it, knocking him down, and, unable to extricate himself, he died in that position by slow torture, both legs being burned off above the knees. These four families were the first to settle in the township of Jackson, as now bounded, and for several years they were the only set- tlers in this little division. After them came David Ogden, James Lowne, William Snod- grass, Philip and Fred Eichern, John Fate, Edward Cooper, Samuel Rutan, David Selt- zer, John Adam Thoman, Rensellaer Living- ;Rr £i>L HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 491 ston, a negro family, Harvey Aschbaugli, Jesse R. Straiighan, Daniel Babst, Jr., Isaac Dille and others. Many of these are still living in and around Crestline. Straiighan was an engineer of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and one of the original proprietors of the town. Thoman and Livingston were from New York; the lat- ter laid out the town of Livingston. Babst was from Stark County. Some of these gen- tlemen will be recognized as among the lead- ing business men of Crestline. There are no mills in Jackson Township, nor have there ever been any in the present township, outside of Crestline. The first set- tlers went to mill at Belleville. Later, Mr. Snyder, over near Leesville, put up a horse- mill, which was a great convenience to the people for many miles around. The first road through Jackson Township was cut out by the Snyder family, as they moved to their new possessions in the present township of Jefferson. They cut out this road from four miles east of Crestline, in Richland County, to where Leesville now stands. The present road from Mansfield to Bucyrus runs over the greater part of that old road; the main street of Crestline is also on the same old road. In the pioneer days, when everybody within a radius of twenty miles were neighbors, no invitation was necessary to get help to roll logs or raise a cabin. The mere fact that a man was ready to "log" or build, was suffi- cient invitation to his neighbors, who would often go twelve or fifteen miles to render this kind of friendly assistance The Indians also were very accommodating in this respect, and would always go to the assistance of their white brethren, and work faithfully all day. The " fire-water " that the white man usually provided on such occasions was doubtless a strong incentive to the Indian to lend his val- uable assistance in strengthening the white men's foothold in their hunting-grounds, thus providing the weapons for their own extermi- nation. When this part of the country was first set- tled, the nearest trading-points of importance were Sandusky City and Zanesville, while Mansfield and Mount Vernon were places of lesser note*; and to these marts of trade the settlers in this vicinity hauled the most of their produce. With markets at such a dis- tance, there could be little incentive to extend the productions of the community beyond the demands of home consumption, which was principally regulated by the amoimt each man raised upon his own premises. But in this endeavor, they often had more wheat than was needed to supply their own wants, when it was loaded into wagons and hauled to Mansfield, or most generally to Sandusky, where it commanded a better price. Said an early settler to us recently : " I took a load of wheat to Mount Yernon, where I was offered 12|^ cents a bushel in trade for it, by Gilman Bryant; but I resolved to feed it to my hogs rather than to take that price for it, so I hauled it to Zanesville, where I got 15 cents a bushel, and had to take my pay in sugar, rice, leather and salt." Thus it was, what little surplus produce the settlers had to sell was woi'th but little, while such things as they were compelled to buy were as high in proportion as their produce was low. It was with gi-eat difficulty that they could manage, by the strictest economy, to raise money enough to pay their taxes and postage; the latter being 25 cents on a letter at the office of delivery, and payable in coin at that. The early settlers of Jackson were a God- fearing people, and, as soon as a few scatter- ing cabins denoted the white man in posses- sion of the ten'itory, efforts were made look- incr to chm'ch organization. Societies were formed and meetings and preaching had at Tv y. 493 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tlie settlers' cabins until time and opportu- nity permitted the building of temples of worship. But the church history of the present township is principally confined to the town of Crestline, and will be given in that chapter. Early in the settlement of Jackson Town- ship, the schoolhouse found a place. The people entertained great respect for education, and the elevating influence it exerted in every community. The first school taught in the present limits of the township was by Edwin Mainley, a Scotch-Irish gentleman. Owing to a little trouble he got into with one of his female pupils, he abruptly closed his school and left the community. Another of the early schools was taught by an old gentleman of the name of Magill, who is still remembered by many of thg older citizens as one of the early teachers, and who, in his day, taught in nearly every neighborhood in the county. He was a teacher of the olden type — one of that class who were wont to place the accent of such words as geography and philosophy on the third syllable, and pi'onounce Michi- gan, Mi-shag-in. He was, withal, particu- larly fond of a " dhrap of the crayther," and, after closing his school on Friday evening, was in the habit of indulging in a little spree until the taking-up of school again. Hence, Monday morning often found him still in a muddled condition from his Saturday and Sunday potations. It is told of him that upon a certain Monday morning, after taking up school, and still feeling considerably ele- vated from his recent indulgence, he stopped one of his scholars in the midst of his reading lesson, with a lordly wave of his hand, and, "Stop, IVIr. Larwill; stop, sir! You will never make a reader in the world, Mr. Larwill! Read on, Mr. Larwill." Many pranks were played upon him by his larger scholars. Schoolhouses then were not such as we have at the present day, but built of logs, and sometimes large cracks ventilated the build- ings. Through these cracks the boys would often poke their fun at poor Magill in ways more forcible than elegant. The fii'st school- house built in the township was on the farm now owned by Jacob Sheflfier, south of town, in the creek bottom, near the " old orchard." As with the religious history, the first schools were taught in the vicinity of Leesville and Middletown, and, at a later period in the his- tory of the township, the school history has centered in Crestline. The following statis- tics from the last report of the Auditor, shows the flourishing state of the schools of the township at present: Balance on hand, September 1, 1879 |1,963.61 State tax 382.62 Irreducible fund 3.40 Local tax for school and schoolhouse pur- poses 758.23 Total $3,107.86 Amount paid teachers $831.65 Other expenditures 119.77 Total expenditures for the year 951.42 Balance on hand September 1, 1880 |2,156.44 Number of schoolhouses in township 3 Value of school property $2,800.00 Total number of teachers employed 6 Average wages paid male teachers $46.00 Average wages paid female teachers 21.00 Number of pupils enrolled — Male 69 Female 45 Total 114 Average daily attendance — Male 60 Female 33 Total 93 By these figures, it will be seen that the schools are in a healthy condition. Comfort- able schoolhouses are provided in each dis- trict, efficient teachers are employed, and every means used by the board for the ad- vancement of the cause of education. The great wind-storm of 1820 is an event remembered vividly by all who were in the ■<^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 493 county at the time of its occiu'rence. On the 17th of May it broke upon the commnnity with but little warning, and the destruction left in its wake almost beggars description. It came from the southwest, and houses were blown down and scattered promiscuously, forest trees uprooted, fences sent flying in all directions, a gi'eat deal of stock killed, and destruction and confusion generally followed its coui'se. It will be more fully described in the chapter devoted to Jefferson Township, where considerable loss of property and much suffering were experienced. Since the separation of Jefferson from Jackson Township, the history of Jackson has centered almost wholly in the town of Crest- line, and, even before the separation of the two, the principal part of the history was con- fined to this flourishincj villasre. It was laid out in 1851, by Rensellaer Livingston, and originally bore his name, and by his name was platted and recorded. The first plat was filed in the Recorder's office, February 17, 1851, and shows the location of the town of Livingston to have been on the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 10, Township 20, and Range 20 west. Several additions were made to the town under this name by different individuals. On the 17th of Decem- ber, 1852, the plat of the original town of Crestline was filed for record. This plat was made by Jesse R. Straughan, and occupied the northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 20, and Range 20 west. The following ab- stract of these two sections, on which the town is located, may be of interest to some of our readers: Southwest quarter of Section 15, Township 20, Range 20, was entered in 1814, and patent issued in 1818 to Benjamin Rush; northwest quarter of same section was entered December 12, 1823, and patent issued April 12, 1824, to Elias Allen; northeast quarter of same section was entered December 8, 18 14? and patent issued June 15, 1823, to David Bryant. The north half of Section 10, of same township and range, was entered June 4, 1816, and patent issued July 3, 1817, to Benjamin Johns ; southwest quarter of same section was entered June 4, 1816, and patented July 3, 1817; southeast quarter of same section was entered December 8, 1820, and patent issued on 18th of same month and year. Since the laying-out of the original town of Livingston, there have been some twenty or thirty additions made to it ; and, in the later town of Crestline, Livingston has been absorbed, and doubtless few at the present day remember that there was ever a town in Jackson Township known by the name of Livingston, or Vernon Station. Crestline is situated at the crossing of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago, and the Cleveland, Coliunbus, Cincinnati & Indianap- olis Railways, and is about thirteen miles from Bucp'us, the county-seat. It is a railroad town, and comparatively a new place, and in 1860, had a population of 1,458; in 1870, it had increased to 2,279, and in 1880, to 2,787 inhabitants. The raih'oads have made Crest- line what it is. Before their day, a town on this spot was unthought of, nor, until after the iron horse, with his bustle and clatter, had passed, did it rise from the mud of the surrounding swamps. Men who are still in the prime of life, "remember when the site was a good place to hunt deer." The follow- ing description is given: "It is generally flat about Crestline, and it has something of the appearance of a frontier railroad town, being very muddy, when muddy anywhere, though its general elevation is about the average; indeed, when laid out, it was thought to be the highest point above sea-level in the State, hence the name — Crestline." As a proof of the modern history of the place, John New- man, who lived in the village of Lees vi lie in 1840, says he was in the habit of coming '."Z 494 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. down into the " big woods," where Crestline now stands, to hunt deer, whicli were plenty, even at that late day ; also wolves, wild tur- keys, etc. Verily, it may be said, that here " the rank thistle nodded in the wind, and the wild fox dug his hole unscared." The first house or cabin built in Crestline, or immedi- ate vicinity, was erected just west of the " stone-arch bridge," on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, near a spring which is to be seen yet. Who built this cabin and when, is not known, but it was there as early as 1833. Just above it, and near the street-bridge, at a later day, was operated a saw-mill, by a water-power afforded by the head-waters of the Sandusky. Years later, a man named Harvey Aschbaugh, a Dutchman from " over the Rhine," who owned eighty acres of land in the neighborhood, including the present site of Crestline, built a cabin. All that appeared to the Dutchman valuable on this tract was the game, the timber and a fine sulphur spring, which is at present within the corporate limits (the spring, not the game and the timber) of the town. A negro family OAvned eighty acres adjoining Aschbaugh's on the north. Where these "American citizens of African descent" came from, what was their name, and what became of them, no one now seems to know or care. Their cabin stood at what is now the west end of Main street, and was erected some time after Asch- baugh's. About the time the negro cabin was built, a man named Samuel Rutan built another cabin on an adjoining "eighty," at what is now the east end of Main street. He had purchased the land from the Government. Still f m-ther east of Rutan was the " palace " of Benjamin Ogden, while still further east, on the Leesville and Mansfield road, stood the old log house called " Seltzer's Tavern," " in which, for many years, while all was a wil- derness around, one Seltzer kept weary travel- ers in his rude loft, and fed them on ' corn pone ' and venison." This was about the situ- ation when the iron horse dashed through the thick forest of Jackson Township. From a published chronicle of Crestline, we extract the following historical facts: "John Adam Thoman — a well-known name in Crestline — first saw the locomotive coming. He could see the headlight through the dense woods in the direction of Cleveland, and knew it would strike that wilderness, and scatter the wolves, deer and timber, like chaff before a hurricane, and immediately began his prep- arations to meet it and accept the inevitable. He purchased the eighty acres belonging to the negro family, paying what was then a high price, $600, and immediately began lay- ing out a town in the woods. The road, how- ever, struck the farm of Rutan, at the east end of Main street, where the company erected a little shanty for a depot, and called it Ver- non Station. Rutan sold his place to a man named Conwell, who erected the first house near the station. It was on Mam street, west of the railroad. Conwell afterward sold out to Rensellaer Livingston, who laid out a town around the station. Here, then, the present town had its beginning, and many houses were erected around Vernon Station before Crestline was thought of. The Livingston and Thoman Additions, as they are called (though really Crestline is the addition), are now the larger part of the town." This was the first beginning of the town of Crestline, and is what we have already mentioned as the town of Livingston. Aschbaugh, the owner of the eighty acres of land already noticed as including the town of Crestline, did not re- main long in the vicinity of the embryo city, but sold out, and moved over into Richland County, where he died. T. C. Hall, Esq., now of Bucyrus, claims to have built the first house in the town of Liv- :tx: "^'vr?'^ iX |1 ^K-^ .-^ ^c^> HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 497 ingston, and to have opened the first store. It was erected on what was called the Mansfield road, and was a storehouse and residence com- bined. In this building he opened a store in the fall of 1850, and continued in business there until the fall of 1852, or the spring of 1853, when he moved over on to the original plat of Crestline, it having, in the meantime, been laid out as a town. He also claims to have been the first merchant in business in the new town, as well as in the old. He built the first brick house in Crestline, which, like the one built in Livingston, was both store and resi- dence. The brick were burned by Samuel Craig, who burned the first brick kiln in the town. This was the second house, and the first brick put up in Crestline. Jesse E. Straughan built the first house, which was a frame, and was put up for a hotel or eating- house. It stands just south of the Gibson House, across the passenger track of the Pitts- bm'gh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and is now called the " Crestline House." Upon its completion it was opened by Jacob Brown, as a hotel — the first place of entertainment opened in Crestline. The second store was opened by John Adam Thoman, and the next by E. Warner, and about the same time Will- iam Knisely commenced selling goods. The first post ofiice was opened in Livingston in 1850. Livingston was appointed Postmaster, but Hall, who was sworn in as deputy, opened the first mail-bag in the town. He soon suc- ceeded to the office, which he held four years. After him, A. E. Jenner was appointed Postmas- ter. John Adam Thoman was the first black- smith. These, with the usual number of mechan- ics, constituted about all there was of the town of Livingston, or Vernon Station. IMi*. Living- ston, the original pi'oprietor of the place, died here about 1850-GO. He was originally fi'om the State of New York, and was an enterpris- insr man. We again quote from the publication we have several times alluded to: "The Cleve- land, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad has the honor of establishing Crestline. The charter for this road was granted in 1830, but it was not until 1851 that the road was opened for traffic. In 1850, however, trains were running as far as Shelby and Crestline. At that time the road was a wooden one, com- paratively speaking, the improved ' T ' rail not having been invented. For thi'ee years Ver- non Station had an opportunity to spread itself, before it was interfered with by another railroad. It grew to be something of a place. A post office was established there; a hotel was erected, called the ' Ohio House,' kept by Michael Hefifeltinger; Messrs. Newman & Thoman started the fii'st store, and kept a general stock, such as is usually kept in a country store. A grocery and provision store was also established about the same time, by Thomas Hall, who was a contractor, and en- gaged in building a section of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, then being rapidly pushed forward, and who established the provision store partly for the pm'pose of supplying his employes. Thoman and Liv- ingston were busy dmnng these years selling their lots, advertising the town, and erecting dwelling-houses for the accommodation of new residents and the numerous employes of the different contractors on the two roads. In April, 1853, the Pittsburgh, Foi-t Wajoie & Chicago Railroad was opened for traffic fi*om Allegheny City to Crestline, a distance of 187 miles. Unfortunately for Vernon Station, it was, for some reason, ignored by this road, which crossed the Cleveland & Columbus road half a mile or more south of it, and im- mediately there was a rush for the junction. Thereafter, Vernon Station was ' left out in the cold.' " Previous to this, a party of gentlemen ,w :l^ 498 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. concluded that money could be made out of this point on the I'oad by laying out a new town. The names of these gentlemen were Jesse R. Straughan, the chief engineer of the Pittsbm-gh, Fort WajTie & Chicago Railroad, Thomas W. Bartley, of Mansfield, and John and Joseph Larwill, of Wooster — the latter gentlemen being well known in the early his- tory of Mansfield and this county as surveyors. Whether these gentlemen exerted sufficient influence to change the direction of the road slightly, so that it should strike the other road at a point so far from Vernon Station as to give room to plat a new town, is not cer- tainly known, but may be reasonably inferred, from the fact that the Chief Engineer was interested in the project, and that these gen- tlemen were connected with each other by marriage, if not by blood relationship. Be this as it may, it was perfectly legitimate. They purchased the eighty acres of Harvey Aschbaugh, across which it was determined to run the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and laid out a town at the junction, which they called Crestline, and thereupon Vernon Station was abandoned. It, however, made little diflference to the latter, as the two towns soon grew together, and the line be- tween the two plats was obliterated. The two railroads built a frame union depot, which stood there in the mud, a squatty, ugly-looking thing, for years." This published record of the two places does not agree in every particular with the facts as given us, but varies so little as to be scarcely noticeable. Mr. Hall claims to have opened the first store, while this publication credits Newman & Thoman as the first merchants, and a few other little discrepancies of a like character occur. As we have stated, the first hotel was built by Jesse Straughan, and opened as such by Jacob Brown, and is now known as the Crestline House. Brown kept it eight months, when Hall took charge of it for one year, when Miller & Mertz became the proprietors. They ran it for twelve or fifteen years, since which time it has changed hands frequently. The first lots in Crestline were sold at auc- tion, and the first one sold was purchased by G. W. Emerson, who afterward sold it to Mr. Babst. He erected upon it a hotel, which was called the Emerson House — the second hotel built in the town. Mr. Emerson kept this hotel many years. " In March, 1854, an addition was made to the town, called East Crestline, which is in the present limits of Richland County, the main part of the town being now in Crawford County, though when platted Crawford County had not been formed, and the territory was included within the limits of Richland — the line of Richland being about four miles west of Crestline." This information is, according to om" under- standing of the history of this section of the county, not altogether correct. The county of Crawford was created originally in 1820, and formally organized, by act of the Legislatm-e, passed January 31, 1826. Hence, when the town of Crestline was platted, in 1854, as above stated, "Crawford had not been formed," cannot be correct, but doubtless allusion is made to a strip that was added to Crawford fi'om Richland County years after the forma- tion of Crawford. Thus, a town was laid out, or, perhaps, more properly speaking, two towns were laid out, and the different classes of business nec- essary for the building-up of towns and cities were inaugm-ated, and bustling activity was the order of the day around the railroad crossing. People came in rapidly; stores were opened, as the demand for them in- creased; mechanics located in the young and growing town; shops were established, and prosperity seemed to crown all efforts. The mercantile business, which to many of the ^\ HISTORY OF CRxVWFORD COUNTY 499 pioneer towns of Ohio, was an arduous under- taking, in view of the fact that most of the goods had to be hauled in wagons from Phil- adelphia and Baltimore, was no drawback to Crestline, as from its birth it had the advan- tages of railroad transportation. By experi- ence, it knew nothing of these old-fashioned ways, in which towais like Mansfield and Bucyrus were brought up. Like the boy who was born at the age of fifteen, Crestline may almost be said to have been bom in the full vigor of manhood. Its railroad, or two rail- roads, brought markets to its very doors, instead of having to make long, weaiy trips to Sandusky, Zanesville and Philadelphia by teams, as so many others had to do before them. In this chapter, after a sketch of the township, we have briefly alluded to the lay- ing-out of the village, and the beginning of its prosperity and business, the railroads, which created a demand for a town, and the early history generally of the town and sur- rounding community. AVe have followed its history from a dense and gloomy forest, where the red man was wont to hunt the deer, to a floiu'ishing and rapidly growing town, and here we take leave of it, to resume its histoay in another chapter. There we shall chronicle its progress in business, education and Christianity; its increase in wealth, its growth and extension and general prosperity. Crestline, as we have shown, is a railroad town, and, in the following chapter, together with other matters, the railroad interest will be noticed at some length, and also the estab- lishment of railroad shops, and the men em- ployed by the two roads. CHAPTER XV. CITY OF CRESTLINE— ITS GROWTH AND BUSINESS— SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES— CHURCHES— THE WATER WORKS— OTHER INTERESTS. A CITY that is set on an hill cannot be hid, and the original proprietors of Crestline seem to have acted upon this Scrip- tural text in the location of their town, as, at the time of its laying out, it was supposed to be the highest point in the State. Notwith- standing it was a flat, swampy country, cov- ered with a dense forest, it is so far above the level of Lake Erie that no fears are enter- tained, by even the most timid of its inhabit- ants, of another " Drift Period," or overflow fi'om that inland sea. Crestline is highly favored as to its geographical location, and possesses all the advantages necessary for becoming a prosperous little city. It is in the midst of as rich a farming community as " a crow ever flew over," its citizens are intelli- gent, enterprising and industrious, and its railroad facilities are unsurpassed in the whole country. When all this is taken into consideration, there appears no visible reason for Crestline remaining down in the mud and swamps of the " Black Forest." A healthy, rousing business " boom " is all that is re- quired to waft it on to wealth and prosperity. Some suggestions might be made as to im- proving and beautifying the city, and acted on with considerable advantage to its general appearance. Its architectm-al achievements, so far, are not above the average to be found in towns of its size and attainments, and, as to buildings of merit, there are but few,pei'haps none, deserving of special notice, except its union schoolhouse. Sidewalks miofht be im- 500 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. proved as to appearances, and with some safety to pedestrians, streets graded, and a few of the old wooden buildings replaced with substantial bricks. These old wooden build- ings, sooner or later, will terminate in a huge bonfire, and, as often occurs in such cases, destroy" perhaps thousands of dollars' worth of valuable property. As shown in the preceding chapter, Crest- line is thoroughly and decidedly a railroad town. It is these great modern thoroughfares that gave it birth, and to these it is indebted for its existence and growth. Although it is situated in a rich farming country, yet, with Gallon, Bucyrus and Shelby but a few miles distant, there was no special necessity for Crestline, except the railroads, and, take these away, it would soon become another edition of Goldsmith's Deserted Village. Its farming community, though prosperous and rich, is scarcely sufficient to save it from a linger- ing death. The location at this point of the shops of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chi- cago Railroad, and the hands employed in these shops, have been the life of Crestline. The Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad, which was chartered in 1848, as early as 1850 deter- mined to make Crestline the western terminus of their road. During the same year, the Ohio & Indiana Railroad was chartered, and, in September, 1852, the Directors of this road fixed their eastern terminus at Crestline. The consolidation of these two roads and one ex- tending from Fort Wayne to Chicago, in 1856, formed the present Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and Crestline still re- mained the terminus of two divisions of this road, as it had been before the consolidation. This caused the erection of large shops at Crestline, and at present these shops employ several hundred men, under the superintend- ence of George W. Lowe. These shops and men have been the means of bringing in other lines of business, establishing other shops and foundries, and adding largely to the building-up of the place. Of these may be mentioned the Crestline Lock Works, which were established in 1870. A subscription of $8,000 was made by the people for the piirpose of putting up the necessary buildings, on con- dition that a certain number of men be em- ployer). An excellent building was erected, and the works opened under the charge of C. A. Faulkner & Co., who ran them one year. John A. Thoman & Co. then bought them, and operated them until 1874, when they failed and went into banki'uptcy. A brass foundry was established in 1871, by G. W. Dyar, and is still in operation, doing quite a large business. The Continental Mills, the only institution of the kind ever in Crestline, were built orig- inally in 1856-57, by Matthew Reed. These mills were improved at different times, remodeled, and new machinery put in, until they ranked among the best mills in the State. In June of the present year (1880), they were burned to the ground. The loss to the pro- prietors, L. G. Russell & Co., was heavy, but, nothing daunted, preparations are being made to rebuild them, and doubtless work in that direction will soon be begun. Since the little stores were established by Newman, Hall and Thoman, the mercantile business has grown to be rather voluminous. Several very large dry goods and general stores are now in oper- ation upon a sound business basis, while other lines of trade, common to a town of the com- mercial standing of Crestline, are well repre- sented by stirring and energetic men. A large and growing business is successfully carried on, and, to the casual visitor, there seems absolutely nothing in the way of Crest- line's future commercial prosperity. A bank was established in the town in 1867, by Riblet, Hayes & Co., the gentlemen com- es — 1^ ♦41: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 501 prising the firm being Jacob Riblet, William Hayes and John Newman, with E. Davis as cashier. In 1869, they sold out to John A. Thoman & Co., who organized the Citizens, Bank, an institution that continued in opera- tion until 1873, when it failed. In 1870, a bank was organized by Daniel Babst and Jon- athan Martin, under the firm name of Babst, Martin & Co., J. Babst, Cashier. In June. 1878, they sold to Daniel Babst, Jr., and Jacob Babst, who have since operated it as "Babst's Banking House," J. Babst, Cashier. In 187G, the Farmers & Mechanics' Bank was established by Booth & Stewart. It was cari'ied on by these parties until 1878, when they sold to Stewart & Son, who continue still under the same name. In addition to its busi- ness men, the place may boast of a number of professional characters, who did, and do still, rank high in their respective callings. Of the medical profession, Dr. William P. Kerna- han is mentioned as the first physician to locate in Crestline. He came about 1851, and practiced medicine until his death, which took place in 1859-60. Dr. A. E. Jenner was the next physician. But, as both the medical and legal professions are appropriately written up in a preceding chapter of this work, we will not go into details here. Among the gentlemen composing the bar of Crestline, Daniel Babst, Jr., is ranked as one of the ablest lawyers. He is Mayor of the town, and a downright good fellow generally. To him we are indebted for the principal part of the information and historical data fi-om which these chapters on Crestline are written, and whatever the reader finds to be -wrong or incon-ect in them, he will attribute to Dan; whatever is correct and good, we claim as oiu' own undis})uted property. As Crestline grew in population, wealth and im})ortance, it began to dawn upon the good people that they displayed sufiicient style and greatness to allow of their village being incorporated. This movement was effected March 3, 1858, and the town was incoi-porated under the law regulating such matters. Un- der this new phase of affairs, David Ogden was elected the first Mayor, and William Knisely the first Recorder; William P. Kern- ahan, E. Warner, Robert Lee, M. C Archer and William Boals, the first Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Mayors who have served, in the order named: Next after Ogden, Silas Durand, Samuel Hoyt, Jacob Staley, Dr. J. McKean, G eorge W.Pierce, Na- than Jones, A. E. Jenner, Nathan Jones, Dr. Edwin Booth and Dan Babst, Jr., the present (1880) incumbent. P. D. Meister is the pres- ent Clei'k. The first school taught in the town of Crestline was by a man named Edgerton, it is believed, and was taught in the old log school- house. We quote the following on educa- tional matters from a published article fiu"- nished us by ^Ir. Babst: "In education, the town has not been neglected. Before the airival of railroads, a district log schoolhouse stood about one and a half miles northwest of the present site of the town, on the Leesville road. This had been svifficient for educational purposes for many years, and a school was taught there as late as 1850. In 1853. when Crestline began to gi*ow, a two-story fi-ame school-building was erected in the east part of the town, and, shortly aftreward, a similar one was erected in the west part. These two buildings served the purpose until 1868, when the present union-school Iniilding was erected. This building, which is an honor and an ornament to the place, was designed by Mr. Thomas, and built by Miller, Smith & Frayer, conti'actors. The Board of Education, under whose supervision it was erected, were: Jacob Staley, President, D. W. Snyder, John Beny, S. P. Hesser, C. Miller, and Nathan Jones. [\iL 503 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. As an evidence that the people were satisfied with the manner in which the board was conducting the work, the two members whose terms of service expired before the building was completed, were re-elected. The cost of the building and furniture, together with the two lots upon which it stands, was $30,000; and seldom, if ever, was there a better job done for this amount of money. It is located on Colmnbus, between Union and Cross streets ; is of brick, three stories above the basement; seventy-two feet in length by sixty-five in greatest breadth ; contains eleven schoolrooms, besides six smaller rooms, used for ofiices, library, etc., and will accommodate 500 pupils. This is the third house of the kind, as to size, in the county, and the first in point of archi- tectural beauty. The children, 2:)roud of this gift, were admitted within its walls, without formal ceremony, April 12, 1800. Adjoining the lots on which the building stands, is the school park, which consists of sis town lots, and is beautifully diversified by gravel walks, evergreens and shade-trees. In the center of these grounds, an elegant fountain, topped with reactionary wheels, which scatter refresh- ing showers, forming miniature rainbows, affords illustrative lessons in natural philoso- phy, as well as a cooler atmosphere on sultry days. Ai'ound the base of the fountain are six hydi-ants for drinking purposes. The building and its surroundings are, indeed, well calculated, with an efiicient corps of teachers, to improve the mental faculties of its pupils in a superior manner. The members of the Crestline School Board fm-nished a very important factor to the problem of mental culture when they laid out these beautiful grounds; and for this, the generation that is now entering on school life will ' rise up and call them blessed.' " The following ai-e the names of the teachers now employed in the Crestline schools, accord- ing to grade: Mrs. Anna M. Mills, Superin- tendent; Joseph H. Snyder, High School De- partment; John M. Talbott, Senior Granmaar; Nancy Jane McWhii-ter, Junior Grammar; Isabella Lovejoy, Intermediate; Emma Scott and Laura Stahle, Secondary; Lillie Kuhn, Ina Roger, Melissa Culver, Mattie S. Robin- son, Pi'imary; J. J. Beichler, Languages, prin- cipally German. The present Board of Edu- cation of the town: William Robinson, Pres- ident; E. M. Anderson, Secretary; Benjamin Heffelfinger, Treasm'er, and Reuben Stahle, George Stoll and Louis Holcher. In concluding the school history of Crest- line, we append the following statistics of this special district: Balance on hand September 1, 1879 $3,761 04 State Tax 1,314 84 Irreducible Fund 11 68 Local tax for schools and schoolhouse pur- poses 4,447 78 Fines, etc 168 91 Total $9,704 30 Amount paid teachers §3,249 00 Managing and Superintending 810 00 Sites and buildings 314 75 Fuel, etc 1,152 75 Total Expenditures 55,-526 50 Balance on hand September 1, 1880 $4,177 80 Not only has the intellectual training of the children been well provided for, but the spiritual needs of the older people of Crest- line have been well attended to, there being at this time no less than seven chm'ches in the town, occupied by as many different denominations. The Gospel was introduced into the community b}' those pioneer Chris- tians, the Methodists. They have the oldest organization in the town. In 1844, a society of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was formed in what was then called Minnerly's Schoolhouse(nowMcCulloch's), and, as will be seen, some yeai's before the laying-out of ^jr \[ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 503 Crestline. The moving spirit in this relig- ious enterprise was John Lovitt, and, owing principally to his influence, was the organiza- tion of a society effected. The church which is standing on Thoman street was the first one erected by this denomination. It was built in 1854, through the personal exertions of ]\Ir. Minnerly, David Thrush, David Kerr, Francis Conwell, IVIr. Howland, Francis Peppard and David White, who, with their wives and por- tions of their families, were a few of the first members. The present membership is about 250. The Sunday school connected with this church is one of the largest and most active in the town, with an average attendance of over 200. The Trinity German Lutheran Church was the next in chronological order in formation. It is located on Main street, and was organ- ized about the year 1851, in the schoolhouse. The original members of this society were Michael Webber, Henry Lambert, George Hass, B. Faltz, John Keller and others. In 1861, they erected the present church edifice, at a cost of |3,000. The first minister was the Rev. Mr. Meiser, who was followed by Rev. Hatsberger, H. Smith, Haley and Martin Berkley, in the order named. The latter. Rev. Mr. Berkley, is the present Pastor, and his society comprises about seventy members. An active Sunday school is connected with the church, conducted by the officers, with a mem- bership of about sixty. Its organization as a Sunday school is coeval with that of the church. Recently, a division occurred in this chiu'ch, on the ground of a difference of opinion in some matters of belief or usage. This re- sulted in the formation of a new church. In 1879, Peter Sleenbecker, Michael Reh, Charles Chi-istman, C. Morkel and others, becoming dissatisfied regarding some matters, we be- lieve, of chxTrch government, withdi-ew from Trinity Church, and organized a second Ger- man Lutheran society, and erected a chiu'ch on East Mansfield street, at a cost of $4,000. Their first meetings, before the erection of their new church, were held in the old Ger- man Reformed Chui'ch, which kept its dooi's open for them. Rev. IMr. Shultz, of Gallon, was their first minister, and was followed by Rev. IVIr. Voegele, their present Pastor. Their Sunday-school was organized about the same time as their church, its present membership being about thirty. Numerically, the chm'ch is not strong. The English Lutherans were the next in the field. In 1854, a society of this denomination was organized by the Rev. A. F. Hills. The original members of this organization were David Lichtenwalter, A. W. Stine, William Knisely, David Keplinger, E. Warner, David McCartel, D. Minich, Jane McCartel, Hannah Stine, Elizabeth Warner and Isaac Miller. Their early meetings were held in the private residences of the members, though the pres- ent frame church was erected about the same year the organization of the society occmTed. Rev. IVIr. Hills was the first Pastor, followed by Revs. A. B. Ivtrtland, D. I. Foust, H. K. Fenner and B. F. Crouse, the present minister. The membership at this time is about 170. The Sunday school is large and active, num- bering about 160 pui:»ils, under the superin- tendence of Heniy Eskley. The German Reformed Church was organ- ized in 1858, by Rev. M. Stern, of Gallon. It is situated in the northwest part of town, is of brick, and was built in 1862, at a cost of $1,900. Of the original members, we may mention David Bluem, Philip and Frederick Eichorn, and Joseph Bender. Their meetings were held in the English Lutheran Chm-ch until the erection of their own building, in 1862. Their first minister after Rev. Stern was Rev. John Rettig, followed bv Rev. John 504 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Winter. The present Pastor is Rev. F. W. Marcus, and his flooic consists of about 130 members. The organization of the Sunday school was cotemporaneous with that of the church, and now numbers 125 pupils, under the superintendence of William Lamport. The Presbyterian Chiu'ch of Crestline was organized February 20, 1855, in a small schoolhouse, by Rev. I. N. Shepherd, of Mar- ion, Ohio, and Rev. Silas Johnston, of Bucyrus. Previous to this, however, Rev. Luke Dor- land had collected the Presbyterians of the place, and preached to them at various times and places for six or eight months. After the organization, meetings were occasionally held in the different church buildings already erected. The principal original members were John S. and Jane Smith, Alexander, Martha J. and Margaret Patterson, John and Mary White, Sampson Warden, John and Eliza Jane Banbright, P. and Mary Mansfield, and Samuel R. and Isabella Graham. The present chm-ch was erected in 1806-07. Rev. J. P. Lloyd was the first minister after the organization was effected, and continued in charge thirteen years. He was succeeded by Rev. James Shields, who remained seven years. The present Pastor, Rev. W". W. Macamber, succeeded Rev. Shields, November 18, 1879. The church at this time has a membership of about 200. A. M. Patterson is Superintend- ent of the Sunday school, which is a large and active one, embracing 175 piipils, and was organized August 12, 1862. The St. Joseph's Catholic Church is located on North street, and dates its organization back to 1858, though services were held by different ministers of the chmrch many years befoi'e this organization, in the houses of Catholic members. The few Catholics scat- tered among the early settlers of this place were fi'equently visited in this way, meetings held, and their spiritual wants administered to before they were gathered into a church. The church was organized by Father Galla- gher, of Cleveland, who was Pastor at Mans- field at the same time. The early meetings were held principally in the houses of Mike Dunn, Laurenz Raindl, who, with Patrick Dunn, Mr. McNamara, J. A. Barrel and Thad- deus Seifert, were the original members. The present frame church was erected in 1861, at a cost of $1,000. The membership nu.mbers about 100 families, and the Sunday school about 200 children. There is a day school in connection with the church, with 170 pupils in daily attendance. Those secret and benevolent orders which exert so great an influence for good on society, are fully represented in Crestline. Freema- sonry, the oldest of all the benevolent institu- tions, originated so long ago that no history tells of its beginning, is highly moral in its teachings, its main constituents being, a "belief in God, hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind." It is represented in Crestline by Arcana Lodge No. 272, and Crest- line Chapter, No. 88. The former was organ- ized under its charter October 26, A. L. 5855. This instrument of authority from the Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio, was issued by M. W. William B. Dodds, Grand Master, and John D. Caldwell, Grand Secretai-y. The following are the charter members: J. R. Straughan, Erastus S. Spencer, Matthew El- der, J. McCluny, E. C. Gregg, J. J. Bening, George Bewson, A. P. Cann, John Newman, John Franz, John A. Thoman, J. Warden, J. E Idington, H. A. Donaldson and H. Gusle- man. The fu'st officers were, J. R. Straughan, Worshipful Master; E. S. Spencer, Senior Warden ; and Matthew Elder, Junior Warden. Th.> lodge now numbers sixty-one members, and is officered by J .C. Williams, Worshipful Master; John Donnelly, Senior Warden; Hugh Harrop, Junior Warden; E. T. Cox, «^ k- >y HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 505 Treasurer; David Ogclen, Secretary; and J. J. Kirtlaud, Tiler. Crestline Chapter, No. 88, was chartered October 15, 1864, by M. E. Thomas J. Larsh, Grand High Priest, and John D. Caldwell, Grand Secretary. The charter members were, M. C. Ai'cher, David Ogden, John H. Berry William Boals, Benjamin Eaton, R. Lee, John McGraw, William McGraw, Thomas Boorman, J. S. Potter, W. H. Shamp, H. W. Stocking and J. H. Brewster. The first offi- cers were: M. C. Archer, High Priest; David Ogden, King; J. H. Berry, Scribe; and Robert Lee, Secretary. The Chapter has, in connec- tion with Arcana Lodge, an excellent hall, well appointed and firrnished. The present officers are: David Ogden, High Priest; Nathan Jones, King; T. B. Fowler, Scribe; and D. W. Snyder, Secretary. There was a Commandery of Knights Templar in Crestline at one time, but this body has been removed to Mansfield. Amici Lodge, No. 279, Knights of Honor, was chartered on the 5th of September, 1876, with the following charter members: S. R. Graham, C. W. Jenner, G. R. Edwards, H. A. White, D. L. Zink, W. H. Carlisle, E. S. Bag- ley, D. H. Cafi'ell, Daniel Babst, Jr., O. S. Campbell, E. M. Freese, G. W. Zint, Truemen Daily, B. F. Miller, J. J. Kirtland, C. A. Spencer, C. F. Frank, William Jones and R. M. Carnes. Odd Fellowship, although far more modern in its origin than Freemasonry, made its appearance in Crestline some time before it. Crestline Lodge, No. 237, was instituted under charter February 23, 1854 The chai'ter members were, John I. Kert, G. W. Keplinger, W. P. Kernahan, William Knott, William Boals, M. C. Ai'cher, Elijah Johnson, William McGraw and Daniel Laugham. The fii'st officers were: William Knott, N. G. ; W. P. Kernahan, V. G., and G. W. Keplinger, Sec- retary. There are now seventy members in good standing on the books, and the officers are: David Brandt, N.'G.; F. Delp, V. G.; George Stoll, Treasurer; W. Ladd, Record- ing Secretary, and H. Ogden, Permanent Sec- retary. Crawford Encampment, No. 187, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 15, 1875, by J. W. Parch, Most Worthy Grand High Priest. The charter members were F. C. Berger, G. G. Cruizen, F. Newman, J. W. Sanders, E. Davis, John Snyder and J. H. Becker. The first officers were: John H. Becker, C. P.; F. C. Berger, H. P.; George G. Cruizen, S. W.; E. Davis, S. ; John Snyder, Treasurer. There are on the rolls the names of twenty members, and the following is the list of officers at present: D. W. Brant, C. P.; M. Shiunaker, H. P.; J. P. Sheelrud, S. W.; J. Taggai-t, S.; J. H. Becker, T., and F. Delp, J. W. Jackson Lodge, No. 516, I. O. O. F. (Ger- man), was instituted July 3, 1872, by Heniy Lindenberg, Grand Repi'esentative. The charter members were F. Newman, Jacob Staley, George Stoll, J. P. Zimmermacher. J. H. Becker, Adam Neff, John Bauer, John Ecinger and John Cook. The first officers were : George Stoll, N. G. ; Jacob Staly, V. G. ; J. H. Becker, Secretary, and F. Newman, Treasurer. The present officers are: John Schart, N. G.; John Herbertshauser, V. G.; Philip Grinenstein, Secretaiy, and J. H. Becker, Treasurer. The people of Crestline take great pride in their water-works, and, indeed, it is an enter- prise to be proud of. There is nothing like a bountiful supply of good, pure water. No poison bubbles on its siu-face, no blood stains it, nor does its foam bring madness and mm-- der. Pale widows and starving orphans weep not biuming tears in its depths. But every- where it is a thing of beauty, and gleams in the dew-(h-op, sings in the summer rain, and shines in the free ice gems, imtil they seem :?i; «^ (5 ,:^ 506 HISTORY OF CKAWrORD C0U:N^TY. turned to living jewels. And always it is beautiful — that beverage of life, health-giving water. The tomb of Moses is unknown, but the weary traveler slakes his thirst at the well of Jacob. The gorgeous palace of the wisest and wealthiest of mouarchs, with cedar and gold and ivory, and even the great temple of Jerusalem, hallowed by the visible glory of the Deity himself, ai'e gone, and of the archi- tecture of the Holy City not one stone is left upon another. But Solomon's reservoirs are as perfect as ever, and the pool of Beth- saida commands the pilgrim's respect at the present day. The columns of Persepolis are moldering into dust, but its cisterns and aque- ducts remain to challenge our admiration. And if any work of art shall still rise and flourish, we may well believe that it will be neither a palace nor a temple, but some vast aqueduct or reservoir, built for the benefit of of human kind. And, if any name is deserving who, ineverlasting honor, it is that of the man, his day, sought the happiness of his fellow-men rather than their glory, and linked his name to some great work of utility and benevolence. In 1871, the necessary legislation was ob- tained to enable the town to issue bonds for the construction of the works. In September of the same year, the work was commenced by constructing a dam at the springs from which the water is brought. These springs are in Eichland County, of the very purest water, and in sufficient volume to afford a supj^ly to a much larger city than Crestline, the actual discharge of the springs being ninety gal- lons of water per minute. The water is brought a distance of about four miles from the springs, through wooden pipes, into a reservoir, and supplied by mains laid thi-ough the city. The springs are at an elevation of about 170 feet above the level of the town, which gives sufficient power and pressure to carry into the highest buildings, or throw a stream over them, through hose attached to hydi-ants. The total cost of construction, in round numbers, was little short of $100,000. There were bonds issued to the amount of $80,000, which, with three years' interest, increased the cost to very nearly the sum first mentioned. The enterprise of furnishing Crestline with pure water was due mainly to G. H. Lee, Henry Shoman and G. W. Pierce, and to their energy and exertions the work stands an en- diu'ing monument. The average expense per annum of fui'nishing this water su2:)ply is $450, while the income amounts to about $1,- 600. Not the least of the benefits accruing from this j)ublic-spirited enterprise, is the advantage afforded in case of fires, when all that is necessary is to attach hose to the hy- drants, and a stream of water can be thrown far enough and high enough for all practical purposes. One of the beauties, if it is no special benefit, of the reservoir, is that it is well stocked with goldfish. The spring that supplies the water to the city, as already stated, is in Richland County. It is mentioned at some length in Howe's " His- torical Collection of Ohio," and also in Butter- field's "History of Crawford's Campaign against Sandusky." The latter work, in de- scribing the march of Crawford's army, thus re- fers to it : " Thence they passed near the spot where was afterward the Indian village of Greentown, in what is now Ashland County. From this point they struck across the Bocky Fork of the Mohican, up which stream they traveled until a spring was reached, near where the city of Mansfield now stands, in Richland County; thence a little north of west, to a fine spring five miles further on, in what is Springfield Township — a place now known as Spring Mills, on the line of the Pittsbui'gh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, east of the town of Crestline, in Crawford Count v — 19 Hv HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 507 where, on the evening of the 1st day of June (1782), the army halted and encamped for the night." Thus, to sum up in a word the Crest- line water-works, there are few cities, perhaps, in the State, as well supplied with water — pure water — as the thriving and energetic lit- tle city of Crestline. It is not the water from some lazy river, reeking with the filth of a hundi'ed towns and cities upon its banks, and filtered through charcoal and sand to pui'ify it, but it is brought pure and fresh from the fountain head, as it were, from a flowing spring, bursting fresli from the ground. The most destructive fire that Crestline has ever known occurred in Septeml^er, 1867. The entire block from the Continental Hotel to Bucyrus street was burned out, and a heavy loss entailed upon the property-o^vners of the district burned, though the full extent of the loss we could not learn. There have been numerous other fires, but none so destructive as the one just mentioned. The burning of the Continental Mills, last summer, was quite a blow to the town, as well as to their owners. The city has a regularly organized fire depart- ment, two engines, with a full supply of hose, etc., but, since the building of the water-works, the engines are not used, the force of the water being sufiicient to throw a stream, when hose is attached, 120 feet high. The hotel business has been overdone, and some of them are standing idle, or have been converted to other uses. The Con- tinental, kept by Russell & Co., is a first- class house. It is heated by steam, lighted by gas, manufactured on the premises, has every convenience for the comfort of its guests, and charges accordingly. One excellent feature is the establishment in the building, above the gentlemen's waiting-room, of a read- ing-room, where the waiting passengers may while away a pleasant hour, among the latest magazines and papers, in a comfortable room. "At present, there are five dry goods stores, three drug, one book, three jewelry, and a large number of grocery stores and saloons; two banks, one publishing-house, an iron-foundry, employing half a dozen hands, two wagon and carriage shops, one planing-mill, five lawyers, six physicians, besides the usual number of mechanics in every dej^artment of labor. The Continental Flouring-mill was erected in 1860 (now burned). Two saw-mills were erected in an early day (between 1850 and 1856), one by Lang & Miller, the other by S. B. Coe; both were within the limits of the present corpora- tion ; both have disappeared. From these observations, it will be seen that the town is a live and energetic business place." The press of Crestline, the " art preservative of all arts," is at present represented by the Crestline Advocate. Several other newsjDapers have been established in the town, which floiu*- ished for a season and then died. The fii-st newspaper of Crestline was the Express, a weekly paper, and was started in 1853, and edited by C. M. Kenton. The office was over Brewer's store, and the publication of the paper was continued for about six months, when for some cause, most probably a lack, either of appreciation or financial support, it "gave up the ghost." The Crestline Advocate issued its fii'st num- ber in July, 1869. Its size was 16x20, and it was folio in form, edited and published by Adam Billow. About six months after the establishment of the Advocate, it was enlar^i-ed to six columns to a page, and fi'om that to eight columns — its present size. It was fii-st published in Billow's dwelling, and then re- moved to its present quarters, in the second story of the Masonic hall building. Adam Billow died. May 20, 1876, since which time the paper has been owned and conducted by D. C. Billow. The press is operated by power 508 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. received from the water-works. The Advocate is independent in politics, has a good pat- ronage, is ably managed and conducted, and may be termed a flourishing country news- paper. About the year 1875 or 1876, a Demo- cratic paper was established by A. E. Jenner, called the Crawford County Democrat. It continued about three years, when it followed the Express to that "bourne from whence no traveler returns." We believe there have been one or t^vo other efibrts in the newspaper line, in Crestline, but we have no facts of a definite character in regard to them. The burial of the dead is a sacred duty, and in all ages and all countries more or less re- spect is shown the memory of the departed. Abraham said, " Let us bury the dead out of our sight." A cemetery was laid out a few years after the laying out of the town. Elforts have been made by a few persons to have the grounds beautified, but so far, they have failed, and only slight improvements have been made by private individuals. CHAPTER XVI. AUBURN TOWNSHIP— DESCRIPTION — SETTLEMENT BY THE WHITES — TOPOGRAPHICAL — EARLY PRIVATIONS— PIONEER INDUSTRIES— TOWNS LAID OUT— SCHOOLS— CHURCHES, ETC. THE historical investigator, with tireless thought, surveys the dusty memorials of forgotten years, and endeavors to select from tue strange commingling of facts and fancy those beautiful life-lessons which exemplify the noblest type of human character. There is a strange pleasure in rummaging over the relics and records of former generations, and in scanning the brief period of those lives that will be green forever in the memory of the world. It affords abundant opportunity for the derivation of useful morals, from the motives which animate the hearts of the hu- man race. The evolution of society and civi- lization fi'om primitive man to the present time, presents a wonderful volume of instruc- tion for human inspection and guidance. The rise and fall of nations and the causes, the remorseless deeds of an inordinate ambition, brothers engaged in fratricidal warfare, in- nocence and piu'ity trampled under the iron feet of cruelty — all are strangely interesting, and stir the heart to its profoundest depths. Countless lessons and morals of usefulness are found among the dusty archives of human progress, from a benighted barbarism to the present imperfect state of civilization. This gives to history a value and dignity beyond any other study within the scope of intellect, and presents the hiunan race with ideal lives of excellence, well worthy of imitation. It often occurs in a neighborhood, that, when the question of early settlement is broached, different families present rival claims as to the first cabin built, the first birth, mamage, or death; and numerous instances are met with where the descendants of early settlers endeavor to surpass each other in narrating deeds of peril or hardship through which their forefathers passed when the forest was filled with wild animals, or when crafty In- dians, in war-paint and feathers, watched the pioneer's cabin with the eye of a hawk, ready, when darkness concealed their move- ments, to swoop down upon the unsuspecting inmates, who were deemed intruders and deadly enemies, to cany them off into hope- less captivity, or for purposes of torture more fk- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 509 heart-rending than those of the Spanish Inqui- sition. It thus occurs that numerous interest- ing incidents that transpired in the neighbor- hood many years before, are wrested from falling into the fathomless depths of forget- fulness, becoming bright and ever-living me- mentoes among the heroic deeds of the past, perpetual testimonials of the adventurous spirit of pioneers, placed upon the page of history through the medium of tradition. There is no neighborhood vs^ithout its inter- esting legend — no section of country without its cm'ious or mysterious incidents, which, under the masterly hand of Genius, would become as fascinating as the strange myths of pre-historic times. On yonder elevation, the swift wheel of a busy mill once told the passers-by of the presence of the enterprising pioneer. That deep ravine, with precipitous sides thickly overspread with heavy foliage, was once the scene of a mysterious murder, that has persistently baffled the truth of the maxim, " Murder will out." " This is the spot," says an old settler, " where a pack of hungry wolves once came mighty near eating me up." " Do you see that big tree there ?" asks an- other; "that's where I was treed by a bear, when that tree was a little sapling." This illustrates the common experience of those whose lot it is to gather incidents and events of early years. Every family that came into the wilderness, prepared for any and every emergency, has handed down through the generations tales of privation and danger — trials of courage and hardihood, undergone by its members, that have become imperishable portions of the family history In this man- ner, the more interesting events occurring in a neighborhood are preserved and given to future generations, that will read of them with thrilling interest and wonder as they read. There are found those traditions relat- ing to social, domestic, or hunting customs, to family characteristics, to individual pecu- liarities, to personal danger, and to innumer- able events that combine to form an attractive family or township record. Auburn Township, from its being one of the first, if not the first, settled in the county, presents a veiy attractive early history. Its earliest settlers, English from the Eastern States, Hollanders from New York, and Scotch- Irish from Pennsylvania, were almost wholly soldiers in the war of 1812, many of whom, in the military expeditions across Ohio, had seen the land which they afterward pm'chased. As soon as the war had closed, large numbers of pioneers arrived and settled in northern Richland County, of which, at that time, Au- burn Township formed a part, purchased their farms, and began to clear them, and to sur- round themselves as rapidly as possible with schools, churches, and other auxiliaries of settled localities. The township was early the home of those wandering hunters, the advance-guard of settlement, whose greatest annoyance seemed to be the approach of pio- neers. Their wives and families seemed proof against privation and starvation, and cheer- fully followed the husband and father into the deepest woods, where no white foot had yet pressed, and where Indians and savage beasts were every-day sights. John Pettigon, one of these roving hunters, and the first set tier in the to'WTiship — the fii'st resident land holder — built a small cabin as early as 1814, and began supporting his family almost wholly by means of his rifle, in the use of which he had but few equals and no superiors. He was a very successful hunter and trapper, and made no little money in the sale of furs. It is probable that he lived in Vernon Town- ship for a few years. He was an eccentric character, and seemed uneasy when in the presence of other settlers, and apparently much preferred the companionship of the Indians f^ 510 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and wild animals or solitude. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and at its close had purchased a small tract of land inAubm'n. He cared nothing, however, for real estate, as long as the forests were filled with an abun- dance of wild animals. It was no trouble for him to stalk a deer, and one of his favorite " deer licks " was on the farm now owned by Capt. Cummins. He killed scores of deer at this "lick," the most of them being shot soon after dark, when they came to drink. He remained in the township until six or eight families had settled within as many miles of him, when, thinking that the country began to look too much like a city, he moved farther out into the wilds of the forest. Jedediah Morehead was another of these hunters, who located for a time in Aviburn and adjoining townships. He was a squatter, and roamed over vast tracts of country in search of game, often being absent from home for weeks at a time. He had a large family, and lived a few years in Northern Vernon, devoting all his time to hunting and trapping, a portion of it being spent in the swamps and cranberry marshes, within a radius of fifteen miles of his cabin. H!is cabin, if such it could be properly called, was located on a narrow neck of land which extended into the large cran- berry marsh lying partly in the township and partly in Hm'on County. His cabin was built of brush and bark, being in reality nothing more nor less than an Indian wigwam, except, perhaps, a few artistical finishes of his own device, and unknown to the natives, after whose habitations the main featui'es of his cabin had been copied. The point of land where his cabin stood became known as "Morehead's Point," a name it yet retains, in memory of the old hunter. It is thought by some of the old settlers that Morehead lived in the township during the war of 1812, antl that his cabin was erected just at its com- mencement. This, however, is not definitely known, although it is quite certain that he built the first cabin in the township. Among the early residents of the township were two singular old bachelors, named Var- nica and Wadsworth. They were hermits, and lived lonely and solitary lives in rude caves dug by themselves in the side of em- bankments, the roof being supported by up- right posts, standing at intervals within the caves. People called them crazy, and the eccentricity of the two gave abundant cre- dence to the report. They shunned all associ- ates except their faithful dogs, and were never seen in the neighboring settlements, unless called there for supplies or to dispose of provisions. Varnica was a German, and could handle the glib idioms of his native language with a grace and fluency that proved his education to be of unusual excellence. It became current, and was universally believed, that he had been an officer in one of the Eu- ropean armies, possibly in that of Napoleon Bonaparte. His language and manners in^li- cated that he was familiar with military tac- tics, and his inability to speak English proved that he had not resided long in America. Although he lived in poverty, and went di-essed in insufficient and even ragged clothing, he seemed to have an abundance of money, which he kept hid in out-of-the-way places. He entered a quarter-section of land, upon which he resided until his death. But little money was found after this event, until a will was found among his papers, bequeathing his land, and a few hundred dollars in money, to a young man named James Wilson, with whom he had lived at the time of his death. The secret of this strange man's life was buried with him. He was always silent and melan- choly, and seemed to have a deep-rooted sor- row preying upon his mind, robbing it of joys that make life endurable. By the provisions J .^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 511 of the will, Wilson was made executor, and was enjoined to distribute the balance of the mL)ney among poor and friendless females. This provision was a denouement to some, who had noticed that Varnica shunned the oppo- site sex as he would the plagues of Egypt, his conduct giving rise to the report that his life had been blighted by a woman. The will disclosed the hiding-place of $2,200 in gold, which had been concealed in a gate-post, into which a hole had been bored and the gold di-opped in, after which the hole had been closed with a pin of the same wood as the post. He died in 1840, and Wilson faithfully exe- cuted the provisions of the will. Wadsworth was a graduate of Yale College, and had evidently fitted himself for the ministerial profession. He lived in a cave on his land, and, tliough bent almost double from unknown circumstances, was possessed of enormous strength. He carried his melons, potatoes, and other provisions, in a sack on his back from house to house, or to some of the sur- rounding villages. He was a recluse, and seemed contented only when he could brood without molestation over his mysterious life. He had rich relatives living in Boston, who occasionally visited him and tried to induce him to abandon his life of poverty and lone- liness, but without avail. A happy smile was never seen upon his sad face, and, when he at last died, in about 1838, his property was claimed by his Eastern relatives. The territory comprising Auburn Town- ship, like all the land in Western Kichland County, was surveyed in 1807, by Maxfield Lud- low. It was almost universally the case, when the coimtry was fii'st settled, that township organizations first extended over large tracts of land, one set of officers being elected to administer the public aftairs of several town- ships. Until April 3, 1820, Auburn was part of Plymouth Township, which, at that time, comprised two full townships, one of them being Auburn. In 1820, Auburn was granted the right of self-government, and the first officers were then elected. However, while the township was yet a part of Plymouth, several settlers in Auburn seiwed as ofiicers of the combined townships. After 1820, the township remained six miles square, until changes were made in the boundaries of sur- rounding counties by the creation of Wyan- dot County. The four tiers of sections on the west were then severed from the remain- der, and annexed to Crawford County, consti- tviting Auburn as it is at present. When the township was created, several settlers met to decide, among other matters, what it should be named. Various titles were suggested, among them being Auburn, presented by two brothers, Palmer and Daniel Hulse, then resid- ing in the township, the name being taken from a township in New York, where the brothers formerly lived After some discus- sion, the name was adopted and bestowed upon the township. No tract of land in the State is more highly fitted for agricxiltm-al purposes than Auburn. The soil is deep and black, and contains sufficient sand to furnish abundant silica for strengthening wheat and oat straw, the want of which is experienced in Western States, where a dearth of silica in the rich alluvial soil prevents a firm growth of the straw, and causes the stalk to break before the grain is ripe. The surface is com- paratively level, although there is a sufficient number of streams to furnish ample ch-ainage. The township lies wholly within the Lake Erie basin, and its sm'face, therefore, slopes gently toward the north. Coykendall Run, a small stream named after an early settler, rises in the southeastern corner, and takes a zigzag com'se, flowing north across the eastern tier of sections; and it and its small branches drain almost the eastei-n half of the township. w :l^ 513 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY. Honey Creek rises in a low tract of land, formerly a swamp, lying on the boundary between Auburn and Vernon Townships. It flows north, the greater part of its course lying on the western tier of sections. These streams give the siu'face excellent drainage, although they have not sufficient slope to carry off the water so rapidly as to leave the soil without the proper degree of moistu.re in times of ch'ought. These streams are branches of Huron River. A tract of land comprising several thousand acres, two or tlu'ee hundred of which lie on the northern tier of sections, was, in early years, an extensive cranberry marsh, being very wet and unproductive, except for the berries which grew there in great abundance, and remained thus until a score or more of years ago, when proper sluices were dug to carry the water into Honey Creek. Berries no longer grow there, the marsh being too dry for them. The drift deposits which cover the surface are under- lain, in the southern part, by an abundance of excellent limestone, which lies too deep ever to be profitably worked, except perhaps, on the southwest quarter of Section 28, where it outcrops on a small stream on the land of Samuel Hilborn. The surface, in the south- ern part, is quite thickly covered with frag- ments of granite bowlders and other stones containing a large percentage of quartz, often beautifully colored with iron oxides. The large quantity of iron in the soil of the drift deposits gives rise to many wells of ferriferous water. This water is ordinarily found in great abundance in the sand of the Waver ly group of rocks. No township in the county has a greater number of interesting incidents of personal adventure in early years than Auburn, evi- dently from the fact that there are found a greater number of the old settlers living who participated in those events, and whose recol- lection is good, notwithstanding the lapse of time. When the first settlers appeared, the foi'ests were yet filled with wild beasts, and the Indians were found in large numbers, camped in small detachments on almost eveiy stream. They were mostly Wyandots, though Delawares, Senecas and members of other tribes were often seen. It frequently happened that Indians, who had been reared in the woods, and whose life-long education was a succession of hunting maneuvers, wherein the crafty experience of ancestors, which had been handed down through a long period of years, had been exemplified and imitated, were less skillful and successful in their hunting expedi- tions than the white hunters, many of whom had passed their early life where hunting was scarcely known, and whose education in wood- craft and the tactics of the chase had been extremely brief. Many of the settlers, how- ever, knowing that the time would be unprofit- ably spent, because the rapid settlement and improvement of the country was destined to cut short the brief period when wild game of the larger varieties abounded, did not endeavor to obtain a profound knowledge of hunting tactics. It thus occurred that nine out of every ten of the settlers paid no heed to the exciting adventu.res with wild animals going on around them, except, perhaps, for pastime, but devoted their time and labor to the clear- ing and cultivation of their farms. Deer were occasionally killed by the most unskill- ful; but, when venison was wanted, it was customary to employ a hunter of known skill — often an Indian — to hunt for a few days, paying him for his trouble, and taking the game he killed. Indian hunters could be employed for lower wages than white hunters, a small bottle of whisky being considered by them as an ample reward for an all day's tramp through the woods, whereas a white hunter was dissatisfied with less than several ^1 f '^'y/y/x (>JMV\ cl>Ut-LYW( hL HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUKTY. -)15 gallons. For the first few years after the set- tlers had become established, the slaughter of deer was carried on so wantonly that the more thoughtful and prudent settlers saw that those animals were soon destined to be- come unknown in the country, unless some means could be devised to end the useless slaughter. The Indians, who camped on the small streams throughout the country, killed hundreds of them for nothing but their skins, leaving the flesh for the wolves and buzzards. During the season when the fawns were young, the Indians, in order to kill as many deer as j^ossible, were in the habit of what was called " bawling iip a deer." They imi- tated the bleating of a fawn in distress, when the instinct of the doe to protect her young was on the alert and paramount; and when she ran to protect her offspring, she was shot by the Indians. In this manner, large numbers of does were slaughtered. After a few years, the settlers forbade the Indians coming to the neighborhood to kill deer; and on one occa- sion, when they disobeyed the command and killed a fine doe by the "bawling" process, several settlers, among whom were one of the Chilcotes, of Cranberry Township, and Enoch Baker, informed them emi:)hatically, with a significant tap on the rifle, that if the act was repeated the Indians doing it would be shot. This put a stop to the destruction in that direction, and the settlers were requested not to slaughter the animals unnecessarily. Ira Blair, on one occasion, remained in the woods for three days, killing during that time, eight deer. It is related by Amos Morse, that, in about 1821, Jacob Byers made a contract with Rodolphus Morse, the father of Amos, to the effect that he could kill more deer the next day than Mr. Morse could bring in. The bargain was made one evening, dm'ing a heavy fall of snow. Byers knew that the following day would be an excellent one for the hunt, so early the next morning he started out. He had an old flint-lock rifle, that had evidently seen any amount of service, as the parts were tied together in many places with bands of tow. But the gun proved very efiective in the hands of the experienced Byers, who, during that eventful day, killed seven deer, all of which were brought in, according to agree- ment, by Mr. Morse, except one, which had been mortally wounded, and had been followed and killed about eight miles east of the town- ship. The approach of darkness prevented Mr. Morse from bringring this animal in, and he therefore failed to live up to his part of the agreement. Fawns were often captured alive, and after a few days had elapsed they would follow members of the family around like dogs. Almost every cabin had its pet deer or fawn. Bells were hung about their necks to prevent them from getting lost in the woods. Mr. Baker owned one of these pets, which was prized very highly by the members of his family. One day, while it was feeding near the cabin, Mr. Tyndal. who was hunting in the woods, possibly thinking it was a wild one, shot and killed it. He also killed several others about the neighborhood, when the in- dignant owners came to the conclusion that it was preposterous to look any longer upon the act as a mistake. Enoch Baker became quite an expert hunter, and is yet living in the township, on the farm purchased by his father in 182G. On one occasion, when returning late at night, or rather early in the morning, from *■' sparking " a neighbor's daughter, he barely escaped being devoured by wolves. He had left the cabin of his sweetheart and was walking along thrt)ugh the forest, swinging his cane and whistling, as boys do yet when return- ing on similar occasions, when the distant howl of a wolf was borne to his ears. The howl was repeated, and soon the woods were tilled with a chorus of the terrifvincr sounds. iFv ^ S) 516 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY The boy was terribly frightened, and, as he had several miles to go before reaching home, he started rapidly on the run, hoping to reach his father's cabin before the wolves closed iipon him. He ran on as swiftly as his feet would carry him; but soon the foremost wolves were seen bounding along at his right and left. He swung his club aloft and shouted, and the wolves fell back a short distance, only to again approach nearer than before. But the panting boy was almost home. He strug- gled on, with the wolves about him, and finally ran into the clearing around his father's cabin, when the animals fell back, and were soon out of sight in the dark forest. This was a lesson to the yoiith; but it did no good, for the next Sunday night he was out late again for the same reason. On another occasion, William Johns, a neighbor, having lost several pigs through the agency of some wild animal that carried them off one by one on successive nights, offered Mr. Baker a dollar if he would kill the ani- mal. Baker accordingly established himself with his dog in the cabin of Johns, to watch for the animal during the night. About 12 o'clock, the swine were heard squealing, and Baker opened the door and told the eager dog to go. Away it went after some large animal, that bounded off into the woods and ran up a tree.-* Baker followed, and saw by the light of the moon a catamou.nt crouched on a large limb above his head. He fired, and the ani- mal fell to the ground dead. The death of the catamount stopp3:l the destruction of the swine; but Baker refused to take the dollar he had earned, being satisfied with the skin of the animal. At another time, when return- ing from a neighbor's, his dogs treed two catamoimts. After a lively skirmish, during which he experienced considerable personal dano-er, he succeeded in killing them both. The woods were filled with squirrels, which came by the hundreds into corn-fields, and dug up and destroyed the growing grain. Hunts were frequently organized to rid the forest of these pests, and, often, on such occa- sions, hundreds were killed, and for days afterward the hunter's families were pi'ovided with an abundant supply of choice meat. A hunt of this character was projected one day by a party of the settlers, among whom were Thomas Cooker and Enoch Baker. When night came, and the hunters assembled to see who had been most successful, it was found that almost 200 squirrels had been killed. As j each hunter brought into the room the squir- I rels he had killed, Baker, to the astonishment of all, lugged in a large catamount as the result of his day's hunt. It was conceded by I all that he had done the best day's work. Mr. ! Baker is among the oldest and most respected 1 citizens in the township. He lives upon the old farm, and the rise of ground where his dwelling stands is the site of an extensive Indian cemetery. Indian remains were first- j discovered in 1833, when Mr. Baker, in dig- srino" a well, havinof reached a depth of about eighteen inches, came upon four skeletons, lying side by side, two with heads toward the east and two toward the west, the heads of each couple lying near the lower extremities of the other couple. No articles of clothing or implements of war were found, and the more fragile portions of the skeletons soon crumbled into dust. One of the Indians must have been a Hex'cules. as the inferior maxil- lary, or jaw-bone, was large enough to pass entirely over the jaw of an ordinary man; and the upper bone of the arm, the humerus, was four inches longer than in the average man, and had a corresponding thickness. Subse- quently, more than fifteen skeletons have been plowed up near the house, all of them being buried within from a foot to eighteen inches of the surface, and all being in an -H' -f HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 517 advanced state of decomposition. No war or other implements have been found with any of the skeletons, a very unusual circumstance where Indian remains are unearthed. In 1866, while digging a cellar, ^Ix. Baker and his workmen disclosed nine of these skeletons, reposing side by side, some of the skulls to the east, and some ' to the west. As many as thirty skeletons have been unearthed on the farm since 1833, and those discovered in late years have been apparently no fiu'ther decom- posed than those found in early years, proving that the bodies were buried scores of years before the coming of the pioneer. The future will reveal many more of these skeletons. At another time, William Cole, then a boy about sixteen years old, called the dogs one evening, and started in search of the cows. The dogs left his side, and he soon heard them barking fiu-iously at some animal that had turned at bay. He hiu*ried forward, and saw them standing guard over a large hollow log, and, from their cautious movements, he knew they were confronted by an animal of which they were afraid. He stole caiitiously for- ward from the rear, and, peering under the log, saw the huge paws of a bear. The boy was without a gun; but, determining to attack the bear at all hazards, he armed himself witii a heavy club, and resolutely approached the log. "While the attention of the bear was diverted to the dogs, which, emboldened by the approach of the boy, had renewed the attack with great fui*y, he seized it by the hind leg and pulled it fi*om the log. Before the animal could recover its feet, the boy dealt it a terrible blow across the head, repeat- ing the act again and again until life was ex- tinct. When the excited boy retiu'ned home without the cows and related his adventui'e, his story was not believed until the dead bear was seen. William's brother Daniel re- mained one niirht at the cabin of a relative near West Liberty, and early the next morn- ing, before daybreak, stai'ted for home. He was accompanied by a large bull-dog, belong- ing to Enoch Baker, and, after going a short distance, he was startled by seeing several wolves running along in the woods on either side of and behind him. He stai'ted forward, but had not gone ten paces before a pack of eleven wolves, with open mouths, bounded toward him from behind. A large one, the leader of the pack, was almost upon him, when it was seized by the throat by the dog, and pinned to the ground. The others fell back, giving the boy time to ascend a small iron-wood tree, and, after a short fight, the wolf escaped the hold of the dog, and together the whole pack tiu-ned and disappeared in the woods. The boy had been saved by the dog from a hon-ible death. One day, Seth Hawks, hearing one of his hogs squealing loudly in the woods about a quarter of a mile from his cabin, hastened out to see what could be the matter. A large log lay upon the groimd between him and the squealing hog, and noth- ing could be seen by the settler until he reached the log and peered over. There lay his swine upon the ground, while, standing over it, with their sharp teeth and claws in its flesh, were two large beai-s. The animals instantly perceived the inti*uder, and turned upon him furiously; but he ran to a small tree, and, exerting himself, sprang into the lower branches just in time to escape the claws of the larger bear, which had swiftly pursued him. The furious animal began making des- perate efforts to reach the settler. It at first endeavored to climb the tree; biit, failing in this, it retired a short distance, and, tm-ning. ran towai'd the ti'ee with the apparent inten- tion of leaping into the lower branches. The terrilied ^Ir. Hawks sat on a limb above, and regarded with no little concern the eflfoi'ts of the bear. He began hallooing loudly for assist- -i£ ,M8 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. ance, and the bear increased its eflforts to reach its enemy. It soon wore quite a path in running to the tree, and would leap high enough to seize one of the limbs in its teeth. After about half an horn-, Rodolphus Morse, who had been apprised by Mrs. Hawks of the dangerous situation of her husband, appeared upon the scene; whereupon the bears, whose fmy had spent itself, apparently realizing that it was no longer wise to dispute against such odds about the ownership of the hog, shambled off through the woods as fast as their feet could carry them. Many other in- terestinof anecdotes of a similar nature are related by the old settlers. As was previously stated, immediately after the war of 1812, the first settlers began to appear in Auburn Township. "William Green, a native of Massachusetts, came in 1815, and purchased 1(30 acres of land in the southeast- ern part. After clearing a few acres and erect- ing a rude log cabin, he retm^ned to Licking- County, Ohio, where he had left his family, I'emaining there until December, 1816, when he moved out to the farm. He was the first substantial settler, and with his coming began the rapid growth and improvement of the township. Subsef|ueutly, he increased his farm until he owned a section of fine land. His sons, Samuel S. and Walter, ai-e yet liv- ing in Auburn at advanced ages. Samuel Hanna entered a quarter-section of land in 1815, but did not locate thereon until 1819. A man named Deardorff entered a quarter-sec- tion of land in 1815, upon which he lived two or three years, after which he sold out and moved to some other locality. In 1817, Charles Morrow and William Cole came to the town- ship. But little is remembered of Charles Morrow, who remained in the township a few years, and then sold out and moved away. William Cole, however, remained in Auburn until his death. He was an intelligent man. and did much in early years to render the township a desirable place in which to locate. His descendants are among the prominent citizens. In 1818, there came in James Coy- kendall, Charles Dewitt, John Bodley, David Cummins, and possibly three or four others. Nothing, comjjaratively, is known of the lives of these men, although many of their descend- ants are scattered throughout Northern Ohio. Coykeudall became quite an expert hunter, and, like his brother Ninu'ods, avoided, as far as practicable, the irksome duties of clearing up and improving his farm, preferring to rove the forest in quest of adventure. He killed several bears and catamounts, and his advice and skill were in demand when hunting top- ics were discussed, or when hunts were on the tapis. In 1819, there came Rodolphus Morse, Samuel Hanna, Adam Aumend, Resolved White, John Webber, and several others. Mr. Morse became one of the most prominent of the early settlers. He took an active part in educational advancement, was instrumental in organizing many of the early schools, a number of which he taught, and did perhaps as much as any other man to hasten the tardy move- ments of education. It was due to his influence, more than to any other, that the establishment of a post office was secured in the township as early as 1824, and perhaps earlier. This was one of the first, if not the first, post offices of the kind in the county. Mr. Morse received the appointment as Postmaster, and the office was established in his cabin, where it remained many years. He was a native of Berkshire County, Mass., and first came to Hm-on, Ohio, in June, 1818. He had served with distinction in the war of 1812, and after coming to the township was elected Clerk for many successive terms. His son Amos has for years been one of the most influential of Auburn's citizens. He has served twenty-four terms as Justice of the Peace, and was also ■7; K HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 519 Postmaster for a number of years before the location of the office at Tiro. IMr. Morrow served many years as Postmaster, succeeding the elder Morse. It is no longer remembered who were the first township officers, except that James Coykendall was the first Justice of the Peace. While holding this office, he married, as early as 1821, Harvey Hoadley to Elizabeth Blair, the marriage being one of the first in the township. The early settlers, almost without exception, were of English de- scent, many of whom came from the Bay State immediately after the war of 1812, first locating in one of the Eastern counties. The most of them had served in the war, and Au- burn Township was settled by a greater num- ber of these ex-soldiers than any other town- ship in the county. Resolved White, a lineal descendant of Peregrine White, the child born in the Mayflower on its journey across the Atlantic, purchased a quarter-section in 1819 of a Mr. Laugherty, who had located on the land the year previously, and had erected a small log cabin and made some improvements. Mr. White returned to New York, where he married, and, in 1821, came with his wife to their wilderness home. His daiiglitet', Mrs. Elizabeth (White) Daugherty, is yet living in the township. Adam Aumend was a shoe- maker by trade, an occupation he followed to some extent after coming to the township. He purchased 320 acres in the northern part, near the cranberry marsh, of Henry Rief . pay- ing $2.50 per acre. How long Mr. Rief had lived there is unknown or forgotten. Mr. Aumend's son Adam was the first Assessor in the township, assessing Vernon, and perlia^is other townships at the same time. Within two or three years after 1819, there came in John Blair, George Hammond, John Sheckler, Erastus Sawyer, Jesse Ladow, Nelson S. Howe, Daniel Bunker, Jacob Bevard, Richard Tuck- er, Seth Hawks and several others. Abel C. Ross arrived in 1825, and Joseph Baker came the following year. George Hammond was a native of the Nutmeg State, and came to Au- burn early in 1822. He pxu*chased a qiiarter- section of a man named Clark, there being a small cabin upon the place and a few acres cleared. His son is yet living on the same farm. John Sheckler came from Pennsylva- nia in 1821, and became a prominent citizen. He was skillful with the rifle, and on one occasion, in company with IMr. Pettigon, he killed three wild-cits, remaining all night in the woods. Joseph Baker, a native of the Old Dominion, arrived in 1826. He also was one of the brave soldiers in the war of 1812. His son Enoch gathered cranberries in the neighboring marshes for sixteen consecutive years. This piu*suit was largely followed by almost all the early settlers, many of whom made sufficient money thereby to purchase the fine farms their descendants now own. Many interesting anecdotes are related concerning adventures in these marshes. The men who finally purchased the marshes experienced great difficulty in preventing their neighbors from gathering berries without due authority. Personal encounters occasionally took place, and several law-suits were instituted to compel the trespasser to make proper retiu-n for the berries he had unlawfully taken. John Blair came from New York in 1821, entered a small tract of land, and erected thereon a round-log cabin, which at first had no floor. Init which, after a few years, was fiu'uished with one made of })uncheons. He brought with him two horses, two cows and eight sheep, seven of the latter being subsequently killed by the wolves. His son Ira lives on the old place. The early settlers of the township were tem- perate for that day. drunken men being rarely seen. No liijuor. except wine from grapes, has ever been manufactured in the towTiiship. The settlers usuallv observed Sundav, althouofh 520 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY an instance is related by Mr. Morse where the Scriptural injunction of one of the Ten Com- nianduiouts was disobeyed. One Sunday, liodolphus Morse heard Seth Hawks, who was a strict Presbyterian, repeatedly shouting to his oxen, which he seemed to be di'iving ; and, not undorstaudinir the meaning of such bois- terous conduct from such a source on the Sab- bath, he went across to his neighbor's to see what it meant. There was Mr. Hawks busily engaged in di'ivinof his oxen round and round upon a puncheon floor, laid down in the open air, upon which was a heavy sj^read of grain yet in the stalk. He was threshing his wheat, and was so intent on his business as to be unaware of the approach of Mr. Morse. He was asked what he meant by working on Sun- day, to which he replied that the day was Sat- urday. Thereupon explanations followed, much to the discomfitu.re of Mr. Hawks, who became convinced that he had violated the commandment, " Remember the Sal)l)ath Day to keep* it holy." The oxen were unhitched, and Mr. Hawks retired to the seclusion of his cabin to meditate at leisure over his mistake. In about 1827, David Cmnmins built a saw-raill on Honey Creek, near the center of the township. It was a small frame structure, and was run by water-power, the water being secured in the usual manner by means of a race. It was run until about 1855, having a change of owners, among whom were a Mr. Ii'ving and a INIr. Brown. The former pur chased it of Cummins in about 1845, and, after a few years, sold it to the latter, under whose management it stopped. This was the first mill of the kind in the township. Prior to its erection, sawed lumber was obtained east toward ^Mansfield, or north on the Huron River. There was no great demand for lum- ber, as the early dwellings were built of logs, and many of the floors were of puncheons. Nothing of the kind was required for fences, barns or outhouses, and even after the lapse of twenty years the demand had not increased to any great extent, from the fact that many dwellings were constructed of nicely hewed logs, which were considered peculiarly fitted to make as fine a dwelling as need be desired. Two or three years after the erection of the Cummins mill, Thomas Millard built another a short distance below on the same creek. This was also frame, and was run by water- power. It became a valuable mill in after years, and furnished large quantities of lum- ber for the citizens. The building was large, and in one apartment was placed a set of "nigger-head" stones, for the purpose of grinding wheat, corn, rye, etc. Mr. Millard operated the combined mills for about twelve years, when both were rented to Enoch Baker, with the understanding that the latter was to have half the profits. But the frequent break- ing of the dam prevented steady and profita- ble work, and, at the end of a year, Mr. Baker concluded to sever his connection with the mills. It is said that the grist-mill furnished an excellent article of flour. Shortly after this, Rufus Page piu'chased the mills of Mr. Millard; but, while they were under his own- ership, the grist-mill was abandoned as un- profitable, though the saw-mill was operated with renewed vigor. A short distance above the site of these mills, the water of Honey Creek has been changed for more than a mile from the original channel. This was done by Mr. Baker, on his farm, at a cost of more than $1,000, exclusive of his own labor and time. The object was to prevent the fi-e- quent overflowing of the laud, and to reclaim the valley of the creek, which, from the zigzag course of the stream across the farm and the shallowness of the bed, was covered a large portion of the year with water. Since the construction of this artificial channel, the increase in the crops raised in the valley has ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 521 returned the outlay several times. Extensive systems of di-ainage for the cranbeny marshes have beeJi adopted, and ere many years these rich alluvial basins will be reclaimed. They are so dry at present that the peat which they contain in great quantity often catches fixe, causing much trouble before the fire is extin- guished. The peat is not of sufficient purity, however, to be utilized as fuel, even if wood and coal did not abound. The village of Waynesburg, named in honor of Gen. Anthony Wayne, was laid out and platted in 1833, Aaron Cory and Richard Millar being the owners and proprietors. Twenty-six lots were siu'veyed, to which no additions have been made. The lots were offered for sale at public auction, and several of the citizens invested, paying some $8 or |10 per lot. Enoch Baker, possibly thinking that the village was destined to become met- ropolitan, bid $10 for a choice corner lot, which was "knocked down" to him at that price. Nothing fiu'ther was done, however, to complete the purchase, and, after several years had elapsed, Mr. Baker signified his readiness to pay the $10 for the lot. But Mr. Cory refused to take the money, saying that the lots had risen in value, and that the corner one was worth $20. Baker refused to pay the price demanded, and hence failed to buy the lot. This was the only effort IVIi'. Baker ever made to own real estate in a town, and his aspirations in that line died out with the failure. Soon after the sale of the lots, Reuben Frisbee brought a small stock of goods to the town. He placed in a small room, built for the pm-pose, $560 worth of a general assort- ment of merchandise, and also began dealing in provisions. He was a close, shrewd finan- cier, and at the end of eight years was worth $6,000. He had borrowed $500 of his orig- inal capital of his brother. This was retm-ned, with interest, at the end of the eight years, leaving Mr. Frisbee a balance of over $5,000 as a return for his $60 of invested capital. He was extremely close in all his business transactions, and always carefully scrutinized butter, eggs, etc., before venturing to jjur- chaso. It is said that he had a small hole bored in the counter, and that he ate only those eggs which could pass through. This story was intended to convey the idea that Mi'. Frisbee ate but few eggs. One day he went coon-hunting with Enoch Baker to the cran- berry marsh. The hunters intended to be gone three days, and took enough provisions with them to last that length of time. In order that nothing might be wasted, Frisbee counted the meals required by the two while away, and then carefully measured and cut off the necessary slices of ham, of equal size and thickness, to last until their return. The bread and provisions were measured in a sim- ilar manner, and, when all was ready, they started. But, for some cause, the hunters remained away but one night, catching four coons in the meantime. It soon became ap- parent that Frisbee was in trouble. He looked dejected, and sorrowfully remarked to Baker that the food so carefully prepared was des- tined to become stale before it could be con- sumed. Baker tendered his sympathy, but it afforded no relief. The pelts of the coons were equally divided, and IMi'. Baker sold his two for $1 each. Three or four years after Frisbee opened his store, Anderson & Moore placed $2,500 worth of goods in another building. They made considerable money during a period of about fom- years, when, finding that Frisbee was rapidly gaining the advantage in trade, they sold their stock to Rufus Page. Shortly afterward, Frisbee went oiit of business, leaving a clear field to build up an excellent country trade. After continuing eight or ten years. Page sold his stock to Baker & Sims. At the expiration of ihL 523 HISTORY or CEAWFORD COUNTY. eighteen months. Baker sold his interest to his partner, whereupon the partnership of Sims & Son was formed. This firm continued for about four years, when the trade became so reduced that it was thought best to retire from the business, which was accordingly done. It was about this time that Bear & Graffmiller ventured to engage in the mercantile pursuit in the village, and soon afterward Enoch Baker began selling goods on commission. After about a year, Baker deemed it advisable to purchase the stock he was selling; and he also soon afterward bought out Bear, who was then alone, having purchased his partner's interest. Baker closed out his stock at the end of a year, having cleared, during that period, $1,200. Joseph Kerr kept a small grocery for a few years, beginning about 1858. Sev- eral others have engaged for short periods in the mercantile pursuit in the village. Soon after the town was laid out, a petition was circulated for signers, praying for the location of a post office at Waynesbm-g. The office was secured, and James K. Davis received the appointment as first Postmaster. Wellers- burg was the name bestowed upon the new office. Martin Clark erected a small tavern, which was thrown open for public reception in 1850. The village, in early years, was a lively trading-point; but, after the advent of railroads in the county, and the subsequent gi'owth of villages along its line, the business prosperity of Waynesburg steadily declined, until the present finds it almost " without a habitation and a name." After much inquiry and search, the wi'iter of this chapter has recovered from old records, in the possession of Hon. J. E. Coiy, the fol- lowing, which is received too late to insert in its proper connection, and which explains itself: "At an election held at the house of Palmer Hulse, in Aubm-n Township, on the 2d day of April, 1821, agreeable to an order of the County Commissioners, the following persons were elected township officers: Jacob Coyken- dall. Clerk; Samuel Hanna, Levi Bodley and Michael Gisson, Trustees; David Cummins, Treasurer; James Gardner and David Cum- mins, Overseers of the Poor; Adam Aumend and Charles Dewitt, Fence Viewers; James C. Coykendall and Lester and Jesse Bodley, Appraisers; Adam Aumend, Jr., Constable; Michael Gisson, William Cole, William Laugh- erty and William Garrison, Supervisors. The above officers were severally elected and qual- ified according to law. Jacob Coykendall, Township Clerk." A reasonable inference from this is that these officers were the first elected, as the elec- tion was held pursuant to an order of the County Commissioners. From the same rec- ords is also taken the following: "Jacob Coykendall's commission as Justice of the Peace bears date July 14, 1821. He was qualified Aug. 29, same year, and gave bond September 7, 1821; James Coykendall and James Gardner, bondsmen." The second township election was held at the house of Jacob Coykendall, on the 1st of April, 1822 ; the third, at the house of Aaron B. Howe, April 7, 1823. AVhen the. Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad was established in the county, a station called De Kalb was located in Auburn Township. J. D. Brown secm-ed the services of the County Surveyor, and laid out forty lots on his land where the station was located, from the central part of the west part of the southeast quarter of Section 32, Township 22, Range 20 west. In November, 1878, John Hilborn made an addition of eight lots to the town. The post office at De Kalb, in Vernon Township, was transferred to the station, and Ira Van Tilburg was appointed Postmaster, an office he yet holds. I. and B. dt HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 523 S. Van Tilburg were the first to bring a stock of goods to the town. They began in 1872; and, the following year, erected the building they now occupy, moving their stock of goods in as soon as the room was completed. They have a general assortment of goods, valued at about $10,000. They ' are also engaged in buying grain, at the rate of over $100,000 worth per annum. William Flavin began with a general assortment of di'ugs in 1876; but two years later he sold his stock to D. G. Jeffrey, who, at pi-esent, has di'ugs valued at $1,000. J. D. Brown began in 1878 with a stock of groceries worth $8,000, and two years later Davis & Mitchell engaged in the same occupation, with goods valued at $5,000. C. McCounell has a notion store, and Misses Crall & Owens supply the neighborhood with female apparel. In August, 1879, E. R. Wilcox, Grand Master of the State Lodge of Odd-Fellows organized Tiro Lodge, No. 688, in the vil lage, th?re being but seven charter mem- bers, as follows: Daniel Howe, Cornelius Fox, E. E. Ashley, S. W. Jeffrey, J. R. Hall, Lewis Williams and Matthew L'win. The first offi- cers elected were: S. W. Jeffrey, N. G. ; J. R. Hall, V. G.; Cornelius Fox, Secretary; E. E. Ashley, Treasurer. The lodge is doing well, and has a present membership of thirty. The members have a comfortable hall, and the present officers are: E. E. Ashley, N. G. ; Lewis AVing, V. G. ; J. O. Davis, Recording Secre- tary; Daniel Howe, Corresponding Secretary ; G. M. Jeffrey, Treasurer. Although the village is yet in its infancy, it is doing a livelier and more extensive business than any other town in the county of equal or less population, and its energy and trade are pei-manent. About a quarter of a mile north of Tiro, a half-dozen or more families began to congre- gate in about 1845. A blacksmith located there, and, soon afterward, a carpenter and a cooper. No lots were laid out, and yet, to all appearances, a village was beginning to spring up. People soon began to speak of the loca- tion as Meclianicsbiu-g, a name suggested by the occupation of the people. In 1856, Jon- athan Davis and William Crouse built a frame grist-mill in the village (if the term may be indulged in), which, after running about four years, was taken to another locality. The village is not a village, and yet it is a village. No stores have honored it with their presence. Coykendall & Ladow built a saw-mill in the southeastern part, on Coykendall Creek, as early as 1836. After a few years, it was burned down, but was immediately rebuilt, and the mill continued in operation until a few years ago, having changed hands many times. Though first operated by water-power, steam was afterward employed, and the mill, in its time, was one of the best ever in the township. William Ewing also built and operated a saw-mill on the same creek, begin- ning about 1S40, and continuing nearly twenty years, when the mill was abandoned. Each of these mills sawed for either forty cents per hundi-ed feet, or one-half the logs delivered in good order at the mill. According to the best accounts, the first schoolhouse was built on Robert Cook's farm, in 1821. It was a round-log structure, with clapboard roof, door, floor, desks and seats, and its external appearance was not inviting to the ragged pioneer children. A large fire- place, capable of taking in a log of almost any dimensions, occupied one end of the room ; and a small table was provided at the other to establish for the teacher a permanent position, from which to pronounce decrees, issue com- mands, and ailminister condign punishment to offending pupils. The clapboard ceiling was so low that a tall man's head was sure to get severely bumped unless care was taken to stoop low when walking about in the room. t 524 IIlSTOllY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. A large, quaint chimney, built of a combina- tion of innumerable and mysterious materials, graced the exterior of one end of the build- ing; and the four insignificant apertures slanderously denominated "windows" admiih ted half-sufficient light for a judicious use of the pupils' eyes. A man named Talford was the fii'st teacher. He taught during the win- ter of 1821-22, and had some fifteen scholars. There was nothing in the external appearance of Mr. Talford to excite curiosity or appre- hension, and yet, when he spoke, his voice is said to have been like distant thunder. He had a fair education, was a good disciplina- rian and a competent instructor. He taught what was known as a "loud school," which may be understood as one where the scholars studied at the pitch best suited to their voices. Notwithstanding the din and confusion pre- vailing in the room at all times, the stentorian voice of the teacher could be easily heard, imparting instruction and issuing orders. A year or two after the erection of the Cook Schoolhouse, another was built on the Ham- mond farm. It resembled the other in both external and internal appearance. The year before its erection, school had been taught by a young I'ady named Mary Wilcox, in a rude cabin that had been designed for a dwelling. The seats in the schoolhouse were of clap- boards that had been split out of wood having a crooked grain. Mr. Morse, then a boy of about five years of age, was assigned a seat at the end of one of the long benches, where the plank was turned up at an angle of about twenty degrees from the horizontal line. Here he was compelled to sit hour after hour, undergoing excruciating tortures, while learn- ing his letters. It was easy enough to occupy the seat for a short time without discomfort; but, when day after day brought no relief from the position, it became tiresome and distress- ino". Erastus Sawyer and Daniel W. Ross were early teachers * in this house. Rodol- phus Morse was teaching in 1824, when the house caught fire and burned to the ground, consuming the scholars' books and slates. The remainder of the term was taught in a cabin standing near the school building. Mr. Morse was a good teacher, and taught many of the early schools. A school building was erected on the farm of J. Willford, as early as 1824, a young man named John Webber being the first teacher. Webber was a wild, reckless young fellow, and many thought him incapable of imparting proper instruction to the scholars. He had conducted the school with success for about a month, when Mr. Laugherty, the Director, provoked beyond endurance by some act of the teacher, went to the schoolhouse while school was in session, and ordered Webber to leave the room and not come back, as his services would no longer be required. The teacher instantly saw that it was useless to attempt to argue the point, as the fiat of the Director was omnipotent; so, controlling his disappointment and anger as best he could, he made preparations to obey the command, and, having reached the door, turned, and, it is said, relieved his pent-u}) passion and bade adieu to the school, as fol- lows: " Farewell schoolroom, farewell school; Farewell Laugherty, you d — d old fool." Two other schoolhouses were built prior to 1825, one located on the farm of Adam Au- mend, and the other on that of Jesse Ladow. A number of years afterward one was built in the northwest corner, and soon the township was supplied with abundant schoolhouses. The citizens have taken a strong interest in educational advancement. This becomes ap- parent from the fact, among others, that there are nine schoolhouses in the township at pres- ent. These are found to be too many for the attendance of scholai's. It is proper to notice HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 525 in this connection that the citizens have a commodious town hall, which is located near the center of the township. It was built before the last war. The early chiu'ch history of the township is almost wholly lost in the shadows of the past, and many interesting incidents and dates relating thereto have faded from the memory of the oldest settlers. The Methodists and Baptists were the fii'st to organize religious societies. Meetings began to be held in the cabins, and the services of local ministers, from Northern Richland County and elsewhere, and of circuit-riders, were secured, as early as 1818. It was not long ere the propriety of building log churches was freely discussed by members of the above denominations. As was desired, this led to the erection of two round- log churches, one for the Methodists and one for the Baptists, the churches being built as early as 1821. The buildings were both low, uninviting structures, judging from their external appearance, although the interior was commodious and cheerful when the great fire-places were glowing with heat, and the settlers assembled to renew their devotions. These buildings were used but a few years, as the members soon became too niimerous to be comfortably accommodated, and, moreover, the members desired a more imposing temple in which to worship. However, before these denominations erected new churches, the Pres- byterians, Winebrennarians, English Luther- ans, and, perhaps, others, organized societies and began to worship God in their character- istic way. No churches were built by these denominations until after 1830. The Meth- odist society mentioned above continued to thrive until about 1830, when Rev. Thomas Millard came to the township from Pennsylva- nia, and entered a tract of land, upon a por- tion of which the " Good-Will " Methodist Church stands. He was a strong churchman, with a resolution for the advancement of Christianity that ctfuld not be diverted nor checked. He at once took the lead of the Methodist Church, and did more than any other man in early years to increase the mem- bership and interest. He gave two acres of his land to the chui'ch, with the understanding that a building was to be erected thereon. A frame church was accordingly erected, in about 1835, on the two acres, and "Six. Millard, who expended as much labor and money as any other man, was employed as the fii'st officiating minister. Under this good shep- herd the flock multiplied, and did much good. The old church was vacated in 1868, when the present building was erected on the same two acres, at a cost of about $1,500. The early organization of the Baptist society was not as perfect as the Methodist organization. It almost ceased to exist in 1830, but an unex- pected increase in the membership gave it additional impetus, and, in about 18-10, they erected a small frame church on Section 16, which was occupied until 1879, when a new one, costing 82,500, was erected. Deacon Howe was one of the leading spirits in this chm'ch in early years, and much of its pros- perity in after years was due to his influence and guidance. The Rev. Mr. Wolf was the founder of the Presbyterian organization in the township. This good man had come into the wilderness yeai's before the first settle- ment, as a missionary among the Indians. He had dedicated his life to the cause of relig- ion, and his will in his coui'se in life was as inflexible as iron. He became '^he founder of many of the Presbyterian Churches in North- ern Ohio, and was a man whose purity of life was unquestioned. His ultimate fate is unknown. The Methodists have a church in the southern part called "Pleasant Grove Church." The society was not organized until about 1850. Soon afterwai'd, their chiu'ch 526 HISTORY OF CRAWFOKD COUNTY. was built, at a cost of about $1,500. A Methodist Church was built in the northern part as early as 1835, which building was aftei-ward sold to the Winebrennarians. This denomination, known as the Church of God, has since owned the building. The United Brethren have a neat little church in the southern part, near Tiro, Their present church was built in 1878, at a cost of about 11,600; but, many years before the building of their church, these humble people were found worshiping in the township. A few years ago, when the German Catholics at New Washington divided their congregation, those living in Auburn Township and vicinity, erected a large, fine church, a half-mile north of Waynesburg. It is the largest church building in the township, and cost about $4,- 000 (including the parsonage). The church is frame, and was completed in 1879. The school and church systems of Auburn are not siu'passed by any other country township in the county, and the citizens are almost wholly of English descent. CHAPTER XYII. SAXDUSKY TOWNSHIP— EAELY ORGANIZATION AND SETTLEMENT— INDIAN AND OTHER INCIDENTS —INDUSTRIES AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS— CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. THE territory comprising this township was siu'veyed in 1807 by Maxfield Lud- low. It was part of that extensive tract of land lying south of the Connecticut Reserve, and east of the land known, after 1820, as the New Purchase. When this tract of land was siu'veyed, a naiTow strip, three miles wide, was left over, lying next east of the New Purchase, and was called the "Three Mile Strip." It was properly surveyed into frac- tional townships, six miles long north and soiith, by three miles wide. Years before the land of the New Purchase was thrown into mai'ket, scores of brave pioneers, regardless of threatened hostilities from the Indians, had " squatted " along its eastern border, design- ing to perfect their title to their farms when the land became marketable, as sooner or later it must. This was a wanton encroach- ment iTpon the rights of the Indian tribes, and a violation of treaties by subjects of the United States. But the pioneers had no apparent sympathy for the red man, seemingly believing that he had no rights which the pale-face was bound to respect. Large num bers poured into the Indian reserves, and, afterward, before the land had been ceded to the Government by the Indians, when com- plaints were made of Indian depredations, no redress could be obtained, as the settlers were trespassers uj^on the Indian lands. In 1820, when the country was thrown open to settlement, hundreds of "squatters" flocked to the land offices to secure the farms upon which they had been living, in many cases, ten or twelve years. Endless dispiites arose regarding titles, which were only settled by the lapse of time, or by Territorial courts, authorized to adjudicate disputed questions. Rarely a case occurred where the " squatter," delaying to enter his land for several years after 1820, found himself supplanted by another pioneer, who had secured the land which the former had endured so much to im- prove. This was a serious hardship, and the " squatter " had no recourse but to give up the land and locate elsewhere. Sandusky Township derives its name from "Ft HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. 527 the Sandusky River, which takes a serpentine coui'se across the southwestern corner. This river enters Section 36, coming from the south, and takes a northwestern course through Sections 36, 35, 26 and 27, flowing, when leaving the township, in a southwestern direc- tion. Lost Creek, flowing from Vernon Town- ship, enters Section 24, and unites with San- dusky River near the center of Section 26. These streams, together with several small tributaries, form a complete di-ainage of the southern half of the township. Broken Sword Creek, a winding branch of the San- dusky River, flows from Yernon into the north- ern part, entering Section 1, thence crossing Sections 12, 11, 10, and finally leaving the township from Section 3. Its tributaries drain all the northern half except the extreme northern line, where branches of Honey Creek convey the water to Lake Erie by way of the Huron River. The di-ainage of this division of the county is excellent, although there is one depressed portion, comprising about three hundred acres, lying in Section 1. This swampy tract of land, known as " Bear Marsh," is noticeably depressed below the sur- rounding country, and, in early times, when shaded by heavy woods, was covered with water the year round. Since the forest has been removed, and the streams draining the marsh have been cleared of fallen timber, the water has been evaporated, or conveyed into Broken Sword Creek; and, although the marsh is yet wet and unproductive, it affords fine pasture land, and is thus used. The surface of the whole township is beautiful and roll- ing, especially so along the incline which forms the valley of Broken Sword Creek. The northern elevations are gentle, while along the valley of the Sandusky the hills are often precipitous, rendering cultivation on the sides impossible. Considerable coarse gravel and fragmentary bowlders, belonging to the di-ift deposits, are found on the surface. There have been no extensive quarries in the township, although an abundance of Waverly sandstone may be found underlying the heavy beds of d^ift in the southern part, and has been taken out in small quantities on the farms of David Wert and Frederick Be4?ch. Con- siderable dark brown slate, or shale, is ex- posed on Sandusky River, but to which form- ation it belongs is uncertain. The date of the original creation of San- dusky Township has been lost. The township was, at first, much larger than it is at present; but, on the 2d of June, 1835, a division was made, as is shown by the following extract, taken from the County Commissioner's report of that date: "This day came David Reed and filed a petition, praying that some relief may be given to the inhabitants of Sandusky Town- ship, stating that the township is twelve miles in length and three in breadth, and requesting the Commissioners to divide and alter said township and the adjoining townships, so that it may be more convenient. Whereupon the Commissioners ordered that all the original surveyed fractional Township 16, Range 21, commonly called the south end of Sandusky Township, and the east tier of fractional sec- tions in Township 3, Range 17 (A\Tietstone Township), viz.. Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, and Sections 34, 35 and 36, Township 17, Range 21, are hereby organized into a sepa- rate township, to be designated and kuo-ttni by the name of Jackson. And it is fiu'ther ordered, that all the original sm-veyed frac- tional Township 17, Range 21, except Sections 34, 35 and 36, called the northern end of Sandusky Township, and the east tier of sec- tions of Township 2, Range 17 (Liberty Town- ship), viz.. Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, and Sections 34, 35 and 36, Township 18, Range 21 (Cranberry Township), shall consti- i^ 'k. 528 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tute a separate township, and remain and be known by the name and title of Sandusky Township." The most interesting physical feature in the township is the gas and medicinal springs on the farm of Joseph Knisely. Samuel Knisely, the pioneer, who came to the town- ship in 1819, was, j^erhaps, the first white man to discover the springs, and, foreseeing their value, not only then, but in subsequent years, purchased the land from which they flow. They are located in the northern half of the southwest quarter of Section 26. There are eleven springs within an area of four rods, and the owner maintains that chemical analy- sis shows that each one possesses a virtue not found in either of the others. The water of nearly all has been analyzed, and the united springs are found to contain sulphureted hydrogen gas, carbureted hyrogen gas, sul- phur, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, cal- ciiun, traces of siliceous and other matter and traces of sulphuric and phosphoric acids. These springs are located in a small basin on a little rill that flows into Sandusky River. Scattered along the creek above them are as many as twelve others, and a singular feature connected with some of these, is, that they contain no traces of sulphur. The Knisely Springs are all highly impregnated with sul- phm'. and, in some instances, a svdphui'ous pre- cipitate is deposited after the water has left the spring. From one of them an unpleasant- smelling gas is incessantly bubbling at the rate of about 100 cubic feet per day. This gas is lighter than air, is highly inflammable, burning with a light yellow flame, and is evi- dently carbureted hyrogen gas, doubtless con- taining impurities. Some years ago, a large funnel ending in a tube, was placed upon the surface of the water, so as to collect the gas, which was conveyed by caoutchouc tubing to the residence of Mr. Knisely, about 100 feet dis- tant, where it was burned steadily for over two years. It gave a clear, steady yellow light, with occasional fine scintillations, evidently caused by burning particles of carbon in the flame. One of the springs is very valuable and inter- esting on account of its medicinal properties. A stone box four feet deep, with the same length and width, is sunk over it almost to the top of the box, and up through an orifice in the bottom, the spring water bubbles as clear as crystal. The water is four feet deep, and, seemingly, possesses a slight magnifying power, as objects at the bottom can be seen as plainly as in the open air. The bottom of the box is thickly covered with a beautiful pm'ple sediment of a chalybeate character. The water is a mild cathartic, and possesses valuable diu- retic and diaphoretic properties. It is asserted by the owner that animals live but a few min- utes in this water. Its properties are not fully known, but several very obstinate cases of skin diseases have been cured. In one instance, a man named Mai'r, emaciated, and almost on the verge of the grave, from what appeared to be consumption, came there to try the vir- tues of the water. In four months he gained sixty or seventy pounds in weight, and left the springs, gi-ateful for his restoration to health. The springs have been neglected in the past, but a movement is on foot, having some of the wealthy citizens of Bucyrus, Galion and Crest- line at its head, to erect suitable buildings at the springs, and to give their full value and virtue to invalids. About forty rods south- east of IVIr. Knisely's residence, is a section of land several rods square, from which large quantities of inflammable gas are continuously escaping into the atmosphere. The intention is to utilize this gas in the buildings that are to be erected. The early records of Sanduslcj' Township were consumed when a portion of the county records were burned many years ago. The •^^ •W HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 529 date of the creation of the township, and the names of its first officers, together with other vahiable records, are inaccessible, if known. Thus, those interesting items are necessarily omitted from the history of the township. The first white settler in Sandusky Township is unknown or forgotten. That there was such an individual, no one will deny, and that he lived in the township at quite an early day is proven by a limited amount of evidence. Prior to 1820, but a few settlers had appeared, but, after that date, and previous to 1830, al- most or quite all the land was taken up. The flow of emigration into this and adjoining townships, came from the eastern and southern portions of Richland County, which locality had been first settled about 1808. As the set- tlements were formed and land became dearer, settlers departed for newer localities, where land was cheaper, in order to secure as much as possible with the means at their disposal. Two men are known to have lived in Sandiisky in 1818. There were Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Ridgely, the former very likely locating on Sec- tion 22, and the latter on Section 14. "WTien they first came to this division of the county, or whence they came, are unknown events, which all effort has failed to unravel. Each had a number of acres cleared in 1818, and the weight of evidence is in favor of their having located there in about 1810. This, however, is conjecture. Each had a family, which in a great degree was supported by the rifle and traps of the husband and father. Mr. Ridgely had quite a large family of boys and girls, the former being indolent and spending their time loitering round the Indian camps in the neighborhood. The girls were blessed with dispositions of an opposite nature, being bright, active, and industrious. It is said the girls were very much ashamed of the sloth of their brothers, and would frequently go out into the field with hoes or plows, leaving the boys in the cabin chewing "dog-leaf" tobacco and loafing. The girls were coiu'ted and w'ooed by the young pioneers for miles around, and the young men who finally bore off the prizes were the envy of their set. The marriage of Lucy Ridgely to John Bear, the first wedding in the township, occurred during the summer of 1822. It was announced that a dance was to take place the night of the wedding, and all the neighborhood were invited to be pres- ent. This was an occasion not to be missed, and about thirty persons, old and young, as- sembled, and all was merriment and gayety. Plays, such as " blind man's buff," and " hiu'ly- burly," were played amidst great laughter. Sets were formed upon the floor, and the " French four " and " Scotch reel " were exe- cuted with a gusto that would perplex the genius of a modern dancing-master. The young men came down on the " double shuffle " and cut the "pigeon wing" in a fashion that elicited exclamations of delight fi-om the older men present. Some of these at- tempted the same exploit, but ingloriously failed, and were in disgrace the remainder of the evening. This marriage is remembered by several of the old settlers yet living, who were present and participated in the dance, and ate of the venison and turkey served at the wedding supper. In 1818 and 1819, large temporary camps of Wyandot Indians were located near the present site of Leesville, Jefferson Township. For some reason unknown to the writer, ]\Ir. Ferguson was known by the Indians as " Gov- ernor Ferguson." If any dissension arose between the natives and the white settlers, " Governor " Ferguson was called upon to arbitrate the claims of each. No serious dis- turbance is remembered to have occurred. A feAV years later, two brothers, Phillip and William Beatty, unmarried, came to the town- ship. A number of years before their coming, «<.j <2- 530 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COT'XTY their parents bad been cruelly murdered in the forests of Pennsylvania liy a war-party of Indians, who attacked tbeir cabin in the night. The absence of the two boys alone saved them from the same fate. The hearts of the two orphans were full of hatred for the red man, and, shortly after their arrival, they determined to wreak their vengeance on the Wyandots. One dark night, they stole cau- tiously to the Indian camp, and, standing- just without the fire-light, selected their vic- tims, and fired simultaneously. No harm was done, but the braves seized their arms and darted into the forest in pursuit. The boys succeeded in eluding them, and in reaching their cabin in safety. The next day, the In- dians, with loud complaints, went to Governor Ferguson, and demanded that the guilty ones be i)unished. Fei-guson said it should be done, if the Indians could establish the iden- tity of the persons committing the outrage; but this they were unable to do, and the mat- ter was di'opped. The natives were often thievish, apparently not possessing any knowl- edge of the rights of property; yet they always seemed penitent, and willing to make restitution for any wrong committed. If they borrowed the settler's gun, which was often done, it was promptly returned, in good condition, according to agreement. One day Samuel Knisely heard a great commotion among his swine, which were squealing and taking on at a great rate. Thinking that pos- sibly a bear might be after them, he seized his rifle and ran out to ascertain the cause. He discovered three or four Indian dogs, hold- ing a large hog, which was bleeding profusely and almost dead. He raised his rifle to shoot one of the dogs; but at that instant their owner appeared, in the person of a tall Indian, who leaped in front of the uplifted rifle, and throwing up his hands exclaimed: "No shoot, no shoot! Me pay, me pay." He cast his rifle and tomahawk upon the groiind, offer- ing them in payment for the damage done. Mr. Knisely refused to take the rifle, but kept the tomahawk, which remained in his possession for many years. In the year 1819, James Gwell came into the township. He built a small log hut, or " hen-coop," and began clearing and improv- ing his farm. In the following year, Mr. Elder and Mr. Shull arrived and built their cabins, moving their families into them the same year. These men were industrious farm- ers, and made good citizens; a few of their descendants are yet living in the county. Mr. Shull owned a saw-mill on Sandusky River, in about 1830. It was run by water-power, and the water was collected by a large "brush" dam, which was washed out a few years later. The old mill-race is yet to be' seen. In 1821, Samuel Knisely moved his family to the "Spring farm," which he had selected and partially purchased, in 1819. This man was one of the most skillful and successful hunters ever in the township. He acquired his knowl- edge of wood-craft and of the chase from his father, who was one of the most successful hunters in Northern Ohio in early years. The father lived in Tuscarawas County, and the family tradition is, that he made it his practice to kill 100 deer every winter, a custom he fol- lowed for many years. He was also a success- ful bear hunter, killing many of those animals. His son Samuel, the pioneer of Sandusky, was scarcely less noted, but the larger species of game had disappeared before his arrival. An occasional bear or panther was found, and the woods were full of deer, raccoon and wolves. He owned a large dog named "Lyon," that was trained to hunt the different varieties of game. One evening, his son John, a lad of foui-teen, went after the cows, taking the dog with him. He had not gone far before the dog started ra}iidly in pursuit of some animal. ^ ^ ^ #*~^ MRS. JANE STEWART. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY. 533 which soon took to a tree. The boy ran for- ward, and found that the dog had treed a large wildcat, which was crouched upon a limb about thirty feet above the ground. He began clubbing it, and soon the animal sprang to the gi'ound, but was instantly seized by the dog. But the cat, though pinned to the earth, began doing fearful execution with its hind claws on the dog's breast. To prevent this, the boy ran forward and seized the cat by the hind legs, and in a few minutes it was stran- gled to death by the dog. He returned home di'iving the cows, whistling along, with the cat on his shoulder, as though nothing had happened. At another time, when Mr. Knisely was sick, the dog ran a deer into the river near the house. It was a large buck, and had tm-ned at bay. Mrs. Knisely ran out with the rifle, and, taking aim at the deer, fired, but missed it. She reloaded, and fired the second time, shooting it through the head, killing it instantly. She was unable to re- move the body from the water, though she tried for some time. At last Conrad Walters, hap- pening along, assisted her in pulling it on to the bank. These are but common incidents in the lives of pioneer wives and childi-en. IVIi'. Knisely was a successful bee-hunter, and always seemed to know just where to go to find an abundance of wild lioney. This was collected and packed in kegs, furnished by some of the settlers, and taken to Sandusky City, or later, to Mansfield. Trees were often found containing twenty or thirty gallons. Settlers often experienced great difficulty in paying their taxes ; but, where they could obtain wild honey, or the skins of wild animals, an abun- dant revenue for that pui-pose was easily ob- tained. One day Mr. Knisely cut down a bee-tree, and, as it fell, a porcupine ran out from a hole in the trunk. It was instantly seized by the dog and killed; but the dog's head was filled with quills, and swelled up to twice its normal size. About twelve gallons of fine honey were taken from the tree. In August, 1821, John B. French erected a hewed-log cabin on Section 23, into which he moved his family. Mr. French had been en- gaged in the mercantile business in Virginia; but, finding that his health was failing, he determined to come to the wilderness of Ohio for a home. He purchased a tract of land just north of the Sandusky River, and began recruiting his health by engaging in pioneer piu'suits. But, at that time, the climate of Ohio was very damp, and did not agree with him, and his condition was not altered by his removal from Virginia. The country was covered with bogs, marshes and swamps which were a fruitful source of various fevers and diseases. His health slowly failed, and he died in 1830, his death being one of the first in the township. He was finely educated^ and was naturally a man of great sociability and intelligence. He was probably the first Justice of the Peace in the township, and was also one of the first three Associate Judges in the county. He had an excellent judgment, and, notwithstanding his poor health, had great force of character. Although he did not pretend to keep a real tavern, yet his cabin became quite a resort for travelers, who often traveled out of their way to reach it. His wife, strong and clear minded, is yet liv- ing in West Liberty. The Wyandot Indians had temporary camps on the French farm, and often came to the cabin to beg, or out of cm'i- osity, or, perhaps, to cultivate a spirit of so ciability. Often, when ]\Ii-s. French was alone in the cabin busily engaged with her house- hold duties, she would look up to encounter the keen eyes of an Indian hunter watching her thi'ough the little window, or else she would suddenly become aware of their pres- ence in the cabin, where they came without warning or invitation. They would seat them- \ ,u 534 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY. selves before the fire without a word, take out their pipes, and fill them with pinched-up tobacco leaves from a little pouch hid myste- riously about their persons. The pipe, after being lighted, was handed to IVIrs. French, who, to express her good-will and friendliness toward the Indians, would coolly take a few pufifs and hand it back, maintaining the same imperturbable silence. Her husband had a sword, a relic of the war of 1812, hanging on the cabin wall. The Indians often took it down and brandished it furiously in the air at some imaginary foe. Mrs. French's nerves were equal to the emergency, she viewing the war- like actions without a tremor. One day she was engaged in boiling sugar-water, in a large iron kettle hanging over the fire. The In- dians sat watching her, occasionally stepping up to see how the boiling progressed. When the sirup had been "stirred off" and had cooled, and the sugar had settled from it, she gave each a small portion to eat. One old brave, named " Dave Hill," ate his in silence, and ]\Irs. French asked him if it was not good. He looked at her a few moments without utter- ing a word, and then, drawing himself up to his full height, while a look of supreme dis- gust swept over his tawny features, he haugh- tily said: "Ugh! French's squaw no make sugar like Indian's squaw." It is uncertain whether this was intended as a compliment to Mrs. French, or whether Mrs. David Hill was a superior sugar-maker. Among the Indians that stopped at the cabin was a tall, wiiy fel- low, named Blacksnake, who was looked upon with distrust by some of the settlers. He often became quite loud, especially after he had taken whisky, and would then proudly boast of his former exploits. He had in his posses- sion quite a lai'ge nvunber of scalps, which, he boasted, had been taken from the heads of white men by himself. He said he had ninety-nine, and must have another to make the even hundi'ed. He soon afterward left the neighborhood, going west, and very likely kept his word. The settlers often received invitations to attend some of the peace dances of the Indians, or to participate in some of their great feasts. These invitations were usually accepted, not only to retain the good- will of the Indians, but because they afforded no little sport and excitement. Shooting matches would be announced, but, notwith" standing the superior vision of the red men, the white hunters generally bore off the prizes. These usually consisted of a nicely- dressed deer, wolf, fox or bearskin. Some of the Indians were gi'eat runners — one, named Eagle Feather, outstripping his companions, or any of the white settlers. The frontier was not without its excitement in the way of shows, several of which pushed out into the wilder- ness with commendable enterprise. In 1829, a large menagerie encamped for the night close to French's cabin. There were several lions, an elephant, two or three camels, besides a multitude of small animals, including baboons and apes, otherwise known as the ancestors of the human race. Before the arrival of the show, as it was passing through the woods a few miles north, the lion began to roar very loudly. A man named Bailey, chopping in the woods out of sight of the wagons, heard the ominous sound, and became tembly fright- ened. He started on the run for a neighbor's cabin, distant about half a mile, and, coming up to it, he told the owner "the devil was coming; he had heard it roar." The neigh- bor laughed at him, but, thinking there might be some wild animal in the woods, took his rifle, and went with the frightened man. When they saw the caravan, the fears of IVIr. Bailey were dispersed, greatly to his relief. In 1823, Jacob Dull, Jacob Ambrose, and Benjamin and William Bowers came to the township. The last two named wex'e brothers, ^c ^ HISTOliY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY, 535 and. soon after their aiTival, erected a large, hewed-log, two-storied cabin on Lost Creek, not far from its mouth, designing it for a saw and grist mill combined. This mill, in time, became the most extensive ever in the town- ship. The creek had considerable fall where the mill was located, and first-class water- power, though limited in extent, was secured in the usual way by means of a race. The nearest mills of any note, prior to this, were eight or ten miles away. There was one near Broken Sword (now the village of Annapolis, or Sulphur Springs), and one or two in the adjoining townships, but all could not be sup- plied from these mills, though they were run day and night, diu'ing the sawing season. The home demand for lumber was gi'eater than the mills could supply, so that, even after the erection of the Bowers Mill, many settlers were obliged to go to distant mills, or do without lumber. The Bowers Mill, though its capacity was limited, did a fair business, sawing all the better varieties of wood on shares. Excellent black walnut timber, that to-day would command almost fabulous prices in the Eastern States, was sawed and burned with a prodigality that appears reckless, when viewed from the present. Entire houses were built of the finest black walnut timber to be found in the forest, and rails by the thou sands were split from the same wood. The grist-mill was a rather weak concera, and was probably designed for no other purpose than to furnish ground com and rye for a distilleiy that was afterward erected as an addition to the saw and gi-ist mills. It could gi'ind corn and wheat after a fashion, and was patron- ized whenever it obviated the necessity of going to mill through bottomless roads dm'- ing the wet seasons. However, if a settler had a large grist to be ground, he usually deferred going until the roads were in good condition, when he took his grain to a distant and better mill. As has been said, the Bowers brothers built an addition to the mill, designing it for a distillery, in which they placed a large copper still. They did not succeed in manu- facturing more whisky than was required for home consumption. About this time, a man named Weaver was found dead in Lost Creek. He had no marks of violence about his person, and some thought he had imbibed too freely, and, in trying to cross the stream on a log, had fallen into the water, and, because of his help- less condition, could not get out. Others declared there had been foul play, and one of the neighbors, with whom Weaver had had some trouble, was pointed out as the guilty one. It is likely that the former cause was the correct one. A sort of saloon was kept in connection with the distilleiy, and became a resort for convivial spirits. This was the only distillery ever in the township. The mills and distillery ran for about ten years, and were then removed. The old race and a few scattered ruins may yet be seen on the site of the old mill. It was near this mill that quite an exciting adventm'e occurred in about 1838. The neighbors had assembled to erect a school- house, and had completed the work shortly after dark. William Wert had been present, and, while he was passing through the woods on his way home, his dogs treed some large animal and began barking furiously. Wert hiuTied forward to see what was the matter. The animal was up a small tree, and Wert, believing it to be a catamount, cut the tree down with his ax. But the animal, though stunned by the fall, scattered the dogs in a hurry, stretching one of them lifeless on the gi'ound with a blow of its paw, and ran up another tree. This was also cut down, with the same result. Wert's blood was then uj), and, detei'mining to kill it at all hazards, he cut the third tree do\vn. which, in falling, pinned the animal to the ground like a vice. "IV 536 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY The night was as dark as pitch, so that the settler could not see what kind of an animal it was, and was, therefore, unable to shoot it. The only remaining dog dared not go near it. The animal could be heard moaning and struggling to get up, and Wert, realizing for the first time its situation, started resolutely forward to dispatch it with his ax. When within a few feet of it, he saw its head faintly outlined against the ground, and, watching his opportunity, he struck it with all his strength on the head, killing it instantly. He struck a light, and saw with astonishment that he had killed a panther of the largest size. Its hoad was filled with the quills of a porcupine, upon which it had feasted a few days previ- ously. His family at home were no little frightened when he came staggering into the cabin with the huge animal on his back. It was evidently a straggler, and but for the fortunate circumstance of its being pinned to the gi'ound by the tree, would have escaped. It had killed one of the dogs, and badly wounded another. The neighbors flocked in the next morning to view the panther, and to tell stories of hair-bx'eadth escapes of their own in the past. In 1825, James Tarns, Capt. Joseph Smith, Nelson Tustasou, William Matthews and Will- iam Hanley came in, and erected their cabins in different parts of the township. The last three located in the northern part, near the celebrated "Bear Marsh," which was named by the Indians before the advent of the white settlers. These men became prom- inent citizens in the township. Tarns entered a quarter-section on the western tier of sections, upon which he built a hewed-log cabin. He was a blacksmith, the first in the township, and, in 1826, built a small log shop a few rods fi'om his cabin. He caiTied on his trade to a limited extent for many years. Smith had been a commissioned officer in the war of 1812, and, after coming to the township, was elected Captain of the muster company, raised in this and adjoining neighborhoods. He was a graduate of one of the Eastern colleges, and, like many others with failing health, had come to the forests of Ohio to find what vir- tue there was in the rugged life of a pioneer. A few years after his arrival, he died of con- sumption. Tustason was well to do, and be- came an extensive land-holder, finally owning several sections near the central part. He purchased a portion of his land of Benjamin Johns, a speculator, who had entered consid- erable land in the township, in 1814. Johns did not live on his land, however, but sold it to the different settlers who located in this division of the county. Matthews and Han- ley deserve special mention, as being the first settlers in the northern part. No settlers are known to have come in 1827, to this divis- ion of the county. In 1828, quite a number came in, among whom were Charles Burns, John Ruth, Peter Long, Isaac Beck, Joseph and William Cox, Dewey, Cove and others. Within the next five or six years, almost or quite all the land in the township was taken up. During this period there came in John Mclntire, Isaac Hilburn, Isaac Davis, Isaac Hemy, Abel Dewalt, John Ramsey, James and William Dickson, Lewis and Peter Rutan, Benjamin Lobe, John Kaler, John Luke and others. In 1835, there were as many as thirty or forty settlers in the township. Industries and improvements began to multiply; markets became better and nearer; excellent floiu' and meal could be obtained within a few miles; Bucyrus and Mansfield were the principal trading-points; money became plenty, and the settlers attained a degree of prosperity unknown to them before. Ruth erected a rude shingle factory, in about 1836, riving them out by hand, and doing the sawing with a large whip saw, run by two men. Blocks of HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 537 straight-grained timber, about two feet long, were sawed, and the shingles, about an inch in diameter, were split from these. The work was slow and tiresome, and, after a few years, was -discontinued. Better shingles could be obtained for less money ^rt the saw-mills on Sandusky River. Isaac Beck owned a " one- horse" saw and grist mill on the river, in about 1835. He followed the occupation for about four years. Isaac Darling dressed skins for a short time, about 1828. John Lobe opened a public house in 1884. He followed this calling for nearly twenty years, and made considerable money from it. John Mclntire was a weaver, and had a large loom in one end of his cabin. He carried on the occupation when not otherwise engaged upon his farm. John Kaler was a cobbler, who traveled from house to house during the win- ter, mending shoes. He carried a small box, in which were leather, and all the necessary tools for his trade. Hilburn was a pi'omineut citizen in the northern part. When he reached the township, he was in poor circumstances, but immediately began mauling rails, and was soon prosperous. One year his taxes became due, and he found himself unable to pay them. He would maul rails in the woods all day, and, when night came, would go coon-hunting with torches in the woods. One dark night, while thus engaged, assisted by his son Rob- ert, a lad thirteen or fourteen years old, he was suddenly attacked by a pack of hungry wolves. He quickly placed the boy in the hollow of a large tree, and, standing in front of him, waved his fire-brand to frighten away the wolves. They came dangerously close, snapping and snarling, but were afraid of the fii'e, and soon went scurrying off into the for- est. Coon-skins brought 25 cents each, and, when well di-essed, as high as !^1. This money was used in paying taxes. Industi'i- ous and skillful hunters could make good wages, especially in the winter. They could penetrate the neighboring bogs and marshes, and catch large numbers of mink, foxes, coons, etc., whose furs, at that time, were valued very highly in the Eastern States. Between 1830 and 1840, large fur companies were established in various fur-bearing: regions in the United States and Canada, and fur hoods, cloaks, tippets, etc., were highly prized by the fashionable world. Thus, a valuable som'ce of revenue was opened to the pioneer, and the result was that a vigorous crusade against all fur-bearing: animals was begun and carried on so extensively that, in a short time, the forests became deserted by these animals, which were shot or trapped or driven to some remote I'e- gion not yet penetrated by the pioneer. But the result was advantageous to the settler, and, strange as it may seem, the fashionable world of that period deserves the credit and honor, if such they be. In the year 1827, a United Presbyterian Church society was organized in the central part of the township. A few years previously itinerant preachers had begun to visit the neighborhood, calling a number of the settlers together and preaching to them in the cabin of one of the settlers. These visits brought the desired result, and the preachers were called upon to organize numerous religious societies. The Presb^-terian society became so strong that, in 1830, a rude church was built. It was constructed almost wholly of clap- boards, which were split out by Patrick Mc- lntire, one of the early car[)enters. Adam Stone, also a carpenter, prepared the mold- ings, door and window casings, etc. Elder Cratty visited and labored with the society for many years, and was one of the men to organize it. It became the sti'ongest chiu'ch in the townshi}), although it was not the first religious society established. A Sunday school was organized at the time of the erec- 538 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tion of the clmrch, and, from the start, had a large membership. The great vahie of these societies to the citizens cannot be estimated in figures. They strengthened a sentiment of sociability and charity, that bore an abundant fruit of jnire lives and morals in after years. In about 1850, a new church was built to take the place of the "clapboard" church, which was removed, and is now used as a barn by William Stone. As early as 1822, a Method- ist Ejiiscopal society was organized in John B. French's cabin. John O. Blowers was one of the earliest preachers. An 'Englishman named Mai'tin, a resident of Holmes Town- ship, often took charge of the meetings. Re- vivals were held in the cabins of French, Knisely, Henry and others. Great earnest- ness afid enthusiasm were manifested by the members, and every family in the neighboi'- hood was invited to come into the " ark of safety." In about the year 1840, the Luth- erans organized a society and built a church on Lost Creek. The society is in a prosper- ous condition. The religious world had lonof looked upon the duskj^ savage as a deserving subject for Christian enlightenment, and, with commendable enthusiasm and energy, had early sent missionaries into the wilderness to teach them the way of eternal life. But the zeal of religious people and the earnest efforts of Chi-istian teachers have been baffled by the natural perversity of the red race. They are to-day as crafty, cunning and revengeful as when the English landed at Jamestown. Like the Chinese, they have steadily resisted the advances of a higher type of civilization. But Christian teachers have been persistent, and exceptional cases are found where the aborigines have yielded to religious influences. Early missionaries visited the Wyandot In- dians in Sandusky Township. A young lady named M(>linda Hunt, filled with religious enthusiasm, established herself on the San- dusky River, and paid regular visits to the natives. She was always welcomed, and th© untutored children of the forest loved to listen to her voice, while she told the " story of the Cross." There were rumors that, when she was a child, her parents had been murdered by the Indians, and that, instead of cherishing vengeance, her heart had gone out in Chris- tian love for them, and she resolved to devote her life to their souls' salvation. She was kind, zealous, self-sacrificing, and was beloved by every one. Her heart was wrapped up in her work, and her labors were continued until the Indians left the neighborhood. She fol- lowed them westward, and what finally be- came of her is unknown to the people of the township. Under her teachings, the Indians began to attend the meetings at the cabins of the settlers, and to take great intei'est in the early camp-meetings. In 1831, one of these meetings was held on the French farm, and was largely attended. As many as sixty fam- ilies of settlers erected tents, and just without their encampment more than one hundred Indians established themselves in their wig- wams, and took an active part in the exei'cises. Many of these were converted, but they soon went back to their old way of living. Among the ministers in attendance were Elders Pren- tice, Bell, Palmer, Chase and Havens, the lat- ter being a man of great spirit and enthusi- asm. Lines of tents wex'e erected so as to form a square, inclosing about half an acre, and, within this inclosure, rude seats and a rude rostrum made from clapboards or planks, were placed. Three exercises were held each day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. The ministers took turns in presiding. Supplies of food were brought to the grounds, and the cooking was done in the tents. Horses were picketed in an adjoin- ing grove, and cows were kejit on the grounds to furnish fresh milk. Tobacco, candies, fruits. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 539 melons, etc., were sold at tents erected without the inclosure. When the services began, the Indians assembled and sat together, with faces upturned, listening soberly to the words of the " man of God." Occasionally some dvisky face would light up with the fire of the occa- sion, and its owner would begin to manifest all the outward signs of sincere conversion. The most of them understood English sviffi- ciently well to get an idea of what was being said. Large numbers of whites were con- verted, and the churches were greatly strength- ened by additions made thereto. The Indians were in the neighborhood only temporarily, and, when the camp-meeting closed, at the end of three weeks, they journeyed westward to more fruitful hunting and trapping grounds. The citizens in the township have always been temperate and moral. It is likely that the first school in the tovsois- ship was taught during the winter of 1820-27, in a small i-ound-log cabin, used as a dwelling, on the farm now owned by Alexander Smith, by Miss Jane Hogan, who afterward became IVIrs. Smith. The cabin, though small, and having but one room, with a solitary window, through which a few shaded rays of light came, was divided off into two apartments, not in reality, but only in name. Into one of these, hastily and rudely improvised seats and desks were placed, and this was the pioneer schoolroom in San- dusky Township. The young lady teacher, who was handsome and quite well educated, taught three months, receiving a small subscription for her services in endeavoring to teach the few children under her charge from scarcely no books or slates or apparatus. Often when classes were called to the floor to read, one book was required to serve the whole class, each member taking it in turn and reading, while the others stared idly about, or mischievously snapped bits of wood across the room at some fellow-student. In early years, two or three terms at such schools as the one just described wei'e considered amply sufficient for any one not desiring a collegiate education, and the young men and women were graduated in accordance with the prevailing opinion. The childi'en were not sent to school until they had attained the age of about fifteen years. Here was held the first spelling-school, and here the neighbors — men, women and childi-en — came to see who could " spell the school down." But the "going home with the gals" was what afibrded the most pleasm'e, and all the diff"erent degrees of com'age were exhibited by the pio- neer boys, when it came to the " asking " point ; and the long walk by moonlight thi-ough the forest paths, arm-in-arm, when the spell- ing had ended, was a memorable event, for " Here maidens were sighing, and fragrant their sigh, As the flower of the Amra just oped by a bee ; And precious their tears as that rain from the sky Which turns into pearls as it falls in the sea. Oh! think what the kiss and the smile must be worth, When the sigh and the tear are so perfect in bliss, And own, if there be an Elysium on earth, It is this, it is this." Miss Hogan also taught the following sum- mer in the same cabin, but her school was thinly attended. Dm-ing the winter of 1S27- 28, IVIi-. Dewey taught a term of thi-ee months in his own cabin. His cabin was twenty by thirty feet, and was sufficiently large to accom- modate between fifteen and twenty children, who came to him for instruction. The inte- I'iorof his cabin was arranged similarly to the one described above, though it was lighted in a much more satisfactory manner. There were three windows, each containing fom* panes of glass, and these, in connection with the ruddy light of the great fire-place, afforded what was considered abundant light to enable the children to read, write and cipher without fatiguing the eyes. IMr. Dewey was a well- educated man, and he has the reputation of havincr tausrht an unusually successful school. 540 HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. He continued to teach in his cabin until the first (schoolhouse was erected, in which he afterward taught many terms. Miss Mary- Ann Higljy taught a : hort term in Dewey's cabin dm'ing the summer of 1828. She after- ward taught many terms in Sandusky and adjoining townships. Several of the old set- tlers think that school was taught in the township two or three years before 1826, but they are unable to give the date, the name of the first teacher, or any incidents or circum- stances connected with such schools. In the absence of any definite evidence, those early schools, if such there were, must remain in doubt as to their existence. Several of the earliest settlers were men of fine culture, who could appreciate the blessings and advantages of education. They had large families of children, in whose rapid intellectual and moral progress they were deeply interested. This would seem to imply that schools were taught as early as accords with the opinions of the eai'ly settlers. It was not until 18)30, that a hewed-log schoolhouse was built, on the cor- ner of Isaac Henry's farm. Who the first teachers were, and the incidents connected with the first sessions of school, are items no longer remembered. This building was used about fifteen years, when a frame one was built to take its place. The second schoolhouse was built south of the river, in 1838. The whole neighborhood turned out, as was the custom in those days, and the building was designed and erected in one day. This house was used many years, and it has only been comparatively late that another was built to take its place. Another schoolhouse was built in about 1842, in the northern extremity of the township. Average wages have been paid teachers, and the school system has been in- ferior to that of no other country township in the county. CHAPTER XVIII. WHETSTONE TOWNSHIP — SANDUSKY PLAINS— EARLY SETTLEMENT AND INCIDENTS — PIONEER IMPROVEMENTS— GROWTH OF VILLAGES— CHURCH AND SCHOOL HISTORY. THE human mind delights in novelty and variety, and the whole being demands a change of pursuits. Nature's countless designs are never frustrated. Harmony and logical se- quence are found everywhere pervading the laws of nature by both theologian and atheist. The appetite, cloyed with continual sweets, loves the relief afforded by bitterness. The traveler becomes weary with the sight of un- ending plains or a continuous range of eleva- tions, and loves to see small vales encircled with hills and cloud-capped mountains. Wear}^ with the long journey through the tiresome forests of Ohio, the early settler was attracted to the Sandusky Plains, in Whetstone Town- ship. In early years, they were the most no- ticeable feature in the township ; but, since the surrounding woods have been partly cleared away and the Plains in many places have be- come covered with foi'est trees, it requires care- ful scrutiny to detect prairie from woodland. The Plains originally comprised fully the west- ern half of the township, extending far down the Scioto Valley, and, on the boundary lines, were irregular, sending off long spurs into tlie woods, and being pierced in turn by long, knifelike projections of forest land. Some portions of considerable extent are free from trees, though generally the surface is dotted here and there with " lone trees " or small groups varying in size from half a dozen to several hundred. The plains extend largely IV HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUXTY. 541 I over Bncyrus and Dallas Townships and far down into Marion County, covering quite an extensive tract of land. In Whetstone Town- ship the}' are generally flat, though the monot- ony is relieved by knobs of clay and gravel, deposited with the drift formations. Many of these knobs were originally covered with trees. It is observable that all the trees growing on the plains are comparativeh" small, having an approximate age of fortv or fifty years. This seems to indicate that before the advent of the white settlers the plains were swept over b}' fires, which kept down the growths of forest trees. But, after the land was purchased by the pioneer and the Indian had disappeared, the destructive fires were avoided and the trees began to grow. The plains were early covered with tall, rank grass and weeds, that furnished an excellent hiding-place for wild animals. When the grass was dr}^ and the wind blew heavil}', the Indians were in the habit of set- ting out fires on the windward side, and then posting themselves to leeward, shot down the game that fled before the burning grass. The earliest white settlers did the same ; but it was soon necessary to avoid the fires, as the cabins and grain were in danger of being burned. Many years after the first settlers arrived, while the Wyandots were still on their reserva- tion, they were in the habit of establishing their camps outside their own lands, wherever the hunting or trapping was good, and where the}' did not give too much oflTense to the set- tlers. They were cuiming, and adopted this course to save the game in their reservation. Whenever they approached a settlement, they were accustomed to give the whip to their ponies and come in on the gallop, with '• whoop and halloo," as some of them said, " to scare white man." They were notorious beggars, rivaling the modern "tramp" in skill and ex- pediency. When the settlers ftiilcd to respond liberally, strategy was adopted. A cabin was watched until the husband and father had gone, when the Indians presented themselves with scowling faces, exhibiting an array of weapons that were an "open sesame" to the woman's lavish generosity. A small encamp- ment was located one fall near the center of the township, on Whetstone Creek. An old Indian, named " Crum," was among them with his squaw and a " new " papoose. Several young women in the neighborhood went one day to view the little stranger, that lay wrapped in blankets and furs, swinging in its cradle of deer thongs strapped to trees. The young women went forward and began raising the garments to see the face of the little one, but they were interrupted by a burst of laugh- ter from Mr. and Mrs. Crum, who pointed to the other extremity of the Iiundle. signifying that the face could be found there. The young women, though confused at first by their mis- take and the laughter of the Indians, soon recovered sufBciently to join in the merriment at their own expense. The young women's descendants are yet laughing at the mistake of their grandmothers. The date of the creation of Whetstone Town- ship is uncertain, though the old settlers say that it was very probably in 1824. The land was surveyed in 1821 or 1822, and the township then received its appropriate range and num- ber. It took its name from the principal sti-eam draining it, and its name was the one suggested by the settlers when they petitioned for the creation of the township. The township, as originally created, was six miles square ; but, in 1835, when Sandusky and Jackson Town- ships were altered, the eastern tier of fractional sections became a part of the latter township. Bat, some time previous to this event, these sections had been annexed to Sandusky Town- ship, as can be seen by reading the extract taken from the report of the commissioners in 1835, and given in the history of Sandusky Township, which appears in this work. After 1835 and until 1845, the township of Whetstone was five ^ Ul 'k» 543 HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. miles square ; but, at the latter date, when Wy- andot County was created, and nearly all the townships in Crawford Count}- were altered, the fractional tier of sections mentioned above, was re-annexed to Whetstone Township, of which it has since formed part. There were also added to this township twelve sections — two tiers — from Marion County, thus making Whetstone the largest township in the county. At present, it comprises fort}- full sections and eight fractional ones, and has an area of almost 28,000 acres. There is no existing account of the names of the first officers. The township is favorably situated, none of its territory' being farther than eight miles from either Bucyrus or Gallon. This gives the citizens the boon of a choice of markets, which the}^ greatly prize. Much of the soil of the township, especially on the flat prairie land, is deep and black, and is largely composed of deca}' ing vegetable mat- ter. Numerous banks of drift clay and gravel are found along the course of the shallow Olen- tang}'. The water of the creek is turbid, pre- senting a faint, milky appearance, evidently caused by many small sulphur springs that feed it. As has been said, the Olentangy is the principal stream. It flows from Polk Town- ship, entering Section 13, thence flowing across Sections 35, 26, 27, 22, 28, 33, 5 and 4 on the lower extremity, and leaving the township from Section 8. It and its branch, Mud Run, drain about two-thirds of the surface. The latter stream has its source in Section 17, and flows across Sections 20, 19, 30, 31, and enters Bucy- rus Township. Most of the surface north of the Gallon road is drained by small branches of Sandusky River. This river flows across the extreme northwestern corner of Section 0. The beautiful Scioto River has its source in the western part of the township. This division of the county is thus situated on the Ohio water- shed, as part of its water reaches Lake Erie, and part the Ohio River. It has a few flat portions poorly drained, but generally the town- ship has excellent drainage, and the soil is kept in fine working condition. The name of the first settler is lost in the ob- scurit}- of the past. The settlers began to ap- pear before the land became marketable ; and, so great was the rush after 1820, and before 1827, that as many as thirty families had set- tled in the northern part. There were but few Germans at first, though many of those genial and hospitable people known as " Pennsylvania Dutch " came with the New Englanders, who composed the majorit}' of the earliest settlers. Looking from the present, it would appear wise for the first settlers to select the prairie land, which could be cultivated almost immediately ; but this they did not do, parti}' because there was no market for grain, and partly because the settlers imagined that within thirty or forty years the timber would be largely destroyed, which led them to select fixrms covered with heavy groves of black walnut or oak, and to leave the prairie land for subsequent settlers, using it in the meantime to supply themselves with ha}' and with pasture for the few horses, cattle and sheep that had been brought in from the East. The ambition of the early settler was to live well, and to secure as much as possible of the land that was being taken up so rapid 1}' around him. He raised a small crop of corn and potatoes, pulverizing the former in mortars made from an oak block, and roasting the lat- ter in the ashes of the capacious fire-place. Joseph Stewart, now an old man of fourscore years, remembers of going to bed many a night with no supper except roasted potatoes and milk. The corn-meal prepared with the mortar and pestle was coarse ; but, when eaten under the stimulus of long fasts (a common occurrence for the early settler), was greatly relished. The cows of the settlers furnished them with milk — that all-important factor in domestic economy. Horses and cattle suflTered severely from mos- quitoes, that came in clouds from the surround- ing marshes. This harassing annovance, and ^k HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY. 543 an insufficient quantity of grain, swept off the liorses of the settlers, though the tough little Indian ponies lived on and enjoyed life as well as Indian ponies could. Deer, prairie chickens, ducks, squirrels and swine furnished abundant meats. In a few years, swine in large num- bers ran wild in the woods, and fed upon •' mast" — beech and hickory nuts and acorns — that covered the gi'ound in the fall of the year. They were often quite fat, some of them weigh- ing 200 pounds, though usually they turned the scales at from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty pounds. These " hazel-splitters " bore but little personal resemblance to the well-bred and shapely Berkshire and Poland-China swine of to-day. Their legs were long and strong, and their snouts were abundantly ample for all prac- tical purposes. Some of the tusks on the male gender attained a length of five or six inches, and were formidable weapons in the hands (or rather the snout) of an enraged sus scro/a. Unless they had some distinguishing ear-mark, the swine were considered the property of those who could capture them. There was quite a demand for pork, as earl}'^ as 1823. Judge Merriman, then doing a general mercantile business in Buc3^rus, bought live or dressed hogs on com- mission for men living in Sandusky City. He was authorized to pay cash, or to give goods in exchange, for pork, paying about $2.50 per hun- dred for dressed hogs, and about $2 per hundred live weight. This was considered a good price, as the rearing and fattening of the swine cost nothing, not even in the winter. The result was that during the fall of the year, when hogs were fattest, the settlers turned out with dogs and horses to drive them in from the woods. Several of the settlers made considerable money by driving droves of thirty or forty to Sandusky City. The northern half of the township was settled eight or ten years before the southern half This was because a location near Bucyrus was desirable, though, in a few years, the settlers began to build their cabins near Whetstone Creek, where springs of pure, living water were found. As near as can be ascertained, the set- tlers came into the township as follows : In 1820, John Kent, Seth Holmes, Joseph Young, Noble McKinstry, Ralph Bacon and a Mr. Wil- louby ; in 1821, John King, Philander and Eli Odell, Samuel Parcher, Asa Howard, Zalmon Rowse, George Hancock and a few others ; in 1822, Hugh Stewart and his five sons, William, John, James, Hugh and Joseph, all over twenty- one and all unmarried, Phillip dinger, Samuel Van Voorhis, John Stien, Henry Harringer, John Beckwith, Benjamin, George, John and Lyman Parcher, brothei'S of Samuel, who had come out the year before, Christopher Bear, Heman and Abner Rowse, William Hamilton, Archibald Clark, John Campbell and several others; in 1823, Hugh Trimble, George Poe, Cornwallis Reese, Daniel Jones, James Faloon, James Armstrong and others ; in 1824, Robert Reed, Charles Chambers, James Henderson, Isaac and Casper Eichelberger and others ; in 1825, Adam Keifer, John Lininger and Robert Walker ; in 1826-27, many came in ; in 1828, David Savage, John Heinlen, John Brehman, Isaac Boyer, Robert Walker, Oliver Jones and others. Many more came in during the years that have been mentioned, but their names are forgotten. The majority of these settlers were fi'ora New England or the Middle States, and, with but few exceptions, located on the three tiers of sections on the north. Among the most prominent of the early settlers was the family of Hugh Stewart. This man had come from Ireland, and had lived many years in Cumberland County, Penn. In 1821, he left Pennsylvania, and traveled twenty- four days with his family in a wagon drawn by four horses, arriving at .Mansfield, Ohio, where his family remained, while he went to Whet- stone Township, Crawford County, Ohio, to select a farm. Favorable reports were in cir- culation at Mansfield as to the fertile land and >> 544 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. valuable forests in the New Purchase, and the reports, reaching the East, induced thousands of intelligent and wealthy farmers to go to the West, where the price of a load of wood to- day would purchase an acre of land, covered with heavy walnut or oak forests. The reports were so favorable that Mr. Stewart went to Whetstone Township and selected 240 acres, Avhich he entered at Delaware for $300. This land was on Section 8. The family remained near Mansfield until the next spring, renting, in in the meantime, a small portion of land owned by James Hedges, and putting in a small crop of corn and potatoes on shares. While the family remained at Mansfield, the father and sons went to Whetsone and built a round-log cabin, twenty feet square, having one room, one door and one window. The logs on the inside of the cabin were roughly hewed off, the door was hung on wooden hinges, and the family' were proud of the distinction of having a window which contained four panes of glass. In this rude cabin, they began life in the back- woods. Mrs. Stewart was in feeble health, and the family had brought with them a widowed lady, named Betse}^ Anderson, upon whose shoulders fell much of the household duties. A few calves and sheep were driven from Pennsylvania, and these wore carefully guarded and fed. The calves, when four years old, were driven to Sandusky City and sold for $10 per head ; but the sheep did not thrive so well. They all died, except two, from eating some poisonous weed growing in the woods or on the plain. One of these two was so badly poisoned that it swelled up to twice its natural size, but was saved b}' a lavish dose of whisk}-. The fomil}' brought with them a small copper still, wliich was sold soon after their arrival. The sons in after years occupied many positions of honor in the township and county. James Stewart served as one of the three Associate Judges of the county in al)out 1830, and, at one time, was ^Mayor of Buc3rus. Himself and other sons of the family served frequently as Justices of the Peace. William, the eldest son, went to Kentucky, and what became of him is unknown to his relatives now living in the county. John, James and Hugh are dead, and Joseph is the only child of Hugh Stewart, Sr., left living to tell the tale of hardships and privation of his long and eventful life. The mother died a few years after reaching the county, and her death was one of the first in Whetstone Township. The Parcher ftimily, in early times, was among the most prominent. Samuel came to this division of the county in 1820, with the family of Ralph Bacon. He had been employed b}' Bacon to drive an ox team from Painesville, Ohio, to Whetstone Township. Bacon entered 240 acres of land, partly in each of the two townships. Whetstone and Libert}^ and his cabin was erected in Liberty. Immediately after their arrival. Bacon emploj'ed Parcher to maul 10,000 rails, for which he was to receive $50. The next year, Samuel's four brothers, named above, came on, and the brothers to- gether entered considerable land on Section 3, and began improving it. Benjamin was the only married one of the brothers, and one large cabin served as home for all. Samuel was em- ployed by Judge Merriman to haul the first stock of goods to Bucyrus. This was in 1821 or 1822. After the goods had arrived, the re- port became current that the stock consisted of nothing but a half-dozen handkerchiefs and a few pounds of powder ; but the reader is as- sured that this report was probably erroneous. In about 1828, the Parcher brothers built a saw-mill on their farm. It was a small affair, with an " up-and-down " saw, and was run by horse power. At the same time, they began the distillation of whisky, and ground their grain on a small horse-mill, with the usual " nigger-head " stones. Neither of the mills nor the distillery proved profitable, and, after running two or three vears, the three were dis- K -W* d±. HISTORY OF CEAWFORD COUNTY 545 continued. Their copper still was bought at Sandusky City. A few descendants of the Parcher family are 3'et living in the county. The Rowse family were among Whetstone's earliest and most intelligent citizens. Their family history accompanies this work. It is more than possible that John Kent located in the township in 1819, as he had an acre or more cleared around his cabin in the summer of 1820. During that summer, and for a few subsequent years, Seth Holmes lived in a small log shanty in Kent's dooryard. He was an old bachelor, and had the care of an aged father and mother on his hands — a task he performed with filial love and devotion Eli and Philander Odell were among the earliest settlers. Eli was a cabinet-maker, and began manufacturing a lim- ited quantity of rough furniture as early as 1826. Between 1840 and 1850, he gained great notoriet}' as being prominently connected with a well-traveled underground railroad. He pub- licly avowed it to be the moral and social duty of every man to assist the runaway slaves in escaping to Canada, and to render obnoxious the law requiring a rendition of escaping slaves wherever found. He made no concealment of the fact that he fed and carried every runaway that came to his dwelling to the next point nearer the slave's earthly paradise — Canada He was careful, however, not to be caught in his acts, and thus escaped the clutches of the law. The slaves were brought to him b}' Peter West, who lived near New Winchester, and who also openly avowed his belief in the sin of slaver}^, and his intention to thwart the laws he believed to be unjust and unholy. It is likely that these men assisted dozens of slaves in es- caping to Canada. Just where the slaves were convej-ed from Odell's house is a myster}^ that has not yet been cleared up, but was probably to some citizen at or near Annapolis. Settlers who located near the center of the township, were unusuall}' careful to build their cabins near springs of good water. This was an important item in early jears, when pure water was a rarit}', and when the surface of the country was covered with multitudes of marshes and swamps of stagnant water. Wells were dug with great difficulty, and, when readj^ for use, were largely filled with surface water, that could not be kept out. Some settlers pre- ferred to locate near promising villages, regard- less of water, trusting that time would furnish them with an abundant supply of the purest. Others chose their farms from the proximity of valuable springs, regardless of the remote- ness of their land from villages. They were not ignorant of the fact that their houses were in a country where ague and fevers were the certain result of the infectious climate ; and, with all the knowledge and skill at their command, they endeavored to guard against the distressing effects of malarial diseases. Doctors came to Bucjrus at an early day, and were the ones employed by the set- tlers of Whetstone. Calomel and quinine were dealt out in quantities that are incompatible with the medical logic of to-da}', which requires that the desired results be attained bj' the use of the least possible quantit}- of medicine. These medicines were found abundantl}- in ever}^ cabin, and were universally- regarded as an unfailing panacea for all the various types of disease. In early springtime, the cabin that did not contain a case or two of " shakes," be- came a conspicuous object. Pioneers with frail constitutions, who came West, hoping that "roughing it " would soon bring them the price- less boon of good health, found to their sorrow that sickness alone, repaid them for the trouble until death came to relieve them of earthly tribulations. Often during the cold, dreary month of March, ever}- member in large fami- lies was ailing ; and it was not uncommon to see whole families " shaking" at the same time as they bent over the roaring fire-place. This was true of all Ohio, which, at that time, was termed by the settlers the " shakers' paradise." iJ± ;1^ 546 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. But, after many years, the forests were opened to the sunlight and heat, and the stagnant water was turned into the nearest streams. Ague and kindred afflictions largely disap- peared, and good health, with all its attendant blessings, prevailed. John Campbell, Sr., located near the center of the township, on Section 28. Greorge Hancock had squatted on the same farm the year before, and continued to remain there for several years after Campl)ell had purchased the land. At the end of the first year, Campbell had cleared eight acres, a portion of which was on the edge of the prairie, and required but little labor to prepare it for the plow. He planted a crop of corn and potatoes, and, in a few 3'^ears, had saved money enough to purchase more land. He se- lected his land, and made preparations to start for Delaware to enter it. Jacob Bowers and Henry Lininger had their eyes on the same piece, and employed Henry Remson, an early school-teacher, to prepare the necessar}' papers, giving a description of the land. When they reached Delaware, they discovered that their documents did no-t accurately locate the land. They started back to correct the error ; but Campbell, in the meantime, had obtained the necessary papers, and had gone to Delaware, entering the land about the time the others reached home. When the latter learned what had transpired, they were greatly mortified. Quite an extensive settlement was formed near Mr. Campbell's cabin. Van Voorhis, Hamil- ton, King, dinger, Poe, Clark, Jones and several others settled near the Olentangy, where ever- flowing springs furnished an unfailing supply of pure water. These settlers were mostly Scotch- Irish, from the Kej^stone State, and nearU' all, when they came, drove in small herds of cattle, sheep or hogs. Several manufacturing enterprises and trades arose in early years, to supply the settlers with much-needed articles used in farm and do- mestic economy. Barney and David Eberhardt erected a frame saw-mill on the Olentangy. It ran from 1830 to 1844, changing owners sev- eral times, and was, perhaps, in early years, the best mill of its kind in the township. The dam was constructed of mud, brush, stones, logs and whatever ofiered sufficient resistance to the flow of the water. The capacity of the mill, though great at that day, cannot compare with the circular mills of the present. The mill had an up-and-down saw, and often ran so slowly that the owner ventured to tread for houi'S on the large overshot wheel that fur- nished the saw with motion. It did good work for many years, but finally fell into the hands of careless owners, who allowed the dam to break, which ended the career of the mill George Sweney was one of the owners, run- ning it successfull}'^ for five years. Paul Hed- dick also owned a saw-mill on the Olentang}', which was erected about the time the Eber- hardt mill was built. It ran for twenty-five years, and was well patronized. It was near the Eberhardt mill that a murder occurred soon after 1830. Two wealthy men of the East, named Hammer and Bender, had come out West as far as Mansfield, Ohio, looking for land. While the}' were stopping at the hotel in Mansfield, it became known that each had in his possession several hundred dollars in gold. After stopping for several days and making in- quiries about the land farther west, they jour- neyed on as far as Gallon, and were accompa- panied by two strangers, who had joined them soon after leaving Mansfield, and who seemed quite social and friendl}'. The party, now in- creased to four, took dinner at Gabon, and trav- eled on until they reached a lonel}^ place on the Olentangy, near the Eberhardt mill, when one of the strangers suddenly- drew a pistol from his pocket and shot Bender through the head, killing him instantly. At the same instant, the other stranger struck Hammer a terrible blow on the head with a heavy cane, stretching him senseless on the ground. The murderers im- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 547 mediatel}- left the scene of the tragedy- without taking the gold of their victims, leaving the pistol and an overcoat on the ground. It is sup- posed that they became frightened by hearing the voices of the men at the mill, who were driving the oxen. The murderers escaped, and subsequently could not be traced. Bender was dead, but Hammer soon recovered con- sciousness and roused the men at the mill, who began scouting the woods after the murdex'ers, but without avail. Hammer conveyed the body of his friend East, where it was buried. ^lichael Nye owned a small horse-mill on his farm in 1838 or 1840. Abraham Holmes also owned one about the same time. These mills did not pretend to compete with the extensive flouring-mills on Sandusky River. Their as- pirations were modestly confined to the grind- ing of a coarse grade of corn-meal, and were run more as an act of accommodation than as a scheme to make money. They continued a few years and were then discontinued. In the year 1824, James Armstrong built the first cabin having a shingle roof. Where his shin- gles were obtained, like many other early events, will probably remain locked forever in the jew- eled casket of the muse of history. The chimney was not in keeping with the roof, as it was built of sticks laid cross-wise and mor- tared together with clay mud. The inference is that Mr. Armstrong soon saw the incongruity of the arrangement, as, in the spring of 1826, he burned a small kiln of brick and tore down the old chimne}^, substituting bricks in the place of the clay and sticks. Another in- ference is that he was a progressive man and a lover of neatness and oi'der. His bricks were the first burned in the township, if not in the county, and his chimne}'^ was the first of its kind, and soon excited the envy of his neigh- bors, all of whom wanted brick chimne3's after the fashion was fixed. The remainder of the bricks were sold to unknown neighbors for an unknown price. Mr. Armstrong did not con- tinue the brick business. His neighbor, John Boyer, did, however, although he burned but two or three small kilns. It was about this time or soon afterward that a brick house was built, which is yet standing on the John Bo3'er farm. Phillip dinger dug many of the early wells, and finally lost his life from injuries re- ceived by falling into one of them. John Boyer and William Fitzsimmons kept tavern in the township as earl}' as 1830. Boyer was located on the G-alion Road, and his tavern was known fjir and near as the " Blue Ball Tavern." On the top of a high post in front of the door was fastened a huge round ball which had been painted blue. This gave name and fame to the tavern, which had an extensive patronage, and was the source of a large income to the owner. It was located on the farm of John Holmes. Fitzsimmons' tavern received a fair patronage. It was located on the route lead- ing from Bucyrus to Delaware, which, in an early day, was well traveled b}- pioneers west- ward bound. In November, 1840, the village of Olentangy was laid out. The projectors and proprietors were Paul J. Heddich, George Sweney and Wm. Snyder, Fort^'-seven lots were laid out on the northern half of Section 26, on the Gallon Road, and the little town began to grow. A Mr. Shreck brought in a small, general assortment of goods, and was afterward succeeded by Mr. Codger and others. Sweney and Heddick opened a tavern ; and a blacksmith and carpen- ter established themselves in the village, which, at that late da}', began making the effort of competition with the lai'ger towns of the county. The town was soon destined to sink into hopeless obscurit}'. It was located mid- way between Gabon and Bucj'rus, each of which had a population of several thousand, and was growing rapidly. The Gallon Road, that had been surveyed in 1822 or 1823, was a well-traveled thoroughfare, uniting the two cities like Siamese twins. The most that Olen- -K^ :Ul 548 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ttingj' ever did was to accommodate the neigh- borhood and the traveling pul)lic. Business enterprises paid but little more than a living, and wei-e soon transl'erred to localities more highly favored. Fifteen or twenty years ago, the lots were thrown into the adjoining farms, and but few are now occupied by lot- holders. The southern half of Whetstone is almost like a separate township. Until 1845, the two lower tiers of Sections belonged to Marion Count}', and the interests of the citizens natur- all}^ centered at Marion, the county seat. They usually went to market to G-alion or Bucyrus, and, after their annexation to Crawford County, were better satisfied than when under the " fos- tering wing" of the older count}^ of Marion, from the fact that they were nearer the county seat. It was not until about 1828 or 1830, that the settlers began to pour into what is now the southern half of Whetstone Township. As many as twent3'-five or thirty families, mostly from the thrifty Keystone State, located within two miles of New Winchester, and began to clear up and improve the country. Between 1828 and 1836, the following men and their families appeared : Frederick Wise, Samuel Winter, William Stuck, Abraham Steen, John Albright, Moses Dale, John Conn, Charles Gilford, Jehu Harlan, John and Peter Weidner, Jacob Keister, George Deibler, Nicholas M^^ers, Christian Null, Jacob Dupps, Samuel Crow, Jacob Hauck, John Roberts, .John Kaun, Adam Bear and several others, whose names are not remembered. Very soon the land was all en- tered, and the little cabins, built of round and hewed logs, dotted the surface of the township with evidences of civilization. The first set- tlers were luckiest (in one respect), as they had choice of land and location. Land, covered with valuable forests of walnut and oak, from which flowed one or more springs of pure water, was most highly prized and was first selected. Subsequent settlers took what was left, after entering land that lay concealed be- neath weeds and water. After 1835, the village of New Winchester became the central point, around which the southern half of the township revolved. The reader will observe that a majority of the smaller towns in the count}' were laid out be- tween 1830 and 1836. A sort of an epidemic for town-making swept like a wave over the county between those dates ; but most of the villages were destined to remain small, or to sink into total obscurity and extinction. New Winchester was surveyed and laid out in 1835. The land from which it was originally laid out was owned by four men — Benjamin Fisher, Henry Wise, William Stuck and Samuel Lech- ner — whose farms lay at the intersection of two roads. The first cabin had been built by Will- iam Stuck, a few months before the village came into existence under its present name. Soon after the town was founded, Israel Wise built the second cabin, and Samuel Winter the third. All three were built of hewed logs, and were fully up to the standard of excellence es- tablished b}' custom in the township. It was not long before eight or ten of these rude structures were erected, and the villagers be- came clamorous for a store and post office. At last. Samuel Crow, 3-ielding to entreaty, placed $500 worth of goods in a log storeroom erected for the purpose. Patronage was solicited and obtained from the surrounding neighborhood ; l)ut it did not pay, and Crow suddenly retired from the business. He was urged to continue, but — " Alas! in truth, the man had changed his mind ; Perhaps was sick, in love, or had not din'd." It was well that he retired, as his capital was limited, and his knowledge of mercantile pur- suits insufficient. In 1838 or 1839, Judge Merriraan, then in business at Bucvrus. estab- lished a branch store at Winchester. He began with $1,500 worth of goods, and continued a number of years, making money rapidly, and W ^*.-*---^ f. ' y/^^^^^O -^^^^pJ^/^JZ^^C^ I 4 '.^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 551 investing tlie surplus in outside speculations. He was succeeded by Henry Clark, who, with the exception of Merriman, had the largest and best stock of goods ever brought to the town. He made considerable money, but, at the end of six years, sold to Plodner & Timson, who, after running a few years, dissolved partner- ship, disposed of their stock, and engaged in other pursuits. George Cox opened a saloon a few years later, keeping also a small stock of groceries. He soon sold to Abe Conklin, who also sold, within five years, to Henry Rorick. Rorick sold to Charles Haughn, who, after a few years, left for more fruitful fields. The last two named kept groceries and dry goods. John Beard, Fred Wise and Henry Aiker sold liquor at different times. William Stuck was the first blacksmith. He was followed b}^ John Rexroth and Henry Aiker. Samuel Winter, whose shop was erected in 1835, was the first carpenter. Jacob Cressinger followed the same calling. At the same time the village was laid out, John Kaun was operating a saw-mill about a mile west. Though it changed hands several times, and was altered and enlarged, the same mill is yet running, after the lapse of almost half a century. Formed}- it was operated by horse-power, but at pi'esent by steam, and is owned by John Keeter. Abraham Steen oper- ated a saw-mill for twenty years, a few miles north of town, beginning about 1838. The village has been the home of numerous physi- cians, the more noted being Beard, Brougham, Black, Millison, Coover, Millard, Haughn and the present doctor, C. W. G. Ott, a graduate of the Columbus Medical College. Ague and ma- laria stood no chance before such an array of medical erudition. The post office was secured the next year after the village was laid out, through the influence of Frederick Wise, who became the first Postmaster. After it had been in operation nearly twenty-five years, it was removed, but, two years ago, was re-established through the influence of Josiah Keeter and George Timson. The mail is now tri-weekly, and the postal route extends from Bucyrus through New Winchester and Latimberville, to Caledonia, in Marion County. Josiah Keeter is the present Postmaster. At an early day, Adam Bear built a grist-mill on the Olentangy, about half a mile north of the village. Though located on the stream, it was at first operated by horse-power. It has continued running with but few short stoppages until the present day. Alterations and improve- ments have been made from time to time, steam taking the place of the old sweep, and different owners succeeding each other, among whom were Henry Wise and Peter Wert. One of the three sets of stones now used was purchased in Philadelphia over forty years ago, and is the best set now in the mill. E. A. Binfield is the present miller, and has the reputation of furnish- ing as good flour as that ground at Bucyrus. The mill, valued at $3,000, has an extensive patronage, and is owned by Roberts, Fink & Binfield. Peter Wert was the miller for many years, and, while in this connection, was also conductor on the underground railroad. He was a strong anti-slaverj' man, and alwa3's took the liberty of expressing his opinions, regard- less of the consequences. It is asserted that he was often seen to take little negro children up on the street, toss them in his arms, and kiss them. He never tired of talking of the sin of slavery and the great wrong done to the unfortunate black man. He was so intense in his convictions as to be fanatical. He made many enemies, but all belonged to the ranks of those who favored slavery, and were opposed to the enfranchisement of the negro. He was re- ligious, and was accustomed to introduce Scrip- tural evidence to prove the wrong of slavery. In March, 1861, the village of North Robin- son was laid out by Horace Martin, the Craw- ford Count}' Surveyor. The land was owned by J. B. Magers, and the lots were laid off from the southeastern part of the southern half of ^'. 552 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. fractional Section 12, Township 8, Range 17 east. As originally surveyed, the town con- sisted of seventeen lots, to which one or more additions have been made, until the village at present comprises about eighty lots of different sizes. The additions have been made by Ebert Price and others. The village derives its title from a famil}-, named Robinson, that came to the township in about 1831, the members becoming prominent and influential citizens in after 3'ears. Several descendants are yet living in the township and in other parts of the county. A number of dwellings had been built in the town before it was laid out, and, as soon as Mr. Magers oflfered the lots for sale, quite a number were taken by those desiring a residence or place of business in the village- After the sale of lots had become quite large, and dwellings and industrial buildings, of various kinds, had been erected, it became known that the land, from which the lots were laid off, was heavily covered with mortgages. This created a panic, and the lots were mostly vacated by those who were in doubt of having a legal title to their land. They moved across the line in Jefferson Township, and established themselves on land owned by J. P. Robinson, who made an addition of lots to the village, and had them properly recorded. After the title to the originally laid out lots became quieted, business men and property-holders, generally, returned to the original town, which began to grow quite rapidly. Frederick Newman, the first merchant in the town, began with a small general assortment of goods, which was slowly increased until the capital invested amounted to more than a $1,000. There are, in town at present, one general store, two drug stores and one provision store, and all are doing a fair business. Liquor has been sold in the village since its origin. There was no hotel until five years ago, when W, P. Deam, the present land- lord, erected suitable buildings and began enter- taining the public. He has the reputation of keeping a first-class country hotel. John and William Burwell were the first resident black- smiths. A schoolhouse was built early in the history of the village, which, though small at first, has been enlarged since its erection, until it is now large, commodious and comfortable, and capable of accommodating an attendance of nearly one hundred busy children. The school is graded, H. H. Fate teaching the higher department, and Miss Ida Traul the lower. The building was erected in 1873 ; but, prior to this event, the children in the village were obliged to attend the neighboring schools in the country, much against the wishes of several citizens in the village, who became con- vinced that it was time to become independent of the country schools. The attendance has been large, and the school has been of vast benefit to the village. One of the best steam saw-mills in the county is located in town, and is owned and operated by Warden & Tracht. The mill has enormous capacity, and can turn out as excellent work as any of the county mills. Unlike some sawyers in the State, the operators have the reputation of being able to furnish more lumber from a given number of logs than any other mills in the county, except, perhaps, three or four. Their mill is circular. In April, 1880, Sickman, Fate & Co., of Crest- line, erected a steam tile-factory, which is oper- ated by the latest improved steam-driven machinery. They have several kilns, each having a capacity of 12,000 tiles of all sizes, from two to ten inches. Mr. Fate has charge of the factory, and finds ready sale for all the tile he can manufacture, which speaks well for the interest manifested by the farmers and other land-holdei's in draining the wet and marshy land in the neighborhood. The tiles are dried wholly by steam, and the process of drying is slow, to avoid the serious loss of allowing them to crack and break. Samuel Landes is oper- ating a cooper-shop in the village, and is doing good work. Ten years before the town was "^ -^^-^it<2<^ liL HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 561 the community. For many years, the township was the home of very many families, who did not remain, and many of the men and boys of these families were lawless and disorderly. They were always dissatisfied with their condi- tion and prospects, and although they were occup3'ing some of the richest lands of the countr}', they soon became restless, and one by one these families left for that boundless West, in the hopes of finding a country better suited to their hopes and aims. Not that all who went West had been lawless in Liberty, but of many who did leave it can be trul}' said, ''they left the township for the township's good." A community containing many citizens of this character, needed men, who not only had the boldness to denounce the evil deeds of the law- less and desperate, but who possessed the moral force to guide, encourage and oi'ganize the better eflforts of the many families who desired to do right. Although there were others in the township who always rendered all the aid they could, to the efforts of their ac- knowledged leader, yet John 0. Blowers was that leader — the moral hero most needed by the community to mold the character and shape the destiny of the citizens. His high moral worth and courage, which comes from a consciousness of correct motives, made him a terror to those who were disposed to evil, and a leader of the many who wished the township governed by the better elements of their crude society. Mr. Blowers urged and assisted in the construction of the first schoolhouse. At his cabin was held the first public religious services in the township. He gathered together and instructed the first Methodist class of the count}', which, in a few months, became strong enough to be organized into the first church of Liberty Township. He encouraged the weak and timid to "stand firm in the faith." He assisted in the organization, and became the first Superintendent, of the first Sabbath school of Crawfoi'd County. As a strict Method- ist, his home was the resting-place of all the pioneer circuit riders, and itinerant ministers of that church who visited the neighborhood, but as a Christian he gave as heart}' a welcome to the missionaries of other sects, and the knowledge that one was engaged in a good work was a sufficient pass-word, not only to his hospitality, but it was the ke}' that unlocked his heart, and those who applied for his assist- ance to aid a good cause were never disap- pointed, but always obtained not only encour- agement, but more satisfactory assistance. The Blowers family originally came from Vermont, and were descended from the old Puritanic stock. John 0. Blowers was born in Vermont December 5, 1782. He was married May 21, 1810, to S3dvinia Chadsey. When war was declared between the United States and Great Britain in 1812, Blowers was living in Canada, having purchased 200 acres of land some twenty miles from Kingston, with the in- tention of making a temporar}' home in that countr}'. The authorities desired to press him into the English service, and he was twice drafted, but he refused to bear arms against his native land, and after suffering persecution on account of his loyaltj- to the Stars and Stripes, he forsook the accumulated wealth of many 3^ears hard work, and with his family sought a refuge in his native land, settling at Salt Creek, Wayne Co., Ohio, where they remained until they removed to Crawford County. In 1821, Blowers left his family at Salt Creek and visited Liberty Township. Being favorably impressed with the countr}', he purchased 160 acres of land, upon which he erected a log cabin, and until this was finished he boarded with Ralph Bacon. In order to secure sufficient help to raise the logs, it was necessary for him to visit the settlers for ten and twelve miles. He ob- tained assistance as far south as what is now Latimberville, as far north as Chatfield Town- ship, and several miles east. The pioneer settlers were always very neighborly, and 562 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. thought nothing of going ten and fifteen miles to assist at a " logging " or log-cabin " raising." Blowers told his son in after years that one year he put in thirty-one days of his time helping his neighbors in this manner. When the new homestead of the Blowers family was finished, the owner returned to Wayne County for his family, and in the spring of 1822 they permanently settled in Liberty Township. Blowers cleared a patch of ground and raised a crop of corn and vegetables during the first summer. February 23, 1823, James C. Blow- ers was born, but died the same da}', and this infant was the first person buried in the town- ship. Some four months afterward, on July 8, 1823, James M. Maxfield, son of John and Joana Maxfield, died, aged two years, eleven months and twenty da3's, and this was the second death in Liberty. Blowers was the father of sixteen children, eleven boys and five girls ; most of these children died when they were quite young — only six, five boys and one girl, grew to ma- turity and were married, viz.: Rufus L., Lemuel L., John C, Sylvia Ann, Samuel S. and Russell Bigelow Blowers. The first four came to Lib- erty with their parents in 1822, the fourth being a mere infant at the time. Blowers lived in the township for nearl}' twent^'-three years, and died September 29, 1844, aged sixty-one years nine months and twenty-four days. In April, 1822, Robert Foster moved into Liberty Township, and purchased the 160 acres now owned by the heirs of John Crall. Foster left Ireland with his wife " Peggy " and four children, during the war of 1812. The ship they sailed in was an English vessel, and, dur- ing the voyage, it was ovei'hauled bj' one of the frigates of the United States Navy. The American captain, considering that the cargo of the English ship, emigrants, would in a short time be patriotic citizens, permitted the English vessel to continue her vo3'age. Foster resided in Richland County for several years, until he removed to Crawford. When this joll}' Irish- man was journeying through the woods with his family to their Western home, he discovered a walnut lying among the leaves. Knowing his wife was very fond of lemons, he presented it to her, explaining to his innocent helpmeet that it was her favorite fruit. Not suspecting her roguish husband, she took an immense bite, and the result was — a hitter disappointment. " Peggy " couldn't see the humor of the joke. She took after Robert, and, after chasing him through the woods some distance, succeeded in capturing him, and he then received from her the trouncing he justly deserved for fooling his innocent wife. The aggressive character of " Peggy " was inherited by several of her im- mediate descendants, and these became known as the "fighting Fosters," who were prominent in political quari'cls during the war of the re- bellion. Robert Foster died August 9, 1835, and was buried in the graveyard northwest of Bucyrus. The family of six which left Ireland, was increased by numerous additions, and, when the census was taken in 1830, the enu- merators must have found at least a dozen young Fosters. Most of these removed to the West, and were the parents of large families. In future years, many of the energetic and en- terprising citizens of the Great West will be numbered among Foster's descendants. One of his daughters (Miss Sarah), who was born May 22, 1822, was the first female child born in Liberty Township. She is now the wife of Robert Andrews, Esq. Another daughter (Ann) became the wife of Rev. Robert Reid and the mother of Hon. William M. Reid, of Bucyrus. In the fall of 1822, William Blowers left the town of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and, in thirty days, on November 5, arrived in Liberty Township, and settled on his brother's farm. He brought with him two of his sisters and their husbands, Calvin and Nchemiah Squires. The latter was the father of Dr. J. B. Squires, of Sulphur Springs. In November, 1823, Sam- uel Smalley arrived with his wife, also a sister :r^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 563 of William Blowers. Smalley and his wife came from Vermont, and, in order to reach their new home, they journej'ed 600 miles in a wagon. Smalley worked for his brother-in-law a short time, and then moved to the Ludwig farm, east of Bucyrus. About 1830, he pur- chased of Nicholas Singely what is now the Crum farm. Singely never lived in Liberty, but Smalley and his wife are at the present time (August, 1880), residing in the township, at Sulphur Springs, having lived in Crawford County fifty-seven years, and together as man and wife for sixty-two years. Dr. Squires, in his pioneer sketch, says : " The year 1823 was marked by numerous accessions to the early settlers, among whom may be men- tioned Ichabod Smith, James McCurdy, Asa Cobb, Simeon Parcher, Calvin Stone, Garrett Dorland, with his sons James, Isaac and Luke, Jacob Grurwell, Mathias Markley, Thomas Smith, Benjamin Manwell, Thomas Scott, Sam- uel Smalley, Joseph Chandler, John Chandler, Charles Doney and Edward Hartford. In 1824, the sparse settlement received increasing ac- cessions. Horatio Markley, Noble McKinster, John G. Stough, John Kroft, and, I think, Rob- ert Foster and many others, were added to their number." These settlers generally purchased from the Grovernment the lands upon which they settled, and these lands were exempt from tax- ation for five years. The tax duplicate of Crawford Count}' for 1830 proves that the lands owned at that date by the following additional persons must have been entered previous to April, 1825 : John Anderson, John Bear, John Clingan, James Clingan, John H. Fry, William Hufi", Daniel Ketchum, Philip Klinger, Richard King, Daniel Kimball, William Little, Richard Spicer, Daniel Shelharamer, John Slifer, Asa Wetherby, Anthony Walker and Mary Wood. Land speculators are not included in the above list of seventeen persons, who were actual set- tlers of Liberty at an early day. It is possi- ble, however, that a few entered their lands several years previous to the time they removed to the township. Death early visited the homes of the pioneers, and, February 3, 1823, James, the infant son of John 0. Blowers, died just as he commenced to live. Five months later, James Monroe Max- field passed away, aged nearly three years. These children were buried on the Blowers farm ; othei's were interred beside them, and the spot of ground became known as the Blow- ers graveyard, the first started in the township. It was, in after years, dedicated and deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church. A short time afterward, death visited the settlers in northern Liberty, but when, and who were the first victims, will forever remain unknown. As the northeast corner of Jacob L. Gurwell's farm was first used to bury the dead, it might have been one of his children. About one dozen bodies were interred here, but no tomb- stones were ever erected — only wooden boxes were placed around the top of several graves. When other regular graveyards were estab- lished, many of these bodies were removed ; but the friends of the balance were in the West, and when a road was located across this cor- ner, years afterward, their last resting-place was desecrated, and, years from now, if in dig- ging in this road human bones are found, it is to be hoped they will receive a kinder treat- ment than these graves did two generations ago. When David Simmons died, November 8, 1829, he was buried on the southwest corner of John G. Stough's land, and Thomas Smith, who died April 22, 1833, was interred on the northeast corner of his own land (the opposite corner). Others of the neighborhood were laid beside these two when they died, and this land has since been set apart as sacred to the mem- ory' of these departed ones. This is now known as the Crall United Brethren graveyard, but, in later years, other land, on the other side of the road, has also been dedicated for a ceme- tery. About the year 1830, one of Peter fe^ 564 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Whetstone's children died, and the body was buried on his farm — now owned by Michael Charlton. Since then, about six Charltons, nine members of the Chambers family, thirteen Conleys and others have been interred in this Whetstone bur3'ing-ground. The Roop grave- yard, one mile southwest of the Conley Church, was also started at an early da}". The Ger- mans of the northern part of Libeity estab- lished the cemetery at the Reformed Church as early as 1832, and the one at the Lutheran Church was started about the time the building was erected in 1852. It is said that Waugne, a tinner of Sulphur Springs, was the first per- son interred here. Previous to 1830, a man named Wood, father-in-law of Asa Cobb, was buried on his own farm, and the Wood- Cobb burying-ground was started. Many who died in the vicinity of Sulphur Springs were buried about one-half mile southwest of the village. This little cemetery, on the edge of the woods, was started about 1835, when John Slifer owned the land. The graveyard on Henry Fry's land, near the Union Church, was started about the same time. The child of a Mr. An- derson died about 1848, and was buried on what is now John Adam Klink's farm. A cem- etery was afterward regularly established here, which is owned by the farmers in that neigh- borhood. The population of Liberty soon became nu- merous enough to secure for the township a civil organization under the laws of the State. For about four 3'ears, Libert}' was temporarily attached to Sandusky Township. This state- ment is made for the following reason : Westell Ridgley and Joseph Young were commissioned Justices of the Peace for Sandusky Township, April 15, 1821, and, when their terms expired, on election was held May 15, 1824, with the following result : Mathias Markley, 22 ; Icha- bod Smith, 22 ; Westell Ridgley, 17 ; Dezberry Johnson, 5 ; Michael Brown, 4. Markley and Smith, the successful candidates, were after- ward the first Justices of the Peace of Liberty Township, but they were both commissioned May 31, 1824, as Justices of the Peace of San- dusky, and sworn in as such by Zalmon Rowse, Justice of the Peace of Bucyrus Township. The Commissioners of Marion County, at their March session in 1825, passed the following order : " That surveyed Township No. 2, in Range 17 south of the base line in the district of Delaware be, and the same is hereby organ- ized into a new township, by the name of Lil)- erty." At this time Crawford was temporarily attached to Marion County, and Justices of the Peace had been commissioned for only four townships. For some reason, Smith received another commission, dated June 18, 1825, as Justice of the Peace for Liberty, but Markley still continued to hold the office by virtue of the former election. He was re-elected in 1827, and again in 1830, but, after serving for over eight years, resigned, and removed to Illinois. James S. Gorwell was elected to succeed him in November, 1832, and, since this date, the following persons have been elected as success- ors of Markley, one of the first Justices of the Peace of the township : John Slifer, founder of Annapolis, in 1835 ; William Woodside, in 1841 ; William Snyder, in 1847 (resigned after six months) ; Horace Rowse, in 1848 ; Robert Johnson, in 1851 : Jonathan N. Harmon, in 1854 ; William H. Hise, in 18U3; Clark Bacon, in 1872, but he refused the office, and A. R. Briggs was elected the same year. After serv- ing for two terms, Briggs was succeeded by Squire Hise, the present incumbent, who is serving his fourth term. Ichabod Smith was re-elected in 1828, but, before his second term expired, resigned the office to take a contract on the Columbus & Sandusky pike. He after- ward removed to Chatfield Township, and was honored with the same office. Asa Wetherby succeeded Smith, but he also resigned, and, in April, 1831, Asa Cobb was elected to succeed him. Cobb served fifteen years, for five con- ^ 694 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY morning, the teacher found the door securely bolted, and, from the suppressed titter within, knew that the scholars were expecting any amount of sport. The teacher began pounding loudly on the door, and, when sure that the at- tention of all the scholars was riveted to the entrance, he darted to the rear of the building ; the window was quickly raised by the watchful Fralick, and, ere the guilty students were aware of his presence, their teacher stood in their midst. The utmost consternation prevailed. The door was thrown open, and the fright- ened scholars poured from the room into the yard, like sheep before a wolf They scattered in all directions; and many of them, fearing dire chastisement, did not return un- til the next day. The teacher was master of the situation, and the scholars were no little chagrined at being so completely out- flanked. The treacherous Fralick, who was to blame for the rout, was thenceforth tabooed from the confidence of his fellow-students. After the schoolhouse on "Section 3 had been used about nine years, a much better and larger one was erected, a short distance south, to take its place. This building was a frame, and was almost wholly built of lumber sawed at the mills on Broken Sword Creek. It is yet used for school purposes. A Miss Margaret Cannon taught many of the earlier schools in the north- ern part. She attempted many of the winter schools, which were attended by large, rough boys, but usually succeeded in giving satisfac- tion to the patrons in both government and in- struction. The larger boys in the early schools were required to cut the wood, which was usually done while the school was in session. When one was tired or was called upon to re- cite or get his lesson, another took his place, and this excellent respite from study was nec- essarily continued a greater part of the day, as the fire-places in the old log schoolhouse were noted for the consumption of wood. It was not until 1835, that a school-building was erected in southern Holmes. It was built on or near the farm of Mr. Black, and was con- structed of hewed logs. A few years later, a frame building was erected on the Lones farm, which, after being used for school purposes for nearly twenty years, was removed, and the present one was built at a cost of about $350. The township was divided into school districts as early as 1836, or thereabouts, and, soon after, each was furnished with a school-building. No schoolhouse has been built in Portersville. As is usual in a new country, early church societies were established in Holmes Township a number of years before the settlers deemed it advisable to build churches. Local preachers visited the township from the neighboring vil- lages. Itinerant ministers, known as " circuit riders," of all the various orthodox denomina- tions, stopped in the neighborhood periodically, and, as is usual in the history of the human race, wherever there are leaders in the cause of Christ, there are also followers. Meetings be- gan to be held regularly in the cabins of Mi- chael Shupp, Daniel Seats and others, until in about 1834, an Evangelical Church was built in the extreme southern part of Lykens Town- ship. Soon after this, the Lutherans and Ger- man Reformers erected a log church in the northern part of Holmes. Considerable antag- onism was developed from the start, between the two denominations, growing out of certain assumed privileges denied to each sect by the other. Much bitterness was manifested for several years, until the matter culminated by being adjusted in the courts. In 1852, a log meeting-house was erected one mile west of Por- tersville, by the Protestant Methodists. This building became known as the Concord Meet- ing-house. Rev. William Brown was the oflSci- ating minister during the last war, and, being a strong Abolitionist, he incautiously incorpo- rated his political views in his sermons, in opposition to the protests of many of the mem- bers, who, as might have been expected, posi- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 595 tively refused to tolerate any such procedure. But the tainister persisted in the course begun, until finally, one night, a party of men went to the church and leveled it with the ground. Much the same proceeding was enacted in other localities. One night, a man with blackened face, went to the store of Daniel Fralick, in Portersville, and bought six dozen eggs. That same evening, a minister, conducting a revival in one of the churches near the village, was severely pelted with eggs — evidently the ones purchased at the store. Soon after, a church on the line between Holmes and Liberty Town- ships was burned one night — the result of an effort to unite political and religious views. It is proper, though unnecessary, to state that the better class of citizens had nothing to do in perpetrating these outrages. The southern part of the township was not without its early church organizations. Meetings were held in the cabins, until, in about 1840, the Quakers erected their church, which is yet standing. It is a large, low building, built originally of logs, and afterward weather-boarded with poplar lumber. It was used continuously until 1879, when the building was deserted, and it yet re- mains unoccupied. CHAPTER XXI. VERNON TOWNSHIP— GEOLOGICAI— FIRST SETTLE L AGES— CHURCHES AND THIS is one of the most attractive and beautiful portions of Crawford County. It is found within the broad area stretching north and south across Ohio, where the Waverl}^ group of rocks lies next underneath the drift deposits. In almost all cases where wells or other excavations have reached a depth of from ten to fifty feet, passing through the surface deposits, the Berea grit of the Waverly group has been reached. In the northwestern corner, on Bear Marsh Run, where the channel of the stream is worn through the surface deposits, is found a slate, or shale, which has a bluish cast when exposed to the air, but which, under water, is dark brown, or almost black. It evi- dently belongs to the Huron shale, and lies on the eastern edge of that formation, which passes in a broad belt across the count}^ a little east of north. West of De Kalb, on the land of James Caruthers, the Berea grit outcrops ; but, on account of deep beds of overlying drift, has never been quarried in any paying quantity. It is also exposed on the land of MENT— PIONEER INDUSTRIES— GROWTH OF VIL- SCHOOLS— SEMINARY. James Campbell and Jacob Myers, and may be seen on a small creek in Section 19, and in sev- eral other localities. The working of these quarries has proved unprofitable in the past, yet the future will develop rich beds of valua- ble stone. The township lies on the northern slope of the Ohio water-shed, and is, therefore, drained bj'^ streams which flow into Lake Erie. The principal one is Loss Creek, the name being a corruption of " Lost Creek," which, tradition sa3'S, was thus named because its source, like that of the Nile, cannot be found, or, as other reports say, because the mind becomes bewil- dered and lost in trying to discover the head. Which report is correct will be left to the reader to determine. This stream is a tributary of Sandusky River, and has its source in the extensive flat lands found in the southern part of the township. It takes a winding northwesterly course until it reaches the center of the town- ship, and then turns toward the southwest and flows into Sandusky River. The slopes along "& "V Li 596 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. its course are beautiful and rolling. Broken Sword Creek, one of the principal streams in the county, drains the northwestern corner, and Honey Creek, one of the head branches of the Huron River, drains the northeastern corner. The township is bounded on the north by Auburn, on the west by Sandusky, on the south by Jefferson and Jackson, and on the east by Richland County. The southern and east- ern portions are flat, and, in early times, were covered with water during the entire year ; but, as the sun's heat became unobstructed by the clearing of the land, and extensive drainage was resorted to, the marshy land became suita- ble for unlimited production. The soil in the southern part is rich, deep and black, and, in the western and northern parts, is a light, sandy loam with some clay. This clay is yellow and tenacious, and is suitable for brick, tile and common red potter3^ The western part is bil- I0W3', being quite precipitous in some localities. The township is six miles long b}- four wide, and was created March 9, 1825. Prior to Feb- ruary 3, 1845, it was six miles square, and formed part of Richland Count}' ; but, at that date, four tiers of sections on the west were annexed to Crawford Count}', and now form the present Vernon Township. It was situated in the western part of the Old Purchase^a strip of land called the "Three Mile Strip," lying be- tween it and the New Purchase. The territory composing the township was surveyed, in 1807, b}' Maxfield Ludlow, and was then an almost impassable forest, covered with swales and marshes, and crossed by numerous Indian trails. The almost impenetrable swamps in the south- eastern third of the township were the retreat of many species of wild animals, which fled there for safety when pursued by bands of In- dian hunters, or b}' the more skillful pioneer. The first settler in the township, so far as known, was George Byers, who, in 1820, lived in a small log cabin, or " hen coop," located on Section 17. The exact date of his settling there is unknown or forgotten, but was, proba- bly, 1818. He had several acres cleared in 1820, but from the fact that he spent his time in hunting and trapping, seeming to despise farm labor as a much less dignified pursuit, many think his land was cleared by an earlier settler of whom he bought. He was a success- ful hunter and trapper, roaming the forest and swamps for miles around in search of adven- ture, or joining the circular hunts of the Indians. He became familiar with every path in the cranberry marsh northwest of his cabin, and was about the only hunter who dared, in the night-time, to brave the perils from snakes and from the wolves, panthers and bears which infested that dreary region. He made large wooden traps for wolves and foxes, baiting them with deer or other meat attached to sharpened sticks which formed the triggers of the traps. His traps for fur-bearing animals were thoroughly rubbed with asafetida to remove any suspicious smell. He is said to have caught more than a hundred mink in one winter, together with coon, beaver and a few otter. Mink skins sold for $4 ; fox for from 75 cents to $3 ; beaver for $5 ; otter for as high as $8. After many years, Byers died and was buried in the township. James Richards ap- peared in 1821. He was the second settler and the first blacksmith, and, shortly after the erection of his cabin, built a small round-log shop. He made cow bells, prepared iron points for plows, hammered out and tempered axes, obtaining his supplies of iron from Sandusky City. He found much to do in repairing set- tlers' wagons that had become disordered in the long journeys to the West. At this time, there were two roads in the township (if they deserve that name). The Columbus and San- dusky road, running north and south through the township, had been first cut out about the year 1818, and was simply a blazed path through the forest, from which undergrowth and fallen trees had been removed. It was ■7I" i) fy ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 597 located on the site of an old Indian trail, and was one of the routes traveled by settlers living in the central part of the State, on their jour- neys to the cities on Lake Erie. The other was the Bucyrus and De Kalb road, that had been blazed in 1821. Pioneers in their jour- neys to the West would follow, as far as prac- ticable, Indian trails to avoid the serious delay and annoj'ance of having to cut a wagon road. These trails afterward became fixed highways, and are now among the best roads in the State. George Dickson, a 3'oung unmarried man, arrived, in 1822, and entered the land upon which he yet lives. After clearing a few acres and making some improvements he returned to the Keystone State, where he married, and, in 1823. brought his wife to their wilderness home. He has ever since been one of the most promi- nent citizens in the township. The fourth settler was Conrad Walters, who arrived in 1824, and began working at the cooper's trade. Several old settlers are yet in posession of kegs, tubs and barrels made by him. Mr. Walters was well educated and well-bred, and his case was one of those where men of culture left the attractions of settled localities for the soli- tude and hardships of pioneer life. He was apt and courageous, and soon became an expert hunter and trapper, learning much from his associations with Byers and from the Indians. One night, just at dark, while hunt- ing in the swamps in the southern part of the township, he shot and wounded a large buck, which was standing knee-deep in mud and water. It fell, and Walters, thinking it was dj'ing, rushed in to cut its throat. He seized it by the horns and drew his knife ; but the deer had only been stunned, and began to struggle desperately to get up. It knocked the knife from his hand into the water, and Walters, to prevent the enraged animal from goring him to death, seized him by the antlers, and exerted all his strength to prevent it from rising. He clung to it until it was thoroughly exhausted, when throwing his whole weight on its head, he plunged its nose into the mud and water. The animal was too much exhausted to raise its head and, in a few minutes, was strangled to death. Walters' clothing was cut to ribbons by the sharp horns and hoofs, and his bodj' was covered with bruises and wounds. He was ever afterward careful to avoid a hand-to- hand struggle with a wounded deer. He recovered his knife and, having bled the deer, swung its body into a sapling for safe keep- ing from the wolves until morning. Levi Arnold, R. W. Cahill, William Cleland, James Dickson, Charles Warner, Jonathan Dickson, Samuel Tarr, David Anderson, Bar- net and James Cole, Andrew Dickson, Dennis Orton, Thomas Grill, Samuel Dean and a few others settled in the northern part prior to 1830. These settlers were mostly New En- glanders, and many of them were the descend- ants of Revolutionary soldiers. There were probably twent}' cabins erected in northern Vei'non prior to 1830, and the fox'ests began to disappear. Various industries arose to supply articles which otherwise were only obtained by long and tiresome journey's to Sandusky or some other cit3'. Arnold located where the village of West Liberty now stands. He was a carpenter, probably the first in the township, and began working at his trade. Richards planted the first orchard, in 1825. In 1826, two births occurred — Andrew Dickson and William Cleland. These were liliely the first. David Holstein died in northern Vernon in 1833, and Mrs. Akerman in southern Vernon same 3'ear. These, so far as known, were the first deaths. Prior to 1830, no settler had made his appearance in the southern part of the township ; but, between 1830 and 1835, as many as twenty families of German emigrants came in and erected cabins in the swamps and marslies. They were induced to come there because the land was cheap, and because their finances were impoverished by the traveling -^ 598 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. expenses from the old country. They immedi- ately began to clear and drain their land, and were frugal and industrious. The surface was covered with water, and the prospect for any- thing except frogs and ague was gloomy and disheartening. The marshes were filled with snakes and other reptiles, many of them being large and venomous. Near the center of a swampy section of land, comprising about two hundred aci'es, was a small knob of earth, about twenty feet across and two or three feet above the surrounding flats, where large num- bers of snakes made their dens, and where, on sunny days, they would lie and bask in the sun. One day, several Grerman settlers wit- nessed a furious battle. While they were look- ing at the bank, two rattlesnakes, each about six feet long, came quickly out of an opening, and, throwing themselves into coil about three feet apart, raised their heads about a foot high, and began swaying their bodies from side to side, watching for a chance to strike. Finally, one of them struck the other with its sharp teeth on the neck. The glistening bodies were instantly lashed together like whips, writhing and twisting on the ground for some time, until at last one freed itself from the hold of the other, and, with a rapid movement, darted into its den, leaving its antagonist surprised at its sudden departure. Large numbers of rat- tlesnakes were afterward killed there. Mr. Tempy was the first settler in the southern part, coming in 1831. Jacob Clahn, George Amspaugh, Christian Makerly, Leanderline Gosser, Gotleib Schneider and Conrad Ebner came in 1832, and John B. Yetser, John Weaver, John J. Rubly, John Baumgartner, Jacob Reichlin, Jacob Shibly, Fredolin Gosser, John Heimgartner, Phillip Akerman and oth- ers in 1833. Among those who came in 1834 were Bowers, Beach, Feik, Keller and Reiter- Tempy was a blacksmith, but did not work at his trade. Gosser was a shoemaker, and had a small shop in one end of his log cabin. He did a small amount of tanning, but only enough to supply- himself with rough leather for patching shoes. He planted a few apple- trees in 1832, the first in the German settle- ment. Yetser also set out a small orchard in 1834, and many of the trees are yet standing. This man had received an excellent education in Germany, and he soon became a leader in the settlement. He led in all public enter- prises and educational undertakings, and is to-day one of the most prominent men in the eastern part of the count3^ Makerly was a cooper, and began making pails, tubs, barrels, etc., an occupation he followed to a limited ex- tent for many years. Jacob Clahn had previ- ously settled a few miles east. When he moved to Vernon, it is related that his wife, having a pailful of excellent swill, determined not to lose it ; so, taking the pail in her hand, she started on foot to carry it two miles to her new home. She got lost in the woods, and, after traveling nearly five miles, reached her destination, and was repaid for her eflbrt when the swill was placed before a large family of hungry pigs. The wonder is that she did not empty the swill on the ground before starting, but the German characteristic to save was paramount. Beach was a carpenter, and erect- ed the first frame houses in Southern Vernon, beginning in 1835. Bower worked at cabinet- making, although he had not learned the trade. He made rough tables, stands, chairs, coflSns, etc. The inability of the Germans to speak English almost severed their intercourse with neighboring settlements except those of their own tongue. This resulted in bringing for- ward many industries, which made the settle- ment an almost independent colony. However, the journeys after flour, whisky, powder and shot had to be made. Mansfield was the prin- cipal trading-point, although liquor was usually obtained at the extensive distilleries in Mon- roeville. In 1840, one bushel of corn was worth seven quarts of whisky ; sheep sold at i^ :^L HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 599 $2.25 per head ; cows at from $12 to $15 ; pork at $2 per hundred ; horses at $50. By this time, all the larger varieties of wild animals had disappeared, except an occasional wander- er, and even deer and wolves were scattering and shy, and could be trapped or shot only with difficulty by experienced hunters. Cata- mounts occasionally wandered in, and then all the neighborhood turned out with dogs to hunt them down. These hunts afforded great sport and excitement, often coupled with no little danger, before the animal was killed. Coons and the Ohio species of porcupine were yet abundant, especially the former, which could be found in the woods at any time, and which were accustomed in the night to feed exten- sively in the settlers' corn-fields. The woods were also filled with large flocks of wild tur- ke3's. For several years, about 1840, much consternation had pi-evailed in the southern part among sheep owners. A few wolves had established themselves in the heavy woods on Lost Creek, and, when the shades of night fell, would steal into a neighboring sheep-fold, and, when the morning dawned, the indignant own- er would find eight or ten of his flock killed and mangled. Large losses occurred to several citizens, and a grand circular hunt was organ- ized to rid the neighborhood of the marauders. After several trials and a great amount of sport, two or three wolves were killed, and the others were dispersed to distant localities. The first saw-mill in the township was started by Samuel Reed in 1836, and was located about two miles east of West Libert3^ It was at first run by a sweep, but afterward by tread-power, and for ten years did a good business. The most extensive saw-mill ever in Vernon was built on Loss Creek, in 1837, by Isaac Vanhorn. It was a water mill, and was enabled to run nine months of the year — a very unusual thing for mills on small streams. This was possible by reason of the vast quantity of water ob- structed in its flow from the flats by a large amount of fallen timber. The sawing was mostly done on shares. A Mr. Kilgore afterward owned it, as did Walters and Charles Warner ; the lat- ter tore the mill down. Several other mills have been run at different times, the most im- portant one being a steam muley mill, built by Nicholas Fetter, in the eastern part in 1862. Previous to 1833, the settlers obtained their flour and meal at the large grist-mills on San- dusky River, or at Mansfield ; but, at that date, Conrad Walters erected a frame grist-mill near West Liberty. It at first received the patronage of the citizens, but finally lost support, and was permitted to run down. Samuel Reed built the second grist-mill two miles east of Liberty, in 1836, in which were placed two sets of stone — one, made from " nigger-heads," for grinding corn, and the other, a first-class set of French buhrs, for wheat. It was run by tread-power, in connection with his saw-mill, and for ten years did a prosperous business ; but, having lost much of its custom, the business was discontinued, and the stones removed. These were the only grist-mills ever in the township. Conrad Wal- ters began making potash in 1834, and Dimmick & Gibbs in 1844, the latter firm making as high as seven or eight tons per annum. Jacob Kemp began burning brick in 1838, and about this time brick buildings began to go up. The village of West Libert}- was laid out Maj' 28, 1835, by John Stewart, Surveyor of Richland Count}'^, and Thomas Dean, projector and pro- prietor. It was located on Section 17, and was laid out into twenty-eight lots, to which no ad- ditions have since been made. The lots sold originally for $25, a higher price than has pre- vailed at man}' periods since. The little village was ambitious in early years, and apparentl}' stood as good chance of becoming populous and opulent as its neighbors ; but its dearth of manufacturing facilities, and its lack of capital, were serious drawbacks to its pretensions, men of wealth preferring to invest their means where county seats were likely to be located, or on A 600 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COTTNTY. large streams where ample water-power Insured a permanent future revenue. The town fell into the hands of poor men, who began improving it as rapidl}' as circumstances permitted. At the expiration of a decade, the outlook was promis- ing, and, in 1850, the town reached the pinnacle of its fame. A Mr. Grillespie built the first dwell- ing, in what is now West Libert}', in 1830. It was a double log cabin, and was constructed by Eli Arnold, a carpenter b}^ trade. The building was peculiarl}' constructed, and people spoke of it as " stylish." It was probably the most elegant (if that is the word) dwelling in the township up to that time. Thomas Dean, the proprietor of the town, failing in business, trans- ferred his interest to Jacob Kemp and Andrew Miller, each of whom built a log cabin, obtain- ing the material from a large log barn erected a few years before by Dean. These were built about the same time, and, like the Ark, had but one window each. Jacob Kemp, Andrew Mil- ler and Samuel Dean, each began with a sepa- rate stock of goods in West Libert}^ in 1838, and thereb}^ hangs a tale. In the fall of 1838, when there were but four or five dwellings and no store in the town, a peddler arrived with about $500 worth of goods in one of the old- fashioned box wagons. He was a boy about twent}' years of age, and, to all appearances, was as green as grass. In his awkward way, the " Green Irish Boy," as he was called, began praising the town, quietly insisting that its lo- cation was a sufficient guaranty of its becom- ing an important trading-point. The citizens listened and commented, and the three men- tioned above, possibl}' thinking there were " mill- ions in it," determined to embark on the mer- cantile sea. He sold his entire stock of goods to the three men, neither of whom knew that the others had bought. When they discovered the truth, they were staggered ; but, determining not to be outdone by each other, the stock of each was increased to the value of several thou- sand dollars. But the surrounding country could not furnish the trade necessary for tlie success of the stores, and, after much contention and disappointment, they were closed. The " Green Irish Boy " took possession of the stock, and considerable land, pledged as security for the goods, fell into his hands. This, for a time, dampened the ardor of mercantile pursuits in West Liberty, and the citizens began to suspect that the '' Green Irish Boy " was a " Tartar '' and had outwitted them. Fry & Kaler ventured to begin about 1845, with a general assortment of goods, valued at $5,000. The goods were purchased in New York City, and, in 1850. the stock invoiced at $8,000. Six years after be- ginning, Mr. Fry sold to Mr. Malic, and five years afterward Mr. Kaler. having been elected County Treasurer, also sold out to Mr. Malic, who continued the business alone for about five years. Brown & Guiss succeeded him, and soon afterward Mr. Gloyd took Mr. Guiss's place in the partnership. Brown & Gloyd failed, and made an assignment of their goods to J. J. Bowers, who yet has a grocery and notion store in the town. This has been the extent of mer- cantile pursuits in West Liberty. Mr. Wallace was the first blacksmith, but the date of his location is forgotten. Thomas Gill opened a cooper-shop in 1844. He was well educated, and taught man}- of the neighboring schools. Jacob Kemp built a large two-story frame tavern as early as 1833 ; it was one of the first buildings erected in the town. It is yet stand- ing and has been converted into a barn. Charles Warner was the first cabinet-maker in the town, beginning in 1830, and continuing about sixteen 3'ears. He was succeeded by Henry Balsor, who, soon afterward, sold to George Parsons. In 1844, Gibbs & Main erected a distillery, into which the}' placed a small copper still, having a capacity of fifteen gallons. The grain was ground in a small cast-iron crusher, run by horses. About two barrels of whisky were made each week. It is said that the whisk}' was im- bibed as fast as it was made. Notwithstanding: ^ a -© Js HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 601 this very satisfactory condition of the business, it was discontinued at the expiration of about a year. A few 3^ears before this, a Mr. Kile tried the experiment of having a raising without whisky : not a man came to assist him. Dr. J C. Wood, an allopathic physician, located in the village in 1842, but died five j^ears afterward. He was followed by Dr. Hutchinson, who flour- ished for a short time, and by Dr. James Aikens, who appeared in 1852. Afterward, in 1873, came Dr. Bevier, who left for more fruitful fields at the end of two years. The town has no physician at present. The village of De Kalb was laid out Novem- ber 20, 1835, by David Anderson, projector and pi'oprietor, the surveying being done by Chris- tian Wise. The town consisted originally of sixteen lots, and to these Anderson added twelve more October 15, 1838. The town was located on Section 5, and, since the establish- ment of the station at Tiro, business has been suspended altogether, or transferred to the sta- tion. West Liberty and De Kalb were rivals in early years, each striving to surpass the other in improvements and industries. In 1838, Dr. Peter Carlton, a physician of the old school, located in De Kalb. He brought with him about 12,000 worth of goods, consist- ing lai'gely of drugs, and began selling his stock, practicing his profession at the same time. David Anderson bought his stock in 1840, but, after continuing in business for five years, sold to (rabriel and Cornelius Fox, who disposed of the goods and retired from the bus- iness. George Cummings kept a small stock about 1840. Elias Cramer opened a grocery there soon afterward. To him belongs the questionable honor of having kept the only saloon ever in the township. Phillip Artz brought a stock of groceries to the town in 1871 ; his widow is still continuing the bus- iness. Samuel Hagarman erected a blacksmith- shop in 1833. He was succeded by John Hanna. The present smith is Christopher Norris. Drs. Henry Mack and B. W. Mc- Kee succeeded Di*. Carlton. In 1837, Thomas Mahan and Samuel Wiggins erected a wool- carding and cloth-dressing mill in De Kalb, the building being a large, two-story frame edifice. Several assistants were employed, and large quantities of wool were carded during the first few years of its existence. The business be- came depressed, and, after fluctuating for sev- eral years, died out. John Fulton sunk five vats for dressing skins at De Kalb, in 1835 ; he continued the business but a short time. Charles (xowan also dressed skins there for a short time. R. W. Cahill succeeded in getting a post office established at De Kalb in 1834. The office was called De Kalb, and was first located at Mr. Cahill's residence, he being the first Postmaster. The office was removed to the village in 1839, and David Anderson suc- ceeded Cahill as Postmaster. Between 1840 and 1850, the two villages in the township were at the height of their business prosperity. All industries were active and thriving, and those who had invested capital realized hand- some revenues. Before the establishment of railroads in the county, all villages on well- traveled routes seemingly stood an equal chance of becoming populous and wealtlw. Villages located at the intersection of well- traveled highways or on large streams, could boast of superior advantages, and could offer greater inducements to men of capital. De Kalb and West Liberty were situated on the route connecting Columbus and the center of the State with Sandusky and other cities on Lake Erie. This route was extensively trav- eled by settlers Westward bound, many of whom were induced to purchase land and settle in the township. Industry and sobriety are are marked characteristics of the citizens. Ed- ucation and religion received an early impetus, and have steadily kept pace with the progress of the township. Although covered with stag- nant water in early years, and subject to ague ® V 603 HISTORY or CRAWFORD COUNTY and various types of malarial diseases, the township slowly arose from the subsiding waters ; rich, dry land appeared ; forests dis- appeared ; bountiful crops were grown, where erst the songs of batrachians resounded ; im- provements multiplied ; toil brought rich re- wards to the husbandman ; good health took the place of burning fever, and happiness and contentment prevailed. The long years have developed a superior soil, and the citizens are proud of their township — one of the most pro- ductive in the State. An Underground llailroad, running north and south through the State, established two or three stations in the township between 1840 and 1850. The road was exclusively traveled by dark men on dark nights, and many a happy African, now in Canada or in the Northern States, will remember with gratitude the hospi- tality and humanity of several citizens of Vernon Township. Samuel and David Anderson often entertained ebony runaways aiming for the North Star. These were guided to the citizens' dwellings under cover of the night, and, if brought there near morning, were kept con- cealed, and feasted during the day, and were then conveyed to some station nearer Canada and Freedom. Concealment was necessary, because, in harboring runaway slaves, the law was violated, and many whose sympathies were with the slaveholder would not scruple, and even rejoiced, to reveal the name of the law- breaker. This resulted in concealment, and nocturnal pilgrimages by runaways. In 18G2, Mr. Bowers, having dug a well, dis- covered some daj's afterward that the surface of the water was covered with oil. About this time, great excitement broke out in Pennsyl- vania, on account of the discovery of large quantities of coal oil. Vast fortunes were real- ized in a few days by lucky individuals, and the oil mania spread far and wide. Mr. Bowers began to think that Ohio, as well as Pennsyl- vania, might be rich in coal oil deposits, and began to examine his well and the oil therefrom. It was certainly coal-oil, and as fast as it was removed from the surface of the water, another film quickly took its place. The supply, though limited in quantit}^ seemed inexhaustible, and exaggerated reports of the discovery spread rapidly over the neighborhood. The citizens swarmed in to examine the well, and test the oil, and all pronounced the discovery valuable, and warmly congratulated the lucky Bowers. A stock company was formed, pledged for the payment of $10,000, should that amount be necessary to develop the resources of the well. One man bought one-twentieth of the stock, paying $500 for it. About $2,000 were paid to begin with, and men of experience were em- plo^^ed to assume control of the business, which the stockholders ardently hoped would soon afford abundant returns for the investment. But they were doomed to bitter disappointment. The supply of oil, instead of increasing, slowly decreased, and boring was soon abandoned as unprofitable; oil was there, but not in paying quantities. Itinerant ministers began to appear in the township as early as 1827, and to hold meet- ings at the cabins of the settlers. They trav- eled over large sections of country, and always stopped to preach where a few were ready to listen. At the close of the services, a collec- tion would be taken for the preacher. Many of these early preachers were eccentric characters, singularly gifted with a rude eloquence that fired the hearts of the pioneers. Many had re- nounced all social ties, except such as bound them to the house of praise and pra3'er. With hearts overflowing with love for God and humanit}', they had come into the wilderness to preach "peace on earth; good will to men." They were instrumental in laying the founda- tion of countless church societies, which sprang up in the fastnesses of the forest. Church so- cieties were organized in Vernon Township as early as 1827. In 1833, the Dutch Lutherans A^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 605 and the German Reformers united means and built a hewed-log church about a mile south of West Liberty- This answered their purpose for fort}' years, and the two sects, differing from each other in essential particulars, worshiped God together in harmony. A few years ago, when the congregation became too large for the church, they saw proper to divide the member- ship and to build two churches, one for each sect. The cost of each of the churches was about $1,200. and they were located near each other, about a mile south of West Liberty. The Methodists organized a society in the north- ern part of the township as early as 1828, but the followers of Wesley were few, and the soci- ety only became strong after many years. A society of United Presbyterians sprang up near De Kalb in 1830, which, at first, was the strong- est society in the township. It began with a membership of about thirty. Its early pros- perity was, in a measure, due to the energy and eloquence of Rev. Mr. Thompson, who soon afterward became President of the " Boys and Girls' Seminary," an institution which flourished for a short time, between 1830 and 1840, at De Kalb. The membership in these early churches was greatly increased by memorable reviv- als, which continued for months during the long winters. Some years before the German emigration into southern Vernon had ceased, a Catholic Church society was organized in the township. Forty acres of land on one of the sections — which, in 1845, when the township was divided, was retained by Richland County — were purchased, and a large hewed-log church erected thereon. This society, though beset with numerous difficulties at first, finall}' be- came the strongest country societ}- in the county. The church was early visited by the Bishop, who gave it a strong impetus, and its commencement really began then. The first priest to locate there was Tschenhaus, who re- mained some five or six years, placing the soci- ety on firm footing. About twenty years ago, the old church building was removed, and a large, fine, brick edifice erected in its place. It is one of the costliest and most imposing coun- try churches in the State, and has a member- ship of about one hundred, largely from south- ern Vernon. The church, though previously in Vernon, is now in Richland County. Many citizens of the township are members of it. The society has had a Sunday school for about forty years. In 1850, Elder William Adams organized a society, called the '' Church of God," in the northeastern part of the township. The early meetings of the society were held in schoolhouses. Ten years after its organization, it was sufficiently prosperous to warrant its building a church, which was done at a cost of $800. William Adams, William Shafler and David Shriner were among the early Pastors. The church is in good condition, and has a membership of about thirty. A Sunda}^ school was organized in 1852, and Samuel Dean be- came the first Superintendent. He was suc- ceeded by Solomon Goss, who was re-elected to serve in the same capacit}' for many successive terms. The other church societies, soon after their organization, established Sunday schools, and have maintained them with but little cessa- tion until the present time. Great efforts were made in early years, by the united chui'ches of the townships, to end, as far as possible, the al- most unlimited use of liquor by the settlers, and to inaugurate an era in which intemper- ance should be unknown. Several melancholy deaths from exposure during severe winter weather having occurred while the unfortunate debauchee was under the influence of alcohol, prepared the way for a vigorous onslaught against the traffic. People began to learn the true nature of alcohol. They learned that, though it might be a valuable re-agent in pharmacy, 3'et its abuse was cursing the world with wrecked and ruined lives, that had begun in innocence at the mother's knee. They saw it enter their midst — saw the dark form of In- ±1 'k. 606 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ebriety come in at the open door with smiling face, and remembered, with a shudder, that '• Vice is a monster of such frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; But, seen too oft, familiar with her face. We first endure, then pity, then embrace.' A temperance society was organized in about 1838, and much zeal was manifested ; but King Alcohol's domain was too strong to be taken, and the little party was disbanded, retiring quietly from the contest. The first school building in Vernon was built of round logs, in 1831, and located about half a mile south of West Liberty. It was sixteen feet square, and had a large, conspicuous chim- ney, built of flat stones, picked up at random in the woods, and held in their place b}' clay mortar. It stood back a short distance from the Columbus & Sandusky road, and for many years was the seat of learning for the bare- headed, bare-footed children of the pioneers. Many of the gray-haired citizens of the town- ship remember this as " The school boy spot They ne'er forget, though there they are forgot." It was here they learned their A B C's, and acquired what little education Dame Fortune allotted pioneer children. Mr. Grill was the first teacher, and was one of the best instructors ever in the township. He was severe in his administration of school discipline, but his uni- form kindness and sympathy won the hearts of his pupils. It was his habit to discard text- books during recitations, and to avoid those topics of no practical value to the student. He anticipated many of the present improved methods of instruction. Miss Richards, now Mrs. R. W. Cahill, and Mr. Orton were early teachers in this schoolhouse. In 1835, a school cabin, built of hewed logs, was erected about a mile north of West Liberty. Maria Swan "kept" school there the first, teaching three months during the summer of 1835. John Farrell taught the succeeding winter, but was turned out of the house the first day by the large boys, and went for consolation and advice to R. W. Cahill, who was one of the Board of Directors. But Mr. Cahill refused to interfere with the programme of the boys, who, after hav- ing their sport with the " new teacher," became docile and obedient. Another school cabin was erected a mile and a half east of West Lib- erty, in about 1838. Emanuel Warner was probably the first teacher. Between 1830 and 1845, as many as seven or eight school build- ings — some log and others frame — were located in this division of the county. The southern part was behind the northern in all educational enterprises, not because the Germans had less interest in public improvements, but because the northern part was earlier settled, and had the start by a decade. They were slower, but, as the years passed by, various school build- ings arose from the bogs and marshes, and am- ple opportunities were given Grerman boys and girls to secure the rudiments of an education. The Grerman language was taught almost ex- clusively at first, and even at the present time it is taught in connection with English. No teacher is employed who cannot give instruc- tion in German, and the rich mother-tongue is wisely retained. A frame school building was erected in De Kalb in 1841, Mr. Phillips being the earliest teacher. This was supplanted a few years later by a much more commodious one, built near the town, and the old one was de- voted to other uses. At an early day, when the town was prosperous and ambitious, several citi- zens conceived the idea of adding to the attrac- tions of the town by the establishment there of a seminary. An organization was effected, and funds raised by subscription sufficient to de- fra}' the expense of erecting suitable buildings. A Board of Trustees was elected, and a Presi- dent and other instructors employed, and, as far as could be seen, the enterprise was destined to become highl}' successful. The permanent and unquestionable value of such an institu- 1^ ±>1 JL^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 607 tion in the town could not be denied. Several, however, shook their heads and looked wisely down their noses — thinking, no doubt, a great deal, but saying nothing. Arrangements were completed, students were enrolled, classes were formed, and for two or three years the citizens pointed with pride to the spacious building with its efficient corps of instructors. The school was under the management of the United Presbyterian Church, and students of both sexes were enrolled, which gained for the institution the jocular term of the " Boys and Girls' Seminary." But the school was destined to die early. A misunderstanding arose, which soon widened a gulf between two opposing par- ties ; earnest endeavors were made to re-unite the opposing elements without success ; mu- tual recriminations followed. No one seemed to blame, and, as is natural with the majority of the human race, each insisted on having his own way. No doubt the division arose from the looseness of the articles by which the in- stitution was organized and managed. It was found that views widely differed as to the na- ture of the enterprise. Some thought the school was designed for both sexes ; others insisted that it was established exclusively for girls. Important questions arose as to when subscribed funds were to be paid. No ill-will was displayed, and yet each party insisted in ruling, or in quietly abandoning the project. It was thought best to follow the latter course, which was accoi'dingly done. It is to be la- mented that the school, which began under such auspicious circumstances, should have had such an unexpected and premature death. The village was nicel}^ located in one of the the most fertile regions in Ohio, and the set- tlers who clustered around it were intelligent, ambitious and moral, and keenly alive to any enterprise to insure their advancement and happiness. This was a most desirable state of things. Thei'e were over sixt}- scholars en- rolled at the beginning, more than man}- of the most imposing colleges in the countr}' could at first exhibit. The President, Rev. Mr. Thompson, was a fine classical scholar, but he lacked executive ability, and the management became unsatisfactory to its Board of Trustees. The institution was closed, to the regi'et of all. These facts have long since faded from the minds of the people, many of whom know nothing of the efforts made to establish the " Boys and Girls' Seminary " in the township nearly fifty years ago. It i-emains for the his- torian to recover the dates and incidents from the dust}- records of forgotten j-ears. ^lan}- of these records have been destroyed or lost, leav- ing an almost barren field to be worked over by the "searcher after truth.' CHAPTER XXIL TODD TOWNSHIP— TOPOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE— ORGANIZATION— FIRST OFFICERS— SRTTLE MENT— SOCIAL LIFE— OSCEOLA— RELIGIONS— SCHOOLS, ETC. n^HE township of Todd has a local histoi-y so -L intimately blended with State and national annals that the territory will ever be looked upon with an increasing interest by lovers of historic lore. The streams, streets, roads and village will be suggestive to coming genera- tions of some hero or heroic deed of the past. The principal stream is the Broken Sword, deriving its name, as usuall}' given, from the following circumstances : When Col. Craw- ford had made good his escape from the In- dians, after the engagement, he missed his nephew, and, reti'acing his steps, in company with Kniijht and others in search of him, he ^\\ .A 608 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. him to Upper Sundusky, and, in coming to this stream, the Colonel drew his sword and broke it over a rock on the bank ; hence its name. Another tradition is that a broken sword that had been dropped b}' the retreating army of Craw- ford was found by the Indians upon the bank, from which it received its name. This stream is put down on some of the early maps of Ohio as " Crooked-knife-creek." This stream has its most distant source in the southeast of San- dusky Township, and, following a southeasterly' course, cutting Todd Township diagonally through the center. Its entire bed in this ter- ritor}^ consists of a shaly limestone rock. There are two other streams — Indian Run and Grass Run. The former rises in the northeast part of the township, flowing to the southwest, crossed by the Benton road, two miles north of Osceola. Nothing of general interest is con- nected with this or Grass Run, which is in the south part of the township. The undula- ting surface and clay soil of this entire strip of land, in comparison with the level plains skirt- ing it on the south, present a striking con- trast. But a very small per cent of the sur- face of the township consists of black soil. The body is of a pale claj^ loam, enriched b}' the mulch of man}' crops of forest leaves. The soil is filled with stone, mostly bowlders and their fragments, belonging to the Glacial period. The bed of the Broken Sword and its banks are composed of loosely stratified limestone, abounding in well-preserved fossils — fragmen- tary corals, and shell indentures distinctly out- lining several species of the brachiopods. Of the articulates, a small variety of the trilobite are frequently discovered by the workmen. Messrs. Suavely Bros., the principal workers of the quarries in the township, have found many of the above specimens. This calcareous soil and rolling upland has been exceptionally pro- lific in producing a rank growth of timber. The rapid advance that the woodman has made is astonishing to the early settlers, who still live to see the sudden change take place. Says James Winstead, the first settler of this domain : " There was not a spot in the entire township that you could have driven a wagon over, so dense was the forest and thick the un- derbrush." Now, arable meadows present themselves to view at every corner, green pas- ture lands, and stock grazing upon the hillsides, with an occasional wood-field, making an ideal grazing and grain farm. The timber consists principally of beech, maple, several varieties of oak, sycamore, butternut, poplar. The shell- bark hickory and the hazel-bush, so common upon the plains, are not found in this near neighboring township. Formerly the black walnut was abundant. Daniel Tuttle says, that many thousand feet of this lumber were sold and delivered at Upper Sandusky for $1.25 per hundred feet. The present Territory of Todd was, previous to 1836, included within the Wyandot Reserva- tion. In the year 1836, the General Government obtained from the W^'andots, by treaty, a tract of land known as the " Three-mile strip " off of the eastern border of the reservation. In the spring of 1837, at a land sale held in Marion, the United States sold to private individuals this land, which was afterward attached to Crawford County, making the full townships, range 15, within her borders. The present township of Eden, Wyandot County, and the territory of Todd, comprised one town- ship, at the first survey, and named Leith, by Judge G. W. Leith, of Nevada, Ohio, and others, in honor of his grandfather, John Leith, a cap- tive of the W3'andot Indians for twenty-nine years. The principal productions of Todd are grain, lumber and lime. The pursuit of her citizens has been changing from the wood and lumber business to wheat-raising and wool-growing, and developing the business of lime-burning. The great amount of waste timber and burning 'IV HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 609 of logs in eai'lier years, led to the manufacture of potash. William Sigler constructed such an establishment in 1841, manufacturing the black salts, which were shipped to Republic. This trade was carried on for ten or twelve years at some profit, as long as the ashes could be ob- tained at a trivial price. The manufacture of lumber has been a source of considerable revenue to this section. " Bishop " Tuttle built a water- mill in 1840, which was run in times of high water at full capacity for several years. After it was purchased by William Sigler, he repaired and improved it by new machinery and steam-power. In addition to coarse lumber, building-laths, shoe-lasts, butter-bowls, " household and kitchen furniture too numerous to mention," were manu- factured. In later years a carding-machine and fulling-mill were attached. The chairs manu- factured by Mr. Swinford were delivered at Upper Sandusky to Daniel Tuttle, who put on the finishing stroke with his paint-brush and varnish-cup. Their farming and stock-raising is run upon a much smaller scale than their neighbors at the south and west, but their farms of eighty to 160 acres are under excellent cultivation and fine drainage. Their thickly settled farmhouses give the citizens many of the social advantages of village life. At the center of Todd is situated her only village, Osceola — a hamlet of 300 in- habitants. Thei'e is another town upon the Ohio Central Raih'oad, that is the town Lemert, so prominently marked upon the county map, which has yet a few unoccupied lots. But, as the demand for produce rises, they will be rapidly taken up for potato patches. The citi- zens dwelling near this embryo l)urgh enjo}' many of the social advantages of rural life. The first officers of the township were James Winstead and Z. P. Lea, installed and sworn in, under bond of $500, as Trustees of the township of Leith, by James Griffith, Justice of the Peace of Sycamore Township, April 8, 1839. April 9, Jacob Yost was installed as the third Trustee ; G. W. Leith, Justice of the Peace. Stephen White, after a few hours' service as Clerk, re- signed, and the new Trustees appointed Ozro N. Kellogg, who took the oath of office April 12, 1839. April 13, the Trustees met and ap- pointed the following officers : Abram Shaffer, Constable ; Mordecai McCauley and Z. P. Lea, Supervisors ; Adam Bair, G. W. Leith and Lewis Longwell, Fence Viewers ; David Kisor, Treasurer. G. W. Leith and David Kisor, also. Overseers of the Poor, each under bond of $500. The first official business was transacted at the cabin of James Winstead May 4, 1839, at which time the township was divided into road dis- tricts. About this date a dissatisfaction arose among the German settlers and others in the naming of the township. A petition was presented to the Trustees, claiming that the pronouncing of the word '- Leith " was a difficult matter for the Germans. In addition, the citizens were not satisfied with John Leith's supposed alliance with the British soldiery. Mr. Winstead. for the plaintiff and G. W. Leith for the defendant, proceeded to Bucyrus to represent the case be- fore the County Commissioners. The defend- ant lost his case, and the Township Trustees were delegated power to make a change in the name. In their next meeting of June 23, 1839, the name " Center " was substituted for •• Leith." as the geographical center of Crawford at that time lay within this township. The first election was held at the house of Mordecai McCauley. Tne first officers of Center were John Horriek, James Winstead, John Cronebaugh, Trustees ; David Kisor, Treasurer ; and James B. Robin- son, Clerk. At the re-division of the county in 1845, the boundary- lines of Center were so changed that the original name would no longer be appropriate, and this territory received the name of Eden, on the west and the eastern strip, embracing Sections 1, 2, 11 — 14, 23 — 26, 35 and 36, of Township 2 ; 1, 2, 11 and 14 of Township 3. Range 15, was named Todd. e _ :IA GIO HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. This embraced a strip of territory nine miles in i length and two in breadth, at the west central of Crawford ; bounded on the north by Texas ; east, Holmes and Bucyrus ; south, Dallas ; and west, Eden Township, of Wyandot County, i The first officers of Todd were James Win- stead, Isaac Miller, Daniel Tuttle, Trustees ; [ John Forster, Clerk. (Isaac Miller was also sworn in as Treasurer April 7, 1845). F. Gr. Hesche, Assessor ; Franklin Rapenow, Consta- ble ; John Forster, Clerk of the board ; William Andrews, Judge of the Election. The first business of Todd was transacted at the house of Isaac Miller, of Osceola, which was to levy a special tax of five mills for school, road and " poor " purposes. The following are the list of Justices of the Peace : Gr. W. Leith, com- missioned by Wilson Shannon, Governor of Ohio, May 20, 1839 ; William Brown, commis- sioned by same on the same day ; Daniel Tuttle, commissioned by Grov. Thomas Corwin April 30, 1842-43-44 and '45 ; Robert Andrews, 1846 ; Cyrus F. Jaqurth, 1847 ; John Gorden, 1849 ; Jacob Steiner, 1850 ; R. M. Hull, Clerk ; Horace Martin. 1851 ; James Clegard, Samuel Swisher, by Gov. Wood, 1852 ; John Dome, Clerk ; O. W. Johnston. 1854 ; Horace Martin, 1857-58 ; Seneca Leonard, Clerk ; Fred Wise, 1 857 ; G. W. Willoughby, 1860. Sold, as was the land of this township, at public sale, and all the neighboring laud to the east having been improved, for ten or twelve years, it met with a ready market, both from agents representing Elastern capitalists, local syndicates, and private parties. Mr. Howland, the principal foreign purchaser, was a son-in-law of Humphrey Howland, of Cayuga, N. Y. His purchases were 1 ,400 acres, a part of which lay in the present territory of Todd. The choice and central tract was purchased by the Osceola Company, composed of Bucyrus and Marion capitalists ; Messrs. Zalmon Rowse, Gen. My- ers, Abram Holm, Jacob Shaffer, of Bucyrus ; Cox and Young, of Marion County. This sj-n- dicate was supposed to have been formed at Marion, on the day of the sale, in April, 1837 ; but, from subsequent planning and development, it was undoubtedly planned and organized pre- vious to the sale. The first and principal pri- vate buyers were Judge G. W. Leith, James Winstead, Daniel Tuttle and Jacob Shaffer, of Fairfield County. It is a matter of dispute be- tween Judge Leith and the Hon. James Win- stead, which were the first to take up their abode in this almost trackless forest. We believe, however, that it is generally conceded that Winstead was on the spot with intentions of re- siding one day earlier than anj- other " pale- face." Perhaps there were no three parties more intimately connected with the official proceedings, social customs, and other inci- dents of the first settlement of Todd than were James Winstead, Judge Leith and Daniel Tuttle. These venerable gentlemen still dwell in our midst to counsel and advise. Mr. Win- stead, the eldest, is the best- preserved phys- ically, and his mind is still as active and vigorous as a middle-aged man. He and his aged companion, his senior bj' two years, at present reside in a comfortable frame cottage in W3'andot Count}', four miles northwest of the village of Osceola. Mr. Winstead was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in the year 1801. Being of an adventurous turn of mind, he started for the new State of Ohio in 1816, and took up his abode in Fairfield County that same year. Two years afterward, he was married to his present bride — he at the age of nineteen, and she twenty- two years. These octogenarian? have traveled down the lane of life together for sixty-two years, twelve years beyond their golden wedding. Mr. Win- stead removed from Fairfield County to Bow- serville, now in Wyandot County, in 1826- Here he built a small cabin upon the edge of the reservation, and followed his trade of silver and copper smith. His principal patronage came from the Wyandot Indians, who had in -?[< rfv* :i HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 611 their possession much ore that they obtained from the Michigan mines. They paid liberally to have the silverand copper manufactured into rings, bracelets and anklets, beads for the chiefs, and many other attractive ornaments that would please their fancy. The greatest demand was for silver and copper crosses, that those of the Catholic faith would have made for themselves and their papooses. Those crosses, made of copper, would frequently weigh five or six ounces, which they wore suspended from their necks. His fame as a worker in sil- ver and copper spread among the Indians, and his trade increased. The Indians wished him to move upon their reservation to some more central point. This he at first refused to do, but they continued to ofler inducements, prom- ising him a double log-cabin that had been built by some white trader, east of Upper San- dusky, with an orchard, all the clear ground he wished to cultivate ; in addition, they would furnish him meats and give him all the labor he could do at his trade. The offer was finall}^ ac- cepted, and, in 1829, he moved into their midst, and found them strict in keeping their word, and treated him with all the civilities that an enlightened nation would. Perhaps there is no one citizen living that has a better knowledge of the Wyandot Indians than Mr. Winstead. He traveled with them in their hunting excur- sions, sat around their camp fires, traded with them, mingled in their religious exercises, took part in their social sports, listened to their tra- ditions, and it is his testimony that they re- spected their words, pledges, and trading agree- ments, and less deception and Ijang was used to one another than it has been his fortune to experience among the " pale faces." The story of Mother Cherokee, one of the most intelligent of the old squaws, was related to Mr. Winstead, concerning Col. Crawford's death. Mother Cherokee had been an eye- witness to the horrible torture, and frequently related it to the younger generation. Her story of the engagement and capture does not differ materially from that of Walker and others, but her story of the execution was " that but one white man and Simon Girty were present ; that Col. Crawford was not tied to a stake, but his hands were bound by a withe over a limb of a tree above his head, and left in that position all night and the next forenoon, until other war- riors could arrive to witness the burning. Quite a number slept the night before around the same fire, near by that used to torture him. All having arrived by noon on the following day, they began by taking brands from the fire, and touched him fii'st on the toes, his leaping causing great amusement for the bystanders. When the feet and toes were no longer sensible to the fire-brands, they would apply them a little above, benumbing the limbs by inches, so that the torture might be prolonged and life pre- served as long as possible. When this process had been pursued until the numbness was ap- proaching rapidl}^ his vitals, they cut the withe, and Crawford fell forward upon his face. A squaw, with a piece of bark, scooped up some coals and hot embers, piling them between his shoulders, which caused him to immediately throw himself over, but he was unable to rise, as his legs and hips were entirely benumbed."' The substance of the above was so often re- lated, and with such accuracy, by "Mrs. Chero- kee," that Mr. Winstead thinks it the nearest correct account of this horrible execution. Mr. Winstead removed from his Sandusky home to a quarter of Section 11, in the northern part of Todd Township. In the late spring of 1837, a rough cabin was erected from the near- est logs, which had puncheon floors, but his first house was ornamented with glass window panes. So thick were the woods that he was obliged to cut a wagon road to the present site of Osceola, before he could get to his farm with oxen and wagon. This led to the Perrysburg road, which gave him access to Upper San- dusky. In the following year, Mr. Tuttle built 612 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. a water-mill upon the Broken Sword, which fur- nished them lumber for further improvement ; the first lumber, however, was obtained at the old Indian mill, at Upper Sandusk3\ In the same year, a number of families settled at Osceola, among whom were Mordecai McCau- ley, Jacob Yost, Adam Bair, Daniel Tuttle, Z. P. Lea, David Kisor and others. Mr. Winstead wished to have a clearer road between his farm and the village, so that, in the following year, a wood-chopping bee was given by him. Says he : "I got two miles of road cleared fur a gallon o' whisky," a drink that it will be ob- served the primitive settlers of this forest were partial to. Edward and Ozro N. Kellogg were his first near neighbors, who purchased farms at the same date as Mr. Winstead, but did not move upon the land until 1838. The dense for- est and thick underbrush, together with the mirj'' ravines, made traveling, other than on foot, almost an impossibility for a greater part of the year. These few families were obliged to be satisfied with the usual fare of pioneers for several years after their neighbors to the east and south were comfortabl}' fixed. The improvements and enterprise on every side of them was a great advantage to them in furnish- ing them supplies. The stock from the plains and other settlements, especially the hogs, would wander into these unfenced woods, for mast and browsing, which supplied them with a change of diet in the fall of the year. From these settled districts, this forest be- came so supplied with the wild hog that it was dangerous traveling without a rifle to protect one's self X narrow escape is related by Mr. Winstead, concerning Zach Lea. Mr. Lea, in company with Mr. Forster, his son-in-law, were in search of their winter's meat, in the fall of 1841. After a short journey, in the northern part of this wood, Mr. Forster spied his game, leveled his fusee at a swine industriousl}' pl3nng her art of cultivating the soil. The ball was not fatal, and her unprecedented squealing caused Mr. Lea to make his retreat to a neigh- boring log, but he was not secure, for her grim, bristly mate, being warned of danger, by the yells, came dashing through the under-brush, with all the rage of an infuriated lion, and with a bound, knocked Mr. Lea headlong from the log. The timely presence of their bull dog turned the foaming boar from his victim to self-defense. Had it not been for this, Mr. Lea said he could not have escaped with his life. Their principal supply of meat came from the deer and turkey. Deer were frequently met with as late as 1850, and, in recent years, the neighboring forests contained flocks of the wild turkey. Their ammunition was too ex- pensive to waste upon squirrel and quail, so that this game became very plentiful. G-eorge W. Leith, of Nevada, the historj' of whose grandparents, John Leith and Sally (Lowry) Leith, are so intimatel}' connected with the Indian history, that it need not be recorded here. The name of Judge Leith occurs in all the official proceedings, in the formation of the township. The fruit of his labor and brains may be observed in almost every enterprise of the township. His intimate acquaintance with the Indians for many years gave him a knowl- edge of their customs and habits, quite ex- tended and varied. " In all their proceedings in public assemblies," says the Judge, " they were courteous and obedient to their speaker and chiefs ; nevei', in all their public transac- tions, did I see two attempting to speak at a time." This same courtesy was observed in their business transactions and social relation, and even in their quarrels," as the following anecdote will illustrate : " Seated one autumn day at the village of Osceola, where the Indi- ans were constantly loafing, my eye fell upon a very interesting and comical sight. Two Indians, having some misunderstanding over the ownership of a pair of fine turkeys, fell to quarreling ; the one was a large, raw-boned, surly fellow with down-cast ej^es, would not « ^ ;rv liL HISTORY OF CEAWFORD COUNTY. 613 move a muscle ; the other one was of small stature, having one leg all drawn out of shape. The little lame Indian would bob around his adversary like a blue-jay, gesticulating most wildly, abusing his opponent with the strongest language at his command. When he would cease, absolute silence would prevail for several minutes, then the large one would reply with- out stirring, in equally opprobrious terms. Silence again for several minutes, and the lame one would commence his bobbing and hopping." The great contrast in the two characters, and the courtesy of silence between the speeches of each, almost convulsed the by-standers with laughter. No other citizen, perhaps, did as much personal work at the village of Osceola, in her different business transactions in the first six years, as Daniel Tuttle, better known as "Bishop Tuttle," at present, a resident of Texas Township. Mr. Tuttle came to Osceola late in 1840. He was attracted to this location under the county-seat " boom," an account of which will be given in connection with the village history'. Mr. Tuttle's life has been one of great activity and wide observation. He was born at South- bury, Conn., in 1801 ; was left an orphan at three years old. After a schooling of four winters, he was bound out to a clock manufact- uring company, Jones & Darrow. At twenty- six years of age, he became their traveling agent in the East, and afterward through the Central and Southern States. Between the years 1827 and 1840, he had traveled from Portland, Me., to New Orleans, being a" Yankee clock-peddler" at many inter- mediate points. He came first to the intended county seat in 1840, when the Osceola road was an Indian trail from Bucyrus to McCutch- insville. Mr. Tuttle, being in Bucyrus, ob- served at what cost her citizens were obtaining their lime, hauling it forty miles, determined on his return to test the calcareous quality of the Broken Sword shale. He stated to his friends at Bucyrus that this was the quality of stone from which to manufacture lime, but was jeeringl}' contradicted. He succeeded in pro- curing some fine quality of lime from his first trial, and immediately contracted with Bucy- rus builders to furnish them lime at 12 cents per bushel. In 1841, he constructed a rude kiln and employed Lyman King to do the burning. At the residence of Daniel Tuttle, which stood opposite the present dwelling of Mr. Wilson, in Osceola, quite a strange incident occuiTcd, that would be remembered by almost any Eastern-bred family of later day. In their first cabin, they were unprovided with locks, and scarcely did they ever attach an}- addi- tional fastening to the outer door. One night, shortly after thej^ moved to their new village home, Mrs. Tuttle was awakened b}^ some strange noise in the house. As it consisted only of one room, and that well lighted by the flickering blaze from a huge fire-place, it was only necessary in order to search the house to lift her head out from under the -cover," and inspect matters. On doing so, she was ex- tremely frightened at seeing the floor filled with sleeping, snoring Indians, none of whom had registered " to be called for the early train." The involuntary landlord left his easi- ly accommodated guests to "sweetly sleep till morn." They had been to Bucyrus, indulging too freely in their " national beverage," and the six-mile trip to Osceola had worn off the ex- hilarating effects so that they had taken this means of getting a comfortable place in which to sober up. This trick was frequently' re- peated in after years, not only with Mr. Tuttle, but other of the early settlers. The}' were so sly and quiet in their nocturnal intrusions that it was a rare occurrence for them to be detect- ed. After the further opening up of the Per- ry sburg road, there was some general travel that made a demand for a public inn. Mr. Tuttle built a small addition to his house, TV 614 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. which was afterward enlarged into a two-story frame tavern, in which he presided as " mine host" for several years. He was the enter- tainer of the Osceola Company that met in this village quite frequently in the first few 3'ears of its existence to arrange their fiscal matters. Mr. Tuttle engaged in the fur trade in 1842, and did other tratlicking with the In- dians. In the years 1842-43, he was oflfered b}' his Indian customers a fine lot c>f venison hams, which he purchased and sledged to San- dusky City, receiving but 6 cents per pound. Mr. Tuttle was the first Postmaster, and re- ceived his commission from Postmaster Gen- eral Amos Kendall for the years 1841-42-43. His remuneration came from the postage, the price of a letter ranging from 5 to 25 cents, be- ing regulated by the distance transported. The mail in those years was necessarily limited at rural points, but the paucity of mail matters at this post was very marked, there being on an average about three letters and two papers at each mail, which came once a week from the Bast and West. Another of the early settlers possessing business enterprise was Samuel Swineford, who moved to the Broken Sword in 1841 and en gaged in the chair manufactory. After three years of this business he moved upon a farm two miles northeast of Osceola, from there to Van Wert, where he is at present engaged in the grocery business. John Horrick bought eighty acres southwest of Osceola, at the sales, and made great improvement in clearing and farming his land, at the same time exercising his talents in presenting the political issues of the da}- to his neighbors, being especially earnest in the Harrison campaign. Mr. Hor- rick raised a family of two sons and three daughters, some of whom are still citizens of Todd. He removed to Indiana in 1870. Rev. Samuel P. Shaw was one of the most noted citizens that dwelt in the land of Todd. His education and public labors, together with his financial success, have given him a reputation beyond his neighborhood and State. He was admitted into the Ohio Conference in 1825, discharging his pastoral duties for thirteen years. In 1839, he moved upon his farm in southern Dallas and traveled the neighboring circuit in connection with his business. In 1855, he moved to this present township, where he resided, four miles south of Osceola, until his death in 1875. The remains of Rev. Shaw were interred in the Monnett cemetery, in Bucyrus Township. It is not definitely remembered who has the honor of being the " first-born " of this township. It is generally conceded to Mr. William Hartman as being the father of the first '' bouncing boy. weighing eight pounds," August 1838. The whereabouts of this hon- ored personage, we were unable to learn. The first marriages celebrated in the north- ern part of Todd, were Isaac Miller and Miss Jane Lea, and Stephen White and Miss Mary Lea, 1838, by Zalmon Rowse. One of the first altars erected to Hymen in the village, was at the residence of William E. Brown. William W. Norton, of Big Island, Marion County, and Mary Brown, of Osceola, were here sacrificed to appease that deity's ire, January 8, 1841, by J. C. Stein, Justice of the Peace for Bucyrus Township. This ceremony is vividly remembered by the latter official, who relates some of the circumstances con- nected therewith as follows : " I was called upon to perform this ceremony at a time of year when the most miserable of all roads were at their worst. There was sufficient frost to make the walking uncertain and the ice on the streams unsupportable. It was an impossibil- ity to drive from Bucyrus to Osceola in a bug- gy, could one have been procured. Allowing mj'self plenty of time, I concluded to make the trip on foot. After a circuitous meandering through the woods, over logs and through mud-holes, I arrived at Grass Run, which was HISTORY OF CRAWPORD COUNTY. 615 quite swollen and bridgeless. The lateness of the hour forced me to a hasty decision, which was to attempt to cross on rather an insecure limb ; but, like a friend in need, it failed to furnish its support at the most critical mo- ment, giving me an opportunity to rehearse the oath before the evening ceremony, in water up to my neck, at freezing point. I arrived a little late at the village and coolly walked to a friend's to brush up a little for the festive occasion. The ceremony was performed with- out referring to the incident." It was not an uncommon thing for the mer- chants to transport their goods by pack-horses, so miserable was this quagmire between Bucy- rua and Osceola, pseudonymously called a road. The risk of injury to goods transported over such a bog was often equal to the price of the mer- chandise, as the following incident will prove : Previous to the removal of the Wyandot In- dians to their Kansas reservation, Osceola was one of their favorite loafing places ; especiall}' would they frequent this local it}'^ on the Sab- bath Day. Jacob Yost, who kept a supply of " goods " on hand that was notoriously' in de- mand with the Indians, wished to supplement his limited supply for the coming Sabbath's trade. Himself, Mordecai McCauley and Adam Bair started, on foot, for Bucyrus, with two jugs apiece, and were making excellent time until they arrived on their return at the Broken Sword. McCauley, who was already feeling the ground arise before him, ventured first upon the ice, and unceremoniously sat down between two broken jugs of the " sup- plies." His maudlin companions upon the bank quoted him several chapters of profane history as a reprimand for his carelessness, and the proprietor, with an exemplary stride, led the way with his precious freight, when sud- denly he saw something at the surface of the ice, he wanted to mark with his thumb, and, in his rush, with his foot, called the attention of his comrade, Bair, to the same object. Here they remained eyeing one another, while the contents of six jugs of "old rye" was running around them on the frozen surface, unable to get away. They began picking holes in the ice with their knives, to collect the valued com- modity. As fast as these reservoirs would fill, the economical artificers would imbibe the contents. They soon became so lush}' that they unconsciously fell over and lay there until they were dragged to the bank and taken to their cabins for repairs. Another incident of a biba- cious character occurred under the observa- tion of Mr. Winstead. It illustrates, however, much more wit than the above occurrence. Schierhess, an Indian of some note among the Wyandots, came to the village with a limited amount of collateral security to procure some stimulant for his squaw, who was quite weakly and had the care of a papoose. Schierhess in- vested all his purse in whisky, but before he left had made an inward application of the tonic for the strengthening of his own system. The bar-tender doing strictly a cash business and the Indian's funds exhausted, it became necessary to obtain some medium of exchange to procure the stimulant. Schierhess addressed Jimmy McKane, a white settler, who stood near, and asked him to purchase a bee-tree. The bar- gain was stated and accepted by McKane, who paid 50 cents, the price asked for the bee-tree. Schierhess purchased his liquor and went his way with it, and McKane, with buckets, ax and assistance, started to the spot described, and found a hickory sapling, blazed by a tomahawk, and, at a distance, a poplar sapling, with a similar blazed spot, and, between the two, a large oak, all of which had been definitely pic- tured out by the Indian. But, upon felling the oak, not a sign of bees or honey was to be found. A few days after, he met the Indian, whom he immediately accused of lying to him. Schier- hess looked sternly at McKane, and asked if he did not " find the two saplings, blazed bj' a tomahawk, and the oak between them," to :fK: 616 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. which McKane assented. " Well," said the In- dian, " there were two truths to one lie, heap dam better than a white man do," and pulled out some money and repaid McKane. Among the early industries that have not been men- tioned, was the tannery, in 1847, at the southwest corner of the village of Osceola. Amos Souder " hung out a calf-tail" and offered to pay " cash for hides and pelts." Mr. Souder continued this business some twelve ^^ears, converting the local supply into leather for the Sandusky City market. The tan-yard has never been re- paired, and at present the township " sports " no tan-vats. Another enterprise that has ceased to be carried on is the saleratus manu- factory. In 1858, R. G. Perry launched forth his capital and started to manufacture the car- bonated pearl-ash for the man}' matrons in the bread-baking business. The fiscal returns were too meager to warrant a continuation, and this business was followed no more in Todd, at the end of four j-ears' trial. The most lucrative pursuit for the capital employed, as well as the principal source of revenue to the village, is the manufacturing of lime. This trade, that was opened up b}' Bishop Tuttle's ex- perimental burning, has been continually en- gaged in until the present date. William Miller and the three sons of S. D. Suavely are the principal parties now engaged in the traflSc ; David, Joseph and Moses Snavely, each run- ning kilns, which, with Mr. Miller's, makes in all from 200 to 250 kilns that are annually burned, realizing, on the average, $50 per kiln. They supply the neighboring towns for build- ing and gas purposes at $18 per bushel, deliv- ered. The only grist-mill of any special note, is the present Limestone Island Mill, situated in the easten edge of the village, upon what was for- merly an island in the Broken Sword. It was built as a water-mill, in 1854, by David Neely, the dam was destroyed in 1860, and the race is now " run " out. Mr. Neely sold the property in 1862, to A. N. Stonebreaker. After five years, it again changed hands, Judd and Deck being the purchasers. In 1867, Garrett Zeigler invested in the property, and was the sole proprietor for four years, when it was again sold, Mr. Stull being the buj^er. After owning it from 1871 to 1873, he took, as a partner, Mr. A. N. Phillips, who is at present running the mill at its full capacity, both for local custom and general trade. Enough has incidentally been mentioned alread}', concern- ing the roads of Todd, to give the general reader some idea of their former condition. Be- ing so densel}^ covered with timber as was this township, the roads when once hewn for wagon passengers, were scarcely exposed to the sun's rays an hour per day, and, when cut into ruts, with the exception of the month of August, they were not free from water and mud the entire year. Various expedients were re- sorted to, but the wealth of the township has not warranted making any permanent improve- ment as yet. The plank road, leading from Bucyrus to Osceola, was only temporarily of any value. The boards, exposed to sun and water, were soon warped and loosened, making the board track impassable for vehicles after a few years' usage. By an efficient system of drainage and grading, the roads for most of the year are as passable as those of the neighbor- ing townships of greater age and wealth. If the couplet, now so trite, of J. (t. Whittier, " Of all .sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these, it might have been." ever fell with force upon the ears of mortal, it was doubly emphatic to the early settlers and organizers of the village of Osceola. That which Irving has written concerning the pris- tine appearance of a spot, now far more famous in history than the stream and surroundings of this village, but certainly not more romantic, with some modification, would be applicable to Osceola. " Wildness and savage majesty reigned on the borders of her stream. The hand of HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 617 cultivation had not yet laid down the dark for- est and tamed the features of the landscape, nor had the echoes of civilized commerce broken in upon the profound solitude of the ages. Now and then would break forth from the banks of the Broken Sword, the notes of an innumerable variety of insects which filled the air with a strange, but not inharmonious concert ; while ever and anon was heard the melancholy plaint of the whip-poor-will, who, perched on some lone tree, wearied the ear of night with his incessant moanings. The mind of the pioneer, soothed into a hallowed melan- choly, listened with pensive stillness to catch and distinguish each sound that vaguely echoed from the lonely wood, now and then startled, perchance, by the whoop of some straggling savage, or the dreary howl of a wolf stealing forth upon his nightly prowlings." This beauti- ful description is not too highly colored to be an appropriate one for the scenes and sur- roundings of Osceola within less than a half- century past. The capitalists of the surround- ing country, attracted by the wild and romantic scenery of the Broken Sword, looked with a covetous eye upon the possessions of their un- civilized neighbors. The original plat of Osceola was one of the first sections purchased in 1837, as above men- tioned, by the Osceola Company, composed of Bucyrus and Marion capitalists. Earl}' in the following year, a poi'tion of the forest upon the north bank of the Broken Sword, in central Todd, was measui*ed by the agents of the com- pany for the la^ing-out of a new countj^ seat, making the main street east and west, ninety feet ; and, at the crossing of the north and south road, of same width, was left a square, the lat- ter deriving its name from the stream it crosses, is designated Broken Sword avenue. There are six streets running parallel with the avenue, beginning at the third one west, as First street. The one running with the stream and parallel with Main, was christened Water street, and the one at the north of Main as High street. The village derived its euphonious and poetical sounding name from the chivalrous and in- domitable chief of the Seminoles — Osceola. Dr. Andrew Hetich, Sr., of Bucyrus, being an admirer of this valiant chief, and a sym- pathizer with him in his tragical death, sug- gested his as a very suitable name for the em- bryonic city. In latter years, through an inexcusable carelessness, the orthography has been changed to "'Oceola," omitting the s. The Postal Department having written to Mr. Garrigus, the present Postmaster, for the way it was most commonly spelled, he was obliged to give preference to the corruption. Although the two orthographies are still used, business men and others from a distance use the origi- nal spelling, which should be preserved. The company employed Mr. Adam Bair, Mc- Cauley and others to clear off the underbrush, and mark out more distinctly the streets, and put up some cabins previous to the public sale of lots in 1838. The rise and growth of the village can be best understood by listening to the story of Messrs. Winstead, Tuttle, Leith and others who participated in constructing the " citadel and building the outer walls," which, in substance, is as follows : " The Osceola Company had spared no pains to advertise ex- tensively the intended change of the county seat to the new and centrally located village of Osce- ola, upon the Broken Sword. Young men of enterprise and old men with capital were eager to invest in the choice lots. It became a matter of exciting interest to the neighboring farmer who thought himself so fortunate as to be an owner of the suburbs of the county seat, so that, by the day of sale, anxious bidders, with wise looks, hung close to the auction block to be first to get corner lots." Some had the num- bered lots drawn upon a plat of the village, which they would slyly consult. As the crier would call out the lucky numbers the}' would rush up and invest their all. Lots in suburbs V ^'. 618 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. sold from $18 to $20, while the corner lots reached $195, a sum that would have purchased half that many acres within a mile of the site before the county-seat boom was let loose. " The gulled and inexperienced real-estate dealer would urge his less credulous neighbor over logs and underbrush to the coveted spot of his possession, and expatiate upon his blocks and laden store-rooms about to be. Upon the square was a well only six feet deep, brimful of water, that the future business men and citizens would frequent, and discuss the excellent qualities and the purity of the liquid as ' sweet as spring water.' " Under the excitement the lots were all disposed of, the only strange matter being that the company did not reserve any real estate for future speculation. The Bucyrus capitalists were found to have changed their mind shortly afterward, and a bill was presented to the Gen- eral Assembly to have the counties of Crawford and Marion so divided as to throw Bucyrus in a more central point, that she might retain the count}' seat, and erect the new county of Wyan- dot. This was consummated in 1845, which punctured the bubble that the Osceoleans so credulousl}' believed a reality. The Hon. Mc- Cutcheon, then elected to the State Senate, with the understanding among his constituents at the new village that he would advocate the locating of the county seat at their city, was found to have voted upon and advocated the opposite side of the question. The contents of the well in the square, so prominent a feature in the new town at the da}^ of the sale, were soon exhausted. Op investigation, it was found to have been dug the da}- previous by Adam Bair and tilled with water carried in buckets from the Broken Sword by Bair and Turner. When it was verified that " there is nothing covered that shall not be re- vealed ; neither hid that shall not be known ;" and no further hope of obtaining the " capital," Mr. Tuttle, their first merchant and manufiict- urer, among others, withdrew to Upper San- dusky and other points of more promise, to en- gage in business. John Turner was engaged in miscellaneous merchandizing until the Mexican war, in which he enlisted, and nothing more was heard of him. Jacob Yost remained, and con- tinued his trading with the Indians. Mr. Yost has the credit of having built the first frame dwelling-house, which stood upon the lot join- ing Mr. (Irubb's store lot. Previous to the building of the present town hall, a plain square frame building at north central of the town, the public business was conducted in dwelling- houses and the village schoolhouse. The town, having failed to secure the Pittsburgh, Fort Wa3'ne & Chicago Railroad, evidently can never be a commercial center of any prominence, al- though at present, with her rural wealth and lime trafltic, she does a thriving local trade. Her principal merchants at present are Mr. Grubb, who purchased his store building of Rodney Pool, the builder and owner of the first store building of the village. Richard T. Grarrigus owns one of the principal miscellaneous stores, at present dealing in dry goods, groceries and hardware. Mr. Garrigus has also the postal department connected with his store-room, of which he is the Postmaster. Samuel Tetreech is engaged in the dr}' goods and grocery busi- ness. The first and only drug store of the town is the present room at the northwest cornier of the square, fitted up in the summer of 1880 for that business b}' Thomas Kelly, the present pro- prietor. The first divine services in this village were held in the cabins of the devotees of their faith soon after the organization of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Zach Lea, residents of the northern part of the township, led these cottage meetings as early as 1838, through whose labors the Methodist Episcopal society was establislied, which afterward built the first Methodist Epis- copal Church in Benton. Edward and Ezra Kellogg, neighbors of Mr. Lea, were Universal- ists. But no organization of this faith was es- tablished in the immediate vicinity, their f^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 619 principal place of worship being at Osceola. There being no churches in the rui-al portions of Todd, her church history is mostly connected with that of the village, which is so complex and limited that an accurate analysis would be of as little interest as profit to the writer or the reader. In brief, it is as follows : The earl}' history of the denominations, which in- cluded, between the years 1838 and 1845, Methodist, Campbellite, Brethren, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Universalists, with an occasional Quaker, shows that they believed more in " fu- sion " at this corner of the "moral heritage " than is customary for such a variety of '• isms " differing so widely in doctrinal dogmas. Coming from so man}' sections of the country as did these first dwellers, it was not strange that their religious views were equally as va- rious. But the daily race they had, in common, for ''bread and butter," rapidly broke down inbred prejudices, and mollified their feelings of hostility usually harbored against all creeds but their own. No single denomination hav- ing the resources to build an ecclesiastical edi- fice, they all worshiped for the first ten 3'ears in the schoolhouse situated upon the site of the present brick school building, which, as the citizens say, " Never was allowed to grow cold from September till May." School through the day, and every night some denomination would conduct services therein, and upon the Sabbath, as late as 1853-54, two ministers of different denominations would hold union services, preaching to the same chosen seed. The first work wrought in their midst by laboi'ers from abroad, was the establishment of a Bible societ}' in 1832-40, by Rev. George Reid and J. B. Robinson, both of Bucyrus. The first minister receiving any salar}' came from Bucyrus, the Rev. Mathews, of the Presbyterian faith. He began evangelizing this people at stated inter- vals in 1845-4G. Jacob Snavel}' and William Gordon were the official ■' pillars " of this or- ganization. In the same 3'ear, the Methodist Episcopal denomination was organized into a distinct body, under the preaching of Rev. Royce the leading workers being Jesse Jaquith, M. Hough, John Welsh. It was incorporated at this date into Melmore Circuit, North Ohio Con- ference. The following are among the earl}' ministers : Rev. Henry Warner, preacher in charge, and Rev. G. W. Collier his colleague, 1850-51 ; Rev. Henry Warner, P. C, Rev. T. J. Monnett, Col., 1852-53 ; Rev. Luke S. Johnson, P. C, Rev. William R. Kistler, Col., 1853-54 ; Rev. Thomas Thompson (supply) ; Rev. William C. Heustiss, P. C, Rev. William Spafford, 1854-55 ; Rev. Ralph Wilcox, P. C, Rev. Uri Richards, Col., 1855-56. This Methodist Episcopal preaching point was never recognized as a charge, until the organization effected by the present pastor, Rev. Stephen Fant, under whom the circuit has been definitely limited and a parsonage pur- chased, and other improvements that give it more prestige than at any previous time in its history. About the time of the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the United Breth- ren Society became a separate body of worship- ers, M. L. Simons and Samuel Swisher hav- ing organized a class which received preach- ing for several years at the frame schoolhouse. The early ministers were Revs. Tablor, Wicks and Downing. Rev. Long is their present Pastor. This society at present is perhaps the wealthiest, and has the largest congregation. The Campbellites were one of the strongest organizations of the village from 1850 to 1860, numbering at that time thirty or more members. The patriotism of their disciples drew so upon the society that they were not re-organized subsequent to the war. Their first minister and organizer was the talented and educated Rev. Andrew Burns, brother of Hon. B. Burns, of Mansfield. Among the others that are remembered as k 620 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. prominent is Rev. Doeling, of Marion. The members of this ftiith at present are united with congregations in neighboring villages. The Sunday-school work of the township and village has been conducted in unison for a greater period, and more harmoniously, than the other theopneustic labors in the church, the first regular Sunday-school having been organ- ized and conducted under the leadership of Capt. J. Wert in the summer of 1846. For seven 3-ears this union Sunday-school was con- ducted in the day-school house, with an attend- ance var3-ing from seventj' to eight}' pupils. In the summer of 1854, the union school was transferred to the United Brethren Church, shortly after which the Methodist Episcopal portion of the school withdrew, and organized, with Eli Evans as Superintendent, enrolling, on an average, thirty scholars. In the winter season, the two denominations would conduct union schools, until 1860 ; since that date, ])oth denominations have held yearly sessions, with an enrollment of thirty to fifty pupils each. One of the ablest apostles of ab- stinence, who has left an impress upon the minds of the early settlers of this section, was Mrs. Trimble, of Bucyrus, mother of W. C. Trimble, now of Mansfield. Her individual efforts i-esulted in some immediate fruits, and left a lasting impression upon the minds of her hearers. The first schoolhouse was situated southwest of the village, about one-quarter of a mile from the square. The structure had all the pioneer provisions and improvements that were then attainable ; a roomy fire-place, stick chimney, doors and windows, with the true Ruskin arch, benches and writing-desks made from original designs. The first school was opened up and conducted by Miss Jane Suavely in the summer of 1839, receiving $10 per month. She was succeeded in the winter term by her brother, at $15 per month. The first building used for school pur- poses within the city limits of Osceola, was a log cabin, a former domicile of the red man. This was used but two short terms, when a neat, square-log building was erected, especially for school purposes, on the site of the present brick school building. This last cabin was re- placed, in 1846, by a frame edifice, which served for academic purposes until 1855, when the Methodist Church purchased the property, and another frame building, consisting of two sto- ries and three rooms, built by John Dome and R. T. Grarrigus, contractors, on the same spot. The fine brick structure, with, at present, two departments, immediately succeeded the second frame. The contractors were Messrs. Kimmis & Powers, at a bid of $3,400. The A divis- ion enrolls, at present, fifteen males and twenty females — Mr. E. N. Jump, teacher. Room B enrolls twenty-one males and twenty-one fe- males — Miss Mary Jones, of Bucyrus, teacher. The interest manifested by the citizens in school matters is sufficiently evinced by the fine build- ing, considering the limited number of pupils ; and the choice of such competent instructors as the present corps. *^^ m^^' vm^^ ^(jj^ Jj^yj:>£^? k. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY 623 CHAPTER XXIII. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP — DESCRIPTIVE — EARLY SETTLEMENT— INDIANS — CRANBERRY MARSH- INDUSTRIES— NEW WASHINGTON— SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES, Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States for his first term, the few settlers THIS township derives its name from the extensive cranberry marsh lying in the southwestern part. As ftir as can be learned, the date of its creation was irrevocably lost when the court house was burned, soon after the organization of the county. The township is peculiarly situated, comprising land lying on ei- ther side of the eastern boundary of an extensive tract of land, known after 1820, as the New Pur- chase. The three tiers of sections on the east belonged to the " Three-Mile Strip," a narrow tract of land lying next east of the boundary mentioned above, and the tier of sections on the west and the fractional tier lying next east of the western tier, were portions of the New Purchase. That portion of the township lying east of the eastern boundary' of the New Pur- chase, was surveyed in 1807, by Maxfield Lud- low, but it was not until after 1820 that the remainder of the township was laid out into sections. In February, 1820, the Ohio Legis- lature passed an act to organize a number of counties out of the eastern side of the New Purchase, and Crawford County was among the number organized. These new counties were surve^^ed and laid off into townships and sections, but the townships were at first known only by their numbers and ranges. Afterward, when settlers began to come in, the townships were christened, so to speak, and the necessary officers elected. The boundaries of Cranberry have been frequently changed, and, in early times, were not as they are at present. When it first received its name is indeterminate, but it is quite certain that, in 1827. it was known as Cranberry, and. at that time, in- cluded the present Chatfield Township, and perhaps others. This is true, because, when in Chatfield came to the cabin of Joshua Chil- cote, in Cranberry, to poll their votes, render- ing it certain that the latter township had been created a year or two previously, and that its officers had been duly elected. There were some fifteen or sixteen votes cast at the time, seven of them coming from Cranberry, and the remainder from Chatfield or other townships. In the year 1835, when Sandusky Township was divided and Jackson Township created, Sections 34, 35 and 36 were annexed to Cran- berry, and, as near as can be learned, the township at that time took its present size and shape. It lies wholly on the northern slope of the Ohio water-shed, and is drained on the northern and eastern sides b}- several leading tributaries of Huron River, and on the western side by Sycamore Creek, a winding branch of Sandusky River. This creek has its source in the cranberry marsh. The surface of the township is generally flat, though in the north- ern half it becomes gently undulating. Here are seen evidences of those glacial ridges which run east and west across Northern Ohio, although they are broken and irregular. The soil is deep and black, and largely' alluvial in the southern half, while in the northern portion it assumes a lighter color, and contains quite a percentage of course sand and heav}', tenacious clay. This cla}- is excellent for brick, tile and potter}', and has been thus used. The soil has great strength, and year after year the same crop can be raised on one piece of land, with- out any appreciable decrease in the quantitv or quality produced. The drift deposits are deep, and no stream has yet cut through them 4 >> 624 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. far enough to expose the underlying rock. No quarries have yet been opened. A few sulphur springs and wells are found, though there are none of any great value or note. The soil, from the earliest times, has sadly needed artificial drainage, and it has only been comparatively late that the large ponds of stag- nant water have been turned into some of the neighboring streams. Until about twenty-five years ago, the cranberry marsh (or " mash," as it was called by the old settlers) was never wholly dry, and, during wet seasons, the water, in many places, was two feet deep. This is the largest and almost the only cranberry marsh in the county. It comprises about two thousand acres, and was known far and near by trappers and hunters in early years. All the varieties of game, when pursued by the hunter or his dogs, would " take a bee line " for this marsh, as its impassable and intricate mazes, like those of the Cretan labyrinth, became an exasper- ating perplexity to those wishing to get out. It was here that many an exciting hunt took place in winter time, while yet the Indians roamed the forest aisles. This marsh was well known to all the early settlers in neighboring townships, who came, when the water was cov- ered with ice, to trap wolves, foxes, mink and other fur-bearing animals. Prior to 1820, the larger varieties of animals abounded, and the enterprising hunter, if he had the necessary courage and skill, could peneti-ate the marsh and kill a panther or bear. But the rapid set- tlement of the surrounding country, and the in- crease in the number of skillful hunters, soon drove these animals into regions farther re- moved from human habitations. The Indians also soon found that they had no interests in common with the white race, and they, too, turned toward the setting sun, no doubt sor- rowfully thinking — "Oh, why does the white man follow my path, Like a hound on a tiger's track? Does the flush on my cheek awaken his wrath ? Does he covet the bow at my back ? " There were extensive camps of nomadic Wy- andots in the northern part of Cranberry as late as 1825, but after that their visits became less frequent, and, in 1835, had ceased alto- gether. A large band of them had, for many years prior to 1825, camped, during the hunt- ing season, on a small stream in the northern part. The location was quite valuable, as, dur- ing the winter, the frozen swamps were easily penetrated, and afibrded excellent trapping and hunting ground. There was an enchantment about the circular hunts that was irresistible ; and it must have been wildly exciting to see several hundred Indian hunters surround half a township, and then begin to move toward a common center, hallooing and beating up the bushes, driving the frightened animals before them. Often scores of animals of different va- rieties were inclosed within the " magic circle," and, greatly frightened by the whooping and noise, ran wildly from side to side until com- pletely tired out, when they were shot. In the winter of 1824-25, about seventy-five Indians organized a big hunt, just after a deep snow of about fifteen inches. It had thawed some the day before, and the surface of the snow was covered with a thick crust. There had been bitterly cold weather for several weeks, and the swamps and marshes were frozen solid, and upon this came the deep snow. The Indians had foreseen that it would be an excel- lent day for the hunt. In order to secure as much game as possible, the hunters surrounded a section of country about five miles in diame- ter, the center of which was the cranberry marsh. Five or six white settlers were present — Charles Doney, George Byers, possibly one of the Chilcotes, and one or two from x\uburn Township. The march began about 9 o'clock in the morning, and was purposel}^ slow to give the frightened animals abundant opportunity to become tired by constant running. About 11 o'clock, the lines were closed enough to make it advisable to begin the slaughter, as ■^^ ■^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 635 otherwise the animals might break through the line and escape. A small herd of deer, seven or eight in number, were killed. Several red foxes, wolves and wild-cats shared the same fate. The hunt was barren of anticipated re- sults, and the hunters, one and all, were sadly disappointed. Expressions of mortification came in guttural tones from all sides. One old Indian, the chief of the band, scowled and said, " Ugh ! no bear ; hunt no good." The hunters had felt sure of several bears and panthers. At the time of the hunt, there were only three or four families in the township ; but, in 1833, the settlement began in earnest. The land was wet and unproductive, and the earliest settlers who desired farms passed on to drier localities. It thus came to pass that adjacent townships were settled earlier than Cranberry. But it was soon seen that, on account of the rapid settle- ment of the country, the low land was destined to be reclaimed, and the pioneers began " buying for a song " large tracts of swampy land. Even the cranberry marsh, which no one at that daj^ imagined would ever be dry and finally culti- vated, has been cleared and drained, and in a few 3'ears more will be turned up with the plow. The first settler who purchased the marsh (and his name is forgotten) came to the conclusion, as he naturally might, that the cranberries that grew therein were rightfully his, and that whoever came in to gather them, without his sanction, was a trespasser and could be summarily dealt with. He therefore announced that no more berries were to be gathered without his permission. As might be expected, no one paid the least heed to his wishes, but continued to gather even more ex- tensively than before. This led to numerous quarrels, that only ceased when the berries grew no longer in paying quantities in the marsh. The name of the first settler is so uncertain, that conjecture i.s presumptuous. Even the earl}' traditions throw no light on the subject. The probability is that no cabin was built until after 1820. A Mr. Bergin settled on the old Cory farm as earl 3^ as 1824, and verj' likel}' the year be- fore. He built a small log cabin, which was raised bj' several settlers from Auburn Town- ship, who were his nearest neighbors. By 1826, he had cleared a number of acres, and fenced them with rails. Aaron Cory, who came to the township in 1826, and who Ijecame one of its most enterprising and respected citizens, was of Scotch descent, and was an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He pos- sessed great personal magnetism and an iron will, and did a vast amount of good in founding and encouraging church and school organiza- tions. He came from New Jersey to Tuscara- was County, Ohio, in 1802, and, after remaining there a number of years, changed his residence to Richland and Wa3me Counties. He remained in Ci'anberry Township until his death in 1834, at the age of sixty years. Since 1826, the Corys have been among the most distinguished and far-seeing citizens in the northeastern part of Crawford Count}'. Thomas, the son of Aaron Cory, was a man of great natural prac- tical ability, and served with singular fidelit}' in various positions of honor and trust. Nor have the present generations of the family de- teriorated in intellectual vigor or moral and social usefulness. One of the count3''s repre- sentatives in the Ohio Legislature is James E. Cor}', who was the author of several legislative enactments, and who is just beginning his ca- reer of utility to the countv. The family are distinguished for intelligence and uprightness of character. In the year 1825, Charles Doney built a log cabin near the cranberry marsh. He was a skillful hunter and trapper, and very likely came to that locality for the purpose of trap- ping the fur-bearing animals in the marsh. There was a long, narrow, winding ridge ex- tending out into the center of the marsh. This ridge was first brought to the notice of ¥ "IV ±1 626 HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY trappers b}- Mr. Done}-, and soon became known us Doney's Point, a name it yet retains. If the Indians knew of its existence, they never communicated their knowledge to the settlers, perhaps for the reason that they did not care to have their trapping-grounds in- vaded by the white men. Doney had come from the Nutmeg State a few years previoush', and had first located in northern Richland County ; but, having to depend largely upon his rifle for a living, and the game having be- come scarce and shy in his neighborhood, he sold his land and hired a neighbor to convey himself and family to his newly erected cabin in Cranberry Township. He cleared sufficient land to furnish a garden, abundantly large enough to satisfy his ambition to labor ; but, after it had been fenced, his time was spent in trapping, hunting and preparing the skins for market. He became well known to the In- dians, who did not like the idea of so skillful a hunter settling near the marsh. His remain- ing there could but result in loss to them- selves, and they began to destroy his traps and steal the animals caught therein. They con- tinued to annoy him for some time, stealing many valuable furs from him, and, though he began to exercise vigilance and to watch care- fully, he was unsuccessful until one morning, having visited one of his traps, he discovered that an Indian had preceded him, had torn the log trap down, and had stolen the animal it contained. He started rapidly in pursuit, knowing that the thief could not be far away, and hoping to catch him before he reached the reservation. He was fortunate enough to sur- prise the Indian, who turned quickly around to see the rifle aimed at his head. The Indian made a movement as if about to leap behind a tree, but Doney sternly commanded him to stand still or be shot. He ordered the Indian to cast his rifle and tomahawk upon the ground, and the crestfallen redskin reluctantly obeyed. Doney was much the larger and stronger man, and he determined to give the thief a thrashing that would not soon be for- gotten. He took the ramrod from his gun, and, stepping up, began laying it with all his strength across the back of the astonished brave. The Indian did not utter a whimper dur- ing the whole flagellation, although the blood flowed freely from his back. Finally, Doney told him to " Go ! " a command that was obeyed with greater haste than dignity. The traps were not molested after that event. The chastisement had wrought a radical cure. About the time Aaron Cory located in the township, George Myers and Joshua Chilcote also came in and built their cabins. Myers purchased the land where New Washington now stands, and afterward became closely identified with the early history of that village. Chilcote located about a mile and a half south- east of New Washington. He had come from one of the Eastern States a few years before, and had settled in Columbiana County, Ohio ; but, when his land there arose considerably in value, he sold out and came farther into the unsettled forest in order to purchase a larger tract of land with the money at his disposal. He had five sons — John, Nicodemus, James, Joshua and Heathcote — and two or three daughters. These children married and settled in the neighborhood of their father's farm, and afterward became prominent citizens. The father was a man of great energy and decision of character. He served at diflerent times in nearly all the township offices, and was influ- ential in opening up man}- of the early roads. His descendants are j'et living in neighboring counties. A young man named " Oak " Tj-n- dal married one of his daughters in about 1827. This was probably the first marriage in the township. Two yea,Ys later, a young Teu- ton named Zipsie came to Squire Boner and asked for explicit directions as to the modus operandi of getting married. Boner informed him of the legal steps necessary, and, about 'k* HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 627 two days afterward, early in the morning, be- fore the Squire had left his bed, the young fel- low again presented himself, accompanied by his " future happiness," and said he had come to get married. The Squire " tied the knot," and the happy couple departed. About a week afterward, as Boner was weeding his garden, Zipsie appeared and came up to him with face wreathed in smiles. He shook the Squire cordially by the hand, and exclaimed, "Wie gehts, Mishter Boner, wie gehts ! you did got me a firsh shtrate wife dot time." The Squire congratulated the happy fellow, and in- formed him that married life was always the happier, to which Zipsie warmly assented. James Boner, who served many years as Jus- tice of the Peace, settled in southern Cranberry about 1828. He was an intelligent man, and did much in after j^ears to render the township an inviting locality for settlers. Jacob Shafer, Jacob Boyer, Christopher Faulk and one or two others established themselves near New Wash- ington in 1830. Three years later, a large German emigration arrived and located in dif- ferent parts of the township. Among those who came were George Donnenwirth, George Klein, Warner Rang, Joseph Worst, John, William and Armstrong Irwin, William and Arthur Tildou, William Scott, William Hoover, Henry Koehler, George Seifert, George Seiter, Jacob Sangloff, Fred Weaver, Timothy McCarty, George Strohacker, Michael Hartneck, Adam High, John Robinson and many others. Nearly all these settlers came directly from Germany to Cranberry Township. As far as possible, they chose the higher lands, but many of them built their cabins on the ridges that rose almost like islands from the swamps. They seemed to have a reckless disregard for ague and the various types of malarial diseases. With no hope of seeing the land drained for twenty or thirt}' years, they went to work to let in the sunlight, and to let out the stagnant water. After many years, this course brought the desired result. but not without all the accompanying hardships and self-denials. The settlers were quiet, un- obtrusive and industrious. The cranberry marsh furnished an abundant harvest of berries, and it also furnished to those of sufficient skill valuable retui'ns in the wa}' of furs. The cran- berries grew on short stems on the under side of long, wiry vines that crept over the mosses and sedges gi'owing in profusion in the marsh. The vines did not grow on the dry ridges, but sought the wet grounds, often growing out of the mud, which was covered with several inches of water. Cranberry picking was extensively en- gaged in by all the neighboring settlers, many of whom made no little money in the business. In 1824, the berries sold for 20 and 25 cents per bushel. They steadily increased in value, the market for them always being active. In 1835, they were worth 75 cents per bushel, and, in 1850, had arisen to about $2. Those gathering the berries — men and women — wore long- legged boots to keep out the water, and as a precaution against snake-bites. A section of plank, from a foot and a half to two feet long, and about a foot wide, was taken, and around one end was bound a tough band of hickory bark, forming a sort of box. The other end of the plank was serrated, the teeth being about eight inches long. Two handles were attached, and the rude implement thus com- pleted was used in gathering cranberries. The teeth were placed over one of the long, slender vines, and the implement was held so that, when it was pushed along, the berries were scooped into the box at the other end. Fifteen or twent}" bushels were often gathered in one day with this implement. The cranberry season began the latter part of September and lasted neai'ly two months ; or, rather, it lasted all winter and the next spring. But few were gathered in the winter, however, owing to their being frozen in the ice. As soon as the ice had thawed in the spring, the gathering began again, and the berries obtained at this season '^ a) (i28 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. were considered better than those gathered in the full, as less sugar was required to prepare them for the table. Whole lamilies turned out during the eranl)erry season, and the marsh swarmed with settlers, some of whom came many miles and remained several days, camp- ing in their wagons. When a sufficient quantity of berries was gathered to fill the wagon-bed, they were taken to Sandusky, or some other city, and sold. Some families, desiring to make the most of the marsh, picked day and night while the season lasted. The berries were heaped on some dry mound near by, and a member of the familj^ was detailed to guard and clean them, while the remaining members picked as fast as they could. Although hun- dreds of bushels grew in the marsh, the}^ were usually all gathered long before the season had closed. Several incidents are related where the gatherers were severely bitten by rattlesnakes, thou gh no cases are recollected where death re- sulted from the bite, except, perhaps, the death of the snake, an inevitable result of the reptile's indiscretion. Joseph Smith and Robert Hilburn were one day picking in the marsh, when they were startled by a piercing scream near them, and, glancing quickly around, saw a woman, dis- tant about twenty rods, throw her arms wildly in the air and sink fainting upon the ground. They ran to her assistance, and, as there happened to be no water neai-, Robert plunged his arm down into the mud, forming a well after a small pat- tern, which was quicklj^ filled with muddy water. This was dashed copiously in the face of the unconscious woman, who soon revived. She said she had been bitten by a rattlesnake, and showed a small wound just above the ankle. The flesh had already begun to swell, and Smith took from his pocket quite a quan- tity of ''dogleg" tobacco, and, having moist- ened a moderately large "quid," applied it to the wound. After a few minutes, this was re- moved and another portion applied, and the operation was repeated until all the tobacco had been used. The woman recovered from her nervous shock and arose to her feet. She had had enough of cranberr}- picking that day, and started for home. Her name has been for- gotten. After she left, a large rattlesnake was killed about a rod from where she had fallen. It was evidently the same one that had bitten her. In 1855, the marsh had become so dry that cranberries no longer grew there in paying quantities. It must be remembered that cranberries, when first gathered, were full of leaves, moss and grass, and had to be cleaned befoi'e thej' were taken to market. A sort of ladder was made, having the cross pieces about an inch apart. When emptied upon this rude seive, the berries fell through the slits, and the grass, etc.. was collected on the slats. Large quantities of berries were cleaned in a few hours by means of this rude screen. Nothing in the way of saw or grist-millsi tanneries, manufactories, schools, villages, or churches, was established until after 1830. Prior to that time, flour and meal were obtained about twenty miles north on the Huron River, except, perhaps, small quantities, which were obtained at the horse-mills — two or three — in Auburn Township. Household supplies were obtained at stores in Huron and Richland Counties, or, after 1823, at Bucyrus. Some where about the year 183G, Nicodemus Chil- cote built a log grist-mill on Broken Knife Creek, in the northwestern part. Quite a sub- stantial dam was made by piling logs and brush into the bed of the stream in the fall of the year, when but little water was flowing. Upon the brush and logs, large quantities of earth, as stony as could be found, were heaped, and the whole dam was stronglj' braced by logs being driven in a standing position in the ground and resting against the lower frame- work of the structure. Large qunntities of water were collected and used economicall}'^ as fast as ijrain was brought to be ground. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 629 The usual "nigger-head" stones were used, and it is said that quite a superior article of flour was furnished. How long the mill remained in operation is uncertain. It proba- blj' ran six or seven years. Mr. Chilcote also operated a saw-mill at the same time. The two mills were on opposite sides of the race, and both were built of logs, although the grist- mill was quite a large building. Both stopped running about the same time. Jeflerson AVal- lace began making cabinet- ware in the southern part, as early as 1842. Many of the citizens procured useful articles of household furniture from him. The furniture was usually made of the best walnut timber, and was substantially, rather than artistically, made. But little in the way of mechanical work was done outside of New Washington. The earliest settlers went to meeting, and sent their children to school, in x\uburn Township. It is difficult to realize the trials under which the early settlers labored. When a husband and wife, having a large family of almost helpless children, leave the enjoy- ments and protection of settled localities and branch out into the forests for a home, where no white foot has yet pressed, and, from the unending swamps and heavy woods, endeavor to make a living, an heroic courage is shown which is rarely seen in the present age of " sickly sentimentality." Such a course requires a superior courage — a courage that is repaid in nothing but self-sacrifice and self-denial. And yet settlers were happy. They became inured to poverty and kindred hardships, and the mobile characteristic of human nature to derive pleasure from any and all surroundings asserted itself Abundant venison was obtained at first, but, after a time, this became scarce, and often the cabins contained no food for daj-s together. Flour and meal were obtained by pilgrimages to mill on horseback, and, when thus obtained, were necessarily in such limited quantities that three or four bakings for a large family used the whole of it, and the jour- ney had to be repeated, or the family must go without bread. The central figure in the township, since 1833, has been the village of New Washington, which had its creation at the time of the Ger- man emigration into the township, and since then has been the principal emporium for the citizens. As previously stated, George Myers, in about 1826, purchased the land upon which the village now stands. His cabin stood near the present site of the grist-mill, and was a small, unpretentious building, constructed of round logs. He was industrious, and instead of tr3ang to earn a living by roving the woods in quest of game, or by spending his time in endeavoring to outwit his neighbors in the cranberry business, he began to clear the tim- ber from his land, and to cut channels and trenches to convej^ the stagnant water into the neighboring streams. He was a short, chubby man, with heavy whiskers which stood sti'aight out from his face, giving him the appearance, as some said, of a " chipmunk.'" This fancied resemblance procured for him the appellation of " Chipmunk" Myers, a name by Avhich he was familiarly and universally known. He was very energetic, and, in time, broke himself down with hard work. By 1833, he had about thirty acres cleared, fenced and under cultiva- tion, part of which is now the business center of New Washington. On the 3d of September, 1833. he secured the sennces of T. C. Sweney, the surveyor of Crawford County, and laid out thirty-one lots from a portion of his cleared land. He named the village New Washington, possibly appending the adjective to prevent the world from confounding his protege with a town of the same name on the Potomac. The sale of lots immediately began, but the growth of the town at first was slow. It was sufficient- ly removed from any extensive business center to insure quite a lively trade, and the result is that the town has been blessed from the first liL 630 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, with merchants who were well patronized. Thus, business men found it to their advantage to keep on hand large stocks of first-class goods. Jacob Hoover was likely the next one to erect a dwelling in the town. His cabin was located near the northei'n limits, and, like that of Mj'ers, was built of round logs. Hoover's hab- its differed materially from those of Myers. He was a great hunter, and, like his brother Nimrod, looked down upon work as degrading in its tendenc3\ He probably came to the township a short time before 1830. In 1835 or 1836, a Mr. Hussey erected a double log cabin, and brought the first stock of goods to the town. His first stock, valued at about $800, was purchased in Sandusky Cit}'. He kept a gen- eral assortment of goods, including whisky, one of the supposed "necessities of life." In 1842, he traveled north, and, while sailing in a vessel on Lake Erie, a heavy gale arose. After sev- eral hours of struggling with the mad waters, the vessel was wrecked, and Mr. Hussey was drowned. His body was never recovered, and yet lies entombed in the silent waters of the lake. His widow continued the mercantile business after his death, and, a number of 3^ears afterward, became the wife of John A. Sheets. These old people are yet living in the town. After his marriage, Mr. Sheets increased the stock of goods left by Mr. Husse}^ until it was worth several thousand dollars. He filled his store with excellent goods and soon had an ex- tensive trade. He retired a number of years ago, and left his sons in charge of the business. They now have about $7,000 worth of goods. Volney Powers brought the second stock of merchandise to the town. His trade was not so extensive as that of Sheets, though he did a thriving business. His store was secondary to his ashery, which was one of the most extensive in the county. He paid cash for ashes, or gave goods from his store in exchange for them. He made it worth while for the citizens to save their ashes, which were brought to his ashery in sacks, or loose in wagons. He continued making excellent "pearl ash" for about eight 3'ears, turning out an average of nearly fifteen tons per annum. A large farm near the town was owned by him, and men were employed to cut and burn the timber, preserving the ashes for use at the ashery. Store-keepers, in earl}' times, could not de- pend wholly upon their trade for a living. They were usually compelled to engage in a variety of pursuits, while conducting their stores. They had their tanneries, asheries or farms, running them conjointl}' with the mer- cantile business. They ordinarily dealt in furs, often buying large quantities during the winter and shipping them to the East. Man}' specu- lated in wool, and, as time went on, increased their dealings, realizing failures or fortunes. These were the early conditions of affairs in New Washington. The names of many of the earliest settlers in the town have faded from the minds of the present generation. As near as can be ascertained, however, there were in 1836, about seven families living in rude log- cabins of divers patterns and sizes. Adam High was one of the early residents. He was an old man when he arrived and had considera- ble money, which was partly invested in real estate, and partly put out at interest. His cabin was probably built in 1834, and some say it was the second in the town. His son Valentine opened a blacksmith-shop in about 1837, and worked at the trade many years. He did not confine his whole time to this trade, however, but erected suitable buildings, sunk five or six vats, and began dressing skins, an occupation he followed for about eight years. The village had a population in 1840 of nearly fifty, to which scarcely no increase was made for twenty years. Though small, it was lively and prosperous. Robert Robinson was another early resident. He was a cobbler, and probably built his cabin the summer before the village was laid out. He began to manufacture shoes -:^. i^ di HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 631 in 1834, emplo3nng three men and keeping sev- eral hundred dollars' worth of stock on hand. He was a tanner, preparing his own leather at a small building a few rods from his shoe shop. He sank five or six vats, and turned out more leather than was required in his shop, and sold the surplus in Bucyrus. In about 1845, Mat- thias Kibler bought Robinson's tannery, to- gether with all the apparatus used in running it. This man remained in the town until his death, a few years ago. He did as much as any other man to build up the village and peo- ple it with sober and intelligent citizens. The tannery, under his management, became the most extensive ever in the township. He had begun the business about ten years before, a mile or two south of New Washington, in a small round-log building, beginning with four vats. He steadily increased the scope of his occupation, after locating in the town, until he became widely known as a first-class tanner, and his leather commanded the highest market price in Bucyrus and neighboring towns. He took an active part in hurrying up the earl}' school interests, and it was greatly due to his influence that the citizens arose from their lethargy in educational aflfairs, and erected commodious and comfortable log schoolhouses in the town, and in neighboring school districts. He served in many of the township offices, always with credit to himself It was largel}' owing to his efforts that the township was early divided into school districts — eight in number — and the citizens induced to furnish their children with ample school privileges. At the time of his location in New Washington, he purchased a tract of land adjoining the town, and, in subsequent years, made an addition of lots to the original village. One of the princi- pal streets bears his name. When the addition was made, and how many lots it contained, are not i-emembered. Mr. Kibler was also the first Mayor. His death, a number of years ago, was greatly lamented by his friends. His son Jef- ferson has charge of the tannerj', which has about twenty vats at present, and is doing an excellent work. In the year 1844, William H. Pratt and family came to New Washington. This man was a skillful carpenter and millwright, and has been a prominent resident of the town ever since. He erected a large work shop and be- came an extensive building contractor. Evi- dences of his design and skill are seen through- out Cranberry and adjacent townships. He was not contented with the idea of plodding through life as an ordinary workman ; and, imbued with the enviable conceit of believing himself made of " sterner stuff," he brought intelligence and natural genius to the aid of his hands. He has the reputation of having been one of the best building contractors in the county. Fifteen men were employed to work in his shops, and, for about eight years, the business was carried on extensively. At the expiration of that time, he sold out and soon afterward opened a provision store and saloon. He began dealing in furs, buying all he could obtain. In 1859, he invested over $2,500 in skins, which were shipped to Eastern cities, and large profits were realized in their sale. The business proving ver}' profitable, he purchased several well-trained fox and coon dogs, and began an active crusade against all animals whose skins were worth taking. In the winter of 1859, by means of his dogs and traps, he caught twenty-seven mink, twenty-two red foxes, over a hundred coons and several wolves. The mink skins sold for $4 and $5 each ; coon skins for from 75 cents to $1.50 ; fox skins for from $1 to $2 ; wolf skins for about $1, exclusive of the bounty, which was several dollars. So extensivel}' was the hunt carried on that, in a few years, skins could no longer be obtained in paying quanti- ties. A few years after opening his provision store, Mr. Pratt sold out that branch of his stock, substituting in its place about $2,000 4v 632 HISTORY OF CRAWFOllD COUNTY. worth of drugs. He continued the drug store and saloon for many years, and, in his own hinguage, " made lots of money at it." He owned and ran a steam muley saw-mill for about four years, soon after 1850. The mill was afterward owned by Cuykendal, Delancy, Lance, Pifer, Bacon and at present by G-eorge Hildebrand. In 1871, Mr. Pratt erected a large planing-mill, making all the machinery and apparatus himself After running ten 3'ears (until the spring of 1880) it was sold to Anthony Harman, who now owns and man- ages it. 3Ir. Pratt is yet living in the town. In 1850, a number of men with considerable capital at their command, concluded to build a foundry- in New Washington. This intention met the warm approval of all the townspeople. All were interested in the success of the enter- prise, and looked anxiousl}' for its completion. Carpenters were employed, quite a large build- ing was erected, and the furnace and all neces- sar}- implements were placed therein. Every- thing looked bright and promising. But alas ! to the disappointment and sorrow of all, the en- terprise collapsed ; not a stroke of work was done ; the furnace and implements were re- moved ; the owners, like the prodigal son, " wasted their substance with riotous living," and the building, once so full of promise, was devoted to other uses. The failure produced no lasting impression on the townspeople, ex- cept, perhaps, to steel their hearts against intemperance and debauchery in any form. Various industries have arisen from time to time, and it has occasionally happened that they proved unprofitable, and the proprietors have been compelled to suspend business ; yet not one of them has failed so ingloriously as the foundry undertaking. The little city, like all public mai'ts, has met numerous disasters, and has had its " ups and downs." At first, its growth was slow — almost at a stand-still — and it was not until after the township was well settled and improved, and the farmers in pros- perous circumstances, that the village began to increase in population to any noticeable extent. Soon after 1850, quite a number of new houses were erected ; several new industries ai-ose ; tradesmen began to appear, and business inter- ests generall}^ underwent a revival. This was not suddenlj^, but slowl}^, during a period of about ten years. It was not long before the census enumerator discovered that the village had over 100 inhabitants, and ten or twelve years afterward. 200 were announced. All town characteristics had increased in a corre- sponding degree, except, perhaps, the liquor traffic, which seemed to have taken the lead of other business in early years, and meant to keep it indefinitely. There has been no time since 1835, that liquor could not be had — for the money. And yet, those who imbibed were usu- ally orderly, taking their potations silently and enjoying (?) them silently. The population, not only of the town but of the township, has been largely Grerman. Thus, this division of the count}^ was blessed with a quiet, steady, in- telligent class of citizens. For a number of years, the townspeople have felt the need of a grist-mill nearer than the Huron and Sandusk}' Rivers ; so, in 1854, a man named Johnson was induced to build the present mill, which he did at a cost of about $4,000. The necessary steam apparatus and three sets of stone were placed in the building. Since its erection, the mill has had all the grinding it could do. It furnished excellent flour, especially of late years, and soon commanded a large patronage from the surrounding countr3^ It is running actively at present, and considerable flour is shipped to other localities. The village has a large, commodious town-hall, the upper story being used b}' the Odd Fellows. It also has a jail that is said to be superior, in point of strength, to the one at Bucyrus. So far as can be remembei'cd, the first doctor was Dr. Stouteneour. He was succeeded by Mainey, Wandt, Hershiser and Benner. One \hL HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 633 lawyer, J. H. C. Elder, has lately made his ap- pearance. All the difterent city occupations are represented, and the village has a present population of 701, and is yet growing. The village received its greatest impetus, when it became certain that the Mansfield, Cold- water & Lake Michigan Railroad would pass through the township, and that New Washing- ton was sure of a station. Dozens of build- ings, both public and private, began to go up from all quarters, and some of them costl}' and even elegant. Business interests of every kind multiplied. The population soon tripled. In- creased activity was manifest in all undertak- ings. Property rose rapidl}^ in value. Since its creation, the town has been increased in area, by the addition of more than 250 lots. Additions have been made by Mclntifer ; Rob- inson; Pratt and Guiss; Rossman; Sharf; Guiss, Ailer and Hilburn ; Miller and Kibler. At the March session of the County Commissioners in 1874, a petition was presented, properly signed, praying for the incorporation of New Washing- ton, and, on the 4th day of the same month, the following action relative thereto was taken, as shown by the records : "The County Commissioners, after heai'ing said petition and being satisfied that at least fifty qualified voters actually reside within the limits described in the petition, and that said petition has been signed by a majority of them ; that said limits have been accurately described, and an accurate map or plat thereof has been made and filed ; that the name pi'oposed for said incorporated village is proper, and suffi- cient to distinguish it from others of a like kind in the State, and that, moreover, it is deemed right and proper, in the judgment and discretion of this board, that said petition be granted, and the}' hereby make and indorse on said petition, an order to the effect that the in- corporated village, so named and described in the petition, be organized." Immediately after the incorporation of tlie village, the following officers were elected ; Matthias Kibler, Mayor; Lewis Donnenwirth, Clerk ; John Miller, Treasurer ; Lewis Feith, Marshal ; J. H. Miller, Jacob Stouteneour, William Aschbaugh, Jacob Sheets, William Donnenwirth and John Tribolet, Councilmen. The village is numerically the fourth in the county. As far as can be learned, no school was taught in the township until after 1833. Prior to that time, no settler had deemed it advisa- ble to go to the expense of erecting buildings so little needed and so little thought of The earliest settlers had no time to devote to mat- ters that could be postponed. The}^ were isolated from any settlement, or rather were on the outskirts of the Auburn settlement and, as a consequence, they were fated to endure loneliness, as well as privation and lack of edu- cational and religious privileges. If their children went to school, it was to the rude buildings in Auburn Township. In the winter of 1833-34, school was taught in a small, for- bidding structure in New Washington. The building had been built for other uses, but had been opened for school purposes. The few parents had seen with concern that their chil- dren were growing up around them with no school advantages, and with but little, if any, moral training. So they rented the building referred to, and employed some person, whose name is forgotten to teach the first school in town, and, perhaps, in the township. After that term, school was taught there every win- ter, until 1839, when a large log schoolhouse was built about a mile southeast of the village. This was attended by the town children until about 1842, when a log schoolhouse was built in the town. This building served the pur- pose until 1855, when the present schoolhouse was built at a cost of nearly $2,000. The names of the first teachers of these schools have been forgotten. At the time of the rapid growth of the village, when the railroad was :£. 634 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. established, and when the great increase in population filled the small schoolhouse to over- flowing with children, a new school building much larger and finer, suited to the populous condition of the town, was planned, but, for some reason, its erection has been postponed until the present. A tax has been levied, and arrangements are being perfected, looking to the early erection of this much-needed build- ing. At the time of the erection of the school- house in the village, several others were built in different parts of the township. So far as known, all the earliest ones were constructed of round or hewed logs. One was built near the present Tabor Church in 1840, and another in the northern part about the same time. Two or three years later, one was built near the eastern limits. These early buildings were used usually about twenty-five years, when the present ones were erected. The First Lutheran Church society in Cran- berry Township was organized in the spring of 183-i, by the Rev. Mr. Stanch, who afterward visited the society and preached to it six times per year. His periodical visits were anxiously looked for b}- the little society, which counted the days until his appearance. Among the first members were the families of Adam High, John Seifert, George Donnenwirth, Conrad Seiter, Phillip Gangloof and Mrs. Hesse. They met for worship in the cabin of Adam High, who was probabl}^ the first Lutheran to locate in the township. At the expiration of two years. Rev. Mr. Maschop succeeded the first min- ister, and the members of the society deemed themselves fortunate in being able to secure the attendance of their minister once per month. That was much better than to be visited only once in two months. Rev. John Krauss was the third minister, visiting the society from 1839 until 1845. During the summer of 1840, a log church was built in the eastern part of New Washington ; but, prior to its erection, church was held in schoolhouses, and in the cabins of the members. After the erection of the church, which, though rude and small, was sufficiently large to contain the little congrega- tion, the society was placed upon firm footing, and it soon began to gain accessions to its membership. During the first few 3'ears of Mr. Krauss' ministration, he preached to the society once per month ; but soon after the church was built he began visiting it every alternate Sun- da,j. This state of things was very satisfactory to the membership. Rev. Mr. Grraetz took charge of the organization from 1845 until 1850, preaching every Sunday and occasionally on week days. This aroused such an interest in the society, which had become large and en- thusiastic, that, in 1853, the members resolved to erect a new and larger church, which was ac- cordingly done at a cost of $2,700, including the bell and organ. Prior to 1852, the society was known as a union of the two denominations, German Lutherans and German Reformers ; but after that date the Lutheran branch of the organization became so strong, that the title, " German Evangelical Lutheran Church," was bestowed upon the society. At the time of the erection of the new church, the membership consisted of about sixty families, mostly of German descent, many of whom had come from Alsace and Wui-temberg. The church was dedicated in October, 1854, and, at that time, the councilmen were George Donnenwirth, Val- entine High, Jacob Utz, George Leonhardt, John P. Walter, Jacob Weil, Michael, Margaret and John A. Sheetz. Since 1854, W. Schmo- grow, H. F. Belzer, Charles Clessler and E. A. Boehme have been the presiding ministers, the Rev. Mr. Belzer officiating from 1859 until 1875. In October, 1879, the society celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication of the church, and the following statistics were read on that occasion : Number of baptisms since 1835 892 Number confirmed since 1837 507 Number partaking of tiie sacrament since 1835, 10,202 :r^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 635 Number of couples married since 1855 112 Number buried since 1845 289 Present number of communicants 366 Present congregation 640 Male membership over 21 years 115 This is one of the strongest church organiza- tions in the county, and the membership is on the increase. The Catholics did not organize a church in the township for many years. There were many of this denomination, however, among the early settlers, but they belonged to a church located on the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike, in southern Seneca County. This church was distant but about six miles, and the settlers preferred attending it rather than undergoing the expense of establishing a sepa- rate society and building a separate church. The Catholics in Cranberry had increased to such a number in 1844, that it was deemed ad- visable to sever their connection with the Seneca County church for the purpose of organizing one of their own, which was accordingly done. There were sixteen families that first organized themselves into the societ}', among which were those of Peter Young, John Alt, Peter Gulong, Paul Miller, Jacob Streiger, John Delaver, John Buger and Timothy McCarthy. A small frame building was erected just east of where Hil- burn's Tavern stands, at a cost of about $600. This building was used until 1868, when the present imposing structure was built at a cost of $25,000, exclusive of the gratuitous labor of the members. The church is brick, with a large square spire that rises in the air almost a hundred feet. The interior is very beautiful and costly, the walls being painted in imita- tion of mottled marble, and arranged in the form of an arcade, with a background of hard cement, relieved by groups of triple columns, crowned with capitals after the Corinthian order of architecture. The marble altar, over which stands the life-sized statue of the Virgin Mary and her child, cost almost $1,500, and fairly represents the costliness and elegance of the interior. The church is yet incomplete. A brick parsonage was erected on an adjacent lot in 1875, at a cost of $4,000. The church has had a membership of one hundred and forty families. At present there are about eighty families belonging. A few years ago a divi- sion was made in the congregation, those fami- lies living east erecting a large frame church in Auburn Township. Rev. P. F. S. Bruner or- ganized the society in 1844, since which time more than a dozen priests have had charge of the organization at different times. Rev. Michael Baker is the officiating priest at pres- ent, receiving his appointment in 1865. The Protestant Methodists organized a so- ciety as early as 1850, and, for a number of years, met at schoolhouses to worship. Jacob Johnson was a prominent member. Finally, in 1854, a frame church was built on Section 27, where before they had assembled in a log cabin. The church was built by subscription, and cost about $1,400. Services are held every three weeks, and the present minister is Rev. Mr. Grrimes. In about 1844, the United Brethren began holding class meetings at the residence of George Keller and others. The society was organized and began to grow. Between 1848 and 1852, the members met in a log schoolhouse near where their church stands. During this period, a large increase was made to the membership ; so much so, that it was thought best to build a church, which was ac- cordingly done during the 3-ear last mentioned, at a cost of about $800, including individual labor gratuitously given. Among the first members were the families of Peter Lash, Nicholas Whittle, Conrad Cragle, Charles Ha- german, George Keller and others. Rev. John Smith was one of the first ministers. The church is located on Section 24, and has a congregation, which, if not large, is doing much good in the township. The present minister, Rev. Mr. Ramsey, holds services every ±1 636 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY alternate Sabbath. A Methodist Episcopal Church has just been built in the northern part, in the Pugh settlement, at a cost of $1,200. The membership is rapidly increasing. CHAPTER XXIV.* J RFFERSON TOWNSHIP — DESCRII'TION — TOPOGRAPHY — SETTLEMENT — SOCIAL LIFE — PIONEER INDUSTRIES— INCIDENTS— SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES— VILLAGES. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP is a recently or- ganized portion of Crawford County, and lies near its eastern borders. The land which comprises it was surveyed in 1807 by Maxfield Ludlow, and, at one time, prior to 1842, the eight eastern sections were a part of Richland Count}'. Twelve sections west were a part of what was then known as Sandusk}' Township, which was twelve miles long h\ six miles wide. In 1835, a petition was presented to the Com- missioners of Crawford County, praying that the township of Sandusky be divided on account of the great inconvenience attendant upon its length. The petition was granted, and, accord- ingly, fifteen sections were formed into a new township, bearing the name of Jackson. When, in 18-42, a four-mile strip was added to Craw- ford from Richland County, eight new sections were added to Jackson Township, thus giving it an area of twenty-eight square miles. How- ever, in 1873, the residents of the twenty western sections manifested their dissatisfaction regard- ing the unequal distribution of offices by the township as those of the eastern sections, in- cluding Crestline, controlled the matter, and gobbled the " loaves and fishes " of office. On a petition being presented, a division was made, converting twenty sections of the old township into a new organization, which was named Jef- ferson, in honor of the great apostle of the American Democracy. By this division but eight sections were left of the old township of Jackson. The present township of JeflTerson is bounded on the north by Sandusky and Vernon * Contributed by F. B. Gossncr. Townships, on the east b\' Jackson, on the south by Polk, and on the west!)}' Whetstone Town- ship. It is composed of eight sections of Town- ship 20, Range 20 west, and twenty sections of Township 16, Range 21 west. The land comprising this division is well drained by the Sandusk}' Ri\'er and its numer- ous tributaries. This river rises in the borders of Richland County, and flows through this town- ship in a northwesterly direction. Spring Run. a tributary, so called because of the springs forming it, takes its rise south of Middletown, and flows north, emptying into the Sanduskj' near Leesville. Allen's Run has its source in the eastern portion of the township, and enters the Sandusky east of Leesville. Another small stream rises on the Snyder farm, and, flowing north, also empties into the Sandusk3^ Other small streams there are in diflferent parts of the township, and form a very complete natural S3'stem of drainage, and were all in earl}' days utilized for water power by the pioneer. The surface of a portion of the township is such as requires artificial drainage to a limited extent ; but the eastern part is naturally rolling, though not what could be termed hilly. In the vicinity of Leesville there is an abrupt rise of land comprising an extensive ridge of gravel, com- monly called the " Hog's Back,'' and here are also frequent knolls of varying height, made up of gravel and stone, and continuing along the banks of the Sandusky and Spring Run. The channels of these streams are in many places dug through solid masses of rock. At the quarry of James Morrow, in Section 1, the "7 c HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 637 banks of the river take a precipitous rise of sixty-eight feet six inches from the surface of the watei". Thirty-five feet of tliis ascent is composed of solid rock, belonging to the Wa- verh' sandstone group. This gravel ridge is situated in the eastern part of the township, extending a trifle east of north and south for about a half-mile. This has been in use for over twenty years, during which time thousands of car-loads of gravel have been taken out by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- road, and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, in the construction and repair of their respective roadbeds. That portion which still remains, rises full forty feet above the level of the surrounding countrj'. The soil of the township is good, being a cla}^, mingled in some places with gravel and sand. On the whole, it is well adapted for farming purposes, being excellent for both wheat and corn, and has been brought by its owners into a high state of cultivation. There was in early day a heavy growth of timber covering most of the land, comprising the usual varieties common to this section of the State, such as oak, beech, maple, elm, wal- nut and ash. Through the southwestern part of the township, the timber is not of such heav)' growth as in the northern part. This is owing to the effect produced by a cyclone which passed through this section in 1820, com- pletely destro\'ing the forests in its pathway. This section has ever since been known as the "windfall," and since the occurrence a new growth has come up which nearly equals the surrounding forests in size. The township of Jefferson is admirably situ- ated for farming or commerce, but there are no manufacturing establishments within its boundaries. The majority' of its citizens are honest tillers of the soil, and there is some attention paid to the raising of stock. The stone quarries at Leesville are the most impor- tant commercial interest, a number of tlie citi- zens of Leesville and vicinity finding employ- ment here. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway passes through it east and west and is of great value, owing to the splen- did shipping facilities it aflTords. Leesville is the largest village in the township limits, while the old village of Middletown is situated just below it. A portion of North Robinson is also in this township, lying on the western boundary line. With this preliminar}^ description of the township, its topography and configuration, we will turn now to other matters connected with its history. Westell Ridgely was one of the first settlers in what is now Jefferson Township. He squat- ted where the Leesville & Bucyrus road crosses the Sandusky, about the year 1816 or 1817. A large family, consisting of four sons and a like number of daughters, accompanied him. These fair daughters, as the country settled up, became a great attraction to the young men for miles around. The marriage of Lucy Ridgely was the second marriage solemnized in the township, and was a great social event A man named Ferguson and J. S. Griswell were almost cotemporary with Ridgel}^, and Peter Bebout settled some time after, immediately be- low them. Thomas Ferguson was quite a char- acter among the Indians, who called him Gov- ernor, and evinced for him considerable rever- ence. He was often called upon to settle disputes and differences that arose among them, and between them and the whites. Jacob Fisher, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1810. He settled in what was then Richland County but is now Jefferson Town- ship, at a point immediately south of the gravel ridge, on land which now belongs to Daniel Weider. He purchased considerable land, pa}'- ing for it $1.25 per acre. He came here in a two-horse wagon, bringing his household effects and a family of eight children. He built a rude cabin of round logs. 18x20 feet, which was probably the first structure erected by a white 638 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. man in the present limits of Jefferson Town- ship. Fisher lived here until 1860, wlien he went to Missouri, where he has since died. Regarding him, the early settlers do not speak in high terms. He was hard-working and in- dustrious, but, at times, very dissipated, and always malignant in disposition. It is related of him that, in an eax-l}' day, when other families moved in, he would engender strife among the women, the wives of his brother pioneers. To do this, he would present one woman with a pound of tea, and then tell a neighbor woman that if she would fight and whip the other, he would give her a pound of tea also. This often brought on encounters in the neighborhood, that were not altogether pleasant. Fisher would watch this unfeminine sport with the greatest pleasure. Several depredations were ascribed to his hand ; one, that he girdled a young or- chard ; and that he burned a year's crop of wheat for Daniel Krieder. He picked a quar- rel with William Mitchell, an Englishman, and during the tight which ensued, bit a piece out of Mitchell's cheek, leaving a scar which the latter carried to his grave. Ridgely, who had a distillery on his farm, also became an object of Fisher's enmit}', and his grist-mill and dis- tiller}^ were both burned one night, and a large copper kettle stolen and hid in the forest. Fifteen years afterward, it was plowed up by Kreider, and returned to Ridgel3^ Fisher re- marked that he, too, could have plowed it up if he had been so inclined. Christian Snyder came to the township in 1817, and settled near the eastern boundary line, in Section 17, buying 160 acres of land of Jacob Fisher, and paying for it $3 per acre. Snyder's family comprised himself and wife and eleven children. He came from Westmore- land County, Penn., in a two-horse wagon, also bringing along with him some twenty head of cattle, a drove of swine, a yoke of oxen and an extra team of horses. They were compelled to cut a road through from Mansfield to their destination, and this occupied almost a month. Jacob Snyder had been sent on ahead to erect a cabin for their accommodation. Persevering and pushing onward in the midst of difficulties, they at last arrived at their future home, ex- pecting to enter a cabin and be comfortably installed at once. Their disappointment can be imagined when, instead, they found on their arrival that only the foundation had been laid, and a rude puncheon floor constructed. Ac- cordingly, tired out with the long journey, the whole family lay down to sleep upon the bare floor, with no other covering than the clouds. They awoke in the morning to find themselves covered with six inches of snow, which was not in the least conducive to their comfort. They went bravely to work, however, and soon had their cabin completed. It was constructed of round logs, and stood on the site of the brick house on the present Snyder farm. The Wy- andot and Seneca Indians, who were their immediate neighbors, aided them in their work and also kept them well supplied with game and necessary food. The family grew up within the township, and several of Mr. Snyder's descend- ants are still living in the county. Among them is Peter Snyder, an old and respected citizen of Crestline, and for many years a resident of Jef- ferson. To him we are indebted for many facts concerning the earl}' history of the township. John Adrian was a very early settler, and came soon after Snyder. He lived on what is now the Samuel Freese farm for a number of years, and here he operated a rude distillery. He came from France ; raised quite a family of children, who are scattered far and wide. Of this Adrian, it is reported that his strength was such that he could pick up a whisky barrel nearly full, and drink from the bung-hole, as others would drink from a jug. This being either true or mythical, one thing is maintained, that he was a man of wonderful strength, but very dissipated. He did not continue his dis- tillery long, and what whisky he did make was <^?7.Z^ (^7liriry^-r:t-un^ — HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 641 of a veiy inferior quality. Many of the bibu- lous settlers of that da}' often remarked that they would rather go to Adrian's for their whisky, as it was so weak that they could drink a great deal of it without becoming drunk. As a rule, however, the liquor of that day was a good article, and sold as low as $7 per barrel. Nearly every one was inclined more or less to its use, and it was a common accompaniment to all social gatherings. Jacob Sn3'der, already- mentioned, was for many years a resident of the township, and at one time owned the land on which Leesville now stands. He constructed the first house in the town after it was founded, and also started a blacksmith shop, the first in the township. After 1820, the immigration was rapid. Disbree Johnston and his family came from Virginia and settled in the southern part. His sons are still living in Polk Town- ship. Daniel Miller came from Pennsylvania in 1822, and settled on what is now the Simon Snyder farm. This man Miller was a great hunter, and had an Indian's instinct and love for the forest. Many stories are related con- cerning him b}' many of the old settlers which prove that he was quite a character. He died in the township about ten years ago. In about 1825, came Henry Hershner, from Westmore- land Count}', Penn., and settled near Middle- town. He was a man of considerable intelli- gence, and his whole life was actuated by Chris- tian principles. He was the founder of Middle- town, and opened the first store there. After continuing it for some time, his son John came from Penns3'lvania and took charge of it. He was also the organizer of the United Brethren Church, one of the first, if not the ver}- first church, organized in the township. In 1828, Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., came to the township and bought 160 acres of Jacob Sny- der, and, the following j'ear, laid out the town of Leesville, justly named after its founder. This gentleman is deserving of especial men- tion. He was the son of Thomas Lee, and was born in Donegal, Ireland, February 9, 1770. He emigrated to this country in 1787, and settled in Washington County, Penn. He received his education at Cannonsburg Semi- nary, and was licensed to preach. His minis- terial career was mostly confined to the State of Pennsylvania, he being one of the original members of the Presbytery of Erie. After coming to this township, he was instrumental in the progress of the town which bore his name, and also for the cause of religion. He died February 9, 1842, and his remains lie in the cemetery at Leesville. His last words were, "If it be Thy will, Lord Jesus, come quickly, that I may be at rest." A life-long friend writes thus concerning him : •■ As a preacher, and in his address and manner, he was a fair model specimen of the preacher of the West. In this county, he assisted in the organization of man}- of the early churches, and, before the erection of church buildings, his voice was lifted up in the barns and cab- ins of the pioneers, and often in God's first temples — the groves of the surrounding coun- try." After the birth of Leesville, a tide of emi- gration flowed steadil}' into the present limits of Jefferson Township, and especially in the vicinit}- of the town itself Hon. Robert Lee, Jr., came to the place with his father, and erected the first business house in the new vil- lage. He commenced in business here and continued for several years with good success. He did much to promote the welfare of the vil- lage and surrounding country, and has been a prominent man in the State and county. He was twice elected Probate Judge, and served with efficienc}'. He is now living in retire- ment at Buc^-rus, an honored and respected Christian gentleman. Newton Ashcroft, living south of Middletown, came to the township in 1828, with his father's famil}-, and settled on the present Ashcroft property. The father was a native of England, and had emigrated to 'J,l Ik. 642 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Westmoreland County, Penn. He was an early school teacher, and a man of good education, being one of the best mathematicians ever in the county, having a natural aptitude for that branch of stud}-. In about 1830, Joseph Gledhill and family from England, settled about a mile south of Leesville, on the south side of the gravel ridge, which at one time was his propert}', and was sold by him to the rail- road company. Here he built a rude log cabin and commenced farming, and continued until his death, several years ago. His son Joseph is still living in Middletown, and is a successful farmer and respected citizen. Col. William Robinson came in 1 830, and purchased the land on which North Robinson now stands, paying $1.25 per acre. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier of the war of 1812, in which struggle he received the title of Colonel. He was a tall, portly and fine-look- ing gentleman, and well versed in military matters. He lived in the neighborhood of the town which bears his name, until his death. He was throughout life a man universally es- teemed. For eighteen years, he was Justice of the Peace, and during all that time he never had a case tried before him, it being his rule to efiect a compromise between the parties whenever possible. His son James is a resi- dent of the southeast portion of the township, and is an able and distinguished gentleman. He has held several county offices, and has represented the county in the Legislature. Another son, J. P. Robinson, lives in the vicin- ity of the village (Robinson), and is an intelli- gent and respected citizen. After 1830, sev- eral families came into the township, among whom was Dr. John McKean, who is now a resident of Crestline, but was for many years a citizen and physician in Leesville. Alexan- der Cannon came about this time, as did also Rickson Lewis. Samuel Porter Lee, a brother of Judge Lee, came with his father's family, and for many years lived in the town, but is now a resident of Jackson Township. Igna- tius Shonebaugh, Robert Parks, Elisha Castle and Peter Wert were others who came in about the same time and settled in Leesville, which, at that time, was a better trading-point than Gallon. Abraham Littler bought the Ridgelj' farm in 1832, and removed on it with his fam- ily. He was a native of Hardy County, Va., where he was born, June 24, 1780. He lived in Jefferson Township until his death, which occurred August 10, 1844. His son Lewis is a respected citizen of Sandusky Township, and has been a prominent official in the affairs of the count}'. In about 1835, a number of Ger- man families came into the township, many from Pennsylvania, and a number from the Fatherland, and at present a considerable por- tion of the population is German. Charles Kunkle came in that year, and settled in Sec- tion 19, where he still lives. Adam Shumaker came about the same time, as did also the Beck family. Morrison came at a compara- tively early day, and is living on the borders of the township. The Laughbaums were early settlers and settled in Jefferson, but are now residents of Sandusky. " Man is a sociable animal," says Byron, and, indeed, it behooved the early settlers to be sociable and friendly. There existed between them a bond of union and sympathy which made them brethren in the wildei'ness. To relieve the monotony of every-day life and toil, social gatherings were often held in the rude homes of the pioneers. When the darkness of evening set in, the floor would be cleared and the tuning of the fiddles gave warning of what was to follow. Many a merry set was danced on the rough puncheon floor of the primitive cabins, and a feeling of greater and more genuine pleasure prevailed than is com- mon now at our modern parties. Corn-h askings and log-rollings usually wound up with a mer- ry dance in the evening. Mr. James Nail, one of the oldest settlers now living in the county, it- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 643 was often a fiddler for these social gatherings in the vicinity of Leesville and Gallon. The domestic life of those days was plain and prac- tical, but none the less dear to the people. The first birth in the township occurred in 1819, in the family of Jacob Fisher. The hand of death was firs laid on Jacob Snyder in 1820, who died of diphtheria. In the year following the first marriage was solemnized and was an affair of great social importance to the whole community for miles around. Eli Foglesang, of Pennsylvania, was joined in holy wedlock to Hannah Snyder, and the event was celebrated with considerable demonstration. In early days, rattlesnakes and other reptiles were ver}^ common, and were also troublesome and dangerous. " Snake stories " are generally received with little credulity, but the following can be vouched for : Mrs. Jacob Synder dispatched a large rattlesnake one morning be- fore breakfast, using an iron poker, and no sooner had she done so than others appeared on the scene of action and shared the fate of the first, until nine had been dispatched. The past history of Jefferson does not show that it was ever destined to become noted in national affairs, or to be the scene of an}- famous occurrence. Yet within its borders quite a century ago, there were enacted several scenes in the drama of Crawford's memorable campaign against Sandusky, that give it a place in history. About 2 P. M. of June 2, 1782, the American army under Ci'awford halted in their march to the Wyandot town, for half an hour on the banks of the Sandusky, where Leesville now stands. They then continued on their course in a south- westerly direction, and encamped for the night in Jefferson Township, near to the eastern border of the Sandusky Plains. After the battles of Sandusky and Olentangy and the capture and death of Col. Crawford, the American army under Williamson retreated in much the same path. By nightfall, after the battle of Olentangy, the command reached the same spot on the Sandusk}' where they had halted on first enter- ing the county. Here they encamped for the night. The Indians and British rangers had followed them from the last battle, and con- stantly harassed the rear. Howevei", at night- fall, the two forces encamped within a mile of each other, the Americans taking ever}' precau- tion to guard against surprise. In the morning the retreat was renewed, and the enemy soon commenced a fire on the rear. Two soldiers were here captured and immediately toma- hawked. Directly north of Leesville was, at the time of this memorable campaign, a camp of Delaware Indians, it being the temporary abode of a noted war chief called Wingenund, and a few of his tribe. It was on the land now owned by Joseph Brown and John Newman. Strange to say, this camp was not noticed by either Crawford or Williamson, they both passing to the south of it in their march. Another important event occurring from nat- ural causes, the scene of which was in Jeffer- son, was what is commonly called the Windfall, a fierce and destructive cyclone which passed over a portion of the township May 17, 1820. Peter Snyder, of Crestline, was a boy of six- teen at the time it occurred, and from his statement we have gained the facts concerning it. On the day of this event, Mr. Snyder was in the field plowing, when he beheld a heavy black cloud in the west, which threatened com- ing danger. He unhitched the team and put them in the barn, during which time the roar of the whirlwind was increasing. Much fright- ened, he clambered upon the joists of the bara, but was there but a short time when the roof was carried away. Letting himself down to the floor, he had no sooner reached it than he was struck on the back with a falling beam, inflicting a painful wound, the scar of which he carries to-day. A sudden darkness had spread over everything, and when Mr. Snyder had extricated himself from the fallen timbers of the barn, and it had become lighter, he '.I. 644 HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY looked in the direction of tlie house, but saw that it too was in ruins. Rain and hail accom- panied the storm, which continued for full}^ half an hour. The remainder of the family were also in a drenched condition. Other fam- ilies living on the tract, however, fared no bet- ter, and a scene of desolation took the place of what was before a picture of industry and prosperity. The settlers were glad to escape even with their lives and lose all else, as msLuy of them did. The provisions were all destroyed or unfit for use. Starvation stared them in the face. Potatoes which had been planted a few da3's previous were dug up and eaten. The nearest towns and settlements afforded no corn, and Mr. Snyder relates that he went as far as Coshocton in search of food, and there he was fortunately able to buy two bushels of corn at $4 per bushel. On returning with this, the greater pai't of it was made into meal and hominy for food, and a portion of it planted. The forests passed over by this terrible storm were leveled to the ground, and the effects can still be seen in the new growth of timber in the district still known as the " Windfall." Cabins and barns were blown down ; horses and cows were swept away and killed. A great amount of misery' and privation was en- tailed upon many living in the township by this unusual occurrence. Still another affair, which caused considera- ble excitement at the time, was the supposed murder of a man named Weaver, by Ridgely, who employed him as stiller in his whisky es- tablishment. There had been a quarrel be- tween Weaver and his employer, and it was supposed that he became engaged in a broil with Ridgely, and, during the melee. Weaver was killed. Nothing, however, was certainly known concerning it, although many of the earl}' settlers considered Ridgel}' the criminal. Several of them pretended, or actually believed, that Weaver's ghost had appeared to them, and had told in detail the whole affair. From these mythical stories it appears that Weaver was in the still-house with Ridgely one evening after dark, and that in some manner their quarrel was renewed, when angry words followed and Ridgely became greatl}" incensed. In his hast}' madness, he seized a heavy club and struck Weaver over the head a fatal blow. He then, horrified to see what he had done, dragged the body to an out-of-the-wa}' place, and, covering it with leaves, left it, and told it around that Weaver had quit his employ. The bod}^ of the murdered man was found, but ever}' attempt to find the criminal was futile, and no one was ever brought to justice. In the days before the war, the abolition of slavery had a hearty supporter in the person of Peter Wert, a wagon-maker of Leesville. He was commonly known as " Black Pete," and his house was one of the depots of the underground railroad. He aided the cause to a considera- ble extent, and many an escaped black had cause to remember old " Black Pete," of Lees- ville Cross Roads. He moved to Missouri sev- eral years ago, and, when last heard of, was still living. As the country became more thickly settled, industries began to spring up in various places. Taverns for the accommodation of travelers, saw-mills, grist-mills, tanneries and distilleries were soon put in operation. The first tavern in the present township limits was kept at Lees- ville, by Robert Lee, Jr., then a young man of twenty-four. It was built in 1829, and was the first house erected in the place. Mr. Lee did not long continue the business, but soon sold it to Elisha Allen, who carried it on for several years. Henry Hershner, at Middletown, also gave accommodations to the traveling public for a number of years. These " wayside inns " were great places of resort in early days, and were also welcome places of rest to the emi- grants traveling further westward. The corn which the pioneer farmer raised on his few acres of cleared land, must be gi'ound 'Tl i) f^ ^1 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 645 for food, and, as a necessity, among the earliest of pioneer industries was tlie grist-mill. At first, horse-mills came into vogue and were soon followed by water power, the brooks being valuable aids to this industr}'. The first horse-mill was owned by Christian Snyder and was located just east of Middletown. The old millstones of this rude institution are now lying at the gateway of Joseph Gledhill's yard, in the village, and are suggestive of the da3'S when they were revolved by the sturdy strength of some farmer's horse, and when almost the life of the settlers around depended on them for sustenance. This mill of Snyder's did an ex- tensive business. People came for miles with their loads of grain, and were often compelled to wait two and three days before they could obtain their "grinding," and goon their way re- joicing. Oftentimes when the horses gave out or were not to be had, a yoke of oxen would turn the sweep. The mill was kept in motion, when business demanded it, day and night. The flour made was coarse and uninviting in appearance, the settlers being compelled to bolt it by hand. Westell Ridgely erected a grist- mill in connection with his distillery at a very early date, and, it may be, a short time before Snyder, but the fact is not established. This was on the banks of the Sandusky, on land now owned by John Long, of Mansfield. It was burned in early days, however, as was sup- posed by Fisher. Jacob Snyder also built a saw-mill just east of Leesville, but did not long continue as its owner. It was bought by Robert Lee, Sr., who added a grist-mill, also a fulling-mill and carding machine. He con- tinued in this for many years, assisted by his sons, Robert, Jr., Porter and Joseph. Henry Hershner erected a saw-mill on the banks of Spring Run, near Middletown, and did consid- erable sawing. These industries continued for several years and were a source of profit, but the water dwindled in the channels of the streams, until they were no more available. As stated heretofore, Westell Ridgely and John Adrian were the early distillers of the "ardent" in this township, and the fii'st named made a fair article, and whisky had a good sale. Jonas Hassinger started the first tannery in the township, near Leesville. These early industries, from small beginnings, have grown into lai'ger corporations of wealth. Roads were one of the necessities of earl}- settlement, and a blazed road winding in and out among the trees of the forest was ver^' common. There were ui an early day, two Indian traces or trails, passing through this township, one leading from near the present site of New Phil- adelphia, in Tuscarawas Count}-, to the Indian town in Wyandot. This passed through the camp of the Delaware War Chieftain Winge- nund about the time of Crawford's Campaign. Later than this an Indian trail passed through the village of Middletown, east and west, and led from Mansfield to near Bucyrus. After the settlement by the whites, however, roads were laid out as most convenienced the pio- neer, and they were necessaril}- crooked, being constructed on the high places to avoid the building of bridges. Evidences of this fact still exist in the crookedness of many of the present roads in Jeflerson Township. In about 1830, the first State highway, called the Colum- bus and Cleveland road, was laid out through Middletown and Leesville, and nine miles of it was cleared and constructed by the citizens as an encouragement to tlie enterprise and an aid to their own convenience. Another State road and mail route was from Mansfield to Bucyrus and passed through Middletown. In the course of time, other local and county roads wore laid out, and to-day tlie roads of the town- ship are convenient, but there is not a single pike here nor elsewhere in the county, and in the winter tlie travel is well-nigh impossiitlo. Fords then, instead of bridges, were common, and it was some time before bridges were con- structed. The first was over the Sandusky at jW ^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 691 trail, to pay taxes — Indians and white men in one long, single file, not infrequently reaching seventy or eighty in a company. The scenes along this trail a century ago were familiar to the valorous Pipe and the warrior Wingenund. More than 120 years ago the unresisting Mora- vian convert traveled this highway of his savage neighbors. Upon it the infamous Simon Girty and his painted companions have frequently ridden to the council house and car- ried welcome news of massacre to Captain Pipe from the eastern settlements. The first blazed road was that known as the " Claridon " in 1822, leading from Buc^tus to Claridon, passing through the extreme east of Dallas. The Wyandot and Bucyrus road was, for the first five years, followed bj' the blazed trees, but as early as 1825 it became a tolerably well-known route. The main road that passes through Dallas is the Columbus and Sandusky Pike. That which was of the most local interest to the boys of Dallas was the Chapman Toll-gate. This gate crossed the pike about a half-mile south of the old Crawford County line, near to the present residence of Henry Linn. The turnpike was held b}' a joint-stock compan}', which gave bonds to build either a stone or wooden pike. The charter granted the compan}' power to establish toll-gates on the above condition. The company foithfully ful- filled one part of the contract that was to put up the toll-gates, but never finished more than the dirt-bed prepax'atory for the stone. The citizens endured the mud roads for ten or twelve years, and paid their tolls until the^^ sus- pected the company of bad faith. When the roads received no further attention in repairs, the wheat haulers were not always in a humor to pay the demanded stipend. Capt. Chapman, the keeper, sometimes found it inconvenient to enforce his •' tariti' bill " upon a company of teamsters, who would occasionally attach sev- eral teams to a chain having such a peculiar relation to the gate, that great damage would be done to the latter. Johnny Van Vorhis was one of the first men that demanded a '' change " in this toll-gate S3"stem. In the following 3^ear, 1842, when no one could be made to pay but children and feeble men, it was completely de- molished and burned by James Arbuckle and Robert Hill. This event led to an overthrow of the toll-gate system. After considerable litigation carried on b_y Capt. Gideon Chapman in the interest of the company, the case was decided in favor of the " incendiaries.' This road has since been annually repaired by the special land tax. and a poll tax being applied under the direction of a District Supervisor. Several attempts have been made, in late j^ears, to macadamize this, the main road of the count3^ The limited suppl}' of gravel and stone along this section of the road, however, will probably delay the project indefinitely. There were no church buildings erected in Dallas previous to 1875. As is customarj^ in most rural regions, divine service was held for many 3'ears in the schoolhouses. In the sum- mer seasons, the ministers would address well- filled pews in '' God's first temples." In later years, there have been churches estal)lished on every side of this township — the farthest not exceeding a mile, and several within that dis- tance. On the eastern boundary, services have long been held at Winchester and " Sixteen Chapel." At Latimberville on the south, the Methodist Episcopal and Disciple Churches have members from this township. Likewise the Methodist and Presbyterian on the west. A quarter of a mile north of the Dallas line, in Buc3'rus Township, is the Monnett Chapel, whose membership was for many 3-ears largel}^ in Dallas. In 1875, Messrs. Bell, Shearer, Rexroth, Eph- raim Oliver, Mervin Monnett. George Welsh and others, organized Scioto societv, and built the first church edifice in Dallas, upon laud do- nated for the purpose by Ephraim ^lonnett. This structure, which in finish and furnishing is -TV. ±'. 692 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. not excelled by any country church in the count}', was dedicated as " Scioto Chapel," by Rev. T. H. Wilson, of the Central Ohio Con- ference. • Zachariah Welsh was a resident of Wyandot, and was one of the first to lead in church work. In the long intervals of minis- terial preaching, he would exhort the members to be faithful and zealous in good works. Meetings for prayer and praise were held at his cabin long before schoolhouses were erected. The wonderful man of God, Rev. James Gilruth, a pioneer preacher of this section, deserves more than a passing notice. He was a worthy imi- tator of the founder of his church, and a man of powerful physique. One old gentleman says of him : "When preacher Gilruth ap- peared upon the camp-meeting ground, the row- dies ceased their disturbances. He could make himself be heard a mile." Rev. Mr. Gilruth was a protot^'pe of the pioneer minister. Being an officer, a captain, in the war of 1812, he had learned to brave some of the hardships of the soldier. Although a man remembered for his kind and considerate heart, yet he never fully lost that commanding air that made him such a terror to the "rowdies" who seemed to be a necessary adjunct of all the early religious efforts. An anecdote is related of him that illustrates the great strength and physical development he had. At Franklin, the former county seat of Franklin County, a number of youths were practicing throwing a sledge in the court house 3'ard. After Mr. Gilruth had easily excelled in throwing the sledge to a great distance, he astonished the bystanders by taking up a four-pound ax, which he hurled over the court house steeple. The circuit of Mr. Gilruth in 1823-24, was one of four weeks' travel. Three of his Sabbath appointments were in the neighboring villages of Delaware, Kenton and Bucyrus. He had intermediate appointments in the lesser villages and country chapels, occupying every afternoon and evening of the week, excepting Saturda3-s, his onlj' day of rest. His meetings were held in this part of the county in the cabins of some of the mem- bers, usually Mr. Welsh's. He was, in after years, twice returned to this circuit. No one man seems to have left more of an impression upon the minds and morals of our citizens, than did Rev. James Gilruth. He was transferred to an Iowa Conference in 1840, and is still liv- ing. The' immediate successor of Mr. Gilruth, in 1824, was Rev. Mr. Cadwallader. The citi- zens of the western part of Crawford were fre- quently spiritually feasted by a quarterly meeting sermon from Rev. James B. Finley, who was Superintendent of the W3-andot Mission in 1827. They were occasionally treated, also, to discoui'ses from the celebrated Russell Bigelow, stationed at the Sandusky mission in the same 3-ear. The present territory of Dallas was included in the Portland District, Ohio Confer- ence, which included in its bounds the State of Michigan. The Rev. James McMahon was the Presiding Elder of this district in the 3'ears 1826-30. Another of their earl3' preaching points was in the Welsh barn, a building yet in fair repair, situated opposite the Scioto Chapel. Rev. John Gilbert Bruce is especiall3' remembered as a revivalist in this corner of the moral heritage. In the winter of 1836-37 protracted meetings were conducted b3' this divine, assisted by Rev. Jeremiah Monnett. Rev. S. P. Shaw, founder of Shaw Universit}-, of Tennessee, was also one of the earl}' work- ers in the vineyard. Rev. Mr. Shaw was a man of wide observation, and remarkably well versed in sacred and profane histor3'. In his views he was uncompromising, and awakened earnest religious convictions in the minds and hearts of his auditors. Many of his quaint and forcible aphorisms are 3'et remembered by ills converts. He was ordained Deacon in the Ohio Conference in the fall of 1827. Others, remembered for their good works, are Revs. Adam Poe, Presiding Elder, in 1836, of Port- -=£_ 1A HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 695 land District, and William Runnels, Presiding Elder in 1840. As alread}' stated, Dallas had no churches previous to 1875. This, in itself, might imply that the opposite party held sway, which really seemed to be the case at one time. In the midst of the township, and on this side of the river Scioto, lies the " Devil's Half- Acre." For an account of the origin of this significant title, we are indebted to Charles Raemer. His account, in substance, is as follows : There was, previous to 1830, a log cabin standing south of this hard-named place, which was used for school and church purposes. In 1830 to 1832, a log schoolhouse was erected at the pres- ent site of the new school building, its imme- diate successor. The United Brethren Church attempted to organize and establish a society here, but failed. In a few winters. Rev. Will- iam Mathews, a Methodist, held revival services and toiled hard in the vineyard, and met with some considerable success, but the good im- pressions soon faded. The Presb3'terian denom- ination made the next attempt under Rev. Mr Hutchinson, of Bucjtus. " Manj^ were called, under his preaching, but few were chosen,'' so that the field was left clear for the Meth- odists, but the}' failed to keep the flock be- yond the traditional probationary- period. Next, the United Brethren Church again ral- lied her forces and opened the gates of the fold, but the flock came out as it entered, with no desire to make it an abiding-place. Then followed a Disciple minister from Latim- berville, to establish his faith in the hearts of the recalcitrants, but, like the others, produced no good results. When this denomination failed, Amos McMullen declared he believed this spot in possession of the devil, from which it was immediate]}' christened b}' the diabolical title of " Devil's Half- Acre." Since this queer appellation has been bestowed on the place? other attempts have been made, alternately by the Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren Churches, but no permanent society has ever been organized. The first "seminary of learning" in Dallas was a subscription school held in a vacated log dwelling, north of David Bibler's cabin, on the Sandusky River. ^liss Clara Drake, daughter of Capt. Drake, taught for the first two years, 1827 and 1828, at $1.25 per week. Her attend- ance of twelve pupils were from the families of Welsh, Bibler and Hoover. Miss Drake after- ward removed to Clinton Count}-, 111., where she died last summer, at the age of eighty-four years. About the same time, or a little later, a subscription school was held in a new cabin erected for that purpose by a few of the early neighbors, opposite Maj. Carmean's present res- idence. Osborn Monnett and George Walton were the principal agitators of this enterprise, and it was afterward designated the '' Monnett Schoolhouse." Mr. Haney was the first teacher in this school building, at the advanced wages of $10 per mouth. Miss Chapman taught the first summer school in the same place. This academy, with its puncheon floor and greased paper windows, with its hewn slabs for benches and writing-desks, did not long remain sacred to the cause of learning. After its successor, in the Huntly Schoolhouse, in 1830, the former was removed by Maj. Carmean, and appropri- ated to the sheltering of animals of a lower order in creation. The first frame school-building was erected by Rev. Jackson Doeling and John Cooper, in the fall of 1838, upon his '• Satanic Majesty's" premises. John Bevington was the first ped- agogue, at a salary of $15 per month. These schools, in 1840 to 1860, numbered from forty to sixty pupils, which number has gradually decreased until, at present, four of them do not have an average of fifteen students, or about the number in attendance in 1830. The township, however, is well supplied with educational facilities, as compared to the pio- neer times, when the first schools were taught TV jOa. HISTORY OF CRAWFOUD COUNTY. by " subscription." Commodious houses, filled with modern furniture, and competent teachers are some of the benefits the present generation enjoys over that which preceded it. CHAPTER XXVIII. LYKENS TOWNSHIP— SOIL AND DRAINAGE— ORGANIZATION AND FIRST OFFICERS— INCIDENTS OF EARLY SETTLEMENT— GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT — VILLAGE OF LYKENS— EDUCATION AND RELIGION. ~"^T0 portion of the count}' of equal extent, -*-^ except Chatfield, remained as long un- settled as Lykens Township. This was not be- cause the extreme humidity of the soil was a serious objection to the early settlement, or be- cause its land was seeminglj^ be3'ond all efforts of being reclaimed from dampness and appar- ent sterilit3^ It was for the reason, that, when the first settlers came to Ohio, instead of going far out into the wilderness, where no neighbors were to be found within twenty miles or more, they kept locating just be^'Ond the rapidly ad- vancing line of settlement. Then, as the tide of settlement rolled westward from the eastern boundar}^ of the State and southward from Lake Erie, it occurred that the two divisions of the tide met in Lykens Township, and the settler from the North discovered that his neighbor was from the East. The western and northwestern portions were settled about five years before the eastern and southern portions. Pioneers from the old settlements on Sandusky River, in Seneca County, came into the north- ern part as early as 1825, while no im- provement was made in the eastern part until about five years later. It was natural and customar}' for settlers to select land that would repay them for the labor of clearing with an immediate and abundant crop. Afterward, the lower lands, which comprise almost the whole of the eastern and southern portions, was en- tered and improved. The soil of the township is predominantly alluvial, there being but little surface clay or sand. Several of the first set- tlers who are yet living tell almost incredible tales as to how the township in early years was almost wholly under water. It does not seem possible that the farms, now so nicely drained and improved, were so miry as to be almost impassable, when the pioneer first arrived. And yet observation teaches that timber, when found in heavy bodies, almost doubles the quantity of rain falling per annum ; and even small groves, scattered at intervals over coun- try which previously was prairie, increase in a noticeable degree the amount of rain. In the western part of Nebraska and Kansas, where the soil is almost wholly sand, and where, for- merl}', no crops — not even grass — could grow, since the enterprising pioneer has appeared and planted innumerable groves throughout the broad expanse, the fall of rain has increased to such a degree that the sandy plain, once so dry and barren of vegetation, is quite thickly over- grown with grass ; and, although corn and wheat are often left without sufficient moisture, from the fact that the time of rain-falls and the amount falling are yet unsettled, varying greatly with different seasons, a sufficient quan- tity falls during the greater number of seasons to supply the growing grain with abundant moisture. If timber is thus the means of at- tracting rain clouds, and, by so doing, increasing the rain-fall, when a country is cleared of tim- ber it must necessarily follow that the quantity of rain falling is greatl}^ decreased. Obser- vation teaches that this is true throughout Ohio, where formerly almost every foot of land / .: / II :y (5_. :k. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 697 was covered with a heavy forest, which has been largely cleared away to make room for the agriculturist. This is one reason why the soil in almost every locality is much drier, at present, than formerly. Another reason is, that since the forests have disappeared, the action of the sun is unchecked, thus effecting a more rapid evaporation of the moisture than when the country was covered with woods. And, correlatively, the sandy plains of the West, exposed to the blazing heat of the summer's sun in former years, could retain moisture but a few days, even if six inches of water fell at one time. It thus appears that the rain cloud can be imperfectly controlled, and the supply of rain in any section of country can be varied through a period of years necessary for the gi'owth of timber, for the benefit of tillers of the soil, and, consequently, for all humanity. Thus the answer to the prayer of the Kaffir is realized through the observation of intelligent men. The soil of Lykens is not surpassed in richness by that of any other township in the county. It is peculiarly adapted for corn, and large crops of this valuable grain are raised year after year on the same piece of land without any appreciable decrease in the quanti- ty produced. This is true in the eastern and southeastern parts, where a deep, black soil prevails ; while the western part is better adapted to wheat and kindred grains, from the fact that more sand and clay are found, these portions of the soil being highly essential to the proper growth of the smaller grains. Along the course of the winding S^^camore Creek, corniferous limestone is found out-cropping, sufficient in amount to furnish the country for miles around with building stone. It is found in large quantities on Section 16, where the stone is covered with earth varying in thick- ness from six inches to eight feet. The stone is blue, and contains more impurities than that obtained at the more extensive quarries in Holmes and Todd Townships. It contains the casts of crinoidal stems and numerous cephalo- pods and trilobites. It is coarse, though exceed- ingly durable. The quarries have been but little worked, and many of the beds remain un- opened. The central and western portions of the town- ship are well drained. Sycamore Creek, a small, shallow stream, flows across the central part, entering the township on Section 11, and flowing across Sections 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 30. It has many small branches, one of the principal rising in the flat land near the southeastern corner and flowing northwest, uniting with the main stream on Section 30. This stream, called Little Sycamore Creek, has but little fall and is sluggish in its movements. The northeastern part is level, and, in former years, was almost bottomless. These streams give the township an imperfect drainage. Lykens was for several years attached to Sycamore Township, of which the present Texas Township was a part until 1845. But, in 1831 (or possibly 1830), a sufficient number of set- tlers had arrived as to make it advisable to have a separate township organization. Up to this time Lykens was known only by its number and range ; but, as soon as the proprietj^ of a sepa- rate organization was apparent, the few settlers were called upon to suggest a name for the township to be presented in their petition to the County Commissioners, praying that the town- ship have a separate organization. Jacob Foy wanted the township named " Fayette," but he could not command sufficient influence, much to his disappointment, to accomplish that result. Finally, Jacob Lintner, a prominent German who had just settled with several of his coun- trj'men near Portersville, suggested the name Lykens. The Germans had come from a town of that name in Pennsylvania, and, after some discussion, the name was presented in the peti- tion to the Commissioners, who accordingly bestowed it upon the township. An election of officers was ordered to be held at the residence 698 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. of Jacob Foy during one of the spring montlis of 1832. There were living in tlie township at that time barely sufficient men to fill the va- rious offices ; but, pursuant to the order of the Commissioners, they assembled at Mr. Foy's cabin and elected the following officers, as re- membered b}' Joseph Hall : Benjamin Huddle, Justice of the Peace ; Levi Grifford, Constable ; John Elliott, Clerk ; Jacob Lintner, Treasurer ; Joseph Hall, Joseph Muchler and Robert Knott, Trustees ; and two others elected as Fence Viewers. This list of the first officers is given from memory by Mr. Hall, and may not be absolutely correct. However, the probability is that the list is correct. Almost every settler in the township was honored with an office. At that time the township, with the exception of a portion of Sections 31, 32 and 33, which be- longed to the Wyandot Reservation, comprised its present territory, and, in addition, the west- ern tier of sections in Chatfleld Township. In 1835, all that portion of the township belong- ing to the Wyandot Reservation was annexed to Lykens, as is shown by the following extract taken from the records of the County Commis- sioners : " All that part of the originally sur- veyed Township 1, Range 16 east, lying in said (Wyandot) Reservation shall be attached to Lykens, and shall constitute a part of said township." After this action no change was made in the boundary or territory of the town- ship until 1845, when the eastern tier of sec- tions was attached to Chatfield, leaving Lykens thirty sections, the number it yet retains. For several years after the creation of the township, elections continued to be held in the cabin of Jacob Fo}'^ ; but, when the first schoolhouse was built, thej"^ were held there. The first settlers were of English descent, and first came to Seneca County ; but upon their arrival they discovered that the more val- uable portions of land had been entered, so the J' journeyed on south into northern Craw- ford County. It was not until about 1830 that the first settlers located in the southern part. The real emigration into the southern part, however, did not begin until 1832, when large numbers of Germans, directly from the old country, arrived in a body, and entered all the land in the southern part, within three or four years. Many of them had entered the land at the land offices, without first having seen whether it suited them or not. The conse- quence was that many of their farms were found to be almost wholly under water, and the disappointed Germans were compelled, b}' the fiat of events, to make the most of what they had. They were not easily discouraged by the floods of water, but went to work to clear and drain their land, and, in time, they were abundantly rewarded. The important question as to who was the first settler is a dif- ficult one to answer with any certainty. It is quite likely that the first settler to build a cabin in the township remained but a few years, going back to Seneca County, whence he came. This knowledge is gained from Arthur An- drews, one of the oldest settlers living in Texas Township, and from his recollection it seems highly probable that Seneca County furnished the first settlers for Lj^kens Township. The following men were established in the township in rude log cabins as early as 1828: John El- liott, Jacob Foy, Jacob Lintner, Joseph Trask, Gottleib Hoss. Christopher Keggy, Joseph Hall, Jacob Miller and several others whose names are forgotten. In 1829 and 1830, there also came in James Ferguson, Benjamin Hud- dle, Levi Gifford, Samuel Spittler, James Wickam, Robert Mays, Robert Knott, Joseph Muchler and a few others. After 1830, and prior to 1836, there appeared Nelson Holt, Daniel Coon, John Babcock, Ira Cory, Daniel Pratt, Barnaby Harper, Adam Baden, Solomon Seery, David Albaugh, Nathan Coran, William Swalley, Adam and Lucas Shock, Otto Feltner, John Apple, Jacob Oberlander, John Aupt, Reu- ben Keran, Ira G. Allen, Milton Waller, Eli HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 699 Winter, Sr., William Burgett, Joseph Ken- nedy, Samuel and Timothy Parks, Joseph Dil- linger, John Shoulter, Solomon Babcock, and many others. It was during this period that nearly all the land in the township was taken up, and many interesting incidents are related as to the maneuvers made by the settlers to secure the best land. Circumstances seem to in- dicate that Christopher Kegg}^ was the first settler in the township. This man came from Fairfield County, first locating in Seneca County ; but afterward, in 1825, he came to Lj'kens Township, and built a small log cabin in the northwestern corner. Indications seem to point to his not owning any land, having been a squatter, and having located there to hunt and trap. He remained in the township until 1830, when he sold what interest he had in the farm to Reuben Keran, and returned to Fairfield County. Keggy was a noted hunter, and had come to Ohio before the war of 1812. His life was a succession of adventures with wild animals and with Indians. What became of him is unknown. Jacob Miller came to the township as eai'ly as 1827, locating in the northwestern part. This setter was also a hunter of distinguished reputation. Joseph Trask was the third settler, but, in 1831, he sold his farm to another settler, and returned to Seneca County, whence he came. Jacob Foy was the first permanent settler, and was an influential man in early years. He served many terms as Justice of the Peace, and always impartially administered the laws as he understood them. Robert Mays and Levi GiSbrd served as Jus- tices of the Peace between 1830 and 18-10. For several years the settlers had been grievously damaged and anno3'ed b}' having their swine stolen by some thief or thieves in the neighbor- hood, until, finally, the}^ resolved, if possible, to put a stop to it. One day a man named Pratt, who had been fined several times for stealing, was detected in the act of killing a hog belonginfi: to one of his neiffhbers. Pratt was an illiterate man, in whom the spirit of evil knew no superior nor control. He was a great coward, and it was resolved to make the eflbrt to scare him out of his illegal proceed- ings. He was arrested by the Constable, and taken with great solemnit}" before "Squire" Mays, who, after hearing all the evidence and sifting the case to the bottom, infonned the culprit, that, inasmuch as he had been pun- ished repeatedly by fines for a similar oSense, without any change being obtained in his con- duct, it was the duty of the court, in order to preserve the sacred rights of private property, to place the oflender bej'ond the reach of fur- ther violating the law, by hanging him to a tree in the yard of the cabin until he was dead. The prisoner was visibly affected and fright- ened. He trembled^in every limb, and turned as pale as death, but the inexorable Justice gravely informed him that he had brought his fate upon his own head, and must prepare for death. A rope was procured, and preparations were being made to execute the sentence of the court ; and, while these were in progress, the prisoner was purposely left alone near an open window, thus favoring an opportunity for es- cape not to be overlooked, for, with a desperate bound, he leaped through the opening and ran off with the speed of the wind. He was in- stantly pursued by the officers, who had no in- tention of recapturing him ; but to keep up ap- pearances guns were fired, curses were hurled after the condemned man, and the servants of the law went scouring after him in swift pur- suit. He ran as though pursued by the furies, effecting an easy escape through the* deep woods. This ruse proved far more effective than admonitions or prosecutions, for Pratt left and was never afterward seen in the township. Cases of this character, however, were unusual in earl}' 3-ears, and were onl}- instituted when lawful proceedings were inadequate in securing the desired relief Trouble of a similar nature was experienced by the settlers through the ik 700 HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. thievish propensit}' of John Henry, whose un- lawful acts are specified in the chapter on Chat- field Township in this volume. Many cases are remembered where settlers, in returning from town or mill with their teams late at night, through the winding forest roads, became mired down, making it necessary for them to leave their wagons, and occasionally their teams, until the next morning, and being compelled to reach home on foot as best they could. It became customar}' to carry lanterns or torches, so that, if the road was obscure, all difficulty in following it might be avoided. The Parks brothers started one evening just at dark to go without light to the cabin of Eli Wintersj who resided about a mile and a half distant. Night came suddenly upon them, they lost their reckoning, became bewildered, and, after wan- dering around in the woods for several hours, during which time they shouted themselves hoarse, navigated numerous swamps and bogs, and encountered sundry logs in a manner not calculated to soothe their tempers, they finally found themselves waist deep in mud and water, from which they were unable to extricate them- selves be3'ond climbing on a large log that lay half out of the water. The swamp was all around them, and, not daring to venture again into unexplored paths of water, they concluded to remain on the log until morning. It was in the fall of the }■ ear, and, after passing a miser- able night, during which they suffered intensely from wet clothing and the cold, daylight at last came, and revealed an easj' path from the swamp, which was quickly traversed by the shivering brothers. They reached Mr. Winter's cabin thoroughly prostrated, and it was only after several hours, with hot coffee, before a roaring fire, that they were enabled to return home. This is only one of many cases of a similar nature. It was the easiest thing in the world to get lost in the woods, even in the day- time, and, unless a person was thoroughly fa- miliar with the path he was traveling, or had with him a lantern, he was almost sure to get lost in the woods at night. The settlers of the township were often aroused to search for some child that had become lost in the pathless forest. James Ferguson's family lived in the western part, near Sycamore Creek. One even- ing in summer, Mrs. Ferguson, accompanied by her son, a boy ten years of age, started after the cows. The animals were found about a mile away, but they refused to be driven home, pre- ferring to dash through clumps of bushes to avoid the flies, and, apparently, to annoy the driver as none but cows know how to do, when their feeding is likely to be cut short. In en- deavoring to head them toward home, Mrs. Fer- guson became bewildered, and was startled to find that she was lost. The cows seemed deter- mined to go directly away from home, although, really, they were aiming as straight for that spot as cows could through the deep woods ; but Mrs. Ferguson did not know this, and, thinking that she could retrace her steps, she left the cows and endeavored to find her way home. But she failed to see a single familiar object. This increased the terror, and, conse- quently, the bewilderment of the lost woman. She called repeatedly at the top of her voice, but only the terrifying echoes of her own tones answered her. Darkness came on, and the wolves began to howl at intervals through the dark forest. Mrs. Ferguson saw with alarm that she was doomed to remain in the woods all night, unless some providential circumstance brought her home. She knew that rambling through the woods would attract the wolves, and saw that the wisest course was to lie down near some large log that would afford shelter from descending dews, and remain quiet until morning. This was done, and the long, chilly night was passed, with occasional frights to the watchful woman by strange noises around her. At last the morning came, and the tired woman, taking her boy by the hand, started out, hoping to reach home for an early breakfast. But she :a HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 701 wandered on and on until noon, without having seen a single familiar landmark. She exhausted all her knowledge of woodcraft to establish the cardinal points of direction, but failed. She traveled on until darkness came, and another night of terror and suffering was passed. Noth- ing had been eaten except a few wild berries, and the mother and her child were almost worn out with anxiet}' and hunger. Another day came and was passed wandering through the woods until about the middle of the afternoon, when the welcome report of a rifle was heard near at hand, and, in a few minutes, the over- joyed woman saw a neighbor walking rapidly toward her. He was one of a part}' that had been searching for her for two nights and nearly two days, and had brought with him some bread and butter, which was eagerly devoured by the half-famished woman and child. She was about three miles from home, and had kept wandering round and round in a circle, passing once or twice within a quarter of a mile of her cabin. She was soon at home, and in a few days was fully recovered from her exposure and nervous shock. Search for her had begun the night of her disappearance, and, although guns had been fired, and bells rung, yet not a sound thus made reached the ears of the lost woman. This seems unaccountable, and can only be explained by reason of distance and contrary winds. Mr. Ferguson was one of the most skillful hunters ever in the count}'. He had been reared in the woods, and was thor- oughly familiar with all the tactics known to professional hunters. He had taken a promi- nent part in the military expeditions in Ohio during the war of 1812, and was employed as a scout and a bearer of dispatches from one commander to another. He is remembered to have told, that, on one occasion, while bearing dispatches from near Columbus to some fort in the northern part of the State, he was seen by a party of hostile Indians, and pursued for two days before he succeeded in eluding them. He is said to have been a remarkable marksman, being able to bring down with his rifle almost any bird, on the wing. He first located in San- dusky Township, but, after a few settlers had arrived, he moved to Lykens, where he re- mained a few years, and then went farther west. The settlers, for many years, went to Seneca County for their flour and lumber. Extensive mills had been in operation in that county, on Sandusky River, for many years prior to the set- tlement of Lykens, and the settlers found it much handier to go there than south to the vicinity' of Bucyrus. It was not long, however, before industries began to arise in the township, and, ere many years had elapsed, the settlers no longer went north for their lumber, although they continued to go there for their flour. Otto Fieldner, in about 1836, erected a small frame building about a mile south of the village of Lykens, in which was placed one set of '' nig- ger-head " stones for the purpose of " cracking " corn. It was not designed for a flour-mill, al- though a feeble effort was made to grind wheat and rye. It was a great accommodation to the settlers, who, in order that the meal might not become stale, were in the habit of getting a sackful ground at a time. The mill continued in operation about eight years, and then was allowed to run down. Milton Waller was a cooper by trade, an occupation he followed at odd times for a number of years. He had a small shop at his house and made tubs, kegs, etc., finding a read}' sale for all he could man- ufacture. He was a prominent man, and his sons have been among the most enterprising and intelligent citizens in the township. Fran- cis Slee was a carpenter. He built man}' of the early frame houses, and manufactured chairs, looms, spinning-wheels, etc. Ira Cory was a blacksmith, the first one to work at the trade in the township, and erected a small shop a mile or so south of the village. Joseph Ken- nedy burned brick about a mile east of the vil- lage as early as 1840. No large quantity was 702 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. burned, and a ready sale was found for all he prepared. One of the first houses erected in the village of Lykens was constructed of brick from Mr. Kennedy's kiln. Some say that Nathan Coran was the first blacksmith in the township. It is quite certain that his shop was erected as early as 1834. He worked at the trade for many years. William Jackson tanned skins on a small scale, begin- ning about 1840. Otto Fieldner, in connection with his "corn-cracker," operated one of the best of the early saw-mills. The mill was lo- cated on a small stream ; and, although noth- ing better than a slow motion could be obtained for the saw, owing to the sluggish flow of the water, due to the fact that the stream had but little fall, it was enabled to run about four months during the spring. It continued in op- eration as long as the '' corn-cracker." Mr. Fieldner found it best to attach to the com- bined mill suitable machinery to be worked by horses, for the purpose of lengthening the time that the mills could run. This tread-power proved so satisfactory that it soon superseded the old water-wheel. It is stated that, in vio- lation of the United States revenue laws, liquor of various kinds, including whisky and brand}', has been distilled in the township, in cellars and other secret places, by diflferent parties, at inter- vals, since the earliest times. Stories are in circulation, where certain parties are reported to have been seen under suspicious circum- stances during nights in past years. The re- ports have probably been exaggerated, but it is quite certain that the revenue laws have been violated, although the quantit}- of liquor man- ufactured has been small, and the quantity sold smaller still. Joseph Stammits built and operated a steam saw-mill in the northwest corner, on Buckeye Creek, as early as 1844. He had a good mill, and did a large amount of sawing for the cit- izens. It is said that the creek furnished only sufiScient water to suppl}' the boiler. After running ten or fifteen years, the engine and boiler were removed and the mill abandoned. Eli Winters, Jr., owned and operated this mill for a short time. He was a skillful sawyer, and was connected with several of the early mills. The most valuable and most extensive saw-mill in the township in early j^ears, was built and operated by Jacob Fo}-, a sawyer of long ex- perience. The mill was a combined saw and grist mill, and was erected at the junction of the Big and Little Sycamore Creeks. The building was a large two-story frame structure, divided into two apartments, one for the grind- ing maehiner}', and tlie other for the sawing. Excellent water-power was secured by means of a race having sufficient fall to furnish ample power for the rapid running of the saw. The mill was built in about 1831, and continued in operation many j^ears. The remains of the old mill ma}' yet be seen at the junction of the two creeks. It is said that excellent flour and meal were furnished by the grist-mill. Inch lumber from any wood was furnished for about 40 cents by the hundred, or a share was taken, varying from one-third to two-thirds. Large quantities were sawed, and many of the older buildings yet standing in the township were constructed of lumber obtained at the Foy saw-mill. The " nigger-head " stones used in the grist-mill were bowlders taken from the farm of Eli Winter, and dressed down to the proper size and shape by some neighboring stone-cutter. After Foy had operated the com- bined mills for fifteen or twenty years, he sold out to Moses Woodsides, who increased the scope of both departments of the mill, by sub- stituting steam as the motor in place of water. After running many years, the mill was finally abandoned. A man named Patrick built aud operated a saw-mill on Sycamore Creek as early as 1865. A Mr. Blanchard also operated one for many years. Among the early industries must be noticed the effort made by two or three parties in the township, between 1840 and 1850, *f- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 703 to rear silk-worms and to manufacture silk goods. Mrs. Breston, of Chatfield Township, was quite extensively engaged in the enterprise, and, through her influence, man}- were induced to embark in the same pursuit. A man named Blanchard was induced to begin the business on a small scale. A room in his house was fitted up with suitable shelves and heating ap- paratus, and eggs of the silk-worm were ob- tained from Mrs. Breston and placed therein, under proper conditions of heat and moisture, to be hatched. Here could be seen the wonder- ful metamorphosis from the egg to the mature insect. Mr. Blanchard experienced other diffi- culties in conducting the business than Mrs. Breston did, from the fact that he was a novice in the rearing and care of silk-worms, being obliged to depend upon Mrs. Breston for neces- sary instructions. He, as well as the lady, soon found it extremely diflScult to obtain the nec- essary supply of fresh mulberrj' leaves, which constituted the caterpillar's only food. After having got nicely started, he was compelled to forego the combined pleasures and anxieties connected with the pursuit. The insects died on his hands, and the silk-culture soon became a thing of the past. One or two other parties made efforts in the same direction, but nothing was accomplished, except to discover that the business could not be otherwise than unprof- itable. In October, 1870, J. F. Feighuer secured the services of H. W. McDonald, County Surveyor, and laid out fifteen lots on the northwest quar- ter of Section 15, Township 1 south, Range 16 east, and named the village thus surveyed, Ly- kens. These were the first lots laid out in accordance with the law of Ohio, although, many years previously', the village had sprung into existence, industries of various kinds had arisen, merchants had come and gone, and the real growth and business activity had passed before the village was properl}' laid out and or- ganized. Other suggestive names have been bestowed upon the village, much to the disgust of the villagex'S, who recognize no name but Lykens. Citizens in the township, outside of the village, and even people living in distant parts of the county, speak of "Buljo," when referring to the only town in Lykens Township. The origin of this title is somewhat doubtful. It is related that many years ago, when the first saloon was doing a lively business in the town, several of the citizens were wont to assemble there to drink, tell stories and amuse themselves in various ways. Among the number was a man who told a funny stor}^, wherein a negro, in referring to a certain place where liquor was sold and imbibed, said they had '' high times in Buljo." The stor}', whenever told, elicited rounds of applause, and it was not long before the frequenters of the saloon, in speaking of their revels, said '' We have high times in Buljo." After that, the village became known as " Bul- jo," a name that clings to it, despite the eff^orts made by the villagers to shake the title ofl". The name Santa Fe was bestowed upon the town, but after a few j'^ears this was forgotten. Several of the citizens in early years began calling the village " Buzzards Glory." The origin of this name will be left to the imagina- tion of the impartial reader. The first dwelling in the town was built by a man named Swet- laud on his own land, in 1834. It was a small frame structure, and was torn down a few years ago. A Mr. Hollister built the second about two years later. When these dwellings were erected, it was not imagined that a village was soon to spring up about them ; and perhaps^ if the thought passed through the minds of these two men, it was unheeded and soon forgotten. By 1840, there were as man}- as six or eight dwellings in the village, and people began to talk of having lots laid out. It was about this time that Anson Brown built the brick house now owned and occupied by Dr. Ritchie's wid- ow. The bricks were obtained at the Kennedy kiln, a short distance east of the village. A y\: :>■ 704 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. man named Gossage built the frame dwelling now owned and occupied by the family of Hiram Dillinger. The villagers soon became clamor- ous for a post office, and began with one accord to call the town " Lykens," a title suggested by the name of the township. Mr. Swetland opened the first store. He placed in one room of his dwelling about $200 worth of notions, including some half-dozen yards of calico, and a small quantity of groceries. This, however, did not satisfy the wants nor ambition of the villagers, as they still found it profitable to go to Bucy- rus, when a large bill of goods was wanted. Mr. Swetland began as early as 1835, and continued until 1840, when he closed out his stock, and turned his attention to his farm. In the fall of 1840, Anson Brown built a small storeroom and began the mercantile pursuit, with a gen- eral assortment of goods valued at $600. This was the first store of consequence in the town. Brown began doing a lively business from the start, and kept steadily increasing his stock, by investing all the profits in additional goods. He dealt quite largely in produce, buying and shipping butter, eggs, poultry, etc., and made considerable money. In 1847, his store caught fire, one wind}' night, from a defective flue, and burned to the ground, consuming several thou- sand dollars' worth of goods ; but this loss did not dishearten Mr. Brown in the least, for he immediately rebuilt, and began with a much larger stock than formerly. He was a shi'ewd business man, and, in time, increased his stock until it was worth nearly $8,000. He is said to have kept the largest and best stock of goods ever in the town, besides doing a large and active trade in produce of all kinds. He finally sold out to other parties. Byron Brown (not a relative of Anson Brown) opened a store in about 1848. His stock consisted principally of groceries, and was worth about $1,000. He continued the business for about seven years, and then closed out his stock. The Browns were succeeded by George Jackson, who sold a small stock of goods for about five years. Samuel Martin began to sell a general assort- ment of goods about 1856 ; but, after following the mercantile pursuit for six or eight years, and discovering that the business was not likely to enrich him very soon, he sold out to other parties. Various other persons have sold goods in the town. It has been in past years quite an extensive trading-point, and even at present commands a fair patronage. Various other industries have arisen in the village. A man named Cummins erected a blacksmith- shop as early as 1838, and began to work at that trade. He was followed by a Mr. Madison. Carpenters, butchex's, coopers, masons and oth- ers have followed their peculiar callings in the village. James Drake built an ashery quite early, probably 1845. The building was lo- cated on Sycamore Creek, near the southern limits of the town, and large quantities of ashes were manufactured into potash, and shipped to Bucyrus and other neighboring villages. Mr. Drake succeeded in manufacturing as high as fifteen tons of potash per annum, and contin- ued at about the same rate for a number of years, and finally sold the building and all the appurtenances thereto belonging to Anson Brown, and moved west to the Centennial State. Brown conducted the ashery even more extensively than Drake, and gave goods from his store in exchange for ashes. The ashery was finally sold with the store. Jacob Hodge built an ashery in the village, on the bank of Sycamore Creek, soon after the erection of the Drake building. He manufactured considerable potash during a period of six years, but finally abandoned the enterprise. Jerry Jolly erected suitable buildings, sunk some half-dozen vats, and began tanning skins as early as 1846. He did good work for ten years, when he sold out to Ephraim Adams, who, after continuing the same occupation for five years, abandoned it, and the buildings were taken down. A man named Brown (not Anson Brown) opened a sa- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 705 loon in the village in 1845 ; but, at the end of faur years, he transferred his stock of liquors to some other locality. Peter Howenstein built a saw-mill in " Buljo," on Sycamore Creek, in 1847. He did good work, and owned and op- erated the mill for nearl}' fifteen ^-^ears, but finally sold out. Eli Winters owned and oper- ated the mill for a time. Other parties also owned it. The same mill, altered and en- larged, is yet in operation in the town. Dr. James Dodge was the first resident physician, locating in the village in 1848. He obtained a fair practice, but left for other fields of labor five or six years after his arrival. Dr. Harmon resided in town for a few ^^ears. He was suc- ceeded by Dr. Ritchie, who came in 1856, but died at the end of four years. The present physician is Gr. D. Spengler. The post office was secured about 1844 ; but, prior to that time, the mail was brought from Melmore, in Seneca County, and later, from Portersville. The mail was carried by William Hank, once a week for many years. Anson Brown was probably the first Postmaster. In 1872, the Odd Fellows organized a lodge in the village, beginning with fifteen members, a flattering number for so small a place, to be sure. A hall was hired over one of the stores, and the lodge was soon on firm footing. The present mem- bership is thirty-four. It will be seen from the above that the village was not properly laid out until 1870 ; but, prior to that time, lots were measured off, and sold to those desiring a residence in town. The village at present has a population not to exceed forty-five. The Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike was traveled quite extensively for many years be- fore the last war b}' escaping slaves from the Southern States on their way north to the do- minion of the British Queen. Almost every citizen living on that well-traveled highwa}' recollects of seeing many a dusky runaway skulking along the road under cover of the night, or beiug driven rapidly north by some assisting friend. It occasionally happened that pursuing masters also traveled the road ; but it is not remembered that any runaway slave was captured by his master while escaping through the county. It was not customary for slaves to stop at houses directly on the road, even though the owner was a known friend. As morning approached, they left the road, and stopped at dwellings several miles from its course. It thus occurred that several citizens in and near the village of Lykens were known to harbor the black man, and to convey him farther on his way to Canada and freedom. On one occasion, one of the citizens was seen with a wagon-load of dusky women and chil- dren, heading for the house of some friend in southern Seneca County. And, at another time, a half-dozen or more of half-starved, half-clothed negro men were seen in a barn in Lykens Town- ship. Schools are the offspring of civilization. They are unknown among barbarians, and are found numerous and perfect in the degree of a people's removal from the savage state. None but highly cultured people — those with a ready appreciation for excellences, whether found in human character or in material creation — can see the countless beauties and perfections which adorn like summer flowers ever}" pathway of life. Education amplifies the vision of the in- tellect, widens the moral and social capabilities^ and places the enchanted observer upon mount- ainous heights, from which a glimpse of new delights is seen shining like starry constellations in nocturnal skies. Education multiplies the sources of enjoyment, and adds to the happiness of human life. It is highly necessary for the preservation of the American Government that the people should foster and protect schools as they would pearls and rubies. And this has been done in the past with steadily increasing interest, and a willing expenditure of millions of money. All over the land is found that unpretending temple of learning — the school- ■^" \\>L 706 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. house — and no child need be raised to mature years without, at least, a fair education. It is likel}- that the first school house in Lykens Township was built two miles west of the vil- lage, near the farm of Eli Winters, in 1834. The building was constructed of round logs, and was built by ever3'bod3' before the township had been divided into school districts. Isabel Hall was probably the first teacher in this build- ing. It was during the first term that Perry Black and William Helt, two of her scholars, caught a porcupine in the woods ; and, having tied a long string to its leg, they climbed upon the schoolhouse, unseen by the inmates of the room, who were intent upon the lessons of the daj-, and lowered the animal down the chimney, much to the annoyance of the teacher and the amusement of the other scholars. The school was taught by subscription, and there was a large enough attendance to afford the teacher wages at the rate of about $10 per month. A clapboard, smoothed off and coated with black paint, was used as the blackboard, and this was regarded by scholars, teacher and patrons, as a ver}' valuable piece of school apparatus. A man named Andrews was an early teacher, as was also a Miss Lucinda Warren. While Miss Warren was teaching, the scholars were at rec- reation one da}', off in the woods about forty rods, when they were seen by a party of Wyan- dot Indians on their ponies. In order to scare the children, the Indians started on the gallop toward them, whooping and swinging their tomahawks and rifles in the air. The children ran screaming with fright toward the school- house, and were met b}' the alarmed teacher, who had come out to ascertain the nature of the unusual commotion outside. At sight of her, the Indians wheeled their ponies, and rode away laughing. In about 1840, a much better schoolhouse was built to take the place of the old one. After this building had been used many years, the present one was built at a cost of $500. The Ransom Schoolhouse was built in 1 836. It was also of logs, and was replaced after a few years by a small frame building, which was used until the present house was erected. This building has become known as the '' Frog-pond " Schoolhouse. A frame school building was erected about a mile north of Lykens Village in 1840. It was used until the present one was built. No schoolhouse was built in the village until 1851. Many years be- fore, a log school cabin had been built about a quarter of a mile north of town, and this was attended b}' the village children. A school building was erected on Section 29 as early as 1838. It was built of logs, and was used until 1854, when a small frame house took its place. This building was used until 1880, when a large bi'ick schoolhouse was built at a cost of $1,600. This is the largest and best school building in the township. A school cabin was erected in the southeast corner in 1 840. Two othei's have succeeded it, the last being built a few years ago. Spelling schools were held in early j'ears with the usual laughable incidents connected therewith. David Spittler taught " singin' skewl" during the winter months for many years. The old " buckwheat notes" were sung with a gusto and a hilarit}' not commended by later musical instructors. The earliest settlers went to church in Sen- eca County ; but, after 1832, when a large German emigration arrived, it was thought best by the various denominations to erect churches nearer home. As earl}' as 1832, the Free-Will Baptists began holding meetings in the cabins of the settlers. Two brothers, Seth and Benjamin Parker, were among the first ministers. Rev. James Ashley was another, as was also Comfort Waller. Among those who organized the society and took an active part in subsequent exercises, were the families of Comfort Waller, David Hill, Lewis Warren and William Swalley. Finally, in 1842, this society built the first church in the township in the western part, on the farm of Comfort V HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 707 Waller. The church was a low frame build- ing, with clapboard seats fastened to poles laid lengthwise of the house, and pulpit made of poplar lumber planed to a fair degree of smoothness. A large fire-place in one end added heat, light, cheerfulness and comfort to the room. The members were proud of their church, and could boast, without fear of suc- cessful contradiction, that it was the best in the township. After many years, the present church was erected to take its place, at a cost of about $1,200. The Baptist society has been one of the strongest and best in the township, and has done much good. The Presbyterians began holding meetings in the house of Solomon Seery, and others, as early as 1834. Here they continued to assemble for many years, being visited regularly by Rev. Trac}^, a circuit-rider, who traveled over several counties. The membership of the societ}" slowly increased, and, after about twelve years from the first organization, a church was built on thq Seery Corners, and has since been known as the Seer}- Church. It was a small frame building, with the rudest architectural ornamentation. The seats and pulpit were roughly made of poplar lumber, and were without paint or varnish. This building was used until 1870, when the pi'esent church was built. After a few years of ministerial service for the society. Rev. Tracy died, and was suc- ceeded by the well-known Rev. Lillibridge, who preached and labored with the congrega- tion for many years, placing the church on firm footing as regards both finance and mem- bership. The first church built b}' this society' was the second in the township. The Luther- an Church, located just across the southern line, in Holmes Township, is largely' attended b}" the citizens living in the southern part. This church was organized by the Germans at an early day. The present minister is Rev. Josiah Kanag3', and the church has a member- ship of about seventy. In 1850, the German Reformers and German Lutherans organized a church society in the northwestern part. Preaching was held in the schoolhouse for one year, and then for a short time in a barn be- longing to John Klaes. The barn was de- stoj'ed by lightning ; whereupon services were held in Mr. Klaes' house until the summer of 1852, when a small brick church was built. The first minister in charge of the society was Rev. John Bantz. He was succeeded by Rev. William Veiler, who remained with the congre- gation about a year, when Rev. Elias Keller took his place. Afterward, the Rev. John Winter became the minister in charge. In 1859, during the ministry of Rev. Winter, the congregation was divided. The Reformers sold their interest in the old church to the Luther- ans and erected a fine brick church within fifty feet of the old one. The old church was occu- pied about two years by the Lutherans, when it was abandoned, and soon afterward sold to Jacob Feighner, who used the bricks in the construction of his residence. The congrega- tion of Reformers grew in strength, and has for many years been the strongest church or- ganization in the township. The present min- ister in charge is the Rev. C. H. Schopfle, a cultured and worth}^ gentleman. The church is a large, fine structure, the best in the town- ship, and the society is large and wealth}-. ^ (2 *^ -Jt 5) hL &t^. > ~^* — ® BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. CHRISTIAN ASSENHEIMER, farmer, etc. ; P. 0., Buc3'rus ; was born August 12, 1834, on Cherry street, New York City, and is a son of Ludwig and Rosena (Stoll) Assenlieimer. He was 1 year old wlien his father's family located in Bucyrus, in the fall of 1835. He grew up in the village, and was educated in both Grerman and English. He went to school until 12 years of age, when he went to work about town at anything he could find to do. In his 17th 3'ear he began to learn the trade of a cabinet maker with Peter Shallenmiller, work- ing as an apprentice three years and a half He followed his trade as journeyman until 1859, when he bought out his old employer, and go- ing in debt for a large part of the stock. He carried on the business of furniture and under- taking for about twelve years, with good suc- cess, pa3'ing for the stock and buying the prop- erty where C. M. Matthews & Co. are now located, and whei'e he did business until 1871. He exchanged his town property for ninety-six acres of land whei'e Benjamin Beal now lives, and resided there until 1879, when he pur- chased his present farm of 160 aci'es of land on the Sanduskj- road, five and a half miles from Bucj'rus, still residing on it, where he is making some fine improvements. His wealth has been accumulated by his own exertions, and amid many misfortunes. He was married Oct. 6, 1859, to Miss Bertha Marggraf, of Bucyrus, who was born in Stadtilm, Saxony, Germany, Oct. 17, 1837, and came to America with her parents when but six years of age, settling in Buc^-rus, where she grew up. Six sons and two daughters have been the result of this union, viz. : Emma C, born June 26, 1860 ; Martha T., March 15, 1862 ; Frederick C, Mav 28, 1864 ; Louis H., July 12, 1866 ; Franklin E., Aug. 22, 1868 ; Edward C, July 26, 1871 ; William C, March 15, 1875, and Otto A., Oct. 5, 1877. Mr. Assenheiraer, his wife and three children are members of the German Lutheran Church ; he has been trustee and has held va- rious other offices connected with the Church, among them that of teacher in the Sunday school for many years. He has always been Democratic in politics , was a member of the Town Council six j^ears and Trustee of the township three years. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in about 1802, and was educated in the schools of his native town ; afterward followed the trade of a weaver. In the spring of 1832, he came to New York, where he married Miss Rosena Stoll, a native also of Wurtemberg, who was born Aug. 11, 1811, and who probably came over in the same vessel. They were married in 1833, and in 1835 came to Bucyrus. He brought a large stock of clocks with him, which he traded to his brother-in-law, Geo. F. Stoll, for the build- ing of a house ; he was one of the men who assisted in unearthing the skeleton of the mas- todon, which is mentioned in the body of this work. He followed the trade of weaving for many 3'ears, then kept a grocery store until his death, Oct. 19, 1855. His wife is still liv- ing. The3' had thirteen children, four of whom are living, viz. : Christian, Catharine. George and John. LEWIS W. BUCK, P. 0. Bucyrus. William and Mary (Albright) Buck, parents of this gen- tleman, were both natives of the '■ Keystone '' State, and the parents of nine children. The mother died in 1835. The father subsequentl3' married Susan Shieb, who was the mother of fifteen children. Mr. Buck died in 1860. He was a successful farmer and miller, and held during his lifetime, numerous positions of honor and trust. Lewis Buck was born in Schuylkill \^ 710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Co., Pa., Aug. 20. 1824 ; his early life being passed in a mill, and upon a farm. He received but a limited education, and when 22 years of age left his native State and came to Crawford Co., Ohio. For some time he found emplo}'- ment in a mill in Buc3'rus, when he was placed in charge of the Sinn Mills, where he remained some four 3'ears. His mai'riage with Miss Pas- calena Sinn occurred Jan. 4, 1849. She was born in Crawfoi'd Co., Ohio, June 14, 1833, and is one of a famil^y of ten children born to George and Sarah (Hawk) Sinn, who came from Pennsylvania to Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1826. Mr. Siini was well and favorabl}- known through the count}', and was thrice elected County Auditor, besides holding other positions of honor and trust. He died in 1870, and his wife in 1876. In Lewis W. Buck's family were seven children, five of whom are now living, viz. : 3Iahlon L., Sarah C. A., Lucretia M., Charles L. and Mar}^ S. Those deceased were Mandon D. and Franklin H. Mr. Buck fol- lowed milling until 1861, when he purchased the farm he now owns, and has since followed the vocation of a farmer. He began life as a poor boy, and is, in the fullest sense of the term, a self-made man. He has held several township offices, and is highly spoken of as an official. As refined, intelligent people, Mr. Buck's family stands second to none in the county. CAPT. WM. NEVINS BEER, deceased, Bu- cyrus, is a son of the Rev. Thomas and Margaret (Cameron) Beer, and was born Nov. 28, 1839. in Ashland Co., Ohio. His father was well edu- cated, and, owing to the imperfect school facili- ties of the time, he communicated his learning to his children. The subject of this sketch at- tended the Vermilion Institute at Haysville, for a time, then -finished off" at Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, Penn., after which he engaged in a store in Ashland for a few years. He came to Bucyrus aljout 18G1, and during the summer of that 3-ear enlisted in the 101st Regi- ment 0. V. I., as a private in Capt. McDanald's company. He soon became Second Lieutenant, and, some time after, First, and upon the promo- tion of Capt. ^IcDanald, was promoted to the captaincy of the company, which position he held at the time of the mustering-out of the regi- ment. He returned to Bucyrus at the close of the war, and commenced the study of law with his brother, Judge Thomas Beer, and was in due time admitted to the bar, as noted else- where in the sketch of the legal profession. He was married. Nov. 7, 1869, to Miss Mary I). Swingley, the third daughter of Dr. Frederick Swingle}-, of Bucyrus, and located here in the practice of his chosen profession until 1873, when in June of that 3^ear, he removed to Humboldt, Iowa, and practiced law there about one 3'ear. The family returned to Bucyrus in the spring of 1874; he remaining during the summer. He started from Humboldt as well as usual, for this State, and, at Valparaiso, Ind., where he stopped for a short time, he died suddenly on the night of July 25, 1874 of apoplexy. His widow has ever since resided in Bucyrus. At present she is a teacher in the Union schools of the town, a position she fills with honor to herself and satisfaction to all. The}' had three children, all of whom are living — Margaret M., Thomas Frederick and William C. Capt. Beer and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. HON. TEOMAS BEER, lawyer and Judge, Bucyrus ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1832. The Rev. Thomas Beer, his father, now residing in Ashland, Ohio, was born in North- ampton Co., Penn.. and came to Ohio about the year 1828, where he soon entered the ministry, serving two churches, for over thirt}- years, on alternate Sal)baths, proving an earnest, devoted Pastor, and beloved by his people. Margaret (Cameron) Lee, his mother, was a lineal descend- ant of Chxn Cameron, famous in Scottish history. After he had received such an education as the school of his district afl^orded, our subject be- came a pupil of the Vermilion Institute, at Hays- ville, Ashland Co., and, in 1848, commenced teaching school. Having chosen law as a pro- fession, he commenced its study with Mr. John C. Tidball, at Coshocton, in 1851 — teaching school in the meantime, that he might earn enough to defray his necessary expenses — and remained with him as a pupil until 1853. Dur- ing the ensuing five years — from 1854 to 1858 — he was telegraph operator and Postmaster at Alliance, Ohio, but, in the latter year, he be- came editor of the iStark County Democrat., at Canton, Ohio. In 1860, he removed to Bucy- rus, where he assumed the editorship of the Crawford County Forum. In 1862, he was ad- mitted to the bar, and began the practice of law in Bucyrus. In the following 3ear, he was elected to the House of Representatives by the '7\'* --^ <'9n. 1 BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 713 Democracy of Crawford Co., and re-elected in 1865, holding a seat in the Legislature during the sessions of 1864-65, and 1866-67. In 1873, he was chosen a member of the Constitu- tional Convention which met at Cincinnati, and was presided over by Chief Justice Waite ; and, on the 15th of August, 1874, he was ap- pointed, by Gov. Allen, Jfudge of the Court of Common Pleas for the fourth subdivision of the Third Judicial District, comprising Wood, Hancock, Seneca, W3'andot. Crawford and Marion counties. In October, 187-4, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Judge Jackson, who had resigned, and, in 1876, he was re-elected for a full term of five years. Judge Beer for many years held the position of County School Examiner, and was also a mem- ber of the Board of Education. He has alwaj's acted with the Democratic party, and taken an active interest in national and State affairs. His religious views are Presbyterian, in accord with the Scotch Church. In 1856, he was mar- ried to Miss T. M. Dinsmore, of Ashland Co.; of this marriage they have seven children living. Judge Beer's large acquaintance and high standing in public life soon brought him a large practice after his admission to the bai'. As a practitioner, he was fair, honorable and courte- ous. He carried with him to the bench the strong common sense that had characterized him at the bar, and is always indefatigable in studying the law that should decide a case, be- fore he renders judgment. He is not rapid in his decisions, but takes time to fortify himself with principles and precedents, which causes him to be regarded as a careful, impartial and just Judge. J. H. and P. A. BEARD, Bucyrus. These gentlemen are descendants of Phillip Beard, who came from Germany to America during the reign of George the III, and settled at Baltimore. He was a stone-mason, and under his supervision old Ft. Frederick was built. It is said that some years ago when that structure wns being torn down, the workmen found it almost im- possible to separate the masonry-, thus testi- fying to his ability as a mechanic. John and Susan (Sager) Beard, parents of J. H. and P. A. Beard, were both born in Washington County, Md. The maternal ancestors were from Ger- many, and served with distinction in the Amer- ican arm}- during the Revolutionary war. Our subject's parents were married in 31aryland and resided thei'e until 1854, when they came to Seneca Co., Ohio. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living. The father died in 1866 ; his wife is yet living at an advanced age. J. H. and P. A. Beard were both born in Washington Co., Md., the former ]\Iay 3, 1830, and the latter March 22, 1833. They were brought up to hard work and received few advantages for obtaining an education. Soon after reaching their majorities, they engaged in agricultural pursuits, which for the most part they have ever since followed. J. H. was married to Miss Catharine A. Nusbaum, Dec. 28, 1858 ; she was born in Frederick Co., Md., April 2, 1841. They are the parents of five children, viz., Celia V., J. Lewis, Anna D. and Ralph H., living; Delia H. deceased. Phillip A. married Miss Luc}- Reichart, June 12, 1856 ; she was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Nov. 23, 1836. They have seven children, viz., Ida C, Clemma L., Bush C, Effie E., Jesse P. and John S., living ; Clara B., deceased. Both brothers own nicely improved farms in Bucyrus Township, which the}' have obtained by industry, economy and close attention to business. J. H. Beard came to this county in 1865, and his brother some four years later. They are members of the Republican party and of the English Lutheran Church. In political matters, however, they are liberal and make it a rule to vote for men and measures and not for party. They are intelli- gent, progressive men, respected by all who know them. Crawford Co. would indeed be much better off had it more such men as J. H. and P. A. Beard. harness manufacturer, July 22, 1823, in Wur- According to the cus- tom of that country, he was sent to school until his 14th year. He was then apprenticed to a man named Zigler for three years, to learn harness making, in the town of Kiichheira. He gave .$60 to learn the trade, in addition to three years' labor, often Avorking fourteen hours per day. After completing his trade, he worked as journeyman at different places, for about six years. As there were more harness-makers than could find employment in his native land, our subject sailed from Havre in the spring of 1845, and after a thirty days' voyage, arrivetl at New York, June 3, 1845. His means lieing exhausted, he worked for a fiirmer near An)any about two months, whei'eby he obtained money JOHN G. BIRK, Bucyrus ; was born temberg, German}'. Vic ^— .l V 714 BIOGllAPIIICAL SKETCHES: enough to bring him to the German colony called " Zoar," in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, where he worked for some time in tlie smelting works. Then he was taken sick with ague for a period of six months, which again exhausted his earn- ings. Upon his recovery, he worked at his trade there for some time. He came to Bucy- rus, April 21, 1847, and found employment in the harness-shop of Frederick Beckle, who died some nine months after. Our subject worked for Israel Jones until 1850, when he started a harness-shop for himself, and has been in the business ever since ; being now one of the old- est harness-makers in the town. He has occu- I^ied his present shop about eighteen years, where he employs a number of skillful work- men, who turn out everj' variety of the most substantial and attracitive work. He also car- ries a full stock of everything in his line of goods. April 24, 1851, he was married to Miss Johanna B. Kuhn, of Whetstone Town- ship. Of this marriage, the following children are living : Christian F., Lewis L , Emanuel and George R. Two children died when young. Mr. Birk had but $4 when he came to Bucyrus, and lost his entire earnings b}' failure of his first emplo^'er. He is a member of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, in which he is a Trustee. J. N. BIDDLE. Bucyrus ; is the son of Alex- ander and Magdalena (Noftsgar) Biddle, and was born Feb. 8, 1834, in Harrison Co., Ohio. His earl^' life until his IGth 3'ear was spent on a farm, and in the pursuit of a common-school education. His father being a pioneer in the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and in indigent circumstances, the son was compelled to support himself by making brooms outside of school hours. He attended Otterbein University in 1852-53, and began teaching at 16, which he continued for four winters. In the meantime, he left Otterbein and entered Oberlin College, at Oberlin, in the spring of 1854. The next fall, on Oct. 30, he was married to Miss Marian Musgrave, daughter of Judge R. \V. Musgrave. of Annapolis, this County, who was an old and influential citizen. After his marriage, Mr. Biddle became the partner of Judge Musgrave in the mercantile business at Annapolis, com- mencing in January, 1855, and continuing until 1868. When he came to Bucyrus and entered into banking, under the firm name of Scott, Biddle & Co., Mr. Biddle being one of the managing partners, and conducting the business in a manner that made it prosperous. In 1872, he was elected President of the Bucyrus Ma- chine Works, and was also its manager, con- tinuing until 1876, when the firm failed, and he was elected Assignee by the stockholders, and he has discharged the duties of the otfica in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1877, in company with Gov. Foster and the Gormley Bros., he assisted in building a large furnace at Moxahala, and owning a fourth in- terest. In 1865, he made a venture with Col. Lemert and others in raising cotton in Louisi- ana ; but, the levee breaking and overflowing their fields, it was a failure. Mr. Biddle has been a prominent and influential citizen wher- ever he has been. He was Postmaster at An- napolis during Lincoln's and Johnson's admin- istrations. He has always been a prominent Republican, and is now Chairman of the Repub- lican Central Committee, and almost since the organization of the party he has been on a com- mittee. He is a meml)er of Demas Lodge, No. 108. He has a family of nine children, all liv- ing. Thej- are Clara J., Louie J., Edgar N., Maud M., Judson M., Ralph A., Marion, Kath- leen A. and Launcelot Todd. The great-grand- father of JNIr. Biddle came from Hesse-Cassel, German}', prior to the Revolution, and was Quartermaster of a Pennsylvania regiment throughout that struggle. Launcelot Todd, his great-great-grandfather, came to America early in the eighteenth century, and obtained a land grant, probably from the King of Great Britain, for a tract of land on which the citj' of Annapo- lis, Md., now stands. He is an ancestor of the Todd family, of which Gov. Tod and Mrs. Lincoln are representatives. His son Benja- min was the great-grandfather of our sul)ject, who settled in Maryland. His daughter, Rachel Todd, married Jacob Biddle, the grandfather of our subject, who settled in Wa3ne Co., Ohio, in about 1831. They raised twelve children, of whom Alexander Biddle, father of Mr. Biddle, was the tenth child, and was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in 1810. He became a preaclier of the United Brethren Church at the age of 21, and was an active traveling minister until 1875. He has done a good woi-k in the cause of his Master, and now rests from his active labors, living in retirement at Gabon, Ohio, having performed his work well. His family consisted of six children, five of whom are living — John B., the eldest, was killed at the battle of Stone MV BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 715 River, being 1st Lieutenant of Co. C, 101st 0. V. I. ; William l\. is a lawyer at Pleasanton, Kan. ; James B. a successful merchant at Mt. Blanchard, Ohio ; Rachel E., wife of Rev. J. R. Grin, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Jacob A., a Congregational minister at Oswego, N. Y. J. M. BLACK, merchant, Bucyrus ; was born April 2-1, 1845, and is the son of J. P. Black. He is a native of Clarke Co., Ohio, where he spent his j-outh on a farm, in the meantime ac- quiring a common-school education. At the age of 19, he entered the public schools of Bu- cyrus, where he continued some three years. In 1868, he entered the grocery of Kimmel & Timanus, where he was clerk for three years. For the six years following, he was emploj-ed in a similar capacity b}' Kaler & Malic. In 1877, he entered into his present place of busi- ness, in Rowse's Bloclv, as equal partner witii J. P. Black, under the firm name of J. M. Black & Co., where he is doing a flourishing busi- ness in dry goods, groceries and queensware. The}' have a room, 30x98, which is tilled with a large and well-selected stock of goods. Since he has been engaged here, his business has prospered, and he is now at the head of a thriv- ing establishment. He was married, Dec. 26, 1871, to Miss Hattie Mower, of Bucyrus. This union has been blessed with five children — Jay P., Bessie N.. Carl M., and an infant son and daughter. Mr. Black is a member of the Pres- byterian Church, a Trustee, and also Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday school. G. W. BUELL, marble dealer, Bucyrus ; is a son of George and Rebecca (Fuller) Buell, and was born Jan. 15, 184:2, in Genesee Co., N. Y. When he was about 5 years old. his parents re- moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., and here he at- tended school until he was 1-1 3'ears of age, when he entered his father's match-factory, and continued there until he was 20. Aug. 7, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 20th Mich. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was in eighteen battles — South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Knoxville, The Wil- derness, Spottsylvania, and all of Grant's cam- paign. He was mustered out at Detroit, !Mich., Jul}' 8, 1865. He was woundeil at Spottsylva- nia, losing the middle finger of the left hand. He lived in Ann Arbor after the w.ar, and, in 1867, commenced to travel for a marble firm of that town, and followed the business five j'cars, with good success. He next spent two years traveling and selling cigars for his brother. He then sold marl)le for different firms until 1879, when he went into partnership with Mr. Keel, and removed to Bucyrus, where they have built up a splendid business, employing several first- class workmen. They ai'e wholesale and retail dealers in foreign and American marbles, and all kinds of granite. Their work is finished in the best of style and by the most skillful work- men. Mr. Buell is a Knight of Honor, beinija member of Howard Lodge, No. 109, and is a Democrat in politics. He was married, Sept. 9, 1865, to Miss Mattie E. Bowen, of Ann Arbor, Mich. They have two children — Ina and Norma. S. A. BOWERS, miller, Bucyrus ; is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Palmer) Bowers. Was born April 9, 1834. in Whetstone Township, this county. He lived on a farm, assisting at home and attending school, until he was 24, when, in 1858, in company with J. W. Delancy, he rented Mager's mill, at North Robinson ; this the}' ran for about a year ; the following fall they purchased the saw-mill of P]manuel Dear- dortf. and to it the}* added a flour-mill, under the name of '-The Sandusky Valley Mills.' In 1861, Mr. Delancy I'etired, and the subject of the present sketch has continued the business ever since. Mr. C. F. Miller bought the mills in 1872, and, he failing, Mr. Bowers and Mr. Delancy bought the propert}', and have carried on the business with good success. They have three runs of buhrs, ample steam power being furnished b}' two engines. In 1870, Mr. Bow- ers bought a mill in Upper Sandusky, which he repaired and controUetl about a year, when he sold it out. On May 15, 1861, he married Miss Lizzie White, of Uniontown, Penn. Of this marriage, there are two children — Delia and Carrie. His first wife died in April, 1872. In October of the following year, he married Mrs. Maggie Campbell, of Bucyrus. Mr. Bowers is a member of Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. of P., and one of the most substiintial citizens of the city, having made all by his own eflf.nts. In 1863, he purchiu^ed a fine farm three miles west of the cit}', which he still retains. As a busi- ness man he is fair and upright, and commands the esteem of all his fellow-townsmen. FRANK BLICKE, merchant, Bucyrus; son of William and Mary (Reiger) Blicke; was born May 6, 1836, in Prussia, and went to school from his 7th t-o his 16th 3 ear, receiving a "rood education in his native language. When A. :\£ 716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: It), he was apprenticed to a brewer and served three years, and worked a year longer in his native land. In the year 185(3, he sailed from the port of Bremen for the shores of America, resolving to seek his fortunes in the New World. He landed at New York June 7, 1856, after a voyage of forty-two days. lie came direct to Cincinnati, Ohio, and entei'ed a bi-ewery, where he remained four years. In May, 1860, he came to Bucyrus and became the partner of Christian Wingert in the brewery, this union lasting three years. At the expiration of that time, he became the partner of F. A. Vollrath in the grocery and provision business, and added a stock of dry goods the second year. In 1870, Mr. Vollrath retired, and our subject purchased his entire stock and interest in the building, and since then has carried on the business himself He has built up a large business, at the corner of Sandusky avenue and Mar}^ streets, and has a large stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries and queens- ware. Mr. Blicke has built eight fine, large residences in this city, which are a credit to Bucyrus and an evidence of his business en- ergy and enterprise. He came here without capital, and, by industry, he has brought him- self into affluence. He has been a member of the City Council, City Treasurer for four years, and is now serving his third term as Treasurer of the township. He is now N. G. of La Salle Lodge, No. 51. In September, 1864, he mar- ried Theresa Vollrath, of Bucyrus ; of this marriage there were born four children, three of whom — ^William A., Carrie A. and Louisa M. — are living ; Cora A. is dead. DAVID B. BARRETT, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; is a son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Wolph) Barrett, and was born May 21, 1824, in Harrison Co., Ohio, where he lived on a farm until he was 23 years of age, having the advantages of the common schools of the time ; his father died when he was 20 years old, and he and his brother came to this town- ship in the spring of 1848 ; they bought 200 acres of land on the Plains, where Jacob Beal now lives, adding to it afterward 160 acres moi'e. His mother and his brother Enos came in 1849, one year after his settlement here, and they all lived on the place of first settlement until 1856, our subject remaining until 1860, when he moved to his present place, where he now owns 155 acres of well-improved laud; he has excellent buildings, his barn and residence both being of the very best in the country. He was married, Oct. 28, 1849, to Nancy B. Kerr, of this township ; she was born in this county in 1827 ; her father came to the town- ship in 1826, and was one of its early settlers ; he died in March, 1880, and his wife still lives, and is in her 88th year. Our subject's father was born in Virginia ; emigrated to Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1804, and, being a young man, he there married a Miss Huff, by whom he had four children, three of whom are still living ; his second wife, Elizabeth Wolph, was the mother of our subject ; there were four chil- dren by this marriage — Louisa, living in Bucy- rus ; Enos, John W. and David B. ; his widow is still living with her daughter, in Bucyrus, in her 88th year ; her husband farmed in Harri- son Co. successfully until his death, in 1844. The subject of this sketch has but one child living — Ida B.; two sons are dead — Curtis E., died at the age of 18, and Henry, at the age of 6 years. Mr. Barrett and family are members of the Presbyterian Church ; he is a Repub- lican in politics. He began life with but little of this world's goods, but is now in comforta- ble circumstances. DR. W. M. BEILHARZ, dentist, Bucyrus ; son of Rev. John J. and Maria C. (Froelick) Beilharz ; was born Sept. 21, 1819, in Maxa- tawney, Berks Co., Penn., where he lived until about 8 years old, when the family removed to the State of New York ; here our subject went to school in winter until 15, and helped his father on the farm until 22 years of age ; in 1842, he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where Mr. Beilharz began the study of dentistry with an older brother, who had removed from New York some time previous ; he practiced his profession in Tiffin for a period of nine years, coming to Bucyrus Dec. 18, 1853, where he at once opened an office for the practice of den- tistry, and has continued with fair success ever since ; he is an expert in all the departments of mechanical and operative dentistry ; about 1850, he made a discovery of a cure for sore and inflamed eyes, but, being engrossed with his profession, lie never brought it before the public until of late years ; the almost miracu- lous cures which it has effected place him among the leading oculists of the countr}' ; he has also discovered a remedy which he calls the " Healing Fluid," which acts as an antisep- vjp fk BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 717 tic, preventing inflaran)ation, and cures all sores, either recent or chronic ; its efficacy is attested b}' the unanimous testimony of those whom he has cured. On June 17, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria B. Croclfett, of Seneca Co., Ohio ; two sons and a daughter are the fruit of this union, all of whom are living — Charles A., Anne, wife of F. L. Ingman, merchant at Villisca, Iowa, and Cassius M. Dr. Beilharz has been a careful student of history for many years, and is an intelligent and respected citizen. JAMES P. BE ALL, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born May 13, 1828, in Harrison Co., Ohio, and is the son of James P. and Minerva (Hough) Beall ; his father was a farmer, and he remained on the farm until he was 23 years old ; his father being in moderate circumstances and having a large family to support, j'oung James was compelled to work, and thus lose man}' advan- tages of schooling. He received a moderate education, however, and worked some two years for $10 per month, and also split rails at 37|- cents per day ; in the fall of 1852, he came to this county, and rented a farm in Bucyrus Township, adjoining that of A. J. Caldwell ; the next 3'ear he worked by the month for Enos Barrett, receiving $240 per year and house rent, etc. ; in December, 1854, he bought 120 acres of the land which he now owns, and which at that time was but little improved ; he has improved his farm and added to it, so that at present he is the prosperous owner of 392 acres of well-tilled land, and has erected sub- stantial buildings, all being the result of Mr. Beall's labor and industry, united with good management, as he commenced life for himself with onl)' $7. When he first purchased his land, he raised large crops of grain until the land was sufficiently cleared, and, since then, he has dealt in the t)est breeds of sheep, such as the Merino, having a fine flock of 500, and handling at times from 300 to 1 ,800 head. He is a Republican in politics, and was formerl}' a Whig, casting his first vote for Gen. Scott. Both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which lie is a Trustee. He was married, Dec. 27, 1848, to Miss Mary Keck- ler, of Harrison Co.. Ohio ; of this marriage, thei'e have been seven children — James P., deceased ; those still living are : John W., Mary M., Laura E., Dorsey L., Eva M. and Nora E. The father of Mr. Beall was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1797 ; he was first married to Jane Albert, of Pennsylvania, and of this marriage there were two children, one of whom is still living — Jane, the wife of Aaron Chance, of Buc3rus Township ; this first con- sort died in about 1821, and Mr. Beal, Sr.,came to Harrison Co. the following year, and, some time after, he married Minerva Hough, of that county ; he was one of the earliest settlers in that region, and for twent3-one ^-ears the elec- tions were held at his house ; he was County Commissioner there, and also held several township offices ; he settled in Bucyrus Town- ship in 1854, where Christopher Mason now lives, and resided there until his death, in 1869; his mother died in 1875. Of this marriage, there were the following children — Cass An- drews, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Colmore C, deceased ; James P., our subject ; Cyrus H., deceased ; Rebecca, deceased ; John W.. de- ceased ; Minerva A., Zephaniah, Mary A. and Susannah ; the last three died in infancy. BENJAMIN BEAL. farmer and' stock- raiser ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; Anna B. (Shearer) Beal 1839, in Lycoming Co., years of age his father's county and settled in this township ; he at- tended the district schools until 19 3-ears of age, during the winter season, working on the farm in the meantime. He married Mary Stalz, March 19, 1861, and began farming on 80 acres of land just east of the pike, where he lived until 1879, when he came to his present farm "on the old pike ; he now owns 185 acres of fine farming and grazing land, and has dealt largely' in sheep since 1872, buying, grazing and feed- ing for market. His wife died Nov. 14, 1867 ; three children were the fruits of this marriage, viz.. Albert G., born Feb. 11, 1862; Daniel Wesley, born March 10, 1865, and Emma, born June 7, 1866. He was married a second time, May 25, 1871, to Miss Lydia A. Rexroth, of Bucyrus ; five children were born of this union — Benjamin, born Oct. 10, 1873 ; Mary J., boi-n April 27, 1875 ; Edwin G., born Sept. 1, 1876 ; Frederick X. A., born Dec. 14, 1877. and Will- iam D.. born Aug. 6. 1879. Both Mr. Beal and his wife are members of the .M. E. Church. He has always been Republican in politics, taking an active interest in the afiairs of the State and nation. In 1872, Mr. Beal visited Europe, trav- eling about 4,000 miles on the continent, laud- son of George and was born June 9, Fenn., and when 4 family came to this j^: A 'b> 718 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ing at Bremen and going to Saxon}', Austria, Bavaria, Hesse, Switzerland and Wurtemberg, visiting the I)irthpla(.'e of his father ; he also visited Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden and P]ms, fam- ous watering-places of Europe ; he returned in September, much improved in health. His father was born in Wurtemberg, German}-, Feb. 14. 1795, and came to America with his father's family in 1805, being at the time 10 3'ears old ; the family settled in Lycoming Co., Penn., where he followed farming until he grew up. In about the year 1825, he married Anna B. Shearer, a native of Wurtemberg, whose family came to America in 1804, settling also in Ly- coming Co. After marriage, they lived on a farm there until 1843, when they came through to Ohio in a large covered wtigon, and settled in this township, where he still lives ; he is in his 86th year, and his wife in her 80th year ; he purchased 160 acres of land when he came to the county, and by energy and industry added another quarter-section to it ; he raised three sons — Isaac. Jacob and Benjamin — and one daughter. Mary, now the wife of Mr. N. Mutchler. ELIAS BLAIR, hardware dealer, Bucyrus ; son of Joseph and Rebecca (Bennington) Blair, was born May 1, 1824, in Knox Co., Ohio. He lived on a f^irm until his 20th year. In 1845. he went to Mansfield, Ohio, whei'e he engaged in the manufacture of plows until 1850, when he went to California, by the " overland route," to seek his fortune in the gold diggings. In 1853, he came to Bucyrus and opened a hard- ware store, and has been engaged in that busi- ness ever since, except a brief period employed in the erection of his present building in 1863. His business block consists of a fine three-stor}' brick. 20^xL55. in dimensions. He has done an extensive business and carries an immense stock of goods, representing every department of the hardware trade. In 1874, he invented the famous Blair's hog ringer. He is now manufacturing these rings by automatic ma- chinery, at the rate of 60,000 per day. ISAAC BEAL, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; son of George and Barbara (Shearer) Beal, was born Aug. 2^, 1828, in Lycoming Co., Penn. He remained there going to school and on the farm until 14 years of age. In 1842, he came to Crawford Co., Ohio, locating on the eastern border of Sandusky Plains. He went to school two terms on the old Mud Pike, and, Sept. 15, 1853, married Christina Hurr, daughter of the late George and Christina (Kehrer) Hurr. By her he has the following family : Marv A., born Dec. 2, 1854 ; Simeon G., Oct." 19, 1856 ; Eliza- beth, Sept. 21, 1858; Benjamin F., March 31, 1860 ; Katie, March 9, 1866 ; Ellen B.. April 11, 1872 ; and Martha, Jan. 23, 1876. Of this family. Daniel and John are dead ; the former's death occurred in 1872, and the latter's in the same year. Mrs. Beal was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Dec. 25, 1830. Mr. Beal is a kind husband and an affectionate father. He now has charge of the old homestead, to which he has added 124 acres of land. His parents are 3'et living, making their home with their son on the old farm. Mr. Beal takes much pains in the rearing of blooded stock, and at present has some fine specimens of full-blooded short-horn and Durham cattle. He is a Democrat in poli- tics, but sometimes deviates from voting the straight Democratic ticket. Mrs. Beal is a mem- ber of the M. E. Chiu'ch, and the Beal family are known to be intelligent and highly respected people. WILLIAM CALDWELL, Bucyrus ; son of Alexander and Mar}' (Agnew) Caldwell, was born Jan. 9, 1812, near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn. His earl}- manhood and youth were passed on the farm and in attending school. From his 19th year until he was 27, he worked for his father. In 1839, his father had come to Crawford Co., Ohio., purchased a farm, and the following year he and sister drove from Pennsylvania to Ohio in a buggy. Here he found his father had purchased 258 acres of land on the Marion road, paying $11 per acre for it. This road was one that was traveled considerably by stock men, and soon Mr. Cald- well's house became a kind of tavern or place of entertainment for the weary traveler. In 1841, William purchased the farm from the heirs, the father having died. On the 19th of May, 1845, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stow, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Knisely) Stow, and by her he had the follow- ing family : Alexander, born March 19, 1846, died Oct. 20, 1856 ; Mary B., Nov. 23, 1847 ; Martha E. ; Charles, June 7, 1852 ; AVilliam J., May 31, 1854 ; Samuel E., May 28, 1857 ; and Frank, Dec. 30, 1859. Mrs. Caldwell was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1825, and her people were old settlers and prominent peo- ple of Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. Mr. Caldwell iRT BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 719 owns 488 acres of fine farming and grazing land, all of which he has made by his own ex- ertions, with the exception of $1,200 from his father's estate. He first devoted his time and attention to raising grain, when he took charge of the place, but since 1845, has devoted his time to wool-growing. He is a self-reliant and highly esteemed citizen. He and wife are con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church ; while he is a Democrat in politics. ALEXANDER J. CALDWELL, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Bucyrus. One of the promi- nent and influential families of the country is that of Caldwell. There is scarcely a State in the Union in which the name is not found, and al- ways among the verj' best class of citizens. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is no exception, and fully maintains the honor, dignity and boundless hospitality of this old and dis- tinguished family. He is a son of Hon. Sam- uel S. and Margaret E. (Mickle) Caldwell, and was born Aug. 27, 1828, in Adams Co., Penn. He was 7 years old when his father emigrated to this county and settled in Bucyrus. He lived with his father until he was 23 years old, going to school during the winter, in an old log hut, that, like Solomon's Temple, had been built without the " sound of ax, hammer or any iron tool," at least there was no iron in the ma- terial of which it Avas composed, not even nails. In this rude hut he gained a fair knowledge of the common branches of education. He was married. May 25, 1853, to Miss Harriet C. Chambers, daughter of Andrew and Isabella (Marshall) Chambers, who was born in Rich- land Co., July 14, 1830. Seven children were the fruit of this union, all of whom are now living — Thomas J., married to IMiss Mary Wentz, and farms with his father ; Smith C, Edgar C, Mina B., Hattie L., Mary A. and Frances jMarion. After marriage, Mr. Caldwell settled on his present farm, on the Marion road, where he owned 100 acres. It was then but partially improved and cleared, and was some- what swampy. He has cleared it up. drained and improved it in the highest degree, and erected not only substantial, but even elegant, buildings. Both he and his wife are exem- plary members of the Presbyterian Church, and have been for a number of years. He is a Democrat, and has always acted in concert with that party. Ilis father, Hon. Samuel S. Caldwell, was born in jMay, 1804, in Adams Co., Penn., where he lived until 1835, in the fall of which year he removed to Crawford Co., having married, in 1827, Miss Margaret E. Mickle. He settled on the Plains south of Bu- cyrus, where he bought 200 acres of land, and farmed until 1856, when he removed to town. He lived here until 1877, and on Nov. 18, of that year, died at the house of his son, Alexander J., in the 74th year of his age. His aged wife survives him, and lives with her son (our sub- ject), and is now in her 87th year. Hon. Sam- uel S. Caldwell was a public spirited and enter- prising man. He was Justice of the Peace and Notar}' Public man}- years ; was elected to the Legislature in 1844, and served his consti- tuency faithfully in the Forty-third General Assembly, and used his influence to have the county seat retained at Bucyrus. His family was as follows : Alexander J.. Samuel, a farmer in Wyandot Co.. and Florence McL.. wife of F. M. Welsh, of South Bend, Tnd. DANIEL 0. CASTLE, County Recorder. Bucyrus, is the second son of Elisha and Phebe A. (Marshall) Castle. He was born near Lees- ville, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1846. His early advan- tages for education were somewhat meager, leaving school at 12 years of age ; he learned the trade of shoemaker, which he followed until the breaking-out of the late rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 101st 0. V. I., Company E, under Capt William Par- sons of Gallon. He was under the command of Gen. Rosecrans in the army of the Cum- berland. Mr. Castle participated in the battles of Perryville, Knob Gap, Murfreesboro, Chicka- mauga and many other engagements. He was wounded by a musket ball at the battle of Chickamauga, but remained until the close of the struogle, being mustered out at Plattslmrg, N. Y., July 26, 1865. He returned to this county, and at once resumed his trade of shoe- maker, dealing in boots and shoes at Crestline and Leesville until 1874. when he formed a partnership with Frederick Beech, and they did a successful business in dry goods at Leesville for two years. During this period, our subject was Postmaster, and also served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace and Mayor of the in- corporated village of Leesville. He sul)se- quently formed a l)usiness partnership with his brother, which lasted about one year. In Octo- ber, 1878, Mr. Castle was elected to the olllce of County Recorder, and entered upon its duties i' fk. 720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Jan. G, 1879, which he has since performed in a manner at once faithful and creditable. July 4, 18GG, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Smith of Leesville. By this union four children were born, whose names are Laura, Jacob, Lelah and Clayton A. Elisha, the father of Mr. Cas- tle, was born about 179G, near Brownsville, Md. ; at IG he enlisted in the ami}', serving 10 months in the war of 1812, and went to Fayette Co., Peim., when a 3'onng man, and there married Phebe A. Marshall. He followed the trade of shoemaker and dealt in horses for some 3'eai's. Coming to Crawford County in 1840, he settled on a farm in Sandusky. In 1848, he removed to Leesville, where he kept a boot and shoe store and a shop therewith. £Ie died May 8, 18G4, leaving two sons, Henry, a farmer of Wyandot (younty. and Daniel O., the subject of this sketch. D. C. C A HILL, law3'er, Bucyrus ; was born Nov. 2, 1882, in Vernon Township, and is a son of 11. W. and Eliza (Cummins) Cahili. His youth was spent on a farm, and at the age of 20, he, in the fall of 1852, entered the pre- paratory department of Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, where he remained until 1856, after which he spent one term at the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1857, he went back to Wittenberg, where he completed the entire course, except the formality of graduating. Owing to the tailing health of his father, he then took charge of tiie homestead. In the fall of 18G8, he came to Bucyrus, and entered the law otfice of S. R. Harris, Esq., for the pur- pose of studying law. He was admitted to the bar, Dec. 20, 18G0, and practiced here until April, 18G5, when he made a trip to San Fran- cisco, Cal., overland, being nearl}' six months on the way, arriving there in September, hav- ing visited many points of interest during the journey. He went to Oregon and held an office in Linn Co., from September, 18GG, until April, 18G7. He then returned via Panama to New York, and was called home l)y the illness of his brother, who was practicing law at Dayton, Ohio. At the close of 1867, he re-opened a law office in Bucyrus; closed his office in Septem- ber, 1868, and traveled with his brother, until his death, at San Antonio, Texas, in December following. In June, 1869, he returned home and resumed his law practice, in his present office, as the partner of Judge Thomas Beer. He was out hunting in December of this year, when, by an accidental discharge of his gun, he received a painful wound, which disabled him for about eighteen months. In the latter part of 1871, he was employed by the Mans- field, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad, to obtain the right of way through the county. In the spring of 1872, he again opened a law office and practiced until his election as Clerk of the Court in October, taking charge of the office in Februar}-, 1874, and retired in February, 1880, when he resumed his law practice with his brother Isaac Cahili, under the firm name of Cahili Brothers, in No. 7 Quinby Block. He was married in October, 1875, to Miss A. E. J. Juilliard, of Bucyrus, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John N. Juilliard. She came to Bucyrus in 1887, where she leaimed the millinery business with Miss Jennie L. Anderson, and was partner for one season. Since 1868, she has done a large bus- iness alone ; employing from six to fourteen ladies in the millinery department. She keeps a large stock of millinerj^ and notions. . HENRY COUTS, farmer and veterinary sur- geon ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 4, 1810. Chi'istian Couts, the father of Henry, was of Scotch descent, and served three years in the American armv dur- ing the Revolutionary war. He removed to Crawford Co. with his family-, about the year 1821, when the subject of this sketch was about 12 years of age ; they settled in Liberty Town- ship, southeast of what is now Sulphur Springs. When Henry Couts was a young man, between the ages of 14 and 20, he would frequently re- side with the Indians, and, occasionallj-, these visits were several weeks in length. During these visits, he was frequently the guest of Johnny Cake, a half-breed Wyandot Indian, whose father was a Frenchman. This savage resided at Upper Sandusky, in a hut which stood near the Wyandot Mission Church. Johnny Cake liked Couts, who occasionally practiced at shooting with the bow and arrows with the two sons of his sa\age friend ; they would occasionally make hunting excursions together on the Hone}' Creek, Sycamon; Creek and the Broken Sword. Couts relates that he also spent many nights with Bill Walker, one of the chiefs. This Indian read law and prac- ticed some at an early day ; he lived in a frame house, possessed many articles found in the homes of the whites, and was more civilized TZ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 721 than Johnny Cake and many other savages. Walker had two sisters, witli whom Gouts spent many a pleasant hour. The subject of this sketch was alwaj-s on friendly terms with the Indians, but once he had a fuss with one called Between-the-logs. Gouts had a very line hunting dog, and this savage desired to pur- chase it, and, while the Indian was hunting on the Broken Sword, he visited Gouts with the in- tention of securing the coveted animal. But Gouts didn't wish to sell the dog, and Between- the-logs became very angry about it ; he was intoxicated, and, when Gouts entered his cabin after conversing with him, the enraged savage ran his knife through the door of the house. He also threatened Gouts' life, and drew his gun upon him several times, but did not fire at him ; but he finally left, vowing to remember Gouts in the future. After he left, the owner of the dog thought over the indignities he had suffei'ed, and grew very angry about it ; he fol- lowed the Indian several miles, and, overtaking him, drew his gun to shoot the savage, but the charge did not explode, and the warrior es- caped. Gouts says he was alwa^-s glad in after 3-ears, that the gun missed fire. But, at the next general muster, Between-the-logs attended ; he became intoxicated, and commenced to abuse Gouts, who turned in and thrashed the savage. Gouts was a very good wrestler in his younger da3's ; was known as the " bully Dutchman," and one time gained a signal victory over a man named Erastus Finn, who challenged an}- man in Gapt. Linton's militia compau}'. Gouts was married to Sarah Ann Peterman Aug. 25, 1833 ; she was born June 22, 1818. They re- resided in Liberty Township until September, 18-41, and then removed t<^ Missouri, where the}^ remained for about twelve months. While a resident of Liberty, he served as Gonstable several terms. When he returned from Mis- souri, he settled in Bucyrus, and followed the occupation of teamster for Henry Converse, and made frequent trips between Bucyrus and San- dusky Gity. In 1 846, he secured a contract for carrying the mail through the country, and con- tinued in this business for some eighteen years. He served as Street Gommissioner and Marshal of Bucyrus for two terms. In the earl}' part of 18G3, he secured a position as Veterinary Surgeon in the 34th O. V. G., under Gol. Frank- lin, and served in this capacity nearl}' eighteen months. He removed to his present residence southwest of town, about 1806, where he ran a saw-mill until some two j-ears since, when he sold the mill privileges to the Gounty Commis- sioners ; since then, he has been farming and practicing veterinary surgery. Mr. Gouts joined the M. E. Church at Annapolis in his younger days, and was a Glass-leader for some five years. After he returned from Missouri, he connected himself with the Protestant M. E. Church, and is at the present time a member of the U. B. congregation. The subject of this sketch is the father of the following children : Samuel, born April 10, 1834 ; married to Sarah A. Nichols ]March 24, 1857, and died Nov. 23, 1865 ; David, born Nov. 4, 1835 ; now a resi- dent of Page Co., Iowa, and married to Sarah A. Palmer ; John A., born Oct. 2, 1837 ; mar- ried to Mary A. Boi'st Nov. 29, 1860, and now a resident of Upper Sandusky ; William H. H., born March 15, 1840 ; married to Hatty Mead Dec. 10, 1863, and now a resident of Sandusky Township ; Barbara E., born March 18, 1842 ; married to George Sware, Dec. 18, 1862, and, after her first husband died, to Jacob Shupp ; the_y reside southwest of Bucyrus ; Jacob, born March 3, 1844 ; married Miss Catharine Forney Jan. 17, 1864, and now resides in Bucyrus ; Jeremiah B., born March 12, 1846; married Susan M^ers, and is a plasterer in Buc3tus ; Frances, born July 18, 1848, and died in in- fancy ; Hiram Andrew, born Nov. G, 1849, and died May 7, 1871 ; Eliza Ann, born April 7, 1852, and died in infancy ; Sanford, born Sept. 21, 1854 ; married Cynthia Dixon, and now a resident of Upper Sandusky ; Charles Fremont, born March 29, 1857 ; married to Hattie E. Mahaflfey, Nov. 12, 1878, and resides southwest of town. Six of the sons mentioned above (all who were old enough), enlisted in the Union Arm}' during the late rebellion, and served their country on many a bloody battle-field ; their father was too old to enlist as a soldier, but entered the service as a Veterinary Surgeon. M. C. CUYKENDALL, physician and sur- geon, Bucyrus ; is the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Courtright) Guvkendall, and was born Nov. 21, 1829, in Cuyahoga Co., N. Y. He lived on a farm until his 17th year, and then entered Groton Academy, in Tompkins Co., N. Y., remaining two years, and teaching in the winter ; he taught the following winter and worked at carpentering for the two ensuing seasons, spending the winter months meanwhile 722 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in teaching. His parents had died when he was 14, leaving him to battle with life alone. In tlie winter of 1849, he came to Plymouth, Kicliland Co. ; the following year he com- menc;ed the stud}' of medicine. In the spring of 1851, he entered the office of Drs. Benscho- ter & Bevier, at Plymouth, and continued with them until the spring of 1853, having entered the Cleveland Medical College in 1851 ; he graduated from that institution in 1853, and commenced practice in Richland Co. In July, 1857, he came to Bucyrus, and has since re- mained there, save the time spent in the army. He was commissioned Surgeon of the 3d 0. V. C, in October, 1861. In July, 1862, he was pro- moted to Brigade Surgeon of the Second Cavalry Brigade. Second Division of the Army of the Cumberland. In 1863, he was made Medical Di- rector of two divisions, which made him a staff officer under Gen. Ci'ook. In December, 1864, he was mustered out at Columbia, Tenn. He then resumed the practice of his profession at Bucyrus. He has made a specialty of surger}' for thirty years, and is counted as one of the most skillful physicians in the State. In 1875, he was elected Professor of Medical and Sur- gical Diseases of Women, in the Columbus Medical College. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and also that of the State of Ohio ; he was also President of the Northwestern Ohio JNIedical Association. He was married Jan. 29, 1854, to Miss Lucy White, of Auburn Township ; they have one daughter —Ida W., wife of Dr. W. B. Carson, of Bucy- rus. J. R. CLYMER, attorney at law, Bucyrus ; was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Jan. 23, 1834, of English, Irish and German parentage. The paternal ancestors of Mr. Clynier were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. He is lineally descended from the Hon. George Cly- mer, of that State, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and inventor of the " Columbian " printing press, which was the first constructed of iron. His ftither is a cler- gyman, held in high esteem, and his mother an accomplished woman. In the year 1837. the family moved to Westfield, Morrow Co., Oiiio, where our subject received the rudimentary elements of his education in a log schoolhouse. In 1849. he entered the Otterbein University, where he laid thfe foundations of his after use- fulness. He removed to Gallon, Ohio, in 1851, and became the chosen teacher of the high school and acting Superintendent of the Union schools of that place for several years. He was appointed Deputy Clerk of Court, under A. P. Widman, June"l8, 1859. Mr. Widman died Nov. 30, 1860, and our subject was ap- pointed to fill the unexpired term. In 1861, he was elected Clerk of the Courts of Crawford Co., for a full term of three 3'ears, and re- elected in 1864. After an official (sareer of six years, during which time he won tlie approval of political friends and opponents alike, he retired from public office and pur- chased the Crawford County Forxim, becoming editor and proprietor April 15, 1868 ; he held that position until April, 1877. By his talents and industry, he made the Forum a welcome visitor in every household, and has done much to elevate the moral and literary tone of journalism in this county. As an editor Mr. Clymer was distinguished for his clear comprehension of questions and events. He is both logical and forcible in expressing his ideas, and their influence is often recognized in party platforms. The productions of his pen, in both prose and poetr}'. evince great terse- ness and practicability. His journalistic para- graphs are frequently copied into leading news- papers of the countiy. He is also spoken of as aw able literary critic, and the selections which appeared in the Forum under his direction indicate the excellence of his judgment and taste. In appreciation of these qualities, in 1874, he was appointed to edit all the Demo- cratic papers (over a hundred in number) pub- lished by the Aikens Auxiliar}' Newspaper Companies of Cincinnati and Milwaukee. Mr, Cl3'mer has occupied several positions of im- portance, all unsought by him. In this con- nection may be mentioned that he was a dele- gate from the Ninth Congressional District of Ohio, at the Conservative National Convention, which met at Philadelphia in 1866. and was also a Centennial Commissioner for the Four- teenth District, appointed by Gov. William Allen of Ohio. During his occupancy of the Clerk's office, Mr. Clymer began the study of law under the direction of Judge Plants, and, on retiring from the editorial chair of the Forum, he entered the field of legal research, and was admitted to the bar at Tiffin, April 9, 1878, and entered upon the practice of his pro- fession jn Bucyrus. As an advocate and conn- ^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 723 selor he bus had signal success, rising at once into pi'ominence b}' his versatile talents and impressive orator3^ He is an earnest ancV faithful Christian gentlemen, being a commu- nicant of the Presbyterian Church and a zeal- ous worker in the Sabbath school. He was married to Miss Mary M. Shaw, of Westfield Township, Morrow Co., Ohio, in August, 1856. Of this marriage three children were born, but one of whom is living, Rosella C. Clj'mei' — a successful teacher in the Bucyrus Union Schools. His wife, Mary M., departed this life May 4, 1866. He was re-married, to Miss Kate E. Franz, in September, 1867. She is the oldest daughter of the late Col. John Franz, of Bucyrus. The fruit of this happy union is three children — Franklin M.. Blanche S. and Thomas W. SHANNON CLEMENTS, Probate Judge, Bucyi'us ; was born Aug. 17, 1841, and is a native of this county ; he is a son of James and Rliza Stone Clements ; his parents re- moved to Bucyrus when he was aged 6 j'ears, and educated their son in the public schools ; his father was a native of Washington Co., Penn., and removed to Ohio when quite young, his parents being among the first settlers ; he taught school in his youth, and was one of the pioneer teachers. In 1846. he was elected Sheriff' of the county, serving two terms ; he was then elected Probate Judge, taking charge in 1864. and has since practiced law in Bucyrus. The subject of this sketch entered the post office at Crestline when 16 3'ears of age, and was soon after appointed mail agent, which post he held until 1860. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in Co. K, 120th O. Y. I., under command of -Col. French, his corps be- ing under Gen. Grant ; he participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluff. Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, Raymond, Champion Hill, Black River, siege of Yicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Blakel}', Ala., and other minor engagements ; only three of his company returned at the close of the war ; he was mustered out at Houston. Tex., in October, 1865, and never, during the whole time of his service for the old flag, was he sick, wounded, or ofl" duty. He was clerk for his father, serving five years, and six years for Judge Lee ; he was elected in October, 1875. and re-elected in 1878, run- ning ahead of his ticket both times. He was married, Nov. 16, 1870, to Miss Anna Mullens, of Buc3'rus, who is a native of England. As a public official. Judge Clements is noted as upright and honest, and he is a man univer- sally respected bj' the citizens of Crawford Co. REV. HENRY W. CONLEY, dentist, Bucy- rus ; is a son of Leven Conle^-, and was born Oct. 12, 1835, in Liberty Township, this county. He was reared on a farm, and followed farming until his 19th 3'ear, having taught two terms, also, in the district school, in the meantime. He entered Mt. Union College in the fall of 1859, and also attended Otterbein Universit}-. Altogether, he taught some eleven terms of the district school. Uniting with the M. E. Church in 1859, he was soon afterward licensed to ex- hort. He removed to Decatur, 111., in 1863, and commenced the study of dentistrj'. After spending some two years there, he came to Ph'mouth, Ohio, and entered upon the practice of that profession, continuing eighteen months. He was licensed to preach, and admitted to the Northern Ohio Conference in 1867, and com- menced his ministerial labors at Woodbur}', Ohio, and Newcomerstown. In 1870, he was transferred to the Kansas Conference, and was stationed at Oswego for two years. Here he did valuable service in the vineyard, building up a church worth $4,000, and increasing the membership from 35 to 300, having made 250 convei'sions during the period of his ministra- tions. Lawrence, Kan., became his home for the year following, and, by the advice of his ph3'sicjan, he went South, and was stationed at Coffeeville, the southern terminus of the Gal- veston Railroad. This town had then been in existence some six months, and had a popula- tion of 1,200. Mr. Conley preached the first Methodist sermon ever delivered in the place. He remained there two years, and built up a strong. health3' church organization, his labors being blessed abundantly. He was transferred to the Northern Ohio Conference in 1874, and had charge of the church at Belleville, Ohio. During his two-years pastorate here, he had 140 conversions to the church. He next went to his old home, at Sulphur Springs, remaining two 3'ears, where he was appointed to his first charge (that of Woodbury). His wife's health failing, he sustained a supernumerary relation to the church, and removed to Bucyrus in April, 1880. Here he opened an office of dentistry at No. 14 Quinby Block, where he is prepared to do all kinds of mechanical and operative 724 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: dentistry. Mr. Conley was married to Annie E. White, of Liberty Townsliip, Nov. 0, 186fi. Tliey liad three children— Donzellie, Minturn and Harrison W., which last named died at Sul- phur Springs, aged 4 years and 4 months. The subject of this sketch has been a devoted worker in the cause of redemption, and his labors have been blessed with eminent success. HON. ALLEN CAMPBELL, lawyer and Mayor, Biicyrns. The Mayor of Bucyrns is the son of William JL and Esther (Gallup) Camp- bell, and was born in Voluntown, Conn., Oct. 13, 1839. He received a good education attend- ing school at Plainfield and Ellington ; also at normal seminaries in Norwich and Provi- dence, R. I. He afterward entered a wholesale dr}' goods house in Providence as clerk, occu- pying the position some fifteen months ; next he was book-keeper in the Remington Rifle Works at Ilion, N. Y., having previous to that time made a trip to the West Indies on the man- of-war San Jacinto, in search of the Alabama. In the fall of 1868, he came to Mansfield, Ohio, and from there to Bucyrus, where he soon be- came book-keeper for the Bucyrus Machine Works, holding this position some two years. He was next a member of the firm of D. W. Twitchell & Co., in the boot and shoe trade and continued until 1877. In 1878, he was elected Justice of the Peace, filling that office and car- rying on at the same time a general insurance business. He was elected Mayor of the city in April, 1880, receiving the support of both par- ties. He was married in January, 1871, to Eva Ilowse, daughter of Horace Rowse, of Bucyrus. Three children are the fruits of this union — Lillian, Horace and Allen. Since his election, Mr. Campbell has proven himself a competent official, and during his residence in this city he lias always been held in high esteem by the citi- zens of the place. JOHN M. CHESNEY, physician and drug- gist, Bucyrus; was born May 31. 1825, in Mercer Co., Penn., and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Mahon) Chesney. His early youth was passed on a farm, and the earlier part of his education was received at a district school. At the age of IG years he entered an academy at Jamestown, Penn. After some time spent there in diligent study, he taught some two terms of school, and then commenced the study of medicine in the office of his brother Robert, in Shelocta, at the age of 19. He was thus en- gaged for three years, and practiced in company with his brother. He removed to Ohio in the spring of 1847, and remained with his brother at Marseilles for some six months, when he lo- cated at Ilnntersville, Hardin Co., and there vis- ited his patients on foot when the roads were well nigh impassable by other means. On one of these pedestrian trips, he was lost near the Hog Creek Marsh and remained there all night, being unable to regain his way. In the spring of 1851, he located in Kenton, Ohio, and re- mained there some two years. He then went to Marseilles and remained until 1876, except- ing three years spent in Upper Sandusky. In January of 1876, he removed to Bucyrus and engaged in business at No. 5 Quinby Block, where he is now engaged dealing in drugs and books, in which trade he receives a large share of the public patronage. He was married at Kenton in May, 1851, to Junelia Thompson; of this marriage there were born five children, three of whom survive — John A., Vill Roy and Floy. Dr. Chesney is a physician of con- siderable merit, and as a merchant he has met with deserved success, and stands high among the leading business men of Bucyrus. JOHN "^CARSON, photographer, Bucyrus ; is a son of Robert and Bessie (Katon) Carson, and was born in November, 1828. in County Cavan, Ireland ; he received but little school- ing, and, at the age of 7, left home to work at whatever his hands found to do ; at the age of 18, he came to America, and the voyage, which occupied ten weeks, ended at New York May 2, 1848 ; he went to New Jersey and spent two years laboring there on a farm ; he next went to New York and shipped to New Orleans, where he remained over winter ; in the spring, he came up the river, and made his home in Pennsylvania, near Greensburg, where he found employment on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad ; here also he received his re- ligious convictions and became a member of the M. E. Church ; he then devoted three years to the trade of carriage-making, and then commenced daguerreotyping at Mt. Pleas- ant, Penn.; in about 1858, he came to Ohio and settled in Upper Sandusky, where he worked at his first trade of carriage-making until 1864, when he came to Bucyrus and fol- lowed the same business for some five ^'ears ; he was for some time owner of a photograph gallery in Gallon, Ohio, but soon returned to ^ < 'K ■L^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 725 Bucyrus and established a gallery in the west end of the Quinby Block, where he is now lo- cated, witli every facility for the production of good pictures, possessing good taste and artis- tic skill. He was married, in December, 1854, while in Greensburg, Penn., to Miss Zeruiah Steelsmith, of that place, and of this union there are living six children — Mary E., Anna E., Charles R., Robert K., Frank W. and George W.; three are dead — William E. and John R., who are buried in Wyandot Co., and Lucy B. in Bucyrus. The parents of Mr. Car- son were both natives of Ireland, whore the father was a shoemaker and also a farmer ; he raised seven children, and with his wife he re- moved to this country and settled in Albany, N. Y., where he followed his trade ; botli of Mr. Carson's parents remained in this country during their lives. Oct. 25, 188(1. Charles R. Carson, oldest son of John Carson, took charge of the photograph gallery, and is doing an ex- cellent business ; he has enjoyed six yeai's' acti\'e experience in the work, and his work gives evidence of true artistic taste and skill ; careful attention to details is necessary to suc- cess in taking pictures, and, realizing this. Mr. Carson has studied posing and lighting sub- jects, the retouching of negatives and the ton- ing of pictures, until the beauty and grace of his work are subjects of just pride ; he has all the modern facilities for taking a large variet}' of styles, having just added the -'Win- ter " and • Apple Blossom " scenes, which are among the latest and most attractive. JEREMIAH CORRELL, shoe merchant, Buc3'rus ; was born Ma^^ 17, 1832, in Adams Co., Penn., and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lind) Correll ; he was i-eared on a farm until he had attained iiis 20th 3'ear, in tlie meantime attending school and acquiring a serviceable education ; his parents removed to Stark Co., Ohio, when he was but 2 years old, and there he lived for the next twenty-five years ; in the spring of 1851), he came to this county and commenced farming in Liberty Township, where he remained for several yeai's ; he then returned to Stark Co., where he remained until 18G9, when he came to Bucyrus and started a boot and shoe store in the room which he now occupies, and where he now carries an (exten- sive stock of boots, shoes and leather findings. He was married, Jan. 10, 1850, t<^) Miss Susan E. Bogen, of Whetstone Township, who was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Nov. 10, 1832 ; her parents removed to Ohio in 1835, and settled near Canton, Ohio ; they came to Crawford Co. in 1848 ; of Mr. Correll's marriage, tliere are four children living — John F., William W., Etha E., Jennie E. ; two born to them are dead. ^Ir. Correll is a member of, and Deacon in, the Disciples' Church, is an upright business man, and universally respected. JONATHAN CARMEAN, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; son of Maj. Matthew and Rachel (Long) Carmean ; was born Dec. 6, 1834, in what is now Dallas Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. Until he reached his majority, he re- mained on his father's ftirm, receiving, in the meantime, an average school education. For two years after becoming of age, he worked his father's farm, carefully saving his earnings. In December, 1857, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Goodman, of Ross Co., Ohio, and b}' her had five children, all of whom are living, as follows : Alonzo, Dilla, Irvin, Eva B. and Arizona. Mr. Carmean is sufficiently public minded to take a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of his county. He is the present owner of 493 acres of fine farming and grazing land, 60 acres of the latter being timber. Upon his farm are comfortable and commodious buildings. Since 1860, Mr. Carmean has dealt quite extensively in sheep, cattle and hogs. He at present owns and keeps on his farm 800 head of fine sheep. His property is so situated as to afford Mr. Carmean a handsome revenue. He is a stanch Republican politically, and has been so since the organization of that part}- ; is a member of Grange No. 705 in Bucyrus, and merits and has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. EMANUEL DEARDORFF, Bucyrus (whose portrait appears in this work, and that of his deceased wife also), is the son of Jacob and Barbara (Myers) Deardorff, and was born Nov. 6, 1805. in York Co.. Penn. He removed with his father to Cumberland Co. when but 2 years old. Two years later, his father died, and he lived on a farm with his uncle for ten years, when he commenced working by the month. He continued at this for two years, and. in his 17th year, went into a tannery owned by James Davidson, and served an apprenticeship of three and a half years. He then worked in Philadel- phia for one year, and also at other points. In the fall of 1827, in company with his brother- Is .JD 72a BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in-law, George M^-ers, he came to this county in a wagon drawn by one horse, and at Pittsburgh, owing to the roads, tliey had to leave their bed- ding. On their arrival here, he bought 38 acres of land at $10 per acre, and started a tannery. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and, on March 13, 1828, he married Elizabeth Howen- stine, of Cumberland Co. In the June follow- ing, they started with a team for his new home in this county, and arrived here after a journey of fifteen days, and settled on West Mansfield street, where his tannery was situated. Here he lived, and continued his business until 1852, wiien he sold out. and engaged in running a steam saw-mill for the next eight 3-ears. He then traded for 200 acres of land in Whetstone Township, and engaged in farming for ten years. lu 1870, he came to Bucyrus, where he has since lived in retirement from business. His wife died in June, 1867, and, while on a visit to Pennsylvania in 1869, he was married to Miss Catharine Scob}-, of Carlisle. Eleven chil- dren are living of the first marriage — Eliza, now Mrs. Wise, of Bucyrus ; John, a miner of California ; Jacob (see sketch) ; Ellen, now Mrs. Dumbaugh, of Marion ; Rebecca, of Buc3'rus ; Christopher and Alexander, of Portland, Ore. ; Mrs. Martha Bogun, of this county ; Barbara, at home ; George, stone-cutter, of 13 ucvrus, and Mary. Mr. DeardorfF is a member of the Lu- theran Church. He was a Democrat until the days of Fremont, since which time he has been a llepublican. They were two of the old pio- neers of Crawford Co., whose names will ever be linked with the early history, hardships and privations so little known and feebly compre- hended by the present generation. Mrs. Dear- dorflf, who has gone forever from the scenes of so many trials and heartaches, is still remem- bered by her children and friends as a lady whose portrait is in every way worthy to grace the pages of this tale of the pioneers. Mr. Deardorff" still resides in Bucyrus, where he is well known as an old and honored citizen, whose name and reputation are above reproach. JACOB DEARDORFF, salesman, Bucyrus ; is the son of Emanuel Deardorff, and was" horn Sept. 2, 1831, in Bucyrus, making him a resi- dent of most lialf a century's duration. He was given a good common education, and, in vacation, he worked in his father's tan-yard. In 1852, he purchased an interest in a saw-mill, which he ran for seven years. He then went into partnership with William Garner in the provision trade, continuing in it some two years. He then retired from that partnership, and has since been a salesman in many of the leading business establishments of Bucyrus. He has been in theemploy of E. Blair since Ma}', 1880, and is an efficient and valuable salesman. He was married. May 15, 1856, to Miss Isabella Garner, of Sharpsburg, Penn. They have one child — Lizzie E., born April 19, 1858. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church. HUGH DOBBINS ; P. 0. Bucyrus. This gen- tleman was born Feb. 11, 1830, in Wayne Co., Ohio. He is one of a family of two sons and three daughters, born to John and Annie (Mc- CoUough) Dobbins, both of whom were natives of the " Keystone " Stale. The father's people were early settlers of Mahoning Co., and the mother's of Harrison Co., this State. They were married in Harrison Co., but, soon after this event, moved to Wayne Co., where the father had entered 72 acres of land. In 1832, Mr. Dobbins entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 4, Bucyrus Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, and, two years later, removed with his famil}' to it. The entire family went to work with a will, and, after a few years of toil and econom}', had the satisfaction of seeing their wilderness home quite nicely improved, and themselves sur- rounded with conveniences they had been strangers to on first coming to the country. In 1858, the parents left the farm and moved to Buc^'rus, where the father died July 23, 1859. The mother died Sept. 14, 1880. Hugh Dob- bins' youth and early manhood were passed upon his lather's farm and in attending the common schools of the neighborhood. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Cleland, May 19, 1859. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, April 30, 1836, and is the daughter of William and Rachel Cleland, who settled in Vernon Township, this county, in a very early day. Eight cliildren have been born to Mr. and iMrs. Dobbins, seven of whom are yet liv- ing—William J., Curtis L., Rachel E. A^ Hugh M., Joshua E., Dora D. and Pearl B. The one deceased was Cora E. Mr. Dobbins owns the old homestead, upon which are good, substan- tial fiirra buildings. He is Conservative in his views, but usually votes with the Democratic part}'. He is a successful farmer, and a man respected by all his neighbors and acquaint- ances. I^" ® BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 727 JACOB DENZER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born May 13, 1821, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of Andrew and Hester A. (Finfgelt) Denzer. In the fall of 1833, when he was 13 years old, the family- came to America, and to Bac3Tus, Crawford Co., via Sandusky City, where they remained a week awaiting a convey- ance to their destination. They bought 15 acres of timber land in Libert^' Township, and 3'oung Denzer took his first lesson in wood- chopping that winter, preparing for a house in the spring. He went but little to English school. In the spring of 1834, he began work- ing by the month, at from $3 to $4 per month, continuing until 25 years old, and giving his wages to his father's family until he was 21. When at 25, he began farming on rented land, and kept at it for three j'ears. He was mar- ried, March 13, 1850, to Miss Matilda McNeal, of this township, who was born Dec. 6, 1826, in Huntingdon, Penn. They have eleven chil- dren living, viz., i^lar}- L., wife of Stephen Bre- men, of Whetstone Township ; Jennie, at home ; Andrew, farmer, of this township ; Esther, a successful teacher in this township ; Simon J., Anson J., Ella, Alexandei*, Maggie, Lewis J., Electa V. Two died when 3'oung — Florence and an infant son. After marriage, he rented the Bechtel farm for six years, and, in the meantime, purchased 38 acres in this vicinity, making adclitions to it at different times. In 1863, he purchased his present farm, where he owns over 400 acres, all made b^' his own en- erg}' and industry. He ran a saw-mill for ten years, working his farm during the day, and, in the bus}' season, often running the mill during the entire night, and would sometimes fall asleep standing up. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising quite extensively, and has made many improvements in his farm and buildings. He has always been a Demo- crat, casting his first vote for Van Buren. His father was born in Baden, and was well edu- cated. He was a soldier under the first Napo- leon, and was with him in his ill-fated expedi- tion to Moscow, where hundreds and thousands of his comrades perished. He was a farmer in the old countr}'. He married Hester A. Finf- gelt Four sons and one daughter were born to them. The family came here in 1833. An- drew, George, Jacob, Mary and Simon were the names of his children. Two are buried in Up- Gngen, Baden. The father died about 1840 ; the mother, in October, 1876, at the age of 94 3' ears. J. W. DELANCY, miller ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; son of Francis and Mar}- (Rice) Delancy, was born Aug. 20, 1833, in Richland Co., Ohio, where a portfon of his youth was spent on a farm, and in obtaining an education. At the age of 20, he purchased an interest in a thresh- ing machine, and followed the business for three 3'ears. In 1853, he entered a mill at Crestline, Ohio, and was emplo3-ed there .some eighteen months. He then came to McLaiu's, in which he worked till 1858, when he pur- chased an interest here. In 1861, he purchased a half-interest in a mill at North Robinson, where he continued three 3'ears. Selling out here, he went to Richland Co., and purchased a mill at Rome. Here he met with good success for two and one-half 3'ears, at the end of wiiich time he moved on the old homestead, which he farmed for two 3'ears. His next venture was at New Washington, where he bought another mill and continued the business for four 3'ears, at the end of which time he bought a farm near Washington, and turned his attention to farm- ing until 1872, when he sold the form and be- came the partner of S. A. Bowers in milling business at Buc3'rus, where he has continued ever since. He was married Oct. 19, 1854, to Rebecca Deardorff. of Buc3rus. Two children — Elizabeth and Ella — are now living ; AUie and Lillie died when quite young. Mr. Delan- C3' was a member of the Church of God at New Washington. He is a member of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, L O. O. F., of Bucyrus Lodge, A., F. & A. M., and also a Knight of Honor. He stands high iu the estimation of all who know him, and is a business man of tact and ability. A. AV. DILLER ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Lauck) Diller, and was born March 31, 1832, near Carlisle, Penn. His father was of French descent, his great-grand- father being a native of Alsace, France, and emigrated to Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1685. Mr. Diller attended school in the winter, and assisted his father in the summer, he being a miller. At the age of 18, he commenced learn- ing the carriage trade at Carlisle, Penn., serv- ing four years. In 1851, in company with his father's family, he came to Bucyrus, and there he entered the dry goods store of A. Failor, re- maininji there about eiofht months. He next -^p ,l^ 728 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: worked as journeyman in the carriage-shop of Jefferson Norton for six months, and then clerked for a short time in the provision store of .J. J. Boeman. In 1853, he entered the United States Navy, and was carpenter's Mate on board tlie U. 8. Steamer Michigan, on the Northern Lakes. After two years naval serv- ice, he returned to Bucyrus, and was pattern- maker for the Eagle 3Iachine Company and the Bucyrus Machine Works. On the break- ing-out of the war, he enlisted in April, 1861, in the 8th (). V. I., served four months, and, his term of enlistment having expired, re-enlisted in the HOth Regiment 111. Engineers, as 2d Lieutenant. They were discharged after a year's service. He then volunteered in the 65th (Scotch) Regiment of Illinois, and was 1st Lieutenant of Co. G, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry. He was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md. He resigned on account of his eyesight, and returned to Bucyrus. He next became Major of the 161st Regiment of Heavy Cavalry, and was in command of Ft. Worth, near Washington City, for four mionths. After his discharge he returned home, and soon after went into the 197th O. V. I., as Cap- tain, and was mustered out at Baltimore at the close of the war. In 1866, he engaged in the manufacture of marble monuments with J. G. Sherwood. He next became traveling agent for the Bucyrus Machine Works, and also for A. Monnett & Co., for seven years. In April, 1879, he formed a partnership with Henry Stuckey, and entered into the manufacture of p(jrtaV)l{' (iugines, castings and general repairing, doing a prosperous business, and employing from ten to twenty hands. Mr. Diller is a member of Bucvrus Lodge, and of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, l! O. 0. F. He has been a Re- pul)lican since the organization of the party. He was iruirried in 1858, to Miss Mary A. Kverett, of Bucyrus, born in Romulus, N. Y. They have four children — Charles F., Kate, Hi ram J. N. and Fennie C. GKORGE DONNENWIRTII, Jr., brewer, Bucyrus ; son of George Donnenwirth ; was born Jan. 28, 1835, in Columbus, Ohio. His father's family removed to New Washington, Crawford Co., in 1838, where the subject of this sketch lived until 1855. When 15 years of age, he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade witii his father, and worked at this some four years. He then went to Sandusky City, and remained eighteen months, employed in a gro- cery. In March, 1857, he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he was a clerk until December of the same year. He then came to Bucyrus and entered into a partnership with Henry Anthony, in the manufacture of beer. This partnership lasted some eleven months, when Mr. Donnen- wirth's father purchased the interest of Mr. Anthony, and the l)usiness was conducted un- der the firm name of George Donnenwirth & Son. Mr. Donnenwirth, Sr.. retired in 1 875, and the firm became (jieorge ]^onnenwirth & Bro., Frank P. entering as partner, and they are now doing an extensive business. On Nov. 23, 1865, our subject was married to .Miss Mary Fuhrraan, of Bucyrus. He is at present a member of the School Board and Town Council, and has been Treasurer of the township for ten years. He is also Treasurer of the School Board, and is a Democrat. FRANK P. DONNENWIRTH, Bucyrus. George and Magdalena (Ruch) Donnenwirth, grandparents of this gentleman, were natives of France, and removed from that country to the United States in 1827, and settled in Stark Co., Ohio, where they remained until the year 1834, when they came to this county, and en- tered land in Cranberry Township. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living, and all except one sister, who re- sides in Columbus, Ohio, live in and near New Washington, this county. George, one of the seven children and fatlierof Frank P., was born Sept. 7, 1810, near Strasbourg. France. He was educated in the common schools of his native country, and when 15 years of age. was appren- ticed to the bhu^ksmith's trade. After serving about eighteen months, his parents came to the United States, and he accompanied them. They stopped in Buffalo. N. Y., some time, where the son found employment at his trade. While the famil}- resided in Stark Co., this State, the son was variously employed. He worked at his trade and on the Ohio Canal. In the spring of 1830, he went to Pittsburgh. Penn., and there worked in a machine-shop and at his trade for some time. In 1836, he came to Crawford Co., which he has since made his home. He has been twice married. The first was to IMiss Sophia Anthony, in 1834. She was born in Lorraine, France, in 1809, and died in Crawford Co.. in 1849. The second marriage was to Mrs. Caroline Derr, Oct. 22, 1850. She was born in '^-/%^>^^^^^^ i///-^^y?ijL^^^~ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 731 Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 12, 1819. By the first marriage, there were ten children, viz. : George, Adam, Jacob, William, Magdalena, Charles and John, living ; John, Susan and Mar}', de- ceased. Four children were the fruits of the second marriage, viz. : Lewis C, Franklin P., Sophia M. and Caroline 31. After Mr. Donnen- wirth came to this country, and until 1856, he was engaged in the mercantile business, and worked at his trade in New Washington. In the fall of 1855, he was elected to the respon- sible position of County Treasurer, and the fol- lowing year removed to Bucyrus. where he has since resided. In the winter of 1846-47, he represented Crawford and Wyandot Cos., in the State Legislature Besides this, he has held other positions of honor and trust in the county. He was twice elected Mayor of Bucy- rus, and is highl}' spoken of as an official. He has always voted with the Democratic party, and his judgment in the political councils of his own party are considered sound. He is one of the prominent men of the county, and has aided not a little in advancing the best interests of its people and industries. Frank P. Don- nenwirth was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, May 24, 1853. When 3 j-ears of age, his parents removed to Buc3'^rus, where he was raised and educated. When 20 3'ears of age, he went to St. Louis, and there found employment in a brewery for tw(> 3'ears, when he returned to his home in Bucyrus. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Birk, Oct. 3(1, 1877. She was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1856. They have one child — Gertrude. Soon after his re- turn from St. Louis, he purchased his father's interest in the brewery, and has, in connection with his brother George, since been engaged in that business. The} are intelligent, enterpris- ing gentlemen, respected by all who know them. J.^DOUGHKRTY, photographer, Bucyrus; is the son of Edward and Abigail (McComb) Dougherty, and was born in Cannonsliurg, Penn., April 14, 1826 ; he went to school until his 16th 3'ear, when he commenced to learn carriage- painting, and followed it for ten years. About this time, he learned daguerreotyping in Washington, Penn., and worked at the business some eight 3'ears. In 1859, he came to Bucy- rus, and established a galler3- in a building where tlie Sims House now stands. He lias been located in his present place, Quinb}' Block, for fifteen 3'eai's ; here he is doing a splendid business, and is a skillful photogra- pher, paying much attention also to the copying and enlarging of pictures in water-colors and India ink. He has exhibited at the count3' fairs, and has always outstripped his competi- tors ; he is the oldest resident photograplier of the place. He was married June 29, 1848, to Miss Annie Butts, of Washington Co., Penn., and three children are living, the fruits of that union — Ella, Blanche and Lulu ; Laura died at the age of 5. Mr. Dougherty is a prominent member of the M. E. Church, and a Trustee of their organization. H. M. DEAL ; P. O. Bucyrus ; is the son of Martin and Sarah Lille3' Deal, and was born Dec. 26, 1854, in Buc3'rus ; he attended school here until his 18th year, and attended the Ohio Wesle3'an University in 1875; he next became assistant clerk in his father's manu- factor3' of smutters, remaining in this position two 3'ears. In 1878, he became general man- ager of the establishment, which position he now holds. They have about six hundred local agencies in the United States and Canada ; also in South America and London, England. The annual shipping capacit3' is from 60,000 to 75,000. The3^ are making thirty-six different styles of machines for cleaning grain. Mr. Deal is a partner in Deal's Improved Wheat Heater, which has proved lucrative, and is also the manufacturer and sole pi'oprietor of Deal's Corundum Polisher, a tool for cutting, level- ing and polishing the furrows and face of mill- stones, which has a precedence among such in- ventions. He was married Sept. 12, 1876, to Emma Rowse, daughter of Horace Kowse, of Buc3'rus. H. H. ELLIOTT, proprietor of Sims House, Bucvrus ; a son of Ennion and Susan (Garver) Elliott, was born Aug. 16, 1840, at Chambers- burg, Penn., where he lived until 14 years old, receiving a fair education. In 1855, then 15 years of age, he came to Pittsburgh, where he began as brakeraan on the Penns3lvania Rail- road. He rose to the position of conductor at 17 years, and at 20 became train dispatcher on the Western Division of the P. R. R.. where he remained some five \'ears, giving good satis- faction. In 1865, his father died, and he re- signed and went home ; sul«se(iu('ntly he bocame conductor on the Cumberland Valley R:iili'oad, and after a year and a half in that position be- came train dispatcher of this road, where he :xt: :fz ft 732 BIOGR APH IC AL SKETCHES : continued from 1867 to 1875. In the mean- time he bought the jMontgomery House, at Chambersburg. Penn., in 1872, and carried it on with success for three 3'ears. In 1875, he re- signed his position as train dispatcher, and bouglit the National House, at York, Penn., the largest hotel in the city, and run it for two years successfully. In 1876, he bought the Taylor Hotel, of Winchester, Va., but, not being able to give it his personal attention, he lost heavily and disposed of it in 1878 ; he also had Bentz House at Carlisle, Penn., sold it with loss after one year ; owned three hotels at one time. In October, 1878, he leased the Sims House at Bucyrus for three years, with priv- ilege of five 3'ears. Under his management, the Sims has become one of the best hotels in the cit}-. He makes the comfort of his guests a personal stud}', and it ma}' with truth be said that the entertainment of travelers, to him, has become one of the fine arts. The Sims House is centrally located; has four fine sample rooms, and 35 light, air}-, well-furnished and comfortable rooms. His table is furnished with the best the market affords. He was mar- ried in October, 1862, to Miss Emma V. Mitch- ell, of Pittsburgh ; they have one child — Susie Ella. In October, 1880, in partnership with W. J. Ryan, he bought the Capital House, at Gallon, Ohio, of which they are still proprietors. HIIl AM B. EVERETT,'Street Commissioner, Bucyrus ; son of Jesse and Mary Russell Ever- ett, was born Sept. 4, 1833, in Seneca Co., N. Y. He lived on a farm till he was 15 years of age, and for two years worked at the painting trade. In March, 1854, he came to Bucyrus, and farmed near here for three years, and then worked at house painting for eight years. In 1863, he went to New Orleans via New York, and became first mate on a steamship plying on the Mississippi River, and he became Cap- tain of the Time and Tide, which was de- stroyed, with nine other boats, Mr. Everett being a witness of the affair, and, at the time, he secured the mone}^ and came out through the flames. In 1865, he purchased a trading boat called the Star, of 75 tons' capacity, and ran it on the Red River. He sold it in the spring of 1866, and soon after purchased an interest in the War Eagle, making trips to St. Louis and Omaha, with success. In June, 1 867, he sold this vessel, and was taken sick at St. Louis, being disabled for three months. After recovering somewhat, he went to Saginaw, Mich., and resumed his trade of house painting for a year. In 1868, he went to Washington as wit- ness before the Court of Claims, in the case of the loss of J. H. Russell, and the steamer Lib- erty. When court adjourned, he resumed his trade, in all some 16 months. In Februar}^, 1878, he returned to Saginaw, Mich., and worked at his trade for three years. In December 1873, he came to Bucyrus and has since then been engaged in painting. In the spring of 1880, he was elected Street Commissioner of the cit}' of Bucyrus, and is now discharging the duties of that office with great credit. He was married, Aug. 5, 1878, to Mrs. Louisa Keeney, a daughter of Benjamin Warner, and widow of Edwin Keeney. They have one child, Thos. Ewing. Mr. Everett has always been a Demo- crat and was in favor of the war for the preser- vation of the Union. MOSES EMRICH, clothier, Bucyrus. This popular and widely known clothier was born in Baden, Germany, March 31, 1838, and is the son of Moses and Esther (Breidenbach) Emrich. Until 14 3'ears of age, Mr. Emrich attended school, and at 15 he sailed for the United States, being upon the ocean forty da3's, and arriving at New York July 7, 1853. He came in a few days to Fremont, Ohio. He attended school somewhat at Rochester, Ohio, acquiring a knowledge of our language, of which he was entirely ignorant upon his advent here. He was a diligent student and made good progress. In the spring of 1854, he commenced to travel through the country on foot, and sell notions ; but soon purchased a horse and wagon, and with this outfit traveled some four years in Northern Ohio and Michigan. He then bought and shipped live stock for some two 3'ears, and later accepted a clerkship in a store at Tiffin, Ohio. In March, 1861, he removed to Bucyrus and opened a store for the sale of ready-made clothing, in the room now occupied b}' sialic & Glo3'd, continu- ing in that room some two months, then remov- ing to the old Failor corner until fall, when he entered his present quarters in Nos. 1 and 2 Quinby Block, two rooms having an area of 40 x80 feet, where he has been ever since. He is engaged in the gents' furnishing goods business, and has an immense stock of ready-made cloth- ing — a specialt3' being his merchant tailoring department. The whole establishment is one of the largest in Central Ohio, he employing ^- BUCYKUS TOWNSHIP 783 some thirty-five hands in different branches. He at one time had two branch houses, one at Tiffin and another at Upper Sandnslvy. He is one of the oldest business men in his line in the city. Aug. 19, 1867, he was married to Miss Rachel Trounstine, of Cincinnati. They have two children — Selma and Blanche. As a busi- ness man, Mr. Emrich stands among the first in Bucyrus, and he has an extended reputation as a clothier, which he justly deserves. JOHN A. EATON, lawyer, Bucyrus ; is the son of Reason and Margaret E. (Hayes) Eaton, and was born Nov. 17, 1853, in Holmes Township, Crawford Co. He was reared on a farm and remained there until he reached his r7th year. He then entered Mt. Union College, Stark Co., Ohio, and remained nearly two years, when he returned to the farm, where he was so unfortu- nate as to meet with an accident which resulted in lameness. In the fall of 1874, he commenced the study of law in the office of Jacob Scroggs. He was admitted to the bar on Oct. 3, 1876, and was admitted to practice in District and Circuit Courts of the United States, b}^ the Supreme Court on Jan. 24, 1880, and during his profes- sional career has had good success. For nearly three years he was partner with W. B. Richie, but this partnership was dissolved May 14, 1879. Mr. Eaton has conducted an extensive commercial practice, being attorney for several banks. He is now Vice President of the Craw- ford County Agricultural Society, and also City Solicitor. He was united in marriage with Miss Bashie G. Quaintance, of Holmes Township, Oct. 8, 1873. They have three children — Dud- ley W., Vincent and Inez Gr. HENRY ENSMINGER, merchant, Bucyrus ; was born in Perrj^ Co., Penn., Feb. 2, 1826, and is the son of David and Barbara (Messinger) Ensminger. Up to the time that he was 18, he attended school and worked on a farm. At the age of 25, he commenced farming in part- nership, and so continued for three years ; he was a farmer in his native State until 1866, when he came to Ohio and settled in what is now Jefferson Township. He farmed one year, and, in the fall of that year, he opened a store in partnership with his brother, at North Rob- inson ; this lasted two years, and was dissolved by the death of his brother. Mr. Ensminger continued the business for some four A-ears, when he sold out his goods and bought a farm of 80 acres near the village, where he lived six years. He came to Buc}'rus in the spring of 1879, and opened a di-y-goods store in No. 6 Quinby Block, where he still continues, and has a large and attractive stock of goods and no- tions. He was married in Cumberland Co., Penn., April 12, 1851, to Susan Jacobs ; they have four children — Franklin P., Albert M., Charles E., Alberta E. and one child dead. W. H. DROUGHT, grocer and produce ship- per, Bucyrus ; son of William and Margaret (Gillispie) Drought ; was born in Franklin Co., Vt., March 19, 1827, and received a thorough knowledge of the common branches in the pub- lic schools of the old •• Green Mountain State." W^hen about 20 3'ea^•s of age, he removed to Illinois, and was for about ten years employed on several of the railroads in the Western States. He worked on the I. C. R. R. for nearly eighteen months ; also three months in 3Iis- souri. After this, he obtained a situation as roadraaster on the N. M. R. R., and also occu- pied the same position for some eighteen months on the 0. & M. R. R.; then for three ^-ears he was a passenger conductor on the road between Chicago and La Fayette, Ind. He resigned this position to accept the office of master of transportation on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., having charge between Crestline and Chicago, and continued with this corporation for some two years. In 1860, he located in Bucyrus with his family, and, in December of that year, purchased the provision store of Messrs. Mc- Graw & Fowler, who were located at No. 7 Quinby Block. Mr. Drought has continued the business at this same stand for twenty 3'ears ; in after j'ears, he purchased that section of the block. Several years since, he em- barked in the business of shipping produce for the Eastern market, and has carried on an ex- tensive business, chiefly in butter, eggs and poultry. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried May 26, 1857, to Miss Nannie E. Flack, of Washington Co., Penn.; they were the parents of five children, three boys and two girls — James H., Anna B.. Ella. Charles Edmund and Wilber F. Their daughters are living, but the three sons are dead ; James H.. the eldest, died of consumption, Aug. 20. 1876. in the 18th year of his age, while in the West, seeking his health: Charles Edmund died Nov. 13.1874. aged 5 years and 3 months ; and Wilber F. died May 28. 1876, in the 7th month of his age. Mr. Drought is a member of the First Presby- •/I :^± 734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: terian Church of Bucyrus, and, since February, 18G8, he has been a Ruling Elder in that re- ligious society ; he was also a charter member of Howard Lodge of the Knights of Honor, and Crawford Council of the Royal Arcanum. GEORGE A. DKAGLE, Bucyrus ; is a son of John and Barbara (Hoffman) Deagle, who were residents of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; his birth occurred Jan. 27, 1 828 ; his father was a shoemaker by trade ; about the year 1841, he moved his family to a place near Ashland, Ohio — what was then Richland Co., but is now Ash- land ; the sul)ject of this sketch received but a meager education, attending school until his IStli year only, when, coming to this State with his father, he began working by the month as a farm-hand, at which he continued for about nine years ; the family then moved to this county, settling permanently in Liberty Town- ship ; he then engaged in work for six years as farmer for Mr. George Lauck, beginning at $120 a year, his employer raising his wages to $180 a year, on account of his industrious habits. March 26, 1857, he was married to Rebecca J. McMichael, of Liberty Township ; she was a daughter of David and Margaret (Anderson) McMichael, one of the earliest pioneer families of this county ; she was born in Liberty Town- ship Sept. 30, 1834; of this marriage, four children are living — Mary Margaret, John G., Eddie (who died at 2 years of age), Ella J. and George W. ; the mother of this inter- esting family of children died April 23, 1877, of congestion of the lungs. After marriage, Mr. Deagle rented for eight years, of Mr. Lauck, the same farm on which he had already spent six years, meeting with success as a farmer un- til the year 1865, when he purchased his pres- ent home on Poplar street, in Bucyrus, where he was engaged in teaming and farming until the year 1870, when he was elected to serve a term as Street Commissioner of the cit}' of Bu- cjTus. He is a member of Howard Lodge, K. of H., a Democrat politically, and a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church. HON. EBENEZER B. FINLEY, lawyer, HucjTus ; is a native of the State of Ohio, hav- ing been born at Orrville, in Wayne Co., July 31 , 1833 ; his earlier jears, until he had attained the age of 20, were passed on a farm, and his education was such as the common school of the neighborhood afforded ; at that age he left his home and went to Kansas ; Mr. Finley sub- sequently left Kansas, and for awhile lived in Illinois ; for two years he taught school in Ful- ton Co., but, in 1858, with the desire of seeing more of the great regions of the West, he went to the Rocky Mountains, then far wilder and less frequented than now ; passing the years 1858 and 1859 there, he returned to his native State, establishing himself permanently at Bucyrus, where he entered upon the study of law ; he was still engaged upon his studies when the war of the rebellion broke out ; he at once re- cruited a company, which formed a part of the G4th 0. V. I., anci was elected as First Lieuten- ant ; in 1862, he resigned his commission, and, being admitted to the bar, commenced the prac- tice of his profession at Buc3'rus, which he has continued to the present time. In 1875, Mr. Finley was nominated for the Forty-fifth Con- gress by the Democrats, and elected by over 5,000 majority ; he was re-elected to the Forty- Sixth Congress, over his competitor, Charles Foster, by upward of 2,000 majority. Mr. Fin- ley is recognized as an indefatigable worker in Congress, and gained considerable distinction through his al)le speeches delivered in the House of Representatives. He had an atten- tive auditory whenever he spoke, and was marked for his readiness and earnestness in debate, and for the clear and forcible manner in which he presented his facts and deduc- tions. Mr. Finley is now Chairman of the Committee on Public Expenditure, and a member of the Census Committee. He re- tires from Congress with the expiration of the present House. He was married on Feb. 18, 1858, to Miss Emeline C. Codding, of Copley, Summit Co., Ohio, a daughter of Robert Codding, now of Marion, Ohio ; he has but one child, a son, Harry M., a midshipman in the navy, having graduated at Annapolis, Md., on June 10, 1880. HIRAM FENNER. P. 0. Bucyrus ; is the son of Abraham and Eliza (Pickering) Fenner; was born in Pike Co., Penn., July 13, 1821 ; he lived on a farm until his 19th year, acquiring in the meantime but little education, one winter attending school but nine days. He left the farm at the age of 19, and went to learn the merchant-tailoring trade, serving his appren- ticeship in Fiuston. Penn., and remaining until he was 24. In April, 1845, he came to Bucy- rus, and at once engaged in tailoring, following that business for some ten years, and then com- BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 735 menced merchant-tailoring, beginning witli a small stock ; he soon took in Moses Simon as partner for ten years, when Mr. Fenner retii'ed, and at once started anew and continued for seven years, retiring in 18G5, having been blessed with good success, and all attained b}- his own efforts. He was married, April 21, 1846, to Elizabeth M3'ers, daughter of Gen. Samuel M3'ers ; they have four children — Mar}' A. Lewis, Samuel L., who is a merchant at Terre Haute, Ind.; Millie, the wife of Jacob Gleiger, of Bucyrus, and Hiram W., a physician at Terre Haute. IMr. Fenner has been, and is at present, Secretary of the Cemetery Associa- tion, and has held the office for fifteen years. He was one of the twenty-six pei^sons who or- ganized the association, and he has been a Trustee since 1858. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a man of uprightness and integrity. H. M. FISHER, carpenter and builder, Bucyrus ; is a son of David and Elizabeth (Stayman) Fisher, and was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Dec. 12, 1818. While a boy, he lived on a farm and received a good common-school education. His father was born near Green- castle, Penn., in 1787 ; was a farmer and also a miller, becoming a merchant later in life ; he was possessed of a liberal education, and was married in Pennsylvania in 1809, and came to Ohio in 1828, and lived here until his death. The subject of our sketch came with his parents here, and assisted his father on the fiirm, near Mansfield, and remained until the death of the latter. He learned the carpenter trade with his brother in Mansfield, about 1842. In 1854, he came to Crawford Co., and worked in and around Bucyrus, following his trade, in com- pany with his brother, David Fisher, until 1865. In 1867 and 1868, he also worked in Marion Co. He has been engaged in carpentering and bridge-building ever since 1854. in this and ad- joining counties. He was married, Oct. 29, 1850, \o Miss Solena Culver, of Kicliland Co., Ohio ; she died Jan. 18, 1852. Sept. 20, 1855, he was again married, to Miss Sarah A. Dick- son, of Vernon Township, this county ; there is one child of this family — N. C. Fisher, Civil Fn- gineer for the Pennsylvania Kailroad, stationed at Chicago. Of his father's family, there are the following children living, besides himself — Eliza, wife of Henry Cook, of Constantine, Mich. ; C. W. Fisher, Louisa, widow of Joseph Davis, of Evansville, Ind., and Susannah. Mr. Fisher has been a Republican since the organization of the party, and is one of the respected and in- fluential citizens of Buc3tus. CHRISTIAN W. FISHER, Postmaster, Bu- cyrus, is a son of David and Elizabeth (Staj'man) Fisher, and was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Aug. 23, 1825. His father was a farmer, and young Christian lived the first three years of his life on the farm where he was born. His parents removed to Richland Co., Ohio, in 1828, and settled on a farm, where their son was reared, to work against the privations of a new and wild country, and to struggle against the disadvantages of pioneer life. But little time could be spared for schooling in those days, and the school houses were of the primitive character described in other portions of this work. The onh' text books in Mr. Fisher's early school days were the spelling book, and that revered volume, the Bible, but Mr. Fisher, despite the barriers which arose before him in the acquirement of an education, was a hard student, and, at the age of 20, was enabled to teach school. Soon after his debut as a peda- gogue, he entered the Ashland Academ}', then in charge of Loring Andrews. For a period of several years he attended and taught school, and proved himself a successful instructor. In June, 1848, he removed to Bucyrus, and upon his arrival was tendered and accepted a clerk- ship in the dry goods store of A. Failor. where he continued five years. On the first day of the year 1856, he commenced business as a partner in the firm of Root. Fisher & Hall, which enterprise was successful. The business was sold out at the end of two years, and our subject accepted a clerical position under the firm of Hall & Juillard, remaining one year, when he purchased a half-interest, and the bus- iness continued under the firm name of Juil- lard & Fisher, and this partnership lasted until 1865. In January, 1866, Mr. Fisher com- menced a new enterprise, opening a general store three doors north of the National Bank, under the firm nauie of Fislier & Lauck. This was continued until February. 1877, when he retired. Feb. 1, 1879. he received the appoint- ment as Postmaster from President Hayes, an office the duties of which lie has ably dis- charged, and making himself popular among the citizens of Bucyrus. He has been a prom- inent and useful member of society, having .k 730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: served on the School Board for several years. lie is a charter inember of Howard Lodge, Ivniii'hts of Honor, No. 109, and was its first presiding otlicer ; also its delegate to the second session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and was elected Chai)lain of that body. At the third session he was elected Grand Dictator, and in 1878 he retired, becoming Past Grand of Oiiio. He was electeil delegate to the Supreme Lodge for two years, Nashville in 1878, and Boston in 1871). Mr. Fisher is a member of the St. Paul's Evangelical JiUtheran Church. He was mar- rii'd in May, 1852, to Miss Henrietta Lauck, of Bucyrus. and of this marriage there are seven ciiildren — Edgar L., Charles J., George P., Mar}' L., Frank M., Blanche and Grace. DAVID E. FISHER, merchant, Bucyrus ; was born in Manslield, Ohio, March 24, 1846, where the first fourteen years of his life were spent in attending the, schools of that place. In the fall of 1800, he came to Bucyrus to live with an uncle, INIr. C- W. Fisher, assisting him on liis farm and attending school one year. In July, 1862, he enlisted' in the 131st 0. V. I., from which, after five months' service, he was honor- ably discharged. He then began clerking in his uncles store, filling a position there until the 136th O. N. G. marched to the defense of the National Capital. At the expiration of the terra of his enlistment, he was again discharged from the service, and resumed his duties in the store with his uncle, C. W. Fisher, until 1869, at which time the firm was changed to Fisher & ]jauck ; he, however, remaining with that firm until 1873, when he entered into a partnership with his brother, J. J. Fisher. He was married Nov. 3, 1869, to Miss Maggie Hoovei', by whom he has three children — Bessie M., Jay C. and infant son. He is a member of St. Paul's Lu- theran Church and Sunday school, holding, in the last-named organization, a responsible po- sition. JAMES G. FRAYER, contractor, Bucyrus. The above-named gentleman is a son of James and Grace (Sigei'son) Frayer ; born April 14, 1826, in Butler Co., Penn. His 5'outh was spent amid the scenes of rural life until 14, when he went to the town of Butler, and was there apprenticed to a man named William Fouzer, a builder, under whose direction, dur- ing a term of three years, he learned the triple trade of brick-laying, stone-cutting and plaster- ing. Just after the fire at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1845, our subject went there to follow his trade ; but workmen were so plent}- that a brick-layer only received 87 cents per ilay. In 1848, Mr. Frayer began building under contract, and continued in the vicinity of Pittsburgh un- til 1856. In that year, he started West ; but stopped at Bucyrus to visit a friend, when he was persuaded to remain. From 1856 to 1862, his energies were confined to the principal build- ings of Bucyrus. He erected during that period the Quinby Block, Presbj'terian antl Lutheran Churches and several other large buildings. In 1863, he was employed by the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company to build their depots and hotel stands, at present from Crestline to Allegheny City. In 1865. he erected the State Lunatic Asylum at Dixmont, Penn., which contains over two million brick. In about 1869, he received the contract for the brick-work of the Lunatic Asylum at Athens, Ohio, which alone contained twelve million of brick. In company with other gentlemen in 1868-69, he built the schoolhouses of Crestline, Gallon and Cardington. In 1870, the firm of Miller. Frayer & Sheets was formed, and have since built the magnificent court houses of Erie. Richland and Licking Counties. This firm has in its employ from one to three hundred men. ]\h*. Frayer was a member of the firm of B. B. McDanald & Co., which was organized in about 1871, and graded six miles of the Ohio Central Rail- road. The same firm also graded and laid seven miles of track from the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad to the coal mines. The firm of Frayer & Sheets have the contract for building the extensive railroad shops of the Ohio Central at Bucyrus. Feb. 8, 1850, Mr. Frayer united in marriage with Miss ^lary J. Garner, of Sharps- burg, Penn. Of this union there are five chil- dren living, and two dead. COCHRAN FULTON, physician and drug- gist, Bucyrus ; is the son of Abraham and Ann (Smith) Fulton, and was born in West- moreland Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1819; his youth was spent on a farm and in hard work until the age of 17, when he attended select school at Dalton. Ohio ; at the age of 20, he entered a dry-goods store as elerk, and remained about a year ; having always had a taste for the study of medicine, he entered the office of Harvey J. Tuttle, at Brookfield, Ohio, reading and prac- ticing for some iivc years ; his next residence was in Wooster, Ohio, where he remained one •-r BXTCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 737 year, when, on Nov. 14, 1845, he came to Bucyrus ; he immediatel}' entered upon the practice of his profession, and is the third old- est practitioner in the count}- and the old- est active physician in the city ; he came here without capital, and soon was in the enjoyment of an extensive practice ; during the dysenterj' epidemic of 1852, he was obliged to ride day and night, and for three consecutive days he never slept, sacrificing his own comfort and welfare for the good of his patients ; about 1855, he opened a drug and book store in the Quinby Block, in partnership with Dr. W. R. Clark ; this partnership lasted some six years, when the subject of our sketch sold out his in- terest to his partner ; he commenced business in his present room in the spring of 1861, and continued alone for some nine years ; in No- vember, 1870, his son Melancthon was admit- ted as partner, and the business continued under the firm name of C. Fulton & Son ; the}- are carrying an extensive stock, and are doing a flourishing business, both being men of business capacity and enterprise. Mr. Fulton was married, in October, 1844, to Elizabeth A. Davis, of Brookfield ; they have two children - — Anna J., now the wife of Rev. A. S. Milhol- land, of Uniontown, Penn., and Melancthon, his partner in business. Dr. Fulton has been a prominent citizen, having been a member of the City Council for several years, and also of the School Board, of which body he was Presi- dent when the new building was erected, and gave especial attention to its construction. He has always been a Democrat, his first vote hav- ing been cast for Van Buren. GEORGE W. FISHER, merchant, Bucy- rus ; is the son of E. B. and Lydia (Webster) Fisher, and was born July 23, 1856, in Middle- town, Butler Co., Ohio ; his early youth was spent in this village, and, when he was about 7 years of age, his parents removed to Franklin, Ohio, where he received his education ; at the age of 16, he commenced to learn tailoring with his father, who is a skillful cutter and tailor; in 1873, the family removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and the subject of our sketch became, at the age of 18 years, cutter for G. H. Corthell & Co., at that time doing the best business in Tiffin in their line ; he continued here until 1876, when he worked in Marion for six months ; he formed a partnership with Morri- son on Jan. 8, 1879. He was married to Hat- tie E. Cook, of Tiffin, Ohio, by whom he has one son — Harry W., born Feb. 19, 1880. Mr. Fisher is a young and energetic business man, and the business of his firm is prospering finely ; as a cutter, he has few equals and no superiors in Bucvrus. FREDERICK E. FREY, machinist, Bucy- rus ; is a son of John M. and Magdalena (Lein- inger) Frey, and was born in Neiderweiler, Baden, Germany, Feb. 23, 1837. He received the rudiments of his education in his native town, and at the age of 10 years commenced a four years' course in the high school at Muhl- heim, where he graduated. The year follow- ing he worked in a machine-shop, but at the age of 15, he came to America and settled in Plymouth, Richland Co., arriving there July 5, 1852. He became well versed in our lan- guage in the course of three months, and soon became a clerk in a store, which position he filled for two years. His parents had removed from Germany in the meantime and settled in Huron Co. He then removed to their home, and was with them two years. In December, 1856, he came to Bucyrus and commenced work as a machinist, being employed by three diflferent firms until 1859. In the following spring he became a resident of Huron Co., and engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of ten months. In March, 1861, he came to Bu- cyrus and was employed in the shops, of which he is now a partner. The following fall saw him a partner of D. I, Scheckler, where he still remains, and is universally respected as a man of business talent and of upright integrity. He was married Nov. 3, 1859, to Lucy H. Houftstatter, of Huron Co., Ohio, and the fol- lowing-named children are the fruits of this union — Celia M., Myrta V.. James A., Ernest H., Bessie L., John J.. Rena R., Frederick F. (deceased), and Imogene. Mr. Frey is a de- voted and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee, and is also Superintendent of the Sunday school at Pleasant View. He is a man who shai'es largely in public esteem and is an exem- plary citizen. J. J. FISHER, merchant. Bucyrus ; is a son of David and Martha (Cook) Fisher, and was born in Mansfield. Ohio, Nov. 22, 1837. He attended school in that place until 18 years of age, at which time he left school and came to Bucyrus, where he was clerk in a dry goods ^ 738 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: store for nine years. In 1865, be entered into a partnership with J. A. Schaber, at Sulphur Springs. Ohio, and the>' there started a general store. This enterprise they sold out, however, and he commencecl business again, in company with Juillard and Lewis in the grocery busi- ness at Bucyrus. This partnership lasted until 18G9, doing a very successful business. Mr. Fisher's health failing, he retired and spent some time on a farm. In March, 1873, he and D. E. Fisher entei'ed into business together under the firm name of J. J. Fisher & Bro. Since then they have conducted the business together. In 1871, the}' erected the Fisher Block, a three-story brick structure, 158 feet deep and 23 wide. The first story is occupied with dry goods and groceries, the basement with carpets and queensware. They are doing an immense business, and are enterprising and successful in business. The subject of our sketch was mai'ried Sept. 17, 1865, to Miss Arena White, daughter of C. W. White, of Dallas Township. He is an Elder in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is a consist- ent and steadfast Christian. His father, David Fisher, was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 11, 1810. He was a cai'penter by trade, and came to Mansfield in 1832. He was married there in 1836, and continued at his trade throughout his life. There are four children, James J., Joseph E., John W. and David E., of this first marriage, are still living. His wife died in 184:6. He was remarried in 1849, to Sarah Furgeson. They had one child, a daughter, named Amelia, now Mrs. D. F. Welsh. He died July 22, 1880, holding a firm belief in the tenets of Christianity, and was a member of the Congregational Church. M. H. FULTON, telegraph operator, Bucy- rus ; son of George W. and Harriet (Blanchard) Fulton, was born May 22, 1840, at Brighton, Penn. He attended school until 17, and then learned telegraphy in the Brighton office. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th Penn. Reserve Corps, and served until his discharge in 1862. He was wounded by a musket ball June 27, at Gaines' Mills, during the seven day's fight. He was here taken prisoner and confined in Hope Prison, near Libby. After a confinement of several weeks, he was exchanged, and in 1862 he was discharged. He was engaged in the battles of Dranesville, Gaines' Mills and Mechanicsburg. For one year after his dis- charge he lay sick on account of his wound, and then resumed his business, becoming day operator at Allegheny City, Penn. Here he remained some two years and then went to Rochester, remaining three years. Next he came to Buc^'rus, Aug. 11, 1866, and has re- mained ever since. Nov. 30, 1871, he was married to Miss Kate M. Swingly, daughter of Dr. Swingly, of Bucyrus. Of this marriage there are three children — Carrie, George F. and Percv. WILLIAM FRANZ, Bucyrus ; son of John and Jane (Burwell) Franz, was born May 21, 1843, in Leesville, Crawford Co. His youth up to his 14th year was spent on a farm and in attending district school. His father's family then removed to Bucyrus, and young William went to the Bucyrus Union School until he was 19. He served an apprenticeship with William Burkhardt in the watch-making business for one year and a half, and then bought out his employer and continued for himself He next went to Plymouth, Ohio, and from there to Cleveland, where he was en- gaged at his trade. From Cleveland he went to Meadville, Penn., where he worked at watch making and repairing until 1864, and in the winter of 1865, he came to Bucyrus and started a jewelry store in company with H. J. Riblet. This business union lasted some two years, and then Mr. Franz went to Crestline and engaged in the same business with Dr. William Pope. In 1868, a fire occasioned them considerable loss, but they soon resumed business, and con- tinued until 1869. During the year 1868, the}' had been interested in the invention of a knit- ting machine, and in November, 1869, they en- tered into a business corporation, known as the Bucyrus Knitting Machine Works, and com- menced the manufacture of family knitting machines. In 1871, the name was changed to the Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Compan}', and has done a prosperous business, having engaged in the manufacture of hosiery since 1878. In February, 1879, Mr. Franz retired to regain his health, which had become badly shattered. He was married, Jan. 22, 1868, to Miss Almira M. Campbell, of Bucyrus. They have four children — Katie J., William C, Mel- lie A. and Jay W. Mr. Franz is a member of Crawford Lodge, No. 443 ; of Ivanhoe Chapter, No. 117 ; Mansfield Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 21, and charter member of the f BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 739 Knights of PN-thias, Demas Lodge, No. 108. His father was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- mam', in 1812, and died Nov. 14, 1870. He was well educated in his native land, and was in the arm}' there. He came to America in 1837, and settled first in Gralion and afterward removed to Leesville. He was Justice of the Peace in Jackson Township for nine years, and was elected Sheritf in 1857, and served two terms. He was elected County Ti'easurer in 1867, and served until his death. He was Lieutenant Colonel of the 101st 0. V. I., and was wounded at the battle of Perryville and resigned. There are five children living — J. B., of the St. James Hotel, Mansfield ; William; John S., of Marion ; Mrs. Kate Clymer ; Mrs. Sallie Kerr, wife of Alexander Kerr, of Holmes Township. HENRY FLOCK, farmer; P.O. Bucyrus ; is the eldest son of Stephen and Catharine Flock ; born in the Bhein Province of Bavaria Dec. 14, 1815; educated in the schools of his native State, and, at an early age, was set to work in order to assist in supporting the fam- ily ; the wages received by laborers were very low, and Mr. Flock worked many a day for 20 cents ; wood was scarce, and it was necessar}' for him to haul fuel or fagots nearh* ten miles on a wheelbarrow ; consequently, the stoves were seldom overly hot ; the peasants were not permitted to cut green timber ; the}' provided themselves with fuel by breaking off the dead limbs, and it was generally necessary to climb the trees to secure these ; once Flock became so numb with cold while in a tree that he near- ly fell to the ground, and this fact led him to considei'ing whether he had not better emigrate to America ; when he became of military age, he was too short to enter the service, and they put him back one year, expecting he would grow, but, as he failed to do so, they rejected him altogether. Flock desired to get married and secure a home ; finding the outlook in Ba- varia was not very promising, he emigi-ated to America in 1839, and settled in Bucyrus; he first worked for Abraham Hahn, proprietor of what is now the Sims House : he remained with Hahn for three years, and received $7.50 each month ; during this period, although he was sick six months, he managed to save $158 ; the first $45 of this amount he sent to Ger- many in order to pay the passage of Miss Catherine Slicker to America, and, some two years after she arrived at Bucyrus, they were married ; after leaving Hahn's employ. Flock worked for three years for other persons, and then acted as clerk in Dr. Willis Merriman's store for nearly seven years ; in March, 1 853, he removed to Wyandot, and formed a partner- ship with James H. Reinicker ; they embarked in the mercantile business, and, after Flock bought his partner's interest, he continued the store until 1870, when he transferred it to his son. While a resident of Wyandot, he served as Postmaster of the village for nearly seven- teen years, and, while a clerk in Merriman's store, was Treasurer for one year of Bucyrus corporation. In 1870, he settled on his present farm of 80 aci'es, just southeast of town, where he has resided during the past decade. He was married to Miss Catherine Slicker Sept. 22, 1842 ; this lady was born Jan. 20, 1820, in Bavaria, and, in 1840, emigrated to America with Peter Geiger and family ; the result of this marriage was the following children : JMary Flock, now Mrs. William Welsh, near Wyan- dot ; Daniel Flock, now a merchant at Wyan- dot ; Kate Flock, now Mrs. Peter Bair, of Todd Township ; Louisa Flock, now Mrs. John B. Welsh, of Wyandot ; Caroline Flock, now Mrs. John Gordon, of Todd Township ; his first wife died Oct. 11, 1862, and, on Nov. 6, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Clark, who was a teacher in the schools of Bu- cyrus for several years ; she died Jan. 25, 1875, and he was married to his present wife, formerly Miss Lena Hooker, on Oct. 11. 1877. Mr. Flock joined the Evangelical Church, in Bavaria, at the age of 13. and since then has been an exemplary member of some religious society ; when he settled in Bucyrus. he united with the German Lutheran Church, in which congregation he served as a Deacon for many years ; he is at present connected with the St. Paul's English Lutheran Church of Bucyrus. DR. JAMES F. FITZSLAIMONS, physician, Bucyrus ; son of William and Ann E. (Holraan) Fitzsimmons, was born Sept. 18, 1843. in Whet- stone Township, in this county. He was brought up on a farm until 19 years of age, when he attended several terms of school at ri)i)er San- dusky. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the 134th O. Y. I., and was discharged in August. In the fall of 1864. he attended the Yermilion In- stitute at Haysville, Ohio, remaining until the summer of 1865, when he entered the otlice of 740 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Drs. Ferris & B3^roii at Upper Sandusky. In the winter of 1805-66, he attended liis first course of lectures at Charity Hospital Medical College, Cleveland. He then went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he studied and practiced in connection with Dr. J. S. Grregg, of that place, until the fall of 1867, when he entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he gradu- ated in March, 1868, and resumed his practice in Ft. Wayne until the spring of 1871. He then went to Cincinnati, spending a short time in that city in special practice, when he was called home, on the illness of his sister. In June, 1871, he located in Bucyrus, and has a pleasant office on corner of East Mansfield and Walnut streets. Has been a contributor to the periodicals published in the interest of his pro- fession ; enjoys a good practice. He was mar- ried, Jan. 1, 1872. to Miss Ella Ryan, an adopted daughter of Gr. L. Saulsbury, late of Bucyrus. Two children have been born to them ; Ralph, born Oct. 16, 1872 ; Nellie, born June 9, 1874. He is a member of the Presby- terian Church, and lives on Warren street, east of Disciples Church. Dr. Fitzsimmons' father was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., in 1791, and was well educated ; was County Surveyor of his native countv. He was married, in Novem- ber, 1826, to Ann E. Holman, of Franklin Co., Penn. He followed farming until 3Iay, 1831, when they came to Ohio, driving through in a carriage to Bucyrus. He bought 160 acres of land in Whetstone Township, four miles from Bucyrus, where he resided until his death, Oct. 10. 1848, at the age of 54 years. He kept post office four years. When he settled in the count}^ there were but three other houses be- sides their own between Bucyrus and Gallon. For several years they entertained strangers, though not, strictly speaking, keeping tavern. SAMUEL GARNER, blacksmith, Bucyrus ; son of William and Sarah (Cook) Garner, was born Feb. 20, 1818, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He went to school there until his 15th .year, and then commenced learning blacksmithing with John Stewart, serving three years, when he purchased a set of tools and started a shop at Sharpsburg, Penn., where he continued for ten years with good success. His next point was in Athens Co., Ohio, where he purchased a farm of 105 acres and farmed, also working at his trade. He lived here ten years, and in Septem- ber, 1864, came to Bucyrus, where, for three years, he was the partner of his brother, William. His next partnership was with Van Rinkle, and their union lasted some two years. Since then Mr. Garner has been working alone, assisted by his son. He has occupied his present shop for fifteen years. It is situated on Sandusky ave- nue, where he is doing a prosperous business, repairing and horseshoeing. He was married in July, 1844, to Miss Margaret Bougher, of Bakerstown, Penn. Of this marriage, there were five children — John, Amelia, Sarah, Mary and William. John was the victim of a fatal accident in the spring of 1876. While living at Delaware, Ohio, engaged in the study of medi- cine with Dr. E. H Hyatt, a large flag-stone over a cavity under the pavement broke, and falling with it, one-half crushed him, and he died soon after. He was a 3'oung man, and held in high esteem, and left a wife and famil}'^ to mourn his sad and untimely loss. His first wife dying, Mr. Garner was remarried July 9, 1857, to Miss Delia Chapman, of Athens Co., Ohio, a woman of fine mind, and more than or- dinary intelligence, possessing the most desira- ble qualities as a wife and mother. Of this marriage there are six children — James, Isabel, Charles, Nettie, Carrie and Samuel. Mr. Gar- ner has been a hard-working, industrious, as well as a successful business man. He is a member and class leader in the Methodist Church, and has always been a Republican. REV. JACOB GRAESSLE, Bucyrus ; was born Feb. 14, 1836, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and is the son of Jacob and Sophie (Smith) Graessle. He received a common-school edu- cation, and this was supplemented by a course in a gymnasium. He also went to a State Normal School, called Nuertingen Seminary, remaining there till 19 j^ears of age. He ob- tained a State certificate, and taught in his native village until he was 21 years of age. He then sailed for America, from Havre, France, and, after a voyage of 47 days, landed at New York, in August, 1857. Having relatives at Lancaster, Oliio, he removed thither, and re- mained some eight months. In the fall of 1858, became a teacher in a private school at Rich- mond, Ind., and taught two years. In Septem- ber, 1860, he entered the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, and entered upon a theological course, graduating in 1862. He was received into the ministrv, and commenced his labors at Sidney, Ohio, in September, being Pastor of St. BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 741 John's Lutheran Church for five j'ears. From this field of labor, he came to Bucyrus in 1867, and has remained here ever since as Pastor of the txood Hope Church. He has established a missionary station at Wingert's Corners, which has been productive of much good. His con- gregation is at present one of the strongest and largest in the town, its Pastor being a devoted and earnest worker. He was married in April, 186-4, to Louisa Fuechtemeyer, of Richmond, Ind. The}^ have seven children living — Emma C, Otto L., Ida, August A., Bertha, Sophia and Whilhemina. His father was a carpenter by trade, and Ma3'or of his village. Both his par- ents and seven other children removed to this country, and both father and mother died at Jacksonville, 111. JAMES W. GAMBLE, tarmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; is the son of Filson and Bathsheba (Mor- row) Gamble, and was born April 29, 1852, in Concord, Franklin Co., Penn. At the age of 13, he came to this county, and worked for two years on the farm of his uncle, Calvin Gamble, and then returned to his home in Pennsylvania, where he lived two years. In the spring of 1869, he returned to Whetstone Township, and worked for George Brehman at $20 per month for three years. On Oct. 21, 1873, he married Miss Lizzie McCreary, of Bucyrus Township. He managed a farm in Vernon Township four years, and, in 1877, moved on to his present place of 240 acres, owned by his father-in-law. Mr. Gamble has but one child living — Curtis Guy, born June 26, 1875. Mabel Grace died at the age of 8 months. Mr. Gamble is a Be- publican in politics. Both himself and wife are members of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church of Bucyrus. JAMES GLOYD, merchant, Bucyrus ; is the son of Samuel and Rebecca Gloyd, and was born Aug. 1, 1811, in Hampshire Co., Va. The days of his youth were spent on a farm, and his educational advantages were limited. In 1821, his father removed his family to Ohio, settling in Richland Co., where Plymouth has since become a town of some importance ; he was compelled by the exigencies of the times and his father's condition in life, to work hard, and was allowed but little time for recreation or education. Young James remained with his father until he attained to his majority, and then commenced to work by the month at meager wages, continuing some two years, until he was able to purchase some land ; he was a farmer in Richland Co. until the new division of the county, and continued as a citizen and farmer of Vernon Township until 1873, being the possessor of some four hundred acres of land, and also managing a steam saw-mill. During his residence in the township, he w^as one of its prominent citizens, and for four years he kept a store at Liberty Corners. As a farmer and business man he was uniformlj' successful. In 1873, he came to Bucyrus, and has been living there ever since. He has been a partner in the large mercantile establishment of Malic & Gloyd since 1876, and is recognized as a busi- ness man of ability and enterprise. He was first married March 26, 1835, to Charlotte Wethewill, a native of England ; of this mar- riage, five children survive out of eight born to them — Henry, Ira (both farmers in Missouri) ; Rebecca, wife of C. G. Malic ; Am^- Dickson, widow of the late Andrew Dickson, Jr., and Anna, wife of Emanuel Magner. The first wife of his affections departed this life Jan. 13, 1873, and April 27, 1876. he was united in mar- riage to Mrs. Ruth Plants, widow of the late Jeremiah Plants. Mr. Glo3'd is a business man of tact and commendable enterprise, his deal- ings being characterized with honesty- and up- rightness, and he has always commanded the respect of his fellow-citizens. JAMES B. GORMLY. banker, Bucyrus; the oldest son of John A. Gorml}' was born November 23, 1836, in Bucyrus. In his youth he received such instruction as the vilhige schools aflbrded, until his 17th year, when he entered the store of his uncle. J. P. Bowman, for one yeai-. In the tall of 1855, he entered Bartlett's Commercial College of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in the spring of 1856. On his return home he at once en- tered the Exchange Bank of this place, as teller and general book-keeper. He performed these duties with efficiency from 3Iay, 1856, until June, 1859. In the latter year, he and his fiither organized the People's Deposit Bank, Aug. 1. 1859, being sole proprietors. This in- stitution continued until May 1, 1864. At the organization of the First National Bank of Bucyrus, Mr. Gormly was chosen Cashier — a position which he held until the death of his father, in May, 1878, when he was elected President — a tribute to his long experience and faithful service. From 1871 to 1875. he served <^ ^ a.^?-Z4^j£y^ ,^^^^ < ^^OL/^^^.,y^ ^jE^/,9y.e^^^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 767 duties of life. The fruit of this happy union was seven children, only three of whom are now living — George H. Lee, Sarah C. Tidball, wife of Dr. John Tidball, of Booneville, Iowa, and Anna M. Cady, wife of L. S. Cady, whole- sale and retail jewelry merchant, of Kansas City, Mo. Few of the farmers of the present day understand the amount and quality of hard work necessar}^ when the country was densely wooded and thinly- inhabited. With an energy characteristic of himself, Mr. Lee cleared three farms in five years, and made them fit for agriculture. But, in the meantime, his love of study did not desert him, for he continuously studied law, for which he exhib- ited a natural taste. As a more congenial pur- suit, shortly after marriage he opened a store at Leesville Cross Roads, embracing every line of goods, from dry goods to hardware, which he continued successfully for three years. Selling his goods he purchased a farm adjoin- ing Leesville Cross Roads, and put it in a high state of cultivation. In connection with his brother, S. F. Lee, he purchased the steam flouring-mill, sawmill, carding machines and fulling-mill, in said village, and operated the same ten or twelve years. In 1836, he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature for Richland Co., by a majority of 1,000, and was honored by a re-election in 1837, by a majority of 2,400. In 1839, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he held continuously ten years, when he resigned. In 1 842, he was elected by the Legislature, a Director of the Ohio Penitentiary and served in that responsi- ble capacity for three years. In the meantime that portion of Richland Co., in which he lived, was attached to Crawford Co. He was elected Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, b}'' the Legislature for Crawford Co., and served with abilit}' and integrity- in that posi- tion, until the adoption of the present constitu- tion. In 1853, he was elected State Senator from the counties of Crawford, Wyandot and Seneca, of which body he was elected Presi- dent pro tem. Owing to the illness of the Lieutenant Governor, it became his duty to preside over the deliberations of the Senate, a large portion of the Session. In 1854, he was admitted to practice as an attorney and coun- selor at law and solicitor in chancery, by the Supreme Court of Ohio. In 1858, he engaged in the dr}- goods business in Crestline, Ohio, at which he continued about five years. After losing his wife, by death, in 1861. he sold his store and town property and quit housekeep- ing, his children by this time having homes of their own. But, finding single life undesirable, he married, in 1864, Mrs. Clara M. Tweed, of Indianapolis, Ind., who now presides over his beautiful home. Resuming his business in Crestline, he engaged in the grocery and pro- vision trade. In 1865 and 1866, he served as Deputy Revenue Assessor for Crawford Co. B}' the suffrages of his fellow-citizens he was elected Mayor of that village, and elected Pro- bate Judge of Crawford Co., in 1869. He was almost unanimously re-elected in 1872, serving his constituents and the people generall}'^ with entire satisfaction. He has been an active member of the Bucyrus Union School Board. Thus, at the age of 75, " Judge Lee," as he is familiarly termed b}^ his numerous and admir- ing friends, has come down from pioneer days to the present generation. His industry, suc- cess, love of learning, integrity of purpose and practice, together with an unswerving devo- tion to correct principles of life, make him a model for the imitation of youth. GEORGE A. LAUCK, merchant, Bucyrus ; is a son of George and Mary (Deardoff') Lauck, and was born in Bucyrus Township Sept. 19, 1843 ; he attended school in town until he was 17 years of age, and then became a clerk in the dry goods store of L. B. Lyday ; after one year's experience here, he entered Wittenberg College in the spring of 1861 ; in about four months he enlisted in the 64th 0. V. I. band, and served some ten months, when, his health failing, he was honorably discharged ; he made a visit to various points in Iowa, and, in the fall of 1863, he became a clerk in a dry goods house at Pitts- burgh ; after this he also tilled a clerical posi- tion in Mansfield, Ohio. In 1864, Mr. Lauck commenced business in Bucyrus, in compau}- with Lyday, carrying on the business under the firm name of L3'da3' & Lauck ; in 1865, he bought Mr. Lyday's share in the enterprise, and continued until the fall as sole proprietor ; he then took in B. F. Lauck as partner. Our subject retired in the spring of 1866, and re- moved to Shelby, Ohio, where he engaged in the sale of dry goods until 1867 ; he then re- moved his stock to Buc^'rus, where he was in business until the fall of the year following ; in 1870, he engaged in the grocery business, being L£ 768 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: alone until 1872, when he took Joseph Klmrael as partner ; in 1876, they bought a large stock of dry goods and groceries, and in 1877, Mr. Lauck purchased the interest of his partner, and is now continuing the business in Bowman's Corner, where he has a store second to none in the (!it3% and is doing a flourishing trade. He is a member of the City Council, and has been a member of the Lutheran Church for twenty years, and is now Superintendent of the Sunday school. On Oct. 19, 1864, he was married to Lizzie Atwood, of Bucyrus ; four children are the fruits of this union — Clarence. Ella A., Stella M., and Mary. REV. L. a. LEONARD, D. D., Bucyrus ; is a son of George and Rebecca (Converse) Leonard, and was born Jan. 6, 1810, in Mon- son, Mass. He attended school at Willington, Conn., under Prof Loomis, father of Prof Elias Loomis, of Yale College. He acquired quite a degree of proficiency in mathematics and Latin, and at 18 he began teaching in the southern part of New York, on the Hudson River. When 20 years old, he entered the Newton Theological Institute, near Boston, and graduated in July, 1836. He entered at once upon his labors in the vineyard of his Master, at Webster. Mass., remaining seven years, his labor being blessed. For the next four years he labored in New London. In the autumn of 1848, he received a call from Zanesville, Ohio, and remained there until 1855, thence going to Marietta, where for eight years his labors were abundantly blessed, and in one year. 130 joined the church. In July, 1863, he went to Lebanon, Ohio. After eight years spent in hard yet precious labor here, he started on a visit among the scenes of his early childhood. In May, 1872, be came to Bucyrus to spend his declining years in quiet, and to retire from act- ive pulpit duty. However, the Lord had willed that his work in the great field of the world was not yet completed, and he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of this city ; but, on account of poor health, he retired in 1874. He again resumed his labors in 1875, and has since continued working earnestly^ with unabated zeal, for the glory of God. Dr. Leon- ard was first married in ' September, 1836, to Mehitable H. Fish, of Boston, Mass. Six chil- dren were born of this marriage, two of whom are living — Georgiana F. and Hattie M. His wife died April 11, 1863. He was remarried, to Amanda M. Dey, of Lebanon, Ohio, July 10, 1864. Four children were born and all have died ; George R., Susan R. and John C. all died in infancy; Eugenia R. died at the age of 19. Dr. Leonard has been for a long time Trustee of Dennison University, and, in 1860, the de- gree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon i him b}" that institution. He has been a devoted ! worker in the glorious cause of salvation, and j now he awaits his reward, and looks forward to j the day when he shall pass through the gates of the New Jerusalem and receive the reward mer- ited by a well-spent life. CHARLES LAKE, jeweler, Bucyrus ; was born April 2, 1835, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and went to school in that city until his 17th year. He then commenced to learn the jeweler's bus- iness, paying attention to clock and watch making. He served an apprenticeship of three years with Clements Oskamp. He then re- moved to Fostoria in 1853, and worked for Dr. Lust nearly two years. He next worked at Up- per Sandusky for a short time. In May, 1855, he came to Bucyrus, and at once became the partner of William H. Burkhardt in the jewelr}' business, this partnership lasting eight years. In April, 1861, they divided the stock, and Mr. Lake removed to the public squai'e and com- menced business on the site of Retz & Van Vorhis, and there continued for two years, paj'- ing $1,000 for a lot 20x60 feet. In 1863, he bought out the stock of Franz Bros., and, add- ing his own, he carried on business at Barth's Corners for two years. In the meantime, he erected a business block on his own lot. About the 3'^ear 1869, he moved into his present room, No. 4 Quinby Block, which he owns. He has done a prosperous business, and has a fine stock of clocks, watches and jewelry, as well as a large stock of musical merchandise. He is a skilled repairer of watches and jewelry, having had good advantages in learning his trade at Cincinnati. He began life without capital, and has, b}' steady perseverance and industry, placed himself in affluence. He was married, Oct. 19, 1859, to Miss Appaline Seiser, of Bucyrus. One son and two daughters were born to them — Edmond, died in his 8th year ; Fannie, died April 7, 1880 ; and Ella, at home. SAMUEL LUDWIG, Sr. (deceased), Bucy- rus. The subject of this sketch, whose por- trait appears in this work, was born in Berks Co., Penn., Jan. 25, 1788. His grandfather BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 769 Ludwig was a native of the Province of Al- sace, France. His ancestors on this side of the house were Huguenots, and it was during the reign of Louis XIV, of France, who gave the Huguenots a given time in which to leave the country, with such clothing as the}' might be wearing and a staff in their hands, and that those who remained were, by his oi'ders, to be put to death. Among those who escaped were two brothers by the name of Ludwig, who managed to sew into their clothing, in such a wa}' as to escape detection, gold, with which one of the brothers afterward entei'ed land in Berks Co., Penn. Each of these brothers married and had seven sons. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a stone mason by trade, and settled in Philadelphia, where he helped to build many of those quaint old buildings that attracted so much attention, but have since given way to buildings of more modern architecture. It was in that city that Michael, the father of Samuel Ludwig, was born, and raised to man's estate. About the age of 22, Michael Ludwig married Sarah Hanks, an English Quakeress, and then moved to Berks Co., Penn., where the subject of this memoir was born, he being the 3'oungest of six children, two boys and four girls. His father (Michael) d^ing when he was but three years old, his mother was left with a large family on a little barren farm among the hills, to make a subsistence for herself and j-oung children. This she did noltly for years, when she married Nicholas Yochem, a wealthy farmer in that neighborhood. He was the father of Nicholas and Moses Yochem, who afterward became the heaviest iron masters in Eastern Penns3dvania. Here, with the Yochem boys, Samuel worked on the farm of his stepfather for 3'ears. The old man was a hard master, his sons and Sam- uel Ludwig doing about all the work on the farm, which comprised 400 acres, the boj^s get- ting very little time to go to school, as they were obliged to thresh out all the grain with flails, during the winter season. Under these circumstances, a strong attachment gi'ew be- tween these 3'oung men, which was not lessened b}' long years and gx'a}' hairs. L^p to the age of 18, Samuel Ludwig had gone to school but about six months, all told. Notwithstanding this disadvantage, he was a pretty fair scholar, as he had received instruction from his mother — a highly intellectual and well-educated lady for that da}' — who was the home preceptress for her son and the Yochem boys. In the winter of 1805, Francis B. Shunk, who was afterward Governor of Pennsylvania, came to that neighborhood, a mere stripling of 18 years, and raised a select school. This school Mr. Ludwig attended. ]Mr. Shunk made his home w'ith the Yochems, and, during that win- ter, they had very profitable and interesting evening exercises, Mrs. Yochem acting as teacher, the Yochem boys. Samuel Ludwig and the future Governor, as scholars. In the fol- lowing spring, Mr. Shunk, the teacher, went to Lancaster, Penn., to study law, while Samuel Ludwig, being too poor to study a profession, engaged as an apprentice in the wheelwright business, at which he continued for two years. At the age of 20. Somuel married Miss Eliza- beth Redcha, daughter of Hon. John Redcha, who, at that time, was a member of the Penn- sylvania Legislature, then in session at Lan- caster, at that date the capital of the State. After his marriage, he removed to Reading, Penn., and engaged in the manufacture of wag- ons and plows, which he carried on extensively for twenty-three years, and by his industry and economy amassed a fortune for that day. He was often solicited by the people to accept an office. Repeatedly he was offered the posi- tion of member of the Legislature, and differ- ent county offices, all of which he peremptorily declined, saying, that, as he was now his ''own master," and did not want to become the sei'v- ant of the people, he would infinitely prefer domestic life in the bosom of his family to any public honor they might bestow upon him, and that a large family and an extensive business, even if he had the inclination, precluded the acceptance of official trusts. So great was his thirst for knowledge, that, long hours after the family had retired to bed, he would sit and read, sometimes until 12 or 1 o'clock in the morning. At the age of 45, he had gained an extensive knowledge of chemistry, geology and natural philosophy, besides accumulating a large store of historical and general informa- tion that was surprising in one possessing his meager advantages. In 1831, Mr, Ludwig made the journey on horseback from Reading, across the Alleghany Mountains to Bucyrus, where he bought a tract of 100 acres of land, joining Bucyrus on the east. He returned to his home, and, in the fall of the same vear, re- ^1 770 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: moved with his family to Crawford Co., arriv- ing about Dec. 12. The family lived on Mr. Ludwig's first purchase until the following spring, when he bought of John Coalman 80 acres, lying east of Bucyrus, on the Mansfield road. There Mr. Ludwig made his home for thirt^'-eight years, and the property is still owned by his son, Samuel Ludwig. Jr. Mr. Ludwig engaged largely in the purchase of lands, and, in 1840, he owned 3,000 acres of choice laud lying in different parts of Crawford Co. He was a shrewd, careful business man, and an excellent financier, and was well known as one of the wealthiest men of Crawford Co. This position was attained almost wholly by his own efforts, he having received from his father's estate onl}^ $400. In 1849, the atten- tion of the whole country was turned to the golden lands of California, which, at that time, was in a Territorial condition. Father Lnd- wii:, then 62 years old, and one of the wealth- iest men of Crawford Co., raised and equipped a small compan}' of young men, who had every confidence in his ability to pilot them across the Great American Desert, to the Eldorado of the West. Various persons urged him to de- sist from his perilous enterprise, asking him to turn back, as the journey was too great for one of his years. With liis usual decision of character, he told them he had •' made up his mind to cross the llocky Mountains, and cross them he would, if life and health were spared him," and he did cross them, and in due time landed his little company on the Pacific coast. Mr. Ludwig visited San Francisco, which was then a small village of miserable log huts and tents. He remained there about fifteen days, and, having seen all other places on the Pacific coast, of note in that day, he decided to return to his home. He sailed from San Francisco to the Isthmus of Panama ; from thence he sailed across the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans ; thence up the Mississippi to Cairo ; thence northward on the Ohio to Cincinnati, from which city he completed his journey by rail to his old home in Bucyrus. His trip had cost him about $4,000 ; this, however, he did not consider as lost, as his great journey and voy- age to and from California in his G2d year, was ever after a source of satisfaction to him. The few closing years of Mr. Ludwig's life were spent with liis daughter, Mrs. Henry D. E. Johnston (now Mrs. Abraham Monnett) and to whom whom we are indebted for Mr. Ludwig's portrait and this sketch of his life). His death occurred, after a brief illness, on the 20th of December, 187G, aged 88 years and 11 months. Mr. Ludwig was the father of eleven children, seven of whom are living — five sons and two daughters — all of whom are wealth}^, honored and respected people. COL. WILSON C. LEMERT, Bucyrus. The subject of this sketch is a son of Lewis and Buth (Purdue) Lemert. This family are among the pioneers of Crawford Co., and an appropri- ate sketch of its early histor}^ will be found among those of Texas Township, where Wilson C. was born March 4, 1837. He assisted his father on the farm until 14 years of age, when he went to the Bepublic Academy, in Seneca Co., for one year ; from there he went to Heidelberg College, which had just been estab- lished at Tiffin, Ohio ; he there completed the preparatory course. In about 1 854, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and continued four years, teaching public school in this county in the meantime. He graduated in 1858, and studied law for some months with the Hon. James B. Hubbell, of Delaware, then came to Bucj'rus and further pursued his law studies in the ofi3ce of Franklin Adams, Esq., for about one year. From there he went to the Cleveland Law College, from which he graduated, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. Mr. Lemert then returned to Bu- cyrus, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for one year, then removed to Greensburg, Ind., in 1860. Six months after his removal to Greensburg, he enlisted as a px'ivate soldier in the 7th Ind. V. I., and, before going to the field, was made Second Lieuten- ant. During the first year of service, he was promoted to the position of First Lieuten- ant, and then Captain of his compan}'. He led his company in the decisive battle of Win- chestei-, Va., and, for gallant conduct on the field, was recommended for promotion. He participated in the battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain, Carrick's Ford, Greenbrier and Win- chester. Some three months after the last- named engagement, he was commissioned Ma- jor of the 86th 0. V. I., and took part in the West Virginia campaign. In Jul}-, 1863, he re-organized the 86th 0. V. I., and was com- missioned Colonel of that veteran regiment. The regiment was assigned to Gen. Burnside's BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 771 Corps, and joined in the East Tennessee inva- sion. At tiie conclusion of that campaign, Col. Lemert was appointed to the command of a brigade, and stationed at the post of Cumber- land Gap, then a vital strategic point. His command as Brigadier General consisted of Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Illinois troops, numbering over 7,000 soldiers, including thirty pieces of artillery. He was mustered out in February, 1865. In 1865-66, the Bellefontaine Cotton Company was organized at Bellefon- taine, Ohio, and, at the solicitation of its stock- holders, Mr. Lemert became its President and General Manager. Floods disheartened the as- sociate adventurers, and, at the end of five months, he purchased the interest of those de- siring to abandon the venture, and, in company with John Jones and Dr. Nathan Atwood, organized a new partnership, and continued the business until the spring of 1866. It proved a dangerous but very fortunate enterprise, yield- ing a handsome return to those who had the hardihood to weather it through. In August, 1866, Col. Lemert became a partner in and busi- ness manager for the wagon and carriage wood- work factory of A. M. Jones & Co., at Bue3'rus, and continued in that relation until 1877. This business was conservative, and yielded results far above the hopes of the investors. In about 1871, the firm of B. B. McDanald & Co. was or- ganized for railroad building, and did about a half-million dollars' worth of work for the A. & L. E. and the 0. C. R. R. Owing to the insol- vency of these corporations, McDanald & Co. became seriously embarrassed, and, in 1878, Mr. Lemert assumed control and management of the property and business of ^McDanald & Co., and closed its affiiirs without loss. At the same time, he was Secretaiy and Treasui'er of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Coal Co., an organiza- tion owning a very large ai'ea of coal and iron lands in Perry Co., Ohio. During the same period, he served the A. & L. E. and the 0. C. R. R. in the capacity of director, and, when its financial condition became hopeless, he assisted in its re-organization, and is now the only per- son connected with the road who played a con- spicuous part in its early history. Though persistent yet misguided criticisms have been directed at these gentlemen for their share in the railroad scheme, it is believed the consum- mation of their labors and the enduring good achieved by it, will bring in future the just meed of credit so richly earned. The fight was long and rugged, yet marveloush' successful in the end. In 1877, Mr. Lemert organized and became President of the Moxahala Iron Co., of which he is still President and General Man- ager. In 1879, he superintended the construc- tion of the southern division of the 0. C. R. R., which embraces the Moxahala tunnel with its heavy approaches, in all nearly a half a mile long, furnishing the work in good order, in six months, which was the quickest and cheapest work of its kind ever done in Ohio. In the spring of 1880, Col. Lemert superintended the raising of $100,000 local aid along the line of the 0. C. R. R., between Bush's Station and Toledo. To accomplish this work, he held fort}' meetings, raising the amount in two months. He was assigned the management of the Ohio Central Coal Co., in Perry Co., Ohio, and again exhib- ited executive abilit}' of the highest order, by carrying on the work through one of the most dangerous strikes ever known to the mining interest, which occurred there in the fall of 1880. Col. Lemert was Postmaster at Bucyrus during the vears of 1866-67, and is at present Chief Engineer of the State of Ohio. In 1879, he laid out Corning, in Perr}' Co., Ohio, which in one year has become a village of over 1,000 inhabitants. In December, 1880, he organized a company, which purchased the foundry and machine works of Bucyrus, Ohio, and changed it from agricultural to railroad and mine work. Aug. 2, 1860, our subject was married to Miss Mar}- L. Jones, only daughter of Dr. A. M. Jones, of Bucyrus ; of this union there are two daughters — Katie and Blanche. DANIEL H. LOV/MILLER, contractor and builder, Bucyrus ; is a son of Adam and Cath- arine (Baker) Lowmiller ; was born Aug. 12, 1888, in Union Co., Penn.. where he remained with his parents until 21 years of age, in the meanwhile attending subscription school a lew terms in winter and working by the month at farm labor the remaining time ; in Februar}', 1859, he and his brother William came to this count}', he being employed by Charles Roehr and Lewis Kuhn to learn the carpenter's trade, serving three years ; at the expiration of his term of apprenticeship, he enlisted in a com- pany of the 1st Mechanics' Fusileers, under Capt. Marsh ; after serving about six months, he re-enlisted in the 1st 111. Light Artillery, Battery I ; as a member of that body, he 'k^ 772 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: fought in the battles of Corinth, Jackson, Nashville, Russell's House, Mission Ridge and Pittsburg Landing ; after serving there about two 3'ears, he enlisted as a veteran, at Scottsboro, Ala., Jan. 26, 1864, in the same battery as above mentioned, serving until the close of the war, being mustered out of the service in July, 1865, at Chicago, 111.; he was miraculously saved by a kind Providence through the many dangers of his long army life and permitted to return to his home at Bu- C3'rus a short time subsequent to the close of the war; after his return to Bucyrus, he engaged in contracting and building, working on some of the principal buildings of the place ; among them may be mentioned Mr. Kearsley's, J. B. Gormley's and W. P. Rowland's. His marriage occurred Aug. 29, 1865, to Miss Louisa Keafei', of Holmes Township, of this county ; by this union, there are four children living — Emma C, Laura E., Cora M. and Marise Gilbert, Daniel H. dying in infancy. He and wife are members of the German M. E. Church, also taking a great interest in the Sunday-school work, he having filled ac- ceptably the offices of Treasurer and Librarian. By his industry and frugal habits, although coming to Bucyrus without any capital, he has gained a comfortable sufficiency of this world's goods. COL. WILLIAM MONNETT, Bucyrus ; is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Pittinger) Monnett, and was born in Ross Co.. Ohio, April 22, 1808 ; Avhen he was 5 years old, his parents removed to Pickaway Co., and here our subject lived on a farm till he was 20 years of age ; during this time, he was given the ad- vantages of a subscription school ; his father set apart a room as a study for his boys, recog- nizing the necessity of thorough education, and our subject so applied himself that, when 18 years of age, he was sufficiently' advanced to teach school himself; in the fall of 1828, his fathers lamil}- removed to Crawford Co. and settled on the Plains of the Sandusky, about five miles south of Bucyrus ; here his father entered 1,440 acres of land, giving to each of his children 160 acres ; in company with his brothers John and Abraham, Col. Monnett had charge of 1,300 acres of land which their father had purchased of Samuel Stutz ; they fenced it in, making one large field ; in 1830, they pastured 300 cattle for Allen Kelly, and, another year, drove for John Wylie and David Holderman ; the following fall, he purchased a large drove of cattle, and, being successful in this venture, he continued for several years to buy, graze and sell large numbers of cattle, and has been very success- ful ; in 1837, just preceding the panic, he owned 700 cattle, and, at one time, he owned 1,400. Mr. Monnett had united with the M. E. Church at the age of 12, and, at the age of 32, he was licensed to preach, and continued for ten years, at the end of which time he was compelled to abandon the ministry- on account of his health. On the same day that he was licensed to preach, he was appointed Colonel of the 1st Regiment, 3d Brigade, of 11th Division Ohio Militia, and for seven years served efflcientl}^, when he resigned. He lived where W. H. Kinnear now lives until 1851 ; here he taught school several terms, and then came to Bucyrus to give his children the advantages of a better education. On coming to Bucyrus, Col. Monnett formed a partnership with Patterson Marshall, keeping a general store, one of the largest of that day ; he con- tinued some three years and then retired, pur- chasing 400 acres just east of Bucyrus, and also about 1,100 acres near Cranberry Marsh, of Paul Hetich ; he has since been engaged in keeping large numbers of cattle and sheep, his son Abraham engaging with him from 1864 to 1875. Mr. Monnett has been one of the promi- nent men of this county, and especially prom- inent in religious work ; he has been Recording Steward of the church for several years, and fills that position at the present writing ; he is a Republican in politics, and, previous to the organization of the party, he was a Whig. He was married, Jan. 11, 1831, to Elizabeth Ca- hill, of Bucyrus, a daughter of Abraham Ca- hill, and sister of Hon. Richard Cahill ; of this union there were five children — Mary J., wife of Hon. S. R. Harris, of Bucyrus ; Rachel, wife of W. H. Kinnear, of Bucyrus Town- ship ; Sarah L., wife of L. L. Walker, of Whet- stone Township ; Isaac W., died in his 43d year in Washington Territory, and Abram C, died at Bucyrus, in his 41st year, both leaving families. ABRAHAM MONNETT, banker, Bucyrus ; few of the residents of Crawford Co., and per- haps none of those who may be numbered among the pioneers, ha\'e risen to a place of -7(7- IV :±, BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 773 greater prominence as a citizen and a man of sterling worth and business ability, than the subject of this sketch — Mr. Abraham Monnett — whose portrait appears in this work. He is a descendant of Mr. Abraham Monnett, who, with his family, moved from Virginia to Ohio, in the year 1800, and settled near the village of Chillicothe. His family consisted of Isaac, Thomas, Margaret, Jeremiah (the father of our subject), John, William, Osborn and Elizabeth. Jeremiah Monnett returned to Virginia, where he was married to Miss Alcy Slagle. The}' set- tled near Cumberland, on the Potomac River, and resided there until 1814, he then, with his family of a wife and five small children — one of whom was the subject of this memoir — removed to Ohio and settled in Pickaway Co. Their trip from Virginia was a very hard one, and probably would not have been undertaken but for the help of a Widow Jones, with whom Mr. Monnett joined teams. Mr. Monnett was a regularly ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when arriving in Picka- way Co. he had only $5 in mone}', and his team and small supply of household goods. He re- mained a resident of Pickaway Co. until 1835, and then removed to Crawford Co., settling four and a half miles south of the village of Bucy- rus, where he resided until his death, which oc- curred in September of 1863. Mr. Abraham Monnett was born on the 12th of October, 1811, in the State of Virginia and near the Maryland line. His life was spent in the home of his birthplace until his pai'ents removed to Ohio in 1814. In that early day of the settle- ment of Pickaway Co., but few opportunities were aflTorded him for attaining an education. Always active, energetic, and endowed with great decision of character, he had before leaving Pickaway Co. with his father, in 1835, taken an active part in all local matters, and while residing there he joined a company of Militia, of which he was First Lieutenant ; his commission for this office was signed by George McArthur. Shortly after his father moved to Crawford Co., Abraham bought a forty acres of land lying in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. Soon after his going to Mai'ion Co., he joined the Militia Company commanded by Capt. Beckley, in which he also was elected Fii'st Lieutenant. In June of 1836, Mr. Monnett returned to Pickaway Co., where on the 9th of that month he was married to Miss Catharine Brougher, who had been an orphan from her 4th year, and by whom he re- ceived $2,500, the proceeds of the sale of land of which she was the heir. This, with the ex- ception of $120, given him by his father, was the only money received by him, and the only part of his extensive fortune, not accumulated by his own energy and industry and economy. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Monnett took up his residence in Scott Township, Marion Co. In 1838, he began the handling of cattle, many of which he bought in Illinois, and drove through to his farm in Marion Co., to do which would sometimes require a thirty-days drive. Later in life, he assisted largely in the organi- zation of the Marion Co. Bank, an institution in which he has since held an interest and of which he has been the President since 1864. At present he is also the President of the Farmer's Bank of Marion, Ohio. He is also at the head of the Crawford Co. Bank of Bucyrus, where much of his time is spent. Besides his interest in the above enterprises, Mr. Monnett owns, in Crawford and Marion Cos., 11,000 acres of choice land. Truly, this is a fortune for one man to accumulate, whose eai'ly life was spent in a new country, where, to attend a very common school, he was obliged to walk two and a half miles. Mr. Monnett has not been successful in financial affairs only, but in the rearing of a famil}' of twelve children to honorable man and womanhood. They are sit- uated as follows : Ephraim B., farmei', of Dallas Township : Martha, wife of G. H. Wright, of Bucyrus Township : Oliver, farmer, in Dallas Township ; John T., farmer, residence Marion Co., Ohio ; Alc}', wife of James Malcom, of Bucyrus ; Augustus E., farmer, of Bucyrus Township ; Marvin J., farmer and stock-dealer, Dallas Township ; Mary J., wife of George Hull, banker, Findlay, Ohio ; Madison W., Teller Crawford Co. Bank ; Nelson, on the old homestead, in Marion Co. ; Amina J., wife of Calvin Tobias, of Bucyrus, and Kate, wife of Louis Ross, farmer, of Dallas Township. Mrs. Monnett died on Feb. 8, 1875, and on May 30, 1877, Mr. Monnett was again married. His present wife was Mrs. Jane Johnston, daughter of Mr. Samuel Ludwig, whose portrait appears in this book, as does also the biography of his life. They resided for a short time after this marriage on a farm owned bj' the widow, but later removed to Bucyrus, where they now re- 774 BIOGRAPHICAL SI^IETCHES: side. Mr. Monnett has for many years been a memberof the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his early manhood he was a member of the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party he has cast his vote and in- fluence for it. His first Pi-esidential vote was cast for J. Q. Adams. REV. THOMAS J. INIONNETT, former and minister, Bucyrus, whose portrait appears in this work, is a son of Rev. Jeremiah and Alcy (Single) Monnett, and was born Jan. 26, 1826, in Pickaway Co., Ohio. When nine years of age, his parents removed to this county and settled on the place where he now lives. They came from an old and thickly settled country", and, arriving at their new home in a heavy rain, drenched to the skin, the prospect before them seemed anything but inviting. In the midst of all this his mother was taken sick, which added to the anxiety of the situation. Young Mon- nett was employed in herding stock, and riding among the yellow-blossomed weeds, which cov- ered the Plains ; he was often lost almost in sight of his father's cabin. An old cabin resi- dence near by was converted into a schoolhouse during the summer of 1836, and Harriet Bover, an Eastern lad}' of some attainments, taught the first school in it. Pupils came four or five miles to the first winter school, which was taught by a Mr. Kenough. In these schools young Monnett studied until he was 16, mas- tering the common branches as far as taught b}' those earl}' teachers. In his 16th year. Rev. Osborn Monnett, of the Norwalk Seminary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to the neighborhood, and soon after started a school at his own residence, in which he was enrolled among the first pupils. He was a very thorough teacher, and for two years, young Monnett pur- sued the studies of grammar, philosophy and algebra. About the year 1 845, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and returned and took charge of the home school that winter at $18 per month, it being the first school under the district system. He taught two terms, at the same time occupying himself with individual study. At 21 years of age, he began reading medicine with Drs. F. Swingley and Douglass, of Bucyrus, and recited to them for one year. Previous to attaining his ma- jority, he read Clark's Commentaries through to his father, who was a minister of the Gospel, and the church licensed him to preach, but, not feeling sure of his duty, he did not then enter the ministry. A few years later, however, be- ing called by the church and his own convic- tions, he took charge of Melmore Circuit, under Presiding Elder Wm. Disbra, for one year, as supply. He was then recommended unani- mously by the circuit to the North Ohio Con- ference, and in 1853, he joined the conference and was sent to Fostoria, where he labored for two years, having a glorious revival each year ; he was then sent to Kenton, one of the strong- est charges at that time in the conference ; and was ordained Elder, having completed a com- prehensive course of study in four years — which usually requires six years. He remained at Kenton one year, and then went to Upper Sandusky, laboring there two years with good success. He was then removed to the Cale- donia Circuit, which enabled him to be at home, and here he labored for two years, having a large revival at Monnett Chapel, in which 108 persons joined the church ; he labored continu- ously for forty-two nights, which proved too much for his already over-tasked system, and brought on a hemorrhage of the lungs, and he retired for two years, much broken down in health. In 1861, he took a superannuated re- lation to the North Ohio Conference, and on his recovery he labored in the ministry in vari- ous places. He has been called upon to settle up some large estates for T. F. Johnston and others. About 1861, he began stocking his farm and had good success, and some years later, he purchased the old homestead ; he now owns about 1,200 acres of fine farming and grazing land. He has been engaged in various public enterprises, among them the Bucyrus Woolen Mills, and is now, with J. G. Frayer, owner of the Bucyrus Gas Works. In 1848. he was married to Henrietta Johnston, of Dallas Township, and had born to him by this mar- riage, seven children, viz. : Orwin Bruce, of this township ; Wm. A., commission stock-dealer of 'Chicago ; Francis S., still at home ; John G. (deceased 10 years); EflSe at home; Webster and Agnes, died in childhood. His wife died Nov. 22, 1871, in her 43d year, and on the 4th of September, 1873, he was married to Miss Sarah Rexroth, of Bucyrus, who was born at Winchester, in this county. May 4, 1842, and educated in the Bucyrus schools, and at Mt. Union College. She began teaching at 15, and taught seven terms in this county ; in 1862, ^e* k" iJ: BUCTRUS TOWNSHIP. 775 she began teaching in Bucyrus Union Schools, and continued until 1873, teaching in every grade, and in the high school department. She was identified with the missionary work in this count}', having been Corresponding Secretar}- of the Cincinnati branch of the Women's For- eign Society and Sunday school work, and is now Superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Monnett's father and uncle came about 1835, and were the first Methodists in the neigh- borhood. His father married Alcy Slagle, who was born in Virginia, and received from her fathers estate a number of slaves, which he brought across the Ohio River to free them, when he moved to Pickaway County in 1801. Mr. Monnett, the subject, has alwa3's been a Republican in politics. He was nomi- nated for the State Senate in the district com- posed of Crawford, Wj'andot and Seneca Coun- ties, and cut down the Democratic majority 400 votes ; was also nominated for Representa- tive in 1879. ABRxlHAM C. MONNETT, deceased; son of William and Elizabeth (Cahill) Monnett; was born in Bucyrus Township, March 31, 1839, and lived on the plains until 1851, when he came to Bucyrus and attended school until he was 21, when he attended the Ohio Wes- le3'an Universit}' at Delaware one ,year, but was compelled to come home on account of sick- ness. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 34th 0. V. I., Co. E, and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He participated in the battles fought in Virginia, and was honorabl}^ discharged in 1864. On his return, he engaged with his fatlier in stock-raising and farming until about 1870, when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Monnett continued alone until 1878, when he was stricken down with consumption, and died April 17, 1879, after a lingering illness. He was a man highly esteemed by all who knew him — a kind and affectionate husband and lov- ing father. He was married. Dee. 11, 1867, to Miss Jennie E. Walwork, of Bucyrus. She was born at Saratoga, N. Y., June 6, 1840. She re- ceived her education at the Albany State Nor- mal School, graduating there in July, 1860. The following August, she came to Bucyrus, and, in September, 1861, she accepted a posi- tion in the Bucyrus Union Schools, where, for five successive 3'ears, she taught with gratify- ing success. Five children were born of her marriage — Frank W., born March 18, 1869 ; Wallace L„ Sept. 18, 1871 ; Elizabeth, March 22, 1873; Julia, Nov. 13, 1874; Rachel, Aug. 3, 1876. M. W. MONNETT, Assistant Cashier of Crawford County Bank, Bucyrus ; is the son of Abraham Monnett, whose biography appears in this work. He was born Aug. 8, 1851, in Scott Township, Marion Co. He attended common school until 1871, and then took a commercial course in the Buckeye Business College, of San- dusky Cit}', graduating in March, 1872. He remained on the farm until 1878, when he be- came Assistant Cashier in the Crawford Count}' Bank, which responsible position he still holds. Before this appointment, he did considerable business in live stock, and proved himself a live business man. He was married, Sept. 12, 1872, to Rosalie A. Brewer, of Marion Co. Of this marriage there are two children living — Ernest E. and Edith A. His wife died Aug. 17, 1876. He was re-married, Dec. 3, 1879, to Miss Arma McCror}', of Bucvrus. A. E. MONNETT, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is a son of Abraham and Cath- arine (Brougher) Monnett, and was born Oct. 3, 1845, in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. Here he spent his youth on the farm, acquiring a common-school education in the meantime. At the age of 21, he took charge of a farm of 600 acres, which he still owns. He at once de- voted his attention largely to the raising of stock, principally that of cattle and sheep. In tlie rearing and handling of stock, he has been eminently successful. He united his fortunes with Miss Anna Walton, of Marion Co., Feb. 20, 1868. Of this marriage four children were born — Irvin E., Rosa C, Walter J. and Ada A. The latter died in infancy. Mr. Monnett is a Republican in politics. ORWIN BRUCE MONN KTT, farmer, etc.; P. 0. Bucyrus ; son of Rev. Thomas J. and Hen- rietta (Johnston) Monnett, was born Sept. 29, 1850, in this township. He was 10 years old when his father returned from his ministerial labors to the farm. He worked on the farm from 1860 to 1869, attending in the meantime the com- mon schools. In the fall of 1869, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, re- maining one year. In the fall of 1870, he en- tered the Ohio Business College at Delaware, from which institution he graduated in January-, 1871. [n June of the same year he became book-keeper for the woolen-mill company of ^ ^J -a 776 BIOGRAPPIICAL SKETCHES: Bucyrus, serving acceptably there for nearly one year. In May, 1872, he bought an interest in a wholesale and retail grocery and provision store in Bucyrus, becoming a partner with Gr. W. Myers. This partnership lasted until Sep- tember, 1873, when he retired from the store and returned to the farm. In 1874 and 1875, he was clerk in American ICxpress Company's office at Gallon, and, in May of the latter year, became book-keeper for Monnett, Frayer & Co., for one year. In the fall of 1876, he again returned to the farm, where he has since remained, aiding his father in the management of his large estate. Nov. 14, 1877, he married Miss Annie Hoffman, of Bucyrus, a daughter of Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. She was born April 12, 1858. Mr. Monnett is a Republican ; and is at present a member of and President of the School Board of Bucyrus Township, and taught school in 1879-80. He is a local member of Chautauqua Scientific and Literary Circle, in which he takes considerable interest and is a shining light. CHARLES S. MUNSON, Bucyrus ; was born in Paris, Oneida Co., N. Y., and is a son of Julius and Marie Antoinette (Smith) Munson. His youth was spent on a farm until 21 years of age. He completed his education at Rome Academy and Cazenovia Seminary, New York. In 1854, he went to Boston, Mass., there he en- tered the organ factory of Mason & Hamlin as foreman of the tuning department. He is a cousin to Mr. Hamlin, of this firm. While in this business he was a member of the leading oratoria societies of Boston, and for some years correspondent for the New York Musical Re- view. He remained in the factory about four years. Was married, Sept. 18, 1855, to Miss Harriet A. Cooper, of Wampsville, N. Y., and of this union five children have been born — Mary A., Emma L., Grace, Charles and William. He i-e turned to New York after leaving Mason & Hamlin and taught school in 1857-58 ; had taught several terms before. He came to Ohio in 1858 to engage as commercial traveler for A. Miller & Co., his health demanding a change of habits. In 1859, he removed his family to Delaware, Ohio, where they lived some two years. In April, 1861, he came to Bucyrus, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business in Quinl)y Block until January, 1868, when he sold out and became commercial traveler for a wholesale drug house at Cleveland for two years, at the end of which time he entered the whole- sale liquor and tobacco business in 1870, which he has still followed with good success. He began his musical education at 15, and in three years' time was leader of the choir in Paris, N. Y. His first instrument upon which to take les- sons was the violin, but he rapidly acquired a knowledge of other instruments. Of late years he has composed some very creditable pieces of vocal music. Has been leader of choirs since the age of 18 years. He organized the choral union in 1874, first formed of the Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian choirs for mutual practice, and under his direction sing classical music. He and wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church. His father was born in Paris, N. Y., in 1806, and followed farming ; he raised three sons and two daughters — Charles S., Julius S., James E., Jane and Sarah. Julius is professor of vocal music in Boston ; James lives in New York City, and is author of Mun- son's complete phonography, and is official reporter of Surrogate's court The two daugh- ters are living at Chicago. His wife was a native of New York, daughter of Rev. William H. Cooper, late of Bellport, L. I. She was a graduate of Cazenovia Seminar}', and was a fine Latin and French scholar. GEN. SAMUEL MYERS, Nevada ; is a son of Abraham M3^ers, and was born on the 4th day of December, 1802, near Lancaster, Lan- caster Co., Penn. His father was born on the memorable day of July 4, 1776, and was a miller by trade. He bought a mill in York Co., Penn., where he lived for several 3'ears, and, about 1 807 or 1808, he removed to Carlisle, Cum- berland Co. The subject of this sketch left home when 18 jears of age, and learned the trade of tailor, serving thi'ee years. He was married on the 6tli da^^ of October, 1825 (then about 22 years of age), to Rebecca Deardorf, who was born July 31, 1808, and, in the fall of 1827, the}- removed to Bucj-rus, Crawford Co., where they lived in the town and vicinity for a period of fifty-three years. His wife died July 17, 1845. leaving ten children, the youngest but 7 days old. He kept house with his children for about three years, when he was again mar- ried, June 22, 1848, to Mi's. Hannah Hamilton, the result of which was one son, born July 2, 1849. Bucyrus was but a small place when Mr. Myers moved to it, consisting of a few houses only, and they of the regular pioneer ;r^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 777 pattern. He, with a few other public-spirited citizens then living in the new settlement, went to work in good earnest to build up the town and improve the country, so as to make it at- tractive to emigrants. There were man}^ In- dians then in this section of the country. They were good friends to Mr. Myers and his family, and he always felt himself perfectly safe among them. They, and their squaws and papooses, would frequently come to his house, and his good wife would give them something to eat, for which they always seemed grateful. Mr. Myers was instrumental in raising an inde- pendent company of militia, called " Bucyrus Guards," of which he was elected Captain, a po- sition he held several years, when he was elected Brigadier General of the Third Brigade, 11th Division of Ohio Militia, which, after command- ing several years, he resigned. He was elected Count}^ Treasurer in 183-1:, and served for ten years ; the county then embraced quite an ex- tensive territory, and he went to ever}' township to receive the taxes, to the place of holding elections, on horseback, mostly along Indian trails and paths. In 18-18, he was elected to the State Legislature, and, in the fall of the same year, was one of the Electors for the State, and was elected a second time to the Legis- lature. During those years, he lived at Bucy- rus, and was frequently called upon to assist in getting up improvements for the benefit of the town and the surrounding country, such as se- curing the county seat at Bucyrus, railroads and other improvements. Gen. Myers has al- ways been a public-spirited citizen, and to his enterprise Bucyrus and Crawford County owe much of their wealth and prosperity. He now lives at Nevada, just over the line in Wyandot County. W. W. MILLER, retired ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; whose portrait and that of his wife, appear in this book, is another of the old and honored pioneers of Crawford Co. He was born in Manheim Township, Berks Co.. Penn., on March 1, 1808, and is the son of Peter Miller, who migrated with his family to Crawford Co. in the year 1 835 ; the journey was made b}' wagon and was a most tedious one, the family consisting of the father and mother and seven children, all of whom arrived safely at the old Blue Ball Inn, two miles south of Buc3rus, on the IGth of May, 1835. They resided at the Blue Ball until the 4th of the following June, when they rented a house in the village of Bu- cyrus, to which they removed. Mr. Miller and his son, the subject of this sketch, engaged in hauling earth from the hill north of town, to fill in and level the public square. They continued teaming, at different kinds of work, until on the 12th of the following December, when they purchased the lot where the Western Hotel now stands, paying for it $850, when together they engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Peter Miller & Son. Now, to go back to the earlier life of Mr. Miller : He was reared on a farm, and remained with his father until the age of 14, when he began hiring out to do farm- work. This he continued for a few years, or until 1828, when he secured a situation as salesman in a store at McKeans- burg, Penn.; there his first instructions as a salesman were received. His first year's salary for this work was $30. In 1830, he secured, through the influence of his uncle, John Miller, a situation in the store of Mr. Henry Arnold, in Lancaster, Ohio. A short residence in that place brought on an attack of fever and ague, on account of which he returned to Pennsyl- vania. Recovering, he again secured a situa- tion in McKeansburg, where he remained most of the time until preparations were made by his father to move to Ohio, which event oc- curred as above stated. The business was con- ducted in Bucyrus under the firm name of Peter Miller & Son, until the death of the old gentleman, which occurred on his 55th birth- day, August 1, 1839. W. W. continued the business until Aug. 31, 1848, when his building and entire stock of goods were destroyed by fire. Though sustaining this loss by fire, Mr. Miller was still in fair financial circumstances, and in 1852, he, in company with some other gentlemen of Bucyrus and Mansfield — John Sherman, now of national reputation, being one of the number — engaged in the general banking business in Bucyrus. The Mansfield gentlemen withdrawing, the business was continued until 1862, by Messrs. Musgrave, Hetich, Adams and Miller, of Bucyrus, when they discontinued the business to devote their time to other interests and enterprises. Mr. Miller has bought and sold many different lots and tracts of land in and about Bucyrus. For a number of years, he has been in no active business, but has been reaping the reward of his early industry and economy, in a pleasant home in West Bucyrus, -^ 778 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: where, in company with his estimable wife, he resides in peace and contentment. On Jan. 28, 1836, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Cath- arine, daughter of Henr}' and Catharine Sell. She too, bore her burdens nobly in their early struggles to accumulate a competency, and in the rearing of their family of four children to honorable man and womanhood. Her portrait appears in this work, as a lady worthy of a place in the history of Crawford Co. Their children are Maria W., now the wife of C. H. Shonert ; Wilson A., James K. and Clarrissa. HARVEY E. MORGAN, barber, Bucyrus ; was born in Springfield, Clarke Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1833. His father, Nimrod Morgan, was born Dee. 25, 1789, and was for many 3'ears a slave in Bourbon Co., Ky. ; he commenced to buy his freedom, and labored for several years in order to secure enough to emancipate him- self and wife ; he settled in Springfield, Ohio, about 1825, and followed the ti-ade of a black- smith for many years ; Nimrod Morgan was the father of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, and is still living at an ad- vanced age ; he was 91 years old on Dec. 25, 1880. Harvey E.Morgan, the subject of this sketch, was the ^'oungest son, and in his youth received only two months' instruction at a regu- lar school ; but in after life he acquired by his own efforts a good education. He assisted his father in the blacksmith-shop until about 18 years of age, and then entered a barber-shop at Cincinnati, Ohio, serving an apprenticeship of two years with George Anderson. During the next year he followed his trade on the steam- boat Jacob Streeter, which made regular trips between Cincinnati and New Orleans. He then worked at Richmond, Ind., for four months ; then at Dayton, Ohio, for two years ; then at Miamisburg about one year ; he also followed his trade as a journeyman barber in New York City, many places in Michigan, Penn- sylvania, Illinois and Ohio, including the cities of Chicago and Cleveland. He was married to Miss Isabella C. Bell, of Xenia, on Oct. 18, 1854, and after working in Springfield a short time removed to Miamisburg, where they re- mained about a year and then removed to Mansfield, where they resided for a longer pe- riod. In April, 18G0, the family settledhi Bu- cyrus, where Mr. Morgan has' since followed his trade with good success. At the present time he runs three chairs in his establishment. which is located in the Reid frame building at the northwest corner of the public square ; his rooms are conveniently located, handsomely furnished, and all his customers are satisfied with the treatment they receive upon giving him their patronage. He is gentlemanly in his deportment and has alwa3's attended strictly to business, but nevertheless, during the war, when political feeling was most intense against the race to which he is an honor, and when a ci'aven fear of the draft made ruflflans and cowards of many, the trials of Mr. Morgan were exceeding- 1}^ severe. The night succeeding the da}^ of a political meeting, was certain to be disgraced by acts of oppression and cowardice toward him. Upon four different occasions his shop windows were broken in and his furniture de- stro3'ed. When prominent white citizens were frequently insulted and abused on the streets, it is not likely a colored citizen, although harm- less, inoffensive and non-combative, could es- cape similar treatment ; he was assaulted and abused on the streets by cowards and ruffians who were safe from all legal responsibility, for frequently officers sworn to preserve order in the coramunit}' assisted the rabble in making the place uncomfortable for Morgan, who was therefore "stoned, chased and abused whenever it suited the pleasure of these enemies of his people. His employes were driven from the town, his family kept in perpetual alarm and at one time frightened from their home ; thus an innocent wife and helpless children were also the victims of the brutality of the mob. Mr. Morgan is the father of nine children, seven of these are still living — Alice, Lucinda, Lil- lian, Edward H., Frederick D., Jay R., and Carl S. Mrs. Morgan is a consistent member oftheM. E. Church. DANIEL MILLER, Bucyrus. The history of Crawford Co. would indeed be incomplete without the subjoined sketch of the Miller family. John Miller, father of Daniel, was a native of Little York, Penn., from which place to Perry Co., Ohio, his parents removed when he was 3'et a child. He learned the cabinet-mak- er's trade in early life, and soon after reaching his majority', went to Licking Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade. It was in this county at Granville that he met Miss L3'dia Murdick, to whom he was married, and who was the mother of his five children. For some time after his marriage, Mr. Miller resided in Perry :^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 779 Co., working at his trade. In 1825, he came to Crawford Co., and settled in Bucyrus, which at that time was but a small hamlet on the San- dusky River. For some time, he worked at carpentering and cabinet-making, and then en- gaged in the hotel business and dry goods trade. He built the first carding-mill in the town, and through his endeavors it proved a success, and was, for a number of years, one of the leading industries of the count}'. He was twice elected Sheriff of the county, and it is said by old settlers that the county never had a more efficient officer. For a number of years, he kept an exchange office and dealt quite largely in real estate. He purchased of a Mr. Clark 80 acres of land, which he laid out in town lots, and which is now known as " Miller's Addition " to Bucyrus. He was in fact one of the most prominent and successful business men of that day, and contributed not a little to the building-up and improving of the little citj^ he had chosen as his home. This good man departed this life in 1858, and was followed by his wife in 1871. Daniel Miller was born in Perry Co., Ohio, June 1, 1824, and his j'outh and early manhood were passed upon a farm. He received a good common-school education, and soon after reaching his m:ijoritv, began for himself as a farmer. His marriage with Miss Maria Lemmon occurred in 1847. She was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 20, 1827, and came from there to Seneca Co., Ohio, when a child. She is sister of Judge Lemmon, of To- ledo, one of the leading jurists of Northern Ohio. Mr. Miller's marriage bore the fruits of seven children, six of whom are j'ct liv- ing — Jennie, John D., Charles R., Francis E., Cassius M. and Stansbury L. Jeannette was the name of the one deceased. jMr. Miller has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 142 acres of land, one and one-half miles west of Buc3'rus, upon which are good and substantial farm buildings. Politically, he is a Republican. Socially, he and wife are sec- ond to none in the county. JOHN MEYER, Bucyrus ; was born March 24, 1832, in Lindach, Oberamt Gmuend, Wur- temberg, Germany. He is the son of Caspar and Catharina (Esterday) Meyer, who were na- tives of Grermany and the parents of six chil- dren, viz., Dorotha, Christian, Mary, John, Catharina and Barbara. The father was twice married, his second wife being Margaret Man- gold, who was the mother of two children, viz., Rosanna and Magdalena. The father was a baker and farmer, and held, during his lifetime, many positions of honor and trust in his na- tive country. The subject of this sketch at- tended school and assisted his father until 14 years of age. About this time, the father died. This compelled young Meyer to care for him- self, and the next five 3'ears found him working on a farm at $30 per year. He had saved some money at the expiration of that time, and he concluded to trj^ his fortune in the New World. He arrived in the United States in 1853, and, the same 3'ear, came to Bucja'us, Ohio, which he has since made his home. On his arrival at Bucyrus, he had but $2, but he went to work on a farm, and, for two 3'ears, fol- lowed that as a vocation. He then, for a few years, worked in a hotel and at brick-making. He was united in marriage, April 8, 1858, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Eva (Stichler) Bauer, both natives of Bavaria, Ger- many, and the parents of five children. Mi- chael, one of the sons, was a soldier in the war of the rebellion, and was killed while fighting for liis country. Mrs. Meyer was born Oct. 17, 1838, in Bavaria, Germany. Her marriage with Mr. Meyer bore the fruit of seven chil- dren, six of whom are now living, viz., Eliza- beth, John, Jacob, Catharine, Charles and Frank. The name of the one deceased was Amelia. Mr. Meyer worked, for some years after his marriage, at brick-making. He then entered the employ of Vollrath & Blicke, with whom he remained some three years, and then pur- chased the business of them, in which he has since remained. He owns a nice business prop- erty on Sandusky street, and is doing a large and steadily increasing business. He is a Democrat in politics, and has twice been elected to the responsible office of Corporation Treas- urer. He is spoken of in ver}' complimentary terms as an official. JOHN R. MILLER, lumber merchant, Bu- c^-rus ; was born Nov. 13, 1840, near London- derry, England ; he is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller, both of whom were born in Cheshire, England, and who now reside in Perth Co., Out., Canada; Mr. Miller was 8 years old when his people emigrated from England to Canada ; they settled on a farm in the same count}' in which they still reside ; there the early life of John R. was spent, and -^ 780 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: an education received ; at the age of 16 years, tie began learning the carpenter's trade with one Jacob Bald, of Stratford, with whom he remained for two years ; his father buying a carriage ftictory, required the help of his son to run it ; he therefore quit the carpenter's trade to take cliarge of the wood-work depart- ment in the shops of his father ; his father continued the business for four years, when he sold out ; this left young Miller free to make new arrangements for his own future ; accord- ingly, in the spring of 1863, he came to Seneca Co., Ohio, to see an uncle, and, while there, he took a contract to Iniild for him a barn ; this piece of work served as an introduction for him, and, after its completion, he secured plenty of contracts for building ; for a time, he followed the business of building in the States in summer, and returning to his home in Can- ada in winter. May 4, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary E. McKinstry, of Bucyrus, Ohio. For two years after marriage, Mr. Miller lived in Seneca Co., Ohio, but, in February of 1876, he came to Bucyrus, where he has since re- sided ; for one year, he worked at his trade, and then became a member of the firm of Os- man Miller & Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber ; several changes were made in the firm until 1879, when Mr. Miller became the sole owner and proprietor ; he has been one of the active, energetic business men of Buc3'rus, and his success is the result of his own good financiering. He is a Republican, and a mem- ber of the Knights of Honor ; Mrs. Miller, as well as himself, is a member of the M. E. Church. They have two children living — Car- rie (lertrude and James William. C. G. MALIC, merchant, Bucyrus. This gentleman, so well known to the citizens of Crawford Co., was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, March 20, 1834, and is the son of Caleb and Barl)ara (Heibold) Malic. After receiving his education, he sailed to America, and was on the ocean twenty-seven days, landing in September, 1847. He at once came to Craw- ford Co., and commenced work at cabinet-mak- ing, at which he continued .some six months. He also followed threshing for two years, and, in the meantime, attended school, and acquired a knowledge of the English language. Liberty Corners, in Vernon Township, was the scene of his first clerical and mercantile labors. In October, 1851, he commenced at that place as salesman, and continued for some four years. He then purchased a half-interest with John Kaler, in Bucyrus, which partnership lasted until 1859, when the subject of our sketch pur- chased the entire business, and continued it until the fall of 1864. In the following year, he began business in the place which he now occupies, with John Kaler and John Keil as partners, dealing in dry goods and groceries. Ml-. Keil retii-ed in 1867, and the remaining two partners continued the business until 1876, when Mr. Malic purchased the entire business, and was sole owner until 1878, when James (11030! became an equal partner. Thej are now running the business together, and have large salesrooms on the northwest corner of the pub- lic square, one 26x60 feet, devoted to the dry goods business, and a carpet room on the second floor. The grocer^' occupies a room to the rear of the dr}' goods department. The}' are doing a flourishing business, and are recognized as among the leading business men of the place. Mr. Malic was married in May, 1864, to Re- becca Gloyd, of West Liberty, and of this mar- riage there are four children — Mai'y, the wife of C. C. Scott, of Bucyrus ; James B., a clerk in the store ; Emma, wife of H. J. Deal, of this city, and Charles. Mr. Malic is a self-made man, and began without capital, and has brought himself into affluence by industry and business tact. He is a prominent citizen, taking interest in public affairs, and is at present a member of the Council of Bucyrus. LOUIS K. MYERS, Assistant Postmaster, Bucyrus ; is a son of George W. and Mary (Hart) Myers, and was born in Gallon Feb. 9, 1852. His father's family removed to Bucyrus in 1856, where our subject went to school until his 17th year. Afterward, he was clerk for his father until 1869 ; he was then appointed Dep uty Postmaster under J. P. Rader, and, the office changing hands, he remained one year under John Hopley, afterward becoming a clerk and book-keeper in the produce business until 1873 ; he then became an engineer on the At- lantic & Lake Erie R. R. ; he was on the en- gineering corps until 1874, when he became chief clerk for C. W. Timanus, remaining one year ; he was next book-keeper for A. M. Jones, in the Buckeye Shops. In the fall of 1876, he was bill and shipping clerk for Tracy & Avery, of Mansfield. In the fall of 1877, himself aiid brother entered into the grocery business. In BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 781 1878, he entei'ed the post office again, under Ml". Hopley, and has since then remained the deput}^ clerk. He was Captain of the Bucyrus Light Guards until his departure for Mansfield, and has been a steadfast Republican and good worker in the cause ; he is also a member of the M. E. Church. In discharging his duties as clerk in the post office, he has given satisfac- tory evidence of his ability in that department of the public service. WILLIAM MAGEE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; son of James and Ann (Moderwel!) Ma- gee, was born Sept. 9, 1828, in Sandusky Town- ship, this county, where the family were among the earliest settlers. His youth was spent there on a farm, attending, in the meantime, the dis- trict school, until 21 years of age, and worked at home for the famil}' until he was 24 3'ears old. On Oct. 10, 1850, he married Miss*^Mar- garet J. Cleland, of Vernon Township ; two children are the fruits of this marriage — Ra- chel A., now the wife of Charles McCuen, a blacksmith at Wyandot, Ohio, and William W., at home. He has also raised a nephew and a niece — Fenton (1. Magee and Rachel E. A. Cle- land. After marriage, he farmed the homestead for one year, then went to North Robinson, where he built a saw-mill with Baxter Mayers, in which business he remained for about two years, and afterward farmed for two or three years on rented land. He moved on to his present place in 1857, it being owned at the time b}- his uncle, John Moderwell. In 1859, he bought 80 acres of the farm, and added 18 acres to it in 1862. It has good buildings, a fine orchard of his own planting, and is located one mile from Bucyrus. He began life with but little except good health and energy, and has acquired all he has by his own labor and industry. In early times, he bore his share of the hardships incident to life in a new country", being obliged to plow when he was so small that he could not pull the plow loose when it caught under a root, but had to hitch his team to his end of it for that purpose ; and has also plowed barefoot, when his plow would freeze fast in the ground at night. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; his wife also was raised in that faith. He is a Republican in politics. The father of Mr. Magee was born in Washington Co., Penn., about 1788, and was a teamster in earlj' life, but afterward learned cabinet-raakino:. He was married about 1811 ; was in the war of 1812, and marched to Fort Meigs, when the war ended. In the spring of 1824, they drove through to Ohio in a wagon, cutting their wa}" from Mansfield, and arrived at their destination, after a long journey from Washington Co., Penn. He came out on horse- back in the fall of 1822, and entered 160 acres of land for himself, and 160 also, for John Ma^'ers, his brother-in-law, in Sandusky Town- ship. Knisely and Ridgely were the only set- tlers in that vicinity, which was densely wooded, and the Indians lived within forty rods of his house. They moved into a cabin which had nothing to recommend it but the roof and logs. The}'' drove a cow and two calves through with them, which died shortl}^ after their arri- val ; he lost many cattle after his settlement here from murrain and in the swamps. He raised a small crop of potatoes the first year in his new home ; food was very scarce ; they had to pound corn, and sift it through a rag. He was a hard-working man, but met with many misfortunes, which kept him in debt until just before his death. He had considerable mechanical genius, and with tools could do many different kinds of handiwork, as well as building houses. He died April 14, 1850, and his faithful wife Oct. 15, 1851. They had nine children — Eliza, wife of Samuel Parsons, of Gallon ; Mary A., died in her 18th year ; Rob- ert, died at the age of 55 ; Belle, is the wife of Peter Wert, of Johnson Co., Mo. ; John, died at the age of 55 ; William, the subject of this sketch ; Margaret E. and Sarah J., both died young, one 15, the other 18 years of age, and Etheiinda died in her 18th year ; all died rather suddenly. Mr. Magee, Sr.. was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Whig in poli- tics. W. F. MORRISON, merchant, Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 23, 1849, in this county, and is the son of John and Mary (Brokaw) Morrison. He received a common-school education, living on a farm until his 19th year. He then became a fireman on the A. & G. W. R. R., running from Gallon to Dayton. He was also a brake- man, for some time after, on the B. & I. Div. He then retired to the farm. He remained on the farm with his brother for one year, and then rented a farm for three years, with good success. In 1875, he began in the mercantile business, running a general store at North Robinson, in company with J. P. Robinson, for in^ ?83 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: about thirteen months. Robinson retiring, our subject continued one 3'ear, at the end of which time his brother, R. Morrison, became an equal partner, and together they continued in busi- ness until the fall of 1879. Sept. 1, he formed a partnership with Geo. W. Fisher under the firm name of Morrison & Fisher. They are now doing an extensive business in merchant tailoring and gents' furnishing goods, occupy- ing Room 4, Quinby Block. They have con- stantly in their employ over twenty experienced workmen. Mr. Morrison was married, March 21, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Chambers, of Crest- line, Ohio. They have three children — Oney 0., Bertha E. and Mabel E. JAMES H. MALCOLM, Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 18, 1827, in Marlborough, Ulster Co., N. Y., and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Hayne) Malcolm. He lived on a farm and attended district school. His father dying and leaving him to fight the battle of life alone, he worked in a mill morning and evening to pay his board, while he attended school during the day. In the summer he worked on a farm. At the age of 16, he commenced buying cattle for his brother, and was thus employed for about three years, his brother being one of the first to slaughter and send quartered beef down the Hudson to the New York markets. He next went to Washington and engaged in selling beef by the quarter, and followed this five years. During this time he formed the ac- quaintance of some of the leading stock-dealers of the Sandusky Plains, among whom were the Monnetts. In 1851, he went to California, taking the water route, the voyage occupying thirty-six days. He purchased a tract of land in the Santa Clara Valley, and kept a ranche for one 3'ear, and then sold it at a fair profit. He then located on the I'iver twenty miles be- low Sacramento City, on the great Vine ranche, and here turned his attention to the raising of vegetables. The river overflowing, however, ruined a large portion of his crops. He re- turned to New York in the winter of 1854, and resumed the handling of cattle. In June, 1856, he came to Bucyrus and engaged in buying and feeding cattle, in partnership with George Roberts. They rode five miles each da}' and fed 400 cattle. This business union lasted three years and was productive of fair success. He then continued in the stock business alone, and rented the Abraham Monnett " Mud Run " farm for one year, when he bought the home- stead portion, consisting of 360 acres, living here nine years and adding 300 acres in 1868. He lived here until May, 1878, when he came to Buc3Tus to educate his children. The Mal- colm race, of which the subject of our sketch is a descendant, are of Scotch origin and of hon- ored ancestr3^ His grandfather, James Mal- colm, was an aide to Gen. Scott and fell in the battle of Luudy's Lane, on which blood}' field he was buried, and where now rest his remains. The father of Mr. Malcolm was an only son, and was born in New York State and followed farming. He was in the war of 1812, and raised four sons and seven daughters, eight of whom are living — Abigail J., Elizabeth, Eve- line, Mar}^ Julia, Eleonora, James and Augus- tus. Mr. Malcolm was married, Nov. 4, 1862, to Miss Alcy Monnett, daughter of A. Mon- nett. This union has been blessed with three children— Katie E., Gilbert F. and Ella M. Mr. Malcolm has alwa3'S been a Republican in politics. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is now Steward and Trustee. C. M. MATTHEW, cabinet-maker, Bu(;y- rus ; sou of Frederick and Mar}' (Kuntz) Mat- thews ; was born April 25, 1825, in Prussia. He attended school until his 14th year. At 16 he commenced learning cabinet-making, serving an apprenticeship of three years under Philip Heifner, in the village of Thalsang, and was compelled to work early and late. He after- ward worked as journeyman in several places in Prussia. In the early part of 1851, he sailed from Antwerp, and, after a tempestuous voyage of fifty-five days, landed at New York, in May, 1851. He went to Milwaukee, Wis., at a time when stumps were in the midst of the town. He worked on a farm for one year, and then went to Detroit, Mich., where he worked at his trade for several years. In the same year, he went to the copper-mines of Northern Michigan, and worked there in company with a party of sixt}' carpenters, nearl}' all of whom died of the cholera. He remained there a year, and then went to Sandusky City, working at his trade there for about two years. He next worked at Republic, Seneca Co. Here he lived three years and then removed to Leipsic, Putnam Co., resid- ing there two years. In October, 1860, he came to Bucyrus, where he worked in the sash fac- tory. The next year he helped build the Bu- ■?i; j^ t i BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 785 cyrus Machine Works, and was employed in the wood- work department as pattern-maker and foreman, which position he held ten years.. In 1872, he opened a cabinet-shop and furniture store in partnership with Conrad Strieb, which union lasted until Februar}', 1880, when the firm name was changed to C. M. Matthew & Co. His establishment is on Sandusky avenue, where he has a large stock of furniture, and is at all times prepared to do undertaking on short notice. He received a majority of the premiums at the last Crawford County Fair for display's of furniture. He is substantially a self-made man, and b}' his careful management has placed himself in easy circumstances. His father died when he was but 2 years old. He has one brother, John P., Superintendent of Schools at Ludwiller. He was married Aug. 22, 1853, to Miss Margaret Shaak. of Republic. Her parents were born in Bavaria, and came to Seneca Co. in 18-19. Her father is still living, aged 78. There were nine children, of whom Louisa, Elizabeth. Mary. Jacob, Adam and John are living. Margaret and Catharine are dead, and one died in the old country. Of Mr. Matthew's marriage there are seven children — Charles F., Louisa, Mary A., Henry J., John F., William E. and George. L. MANTEL, boot and shoe dealer, Bucyrus ; was born in Bavaria March 9. 1839. He re- ceived a limited education, having completed it at the age of 12. He then learned weaving in the town of Mellerichstadt, serving two years, and passing a thorough examination when his trade was completed. He then, although ver}' young, traveled through the principal cities of Europe, working at his trade for short periods in each jilace, altogether thus occupying three years. He then went to England, visiting Liverpool and London, traveling on foot. He finally settled at Manchester, where he worked in a rubber goods manufactor}' for two years. He then sailed from Liverpool to New York, the voyage occup3'ing thirteen weeks. He landed at New York in March, 1861, and, the war breaking out soon after, he sold cigars up and down the Hudson to soldiers and others, and stopped at Albanj^ two months. From that time until 1863, he was a sutler in the Union army ; was taken sick in that year and went to Cincinnati ; after recovering somewhat, he trav- eled throughout the Eastern cities ; arrived in the fall of 1863 at Cleveland, his health still be- ing somewhat impaired. On March 24, 1864, he married Miss Henrietta Rothschild, of Alle- gheny City, and came at once to Bucyrus, where he engaged in buying and shipping produce for one year. Values being at a downward tend- ency, he lost all that he had earned by hard work and economy. In 1865, he bought a horse and wagon and a stock of notions and dry goods, and followed peddling for about ten years ; in the meantime changing his home to Cleveland, coming again, however, to Bucyrus. In 1874, he went to Allegheny City, where he dealt in stock, and afterward run a feed store for about nine months. He then returned to Bucyrus and started a shoe-store, in which business he has been engaged ever since. He is now located opposite the First National Bank, having a large stock of boots and shoes and an extensive, well-appointed establishment. He does considerable business in hides, leather and shoe findings. Mr. Mantel has three children living — Betty, Emanuel and Nathan. S. B. MILLS, blacksmith ; is the son of Sam- uel and Mary (Tussing) Mills, and was born in Rockingham Co., Va., March 21, 1847. At the age of 18, he commenced learning the trade of blacksmith at New Market, Shenandoali Co., and served two and a half years' apprentice- ship, afterward working two and a half 3'ears as a journeyman. In 1870, he came to Bucy- rus and entered his present shop as a workman ; but, in 1876, he purchased the establishment, and is doing a general business in blacksmith- ing, wagon-making and horse-shoeing, employ- ing four hands. He has an enviable reputation for turning out first-class work, it being invar- iably satisfactory'. He was married. Oct. 1, 1872, to Miss Mary Barth, of this count}-. They have two children — Homer 0., born in July, 1873, and an infant daughter, born in February, 1880. He is a member of the En- glish Lutheran Chui'ch, and also belongs to the Knights of Honor and the Ro3-al Arcanum. He is a Republican in politics. JAMES xMcCRACKEN, deceased ; was born July 16, 1800, (probabl)') in Westmoreland Co., Penn. At the age of seven 3'eai'S, he came with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Wayne Co. Here he received a common-school edu- cation, and, while 3-et a young man, began lay ing the foundation for a competency. Accord- ingly, he came to this count}- in 1825, and learned the trade of a wheelwright, with his "Tl' >i 786 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: cousin, Hugh McCracken, liaving, however, prior to this, been a tiller of the soil. Until the year 1834, he worked here and made spin- ning-wheels for a livelihood. During this year, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held this office, discharging its duties faithfully, for several years. He was also in early da3's, Postmaster of the village of Bucyrus. In 1848, he removed to a farm south of town, and occu- pied it three years, when he removed to a farm west of town, which he partly cleared and greatly improved, and here lived until his death, which occurred Dec. 24, 1875, in the 76th year of his age. He died a highly esteemed citizen, an upright, conscientious Christian, and a mem- ber of the Presb3'terian Church. He was mar- ried to Ruth Marquis, of Bucyrus Township, Dec. 4, 1832. She still survives him, and is living in Bucyrus, occupying a handsome resi dence on East Rensselaer street. She was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May 26, 1813. Her father removed to this county in 1829, and set- tled three and one-half miles south of town, at a time when the country was sparsely settled, and the Indians were constantly' seen. Her father was a native of Manchester, Va., and lived for awhile after his first marriage in Washing- ton Co. of the same State. About the year 1800, he was re-married, and moved to Bel- mont Co., where Mrs. McCracken was born. He died in this county, in November, 1834. His wife sui'vived him till 1855, when she also died, aged 81. There were ten children of this marriage, six of whom only survive — David, William, Susan, Mrs. McCracken, Cynthia and George. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Cracken there were eight children, all of whom are living. Portia, formerly a teacher in the Bucyrus Union Schools, now living at home ; William V., of Columbus ; James K., agent at Ft. Wayne for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. ; Alex- ander M., clerk in railroad office ; Augusta M., at home, and a successful teacher in public schools ; Harvey M., ticket agent at Ft. Wajme ; Charles W., at Cincinnati ; Harriet E., at home, formerly a teacher in the city schools. JAMES S. McCARRELL, dentist, Bucyrus ; was born Feb. 16, 1836, and is a son of James and Nancy (Shearer) McCarrell. He first saw the light in Armstrong Co., Penn., and was raised on a farm, attending the common schools until 14 years of age, when he entered an academy at Hookstown, Penn., studying there for about three years, after which he taught school for six years. At 24 years, he entered a dental office at New Brighton, Penn., where he was a student three years. He remained in Brighton some two years longer, when he came to Bucy- rus, Ohio, June 26, 1866, locating in Picking's Block, where he has since practiced mechanical and operative dentistry with fair success. He married Mary Matthews, of Sandusky City, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1867. Two childi-en have been born of this union, viz., Maud and Susan. He is at present a member of the Town Council. GEORGE McDonald, Bucyrus ; was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 1828, and is the son of Reuben McDonald. When he was but 4 3-ears old, his father removed to Liberty Town- ship. Here he lived on a farm until he, was 18 3'ears of age, receiving, in the meanwhile, a common-school education. He then commenced learning the trade of wagon and carriage mak- ing, with Moses Mitchell, of Greenwich Center, Huron Co., Ohio. He worked with him but twelve months, finishing his apprenticeship with Mr. Shonehiter, of Attica, Seneca Co., Ohio. In 1849, he returned to his home in Liberty Township, and, building a shop, commenced working at his trade, and followed it there for five 3'ears. He then removed to Wingert's Cor- ners, where he remained three 3'ears. He then sold his shop, and, bu3'ing a stock of merchan- dise, kept a store for four years. During Bu- chanan's administration, he was Postmaster at Broken Sword. He continued in his store until 1864, when he sold out, and engaged at his trade at Benton, in this county. Five years later, he sold this shop and removed to Lykens Township, where he bought a farm, and was for four years a farmer. In September, 1873, he sold the farm, and purchased two lots on the Plymouth Road, and built thereon the hand- some Gothic residence now occupied by James Gloyd, and which he occupied for three 3'ears. and then built his present residence and shop. Since his residence in Buc3'rus, he has been en- gaged at painting, glazing and finishing, also paying considerable attention to house building. He started in life with nothing, but, by in- dustry and good management, has succeeded in placing himself in easy, comfortable circum- stances. He was married Sept. 15, 1850, to Miss Lydia Seitz, of Holmes Township. They have two children living — Silas F. and Cyrus F. ^ lLl BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 787 THOMAS McCREARY, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- eyrus ; the oldest son of Thomas and Poll}^ McCreary, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. The subject of this sketch was born in York Co., Penn., July 15, 1826, and in 1837 his par- ents removed to Crawford Count}' with their famil}', and settled on land in Bucyrus Town- ship now owned b}- David Marshall. 3IcCreary worked for Judge Andrew Taylor for some ten 3'ears, until he became of age, and then worked for D. C. Boyer for some two jears. He was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of John Boyer, of Whetstone Township, Dec. 28, 1849. They were the parents of the following five children : J. F. McCreary, now a resident of Nebraska, and married to Maria McMichael ; Elizabeth McCreary, now Mrs. James Gamble, of Bucy- rus Township ; Joseph Reuben, Anna K. and Elida B. His first wife died in 1867, and Sept. 3, 1868, he married Miss Catherine Cobb, and the result of this marriage is the following children : Sadie M., Charles H. and Edith N. McCrear}-. About Jan. 1, 1850, McCreary pur- chased of his father-in-law, John Boyer, the 160 acres in Whetstone Township now owned by Samuel H. Heinlen. He resided on this farm for about five j'ears, until he bought, in 1856, the land now owned b}' William Holmes, when he removed to this farm, which he occu- pied until 1872, when he sold it to the present proprietor. McCreary then occupied his first farm for some twelve months and then pur- chased his present farm in Bucjtus Township, containing 240 acres, of the Shaeff'er heirs. This land is now occupied by McCreary's son-in-law, James Gamble. AVhen he sold one of his farms to William Holmes, he received as part pay 220 acres in Vernon Township, which he held for three 3'ears and then sold to Peter Weaver. McCrear}' lived on his farm in Buc3rus Town- ship from 1873 to 1876, and then removed to Bucyrus, and, after occupj'ing for some months the houses now owned by Martin Streib and Benjamin R. Boyer, removed in the spring of 1878, to his present residence, on the land now owned by Martin P. Wright. Mr. McCreary united with the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Bucyrus about the year 1851, and has served as Trustee and Deacon in the congregation sev- eral different terms. In 1860, his brother, who was agent for the South Bend plows at the city in which the}' are manufactured, shipped six to Mr. McCreary, which were the first South Bend plows introduced into Crawford County. In 1867, Mr. McCreary purchased the first Cli- max Reaper and Mower of Corry, Pennsylvania, introduced into the county. He sold several of these machines and also the South Bend plows, but aside from this his occupation has always been a farmer. WILLIAM ^NlcCUTCHEN, book-keeper, Bu- cyrus ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Oct. 6, 1841. He is a son of James and Louisa (Pike) McCutchen, of Pennsylvania. At 11 years of age he began learning the tailor's trade in Green Castle, Penn., and after serving three years mastered his trade. For four years he worked at his trade in different places in Penn- sylvania, and in April, 1861, came to Tiffin, Ohio. He remained at this point a short time, and then removed to Bloomville, Ohio, where he opened a tailor-shop, for custom work. In x\ugust, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 49th 0. Y. I., and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., Nov. 20, 1865. Mr. McCutchen was in the cam- paign of the Army of the Cumberland, and was an active participant in all the engagements of that memorable campaign. On the same day he was discharged, he married Miss Elizabeth C. Williams, of Louisville, Ky. She was born in Indiana. To this union were born two children — George and Mary L., both of whom died in childhood. After his marriage, Mr. McCutchen came back to Bloomville, where he recommenced the tailoring business. Since that time he has been in different localities in Ohio, working at his trade and selling sewing ma- chines. In 1871, he came to Bucyrus, where he engaged in selling sewing machines until Feb. 1, 1878, when his services were engaged by the Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Co., as book-keeper and Treasurer, and with whom he has continued ever since. Mr. McCutchen is a member of F. & A. M., Lodge. No. 443, of which he is Secretary. He is a Republican in politics, and an intelligent, wide-awake gentle- man. W. H. McCORMICK, dealer in stoves and tinware, Bucyrus ; is the son of Thomas and JMargaret (Martin) McCormick, and was bom in Franklin Co. Penn., iMay 10, 1840. His par- ents removed to Mansfield, Ohio, on ^lay 10, 1843 ; here he went to school until he was 14. He worked at gas-fitting in Mansfield and Woos- ter for one and a half years. He then leamed the tin trade with Mr. Blendmyer, serving four ^■. 788 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 3'ears, at the end of that time becoming fore- man of the shop ; he, however, soon retired on account of his health, and some time after he came to Bucyrus, and worked two years in the tin-shop of D. Picking. In the fall of 1861, he opened a tin and stove store at Annapolis, this county, but remained there only a year. He removed to Waterloo, Ind., in the fall of 1863, and opened a hardware and tin store, doing a large business for three years ; he then returned to Bucyrus, and became agent for the sale of agricultural implements. In 1867, he entered the employ of M. Emrich, operating a branch store at Upper Sandusky. After remaining there some three years, he returned to Mansfield and entered the employ of Blendmyer, and be- came foreman for the year. He next became foreman of Cuykendall & Freeman's tin and hardware store at Plymouth. Ohio, for two 3'ears. In March, 1876, he returned to Bucy- rus, and has since been engaged in the stove and tinware business, and also in the sale of agricultural implements. He entered his pres- ent storeroom in the Gormley building, in November, 1879, and here he has a full stock of stoves, t'n and glass ware, and is prepared to do all kinds of roofing and spouting. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of Waterloo Lodge, 303, Waterloo Ind. He is a Democrat in politics ; he was Government Inspector in the Fifth District dur- ing Johnsons administration. He was married May 15, 1862, to Miss Rosanna Boyer, of Bu- cyrus ; they have two children- — Alvertie and Anna K. H. W. McDonald, civil-engineer, Bucy- rus ; is the son of Reuben and Matilda (Cole) McDonald, and was born in Liberty Township Feb. 12, 1846. He received his education in the Bucyrus Public Schools, and at the age of 13 years entered a store in that place. At the age of 16, he commenced teaching, and taught nine terms in all, and also attended school in the meantime. In 1858, he commenced travel- ing through the Western States, introducing new inventions. In about 1862, he was ap- pointed by the County Commissioners, to the office of County Surveyor, to fill the unexpired term of Horace Martin. He was, at the next election, elected to fill the place, and, in all, was elected for three full terms. During the time that he held the office, Mr. McDonald surveyed, platted and published the current map of Bucyrus, which is the standard publica- tion of its kind of the county. He also laid out the town by careful surveys, in its present system of sewer districts, and superintended the construction of the principal sewers of the town. The county is also indebted to him for many and important suggestions and improve- ments on the Infirmar}- farm. Since his retire- ment from the office, he has been engaged in civil engineering and sui'vejing, and dealing in real estate. He has been a member of the City Council, and has been instrumental in the im- provement of the town lying north of the river. Throughout his public life, Mr. McDonald, has secured the respect and esteem of his fellow- citizens. He began without capital, and bv in- dustiy and good management he has placed himself in good circumstances. He was mar- ried Sept. 1, 1859, to Miss Hattie Perdew, of Benton, this county. Three children are living of this marriage — Laura, Maud and Mott H. Two died in infancy. In politics Mr. McDon- ald has always been a Democrat. His grand- father, Samuel McDonald, was born in Wood- stock, Conn., in January, 17-15, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He enlisted in the Con- tinental army at the beginning of the Revolu- tion, and served under Washington throughout the war. After peace was declared, he removed to Berkshire Co., Mass., where he was united in marriage to 3Iiss Martha Squiers. He re- moved to the State of New York about 1820, and settled in the " Holland Purchase," and died at the residence of his son in Cambria, N. Y., in November, 1829. Reuben McDonald, the father of our subject, and a son of Samuel Mc- Donald, the youngest of nine children, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., Jan. 12, 1803, and re- moved to Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1829, where he married Miss INlatilda Cole, removing to Liberty Township, in this county, in May, 1832, and now resides on Maple street, in North Bucyrus. James Cole, the father of Mrs. Reuben Mc- Donald, was a native of Nova Scotia, born Nov. 13, 1752, of wealthy parentage. At the com- mencement of the American Revolution, he joined a company of Nova Scotia refugees and served in the Continental army throughout the war, for which he was disinherited ; was at Valley Forge with Washington, afterward taken prisoner and incarcerated in a British prison ship in Boston Harbor, where he was badl}' wounded in one of his limbs, by the ex- "5^ ;r^- •VI* u BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 789 plosion of a shell, which crippled him for life. After the war closed, he was released and re- ceived pay for his services in Continental money, not worth a — continental — and hobbled on his crutch to Cheshire, Western Mass., where he hired out to a wealthy farmer, named Jesse Mason, working" for him nearly a jear, and in the meantime marrying his daughter Elizabeth. They removed to Vermont, came back to ^las- sachusetts, and afterward removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., where he died in November, 1826, at the age of 74 3'ears. JAMES McKINSTRY ; P. 0. Bucyrus, Ohio. James McKinstry was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 18, 1811. His father, John Mc- Kinstr}', was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and came to this country' in 1776, when but 3 years old. His mother, Mary Pattou, was born in South Carolina, her father being a Captain in the Revolutionar}' war, and a brother-in-law to Maj. Andre. They wei'e married in the year 1806, in Franklin Co., Penn., and became the parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living, the youngest being now 59 years old. The}- attribute their long life to habits of industr}' and sobriet}-. The early life of James was spent on the farm, working dur- ing the summer and attending school a few weeks in the winter. At the age of 14, he com- menced teaming to Pittsburgh and Wheeling, driving five and six horses before heavil}' load- ed wagons, over the mountains. This life, which he followed for eight j'ears, threw him among men of the most dissipated habits, and he, with commendable resolution for those times, pledged to himself to forever abstain from the itse of spirituous liquors and tobacco, in all its forms — which pledge he has never broken. In September, 1833, his father's family moved to Marion Co., Ohio, and settled near Caledonia. The countr}' was new and ver^- thinly inhabited. Deer and wild turke3-s were in abundance. He and his trusty rifle were constant compan- ions, and he can narrate many stirring inci- dents of those pioneer days. He possessed re- markable physical strength, and was therefore in constant demand at clearings and raisings. In 1840. he was nominated on the Whig ticket as candidate for Sheriff' of Marion Co., but was defeated by a small majorit}'. On Sept. 15, 1842, he married ^liss Rebecca Garberson, old- est daughter of William Garberson, lately de- ceased, of Caledonia. He settled on a farm two miles west of that town, and, by a life of in- dustry and frugality, he became the possessor of about 600 acres of the best land on the Plains. He was one of the prominent wool- growers of Marion Co., keeping from 800 to 1,800 sheep. During the war of the rebellion, he drove to Illinois more than 4.000 sheep, and fed them there for two years. To afford his children the advantages of an education, he re- moved to Bucjrus in April, 1863. Between 1868 and 1870, he engaged in the grocery bus- iness. His generous and unsuspicious disposi- tion made him frequently the dupe of design- ing knaA'es, and, during the panic of 1873, he was compelled to pa}' over $20,000 of that hard- est of all money to pay — ■ bail money " — by which nearh' all the honest earnings of a life were swept awa}'. He is the father of ten chil- dren, six of whom died in infancy and child- hood. Of those living, the oldest is William Thomas, who resides on a farm four miles south of Bucyrus ; the second is Mar}* E., wife of John R. Miller, proprietor of a saw-mill in Bu- cyrus ; the third is Ama H., wife of Theo. ¥. Shotwell, an attorney at law in Bucyrus ; and the fourth is Matthew, who still lives at home. Vv^ILLIAM A. McDonald, marble works, Bucyrus ; is a son of Daniel and Nancy (Thomas) McDonald, and was born Dec. 19, 1827, in Cal- edonia Co., Vt. He was raised on a farm until he was 16 years old, with but little opportuni- ties for obtaining an education. At the age of 16, he began traveling and selling notions, and followed it until 1859, except one year spent in Lyndon and Peacham Academies. During his 19th 3'ear he also taught three months. He traveled through all the Northeastern States, and a large portion of the Middle and North- western States, and the Dominion of Canada, with fair success, but his great desire was to see the country'. In 1858. became to Ohio and engaged in the tombstone business, at Mt. Gil- ead, Ohio, until 1867. when he came to Buc^-rus and engaged as traveling salesman for the mar- ble shop of J. G. Sherwood, continuing as such until 1876. In 1877, Mr. McDonald started a marble-shop ol' his own in Bucyrus, and has since done a prosperous business. In JanuaiT, 1880. he moved into his present shop, on the corner of Warren street and Sandusky avenue. At the same time, he became the partner of W. H. Houpt, under the firm name of Houpt & McDonald, with two large houses — one here 790 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and the other at Shelby. Ohio. They employ about twelve skillful hands— among them John HuUikan. of Rutland. Vt., who is one of the most skillful carvers in his profession, his work taking premiums over all competitors at the Crawford County Fair of 1880. Mr. McDonald was married. July 10, 1849, to Miss Jane D. Sayward, of Great Falls, N. H. He has two children living— Allie J. and H. Scott ; three died in infancy. His wife was born in Hollis, Me., on the 8th of September, 1830. Both she and her husband are members of the M. E. Church. GEORGE McNEAL, Bucyrus ; is the oldest son of Alexander and Jane (Goshorn) McNeal, and was born Aug. 8, 1822, in Huntington Co., Penn. His father was a native of Pennsjdva- nia, of Irish parentage, and a farmer. He married Jane Goshorn about the year 1820 ; she was also a native of the Keystone State. They had twelve children, nine of whom are living, the subject of this sketch being the old- est ; the others are iMary, John, Matilda. James, Alexander, Margaret, Susan and Eliza Ann. In 1835, his parents removed here and settled four miles east of Bucyrus. Here Mr. McNeal was compelled to work early and late, in clearing the land, and received but little schooling, being compelled to work for the support of the rest of the family, there being twelve children younger than himself. He learned carpenter- ing at the age of 21, working three years with his brother-in-law, Daniel Parcher. He then removed to Bucyrus, where he became Deputj' Sheriff under William C. Beal, and served as Constable at the same time. He engaged in butchering several years, with good success. He then became a partner with J. H. Phillips, in the grocerj^ and provision business, continu- ing from 1867 to 1870. In the spring of 1869, he was elected Ma^'or of Bucyrus, serving one term. He then became sub-contractor on the A. & L. E. R. R., to grade ten miles, in company with S. D. Rowse. Since that time, he has been engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, representing Aultman, Miller & Co., of Akron ; C. Aultman & Co., of Canton; Gaar, Scott & Co., of Richmond, Ind., and other large firms, and is douig a good business. He is now Township Trustee, and has been many 3'ears, being also one of the leading auctioneers of the county. B}' his first marriage, he has four children liv- ing — Orlando, railroad conductor, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Maggie, wife of Frank Stauffer, of Bucy- rus ; Dilla Hulda, married, and living in Co- lumbus ; Mar}' J., Rebecca and Charlotte are dead. His first wife died in October, 1870 ; he was married to Lavinia Knisely, of Osceola, Aug. 8, 1871. He is a member of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 139, and a charter member of Ivan- hoe Chapter, No. 117. A., F. & A. M. DR. A. C. McNUTT, physician, Bucyrus ; is the son of Abraham and Jane (Craton) McNutt, and was born Oct. 26, 1827, at Petersburg, Ohio. He passed his youth here until 12 years of age, when his father moved to Liberty Township, in this county. Here young McNutt worked upon the farm until 22 j-ears of age, gaining his education at the common schools, save a lew months spent in the school at Bucy- rus in 1850. In the following year, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. In the spring of 1852, be began the study of medicine with Dr. George S. Ziegler, of Sulphur Springs, Ohio, and, in the mean- while, for several years, teaching school to pay his way. He continued with Dr. Ziegler until his graduation, in March, 1856, at the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. He began the practice of his profession in Leesville, in April, 1857, where he continued two and a half 3-ears. In 1860, he removed to New Washington, where he was at the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion. On Oct. 16, 1861, he was commissioned as State Surgeon by Gov. Tod, and was transferred to the United States service in August, 1862. He was at once sent to the post hospital at Raleigh, Va.. where he acted as Assistant Surgeon. For some four months, be acted as Surgeon of the 11th 0. V. I. In the fall of 1862, he was taken seriously ill, and returned home. In April, 1863, having re- gained his health, he engaged in his practice at Caledonia, where he continued with good suc- cess until 1874. In May of this year he re- moved to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he has since re- sided. Mr. McNutt is a member of the Ohio State Association, and one of the Vice Presi- dents. He was married Sept. 14, 1858, to Miss Emily Whittaker, of Leesville, a daughter of Annas Whittaker ; she was born there Sept. 14, 1835. Two children have been born to them — Grant A., born July 4. 1864, and Hortensia, born Sept. 10, 1867.' JEREMIAH MORRIS, deceased ; was the son of James and Elizabeth (Pittinger) Morris, *7r :V .k BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 791 and was born in Frederick Co., Md., April 6, 1793 ; his father, who was a Methodist minis- ter and a relative of Bishop Morris, died thi-ee years later, leaving only a Bible to his son and but little more to his widow : in 1800, Mrs. Morris brought the family down the Ohio to Portsmouth, and afterward married Isaac Monnett, the father of Col. William Monnett. During the war of 1812, Mr. Morris, then a lad of some 19 years, enlisted in Capt. Daw- son's company of Ohio militia, from Ross Co., Ohio, in which his step-father held a commis- sion; he was stationed at the old fort near Upper Sandusky for some time, where, one night, while on a trip to Ft. Wayne, he lost a horse, stolen by the Indians ; meeting a mes- senger, who reported the afltair of Drake's de- feat, they turned back, young Morris making the sixty miles on foot in one da}^ with noth- ing but a raw piece of bacon and a canteen of whisky. About 1815, he married Miss Mary A. Williamson, of Pickaway Co.. Ohio. Here he was made Captain of a militia compan}^, and spent his life until 1834, w lien he moved to his present residence, in Buc3a"us Township ; here he lost his wife, and, some five 3'ears after- ward, Oct. 22, 1839, he married Miss Mary Parker, of Pickawa}' Co., Ohio ; Miss Parker was born in Caroline Co., Md., Oct. 31, 1803, and still survives him ; a daughter, Elizabeth, is the onl}' child of this union. Mr. Morris died Oct. 19, 1874. He was for many years a devoted member of the M. E. Church, and pos- sessed more than an ordinary share of amiable qualities ; he possessed a large and powerful frame, was strictly honest, and remarkably industrious, and a Republican in his political affiliations. He died possessed of some three hundred acres of land, most of which he gained through his unaided industr3^ DR. J. T. MOLLESON, veterinary surgeon, Buc^Tus ; the above-named gentleman is the only representative of veterinary science in this vicinit}', and his calling is one worthy of our attention ; the practice of the healing art and study of that branch which has refer- ence to our noble animals has been a growth in this country, and our subject is one who strives, b}^ careful stud}' and scientific research, to exalt and dignif}^ his profession ; many of the aids afforded the practitioner among the human species are denied him who would heal the dumb suflerers of the brute creation ; the diagnosis of these cases must be made by an examination at once scientific and difficult. J. T. Molleson, son of John D. and Lucy (Chamberlain) Molleson, was born March 23, 1840, at Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio ; while yet an infant, his parents removed to Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, where his boyhood was spent in the varied employments allotted him on his father's farm until 17 years of age ; he then entered his brother's liver^'-stable, where he remained some years ; at the age of 19, 'he began study of veterinary works, having been the constant companion and admirer of the horse all his life ; by the year 1861, he had carefully read some standard works on the subject, and began treating some diseases ; in 1867, he entered upon an elaborate course of study of veteruiary medicine with Dr. Ballard, of Arcanum, Darke Co., Ohio, a man eminent in his profession ; he continued one year, and completed a course of study on the treatment of horses ; he practiced with good success in Southern Ohio until 1875, when he made his first trip to Bucyrus, locating pei'manently in 1877 ; since that time, he has successfully treated over one thousand horses, and, during the epidemic among horses in the fall of 1880, treated in three weeks over one hundred horses, without losing a single case. He was married, Dec. 21, 1867, to Miss Hattie McFar- land, of Tippecanoe, Ohio, and of this union five children were boi'n — Fannie, Johnnie, J. D., Leon and Daisy. The Doctor is a member of De Graff Lodge, No. 549, I. 0. O. F., and Demas Lodge, No. 108, Knights of P3'thias. JACOB R. MILLER, stock-dealer; P. 0. Buc^'rus. The subject of this sketch is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Ramberger) Miller, and was born in Dauphin Co.. Penn., Jan. 19, 1839. The family lived in Dauphin Co. until Jacob was 8 3'ears old, when the}' moved to Northumberland Co., of the same State, living some seven 3-ears there. The3- returned to Dauphin Co., where Mr. Miller lived until 1865, working hard at farm labor, and going to school but little in youth. In 1865, our sub- ject went to Schu3'lkill Co., and followed the double occupation of stock-dealer and butcher in the town of Ashland, Penn., until 1871, having good success except for the loss of ac- counts during the strike of 1869. In the spring of 1871, he came to Bucyrus. where he kept the Mader House for one 3-ear. In 1873, J^l 792 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he opened a butcher-shop on South Sandusky avenue, between Charles and Warren streets, doing a prosperous business until 1878. when he rented the shop to John Heinlen, and has since devoted his attention to bu^'ing and sell- ing stock, dealing extensively in cattle. Oct. 22, 18G6, he married Miss Hannah Bensinger, of Schuylkill Co., Penn., and of this marriage there were five children, two of whom are liv- ing — Ulysses G. and Villera L.; tho?e deceased are Cora L., died in infancy, in Pennsylvania, and lies buried in Schuylkill Co.. while two are buried here — Katie 0. and Jennie B. Mr. Mil- ler and wife are both valued members of the German Methodist Church, and he is an es- FREDERICK MASSNER, contractor and builder, Bucyrus. A son of Jacob and ^Maggie (Snawenbarger) Massner, was born May 13, 1834, in Wiirtemberg, Germany, and received an education under the compulsory laws of the land of his nativity. He then began learning the carpenter's trade in Ludwigsberg, serving with one Charles Bair for four 3'ears, without remuneration, and working from 5 in the morn- ing until 7 at night, the year round ; subse- quently he worked two yeai's as journeyman in Zurich, Switzerland. He sailed from Havre, and arrived at New York in September, 1854. He went to Dayton, Ohio, in search of work, and found employment with a farmer five miles from the city, with whom he remained for about one year, completing, in the meantime, his dwelling, which was in process of construc- tion. He then went to Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, where he plied his trade for a few months, thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked with a brother for about two years, beginning in 1S5(), upon the State house. April 4, 1857, was the occasion of his marriage to Miss Fred- erieke Nachtraub, of Colurnbus. In May, 1858, he came to Buc^tus, where he has since resided with his family, composed of wife and six children, namely — Anna, Henry, Albert, Matilda, William and Charles, two having died, each in the ninth year of its age. After corn- coming to Bucyrus, he began taking contracts, building some of the finest residences in the city, among them, that of S. R. Harris. He is an architect of some note, having made it a study in the schools of the old country. His business is quite extensive, having several workmen employed during the season. He and famil}- are members of the German M. E. Church, also workers in the Sunday-school, he being at present Superintendent, also a Trustee in the church. His wife was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, near the place of his own na- tivit}-, and came to this country in 1852. Mr. Massner, to use his own language, is a " Re- publican always." JERRY NIM AN, furniture dealer and under- taker. Bucyrus; was born in Richland Co.. Ohio, Feb. 27, 1841. He is the son of John and Margaret (Bradley) Niman. His father was a native of Penns^^lvania, and came to Richland Co. at an early da}', and there mar- ried about the year 1818. He followed farm- ing with good success. The subject of this sketch is the youngest of six children, and was 7 years old when his father removed to Mans- field, and he received his education in the public schools of that city. His brother was a manu- facturer of furniture, and while 3'et 3'oung Mr. Niman entered the workshop of his brother, having a natural taste for such labor. He fin- ished his apprenticeship at the age of 21, and, having served two apprenticeships at uphol- stering, he worked with his brother as journey- man until 1861. In 1863, he enlisted in the 163d 0. V. I., and was at Petersburg and City Point, Va. ; was mustered out in September and returned to Mansfield. In April, 1865, he came to Bucyrus and engaged in the manufacture and sale of furniture ; also attending to under- taking. In 1874, he built the northern half of Niman & Fisher's Block, one of the finest brick blocks in the city, his part being 110x21-|- feet, and three-stories high. Mr. Niman has his furniture warerooms on the second floor, and has a large and elegant stock of the latest and most desirable styles of furniture. He also makes a specialty of undertaking, and is prepared to embalm subjects in the most approved and scientific manner. His experience of twent}'- five 3'ears makes him a man on whom the peo- ple may rely. He was married. May 5, 1870, to Miss Mary Seamen, of Toledo, Ohio. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and also of Roval Arcanum. D. W. NUSBAUM, miller, Bucyrus ; is the son of David and Rebecca (Getuldig) Nusbaum, and was born in Frederick Co., Md., June 6, 1833. He went to school some during the winter, and, at the age of 18 years, moved to Seneca Co., Ohio. Previous to this, he had BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 793 worked one year at milling in his native State, also assisting his father in the blacksmith-shop. After coming to Seneca Co.. he worked a year at blacksmithing, and then entered a mill near Tiffin and remained three years. He then be- came foreman in the construction of the C, S. & C. R. R. After the completion of this road, he was Division Master for about two and a half years, and then went to Toledo, where he was foreman in charge of 125 men in building the Island House, which occupied two and a half years of his time. He then I'eturned to Tiffin, Ohio, and engaged again at milling, continuing for three years. Next he rented Judge Lugen- beel's Mills, above Tiffin, for one .year, and then the Honey Creek Mills for three jears. He took charge of Kaller's Mills one3'ear, and then Benton's Mills, in Crawford Co., were under his supervision. His health failing, he purchased a farm near Buc^rus, which he still owns, and remained but one year. He came to Bucyrus in 1865, and has remained here ever since. He assisted in the erection of his present mill. He was employed in McClau's Mills, Sandusky Valley Mills, and in the establishment of VoU- rath's. Has been in the present mills since 1878 as a partner. He has always been a Re- publican, true to the principles of the party faith. His maternal grandftxther was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was married, in February, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Sinn, of Craw- ford Co. They have three children living — Emma J., Charles and David E., and one child is dead. SAMUEL NORTON and wife, deceased, Bu- cyrus ; whose portraits appear in this work, were the first settlers of Bucyrus Township. For sketch of them see Chapter VIII, devoted to that township. JOHN Gr. OTT, dealer in stoves and tinware, Buc^'rus ; is the son of John Gr. and Mary (Aclin) Ott, and was born Nov. 27, 1810, in Baden, Germany. He went to school from his sixth to his 14th year, and then learned the trades of mill-wright and carpenter. At the age of 20 he entered the regular arm3% and served three years. In the fall of 1834, he came to America, making the voyage in twenty- eight da3's. He came b}' canal and steamboat, from New York to Sandusk}- Cit}-, and by team to Crawford County, with a family' named Schlater, who settled in Chatfield Township. He assisted them to build a cabin, and remained during the winter. In May he went to Lower Sandusk}-, now Fremont, where he was em- ployed at cabinet-making. He then went to Ft. Wa^'ne and commenced work as a carpen- ter, returning, however, the same year, to Fre- mont. In the spring of 1836, he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he remained until 1841. In 1842, he removed to Kenton, Ohio, where he put up a steam saw-mill, and did a large busi- ness, remaining until 1 852 ; in the meantime, erecting three saw-mills in the county. He re- moved to North Washington in that year, and remained there until 1867, in which year he removed to Buc3'rus, and ran the steam pump for the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Rail- road, filling the position for five years. In 1872, he bought a stock of stoves and tinware, and opened a store on Sandusky avenue, north of public square, with his two sons, George and August, as partners. The}' have a large, complete and attractive stock of stoves, tin- ware and house-furnishing goods, and do all kinds of roofing, spouting and job work. Mr. Ott commenced without capital, and is now one of the substantial business men of the town. He is a member of Crawford Lodge, No. 139, A., F. & A. M. ; Ivanhoe Chapter R. A. M. ; also of the Royal Arcanum. He is a Democrat in politics. He was married, Jan. 8, 1838, to Miss Eva Heisel, of Springfield. Ohio. Of this marriage, there are five children — George, Mary, August, Caroline and Louisa. His first wife died in 1854, and he afterward married Miss Elizabeth Orth, of Hardin Co., Ohio. Of this marriage there are two children living — Hamilton and Edward. George M. was born April 8, 1844, in Kenton, Ohio, and received a common-school education. He learned the tinner's trade, and since 1872, has been engaged with his father in the business. August was born June 3, 1847, and has been a member of the firm since 1872. He was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Shealy, of Chatfield Township. Hamilton Ott is a graduate of the Bucyrus High School, and is now attending the Wittenbe'rg College. J. G. Ott & Sons are among the leading business firms of the cit}-, and have an enviable reputation for doing good work, and giving general satisfaction. PHILIP OSMAN, tile manufacturer, Bucy- rus ; son of Jacob and Catharine (Eichraan) Osman ; was born March 29, 1829. in the town of Rutdow, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He J^ 'A 794 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: left school when 12 3'ears old to learn black- smithing. He served an apprenticeship of fonr years, during a part of the year working from 4 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock at night, and without compensation. He next worked in the Province of Baden about eighteen months, when he went to France, and there worked as journe3'man blacksmith for about three and a half years. On reaching the age of 21, he sailed for America, landing at Phila- delphia in June, 1850. He worked in a car- riage factory of that city some seventeen months, when he set out for Ohio, reaching Buc^rus in December, 1851. Here he was employed by Jeflerson Norton one year, when he started a shop of his own. He did only custom work for some time, then began the manufacture of car- riages and wagons. He continued in this busi- ness with fair success until 1876, when he re- tired, selling his interest to his son Lewis and David B. Woodside. In 1870, he became in- terested in the manufacture of draining tile, but rented the factory until 1877, when he gave the business his personal attention, and has since done a large business at the factory located on the Gallon road. Mr. Osman is one of those who started in business without capital, and by hard work, and close attention to business, has steadily gained the confidence of all, and that esteem which is the meed of every worthy and useful citizen. Feb. 14, 1854, he united in mar- riage with Miss Catharine Hooker, of Bucyrus. The fruit of this union was six children, only three of whom are living — Lewis, Aquilla and jNLittie. The wife and mother of these children died July 25, 1866, and he subsequently was married to Miss Anna Keller, of Bucyrus. Mr. Osman takes an active interest in the cause of temperance, and believes in the legal prohibition of the rum traffic. DAVID PETRY, Bucyrus ; was born July 4, 1841, in Schuylkill Co., Penn. He is one of a family of five children born to Charles and Phoebe Petry, both of whom were natives of Berks Co., Penn., where they were married, and resided until their removal to Schuylkill Co. They removed from this to Richland Co., Ohio, in 1857, where the father now resides. The mother died Sept. 5, 1872. David Petry was reared upon a farm, and received the advantages of a common-school education. He was mar- ried March 28, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Wirt. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 26, 1842. The}^ have one daughter — Mary A., born March 1. 1864. Mr. Petry came to this county in 1870, and has become well and favorably known to the people of Bucyrus and vicinity. He takes great interest in all educational enter- prises, and, by his integrit}- and gentlemanly conduct, has surrounded himself with a large circle of friends. He owns 132 acres of land, which he farms in a successful and systematic manner. Politically, he is a Democrat. JUDGE JOSIAH S. PLANTS (deceased), Bucyrus. Judge Plants, whose portrait ap- pears in this work, was a son of Samuel and Rachel (Sands) Plants, and was born Dec. 10, 1820, in York Co., Penn., it is believed. When 14 3'ears of age, he came to Buc}'rus with his parents. They stopped with George Lauck, who kept tavern at that time. He persuaded them to remain, and he bought land within three miles of Buc3'rus. The subject remained there two 3^ears, when he learned the shoe- maker's trade, but 0UI3' worked at it a short time. By his own exertions, he educated him- self pl3'ing his vocation with an open book be- fore him, and, when he acquired a sufficient education to teach, took up a school. When his term closed, he entered Ashland Academy, alternating for several terms as teacher and student. When about 23, he entered upon the study of the law with Robert McKell3\ of Buc3'- rus. now of Upper Sandusk3', finishing his course with Judge Scott, of Buc3a'us. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1842, as noticed in the sketch of the legal profession in another depart- ment of this work, and practiced until 1858, when he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in which capacit3^ he served until his death, which occurred at Davis Station, 111., bv the accidental discharge of a gun, on the 24th of August, 1863. He taught the first high school in Buc3-rus, previous to his begin- ing the stud3' of law. He commenced life with- out capital, and acquired a handsome com- petency through his own exertions. He was married Jan. 1, 1849, to Miss Amanda C. Lauck, of Buc3'rus. Three sons and one daughter were born of this marriage — Justinian L., Galen S., Frank and Anna J. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Plants has cared for and educated her family. Justinian lives at Bedford, Iowa, and is a Notar3' Public and Real Estate agent. Ga- len lives in Concho Co., Texas, and is a stock- raiser. Judge Plants is spoken of among his g J :W BUCYRT^S TOWNSHIP. 795 large circle of friends, as a faithful friend, hon- est counselor, able advocate and just Judge. His heart was open as his charity was bound- less, and the poor were never turned away hungry from his door. DAVID PRICE, proprietor of Monnett House, BUC3TUS ; son of John and Anna (Watts) Price, was born Sept. 6, 1823, in Man- hattan Co., Island of Manhattan, then Harlem, where he went to school until he was 14 years old. His father was a butcher, and our subject attended on a stall in Washington market in the meantime. Mr. Price has " roamed through many lands;" for years he was a sailor, and his life was spent " on the ocean wave," his home was " on the rolling deep," and to use his own words he " never felt so much at home as when on blue water." In addition to his other sailor experiences and other voyages, he made a trading voyage around the world, leav- ing New York in 1844. His vessel, which was the sail vessel Truscot, sailed from New York direct for the Gulf of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, where they took on a cargo of ivory : thence rounded the Cape of Good Hope ; passing across the Indian ocean, the}' touched at Aus- tralia ; thence north to Kamtchatka and the sea of Okhotsk ; thence among the islands of the South Pacific for spices ; thence rounded Cape Horn, up the South Atlantic and back to New York, after an absence of thirty-nine months. He shipped, originally, as a cabin boy in the Live Oak. schooner, bound to Flor- ida, which he continued at intervals until he started on his " voyage round the world." He began his nautical career as cabin boy, then served as a sailor, and finally as fourth mate. In 1850, he left the high seas, intending to con- fine his voyages to the lakes ; took one trip to Marquette, but, not liking it, he retired from the business and settled in Cleveland, where he started a butcher shop, which proved success- ful. He became clerk in Gorham & Aplin's grocery for some time. He was next money deliverer for the American Express Co., which position he filled for about three years. In 1872, he became proprietor of the Gibson House, at Crestline, and operated it for about three years. July 1, 1875, he purchased the furniture and fixtures, and leased the Monnett House, of Buc^-rus, and has done a good busi- ness ever since as its proprietor. The house contains fort^-nine light, airy rooms, all newly furnished and re-fitted. It has two large and elegant sample rooms on first floor, and his ta- ble is furnished with all the delicacies in their season, and if his guests do not get hold of them it is not his fault. He has made such improve- ments as render the Monnett House first-class in every respect. In September, 1859, he was married, at Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss Abbie M. Shurbin, of Concord, N. H. E. P. PENFIELD, pliysician and surgeon, Bucyrus ; is the son of Samuel and Clara E. (Woodworth) Penfield, and was born in Huron Co., Ohio, April 5, 1833. His home was in North Fairfield until he had attained to the age of 14 years. He then went to the Normal Academy at Norwalk, and received a good edu- cation. He commenced the study of medicine in 1854, with Dr. D. H. Reed, of his native village, and graduated at the Homeopathic Medical Col- lege in 1859, and immediately after, went to Newark, Oliio, where he entered into a good practice, I'emaining some three years. He re- moved to Bucyrus in June, 1861, and opened an office. During this time, he has built up an excellent practice, and gained an enviable reputation as a skillful physician, being the only repi'esentative of the homeopathic school in the cit}-. He is a member of the State Homeopathic Association, and was, at its sec- ond session, elected Secretar}'. On x'^pril 15, 1857, he was married to Louisa H. Smith, of North Fairfield, Huron Co. Three sons are the blessings of this union — ^Charles S., Jamie W. and Arthur E. The eldest, Charles S., is a graduate of Hahnemann Homeopathic School of Chicago, and is practicing there at present. The doctor's father was a native of Connecticut, and his mother of New York. The}' were early settlers in Huron Co., where his father was a wagon-maker, but followed farming later in life. Dr. E. P. Penfield is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been Trustee for nine j^ears. As a ph^-sician, he ranks among the first in the cit}', and has been a prominent and valuable citizen, and one who is well known as a man of principle and true worth. WILLIAM POPE, manufacturer, Bucyrus ; is the son of Perry Pope and a native of New York, having been born in Edmeston, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1825. His earlier years, until he had attained the age of 15, he spent upon the farm and secured such education as was afforded by the common school in his :L£ 796 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: neighborhood. At the age mentioned he began the harness trade, working in his native county for some five years ; subsequently he engaged in work at an art galler}', where he continued for some eight j^ears. In the meanwhile he read medicine, and, in 1852, he commenced the practice of medicine in the Western part of New York. In the spring of 1855, he came to Crestline, where he continued the practice of his profession until 1870. In the meantime, in con- nection with William Franz, he became inter- ested in the improvement of knitting machines, and applied for their first patent in 1868, which was granted in the following March. Since then they have taken out eight patents on these machines and have purchased six others. In 1870, Mr. Pope, in company with Dr. C. Fulton, James Clements, John Franz and others, became incorporated for the pur- pose of manufacturing these machines and knit goods. Their first machines were put upon the market in 1870, when they became quite popu- lar and are now used extensiveh' as a family machine and by manufacturers. Mr. Pope is President and General Manager of this com- pany, and has shipped goods to Germany, England and Japan. He was married to Cor- nelia Waring, of Franklinville, N. Y., on Nov. 17, 1856. Seven children have been the fruit of this union — William W., Lois, Ida, Kate, Henrv, Anna and Frank. REV. JAMES T. POLLOCK, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus ; is a son of William and Fannie R. (Thomson) Pollock, and was born in Leesburg, Carroll Co. Ohio, Aug. 14, 1835. He was reared on a farm and went to a common school until he was 16 years of age. He was then given the advantages of a higher education, and at the age of 22 he grad- uated at Geneva College, Logan Co., Ohio. He was licensed to preach, April 16, 1860, by the Scotch Covenanter Church, and was ordained at Utica, Ohio. July 11, 1861. He entered upon his ministerial labors at Bovina, N. Y., serving from 1861 till 1863 with gratifying success. In the following year he enlisted as Chaplain of the 91st Ind.'V. I., and continued until the close of the war, witnessing the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and proving of great assistance to the wounded. After the war, he was called by the New School Presby- terian Church, of Osborn, Greene Co., Ohio., to fill their pulpit, where for four years he labored successfully. For the three years following, he was Pastor of the Church at Monroeville, Hu- ron Co., Ohio. The Presbyterian Church of Tif- fin next gave him a call and hei'e he labored in his chosen calling, until 1877, when he removed to Maumee City, remaining but six months, and in January, 1879, he came to Bucyrus, where he has proven himself a model Pastor and beloved of his people. He was married, June 12, 1867, to Elizabeth A. Andrews, of Montgomery Co., Ohio. Of this union there are three children living — Fanny T., Margaret R. Melville A. A son, Charles F., is dead. ZALMON ROWSE (deceased), whose por- trait appears in this work, was one among the earliest of Crawford Countj^'s pioneers. He was born in December of 1789, in the State of Massachusetts. His parents were poor and un- able to give him the advantages of a classical education. He was endowed with a quick and comprehensive mind, and by his own efforts he succeeded in getting a good education, which he turned to the best advantage by engaging in school teaching. When 16 years old he went to Wayne Co., Penn., and while there, when he had arrived at the age of 19, he was married to Miss ^lehetabel Kent, who was then 16 3'ears old. In the spring of 1821, he walked from Wayne Co., Penn. — 500 miles — to Craw- ford Co., Ohio, where he entered three tracts of land of 80 acres each, after which he again walked to his home. In the fall of the same year, he moved to this county with his family, which consisted of his wife and six children. They started on the 12th of October, 1821, and with a team of oxen made the journey to Craw- ford County b}' the 2d of December following. Mr. Rowse first located in Whetstone Town- ship on one of his purchases, that now lies within one-fourth of a mile of the incorporate limits of Bucyrus. He remained there about two years and then removed to another of the three original eighties, which is now owned and resided upon by Col. William ^lonnett. Mr. Rowse taught one term of school after he came to Crawford County. Shortly after his arrival, he was made one of the County Com- missioners, and following this he was elected Justice of the Peace. He was then appointed Clerk of the Court of Crawford County, in ad- dition to which he also held the office of County Recorder. These different offices he held about fifteen years. He was a member of BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 797 the Whig party, and at the organization of the Crawford County Militia, he was re-elected Colonel. He never engaged in the mercantile business, but bought and sold many tracts of real estate in and about Buc3TUS. He also did contracting of almost an}^ kind. When the old Columbus and Sanduskj^ Turnpike was built, he contracted and built several miles of it, which ran through Bucjn'us. His greatest amusement was hunting, at which in those early days he had a decided advantage to grati- f}' his passion, as game of almost every descrip- tion common to the climate was abundant. He was a member of the order of A., F. & A. M., and for twenty yeai'S previous to his death he was a member of the M. E. Church, as was also his wife, whose death occurred in 18J:9. Mr. Rowse survived his wife until Aug. 16, 1854, when he also passed away. They were both interred in the old burying-ground, east of Bu- cyrus. but subsequently their remains were re- moved to Oakwood Cemetery. They left a famil}' of children to mourn their loss, among whom were the sons, Horace and William, who have since become prominent business men of Bucyrus, and to whom we are indebted for many of the facts and data of this sketch and for the portrait of their father, the subject of this memoir. Col. Zalmon Rowse. WILLIAM ROWSE, merchant, Bucyrus, is a son of Zalmon and Mehetabel (Kent) Rowse, and was born in Bucyrus April 2-1:. 1824. He was among the earliest born in this city, and is now, probabl}', the oldest native of the town, now living. He spent his 3'outh in tilling the soil, and attended school, acquiring a servicea- ble education. At the age of 21, Mr. Rowse be- gan to labor for himself, and commenced farm- ing on the place now owned b}' William Mon- nett, which land had been entered by his father, Zalmon Rowse. For three years he continued to farm this property, and then exchanged it for one in Whetstone Township, where, for seven years, he lived and farmed, with good success. In 1859, he removed to Bucyrus, and, in connection with his brother Horace, built the Rowse Block. After its completion, they opened a general store, and with the exception of one year, Mr. Rowse continued in this busi- ness until 1876, meeting with splendid success. In March, 1878, he opened a store at No. 3 Quinby Block, and is at present doing a flour- ishing business, carrying a general stock of dr}' goods, groceries and boots and shoes. He was married, in September, 1849, to Catherine C. Finn, of Dundafl". Six childi'en were the fruits of this union, three of whom are dead. Those living are Charles H., Cora A. and Carrie A. Mr. Rowse is an old I'esident of the city, and one of its influential men. He is a prom- inent member of the M. E. Church, being one of its Trustees, and is a man of noted honesty and integrity, who shares largely in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. HORACE ROWSE, merchant, Bucyrus, was born Sept. 23, 1811, among the hills of Wayne Co., Penn., and is the son of Zalmon and Mehetabel (Kent) Rowse. The subject of our sketch spent the first fifteen years of his life on a farm. When aged 10 years, his parents removed to this county, and located on what is now known as tlfe Ludwig farm, one mile east of town. They next moved to the William Monnett place, when Horace, who was then 16 years of age, came to Buc3'rus, and went to school the first winter to a teacher named William Blowers. He worked for his father on the farm till he was 23, and, in the meantime, taught his first term of school at the age of 21 ; continued at intervals, teaching some four terms. For three 3'ears he worked for his father on a contract of the Columbus and San- dusky Turnpike. He and his brother bought 400 acres of land, about two and a half miles from town, whei'e he lived about two 3'ears. In 1838, he removed to town, and worked on the jail and boarded other emplo3^es. In 1842, himself and brother opened in the mercantile line, but Horace sold out in two years, and re- moved to Sulphur Springs, where he kept a general store. He was here in business for seven years, and then bought the old home- stead, where he remained two 3-ears, and then selling it to William Monnett in 1853. Return- ing to Bucyrus, he opened a store where Malic is now. Two years afterward he purchased the corner, and exchanged that for 400 acres of land in Whetstone Township, which he rent 2d. In 1856, he put a stock of goods in Rowse's Block, and was there until 1858. He and his brother then built the structure which he now occupies, and continued business for some ten years. In company with his son, he opened a shoe store in the Quinby Block, in 1875, and subsequently put in a stock of dry soods. He retired in^ 1878, and, in 1879, he *7f? 798 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and his son opened a grocery and provision store, also a news depot, in wliicli business they still continue, and have been successful. He was married, in September, 1834, to Cath- erine Bell, of Delaware Co., Ohio, and of that marriage six children are living — Eva, Ada, Theron A., Emma, Kate and Henry. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and Steward of its organization. Mr. Rowse has been a suc- cessful business man, and is a much-respected citizen. ALEXANDER A. RUHL, Clerk of Courts, Bucyrus. The genial and popular Clerk of Crawford County was born April 4, 1828, in Shrewsbury, York Co., Penn., and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Daws) Ruhl. His father was a farmer and came to Ohio in 1833, settling- near Gallon, the north part of which city is now on land that he once owned. At the time of his settlement there, Gallon was composed of a few cabins. The subject of our sketch gathered chestnuts on what is now the public square, and deer were common even in his day. Mr. Ruhl, Sr., cleared that portion of the city north of the square. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a highly re- spected citizen, and died at the age of 63. His famil}' consisted of nine children, eight of whom are still living — Cornelius K., died in July, 1863; Joanna, wife of 0. T. Hart, of Gallon; Margaret, wife of C. G. Rupp, of Bucyrus ; James H., farmer in Allen Co., Ind. ; Mary M., lives in Gallon ; Louisa M., is now the wife of W. H. Clymer, editor of The Times, Van Wert, Ohio ; Calvin E., dentist at Findlay ; Sarah G., married S. G. Cummings. These, including the subject of our sketch, composed the family. Alexander was but four years old, when he came to Ohio with his parents, and attended school but little, the advantages of education not being as at present. At the age of 22 he entered Wittenberg College, at Springfield, at- tending two 3'ears. In 1850, he came to Bucy- rus, and entered the dry-goods store of Henry Converse, and remained some four years. In 1859, he was elected Auditor, and discharged the duties of that office four years. He trav- eled extensively through the West and South, during the years of 1866 and 1867. When in 18(58, the Bucyrus Machine Works were started under the direction of a stock company. Mr. Ruhl was elected Secretary, and filled the posi- tion with satisfaction for some eighteen months. when he commenced traveling and selling ma- chiner}' for McDonald & Co., of Wooster, Ohio, and continued for five years. In 1875, he com- menced selling machinery of various kinds in Bucyrus, and continued until his election as Clerk, in October, 1879. He was married, Dec. 27, 1853, to Aurelia M. Shauke. of Bucyrus, and they have tln-ee children — Ida B., Geo. S. and Frank I. Mr. Ruhl is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a highly re- spected citizen. JOHN REXROTH, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; a son of John N. and Anna M. (Writman) Rex- roth, was born May 10, 1836, in Bucyrus ; at the age of 3 years, his parents removed to Winchester, where ten years of his youth were spent , he attended school at that place three months each year, and returned to Bucyrus with his family in 1849. going to school here until the winter of 1854, under John Hopley, Esq. He and his brother rented land near Bu- cyrus, and supported the family by teaming and other work. He aided his father in his shop until he gave up blacksmithing, about 1855. The family exchanged town property for 80 acres of land, in 1857, lying just south of town, to which the}' moved. Here they lived some time, and then removed to another farm — the Riley Pettitt farm — where they lived until 1867 ; his father died there June 15, 1867. They then returned to Bucyrus. Thus far the subject had been a member of the fam- ily and its chief support in early part of the time ; all working together, however. He was married, Dec. 18, 1867, to Miss Maggie S. Frey, of Bucyrus, who was born June 14, 1847, in Germany, and came to this country when but 6 years old, and was educated here. They have four children living — Charles F., born Oct. 1, 1868 ; Lilly J., born July 5, 1875; Royal R, born Dec. "8, 1877; Clyde N., born Sept. 15, 1879 ; John Jay died when only 3 years old. After marriage, Mr. Rexroth removed to his present place, two and a half miles south of Bucyrus, where he owns at the present time 296 acres of fine farming and grazing land, with some beautiful groves of light timber, and with four flowing springs. These springs have been bored to different depths ; the deepest to a depth of twenty-one feet, and yields a suffi- ciency of water for 1.000 head of cattle. It is of mineral nature (slightly impregnated with iron). He began life in the spring of 1855, ■7I< fk BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 799 without a dollar, and in twent3'-five years, by hard work and careful management, has accu- mulated a good property. During the war he dealt largely in sheep, buying, grazing and sell- ing. He is now engaged in farming and stock- raising — breeding a high grade of Merino sheep, and has a flue flock. He has alwa3's been Republican in politics, and is a member of the M. E. Church at Bucyrus. John N. Rex- roth, the father of John Rexroth, was born Nov. 6, 1800, in the village of Erbach. Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, and went to school there from G to 14 years of age, after which he learned the trade of blacksmithing. probably with his father. He followed his trade in the old country until 30 3'ears old. when he came to the United States, landing at Baltimore, after a voj^age of six months, being wrecked twice on the wa}'. At Baltimore, he met and married Anna M. Writman, who was born near Carls- ruhe of Baden, She came over about the same time as himself — ^the only one of her family, and they were married March 1, 1831, in Baltimore, and at once removed to Grettys- burg, Penn.. where the}^ lived little more than a year. In 1833, they came to Bucyrus, where he followed his trade until 1855, accumulating propert}' rapidly. He purchased considerable land by his indefatigable industry, but by se- curit}- debts for friends, lost nearly all. except a comfortable home, and they worked together until all the children were educated. Mr. Rex- roth was raised a Lutheran, and when he came to Bucyrus he united with the Evangelical x\s- sociation, but that society did not prosper, and he united with the German M. E. Church, and was a devoted Christian to the time of his death, which occurred June 15, 18G7 ; and was class- leader for many years. He had two remarkable visions or dreams ; some twenty years before his death, when reverses had come upon him, and he retired feeling ver}' despondent, like Bunyan, he "saw in his dream" a "presence," which said, •' Come, and I will show you your future : " following it, he saw a house, larger than the one then occupied ; they went on for some time, when the "presence" said, " Here you stop;" these appeared to be like in ap- pearance to his future home, and the last was the exact counterpart of the place where he afterward died. A stranger, a countr3'man, once called on Mr. Rexroth, and, after remain- ing with him a couple of hours, left, and went to his home, some four miles distant ; a few weeks later, he had a dream, in which he was required to go to his stranger friend, as he needed his assistance ; three times this vision appeared, each time as if a person talking to him and telling him to go ; he went to work in the morning, but could not rid himself of the impression, and finalh' he decided to go and see the man ; upon his arrival, he found him dying. Mr. Rexroth was the father of ten children, nine of whom grew to man and womanhood — -Adam (deceased), Catharine Al- bright, John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lj'dia, Samuel (now also dead). David, ^largaret (wife of S. Kurtz), Elizabeth (is the wife of Rev. G. Lease, of Kenton, Presiding Elder) ; Lydia is the wife of B. Beal, Esq. JAMES H. ROBINSON, County Auditor, Buc5'rus ; was born in Chatfield Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1839, and is the son of James M. and Mary E. (Cooper) Robin- son, who were parents of the following family : John, James, Nathan (deceased), William, Abner (deceased) and Melvina (deceased) ; the father was born near Wheeling, Va., in October, 1807, and, about the 3-ear 1825, he. together with his parents, came to Chat- field Township, where our subject was born ; the grandfather of James H. was a man of considerable means, and, on his arrival, he purchased a large tract of land, which he tilled for man}' years ; at his death, his son. the father of James H., took charge of the farm, which he also farmed until his death, which event occurred in October, 1874. It was on this farm that James H. passed his earl}' years ; he received a good education, which was finished by attending the Otterbein Uni- versity during the winter of 1860-61 ; Mr. Robinson then began teaching, and continued eight terms with success, three of these terms being taught in Richville ; while in the latter place, he was in the mercantile business in connection with teaching. On July 4, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Hipp, of Chatfield Township, and by her had two children — Minnie, born Nov. 19, 1867, and Francis M., who died when 5 years old. Mr. Robinson was elected County Surveyor during the fall of 1872, and continued in that office until 1877, when the people of the county, rec- ognizing his ability, selected him for Auditor of Crawford Co.; he was elected, and re-elected 800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in the fall of 1880. Mr. Robinson is a consist- ent Christian, and takes an active part in the advancement of his church. WILLIAM P. ROWLAND, retired, Bucy- rus ; is the son of John M. and Martha (Mar- tin) Rowland, and was born Feb. 6, 1837, in Green Township, Richland Co., Ohio ; his father was a native of Washington Co., Penn., and came to Ohio when very young, and was consequently one of the pioneers of that county ; his grandfather was in the war of the Revolu- tion ; there are two sisters and one brother of our subject living — Mary Hickoks, of Denver, Colo.; Laura Miner, of Mansfield, and Shan- non, of Leadville, Colo. The subject of the present sketch attended district school until he was 18 years of age, and then became yard dispatcher at Crestline, which position he held for four years ; next, he spent two years in the ticket and freight office ; in the fall of 1861, he became proprietor of the St. James Hotel (then the Weldon), of Mansfield, and was its landlord for two years ; in 1863, he came to Bucyrus and engaged in the sale of stoves, tin and hardware as a partner in the firm of Rowland & Picking, this partnership exist- ing until 1874, when Picking died, and Mr. Rowland sold out the business to J. (x. Ott & Sons, and retired from active business life ; since then, he has visited several of the West- ern States, and has spent one winter with his famil}' at Lookout Mountain, Tenn. He was for three years President of the School Board, and also a member of the City Council. He is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 272, and of the Knights of Pythias, Demas Lodge, No. 108. He was first married in October, 1858, to Miss Lizzie Sloane, who died eleven months thereafter ; he was married again, July 9, 1862, to Miss Kate Picking, of Bucyrus, daugh- ter of John Picking ; they have two children — Jesse and Mollie. CHARLES ROEHR, Bucyrus ; is the son of Henry and Caroline (Gresky) Roehr, and was born July 26, 1835, in Ihna, Saxon3^ He at- tended school until his 14th year, and then for six years following he clerked in a store. In August, 1855, he sailed for the new world from Hamburg, and arrived in New York after a voyage of six weeks. He came at once to Bu- C3'rus, where lie commenced an apprenticeship with George StoU, in the carpenter's trade. After serving two years, he' commenced business for himself in contracting work, and continued until 1868. In October of that year, he became a partner in the firm of Stoll Bros. & Co., and this business union lasted five ^^ears. John Stoll retired at the expiration of this time, and Mr. Roehr became an equal partner with Jacob Stoll and John Shealy, running a large planing- mill and lumber-yard at Bucyrus, also running a branch establishment at Upper Sandusk3\ Mr. Roehr has managed the business for twelve years, which began with the help of eight men, while they now employ thirty-five and occupy some three acres. Mr. Roehr is a member of the German Lutheran Chui'ch. He has dealt considerably' in real estate, and has built over twent}^ buildings in the town. He was married, in November, 1858, to Miss Lizzie Ebertli, of Buc^'rus. The}- have eight children — Kate, Edward, Emma, William, Helen, Henry, Carl and Alma. HENRY M. ROWE, liveryman, Bucyrus ; is the son of Norman Rowe, and was born March 22, 1828, in Oswego Co., N. Y. ; was a farmer's son, and spent the first sixteen years of his life on a farm, working after he was 16 at $8 per month. In 1844, he came to Ohio and stopped at Newark. He then commenced traveling throughout the State selling notions and medi- cines until 1853. He also made a trip to the West to see the country. Having made Bucy- rus his headquarters, he started a liverj'-stable here in 1 856, in partnership with C. D. Ward, which business relation existed for six years. In 1862, Mr. Rowe l)ought out his partner and continued the business as sole proprietor until 1868. During the war he was prominent in the shipping of horses, and also was engaged in this branch until 1875. In 1868, he sold out his stable to John Keil. In 1876, he went to New York and engaged in the mercantile business with his brother at New Haven. He retired in September, 1879, and, in June, 1880, he started a new liver}', sale and feed stable in Bucyrus in the southwest corner of public square, where he is doing a thriving business. Mr. Rowe is a member of Crawford Lodge, No. 443, A., F. & A. M., also of Ivanhoe Chapter. Has also been a member of City Council. He was married in September, 1849, to Martha Burke, of Wyandot Co., Ohio. His wife died May 5, 1872. CHARLES G. RUPP ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is the son of Peter and Ilellena (Earnst) Rupp, and was born Feb. 3, 1822, in York, York Co., Penn. CtAx..'^%^ (i :£ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 805 ities the signal success of the house is almost wholly due, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 11, 1853. He was carefully educated in his native land until 13 years old, when he left school and worked at tailoring one year. In 1867, he sailed from Bremen, and, after a short voyage, he arrived at New York Jul}' 19. He came at once to Cleveland, Ohio, where he at- tended the public schools for six months. He gained a fair knowledge of the English tongue, and started on foot through the country to sell notions. He followed this occupation about six months, then accepted a clerkship in a dr}'- goods store, which he held four j-ears. He next opened a drj'-goods store of his own in the cit}' of Cleveland, where he did a prosper- ous business for three years. In August, 1877, Mr. Nussbaura came to Bucyrus, and, in com- pany with Edward Braun, opened a large stock of clothing in Niman & Fisher's Block, where they have built up a large and constantly in- creasing business. The dimensions of the present room are 80x25 feet, making an area of 2,000 feet, with every available space occupied by the different departments of the business. The ready-made clothing department is ar- ranged on the plan adopted by the large houses of the cities, not on high shelves, but on a great number of large tables, within easy reach of the customer, who may examine the vast stock without the aid of clerks. The merchant- tailoring depai'tment is represented by a full line of imported and domestic cloths, and a full corps of skilled workmen, among whom is Ben- jamin Nussbaum, lately arrived from Europe, brother of the proprietor. He is a tailor of ability and experience, who will devote his time to the trade. The gents' furnishing and hat and cap department furnishes the customer with an almost bewildering variety of the latest and most attractive st3ies to select from. The en- tire stock of this enterprising house is pur- chased by Mr. Nussbaum of Eastern manufact- urers, at the most favorable seasons of the year. His purchases are made for cash, giving his cus- tomers the benefit of large discounts thereby. Mr. Braun retired in Januar}^, 1880, leaving Mr. Joseph Nussbaum sole proprietor. He is aided in the different departments by his brothers Isaac and Benjamin, who, like himself, have been raised in the business, their father having been a tailor. They labor constantly to- gether to build up the honor and good name of the house. Among the factors that have con- tributed largely to the success and popularity of their store, was the adoption of the one- price system in the clothing trade. This has produced a much-desired revolution of the old scheme of asking overmuch and taking less, and is hailed with satisfaction by bu^'ers of clothing. The tei'm " reliable " is s^-nonymous with the operations of this house, where goods are represented as they are, and offered at their true value. CHRISTIAN RENKERT, shoemaker and dealer, Buc^'rus ; was born March 28, 1831, in Baden, Germany, city of Freyburg, and is a son of Christian and Anna M. (Buckmiller) Ren- kert. He went to school from the age of 6 to 14 years. In his 15th year his parents came to the United States, and settled in Erie Co., N. Y., about the year 1845. They lived on a farm here for three years, but in the meantime the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to learn the shoemaking business with a man named John West, of Buffalo, N. Y., serving two years, and remaining one year after his term had expired. He came to Bucyrus in the fall of 1849, and was employed by Fred- erick Schuler for seven j-ears. In 1856, he started a shop of his own, north of the railroad, where he worked three years. In 1876. he re- moved to his present room in Schaber's build- ing, where he keeps a full stock of boots and shoes of every style and qualit}' ; has a repair- shop and manufactory, turning out the best kind of work. He was married, Dec. 25, 1856, to Miss Helraa Vollrath, of Bucyrus. Eight children have been born to them, of whom six are living, viz.: Frank, Tillie, Otto, Aggie, Frederick and Agatha. Charles died in his 7th and Anna in her 18th year. i\Ir. Renkert has always been a Democrat, and is now Trustee of the township ; was President of the Loan and Building Association. He and family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church, he is also a member of tlie Howard Lodge of Knights of Honor. He began life with but little capital, and by his own energ\' and industry has ac- cumulated sufficient of the world's goods to render him comfortable. WILLIAM M. REID, grain dealer, Bucyrus ; was born in Whetstone Township Nov. 23. 1834, and is a son of George and Mary A. (Foster) Reid. The latter gentleman was born in Ire- land Jan. 7, 1812, and came with his parents 806 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to America in 1816. stopping near Newburg, N. Y.. but shortly afterward removing to Wasli- ington Co., Ponn., and some six 3'ears later (in 1824) to Crawford Co., Ohio, settling near Bu- c^TUS, on new land, which his father had entered some two years Ix'fore. There was no school at that time in the neighborhood, and young Reid, who was an only child, was deprived of educational advantages. At the age of 21, he married Mary A. Foster, and settled on the homestead, where he lived until 1863, when he removed to Bucyrus. His wife died in 1860, and in 1865, he was married to Mrs. M. P. Bodge, of Worthington, Ohio ; four children were born to Mr. Eeid — Robert, William M. (the subject), George and James H. ; two are dead, a sou and daughter ; he owned 280 acres of land. Will- iam M., whose name heads this sketch, at- tended the district school until he was 18 years old, when he entered the Bucyrus High School ; in 1854, he went to the Granger Commercial College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which he grad- uated the same summer, and afterwai'd taught two years ; in 1857-58. he engaged in the mer- cantile business in Bucyrus, but sold out April 1, 1860, and went to Utah Territory by over- land journey. There were four in the part}', and, after a pleasant journey of forty-five days with a team, they arrived in the vicinity of Breckenridge City, where they worked with moderate success, returning home in November of same j^ear. Upon his return to Bucyrus, he commenced buying grain, continuing the busi- ness alone until 1866, when John Kaler became his partner, and the business is still continued under firm name of Reid & Kaler. They leased the present warehouse in 1870, and do a large business in grain, seeds, pork and wool. He was married, Jan. 1, 1862, to Mary E. Moder- well, of Bucyrus ; one daughter (Anna M.) was born of this marriage. His wife died in 1863, and Aug. 16, 1864, he married Emily Mc- Cracken, of Ft. Wayne, Ind. Seven children have been the fruit of this marriage, one of whom is dead ; Edward G., Lathrop F., Will- iam T.. Charles, Robert T. and Sue. At the age of 15 years, Mr. Reid united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1863. he joined the Presbyterian Church, of which body he lias since remained a consistent member. He has been Superintendent of Sabbath school for sixteen years ; Trustee several terms, and is at present an Elder in the church ; was Treasurer of the State Sunday School Union for six years, and is now a member of Executive Committee. He has been elected by the people Mayor of Bucy- rus, a position he held with credit. ALBERT J. RICHARDS, insurance agent, Bucyrus ; a son of Samuel R. and Amy (Eg- gleston) Richards, was born Oct. 13, 1852, at Leroy, Medina Co., Ohio, where he spent his youth going to school until about 17 years old, when he entered, in 1869, Baldwin Universit}', at Berea, Ohio, remaining two years. (His father was Postmaster, and in youth subject as- sisted him in the office.) In 1872, he became the agent of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Com- pany, located at Leroy, but worked Crawford County, which has since been his field of opera- tions. Dec. 20, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Charlton, a daughter of W. B. Tobias, of Bucyrus, and widow of the late Alexander Charlton, by whom she had one son — Marquis. Of the present marriage one child is living — - Mabel ; one son, Guy, died in his second year. After his marriage, Mr. Richards lived in Holmes Township until September, 1879, when he moved to Bucj'rus. He has done a large business in insurance, having over 2,000 risks in the county at this time. This company is a ver}- reliable one, with a cash capital of nearly a million dollars. Mr. R. and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. His father was born in Watertown, Conn., probably in June, 1816. He lost his father when about 8 years old, when the family mov^ed to New York, where he learned the trade of blacksmith. He came to Akron, Ohio, and worked at his trade, and about 1842 removed to Leroy, Medina Co., where he now resides. He married Amy Eggleston, then living in Medina County. They have five children living — Maria, William, George. Albert J. (the subject) and Cora. He has been Postmaster at Leroy since 1861. In 1855, he became agent for Ohio Farmers' In- surance Company, has worked in the county for twenty-five years and is well known and respected. MRS. LUCY ROGERS, Bucyrus. " Mother Rogers," as her friends familiarly call her, one of the aged pioneers of Crawford Co., has been so long identified with the county as to deserve an extended notice in this department. She was born Aug. 11, 1802, and is the daughter of Eli and Lucy (Green) Widger, of Preston, Che- nango Co., N. Y. The ancestry of her family f ^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 807 is traced to the "• manors " of England, and her father, in his day, was considered a man of wealth, being an industrious and prosperous farmer. Mrs. Rogers was educated in the common schools of her native place, and, at the age of 18 years, was married to Ichabod Rogers, of Connecticut, who was born Sept. 30, 1798 ; the marriage was solemnized July 21, 1821. The first year after marriage, they kept a dairy of thirty cows, and, so favorably impressed with her frugality and industry- was the owner of the dairy, that he offered them $500 to stay in the same capacity for another year, but they had caught the Western fever, conse- quent upon the flattering stories told of the al- luring prospects of fortunes awaiting all those who should go to the rich " country of Ohio," and June 30, 1822, they started in a one-horse wagon, with all their worldly effects, but rich in hope and expectation. They were young and buoyant, and thought not of hardships and dangers. They were a month on the road, and traveled over 600 miles ; the young wife walked over 100 miles of the distance, and wore out one pair of shoes on the journey. They thought to settle at Pittsburgh, but upon their arrival there, being disgusted with the smok}' appear- ance of the town, they determined to carry out their original intention and proceed to Ohio. They had about $130 in money ; $100 of this was exchanged for a counterfeit bill. Its fraud- ulent character was not discovered until the}' came to Pittsburgh and attempted to make a purchase. When they reached Bucyrus, tired and disheartened, they decided to go no further. Mr. Rogers left his wife at the house of a Qua- ker named Beadle, near the Deardorf place, while he returned to Chenango Co., N. Y., to re- cover his $100. This attempt resulted in a law- suit and a failure to recover the money. Now completely moneyless, he borrowed $75 of his brother and sister-in-law and returned to Bucy- rus. With this he went into business, and he and Samuel Norton were partners for one year. In 1833-34, he started a hotel on the corner of Perry street and Sandusky avenue, where Mother Rogers now resides, near the gasworks. This tavern was closed in 1838, and ever since the building has been occupied by her in the quiet routine of home duties. Here for more than half a century she has lived ; here she spent her best daj's ; here she raised her chil- dren from infancy to man and womanhood ; here died the husband of her earl}' love, and the sharer of her joys, toils and sorrows. Of their early life in Ohio, Mrs. Rogers relates the following incident : Her V)rotlier George came out to see them from New York, and, seeing the privations they suffered, he said : " What would father and mother say if they knew how you suffer ? " Said she, " I do not suffer. I have come to a new countr}-, and expect to live here and grow up with it. I am not homesick, either. Tell them when you go back, that I am well, hearty, and smart as a deer, but can't jump quite as far. You must not tell them how I live, or what privations we endure. Just tell them you guess I live well enough, and will get along." Six years later, Mrs. Rogers returned to her old home in New York on a visit, and while at her father's (Eli Widger's) he, referring to hard times, said, '■ None of my children know what suffering is. I served three years under Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary war ; one time we were on a scout for three days, and nothing to eat but three biscuits ; we finally came to a settler's cabin, in a clearing, nearly starved." Mrs. Rogers then related her own experience in the wilds of Ohio ; how upon a certain occasion her husband was taken sick, and was for awhile bedfast, and their scanty store was exhausted ; how, when starvation stared them in the face, she, to save her loved ones, went forth to beg — walked through the tall, wet grass to William Langden's, told her pitiful story, and begged for something to keep her husband and babe from starving, and when, after getting a little flour, she returned on foot. The recital brought tears to all eyes, and even the old Revolutionary soldier was forced to ac- knowledge that her sufferings had been greater than his. Mi's. Rogers made six trips to New York to see her parents, and each time crossed Lake Erie, once encountering a terrific storm. Her husband died Jan. 10, 1853. They had five children born to them ; three sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living. Rowena, widow of the late Alexander P. W' idman ; Jane Eliza, wife of John Heinlen, of San Jose, Cal. (first girl born in Bucyrus). and George W. Rogers, Esq., of Bucyrus ; William B., farmer near San Jose, Cal. ; Henry D., of San Francisco, Cal. SAMUEL SHROLL, Bucyrus. 3Ir. ShroU's parents, John and Elizabeth (Coleman) Siiroll, were born, raised and married in the ' Key- ^': 808 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: stone" State, where they resided until 1822, when they moved to Stark Co., Ohio, living there until their coming to this county in 1827. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. In 1834, the father died of cholera, as did three of his brothers and the wives of two of them who had come to the county at the same time. The twelve chil- dren were living at the time of the father's deatli, and the family endured many hardships and privations before they found themselves in comi'ortable circumstances. Samuel ShroU was born in Bucyrus Township Nov. 8, 1828, and, from early boyhood to the present time, has found employment upon a farm. He was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Stockman July 27, 1855. She was born in Liberty Township, this county. Feb. 19, 1837. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. ShroU, viz. : Mary J., Susan E., Martha A. and Lettie M. Mr. ShroU began for himself by working by the month upon a farm. He is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man, and one who has the respect and confidence of the entire com- munity. He is a Democrat, but liberal in his views regarding men and religion. He has a nicely improved farm of 70 acres, upon which are good, substantial farm buildings. JOSIAH SCOTT, son of Alexander Scott and Kachel McDowell, was born near Cannons- burg, Washington Co., Penn., Dec. 1, 1803. While yet a youth he entered Jefferson College — walking from home every day and back — and graduated in 1823. After this he spent nearly six years in teaching — two years in Newtown, Berks Co., Penn., two j'ears near Richmond, Va., and two years as tutor in his Alma Mater. While engaged in teaching, he studied law privately, borrowing books for that purpose. He commenced the practice of law in Bucyrus in the spring of 1829. Some ten years after this he was a member of the Ohio Legislature, and, in 1844, was the elector for his district on the Henry Clay ticket for Presi- dent. In 1850, he removed to Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1856 was elected to the Supreme Bench of the State, and twice afterward re-elected, positively declining a re-nomination. In 1868, he returned to reside in Bucyrus, and, in 1876, Gov. Hayes appointed him as the head of the Supreme Judicial Commission, on which he served for the three full years of his appoint- ment. He died June 15, 1879, about three months after his term of service had expired. Mr. Scott never sought any official position to which he was chosen or appointed. The office sought the man, and not the man the office. Although a man of great and varied talent, he was constitutionall}' modest and diffident. He was a man of extensive learning — a fine scholar in all the branches of an academic course. He excelled both as a linquist and mathematician. He could translate the Greek and Latin authors with great ease and accuracy. He learned to read the Hebrew Bible without a lexicon, grammar or instructor. He was a complete master of mathematics, and it is said never failed to solve any problem given him that was solvable. He was the author of the rules for the formation of "perfect magic squares." As a lawyer he was logical, eloquent, brilliant, humorous, pathetic or sarcastic, as the circum- stances dictated. As a Judge, he was learned, profound, concise, and thoroughly conscien- tious. As a Christian he was humble, devout, thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures, and a fine theologian. He was a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church for nearly forty years. He had an unusually large head and brain, and without effort could concentrate his mind upon all questions he was called upon to consider. His moral character was above reproach. " His life was gentle, and the elemeats So mixed in liiin, that niture might stand up And say to all the world, this was a man.'' FREDERICK SWINGLY, M. D., retired, Bucyrus, whose portrait has been chosen to illustrate the history of the medical profession of Crawford Co., was born in Washington Co., Md., in Nov. 22, 1809. He is the son of Leon- ard and Prudence (Brentlinger) Swingly, both of whom were descendants of earl}- settlers of the "Pine Tree State." Up to his 18th year the Doctor had tlie advantages of the Hagers- town schools, of Marj'land. His first occupa- tion after leaving school was that of salesman in a dry goods store. He had been engaged in that work for about eighteen months, wlien his parents removed to the countr}-, whither he went with them. The next two years of his life were spent at work upon his father's farm. Determining, however, to study medicine, he secured a place in the office of Dr. Russel, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, under whose instruction he remained for about eighteen months, and then took his first course of lectures at the Jefferson ;\: BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 809 Medical College, of Philadelphia. He then at- tended the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1840. He began his first practice in Chesterville, Ohio, where he remained seven years, and then spent one year in practice in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. In December of 1843, he came to Bucyrus and at once en- gaged in the practice of his profession. In his collegiate course and from the begining of his practice until locating in Bucyrus, the Doctor had devoted much time and hard study to sur- gery'. His success as a phj'sician and surgeon in former fields of practice becoming known to the people of Bucyrus and vicinity, he was, shortl}" after his arrival, in the midst of a large and lucrative practice. The Doctor was the first physician of any standing to locate in Bucj'rus, and to him is given the palm of pio- neership of all the medical fraternity of Craw- ford Co. In those early days his reputation as a skilled surgeon spread over an area of many miles around Bucyrus. Success to the physi- cian, in those days, brought long, hard rides in cold and stormy weather, over almost impassable roads and across unbridged streams, the fording of which, at some seasons, was dan- gerous to both horse and rider. The Doctor spent many years in this trying practice, but later in life he has allowed most of his busi- ness to drift into the hands of younger and hardier men, until now he has retired from the practice. On June 21, 1836, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Trobridge) Denman, of Knox Co., Ohio. Of this marriage, there were six children reared to honorable man and womanhood. The}^ are now situated as follows : Edith V., wife of James B. Gormley, banker of Bucyrus ; Ellen M., late Principal of the Bucyrus schools ; John R., Fruit Culturist and Purser of the Valley City Steamer ; Frederick, ex- Auditor of Crawford Co.; Mary D., teacher in the public schools of Buc3^rus and widow of William Beer, late mem- ber of the Crawford Co. bar, and Kate N.. wife of H. M. Fulton. Mrs. Swingly, upon whom de- volved much of the earl}"^ training and educating of her children, and whose noble qualities of heart and mind have never been forgotten by them, now lies in Oakwood Cemetery. Her death occurred on Feb. 29, 1874, and was mourned deeply, not only by her own devoted family, but b}^ very many tried and true friends of her earlier life. For some years after the death of his wife, the Doctor made his home with his widowed daughter, Mrs. Beer. On June 5, 1879, however, he again married — this time to Mrs. Barbara R., widow of the late Isaac Vanvorhis, and daughter of Geoi'ge Han- cock, who was one of the early settlers of Craw- ford Co. Their home is in the Southern sub- urbs of Buc3'rus, where the closing years of the Doctor's life are being spent in peace, plen- t}' and contentment. JOHN SHULL (deceased), Bucyrus, whose portrait appears in this book, was the son of Solomon and Catharine (Huber) ShuU ; he was born Oct. 3, 1809, in Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he lived with his parents on a farm until his 1 8th year. He then went to Lancaster to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served an ap- prenticeship of three years. About the year 1830, he came to Bucyrus and began working at his trade. But little building was done in those earl}^ times in the history of Bucyrus. In later years, however. Mr. Shull had plent}^ of business, and to-daj^ many of the buildings in Bucyrus may be pointed out as standing mon- uments of his workmanship. Notable among these, were the old Methodist Church, also the Lutheran Church ; the old Sims House and the Bowman Block were also built b}' him. He was an active, energetic man, and, more than all else, an honorable, upright and respected citi- zen. In the year of Van Buren's election to the Presidenc}', Mr. Shull was elected Sheriff" of Crawford Co. by the Democratic party, but, upon the organization of the Republican party, he joined their ranks, and ever after cast his vote with them. For forty j-ears previous to his death, he had been a consistent member and an active worker in the Baptist Church. His death occurred on the 12th of October, 1875, in his 66th year. On Dec. 14, 1833, Mr. Shull was married to Miss Catharine, second daughter of Samuel and Mary (Bucklin) Nor- ton (a history of whose lives is also given in this book). She was born in Luzerne Co., Penn.. on Dec. 17, 1815, and, in her 4th year, was brought to Buc^'rus by her parents, who were the first white man and wife to settle upon the site of the town. The early life of Mrs. Shull, like that of her sisters, was spent in the wild and uncultivated country of Bucyrus and vicinity. The whole country seemed to be peopled with Indians and inhabited by wild animals. Schools for a time were almost un- ^ 810 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: thought of, and, when opened, they were of a very modest and unassuming character. With such surroundings and advantages, but little opportunity was afforded Mrs. ShuU for attain- ing an education. Instead of attending the fashionable boarding-schools, she learned how to card, spin and weave, accomplishments of much greater importance at that day than a slight knowledge of French and the ability to paint a few dizzy pictures in water-colors. Mrs. Shull was married at the age of eighteen years, and, for some time following this event, she and her husband lived on the site of the Main Street Mills. In 1834, they removed to their home on East Mansfield street, where IMrs. Shull still resides. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shull five children, all of whom were daughters, and one of whom, who was the wife of J. B. Franz, is now dead. The four now living are all married, and situated as follows : Lettie, wife of Mr. Field Bush, of Mansfield, Ohio ; Mary, wife of James R. Stuart, of Whet- stone Township ; Lizzie N., wife of L. C. Cald- well, of Bucyrus, and Orpha, wife of Frank Felton, of Ft. Wayne, Ind. JOSEPH W. SHARROCK, Bucyrus; was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, Nov. 4, 1814. He is the son of Benjamin and Constantine (Williams) Sharrock, the former a native of New York, and the latter of JMaryland. The,}' were married in Guernsey Co., and removed from there to near Iberia. Morrow Co., in 1817. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are yet living. The father died Nov. 16, 1879, being at the time over 100 years of age. He had been a soldier of the war of 1812, and was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence. The Sharrock family are descended from one James Sharrock, who came to America in 1775, as a British soldier, xlfter learning the true cause of the revolt against the mother country, he, with others, deserted, and, from that time un- til the close of the war, fought with the American army under Washington and La Fayette. J oseph W. Sharrock was raised upon a farm. He re- ceived such education as the schools of that early day afforded. His wife. Miss Mary Wood- side, was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 17, 1818. They were married April 18, 1843, and are the pai-ents of six children, viz., Garrett, Charles, Oscar, Benjamin F. and James, living. Gardi- ner was the name of the one deceased. Two years after his marriage, Mr. Sharrock came to Crawford Co., which he has since made his home. He owns 290 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own hard work. He is a Democrat, and a man of broad and liberal views regarding man and religion. He is one of the county's early settlers, and a highly respected citizen. PETER STOCKMAN, Bucyrus; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, July 11, 1823. His par- ents, Jacob and Mary (Bolinger) Stockman, were natives of Pennsylvania. They were mar- ried in Stark Co., and were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living. In 1828, they came to Crawford Co., and settled in Liberty Township. The father died in 1867. His wife survives him, and resides with a daugh- ter in Indiana. They were hard-working people, and greatly respected by all who knew them. Peter Stockman was brought up on a farm. He received but a limited education, as his services were required at home in assisting to care for the large family. He was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Shroll in 1865. She was born in Baden, Germany, June 8, 1834, and her maiden name was Bickle. Her first marriage was to Mr. Daniel Shroll, one of the early set- tlers of this county. From her marriage with Mr. Stockman thei'e are six children, viz., George P., Mary A.. John W., Margaret M., Aaron A. and Esther H. Mr. Stockman began life as a poor boy, and has, by economy and hard work, made for himself and family a comfortable home. He owns 138 acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation. He is a man whom every one respects, and has unbounded con- fidence in. Politically, he is a Democrat. J. W. STIGER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; a son of Abraham and Rosenna (Klieman) Stiger, was born Feb. 22, 1839, in Lycoming Co., Penn. His parents came to Ohio when he was 5 years old (in 1 844), and settled on a farm, where the}' remained about one j'^ear, when they moved into the town of Bucyrus. Here he (the subject) went to school until he was 16 3'ears old, when he went West (in 1 858). Spent one year near St. Louis shipping horses, one year in Illinois, and two years traveling through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, buying furs and trading with the Indians, running many narrow risks of losing his own fur, otherwise his scalp. He was especially successful in the fur business, and did well for one so young. On the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 811 Co. E, of the 34th (). V. I. (Col. Piatt's Zouaves), in Juh', 18G1. He served principally in the Kanawha Valley, and participated in the battles of Coal River and Fayetteville, and also in much skirmishing. He was discharged in the fall of 1863, on account of failing eyesight. He returned to Bucyrus and engaged in the harness and saddle business, which he followed for two years ; he then went into the grocer}' business, and continued that for about one year. His next move was on to a farm in Scott Township, Marion Co., where he farmed for about six years, and in 1871 removed to his present place, on the pike about five miles south of Bucyrus. where he owns some 220 acres of A'ery fine farming lands. He devotes considerable attention to raising and feeding stock, with good success. He was married, May 3. 1865, to Ellen M. Monnett, of Marion Co., by whom he has had six children — Charles W., Gertie M.. Annie E.. John R., Thomas A. and Cora B. Mr. Stiger is a member of the M. E. Church ; also, of Oliver Lodge. No. 444, A., F. & A. M.. at Caledonia. WILLIAM M. SCROCtGS, deceased ; is the son of John and Anna (Shawke) Scroggs, and was born Ma}- 27, 1825. in Canton. He left school at 11 years of age. and entered a tailor- shop to learn the trade : he worked in the town of Canton until about 14. when became to Bu- cyrus with his father's family, in 1 839. He here completed his trade with Peter Howen- stein, and in a few years opened a shop of his own, and in 1851 added a stock of clothing, being one of the early mercliant-tailors of Bu- cyrus. He retired from the business of tailor- ing about the year 1860. April 25. 1849, he was maiTied to Miss Margaret A. Byron, of Bucyrus ; she was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., and came to Bucyrus in 1835. About 1850. Mr. Scroggs was elected Mayor of Bucy- rus, a position he held for several years, being at the same time Justice of the Peace. On the completion of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad, he was appointed conductor, and run the first reg- ular passenger train over the new road. After running on the road for some time, he became General Ticket and Freight Agent of the road, having his office at Crestline. Subsequently he returned to Bucyrus and studied law, for which he had a profound admiration, and was admit- ted to the bar about- 1864. In 1868, he was elected Auditor of Crawford Co., and re-elected in 1870 by a large popular majority ; he proved a faithful and efficient officer. He died peace- fully Nov. 6, 1874, in his 50th year. Of his family, there is but one daughter living — Frank M., a teacher in the Bucyrus schools ; two sons aud a daughter are dead — Mary A., Pjdmund K. and George B. Mr. Scroggs began life with few of this world's goods, and by a life of ear- nest labor, left his family in good circumstances. Deprived of the advantages of education in youth, he sought by personal endeavor to re- pair the loss. He studied that book of books, the Bible, until he was familiar with every por- tion of it. While following his vocation, a con- venient volume was ever near him, until he be- came one of the best-read men of his day. He collected an extensive library, embracing the choicest treasures of history and literature, over which he pored with an ever- increasing delight. He was generous to a fault, and within the sacred domain of home, surrounded by his family, he deemed himself more favored than the monarch on his throne. E. D. SUMMERS, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; a son of Abraham and Susan (Wolford) Sum- mers, was born Dec. 26, 1841, in Wooster, Ohio. He lived there until he was 9 years old, when the family removed to this county (in 1850), settling permanently in this township, on the place now occupied by Magee. He grew up within a quarter of a mile of where he now lives, attending during the time the district school. He began farming for himself at the age of 23 years. He was married, Oct. 15, 1863, to Lettie M. Shroll, a daughter of William Shroll, of this township ; the result of this union was five chil- dren, four of whom are living — Anna L., born June 11, 1867; Charles A., Jan. 17, 1871; Lester A., Jan. 19, 1874 ; Hattie F., Feb. 7, 1880 ; William F. died at the age of five months. Mrs. Summer's family (the Shrolls) settled in this township in 1826, and were among the pio- neers of the county. They entered the land upon which Oakwood Cemetery is situated. The elder Shroll probably built the first saw- mill in the township. About the year 1860, ]Mr. Summers bought a farm of 60 acres, which he sold in a short time and bought the old Shroll homestead of 89 acres, upon which he lived for about eighteen months. He lived a short time in Tuscarawas Co.; removing in July, 1867, to Delaware, Ohio, where he was employed in the gas-works until 1876. In No- 812 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: vember of that year, he removed back to this township, where he bought 60 acres of hind, upon which he now lives. It is fine farming land and is highlj- improved. He votes the Republican ticket. Mr. S. started on small capital, and has accumulated his propertj* by his own labor and industry. COL. JOHN W. SHAW, deceased, Bucyrus ; a son of Samuel P. and Elizabeth (Lowstetter) Shaw, was born March 15, 1820, at Rising Sun, Ind. He was about two years old when the family moved to this State. His father was an itinerant minister of the M. E. Church, and moved from point to point in Ohio. Young Shaw received a good education, and, at 18, came to Abraham 3Ionnett's and assisted him on his farm until he was 21 j-ears old, when he began farming on 170 acres which he bought in Dallas Township. April 24, 18-13, he married Miss Mary Monnett, a daughter of Jeremiah Mon- nett ; she was born April 2, 1824, in Pickaway Co., Ohio. Three children were the fruit of this marriage, viz., Placidia, Autistia and Irene. They lived on this farm until 1860. He pur- sued the study of law with Judge Plants for one year, but, not finding it congenial to his taste, he gave it up. He was a very successful farmer and stock-raiser. In Jul3% 1861, he raised a company which became Co. E, of the H4th O. M. I., of which he was made Captain Aug. 15, 1861 ; Oct. 10, 1862, he was promoted to Major of the regiment, and to Lieutenant Colonel July 18, 1863. He was mortally wounded at the battle of Winchester by a mus- ket ball July 24, 1864, and died eight hours afterward in the ambulance. He was a consist- ent member of the M. E. Church ; was a Stew- ard at one time and Class-leader, and Superin- tendent of the Sunday school. He was a Demo- crat in politics and held various township of- fices, in all of which he gave satisfaction. March 24, 1869, his widow married Rev. Benjamin F. Royce, of Seneca Co., Ohio, a minister of the M. E. Church. He was born at Essex, Vt., and came to Ohio in an early day, settling on wild land near Bloomville. He was first married in Vermont to Melinda Perry, by whom he had eight children, two only of whom are now liv- ing. He died Feb. 8, 1874, leaving her for the second time a widow. He lived at Bucyrus after his marriage to her, where he was a local preacher. Mrs. Ro3^ce moved to Buc3'rus with her first husband in 1860, and has lived here ever since, keeping her family together and educating them. W. R. SHAW, Bucyrus. This gentleman was born April 20, 1823, in Essex Co., N. J. He is one of a family of five children born to Lewis and Phoebe (Willis) Shaw, both natives of New Jersey, where they were raised and married. The father died when the subject of this sketch was a small child. The mother again married, and in 1834 the family- moved to Richland Co., Ohio. After remaining in that county some five years, they went to Lick- ing County, but only remained there a short time. In 1838, the family came to Crawford Co., which they ever afterward made their home. The parents kept a tavern for some years three miles from Bucyrus, on the Little Sandusky road. W. R. Shaw was raised upon a farm and received a common-school education. When about 16 years of age, he entered a shop and served an apprenticeship of three years at the blacksmith's trade, and, for two years after, worked at it. He then, for three years, worked on a farm. His step-father dying about this time, Mr. Shaw took charge of the hotel, which he successfully run for two years, when the family- removed to Bucyrus, where they re- mained some years, and then purchased a farm adjoining the town, upon which they resided a number of 3'ears. Mr. Shaw was married Dec. 27, 1846, to Miss Sarah Bankert, who was born April 17, 1828, in Stark Co., Ohio. There were nine children in their family, eight of whom are yet living, viz., Emma J., Sarah F., Minnetta, Mary C, Lucy R., Georgiana C, Catharine and William H. The one deceased was Albert J. Soon after his marriage Mr. Shaw began team- ing between Sandusky City and Bucyrus, which he followed five years, and then, for some years, was in the saloon and restaurant business in Bucyrus. Three years ago, he took charge of the American House, and has since remained in the hotel business. He has held a number of positions of honor and trust in the county and city governments, and is one of the most prominent and influential Democrats in Craw- ford Co. G. W. STARNER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; son of George and Katie M. (Van Vleet) Starner, was born in Monroe Co., Penn., Nov. 12, 1812. His youth was spent on a farm, at hard work, with but little opportunity of going to school ; the little schooling he received was obtained in BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 813 a log schoolhouse, where he sat on slab seats made of logs split in two, and legs put in at each end; and the school was taught by sub- scription. He was married, June 12, 1835, to Susan Stiff, of Monroe Co., Penn., who was born in Sussex Co., N. J., and removed with her parents to Monroe Co. when about 14 3'ears of age. He raised four children — Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Yeaglej ; p]llen, the wife of James 0. Holland, of tliis township ; Harriet, married John Dobbins, died at the age of 22, and lies buried in Henrj' Co., Mo. ; William is a farmer in Henry Co., Mo. Mr. Starner moved to Ohio in September, 1832 ; came through in a two-horse wagon, making the trip in four weeks, and landing in Perry Co.. Ohio, where they lived six years on a farm, and, in the spring of 1843, removed to Crawford Co. and settled in the southern part of Bucyrus Township, where he lived for seventeen years. In April, 1861, he bought 72f acres of land, upon which he at present resides. All that he possesses he has made by his own efforts. He has been a Republican in politics, ever since the organization of that party. A. SHUNK, Sr., Bucyrus, whose portrait appears in this work, is the son of Simon and Susan (Harmon) Shunk, and was born March 23, 1797, in Somerset Co., Penn. He was raised on a farm, and was denied the advantages of schooling, living at home until he was 21. He then made himself tools and commenced work- ing at the carpenter's bench, and for tweut}^- one years followed this occupation in his na- tive State. He seemed especially gifted in this line, for, when only 8 years old, he made a min- iature wagon, perfect in ever}' particular. He never served an apprenticeship — a fact which shows his natural skill in the direction of me- chanics. In 1843, he bought a patent right for the manufacture of a bar-shear plow, in Greene Co., Ohio, and, in the following spring, com- menced the manufacture of plows at Xeuia, Ohio. He also kept a grocery and tannerj' for three years. He next worked at Canal Fulton, Stark Co., for about a 3-ear and a half In October, 1854. he came to Buc3'rus and started a plow factory. He had about $1,000 capital, and built a V)rick shop the second year of his residence, and then had a surplus of $500. He is now sole owner of the entire block, which has all been made by his own efforts. They turn out about 1,400 plows per year, of six different kinds, and which have quite an extended reputa- tion, there being over 100 local agencies in four different States. Since he made his first plow, he has made all his own patterns, and has, dur- ing the last 3'ear, invented a pattern which ex- cels them all. We doubt if there are many men, so advanced in years as Mr. Shunk, who display so much business activity'. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and has been since his 17th year. His father was in the war of the Revolution, serving under the great Washington. He was mai'ried, Feb. 1, 1816, to Miss Mary Banfort, of Somerset Co., Penn. There are twelve children living. Of this first marriage there are Delilah, wife of Mr. Stevenson, of Upper Sandusky ; Allen, machin- ist at Ft. Wayne ; Lavinia, wife of Joseph Mil- ler, of Springfield, Ohio ; Marian, wife of N. F. Albee, of Kent, Mich.; and Adam. His wife died Aug. 21, 1844. In 1845, he married Cath- arine Bauch, of Springfield, Ohio. Of this marriage, there are Francis, Nelson, Theodore, Isaac, Thomas W., John L. and Katie. D. W. SWIG ART, attorney at law, Bucyrus. This gentleman, one of the eminent practition- ers of the Crawford Co. bar, is a son of George and Elizabeth (Small) Swigart, and was born Dec. 12, 1824, in Franklin Co., Penn. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1789, was a farmer, and removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1844, where he died in 1856. His mother was born in 1796, and died in 1874. Their children numbered twelve, nine of whom are still living. George is a farmer in Knox Co., 111.; John a merchant in Bloomville ; WMlliam a farmer in Seneca Co.; Joseph R. is at Bowling Green. Ohio, practicing law. The daughters are all married and settled in Ohio. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on a farm, and attended Marshall College, Mercersburg, Penn. He taught in his native State for some time, and removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1845, where he taught in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. In 1846, he came to Crawford Co., where he taught school one term, and, in the spring, was made Deputy in the Clerk's of- fice, holding this for one year, when he was ap- pointed Clerk, and served until 1852. He attended the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in June, 1852, and was soon after admitted to the bar. In 1861, he entered the service of the United States army as Assistant Quartermas- ter, and. during the three years following, han- IT, 814 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: died some six millions of dollars. He returned to Bnc3'rus, and continued the practice of his profession until 1869. Tn that year, he was elected President of the A. & L. E. R. R., serving four years, when he again resumed the law. He was married, Oct. 9, 1848, to Rebecca A. Sweney, a daughter of George Sweney ; they have one child living, Rebecca S. Mi*. Swigart was one of the prominent citizens of his city and county, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him. [Since the above was written, Mr. Swigart died suddenly, Nov. 25. 1880.] JOSEPH STEWART, retired, Bucyrus, whose porti'ait, and that of his deceased wife, appear in this book, was born in Carlisle, Cum- berland Co., Penn., where he lived until he was 21 years of age. He was brought up on a farm, and his facilities for receiving an educa- tion were limited, but, such as they were, he made the best possible use of them, and suc- ceeded in obtaining sufficient "schooling" to enable him to get through the world. Mr. Stew- art is one of the pioneers of Crawford Co., and has been an eye-witness to the grand stride of improvement and civilization made within the past sixty years. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1821 ; entered land in Columbus, but the family remained in Richland Co. during 1822, where they raised a crop of grain, and, in 1823. located in what is now Whetstone Township, in this county. This season all of their horses (four in number) died, and they were left in a rather bad condition. They then traded a cop- per still to Nathan Merriman, of Richland Co., for a yoke of oxen, with which a new start was made in farming and opening of their land. Mr. Stewart's recollection of pioneer days is very vivid, and, as a matter of interest to the young financiers of the present day, we will let him tell us something of early mone}' matters in his own words. He says : " My brother James and I started down to Carlisle. Penn.; I took with me $100 in paper money. When we were ready to return West, my $100 would not buy me a ticket to come home on. My brother James had as much money as I, but his was in gold. I had to borrow some money from my brother John to enable me to get a ticket to bring me home. If a man had $100 in those days, he did not know that it would be worth anything in a week." Mr. Stewart says rattle- snakes were plenty, and when they used to go out on the prairies to mow the grass for hay, they were compelled to make grass ropes and wrap round their legs as a protection against these poisonous reptiles, and that thc}^ had killed as high as four in mowing " one round." Says Mr. Stewart : " The largest and fattest deer I ever killed was a fat buck, which, after I had skinned and taken out the entrails, was so heavy I could not hang up. I took fat enough off the entrails to make a kettle of soap. When we came here, there were to be seen the paths made by the buffaloes going to and from their watering places." The following incident is re- lated by Mr. Stewart, in illustration of early life in the wilderness : "I was awakened one night by two men trying to get the door open. I called to them ; they said the}' wanted to come in. One had a club in his hand, and sprang against the door. I went to the window, with my loaded gun in my hand, and leveled it at his breast. He then came up and wanted a drink of water, but I told him if his tongue was hanging out of his mouth, I would not give him a drop, and that if he did not leave at once, I would blow him through. They both left without further parley, and I saw them no more." In the fall of 1824, Mr. Stewart was married to Jane Steen, of Whetstone Township. The result of this union was eleven children, three of whom are living, viz. : John, a farmer, living in Greene Co., Iowa : Charlotte, wife of Daniel I. Sheckler, of Bucyrus ; Ruth, widow of the late Jonathan Songer, who was wounded in the battle of Saulsbury, N. C, from which he died March 4, 1872. The children who were dead were named Barbara, John, Elizabeth, Mary A., Jane, Matilda, Emily, Caroline and Joseph. Mr. Stewart has retired from active business, and is now a resident of Bucyrus, en- joying the fruits of a life of toil. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for nearly sixty years, and has voted with the Republican party since its organization. WILSON STEWART, Bucyrus ; is the son of James and Sarah (McClintock) Stewart, and was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, April 12, 1815. He was the son of a miller, and entered his father's grist-mill as soon as he was capable of work. After the deatli of his father, which occurred when the subject of our sketch was but 15, he worked by the month, and supported his mother. At the age of 17. he commenced to learn the machinist's trade at Washington- ville, Ohio, under Jacob Miller, and was there :|T BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 815 and thus employed for three 3'ears. Having attained to his majority, he established a gun- smith-shop near West Point, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and remained there until the spring of 1850, when he settled in Riehville, this county, and established a shop and saw-mill, and met with good success. In November, 1859, he came to Bucyrus, and started a shop here on East Mansfield street, where he is now engaged in manufacturing all kinds of fire-arms, rifles, shot-guns, and doing a general repair business, as well as model making. Mr. Stewart's work has an enviable reputation, and many of his manufactures may be found in different States of the Union, he never having a gun returned to him. Throughout his life, he has been a prominent and highly esteemed citizen. For eighteen years, he was Justice of the Peace. He was Mayor of Bucyrus two 3'ears, in 1863-64. He was County Commissioner for six 3'ears, serving from 1852 to 1858, during the erection of the court house. Since his 19th 3"ear, he has been a member of the Seceder Church. In politics, he has always been a Democrat, and A'oted for Andrew Jackson. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is H. P. of Ivan- hoe Chapter. He was married, Sept. 13, 1836, to Mary Woolan, of West Point, Ohio. Five children were the fruits of this union, one of whom, Rensetta, is deceased. Those living are Joseph, James, Sarah J. and Hibbitts. JOHN SIMS, retired, Bucyrus ; son of James and Martha (McConnell) Sims ; was born May 18, 1817, in St. Clairsville, Ohio. He was raised on a farm, and went to school but little, walking over three miles, and receiv- ing about two years' schooling altogether. He left home at the age of 17, and learned the har- ness and saddler's ti-ade at St. Clairsville ; he worked at his trade in Mt. Vernon for a time, and in the spring of 1 845, came to Bucyrus, started a shop and worked about eight years, when his eyes failed, and he was compelled to quit the business. He engaged in a bookstore for about three years, and then sold out. He next bought the American House, about 1855, and kept hotel for a short time. In 1863, he bought the Bowman House, now known as the Sims House, which he has owned ever since. He thoroughly repaired it and added the third story. He carried it on as a hotel for about seven years, and since then has rented it, ex- cept for two short periods. He met with a heavy loss, previous to 1860, by a security debt. For a number of years he has dealt largely in real estate ; he has built over twenty houses in the town, and expended more than $100,000 ; having at one time owned all from the Sims House to Fisher's corner. He has been a member of the Town Council for four years. He was married, March 1, 1841, to Miss Catharine Mefford, of Mt. Vernon, by whom he has three children living — Hannah J., wife of Greorge S. Harris, of Mansfield, Ohio ; Eugene H., of Bucyrus, and Sarah E., wife of James W. Spencer, of Iowa. His wife died in August, 1855, and he was married again, in May, 1857, to Miss Susan L. Smith, of Sandusky City. She was born Aug. 24, 1836. He was an Old- Line Whig, and a Republican since the organ- ization of that party. His father, James Sims, was born July 15, 1792, in Eastern Maryland, and was the son of James and Mar}' (Ewing) Sims. He came to St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1810. He was married, Feb. 2, 1815, to Martha Mc- Counell, of Belmont Co., Ohio, owning a large farm there, which he developed and improved. He served during the war of 1812. Five sons and three daughters were raised to manhood and womanhood : James is a merchant at St. Louis ; John, our subject ; William, died in Wheeling, W. Va. ; Robert, connected with rail- road interests at Atlanta ; Ophelia, the wife of Newton Mills, a farmer of Knox Co., Ohio ; Ann, widow of the late Charles McWilliams. of Na- poleon, Ohio ; Joseph, farmer in Iowa, and Da- vid, a merchant in Illinois. The elder Mr. Sims is still living at Martinsburg, Knox Co., Ohio, with his venerable wife. He is in his 89th year, and in the possession of all his fac- ulties. His mother was a daughter of the Rev. John Ewing, who was born June 22, 1732, in England, and came to Philadelphia in 1759, upon a call from the First Presbyterian Church of that city. He filled the pulpit many years acceptably. In 1773, he went to England with Dr. Hugh Williamson, of North Carolina, to solicit subscriptions for the church ; returned in 1775, and preached to his old church until driven out by the British troops. After they evacuated Philadelphia, he returned to his la- bors again. The late Thomas Ewing was a full cousin to our subject's grandmother, and his grandfather, James Sims, came fi'om Scotland in 1775, and fought in the Revolutionary war ; he was also a Presbyterian. He came with 816 BIOGRAPPIICAL SKETCHES: Gov. St. Clair here, before Ohio was made a State, and they settled at St. Clairsville, then called Newellstown ; the place then had a few cabins and a block-house ; he died in St. Clairs- ville at the age of 99, and his wife at 92 years of age. EUGENE H. SIMS, livery stable, Bucyrus ; was born Sept. 21, 1844, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio ; spent his youth in Bucyrus, and attended school until 15 3'ears of age. He then assisted his father in the American Hotel for about one year. He then went into his fother's harness- shop to learn the trade, and worked some two years at that business. When the war broke out, he enlisted in Co. E, 86th 0. V. I., serving- four months, when he was discharged and re- turned home. He went into the harness-shop again for one year. His father bought the Sims House, and he took charge of the shop alone for a short time. He re-enlisted in the 136th 0. N. G., and was engaged in pursuit of Gen. Mosby and guerrilla bands at Ft. Worth, afterward returning to Bucyrus, and becoming clerk for the Sims House for four years. In November, 1866, he bought a stock of horses and buggies, and engaged in the livery business until June 23, 1880, when his stable burned, and he sustained a partial loss of stock, but saved all the horses and buggies. By Septem- ber, 1880, another building, larger and more convenient, was erected on the old stand, on the southeast corner of public square, where he is a doing a successful business, in a livery, sale and feed stable. FRANK J. SHECKLER, Bucyrus ; was born July 14, 1857, in Bucyrus, and went to school, graduating in the high school at the age of 20. He then entered the office of the Eagle Machine Works, where he served as clerk, l)ook-keeper and financial manager. In the spring of 1879, he began buying and grazing stock, and doing a general shipping business. He still, however, give^his attention to the machine works. He was married, May 21, 1879, to Miss Jennie Bryant, of Wyandot Co. She is a daughter of the late Isaac Bryant, and was born Feb. 22, 1858. They have one daughter — an infimt — born July 6, 1880. Mr. Sheckler is a thriving and energetic young business man, who is suc- ceeding admirably, and is a valuable citizen of Bucyrus. DANIEL J. SHECKLER, Eagle Machine Works, Buc3Tus ; was born in April, 1824, in Bedford Co., Penn., and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Needier) Sheckler. His father died when he was 1, and his mother when he was 5 3'ears old. He lived with his aunt in Bedford until he was 8, when he went to live with his godfather, George Beegle, having been christened in the old Lutheran Church. He worked with him on the farm until he was 14 years old. He then returned to the village of Bedford, and worked at tailoring for two 3'ears ; then worked at cabinet-making, which proved more congenial to his tastes. He learned the ti'ade with John Stall, working some seven 3'ears in Pennsylvania, and came to Buc3'rus, Ohio, in the fall of 1845. Began work first on a farm, and at whatever he could find to do, having but 50 cents when he landed. He soon found emplo3'ment in the shop of C. Howenstine, where he worked one 3'ear at $15 per month, and then formed a partnership with him, but had run but about six months, when all was swept away by fire, having just laid in a stock of lumber, which was also destroyed. They again started upon Mansfield street, and con- tinued about two years, when Mr. Sheckler re- tired, and went to work in a machine-shop operated b3' James Kelle3'. He worked as a hand about eight years — his true emplo3'ment. In about 1860. he and F. E. Frey bought the stock, Kelie3' & Widgeon having failed. They paid for the stock the first 3'ear, and the assignee offered the property for sale about 1862, when they purchased it for $3,500, and continued the business about four 3'ears with good success, when, in August, 1867, all was again destroyed by fire, leaving them with nothing but $4,000 insurance. With this the3' began building the following winter their present foundr3', which is known as Eagle Machine Works. The part- ners were F. E. Fre3^, 3Ir. Sheckler (the sub- ject) and George Quinb3', each owning a third interest. The3' manufacture engines, horse-pow- ers and saw-mills, brick machines, and do a general foundry' business, and. of late 3'ears, make the Eagle Portable Engine. The firm cjianged in 1875, when jNIr. Sheckler retired, selling his interest to Mr. Quinby, and, in the meantime, running the works for the firm. Mr. Quinb3' retired in 1877, and William Hoover purchased his interest. The firm now is Frey, Sheckler & Hoover, Mr. Sheckler having again taken an interest. The works at present em- ploy eighteen hands, and have six buildings — TV BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 817 foundry, machine-shops, blacksmith-shops, en- gine house, coke and sand house, store and paint-shop, office and pattern-room. Mr. Shecli- ler has been married twice — the first time. April 26, 1848, to Sarah Ann Albright, of this county, and, of this maiTiage, all are dead but one daughter — Mary. The wife died April 3, 1855. He was married a second time to Charlotte Stewart, daughter of Joseph Stewart, October 28, 1857. Eight children have been born of this marriage — Fi'anklin J., Jackson, Vaneleer, Amelia, Edward, Stewart, Frederick, Jesse. Mr. S. votes the Republican ticket, and is a member of the M. E. Church, and one of its Trustees. JOHxN A. SCHABER, Sheriff, Bucyrus ; is the sou of J. George Schaber, and was born Nov. 2, 1836, in EU-hoffen, Wurtemberg, Ger- man}'. He attended school at Wiensbach from his 8th to his 14th year. He then entex-ed the blacksmith-shop of his father, and remained until 1853, when they sailed from Antwerp on June 15, 1853. The voyage occupied a period of forty-nine days, and they arrived at New York Aug. 7. His journey was continued to Buffalo, where he engaged at his trade, at Black Rock, a suburb of tliat city. In June, 1854, he and his father removed to Crawford Count}', and on July 4, of that 3'ear he commenced work, not knowing that it was a national holi- da3^ He was first employed by Phillip Osman. A year more and he entered the plow factory, and later formed a partnership with John Howalt, in the manufacture of buggies. This partnership was dissolved in six months, and Mr. Schaber enlisted in the " Mechanical Fusi- leers," Sept. 12, 1861, and in the following year the companies were disbanded b}' the Secretary of War. Mr. Schaber then engaged in the pro- vision trade, in the old bank building, in com- pany with Joseph Sandhammer, and continued one year. He then went into the dry goods business with Isaac Miller, and in a year, sold out this enterprise also. His next venture was at Sulphur Springs, where he opened a general store, with J. J. Fisher ; some time after, Fisher sold his interest to J. N. Biddle, Schaber con- tinuing with him in the business, but soon sold his interest to him and returned to Bucyrus, opening a store in partnership with Thomas Furraan, which enterprise was carried on two years ; after which, Mr. Schaber went into the dry goods and grocer}' business alone, until February, 1 877. In October of that year, he was elected Sheriff, and commenced the discharge of his duties Jan. 7, 1878. He served in an able manner, and, in 1879, was re-elected, being nominated by acclamation. At his first nomi- nation there were ten opposing candidates, but he had a majority of 340 over one next highest. Mr. Schaber was married, Feb. 4, 1869, to Ber- tha W. Margraff, of Crawford Count}'. They have three children — Geo. W., Sophia M., Charles T. Mr. Schaber is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and a gentleman who has held various offices of trust, he having been Councilman for eight years. Township Treasurer for four years, and was Treasurer of the Crawford County Loan, Saving and Build- ing Association during its existence. As Sheriff he has proved himself worthy and efficient. In the eai'ly part of 1865, Liberty Township, of this county, raised a volunteer fund of nearly $25,000, and tendered the responsible position of Treasurer to John A. Schaber, not even re- quiring bonds of him while handling this large sum. He was also first President of the Deutsche Gesellschaft, discharging all duties with that high sense of honor and integrity which has ever distinguished him. JACOB SCROGGS, attorney at law, Bucyrus. Among the names of prominent men in Bucyrus and Crawford Co., that of Hon. Jacob Scroggs, deserves especial mention. Jacob Scroggs. son of John and Ann (Shawke) Scroggs, was born in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1827. His father was born in the city of Baltimore June 9, 1794, and was a hatter by trade, having served his apprenticeship seven years, in his native city. In 1819, he removed to Cumberland Co., Penn., where he lived one year, and then removing to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he was married in 1821. Was engaged in business at New Lisbon for some time, and afterward at Can- ton. He removed from Stark Co. in 1839, coming to Crawford Co. by team, and settling on the site of his son's present residence. He died in 1861. Throughout his life he was a pure-minded, fervent Christian, a member of the M. E. Church. He participated in the war of 1812, being engaged in the bombardment of Fort McHenry and North Point. His wife's fatlier, Jacob Shawke, was a soldier in the Revolution. His son Abel Shawke invented first steam fire-engine, which was tried in the winter of 1851-52, in Cincinnati. The subject ^1 818 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of our sketch, assisted his father in the hat trade until he attained his majority, acquiring a limited education. He also spent some time in the printing office of T. J. Orr, publisher of the Democrat-Repuhlican, and, later, with J. R. Knapp, of the Bucyrus Forum, as a type-setter. After he was 21, he taught school live terms, and was also Deputy Sheriff. He was also em- ployed in the Clerk's and Probate offices as copyist, in the meantime acquiring a knowledge of medicine, and was a clerk in Toledo in 1851 and 1852. He then represented Winthrop D. Smith, in introducing the Eclectic school books, traveling one season. He then entered the law office of D. W. Swigart, having been a student of Judge Hall. Next, he attended the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in May, 1854, and was admitted to the bar in Hamilton Co. He continued with D. W. Swigart until Februar}^, 1855, when he opened an office here, beginning without capital, and has worked his way into affluence. He was Mayor of Bucy- rus from 1855 to 1859. He is now serving his eighth year as member of the School Board, and fifth as President of that body. Was Presidential Elector on the Republican ticket, in 1864, for the Ninth District. He was mar- ried, in September, 1859, to Julia A. Walwork, of Bucyrus, a native of Pennsj'lvania. They have one son, Charles J., a promising student at Ann Arbor, Mich. C. H. SHONERT, County Treasurer, Bucy- rus. This gentleman is a son of John H. and Frederika (John) Shonert, and was born in Saxony April 13, 1832, where he went to school until he was 14, and afterward worked with his father at blacksmithing for two years. In March, 1848, he sailed from the port of Bremen, and, after a voyage of six weeks, landed at New York on May 6. He removed to Crawford Co. with his father's family and settled in Lykens Town- ship, where Mr. Shonert worked on the farm for one year. In April, 1849, he came to Bucyrus and learned tanning with Aaron Cary. For eighteen years he carried on business for him- self, and now has a half-interest in the business with Jacob Haller. He early developed a re- markable taste for music, and is one of, if not the finest musician in the cit}-. He has held several cit^' offices, and, in 1875, he was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1877. During his terms of office he has shown himself capable and energetic, and made himself deserv- edly popular. He was married, Oct. 30,1856, to Maria W. Miller, of Bucyrus. Seven children are the fruit of this union— William, Emma M., Francis O., Edwin M., x\nna Z., Clara W., Thomas C. Mr. Shonert commenced life poor, with no capital but his own labor and energy, but he has succeeded admirably in making his fortune by his own efforts. HENRY STUCKEY, machinist, Bucyrus ; was born May 25, 1833, in Canton, Ohio, and is the son of John and Mary (Shock) Stuckey ; he was raised on a farm, and attended district school during winters till his 18th year ; in 1852, he purchased a farm in Texas Township of 80 acres, and lived there until the fall of 1861 ; during this time, in connection with his farming, he also sold machinery, and did a lucrative business ; in 1861, he came to Bucy- rus, and bought an interest in the Bucyrus Machine Company, and was Superintendent during its existence ; in 1868, the firm was changed to the Bucyrus Machine Works, and Mr. Stuckey was Superintendent until 1876, excepting some three years spent as general agent for McDonald & Co.; the Bucyrus Ma- chine Company failed in 1876, and Mr. Stuckey and others bought out the entire stock and business in April, 1877 ; he then became Su- perintendent for A. Monnett &. Co. for two years, and, in April, 1879, he and A. W. Diller leased the shops, and are now doing a flourish- ing business. He was married, in April, 1854, to Miss Catharine Shock, of Seneca Co.; of this marriage, there were five children, all of whom are living — John, Louisa, Sarah, Annie E. and Henry ; his wife died July 10, 1875, and he was remarried, Nov. 18, 1876, to Mrs. Elizabeth Meyrs, widow of the late Jacob Meyrs ; they have two children — Frederick and Charles. He was, at one time. Trustee of Texas Township, and has been a member of the council for twelve years. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and is a Trustee of the church organization. He is a member of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 139, A., F. & A. M.; Ivanhoe Chapter, B. A. M.; and Mansfield Commandery, Knights Templar. THEODORE F. SHOTWELL, attorney at law, Bucyrus. Theodore F. Shotwell was born at Walesville, Oneida Co., N. Y., on July 30, 1851. He traces his ancestry through seven generations back to the first settlement in New Jersey : First — Abraham Shotwell, whose name ■TT ll , /III "# iiiii&iniiiilijiii'i;;!,!!;!^^^ BLCYRUS T0WN8H1P. 821 appears upon the Elizabethtown, N. J., records, under date of Feb. 19, 1665, when sixty-five persons took the oath of allegiance to King Charles the II ; his name stands fourth on the list. Second — John Shotwell, who married Elizabeth Burton in October, 1679, and died at Woodbridge in 1719. Third— John Shotwell, who married Mary Thorne and settled at Shot- well's Landing, now Rahway, N. J. Fourth — Samuel Shotwell, born Oct. 20, 1723, and mar- ried at Mamaroneck, N. Y. Fifth — Caleb Shot- well. Sixth — Joseph Shotwell, born Feb. 27, 1789 ; married Sarah, youngest daughter of Abel and Sai'ah Dean Randall, and was the fatherof eleven children. Seventh — John Max- well Shotwell, born Feb. 22, 1821, at Clifton Park, N. Y., and mari'ied Salome L., daughter of Oliver and Phoebe Turpening Stone, Sept. 14, 1842. He is the father of three children ; the oldest is Carlos B., who is engaged in book- keeping in a commercial house in Detroit, Mich., and the youngest, William E., is a student in Genesee Valley Seminar}', in New York. The early ancestors of Theodore F. were Quakers, and their names appear frequentl}' on the old records of the yearly meetings of that sect. His immediate ancestors were Baptists, his father for twenty -five years being a clergyman in that denomination, and now residing on a farm in Allegany Co., N. Y. In early life, the subject of this sketch manifested very studious habits, standing at the head of all his classes and devouring all kinds of literature that came into his hands. At the age of 12, he wrote an Indian story of nearl}- two hundred pages, which, it is needless to say, was never published. He manifested a special fondness for mathe- matics. His father had promised him a pres- ent of a silver watch if he would finish geometrj' before he was 15 years old. The morning of July 29 came, and the last two books had not been looked at. Only one day remained. He shut himself up in his room, and at night he could repeat every theorem, draw every figure and demonstrate every proposition in Davies' Legendre. He obtained the watch, but in less than a month all knowledge of the last two books had vanished from his memory. He pre- pared himself for college in Genesee Valley Seminar^', and, at the age of 18, he entered the Sophomore class of Oberlin College, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts on Aug. 7, 1872. In scholarship he ranked among the best of his class ; held the position of " Class Poet," and represented the " Phi Kappa Pi " society at its anniversary. While in college, he supported himself by teach- ing winters and working during vacations. Upon leaving college, his health was so impaired he deemed it imprudent to engage in literary or sedentary employment ; so he commenced sell- ing Bibles, and he met with such extraordinary success that he followed the business for several years, selling thousands of copies in the coun- ties of Northern Ohio, and selling in Crawford Co. alone over one thousand Bibles, aggregating in value over $10,000. In 1874, he commenced the study of theology in Oberlin, but, his ideas not harmonizing with the doctrines taught in the seminary, he left Oberlin, and, in December, 1875, commenced the study of law in the oflflce of Wickham & Wildman, of Norwalk, Ohio. In the spring of 1870, he came to Bucyrus, Oiiio, and, forming the acquaintance of Anna Mc- Kinstry, daughter of James McKinstry, Esq., the} were married on Nov. 3 of that year. He continued his law studies in the office of S. R. Harris, of Bucyrus, and, on March 28, 1878, he was admitted to the bar. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, his oflSce being in Rowse Block, Bucyrus. In 1879, he ran on the Republican ticket for Prose- cuting Attorney, and, in the spring of 1880, was nominated by the Citizens' Convention as can- didate for Maj'or, but declined the nomination. He is now Secretar}' of the County Republican Central Committee. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a teacher in the Sun- day school. He has two children — Charles William, born May 22, 1878, and Becco, May 1, 1880. WILLIAM STREMMEL, Bucyrus. This gentleman, who has figured extensively in pub- lic life, was born Dec. 2, 1846, in Baltimore, Md., and is the son of Lewis G. and Frede- ricke (Feiring) Stremmel ; the first eight years of Mr. Sti'emmel's life were spent in the Monu- mental City, where he received the rudiments of his education ; his father removed to Bucy- rus in 1854, arriving about April 1 of that year ; he completed his education in the public schools at 16 years of age, and then entered the law office of Judge A. Somers, where he I'emained as a student until he had attained the age of 18 years ; he then took a course in the commercial school, under the instruction of !!£: 822 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Prof. Rosscutt, and graduated in the fall of 1867. In the following spring, he was elected City Clerk, which office he filled acceptably un- til 1869, and, in the election of that year, he was again placed in charge of that office, and was also Township Clerk until 1 872 ; in June of this ^-ear, he was nominated for County Recorder, and in convention received over two-thirds of the whole vote cast, a fact which showed plainly Mr. Stremmel's popular- ity ; he was elected, and assumed the duties of the office on Jan. 6, 1873 ; after serving with eminent satisfaction, and having gained a sure hold on the esteem of the people, he was renominated by acclamation, and was again elected, and discharged the duties of the office in a manner peculiarly satisfactory, until 1878 ; since that time, he has been Deputy Recorder under the present incumbent of the office, Mr. D. 0. Castle ; in the spring of 1880, he was elected City Clerk and also Clerk of Bucyrus Township, the duties of which offices he is at present discharging in that efficient manner which has characterized all his public services. Mr. Stremmel was mari'ied, March 11, 1875, to Catharine Derfler, of Holmes Township, who still lives to bless his pathway through life ; three children are the blessings of this union, the eldest being Augusta M., born Nov. 3, 1876 ; Lydia A., Nov. 11, 1878, and Cora, May 10, 1880. Mr. Stremmel is a member of the German Reformed Church, having been con- firmed at the age of 14, in this city, by Rev. Eli Keller. He has been identified with public life since the attainment of his majority, and his services have been such as have brought him into high esteem among the citizens of both cit}'^ and county. HON. GEORGE SWENEY, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was born Feb. 22, 1796, and died Oct. 10, 1877, in the 82d year of his age. The following notice is taken from an obituary published in the Bucy- rus Journal : Mr. Sweney graduated at Dick- inson College, in Pennsylvania, then a very prominent institution, and commenced the practice of law at Gettysburg, where he was a cotemporary and competitor for forensic honors with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens and others, who were afterward elevated, like himself, to honor and distinction by admiring fellow-citizens. Oct. 9, 1821, he married Miss Rebecca Hetich, sister of the late Paul I. Hetich, of this place, but at that time of Franklin Co., Penn. This venerable lady survives her honored husband, in the 79th year (1877) of her age. The fruits of this union were a family of eight children, six of whom still survive — two sons and four daughters. In 1830, he removed to Bucyrus, where he has continued to reside, with the ex- ception of four years (from 1853 to 1856) spent at Geneseo, 111. From 1838 to 1842, he rep- resented this district in Congress. At that time this was, as now, the Fourteenth District, composed of the counties of Seneca, Crawford, Sandusky, Hancock, Wood and Ottawa. How satisfactorily he executed his trust may be de- duced from the following resolution, passed at a county convention, July 7, 1840 : " Resolved, That the uniform and firm support given dur- ing the present session of Congress to Demo- cratic principles and measures by our worthy fellow-citizen, Hon. George Sweeney, merits our decided approbation." When in Congress, he was cotemporary with Martin Van Buren, Gen. Jackson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Amos Kendall ; also with Wilson Shannon, Ben Tappan and William Allen, of Ohio. But the honorable gentleman was a ripe scholar and a student, and the turmoil of public life was distasteful to him. At the end, therefore, of his second term, he declined to be a candidate for renomi nation, and was suc- ceeded by Hon. Henry St. John, of Seneca Co. Since his withdrawal from Congress, he has lived a quiet and retired life, unostentatiously devoting himself to study, scientific research, and the education of his children. During the past five or six years of his life, as old age wore more and more deeply into his energies, he has seldom been so much on the streets, an occa- sional visit to the store being the extent of his outdoor walks, but, although not seriousl}' ail- ing, he has remained quietly at home, living mostly with his books and in the past. In per- son he was tall, handsome and dignified ; of courteous and pleasing address ; he was an agreeable companion, overflowing with interest- ing conversation, which ever abounded with val- uable information ; and he will long be remem- bered by those who knew him as a highly cultivated gentleman of the old school. Mrs. Rebecca H. (Hetich) Sweney, widow of Hon. George Sweney, was born in Chambersburg, Penn., June 3, 1799, and is a daughter of George and Martha (Immel) Hetich. In 1812, :|V BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 823 she entered boarding-school at Baltimore, Md., and was present at the confirmation of Jerome Bonaparte, on Easter Mondaj', the son of the brother of the first Emperor Napoleon ; at the same time, the bells tolled the alarm that En- glish ships were in the bay, but they proved to be American ships. She graduated from the Haj'ward Seminary in 1817. After her mar- riage with Mr. Sweney, they lived for nine years in Gett^-sburg, Penn., where he practiced law successfully. In September, 1829, they started in a carriage, and came through to Bucyrus, being twenty-two days on the road. Upon their arrival, they tried in vain, for a time, to rent a house, or even a room. At last they found a vacant cabin near where the Infirmar3' now stands, where they spent the winter. He bought 80 acres of land near town, upon which he fitted up a house. He had previously en- tered 200 acres in Whetstone Township, but was persuaded to move into town. He built a brick house, probably the second in town. No chairs could be bought near by, and he ordered a lot from Fredericktown. Mrs. Sweney was tlie mother of eight children, five of whom, at the present writing, are living — Charles E., a merchant at Cleneseo, 111. ; Rebecca A., wife of D. W. Swigart, of Bucyrus ; Carrie D., wife of Silas L. St. John, a cotton-merchant at Pick- ens' Station, Holmes Co., Miss. ; Paul A., livery- man at Geneseo, 111. ; Augusta M., wife of Jo- seph R. Swigart, of Bowling Green. Ohio ; Lot- tie E. Hoffman, deceased (see sketch of John Hoffman) ; Martha C, deceased, wife of E. E. Kearsley ; one son, George A., is dead. FREDERICK M. SWINGLY; P.O. Bucyrus; is the second son of Dr. Frederick and Mary (Denman) Swingly, and was born in Bucyrus, March 27, 1846. He attended the Bucyrus Union Schools until 16 years of age, when he enlisted in the 86th 0. V. I., and served for three months under Col. Barnabas Burns, when he enlisted in the 60th 0. V. I., and served during the war. The 60th Ohio formed a part of the old Ninth Army Corps, and Mr. Swingly participated in all those decisive battles which gave that shattered legion a renown which is scarcely excelled in the annals of warfare. He enlisted as a private soldier, and by his gallant and orderly conduct rose to the rank of Adjutant. In 1865, he returned to Bucyrus, and for some time was copyist in the Recorder's ofi3ce, and subsequent to this became Deputy Auditor under Samuel Hoyt, for three years, and served in the same capacity under Auditor William M. Scroggs during his term. In 1873, he was elected to the office of Auditor of Craw- ford Co. b}' a large majority, and after serving two years, received a unanimous nomination, and was re-elected to the same office in 1875. Since 1877, he has been Clerk of the Commit- tee on Public Expenditures and Library, in the National House of Representatives. Nov. 23, 1873, he was married at Tipton, Iowa, to Miss Lizzie Garberick. Three children have been born of this union, named as follows — Guy D., Nellie G. and Mary. NATHANIEL STEEN ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is a son of John and Mary (Davis) Steen, who resided in Liberty Township, this county, at his birth, which occurred Oct. 7, 1834. He spent his youth on the farm, and, in the mean- time, receiving such an education as boys were able to acquire from the schools held in the old log schoolhouses of that time, his books being the speller and English Reader. He left his father's house at 19 years of age, and began working bj' the U)onth, and continued to do so until 24 years of age. His marriage occurred at that time, Sept. 22, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Peterman, of Liberty Township. This union not being blessed with issue, they have adopted a daughter — Ella Finnegan. Subsequent to his marriage, he labored by the day for about one 3'ear ; then engaged in the butchering bus- iness with David Crum. In October, 1862, he went into the army, serving ten months in Co. C, 49th O. V. I., and was mustered out of serv- ice at Tullahoma, Tenn., in 1863, returning to Bucyrus and engaging again in the butcher- ing business, which he followed, with other parties, until September, 1867, when he became proprietor of a meat market, continuing the business until July, 1880, meeting with success, and accumulating some valuable property. He is a member of the Ivanhoe Ciiapter, R. A. M., of Bucyrus ; also, of La Salle Lodge I. 0. 0. F. He is a member of the City Council, and in his political belief a Democrat. His father was a native of "auld Ireland." emigrating to this country when but 12 years of age, and aft- erward learning the carpenter's trade. Having attained his majority, he was married to Mary Davis, of Cumberland Co., Penn., and migrated to Crawford Co. in the year 1827, which was also about the time of the arrival of the Peter- ■^\ V 824 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHEtS: man family. He raised a family of ten chil- dren, four of whom are living — John, a black- smith, in Hancock Co., Ohio ; Joseph, a farmer in Liberty Township, this county ; James, an agriculturist in Hancock Co., also, Nathaniel the subject of this sketch, the youngest of the family now living. The father died in April, 1875, aged 95 years ; the mother, May 8, 1876, aged 86 years. When they landed in this county, their earthly possessions amounted to $100, which they invested in a piece of heavily wooded land, the improvement of which made their early settlement in this county a life of hardship and much sufiering. WILLIAM B. TOBIAS, retired^ farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 1, 1815, near Car- lisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Clouse) Tobias. He lived on a farm until fifteen years old, receiving but three months' schooling, and that at a night school. He then went to Carlisle, where he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker to learn the trade, and served four and a half years with a man named George Spangler. He worked about six months, after his time was up, as a journey- man, and went to Grreencastle, Penn., about the year 1836, where he started a shop, working at his trade until about 1849. His health failed, and he closed his shop and rented a farm in Franklin Co., Penn., where he farmed until 1864, and then came to this county, locating in Liberty Township. Here he lived some four years, when he sold out and removed to Holmes Township, and farmed there until 1877, when he sold his farm there, of 70 acres, and removed to Bucyrus, where he purchased a handsome property on Sandusk}^ avenue. He married, Feb. 11, 1841, Miss Catharine Mills, a native of Greencastle, Penn. He has six children living, and two dead — William F., a farmer in Ashland Co.; Jane C, wife of John Richardson, of Holmes Township ; Elizabeth, wife of A. J. Richards, of Bucyrus ; John L., at home : James C. (see sketch) ; and Daniel M., of Bu- cyrus. Mr. Tobias began the world without any superfluous wealth, his father dying when he was 8 years old, leaving him to fight his battles as best he could. By energy and indus- try, he has accumulated a handsome property. When the late war broke out, he lived four miles from the Mar3'land line, and the army of Gen. Lee marched through his farm and de- stro^^ed much of his property. The State militia destroyed his stock without scruple, taking all but six horses. He is a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat in politics. JAMES C. TOBIAS, attorney at law, Bucy- rus ; is a son of William B. and Catharine (Mills) Tobias ; born on the 11th of November, 1856, in Greencastle, Penn. When but 8 years old, his father moved to a farm near Sulphur Springs, this county. Here he lived and la- bored until 16, when he attended the Cold Run Academy one term, and, in the spring of 1872, entered Oberlin College, where he studied until the following September, when he entered the Mt. Union College, remaining there about three 3^ears. During this period, he taught school in winter, thereby paying his own way in college. In the winter of 1876-77, he began the study of law, entering the law oflSce of Finle}' & Swi- gart in the following April. He was admitted to the bar at Delaware, Ohio, July 2, 1878. He has since practiced in the courts of this county, and is located at present in Malic's Block, where he is doing a large commercial and in- surance business. Mr. Tobias is a Democrat, and did efficient service as Secretary of the Hancock and English Club of Bucyrus. On Sept. 24, 1879, he was married to Miss Amina J. Monnett, daughter of Abraham Monnett. He and his wite are both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bucyrus. CHARLES W. TIMANUS, deceased ; was the second son of William and Harriet (Fisher) Timanus. His father was born in Baltimore, Md., and learned the trade of miller. He came to Mansfield, Ohio, in about 1829, where he lived until 1834, moving in tliat year to Mt. Gilead, and there resided for ten ^-ears, when he came to Bucyrus, probabl}' in 1844. He resided in Bucyrus except five years spent in Missouri, until his death, in 1877. He had a family of eight, all deceased but two daughters — Mrs. Miller, of Mansfield, and Mrs. Lowry, of West Alrginia. Tlie subject of this memoir was born Feb. 13, 1845, in Bucyrus, Ohio. He spent his early life in the village, going with the tamily to Missouri in 1856. They lived in Missouri until 1861, when the family removed to Baltimore, Md., but remained only a few months, when they returned to Bucyrus. Dur- ing this period young Timanus received a good common-school education, and, when only 18 3'ears old, enlisted in the arm}- in Co. C, of the BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 825 86th 0. V. I. He served about three 3'ears ; coming to Bacyrus at the close of the war, he accepted a clerkship in the store of George Myers, Avhere he remained until about 1868. He then formed a partnership with Joseph Kimmel. They bought out Bowers & Kefer, grocers, and for two years did a prosperous business both in groceries and fruits, which they shipped South. In 1872, Mr. Timanus purchased the interest of Mr. Kimmel, and in- augurated the "cash system," being the first merchant of Bucyrus who adopted it. The measure proved a success. He built up a large trade in the grocery and dry goods business, continuing until 1874, when he sold out to J. J. Fisher & Bro. His next venture was buy- ing and shipping hay, which was attended with such inconveniences that he abandoned it. In about 1875, he bought a tract of timber land west of Bucyrus, and removed the timber, which his industry converted into lumber. In two winters he had the timber removed, and sold the land and bought another larger tract, on the Nevada road, realizing a handsome profit from the timber. In February, 1879, Mr. Timanus, in company- with Elias Blair, of Bucyrus, purchased 835 acres of heavy timber land, near Inwood, Marshall Co., Ind. During the winter he took two large saw-mills there, and put the heavy machinery in order. He built boarding-houses for his men, and was al- most ready for sawing. While drawing a large stump which obstructed one of the passage- ways, Mr. Timanus was aiding and directing his men, when the main bolt which fastened three large upright pieces together, broke, and these pieces fell, crushing Mr. Timanus to the earth, and when they were removed he was found to be paralyzed from the waist down. Ttus sad event occurred March 24, 1 879. He showed remarkable courage and fortitude dur- ing this trying ordeal, and while 13'ing on his bed gave directions to his men at work. On the 28th of April, he was brought to Bucyrus, where he died May 8, 1879. He was a man of great activity and energ}-, and had a host of friends. In 1874, he purchased 27 acres of land in South Bucyrus, and after selling the residence now occupied bj' D. C. Cahill, laid out seventy-six town lots, which is known as Timanus' Addition to Bucyrus. Jiy his own efforts in after life he acquired a good educa- tion, and although starting in life without capital, he was successful and aided in the support of his father's famil}- for several j-eai's. March 21, 187-, he united in marriage with Miss Lila Plants, daughter of the late Jeremiah Plants, of Bucyrus. One child was born of this marriage, named Claudie, who died in in- fancy. He was a member of the Knights of Honor. WILLIAM VOLLRATH was born Aug. 2, 1842, in Stadtilm, Germany, and came to America in his 6th year. He attended school until he was 13, and assisted in the planing- mill until he became partner, making a visit to his native land in 1866. He worked in the planing-mill until he purchased the interest of his father and became a partner. He was mar- ried Jan. 18. 1877, to Miss Louisa M. Hine, of Wooster, Ohio ; they have one child, Gertrude. He is a member of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 139, F. & A. M., and of Ivanhoe Chapter, No. 17, of Royal Arch Masons ; he is also a member of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, and of the Royal Ar- canum, Council, No. 15. The father, Gottleib L. Vollrath, whose sons are prominently men- tioned in this work, was born in Stadtilm Sept. 29, 1804, and received a good education. He learned the trade of cabinet-making, and, at the age of 23, married Frederike Meissn,er, of the same town ; of this marriage there were twelve children, six of whom are living in Bu- cyrus — x\lbert, Charles, Helma (wife of Christian Renkert), Theresa Blicke (wife of Frank Blicke), Frederick A. and William. Mr. Vollrath was a very skillful workman and was active in busi- ness until 1875. The mother died Aug. 24, 1875. Mr. Vollrath built a house when he first came to this town, and has lived in it ever since. The family is one of intelligence and enterprise, and they are valuable citizens, of whom Bucyrus should be proud. CHARLES VOLLRATH, manufacturer, Bu- C3'i*us ; was born May 16, 1835, in Saxony, Ger- many, and is the son of Gottleib and Fredericke (Meissner) Vollrath. He attended school seven j-ears, and came to this country with his father's family. They came to Rochester, N. Y., where they lived one year, and, in May, 1849, came to Bucyrus, and were at the time in moderate circumstances. Our subject began learning the carpenter's trade upon his arrival with his father and brother, and followed the business until 1855. He then received an interest in the plan- ing mills which were established in that year. 826 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: The firm name was, at first, G., A. & C. Voll- vath, consisting of the father and two sons ; but, in 1867. William Vollrath purchased the share of the tather, and the firm is now Vollrath Bros., the brothers being Albert, Charles and William. In 1868, they erected the present brick building of three stories, and are doing an extensive business in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, flooring and siding ; also dealing in lumber, shingles and laths. Their yards occupy- over an acre of land, and they employ about twenty hands. March 23, 1858, Ml'. Vollrath was married to Elizabeth Hocker, of Bucyrus. She is a native of Baden, and was born in June, 1831. Five children of this mar- riage are living — Edward C, Lydia, Eva E., Marly M. and EUy C. Louis Otto and Alex- ander A. are deceased. The wife and family are members of the English Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, I. 0. 0. F. ; also a Knight of Honor, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. ALBERT VOLLRATH, manufacturer, Bu- cyrus ; was born Jan. 31, 1830, in Stadtilm, Germany, and attended school from his 6th to his 14th year. He was apprenticed to his father for three years, learning the trade of (jabinet- making, and was a journeyman three years longer, when he came to Bucyrus and worked for Stoll ife Knecht for one year, and then com- menced building by contract until 1855, when he became a partner in the planing mill. He was married, Ma}^ 27, 1856, to Miss Catharine Mader, of Bucyrus. She was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, March 17, 1835, and came with her parents to this country in 1852. They have four children living — Theresa, Louisa, Melinka and Caroline. William is deceased. Mr. Voll- rath is a Democrat in politics, and was a mem- ber of the Council in 1863. His family are all members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the oldest members of La Salle Lodge, No. 139, I. O. 0. F., and of the Ro3'al Arcanum. WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS, retired, Bucy- rus ; a son of Mordecai and Sarah (Smart) Will- iams, was born Februar}- 26. 1802. in Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he was brought up on a farm until he was twelve years old, when his parents removed to Richland Co. Only three or four families then lived in Monroe Township ; in the fall of 1814 there were but a few roads and trails through the county. There he grew to manhood, farming, clearing land and improving it. Went to school but little, as there were no schools for a number of years, but studied at home. He was married Sept. 2, 1824, to Martha Cunningham, who was born at Beaver, Penn., Dec. 15, 1802 ; nine children were the result of this union, five of whom are living — Sarah, died in infanc}- , Jane, now wife of Elbert Racy, of Henry Co.; Nancy died April 5. 1873, was the wife of Norman Tucker, a lawyer of Lima, Ohio ; Margaret, wife of Josiah Galbraith of Henry Co.; James, now of Bucyrus ; Joseph, a tarmer of Putnam Co.; William N., fell at the battle of Gettysburg, and is buried in the National Cemetery there ; Thomas J., a farmer of this township ; Isaac was wounded at Mur- freesboro, and thrown into Libby Prison, and by an accident caused by the breaking of a bridge near there he was disabled and died at the National Home at Dayton, where he lies buried. His wife died March 12, 1868, and he married a second time, June 29, 1871, to Mrs. Mary J. Hight, of Bucyrus. Mr. Williams farmed in Richland Co., where he owned eighty acres of land, until 1854, handling timber in the meantime extensively-. In September of this year, he moved his family to this township, where he bought thirtj'-seven acres with a saw- mill on it ; he now owns sixty-eight acres ; he ran the saw-mill twelve years, during which time he sawed large lots of lumber. He retired from active life in Januar}', 1879, and came to Bucyrus ; although nearly 79 years old, he is very active and industrious, has always been a hard working man. At the age of 24 years, he united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he has ever since been a faithful member ; has been an Elder of the church, and a member of the session, and has alwa^'s taken an active in- terest in Sabbath schools. He was an Old- Line Whig, and, after the organization of the Republican party, has acted with it. CHRISTIAN WISMAN, Bucyrus; was born in Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Penn., Sept. 15, 1827. He is the son of Fredrick and Eliza- beth (Heinlen) Wisman, both natives of Wur- temberg, Germany, from which country they came when children. They were married in Pennsylvania, and resided there until their re- moval to Crawford Co., in 1828, The father was a wagon-maker, but after he came to this county devoted his time to farming. He was an industrious man and much loved by his *7- ^i^ BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 827 neighbors and acquaintances. His wife died some fifteen 3'ears after their coming to the county, and he Feb. 18, 1867. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are yet living. Christian's youth and early manhood were passed in assisting his father upon the farm. His education was obtained in the log schoolhouses of that early day. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Conkle Oct. 17, 1850. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, 1830. Three children have been born to them, viz., Adam J., living, and Eliza- beth and Amanda, deceased. Mr. Wisman owns a well-improved farm of 171 acres nicely situated on the west bank of the Sandusky River. He started in life with nothing but a stout heart and willing hands, and by frugalit}' and industry has placed himself in good cir- cumstances. He is a Democrat and a gentle- man, whose integrity' has won for him the con- fidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends. W. S. WELSH, proprietor of Western House, Bucyrus ; a son of Mannington and Annie (Comstock) Welsh, was born June 15, 1851, in Wyandot Co., Ohio. He lived on a farm until 1870, receiving a common-school education. In the fall of that year (in September), he en- teved the Freshman Class at Bethanj- College, where he remained two 3'ears, then returned to W3'andot County and engaged in mercantile pursuits for three years, when he removed to Little Sandusky, and was employed there one and a half years. In 1873, he crossed the AUe- ghanies with stock, visiting Eastern cities. The latter part of 1873 and 1874 was spent in Indiana, handling, feeding and shipping stock. In Ma}', 1880, he leased the Western House, at Bucyrus, which has been newly refitted and re- furnished. It is two stories high, has thirt}^- five large and commodious rooms for guests ; fine sample rooms on first floor; large, cheerful dining-room, and a table that is first-class in every respect. The famous sulphur pump is just in front of the house, the water of which is well known far and wide. Every attention is given to the care and comfort of guests. August 28, 1874, he was married to Miss Ida Burks, of Nevada, Ohio, by which union he has two children — Frankie and Tressie. He has always been a Democrat. His father was born in Virginia, in 1816, and his mother in New York State, and about the year 1817, they came to Wyandot County, being one of the very first white families who settled in that county, and were familiar with all the shades of Indian life. They settled on the banks of Sandusky Creek, at the point where Little Wj'andot now stands, being the first white set- tlers in that vicinity. Our subject's father was a farmer and stock-raiser. He had a family of four sons and one daughter — William, a farmer of Wyandot Co. ; W. S., our subject ; Charles, a farmer ; Frederick and Alice. CHRISTOPHER WALTHER, contractor and builder, Bucyrus, oldest son of Christo- pher and Elizabeth (Doll) Walther, was born June 16, 1833, in Baden, county of Durlach, (xermau}', where he went to school until 12 years old, when his parents came to the United States, landing at New York July 1, 1845. The}^ came at once to Sandusky City, where an uncle of our subject lived, and here they re- mained until September, when thej^ came to Crawford County, settling on the Broken Sword, in Liberty Township, where the father bought 50 acres of land and engaged in farming with good success. Until 18, 3'oung Christopher aided his father on the farm, when he was ap- prenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with Michael Lutz. He worked over three years, only receiving $160. Dec. 4, 1859. he married Margaret Schuler, of Bucyrus, Ohio. Of their union five children are living — Annette C, Frank A., Frederick E., Lena C. and Lizzie E. Two children died in infancy. Mrs. Walther is a daughter of Frederick and Eve (StoU) Schuler. Her father was a native of Baden, Grerraany, who came to New York, 1832, where he married Miss Eve Stoll, iVugust, 1837. In September, 1838, he came to Bucyrus, where he, for many years, followed the trade of shoe- maker. Her parents are still living in Bucyrus, and are among the few who still live to recall the struggles of pioneer times. After complet- ing his trade, our subject went to Fa3'ette Co., Iowa, in 1856, where he worked as journeyman and contractor until 1859, when he made a trip to Bucyrus, returning with his wife in the same year. They lived in Iowa until 1861, when he returned to Bucyrus and located permanently. In the same 3'ear, he began taking contracts and has since emplo3'ed from six to eight men. He has gained an enviable reputation as a first-class workman, having put up some of the largest public buildings and private residences in the city, among which may be mentioned the L^nion 828 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: School building, which he erected in 1867-68. Mr. Walther began life without capital, and has, by hard work and close attention to busi- ness, raised himself and famil}' into comforta- ble circumstances. He and family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church, in which he has served as Trustee and other offices. He is a Democrat. His parents were both natives of Baden, where they were married, about 1830, and settled in Liberty Township of this county in 1845. They raised five children — whose names were Christopher, Magdalena, Philip J., Caroline and Henry. The father died Aug. 14. 1879, and the mother died Sept. 9, 1878. LUDWIG WEBER, grocer and express agent, Bucyrus ; is the son of Jonathan and Annie (Fritt) Weber, and was born Aug. 18, 1821, in Cumberland Co.,Penn. He was raised on a farm until his Ifith year, when he went to Lexington, Ohio, to learn tailoring, and was there four 3'ears. He next went to Ontario, Richland Co., and there lived until 1850, hav- ing worked at his trade until two 3'ears previous to this date, and also carried on the Ontario House. He went to California by the overland route, the trip occupying ninety-two days. He met with varying success, and returned in 1852. The following year, he removed his familj^ to Crestline, and there he embarked in the grocery business, continuing for eight years with good success. He then removed to a farm near there, and, for eight years following, he tilled the soil. Li 1872, he sold his farm and came to Bucyrus, where he opened a groceiy and became agent for the Adams Express Co. His business is flourishing, and he is one of the first grocers in the town in point of business. During Pierce's administration, Mr. Weber was Postmaster of Ontario. He was also for three terms Trustee of Jackson Township. He was married May 30, 1844, to Jerusha J. Martin, of Martin's Mills, Ohio ; of this union, eight children are living, two having died when 3'oung. Those liv- ing are Aveline A., wife of A. M. Pinne}', of Chicago ; Ellen V., wife of Engineer Fitzsim- mons, of Allegheny, Penn.; Flora G., wife of C. D. Sheffier, conductor, Chicago ; Cora, wife of F. D. Mann, of Kansas City, Mo., formerly of Pittsburgh ; Harry L., County Surveyor ; Madge B., Mettie and Jennie at home. HARRY L. WEBER, County Surveyor. Bu- cyrus ; is the son of Ludwig and Jennie (Mar- tin) Weber, and was born July 16, 1856, in Crestline, Ohio. Until his 8th year he lived on a farm. He attended school in Bucyrus in 1871 ; he came to Bucyrus and attended school here. After leaving school he went into the employ of Adams Express Co., as assistant agent. April 8. 1879, he was appointed Sur- veyor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Frank L. Plants. In October follow- ing, he was elected to fill the office and ran ahead of his ticket handsomely. He entered upon the discharge of his duties Jan. 5, 1880, being but 23 years of age. On April 8, 1880, he was married to Flora Hoover, of Bucjrus. Mr. Weber is a young man of considerable talent, and is, indeed, a rising young man, of whom much will yet be expected should life be spared him. ANSON WICKH AM, attorney at law. Bucy- rus : is the son of Williard and Phcebe (Penning- ton) Wickham, and was born in Likens Town- ship June 19, 1850. He spent the first 16 years of his existence on a farm and in attend- ance upon district school, when he entered the union schools of Bucyrus. He taught seven terms during the time he was receiving his ed- ucation. He entered Otterbein University, at Westerville, in the spring of 1867, and gradu- ated in May, 1873. In August of that year he came to Bucj'rus and commenced the study of law, with Scott & Harris, and was admitted to the bar Sept. 17. 1875. Since that time he has become noted as a rising young lawyer, be- ing especially successful in criminal cases. He was appointed School Examiner in I874. and held the office two _years. WILLIAM WISE, furniture dealer and un- dertaker, Bucyrus ; is the sou of George and Charlotte (Moore) Wise, and was born in Fair- field Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1824. The first eight- een years of his life were spent on a farm, va- ried with a short season of schooling in the win- ters. His parents removed here when he was aged 10 j-ears. When 18 years of age, he commenced to learn the cabinet-maker's trade with C. How- enstine, his apprenticeship lasting three years. He afterward spent one year working at his trade, in Valparaiso, Ind. Returning from thence he formed a partnership with Howen- stine, which lasted some twelve years. At this time the subject of our sketch commenced in business for himself at his present place on Main street, and has been there since 1866. He has now a large stock of furniture, and BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 829 makes a specialty of undertaking, in wliich department lie has had twenty-five years' expe- rience. He was married, July -L, 1850, to J]liza J. Deardorf, of Bucyrus. Of this marriage nine children are living — Mattie, wife of Rev. George Heindle, of Belleville, Ohio ; Rebecca, at home ; Elizabeth, John Pressley, William R., Millie R., Greorge L., Frederick A. and Joseph D. Mr. Wise was a Free-Soiler and is now a stanch Republican in politics. He is a mem- ber of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, and for thirty years has led the choir of that Church, serving also as one of its Deacons. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but in later years followed farming. He came here in 1833, and for one year was a resident on Bro- ken Sword. He then removed south of town some three miles, and lived there till 1853, dy- ing ten years later, his wife having died in 1858. They reared eight children to man- hood, and were conscientious Christians and members of the Lutheran Church. R. K. WARNER, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born April 8, 1825, in Lycoming Co., Penn., and is the son of Benjan5in and Mar}' (Walton) Warner. He was about 2 years old w4ien his parents removed to Whetstone Township, this county, being among the first settlers. Hei'e he was raised among the Wyandot Indians, and played with the •' Johnn}' Cake " boys many a daj^ and learned their language. When he was 8 years old, his father removed to this town- ship, and settled on the pike. It was in 1836 that the subject of our sketch attended his first school, taught in Dallas Township, by Miss Susan Bovee. He attended school until he was about 20 3'ears of age, in a log schoolhouse near the residence of Thomas J. Monnett. In 1847, he rented a farm for two 3'ears, and afterward purchased 120 acres, where he now lives. He now owns 440 acres of fine farming laud. He has dealt extensively^ in sheep, cattle and hogs, and has been very successful. He was raised a Quaker, but is not a member of an}* church. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, and later, a Republican. He was married in December, 1846, to Miss Martha Monnett, daughter of Jeremiah Monnett, who was born in Pickaway Co. Jan. 22, 1827. He has raised four chil- dren — Ellen, born Aug. 30, 1849, now the wife of Thomas McKinstry ; Mary, born Jan. 1, 1856, married Albert Yaker, and died in January, 1874 ; Harriet, born Dec. 27. 1861 ; Louisa, born June 25, 1871. In 1875, Mr. Warner erected a fine frame dwelling of sixteen rooms, which is an evidence of his good taste, and an ornament to the vicinity. His father, Benja- min, was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., about 1801, and was married in 1822, coming to Ohio in 1827, driving here in a four-horse wagon. Four miles from Gallon their wagon sunk in the mud, and they walked four miles to a rela- tive, leaving the wagon behind. He lived in the county all the rest of his life, and died May 8, 1872, in Kankakee, 111., where he had gone on a visit. His wife survived him until March 7, 1877, when she, too, closed her earthly labors, and went to her rest. Harriet Welsh, of Mis- souri, and Louisa Everett, of Bucyrus, are still living. Five died young. He was a Quaker in belief, the family for several generations back holding to that faith. GEORGE HENRY WRIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Buc3'rus ; son of George and La Vendee (Woodard) Wright, was born Aug. 16, 1828, in Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., and spent his boyhood on a farm. He at- tended common school, and at the age of 16 years entered Argyle Academy, under the in- struction of his brother, Prof D. W. Wright. He began teaching at the age of 20, and taught nine terms, six of which he taught while yet living in New York. In 1853, he came to this count}', teaching during the winter, and dealing in stock during the summer ; finally abandoned teaching and devoted his time wholly to the stock business, packing beef with his brother, T. H. Wright, of Huron, Erie Co. In 1856, he bought 480 acres of land in Wood Co., Ohio, which he improved. Dec. 29, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha E. Monnett, a daugh- ter of Abraham Monnett, and in March, 1858, he removed to his land in Wood Co. Nine children were born of this marriage, eight of whom are living — Earl P., Helen A.. Gertrude M., Oda M., Libbie B., Charles H.. Carrie and Clark W. ; Mattie died in infancy. His wife made a visit to her father in October, 1859, and, returning home, reached Fiudlay, when a snow two feet deep fell on October mud, which was then extraordinarily deep. She was twen- ty-two miles from her destination, and almost gave up going ; after trying other means, she hired a horse and set out alone on horseback, determined to reach home, if possible. Shortly Ml e 4^ 830 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: after starting, she overtook a man, who ex- claimed, " My God ! lady, I shall expect to find your head sticking out of the mud." She reached home at 11 o'clock at night, crossing the " Black Swamp " (fourteen miles wide), in safety ; there were very few people living on the route. Mr. Wright built substantial houses on his farm and improved it well, remaining on it until the spring of 1861, when he removed to his present farm of 225 acres, on the pike, four miles south of Buc3'rus, where he is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising ; he makes a specialty of sheep and cattle. He has erected large and handsome buildings, and has one of the most attractive places on the road. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyte- rian Church. He was formerly connected with the M. E. Church, and was Superintendent of Sunday school at Monnett Chapel ; he was raised in the Associate Presbyterian Church. His wife was born in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. He is a Republican in politics, and has acted with that party since its organization, but was previously a Democrat. He held vari- ous offices in his native State ; is of Scotch descent ; his early ancestors lived in Connecti- cut. His father was born in Cambridge, N. Y., about the year 1790, and was a soldier of 1812, and served on Lake Champlain. He raised twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, named respectivel}^ — Daniel W., Franklin H., Earl P., Olive M., Delana P., Mary Y., La Ven- dee, Sophronia J., George H. (subject), Eliza- beth v., Sarah S., Edwin W. — all of whom are living at this date, except the oldest and the youngest. The oldest, D. W., was Principal of Argyle Academy for many years, and died Oct. 29,"'l847. HON. CHAPMAN D. WARD, Justice of the Peace, Bucyrus. This representative of an old and honored family traces his ancestrj' through a genealogical account, published in 1851 b}^ Andrew Henshaw Ward. The first representa- tive in this country was William Ward, who settled in Sudbury, Mass., in 1639. His pro- genitors were Normans, who came over to En- gland with William the Conqueror in 1066, as one of his noble Captains was named Ward, and the name of William de la Ward appears in English history as a resident of Chester in 1175. " William Ward, of Sudl)ury, Mass., was made a freeman in 1643, and the next year rep- resented Sudbury in the General Court, and was for several years Chairman of the Select- men. He, in common with many others, en- dured great hardships during the Indian hostil- ities, especially during King Philip's war, in 1675-76, when his buildings were fired, his cat- tle destroyed, and one of his sons slain by the enemy. Through several generations, the Wards continued to take an active part in govern- mental affairs, and we again take up the thread of famil}^ history. William, of Sudbury, had fourteen children, of whom his son William was the seventh child, born Jan. 22, 1640. He mar- ried Hannah Eames, at Marlboro, in 1679. Their oldest son, William, born March 27, 1680, was Colonel of the militia, and married proba- bly Jane Cleveland, of Boston. Fourteen chil- dren were born to them, of whom Charles was the youngest son, born Oct. 27, 1722. He is the great-grandfather of our subject, and mar- ried xlbigail Pike, Aug. 25. 1742. He enlisted in the expedition against Cape Breton, and died at the siege of Louisburg, in 1745, leaving three children, of whom William, born Sept. 12, 1743, was the oldest. He married Luc}' Church, Dec. 11, 1763, and removed to Poultney, Vt., in 1775, becoming one of the first settlers of the town, and was one of that sturdy band who brave- ly resisted Burgoyne's army and participated in its capture. In the meantime, his wife, with her helpless children, was exposed to the rav- ages of the British soldier}' and their savage allies, then within a few miles of her dwelling. She fled to Bennington, forty miles through the wilderness, on foot, with her children, canying the youngest in her arms, without a man to protect or guide her, finding her way by the blazed trees. The}' reached there in safety, and quickly the battle of Bennington and the sur- render of Burg03'ne followed. The Hon. Will- iam Ward returned to Poultney. Vt., where he resided until his death. Aug. 3, 1819, in his 76th 3^ear. He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of the State, and was for six years one of the Judges of the County Court of Rutland, and Judge of the Probate for the District of Fairhaven twenty- two years. He was a Justice of the Peace forty 3^ears, and Representative in the Legisla- ture eighteen years. He was a much-esteemed citizen and a devoted Christian gentleman, hav- ing a family of twelve children, who all grew to manhood and womanhood except one. His fourth son, Elisha, born July 30, 1780; is the ^- BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 831 father of our subject. He married Miss Zelina Denslow, of Kent, Conn., Nov. 14, 1803. Ten children were the fruits of this happy union — Lucy M., Eliza, Polly D., William "C, Clark Kendrick, Zelima, Publius G., Rosetta, John W. and Chapman Denslow. The latter, whose name heads this sketch, was born June 22. 1823, in Reading, Steuben Co., N. Y., and, in 1835. came to Huron Co. (now Erie Co.), where the family settled on the prairie. He remained there until 1847, working on the farm until he was 21 years old, when he went to bu}' stock, and passed through this section in 1845. In the spring of 1847, he removed to the village of Buc3'rus and began buying and selling stock, and, in 1850, in order to have better facilities, went on to a farm about two miles from town, where he remained five years. In 1848, he bought cattle, horses and sheep, and drove them through to Milwaukee, Wis., where he sold them to emigrants. He was married, Sept. 19, 1850, to Mary A. J. Harper, a daughter of John Har- per. Two children were the fruits of this union — Harper J. and Blanche E. He (!ame back to Bucyrus in 1855, and, in 1857, was ap- pointed Postmaster b}^ President Buchanan, which office he held until 18G1, when he was elected Justice of the Peace — the first Demo- crat ever elected Justice of the Peace in Bucy- rus — serving one year, when he resigned. He at once began buying horses, and, in the spring of 1863, in partnership with Rowse and Thomas, he, with a number of hands, drove ninety-eight horses to California, the journey taking over. 100 days. The venture was successful, and, re- turning the same 3'ear, he took a second lot in 1864, drove from Omaha, completing the jour- ney in fift^^-six days, and without losing a single horse. He returned in the fall of 1864. and, in the spring of 1865, he was elected Ma3'or of BucjTus, serving some two ^ears with satisfac- tion. In 1867, he began shipping horses to Lake City, Minn., which he kept up for two years. He also shipped stock to the East. In the fall of 1875, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and Mayor in 1876, serving until 1880 ; was re-elected Justice of the Peace in 1878, in which capacity he is still serving. He has served in Council for man}- j-ears ; has always been a Democrat, and first voted for Polk and Dallas. HON. CLARK K. WARD, banker, Bucy- rus ; is the second son of Col. Elisha and Ze- lina (Denslow) Ward, and was born in Reading, Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1812 ; his boyhood and youth were spent on the farm of his father ; at the age of 19, he began the struggle of life, with little capital except stout hands and good purposes ; he at once found employ- ment as teacher in the public schools for three winter terms ; in 1833, he became clerk in a store in Yates Co., N. Y.; here he remained until 1841, in the meantime becoming proprie- tor ; in April, 1844, he removed to Erie Co., Ohio, near Sandusky City, and, in June, 1845, he united in marriage with Miss Mar}- A. Por- ter, of Erie Co.; one daughter, Sarah A., wife of George C. Gormly, is the only child of this marriage. On coming to Ohio, Mr. Ward be- gan dealing in stock, until 1847, in Erie Co., Ohio ; in April of that year, he came to Bucy- rus, where he became one of the leading stock- dealers of this vicinity, being among the first to pay cash for corn. In the fall of 1850, Mr. Ward was elected to the (3hio Legislature from the counties of Richland and Crawford for one year ; he was re-elected for two years in 1851. He continued in the stock trade until 1878, in the meantime dealing quite extensively in real estate. In 1866, he was elected a Director in the First National Bank of Bucyrus, and, in January, 1879, its Vice President, a position which he now holds. MAJ. J. H. WILLISTON, editor of Forum, Bucyrus : was born in Fayetteville, N. C, June 15, 1833 ; his parents, William K. and Annis C. (Chapman) Williston, removed to Geauga Co.. Ohio, when he was 1 year old, and located on a farm ; he is of Scotch-English de- scent ; his father was born in Connecticut and his mother in Massachusetts ; his maternal an- cestors came over in the Mayflower. In 1845, his father was elected Auditor of Geauga Co., and the family removed to Chardou, the county seat, where the subject remained until 1850, when, at the age of 17 years, he went to Cleve- land and entered a job printing office as an ap- prentice ; he served in this capacity for four years, closing his apprenticeship in the office of the Leader : he worked in Cleveland as a jour- neyman and proprietor until March, 1861, when he purchased the Ottaica County Demo- crat, at Port Clinton, which he published for four months. During the snmmer of 1861, he raised a company of troops, which was as- signed to the 41st 0. V. I., and of which he :±i 832 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: was elected First Lieutenant ; in about one montli, he was promoted to Captain, and, in the spring of 1863, was promoted to Major of the regiment ; he was wounded in a skir- mish before Atlanta, July 15, 1864, and from which cause he was mustered out of the serv- ice on the 31st of October. 1864. He at once returned to Cleveland, and engaged in the printing business until 1872 ; in 1873, he pur- chased an interest in the Marion Mirror^ be- coming the partner of James K. Newcomer, a pai'tnership which continued until August, 1876 ; on the 15th of April following, he came to Bucyrus and purchased the Crawford Coun- ty Formn, which he has ever since managed with success ; he, in connection with his paper, conducts a job office, and employs in it an effi- cient corps of workmen ; his paper is the organ of the Democratic party of Crawford Co., and of which pai'ty he has always been an able supporter. He was married, Nov. 27, 1854, to Miss Helen M. Newcomb, of Cleve- land ; three children is the result of this union. Maj. Williston was Supei'intendent of Police in Cleveland in 1869. MRS. JULIA A. WALTER, Bucyrus. The above-named lady is a daughter of Abram Hahn, one of the pioneers of Crawford Co. He was born in Frederick Co., Md., in the year 1796, and moved to Ohio in 1822. He first settled in Stark Co., but, in 1828, removed to Bucyrus. He built the Sims House in 1829 and continued as its landlord until 1843, when he removed to Mt. Gilead, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 1867. In August, 1838, while digging a mill-race near Bucyrus, he uncovered the bones of a mammoth, which were sold at Columbus, Ohio, and then passed into one of the Eastern museums. Mr. Hahn was a man of great energy, unwavering integrity'' and a devout and earnest Christian. In early manhood, he united in marriage with Julia Ernst, and the union resulted in ten children, only four of whom are living, as follows : Dr. Charles Hahn. Auditor of Marion Co., Ohio ; Mrs. Walter (subject) ; Alexander, undertaker at Mt. Gilead ; and Mrs. Mary Cooper, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio ; six are dead — Maria, Melvina, William, Henry, James and Henrietta. Julia A. Walter was born in Bucyrus August 29, 1828. She spent her girlhood here until 15, when the family removed to Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where the subject of these lines lived until Nov. 11, 1847, which was the occasion of her mar- riage with George Walter, of Bucyrus. He was born in the town of Ophingen, Baden, April 3, 1824. When but 9 years old he left Germany with his widowed mother and came to Bucyrus. He was a good scholar and fine penman, and was made Deputy Clerk under Zalmon Rowse when but a mere boy, as he talked German flu- entl3^ This proved a necessity with the large German-speaking population of those early times. After sei'ving one year as Deputy Clerk, he was employed as clerk by Potter & Quinby for five years. He was next employed by Henry Converse to conduct a mercantile busi- ness for him at diflterent times for about four years, which brings us to the time of his mar- riage. He continued in mercantile pursuits about seven years, and came to New Washing- ton, this county, in August, 1854. The village was then in its infancy, and he opened a store and post office there, which he kept for three years. He came to Buc^'rus in April, 1867, and opened a paint-shop and employed a num- ber of hands. He was a successful and skill- ful painter, and, during the last years of his life, produced some fine specimens of oil paint- ings. He died Sept. 10, 1861, leaving the fol- lowing famil}- : Scott is a member of the United States Signal Service ; Clara and Lora at home; Lunette, wife of W. L. Penfleld, Esq., lawyer at Auburn, Ind. ; Edgar and Harry still reside at home. Under the trying circumstances of be- reavement, our subject has reared and educated her family by intelligent forethought and force of character. DAVID B. WOODSIDE, carriage manufact- urer, Bucyrus. The subject of these lines was born in Chester Co., Penn., Nov. 23, 1847, a son of William S. and Caroline (Crosb}') Woodside, who were residents of the village of Woodside's Corners, where 3'oung David lived until the late war ensued. Being a mere boy, he enlisted in 7th Penn. V. C, in February, 1864, and served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain and all the engagements of the Kilpatrick raid. He was mustei'ed out at Macon, Ga., Aug. 23, 1865, and returned home, where he attended school for some time ; then went to Wilmington, Del., and there served an apprenticeship of three years at carriage-smithing. He worked at his trade at different points in Delawai'e and Penn- sylvania until 1870. He then traveled through BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 833 several of the Western States, tarrying at Lin- coln, 111., and Fond du Lac, Wis., becoming foreman of a carriage-shop at the latter place. In 1874, he returned to his native State, and worked at the cit}^ of Pittsburgh for about six months, when he came to Bellefontaine, Ohio, in the fall of 1874, and from thei'e to Findlay, where he worked until 1875. He came to Bu- cyrus in April of that year, and worked for one year in the carriage manufactor}^ of Philip Os- man. In 1876, Mr. Woodside, in company with Lewis P. Osman purchased the carriage fact- ory of Philip Osman, and conducted the business one year under the firm name of Osman & Wood- side. June 25, 1877, the firm was enlarged by the accession of P. Osman, Gr. W. Teel and Greorge Welsh, and the business was conducted one year under the firm name of Philip Osman & Co. In September, 1878, Mr. Woodside pur- chased the entire establishment, and has since carried on the business with good success. He employs about eight hands, and turns out from 75 to 100 carriages and buggies per year. His work comprises the most attractive and stylish patterns, and has gained an enviable reputation for durability and cheapness. SAMUEL D. WELSH, painter, Bucyrus ; is the son of Benjamin S. and Rebecca A. (Drake) Welsh, the former a native of Jeflerson Co., Va., from whence he moved to Ross Co., Ohio, in 1807. He lived there until 1823, and then moved to Wyandot Co. The mother is a native of Marion Co., Ohio, and the daughter of Judge William S. Drake, who was a Captain in the war of 1812, and the hero of the cele- brated Drake's defeat. The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 4, 1830, near the Wyan- dot Reservation, in what is now Wyandot Co., Ohio. His youth, until 17, was spent on the farm, with only the advantages afforded by the common schools. He attended an academy then located at Wyandot one year, by hard study laying the foundation for future useful- ness. In 1849, he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he learned the trade of painting, with a man named John Black, and at the expiration of his apprenticeship he became a journeyman painter in the true sense of the word. During this period, he visited several cities, and at each point sought the best instructions that could be obtained. He continued to work in this way until 1855. Oct. 4, 1855, he united his fortunes with Miss Mary White, of Dallas Township, of this count3^ Of this marriage there was one daughter, named Nellie, who died in in- fancy. After marriage, Mr. Welsh followed farming and house-painting in Dallas Township until the war broke out, when he enlisted, in September, 1861, in the regimental band of the 15th 0. V. I., as member of the first class. He was at the same time special field artist for Harper Brothers, of New York, and in that ca- pacity furnished sketches of battle-scenes and historical locations. He was taken sick in Jan- uary, 1862, and taken to the hospital at Louis- ville, Ky., and afterward came home. In 1863, he sold his farm and removed to Newark, Ohio, where he kept a music store one year. He then came to Bucyrus, in 1864, and resumed his trade, which lie has since followed with good success. He has taken several large contracts, employing as high as twent3'-six hands at one time. He is Superintendent of painting for the Ohio Central Coal Co., at Corning. Since 1869, Mr. Welsh has gained an enviable repu- tation as a decorative and fresco artist. His specimens of oil painting have for several years taken diplomas wherever exhibited, and have attracted considerable attention among lovers of art. The first wife of Mr. Welsh died March 3, 1869, and he was a second time married, Oct. 4, 1871, to Miss Minnie E. Brown, of Ly- kens Township. There is one child born of this union, Rebecca E. Mr. Welsh was for eighteen years a member of the Presbyterian Church, when he united with the Advent Chris- tian Church, at Nevada, Ohio. In October, 1877, he was ordained an Elder in that body, and has for some years preached to his breth- ren. He is Secretary and Treasurer of the State Conference of the the Advent Church. He served eight years as Justice of the Peace, and filled acceptablv other offices of trust. GEORGE H. WELSH, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. Bucyrus. Perhaps there is no family in all Crawford Co. that has a more in- teresting history than that of the ftimily of George Welsh. Zachariah Welsh was of En- glish-German descent, and a native of the State of Maryland ; he came to Fairfield Co., Ohio, from Virginia, at an early day, and shortly after the war of 1812 removed to Marion Co., Ohio, near the Wyandot Reservation. He and wife, Hannah S. (Steen) Welsh, remained here a number of years, and to them were born four- teen children, only the ten following being alive 884 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: *7r. — Benjamin, Betsey, Madison, Lorena, Eldmund, Jane A., Munnington, Mary A., George H. and Rebecca. On the breaking-out of the war of 1812. Mr. Welsh offered his services in his country's behalf and was immediately com- missioned Colonel. He served all through the war. participating in many a hard-fought bat- tle. It was after the war that he moved to Marion Co. George Welsh was born one mile south of Wyandot, then in Clarion Co., April 11, 1826. His father being a poor man, and needing his services on the farm, deprived him of school advantages the boys of to-day have. When 18 years of age. his father died, and the burden of supporting the family fell upon him. May 29, 1855, he married Miss ^largaret Ag- new, of Lake Co.. Ind.. and by her had one son — Agnew, now a merchant in Ada. Ohio. Mrs. Welsh departed this life in April, 185G, being a wife only about one 3^ear. Mr. Welsh's sec- ond marriage took place Dec. 2, 1867. his wife being Miss Amelia Palmer, of Nevada. Ohio. To this second marriage were born four chil- dren — Effle, Algee, Savenie and Ernest. Mr. Welsh owns 400 acres of valuable land, which is well improved. Besides farming, Mr. Welsh deals quite extensively in fine stock, some of them coming from the famous Bourbon County herds of Kentucky. Mr. Welsh's political record is without blemish. His first vote Avas cast for Gen. Taylor. He was identified with the Whig part}' until 1860, and on the break- ing-out of the war between the North and the South, threw his influence with the Republican party, with whom he has ever since remained. The battle of Brand3'wine was fought on his grandfather's farm, and as such is a matter of local historical importance. Mr. Welsh is a member of the M. E. Church, and although a Republican in a strongl}- Democratic county, he has held various local political offices. ABRAHAM YOST, retired, Bueyrus ; is the son of John and Chloe (Freeland) Yost, and was born Jan. 2, 1816, in York Co., Penn. His father was a farmer and also a gunsmith, which trade he learned in Little York, Penn. He was married about 1808, and followed fai-ming, also working somewhat at his trade. In the fall of 1828, he came to Bueyrus in a three-horse wagon, and was almost a month on the road. He bought a lot where Main street now crosses the railroad, and on this he erected a log cabin. Here they moved and Mr. Yost, Sr.. opened a gunsmith-shop, and did a thriving business, a great portion of it with the Indians. He died in 1861. his wife having died the year previous, leaving four sons — John F., Abraham, Jeremiah and Jacob. When the subject of our sketch first came to Bueyrus, he attended school in a small brick edifice, which stood where the Monnett House now stands. His first teacher here, however, was a Mrs. Hobbs, who taught in her own house. In 1836, he left school and commenced learning to make spinning wheels, serving an apprenticeship of six years under James McCracken. He then followed the business for twenty years, adding to his trade that of chaii'-making. Since 1859, he has followed turning for different factories of Bueyrus, until in 1879 he retired. Mr. Yost began without capital and is now the owner of 70 acres of well-improved farming land, and a first-class city property- on Sandusky avenue. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics, and was a Whig before the birth of the new party, having cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. He was at one time a member of the City Council, and has always been a prominent and influential citizen. He was married, Aug. 25, 1842, to Barluira Aurant, of Buc3'rus. They have two children — Laura, wife of James Ken- dall, of Bueyrus, and Ophelia, wife of Frederick Shealy, of the same city. JACOB YEAGLEY, farmer ; P. 0. Buey- rus ; is the son of George and Elizabeth (Shram) Yeagley. and was born Oct. 29, l827, in Lebanon Co., Penn.; until the age of 16, he was given the educational advantages afforded by a common school, and divided his time be- tween the school and his labors on the fiirm ; afterward, he learned the shoemaker's trade with his uncle. Adam Yeagle}', servinsr two and one-half 3' ears' apprenticeship ; in June. 1847, he came to Crawford Co. on foot and bj' canal route, arriving here with but 30 cents ; out of this, he had but a shilling left when he had paid for lodging and breakfast ; he then hired out to a farmer, working for a monthly stipend of $11, and continued for two months, when he rented a farm on the shares for two years, after which he again hired for $15 per month ; after the expiration of one .year, he rented 160 acres at cash rent, paying John A. Gormley $100 per year, and continuing four years ; dur- ing this time, he made a handsome sum by IV BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. 835 hard work and economy ; he next bought and fed hogs for one season, but, by a reverse of fortune, he lost all his hard-earned property, and was involved to the extent of $1,100 be- sides ; he cleared himself of debt, however, and commenced in the same line of business, and again lost, this time to the extent of $600 ; he then resumed farming, and rented for some ten 3'ears ; in 1864, he purchased his present farm of 160 acres of good farming land, and here he has since made his home ; in 1872, he erected a fine frame residence of nine rooms, finished handsomely'. Of late years, Mr. Yeag- ley has turned his attention to raising sheep, and is also a noted corn-raiser, often cultivat- ing 1 50 acres a year ; his first crop of corn on 60 acres of his present farm realized for him the snug sum of $2,800. Mr. Yeagley is a member (^f the United Brethren Church of Bu- cyrus ; he was formerly connected with the M. E. Church for eighteen years, during which time he was Class-leader and Trustee ; in poli- tics, he has been a Republican since the forma- tion of the part}', and was previously a Whig. He was married, Nov. 2, 185-4, to Catharine Miller, of Whetstone Township ; there are two sons of this marriage — La Fa3'ette, born April 7, 1856, and Alfred C, July 11, 1858. His wife died Feb. 23. 1859, and, March 22, 1860, he married Elizabeth Starner, of Dallas Town- ship ; there is one child of this marriage — Ed- win, born Dec. 2, 1861 ; Mrs. Yeagley was born in Peny Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1838, and came with her father's famil}' to Bucyrus Township in 1843 ; here she grew to womanhood, receiving a common-school education ; she united with the M. E. Church when 12. and has ever taken a great interest in Sunday-school work, having been for many years a teacher in the Sunday school. Mr. Yeagley 's father was born in Penn- sylvania in 1801. and his mother in the same State in about 18(14 ; they were married in 1822, and farmed during the summer following, weaving in the winter ; besides Mr. Yeagle}', there were six children in his father's family — Rebecca, Henr}', Catharine, Mary, John and Samuel ; the mother died in 1871. and the father in 1873. G. K. ZEIGLER, Main Street Mills, Bucy- rus ; son of Abraham and Rachel (Krouz) Zeigler, was born Dec. 4, 1834, in Montgomery Co., Penn., where he lived on a farm until he was 19 years of age, attending school less than one winter, all told. In his 19th year, he entered a mill on Perkioming, in Pennsylvania, as an apprentice, remaining one 3'ear, and became foreman ; in two years he ground over 42,000 bushels of grain. He remained in this mill about two and a half years, and in summer of 1855, he came to Ohio, and settled at Bloom- ville, where he worked for Simon KoUer six months. He then returned to his native State and remained one 3'ear ; was a partner in dr}' goods for about a 3'ear, with John Hunsicker, when he sold out and lost all he had invested. He removed to New Washington about 1858- 59, and was engaged in a mill for some fifteen months, when he came to Bucyrus and worked for McClain over two j^ears, after which he took charge of Honey Creek Mills for two j'ears more, when he returned to his former employers here, for about three years ; he then, in partnership with Martin Koller, bought the Osceola Mills, which were successful ; they owned them about five 3"ears, making repairs and improvements ; he and Koller next bought Hone3' Creek Mills and ran them for two 3'ears. From there he went to Napoleon, Ohio, and with Koller Brothers ran mills there for two years, and built an elevator, costing SIO^OOO. In April, 1876, he came to Bucyrus, where he became proprietor of the Main Street Mills, which he has since successfull3' operated. Mr. Zeigler has had about twent3'-seven 3'ears' ex- perience in milling and understands the busi- ness. His present mills are written up else- where in this work. He is and has alwa3'9 been a Democrat. Twenty-two 3'ears ago, he lost all and was left in debt ; now, he is one of the solid men of the town. He was married, Oct. 24, 1857, to Miss Ann M. Koller, of Sene- ca Co., Ohio, and has two children living — An- na Mary and Josiah Martin; one daughter (Jennie) died in her 4th year. ir. ♦jy^=^ 836 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: [hL POLK TOWNSHIP. JOHN C. BELTZ, farmer; P. O. Gallon. Mr. Beltz was born in Center Co., Penn., April 19, 1823. He is a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Wetzel) Beltz. His father was born in Philadelphia, Penn., July 8, 1791, and his mother in Dauphin Co., Penn., in August, 1789. They came to Crawford Co., in 1829, and located where Gallon now stands, and, in the spring of 1880, purchased 160 acres of land of John Brown, Avhere their son John now resides, paying $450 for it. Christopher Beltz died in September, 1858, but his wife is still living with her son. She is over 90 years old; is the oldest person in the township, and, although at such an advanced age, she is hale and hearty, and in possession of all her faculties, being troubled with only a slight deafness. The subject of this biography worked on his father's farm until he was 22 years old, and, April 18, 1815, he was married to Miss Haney Reed, daiighter of David and Elizabeth Reed, of Polk Township. For three years he lived on his mother-in-law's farm, and, in 1850, went to Indiana, but only remained there a few months. Returning to Polk Township, he bought 60 acres of land of Samuel Geltman, and farmed it for live years, when he sold to John Waters, and rented one year of the Johnsons — on the Plains. He then moved to near Leesville, and bought, in partnership with his brother Ellas, a mill property, consisting of grist and saw mill, for $4,500. They improved the grist-mill by putting in steam-power, and ran the mill for two years, when they sold to John Whitman and Adam Heller. In 1861, he moved back to Polk Township, and bought out the heirs of his father's old farm, and has since resided upon it. The farm at jiresent consists of 158 acres of fine improved land, located a few miles from Gallon, on the Bucy- rus road. He has improved the property by new buildings, draining the land until it is a valuable and desirable piece of real estate. He has six children living — Sarah J., Jemima J., William M., Alonzo P., Elizabeth and Haney M., and five deceased — Ellas, Wllliard J., Elizabeth G. and two infants. Mr. Beltz, wife and family, are all members of the English Lutheran Church. He is a prominent and energetic member of the Dem- ocratic party, and takes an active and deep Interest in the afiairs of the county manage- ment. He is at present serving a term as Township Trustee. JOHN BLYTH, baggage-master, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Gallon; was born in Kirkcaldy, County of Fife, Scotland, Aug. 22, 1841. At the age of 14 he emigrated to Cornwall, Canada West. He came to Gallon in 1863, and worked on the construction of the A. & G. W. R. R. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the 3 2d O. V. I., Company B, and was in service until he was wounded, in front of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. The wound became gangrenous, and, after lying in various hospitals for several months, he was finally discharged, March 14, 1865, in consequence of the wound. Return- ing to Gallon, he again entered into the em- ploy of the A. & G. W. R. R., and remained with that company until 1868, when he en- gaged with the C, C, C. & I. R. R. as baggage- master at Gallon. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Louisa C. Wittibslager, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Wittibslager, of Polk Township. She was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 29, 1849. They have four children living — Lester W., Thomas O., Bertha A., and Edith J. ; also one deceased, George L. His mother, Margaret Blyth, emigrated to this country in 1867, and is still living with him; she was born in the county of Fife, Scotland, Aug. 17, 1817. Mr. Blyth has always taken an active interest in the educational affairs of Gallon, and is one of the School Directors at the pres- ent time. He is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M. He was elected Master of this body in 1873, and has held the office up to the present time; he is also a charter mem- ber of Crawford Chapter, a charter member :^ '^y 4- POLK TOW^vSIIlP. 839 of Mutual Lodge K. of H., No. 32, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, K. of H. A. M. BROWN, foreman machine shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion. Mi-. Brown was born in Essex Co., Mass., May 19, 1833. His early life, up to 19 years of age, was sj)ent in Massachusetts. He learned his trade as machinist at Andover, Mass., and from there, in 1852, went to Dunkirk, N. Y., re- maining there but six months, when he went to Toronto, Canada, working at his trade there for a short time. In 1853, he went to Marion, Ohio, and engaged with the C, C, C. & I. R. R., working there until the shops were moved to Galion, in 1854, when he came there and I'emained in the shops until June, 1861, when he went to Ft. "VVayne, and M'orked for the Pennsylvania Company, until October, 1864, when he returned to Galion and engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R., and then with the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and has been with that company up to the present time. He was appointed foreman of the machine shops, in June, 1873, which position he still holds. He was married Nov. 22, 1853, to Miss Nancy Catlier, of Dun- kirk N. Y. JAMES W. COULTER, lawyer. Gallon; was born July 4, 1846, in West Bedford, Coshocton Co. His father, R. M. Coulter, now deceased, was born in Pennsylvania. His mother, who is now living with her son-in-law, O. W. Aldi'ich, L.L. D., Editor of the JlontJdi/ Jurist, at Bloomington, HI., was born and reared in Ireland; her maiden name was Phcebe Greer. The subject of this sketch is a fair type of the " self-made " men, who are the strength and pride of our commonwealth. IVIi". Coulter was educated at Spring Mountain. Coshocton Co., Ohio. By his own personal exertions, he supported himself and paid his way at school, receiving no pecuniary assist- ance from home. He read law with Hon. A. M. Jackson and Hon. Thomas Beer, of Bucy- rus, who is now Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas of that district. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, when he immediately located in Galion, and commenced the prac- tice of his profession, in which he has been very actively and successfully engaged since. For four years, he was Prosecuting Attorney of the county; six years a member of the Board of County School Examiners ; also, four years a member of the Board of Education of the Galion union schools, and was President of that board. He has always been a Demo- crat, but in no sense a partisan politician; is now 33 years of age, unmarried. Mr. Coulter is a thorough bu.siness man, and has been very successful in a pecuniary way; in fact, his judgment and practical ability in this respect are first-class, both in the management of his own interests and in conducting others that may be intrusted to his care. His opinion has much weight with local capitalists, and in point of public spirit he stands in a front rank in the community where he resides; has uniformly seconded his views by liberal in- vestments or donations, and habitually helps to advance the private enterprises of his fel- low-citizens, as far as he can consistently with correct business principles. As a lawyer Mr. Coulter is keenly perceptive, incisive, logical and spirited in debate, yet courteous. In religion, he is tolerant, extending the same charity to others that he desires from them. With good health and the greater part of an ordinary lifetime before him, judging from the last decade, it is easy to predict what, in all probability, the future has in store for Mr. Coulter, now one of the successful self-made men of his native State. C. S. CRIM, banker, Galion. Prominent among the energetic and prosperous business men of Galion, and one worthy of especial mention, is C. S. Crim, banker and capitalist. Ml". Crim was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1820. He is the son of Jacob and Eliza- beth (Smith) Crim. His father being a farm- er, his early life was spent ujoon the farm, and his education such as the cormnon schools of the times afforded; he also attended select school at Lexington, Ohio. In 1839, Mr. Crim started out in life for himself, as clerk in a dry goods store in Lancaster, Ohio. He received no pecuniary aid from home, and his success in life is due to perseverance and industry, coupled with good judgment and practical ability. In 1843, he removed to Jeromeville, Wayne Co., Ohio, and engaged in the mercantile business for himself, and also ensacred in the same business in Johnsville. 840 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Morrow Co., remaining at the latter place until 1851, when he removed to Gallon, and has since been identihed with numerous enter- prises there. In 1854, he started a dry goods store on the corner of Main and Columbus streets, and at the same time engaged in the grain and produce trade, which he is still interested in. In 1864, he established the First National Bank of Gallon, and has been its President ever since. This bank has a capital of $50,000, and does business aggre- gating several millions yearly. In 18(-)(), in connection with John S. Davis and H. P. Stentz, the Exchange Bank of Monroeville, Huron Co., was organized, and, in December of 18G9, it was changed to a national bank, and is now known as the First National Bank of Monroeville. Mr. Crini is a Director of this bank. He is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in politics, his time being occupied in the management of his numerous business interests. Mr. Crim was married, on April 8, 1858, to Miss Martha R. Casner, of Ohio, who received her education at Ober- lin, Ohio. They have four children living — Ollie E., Ella E., Charles S. and Don. Another son, Georgie S., died, Feb. 6, 1880, aged 6 years. He and his wife and daughters belong to the Methodist Church. Mr. Crim, by in- dustry, economy, pluck and fair dealing, has accpiired great wealth, which he uses in a quiet, unostentatious way, to advance every public enterprise that possesses merit. As a man of public spirit, devoted to his family, loyal to his church and his business, he has few equals and no superiors, and presents a bright and shining example to the young men of to-day of what it is possible for them to accomplish by acquiring correct habits and adhering to honest convictions and scrupulous integrity. T. COSSLON, conductor, Gallon; was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1854. He has been railroading for the past ten years, and, during that time, had three fingers taken ofif in an accident. At the present time he is running a train on the C, C, C. & I. R. R. O. S. CULP, livery, Gallon; was bom in Pennsylvania, in 1888, and received a good common-school education, and. in 1854, went into the livery business at Vieat Newton, West- moreland Co., Penn., and remained there until 1865. He then went to Warren Co., 111., and farmed for five years. At the exjiiration of that time he removed to Cleveland and en- gaged in the livery business, again remaining there for over six years, when he removed to Gallon, and has been engaged in the livery business up to the present time. He was married in 1854, to Miss Anna F. Carl, of Westmoreland Co., Penn. They have nine children. P. F. CASE, wholesale hardware, Gallon; was born in New Haven, Hui-on Co., Ohio, in 1848. His parents moved to Vernon Town- ship, Crawford Co., in 1850. His education was limited to country schools. He came to Gallon in 1866, and clerked three years with Roger & Duck, in the hardware business. He began business for himself in 1870, in the retail hardware trade, and, in 1875, he changed from retail to wholesale, and is en- gaged in that line at the present time (1880). He has just completed one of the largest build- ings in the city for the better accommodation of his increasing trade. In 1879, he started a brass band of thirty pieces, named after himself. It is considered one of the best bands in this locality. He was married in 1872, to Dora Monnett, daughter of Dr. Mon- nett. They have three childi'en — Laiu'a, Frank L. and May. He was a member of the Common Coimcil for two years. ROBERT COWDEN, Postmaster, Gallon; was born in this county, May 24, 1838, and had the benefits of but a limited education. At the age of 5, death robbed him of his father, and, at 15 years of age, he commenced carpentering as an apprentice, which business he followed on his own accou.nt from the age of 19. By dint of close private study, he prepared himself to teach in the common schools of his time, which he practiced during winters. At 19 years of age he was converted, and joined the United Brethren Church. At 21 he was married to Miss LydiaT., daughter of Daniel Miller, who is also a native of this county. In the spring of 1857, he moved to Franklin Co., Kan., where he worked at his trade, and where, on the organization of the county, he was elected its first County Clerk. About the first of the year 1860, he returned V ^•. FOLK TOWNSHIP. 841 to his native county. On tlie 9tb of Septem- ber, 1861, lie enlisted as private in Company B, 1st U. S. Mechanic Fnsileers, but on the organ- ization of Company H, which he had aided in recruiting, he was appointed First Lieutenant of that company, but, because of informality in the enlistments, this regiment was mustered out, by order of the Secretary of War, on the 29th of January, 18G2, and he immediately enlisted as private in Company I, 1st 111. Light Artillery. He was rapidly promoted to Corporal, Sergeant and First Sergeant, and, in May, 1802. for meritoi'ious service at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. On the 1 Itli of May, 18()8, he was appointed to aid in the or- ganization of the 89tli U. S. Colored Infantry, and was commissioned Major of the regiment, and, on the 18th of May, 1864, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was in command of the regiment fi'om December, 1863, until its muster-out on on the 31st of January, 186(), at Memphis, Tenn., except while incapacitated by wounds. At the head of his regiment, he received a severe gun-shot wound in his right hip, at the disastrous engagement at Gun- town, Miss., on June 10, 1864. from which he has suffered ever since. The principal en- gagements in which he participated were Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Vicksbiu'g, Jack- son and Guntown. After the war, he be- came noted as a leader in Sunday-school work, and was Secretary of the Ohio Sabbath School Union six consecutive years, from 1871 to 1877. He has been Secretary of the Sun- day School Union of this county ever since its organization, in 1867, till this time (1880). He has also been General Secretary of the United Brethren Sabbath School Association since May, 1877, in which capacity he has traveled over much of the United States, hold- ing Sunday School Nonnal Institutes. His commission as Postmaster in Gallon is dated January 29, 1878, and he entered on his duties on the 4th of March of the same year. R. W. CHASE, physician. Gallon; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1842. He had the benefit of a good common-school edu- cation, and taught school in 1858 and 1859, in Charlotte, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., after which he spent 1861 and 1862 attending college, after which he clerked in a dry goods store in the years 1863, 1864 and 1865. In 1866, he bought a half-interest in a dry goods store in Chautauqua, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and remained in said business three years, and sold out in 1869, and commenced study- ing medicine with Dr. D. S. Pickett, of Chau- taiKpia, N. Y., and remained one year, and completed his studies with Dr. Fenner, of Fredunia, N. Y. In 1874, he commenced the practice of medicine in Chautauqua, N. Y., where he remained three years, when he went to Bradford and remained three years, and graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, in 1875. He came to Gallon in June, 1880, and is established in practice on West Main street. S. G. CUMMINGS, attorney, Gallon. Mx. Cummings was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, in October, 1839. In 1861, he commenced to read law with Bartly & Johnston, of Mans- field, Ohio, and remained with them until 1864. He was admitted to the bar in Janu- ary, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, when, in April, 1864, he went to Montana, and engaged in gulch-mining until 1866, and was successful, and then came to Gallon, Ohio, and com- menced to practice law there in 1867. He was elected Prosecutor of Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1873, and again in 1875, and served four yeai's. He has been elected several times a member of the School Board and Council, and is a member of both at the present time. Is also a member of the fii'm of Cummings & Meuser, attorneys at law, who have a good practice. He married Miss Sarah G. Ruhl, of Gallon, Ohio, in January, 1867, and has one son. HERBERT DECROW; physician. Gallon, was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1846, and received a good education at the union school at Johnstown, Ohio, and at Dennison Univer- sity, at Granville, Ohio; he lived on a farm until 20 years of age, and when not at school canvassed for books. In 1867, went to Quincy, 111., with Dr. Decrow, dentist, and worked in his ofiice, and studied medicine with Dr. Baker, and remained there three years, when he came home and traveled sixteen months for the Austin Powder Company, of Cleve- land, Ohio. He then taught school and read 842 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: medicine under Drs. Stinson & Williams, of Alexandx'ia, Ohio, until the fall of 1873, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended lectiu'es at the Eclectic Medical Institute, and graduated in the spring, having attended his lirst course in 18(3U and 1870, in Jefferson Medical Institute, and Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia. He commenced the practice of medicine at Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, March 1, 1874, and remained there until April 1, 1880; he then moved to Galion, Ohio, and has established a first-class practice, bei/ig very successful. He was married to Lucy A. Holmes, of Brownsville, Licking Co., Ohio, and has three boys. THOMAS C. DAVIS, grocer, Gallon; was born in that portion of Richland Co. which is now Morrow Co., in October, 1837, and re- mained there until 1861. He then enlisted in Company C, 15th O. V. I., and served four years and four months. He served two years as private, then was commissioned as First Lieutenant, and afterward as Captain. He returned from the army in March, 18(36, and commenced the grocery and daily market busi- ness at 26 West Main street. Gallon, Ohio, where he is still in business. On his return from the army he mairied Angeline Rinehart, daughter of John and Catharine Rinehart. JOHN D. DeGOLLEY, attorney, Gallon, was born in Washington Co., Md., May 26, 1850, and received his education at the Quincy Academy, of Franklin Co., Penn. In 1868, he commenced reading law with D. Watson Rowe (Judge of Court of Common Pleas), and took a three years' coui'se, and was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg in 1871. He came to Gallon, Ohio, May 27, 1874, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, Jujie 6, 1876, and has been practicing law in Gallon, Ohio, ever since. He was elected the first City Solicitor of Gallon, in April, 187U. He was married in October, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Parsons, of Gallon, Ohio, and has one son. REV. E. P. ELCOCK, Pastor Presbyterian Chiu-cli, Gallon; was born in Covington, Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 1847. His education was commenced at home, his mother having been a teacher in the pul)lic schools at Dayton, Ohio, before her marriage. He commenced the study of Latin at the age of 7 years, assisted by his father. Rev. Thomas Elcock; also attended public school at Van Wert, Ohio, and Decatur, Ind. He was also sent to Vermillion Institute, Ashland Co., Ohio, remaining there about three years. At times, during his at- tendance there, he taught school at various places, having at one time a select school in Decatiu', Ind., of 125 pupils. From Vermill ion Institute he went to Cannonsburg, Penn., attending Washington and Jefferson College, graduating in 1869. After spending three years at Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. Y., he was installed as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Port Deposit, Md., on May 7, 1872. He remained there fifteen months, and then went to Bridgeville, Del., remaining there nearly three years. He came to Gallon in August, 1875, and has been Pas- tor of the First Presbyterian Church vip to the present time. JAMES H. GREEN, bank cashier. Gallon; son of Aaron and Nancy Green, he of Penn- sylvania, she of Tennessee. He was born March 4, 1834, at Norton, Delaware Co., Ohio, and during his youth attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and in 1850 he went to Cardington, Morrow Co., and clei'ked in a hardware store until 1856, when he went to Mt. Gilead, and carried on the merchant- tailoring business until 1861. He enlisted in Co. B, 43d O. V. I., and served three years and a half, then went to Cardington, Ohio, for two years, as Assistant Cashier of the First Na- tional Bank. In August, 1866, he came to Gal- ion, Ohio, and has been Cashier of the Citizens' Bank and Citizens' National Bank up to the present time. He owns and superintends four farms and two stone quarries, and a wholesale oil and varnish jobbing house. He was mar- ried to Miss Lola H. McLain, of Gallon, Ohio, and has four children. JOSEPH S. GRAVER, hotel. Gallon; was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1844, and had the benefit of a good common-school educa- tion. He commenced to learn the butcher's trade in 1854, and stayed at that one year, then worked in a morocco manufactory until 1859, when he started a milk-wagon, and ran that until 1861. He then enlisted in Com- pany F, 8d Penn. V. C, and remained three years, and came home in 1864, and went to w - "^1 POLK TOWNSHIP. 843 Alliance, Ohio, to work for the P., F. W. & C. R. R., in 1SG5, after that going to Philadel- phia, and remaining eighteen months. He returned to Alliance, Ohio, in 1867, and com- menced railroading as conductor until 1872. In 1873, he went back to Philadelphia and to New York City, then to Savannah, Ga., in the hide business, for three months. He then traveled extensively thi'ough the Southern and Western States, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne, Lafayette, Ind., Tole- do, Ohio, Mansfield, Ohio, then in the fall of 1873, he came to Gallon, Ohio, and com- menced with the A. & G. W. R. R., and left in the spring of 1874 and went to work for the C, C, C. & I. R. R., and remained there until August, 1879, when he took the National House, near the depot of the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and is still there. He was married to Minnie Scott Mathews, of Allegheny City, Penn., Aug. 20, 1872, and has two children living and two dead. ASA HOSFORD, miller and farmer; P. O. Gallon. Among the early settlers of this county, and one worthy of special mention, is Asa Hosford, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Richfield, Mass., m 1799. At the age of 6 years, his parents removed from Litch- field, Conn., to Jefferson Co., N. Y., and located upon a farm, remaining there for fourteen years, when they again removed to Ontario Co., N. Y., remaining there for four years. Mr. Hos- ford then being of age, and having a strong desire to see Ohio, he, in company with his brother Horace, started upon a tour. They came to Cleveland upon the first steamboat upon the Lakes, and then started for the in- terior of Ohio on foot. This was in the fall of 1819. Mr. Hosford remained in Huron Co. all winter, and in the spring was joined by his parents, who located in what is now Crawford Co. Mr. Husford worked for several years to get his first $U)0, when he entered 80 acres of land near Gallon. In 1824, he opened the first hotel in the neighborhood. It was located somewhere in the present site of Gallon, and for eight years was the pro- prietor. He finally sold the hotel property to Ruhl for $000, and invested this money in 43 acres of land, which was situated where the heart of Gallon is to-day. It was the inten- tion of Mr. Hosford to lay out a town. Ruhl also had the same intentions, and finally bought the 43 acres of Mr. Hosford. He then, in 1832, bought the mill property in Polk Township, where he still resides, build- ing a mill which is in operation to-day. He was married in 1825, to Miss Alta Kent, of Bucyrus. They have three childi-en living — Rebecca, Eri and Stephen. Mr. Hosford has been honored by many oifices of trust by his friends, and in all has discharged them with ability and honor. His connection with the railroad, in which he deserves great credit, appears in the history of Gallon. J. R. HOMER, foundry and machine shop, Gallon; is the present Mayor of Gallon, Ohio. Although a Republican in a Democratic com- munity, he was elected by twenty-five ma- jority. He was born in Monson, Me., April 7, 1833. He attended the common schools and also an academy two terms. He worked on a farm when not at school until he was 21 years of age, and afterward served his time in a foundry at Gallon, Ohio, and worked five years as journeyman, and also as foreman three years. In 1802, he enlisted in Company E, 101st O. V. I., and served three years in all the offices except Orderly Sergeant up to First Lieutenant, and came home in 1805, and took a position as foreman in a foundiy for two years. He then bought a half-interest in a foundiy and machine shop, known as the Gal- ion Machine Works. He has served several terms as a member of the Council, and has been President of the School Board, and has been Director of a building association through its full term. He was maiTled to Jane E. Nave, of Gallon, and has one son, who works in the machine shop, and one daughter, who teaches in the public school at Gallon, Ohio. J. W. HOLMES. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait a})pears in this work, was born Sept. 13, 1821, at Dulton, Mass. When 18 months old, his father, Joseph Holmes, was called to England. He was lost at sea while on his return to his family, which left the son with no other care but his mother. He was taken in charge by different ones, and when 10 years old was }nit on a farm until 16 years of age, when he was bound an appren- tice to the cabinet-making trade, serving his vf f •i^ 844 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: time until the age of 21 years; he then com- menced business for himself. In 1850, he was burnt out, by which means he lost his wife and all his property, leaving him desti- tute. At this time he went to Bridgeport, and entered into a contract, with fifteen others, to go South to assist in piitting the rolling stock upon the Alabama & Tennessee River R. R. (now the S9lma,Rome & Dalton R. R.). From there he returned and entered the employ of the N. Y. C. R. R., in May, 1852, and con- tinued in said business at Rochester, N. Y., and Niagara Falls, being in charge of the car department until Jiine, 1862, at which time he commenced to raise a company for active service in the 129th N. Y. V. I., under com- mand of Col. P. A. Porter; mustered into the United States service Aug. 22, 1862, and marched to the city of Baltimore, where the regiment was put in the defense of Baltimore and vicinity. In December, 1862, the regiment was changed from 12Uth V. I. to the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and recruited up to a reg- iment of 1,900 officers and men, and continued in the military duties of the Middle Depart- ment until July 2, 1808, whan they were ordered to Maryland Heights, opposite Har- per's Ferry, to protect the rear of the army at Gettysburg. On the 1st of September, he was ordered back into the defenses of Bal- timore, and detailed as Provost Marshal of Fort McHenry, in charge of all Union and confederate prisoners at that point, and inti- mately connected with the secret service, which contributed so much to the success of our arms. In May, 1864, was relieved from the duties of Provost Marshal, for the pui'pose of accompanying the regiment to the front, joining the army at Spottsylvania Court House, on the 18th of May, 1864, with 1,900 men assigned to the 2d Corps, 2d Division, commanded by Gen. Tyler. On the 19th, participated in the repulsing of an attack in force by Ewell's Corps; on the 23d and 24th, in the engagement of North Anna ; on the 80th and 81st, at Cold Harbor; June 8, made a charge on the enemy's works, in which 600 men of the regiment were killed and wounded; crossed the James on the 15th of June; as- saulted the Confederate works before Peters- burg, on the evening of June 16; supported an assault on the 18th, at which time, for gal- lant conduct, was promoted to Major, he hav- ing acted as such since June 3. On the 22d, assaulted and captured works held by the Confederate forces. From this time, the reg- iment was employed on breast-works, fortifi- cations, and covered ways, until Jul/ 26; ordered to the north side of James River, and participated in the assaults on the enemy's lines at Deep Bottom, capturing their outer works; also participated in severe fighting at Deep Bottom, Aug. 12. On Aug. 25, in a severe engagement at Ream's Station, on the 26th, being in command of the regiment, which when mustered, but 5 officers and 110 men reported for duty, thus showing the effects of severe duties which they had performed, and the loss which they had sustained since join- ing the army at S^iottsylvania, on the 18th of May. At this time, the regiment was given a short rest, which was improved in receiving recruits, and the return of men from hospital, at which time he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment was again put on active duty, and participated in all the engage- m3nts until the surrender of Lee's forces, April 9, 1865. In June, 1865, was ordered to Rochester, N. Y., with his regiment, and mus- tered out of the service of the United States and returned to peaceful pursuits of life. In August, 1865, entered the service of the A. & G. W. R. R., at Kent, Ohio. In September, the same year, promoted to the position of Superintendent of car repairs at Gallon, Crawford Co., Ohio, at which place he now resides, where he has been intimately con- nected with the Masonic and other kindred organizations, having, in 1850, became a Mas- ter Mason; in 1856, a Royal Arch Mason; received the degrees of Royal and Select Mas- ters, and dubbed and created a Knight of the Red Cross, Knight Templar and Knight of Malta. Since living in Gallon, he has been intimately connected with the organization of Gallon Lodge, No. 414, A., F. & A. M. ; Craw- ford Chapter, No. 142, R. A. M.; Mansfield Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 21, and now 32d degree member of Ohio Consistory, A. & A. S. Rite, at Cincinnati; to mutual insur- ance organizations, a goodly portion of his attention has been given, being foremost in - 1® ^1 POLK TOWNSHIP. 845 the organization of Mutual Lodge, No. 32, K. of H. ; G-alion Council, No. 20, R. A. ; was prominent in the formation of the Grand Lodge, K. of H., of Ohio. July 29, 1875, and was elected its first Grand Dictator; also, the Grand Council of the R. A. of Ohio, April 4, 1878, and was elected, at its second session. Grand Regent. In all of the above organiza- tions, he has done his full pro2:)ortion of the work to make each a success. G. L. JOHNSTON, foreman building and bridge department, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Gallon. In the carpenter and wood-work department of the C, C, C. & I. R. R. shops, we find Mr. G. L. Johnston, as Foreman and Superintendent. He was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1811, and when a youth learned the carpenter's trade. In November, 1875, he entered the employ of the C, C, C. & I. R. R., at Shelby, and, in 1878, was called by that company to Gallon, to assume his present position. He has the entire supervision of the construction of build- ings, bridges, freight trucks, etc. He was married in 18G9, to Miss Polly E Hayes, at Mount Gilead. Thev have two children— Wilbiir H. and Ralph P HENRY KAEMPHER, Priest, Gallon. The grandparents of Father Kaempher were French, and emigrated toWestphalia at the time of the first French Revolution. He was born in Westphalia in December. 1848, and gradu- ated with honors at the University of Munster. He is also a graduate of the College of Rheine, and studied in the college nine years, and in the university four years. He came to Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1874, and went to Putnam Co., Ohio, and remained three years, and in April, 1878, he came to Gallon, Ohio, and took charge of the two Catholic Churches there, and is building up good congregations in each. DR. HIRAM R. KELLEY, M. D., Gallon; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., on the 7th of February, 1835. He attended the common schools until 13 years of age, when he entered a store and served two years as junior clerk. In 1851, he began teaching school, continuing until 1853, when ho left Pennsyl- vania and removed to Ohio, settling in Perry Township, Morrow Co. He re.sumed his occu- pation as school-teacher for a year. In 1854, having resolved to become a physician, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and engaged in study until 1856, when he attended a full course of medical lectures at Cincinnati. He commenced the practice of medicine at West Point, Morrow Co., Ohio, remaining there until 1805, when, going to Columbus, he attended a full course at Starling Meilical College, and graduated there. Returning to West Point, he resumed practice there until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Gallon, and has since been in active practice there. For upward of twelve years, he has been a member of the State Medical College, and siu'geon of the A. & G. W. R. R., now N. Y., P. & O. R. R.; for eight years, has also been appointed sui'geon for the C, C, C. & I. R. R. In May, 1878, he was a])pointed Trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home, at Delawai'e, Ohio. Since 1873, he has been a member of the Gallon Board of Education. Although enjoying an enviable reputation as a physician, his greatest success has been in surgery, having performed several difficult major operations successfully. He was married in 1858, to Miss Matilda Emma Keech, of Chester Co., Penn. They have one son — J. Webster Ivellev. DR. J. WEBSTER KELLEY, M. D., Gal- ion; was born at West Point, Morrow Co., Ohio, in 1859. He graduated at the High School, Gallon, and, having resolved to be- come a physician, he attended Dennison Uni- versity, and afterward the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. From there he went to Starling Medical College, Colum- bus, Ohio, and while there carried off the "Surgeon's prize," in 1878. He then entered the office of Prof. Pooley, Professor of Sm-gery at Starlincp, and afterward went to Bellevue Hospital, N. Y., and graduated in March, 1880. He then returned to Gallon, and entered into partnership with his father, and is now in practice there. He was man-led, Aug. 26, 1880, to Miss Ella E. Crim, daughter of C. S. Crim, President of First National Bank. Since his i-eturn to Gallon, Dr. Kelley has reported several articles to medical joiirnals in New York and Columbus. REV. J. H. KLEIN, D. D.. Gallon: was born in Baden, Germany, in 1829. He at- tended the common schools in Germany, and .y; 846 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: emigrated to America in 1849, locating at Sandusky City, Ohio. He attended the Hei- delberg College and Seminary at Tiffin, Ohio, graduating in 1S54, and entered the ministry of the German Reformed Church. He served at a number of missionary points, and at five difierent preaching charges in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Receiving a call from the St. John German Reformed Church of Fort Wayne, Ind., he removed there, and remained as Pas- tor until 1SG8, when he was called to a pro- fessorship at the church seminary at Sheboy- gan, Wis. Served two years there, but, on account of the climate, he resigned, and accepted a call as Pastor of Fii'st German Reformed Church of Louisville, remaining there until 1878, when he removed to Gallon, and is now located there as Pastor of German Reformed Church. Since coming there, he has added tifty-seven members to the church. He was married in 1854, to Catharine Weis, of Tiffin, Ohio. They have four children — Emily L., Caroline C, Catharine H. and Charles D. ROBERT LAIRD, foreman boiler shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon. Mr. Laird was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1841. His parents emigrated to this country when he was 8 years old, locating at Mount Savage, Md. In 1855, he went to work for the B. & O. R. R., at Piedmont, W. Va., and remained with that company until 1862, when he came to Zanesville, Ohio, and engaged with the Central Ohio R. R., working at his trade of boiler-making. In 1864, he enlisted as a 100- day man in the 159th O. S. V. I. After serv- ing his time, he returned to Zanesville, and was married to Miss Jennie Mcintosh, Dec. 2y, 1864. He then went to Cincinnati, and for nearly three years worked at his trade for the C, H. & D. R. R. He came to Gallon in 1867, and worked at his trade for the C, C, C. & I. R. R., until January, 1870, when he engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R., now the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and has been with that company ever since, as Superintendent of the boiler shops. He resided for three years at Kent, where the principal shops of this com- pany were located, but, on their removal to Gallon, has made his home there. He has one child — John. JMi-. Laird is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., Gallon Chapter, No. 142, and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21. HENRY LAUGHBAUM, farmer; P. O. Gallon. Mr. Laughbaum was born in Rich- land Co., Ohio, in 1828. He is the son of Solomon and Margaret (Heist) Laughbaum, natives of Pennsylvania, both being born near Lancaster. When Henry was a youth, his father bought 20 acres of land in Jefferson Township, Crawford Co., and then was stricken down by disease from which he never recov- ered, but lingered along for years, a helpless invalid. This threw the support of the family upon the boys, and their early life was one of extreme toil. He maiTied Miss Nancy Pfeiffer, daughter of Peter Pfeiffer, in 1849. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June, 1832, and, at the time of her marriage, was an orphan. Mr. Laughbaum's business at this time, until 1865, was running a saw-mill in Whetstone Town- ship. In 1 865, he bought 80 acres of land, in Polk Township, where he now resides. Since that time he has added 20 acres more to the original purchase, and has improved it in buildings, fences, etc., u.ntil to-day it is one of the most valualtle pieces of land in the town- ship. In the summer of 1880, he built a new and elegant residence, which adds much to the value of his property. His farm lies a few miles northwest of Gallon, and, as Mr. Laughbaum devotes his time exclusively to the improve- ment and cultivation of his land, he will have a home, in time, second to none in the county. During his residence in Whetstone Town- ship, he served four years as Constable, seven years as Township Clerk, and one year as Township Titistee. Mr. and Mrs. Laugh- baum have tenchildi'en — Ellas W., Aaron H., Sarah J., Louisa C, Melissa B., Otterbine F., Deborah E., Maransa C, Horatio T. and Weston S. Aaron H. is married to Ellen Shu- maker, and they are living in Sandusky Town- ship; Sarah J. is married to William O. Shu- maker, residing in Polk Township. M. MANLEY, Superintendent of Public Schools, Gallon; was born in 1841, at New Salem, Fairfield Co., Ohio. His parents were of Scotch and English descent. In 1848, they moved to New Lexington, Perry Co. He at- tended the public schools there until 1854, i)J> POLK TOAVXSIIIP. 847 when he removed back to Fairfield Co., and entered Fairfield Academy in IS 57. He taught school during the winters and attended the academy during the spring and fall until 1800, when he entered as freshman in the classical course of the Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity, at Delaware, Ohio, teaching school to pay his tuition while there. He graduated in ISGO, and took charge of the north district of the union school at Lancaster, Ohio; resigned at the expiration of one year, on account of fail- ing health, and accepted the agency of Apple- ton & Co.'s school books, until 1S70. He had charge of Carroll School, in Fairfield Co., until 1872; was Principal of the high school of Lancaster until 1874, when he came to Gallon, and was Principal of the high school one year, and, since that time, has been Super- intendent of public schools, being elected to serve until 1888. Prof. Manley served two years in the army, in the 17th and 146th O. V. I. He is a Mason, and a member of the Knights of Honor. JACOB G. MEUSER, lawyer. Gallon. Prominent among the leading men of Craw- ford Co. and of Central Ohio, is J. G. Meuser. He was born on April 4, 1844, in Sandusky Township, Richland Co., within a few miles of Gallon, and is the son of Peter F. and Katherine (Swayne) Meuser. His early life was passed upon a farm. He received a good education, commencing with the common schools, and finishing at Capital University, of Columbus, Ohio, after which he taught school from 1864 to 1870. After determining to make the practice of law his profession, he entered the office of S. G. Cummings, of Gal- ion, and commenced reading. He was admit- ted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio, in 1872, and has been engaged in this profes- sion, in partnership with S. G. Cummings, up to the present time. Politically, IVL*. Meuser is a Democrat, and has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of his party, being con- sidered one of its leaders in Ohio. Among the nu.merous offices which Mr. Meuser has held, we may mention the following: In April, 1874, he was elected Mayor of Gallon, and, in 1875, he was chosen to represent his district in tbe State Legislature. In 1877, he was re-elected, and, during the latter term, was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the Committee on Rules, and of the committee to revise and consolidate the statutes. In 1879, he was em- ployed by the State to edit the present Re- vised Statutes of Ohio. Mr. Meuser is also one of the proprietors and the editor of the Gallon In qui re/-, one of the leading Democratic organs in Central Ohio. Socially, he is hu- morous, genial and agreeable. Possessing great executive ability, and endowed with perseverance, energy and industry, Mr. Meu- ser is to-day one of the rising young men of his native State. DAVID MACKEY, architect and builder, Gallon; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 3, 1835. His parents removed to Ohio when he was 8 years old, locating in Musk- ingum Co. He attended the common echools until he was 13 years old, when his parents moved to Crawford Co., Polk Township, in 1848. His father was a carpenter and build- er, and David assisted him in that business until he was 21 years of age, when he com- menced taking lessons in drawing and archi- tecture. In 1854 or 1855, he entered the car department of the Indiana Division of the C, C, C. & I. R. R., and worked in that depart- ment for twelve years, since which time he has been in business for himself as an architect and builder. In 1878, he erected Mackey's Block, and is also the builder of the Citizens' National Bank, and a large portion of the best buildings in Gallon. He was married in 1854, to Miss Sarah L. Traul, of Gallon. They have two children living — Mattie and Sadie. Mr. Mackey has been a member of Common Council for two terms before the city was in- corporated, and is now serving his second term. He was a Director in the old Gallon Building Company, and is now President of the Citizens' Building Company. IMr. Mackey and wife are members of Presbyterian Church. O. N. MONROE, foreman carpenter depart- ment, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon; was born in Medina Co., Ohio, in August, 1831. His father was a farmer, and his early life was passed upon a farm, until, at the age of 17, he went to learn the carpenter's trade in Lorain Co. After three years in that county, he went to Huron Co., and went to contracting for himself. Wliile there, he engaged with the i'' jj^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Lake Shore R. R. Company, and worked in their shops at Norwalk for thirteen years, and was foreman of the shops for ten years. In August, 1869, he engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R., and went to work for that company at their shops at Kent, Ohio. In December, 1801), the shops were removed to Galion. and he has, since that time, made his home there. He has been foreman of his department ever since his connection with the road. He was married, Dec. 6, 1853, to Miss Julia Petteys, of Huron Co. They have four children — Albert W., Eugene A., Orin N., Jr., and Beele. J. C. MoILYAIN, M. D., Galion; was born in Mansiield, Ohio, March 23, 1845. He at- tended select schools until the inauguration of the public schools, which he attended u.ntil 14 years of age. He then, through the influ- ence of John Sherman, member of Congress, received an appointment as cadet to West Point or Annapolis. He selected Annapolis, but was rejected on his physical examination, on -account of a crippled arm. Through the influence of Secretary of the Navy Toucey, he was passed, however, and remained in the navy two years, on the frigate Constitution, when he resigned, and entered the 120th O. V. I. Served in Grant's 13th Corps, and was with Sherman all thi'ouo^h the sieore of Vicks- burg. "WTiile with Banks' expedition, up the Red River, he was taken j^risoner, and lay thirteen months in rebel prisons in the inte- rior of Texas. He was mustered out late in 18(35, and suffered severely for a year, from the effects of prison confinement. After re- gaining health, he went to Michigan and served six years as civil engineer. He com- menced the study of medicine in ISGD, and graduated in 1872, at the University of Mich- igan, Ann Ai'bor. First commenced practice near Lansing, Mich.; practiced also in the lumber regions and at Grand Rapids, ISIich. Came to Galion in the fall of 1878, and is now engaged in active practice there. W. A. McKEAN, foreman car department, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Galion. Among the ofiicials of the C, C, C. & L R. R., is Mr. W. A. McKean, superintendent of the car depart- ment. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Holmes Co., in 1837. He came to Galion in 1858, and worked at cabinet-making for four years. He then entered the employ of the above-mentioned railroad, and has been connected with that road ever since. In Octo- ber, 1879, he was appointed foreman and superintendent of the car dej)artment, which position he still holds. HENRY ROISTER, boots and shoes, Gal- ion; was born in Germany, in 1845, and emi- grated to this country in 1854, with his par- ents, and located in Galion. He attended school until 18(32, and then entered the C, C, C. & I. R. R. shops, and worked as carpenter until 186G, when he went to Indianapolis and worked in the railroad shops there. Retiu-ned to the Galion shops in 1871, and worked until 1877. He then went into partnership with C. F. Beck, in the dry goods and boot and shoe trade. In the spring of 188(J, he dis- solved partnership, and is now carrying on a boot and shoe store on Main street. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Louisa H. Beck. They have one child — Clara. He is a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church. T. L. PITTON, yard-master, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon; was born in Canada, in 1845, and his early life, up to 19 years of age, was spent there. He then went to Salamanca, N. Y., and went to work for the A. & G. W. R. R., now the N. Y., P. & O., and has been in the employ of that road up to the present wi'iting. He came to Galion in 1867, and has been yard-master ever since his residence there. He was married to Miss Susanna Rick- ets, of Galion, in 1869. They have two chil- dren — Thomas J. and Minnie. Mr. Pitton is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and Mutual Lodge, K. of H., No. 32. WILLIAM PRICE, foreman blacksmith shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon; was born in Breconshire, South Wales, in 1833. He emigrated to America in 1857, and located in Pittsburgh, and worked at his trade there for three years. He then, in 1859, removed to Crestline, and was employed in the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne railroad shops until 1864, when he removed to Galion, and engaged with the C, C, C. & I. R. R. Co., remaining with them until 1866. He then began 1,o work for the A. & G. W. R. R. Co., now the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and has been with them up to the pres- ent time. In 1867, he was appointed foreman 'A POLK TOWNSHIP. 849 of his department, whicli position he still occupies. He was married in Wales, in 1857, to Miss Hannah Herbert. They have four children living — Thomas, now working in the shops with his father, William, Eliza and Clara I. He is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the Gallon Common Council. W. C. QUIGLEY, superintendent black- smith-shops, C, C.,C. & I. R. R., Gallon; was born in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1840, and his early life, until he was 16 years old, was spent in that place. At this time, he came to Gal- ion, and has since made his home there. For a miinber of years he worked at several trades at the C, C, C. & I. R. R. shops, attending schools at intervals in the meantime, until 1862, when he enlisted in the 81st O. S. V. I., and was in active service for three years, with Sherman's army. At the close of the war, he returned to Gallon, and again entered the employ of the C, C, C. & I. R. R., and has been with that company up to the present time. For the past nine years, he has been superin- tendent of the blacksmith-shops. He is the inventor of a " railway frog and crossing com- bined," which is used exclusively upon the C, C, C. & I. R. R., and he is also the inventor and patentee of a lawn rake, a most valuable improvement upon any other rake now in use. He was married, in Gallon, to Miss Emma Fague, Aug. 6, 1865. They have two children — Harry N. and Samuel T. He is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and, together with his wife, a member of the Meth- odist Church. WILLIAM H. RAYMOND, superintendent of stock-yards, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Gallon. Mr. Raymond was born in Shelby, Ohio, in 1848. His father was a cooper by trade, and also followed farming. He remained at home, working upon the farm, xuitil 22 years old, when he went to Crestline, and entered into the employ of the C, C, C. & I. R. R. in the stock-yards there. In 1870, he removed to Gallon, and has since resided there. He is superintendent of the stock yards there, and one of Gallon's most esteemed citizens. He was married in 1872, to Miss Mary Hall, of Crestline. They have two children — Grace and Jessie. Mr. Raymond is a Mason, and is a member of the present (1880) school board. V. H. REISINGER, dentist, Gallon; was born in Gallon, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1854, and was educated in the Gallon Union School. He went into a drug store a short time, and, at the age of 16 years, commenced to study dentistry with Dr. S. Waggoner, of Gallon, Ohio, and remained with him about three years, and then commenced the study of dentistry in the Bid- timore College of Dental Sm'gery, and contin- ued through two terms, and then removed to Belleville, Richland Co., Ohio, and practiced there in 187(3 and 1877, about nine months. The Baltimore College of Dental Sm-gery having consolidated with the Maryland Col- lege of Dental Surgery, he completed his course there, and graduated with honors, March 7, 1878. He then came to Gallon and commenced the practice of his profession in Mackey's Block, Gallon, Ohio, where he is building up a first-class practice. He was married, Jan. 25, 1876, to Miss Amanda Mackey, of Gallon, Ohio, and has two chil- dren. J. P. REISINGER, Notary Public, Gallon; was born in Gallon, in 1849; is a son of the late Dr. Reisinger. He had the advantage of a high-school education, and, at the age of 16 he began the tinner's trade, serving an appren- ticeship of three years, and working at his trade for two years, and, during this time, studying book-keeping in the evening. In 1869, he went to Tiffin, and engaged as book- keeper for William Sullivan, a hardware mer- chant ; also, was clerk at the Shawhan House, remaining in Tiffin until 1871, when he re- turned to Gallon, and was clerk at the Central Hotel for a short time. He then engaged with H. D. Lee, in the knitting-machine busi- ness, as business agent, having his headqiiar- ters at York, Penn. Mr. Reisinger traveled over several States in the interest of Mr. Lee. In 1871, he came to Ashland, Ohio, and mar- ried Miss Cynthia Mcllvaine, she returning with him to Pennsylvania, and traveled with him, assisting him by operating the machines at fairs, etc. Mr. Reisinger remained with Mr. Lee until 1874, when he removed to Ash- land, Ohio, and ran the St. Nicholas restaur- ant for two seasons. He then purchased, with H. Tucker, the Ohio Publishing Company, ■^ 850 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: wliich proved a bad investment. He then re- turned to Gallon, in 1870, and is novs^ engaged in the real estate business, and is a Notary Public. Politically, Mr. Reisinger is a Demo- crat, and takes an active interest in the work- ings of the party, and is now the Secretary of the Central and Executive Committees of that party in the county. Mr. Reisinger is also Secretary of the Pioneer Association, and was the first Land Appraiser elected by the city. WILLIAM E. RIBLET, County Treasiu-er; was born in Sandusky Township, Richland Co., in 1885. He attended the common schools of those times. In 1851, he came to Gallon, and worked at the tinner's trade for eight years. He then went to Mansfield, and clerked in the post office until he secured a situation as route agent from Crestline to In- dianapolis, on the " Bee Line:" served in this capacity during 1859 and 1860. In 1801, he went into the shoe business in Gallon, and from that to the hardware business in 1802, remaining in that line until 1874, when he sold out and went into real estate. In 1800, he laid a farm out in town lots; it is now called" William Riblet's Addition to Gallon." Mr. Riblet served as Corporation Treasurer for three terms, as Township Treasurer two terms, and was elected County Treasurer in 1879. He was man-led, in 1801, to Caroline H. Edson. They have three childi-en — Ella E., Clement W^. and Richard E. He is a Democrat in politics. HUGH ROSS, foreman rail shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon. One of Gallon's most esteemed citizens is Mr. Hugh Ross, who was born in Dingwall, Rosshlre, Scotland, Sept. 21, 1828. He emigrated to Toronto, Canada, in September, 1843, and worked at his trade as blacksmith there until February, 1802, when he crossed over to Buffalo, N. Y., and worked there until April, 1802. He then went to Meadvllle, Penn., where the Atlantic and Great Western R. R. had reached in con- struction, and built for this company the first steam shovel on the road. He operated this shovel for two years, in the construction of the road. He was then placed in charge of the repair shops at Urbana, Ohio, remaining there for two years. He then was removed to Gallon, and has had charge of the rail shops up to the present writing. IVIr. Ross was mar- ried in Canada, in the year 1841, to Miss Margaret Irvine; she was born in Ireland, in 1821. They have four children living — Fin- lay, now living in Kansas; William, a black- smith ; Elizabeth, married to Peter Meuser, of Gallon; George, a machinist, and three de- ceased — Harriet, Annie and Hugh A. He is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and, together with his wife and daughter, a member of the Presbyterian Church. W. J. RYAN, hotel proprietor, Gallon; was born July 0, 1857, in Orange, Delaware Co., Ohio. He received a good education, attend- ing the schools at Delaware. He then learned telegraphy, and his first office was at Linn- dale, Ohio. After operating in different towns, he was sent to Gallon, in 1875, as night oper- ator. From there he was sent to Delaware, and worked in the train dispatcher's office for six months, when he was given the day office at Gallon, and continued there until Sept. 1, 1880, when he removed to Bucyrus, and en- gaged in the book and stationery business. In October, 1880, in connection with H. H. Elliott, of the Sims House, Bucyrus, he be- came one of the proprietors of the Capitol House, Gallon. He was married June 8, 1880, to Miss May Beck, daughter of M. Beck, of Gallon. Mr. Ryan is now located in Gallon, as the managing partner of the Capitol House. It is the intention of Elliott and Ryan to make the " Capitol " one of the best hotels in Cen- tral Ohio. J. K. SHERER, farmer; P. O. Gallon; was born in Whetstone Township in 1845. He is the son of John and Sarah (Kelfer) Sherer, who now reside in Whetstone Township. His early life was spent upon his father's farm, until he was 21 years old. In October, 1800, he was married to Miss Nancy M. Beck, of Polk Township, and bought the farm where he now resides. His farm now embraces 210 acres of fine, improved land, lying three miles west of Gallon. He has improved it in build- ings and fences until it ranks as one of the finest farms in Polk Township. For the past five years, he has been dealing extensively, buying and selling stock, and at present is devoting his time exclusively to that branch, his farm being worked by his nephew, G. W. !l^ POLK TOWNSHIP. 851 Bair. He has six children — Martin L., Flor- ence L., Ai'vene E., Bessie Gr., Oi-ra D. and an infant unnamed. He, with his wife, is a member of the English Lutheran Church. REV. J. A. SCHULZE, German Evangel- ical Lutheran, Gallon; was born in Mieste, Prussia, in 1828. He obtained a common- school education; emigrated to America in 1S47; began his study for the ministry in 18-18, at the Capitol University of Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1851. His first charge was at Trenton, Butler Co., Ohio, preaching tc several congregations in the vicinity. He was called to Columbus in 1856, preaching to a number of congi-egations, and engaged on the staff of a Lutheran periodical, and in the publication of Lutheran books and literature. Receiving a call from the church in Gallon, he came there in 1875, where he is now located. C. B. SHUMAKER, Justice of the Peace, Gallon. Mr. Shumaker was born in North- umberland Co., Penn., in 1835. At 19 years of age, commenced to clerk in a diy goods store in Jersey Shore, Penn., in 1854, and remained there until 1857. Coramenced in the restaurant business at Williamsport, Penn., and remained one year, and then com- menced to farm and contract for railroad ties, for six years, some of which time he was raft- ing on the Susquehanna River. In 186-1, he came to Gallon, Ohio, and went to work in the railroad shops, and remained here eight years. He served as Constable for five years, and is at present serving as Justice of the Peace, and, together with his son, is conduct- ing a photograph gallery at Id^ East Main street. Gallon, Ohio. JAMES J. SPITTLE, foreman copper-shop, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Gallon; was born in Wales, in 1836. His parents emigrated to America when he was but six months old, and located in Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining there for ten years. From there they went to Lo- rain Co., Ohio, and, after a short period there, went to CiTyahoga Co. In 1848, they removed to Sandusky City, where Mr. Spittle learned his trade as coppersmith. He came to Gallon in 1856, and went to work for the "Bee Line" R. R., at his trade. He has also worked for the Pittsburgh Co. and the Pan Handle road. at Richmond, Ind. He returned to Gallon in 1866, and has been with the A. & G. ^\. R. R. (now the N. Y., P. & C. R. R.) ever since. In every shop in which he has worked has been foreman of his department. He married Miss Alvina Winfield, of Sandusky City, in 1857. She was born in Prussia, in 1838. They have two childi'en living — William A., born in Gallon Sept. 25, 1858, and is working with his father in the railroad shops, and Car- I'ie L., born in Richmond, Ind., Nov. 28, 1865. Fannie L., deceased, was born in Sandusky City, in 1861, and died in 1865. Mr. Spittle is a member of Gallon Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and Gallon Lodge No. 215, I. O. O. F. EDWIN STOUGH, brakeman. Gallon; was born Feb. 14, 1854. For the past four years, has been brakeman on the A. & G. W. R. R. A. M. STEWART, general traveling agent, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Gallon; was born in St. Albans, Me., in 1835. He attended the com- mon schools until his parents removed to Bos- ton, Mass., in 1847. He began his career for himself by selling newspapers on the passen- ger train running on the Boston & Maine Railroad. He was then working under Charles Minot, who seemed to take an interest in him, and gave him a position on the New York & Lake Erie R. R. He served on what is called the "telegraph gang," and put up over 400 miles of telegraph wire. After this, he ob- tained a position as a machinist in the rail- road shops in New York City. After learning his trade, he became a fireman, and followed up this business until 1853, when he came to Gallon and obtained a position as engineer on the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis R. R. At this time he was only 17 years old, and, in 1857, was given chai'ge of the railroad shops at Gallon. He served in this capacity until 1864, when he built the Gallon Stock Yards, in conjunction with Oliver Duck. In 1877, he was appointed stock agent of the C, C, C. & I. R. R. and, in 1880, was made general traveling agent of this road. He is at present administering both these offices for the com pany. He was married in 1856, to Miss Han- nah McClellan, a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio. They have one daughter — Nellie H. Himself and wife are members of the Meth- odist Chm-ch. Is a Republican in politics. =rr^ 852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOSEPH E. WILLIAMS, teacher, Galion; was born in Gallon in 1848. He completed a common-school course in 1870, and went to Hillsdale, Mich., and attended the Hills- dale College, graduating in 1875. He was elected Principal of the High School of Cxalion, and served until 1880, when he was elected Superintendent of Public Schools of Cambridge, Ohio. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Ada R. Gochenour, of Gallon. Both are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Will- iams is a Mason, belonging to Gallon Lodge, No. 414. L. H. YORK, yard-master, C, C, C. & I. R. R., Gallon; was boi-n in Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1885. His early life was passed upon a farm. In 1 855, Mr. York removed to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in Dane Co, remaining there about three years. In January of 1858, he came to Gallon, and has been in the employ of the C, C, C. & I. R. R. ever since. He has had charge of the yard the -e for twenty years. Mr. York was married in 1858, to Miss Martha F. Bryfogle, of Gallon. They have one child — Frankie L. He is a Mason, also a member of the Royal Ai'canum, and of the American Legion of Honor. In politics, Mr. York is a Republican, but does not take an active part, as his time is fully occupied in the faithful discharge of his business. He has been a member of the Common Council of Gallon, and is one of its honorable and upright busi- ness men. JOSEPH A. YOCHEM, dry goods. Gallon, Ohio. The father and mother of Joseph A. Yochem came from Germany to Gallon in 1850, and were married in Gallon. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Gallon, Ohio, July 15, 1850, and is one of Crawford's most enterprising young men, and is doing a good business at the northwest corner of Main and Columbus streets, Gallon, Ohio. He attended the 2:)ubllc schools of Gallon, and went to clerk for S. C. Kanaga, April 27, 1874, and con- tinued with him until May 1, 1878, when he bought his employer out, and has enlarged the business, and is at present carrying it on at the old stand with good success. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. M. C. ARCHER, Superintendent Water- Works, Crestline; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1820, of American parents, and came to Auburn ToAvnshlp, Crawford Co., in 1837, and residexl there until 1853, when he came to Crestline, and was employed at railroading for thirteen years. In 1876, he went to Co- lumbus, and was in the employ of the C, S. & C. R. R., until 1880, when he returned to Crestline, and is now engaged as Superintend- ent of Water- Works. He was married Nov. 14, 1840, to Mary Hill, daughter of Lewis Hill, of Richland Co. They have three chll- di-en — Caroline D., Thomas A. and John J., who is now General Ticket Agent of Scioto Valley R. R. Mr. Archer has always been a Republican, and has served one term as mem- ber of Common Council of Crestline, and was Deputy U. S. Marshal during the administra- tion of Lincoln. DANIEL BABST, Sr., banker, Crestline; was born near Strasbourg, France, in 1810. Came to this country in 1832, and lived in New York for tlu'ee years, and came to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834. From there he went to Canal Fulton, and lived there until 1852, when he came to Crestline, and has resided there ever since; was married to Catharine Arter in 1832 ; was married again to Margaret Yost in 1841 ; they have seven childi'en by last marriage — Emeline, born August 20, 1842; Caroline, born Feb. 26, 1844, died May 26, 1845; Jacob, born Feb. 11, 1846; Daniel Jr., Oct. 19, 1847; Louise, Aug. 28, 1849; Thomas, Oct. 23, 1853; Willis H., June 5, 1858. Mr. Babst entered into the hotel business on com- ing to Crestline, as proi)rletor of the old American House, afterward known as Franklin House, and remained in the hotel business about four years. In 1871, he built and estab- lished Babst's Banking House. Mr. Babst retired from all active business in 1878, and was succeeded in the banking business by his sons, Jacob and Daniel, Jr. Mr. Babst has !ki JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 853 added considerably to Crestline in buildiuors, and is one of the largest i>roperty owners in the town. He is now livincr in retirement at his beautiful residence south of Crestline. jMi'. Babst has a vineyard of one acre of choice grapes, in which he takes great pride, making yearly about twenty barrels of wine. Fine pears, plums and fruits of all kinds are to be found upon his ample grounds. Mi\ Babst is a member of the Lutheran Church. He has always been a Republican. DANIEL BABST, Jr., lawyer, Crestline; was born Oct. 19, 1847, in Canal Fulton, Ohio, and came to Crestline with his parents in 1852, and has always resided there. He read law with M. Jones, Esq., of Crestline, and was admitted to the bar in 1870, and commenced practice in 1872. Was elected Solicitor for the corporation of Crestline in 1878, appointed Mayor in 1879, and elected in 1880. IVL-. Babst is also a member of the Board of Ex- aminers. The subject of this sketch is a young man of great energy and ability, and is also very popular. In politics, Mr. Babst is an Independent Republican. JACOB BABST, banker, Crestline; was born in Canal Fulton in 184G, and came to Crestline with his parents in 1852, and has always made it his home. He is a tinner by trade, following it for ten years; also carried on a tin and stove store for three years, while working at his trade. He married Matilda C. Stoll, daughter of George Stoll, of Bucyrus, in 1869. They have thi-ee children — Daniel Earl, born July 6, 1870, Jessie Fremont, born March 2, 1872, Bertha Stoll, Dec. 6, 1878. Matilda Stoll, his wife, was born March 20, 1848, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Babst and his w4fe are both members of the Presby- terian Chui'ch. He went into the banking business in 1871, and in 1873 was appointed Cashier. Since the retirement of his father from the bank, in 1878, he has had the entire management of it, as his brother Daniel, Jr. (who is joint owner), is immersed in his law practice. Mr. Babst has always been a Repub- lican. JAMES LEROI BOOTH, M. D., Crestline. He was l^orn in Holmes Co., Ohio, in the year 1835. He attended the common schools until 14 years of age. The following three years were spent at Haysville College. He taught district school for one year, when he was elected Superintendent of the Sullivan County Seminary. This institution being out of the State, it brought him in contact with stran- gers and educational influences. In 1854, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Boyer, at Sullivan, Ind. The following year he taught mathematics in Marshall Academy, in Clark Co., 111., for one yeai', at the same time continuing the study of medicine with Dr. White, an eminent physician of Eastern Illi- nois. He completed his study with his brother Edwin, at Brownsville, Knox Co., Ohio, in 1856. In 1857, removed to Vaughnsville, Putnam Co., Ohio. He remained thei-e one year, when the death of his brother. Dr. Mil- ton H. Booth, of West Cairo, Ohio, called him to this place, where he took his practice. In 1861, he raised a company, and was commis- sioned Captain of Company D, O. V. I., 118th Regiment. He returned to Cairo, in 1864, and practiced medicine a short time, when he was elected Captain of Company C, 151st O. V. I., without a dissenting vote. He remained with his company until his time of service expired. He returned to Cairo and resumed his practice until 1871, when he retired from practice for one year. Began a practice in La Grange, Indiana, and continued for two years. He came to Crestline in 1876, and has at present a very extensive and lucrative T3ractice. REV. MICHAEL B. BROWN, Catholic Priest, Crestline; was born near Plattsbm'g, N. Y., in 1840. At the age of 12 years he removed with his parents to Sandusky City, Ohio. At the age of 17, he entered St. Mary's Preparatory Seminary, at Cleveland, and, in 1859, entered the University of Notre Dame. In 1860, he applied for admission into the congregation of Holy Cross, and was received into the novitiate in March of the same year. In June, 1862, he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in the following Sep- tember began his theological studies, which he continued until June 10, 1867, when he was ordained Priest. In 1868, he was ap- pointed to the Professorship of Moral and Mental philosophy. He continued teaching until 1872, when he became Vice President of 854 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the Association, and had sole management of all the classes, over forty teachers, until 1874, when he went to Watertown, Wis., and took the management of College of "■ Our Lady of Sacred Heart." He remained there until 1876, when he gave up college life, and went to Youngstown, Ohio, as assistant of his brother, who was Pastor, and came to Crestline in July, 1877, and has been Pastor of Catholic Chui'ch there ever since. WILLIAM F. CROWE, grocer, Crestline; was born in Ireland, in 1841, and came to America with his mother in 1810, and located for about six months in Vermont, when he came to Ohio, locating in Columbiana Co., remaining in that county a short time. He also resided for a short period in Stark and Richland Counties, and came to Crestline in April, 1853, and has made his home there ever since. He was married in 1871 to Ellen Haley, of Marion. They have five children — Mary, Catharine, Ellen, Annie and Jane. Mr. Crowe served seven years as Corporation Treas- urer of Crestline, three years as Justice of the Peace, and has also been a member of the Common Council. He is agent for the Inman line of steamers, and also an insurance agent. He has always been a Democrat. D. H. CASSEL, hardware, Crestline; was born in Richland County in 1813, and re- mained in that county until 1862, when he came to Crestline and learned the tinsmith's trade, with G. W. Pierce. In 1871, he went into partnership with George W. Zint, under the firm name of Cassel & Zint, in the hard- ware, tinware and stove business, and has been engaged in that line up to the present time (1880). Was married in 1867, to Maggie Cramer, of Upper Sandusky, and has two children by first wife — Dora D. and Flora D. Mrs. Cassel died in 1869. He married again in 1872, to Maggie McGuire, of Richland County. They have one child — Daisy May. Mr. Cassel has been a member of the Common Council of Crestline, is a member of the Knights of Honor, and also an Odd Fellow. Has always been a Democrat. CRESTLINE "ADVOCATE." The Advo- cdtc was established in July, 1869, by Adam Billow and son, D. C. Billow, in the Union Hall Block, second floor. Upon the death of his father, which occurred May 20, 1876, D. C. Billow assumed sole management and has made the Advocate one of the best papers in the county, having a good solid list of sub- scribers and doing an extensive job business. The office is sup|)lied wdth power by a Backus Water Motor. The Advocate is independent in politics. DR. I. S.COLE, Crestline; was born in Al- legheny City, Penn., Feb. 19, 1836, and at- tended the Institute at Haysvilie, Ashland Co., Ohio. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Glass, and graduated from Cleveland Medical College. He began the practice in Reeds- burg, Ashland Co., Ohio, and removed to West Salem in 1873, remaining there until 1880, when he came to Crestline and married Ruth A. Smith, daughter of James B. Smith, of Ashland County. They have four children- Frank, Minnie B., Rufus I. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN DODANE, real estate, Crestline ; was born in France in 1825, and came with his parents to America in 1836, and located in Stark County, working on his father's farm until 1853, when he started for California, remaining there until 1857, digging gold. In 1857, he came back to Ohio on a visit, but re- turned to California in 1858, and remained there until 1866, when he came to Crestline, and has resided there ever since, engaged in the real estate biTsiness. He was married in 1867, to Anna Dodane, of Crestline, widow of his brother. They have two childi-en — Min- nie, born in 1870, Delia, born in 1867. Mrs. Dodane died in 1873. Mr. Dodane has been one of the Trustees of the Water- Works of Crestline two terms. Has always been a Democrat. J. P. DAVIS, dry goods merchant, Crest- line; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1824, of American parents, and came to Craw- ford County in 1833, and has always made it his home. He was agent for the C, C, C. & I. R. R., at Shelby, for three years, and came to Crestline in 1852, and was agent for the same company until 1862, when he engaged in the dry goods business. First went into partner- ship with John McGraAv, succeeding R. Lee & Co., continued with McGraw for a year and JACKSOX TOWXSIIIP. 857 a half. McGraw then sold his interest to John McKean. the firm then being Davis & McKean, for two years, when McGraw bouoht the interest of Mr. Davis. He then went into partnership with Martin Davis & Co., and continued for about two years, when the Davis Brothers bought the interest of Martin, estab- lishing the firm of J. P. & J. ^\. Davis. Two years after, they dissolved partnership, and v/ent to his present location, in Union Hall Block, remaining there vmtil 1875, when he sold his stock, and retired from business for about four months, when he again went into partnership with H. A. White, under the firm name of Davis & White, and they have continued in business up to the present time (ISS*)). Mr. Davis was man-ied to Catharine Mickey, of Kichland Co., in 1850. They have eight childi-en — Wilbur E., Florence A., Ed- win P., George P. (deceased), infant (deceased), Lillie May, Robert L., Augustus. Mr. Davis has alwavs been a Republican. BENJAMIN EATON, mail agent, Crest- line; was born in Somerset. Perrv Co., Ohio, in 1821. In 1837, he went to B.:4mont Co., Ohio, remaining there until 183*.), when he went to Wheeling, W. Va., and learned the harness-maker's trade. In 1840, he returned to Ohio, working at his trade, and also at peddling. He came to Crestline in 1859, and has since made it his home. He was married in 1849, to Hamet A. Martin, of Richland Co. Mr. Eaton was depot policeman for two years, and, during the war, was the agent of the sick and wounded: also, eni-olling master for Yernon and Jackson Townships. For the past few years, has been in the employ of the Govennnent as mail agent. He is a Knight Templar, and a Republican. C. F. FRANK, diy goods, Crestline; was born in Southern Germany, in 1832, and came to America with his parents in 184G, locating in Western Pennsylvania, remaining with his parents and working on a farm for five years, when he went to Johnstown, Penn., and learned the diy goods business, and came to Crestline in the spring of 185(3, and engaged in the clothing business, remaining there about two and a half years, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and went into the provision business until the following spring, when he engaged in the hardware trade, and contin- ued until the fall of 18G4. He retui'ned to Crestline in August, 1865, and engaged in the diy goods business, and has been there ever since. He was married in 1859, to Em- ma Babst, daughter of Daniel Babst, of Crest- line. They have five children — Daniel, Ger- tie, Maud. George. Paul. Has been a member of the Common Council of Crestline, and is now sei'ving second term as City Treasurer. Mr. Frank and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. C. P. FRANK, coppersmith, Crestline ; was born in Butler Co., Penn., in 1839, and went to Pittsburgh in 1855, residing there imtil 1859. when he removed to Cleveland, remain- ing there about one year. In 18G0. he went to Gallon, where he resided until 18(34, when he came to Crestline, and has since made it his home. He has been in the employ of the railroad shops in Crestline for sixteen years. He was married in 1802, and has four chil- dren — Edward, Retta, Willie and Alice. He is a Republican. SAMUEL GEE, express agent, Crestline; was born in England in 181(5. and came to this country and located in Youngstown. Ohio, as Pastor of the Methodist Protestant Church, in 1845, and continued preaching in various places in the State until 1860, when he was appointed express agent at Crestline, Craw- foi'd Co., and has since made it his home, fie was married in the city of Hull, England, in 1842, to Mary Ann Radmall. They have five children — Samuel W., Allison W., Frank B., Lauretta S.,, Cynthia E. As there is no Methodist Protestant Church in Crestline, IVIi". Gee and wife are members of that chm-ch at Middletown, Crawford Co. Mr. Gee has alwa\'s been a Republican. L.'P. HESSER, blacksmith, Crestline; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1826. Went to Wood Co. in 1832, and removed to Mansfield in 1834, remaining there until 1856, when he came to Crestline, and has since made it his home, with the exception of a trip to Califor- nia in 1862. He is the oldest blacksmith in the railroad-shops in Crestline. He was mar- ried in 1851, to Rachel S. Grant. Her father was the first tanner in Mansfield, and a dis- tant relative of U. S. Grant. They have six ^ k" 8.-)8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: children — Minerva M., Ora B., Mary, George (t.. Rosa, Elizabeth R. Mr. Hesser is a Dem- ocrat, and has occupied several township and corporation offices, among which we may men- tion as a member of the School Board for fourteen years; also on committee for school buildings and improvements, and it was owing to the active part taken by this committee that the union school, with its beautiful park, was secm-ed. Mr. Hesser also was a member of Common Council for four years. CHARLES W. JENNER, physician, Crest- line; was born in Richland Co. in 1S41. Came to Crestline in the fall of 1857, and has resided there ever since. Dr. Jenner is a graduate of the University of Wooster, Cleve- land, Ohio. Was married in April, 186(3, to Mary V. Emmett, of Crestline. They have one child — Daisy L. I. Jenner, born October, 1875. Mrs. Jenner is a member of the Pres- byterian Church. Dr. Jenner has obtained the reputation of being one of the most skill- ful and reliable physicians of the county. He came from a medical family, his father and an elder brother both being members of that profession. He has alwavs been a Democrat. NATHAN JONES, lawyer, Crestline; was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., 1882, and came with his parents to Norwalk, Ohio, 1883. In 1857, Mr. Jones went to Upper Sandusky, and published the Democratic Union until his office burned down, when he removed to Jefr ferson Co. and engaged in the business of dealer in musical instruments. He came to Crestline the 30th of September, 1859, and has resided there ever since, where he has been actively engaged in the practice of law. Mr. Jones commenced reading law when 17 years old, and was admitted to the bar April 25, 1855, at Norwalk, Ohio, and was admitted to the United States Courts at Cleveland, Sept. 28, 1SG5. He was elected Recorder of the corporation of Crestline for four success- ive terms, and also Mayor for fom- terms. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the coimty in 18(35, and again in 18(37. Mr. Jones is one of the most prominent Odd Fellows in the State. Having tilled all offices of the sub- ordinate lodge, in December, 1875, he was elected M. W. Grand Master of the order of the State of Ohio. At the end of his term of office, he was presented by the Grand Lodge with a purse of $300, and an elegant jeweled badge, valued at $70. In December, 1878, he was elected by the order in Ohio as Grand Representative to Grand Lodge of United States. He served part of one term, but was compelled to resign on account of its interfer- ence with professional duties. He is also a Knight Templar of the Masonic Order. Mr. Jones prides hiaiself as being a self-made man, earning money when a boy to enable him to attend school, and to pursue his law studies. He is regarded as one of the most able lawyers of the county. F. W. MARCUS, German Reformed minis- ter, Crestline; was born in Germany, in 1852, and came to this coxmtry with his parents, and located in Louisville, Ky., in 1855. He attended public school at Louisville, and went to Franklin, Sheboygan Co., Wis., where the schools of his church are located, and gradu- ated in 1876. He came to Crestline in 1879, and was married, in October of same year, to Mary Hildbold, of Gallon. He has a mem- bership of 175 (in 1880) in his church. JOHN McKEAN, physician, Crestline; born in Hook Town, Penn., in 1810, of Amer- ican parents. After completing a thorough classical and mathematical education, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Quigley, of West Union, Ohio; he also attended lectures at Lexington, Ky., and received the necessary papers for practice in October, 1831. He entered into partnership with Dr. Marshall, of Burgettstown, Penn. One year after, they dissolved partnership, and he removed to Calcutta, Ohio, and two years after, in 1834, he removed to Leesville, Crawford Co., and practiced there until 1867, when he removed to Crestline, and has resided there ever since. Since 1841, he has been Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church. In 1847, he was elected a member of the Philo- sophical Society of Wittenberg College. He has been Mayor of Crestline for one term. He was married to Rebecca McClaskey in October, 1835. They had ten children — five living and five deceased. (From Physicians and Surgeons of U. S., by Atchinson.) A. MOOREHEAD, livery, Crestline; was born in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1842. When at ^ ^ JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 859 the age of 15, came to Crestline, and has ever since made it his home. About 1865, he went into the hotel business, as proprietor, at j Franklin and Crestline, for a few years, when he established a livery and feed stable, and has since been engaged in that business. In 1879, Mr. Moorehead bought out Shank's har- ness-shop, and is now running that branch in connection with his other business. Mr. Moorehead was married in August, 1865, to Maggie Miller, of Crestline. They have four children — Charlie, Flora, Lizzie and Howard. Mr. Moorehead and wife are both members of the Methodist Church. He has always been a Democrat. F. NEWMAN, lawyer, Crestline ; was born .in Germany, in 1839, and came to this country in 1854, and first settled in Crestline in No- vember of 1854. He went to Maryland and remained there until 1858, and returned to Crestline in 1860, and remained there until 1862. He lived in Annapolis, Md., from 1862 to 1865, when he went to New York, remain- ing there nearly one year. In 1866, he returned to Crestline, remaining there until 1876, when he went to Florida, and remained there nearly one year, when he again returned to Crestline, where he has remained ever since. He was married, in 1868, to Emma T. Smith, daughter of John S. and Jane Smith, of Crest- line. They have four children — Florence, Elnora, Edna and Earl. Mr. Newman and wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Newman has been practicing law for the past twelve years. He has always been a prominent Democrat in the township. DAVID OGDEN, Justice of the Peace, Crestline; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1819, and came with his parents to Crestline in April, 1828, being one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. Ogden first learned the mill- er's trade, and worked at that business for about fifteen years. Since that time, he has been engaged in various occupations, and, for the past twenty years, working in the car- shops of the P., F. W. & C. R. R., at Crest- line. Mr. Ogden was Justice of the Peace from 1853 to 1862; has also been Township Clerk for a period of six years. He drew up the papers and petition for the boiindaries of Crestline, and was its first Mayor. Mr. Ogden was also tlie prime mover in securing the union school in 1858, his brother, John Ogden, now Principal of the Ohio Central School, delivering a lecture upon that siibject at that time, which tended to help the movement. Mr. Ogden has always been a friend to every movement tending to improve Crestline in any form. He was married in 1844, to Mary J. Kirkland, of Richland Co. They have only one child living — Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Ogden are both members of the Presbvterian Chiu'ch. A. M. PATTERSON, P. M.," Crestline; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1842. He came, when a boy, with his parents, to Jack- son Township, and has resided there ever since. He was appointed Postmaster of Crest- line in 1864, and has continued to hold the office up to the present time. Mr. Patterson is a nifuiber of the Presbyterian Church, and is considei'ed one of the leading, enterprising men of Crestline. He has always been a Republican. WILLIAM ROBINSON, machinist, Crest- line; was born in W^ashington Co., Penn., Aug. 1, 1830, and came to Crawford Co. with his parents in 1831, locating near North Rob- inson, that town being named after his father. Mr. Robinson taught district school for ten winter terms, spending two years of this time in Iowa. He came to Crestline in 1860. He was Township and Corporation Clerk in 1861 for one year; also elected Justice of the Peace in 1865. He was a member of the school board for six years. Mr. Robinson has served in several other township offices, and, for the past few years, has been employed in the railroad shops there. He was man'ied in 1 860. D. W. SNYDER, blacksmith, Crestline. The subject of this sketch was born in Cum- berland Co., Penn., in 1832. He came to Ohio in 1836, locating in Richland Co. Fi- nally he came to Crestline, in 1856, and has since made it his home. He has been a prom- inent man in the 1 i tory of Crestline, serving in various offices, among which we may men- tion as a member of the Common Council for four terms, as a member of the School Board three terms, and also as Townshij:) Treasurer. He was married in 1856, and has been in the employ of the P., F. W. & C. R. R. for twen- ty-five years. l9 860 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : JOHN A. THOMAN, deceased; was born at Sosehiem, in the Palatinate, on tlie 1 1th of Jnne, 1807. He came to America in 1834, and located in New York, working for the United States, with Gen. R. E. Lee. Lee then was Captain in the United States army. The friendship between the two lasted all through life. Mr. Thoman came to Crawford Co. when it was a wilderness, and Crestline not in existence — about November, 1845. By honest industry he amassed a handsome fortune, and assisted many of his countrymen with money in time of need, and to homes to make them comfortable in after life. In all public enterprises he took an active part and a deep interest, always giving largely, and more lib- erally than any other citizen. He died March 30, 1875, at 67 years of age, deeply mourned bv the cormnunitv. ^HON. T. J. WHITE, Crestline; was born in Perry Co., Penn., in 1828, and came to Jackson Township previous to the laying-out of Crestline, locating on the old White farm. He heljied clear the ground where Crestline now stands; bought the first lot and built the first thi'ee houses in the town. He has been a member of Cormnon Council two terms, a member of the School Board two terms, and served two terms, in the Ohio Legislature — from 1871 to 1875. He has also been one of the Trustees of Jackson Township for six terms. Mr. AVliite taught school in the Dap- per District for two winters. He owes his success in life to his own energy and perse- verance, being what is termed a "self-made man." J. M. WERTZ, conductor, Crestline; was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, June 9, 1837. He taught school for three years in early life, and studied medicine with Dr. Joel Pomerene, of Mt. Hope, Ohio. He attended lectures at Ann Ai'bor, Mich., in 1858, and commenced prac- tice in 1860, at Dundee, Ohio, remaining there for three years, when he was appointed Assist- ant Surgeon 2d U. S. Colored Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He prac- ticed three years at Loudonville, Ohio, and for the past twelve years has been railroading, being at present conductor on P., F. W. & C. E. R. JOHN C. WILLIAMS, coppersmith, Crest- line; was born in Butler Co., Penn., in 1843. He entered the army in 1861, and served until its close. He came to Crestline in 1865, and has since made it his home. He was mar- ried in 1867, to Anna Auten. They have four childi'en — Frank, Jessie, Ei'le and Belle. Mr. Williams has been a member of the Com- mon Council two terms. He is at present working at his trade in the railroad shops at Crestline. Mr. Williams and wife ai'e mem- bers of the M. E. Church. DR. P. B. YOUNG, Crestline; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1832. Went to Beaver Co., Penn., in 1849, attending the Beaver Academy, taking a fu.ll course of stud- ies. After deciding to make the medical pro- fession his calling, he attended the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Penn., grad- u.ating in 1860. His first location was at Freedom, Beaver Co., Penn., remaining there for two years, when he entered the army as assistant surgeon. He was promoted to sur- geon in 1863, and remained in that important position all through the war. At its close, he came to Crestline, in 1865, and has since been in active practice there. Dr. Y''oung has been surgeon for the P., F. W. & C. R. R. since 1874, and is now examining surgeon for pen- sions. He was married in 1862, to Sarah M. Gormly. They have one child — Howard. AUBURN TOWJsSHIP. 8G1 AUBURN TOWNSHIP. E. E. ASHLEY, fanner and stock-dealer; P. O. Tiro. There is no family more worthy of notice in the history of Crawford Co., than the Ashley family. Ebenezer Ashley, the father of our subject, was born in New York, May 6, 1804, and came to Aubiirn Township, Crawford Co.. Ohio, in 1S80. Mary Aumend, the mother, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1812. Her father, Adam Aumend, came with his family to Aubiu-n Township in 1810, it then being an almost unbroken wil- derness. Ebenezer Ashley and Mary Aiunend were united in marriage in Aubiu'n Township, Nov. 21, iS^jO, and to them were born six children — Clarissa, Philo, Franklin, E. E., Leonora and "William. All are living except Clarissa. ]\Ii-. Ashley died July 28, 1843. Mrs. Ashley remarried July 11, 1844, her sec- ond husband being Elijah Ashley, a brother of her former husband. To the second mar- riage were born two sons — Jerome and Jud- son. Mrs. Ashley's second husband died April 21, 1850. The subject of this biogra- phy was reared upon a farm. His education was limited, being confined to the common schools. He was imited in marriage with Mary Cummins, daughter of Thomas Cum- mins, Jan. 17, 1861, and by her has the fol- lowing fainily — Frank S., born Julv 10, 1862; Ella L., born July 6, 1864; Philo A., born Nov. 27, 1866; Edsou C.,born July 29, 1869, and Ida A., born June 12, 1873. All of these are single, and are living at home with their parents. Politically. Mr. Ashley is a Piepub- lican; religiously, a Baptist. He is a mem- ber of the I. O.' O. F. at Tiro. He owns 80 acres of well-improved land, and is a promi- nent and inlluential man in his neighborhood. His family are among the first in Crawford Co. EEY. W. P. BURCHAED, minister and farmer; P. O. Tiro; is a native of Auburn Township, and was born Nov. 26, 1834. His parents were John and Mary (Robertson) Burchard. His father was born in Delaware, in 1790, and his mother in Pennsylvania, in 1791. They were married in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Dec. 23, 1819, and moved to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., in 1830. They were parents of five children — James R., Sarah J., John B., Catharine B. and William P. Of these all are dead except William. His mother died Oct. 2, 1875, and his father is yet living, at the advanced age of 90 years, and makes his home with his son. William was raised upon a farm. He received a good common- scliool education when young, and by study and thought in after years has become a man of good learning, and of more than ordinary intellect. He was married Feb. 23, ]8()5, to Sarah King, daughter of Hemy and Mary (Cupland) King, and by her has the following- family — Ernest A., born Nov. 12, 1866; Mary I., born Sept. 19, 1869, and John, born Aug. 29, 1875. All are living at home with their l^arents. Mi'. Biu'chard is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the religious denom- ination known as the Chxu-ch of God. He was ordaiiied a minister of that chm'ch in 1872, and at present has charge of the New Wash- ington and Crawford County Circuit, in which he is meeting with good success. He owns 10(1 acres of excellent farming land in Eastern Auburn Township. ENOCH BAKER, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. North Washington; was born in Wash- ington Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 1808. Is a son of Joseph and Rachel (Hutchinson) Baker. The father was born and raised in Yirginia, and the mother in Maryland. They came to Ohio in 1810, and to Auburn Township in Decem- ber. 1826. They were the parents of foiu* chikh'en — Margaret, Martha and Ruth, twins, and Enoch, the latter being the oldest one in the family. Enoch's early years were passed on the old place, assisting his father in clear- ing and improving the place. He was ma*-- ried, March 8, 1832, to Sarah Hutchinson, a daughter of James Hutchinson, and by lier had the followins? family: Rachael, born Nov. 29, 1832, married Lewis "Warner, and died, leaving four children to mourn her loss; Nancy, born Aug. 26, IX'Si, and died when quite young; Keziah, born Ajoril 15, 1837, died a few days after Nancy; Ephraim, born Jan. 22, 1839, married, and lives in Auburn Town- shijj; James S.,born June 22, 1842, and died when 7 years old; Phoebe is the wife of Gus Groifmiller, and lives in Auburn Township; John was born Jan. 30, 1848, married, and lives on the old place; and Matilda, born Sept. 2, 1850, and dying when but 7 years old. The mother died Jan.'^^O, 1851. She was a kind wife and mother, and her loss was deeply felt by her family and friends. Jan. 8, 1852, Mr. Baker remarried, his second wife being Elmira Wood, widow of Dr. Wood. His sec- ond wife died May 6, 1878. She was a con- sistent Christian, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Baker is one of the old land- marks, and is one of the prominent and suc- cessful farmers of Auburn Township. When but a boy, he made his start in life, by pick- ing cranberries off of the "ma'sh," and sell- ing the fruit. His present property, of 160 acres, was acquired by dealing in stock to a considerable extent. He is a stanch Kepub- lican, and a member of the M. E. Chvu-ch for the past thirty years. His son Ephraim has a certificate of meritorious conduct, that shows he was a gallant and brave soldier in Com pany C, 101st O. Y. I. WILLIAM CUiVBIINS, farmer and stock- dealer; P. O. Tiro; son of David and Mary (Wilson) Cummins; was born in Indiana Co., Penn., March 28, 1831. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1804. and his mother a native of Ireland, born in 1810. The parents were married in Indiana Co., Penn., in 1831, and to them were born the following family: John D., David, Joseph, Caroline, T. H. B., A. J., Elizabeth M. and AVilliam. William passed his youth on the farm, and in going to school. He commenced for himself when 21 years of age, by entering the mercantile business in his native county! Aug. 25, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Morrow, daughter of David C. Morrow, and granddaughter of Charles Morrow, who came to Auburn Township in 1817. By her Mr. Cummins has this family: Sarah M., born 1865; David M., born 1867; Cora E., born 1867; David W., born 1869; Jeanette, born 1871; Joseph D. and John S., twins, born 1874; Julia B. M. and Nancy S. C, twins, born 1876, and one born in 1880, that died soon after its birth, without being named. Of these five are living — Cora E., David W., Joseph D., Julia and Nancy. Mr. Cummins was a commissioned Captain of the 78th O. V. I., Company A, and served in that capacity until his health failed, which compelled him to resign, in August, 1873. He is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the largest land-own- ers living in Auburn Township; 280 acres of his land lies in Richland Co., and 320 in Crawford Co. Mr. Cummins is a well-edu- cated and enterj^rising gentleman, and is among the most prominent and successful farmers of Crawford County. HUGH CALDWELL, farmer; P. O. Plym- outh; was born in Eichland Co., Ohio, Jan uary, 1835. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Miller) Caldwell, who were parents of nine children— George, Elizabeth, James, Hugh, Susanna, Hannah, Catharine, William, and one that died in infancy. Our subject was reared on a farm, and farming has always been his chosen occupation. He was married Nov. 5, 1857, to Elizabeth Bevier, and by her had five childi-en — Florence, William, Frank- lin, John, and one that died without name. Florence is dead; the balance of the childi-en are living at home with their parents. Mr. Caldwell was in Company B, 60th O. V. I., in the late war, where he served his country with distinction. He was in quite a number of noted engagements, and among them might be mentioned Petersburg, the battle of the Wilderness, and others. It was in the army that Mr. Caldwell was taken with the measles. Not having proper care, they settled on his lungs, and to-day he is a mere wreck of the robust soldier he was when he enlisted in February, 1863. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Church of God, and a Republican in politics. He owns 20f acres of land, is well known, and a good and useful citizen in the township. R. R. CURTIS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. New Washington; is a son of Josiah and Mary (Rockwell) Curtis, and is of English 'Il, AUBURN TOWNSHIP. 863 descent. He was born in 1817, and. like his father before him, chose farming as his voca- tion in life. He was married in the spring of 1889, to Margaret De Witt, daughter of Tjerick and Margaret (Dean) De Witt, and to this union were born five children — Mariam, Mary J., Elizabeth, George W. and Calista J. Mariam is the wife of Samuel Wynn, and lives in Lucas Co., Ohio; Mary J. is dead; Elizabeth lives in Adams Co., Ind., and is the wife of David Wynn; George married Mary E. Smith, and lives in Lucas Co. Mr. Cvirtis owns 165 acres of good land, 40 acres of it being in Cranberry Township, and the bal- ance in Auburn Township. He is a Repub- lican, and a member of the Ba]3tist Church. Mr. Curtis is an enterprising and upright man in his dealings with men, and is highly respected l3y all who know him. JOHN O. DAVIS, merchant. Tiro; is a son of Jolm and Mary (Hamilton) Davis, and was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1839. His father was a native of Maryland, and was born in 1791. The mother was a native of Penn- sylvania, and was born in 1796. They were married in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and came to Crawford Co. in 1832, locating in Sandusky Township. There were born to them the fol- lowing family — Julia A., Susan, Jonathan, Keziah, Henry, Mary, James, Jefferson, Joseph, Louisa, William, Martha and John O. Of these, Susan, Keziah, Mary and Joseph are dead. Julia is the widow of John Mcln- tire, and lives in Illinois; Susan married a Mr. Mills; Jonathan married Margaret Hud- son, and lives in Hardin Co., Ohio; Keziah married Dr. T. A. Mitchell; Henry married M. A. Stone, and lives in Shelby, Ohio; Mary married Samuel Anderson; James married Catharine Mickey, and lives in Crestline, Ohio; Jefferson married Amanda Fox; Joseph mar- ried Louisa Fisher; Louisa is the wife of G. H. Lee; William married Leah McCrady, and lives in Gallon, and Martha married John Dempsey, and lives in Shelby, Ohio. John was reared and educated in the country. In 1859, he was united in marriage with Rachel M. Rigby, daughter of Nimrod Rigby, and by her has three children — William B., born Nov. 8, 1860; George H., born May 3, 1868, and John H., born Jan. 7, 1872. Mr. Davis owns 80 acres of land in Auburn Township, and 160 acres in Kansas. He also owns a fine business house in Tiro, the upper story being the I. 0. O. F. Hall. The store in the building is as fine a grocery store as is usually found in large cities. The firm name of the owners is Davis & Mitchell, Mr. Davis being the jun- ior partner. Mr. Davis is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Republican in politics. He served faithfully in the late war, enlisting in Company H, 123d O. V. I. He was discharged June 15, 1865. He was in some of the hard- est contested battles of the war; was taken prisoner at Winchester, and for thirty days was confined in Belle Island. After being exchanged, he again joined his regiment, and was again taken prisoner, and served some months in Andersonville and Florence, suffer- ing all the agorries of starvation and disease. He was finally exchanged, Dec. 6, 1864, and since that time Mi'. Davis makes Dec. 6 his holiday. His brother William was in the 101st Regiment, and served as Quartermaster Sergeant, but was promoted to lieutenancy. Mr. Davis was a Sergeant in his regiment. Both John and William Davis were said to have been brave and gallant soldiers, and were always found in the thickest of the fight. Much honor and credit is due them for the heroic part thev took in the war. ELIZABETH DAUGHERTY, Tiro. Re- solved White was a native of Connecticut. He moved to New York when but a lad, and lived there until the year 1818, then emi- grated to the West in search of a home. In 1819, he came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., and there purchased 160 acres of land of one IVIr. Laugherty, paying for the same $3.75 per acre. On this farm was a small log house. In 1820, Mr. White returned to New York. In 1821, he married Lucy Searl, and the same year he, together with his young wife, emigrated to their wilderness home in Ohio. There were born to them six children — Philo, Elizabeth, Resolved, William W., one that died in infancy, and Lucy. Elizabeth and Lucy are the only ones living. Lucy is the wife of Dr. Cuykendall, of Biicyi'us; Eliz- abeth, on the 31st of March, 1842, was united in marriage with Ezekiel Daugherty, a son of Daniel and Lydia (Smyers) Daugherty. He 864 BIOGRAFHICAL SKETCHES: was born in New Jersey Feb. 5, 1818, and was reared upon a farm. In 1832, he came to Auburn Township, and began working for the farmers by the month. His marriage with Elizabeth bore the fruit of six children — Alva, Melissa, Searl, Orrissa, Resolved and Clara. Alva and Searl are dead. Melissa is the wife of Martin V. B. Wood, and lives in Auburn Township; Orrissa is the wife of John Hahn, and lives in Delaware, Ohio; Resolved lives on the old place with his mother. In Febru- ary, 1879, he married Catharine Bender, and by her has one daughter — Orrissa, born May 8, 1880. Clara is at present going to musical school in Columbus, Ind. Mr. Daugherty is now dead. His widow and her son live on the old place first bought by Resolved White. They own "221 acres of excellent land. Mrs. Daugherty is a descendant of Perigrine White, of Plymouth Rock notoriety. Of Puritan ancestors, the Daughertys are honest and upright people, and are highly respected in the community in which they live. SAMUEL S. GREEN, farmer; P. O. Tiro. The oldest settler living in Auburn Township is the subject of this biography. He was born in Indiana Co., Penn., June 25, 1807. Is a son of William and Martha (Stanton) Green, who were married in Luzerne Co., Penn., in ISOO. The father was a native of Berkshire Co., Mass., and was born in 1778, and the mother was born in New London Co., Conn., in 1788. In 1813, they came to Lick- ing Co., Ohio, where they remained three years. In 1815, Mr. Green came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co.. Ohio, where he entered 040 acres of land in the southeastern part of the township. In December. 1816, he moved his family to the log house he had on his clearing in Auburn Township. Mr. and Mrs. Green were the parents of eleven chil- dren, one dying in infancy without any name — Samuel S., Caroline, W^alter, Julia A., AVill- iam, Martha M., Daniel, John, Mary and Han- nah J. Those named are all living. The father died in 1802, and the mother in 1805. Samuel S. was 9 years old when they came to Aulmrn Township, and ranch of the Auburn Township history was learned from him. He is single; owns 80 acres of land, and is a Democrat in politics, and a genial, wide-awake gentleman. DANIEL HOWE, farmer and miller; P. O. Tiro. Nelson S. and Sarah B. (Gunsau- lus) Howe were natives of the State of New York, the former being born May 3, 1808, and the latter in 1810. They were married in Richland Co., Ohio, Nov. 4, 1830, and to this union were born the following family: Amelia, Philanda, Alonzo and Daniel. Amelia and Alonzo are dead. Philanda is the widow of Zebediah Morse, and lives in Auburn Township. Daniel was a young man of considerable push and enterprise. When the v/ar broke out, he enlisted in Company H, 64th O. V. I., and was chosen Second Lieu- tenant, and during the latter part of the war was promoted to Captain. He was in some of the hardest fought battles of the whole war, amoncr which might be mentioned Shi- loh, Corinth, Chickamauga, and through the entire campaign of 1864, in Georgia, under Gen. Sherman. He received a severe flesh wound at Chickamauga, from the explosion of a shell. He was married April 28, 1859, to Amanda D. Abbott, a daughter of Rev. J. R. Abbott, of Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio, and by her has seven children — Flora C, born Sept. 20, 1859; Adel M., born March 22, 1867; Lisle A., born May 18, 1869; Frank L., born June 2, 1871; Earl E., born Dec. 24, 1873; Grace E., born Dec. "24, 1876, and Addie, born Dec. 22, 1878. The youngest died Feb. 10, 1879. Flora married Isaac A. Metcalf, and lives in Richland Co., Ohio; the rest are all single, and live at home with their parents. Mrs. Howe was born Dec. 11, 1842. Mr. Howe is a Republican in politics. Oavus 50 acres of well-improved land, and also one of the best saw-mills in Crawford Co. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Tiro. Mr. Howe is an honest, straightforward man, and is well respected and highly esteemed by all his friends and acquaintances. J. HILLS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Plymouth: is the son of Rufus and Dinah (DeWitt) Hills, who were the parents of nine children, three of whom are yet living. They were natives of New York, the father being Ijorn in 1807 and the mother in 1812. Their children are Susan, AVilliam, one that died in infancy, Jedediah, Louisa, Cynthia, Eliza, Clinton and Alvira. Alvira, William and Jede- V AUBUEN TOWNSHIP. 865 diah are tlie only sxirvivors. Mr. Hills, Sr., died Aug. 22, 1872, and was folio-wed by his wife Sept. 5, 1875. They were among the early pioneers of Richland Co., having come to that county about the year 1820. He was an excellent farmer, and an honest, enterpris- ing man. His son, Jedediah, was born in Richland Co., Dec, 16, 1828, and was reared on a farm, and to-day is one of the best farm- ers in Auburn Township. He followed farm- ing steadily until 18(30, when he pm^chased 40 acres of land in Auburn Township. Since that time, he has sold and bought land, until he now owns 120 acres of Auburn Township's best land, and 40 acres in Adams Co., Ind. He was married, Sept. 19, 1852, to Maria, daughter of William and Sarah (Noggle) Crouse, and by her had four childi-en — Julius J., born Dec. 23, 1853, died May 31, 1877; Matilda B., born Feb. 27, 1857; Sarah E., born Aug. 11, 1858, died July 22, 1873, and Clement L. V., born March 25, 1863, died June 15, 1864. Mrs. Hills was born Sept. 12, 1830. Matilda is the only one of the children living. She is the wife of Ezekiel Rooks, of Richland Co., Ohio. Julius married Alvira Steele, and by her had two children — Flora B. and Pearly J. His death was caused by consumption, and was much regretted through- out the neighborhood. Mr. Hills is a Demo- crat in politics, and an intelligent and enter- prising citizen. He takes an active part in all laudable enterprises, and much credit is due him for his libei'ality in assisting educa- tional affairs in his township. GEORGE HAM^IOND, farmer and stock- raiser; P. O. Tiro; was bom in Aubiun Town- ship, June 26, 1824, His parents were George and Sai-ah P. (Wliite) Harmnond. The father was born in Plymouth Co., Conn., and the mother in Massachusetts, where they were maiTied. From Ontario Co., N. Y., they came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in February, 1822. Here he bought 160 acres of land from a Mr. Clark, who had entered it some time before. This property is sitviated on the northwest quarter of Sec. 28, and is now owned by his son George. These parents had the following family: Albert, Alfred, Harvey, Nannie, George, Rowland and Sarah. Albert, Nannie and George are the only ones living of this family. The father died Dec. 30. 1868, and the mother April 4, 1840. Al- bert married Catharine Groesbeck, and lives in Williams Co., Ohio. Nannie is the wife of Cornelius L. Newkirk, and lives in Macon Co., Mo. George, Jr., passed his youthful days with his parents on the farm, going to school, etc. He was manned to Hannah A. Groesl^eck, Sept. 1, 1846, and by her had two children — Emma E., born April 27, 1847, married B. F. Crouse; Filmore, born June 9, 1849, and married Josephine Crouse. Mrs. Haimnond died Feb. 19, 1851. Mr. Hammond's second wife is Mary Lewis, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Masters) Lewis, to whom he was married March 22, 1855. By her he has two children — L-ene, born Sept. 27, 1856; she is the wife of T. S. Groesbeck, and lives in Co- lumbiana City, Ind.; Sarah, born Nov. 17, 1863; she is single, and lives at home with her parents. Mrs. Hammond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ham- mond is a Republican in politics, and is one of the best farmers of Auburn Township. JAIVIES HANNA, farmer; P. O. Tiro: was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 14. 1818: is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Duff) Hanna. The father was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1795, and the mother in the same county in 1794. They came to Belmont Co., Ohio,"March 25, 1818, and from there to Au- burn Township, Crawford Co., in 1819. Sam- uel Hanna, grandfather of James, entered the farm for his son in about 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are the parents of eight childi-en — James, Samuel, John, Margaret A., Eliza J., Archibald, Thomas and William. Of this family all are now dead except James, ]Mar- garet^ Ai-chibald and William. IVIr. Hanna departed this life June 22, 1862, followed by his wife March 11, 1875. Their daughter, Margaret is the wife of Andi-ew Dickson, and lives" in Vernon Township; Archibald married jMary Gribben, and lives in Hancock Co.; William married Mary A. Spangle, and also lives in Hancock Co. James was reared upon a farm. He secured but a limited education, owing to poor schools, and not having much time to attend them. He was married April 1, 1847, to Clarrissa Scott, daughter of Samuel and Catharine Scott, and by her had three 'A^ 866 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: children — Catharine, born Dec. 25, 1847; James M., born Jnne 27, 1851, and William S., born Aug. 31, 1857. The oldest married James Cahill, and lives in Aubiu-n Township; James married Harriet Chambers, and lives in Auburn Township; William is single, and lives at home with his parents. Mr. Hanna is a Republican in politics and a United Pres- byterian in religion. He owns 140 acres of excellent farming land, which is highly im- proved. The Hannas are among the best farmers and citizens in Crawford Co. CATHERINE A. HANNA, Tiro. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Penn., July 31, 1824. She is the daughter of John H. and Mary E. Hofman. Mr. Hof- man was educated for the ministry, as his father was before him, but, his health failing, he was compelled to* relinquish his studies. After this ho learned the jeweler's trade, which business he followed until his death. Mr. Hofman was born in Virginia, in 1708, and his wife in 1802. They were married in Chambersburg, Penn., in 1821, and to them were born eleven childi'en. The parents came to Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1826. It was here that Mrs. Hanna was reared and educated. On the 24th of November, 1844, she was united in marriage with Samuel Hanna, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Duff) Hanna, of whom appropriate mention is made in the biography of James Hanna, in this work. Mr. Hanna was born Sept. 22, 1820. His union with Miss Hofman bore the fruit of nine children — James J., John F., William L., Mary E., Clara A., Emma J., Charles E. and two others, twins, who died in infancy. James lives in Mansfield, and is a commercial traveler; he married Mary Anderson. John married Nettie V. Rankin, and lives in Hen- derson Co., 111. William L. married Serena Wilson, and lives on the old homestead with his mother. Mary is the wife of Lorenzo Blackman, and lives in Richland Co. Clara and Emma are single and live at home. Charles E. is single, lives at home, and will take charge of the farm in 1881. Mr. Hanna died Jan. 3, 1868. He was a man of kind and affectionate disposition; he had the confi- dence and good will of the people. His death called away a good man and a prominent citi- zen. The heirs own 79 acres of well-improved land, and all are well known and universally respected in the community. MRS. B. HANDLE Y, Tiro; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 5, 1835. She is a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Mundz) Staley. Her father was born in Grerniany, December, 1800, and her mother, in January, 1797. They were married in the United States, and came to Cranberry Townshi]:) in 1841. They were the parents of six children — Ann M., Christina C, Barbara S., Anna C, Frederick and Elizabeth. Ann, Christina and Anna are dead. Mrs. Handley's parents were farmers, and she was reared and educated in the county. On the 6th of December, 1856, she was united in marriage with John Handley, son of William and Jane (McDermott) Handley, who came to Sandusky Township in 1822. To this u.nion were born three children — Emma E., born Oct. 10, 1857 ; Cassius H., born July 8, I860; Jessie A., born Sept. 3, 18()3. Emma died Feb. 9, 1875. Cassius and Jessie are single and live with their mother in Auburn Township. Mr. Handley died in Cranberry Township Jan. 16, 1865. He was a man of good education, and of moral and upright character. The following is a copy of the resolutions adopted by the Sandusky Literary Association, on the death of Mr. Handley: '■Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Hand- ley, this society has lost an exemplary and influential member. As a member he was amiable, kind and coui'teous; he was a great humorist and a keen satirist; as a debater he excelled; as a citizen he ardently loved his country; he expended liberally in the sup- pression of the recent rel:)ellion; he was the soldier's fast friend. As an individual, he was honest and obliging; he was an affectionate husband and a kind father." In addition to the above, we could add that IVIi'. Handley was a man beloved by all who knew him, and no name could be better spoken of than that of John Handley. His family live in the little village of Mechanicsburg, where they are well known and highly respected by all who know them. ADAM HICtH. farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Plymouth; is a native of Germany, and was born August 18, 1827. His parents, ^ 920 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the hardware store of Henry Fry, in this village. For about five years they did business together under the firm name of H. Fry & Co., when, in 1873, the subject of this sketch bought the re- maining half interest of H. Fry, and, since then, lias been doing a ver^' prosperous business in his own name. He carries a very good and large assortment of everything in his line, both shelf and heavy hardware, such as is seldom equaled in much larger towns— a minimum es- timate of which would no doubt be about 14,000 in value. His well-deserved patronage is daily increasing, as he has in his line all that ife required in any farming communit}', and his patrons show their appreciation of honorable dealing by increased patronage and confidence. FRANCIS FRY, farmer; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; is the 3'oungest of the famil}^ of John H. and Catharine (Williamson) Fry, and was born near the village of Annapolis, May 13, 1848. He remained at home until nearly 22 years old. and received a good common-school education. He united his fortunes with those of Jennie, daughter of Lewis Perse, on (3ct. 27, 1869. She was born in this township Api'il 26, 1847. When she was quite young, her mother died, and she was reared by Charles Perse, her father's brother. They have five children — Charlie F., Myrtie C, Maudie 0., Laura J. and Katie. Mr. Fry owns 80 acres of well-improved land in a beautiful location, to which he moved in November, 1870. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Frj^ is a member of the Knights of Honor, Liberty Lodge, No. 845. GEORGE FACKLER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy rus ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., April 11, 1835. His eai'ly life was spent on the farm, but after he was of age he traveled around considerably, and, in 1868, located in Erie Co., Ohio, where he resided for several years. He married Hannah Bever, in 1869. She was born in Crawford Co. May 4, 1845. They have two children — J. Melton and Ervin. Mr. Fackler owns 40 acres of good land to which they moved in 1872. He enlisted in the Regulars during the late rebellion, but served a short time. Mrs. Faekler's father was a native of Vii'ginia, and her mother of Pennsylvania, and they were among the early settlers of this county. REUBEN FLOHR (deceased), was born in Frederick Co., Md., May 18, 1813. His father, Leonard, and mother, Rachel (Smith) Flohr, were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved with their family of seven children to Frederick Co., Md., and during their residence there which was only about a3'ear, their eighth child, Reuben was born. The family all returned to Pennsjdvania again and located in Adams Co., where our sub- ject spent the early part of his youth. When about 15 years of age, he began to learn the milling business in Franklin Co., and after serv- ing his apprenticeship he spent several 3'ears there at his trade. He moved from Penn- sylvania to Ohio and settled in Stark Co. in 1837, where he found ready employment at his profession. On May 9, 1839, he united his for- tunes with those of Catharine Correll ; and, in September, 1842, they moved to Crawford Co. and located on and purchased 72 acres of the farm where Mrs. Flohr resides ; afterward pur- chased 25 acres more, making in all 97 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, where Mrs. Flohr is passing her advanced 3'ears in the enjoyment of all the temporal blessings need- ful. She was born in Adams Co., Penn., Aug. 20, 1818 ; her father, John, and her mother, Eli- zabeth (Linne) Correll, were both natives of Maryland, and were married there, but subse- quently moved to Penns3'lvania and thence to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834." Mrs. Flohr was the fourth in a famil}- of twelve children, and is her- self the mother of eleven, seven of whom are living, viz., Malinda, Oliver, Aaron, Carolina, Madison, Jefferson and Franklin ; three died in childhood. John and Oliver enlisted in the late rebellion on Aug. 19, 1862, in Co. C, 101st 0. V. I. They passed along safely until the 20th of September, 1 863, the second da}- of the conflict at Chickamauga, where, it is believed, John fell, like so many of his noble comrades, as that was the last ever seen of him while par- ticipating in that fatal engagement. And although no sculptor's art decorates or even marks the individual spot where his dust may rest, to the bereft there stands a nobler and more lasting monument ; that is, the knowledge of the fact that his blood constituted part of the sea, which was seemingly necessary to remove from this nations history of its darkest page — slavery. Oliver served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged June, 1865, and returned home without receiving a sci'atch. Malinda is now the widow of the late William Kessler, of De Kalb Co., Ind. ; Oliver and Aaron are both living in Sandusky Township, this ■7I" LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 921 count}' ; Carolina is now Mrs. George P. How- ell ; Madison, Jefferson and Franklin make their iiome with their mother. Mr. Flohr was called from scenes temporal April 1, 1878. ABRAHAM GROGG, farmer ; P.O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Oct. 9, 1809. His father, Solomon, and mother, Mary (Snyder) Grogg, were both natives of the " Key- stone State." They reared eiglit children, viz., John, Abraham, Solomon, Jacob, George, Daniel, Peter and Catharine. While in Pennsylvania they were farmers, and, intent on securing laud of their own, the parents, with their two eldest children, John and Abraham, moved to Ohio, and settled about three miles northeast of Can- ton, Stark Co., as early as 1810. They were in limited circumstances, and the older children had to do for themselves when the}' grew up to maturit}'. The family being large, and school privileges ver}' poor, the older ones had but little time or opportunity for improvement in that direction. Abraham, the second of the childi'en, remained at home, and worked steadily on the farm until he attained his majority. He was married to Ann Bower in November, 1838. She was born in Stark Co., this State, Nov. 9, 1815. For two years afterward, he worked at whatever odd jobs he cotdd get, and thereby saved a little money, and moved to Crawford Co. in February, 1836, and bought 30 acres, where he now resides. At the same time, he owned 120 acres of Government lands in Chat- field Township. It was no trifling task to clear up a farm, and, when cleared of the heav}' timber, he had no implements to till the soil with. Yet, he never failed to produce a very good substi- tute for every want of the farm or household — from a plow to a pair of boots or shoes. For many years in the early settlement of the country, his mechanical skill added materially to the comfort of himself and famil}', when they would have been unable to pay for the sei'vices of a mechanic, and, frequently, such service could not be secured at anj- price within reason- able distance. He has succeeded in the accumu- lation of property, and has a valuable as well as beautiful homestead of 154 acres, besides having given to each of his children a good start ; one tract of 160 acres, in Sandusky Township ; one of 98 acres, and another of 80 acres, in this township. He has divided among his children, in lands and money, to the amount of $20,000 or upward. They have had eleven children, five of whom are living, viz., Daniel, Amos, Sarah, now Mrs. George Ambrosier ; Frances, now Mrs. D. 0. Crum, and Jemima, now jMrs. Samuel Sturtz, who farms Mr. Grogg's homestead, and receives for his share half the entire product. He was born in Fayette Co., Penn.. Nov. 15, 1850, and came here with his father's family in March, 1869. His mother died when he was about 9 years old, leaving five children, viz., Joseph, Susan, Samuel, Lizzie and Freeman. His father, Solomon Sturtz, mar- ried a second wife, and, by that union, there are three children — two girls and a bo}' — Samuel, who was married to Jemima Grogg. They have two children — Carrie M. and Phinney. Mr. Grogg has been a member of the United Brethren Church for over thirtj'-seven years. His wife is also a member of the same church. JACOB D. HELLER, farmer; P.O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Nov. 28, 1801. His father, John Heller, was married three times ; his first wife being Susana Bord- ner. They were both natives of Pennsylvania, and had only two children — Jacob D. and John, who is now in Ogle Co., III. Mrs. Heller died when her two l:)oys were quite young. Mr. Heller's second wife had two children — Rebecca and Sarah, and she also died when her children were quite 3'oung, Mr. Heller married a third wife, b}' whom there was one child, Thomas, who died in Pennsylvania. Jacob D. was the oldest one of the family, and was onl}' about eight years old when his mother was taken away by death ; he lived with his fatlier until about 24 years of age, when he married Mar- garet Daniel in March, 1825; she was born in Dauphin Co., Penn.. in February, 1805. Shortly after they were married, they rented a farm in Penns3dvania, and rented various places for a period of twelve 3'ears ; when they concluded to go to some less populous settlement in the West, where their rapidl}' increasing family would have better facilities for making homes for themselves, and where he could as well secure a home for all. With this resolution in view, they set out, and arrived in Crawford Co., Ohio, in May 1836. They came through with a two-horse team, the family consisting of par- ents and nine children when they came here, which, in due season, was increased b}" four more. Mr. Heller chose the location where he resides to this da}- ; there he purchased 77 acres, and of that there had been 10 acres par- 1<\1 :i (S__ [^ 922 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tially cleared when he bought it. Himself and sons went to work clearing, but never added much in acres, to the first purchase, although they made a comfortable home by improving what they did have. They had thirteen chil- dren — Isaac, Amanda (deceased), John (now in Williams Co.), Elizabeth (deceased), Sarah (de- ceased), Josiah (now in Iowa), Edward (in Defi- ance Co.), Jacob (in Iowa), William (in Paul- ding Co.), Polly (in Bucyrus), Andrew (de- ceased), Catharine A. (in Williams Co.), and Lewis, who resides with his father, and farms the place ; he was married to Nancy Rock, April 5, 1878. She was born in this township, and has borne him two children — Albert and Edna. Three sons of Mr. Heller participated in the late rebellion ; Jacob enlisted in Com- pany C, 490 0. V. I., and served over three years ; Edward enlisted from Defiance County, where he was then living ; William enlisted from Nevada, Wyandot Co., where he was re- siding at that time. JOHN HETRICK, carpenter. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 28, 1841. His father, Michael, and mother. Polly Hecdard, were both natives of Pennsylvania. They reared five boys and two girls, viz., John, Michael, Jacob, George, Phillip, Elizabeth and Mary. They all moved here in 1855, and set- tled near Leesville, where they bought a small farm and lived there about three years, when they moved to Van Wert, and thence to Card- ington. Morrow Co. John was the eldest one of the family, and learned the carpenter's ti'ade with his father by the time he was 18 years old. He then hired out by the month with another carpenter, worked two years, and afterward be- gan business for himself, and has worked at the trade ever since. He also learned the cooper's trade, and opened a shop in the village of Sul- phur Springs, where he does considerable busi- ness in the fall ; and, although his business is not so extensive that he has to employ labor, yet he certainly enjoys the reputation of doing good, substantial work. He was married on Nov. 7, 1861, to Augusta Baldassar ; she was born in Ohio, Jul> 24, 1845. They have five children living, viz., William, Jacob. Mary J., Franklin and John. CHARLES HEIBERTSH AUSEN, boots and shoes. Sulphur Springs; was born Dec. 6, 1835, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany ; when about 19 years of age, he resolved to tr}^ his fortune in the United States. He left his native land Aug. 12, 1854, and landed in New York Oct. 24 of the same year. On his arrival, he went to Fat- erson, N. J., where he obtained employment at his trade, but only worked a few days, when he set out for Pittsburgh, Penn. He got emplo}'- ment there, and remained six months, when he conceived the idea that he could do better fur- ther West, and, starting for Ohio, he came to Bucyrus in 1855, and, being unable to get work at his trade, took the first job which offered, that being on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. for one month. He then hired on a brick-yard, and worked there two months ; at the expiration of that time, he got employment at his trade, with one Reick, and sta3-ed there about nine months. He then came to this village and began woi'k for Conrad Baltser, in April, 1856, and worked for him until the following February, when he opened a shop on his own account and pushed his business steadily. He has made as many as nine or ten pairs of boots per week, and has frequently made six pairs of shoes and six paii's of boots in one week. Anxious to supply and accommodate his growing patronage, he has worked many nights to fill orders which were crowding in upon him. In this, as in other cases, industry brought her gracious reward, for, although he landed in Pittsburgh with $1 in his pocket in 1855, he is now enjoying the comforts of a good home and property in town, besides 85 acres of well-improved land in San- dusky Township. The competition in his trade is different now from what it used to be ; for when he came here there were six shops in the village, employing ten men, beside, three good shops in the country, near town. Now there are three shops, and one man in each supplies the entire demand for home-made work. On April 20, 1860, he married Louisa La3'er, who was born in this township Dec. 4, 1837. Her par- ents emigrated from Germany in the summer of the same year. They have four children living — Emanuel, Franklin, Emma and Clara ; two deceased — Charles and Edward. Mr. Heiberts- hausen is a member of Libertv Lodge, Knights of Honor, No. 845. CHRISTIAN HIEBER, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born in AVurtemberg, Germany, Nov. 7, 1836. His father, John Gr., and his mother, Fredrieka (Shnarrenberger) Hieber, were both natives of the same place. They emigrated from Germany with four of their "x! LIBEETY TOWNSHIP. 923 five children to the United States in 1854 ; the oldest son, John, had been here about two years before the rest of the family. They came direct to Ohio and settled in Liberty Town- ship of this count}', and bought 80 acres of good land. The family was in good financial circumstances in Germany, and brought a con- siderable quantity of cash with them, which was a material help to them here. The names of all the children are as follows : John, Chris- tian, Fredrick, Christina and William. Shortly after they came here, their father met with a serious accident ; while descending the stair- way into the cellar, he fell, breaking his wrist, which disabled him for life. He lived to see his family all in homes of their own, and was called away in 1872 ; his wife still sui'vives and lives on the old homestead with William, in her 73d year. The oldest son, John, moved to Illinois and bought a farm there, and about eighteen or nineteen years ago he wrote to his folks in Ohio, that he was going to sell out and come back to Crawford Co.; since the sale of his propert}', there has never been an}' ac- count of him heard to this day, and all inquiry as to his probable fate has proved futile. Christian got his education in Germany, but learned to read readily in English. Jan. 25, 1866, he married Christina Wagner ; she was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in Februar}^, 1838, and came to Crawford Co. in 1856. Mr. Hieber had purchased 60 acres, some time be- fore he was married, to which he and his wife repaired, and when they had lived on it one year he sold to his brother and bought the 80 acres where he now resides, and has added, by purchase, until he owns in all 192 acres of good land. They are all industrious, and a spirit of enterprise prevails in the Hieber family, not- withstanding their quiet, unassuming disposi- tion. Mr. Hieber has five children — John G., Mary L., Lydia F., Annie and Sarah B. WILLIAM HIEBER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; is the youngest son of John G. and Fred- ricka Hieber. He was born in September, 1850, in Wurtembei'g, Germany, and was scarcely 4 years old when his parents emi- grated to this countr}^ His early life was spent on his father's farm ; he got a fair edu- cation in the English language, as he was too young to have been at school in Germany. As stated, his father died in October, 1872, and, therefore, the care of the farm devolved on him, who was then the only one of the fam- ily- who was at home. There are 79^ acres which belong to the homestead, and which he farms for his aged mother who lives on the same. He united his fortunes with those of Elizabeth, daughter of David Lust, on April 5, 1877. The}' have two children — George D. and Matilda E. Mrs. Hieber was born in Ly- kens Township, June 14, 1857. F. HIEBER, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; he was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 21, 1841, and is a son of John G. and Fred- rika (Shnarrenberger) Hieber, whose sketch is included with Christian's. Our subject was brought up to farm life, acquiring what edu- cation he has in Germany, and attended En- ghsh school here about two months, which constituted his schooling in this country. He purchased 60 acres of good land in the spring of 1867, and on March 24 of that year, he united his fortune with Lydia, daughter of Rev. Fredrick Lust ; she was born in Lykens Town- ship April 13, 1849. Her father came from Germany when quite young. When Mr. Hieber was married, he repaired to his farm of 60 acres ; and since that time he has added by purchase, until he now owns 193 acres of good land. They have eight children, viz.: Fredrick, Sam- uel, Lizzie, Benjamin, Joseph, Jacob, Sarah and Isaac. Mr. Hieber has succeeded admirably in his farming pursuits. ANDREW HESS (deceased); was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in May, 1806, and when a young man learned the carpenter's trade in his native State. On April 9, 1833, he united his fortunes with Mary Hemry. She was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1814 ; but came to Crawford County with her parents in 1830. Mr. Hess came to the county the fol- lowing year, and, as the above dates show, he was in this township about two years before he was married. They moved where Mrs. Hess is now living, the same spring in which they were married. They had twelve children, ten of whom are living — Delilah, William, Henry, Isaac, Nancy J., Lydia A., Mary A., Margaret E., Francis M. and John A. Two of their sons, Henry and Isaac, enlisted during the late re- bellion. Henry, in the 49th 0. V. I., and Isaac in a Michigan Cavalry Regiment, as he was re- siding in that State at the time he enlisted. At the engagement of " Dallas Hill " on May 25, 1864, Henry was seriously wounded ; a ■l^ 924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: musket ball entered his right breast a little be- low the collar-bone, ranged slightly downward, and emerged immediately below the shoulder blade of the same side ; he served in all about four years. At the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged, and re- turned to his home in Crawford County. He has since removed to Michigan, where he is now living. Delilah, William. Lydia A. and Mary A. are also living in Michigan. Marga- ret E. is now Mrs. Sweney, of this township. Francis M. married Alice Bower ; they live on the old homestead, and he assists his brother John in farming the place, which contains 136 acres of good land. Mr. Hess was called away by death Dec. 28, 1875. Mrs. Hess is spend- ing her advanced years in the enjoyment of the fruits of their early industry. REV. GIDEON HOOVER, minister and farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Washington Co., Md., Nov. 19, 1828. He is one of a family of ten children of Henry and Elizabeth (Puffenberger) Hoover, who were both natives of the same State. When Gid- eon, our subject, was about two years old, they moved from Maryland to Ohio and settled in Richland Co., in 1830. There his parents resided until death asserted its never-failing claim. The names of the children were as fol- lows : Daniel, Catharine, Samuel, Elias, Lydia, Simon, Gideon, Martha, Milinda and Betsy ; and of these, Elias and Betsy are 'deceased. Mr. Gideon Hoover's youth was spent on the farm and attending school during the winter months ; but on account of the limited financial circumstances of his parents and their large family, it was impossible to give all of them such opportunity as is now afforded by the public schools of to-day. But meager as the chances for education were, he made the most of his time, and in the event secured a more liberal education than the average of that early date. April 24, 1851, he was united in mar- riage to Nancy Teter. She was born in Wayne Co., Ohio. April 28, 1829. They lived on and worked his father's farm for about two years after they were married. He then began read- ing and occasionally preaching, preparatory to the ministry, which he continued three years, which is the time required by the United Brethren Church before a charge is given. On Oct. 25, 1857, in the Sandusky Annual Con- ference, held at Carey, Wyandot Co., he was duly ordained a minister of the United Breth- ren in Christ. His first charge was the Shiloh Circuit, which embraced Shelby and a number of country appointments, in which he oflficiated three years. (Their appointments are made for one year onl}'. but, at the option of Pastor and people, they may legally retain a minister three years.) His second charge was at Upper San- dusky, where he preached two years ; he was then transferred to the Shelby Circuit, where he remained one year. His fourth charge was on the Bucyrus Circuit, for a period of two years. He then got the Flat Rock Circuit, in Seneca Co. ; from there he was returned to the Bucy- rus Circuit for one year ; thence to Shiloh for one year ; thence to the Crestline Mission one year ; thence to Gallon one year ; thence to Seneca Circuit, near Batesville, where he preached one year. He was then without a charge for several months, but was then ap- pointed to the Pleasant Ridge Circuit, in Wy- andot Co., on account of their minister f:\iling : there he preached eight months. At the An- nual Conference this fall, he Avas returned to the Flat Rock Circuit, in Seneca Co. He is in good financial circumstances, which is the re- sult of his own industry. In 1864, he pur- chased a farm of 60 acres in Sandusk^^ Town- ship, to which he has since added 80 acres more ; and now owns 40 acres where he resides, on which he is erecting an elegant two-storj- frame dwelling, to supply the loss which he sustained in May, 1880. by his residence, with almost all its contents, lieing consumed by fire. They have had a family of ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., John, Moses, Lovina, Alice, Lincoln, Franklin, Henr}- and Lotty. Two deceased ai'e Aaron and Amos. Mr. Hoover is a radical Prohibitionist and takes a lively interest in everything which tends to promulgate that sentiment. His was one of two votes polled in Sandusky Township in 1876 for that faction. REUBEN HOPPEL. ftirmer ; P.O. Bucyrus; was born in Northampton Co.. Penn., Aug. 18, 1818. The Hoppel family are descended from one Henry Hoppel, who emigrated from France and settled in Pennsylvania man}' years before the Revolution. He was a single man when he came here, but afterward married and reared a famll}' of seven children, four boys and three gii'ls, viz., Barbara, Sophia, Simon, John, Sallie, Henry and George. The two oldest boys, Si- ^c LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 925 mon and John, enlisted in the Revolutionary war, and soon after the conflict began these boys were lost track of by their folks, and were never more heard of. George, the young- est one (the father of our subject), was married in Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Cester, and reared a family of ten children, viz., Catharine. Eliza- beth. Jacob, Adam, Cxeorge, Charles, Anna, Reuben, Aaron and Frana. Their lather died when the younger ones were quite small, and Reuben hired out by the month when about 15 years old, and worked steadil_y on the farm. Dec. 25, 1840, he married Christina Teel. She was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1821. He had purchased 121 acres on credit, and moved to it as soon as he got a cabin erected. It was all woods, and without any improvement, but by diligent toil the heavy timber yielded to the continuous wielding of the ax, and ere-long he was living in comfortable circumstances. They sold out their farm in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford Co., in April 1856. They had four children, viz., Annie (deceased), Effie (deceased). Jerry and Emma A. (the lat- ter is Mrs. A. B. Charlton). He purchased 109 acres in this township, where the}' lived about seven years, and, in April, 1864, they came to his present farm of 320 acres, on the Broken Sword, for which he paid $13,000. On May 28 of that same jear, ^Irs. Hoppel died, and, Oct. 1, 1865, he married Mar}- McMichael (a daugh- ter of Matthew, who was a son of Daniel Mc- Michael, who was the first setter in this town- ship). By this union there are three children — Ida, Ruben and Ada. In 1877, Mr. Hoppel removed the old brick residence, which was on his premises since 1833, and replaced it by a commodious and substantial two-stor}' brick structure, at a cost of $2,300, besides his own labor, and much material, which was on the place, and went into the new house. He has 240 acres of good laud and well improved, after giving his son 80 acres. Jerry Hoppel married Martha Shieber Feb. 6, 1873. They have two children — Murtie E. and Otis M. W. H. HISE, farmer; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born July 25, 1818, in York Co., Penn., the son of John and Eve (Kunckle) Hise, who were both natives of Penns^dvania ; but his grand- fathers, both Hise and Kunckle, were natives of Hesse, Germany, and came to this country as soldiers in the British arm}' of the Revolu- tion. (Britain had, in those days, many Hes- sian soldiers, and many of them were sent to participate in the Revolutionary conflict with the Colonies.) Hise and Kunckle participated in one engagement against the States, and, at the close of that attack, the}' deserted the Brit- ish ranks, but did not shrink from fear of dan- ger, or leave the battle-field for more comforta- ble quarters, but immediately joined Washing- ton's troops, and continued to do service with the American soldiers till the close of the war. Many of the Hessians, their acquaintances, who were in the British army, were taken prisoners at the battle of Stillwater, and likewise volun- teered their services to the Colonial force. After the close of the Revolution, Hise and Kunckle pushed their way to York Co., Penn. There they settled, and turned their attention to farm- ing, and lived to an advanced age. Hise, the Hessian of Revolutionary fame, reared four sons. One of them — John, and father of our subject — ^reared a family of seven children, thx'ee of whom were born in Pennsylvania, and the four youngest in Crawford Co., Ohio. They settled in Jackson Township Oct. 20, 1824. The family afterward moved to Whetstone Township, where the old gentleman died in the spring of 1836. His widow married Samuel Lare, but he has since died, and she still sur- vives at the advanced age of 82 years. When W. H. Hise was quite young, he learned the shoemaker's trade and opened a shop in Galion, being one of the first industries of the kind in that place, where he worked two years, then moved back to his father's in Jackson Town- ship and remained at home for some time, and, in 1832, he opened a shop in Bucyrus, where he remained three years, then moved to Sulphur Springs for about one year, thence to Whetstone Township, where his time and attention were divided between farming and working at his trade, from 1836 until 1844. On March 13. 1845, he married Isabella Ridgley. She was born in Wayne Co., Ohio. July 15, 1818, and came here with her parents, who settled in Jack- son Townsliip, this county, when she was about 6 weeks old. Mr. and Mrs. Hise are parents of seven children, six of whom are living — John W., A. H., S. A., Sarah C, Marie R., Norah B.; one deceased — Molly. They own 95 acres of good and well-improved land, which he pur- chased in 1858, at the same time carrying on his shop work a little south of his present res- idence, where he has earned and laid, by his un- l^ 926 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ceasing industry, the basis of his comfortable home, as he was actually in debt over $100 when he was married, and no means of any con- sequence within his control. Since 1871, he has devoted his attention to his farm, seldom doing anything at his trade. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1865, and served three terms, in which office he is now holding his fourth term. He has been Township Treasurer six years ; also held the office of Township Trustee for several 3'ears. J. A. KLINK, farmer; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 29, 1824. His parents, John Gr. and Cath- arine Klink, emigrated, with their three children — Catharine, J. A. and J. G. — to this country in 1828 ; after a long, severe passage, they ar- rived in New York. They pushed their way westward by canal or other available convey- ance, until they arrived in Columbiana Co., Ohio, where they stopped, as it was then the approach of winter, and they had no means to carry them further, as their all was expended. Their father had been in good circumstances in Germany, but lost all his property by going se- curity for a milling firm which failed, and when he sailed from Germany, it was onl^' by the lib- eral and generous aid of relatives and friends that he was enabled to bring his family along ; consequently, he had nothing left when they got here. Mr. Klink, Sr., found employment in Columbiana Co., and worked there through the winter, and in the spring of 1829 he had saved enough to purchase a pair of oxen and an old cart. He packed his family in the cart, and set out for Crawford Co. They settled in Liberty Township in the woods, and soon after he en- tered 80 acres, paying for it with a little money which remained, and two watches. His family got the shelter of a cabin of some one who had settled there a short time before them, until a log cabin could be erected on their own location, which was hastily and roughly done. When they had lived here about two years, another member was added to the family by the birth of J. D. They seemed to prosper nicely, but had many inconveniences to bear with in the new and unsettled country. Their cattle would stray off through the unbounded forest, and on several occasions, the oldest boy (John A.), when a mere lad, lost his way when sent in search of them ; once, overtaken by the shades of night, he was unable to get back or find any way out, and after wandering until exhausted, he crept into a hollow tree and remained until daylight. Search was instituted b}' his parents and the neighboring settlers, who were unsuc- cessful in meeting with him, and were about to give up the search, supposing he had been killed by wolves, when, to their surprise, he came home. On a similar occasion, he found an Indian camp, at which he stayed all night and was well treated by them, and m the morn- ing one started with him to conduct him home. When they arrived at Klink's cabin, the Indian assured Mr. Klink, if they ever found his bo}', they would neither let him get lost nor injure him. About the time that thej' were getting things in shape to enjoy themselvss and live comfortably, Mrs. Klink died. Mr. Klink mar- ried a second wife, Katie Deppler ; she was a native of Germany, and came here with her people, ^y this union there were two children — Mary and Hosy, who finally married and moved to Henry Co. Mr. Klink, Sr., died on his farm (which is now owned by I. Klopfen- stein), on Feb. 25. 1853. John A. remained with his father until of age ; he worked early and late on the farm, and had no opportunit}' of attending schools, as there were none in the neighborhood when he was small, and soon as he was able to work his services were consid- ered too important at home. He married Melis- sa Kohlman, March 8. 1848, and that year they moved on to a farm of 110 acres, which was all woods, and which Mr. Klink had bought some time before he was married, with $200 which he had earned by chopping. He worked un- ceasingly, and was very economical, and he is now among the ablest farmers of Crawford Co. In about eight years after he was married, he began to make other purchases of land, and has kept on increasing his broad acres, from time to time, until he now owns 940 acres (ex- cept 4 acres, which he sold off), of as good land as there is in the county, and in an excellent state of cultivation, with very good buildings. Of these 936 acres, 780 acres are in one contin- uous tract, lying in the corners of three adjoin- ing townships. His first team was a yoke of oxen, with which he did a great part of the log- ging in this neighborhood ; he used cattle for his work for about fifteen years. All he ever received from home was $260, after his father's death ; his start in business was the proceeds of his work by the month and days' labor, which he J^ LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 929 saved careful!}^ ; now they enjo}' the possession of one of the best farms of this county. They had twelve children — Mary M., now wife of B. Jacobs ; Carolina, now wife of John Shieber ; John H., married Jennie Feighner, and farms the Lykens Township place ; Henry is farming 80 acres in Chatfield Township — his wife is Flora Feighner ; Adam, Daniel, Solomon, Will- iam, Emma, Melissa and Charles are single, and reside with their parents ; also, one boy, who died in childhood. The whole family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Klink was born in Prussia Dec. 22, 1832, and came to this country with her parents when 4 years old. Her father, Daniel Kohlman, came here with three children, viz. : Catharine, Charles and Melissa ; the boy died when they had been here about three years. CHARLES KEPLINaER, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in York Co., Penn., Feb. 2, 1809. His father, Daniel Keplinger, was also a native of Pennsylvania. He married Annie M. Leister, of Maryland. After their marriage they settled on a farm. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Jacob, Hannah, Sarah, Polly, L3'dia, Charles, Daniel and Cath- arine. They all moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1825, except Hannah, who, with her husband, followed a year and a half later, and in the spring of 1827 they moved to a farm which they purchased in Stark Co., where the childi'en grew up to maturity-, and began to " strike out " for themselves. On account of the delicate condition of their father's and old- est brother's health, Charles was obliged to render all the assistance in his power, from the time he was 11 years old. Almost the entire care of his father's farm was left to him, consequently he got no chance of attending school. He remained at home until 24 years of age, and on Dec. 24, 1833, was united in marriage with Sarah Wersthler. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 9, 1813. They lived with his father and farmed the homestead for three years. They then moved to the farm of his father-in-law (Greorge Wersth- ler), where they farmed three years. In the meantime, his father (Daniel Keplinger) died ; therefore they moved back to care for the old homestead, and lived on it one and a half years. He purchased 160 acres of his present farm in August, 1839, and moved to it, arriving here on the 3d day of November, 1840. The farm was all under wood and without any improve- ments of any kind when he purchased it ; by the time they get here there was a log cabin erected by one John Werner, under contract. The roof was on, but the cabin was yet unten- antable, so his wife and little ones got shelter in the house of his brother-in-law, Jacob H. Sells, who had been here several j^ears, until their own cabin was fixed up so thej^ could live in it. The}' were in poor circumstances, financially, as all they possessed was one team, and were $150 in debt on their land. They worked hai'd, and by unceasing energy and industrious habits of himself and noble wife, they have secured a competence of this world's goods. They built a substantial and commodious brick residence in 1857, and besides his well-improved farm here, he owns 320 acres in Nebraska. They had eleven children, eight of whom are living — Mary A., wife of Isaac Kinney, of Indiana ; Josiah, in this township ; Emanuel, in Nebras- ka ; William E., in this township ; Daniel E. and Jacob W., also in Nebraska ; George W. and Emma at home with their parents. Three children, two girls and one boy, died here of scarlet fever, which was epidemic shortly after they came to this count3^ The second year of their residence here, Mr. Keplinger was elected Township Trustee, and served several years, and then Township Clerk for two years ; was re-elected Trustee, and held the office several years. He was then elected Township Treas- urer for two years, and when one j^ear had elapsed after his term had expired, he was elected to the same office and served ninej^ears. In 1860, he was elected Land Appraiser, and officiated in the same capacity' in 1870. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1846, for one term, and on account of his own business interests, which demanded his undivided atten- tion, he refused to serve any longer in that office. In 1859, he was elected Count}' Com- missioner, and held that office until December, 1865, and in the fall of 1875, he was again elected County Commissioner, and is now serv- ing on his second term. Although his school education was deficient, he acquired a good, practical, business education through his pow- ers of quick perception and varied experience. Almost continuously, since his residence in the county, he has been, in some capacit}', faith- fully serving the public. In 1862, his son Emanuel enlisted in Co. H, 123d 0. Y. I., and ±'* fk 930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: served until the close of the war. He received three wounds — once through the calf of the right leg, and was shot througii the right foot, the ball entering in his heel, passed through his foot lengthwise, emerging between the sec- ond and third toes ; the third was less serious, though none the less dangerous, as it came closer to more important organs of life ; in this case a ball grazed the top of his ear so closely that it bled, but luckly from this he sustained a mere scratch. JOHN KAFER, farmer; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 13, 1812. His father Michael, and mother Elizabeth (Klienknecht) Kafer, with their seven children — Mar}', Jacob, Catharine, John, Fred- rick, Rosey and Christiana — emigrated from the old country in 1832, and in the spring of 1833, came to Crawford Co., Ohio. The}^ purchased 80 acres in this township, which one of the family now owns ; this served as a home for all the family until they began to drop off, one by one, into homes of their own. The old folks still remained on their first location, until removed by death a few years ago. Mr. John Kafer remained in the parental home for some time after he was of age. He then thought best to make a beginning on his own account, and prudently secured a housekeeper, who would take a life interest in his affairs. She was named Elizabeth Hamm, and they were married March 22, 1838 ; she was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1818. While yet in limited pecuniary circumstances, they enjoyed their lot; but erelong that mutual enjoyment was crushed by the death of Mrs. Kafer ; she left one child, Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Adam Durr. Mr. Kafer married a second wife, Fredrecka Layer, on March 15, 1841. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Nov. 29, 1821, and came to the United Stateswith her parents (Christian and Catharine Layer), when about 15 years old. In 1839, Mr. Kafer bought 80 acres of the farm where he resides, and has lived there ever since ; he is unlike many, in that he has not only been able to barely hold on to his first purchase of 80 acres, but by his unceasing labor and economy, has added, by various pur- chases, until he now owns 319 acres of good land, and lives a quiet unassuming life, enjoy- ing the fruits of his early industry. His chil- dren by the second marriage are Mary A., wife of Daniel Pfleiderer ; Carolina, wife of Fred Heiby ; Catharine, wife of Jacob Ackerman ; Louisa C, at home with her parents ; Rosy, wife of Phillip Heiby ; Jacob S. and Emma R., at home. They are members of the Lutheran Church. SAMUEL B. KOONS, farmer; P. 0. Sul- phur Springs ; was born in Sandusky Town- ship, this county, Nov. 17, 1840. He is the son of Abraham and Jane (Mills) Koons. His father was born in Pennsylvania June 16, 1783, and, when a young man, he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for many years, besides owning a farm. He was twice married, first to Susan Shrader, b}' which union there were thirteen children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and reared fami- lies of their own ; they were Margaret, Daniel, John, Charlotte. Susan and Abraham. After about twenty-four years of married life, his first wife died. April 15, 1830, he married Jane Mills, who is his surviving widow ; she was born in Marjdand July 1, 1812 ; of her father's family there were seven children left to do for themselves when quite young. Mrs. Koons was taken by a famil}^ to rear, and they moved to Pennsylvania when she was about 5 years old. There she grew to womanhood, and, as stated above, was married to Mr. Koons. Notwithstanding he was much her senior, they got along the very best. Two years after their marriage, the}^ came to Ohio, first settling in Richland Co. in the spring of 1832, and, in the spring of 1839, they sold out and moved into Sandusky Township, this county, where they purchased 160 acres, and afterward added 37^ more. In the course of time, there were four- teen children born to his second wife, twenty- seven children in his family in all, as his first wife was mother of thirteen, seven of whom died in childhood ; but the fourteen of the sec- ond marriage are all living and doing well, the youngest about 26 years old. Their names and present residences are as follows : William L., in Fulton Co., Ind.; Annie E., in Crestline, at the millinery business ; Mary M., in Kansas — was married to R. Armstrong ; he was killed by a runaway team ; Sarah J., now Mrs. Moore, of Lansing, Mich.; David S., farming in Han- cock Co. ; Martha E., is married to Rev. James M. Roberts, a missionary in New Mexico ; Samuel B., in this township ; Harriet, Mrs. James Stevenson, of Annapolis ; Ben. F., is now pursuing his studies at Yale College, r?r ;rv LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 931 New Haven, Conn.; R. Catharine is on mission- ary work among the freedmen of Mississippi, and teacher in Tougaloo College, near Jackson, Miss.; R. Porter, is a physician in Kansas: Oliver H., is studying music in Philadelphia ; F. Mills, is studying in Oberlin, Ohio ; Joanna is married and living in Illinois. Mr. Koons, Sr., died March 22, 1869, and, after the settlement of the estate and several unimportant changes, Mrs. Koons got herself a comfortable residence in the village, where she is spending the remain- ing years of her life quietly and alone. Samuel B. received a common-school education, besides one term in Obei'lin ; his time bej'ond school hours was occupied on the farm until Aug. 15, 1861 ; at that date he enlisted in Co. C, 49th 0. V. I., and participated in several of the deadly engagements of the war, viz., Shiloh, Liberty Gap, Stone River (and at the close of that engagement he was promoted to Sergeant), Chickamauga and Mission Ridge ; in the latter conflict, Nov. 19, 1863, he sustained a serious injury b}' being struck on the back of the head by a piece of wood which formed a partition between the powder and ball in the construction of cannon cartridges, from one of their own guns, which was firing OA'er them. From the effects of this wound he lay insensible for eighteen days. After a month's hospital care, he was able to come home on a furlough, and remained about two months. When his regi- ment was re-enlisted, he went in the Atlanta campaign as far as Buzzard's Roost ; his tei'm of enlistment had then expired, and he was dis- charged Sept. 5, 1864. He then came home to Crawford Co., and, on Nov. 17 of the same year, he was mai'ried to Margaret Stevenson ; she was born in Seneca Co. March 27, 1845. For three years, he worked his father's fjirm, and, in the spring of 1868, they pui'chased the farm of 71 acres where they now live. Mrs. Koons' parents came to live with them, and here her father died Aug. 16, 1871, but her mother is still with them at the advanced age of 73 years. On account of his wound received in the army, which affects him seriously if he takes the least cold, he draws a pension of $8 per month. They have a family of five chil- dren — Clarence A., Virgil C, Sarah J., Maggie M. and Samuel R. ISAAC KLOPFENSTEIN, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Polk Township, this county, March 10, 1837. His father, Abraham, was twice married ; by his first wife there were four children — Susan, John, Elizabeth and Abraham ; the three younger ones emigrated with their father from Switzerland to Canada in 1829. Susan re- mained in their native countr3^ Mr. Klopfen- stein was a widower, and when he settled in Canada he married Elizabeth Reiter, who came from Switzerland when he did. They built a cabin in the woods and bought some land and were getting along nicely. A brother in Swit- zerland wrote to x\braham in Canada, that he was about to start for the United States, and would prefer to see him there. John came from Switzerland to Crawford Co., and Abra- ham from Canada, they located in Polk Town- ship, where the latter entered 200 acres in 1833 ; and brought his youngest son, b}- first wife, along, leaving John and Elizabeth on the property in Canada. Abraham w^ent to Buftalo, N. Y., where he took sick and sent for his father to come and see him, which he did on foot, and returned in the same manner ; from then they lost all track of Abraham, as he never re- turned. When Mr. Klopfenstein came here he built a cabin in the woods and began the clear- ing and improvement of his land, and got along well until 1846, when he was called by death, leaving widow and three children, viz.: Mary, Elizabeth and Isaac. (Mary is now widow of Jacob Freidley, of Van Wert ; Elizabeth is wife of Charles No3er, of Allen Co., Ind.) Widow Klopfenstein married Jacob Millemater about two years after the death of her first husband ; Millemater assumed control of affairs, and in Api'il of 1851, Isaac (our subject) left home to do for himself, and engaged with Charles Noyer in a brickyard, and did odd jobs until spring of 1852 ; when he again engaged on the brickyard, and in the fall he purchased a half interest in a threshing machine on credit, in partnership with John Kinsey. Having poor success that season, he sold out his interest to Kinsey, receiving something for his labor. In January-, 1853, he went to Wayne Co., Ind., where he took a job of cutting eighty cords of wood at 60 cents per cord, and paid his board at the rate of $1.50 per week ; this job he completed in forty days. He then began to work by the month a short time at $15 per month, but soon got another job of cutting out a road three rods wide and one-fourth of a mile long, through heavy timber, cutting it all into cord-wood, re- \ ±1 933 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: ceiving for his job 62^ cents per cord for as much us it would make, and board himself, which he got at the old rate, $1.50 per week. He then returned to the county and sold his one-third interest in the homestead of eight}' acres, for which he received $600. His guard- ian turned over the money to him, and he straightway purchased eighty acres in Chat- field Township ; twenty-five of it was partially cleared, and had a cabin house and barn on it. He returned to Wayne Co., Ind., and worked in a slaughter-house until about Christmas of that year, when he returned to this count3^ and. on Feb. 5, 1854, he married Mary Bitik- offer ; she was born in Switzerland, Dec. 4, 1831, and came with her parents to Stark Co., in 1836, and to Crawford Co. in 1843. April 1, 1854, they moved to their farm, which he had lately bought, and while they lived there made several purchases and sales ; the}' re- mained there twelve years ; during that time he was twice drafted into the army, first time he furnished a substitute, and second time the township was cleared b}' subscription, costing him $595, in all. In 1866, he bought 100 acres and added to it 44, which constitutes the farm where he resides, besides 40 acres in Chatfield, 160 acres in Sandusky, and 144 acres in Bucyrus Townships, and, in 1877, he purchased a half-interest in the stock of dry goods and groceries of Fry & Keller (Mr. Fry owning the building). He has a family of seven children living, viz.: Abraham, who is living on the Bucyrus farm, 80 acres of which he has bought ; John is on the San- dusky farm, 80 acres of which he has pur- chased ; Mary E., Susan C, Emma S., Isaac E. and Maud M.; the five last named are at home with their parents. In 1861, he was elected Township Trustee for one term. He built a good brick residence on his farm in Chatfield, and in 1860 he put up a barn, 56x44 feet ; the frame- work cost only $105, taken off the stump. He has tried his hand at many kinds of busi- ness, and, although a man of very limited edu- cation, has succeeded at all. After he was 9 years old, he was only two weeks at school, and when he was married he could not write his own name. Being totally ignorant of mathe- mathics when he began to deal in stock in 1860, he found it necessary to study the sim- ple rules, and for that purpose he went to school along with his own children. His first start was farming, next project was threshing in partnership with Mr. Bitikofl'er, in 1855, and in 1856 he made brick ; in 1857 he bought and " run "" a thresher on his own account, and in 1858 he resumed the manufacture of brick ; and in 1860 he began stock-dealing ; in that he has been ver}' successful ; while others have failed on every side of him he has and is still doing a prosperous business ; some farmers in this vicinity have sold to him exclusively for the past twenty years, which is good evidence of fair dealing. His success in farming can be best understood by the following figures and data : His first crop of wheat was four and one- half acres, which himself and wife harvested in 1856, the entire crop amounted to eight bush- els, and this 3'ear (1880) himself and sons har- vested 110 acres, from which the}^ realized 2,750 bushels and marketed it at 95c(^$l per bushel. He joined the German Reformed Church when 14 years of age, and was Deacon from 1859 until 1865 ; since latter date he has been an Elder, and officiates in that capacity now. Mrs. Klopfenstein and the three oldest children are members of the church. His father settled up the estate so as to leave the property in Canada to John and Susan, of the first wife, giving a quit-claim deed to it, and taking the same from them as against his Crawford Co. property, which was intended for his other three children, but by neglect his father never recorded the quit-claim from those in Canada, and after his death they came here and claimed and got an equal share with Isaac and his two DANIEL LIGHT, retired farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born June 30, 1806, in Dauphin Co., Penn. His parents, Adam and Mary (Did- die) Light, were also natives of Pennsylvania. In early life, Daniel learned the weaving busi- ness, but due regard for his health forbade him following it long ; so he abandoned it for the more invigorating life on the farm, to which he has ever since devoted his whole attention, both in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He moved here in 1854, purchasing 80 acres where he now lives, but has added, b}^ purchase, until his farm con- sists of 120 acres of good and well-improved land, where he is passing the declining years of his life in peace and enjoying the fruits of his early industry. He has been twice married ; first to Polly Heller, September, 1828. She was called awa}- by death, leaving four children, -C i Y ihL LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 933 viz., William, John, Emanuel and Adam. His second marriage was with Lueetta Harmon ; she was born in Dauphin Co.. Penn., Jan. 15, 1823; the children by this union are Mary E. and Daniel A. They brought his first wife's four children along with them when the}' came to Ohio ; his daughter b}' second wife was onl}' a few months old ; his youngest son, Daniel A.. was born in this county. Shortly after the out- break of the rebellion, his son. Aclf^-m, enlisted on Nov. 2, 1861, in Co. K, 64th O. Y. I., and served through the war, until the engagement at Chickamauga, where the Union soldiers were forced to yield, and daring the retreat he was stunned b}- a bullet, which grazed the top of his head, stripping its breadth of hair and scalp from his skull, which felled him to the ground, when he became an easy prey, as a prisoner, to the rebels ; he was forthwith con- veyed to Andersonville Prison, and later, to Florence Prison, spending seventeen months of starvation and misery in the two places. He was paroled in February, 1865, and returned to his father's, as his discharge had been granted before he was released from the Southern prison. Emaciated with hunger and dejected in spirits, his recovery seemed ver}- doubtful ; but with strict attention of his parents, good care and nourishment, he regained his usual strength ; he afterward married here, where he died, leaxing a widow and three children. W^illiam lives in this township ; Emanuel resides in Henry Co., Ohio ; John owns 40 acres of land in Plolmes Township, but makes his home with his father ; he is unmarried ; has devoted his time to farming, and like those whose quiet lives are unallured by the gush and glare of society, lives a quiet, practical life. Mar}- E. is now Mrs. Henry Stevenson, of this county ; Daniel A., the youngest, also resides with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Light are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church. DANIEL LAYER, farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 9, 1830. His parents. Christian and Catharine (Faill) Layer, emigrated from Ger- many to the United States in 1838, and brought eight children with them, viz., DoUe}'. Elizabeth, Fredricka, John, Jacob. Christian, Daniel and J. A. They all reside in this State. The oldest girl married John Layer, and died in Union Co., leaving five children. When Mr. Layer " came to the United States, he came direct to Ohio, and purchased 96 acres, where Daniel lives. Here the family grew up to maturity, and from there struck out in the world for themselves. On Feb. 1, 1854, Daniel married Catharine, daughter of Jacob Ulmer, and moved to Kent Co., Mich., where he entered 160 acres of land and lived there three years. His wife's health failed, and she longed to return to her old home and acquaintances in this county, so they sold out, and came back to his father's, where his wife died, October, 1857. He rented his father's farm for four or five years, and lived a widower with his parents ; and they, being old with years and hard work, were ready to give up the care of the place to some one more competent to take care of it. In 1862, his father died, then he, Daniel, bought the interest of the other heirs, and carried on the farm, his aged mother making her home with him until July 24, 1878, when she was removed by death. Daniel was again inarried, to Barbara Eppley,. daughter of John and Barbara (Wey) Eppley, who came from Germany, where she was born Feb. 21, 1859. and came here with her parents when about 3 years old. Her parents first set- tled near Harrisburg, Penn., for about two years, and then came to Chatfield Township, this county. Mr. Layer has, by his second marriage, one child — Lydia. John A. lives on the adjoining farm, and both of them have prospered well. He married Mary Green Jan. 10, 1856. They have the following children — EUzabeth R., Eliza A., George F. and Frank E. JAMES MANAHAN (deceased) ; was born in Frederick Co., Md., in 1811. He married Sidney Nichols, who was born in the same county in 1813. Some time after they were married, they moved to Seneca Co., this State, where they stayed about one year. In 1840, they came to Crawford Co. and settled on the Wyandot Reservation, and remained about two years. Then they moved to the "Plains " out from Bucyrus, and settled at what is known as '• Parcher's Corners." They lived there seven years, and the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. now runs directly over the location where their house stood. They kept shifting from time to time, and, about 1851, they removed to a ftirm on the Sandusky, near R. W. Knisely's, where they lived eight years. In 1859, they rented the Biddle farm, near Annapolis, and here they have remained since. They reared a family of ten children, six boys and four girls — Alfred ^1 934 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: W., Samuel, Lucinda (now Mrs. John Zandel), Barbara J., Adaline, Elizabeth, Silas, James M., John and Watson. When the late rebellion broke out, Alfred W. enlisted in the three months' service. At the expiration of that time, he re-enlisted for nine months. When that time expired, he again enlisted, and served to the close of the war. He now resides in Frederick Co., Md. James M. also enlisted, but only in the one hundred daj's' service, O. N. (r., and when his term of service expired he returned to the rest of the family, and re- mained here until removed by death on May 1, 1878. Their father died on March 1, 1871. Silas is unmarried, and with him his aged mother and sisters make their home. He takes entire charge of the farm of 153 acres, for which he pa^'s $450 annually in cash as rent for the place. The}^ have now been occu- pying the same place for over twenty-one 3^ears, which fact would indicate that they are desirable tenants. E. M. MOORE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1838 ; he is the son of James and Catharine (Lomes) Moore, the former a native of Washington Co., Penn., and the latter of Columbiana Co., Ohio. Mr. E. 31. Moore's youth was spent between the duties of the farm and attending school. Being naturally as a boy apt and intelligent, he acquired a good education early in life, and, in his 17th 3'ear, he began teaching school, and taught sixteen winter terms. AVhen 18 years of age, he entered Mt. Union College, Stark Co., Ohio, and attended it eight terms. He had en- tered tlie Junior Class in 1861, wiien he aban- doned his course at college, as he had to furnish for himself all means of support and tuition. He afterward turned his attention to teaching in the winter months and farming in the summer. He owns one of the most comfortable and best- improved farms of 108 acres in Liberty Town- ship, with splendid out- buildings and a fine brick residence, to which he moved in March, 1868, on the 12th of which month he united his fortunes with Lizzie, daughter of John and Elizabeth Crall. She was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Dec. 17, 1843, and came here with her parents in 1852. They have six children —Cora E., Susan E., Mary M., John J., Kattie B. and Oliver M. Besides superintending his farm, he has been engaged about ten months of the year for the past nine years as foreman in the clothing department of the extensive mercantile house of M. Emrich, of Bucyrus, which position he now holds. He is a member of Demas Lodge, No. 108, of Knights of Pj'th- ias, and of Howard Lodge, No. 109, Knights of Honor ; also the Masonic Crawford Lodge, of Bucvrus. ROBERT WALLACE MUSGRAVE, de- ceased ; was born in New York Feb. 10, 1810 ; he was the 3'Oiyigest of a family of six children, four boys and two girls. The whole family moved to this State when he (Robert W.) was a mere boy, and, when about 15 years of age, he was employed by Henry St. John as clerk in his store at Wooster, Ohio. Mr. St. John soon moved to Bucyrus and brought young Mus- grave along. And, after he had been here some time, he took an interest in the establishment and did business for several 3'ears in partner- ship with St. John. Here he formed the ac- quaintan(;e of Maria G-illespie, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1806, and came to Bucvrus with her father's family- in October, 1834. 'Sept. 5, 1835, Mr. Musgrave and Miss Gillespie were united in matrimony ; they began housekeeping and resided there for six 3^ears, when Ml". Musgrave disposed of his interests in Bucyrus and moved to this village in June, 1841, where he built a store and put in a stock of general merchandise, and carried on the busi- ness with much success, and purchased at var- ious times land in this vicinit3' to the amount of 760 acres, which is owned b3' his widow and the heirs. During Buchanan's administration, he was appointed Postmaster, which office he held here many 3'ears, although he was of the opposite political persuasion ; he also held the office of Associate Judge for several years. The3' reared five children, viz., Marian, now Mrs. Biddle, of Buc3'rus ; Ellen J., deceased ; Thomas W. ; Julia, widow of James Rader ; and Myra, now Mrs. Wells. Mr. Musgrave's was a life of unceasing business activit3- from the time he was 15 years old until it closed in death Ma3' 18, 1868. His usefulness was never fully known or realized in business circles, or his influence in society until the vicinit3' sus- tained the loss in his demise. His introduction to this count3^ was in the role of a poor bo3' do- ing chores and clerking in a store, and carr3'ing the mail across the countr3- on horseback. But his course was steadih' upward, as in time he soon became one of the important factors in LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 935 the business circles of the county, also holding the position of Associate County Judge. Re- gardless of public opinion, or at the risk of be- coming unpopular, he would unhesitatingly assail whatever he considered of questionable merit. Mrs. Musgrave occupies the old home- stead and 140 acres, where she is passing the remainder of her days in happiness, and sup- plied with all the luxuries of life. Her ances- tors were from Ireland ; her grandfather, James Gillespie, emigrated from County TjTone, and came to United States when young ; he settled in Washington Co., Penn., where he reared a family of six sons. Thomas, the oldest one was Mrs. Musgrave's father, and when she was 8 years old the famil}- moved from Penn- sylvania and located at Xenia, Grreene Co., Ohio, and remained there about twelve years ; her father spent some time in Tiffin in connection with the land office there, but, as stated, moved his family to Bucj'rus in October, 1834, and died in the village of Annapolis at the residence of his sou Thomas many ^^ears ago. THOMAS W. MUSGRAVE, retired farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Bucyrus, this county, March 9, 1840. He is the only son of Robert W. Musgrave, and was reai'cd to farm work, and lived with his parents until of age. On Aug. 21, 1861, he united his fortunes with Hannah Fry, a daughter of J. H. Fry, who was born Jan. 21, 1839, in this township. He farmed his father's place for several years, when he went to the State of Indiana, but re- mained only a short time, when he came back, and got 160 aci'es of his father's estate, which he occupied for some time, but subsequently sold it and purchased 148 acres, which he now owns. In the spring of 1 880, he moved to this village (Annapolis), where he lives comforta- bly, away from the cares and toil of the farm. He is one of those who are liberal in assisting in any enterprise which is worthy of patronage, and that without displa3^ He is a member of the Knights of Honor, Liberty Lodge No. 845. They have four children — Frank R., Mary E., Robert J. and Albert W. THOMAS McCULLOUGH, deceased. He was born Aug. 14, 1831, on the farm where his widow and family reside. His father. Alexan- der McCuUough, came here at the first settle- ment of the count}' ; he died here, leaving a widow and five children, Thomas, the eldest, being only 10 years of age ; consequently, he learned earl}' in life what it was to do for him- self The widow and her five children strug- gled hard for subsistence, and, as time carried them through the shifting scenes of pioneer life, they saw, with much gratification, that the many and varied obstacles disappeared as soon as approached ; but of the five, onl}- William (now living in Wayne Co.) is left to compare the present realities with the memories of the past. On Nov. 4, 1858, Thomas united his fortunes with those of Mary Cleland. She was born June 3, 1827, in Vernon Township, this count}'. They have had five children — Martha Atta, Rachel A., William C, and two who died in infancy. Mr. McCulIough began school- teaching early in life, and continued the same in the winter months, and, in the summer, at- tending to his farm duties, for several years after his marriage. He was elected and held the office of Township Trustee for two terms, with honor to himself and satisfaction to those he represented. He took a deep and lasting interest in the Sabbath school which was or- ganized in their district, and of which he was Superintendent for six years. He was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. On the 12th of May, 1879, his career closed and his life of good works was sealed in death, mourned by many and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. McCulIough and her three children are in good circumstances, and live happily on their well-improved farm of 76 acres. She purposes giving them a good education, which they are eager to avail themselves of Her eldest daughter, Martha A., has taught school during the past summer. Mrs. McCullough's father, William Cleland, was born in Ireland, and emigrated to the United States when young, with his parents. He came to this county and settled in Vernon Township, where he is still living, and is strong and active, con- sidering that he is in his 85th year. It took six weeks to make their voyage across the ocean. He married Rachel Ramsy, who was a native of Virginia. DANIEL L.^McMICHAEL, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born April 7, 1836. where he resides. To give a short sketch of the family — of some historic worth, in connection with Crawford Co. — it is necessary to go back to one Daniel iMcMichael, grandfather of D. L. McMichael, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States with his parents when ■^ 936 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: about 16 years of age, which was about the year 1794. The family located in Westmore- land Co., Penn., and, when Daniel attained his majority, he married Mary McDowell. She was a native of Scotland, and came to the United States with her parents at an eai'ly date. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Ohio, and located on the north of the Sandusky, near where Bucyrus is located. Being a miller by profession, and a mechanical genius, Mr. McMichael saw and felt the pressing need for some kind of mill to grind what little grain they raised to subsist on. He traveled up the river, looking for a suitable location as the basis of operation for building a mill. When he reached the place where Nathan Cooper now lives, he concluded that the object of his search had been discovered. There he entered 160 acres of Government land, and built a saw and grist- mill combined, which was one of the fii'st insti- tutions of the kind in the county, of which the county history speaks more fully. He reared a family of eight children, viz., David, Matthew, William, Daniel, Allen, Mary. Hattie and Mar- tha. Of these, Daniel, Mary and Martha are living in Iowa ; Allen, in Nebraska, and Matthew, who resided on the old homestead, near Bucy- rus, and died there some 3'ears since. William set out for the gold fields of California, during the early excitement in 1848, and was never heard from here since he wrote a letter back when he reached the Rock}' Mountains. David, the oldest one of the family, married Margaret, daughter of John Anderson, who settled here about the year after the McMichaels came. Shortly after the marriage of his daughter, Anderson died, so David McMichael moved to the Anderson farm and remained there until the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 3, 1857, leaving a widow and seven children, viz., Rebecca J., Daniel L., John A., George W., Marie, Cynthia and David — the latter one is deceased. Of these, G. W. and Marie are in Nebraska ; John, Cynthia and Daniel L., in this county. The last-named worked on the farm, and, in the meantime, received a good education at the common and normal schools. He prepared himself for teaching, which he did with marked success for a period of fifteen years, in the winter months, spending the sum- mer on the farm, with some few exceptions, when he taught in summer also. Sept. 16, 1864, he married Rachel J. Woodside. They have four children, viz., Wallace D., Burton 0., Will- iam G. and Lawrence E. Mrs. McMichael was born in this county, in 1839. They own about 50 acres of land, which is part of what belonged to the old Anderson homestead. JACOB OREWILER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., on Jan. 5, 1814. His father, John, and his mother, Barbara (Keith) Orewiler, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but his mother's parents came from Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania, and her father's name was Michael Keith. When Mr. eJohn Orewiler married Barbara Keith, she was then the widow of one John Kline, by whom she had three sons — John, William and Joseph. And of the Orewiler children there were seven— Henr}', Adam, Lewis, Rosanna, Elizabeth, Michael and Jacob. They were all born in Penns^dvania ; and when the youngest (Jacob) was about 3 years old, the whole family moved from. Pennsylvania and came to Ohio ; they settled in Richland County, about ten miles north of Mansfield, in 1817. There the children grew to maturity, and began to branch out for themselves. Com- ing into this State at such an early date, they were perfectly conversant with pioneer life ; and, although the family were in reasonably good circumstances for that time, yet man}' were the disadvantages and privations to be borne then, which the youth of to-da}' would consider impossibilities. No pen can ever do justice to the men and wives, with their help- less little ones, who ventured into the trackless forest, with which they were unacquainted, there to risk their lives at the hands of the rad man, for the sake of securing a home for them- selves and their posterity. And who can speak knowingl}^ of the longings, and aching hearts of those who would have gladly returned, whence they came, when all opportunities of returning were unavailable. But most of those noble souls who bore the first burdens of set- tling these parts, have passed from their toil- ing to a more abiding rest. Mr. Jacob Ore- wiler's parents made their permanent home in Richland County, and died there years ago. The first of the family to come into Crawford County was Lewis ; he settled in Cranberry Township in 1835. Jacob came here also at that time, but did not settle permanently. He made a purchase of 40 acres in Sandusky Town- ship in the year 1835, and then returned to his 1> "V^ v^ LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 937 father's in Richland County. Erelong he came back to Crawford County and stopped with his brother Lewis ; and purchased 40 acres more in Sandusky Township. He worked around between Richland and Crawford Coun- ties for several years ; and in 1839, he went to Indiana, and stopped in De Kalb County, a little over a year, thence to Iowa, where he worked by the month about two years ; then returned to Crawford County, and made his home with his brother Lewis for a short time ; and in January, 1813, he married Annie Con- ley. She was born in Richland County Feb. 3, 1818. and came to this county with her folks in 1828. Mr. Orewiler and his bride repaired to his farm of 80 acres, which he still retained, in Sandusky Township ; but afterward sold out there, and moved to Chatfield Township, where he purchased 79 acres. They occupied the latter about ten years ; and Jan. 31, 1865, moved to the farm where the}' now live ; and in 1876, erected a commodious two-story frame residence, besides making other important and necessary impi'ovements on the farm. They had nine children, five of whom are living — John, Elzie, Albert, Jacob and Flora A. Those deceased are Alfred, Henry, Nancy J. and Louisa. John married Sophia Kroneber- ger, and lives in this township ; Elzie married Alice Keller, and lives at Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Orewiler are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His sisters were married and moved West, at an early date, and little has been known of them since. Elizabeth was mar- ried to Jesse Van Fustin ; Rosanna to Jacob Hoover ; they settled first in Illinois, and then moved to California ; this was the latest ac- count ; Lewis is the onl}' brother who survives. DAVID PFLEIDERER, farmer ; P. O. Sul- phur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, Dec. 5, 1822. He is the son of Christian and Barbara (Auberly) Pfleiderer ; the former born in the year 1789, and the latter in 1794. They were farmers in Germany, and in very comfortable circumstances; but Christian con- cluded to emigrate to the United States, where he could more readily procure farms for his growing familv ; accordingly, himself and wite and their four children, viz.: Adam, Jacob, Daniel and Christian, started from Germany in the spring of 1831, and after ninet3'-two days on the ocean they landed at Baltimore, Md. They came across the country until they ar- rived in Columbiana Co., Ohio ; being weary of traveling, and then near the approach of winter, they hesitated about going to unsettled parts of the new country, they concluded to stop in Columbiana Co., until winter would break up. They found shelter with a family by the name of Seacrist ; Mr. Ffleiderer went to work at whatever odd jobs turned up while they were there, as did the oldest boys. Soon as spring opened up they purchased a yoke of oxen and an old wagon, with which the family traveled and brought their little effects, and in the first week of April the}' came to Crawford Co. and located on 80 acres which was entered by Mr. Pfleiderer while they were wintering in Columbiana, and the same is now part of David's farm. Soon as they came here they purchased 80 acres for $145, adjoining that which had been entered. There was a misera- ble old cabin on the premises, which the family took refuge in until they got a more comforta- ble one erected, and in which there was scarce- ly a nail used in its construction, and about a year later he bought 80 acres more for $140. He was called on, soon after their arrival here, to assist one Ludwig Geiger raise a cabin, when by accident a pole fell and broke his right leg, which was a terrible drawback to the general improvement which was so much needed in the woods ; although he had no clearing done at this time, the family were not as destitute as many of the pioneers, as they had considerable money with them. They had made a good start, and everything seemed pros- perous until Mr. Pfleiderer was stricken with paralysis one morning as he got up out of bed, from which he expired instantly. This sudden and unexpected change left considerable care on his widow with her six children, two of whom were born since their arrival in this county — John and Daniel, the latter a mere infant. The older children conducted the af- fairs of the farm admirable, and Mrs. Pfleiderer did considerably of the light work out doors herself; she lives with her son David, and al- though she is in her 86th year, she is as smart on foot as many who are twenty years younger ; will walk off to church, a distance of several miles, and back without any apparent fatigue. " ."^oriie place tlieir bliss in action, some in ease. Those call it pleasure, ami contentment, these." Truly, she may be placed in the former class, for the writer found her in the corn-field with ^ 938 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a party of buskers, doing her share with a zeal and earnestness which would become one of 16, rather than 86 j^ears ; of course, it is neither expected of her nor desired, but having always lecl an active life, she could find no contentment in sitting down in idleness or ease. At the set- tling of the estate, David took the homestead and has bought nearly all the heirs' interest, except Christian's, who makes his home with David. He (Christian) was taken with a severe attack of scarlet fever when quite young, caus- ing an unbalanced condition of his mental fac- ulties, from which he never fully recovered. Nov. 13, 1843, David married Mary Heck- enlively ; she was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and came to Chatfield Township with her parents in August, 1832. They have had fourteen children, viz.: Magdalen, now Mrs. Christ Harmon, of Kosciusko Co., Ind.; Anna M., wife of Gr. Ludhardt ; Abraham, in Kosciusko Co., Ind.; John (deceased), Margar- et, George (deceased), Barbara, wife of Reuben Crall, of Indiana ; Lydia, Isaac and Jacob (twins.) Samuel (deceased), Leonora, Carolina and Clara. Mr. Pfleiderer owns a good farm of 240 acres, which is well improved and has good buildings, which have been well earned by his own and his wife's industry. David's eldest brother, Adam, is now in Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Jacob married here, died, and left a widow and three children. Mrs. David Pflei- derer is the oldest of a family of eight chil- dren ; her father, John Heckenlivelj^, was born in Germany and came to the United States a young man ; he was married in Baltimore, and subsequently moved to Chatfield Township, this county, in 1832. He was a minister of the Gospel of the New-School Lutheran Church. Sometime after the}- settled here his wife died, leaving eight children, viz.: Mary, Christina, George, Barbara, John, Catharine, Jacob and Magdalen. Of these George, Barbara and John are in Iowa ; Catharine and Jacob in Missouri ; Christina is now Widow Shieber. Rev. John Heckenlively finally married the widow of Christian Pfleiderer and lived very confortably. He was sent to Iowa by the American Tract Society, as a missionary — in the German language — in the interest of the New-School Lutherans. He preached in that State three years, and, finding his health fail- ing, he resigned ; returned to Mr. Pfleiderer's, and soon afterward passed to that realm of which he so earnestly endeavored to teach others. K S. PETERMAN, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born in York Co., Penn., Dec. 1, 1831, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Shultz) Peterman. The family consisted of parents and two chil- dren — E. S. and Mary ; they moved from Penn- sylvania and settled in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834. Mr. Peterman, Sr., worked at the blacksmith's trade for some years, but later in life tui-ned his attention to farming. Mr. E. S. Peterman secured a good common-school education, and, in 1859, he embarked in the grocery trade, opening an establishment in Canton, and in 1861 he purchased an interest in a dry-goods establishment with J. J. Kaufl'man, a brother of Mrs. Peterman. Having sold out his gro- cery business, he devoted his attention to the dr}^ goods alone, which he followed about six years, and sold out in 1866. He was united in marriage with Henrietta Kauftman March 20, 1856. Her parents were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., but moved to Ohio, and settled in Stark County in 1831, where Mrs. Peterman was born Jul}- 5, 1837. Mr. Peterman moved to Crawford County in 1868, and in 1870, pur- chased the farm of 80 acres which he now owns, and which he bought of his father, who purchased the same of one Ernshaw, a Quaker. It is said that this 80 acres was the first loca- tion entered in the township. Mr. Henry Peter- man had moved to this place in 1855 ; he and his wife both died here, she in the fall of 1869, and he in the spring of 1873. Mr. E. S. Peter- man is quite a mechanical genius, and does his own odd jobs of carpenter work, and some small blacksmithing jobs. They have three children — ^Ella, Frank E. and Harrie, and enjoy the comforts of a well-earned and pleasant home. JACOB SHIEBER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Wiirtemberg, German}^ May 19, 1831. His father, Gottlieb, and mother, Mag- dalen (Brosey) Shieber, emigrated from Ger- many to the United States in 1832 ; they had five children, Jacob being then a mere child. The}^, with a party of German emigrants, came by way of the lakes to Sandusky City, Ohio, and resolved to make a search for one Fred Feichtner, with whom they were acquainted in Germany, and who had settled in Crawford Co. ; with this intent Mr. Gottlieb Shieber and several of his German friends and fellow emi- LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 939 grants left their families in Sandusky City and set out on foot to walk here. x\fter considera- ble weary search they were successful in find- ing their friend Feichtner, located comfortably in this township on the Broken Swoixl. Being much pleased with the appearance of the coun- try, they concluded to locate in the same neigh- borhood. When they had made a short visit and looked around for a place to locate, they retui'ned on foot to Sandusky City to move their families here. They hired teams and brought their etiects to this locality, and turned their attention to proAiding a home for themselves. Mr. Shieber bought 40 acres of J. Caris, and soon after he entered 40 acres, and added by purchase until he owned 110 acres. This con- stituted the homestead where the children grew up to maturity ; there were nine in all — Chris- topher, Gottlieb, Fredericka, Christian, Jacob, Catherine, John, Abraham and Mary. Of these Fredericka, John and Abraham died when young. They were poor when they arrived here and had a hard time, but were blessed with good health and industrious habits, which are the basis of all material success. Jacob was the youngest son who lived to mature years, therefore he remained with his parents until 24 years of age. He married Eve Mauer June 14, 1855 ; the}' farmed his father's place one j^ear, and then moved, in April, 1856, to the farm where they are living, and where they had bought 80 acres, of which about 20 acres were cleared and a log cabin erected. They were poor and worked hard to improve their home and make it comfortable. At length the}' were able to purchase 37^ acres of Henry Cobb, and subse- quently bought 80 acres of his brother in Holmes Township, and added by purchase until he owns in all 287 acres of good land with good buildings and otherwise well improved. They received only about $3,000 in all from the old homestead, and all the balance has been made by his own and his wife's industry. They reared nine children, eight of whom are living — John, Louisa J. (was married to Harrison Klink, but is now deceased), Henry, David S., Emanuel, Mary. Lizzie, Abraham and J. W. Mrs. Shieber was born June 21, 1835, in Stark Co., Oliio, and was only 2 weeks old when her parents left Stark Co. to come to Crawford. Her father's name was Jacob Mauer ; he emigrated from Germany with his wife and one child and first settled in Stark Co. and, as stated, moved thence to Craw- ford Co., where he died ; his widow married one Simon Price. Mrs. Shieber is the only surviv- or of her parents' six children. Mr. Jacob Shieber was elected Township Trustee for two years ; he was drafted into the arm}-, but fur- nished a substitute ; his father died here in August, 1869, full of years, when he had lived to see all his children enjoying comfortable homes of their own ; his widow still survives at the advanced age of 82 years. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. DANIEL SELL, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born on the farm where he now lives, June 19, 1838. He is the son of Jacob H. and Mary (Keplinger) Sell, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to Stark Co., Ohio, when quite young. They were married in Stark Co., and lived there several years afterward. In 1837, they moved to Crawford Co., and brought with them two children — Henry and Elizabeth. Mr. Sell entered 160 acres, and afterward pur- chased 40 acres more ; there were no improve- ments on any of the land which they located on. Mr. Sell erected a log cabin in the woods, and began clearing and improving his home. Two children were born to them after they came here, viz., Daniel and Catharine ; the latter died when about 3 years old ; three grew up to ma- turity. Henry married here one ]Mary Peter- man, and got 80 acres of his father's estate, but subsequently sold out and moved to Williams Co., where he now resides. Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Forst, of Indiana. Daniel resided on the farm with his parents, and owns almost 80 acres of the same to-da}', and enjoys the fruit of their industry as well as that of his own. Their first residence, or cabin, was re- moved only six years ago, to give place to their more comfortable residence. When Mr. Sell was about the proper age for attending school, there was but little opportunity for attending, as there were but few institutions of the kind in the kind in the country, and on account of his father's ill health, he was obliged to take charge of the form, consequently his school education is limited. He married Lovina Alice Cooper Nov. 19, 1863. She was born in this county Nov. 19, 1844. They have five children, viz., Willie 0., Frank, Harry, Orie and Perley. Mrs. Sell's father, Adam, and her mother, Eliza (Knisely) Cooper, were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to this county quite early, and after- ward moved to Findlay, where they died, leaving LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 947 was considered a dishonor not to have a good- sized, well-filled jug on the ground, when a few persons were gathered to perform any piece of work. Simple as it would now appear to live up to such a resolution, it was then a matter of considerable moment, as it was antagonized b}' society in general, therefore, it involved the man's popularity who would hold out ; and that was not all, it involved the mechanic's ad- missibility to employ, consequently his bread. Notwithstanding, he held firmly to the princi- ples involved. He is, and has been for years, radical in his advocacy of prohibition princi- ples, and has frequentl}- discussed the subject publicl}^ As illustrative of the undaunted en- ergy of which he was possessed in youth, and which would correspondingly apply at the pres- ent ; he started on foot, when about 21 years old, and walked from here through the then sparsely- settled country, to Columbia Cit}-, Ind., a dis- tance of 150 miles, on the circuitous route tak- en, in five days, and returned on foot, making a circuit of some of the more northern coun- ties. In those da3'S there were no railroad pal- ace cars flying on their beaten course at the rate of forty miles an hour, but the ox team in- stead would plod its way, " with no bad luck," at the rate of ten miles per day ; and a year or so later, he made the same trip again on foot. When about 20 years of age, he united himself with the church, and in 1868 he was ordained a minister of the M. E. Church ; since that date he has held many meetings in vai'ious States. He has traveled over nine States, viz. : New York, Penns3dvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennes- see, Alabama, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and held religious meetings in five of them, princi- pally in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Ten- nessee ; and although he has no regular charge, he does considerable work for the cause of re- ligion wherever an opportunity^ presents itself He is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which office he has diligently applied him- self to for the last twenty-five years. He is a man of liberal views, inasmuch as he believes in the advancement of all institutions which tend to the general welfare of mankind, irrespective of their race or color, and, not only liberal in thought, but, with the goods he pos- sesses, giving cheerfull}' to the support of teachers and missionary work among the freed- men of the South, besides annual donations of considerable amount to the church at home. Nor are his circumstances less comfortable than those who would be more selfish and grasping ; he enjoys the pleasures of a comfortable home in the village, and has a well-improved farm of 90 acres besides, which he has prudentl}- saved of his own earnings. July 3, 1847, he was mar- ried to the widow of the late B. Spahr ; her maiden name was Sarah Peterman. She was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., March 14, 1823. They have three children living, viz.: Francis A. (who married Lucetta Darr — is farming his father's place), Sarah A. and Eva A. Mrs. Shull has one child — Benjamin Spahr — by her first husband. GEORGE W. TEEL, farmer and purchasing agent for the Ohio Central Railroad ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus and Sulphur Springs. The subject of this sketch is one of the most active, energetic and successful business men of Crawford Co. He was born at Ashland, Ohio, Ma^^ 16. 1821, the son of poor but industrious parents. At the age of 10 and 11, having received a limited education, he woi'ked in John Mofflt's brick- 3'ard for two summers, and for the next two seasons drove a team on the Ohio Canal ; he then worked for different farmers in Stark Co., for some two years. In the meantime his father, John C. Teel, had removed to Guernsey Co., and purchased a small farm. The subject of this sketch managed this farm for some two years, while his father worked at the black- smith trade. In his 17th year, he taught school during the winter in Wayne Co., and also fol- lowed this same occupation in his 19th year. After this he attended the Ashland Academy for one term of five months ; then clerked a year for Josiah Blackburn, at Benton, Holmes Co. He removed to Navai're. Stark Co., in the spring of 1843, and from April to July pur- chased horses, took them to Canada and sold them to British officers. Mr. Teel removed to Crawford Co., Aug. 7, 1843, and purchased of George W. Gallowa}^ the farm upon which he now resides ; he taught school at Sulphur Springs and vicinity for fifteen winters, as fol- lows : Five winters in the village, three in the Broken Sword District, two in the Charlton District, two in the Rice District, two in the Stephens District and one in the Clingan Dis- trict. He conducted in the Broken Sword District the first English school taught in that neighborhood, and afterward they could never persuade the residents to support a German '.\£ 948 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: school. For some six months, about 1844, he was engaged in the mercantile business at Sul- phur Springs, with a man named Allen, and the establishment was known as the Great Western Store. In 18tt2, he was appointed Revenue Assessor for Crawford Co., and served in this capacity for nine years. During the fall of 1872, he was employed by the A. & L. E. R. R., as collecting agent for the corpora- tion, and continued with the company for three years. In the spring of 1877, he removed his family to Bucyrus and was engaged for one year as assignee in settling up the business of Messrs. Osman & Woodside. The family re- moved to Crestline in the spring of 1878, and remained there some twelve months, when they returned to the farm in Liberty Township. During this time, however, Mr. Teel still con- tinued as a partner in the cai-riage establish- ment at Bucyrus ; is owner at the present time of 303 acres of land in Crawford Co., and 80 acres in Paulding Co., but has not been actively engaged in fanning since 1862 ; is at the present time Secretary of the Crawford Co. Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, and also purchasing agent of the Ohio Central Railroad ; as agent for this corporation and also the old A. & L. E. R. R., he secured nearly all the right of way for the road-bed from the coal fields to Toledo, including also the depot grounds lately pur- chased in that city. He was instrumental, to a great extent, in securing the guarantee fund of over $100,000 subscribed in 1880, by the count- ies along the route of the road, as the "local aid " to complete this new enterprise, and with Messrs. D. W. Swigart, C. Fulton, S. R. Harris and James B. Gormly, succeeded in getting the Machine Shops Bill passed by the Legislature. The subject of this sketch was married Sept. 17, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Markley, and they are the parents of the following children : Leander L., Jennie (formerl}^ Mrs. Byron Ben- son, but now deceased), Jared, Laura L., Ella, George W., Horatio Marklev and Fannie. JOHN F. WILLIAMS, deceased. He was the progenitor of the Williams families in this section. He was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., and was brought up to farm life. When about of mature age, he was united in wedlock with one Elizabeth Flora ; they moved from their native place to Belmont Co., Ohio, at a date which can not be accurately ascertained, but about the year 1806 they located near Steu- benville, and enjoyed their new home about five years, when Mrs. Williams was taken from the family by death, leaving five children, viz., Frederick, Catharine, Isaac, Susan and Eliza- beth. At this time he had a brother-in-law living in Stark Co., and, after disposing of his effects, he repaired to Stark Co. with his five children, and leaving them in charge of his rel- ative, he returned to his native place in Penn- sylvania, and there he married Elizabeth Gar- tie, and, having spent about a year on his visit, he returned with his young bride to where his children were, arriving in 1813. During his unsettled condition and his removals to and from Ohio, he escaped the draft, which would, in all probability, have drawn him into the war of 1812. He was in very poor financial cir- cumstances, and was unable to enter the amount of land specified by law, but bought 60 acres of his brother-in-law, which he improved, and, by his unceasing industry and the enhance- ment in value of the property, he got to be in easy circumstances. In the course of time there were born to him, in Stark Co., by his second marriage, five children, viz., Thomas, George, Joseph, Mary A. and Jacob, three of whom are now aged and respected citizens of this county. An earnest feeling was pervading in the family as to finding a more suitable ag- ricultural location, where fai'ms might be se- cured for his growing family. Thus prompted, one of his elder sons, Isaac, made a tour of inspection, and purchased, in 1828, 160 acres near Bucyrus, in Holmes Township. He re- turned with a description of this locality, which induced Mr. Williams to come here with his family. They started in the spring of 1829, with a two-horse team and wagon, driving a few cattle along. When they arrived at Spring Mills, Richland Co., the family stopped there and Mr. Williams came on here and bought 80 acres in Libert}^ Township, where his son Jacob now resides. He then went back to Spring Mills and moved the family there. During his absence the oldest boy, Thomas, helped in the harvest at Spring Mills, reaping with a hand- sickle. When they came to Gallon, they found the country so soft and impassable that it was necessary to hire a team to hitch on and help them through here. Elizal)eth, the youngest child of his first wife, was the onl}' one of hers who came at that time. She died shortly after their settlement here. But Isaac and his wife rpv LIBEETY TOWNSHIP. 949 soon followed, to the location he had purchased when out here in 1828. Susan married Benja- min Gants and remained in Stark Co., where she lives to this day. Catharine married Leon- ard Mowin and moved to Wood Co., and is still living. Frederick came here and bought con- siderable land in Holmes Tow,nship, and built a saw-mill, which was not a success on account of want of water sufficient to run at all seasons, and when a dam was built, at a heavy expense, failed to serve the purpose, continually break- ing because of quicksand surroundings. Ex- hausting much of his means, and becoming discouraged, he started for California with the first tide of emigration to that State, leaving here his wife and four children, with the hope of returning in the earl}' future with a repleted fortune ; but he never returned, and many years since died. In December, 1836, death again visited the famil}- of Mr. Williams, this time summoning the loving wife and devoted mother. He married a third wife — Elizabeth Fox, widow of Michael Fox, late of Seneca Co. She had two children by Mr. Fox, but left no heirs by Mr. Williams. The children by his second wife we will make mention of elsewhere, except George, who will come in this connection. He lived at home until about 18 years old, when he went to sail on the lakes with Capt. Cobb. More than twenty years of his life were spent on the lakes ; ten years of that time he was Captain of a steamer plying between Buffalo, N. Y., and Chicago, 111., and intermediate points. He died in Buffalo, N. Y.. (his home for .years), in 1866. Mary Ann married Josiah Jackson ; they moved to Iowa, where she died. Thomas, Joseph and Jacob are still here, and spoken of with their families, in the following sketches. Mr. Williams was living on the old homestead with his son Jacob, when his final dissolution came. His widow went back to her children by Mr. Fox. THOMAS WILLIAMS, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; is the eldest child of John F. Williams' second marriage ; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1814. He lived with his father until of age, working on the farm, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, and genius of that kind being in demand, he took up the boot and shoe making trade, without ever spending an hour as an apprentice. By doing jobs of re- pairing for themselves and others, he soon acquired a knowledge of the business that en- abled him to do any kind of work, doing a great portion of all that the early settlers of their vicinity required, not because he ever expected to make a lifetime business of it, but more for the accommodation of their own family and neighbors. In 1833, he married Sarah Shaff- stail. She was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Jan. 25. 1816. and came here with her father's (Solomon Shaffstall) fr.mily in 1832. Mr. Will- iams had got 80 acres of his father, which was all in wocd. He set about improving it. but his health failed him the first year, which interfered seriously with further progress on his farm. The following year he regained his health and worked tor his brother in the summer, at the building of a mill in Holmes Township, at $10 per month. At this time they lived near the ^ mill-site, and boarded the hands employed at its construction. In 1832, he had the logs cut and hewed to build a house, doing all the work himself and after the completion of his work on the mill, he returned to his farm, five acres of which he had succeeded in clearing. He then set about making general improA^mcnts on his place, working hard both early and late. The old log building which he first erected stands on the premises to this day. The nails which he put en the roof with, cost him 10 cents per pound, which he paid for with maple sugar, made b}- himself and wife ; that was their resi- dence from 1832 until 1860. In 1838, Mr. W' illiams worked some time at the construction of the p]rie & Wabash Canal, near Defiance, and lost no opportunity in those early days to do whatever kind of work presented itself, whether considered hard or light, and all with the intent of securing an independent home, which now he so fully enjo3"s. Besides giving his children a good start, he owns 160 acres of good land. They had eleven children, viz., Al- mira, wife of George Seits ; Henry, whose sketch appears here ; William, deceased ; Elizabeth, was married to Edwin Ferrall. and died in 3Iay, 1879, leaving three children; Catharine, wife of Isaac Dial : Joshua, deceased, in his 25th year; Laura, wife of John Davidson ; Harrison, married Frances Slocum ; Mary, wife of Joseph Hill; Amelia, wife of Jacob Payne; Emma, wife of Lawrence Sponseller. Those living are all married and doing for themselves, and Mr. and Mrs. Williams are spending their later years enjoying the fruits of their early industry. 950 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOSEPH WILLIAMS, farmer: P. 0. Sul- phur Springs ; is a son of John F. and Elizabeth Williams. He was born in Stark Co.. Ohio, March 4, 1819. Mr. Williams had but a poor opportunity of obtaining an education, conse- quently his schooling was very limited. His early pursuits were those of the ftirm, as they have always been. He has been twice married, first to Catharine Nigh. She was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., July 16, 1816. Shortly after their marriage, they settled on 20 acres, which he owned along the creek, and lived there about two years. He then sold that and worked a rented farm for three years. Having saved a little money by that time, he purchased 80 acres (for which he "paid $800) lying about two miles east. They lived there two years, when he sold out and purchased 138 acres, where he now lives, which is well improved. In 1877, he built the fine two-story frame dwelling which adorns the premises, at considerable cost. Mrs. Williams died in October, 1878. They were parents of nine children, four of whom are living, viz., Eliza, now Mrs. John Rush ; Amanda, now Mrs. John Schaal ; Lovina, now Mrs. G-eorge Schie- ber, and Matilda, now Mrs. J. J. McBride. Mr. Williams married his second wife, Poll}' Miller, Feb. 19, 1880. She was born in this county, March 5, 1837, and is a daughter of Jonathan Miller, who came to this count}' at an early date. She was the widow of the late Hon. John Welch, of Wyandot Co. He was among the first set- tlers there, and served about eight years in the Legislature from that county. She was married to him Feb. 18, 1858. He died Dec. 9, 1859, leaving one child — Wesley E. Mr. Williams was drafted into the late rebellion in October, 1862. He served in Co. L, 10th Ohio Cavalry, eight months, without having encountered much of the hardship which was incident to that difficulty. He has been a man of remarkable constitution, as he has scarcely ever experienced sickness, even in the early settlement of this country, when malarial affections prevailed in every community, almost in every family in the fall of the year, except an attack of scarlet fever, when he was quite young, which affected his hearing very seriously ; but, as he advances in years, the organs of hearing become more sensitive and his hearing improves. His son- in-law, J. J. McBride, farms the place, and has ever since he was married. That event occurred Jan. 8, 1873. They have three children, viz.. Altha L., Stella S. and Aida B. Mr. McBride was born in this county September, 1849. JACOB WILLIAMS, farmer and teacher ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is the son of John F. and Elizabeth Williams, and was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 23, 1823. His boyhood was spent on the farm, without many privileges of obtain- ing an education, much as he desired it. As he approached the age of manhood, he felt still more keenly the necessity of acquiring knowl- edge ; and so he studied closely during the odd hours of leisure, and being naturally apt, soon acquired a fair amount of learning. In 1842, he taught school through the winter term, receiving 115 per month, each month compris- ing twenty-six days. The proceeds of that term were turned over to his father for neces- sary general purposes. The next winter, 1843 -44, he went to school, that being the only term that he ever attended school as a pupil. The following winter he taught a school four miles west of Marion. The next term he taught in Holmes Township, and continued for three terms, where he taught his first term. Oct. 8, 1848, he married Catharine Hershberger ; and soon afterward they moved to Holmes Township where he worked a rented farm in the summer and taught school during the winter for two years. At that time his father wished him to return and take charge of the old homestead, which he did in 1852, and in 1855, purchased the farm, and has lived here ever since. Al- though he then had the charge of a farm and family, he pursued his studies by night, kept up with the advance in that direction, and has taught school almost every- winter ; having taught fifteen terms in their own district. Mrs. Williams was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., June 8, 1829, her mother (Magdalene Eberly) died when she was about 11 years old. There were thirteen children of them ; ten of whom grew to maturity, and came with their father to this State in 1847. He (Jacob Hershberger) now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Williams, at the advanced age of 85 years. Mr. and Mrs. Will- iams are the parents of four children — Mary A. (deceased), John F., Sally J., now Mrs. Jef- ferson Correll, and George H. The latter has prepared himself for teaching, and taught his first term in Holmes Township, where his father first began. Mr. Williams owns a good farm of 121 acres of good land, which he has earned by his own tact and industry. LIBEKTY TOWNSHIP. 951 HENRY WILLIAMS, farmer , P. 0. Bucy- rus ; is the oldest son of Thomas Williams ; he was born in this township Dec. 24, 1836, and worked on the farm with his parents until after he attained his majority. He united his for- tunes with those of Elsie Cobb on March 19, 1859 ; she was born in this township May 17, 1838. In August, 1862, he enlisled in Co. C, 101st 0. V. I., and was rushed to the front im- mediately. The regiment which he was in suf- fered severely from the long and hurried march which they were obliged to make almost as soon as enlisted. Man}' of them had only been a few days drilling, and were green re- cruits, unused to every phase of warfare. Mr. Williams was in the engagement at Perry- ville, and at Edgefield Junction, Tenn.; he was taken sick and sent into hospital for some time, and was terribly afflicted with rheumatism, which disabled and reduced his otherwise strong frame to a mere shadow. He received his discharge from army duty in January-, 1865. He is a sufferer from the effects of the disease contracted in the service, to this day for which he is worthily among the list of pensioners. While Mr. Williams was in the army, Mrs. Will- iams taught school, as she was well prepared for that vocation before they were married, and had taught school several 3ears previous. From the date of his return from the army, they re- sided on his father's farm until 1872. when they removed to their present farm of 40 acres, where thej^ live very comfortably. They have onl}' two children, viz., V. K. and Sadie M.; the former is attending school, with the intention of preparing himself for teaching. Mrs. Will- iams' parents were Henr}- and Sallie (Mitchell) Cobb ; they had twelve children, ten of whom grew up to maturity. He died at Bueyrus Feb. 20, 1878, in his 73d year, his widow still sur- viving. J. H. WERT, farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; is the oldest of the family of John and Saloma (Shafer) Wert, who were both natives of Penn- sylvania ; there they reached man and woman's estate, and there they were married. J. H. was born in Dauphin Co.,Penn.,May 25, 1833 ; their second child (Eliza), was also born in Pennsyl- vania. Mr. John Wert learned the tailor's trade and worked at it during the winters besides at- tending to some farm business. He, with his wife and two children, moved from their native State to Ohio and settled in Sanduskv Town- ship, of this county, in 1835. They purchased 40 acres of land and proceeded to make the most of their situation. He would work on the farm through the summer and raise somethiuir for their support, and in the winter he would do the tailoring for the surrounding countr}", and, as cash was a very rare commodity in most of the new settlements, he was often ob- liged to receive as pa}- for his work some pro- duct of the farm, and very nicel}' situated were those who had some provision to spare. The residence of course was the ordinary log cabin, and not warm dwellings, either, in the inclem- ency of the winter. But between Mr. Wert's farming in the summer and his attention to his trade in the winter, they had always a supply of the necessai'ies of life. Although all in his im- mediate neighborhood were not so favored. Calling on one of his neighbors he found him in low spirits, and, insisting on an explanation of his moody appearance, the poor man admitted, with reluctance, that his entire store was ex- hausted and was without means of an}^ kind to procure something for himself and famishing family. This announcement made, Mr. Wert produced the price of a barrel of flour sa}^- ing, " Take that, get something and pay me when 3'ou can." It is needless to say that the poor man accepted it with more inward thank- fulness than he could easily express, and laid in its value of the " staff of life," and soon got jobs of work whereby he was able to sup- port the ftimily and repay Mr. Wert what he had lent him. Notwithstanding his poverty then, he lived to be a well-to-do farmer, with plenty ; onh' his wife — in her 80th year — survives, as her husband and all the children have passed before, and with grateful feelings to this day she remembers John Wert's generosity when they were in need. In the early settlement the people often resorted to the manufacture of maple suoar as a source of revenue with which to procure some little necessaries, and the first stove that Mr. Wert ever owned after coming to this count}', he bought with sugar made by him- self and wife from the maple-tree. The}' reared to maturity six children (one boy died in infimcy), four boys and two girls, viz., J. H., Eliza, now ^Irs. Joseph Roop, of Bueyrus ; J. Cr., of Buey- rus ; Sarah A., now Mrs. Abraham Pfleiderer, of Indiana ; and Lewis : he was married, but both himself and wife have gone the way of all flesh. Their parents are both dead, 3Ir. Wert -71' liL 952 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : died on May 31, 1865, and Mrs. Wert May 12, 1868. When J. H. was about 17 years old, he accepted a clerkship in a general merchandising house where he worked several years, and clerked in the mercantile house of F. G-. Hesche over five years in Bucyrus. He then came to the village of Annapolis and clerked for Thomas (xillespie for about six months, and when Mr. Gillespie sold out to E. Warner, Mr. Wert re- mained with him (Warner) about three 3'ears. At that time Mr. Warner moved to Crestline, and Mr. Wert turned his attention to farming ; he rented farms for about seven years, and, in 1869, he purchased the farm where he resides. He owns in all 119 acres of well-improved land, and lives comfortably on the fruits of his own industr}'. He was elected Township Clerk in 1861, and held that office fifteen consecutive years, except one, and, in the spring of 1879, he was elected Township Trustee, and the fall of the same year he was elected Land Appraiser. He is a charter member of the Knights of Honor and is Reporter of the " Liberty " Lodge, No. 845. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth A., daughter of Michael Carlton, May 31, 1860 ; they have two children, viz., Charles M. and Huber B. Mrs. Wert was born in this town- ship, where her parents now reside, Aug. 29, 1833. The}' are members of the Lutheran Church. J. B. WERT, clerk, Sulphur Springs ; was born Nov. 28, 1837, in Sandusky Township, this county. His parents, John and Salome (Shafer) Wert, were both natives of Dauphin Co., Penu. They moved to and settled in this county in 1835. J. B. is the third of their seven children. He spent the early part of his life on the farm, and acquired a good common- school education. He made his home at his father's until he was married, which event oc- curred May 28, 1863, with Leonora Ziegler, daughter of Dr. (leorge L. and Susanna (Beard) Ziegler. The latter was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, the former in Pennsylvania, and came to Mahoning Co. when quite young. From there they came to Crawford Co. and settled in An- napolis Township Feb. 8, 1841. Mrs. Wert was born here April 1, 1844. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. Wert rented a farm in this township, and spent eight years on two farms. They then moved to thfs village, and he worked at the carpenter's trade four years. Some time afterward, he accepted a clerkship in the dry- goods establishment of Klopfenstein & Co., which position he holds at present. He owns a very nice home in the village, which he has principally earned b}' his own industry. He is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 845, Knights of Honor. They have one child living — Hat- tie M.. and one deceased — Flora. ISAAC WATERS, farmer; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born where he now resides on June 22, 1832. His father, Jacob, and his mother, Mary (Trout) Waters, were natives of Westmoreland Co., Penn. They were farmers, and, with a view to giving their growing fam- ily an opportunity of procuring homes of their own in due time, they started with their family of six children — Violet, Benjamin, Andrew, Phillip, Jacob and Michael — and settled in Liberty Township, in 1830, on a piece of land which had been entered by his father-in-law, Phillip Trout, several years before. It was situated on the Sandusky River, and there the famil}' grew up to maturity, and then scattered oflT to do for themselves. But Isaac, being the youngest of the fiimil}', remained at home with his parents. He was the only child born to them in this State. In 1860, the father died, being then in his 73d year ; but Isaac cared for his aged mother, with whom she made her home until her final dissolution, which occurred in 1877, in the 83d year of her age. Isaac's advantages for procuring an education were quite limited, considering both time to be ap- plied and facilities. The old common log-cabin schoolhouse, with its miserably arranged fix- tures, was not conducive to comfort, much less to the happiness so often referred to in more modern school da3's. In the early winter, when the weather was too chilly to be without a fire in the cabin schoolroom, and one would be made, the result has frequent!}' been that, in consequence of the smoke, the place would be untenantable the remainder of the day ; hence they would arrange benches of a temporary character outside, and there finish their exer- cises. He owns a well-improved farm of 173 acres, and takes considerable pride in having good stock. His horse, of the •' English Hen- ess " stock, took the first prize in the •■ general purpose ' class, and '• sweepstakes " of all classes at the late Crawford Co. Fair. He united his fortunes with Mary Souders, widow of the late John Souders, June 5, 1875. Her maiden name wan Mary Chisholm. She was a LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 953 native of Perry Co., Penn., and came here in 1854 with her fii'st husband, by whom she has seven children— David, Anna, Martha, Mary J., Virginia, Robert and John. In 1878, Mr. Waters built an elegant two-story frame resi- dence, which supersedes the old house that was built on the premises over forty yeai's ago; also fine outbuildings, which contribute to the appearance of his beautiful location. MICHAEL WOLF, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., March 6, 1799. His father, Henry Wolf, came from Germany a young man, before the Revolution, and settled in New Jersey, where he married, and subse- quently' moved to Pennsylvania. While he was residing there, he enlisted in the war of the Revolution, and participated in many of the most important battles of that time. When the war closed, he returned to his home in Pennsylvania, and shortly afterward his wife died, leaving nine children. He married a sec- ond wife, Elizabeth Kaylor, a native of Penn- sylvania. By this union there were likewise nine children, our subject, Michael, being the youngest one of the family. Mr. Wolf, Sr., died when Michael was about six years old, and his mother being left in poor circumstances he (Michael) was obliged to do for himself when quite young, and also required to render early assistance to his mother, who was also called away when he was about 22 years of age. Michael was a natural genius, and, although he never spent a term of apprenticeship at any trade, he could do almost anything in mechan- ics, and if not of the finest character it invariably suited the purpose. Among the trades in which he was most proficient was plastering, masoning, shoemaking and carpentering, as well as doing some blacksmithing of a general character. He married Nanna M. Beck, in 1824, in Pennsyl- vania, and in 1834 they came to Crawford Co., with five of their children, and settled on the farm of sixtj'-three acres, where he now lives. When he settled here his entire farm was wood and swamp. He came here quite poor with a large family of helpless children ; he had very hard work to get along. He was in debt $25 on his land, for which he gave his note pa^^able in four months ; and in the new country-, where mone}' was very scarce, it was almost impossi- ble to earn or even get cash for work done ; however, b}- working at odd jobs through the day, and making shoes at night, he raised the means to pay ofl' his $25 note. While he was cleai'ing his land and preparing for a crop, he has been obliged to pay as high as $1.25 per bushel for corn for the subsistence of himself and family : and pay for the same with work at a very low rate per day. While working at the clearing of his farm through the day, he has often worked at shoemaking until midnight. In one week, while splitting rails every work- ing day, he made five pairs of shoes during the nights of the same week. There are few men, if any, in Crawford Co., who have done more hard work, and now, in his advanced years, with enough to make him comfortable, and good health to enjo}' it, he looks back at the past with considerable pleasure when he re- members the hard experience of pioneer days, seeing he has succeeded in procuring the nec- essary things for comfort in his old age. They reared eleven children — Sarah A., now Mrs. John Burk ; Fannie, was wife of John Todd, and died in Michigan in June, 1880 ; Caro- lina, wife of Henry Gipple, of Williams Co ; Elizabeth, wife of John Griner, of Wood Co.; Henry, at home ; Jonas, of Reno Co., Kansas ; Susan, wife of Isaac Smith, of Wood Co. ; John, who is in Michigan ; Jacob, of Wyandot Co.; Samuel makes his home here, and Anna M.; the latter keeps house and cares for her aged father in the declining days of his life. Mrs. Wolf was called away Nov. 10, 1867. GODFREY WINGERT (deceased); was born in Germany Nov. 7, 1807. When about 21 years of age, he concluded to tr}' his fortune in the United States. On his arrival here, he took up his residence near Buffalo, N. Y., where he bought a small piece of land ; and, on March 23, 1832, he married Annie Kaler, who had latel}' come from Germany, and was born there Sept. 22, 1807. They lived near Buft'alo six years, when they sold their small farm and moved to Ohio, and settled on the farm where Mrs. Wingert and her daughter live. They bought 42 acres on arriving here ; but added by purchases until they owned 127 acres. They had eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living — xlndrew, Annie, George, Amos, Marie, Louisa and G. L. Mr. Wingert was a member of the Reformed Church in his native country, and with which he and his wife were identified here. He was called away March 27, 1879. Their youngest son, G. L., was born Nov. 4, 1851, on the tarm where his mother now lives. He remained at home :i.; lUv 954 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: on the farm with his parents until July 25, 1876, at which date he was united in marriage with Verlonia A. Hilliker, daughter of Samuel F. and Henrietta B. (Duzenbcrry) Hilliker. She was born in the city of New York, and came to Crawford Co. with her parents when about 9 years old. Her pai'ents remained here until the spring of 1879, when they moved to and took up their residence in Beatrice, Neb. Oda May is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Wingert. They own 40 acres of good land, which he got from his father's estate. The}' are members of the ITnited Brethren Church of this township. EMANUEL YEITER, farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Springs ; was born at his present residence, March 3, 1843. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Auperle) Yeiter, who were natives of Wnrtemberg, (rermany, and emigrated to the United States with their four oldest children in 1832. They came direct to Crawford Co. and entered the 80 acres which Emanuel owns. In course of time there were five children born to them in this countiy, making nine in all, viz., John, Jacob, Mary, JDavid, Catharine, Christina, Fredrick, Sophia and Emanuel. The family grew up here, and scattered out in the world for themselves. The parents knew what the rough pioneer life of the new country was, as they came here, with four small children, into a coun- try strange to them in every respect. And one of the inconveniences, and not the least, either, to be overcome, was the language, with which they were unfamiliar ; that obstacle Mr. Yeiter finally overcame, as far as was necessary in business; but his wife being less among En- glish-speaking people, and more confined to her domestic duties, where in their own family the German language only was used, she never learned, nor can she to this day converse intel- ligibly in anything but her "mother tongue." They soon arose above pecuniary embarrass- ment, and have all been, and are, living in good circumstances. They are all married and doing for themselves ; John, Jacob, David and Fred- erick are in Kent Co., Mich. ; Mary is now Mrs. Stahl, of Union Co., Ohio ; Catharine is now Mrs. D. Lust ; Christina is now Mrs. Adam Meek, and Sophia is now Mrs. Joseph NeflT. Our subject (Emanuel), being the youngest, re- mained at home, and purchased tlie interest of the others in the homestead. He married Sophia Lust Feb. 29, 1872 ; she is the daughter of Conrad and Magdalene (Myers) Lust, and was born June 19, 1853, in Chatfield Township. The}- have five children — Mar}' M., Elizabeth C, Joseph B., Catharine A. and Albert F. Mr. Yeiter is serving his third year as School Di- rector of his district. He and wife are mem- bers of the German Methodist Church. His father died at the old homestead in June, 1878, in his 77th year ; his wife survives, and is hale and strong, being in her 78th year. Last May she fell down and broke her thigh bone, near the hip-joint, which became perfectly sound again in the miraculousl}^ short time of six weeks, considering her very advanced age. JOHN K. ZABBE, proprietor hotel. Sul- phur Springs, was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., Nov. 1, 1838. Is the son of George and Han- nah (Clauser) Zarbe. In 1856, he came to this count}', and began with Jacob Shull to learn the carpenter's trade. When he had worked three months, he returned to Pennsylvania, and continued his apprenticeship, working at the carpenter business about five and a half years, in the meantime occasionally doing some- thing at home on the farm. In the spring of 1862, he began in the coal mines, where he was at work, when, in the fall of the same year, he was drafted into the army, on a nine months' call. He served as Corporal in Co. F, 173d Penn. V. I., and, at the expiration of ten months, he returned home, having received his discharge Aug. 16, 1863. On Feb. 29, 1864, he re-enlisted in Co. A, 50th Penn. V. I., which belonged to the 1st Division of the 9th Army Corps, in which he did some hard duty, partic- ipating in the battles of the Wilderness, Nye River, Spottsylvania Court House. In the lat- ter engagement he was taken prisoner, but ere his captors had proceeded far with a number of prisoners which they had taken at the same time, they ran unsuspectingly against a pha- lanx of the Union army ; enthused by the presence of the Union soldiers, he (Mr. Zarbe) dashed from the ranks of the prisoners and made good his escape into the Union line, and was soon in his own regiment again, when he participated in the conflicts of Shady Grove, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. On the last of September, he was taken ill and sent to hospital, where he remained from Oct. 1 until about the 1st of November, when he got a fifteen-day furlough, but, being sick and unable for duty, his furlough was extended fif- teen days more. He then returned to Alex- -©f^* HOLMES TOWI^SHIP. 955 andria, and, being unfit still, for field service, he was assigned a place in the dining-room of the hospital at that place. In April, 1865, he returned to the regiment, which was encamped near Alexandria, where it was stationed on post duty. His regiment was marched to Get- tysburg, where the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the National Cemetery was observed July 4, 1865. On the 30th of that month, he received his discharge and returned to his home in Pennsylvania, and resumed his farm work, which he followed until 1868, when he sold out and moved to this county. Here he bought a farm of 76 acres ; there he left his parents, and bought 120 acres more. He lived on the latter four 3'ears, when he sold, and came into the village and worked at the car- penter's trade one year, and subsequently pur- chased the hotel property of Michael Heiby. Nov. 20, 1859, he married Elizabeth Mundinger. She was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 11, 1838. They have had eight children— Alvin P., Hen- ry A. (deceased), John W., Lewis W., William P., Grrant A., Ida E. (deceased) and Laura S. HOLMES TOWNSHIP. JOHN T. ALBRIGHT, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born Dec. 16, 184:6, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Jury) Albright, of Whet- stone Township ; related to the notable " Al- bright " who founded the Evangelical Church. The subject of this sketch attended school in the winter, and worked on the farm with his father until about 22 3'ears of age, and then en- gaged in fi\rraing with his father for two years. He was married Feb. 10, 1870, to Amelia Mc- Cracken, of Holmes Township, who was born Oct. 22, 1847, daughter of Hugh and Martha McCracken. He lived in Liberty Township for three 3'ears after marriage, afterward moving to the farm on which he now resides. Two children have been born to them — Franklin, born Nov. 26, 1870, and Martha Ann, Aug. 27, 1875, both living at home. Our subject has a beautiful farm of 150 acres, which is, by his good management, in a thorough state of cul- tivation. DANIEL BRINKMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born Feb. 7, 1840, and is the son of Christopher and Mary (Heinlen) Brlnkman. The father was a native of Baden, Germany. He was born in 1802, and died in December, 1 876. The mother is also a native of German3^ Their union was celebrated in the fatherland, and the3' afterward came to this countr3'. There were nine children, six of whom are now living. Daniel is a properous farmer, and is meeting with good success in his business. Of his father's famil3' there were nine children — Henr3', John, Lewis, Christopher, Frederick, Mary, Elizabeth, Daniel, Jacob. Of these, Lewis, Mar3' and Elizabeth are dead. Daniel is a man of con- ciderable influence in his community, and is wgII rGSOGCtjGCl JACOB BRINKMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; a brother of the preceding ; was born Nov. 5, 1842, and is the 3'oungest son of the famil3^ He was brought up on a fai'm, and has always followed this branch of industr3', and has been successful. He has alwa3^s been in- dustrious and frugal, and b3' so doing has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. His father came to Buc3'rus when it was a small hamlet, and after a residence of several years there, the3' removed to Holmes Township. Here the3' erected a rude dwelling, which is still standing, a rude structure, 3'et suggestive of many recollections and hallowed memories. Mr. Brinkman is a prominent man of his town- ship, and is an enterprising farmer. JOHN P. BLACK, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 29, 1814, in York Co., Penn., and is the son of James and Martha (Porter) Black. He removed to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1844. and engaged in the manufacture of carriages and farming implements for five 3'ears. He then removed to Brown Township, Delaware Co., engaging in the same business, and, at the end of three 3'ears, removed to Crawford Co., and settled on the farm which he now owns and on which he resides. He has so improved it that it is now one of the finest farms in Holmes Township. He is one of the prominent men of his township, having filled the most prominent offices of the corporation, and has been a mem- ber of the school board for twenty 3'ears. He 6) 956 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: has also been President of the Crawford County Sunday School Union since 1859. For years, he has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a devoted Christian worker. He was married, April 19, 1838, to Margaret Har- ufl', daughter of Peter Haruff, of Hummelstown, Dauphin Co., Penn. Of this union, there were nine children — Martha B., J. Murray, Mary Agnes, Josephine, Carrie P., Thomas B., Louie J., Annie B. and J. Edmund. Mary A. was the wife of Robert M. Hutchison, and died in her 24th year, leaving a husband and two bright little daughters to mourn her loss. Mrs. Black died Sept. 9, 1847, aged 47, leaving a devoted husband and loving family, who miss her, yet not without hope, having faith that they shall meet again on the shores where partings never come. PETER BASH, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born July 22, 1819, in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Whetstone) Bash. His parents removed to Stark Co., Ohio, when he was but 5 months old. They remained there until his 10th year, when they removed to Bucyrus. His mother dying in 1834, and his father in 1838, he was left somewhat under the care of his grandfather, who entered land in the vicinity of Annapolis, this county. The grandmother of our subject was the first person ever interred in the ceme- tery of Annapolis. He was married, Sept. 17, 1839, to Susannah Cover, daughter of Samuel Cover, living one mile east of Annapolis. He lived in the vicinity of Annapolis until some 25 years ago, when he removed to his present farm in Holmes Township. Of his marriage, there were born — Samuel, Jacob, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Peter L. and Susannah, all of whom are living ; Mary E. married Jacob Seibert Feb. 8, 1873, and died on May 7, 1874 ; Albert and Henry died in infancy. Four children are married and live near their fathei\ Samuel was married some three years ago, and removed to Huntington Co., Ind. Mr. Bash is a prominent man in his township, and has filled several im- portant offices of trust and i-esponsibility in both townships where he has resided. He is a member of the Dunkard Church, his grand- father having been a Dunkard preacher, and a man highly esteemed. ABRAHAM P. DITTY, farmer ; P. 0. Bro- ken Sword ; was born Aug. 31, 1846 ; is a son of Martin and Sarah (Pierson) Ditty, who were natives, the former of Lancaster Co., Penn., and the latter of Henry Co., Ind. They moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, about the year 1840, and settled in Holmes Township, a little south- east of Broken Sword. By his father's first marriage there were two children, of which our subject was the oldest ; by his second marriage, two children ; third marriage, six ; fourth mar- riage, none. The fourth mother of the subject of this sketch is now living at New Winchester, Whetstone Township, this county ; his father having died Oct. 22, 1875. Abraham attended school about one month in the year until 18 years of age, the remainder of the time being devoted to farm work with his father. After his 18th year he engaged in farming ; was married Jan. 21, 1868, to Miss Matilda Selee, daughter of Emeal and Catharine (Spade) Selee, a farmer of note in Holmes Township. By this marriage there were three children — Clara Ellen, born Oct. 27, 1868; Tire Esrom, Feb. 7, 1872 ; Rena, Oct. 7, 1874, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Ditty has cleared up and improved his farm, and is now enjoying the advantages of many broad, well-cultivated and fertile acres. He has also had charge, for the past ten years, of the lai'ge tract of land belong- ing to the Dalzells, extensive glass manufact- urers of Pittsburgh, Penn ; is also a prominent man in the affairs of the township. He had a half-brother in the late war, who was wounded at the battle of Bull Run, was sent home and died. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association of North America. RE ASIN EATON, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 1818, and is the son of John and Catharine (Marker) Eaton. His father was born in W^ashington Co., Md., April 25, 1778, and removed to Ohio in 1804. He removed to this county in 1829, and lived here till his death, July 23, 1850. There are eight children living, four sons and four daughters ; of the sons two are lawyers, one a physician, and our subject, a farmer. Mr. Eaton received a common-school education and worked on his father's farm. He also remained assisting his father until his death. He was married, April 8, 1857, to Margaret E. Hays, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Stevenson) Haj's, born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn. Her mother came to Bucyrus Christmas Eve, 1840, and depended upon her eldest son, a tinner by trade, for support. Of this union, ^/ HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 957 there were eleven children, of whom seven are living ; they are Kate, married to W. B. Richie, a prominent young lawyer of Lima, Ohio ; John A. married Basha Quaintance, and is one of the rising young lawyers at the Bucj- rus bar ; Horace married Ada Fry, daughter of Henry Fry, of Liberty Township ; Harvey married, Jan. 16, 1879, to Flora Shaftner, daughter of Henry Shaftner, who gave his life for his country. Also Reasin, Ethel and Wal- ter at home. Virginia, Mark, George and Nellie died while young. Mr. Eaton is, per- haps, the wealthiest farmer in Holmes Town- ship, and is also one of its most prominent men. He has often been urged by his friends to accept a nomination for the Legislature, but has always declined the honor. By strict at- tention to business and good management, he has been ver^' successful. Himself and wife are both members of the English Lutheran Church, and by his means and labor it was that the church of which he is a member was erected. Reasin Eaton will long be remem- bered as a man who loved righteousness, and whose hand was not withdrawn from things of charity — a man universally loved and respected. GEORGE F. EBERHART, farmer ; P. 0. Broken Sword ; was born Jan. 20, 1812. His parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, where our subject was born and attended school. In his 15th year, he was apprenticed to John Myers for three years, to learn the blacksmith's trade, for which he paid $30, and found his own clothing. After his 18th year, his apprenticeship having expired, he worked as a journeyman in his chosen avocation for one year, and then took passage for this country, with his mother and two brothers, his father having died when he was in his 4th year. After a voj'age of forty-two days they landed in New York, thence to Bucyrus, arriving about the 14th of September, 1832. He then engaged as chain carrier for John Schleiver, in laying out the village of Schleivertown, now Annapolis, and afterward at blacksmithing with one Fred- erick Beard, in the town which they had laid out. He afterward went to Harrisburg, Stark Co., Ohio, and thence to Louisville, same Co., where he run a shop for himself until his mar- riage, which occurred Feb. 14, 1834, to Catha- rine Hamm, of Washington Township, Stai'k Co., where he purchased a small piece of land, and lived for about two j^ears, then moved to Lib- erty Township, Crawford Co., and purchased a small farm, improved it and worked at his trade a few years, then moved back to Stark Co., where he purchased 100 acres and lived for two years ; sold out and again moved to Crawford Co., Cranberry Township, where he dealt in real estate quite extensively, and lived there thirty-four years, when he moved to the beautiful farm on which he now lives. By his first wife there wei'e seven children — Jacob, born Sept. 20, 1836; Mary, July 15, 1838; Elizabeth, Oct. 7, 1841 ; George, June 29, 1844 ; Rosina Catharine, Feb. 28, 1847 ; Margaret C, Nov. 30, 1849, and Christine, Sept. 30, 1854. His first wife died March 14, 1868. He was again married April 12, 1870, to Mrs. Barbara (AValker) Foust, born March 18, 1832, who had one daughter, Christine, born July 24, 1855, by her first husband, Taylor Weingartner. Mr. Eberhart, with his wife and four surviving chil- dren, who are all married, are members of the Albright Church. JOHN GEORGE EBERHART, farmer ; P. 0. Broken Sword ; was born June 30, 1844, and is a son of George Frederick and Catharine Elizabeth (Hamm) Eberhart, of Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. He is the sec- ond son of a family of five children, three daughters and two sons. His father was a native of Germany, and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch ac- cepted the limited educational advantages afibrded, and attended school when the oppor- tunity was given him, working on the farm with his father and studj-ing when he had a few spare moments, until about 19 years of age. He then engaged in farming until 22 years of age, when he was united in marriage Sept. 24, 1866, to Elizabeth Sheber, daughter of Gottlieb and Christina (Heckenlively) Sheber. This union was blessed with four children — Matilda Jane, born July 24, 1867 ; Mary Corena, Oct. 17, 1869 ; John Benjamin, June 3, 1872, and Sarah Naomi, June 19, 1875, all of whom are liviug at home with their parents. Mr. Eber- hart's magnificent surroundings show a marked degree of ability in his chosen avocation. He and his estimable wife are members of the Ger- man M. E. Church, of Holmes Township, and are prosperous and happj'. DANIEL FRALICK, merchant ; P. 0. Win- gert's Corners; was born Maj- 11, 1817, in Dauphin Co., Penn. He is the only child of '*u )^ 958 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: William and Maiy (Harden) Fralick, who were of Scotch-Trish descent. He worked on a farm with his father during the summer, and in the winter attended school, until his 13th year, when his parents removed to this county and settled on the Rowse farm, now occupied by A. Monnett. They lived here from spring until fall, and then removed to the extreme north of Holmes Township and entered 80 acres of land, with patent given by Andrew Jackson. Here the}^ erected a log cabin, worked hard and endured the privations of a pioneer life. In the spring of 1834, he came to Buc^'rus, and commenced work in the flour and saw mill of Elias Slage. He worked during the time, when the water-power was sufficient to run the mill, and during dull times he returned to his father's farm, and put in his time there ; he worked at the mill from 1834 to 1846, in which year he moved on his father's farm, and lived thei-e several years. In 1853, he commenced a store at Wingert's Corners, and in 1855 built a new storeroom, which he now occupies. He also worked the farm, in connection with his mercantile pursuits. Mr. Fralick is now en- gaged in the mercantile business at Wingert's Corners, and is doing well. He is a prominent man in his township, having held several offices, and has been Justice of the Peace for 15 years, being the only Republican in his neighborhood. Himself and wife are both members of the Reforaied Church. He was married to Ann Maria Shupp Oct. 6, 1840. She is a daughter of John and Ann Shupp, of Wingert's Corners, and is a native of Dauphin Co., Penn. Their union was blessed with nine children, of whom Henry, Isaiah, Mary and Sarah are deceased. Margaret J. married Samuel Flickinger ; La- vinia married Samuel Swank, and Johnmarried Matilda Shirk, of Holmes Township ; Rebecca and Daniel are at home. SAMUEL FLICKINGER, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus. The subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1837, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and is the ninth child in a family of twelve. His father, also named Samuel, came to Stark Co. at an early day, and from there removed to this county, where he lived until his death, in 1872. The subject of our sketch spent his youth on a farm, and received a common-school education. At the age of 28, he commenced saw-milling, and has been engaged in the business some fifteen years. He is a well-known and highly respected citizen of Holmes Township, and is well respected by all who know him. He was married, Dec. 28, 1867, to Margaret J. Fralick, daughter of a prominent merchant of Wingert's Corners. This union has been blessed with two children — Clarissa and Fanny Blanche. ISRAEL GOODWIN (deceased), Bucyrus ; was born April 4, 1833, and was the son of William A. and Rebecca (Helpman) Goodwin. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed the occupation for several 3'ears, and then engaged in farming until his death, which occurred July 18, 1874. He was a man .universally respected, and a good husband and father. He was mar- ried Nov. 12, 1857, to Lovina Heller, daughter of D. J. Heller, and who still survives him. Of this marriage there are six children — Mar}' Ellen, born Oct. 23, 1858, married William A. McBride, and is living in the township ; Ange- line, born March 4, 1861 ; Alice, March 28, 1863 ; Maud, Oct. 20, 1865 ; Minerva, Jan. 2, 1868, and Leander, June 22, 1874. Mrs. Good- win is living on her farm in Holmes Township, and is in very comfortable circumstances, and is respected by all who know her. TILGHMAN H. GEORGE, farmer; P. 0. Broken Sword; was born May 12, 1834; is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Houpt) George, who were natives of Northampton Co., Penn. They moved to Wyandot Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1853. After residing there for some time they moved to Crawford Co., Ohio ; thence to Seneca Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch attended school during the winter months, and worked with his father at shoemaking until about 21 years of age, when he engaged for himself in shoemaking, then in the manufacture of cigars, and afterward in the carpenter's trade. About twenty -one years ago, he began his agricultural life, which he has run quite successfully, and, within the past five years, has added a thresh- ing machine of the latest improved style to his large stock of machinery, and has, b}- his exten- sive adoption of machinery in agriculture, been liberally remunerated for his skill and energy. He was married Nov. 27, 1856, to Sarah Miller, a daughter of Jonathan and Anne (Shupp) Mil- ler, who were natives of Dauphin Co., Penn. By this marriage, there were seven children — William Henry, born April 24, 1858 ; Wesley E., July 14, 1859 ; John Adams, Jan. 7, 1861 ; an infant son died on day of birth, April 5, 1862; Anna E., June 26,'l869 ; Roily Edgar, w Feb 25 1872, and Rosetta, April 30, 1876. WiliiamH. was married in March, 1880, to Lena Sterns, of Lykens Township, this county. Wes- ley is enoaged in business in Seneca Co., Uhio, and the rest of the family are at home with their parents. Mr. George has been a promi- nent man in the township, having held some important offices. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Albright Church, and are respected and esteemed by all who know them. ELIZABETH HEINLEN, f^r^ier , P. O. Broken Sword ; was l^orn Nov. 20, 1844 ; is a daughter of Christopher and Rachel (Wagnei) Auc^k of Crawford Co., widow of the late Henry Heinlen, who died March 23, 1877, who was a son of Lewis and Hannah (Wise) Heinlen. Since her husband's death, she has taken charge of the business pertaining to a iarm ot ibu acres, showing by the extensive improvements which she has made, and the high state of cul- tivation under which she has the land, that the weaker sex are capable of assuming responsi- ble positions, if the opportunity is given them. She was married to Henry Heinlen Feb. 4, 1868 From this union there were tour chil- dren—Clara Maliuda, born Nov. 28 18bH ; Manuel Edward, born May 6, 1871 ; Caroline Rebecca, born Nov. 26, 1873; Sarah Elmira born Oct. 31, 1876, died March 8, 18-7 ; the remaining three are living at home with their mother. Mrs. Heinlen and her husband were members of the German Reformed Church at Wingert's Corners. ,. ^ -o JOHN HOLMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Nov. 7, 1828 ; son of Martin and Ro- sanna (Foy) Holman, the former ot Beaver Co, Penn where he resided until he was about 1^ years of age, when he moved to the State of Kentucky, where he resided for a time, then moved to Brown Co., Ohio, thence to Ross Co., where he learned the currier's trade, which he followed for a time with an older brother He afterward moved to Crawford Co., where he un- derwent the trials of an early pioneer life, work- ina at his trade and clearing up the country. Om- subject was born in Crawford Co., when that county was in its infancy, and when edu- cational advantages were limited ; but by liis dilit^ence he obtained a moderate education by attending school in winter, and working with his father until about 22 years of age, when he attended college for a time at Oberlin Univer- sity WesterviUe, Ohio. He then engaged m farming, working at the carpenter's trade and teaching, for about three years, and afterward farming and teaching for several years. He was married Oct. 5, 1854, to Hannah M. Brown, dauohter of Asa and Eliza (Lee) Brown, of Crawford Co. This union was blessed with five children— Lucelia E., born July 27, 1855 ; Jay B., born Nov. 21, 1859 ; Guy C, born April 10, 1864, died Dec. 8, 1870 ; Carrie A born July 15, 1872, and Myrtle, born March 14 1874 ; all those living are at home with their parents. Our subject was elected Jus- tice of the Peace in 1865, which office he filled creditably for fifteen consecutive years. He was also Township Clerk for seven years, and Township Trustee for three terms. He is now a member of the Board of Directors of the Crawford County Farmers' Fire Insurance Company. He has lived in this county for over fifty-one years, and he, with his estimable wife and family, are members of the Lutheran Church of Holmes Township, much esteemed and loved by all who know them. MARY HEMMINGER, farmer : P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born Jan. 1, 1812, of Irish-English descent Her parents were James and fearah (Hawks) Martin ; the former, a native of Ireland, went to a place at that time eleven miles trom London, England, but which is now in the cit;y-, where he engaged in business and married Sarah Hawks. They took passage from Lon- don in the fall of 1822, being nearly three months on the voyage, landing in Philadelphia about fifty-eight years ago. On their voyage across the '-briny deep," and, during a severe storm, their ship's rudder was lost, and they were left drifting at the mercy of the wind and waves ; but, by the bravery of the men, several of whom lost their lives in attempting the nec- essary repairs, having to work under the water, the ship was saved. One brave old sailor, whose memory our subject will always reverence suc- ceeded in making fast the rudder, thereby et- fecting a safe landing. Some time after arriv- ing in this country, her parents moved to this State, where they underwent all the trials, sut- ferino- and exposure of an early pioneer lite. The subject of this sketch, being the - cow-boy of the family, was many times for days and nights in the woods, being at one time twenty - six miles from home, and, overtaken by dark- ness, she was compelled to wait in the hov. ing wilderness, with none but the Great Spirit to J^ 9fiO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: protect her, but hoping for the moon to rise, that she might be directed in her course. Her father's cabhi was frequented b}' the Indians, by dozens and scores, almost crowding the family from their humble home, that they might be sheltered from the raging elements without. The husband of the subject of this sketch was twice married ; first to Miss P]lizabeth Spahr, in 1825, and after her death to Miss Mary Mar- tin, on May 13, 1830. They moved to the farm on which the widow now lives, about the year 1838. This union was blessed with thirteen children, eight of whom are living, five having died in infancy. Those living are James, boi'n Feb. 4, 1831 ;Mary Ann M., June 10, 1832 ; Sarah J., Feb. 14, 1834 ; Martha, Aug. 31, 1838 ; Charlotte, March 8, 1841 ; John, June 10, 1848 ; Jacob, Feb. 7, 1851, and Marsella, June 29, 1855 ; all of whom are married and living in the great State of Ohio. Mr. Heraminger had been seriously indisposed for three 3'ears before; his death, and bore his afflictions at all times with cheerfulness and resignation, al- though confined to his bed most of the time, death releasing him Sept. 6, 1877. at the ad- vanced age of nearly 80 years. He was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church, was a desirable neighbor and a man of his word, prompt in ful- filling his contracts to the best of his abilit}', and lived and died esteemed and respected by all who knew him. DANIEL J. PIELLER, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyriis ; was born x\ug. 7, 1814, in Dauphin Co., Penn. He attended school in winter, and worked with his father until about 1 8 years of age, when he engaged in farming with his father until his marriage, which occurred in October, 1833, to Catharine Ginrick, who Avas born July 15, 1816, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Fishbaum) Ginrick, a respected farmer of Dauphin Co., Penn. After marriage, they en- gaged in farming in Dauphin Co. for about four years, and then moved to Liberty Township, where they lived about twenty-seven 3'ears, when they moved to the farm on which they now reside. Their marriage was blessed with thirteen chil- dren—Elizabeth, born Feb. 20, 1835 ; Mary, Jan. 5, 1837; Lovina, May 15. 1839 ; Lucy A., Dec. 7, 1841 ; Jonathan G., March 12, 1844; Susanna, Oct. 13, 1846 ; Sarah J., Jan. 14, 1849 ; an infant son, Nov. 27, 1851 — died same time ; Melissa, Dec. 22, 1852 ; William, June 30, 1855 ; Catharine E., Jan. 23, 1858 ; Dianah B., Dec. 12, 1860, and Ida A., March 1, 1864. Su- sanna died June 21, 1849 ; eleven are still liv- ing. Elizabeth married George Frame, son of a farmer of Holmes Township, and moved to Johnson Co., Kan., where they now reside. Mary married Aaron J. Quaintance Oct. 9, 1836 ; Lovina married Israel Goodwin, now de- ceased, Nov. 12, 1857 ; Lucy married Emanuel Aumillcr in the fall of 1860 ; Jonathan G. was married to Lovina Quaintance March 15, 1866 ; Sarah J. to Jacob Sheckler March 20, 1867 ; Melissa A. to Frank Johnson Dec. 15, 1872, and William H. married Amelia Stewart Dec. 23, 1875. Mr. Heller, by hard labor and frugal living, has given his large and interesting fam- ily a sufficiency of this world's goods, and as good educational advantages as their common schools afforded. He and his wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, and are verv much respected by all who know them. JOHN JOHNSON, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Nov. 20, 1829, and is the j-oungest of a famil}' of four children born to Jacob Johnson. The subject of our sketch removed to Crawford County in 1844, and commenced farming. He was in his youth denied the advantages of education, having never gone to a school in his life. However, he rose aboA^e the disadvantages of his situation, and acquired b}' his ow-n efforts an education of practical worth and benefit. He was a mem- ber of Co. L, 10th 0. V. C, and served eighteen months, when he was dischai'ged on account of disability. He was a good soldier, and fought bravely in the defense of the rights of man and the preservation of the LTnion. He was married, Dec. 20, 1847, to Susanna Lonnes, and has four children — Franklin L., John W., Theodore and Mary Etta. Three of these are married, and are living near their father, in good cir- cumstances. Mr. Johnson is a prominent citi- zen of his community and universally re- PETER T. JAMES, farmer ; P. 0. Broken Sword ; was born March 23, 1850, eldest sou of Jesse and Mary (Wells) James, natives of the Buckeye State ; they moved to Crawford County in the fall of 1847, to the farm on which they now reside. After moving to Holmes Township, in the wilderness, the}' cleared a space in the woods large enough for the erec- tion of a rude log cabin, which the father built to shelter his family ; then he went to work r ^ HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 961 with a will which showed a determination to accomplish the great work which was before him. Their beautifnl buildings, pleasant sur- roundings, and the lai-ge income of their broad and fertile fields, is the reward of hard labor, good management and frugal living in an early pioneer life. The father died April 25, 1878, in the 57th year of his age, leaving three sons and two daughters — Peter T., Thomas, ]Maggie, Elizabeth and Henry, and an estimable wife to mourn the loss of a true husband and noble father. Thomas was married, Oct. 25, 1877, to Allie Linn, daughter of William and Hannah (Fralick) Linn, respected farmers of this town- ship. Jesse James and wife were members of the Evangelical Association ; were always en- gaged in good works, such as building churches and assisting the poor and needy. Politically, they are Republicans to the core, and the core is also Republican. WILLIAM KERR, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Aug. 24, 1808, and is the son of William and Sarah (Abraham) Kerr, and is of Welsh-Irish descent. In the fall of 1832, in company with a colony of twenty-one, he re- moved to this State and settled in Whetstone Township, near the Plains. He lived here un- til 1877, when he removed to his present home. He was married, Feb. 14, 1838, to Miss Jane Clark, of Whetstone Township. This union was blessed with nine children — Archibald, Ann, Alexander E., Nancy, Elizabeth, Sophia, Jane, Margaret, and a son who died in in fancy. Those living are all married, and do- ing well. Archibald entered Co. K, 81st 0. V. L, in the fall of 1862, under Maj. W. H. Cham- berlain, and died at Corinth, Miss., of a fever, Dec. 1, 1862, aged 24 years 9 months and 25 days. Mr. Kerr has made* his property by hard labor and frugality, and is now in com- fortable circumstances. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus, and have been so for twenty-five years. WILLIAM LINN, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is a well-known resident of this township, where he has lived since the year 1834. He was born on Sept. 6, 1805, and is the son of John and Margeretta Linn, who came from Germany in 1834, and settled in this portion of the county, where he has ever since resided. He has raised five children, who are now all married, and in prosperous, well-to-do condi- tions in life. Their names are William, Sophia, Lewis, Caroline and Julia. The father is a frugal, industrious man, who has labored hard throughout his lifetime to accumulate his prop- erty, and is now an old and highly respected citizen. JOSEPH LONNES, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born March 17, 1802, in Berkeley Co., Va., near the town of Bath. He is the son of John and May (Spahr) Lonnes. A singular coinci- dence connected with his birth is that he was born in the same house that had been the scene of his mother's birth also. When he had reached his 9th year, his father removed to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and settled some six miles from the Ohio River. He was the oldest of eleven children, seven of whom are now living, and a large share of farm work fell to him in early life. He was married, in 1829, to Miss Jane Boeman, and seven children are the fruits of this marriage. One of his sons, Lam- bert, was stabbed and killed by one Joseph Morran. All of his children have been given good starts in life, and all are now doing well. Mr. Lonnes is a self-made man, and has accom- plished all by hard labor and frugal industry. He is one of the much-respected citizens of his township, and is a stanch Republican. BENJAMIN LUST, farmer ; P. 0. Broken Sword ; was born July 24, 1854 ; is a son of Frederick and Sophia (Buhl) Lust, residents of Lykens Township. His father was a native of Germany, his mother a native of Pennsylvania. Benjamin attended school in winter and worked with his father on the farm the remainder of the time, until about 17 years of age, when he engaged in farming with his father until after attaining his majority. He was married, March 2, 1876, to a Miss Eberhart, daughter of George Frederick and Catharine Elizabeth (Hamm) Eberhart. After marriage, Benjamin resided on his father-in-law's farm for about three years, when he purchased the farm on w4nch he now resides. Of his father's family, there were eight children — four sons and four daughters — of whom Benjamin was the fourth son, for whom, on account of his energy and ability, we predict a bright future. ABRAHAM LICHTENWALTER, former; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Sept. 17, 1817, in Stark Co., Ohio, and is the second son of Michael and Mary (Eyster) Lichtenwalter. He received but about eight months' schooling m 962 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ^ his whole life, the remainder of his time being devoted to work on the farm. He was married, Feb. 7, 1839, to Elizabeth Allbaugh, of Stark Co., and, the following fall, removed to Craw- ford Co. and settled in Holmes Township, at a time when it was very sparsely' settled, and when the greatest amount of hard work was necessary to bring the soil to a good state of cultivation. His marriage resulted in ten chil- dren, of whom Harriet died at IS years of age ; Emeline died at the age of 3 years ; Michael at 4 months ; Nancy Ann at 9 years of age, and two more in very early infanc3^ Those married are Mary Eve, born May 16, 1847, married to Jacob Linn, May 16, 1871, died July 31, 1871, of typhoid fever ; Matilda Elizabeth, born April 16, 1850, married to Edwin Chapman Sept. 2, 1869 ; they had four children — Charles Clinton, Laura Bell, Alberta, and one who died in early infancy ; William H., born Aug. 22, 1852, living at home, and working the ftirm for his father ; was mai'ried to Candace Correll, daughter of Jacob Correll, a farmer of Holmes Township ; she died July 23, 1877 ; William was remarried Dec. 25, 1879, to Alice C. Reinsberger, daughter of John Reinsberger, a resident and prominent farmer of Carroll Co., Ohio ; Elmira, boi'n Jan. 24, 1857, married to Levi Sponseller Feb. 11, 1874 ; living near Bloomville, Seneca Co., Ohio. There are three children— My rta May, born March 15, 1876 ; OUa J., born Dec. 5, 1877 ; Orrie F. A., born May 7, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenwalter are genial and well-respected citizens of their township, and are greatly esteemed by all who know them. JACOB MILLER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Aug. 17, 1820, and is the youngest son of John A. and Mary E. (Wert) Miller, res- idents of Dauphin Co., Penn. They moved to Crawford Co. in October, 1830, and settled in Todd, then Sycamore, Township. After living there about ten years, they removed to Holmes Township, where they lived, and died twenty- five years ago. Our subject worked on the farm and received a common education. At the age of 22 years, he married Miss Polly Shupp, daughter of a respected citizen of Holmes Township. This wife dying, he was again mar- ried, only to again lose the wife of his affections. He married his third and last wife, Mary Ream, on April 13, 1852. He has had nine children born to him. Those living are Thomas, Eliza- beth, Sarah, Eve, Christopher, Maria and Emma. Catharine and John died in infanc}'. Mr. Miller and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church, are exemplary Christians, and are well esteemed in the township where they live. STEPHEN McBRIDE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus; was born May 5, 1809, and is a son of John and Ann (Maloy) McBride, natives of Virginia, who moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, about the year 1804. Our subject attended school a few months in earl}' life, and assisted his father on the farm until marriage, and two or three years thereafter, then moved to Craw- ford County, Nov. 15, 1836, with his wife and two children, having been married March 3, 1831, to Eliza Weisman, a native of Cumber- land Co., Penn. ; by this union there was one child, Mahlon, born April 18, 1832. His sec- ond marriage was to Hannah Boyle, June 13, 1833, of Columbiana County, by whom he had two children — Eliza Jane, born June 19, 1834, and Sarah Ann, June 22, 1837 ; some time after, he was again called upon to la}' away be- neath the sod the one upon whom his affections had been centered, and on the 19th of Jul}-, 1840. he was married for the third time to Pa- tience Lewis, of Crawford Count}', b}' whom he had ten children — Elizabeth, born June 18, 1841 ; John, April 26, 1843 ; Joshua L., Feb. 9, 1845 ; Wm. Lockard, Jan. 14, 1847 ; Jere- miah J., Sept. 16, 1849; Hannah M., April 4, 1852; Rachel U., May 7, 1854; Stephen A., June 7, 1856; Martha M., June 11, 1859, and Reuben R., April 30, 1866 ; all of whom are living and married except the two youngest, who are at home assisting their parents. John served in the late war over four years ; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and served and suffered nineteen months and eight days of priscm life in six different Southern hells, but his life was spared and he returned home. Mr. McBride, his wife and most of the famil}', are members of the United Brethren Church ; working with a willing hand for the advancement of the "cause and kingdom" here. Mr. McBride, at the advanced age of 72 years, is hale and hearty, able to work, and to enjo}' the rewards of his beautiful home and the abundance of his farm, which has been given him for the toil and suffering which he endured in his early pioneer life. MAHLON McBRIDE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born April 18, 1832, in Columbiana w ^Js) HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 965 Co., Ohio, is tlie son of Stephen McBride. He attended school in the winter, and assisted his father until about 20 years of age, when he en- gaged in farming. He was married Nov. 3, 1855, to Sarah Jane Hemminger ; by this union there are seven children — William A., born Sept. 24, 1856 ; Samuel B., Dec. 30, 1858 ; Em- merellis, June 23, 1861, Marsella, Jan. 23, 1866 ; Ida, March 23, 1868 ; Sadie, June 29, 1874, and Stephen M., Feb. 19, 1877, all living and at home, except William, who married Angeline Goodwin, on Aug. 8, 1878, and Em- merellis, married to a Miss Doufler, Dec. 17, 1877. Mr. McBride and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and excellent people. DANIEL McCLANE, retired farmer ; P. 0. Wingert's Corners ; was born July 30, 1809, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and is the oldest son of John and Eve (Jury) McClane, who both died in Pennsylvania. Mr. McClane was raised on a farm, and attended district school. He also learned the trade of a weaver with his father at home. He was married June 29, 1828, to Elizabeth Shaffner, in his own State, she being eight days younger than her husband. Two years later. Ma}' 5, 1830, he removed to this count}', and since 1869, has been a resident of Holmes Township. He is an old and highly respected citizen, and though 71 years old his hair is not whitened, but retains its raven black color. Mr. and Mrs. McClane are both estima- ble Christians, and members of the Evangel- ical Association of Wingert's Corners. Of their marriage, there were eleven children, all of whom are dead, and bvit one grandchild is left as heir or descendant. The names of their children are John Martin, Sarah Ann, Leah Jane, Nancy Loretta, Lucy, Sylvester ; the re- mainder all died in infancy. Sarah married Martin Ditty, of Holmes Township ; John Martin married Polly Hiesch, whose daughter, Loretta, is now living. WILLIAM MATEER, farmer; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born Sept. 9, 1823, eldest son of James and Elizabeth (Shrum) (Spangler) Mateer, near Rosstown, York Co., Penn. His mother was born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 5, 1793; father born Aug. 31, 1794, near Lisburn, Cumberland Co., Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent. William Mateer, our sub- ject's great-grandfather, started to this country from Ireland, early in 1700, with his family, con- sisting of wife and four sons — William, James, Robert and John, and buried all at sea ; after settling in America he had four other sons, whom he named same as first four. The subject of our sketch attended school in winter, and worked with his father on the farm in summer, until about 21 years of age, at which time he engaged in farming with his father, until his 23d year, when he was united in marriage to Miss Cath- arine Ann Wagoner on Sept. 8, 1846 ; she was born Feb. 12, 1825, youngest daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Draver) Wagoner, respected farmers of Cumberland Co., Penn. Mrs. Ma- teer's father was born Oct. 8, 1787. her mother Dec. 1, 1784. They moved from Cumberland Co., Penn., to Holmes Township, landing in Bucyrus on Aug. 30, 1854, and engaged in farming near the place on which they now re- side. Two children were their issue — Mary Elizabeth, born May 18, 1847, died Nov. 1, 1850, and William Albert, born Oct. 20, 1850. The latter attended school and helped his father on the farm until about 20 years of age, and, being a close student, was always at the head of his class. He was married. Dec. 31, 1874, to Miss Martha J. Davis, who was born May 20, 1855, daughter of Jacob and Adaline (Mount) Davis, of Ashland Co., Ohio ; from this union, there was one child — Benjamin Franklin, born Nov. 11, 1875; William A. died July 18, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Mateer and their daughter-in-law and child are mem- bers of the M. E. Church, and are enjoying a happy life at their pleasant home. JAMES MOORE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Jan. 25, 1817, in Washington Co., Penn., and is the youngest son of James and Emma (Crow) Moore. His father came from Ireland to engage in the Revolutionary war, and settled in Washington Co., Penn. He re- moved to Columbiana County in 1820, was left an orphan in his 3d year by the sudden death of his father, who retired at night in health, but was found in the morning a corpse, and the sudden shock so affected the mind of his mother that she became insane. Mr. Moore only attended school about nine months, and went to work early. He first worked for $3 per month, and the second year for $4. Then he engaged for three years in the tobacco business, and, proving himself skillful, he received higher wages than ordinary hands. He worked one whole year without losing more than half a day, and that was at the request of his em- 966 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ployer. When 28 years old he learned the cooper's trade with his cousin, John Crow. He worked here two years, and then engaged in the business for himself the next two years. After this he removed to Crawford County, and settled on the farm where he now lives, and where he has prospered, owing to his habits of industry and energy. He was mar- ried in his 22d year to Catharine Lonnes, sister to Uncle Joseph Lonnes, the oldest living set- tler of Holmes Township. Four children — Ephraim M., Elmira, Joseph A. and Mary Frances are living. John James is deceased. He enlisted in 1862, in Co. C, 101st O. V. I., and went to the front imraediatel}", engaging in two battles before that of Stone River, in which last he was shot three times and killed, after serving faithfully three months. Those living are all married, Joseph married Alice Vore, and is on the home farm ; E. M. married Lizzie Crall, of Liberty Township, and is a farmer of that township, and also a valuable salesman in Emrich's store, Bucyrus ; Elmira married Prof John A. Roberts, of Knoxville, Marion County (Iowa) ; Mary married Lewis H. Vore, who is a carpenter by trade, but is now fai'ming in Southern Kansas. Mr. Moore has served the Methodist Church forty-one years as an efficient class-leader, and has as- sisted in the Sunday-school work twenty-six years, being Superintendent twenty-three years of that time, and is filling that position effi- ciently at present. He organized the first Sun- day school ever held in this township. He is also Vice President of the Crawford County Sunday School Union. He has organized and kept up some six or seven Sunday schools. He is actuated by the true Christian principle and spirit, and is a man who can spend his declin- ing years in reviewing the good which his hands have done, and which will make rich his crown in the kingdom above. HENRY G. PEASLEY, farmer ; P. O. Bu- cyrus; was born July 7, 1814, in Clinton Co., N. Y., and is of English-Irish descent. His father's name was Samuel, and his mother's maiden name Jane Greene. Mr. Peasley at- tended school and assisted his father on the farm during his youth. In June, 1834, he came with his father to Mt. Gilead, being one month and six days on the road. In Morrow Co. Mr. Peasley engaged in farming for several years, and then removed to Crawford Co. He was married, in February, 1840, to Miss Ann Quaintance, daughter of Fisher and Sarah (Frey) Quaintance, who came to Crawford Co. in 1829, from Jefferson Co. Of this marriage there were six children — Sarah, born March 25, 1841, died at the age of 5 ; Narcissa, born March 31 , 1843 ; Ira, born Sept. 16, 1848, died Oct. 27, 1865, and Charles, born Aug. 19, 1850, died Oct. 29, 1865, both of diphtheria ; cut off in the flower of their youth, their loss was a keen blow to their loving parents and all who knew them, as they were kind, sociable and beloved by all ; Minerva, born April 23, 1856, and Cynthia, born Dec. 14, 1858, are still liv- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Peasley are members of the Friends' Church, and are greatly esteemed by all who know them. SAMUEL PETERMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; is the son of John and Barbara (Eck- ert) Peterman, and was born in York Co., Penn., Sept. 21, 1810. He attended school in winter until he was 16 years of age, and then assisted his father on the farm until his 21st year. His parents removed to this county in October, 1827, and entered 320 acres of land in Libert}' Township, on the Sandusky River ; they cleared a portion of it, and erected a hewed-log cabin. Five years afterward, our subject left the farm of his father and went to Bucyrus, where, for twenty-five years, he was engaged in hauling goods between Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus and Sandusky, with a six-horse team. After that, he returned to the farm on which he now lives, and ha3 re- mained there ever since. He was, during his teaming career, entrusted with a great deal of money for transportation, and always proved himself a man who could be trusted. He now has a nice property, all gained by his own ef- forts and industry. He was married, Nov. *1 9, 1833, to Violet Hinebaugh. daughter of Conrad and Mary (Trout) Hinebaugh, of Philadelphia, Penn. They had two children — Mary Ann, died at the age of 4 years, and an infant, which died very young. W. H. POOLE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born April 18, 1828 ; is a son of Rodney and Elizabeth (Hoy) Poole, of Frederick Co.," Md., who moved to the town of Mexico, in what was formerl}' Crawford Co. (but, since the division, Wyandot), in the fall of 1835, where they lived until 1849, when they moved to the farm on which W. H. Poole now lives, where the family :tz Jk.^ HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 967 resided until his death, which occurred in July, 1865. After moving to the now beautiful farm, which was, at the time of their settlement, a dense forest (there being but one neighbor in an area of several miles), they cleared a patch large enough for a log cabin, in which they lived and endured the sufferings of an early pioneer life, in clearing and beautifjMUg their home. The parents of our subject moved to Norwalk for the purpose of educating their children, five in number, where the father was connected with the college for two 3'ears, then moved back to Mexico, thence to the farm, and thence to Mansfield, where they engaged in the lumber business for a time, when they retired from the business, and returned to familiar haunts. At the breaking-out of the late war, the subject of our sketcli enlisted in Co. L, 10th 0. V. C, on Oct. 10, 1862, under Capt. Brink, serving three 3^ears, Gen. Kilpatrick Division commander. He was close to the General when he was wounded at the battle of Resaca ; at Atlanta, when the division was surrounded ; and at Bentonville, Savannah, and several other places of impor- tance. Having served his time, he was honora- bly discharged, came home, and engaged in farming. He was married Oct. 19, 1859, to Miss Catharine Hartman, daughter of Andrew and Susan Hartman, of Mechanicsburg, Cum- berland Co,, Penn. ELI P. QUAINTANCE, farmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born Aug. 16, 1818, in Jefferson Co., Ohio, and is the second child in a family of nine. His youth was spent on a farm and in gaining an education to fit him for usefulness in life. Mr. Quaintance was married in 1842 to Hannah Kirk. Of this union there were eight children, seven of whom are still living and have settled in life, possessing comfortable homes and good families. Mr. Quaintance has, by hard labor and frugal industry, amassed considerable property, and is one of the most prominent men of his township, being held in high esteem by all who know him, as a man of enlightened views and extended informa- tion. JOSEPH W. QUAINTANCE, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Aug. 31, 1828, in eTeffer- son Co., Ohio, and is the sixth child of Fisher and Sarah Quaintance. His parents removed to Crawford Co. in 1829, and were among the pioneers of this section. They engaged in farming, and the subject of our sketch was reared on a farm, and has always followed this branch of honest toil. He was married in March, 1853, to Lucinda L. Gidley, a native of Bristol Co., Mass., who removed to this county in 1851. Nine children were the fruit of this union, seven of whom are still living — Basha, married to John A. Eaton, a prominent attorney of Bucyrus ; Isadore B., Edith May, Ira Ells- worth, Lemert F., Core E. and Howard B. Charles and Frank are deceased. Mr. Quaint- ance owns one of the oldest farms in the coun- ty, which has been called the Old Flake Farm. Years ago, there was a mysterious murder com- mitted here ; an old peddler was killed, and, in order to cover up all traces of the crime, his bod}', wagon and all were thrown into a well and covered up ; who the peddler was, and also the identity of the perpetrators of the deed, have never been disclosed, and the whole affair is shrouded in mvsterv. A. J. QUAINTANCE, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born March 4, 1844; the eldest son of Joseph and Hannah (Hale) Quaintance. Joseph, father of the subject of this sketch, was taken away from his famil}^ by the hand of death, leaving the care of a large family upon his eldest son, who was about 16 3-ears of age, thus depriving him of the limited educational advantages of his forest home, having attended school only three months in his life ; but, by energy and perseverance, he has been success- ful as a farmer, and is enabled to give his fam- ily the advantages which he was deprived of His father and mother were natives of IMary- land, and moved to Holmes Township. Craw- ford Co., in the spring of 1855, where thej- lived until death, witli the exception of a few years in Liberty Township. A. J. Quaintance was married, Oct. 9, 1859, to Mary Heller, daughter of D. J. Heller, a prominent farmer of Holmes Township. From this union thei'e were ten children — Israel J.. Joseph, Leroy, Martha Etta, Daniel, Oscar, Alverta, Blanche, James and Olive, all living except Israel and Alverta. who died in infancy". He enlisted in August, 1861, in Co. C, 101st 0. V. I., and was sent to the front immediatel}', under Capt. McDonald, and participated in many of the most bloody con- tests ; was in Sherman's march to the sea ; at Franklin, Tenn., when Gen. Hood raided that country ; was at Lookout JMountain ; wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Chicka- mauga, and sent to the hospital at Crawfish :^ 'V, 968 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Springs ; after recovering, lie returned to his command, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. His brother, T. E. Quaintance, was torn to pieces b}' a cannon ball at his side, while he was miraculously saved. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and respected by all. JOHN ROBERTS, farmer ; P. 6. Bucyrus ; was born April 7, 1805, in Lycoming Co., Penn., and was the eldest son of Greorge and Catharine (Rickerd) Roberts. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was mai'ried on March 6, 1826, to Lavinia Walton, eldest daugh- ter of David Walton, of Lycoming Co., Penn. Of this marriage, there are six children — Flem- ing, Wesle}', George Washington (born Feb. 22, 1832, on the centennial anniversary of the birth of his namesake), Mary, Edwin and Willis. Mr. Roberts removed to Crawford Co. in 1828, in a portion which was then a part of Marion Co. He commenced farming, and has always con- tinued a tiller of the soil. He lived on his farm in Whetstone Township for thirty-seven years. His first wife died in February, 1872. He was married July 16, 1873, to Miss Belle Chambers, of Whetstone Township. By this marriage, there are two children — John and Aubrey N. Mr. Roberts is a highly valued citizen of Holmes Township, where he has lived fourteen years. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for forty -two years. One of his sons, Edwin, served in the cause of the Union in the late war, under Capt. Moderwell. J. C. REIFF, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born March 15, 1836, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Geiger) Reiff, of Wurtemberg, Ger- many. The subject of our sketch attended school under the compulsory laws of his " Fader- land," until his 15th year, when he entered a private college of agriculture, preparatory to entering the Government College ; but, before being advanced a step higher, he moved to this country to live with his uncle and aunt, who had also come to America, the former in 1852, and the latter in 1853. Our subject engaged with his uncle in stone-cutting, masonry and plastering for about twelve years, at Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio. He was married, Jan. 17, 186_^ to Mary Shock, of Seneca Co. This union has been blessed with nine children — Charles G. F., Paul A., Eliza M., John C, Hannah M., Henry J., Lewis W., and two girls who died in infancy. Mr. Reift', since moving to his farm in 1863, on which there were three acres cleared, has, by his indomitable energy and determina- tion in working at his trade during the day, cutting timber and burning brush at night, cleared up 75 acres, and opened one of the finest limestone quarries in Crawford Co., which he is running extensively, and in which he was quite severely injured. He has held several of the offices of the township, and is filling the office of Trustee at the present time creditably to himself, and satisfactorily to his constituents. CHRISTOPHER SCHIEBER is a promi- nent farmer living in Holmes Township. He was born March 4, 1820, and is the oldest son of Caleb and Magdalena (Prosey) Schieber. There were of his father's family ten children, all of whom are now living. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage to Lydia Harshberger in August, 1849, and by this union there are three children living — Jacob, born in December, 1852 ; John, in February, 1854 ; Magdalena, in September, 1856. Pris- cilla was born in August, 1859, but is now dead. Jacob, John and Magdalena are mar- ried, and are living now in Libert}^ Township, and doing well. Mr. Schieber's mother is still living, at the advanced age of 82. Our sub- ject, coming here in early times, had several experiences with the Indians, and is quite a prominent pioneer. MOSES SPAHR, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus. The subject of this short sketch was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1814, and is the son of George and Catharine (Guyer) Spahr. He is the fourth child of a family of eight chil- dren. From his earliest childhood, he was brought up on a farm and inured to labor. He came to this county at an early day, and is one of its honored pioneers, as he forwarded the advance of civilization by clearing up the wilderness and impi'oving his land. He has now a fine farm of 160 acres, well improved, which he has acquired bj- industry and perse- verance. In early days, almost his only asso- ciates were the wild red men of the forest. He is a bachelor, and is one of the most respected citizens of Holmes Township. GEORGE A. SPAHR, farmer; P. 0. Bu- cyrus ; was born June 21, 1825, and is the son of Jesse and Margaret (Peterman) Spahr, of Cumberland Co., Penn. His parents removed to Crawford Co. in 1830, and are still living, both in their 81st year, there being but seven months difference in their ages. Our subject attended school and remained on the farm un- til he was about 22 years of age. He was married, Dec. 10, 1846, to Catharine Cover, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Zent) Cov- er, who was born Dec. 24, 1825. They have had seven children — Joshua, born Dec. 18, 1849, and died April 22, 1875; Julia Ann, born April 8, 1851 ; Daniel, Dec. 23, 1847 ; Lavinia, Nov. 8, 1852 ; Moses, Oct. 10, 1854 ; George, Nov. 13, 1857, and Eliza, July 11, 1859. Daniel married Elniira Aumiller, who died Nov. 25, 1879. Julia Ann married Eli Miller. Lavinia married Ellas Crall. Moses married Hannah Taylor, and two are living at home. Mr. Spahr moved on to his present farm one year after his marriage, and has lived there ever since. He has worked hard to ac- quire his property, and has been industrious and frugal. He has always been a Democrat, and hasbeen Trustee of the township. He is a member of the United Brethren Church of Bucyrus, of which church his son ]Moses is Pastor. He is a man universally respected in the township, and a devoted Christian worker in the cause of his Master. REBECCA SELLS, former ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; the widow of Jacob Sells, was born April 13, 1813, and is the daughter of John and Anne (Malvy) McBride. She attended district school until about 19 years of age, when she engaged in teaching school, in which occupation she was employed for about six years, when she was married Oct. 4, 1838, to Jacob Sells, who was a son of Peter and Barbara (Sluss) Sells, of Stark Co., Ohio, who moved to Crawford Co., about the year 1831. Jacob and Rebecca went to keeping house, immediately after mar- riage, in a home of their own on the Tiffin road, where they lived several years. Jacob was an architect and builder by profession, and, on account of his extensive business, was compelled to be away from home the greater portion of the time, thus leaving to the care of his noble wife a large family of children. Mrs. Sells is a woman of great force of charac- ter, and has an indomitable will and courage ; sharing the hardships and trials of an early pioneer life, she displayed a noble Christian character, and in all that which is most beauti- ful in woman — the love of home, husband and children — she is the perfect type of the true wife and mother. Mrs. Sells suffered many trials on account of her fearless advocacy of abolition principles, their residence being in a community where secessionism predominated, and also from her husband's absence of seven- teen months during the war, he being in attend- ance at the land sales in the Osage country, Missouri. Their communication being cut off, she supposed him to be dead, but had not lost all hope, until one day she was notified that the corpse of her husband was awaiting her at Bucyrus, to which place she went almost broken-hearted. The body was identified by the family and friends, but, before removing the corpse, what must have been her surprise, joy and gladness, upon being put in possession of a communication from her husband stating that he would be with them in a few short hours, may be imagined ; thus a scene of the deepest sadness was turned to one of rejoicing and gladness. Mrs. Sells is a twin sister of Mrs. Lockard, Hving near Cleveland, whose family has gained so much notoriety in differ- ent parts of the country. ^Irs. Sells was blessed with ten children— John, born Aug. 22, 1840, and died May 15, 1842 ; Annie E., born Jan. 11. 1841 , Sarah Cordelia, born Aug. 20, 1843; Mary E., born July 4, 1845 ; Susan M., born Jan. 7, 1847; Isaac D., born Jan. 1, 1849; Jeremiah M., born Feb. 3, 1851; Jennie R., born Aug. 14, 1856 ; Newton V., born July 17, 1858, and Jay J., born July 1, 1860 ; seven of these are married, and two daughters, iMary and Jennie, single are still living at home. Newton V. was formerly a law student at Ann Arbor, Mich., was engaged with a surveying party in the West, and lecturing on temperance ; he is a rising young man and now studying in Columbus. Ohio. Jay J. is a student at the Columbus Medical College; Isaac D. is a por- trait painter and sign-writer, and Jeremiah a prominent farmer in Wood Co., Ohio. Jacob Sells died May 21, 1874. after a severe illness of seven months. The widow and family are members of the Lutheran Church. HENRY SHUPP, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born Dec. 29, 1815, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and is the third son of .^lichael and IMargaret (Wise) Shupp. His father removed to Crawford Co. in May. 1828, and entered 80 acres of land on Broken Sword, in Holmes Township. There they lived eight years, and then moved on the farm where Mr. Shupp now lives, and where his ^ 'o~ i^ 970 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: father lived till his death. He lived at home until his marriage, some thirty-two j-ears ago, to Dora Easterday,daaghter of a respected citi- zen of Liberty Township. They have six children — Malinda, Lucia Ann, Louisa, Solomon, Henry and Charles. All of his children except Charles are married and doing well, a portion of them being in Nebraska. Mr. Shupp and his wife are both estimable members of the community, and members of the Evangelical Association. SAMUEL SHUPP, farni3r; was barn Aug 2, 1828, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and is the young- est son of John and Anne Maria (Yeager) Shupp. His father removed to the farm where the sub- ject of our sketch now lives, in the spring of 1831. He worked on the farm and attended school until he was 21, when he was married, in October, 1848, to Mary Young. She died some time after, leaving one child, Emma Clara, aged 2 months. He was remarried, in the spring of 1851, to Rosanna Schaal, daughter of a re- spected farmer of Holmes Township. There are six children of this marriage — John, Mary A., Simon L., Sarah J., Rebecca A. and Emma E., all of whom are living, and all are married save Simon and Emma. His second wife died in February, 1863, and he has since then married to Elizabeth Gerhart, of Holmes Township. There are two children of this marriage — ^Edwin and Rolandus. Mr. Shupp has been a member of the church and a prominent Class-leader, and, since his connection with the church, has been an exhorter and local preacher, doing valuable work for the cause of the Master. SAMUEL SHAFFNER, tarmer ; P. 0. Bu- cyrus; was born Dec. 13, 1811, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and is the son of Martin and Sarah (Fleisher) Shaffner. He was reared on a farm, and attended school until his 14th year. In 1829, his parents removed to Whetstone Town- ship, settling on the Boyer farm. When about 15 years of age, he was apprenticed to John Bretz, to learn tanning, but at the end of two and a half years, he came with his father to this county, and assisted on the farm. He was married, May 8, 1832, to Miss Frances Shultz, of this county. By this marriage there were three children — Henry was born Oct. 17, 1833, and was killed at Franklin, Tenn., while fight- ing in defense of his country. He was before this taken prisoner, and almost starved by the inhumanity of his captors, at Belle Isle, but, being exchanged, he came home, recruited his health and returned to the field, experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, and was finally killed. Martin was born April 5, 1838, and he also served in the war ; was at the siege of Vicksburg, and in many of the hard-fought battles for three years, and escaped without a scratch. After the war, he engaged in farm- ing, and removed to Wood Co., where he died in June, 1879 ; Sarah was born July 1, 1842 ; she married William Kinney, and is living near Warsaw, Ind. Mr. Shaft'ner's first wife died Sept. 13, 1858. His second marriage oc- curred, Nov. 25, 1860, to Miss Hannah Martin, who died June 3, 1869. Esquire Shaffner is one of the prominent men of his township, having held several oflfices of trust and re- sponsibilit}', for which he was especially fitted. He is a member of the M. E. Church of Holmes Township, and an exemplar}' Christian gentleman. GEORGE STROHM, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born Nov. 20, 1844, in Southern France ; son of Frederick and Mary E. Rodebach. His parents moved to New York State at Waterloo, the journey across the ocean lasting thirty-five days, and, after a residence there of six years, they removed to Annapolis, this county. After a residence here of eleven years, he removed to the farm where he now lives. His father died in 1864, and he bought the property of the other heirs. He was married, March 2, 1871, to Cath- erine Leitzy, of Holmes Township. The^^ have four children — Mai'y Eve, Rosa, Frederick Fran- cis and John George^all living at home. His mother died on April 19, 1874. Mr. Strohm is a prominent and infiuential citizen, is an indus- trious farmer and an honor to the community in which he lives. Both himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church of Bu- cyrus, and are estimable people. HANNAH SxiWYER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus; was born May 4, 1830, and is a daughter of Andrew and Rebecca (Heaton) Ridgeley, the former a native of jNLiryland, the latter of Pennsj'lvania ; they moved to Crawford Co. about the time of the Revolutionary war, the father enlisting soon after their removal. The subject of this sketch was married May 15, 1851, to S. F. Sawyer, a prominent farmer; nine children blessed this union — William S., Ann Eliza, Simon J., Melville J., Emma A., John B., Rebecca I. J., Wilmer A. and Frank F., all of whom are living except Melville J., T^ HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 971 and four of whom are at home and four mar- ried. Mr. S. F. Sawyer died Oct. 20, 1878, of that terrible affliction, cancer, after suffering all that man could suffer, leaving a widow and four children on the farm, to care for them- sgIvgs SIDNEY L. SPORE, farmer ; P. 0. Broken Sword ; was born July 10, 1833, and is a son of David C. and Lucy L. (Long) Spore, the former born in Schenectady Co., N. Y.,the latter of Canada, about fifty miles from Montreal. They moved to Chatfield Township, this county, in June, 1837, and bought a piece of laud with about three acres cleared and a log cabin. Up- on this they labored and endured the privations of a newly settled country, the father teaching school in the winter time, at 50 cents a day, to obtain a sustenance for his family, and, on one occasion before leaving his family, the father had purchased a barrel of flour, for which he had paid thirty-six days' labor in teaching, and which was to be delivered to his family : so he took his departure, trusting that all would be well with his little flock. But not so ; on his return he found his family in a famishing condition, the flour not having been delivered, and they had subsisted for six whole days on nothing but parched rye. In 1857, after a twent}' years' residence, they sold the farm, the mother after- ward moving to Macon Co., 111., the father hav- ing died Dec. 25, 1862. The subject of this sketch has attended school only sixty-three days in his life, going bare-footed one and three- fourths miles across the woods and through the snow ; the remainder of the time, until attain- ing his majority, being spent in assisting in the work of the farm. At 22 years of age, he taught school in the winter, and worked by the month in the summer for three years, and then worked his father's farm for two years. He enlisted in Co. I, 57th 0. V. I., Oct. 8, 1862, and was sent to Nashville, Tenn., where he joined his regiment ; thence to Vicksburg, and was present at the time of Sherman's defeat, in the eight-day siege. At tliat place he had his knapsack stolen from his back b}' a piece of shell which he never succeeded in bringing to justice. He then participated in the contest at Arkansas Post, which resulted in a glorious victory, for the Union forces took 8,000 pris- oners, and reduced the fort. They were then sent back to Vicksburg, with the combined force under Gen. McClernand, and worked on the canal at that place, and, on account of ex- posure, suffered from a severe attack of typhoid fever. After recovery from the fever, he was taken with chronic diarrhoea, sent to Lauson Hospital, at St. Louis, and then discharged on account of disability. To use his own lan- guage, he says : " I owe the preservation of my life to Mrs. Springer, of Boston, Mass., who was President of the Woman's Union Aid Society, Mi's. Dr. Jones, of St. Louis, and other noble members of that association. Through Mrs. Springer's efforts, who walked three miles to Oen. Schotields headquarters, and laid my case before him in person, I procured my discharge." His clothing having been lost, as also his de- scriptive list, he was unable to draw the neces- sary money or clothing for his return home ; so, without money or clothing, except a suit of underclothing, which the ladies of the associa- tion had given him, he left the hospital in a weakened and destitute condition ; but through the kindness of the people with whom he came in contact, he was enabled to reach Bucyrus, where he was met by anxious friends. He remained at home recruiting his health for about fifteen months, when he re-enlisted in the 179th O. V. I.; was promoted to 1st Ser- geant, his command being at Nashville, Tenn., on post-duty, and was discharged June 17, 1865. There have been nine children in his family, five of whom are living — Sumner, born July 28, 1858; Honora, Sept. 6, 1859; Aud D., July 20, 1861, died Feb. 18, 1880 ; Armeda, March 15, 1863, died March 30, 1863; Oua, June 6, 1864, died same day ; Rufus D., June 6, 1866 ; Benjamin M., Aug. 17, 1868 ; Motta, Jan 10, 1873, died Feb. 2, 1873, Loretta, Sept. 26, 1875. The surviving members of the fam- ily are at home, except Sumner, who is attend- ing school at Oshkosh, Wis. Mr. Spore and wife are members of the Evangelical Associa- tion. He is a Republican. WILLIAM TAYLOR, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus ; was born April 10, 1811, and is a son of William and Fanny (Foster) Taylor, of Louisa Co., Va., but who moved to Albemarle Co., Va., near the University. He was left an orphan at 4 years of age, by the death of his mother, and at 1 years of age commenced the carpen- ter's trade with his father, at which he is still working in connection with his farm duties. He never attended school a day in his life, but has obtained a good common-school education -i^ 972 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: by the study of the Bible, which has been his constant companion for fift}' years. He has also been engaged in the milling business, as well as carpentering and farming, having run a grist and saw mill for four years before leaving Virginia He moved to this county in the fall of 1833, to what was then Sycamore Township —which was, after the division of the counties, thrown into Wyandot — where he lived for fif- teen years, and then moved to Holmes Town- ship, where he has lived ever since. He has attended every election since 1833, except one, and has been a prominent man in his township. He was married Aug. 12, 1832. to Patience Sayrs, of Pickaway Co., Ohio. This union has been fruitful of eight children — Josephus, Jas- per, Newton, William S., Ephraim S., Ben- jamin F., Elizabeth F.. Susan Armiuta and Mary Helen, who are all living except Eliza- beth, who died in infancy, and Susan A., who died at 33 years of age, leaving one child. Jasper and Ephraim^ the only two able-bodied men in the family, enlisted in the 101st 0. V. I., went through with Sherman in his raid, and fought in many of the most closel}' contested battles on the field, Jasper only being wounded in the leg. Mr. Taylor and his family have suffered all the trials of a very early pioneer life, in the first clearing-up of the country, but are now reaping their reward in the enjoj^ment of a beautiful home. He and his estimable wife have been leading members of the church for forty-eight years, consistent Christians, es- teemed and respected by all. JESSE VORE, farrier ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Aug. 15, 1805, in Berks Co., Penn., and is the eldest son of Absalom and Margaret (Gary) Vore. He attended school until he was about 21, in the meantime learning tailoring, serving three and a half years. He then worked at his trade with George Ossman, of Millikin Center, Penn., until about 1852, when he engaged in farming for about seven years. In March, 1859, he came to Osceola, Crawford Co., and six weeks afterward he purchased the farm on which he now lives, and has improved it and made it " blossom as the rose." He was married March 30, 1830, to Catharine Musser, daughter of a respected farmer of Center Co., Penn. There were eleven children born of this marriage, seven of whom are living — Margaret Ann, Matilda. Absalom, Lewis H., Catharine A., Mary Elizabeth and Alice. Harriet, Julian, Sarah and John A. are deceased. Those living are married and doing well. Lewis and Mary are in Kansas ; Catharine married Frank Fra- lick and is living near Hartford City, Black- ford Co., Ind. Mr. Vore's success in life is due to his own eflforts. His father died when he was very young, leaving a widow with three children to contend against the world alone. Mr. Vore has filled several offices in the town- ship. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, of Bucyrus, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church of the same cit3^ ELLIS WINNER, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; is the son of Abraham and Rachel (Worner) Winner, and was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Oct. 23, 1812. His life was mostly spent in his na- tive State. He was married in Columbia Co., Penn., in 1836, to Miss Ruth Parker. He has nine children — Sarah A., Martha J., Lewis, Charles, Hering C, Andrew, Lemuel, Simon Peter and Daniel Webster. Martha J. and Charles reside in Kalamazoo, Mich. Two sons were of his first marriage — Joseph Lloyd, now living in Wilmington, N. C; Chester P. lives in Wayne Co., engaged in wool manufacturing. Mr. Winner's first wife lived but three years, and he was remarried in 1840. She was Mary Carr, of Columbia Co., Penn. Mr. Winner was for two years traveling agent in Ohio for the Bucyrus Machiae Company, and for two years in Pennsylvania. He was also for three years agent throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania for Monnett's Patent Fence. He is an industrious farmer, and a man who stands eminently in the esteem of those who know him. JOHN WENTZ, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1837, and is the eldest son of John and Mary (Monard) Wentz. His parents moved to Blackford Co., Ind., in September. 1839, and Mr. Wentz was hei^e reared on a farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He was married, Nov. 26, 1857, to Catharine Greenwich, only daughter of Jacob and Christina Green- wich. They have nine children — Mary E. (who was married, Dec. 4, 1879. to T. J. Caldwell, a prominent farmer in Bucyrus Township), An- nette, Clement L., Willis J., Ora Alice, Clara Dell, Ida May, Emma Pearl and John Earl. Mr. Wentz is a prominent citizen and farmer, is a stanch member of the English Lutheran Church, and is a man who stands high in his communitv. ^3/ A u HOLMES TOWNSHIP. 973 CHRISTIAN WILHELM, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Feb. 20, 1826, in Wurtem- berg, German)-, and emigrated to this country when quite 3-oung, proceeding to Lancaster, Penn., where they wintered, and then moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, wliei'e they lived three years, afterward moving to Crawford County. The subject of this sketch did not attend school in his youth, on account of a lack of knowl- edge of the English language, he not being able to speak a word of English until after he was 18 years of age. At the age of 14 3' ears he was left an orphan b}' the death of his father, from which time he worked as a farm hand, except one year, when he worked in Joe Walker's warehouse, at Tiffin, Ohio, until the fall of 1851, when he went to California, and engaged in mining, meeting with considerable success until the spring of 1856 ; when he came back to Ohio in the following July, he com- menced clearing on his present farm, and a glance at his beautiful home and pleasant surroundings will be evidence enough of his industr}' and good management. He was married Dec. 20. 1857, to Esther Houston, four children blessing this union — Sarah E. H., William, Jan. 1, 1861; Laura, Jan. 31, 1864, and Ethel, Aug. 13, 1870; Sarah E. was married to Thomas Miller, Sept. 1, 1878; the rest are living at home, assisting their father in household and farm duties, their mother having died Feb. 7, 1875, of that dread disease, consumption, leaving her cares upon her two young daughters, who are taking upon themselves nobl}', the responsibilities of the be- reaved household. ELIZABETH WING ART, farmer; P. O. Broken Sword ; was born Feb. 29, 1808, and is the widow of William Wingart, formerly of Wingert's Corners. The husband of the sub- ject of this sketch did not attend school until after his first marriage, which occurred Sept. 19, 1830, to Elizabeth Keener, in Pennsjdvania. After marriage, he attended school a short time to learn to write and cipher. Wm. Wingart came to L3'kens Township, to what is now Win- gert's Corners, about 1835, built a shop, and engaged in the manufacture of furniture until about 1851, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits for six years, and then moved to the farm on which his family now live,, on April 3, 1857, improving his farm and commanding the respect of his neighbors, being elected to some of the prominent offices of the township. By his first wife, there were seven children, three of whom are living — Henry, Louisa, Mary, Maria L., born July 23, 1831 ; "Henry M., June 2, 1833 ; Melinda, June 3, 1835 ; Louisa A., Sept. 28, 1836 ; Jane E. and Emma C, twins, born Aug. 11, 1839; Mary E., Oct. 18,1841. His first wife died Oct. 18, 1841. He was married a second time, at Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, to Elizabeth Shupp, on Jan. 30, 1842, by whom he had eight children — Martha, born June 9, 1844; Wm. Nelson, April 12, 1846; Jacob Seal, Sept. 25, 1848; James K. Polk, Feb. 9, 1851; Philo Pierce, July 24, 1853; Alice L., Oct. 5, 1855; Sarah C.,'Nov. 6, 1857, and Delia May, May 28, 1860 ; all of whom are living and married except Delia May, who is living at home with her widowed mother, her father having died, Nov. 25, 1864, after an illness of about four j^ears. They are members of the Albright Church. ^ k- ^ ^ 974 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: VERNON TOWNSHIP. JAMES ANDERSON, farmer; P. 0. Tiro; was born June 21, 1833, in Vernon Townsiiip, on the site of his present home. He is the son of David and Rachel (Dickson) Anderson. His father was born in Huntington Co., Penn., and when a young man came to Ohio with a kit of shoe-maker's tools, and worked at his trade for some time. He then returned to Pennsylvania, where, in 1826, he was married to Mary D. Hamilton, who died in 1828. He came to Crawford Count}^ and settled in Vernon Town- ship in the year 1830, and after farming awhile engaged in mercantile pursuits at De Kalb, keeping a general store for some fifteen years, during which time he made considerable money. He next went to Shelby, where he also engaged in business for some two years. He was one of the original stockholders in the old State Bank of Mansfield, now the Richland County Bank, and continued so until his death. He was also Vice President of the Shelby Bank. In 1838, he had married Miss Rachel Dickson, of this township. He was a distinguished pa- triot and Republican, and during the war as- sisted the cause of the Union by his means and influence. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church, and was distinguished for his liberality in church beneficence. He was the father of thirteen children, now scattered throughout several States, all doing well. This truly good and honored man died May 17, 1873, at Morrison, 111., while on his way to Cali- fornia, to visit a son. His wife lived until Oct. 9, 1879, when she died at Shelby, Ohio, in the 75th year of her age. She was loved and revered by all who knew her as a noble woman who had lived a consistent Christian life, and is remembered as a dignified, refined and intelli- gent woman, worthy of the honored husband whose faithful wife she was. James, her son and the subject of this sketch, lived in this town- ship until 1852, at which time he went to Shelby, and engaged in the store of his father. He also engaged in mercantile pursuits in Shiloh and New London. He then came back to Shelby, and commenced in the grain business, which he continued until the close of the war, making a considerable amount of money. In 1866, he removed to his farm of some 400 acres, and has since lived there and tilled the soil. He is a prominent business man and a prominent farmer of his neighborhood. He is a stalwart Republican and has always held to that faith. He was married, Oct. 15, 1858, to Elizabeth Stimmel, of Shelby, Ohio. They have four children — Alva H., a student at Grambier, Ohio ; Willis Swanner, Charles Henry and Rachel May at home. ADAM BILSING, agent and farmer ; P. O. Leesville. This gentleman, the son of Henry and Christina Bilsing, was born in Franklin, Loehlbach Province, of the Principality of Hesse, Germany, Feb. 11, 1822. With his par- ents, he removed to America, in 1832, stopping a month in Columbiana Co., arriving at the place of his present home in the fall of the same year. His father built the first house erected in their vicinity. His family was quite large, and he was a man of great respectability and honesty. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 15, 1845, to Miss Lavinia Fisher, and this union was blessed with these children — J. H., Barnard C, Mary C, W. A., Eliza E., Anna D., Amilda C, Flora Maude, Margaret E. (deceased). Mr. Bilsing's first wife died Oct. 28, 1871. He was remarried Oct. 5, 1873, to Catharine Dapper, whose parents live in this neighborhood. Of this marriage, there are three children — Aaron P., Augusta Lorena and Frank. Mr. Bilsing is a self-made man, who has worked hard to ob- tain his present wealth. He commenced as a blacksmith, at which trade he worked for some time. He has now a fine farm of 250 acres, and is engaged principally as agent for all kinds of farming machinery, in which business he has made a success, being well known throughout the county as a man of varied information and honesty. He is enterprising, as the manage- ment of his farm will show. He is a Christian, and has been for a number of years, and stands foremost among the citizens of the township. RICHARD W. CAHILL, retired farmer ; P. 0. De Kalb. This distinguished citizen, so well known to people of Crawford Co., was born in 5) w VERNOX TOWXSHIP. 975 Westmoreland Co., Penn., March 6, 1802, and is a son of Abram and Nanc}^ Wallace Cahill. His father was an officer in the State Militia, and at one time had command of all the forces in Western Pennsjlvauia. In 1818, the subject of this sketch removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, with his parents. In June, 1827, he removed to Crawford Co., filling a clerkship in a store at Bucyrus for six years, after which he came to the farm which he now occupies, and has made it his place of residence for forty-five years. He was married, first, to Miss Eliza Cummins, of Richland Co., who died in 1843. He was re- married, to his present wife, in 1844, her maiden name being Catharine Richards. Mr. Cahill had, in his youth, been denied the advantages of education, and he had accordingly applied himself, when a 3'oung man, to the study and reading of various books, so that he became self-educated and self-made. In 1841, his abil- ity and education were recognized by the peo- ple of Richland Co., and he was elected to the State Legislature in 1841, and re-elected in 1842 and 1843, serving his constituency in an admir- able manner, not partisan. Although elected as a Democrat, he often assumed an independ- ent attitude and voted as his judgment directed. He has a fine family of sons and daugliters, of which he is justl}' proud. His oldest son, Abram, studied law with Osborn, of Dayton, and was also a partner in the firm. He went to Texas and there died. David was County Clerk for a number of years, and is now practicing law in Bucyrus. Isaac is at present Deputy Clerk of Court. Richard Cahill, Jr., is in Na- poleon, Ohio, and the younger portion of his family is at home. Mr. Cahill has striven to educate his children for useful positions in life, and now, in his declining years, looks with pride upon his family, an ornament to society. He is a consistent, whole-souled Christian gentle- man, and commands the respect and admiration of all who know him. His life has been one of distinction, and one that would be a model for many of the rising generation. Endowed with talent, he has used it for the good of his State and the benefit of his famil}'. ARTHUR CLELAND, farmer ; P. 0. Tiro ; is the fii'st white child that was born in Vernon Township, the date of his birth being Feb. 6, 1826. He is the son of William and Rachel (Ramse}') Cleland, his father being one of the first settlers in the township. He was born in County Down, Ireland, May 14, 1796, and came to America with his parents in 1819. They landed at the mouth of the Delaware River, and lived for eighteen months at Wil- mington, Del. From there they went to Brooke Co., Va., where, in 1825, Mr. Cleland was mar- ried, and afterward came to Ohio, settling here in the woods, and clearing up the soil, and out of a wilderness gaining for himself a fine farm of many acres. He has raised a family of eight children, all of whom are living — Arthur C, Mary, Margaret, Jane, Susan, William, Rachel, Eliza and John. Arthur, the subject of this sketch, received his education in this township, and has always lived in the county, being for some years in Sandusky Township. He was married, Oct. 4, 1855, to Priscilla Gundrum, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three children — William John, Arthur Bevington and Rachel Anne, all living at home. Mr. Cleland is a man of good and varied infor- mation, and a much respected citizen, having held several township offices. His father is also a fine gentleman, being even yet hale and heart}', notwithstanding his advanced age, and the family is one of culture and refinement. JAMES DIXON, Jr., farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Tiro. This gentleman, one of the promi- nent members of the Dixon family, is a sou of Jonathan Dixon, and was born on the farm where he now resides, July 25,1827. As will be seen by other biographies of the Dixon family, his father, Jonathan, was one of the earliest settlers in this township, having removed here from Penn- sylvania in 1825. A remarkable fact in the family' history, which will be found more at length in the biographies of the older mem- bers, is that thirteen children were at one time settled on farms, on all sides of their father's place, within hearing of his dinner-bell. The elder, Andrew Dixon, grandfather of James, Jr., was born in 1776, and emigrated to this county in 1831, some time after the advent of his sons. James, Jr.. was educated as well as the schools of his day would permit, and spent the da3-s of his early manhood on the farm. He was married, in May, 1855, to Martha Cald- well, of Vernon Township. By this marriage there are four children — Luatto, David C, James E., Martha A. Mrs. Dixon died in 1 870, and her death was mourned by a large number of friends and relatives. Mr. Dixon was remarried in 1872, May 22, to Elizabeth vy ^-, ihL 976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Simon, born in Cranberry Township. The}' have two children — Clayton L. and Andrew. Mr. Dixon is living on the farm of his father, who is now an old man, being in his 79th j-ear. Our subject has been identified as a leading stockman, having been engaged in shipping for several 3ears. He has been Justice of the Peace for a long period, and is a man of con- siderable knowledge and good judgment, who stands high among his neighboi's. J. Ct. STOUGH,^-etired farmer ; P. 0. Shelby ; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Oct. 11, 1802, and is a son of John and Catharine (Trautman) Stough. His father was a native of York Co., Penn., and his grandfather was born in Wur- temberg, Germany. His mother's father was born in Maryland, and, while he was very young, the Indians killed his father and carried away into captivity thi-ee of his sisters. Some time afterward, he came to Ohio, on the Kil- buck, near Wooster, and rescued ihem, taking them back home. Mr. Stough's father came to Ohio in October, 1806, and settled first in Columbiana Co., where he lived some twenty- three years. In November, 1826, the subject of our sketch moved to Crawford Co. and set- tled in Liberty Township. His father came in 1829. He was a minister of the Gospel, and entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church in 1793, and served the Lord in his calling for fifty-six years, dying in July, 1845. Mr. Stough received a substantial education, and commenced to farm. He was a farmer in Lib- erty Township for forty years, and has been a resident of Vernon for thirteen years. He was married to Sarah Charlton, in Columbiana Co., Aug. 22, 1826. She was a native of Washing- ton Co., Md., and born April 8, 1805. She was a devoted and Christian wife, a loving and sac- rificing mother, and blessed Mr. Stough's varied pathway for fifty-three years, departing this life the 4th of September, 1879. They had eleven children — Elizabeth, who is still living and married ; John T., dead ; Jehu, dead ; Catharine, living ; Jonas, dead ; Francis, dead ; Alba, dead ; Joseph, a member of Co. C, 49th O. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Mur- freesboro ; Sarah Ann, living ; Frances, dead ; Mary, still living. Throughout his long and peaceful life, Mr. Stough has been a cons'istent Christian, and more, he has worked hard in the vineyard of the Master, with an eye single for the glory of God. His father before Mm beheld his labors blessed, as he lifted up his voice in the primitive scenes of this county. Revered be his memory, and also the memory of his son, who, old and feeble, is now waiting for the gates of pearl to open, and once more join with those who have gone before, and be again united with the wife of his youth and the comfort of his declining years. JOHN WARNER, farmer; P. O. Liberty Corners. This gentleman, who is one of the prominent citizens of his township and county, was born June 9, 1817, and is a native of York Co., Penn. He is a son of Charles and Catha- rine (Babbitts) Warner, who with their family removed from their native State and settled in Harrison Co., Ohio, where they remained nine years, removing at the end of that time to Ver- non Township, Crawford Co., where John has ever since resided. At the time of Mr. War- ner's advent here, it was, of course, a wild and unsettled country, the improvement of which required great labor and exertion. His father was a man of upright integrity, who stood high in the communit}', and was universally re- spected. His labors improved a great portion of the land near the town of West Liberty, and it was by his own unaided exertions that he raised his family and gained for himself a com- petenc}'. John assisted his father when young and was afterward bound out as apprentice to a carpenter, and soon after commenced busi- ness for himself While he was just beginning, his shop was burned to the ground, and he lost all ; securing more tools he went to work again and amassed from his own labors a considera- ble fortune, and has now two farms, compris- ing in the aggregate 240 acres of land. He was married in 1840, to Rebecca Jane French, daughter of Judge French of this count}'. Six children were the fruits of this union, two of whom, Catharine and Charles, are dead. Those living are William, Julia Ann, Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Warner is in every sense of the word a self-made man, who has made all by his own exertions. He has a fine home just north of Liberty Corners, and has the respect of the entire community as one of its most influential members. He has served the township as Clerk for fifteen years, and as Justice of the Peace for eighteen, and has given the best of satisfaction in the administration of his offices. He is well read on the various topics of the day, and no man in the township T^ Ml VERNON TOWNSHIP 977 stands higher in the public estimation than Esquire Warner. P. B. YOUNGr, physician and surgeon, Crest- line. Dr. Young, one of the eminent prac- titioners of Crawford Co., was born in Colum- biana Co., Ohio, March 8, 1832, and is the son of Jacob and Susannah (Brown) Young. His father died in 1849, and his mother in 1854. In 1855, the Doctor entered upon the studj' of medicine in Jefferson Medical College, Phila- delphia, completing the course in 1860. He began practice in Freedom, Beaver Co., Penn. In 1862, he entered the military service as As- sistant Surgeon of the 136th 0. V. I., and, in 1863, was commissioned Surgeon of the 2d Penn. V. I., in which capacit}^ he served till the close of the war. He then came to Crestline and began the practice of his profession, and remained there ever since, where he sustains an enviable reputation as a man skilled in the practice of medicine and surgery. He was married in 1862, while in Penns^'lvania, to Miss Sarah M. Grormley, a native of that State ; they have one child, Howard B. Mr. Young is a self-made man in ever}^ respect. B}' his own efforts, he obtained an academic education and pursued his medical studies. During the twenty years of his successful practice, he has attended strictly to the affairs of his profession, devoting to it his entire time and attention. In 1874, he was appointed Railroad Surgeon of the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. at Crestline, in which capacity he still serves this company. He has a beautiful and pleasant home, and is blessed with the respect of his fellow-citizens, standing high among them as a man of truth and prin- ciple. J. B. YETZER, farmer; P. 0. Crestline. Among the old and highly respected citizens of Yernon, and especially of the thrift}- Germans in its southern part, is the above-named gentle- man, who was born in Vogelsang, State of Aar- gau, Switzerland, April 15, 1819. With his parents he removed to America in 1833, set- tling on his present property in 1834. His father died when the son was 22, leaving him as almost the entire supporter of the famil}'. The country' at that time being very wild, and requiring great labor, Mr. Yetzer worked hard to make his farm profitable and to support his father's family. He was married March 25, 1845, to Hippolyte Catt}-, who was a native of France ; their union was blessed with twelve children, six of whom are living. His wife continued the journey of life with him until Dec. 23, 1876, when she died. Their children, who survive are all in good condition in life, and are such as a father might be proud of Mr. Yetzer, throughout his life, has been a con- sistent Christian, adhering strictly to the pinu- ciples of honest and upright integrit3^ He still lives on the farm which his labor im- proved, and has a comfortable home and pleas- ant surroundings. He stands high in the com- munity, and is one of the best-read men of his township, and has worked hard to achieve his present prosperity, and is now spending the days of his old age in the quiet of the scenes of his early manhood. T 984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: brought to this country, during the early settle- ment of the country, who served a number of years (being sold to the highest bidder) to de- fray the expenses of the voyage to this country. Our subject, with his parents, moved to Craw- ford Co., Ohio, in 1826, and settled on the San- dusky River, about ten miles from Bucyrus, where his father entered 160 acres of land. The Captain, in 1828, attended school in Bucy- rus, working morning and evening for his board, being clad in the pioneer outfit — buck- skin breeches, moccasins and coon-skin cap. The schooling he received, however, did not ex- ceed four months. He worked one year at $7 per month, after which he served an apprentice- ship at the carpenter's trade, which business he followed for fourteen years, and afterward fol- lowed millwrighting for thirty-three years. The Captain moved to Osceola in 1847, where he has since resided. He was married, in 1831, to Sarah Ziggler, by which union they have been blessed with eleven children, eight of whom are living — Sarah A. E., Mary J., Nancy C, Harriet C, Henry J. F., Edward D., Ro}^ Gr. and James S. M. He first voted the Democratic ticket, voting for Gen. Jackson, next for Gen. Harri- son, and, since the organization of the Repub- lican party, he has been one of its strongest ad- herents. JOHN WIREBAUGH, farmer; P. 0. Os- ceola ; was born in Penns3'lvania on July 28, 1806, and is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Fisher) Wirebaugh, both natives of Penns^dva- nia. Our subject, with his parents, came to Columbiana Co., Ohio, in the year 1812, and, after the formation of Carroll Co., they were in that count}^ where the parents died, the former being 73 years of age and the latter about 63. Our subject received a limited education, at- tending subscription school in the old-time schoolhouses, with puncheon seats and greased- paper windows. He moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, during the year 1847, and bought the land where he now resides, and cleared a place for buildings. An event of the first day was that they lost their axes while at dinner, and had the trouble of hunting some time before they found them. Our subject was married to Elizabeth Potts, from which union they had six children — William H., Nicholas J., Elizabeth R., Sarah C, Nathan P. and John F. His wife died while he was yet in Carroll Co., and he was again married, to Elizabeth Horner, who is still living. They have four children — Cyrus S., Stuart C, Ladora E. and Isaac V. Mr. Wire- baugh is a member of the Christian Church at Bucyrus, Ohio, and has been a life-long Demo- crat. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. J. F. AILER, Postmaster and druggist ; was born in Chatfield Township, March 4, 1840. His parents, Frederick and Christina Ailer, were natives of Germany. They were the pa- rents of three children — John, Caroline, and Jacob F. The latter was left motherless when but 4 days old, and his father, being very poor, bound him out to a Mr. Guiss, for a period of twent^'-one years. Mr. Ailer's stay with the Guisses lasted until he was 17 years of age, when Mrs. Guiss died, and he was then given his freedom. While at Mr. Guiss', he had little or no chance to see anything of the world, for the only time he was allowed off the place was to go to church or school. When given his freedom, young Ailer hired out to Christian Guiss, for $10 per month ; this was the first money he could call his own, and he saved it up and went to school, thinking he could put it to no better use than in acquiring an education. Mr. Ailer's schooling was received mostl)' at Hayesville High School, Ashland Co., Ohio. During the winter of 1857-58, he taught his first term of school ; the next summer, again working for Mr. Guiss, and with the money thus acquired, he continued his education. From that time until 1863, he alternately taught school, worked on a farm and studied. In 1863, he commenced clerking in a provision store in Bellevue. His work from that time was some- what varied, consisting of clerking in stores, and working for railroad companies, etc. In the fall of 1863, he married Miss Susan Guiss, daughter of John and TJrsilla (Grant) Guiss ; and by her had one daughter — Melissa, who is now dead. His wife died June 8, 1865 ; her early death V^ CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 985 being deeply regTetted by all who knew her. Mr. Ailer's second wife was jMiss Elsie Rang, daughter of Henry and Emily (Weeks) Rang ; to whom he was married Oct. 3, 1867. To this union were born the following family : Frank- lin J., born Dec. 22, 1868, died July 31. 1869 ; William H., born Feb. 8, 1870; Alpha 0. born July 1, 1873, and Pearl 0., born March 29, 1878, and died Aug. 29, 1880. Mrs. Ailer was born July 17, 1850. Mr. Ailer has, at differ- ent times, been in the drj' goods and drug trade, and at present his occupation is druggist and Postmaster, having been appointed JPost- master on April 9, 1866, and has ever since held that office in New Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Ailer are intelligent and sociable people, and are among the first citizens of the place. J. F. ACKERMAN, larmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. New Washington ; was born x\pril 13, 1845, on the farm he now owns in Cranberry Township. His parents, John and Mary (Ham) Ackerman, were of German descent, the father being born in AVittenberg, Germany, and the mother in Stark Co., Ohio. The father, when a young man. came to the United States, locating in Stark Co., Ohio. Here he met her who soon afterward became his wife. After living in Stark Co. a number of years, they came to Liberty Township, Crawford Co., and, about 1843, removed to Cranberry Township, in the same county. These people were honest and industrious ; coming, as they did, into an al- most unbroken wilderness, they endured many privations, that to-day their children might reap the benefit. They were the parents of the following family : Mary, Elizabeth, John, Catha- rine, Jacob F. and Eliza. The parents of these children are both dead. The subject of this biography was reared on the farm, receiving a common-school education. On Feb. 11, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Kakfer, daughter of John and Fredrica (Loyer) Kakfer, of Liberty Township, and by her has seven children — Eliza A., born May 13, 1870 ; John W., born Nov. 3, 1871 ; Emma L., born Sept. 16, 1873 ; Jacob C, born Feb. 3, 1875 ; Francis M., born Sept. 13, 1876 ; Elmore J., born June 30, 1878, and Hattie C, born March 9, 1880. Mrs. Ackerman was born March 4, 1847, in Lib- erty Township. Mr. Ackerman owns 1 52 acres of excellent land in this township. He is a Demo- crat in politics, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Ackerman is an intelligent and enterprising gentleman. He is well respected wherever known, and enjoj's the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends. MICHAEL BAKER, New Washington, was born in France Nov. 1, 1831. He is a son of John and Catharine Baker, who were parents of ten children, seven of whom are yet living. His father was a soldier under Napoleon, and served his country with distinction. Michael was raised on a farm, and, in 1843, moved with his parents to the United States, locating in Cuyahoga Co. When 18 years old, Michael began learning the carpenter's trade, which business he followed until 1855, when he began fitting himself for the priesthood. For ten years he studied and went to school, and at the end of that time graduated at the Catholic Seminar}', situated at Cleveland. He was im- mediatel}' assigned to the New Washington charge, and with that charge has ever since been identified. On his arrival, there was nothing but a small frame church, but now, by his perseverance and exertions, the Catholics have one of the finest churches in Crawford Co. The history of that church will be found in the history of Cranberry Township. Mr. Baker is an intelligent gentleman, and the Catholics of New Washington owe much of their prosperitv to him. JACOB J. BEAR, merchant. New Washing- ton ; son of Daniel and Julia A. (Haller) Bear, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 6, 1835. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1808. Mrs. Bear was born in Ger- many in 1816, and they were married in Lan- caster Co., Penn., in 1832. To them were born six children, three of whom are yet living, viz., John, Barbara and Jacob. John married Sarah Dean, and lives in La Grange Co., Ind. ; Bar- bara is the wife of N. H. Chamberlin, and lives in Williams Co., Ohio ; Jacob J. lived with his parents on a farm until 13 years of age, and entered a printing office in Marshall, Mich., where he remained two j'ears. At the conclu- sion of that time he engaged in the printing busi- ness in Coldwater, Mich., where he remained one year. From 1851 until 1859, he traveled through a great many of the Eastern cities at different times, working in the Times office at Toledo, the Review and PhtindcaJer at Cleve- land, the Times at Pittsburgh and the Times at Wheeling, Va. For nine months, he was at 0- [\^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Painesville, Ohio, where he published a book on latitude and longitude, entitled '• Mnemotech- ny." In 1860, he took the "gold fever" and started for Pike's Peak. After a long and event- ful trip overland, Mr. Bear and the company with whom he went arrived at their destination in safety. Here he commenced mining, but it turned out a complete failure financially, Mr. Bear sinking his " all " in the enterprise. About this time W. N. Byers established the first news- paper — the Rocky Mountain Neus — in Denver. Mr. Bear immediately engaged his services to Mr. Byers, and, as a matter of history, it can be said he assisted in publishing the first news- paper in Colorado. After nine months unprofit- ably spent in Colorado, Mr. Bear returned to the States and engaged in his old trade in St. Louis, Mo., Alton, III, and other places. In June, 1861, Mr. Bear enlisted in Co. A, 21st Ind. V. I., and served his countr^^ thi-ough the bitter struggle of the war of secession. He was in quite a number of engagements, among them being Fort Jackson, Phillippi, Baton Rouge, Vicksburg, Island No. 10 and others. During his army career, he was Post-Printer a greater part of the time. He was discharged in January, 1865. Mr. Bear has been married twice, his first wife being Parmelia Cannon, by whom he had one daughter — Ida M., born April 5, 1867. His present wife was Catharine M. Kariger, to whom he was married Sept. 18, 1873. By her he has four children — Charles L, born June 27. 1874 ; Eden W., Dec. 4, 1875 ; Elmer A., Nov. 30, 1878 ; and Senora B., June 17, 1880. Mrs. Bear was born Sept. 25, 1847 ; Mr. Bear owns a livery barn and house and lot in the city. He also owns one of the best gro- ceries in town, and he does an excellent busi- ness. Is a Democrat in politics, and a keen, wide-awake gentleman. HENRY BECKER, Jr., merchant. New Washington. Among the young and enter- prising business men of New Washington is the subject of this biography. He was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 17, 1855, and is a son of Henry and Kate (Breckly) Becker. His par- ents were natives of German}', and were mar- ried in Pennsylvania. They came to the United States about the year 1825, and to them were born twelve children — Henry, Charles, Kate, Mary, x\nne, Edward, Helen, Christopher, Martha, Augusta, Ida and Caro- line. The father of these children is at pres- ent a prosperous merchant in Girard, Penn., and is an intelligent and well-respected citizen in his locality. Henry Becker, Jr., received an excellent education in his native State, and in Mai'ch, 1877, embarked in the merchant-tailoring business in New Washington. Mr. Becker, al- though a 3'oung man, has had considerable ex- perience in his line of business, and his fair and honest dealings have won for him the name of being one of the best business men in the village of New Washington. DR. CHARLES T. BENNER, physician and surgeon. New Washington ; was born in TiflBn, Ohio, July 29, 1856 ; he is a son of George and Susanna (Zlise) Benner, who were parents of five children — Josei^Jpne, William, Augustus, Charles T. and John. Dr. Benner's youthful days were passed in TiflEin going to school. He was for one year in the employ of Gray & Steven- son, in Tiffin, and, for a short time, clerked for his brother in the same place. In 1874, he commenced the study of medicine, under the instruction of Kinnamau & Ilershiser, and, after a thorough study of the branches neces- sary, he entered the University of Wooster, at Cleveland. After one term of lectures, in the spring of 1877, he began practice in New Washington. Here he met with excellent suc- cess, and, the next winter, returned to college, where he graduated. After his graduation. Dr. Benner returned to New Washington and re- commenced the practice of medicine. Jan. 8, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Jen- nie C. Meschinger, daughter of John U. Mesch inger, Esq., of Tiffin. Although yet a .young man. Dr. Benner, by his gentlemanly deport- ment, and the success with which he has met obstinate cases, has won an excellent practice, and one that is as desirable as any physician enjoys in Crawford Co. He is an enterprising young man, and a Democrat in politics. He is widely known and highly respected through- out the county. J. W. and T. B. CARSON ; P. 0. New Wash- ington. The parents of these gentlemen, Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Willoughby) Carson, were of German-Irish descent. They were natives of Virginia, and were married in Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1814, and to them were born eleven children, eight of whom are yet living. These parents came to Seneca Co.. Ohio, in 1835, locating in Venus Township, where they re- mained until their respective deaths. Mr. Car- :^ CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 987 son claims to be a distant connection of the celebrated trapper and Indian fighter, "Kit" Carson. Mr. Carson was a man very decided in his views, and, being a man of excellent judgment, he, in his time, was considered one of the most prominent and intelligent citizens in northern Crawford and southern Seneca Counties. In politics, he was a Democrat until Buchanan was elected President. Being a strong Abolitionist or anti-slavery man, and not liking Buchanan's administration, he threw his influence and support with the new part}- — Republican — with whom he ever afterward be- came identified. Mrs. Carson died in Februar}', 1866. She was a fond wife and a kind and affectionate mother. Mr. Carson survived his wife until June, the following 3'ear, when he, too, died and was laid awa}^ to rest by the side of her who was his helpmeet in life. The names of their children are Robert, J. W., Anne, Harrison H., George, Margaret, Sarah, Hannah, Eliza and Samuel. Robert, Anne and Hannah are dead. The balance of the family are living in Ohio and Michigan. J. W. Carson was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 3, 1818. He was reared on a farm, and in 1841, was united in marriage to Miss Mar}' Ann Moore, daughter of Maurice Moore, Esq. By her Mr. Carson has twelve children — Margaret J., Elizabeth E. (dead), Hannah L., George (dead), Sarah, Samuel B., Maurice (dead), Eliza, Harrison M. (dead), Mary F., Ida M. and Ettie. Mrs. Carson was born in New Jersey in 1820. Mr. Carson owns 80 acres of land in Venus Township, Seneca Co., where he resides. In connection with farming, he deals quite extensivel}' in stock. He is an uncompromising Republican in poli- tics, and a first class citizen. His brother T. B. was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, June 7, 1837. His youth and early manhood, like that of his brother, was passed on a farm. He received a good common-school and academical education. May 2, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Bigam) Smith. His wife was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1841. Sept. 1, 1861, Mr. Carson enlisted in Compau}' H, 14th Regiment 0. V. I., and was discharged Sept. 9, 1864. He bravely served his country throughout the war of secession, participating in a number of en- gagements, a few of the more prominent being Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Jonesboro and a number of others. He and wife are parents of six children — John W., Viola E., Wilbur C, Ulysses, Estella and Fran- cis M. Of these only the two former are liv- ing. Mr. Carson owns a large and well-im- proved farm. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church. The Carsons are very sociable and highly re- spected people. They enjoy the friendship and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. H. M. CORY, insurance, New Washington ; was born in Cranberr}' Township. Crawford Co., Dec. 28, 1845. He is a son of Thomas and Esther (Brown) Cor}^, appropriate mention of whom will be found in the biography of Hon. J. E. Cory, in this work. Mr. Cory was reared on his father's farm, and during his youth re- ceived quite a good common-school education. When 20 years old, he commenced attending the male and female seminary of Lexington, Richland Co., Ohio, where he remained two years. He then for one year attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. Dur- ing the spring of 1870, Mr. Cory went to Kan- sas, where he engaged in the real estate busi- ness for a number of years, and, while engaged in this, read law under the instruction of Thomas C. Cory, a brother, who was living in Parsons. In August, 1878, he returned to his native neighborhood, w4iere he engaged in his present occupation. Mr. Cor}' represents the Continental Insurance Co. of New York, one of the best companies in the United States. It has a cash capital of $1,000,000, and the popularity of this company is largely increased in securing Mr. Cory's services in Crawford and Richland Coun- ties. During Mr. Cory's life, he has taught school to some extent, in which he has invariably given excellent satisfaction. He is a Democrat in politics, and we predict for him in the near future an honorable position in that party. HON. JAMES E. CORY, carpenter and joiner ; is a native of Cranberry Township, and was born in September, 1840. He is a son of Thomas and Esther (Brown) Cory, and grand- son of Aaron and Elizabeth (McGuire) Cory, who came to Cranberry Township in 1826. Of the grandparents, more is said of them in the history of Cranberr}' Township. Thomas Cory, son of Aaron, was a native of Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and was born in 1810. When 9 3'ears old, he, together with his parents, moved to Richland Co., Ohio. He married Esther Brown, '^ 988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and to them were boni the following family — Mary E., Thomas C, James E., Robert W., Hugh M., Sarah E. and Susan N. Mary is the wife of James Morrow, and lives in Auburn Township ; Thomas C. resides in Kansas, his wife was Leona Comstock ; James E. and Hugh M. are both single and reside in their native township ; Robert W. is a prominent citizen in Lykens Township, and is the husband of Aba- gail Purky ; Sarah is the wife of Henry C. Mar- tin, and resides in Montgomery Co., Kan., and Susan is the wife of John Morrow, whose biog- raphy accompanies this work. As far back as can be traced, we find the Cor}' family to be one of more than ordinary intelligence and en- terprise. We first notice Aaron Cory, who, braving the wilds of an unexploi'ed wilderness, emigrated to the interior of Ohio when it was but a Territory, in 1814-15, he settled in Wayne and Richland Cos. Thomas Cory imbibed much of his father's energy of character, and upright and honorable dealings with his neighbors. He was an influential man, and had the respect and confidence of his fellow-men. He was deeply beloved by his family, and, when he died — which event occurred in 1856 — his death was greatly deplored by the neighborhood, and es- pecially by his devoted wife and ftimily. His wife died during the spring of 1865. The chil- di'en of Thomas and Esther (Brown) Cory are all living, and all are prominent and respected citizens in their respective localities. James E. Cory was reared on his father's farm in Cran- berry Township, when he received a good edu- cation. During the fall of 1879, the people of Crawford Co., recognizing his ability, selected him to represent them in their State Legisla- ture, which he did to the credit of his county. Mr. Cory is also a member of the Board of County Examiners, and has been for the past four years. According to custom, Mr. Cory will at least rejH-esent the people of Crawford Co., at Columbus another term, as he gave excellent satisfaction while there before. Mr. Cory is single and makes his home in New Washington. He is a successful carpenter and an intelligent gentleman. LUTHER COX, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. New Washington ; was born May 1, 1826, in Wayne Co.; he is a son of Stewart and Ann (Garretson) Cox, who were parents of seven children. The father was born in 1800, and the mother six years later. They were married in 1824, in Wayne Co., Ohio, and their children's names respectively are Luther, Lu- cinda, William, Mary, Alexander, Sarah and Catharine A. This family came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in March, 1839, purchasing 160 acres of land in that Township, and 160 acres in Cranberry Township. While in Crawford Co., Mr. Cox made many good and warm friends. He died in June, 1859, leaving behind him a good record. Luther Cox was reared on the farm. His education was none of the best ; he, being the oldest child in the family, was consequently kept at home a greater part of the time to assist in improving and clearing the place. He was married June 10, 1851, to Lucinda Hudson, daughter of Ben- jamin and Anna (Willford) Hudson. Benja- min Hudson came to Cranberry Township, from Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1833, and settled on the farm now owned by G-eoi'ge Stoutnor. They were among the earliest settlers of Cranberry Township, and, in their earl}^ time, did much to influence settlers to locate in the Township. Mr. Hudson is now dead, but his wife is 3'et living on the old place, with her son-in-law, John Stoutnor. Mr. Cox, by his wife, had the following family : Sylvia A., born Oct. 22, 1853, died Dec. 17, 1870 ; Catharine C, born Sept. 8, 1855 ; Edmond O., born Oct. 10, 1857, died March 15, 1858 ; Cora M., born July 9, 1866 ; Mrs. Cox was born July 31, 1832. At the time of his marriage, he was farming his father's place in Auburn Township. The year after the}' moved to the place where he now lives, erecting a log cabin, almost where his house now stands. He owns 120 acres of well- improved land, in Cranberry Township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Cox is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Democrat in politics. The Cox family are well known in Cranberry and Au- burn Townships, and are highl}^ respected citi- ZGllS AYILLIAM CUMMINS ; P. 0. New Wash- ington; was born in Ci'awford Co., Ohio, Feb. 21. 1843. His parents, Morgan and Elizabeth (Smith) Cummins, came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, about the year 1828. They were the parents of four children — Abner, John, one that died in infancy, and William. Abner is married, and lives in Williams Co., Ohio. John married Caroline Boardner, and lives in Henry Co., Ohio. William passed ^6 fr CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. his youth and early manhood on his parents' farm. Until 1866, the greater share of his time was occupied in farming and carpenter- ing. He was married, Feb. 15, 1866, to Matil- da Hosier, daughter of Jonas and Catharine (Troxel) Hosier, and by her has the following family ; David S., born Oct. 10, 1866 ; Cora M., Sept. 25, 1872, Delia M., Oct. 3, 1874; John F., Feb. 16, 1877, died Dec. 10, 1879, and Mary E., born March 11, 1879. Mrs. Cummins was born Dec. 8, 1846. During the spring of 1866, Mr. Cummins came to New Washington and engaged in the saloon business, and so far has been quite successful. He owns a good business house and good private town proper- ty in New Washington. Mr. Cummins is a Democrat in politics, and is a man who takes great pains— as all men should — to educate his children. His oldest son, David, onl}' 14 years old, passed an examination before the County Examiners that, but for his age, would have entitled him to a teacher's certificate of high grade. Mrs. Cummins' people were among the earliest settlers in Bloom Township, Sene- ca Co., Ohio. Mr. Cummins is an intelligent and enterprising man. He spends much of his time in reading, and, although he did not receive anything extraordinary of an educa- tion in youth, has, by application, made him- self thoroughly conversant with the issues of the dav. WILLIAM H. DONNENWIRTH, merchant. New Washington ; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1838. He is a son of John and Marga- ret (Lang) Donnenwirth, who were parents of nine children. The parents were natives of Alsace, Germany. They were married in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1828, and the names of their chil- dren respective!}' are Elizabeth, deceased ; John, deceased ; Mary, Greorge, William, Mar- garet, Elizabeth, Andrew and Samuel. The mother is dead ; the fatlier is yet living, at an advanced age, in Stark Co., Ohio. Mary lives in Canton, Ohio, the wife of Emanuel Raber. George married Matilda Stump and is a farmer and lives in Stark Co. Margaret lives in Mich- igan and is tiie wife of Henry Heffleman, Elizabeth is the wife of Lewis Schneider and resides in Stark Co. Andrew is a saddler, married Mary Ingraham and lives in Summit Co. Samuel is a farmer in Stark Co., his wife being Emma (Housman) Donnenwirth. William was reared on a farm, receiving a good com- mon-school education. He began for himself when 27 years old, by farming. Jan. 30, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine A. Sheetz, daughter of John A. Sheetz by his second wife. To this union were born the fol- lowing family : Margaret 0., born Dec. 2, 1866 ; Caroline L., born Oct. 18, 1868 ; Mary M., born Sept. 25, 1870 ; Etta I., born July 19, 1872 ; Emma A., born March 14, 1875, and Ida E., born Feb. 3, 1878. Mrs. Donnenwirth was born in Auburn Township, Aug. 8, 1838. Mr. Don- nenwirth opened a hardware store in New Wash- ington in 1872, and by excellent business tact has increased his stock to one of the best stores of its kind in the county. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Donnenwirth is a genial, intelligent and en- terprising gentleman, and one of the best bus- iness men in New Washington. L. C. DONNENWIRTH, New Washington, was born in New Washington, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1851. His parents were Hon. George and Car- oline (Durr) Donnenwirth. The main history of the family will be found in the biography of Hon George Donnenwirth, of Bucyrus Town- ship. When 6 years old, our subject, together with his parents, moved to Bucyrus, where he remained until 18 years old. He then appren- ticed himself to Jacob Seifert to learn the blacksmith's trade. After about two and a half years, he mastered the trade, and then, for one year, assisted his preceptor. Mr. Seifert died at the end of that time, and our subject, with his half-brother William, continued the busi- ness. In 1877, he commenced blacksmithing by himself in New Washington, and as such has ever since continued. Mr. Donnenwirth is considered one of the best disciples of Vulcan in the town. On May 1, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Guiss, daughter of Christian Guiss, and to them were born two children — William A., born Oct. 7, 1874, died Jan. 1, 1877 ; Annetta J., born Feb. 24, 1880. Mrs. Donnenwirth was born Aug. 22, 1853. Mr. Donnenwirth is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat in politics. He has held the position of City Clerk since 1874, and Township Clerk since 1877. Mr. Donnenwirth is an enterprising and industrious young man, of good morals and good character. JOHN F. EARLFR. New Washington ; was born in Germany May 30, 1835. Is a son of John and Mary B. (Mayer) Earler, who were 'A 990 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: parents of four children — John F., Earnest F., Caroline and Barbara. Caroline is dead ; par- ents are also dead, having died in the " old country." John F. Earler came to the United States in T855, locating in Ashland Co., Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand for seven 3^ears. The next three years, he was employed by a butcher in a buti^her-shop ; here he met Catharine Webber, who afterward became his wife. In 1865, he moved to Cranberry Town- ship, Crawford Co., Ohio, and two years later purchased the farm he now owns. He started a poor boy, but, by economy and hard work, Mr. Earler has acquired quite a competency. His wife died Sept. 12, 1877. Was again mar- ried Sept. 6, 1878, his second wife being Cath- arina Laufer, and by her has two sons, twins — John and Frederick. By his first wife, Mr. Earler also had two sons^John G. and Charles W. Mr. Earler is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and a Democrat in politics. His land is situated north of the center of Sec- tion 23. theone-half being the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and the other half be- ing the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 23. Mr. Earler is an enter- prising and well-respected citizen ot Cranberry Township. J. C. H. ELDER, attorney and counselor at law, New Washington ; son of Achor and Eliza (Cessna) Elder, who were parents of seven children — Sarah V., Emma, Curtis, William J., J. C. H., Mary and Horace A., all of whom are living, except Mary. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents on the farm until he was 19 vears old. He was born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 15, 1849, and in 1868, com- menced attending the Heidleberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, where he remained until 1875, completing the classical course of that college. After graduating, Mr. Elder entered the law of- fice of Hon. Warren P. Noble, with whom he remained, reading law, until he was admitted to the bar, which occurred April 12, 1877. On Jan. 16, 1878. he commenced the practice of law in New Washington, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Elder was maiTied in Septem- ber, 1877, to Miss Marietta Ash, daughter of Emanuel Ash, of Fostoria, Ohio, and by her has one daughter — Mabel, born in July, 1878. Mr. Elder, on his father's side, is of Irish descent, and on his mother's side, of French and Welsh. His wife is of German extraction. Although a young man in his profession, Mr. Elder has a good and lucrative practice, and, besides being an attorney, he represents two reliable insur- ance companies — the Cooper Insurance Co., of Dayton, Ohio, and the Insurance Co., of North America, of Philadelphia. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Elder is an enterprising young man of good and moral habits, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and we predict for him an excellent future and an enviable record. C. K. HEABLER, practical miller. New Washington ; of the firm of Endslow & Heab- ler, was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 4, 1847. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1795, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Heabler was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1807. They were the parents of eleven children — William, deceased ; John ; Catharine, deceased ; George ; Emanuel, de- ceased ; Henry ; Samuel, deceased ; Elizabeth, David, Sarah and C. K. Out of those living, C. K., Henr}^, George and John are millers, as was their father before them. David is a shoe- maker. George, David and C. K. were faithful and efficient soldiers in the late war. The father died in June, 1875. His widow survives him and resides in Attica. Mr. Heabler owned a farm, on which his family lived, while he at- tended the milling business. He was a kind and firm man, and very strict in his religious views, and his habits were strictly temperate and moral. At his death, the neighborhood lost a prominent and good citizen and a kind neighbor. Our subject. Christian K., was brought up on a farm, but learned the milling trade when quite young. When 19 years of age, he engaged his services to his brother, who was a miller in Attica, with whom he remained twelve years. For one 3'ear he milled in Napo- leon. In January, 1880, he, together with T. B. Endslow, bought the large grist-mill at New Washington, and, as millers, are second to none in the county. Mr. Heabler is a Demo- crat in politics. He was married Jan. 26. 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Swartz, daughter of Peter and Martha Swartz. To this union were Dorn two children — Roscoe G., born Jan. 22, 1871, and Ettie M., born July 22, 1875. Mr. Heabler owns a half-interest in the mill, is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and an intelligent enterprising gentleman. 1^ iJ: CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 991 GEORGE HEPP, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. New Washington ; is of German descent, and was born in x\lsace in 1832. His parents, John and Melinda (Summer) Hepp, came to the United States in 1843, locating in Seneca Co. The}' were the parents of two children — George and Peter. Peter married Elizabeth Baach, and lives in Seneca Co. Mr. Hepp died in 1872. He was a good man, and was a prom- inent and respected man among the Germans. Our subject passed his youth and earl}' man- hood on the farm and in attending school. He was married, in 1856, to Mary Westrick, who died in 1858, leaving a fond husband and baby daughter to mourn her loss. The daughter's name is Caroline, and she is now the wife of Lawrence Wechter, liA'ing in Cranberr}- Town- ship. On Nov. L 1859, Mr. Hepp remarried, his wife being Margaret Wenslie. By her he has nine children — Elizabeth, born in 1860 ; Mary, in 1861 ; Anthony, in 1862 ; Jacob, in 1865 ; Melinda, in 1868 ; Joseph, in 1870, and died the same year ; Frank, born in October, 1872 ; Rosa. in'l875. and Anna, in 1877. The Hepp family are all good, industrious citizens, and enjoy the respect of all who know them. They are Catholics in religion, and prominent farm- ers in Cranberry Township. Mr. Hepp owns 102 acres of highly improved land adjoining the village of New Washington. He is taking especial pains to educate his children, as he wishes them to grow up intelligent men and women, and full}- capable of assuming promi- nent positions in society. ROBERT G. HILBORN ; P. 0. New Wash- ington. Among the old and time-honored resi- dents of northeastern Crawford Co. is the subject of this biography. He was born in Richland Co., Ohio, May 15, 1823, and was one of a family of nine children, of whom Isaac and Nancy (George) Hilborn were the parents. Mr. Hilborn, the father, came to Richland Co. as early as 1813, being one of the very earliest settlers. In 1826, he came to Crawford Co., locating in Liberty Township, and afterward in Sandusky and Auburn Townships. Mr. Hil- born died in the latter township during the spring of 1863. He was a man of great ener- gy of character, and did much to advance civ- ilization in the county. The biographies of their sons, Robert, Samuel. John and William, appear in this work. Robert, like his brothers, was reared on the farm, and, being the oldest boy, was detained at home to help clear and improve the place, and thus did not receive the advantages in education that boys now do. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth Eckis, daugh- ter of Jacob Eckis, Esq., of Auburn Township. In 1847, he built a cabin in the woods of Holmes Township, where he lived with his young wife ten years. He then moved to Au- burn Township, and, about this time, lost his wife. By her he had the following family : Minerva A., now the wife of William Taylor ; Martha ; Sai'ah A., now the wife of George W. Gregg ; Emma L., now the wife of Joseph Til- son ; Amena E., the wife of Christian Graff- miller ; Ida, now the wife of Dee Milroy, and one son that died in infancy. Not long after the death of his wife, Mr. Hilborn bought the John Robinson farm, in Cranberry Township. He was married to his present wife March 25, 1862. Her name was Mrs. Nancy Hanna, widow of John Hanna, and daughter of James Crawford, a relative of Col. Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the Indians. His last marriage bore to him three children — Isaac H., born in January, 1863 ; Hepzibah, in Septem- ber, 1865, and Kate, in July, 1867. Mr. Hil- born lived on the John Robinson place six years, and, in 1869, moved to New Washing- ton. His present occupation is hotel-keeping, he being the proprietor of the City House. He does a good business, and is reasonably suc- cessful. Mr. Hilborn remembers distinctly many an experience in his early life in the then forest of Auburn and other townships. When but a boy, he remembers cai'rying pro- visions to the Indians, and of many memorable scenes connected with them. Mr. Hilborn is an honest and respected citizen in New Wash- ington, and no name is more respected in the neighborhood than his. J. S. HERSHISER, M. D., physician and surgeon. New Washington ; is one of a family of ten children, whose names respectively are Mary A., Cyrus, Caroline, Anthony B., Sarah, John S., Aaron, Bertha, Jacob H. and Adeline H., all of whom are living except Bertha. The father of this family was Samuel Hershiser, who, with his wife, Sai'ah (Schertzer) Hershiser, were honored and highly respected citizens of Bedford Co., Penn. John S. Hershiser, the sub- ject of this biography, was reared on a farm. He received an excellent common-school edu- cation, and, for two years, was a student in the !.^ 992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: college at Oberlin, Ohio, where he began fitting himself for the medical profession. After this, and for three years, he studied under the in- structions of Dr. S. B. Bell, of Mansfield, Ohio, and, in 1856, attended medical lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Mich- igan, at Ann Arbor. He remained there one year, and then, in the spring of 1857, came to New Washington and began the practice of medicine. Here he remained until the winter of 1865-66 ; he then attended the Medical De- partment of the University of Wooster, situ- ated at Cleveland, were he completed the course of the regular school of medicine, gi'aduating with honors. Since that time, he has always practiced his profession at New Washington. On the 30th of April, 1857, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of John Dull, of Vernon Township, and by her has one son, Charles C, born Jan. 22, 1858. Mrs. Hershiser was born May 5, 1837. Dr. Hershiser is one of the best physicians in Northern Ohio. It has always been his aim to be " at the top" in his profession, and his pres- ent popularity shows the success which his determination has met with. He is one of the prominent men of New Washington, is a Re- publican in politics, and a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. MATTHIAS KIBLER, deceased ; was born in Wurtemberg, Grermau}', June 11, 1822. He was the youngest in a family of eight children, six of whom are yet living, fie, together with his parents, John and Mai'ia Kibler, came to the United States in 1839, locating in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Here Mr. Kibler passed his time working on a farm, working on a canal and working in a tannery, and, at intervals, going to school. In this way he received a good common-school education. On the 22d of Oc- tober, 1846, he united in marriage to Frederica Pfahler, daughter of Matthias and Barbara Pfahler, and to this union were born eight children — Maria, born Dec. 5, 1847, died July 25, 1850 ; Samuel J., March 9, 1851 ; Franklin P., June 27, 1853, died July 15, 1854 ; James M., Feb. 15, 1856; Lovina, April 5, 1857; John W., June 28, 1859 ; Caroline, April 25. 1862, died Aug. 18, 1862 ; Louisa M., July 20, 1863. Of these, Samuel J. is the only one married. On the 22d of April, 1875, he married Miss Elizabeth Herr, of Seneca Co., and by her had three children — William B., born April 13, 1876, died April 14, 1876 ; Alfred G., Aug. 1, 1877 ; and Clai'a 0., June 20, 1879. The mother was born May 24, 1854. Mr. Kibler, Sr., came to Cranberry Township in 1841, and embarked in the tanning business on the farm now owned by Daniel Easley. In the winter of 1846-47, this tannery took fire and was burned to tlie ground. The next spring, Mr. Kibler moved to New Washington and engaged in farming, tanning, and the boot and shoe business. He built the tannery now owned by his sons, S. J. Kibler & Bro., and he was one of the principal citizens of his time. His death occurred Sept. 23, 1876. Mr. Kibler was a man of keen foresight and in- telligence, and, during his time, held many offices of honor and trust. He was the first Mayor of New Washington, and was Mayor at the time of his death. His son, S. J., succeeded him in the office of Township Treasurer. Mr. Kibler was a Democrat, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. He was well known all over Crawford Co. as a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability. His widow still survives him, at the age of 56, and is living in New Washington. The Kibler family is an old and honored one, and no name commands more respect than does that family. J. F. KIMERLINE ; P. 0. New Washington ; is a son of John and Mary (Derr) Kimerline, who were the parents of seven children, and wei'e natives of Germany, the father being born in 1820, and the mother in 1818. They were married in Germany, and came to the United States in 1853, locating in Wooster, Ohio. The names of their children respectively are Will- iam, Lewis, John, Maggie, Christina, Fred and Elizabeth. William, Christina and Elizabeth are dead. Lewis is a butcher b}' trade ; he mar- ried Barbara Derr, and resides in New Wash- ington ; John is single, and lives in Cleveland ; Maggie is single, and resides at home with her father, in Wooster. Mrs. Kimerline died Jan. 2, 1880. The subject of this article was born Dec. 6, 1855. He passed his youthful daj-s on the farm and in attending school, receiving the common-school education which most boj^s in the country receive. When 17 years of age, he determined to increase his mental acquire- ments, and fit himself for teaching. With this purpose in view, he first attended the schools of Smithville for a time, and when sufficiently qualified, commenced alternately teaching and w ^ ^ CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 993 going to school, which lias been his occupation ever since. Mr. Kimerline is at present Prin- cipal of the New Washington schools. He is a young man of good habits, and has the reputa- tion of being an excellent instructor. He is a member of the graduating class of 1882, in the college at Ada, Ohio. Mr. Kimerline is a Demo- crat in politics, and is enterprising and indus- trious, and has the respect and esteem of his employes and acquaintances. DANIEL KELLER, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. Tiro. There is no more honored and respected name in northeastern Crawford County than that of Keller. George and Mary Keller were the parents of eight children, only two of Avhom are living. They were married in Pennsylvania, and in 1827, emigrated to Stark Co., Ohio. After eighteen years of pio- neer life, they removed to Cranbeny Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, settling on the farm that is now owned by Daniel Keller — the subject of this biograph3^ Mr. Keller was a man of pow- erful frame and constitution, and one well cal- culated to become one of the best and hardiest pioneers of Crawford County. Here he built him a log cabin, where he and his wife lived happily together until the}^ were called to their final account before God. The mother died Aug. 26, 185-1:, a well-beloved and respected mother. Mr. Keller died Feb. 3, 1860. He was a man of a deep moral and religious nature, and his loss was keenly felt by a large circle of friends. Daniel Keller, the onl}- son now liv- ing, was reared on the farm. His boyhood and early manhood were similar to that of a great many other boys of that time, with perhaps but few exceptions. He has been singularly un- fortunate in his marriage relations, having been married four times, his first, second and third wives being dead. By his first wife, Catharine Eckis, to whom he was married in 1848, died in 1854, leaving him two children to care for. His second wife, Annie Crall, to whom he was married in 1859, died without issue. Mr. Kel- ler's third wife was Margaret Smith, daughter of the old pioneer preacher Smith. She died in 1871, bearing Mr. Keller four children — John S., Emma, Minnie and one that died in infancy. His first two children were Isaiah and Mary. Mr. Keller is a kind and genial gentleman. He owns 80 acres of good land, is a Republican in politics, and holds to the United Brethren religion. He is enterprising and in- dustrious, and commands the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. J. & A. G. LEDERER; P. 0. New Washing- ton. A. G. Lederer was born in Cranberry Township, Dec. 19, 1853. His parents, Jacob and Magdalena (Donnenwirth) Lederer, were natives of German}', and came to the United States in 1819, locating in Stark Co., Ohio. They came to Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1826, where the Lederer family has since resided. The family consisted of Jacob and Magdalena Lederer, parents, and John, Jacob, Adam G., Matilda and Odella, the children. Of the children, Matilda is the only one dead. Mr. Lederer was a man of good morals and steady habits. His death was a deep loss, not only to his family, but to the neighborhood in general. He died as he lived, a pure, upright man in the sight of his God, on Aug. 19, 1857. His widow survives him and resides in New Washington. John married Elizabeth Kline, and resides in New Washing- ton ; Jacob lives on the old place with his brother Adam, and is the husband of Mary (Guiss) Lederer ; Odella is the wife of Andrew Croonenberger, and they live with her mother in New Washington ; Adam G. was, like his brothers, reared on a fai'm. He received a good common-school education in j'outh, and finished it by going to the high school in Lex- ington, Ohio, two terms, and Fostoria, Ohio, one term. Since then he has been engaged in farm- ing and teaching school. He is a teacher of fourteen terms' experience, the last three years being taught in New Washington graded schools. He was married, Feb. 8, 1876, to Miss Ella A. Hartupee, and b}' her had one child, Eva, born Jan. 2, 1878, and died Oct. 24, 1878. The mother was born Feb. 24, 1854. The Lederers are Lutherans in religion, and Democrats in politics. They are intelligent and fii'st-class r*i 1"! 7PTm DAVID D. L ANTZ ; P. 0. New Washington ; was born June 18, 1833, in Oreville, France. His parents, Valentine and Catharine Lantz, were natives of Germany, and the parents of seven children, six sons and one daughter. Five sons and the daughter are yet living. They were married about the year 1828, and came to the United States in 1834, locating in Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, on the farm now owned b}' George Hepp. Mr. Lantz is now dead. He w'as a man of great 994 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: energj' of character, and of firm but kind de- meanor. He was well and highl}- respected by his friends, and his death was greatly deplored b}' a large circle of friends. 3Irs. Lantz is yet living, and makes her home with her daughter in Sandusky City. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and, owing to the poor schools of that early da}-, received but a mod- erate education. When 20 years of age, he began farming for himself, but made his home with his mother, his father l)eing dead. The marriage of David D. Lantz and Caroline Bibel was solemnized Sept. 29, 1863. Mrs. Lantz is a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Fireing) Bibel, and her marriage with Mr. Lantz pro- duced four children — Oscar, born June 30, 1864; Katie, born Oct. 20, 1865; Ellen, born March 4, 1867, and Percy, born Feb. 9, 1878. Mrs. Lantz was born Aug. 28, 1841. Mr. Lantz's present occupation is farming and threshing. He owns 20 acres of valuable land within the corporate city limits of New Wash- ington. Is a Democrat in politics, strictl}" ad- hering to the principles laid down b}" the National Democratic party. Mr. Lantz has held the office of Constable of his township, and he is a genial, intelligent man, and is well and highly respected by all who know him. JOHN MILLER, merchant, New Washing- ton. Among the prominent and influential business men of New Washington is this gen- tleman, who was born July 2, 1839, in the prov- ince of Lorraine, France. His parents, Peter and Mary A. (Ludman) Miller, were natives of France, the father born in 1811, and the mother in 1818. They were married in 1838, and were the parents of nine children, viz.: John, Mary Ann, Hubert, Magdalena, Nicholas, Mary, Jo- sephina, Julia and Jacob ; eight of these chil- dren are yet living. The parents left their native country for the LTnited States, arriving in Buffalo, N. Y., on the 19th of July, 1847. They remained in Buffalo until 1856, when they removed to Crawford Co.. Ohio, locating in New Washington, where the father engaged in mercantile pursuits. Here the father remained actively engaged in business until 1 866, when he sold out and returned to Buffalo. The father is dead, but the mother is still living, and re- sides at Buffalo, as do several of the children. John Miller received the advantages of a com- mon-school education. In 1865, he, in connec- tion with P. D. Studer, embarked in the boot and shoe trade, at New Washington. After about one 3'ear, Mr. Miller sold his interest to his partner, and engaged in a general mercan- tile business ; he has ever since remained in this business, and has, by his upi'ight conduct and strict business habits, built up a large and steadily increasing business. Mr. Miller was married, Jan. 12, 1862, to Miss Catharine Yochum. She was born Mai'ch 31, 1840. From this union are nine children — Peter C, Clara M., Mary E., Josephina 0., Henrietta L., El- vina E., C. L., Henry L. and Clara R. Mr. Miller is a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He has held a number of po- sitions of honor and trust in the municipal and township governments, and is at present Di- rector of the County Infirmar}' of Crawford Co. He owns valuable property in New Wash- ington, and is one of the prominent and influ- ential men of Crawford Co. JACOB METZGER, New Washington ; is the son of Pius and Mary (Best) Metzger, who are natives of Grerman3^ The father came to the LTnited States in 1828, and the mother in 1832. About the year 1833, they were married, and to them were born eight children, six of whom are yet living. Their names are John (deceased), Pius, Mary, George, Kate (deceased), Jacob, Joseph and Matilda. The parents are 3'et living, and are honored and respected citi- zens of Richland Co. Jacob Metzger was born Oct. 14, 1856, and was reared on a farm. He received a common-school education, and, when 22 years old, opened a furniture store and cab- inet-shop in New Washington, where he has since remained. On the 22d of June, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Stouder. Mrs. Metzger was boi-n Oct. 28, 1857, and was one in a family of fifteen children, eight of whom are yet living. Her father was a French- man, and served nine j^ears in the French army. Her mother was a native of German}', and they were Catholics in religion. Mr. Metzger is a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic Church. He is an enterprising young man, and owns the best and principal furniture store in the town, keeping constantly on hand a full line of furni- ture, and sellins; at reasonable rates, which gives him a trade extending over a large territory". He is honest and diligent, and he and his wife are well and favorably known in the community. JOHN MICHELFELDER, Jr., merchant, New Washington ; was born in New Washing- CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 995 ton, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1847. His parents, Joiin and Fredrica (Utz) Michelfelder, were natives of Germany. The father was born in 1818, and the mother in 1823. They came to the United States in 1846, coming direct to Cranbei-ry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, and, in 1847, were married. To this marriage were born the following family : John, Fredrica, Jacob, Cath- arine and Frederick. Fredrica is the wife of George llildebrand, and lives in New Washing- ton. Jacob, Catharine and Frederick live at home with their parents. The father owns 15 acres of valuable land within the city limits, and 11^ just outside the corporation. He also owns a boot and shoe store in town, his sons at home assisting him in running it. John, Jr., lived on a farm until he was 14 years of age, and then commenced learning the boot and shoe making trade with his father. Until he was 21, he assisted in the shop. When he reached his majority, his father employed him for two years longer. In 1870, he and his father formed a partnership, to be known as J. Michelfelder & Son, manufacturers and dealers in boots and shoes. This partnership remained unchanged for three years, and was then dissolved by mu- tual consent, the father continuing the business. The son then built a business house in New Washington, and, on his own responsibility, opened a boot and shoe store, which he has con- tinued successfully ever since. On Dec. 1, 1870, he was united in marriage with Matilda High, daughter of Michael High, and grand- daughter of Adam High, the old pioneer of that name. Mr. Michelfelder is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church ; owns 2^ acres within the city corporation ; does a good business and is in every way prosperous. VOLNEY POWERS, farmer" and stock- dealer ; P. 0. New Washington ; was born in Tompkins Co , N. Y., June 12, 1814. When 4 years old, he, together with his parents, emi- grated to Ohio. His father and mother. Dr. Lemuel Powers and Jane S. (Bacon) Powers, were the parents of nine children— Volney, Louisa. Julia, Alonzo, Abigail, Phoebe A., Jane, Rolla and Mar3^ Volney and Jane are the only ones living in the family. Jane is the wife of Dr. Teller, and lives in Vineland, New Jer- sey. The father. Dr. Powers, was a good and prominent citizen, and an excellent physician. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Volnev Powers was reared and educated in town. When 16 years of age, he engaged in the hatting Inisiness in Pl3'mouth for twelve years. He then discontinued that business and engaged in the mercantile trade, in New Wash- ington. Mr. Powers established the first ash- ery in New Washington, and by this made quite a start in life. After six years in the mercantile business, he bought a nice farm near the cit}' corporation line. On June 15, 1837, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Ream, daughter of Samuel Ream, and by her has a large and interesting family. Mr. Powers owns an excellent stock farm of 240 acres, in Cranberry Township. He takes an active and leading part in matters tending to advance edu- cation. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. MOSES PUGH, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. New Washington ; was born in Lykens Town- ship, Crawford Co., Ohio, April 6, 1843. He is a son of Aai'on and Mary (Jackson) Pugh, and grandson of Moses and Christina (Baker) Pugh. His parents were married in iVpril, 1837, and to them were born the following fam- ily : Elizabeth, William, Moses, James, Lan- son and Anson (twins), Alfred and John. The parents and grandparents of these children came to Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1846. In 1862, Aaron Pugh and wife, with his total wealth, consisting of a sled-load of household goods, moved into Cranberry Town- ship, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Moses. Here his energ}' and indomitable will showed itself At one time Mr. Pugh was worth $25,000, but he has divided his property among his children, so that he has only some fine town property in New Washington and Crestline, and a few acres of land in the coun- try, near the former town, where he and his wife live happil}' together in their advanced years. When seventeen years of age, the sub- ject of this biography enlisted his service in his country's behalf, and remained fighting man- fully for about four 3'ears. He was in Co. H, 55th 0. V. I., and participated in a number of en- gagements ; a few of the more prominent being Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kenesaw Mount- ain, Buzzard's Roost, Cedar Mountain, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and, also, was with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. He entered the service as private, and was mustex'ed out as 2d Lieutenant. At the conclusion of the war he came home, and on the 26th of July, 1866, *7l-. lK 996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: married Miss Martha Johnston, daughter of Jacob Johnston, Esq., and M' her had seven children; the three following named are the only ones yet living — Leila G., Effie I. and Mary. The mother of these was born May 14, 184:i Mr. Pugh is a Free-Will Baptist in re- ligion, and a stanch Republican in politics. He owns 160 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the best and most respected citizens of Cranberry Township. -- ROBERT ROBISOxV, stock-dealer and farm- er ; P. 0. New Washington ; was born in Perry Co., Penn., in 1825. He is a son of John M. and Jane (Baxter) Robison. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were mar- ried, and to them were born nine children — Margaret, William and Susan (twins), Robert, Martha J., Mariam, Nancy, Elizabeth and John. Five of these are 3'et living. Parents came to Cranberry Township in 1835, locating half a mile west of the village of Waynesburg. Mr. and Mrs. Robison are dead, both having lived to see the county around them (once all woods), leveled down by the hand of the agriculturist. Mr. Robison was among the earl}' blacksmiths, and his son Robert passed the greater share of his time in the shop, assisting his father in what- ever he was called upon to perform. Robert has followed that business to a greater or less extent ever since. He was married, March 26, 1846, to Mary A. Robison, and by her had one son — George A., born July, 1847. He married Mai'y J. Patterson, and lives in Crawford Co. Mr. Robison's wife died soon after the birth of his son, and on the 24th of May, 1852, he mar- ried her cousin, Esther Robison. By his second wife, Mr. Robison has six children — ]Margaret J., born July 1, 1854 ; Mary E., born Nov. 19, 1859, died March 7, 1861 ; John E., born Sept. 29, 1862, died Sept. 5, 1865 ; Richie A., born Sept. 5, 1865. died Oct. 10, 1865; James E., born Oct. 22, 1866, and Willie L., born April 11, 1869. The mother was born May 25, 1832. Mr. Robison's occupation since his marriage has been blacksmithing and farming, in and near Waynesburg. He had but a poor start in life, but by industry, honesty and frugality has acquired valuable real estate in Cranberry Town- ship. He at present owns 190 acres of well- improved land. Is a Democrat in politics, and is an intellioent and enterprising man. J. H. STEVENS, farmer ; P. 0. Tiro ; is a son of Amos and Hannah (Cunning) Stevens, who came to Cranberry Township in 1834. His parents were married Jan. 1, 1801, and were the parents of six sons and five daugh- ters — Nancy, Augustus, Sophia, Margaret. Rob- ert, Hannah, Amos, Jacob, Benjamin, Daniel and Sarah A. Of these, Hannah, Amos, Jacob, Benjamin and Daniel are the only ones living. Amos is in Taylor Co., Iowa ; Benjamin is in Crawford Co., Ohio, and Daniel is in Williams Co., Ohio. Jacob H. was born Oct. 31, 1817. Like his father before him, he is a practical farmer and stock-raiser, and was raised as such. Mr. Stevens was married. Apiil 12, 1848, to Miss Sarah J. Wallace, daughter of Jefferson Wallace, Esq., and to them were born ten children — Minerva, born May 6. 1849, died July 20, 1873 ; Sarah E., born Jan. 14, 1851, died Dec. 29, 1873 ; Amos W., born April 23, 1853; Fernando and Arlando (twin.s) Jan. 16, 1855 ; Arlando died Aug. 3, 1855 ; Almira, born March 18, 1856 ; Sherman H., May 24, 1858 ; Clara B., Feb. 12, 1860, died Sept. 30, 1864 ; Julia M., born March 7, 1862, and Nora E., July 7, 1864. Mrs. Stevens was born April 28, 1828. The Stevenses are of English-Welsh descent, while the Cunnings are of English- Irish descent. Robert Cunning, grandfather of Mr. Stevens, was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in 1777. He was immediately pressed into the army to help the colonies to gain their independence from (^reat Britain, and, through that long and blood}' war, served the colonies faithfully. Amos Stevens, father of Jacob, was one of the best of farm- ers. He was an honest, kind-hearted man, and enjoyed the respect of a large circle of friends and neighbors. He was a local preacher in the M. E. (5hurch, and did much to improve the morals of the early citizens of Cranberry Township. Jacob Stevens is a Republican in politics, l)ut favors a strong prohibitory law. He owns 230 aci'es of land in Oanberry Town- ship, 126^ in Liberty and 100 acres in Sandus- ky Township. Mr. Stevens is an old, time- honored citizen of the township, and he is one of the leading men in northeastern Crawford County. PETER D. STUDER ; P. 0. New Washing- ington. Peter Studer, Sr., is a native of the beautiful Swiss Republic, that nestles among the snow-crowned Alps, in Southern Europe. His birth occurred in 1819, and, though his parents were very poor and humble, they were 'y CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 997 industrious and honest, and loved their coun- try with true Swiss devotion. But the little republic could not give its poor the education and advantages they craved, and many of them, loving the cause of liberty, turned their faces toward the West, where a new country was draining all Europe of its freedom-loving people. In 1841, Mr. Studer was united in marriage with Miss Eva Studer, daughter of a Tyrolean. After his marriage, seeing thousands of his countrymen flocking westward across the Atlantic, he also began thinking of leaving the land of his birth — the land he loved — and following his people to the new El Dorado across the sea. But the gaunt wolf of poverty stood in the way, and for many years pre- vented a consummation of his wishes. In 1853, himself and several other Swiss citizens peti- tioned the Grovernment to defray the expenses of their voyage to America ; the Grovernment agreed to do this if the people would relin- quish their claim to the national timber for ten years. This was done by S(;ores. but Mr. Stu- der refused to go until the following 3'ear, when he, in compan}^ with many others, started on the long journey to the United States, with but little means at his command, and a family dependent upon him for support. He settled in Chatfield Township, and soon obtained em- ployment as miller in a grist-mill. His chil- dren were Peter D., Susanna, Paulena, Oliva, Joseph and John. Paulena, John and Oliva are dead ; Susanna is the wife of Cornelius Schlachter, and resides in Hui'on Co., Ohio ; Joseph is married, and lives in the same county. Mrs. Studer, Sr., died Aug. 27, 1873. Peter D. was born in Switzerland in 1842, came with his parents to the United States in 1854, and, when 16 years old, began learning the shoe- maker's trade. He mastered the trade at the end of three years, and then was employed by his preceptor for one 3'ear. The following 3'ear, he came to New Washington and began work- ing at his trade, but, not receiving much work, he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked for a time, and soon after went to Nebraska. He returned to New Washington in a short time, where he has since been, and is to-da3' one of the most prominent and influential men in the township. Oct. 23, 1866, Mr. Studer was united in marriage with Miss Catharine, daughter of Paul Miller ; to this union were born seven children— Paulus F., born Sept. 23, 1887 ; Mar- garet C, born Sept. 9, 1869 ; Catharine A., born Dec. 16, 1870 ; Joseph A., born Aug. 29, 1872 ; John B., born Jan. 31, 1874 ; Maria S., born May 7, 1876, and Emma C, born June 7, 1879. Mrs. Studer was born March 17, 1847. Mr. Studer is a Democrat and a Catholic ; has been Justice of the Peace, and is the present Ma3'or of the village. He is one of the most respected citizens of Cranberr3^ Township, and is a genial, intelligent gentleman. JOHN A. SHEETZ, retired merchant, New Washington. Among the old and honored residents of Cranbeny Township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Germany in 1809, and when in his 21st 3'ear emigrated to the United States, locating in Columbiana Co., Ohio. He lived there a short time and then moved to Wayne Co., and engaged in farming. In jMay, 1836, he was united in marriage with Margaret Weisenbacher, who died in JUI3', 1836. In October, 1837, he married Miss Margaret Beever, who died giving birth to a daughter, Catharine A., who is the wife of William H. Donnenwirth, whose biograph3' accompanies this work. Mr. Sheetz is at present living with his third wife, whose name was Margaret Hesse, widow of Ehregott Hesse and daughter of George Donnenwirth. He was married to her in 1842, and to this union were born the fol- lowing famil3' : Jacob, born in 1843; Maria M., born in 1845 and died in 1871 ; George, born in 1849 and died the same 3'ear ; Caro- line, born in 1850 ; John, born in 1852, and Pauline, born in 1854. His wife b3- her first husband, Mr. Hesse, had one daughter, Matilda, who lived with Mr. Sheetz until she married George Schweml3'. She is now dead. Mr. Sheetz first began the mercantile business, with a gen- eral assortment of goods, at New Washington, in 1842. In 1879, his trade and stock had so increased as to necessitate the bu3'ing of a larger storm-room. He at present owns the large brick block now occupied by William H. Donnenwirth and Sheetz & Bro., his sons. Mr. Sheetz is an honest, straightforward man, having made most of his mone3' b3' hard labor and honorable dealing. He is a Democrat in politics and has always been identified with the Lutheran Church. He and his family are well known and highly respected b3' a large circle of friends and acquaintances. WILLIAM SEYDEL, farmer and stock- dealer : P. 0. New Washington ; was born in ir<. ik> BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Northumberland Co., Penn., July 22, 1813. His father, Andrew Se^'del, was born in Pennsyl- vania March 15, 1791, and Mary (Vandling) Seydel in New Jersey Feb. 27, 1791. They were married in 1812, and to them were born the following family — William, Eliza, John, Catharine, Sarah, Keziah, Michael and Samuel. Sarah and Keziah are dead. The father died Sept. 20, 1878, and the mother Sept. 21, 1848. In 1823, the parents came to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and after a time moved to Stark Co. In 1845, they came to Cranberry Township, where thej' lived the balance of their lives. The sub- ject of this biography was reared on the farm until 1831, when he was apprenticed for three 3'ears, to learn the potter's trade. After serv- ing his time out, he continued that business for two years, and since that time has confined his time wholly to farming. On April 2, 1836, he married Margaret Cook, daughter of Daniel and Martha (Frye) Cook, and by her had five children —Martha J., born Feb. 21, 1837, died Nov. 14, 1869 ; Mary A., born Sept. 10, 1838 : Eliza M., born Jan. 28, 1840 ; John M., born Jan. 29. 1845, and Nancy, born March 10, 1847. The mother died Feb. 1, 1871. Mr. Seydel was re- married June 6, 1872, to Deanna (Bloom) Champion, daughter of Daniel Bloom, and wid- ow of William B. Champion. Mrs. Seydel by Mr. Champion had two sons and one daughter — Joseph D., Francis M. and Maggie L. Mr. Champion died March 1, 1851. Mr. Se3'del is a Democrat in politics. His wife belongs to the Protestant Methodist Church. Her father was an old school-teacher in Richland Co., and Mrs. Seydel remembers when he used to start out to teach school in the morning with nothing but a trail to show him the way. Mr. Seydel owns 80 acres of good land and is a respected gentleman. M. SIEFERT ; P. 0. New Washington ; son of John and Saloma (Lantz) Siefert, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1830. His parents were natives of Germany, and, like a great man}- of the more enterprising and freedom-loving citizens of that country, emigrated to the United States. This was in 1828, and their location was in Stark Co., Ohio. In 1834, they removed to Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. To show the industrious and economical spirit of these people, we will say that after paving $85 for 80 acres of land, he had only $25 to commence housekeeping on. Some people would have thought this no start at all. but the spirit of enterprise was in the hearts of these humble people, and in time the}^ were able to give their children a much better start in life than the}' themselves had. Their children were Michael, John, George, Jacob, x\nnie and Catha- rine. Michael and Annie are the only ones living ; the latter being the wife of John Schwimly, and resides in Chatfield Township. Michael passed his 3'outh and early manhood on his father's farm, in Cranbeny Township. On the 29th of January, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Christina Hoffses, and by her had a family of fourteen children — Jacob, Michael (dead), John (dead), George, Caroline, Annie, Fredrick (dead), William, Michael (dead), John, Andrew (dead), Clara, p]mma and Frederick. Mrs. Siefert was born in August, 1846. Mr. Siefert continued in after life as he had been raised, i. e., farming. In 1864, he went into the stock business, and fol- lowed that and farming until the 14th of Feb- ruary, 1879. He then purchased the grain elevator in New Washington, of Charles Bros., and he has dealt in grain at that point until the present time. Mr. Siefert takes an active part in all educational enterprises that tend to ad- vance education in the county. He is a Demo- crat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church in New Washington. Besides the ele- vator and two lots in New Washington, Mz'. Siefert owns 208 acres of excellent farming land in Cranberry Township, and is an honest and upright man in his dealings with his fellow- men. GEORGE B. WOLF. New Washington; was born in Reinbiern, Germany, Sept. 27, 1850. He is a son of Valentine and Marj' (Kramer) Wolf, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were the parents of fif- teen children, nine of whom are yet living. They came to the United States in 1852, and located in Richland Co., but soon removed to Ashland Co., where they now reside. George Wolf remained at home, assisting his father on the farm until 16 years of age, when he ap- prenticed himself to A. H. Risser, at Haj^es- ville, Ohio, to learn the harness-maker's trade. After sei'ving an apprenticeship of three years, he worked on a salary for a time. In 1871, he went to Ashland, and worked for a man there for awhile. During the fall of 1872, he came to New Washington and opened a harness- - « -» — ^Pv ^' JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1001 shop, under the firm name of Risser & Wolf the senior partner being his former preceptor- In 1874, this partnership was dissolved, Mr- Wolf continuing the business. On his arrival, Mr. Wolf met with considerable opposition. He started with scarcely an}^ capital, but by good work and square, honest dealing, has made quite a good headway, and is to-day recognized as one of the best workman of his kind in the county. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Huber, was solemnized March 8, 1877. His wife is a daughter of Charles Hu- ber, of New Washington. Mr. Wolf is a Dem- ocrat in politics, and a member of the German Reformed Church. He is an enterprising man, and is said to be one of the best business men of New Washington. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. JOSEPH L. BOGAN, farmer ; P. 0. North Robinson; was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818, and is a son of John H. and Margaret Bogan, both of whom were natives of Maryland. They resided awhile in Pennsylvania, and went from there to Loudoun Co.. Va., where they lived until 1835, when the}^ went to Stark Co., Ohio, and in 1840, came to Marion Count}', and in 1848 to Crawford Count}', where thej' lived and died. The father died Feb. 19, 1858, and the mother in 1864. J. L. Bogan came with his parents from Virginia to Stark County, and also to Marion County, where he lived until 1847, when he went to Indiana, and in 1855, came from there to Crawford County, and has lived in the county since that time. He pur- chased a farm of 100 acres, where he now re- sides, most of which he cleared and improved, and has since added more to it, now owning a farm of 121^ acres of well-improved land. He began business for himself a poor man, and, by hard work and close application to his business, has made something of a fortune. He was raised on his father's larm, and had the advan- tage of a common-school education. He was married in 1839 to Mar}- A. Carnes. She was born in Scotland and came to America with her parents in 1834, the}' settling in Stark County, where they died. From this union there were ten children — Margaret, John A., Wm. L., Henry H., George, Joseph M., Ijllen, Samuel, Jennie and Jefferson. All are living but one. Mr. Bogan had one son, John A., in the late war, who enlisted in 1863, served nine months, and then re-enlisted and served until the spring of 1865. He took part in a number of engage- ments — Champion Hill, the battle of the Wilder- ness, etc. He came home safe, with the excep- tion of the loss of a finger. JOHN BECK, farmer; P. 0. Leesville; was born in Peuns}lvania in 1807, the son of Adam and Mary Beck, who were also natives of Penn- sylvania. In 1829, they left the place of their nativity for Crawford Co., and settled in Jefler- son Township, where the father entered land, and, in 1831, built a saw-mill on the farm that John Beck now owns, and, in 1835, changed it to a grist-mill. The father died in 1875, and the mother died in Pennsylvania about the year 1828. In his fathers family, there were nine children. The subject of this sketch was raised on his father's farm and received a common- school education. He was married, in 1 833, to Eliza Swisher, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford Co. with her parents about the year 1827. From this union, there were six children — William, Isaac, Andrew J., Adam, Samuel S., Hezekiah. The mother of these children died in 1852. Mr. Beck was again married in the fall of 1852, to Eliza Rhodes. She, also, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Seneca Co., Ohio, in an early day. From this marriage, there were nine children — Mary C, Margaret A., John F., Autobine, Jo- seph R., Nancy E., Laura J., Lucinda H. and Louisa A. Mr. Beck had three sons in the late wai\ He began business for himself a poor man, and, by persistent application to his busi- ness, has accumulated quite a fortune, and now owns a farm of 161 acres of well-improved land, most of which he has cleared and improved himself He is a carpenter by trade, a business he followed for a great many years, in connec- tion with his farming. He and his wife are members of the U. B. Church. Politically, he is a Republican. DANIEL BECK, farmer ; P. 0. Gallon ; was born in Pennsylvania in 1817, the son of Adam 'k 1002 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Mary Beck, who were also natives of Penn- sylvania. Mr. Beck's mother died when he was quite young, and his father mai'ried again in a short time, and, in 1829, came to Crawford Co. They settled in what was then Jackson Town- ship, now Jefferson. The father entered a great deal of land in the county, much of which he cleared and improved. The father died in 1856. He had a family of nine children, only four of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and has al- ways followed farming as a business. He re- ceived a common-school education, and was married, in 1845, to Nancy Larimer, who was born in Perry Co., Ohio, where her parents lived and died, and where she lived until her mar- riage. From this union there were six children, one of whom is now dead — Margaret J., Josiah L., William S., Isaac S., Louisa F. and Robert W. He began business for himself almost en- tirely upon his own resources, and has made most of his possessions by his own hard work and persevering energy, and now has a finely improved farm of 92 acres of land. W. P. DEAM, hotel, North Robinson ; was born in Crawford Co. in 1838, and is the son of George and Rebecca Deam, who were natives of Franklin Co., Penn. The former is of Ger- man, and the latter of Scotch, descent. They came from Pennsylvania to Crawford Co. about the year 1837, and settled in Whetstone Town- ship. The father was engaged for a number of years after coming to the county on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., and, in 1857, purchased a farm and improved it ; followed farming for a few years, and then traded his farm for a flouring- mill in North Robinson, which afterward burned down, and was the means of making him lose all that he had worked so long and so hard to accumulate. He died in 1871, and the mother yet lives in the county. They had a family of six children, all of whom live in the county yet, with the exception of one that is dead. W. P. Deam was raised on a farm until 20 years of age, at which time his father went into the milling business, and he was engaged in the mill for about fourteen years, or until their mill was burned, since which time he has been engaged in various kinds of business. He worked at carriage painting for several years, and was afterward salesman for awhile, selling buggies and carriages, and at the pres- ent time is in the hotel business in North Rob- inson. He was married, Jan. 23, 1862, to Re- becca C. Caskey, who was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1842. Her parents were also na- tives of the same county, and came to Craw- ford Co. in 1843, where her father yet lives. Her mother died in 1850. From this union there were six children, one of whom is now dead— Charles 0., Mary J., Ida R., Clara A., John M. and Harry S. Mr. Deam took part in the late rebellion, enlisting in February, 1865, in Co. C, 197th 0. V. I., and served until Aug- ust of the same year, when he received his dis- charge. Politically, he is a Republican. SAMUEL S. FREEZE, farmer ; P. 0. North Robinson ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1819, son of John T. and Susan Freeze, who were born in Germany, and came to America about the year 1811, and settled first in Phila- delphia, then went to Lancaster Co., and in 1831 came to Crawford Co., where the father died in 1875, and the mother in 1840. In the father's famil}' there were five children — Will- iam, Samuel S., Elizabeth, Susan and Adam. Mr. Freeze was raised on his father's farm, and has always followed farming as a business. He received a common school education and was married, in 1849. to Lena Everly ; she was born in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1841, they settled in Crawford Co., where her parents lived and died. From this union there were four children — John J., Caroline E., Eliza, William A. Mr. Freeze began business for himself a poor man, and by hard work and proper economy has accumu- lated quite a fortune, and now owns about 400 acres of well-improved land in thiscount3\ His children are now all married, and doing busi- ness for themselves. He and family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church. JOHN J. FREEZE, farmer ; P. 0. Gabon ; was born in Crawford Co., in 1848, and is the son of Samuel and Magdalena Freeze. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Germany, she came to America, and to Crawford Co., when young, and the father came to the county about the year 1825, and has lived here ever since. He has a family of five children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. He was raised on a farm, and has always followed farming as a business. He received a common-school education. He has been married twice ; his first marriage was in 1869, to Hannah C. Snider, who was born in the county, her parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and came to Crawford Co. at a very early day From this union there is one child— Charles A The mother of this child died in 1875. Mr. Freeze lived a widower until 1877, when he was ao-ain married ; this time the lady of his choice w"as Margaret Trumpler, who was born in Kich- land Co.. where her parents came at a very early day From his second marriage, there is also one child— Albert L. Mr. Freeze has al- ways followed farming and stock-growing as a business, owns a fine farm of 80 acres of land, and is in good circumstances. MICHAEL IIERSHNER, farmer; P. 0. Galion ; was born in York Co., Penn., in 1815, son of Henry and Elizabeth Hershner, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. In 18io, they came to Crawford Co., and settled in what is now Jefferson Township, one mile south of where Mr. Hershner now lives, where the father entered a half-section of land, all ot which they cleared and improved. His father died about the year 1850, and his mother in 1853 In the father's family there were nine children. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and early manhood with his parents, and received a common-school education. He was married in 1835, to Catharine Horn ; she was also born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford Co. in 1835, the year she was mar- ried From this union, there were nine cliil- dren— Henry, Elizabeth, Ellen, Adam, John, Jeremiah, Mary, William 0. and Lydia V. When Mr. Hershner began business for himselt, he had some assistance from his father, but has made most of his present possessions by his own endeavors ; in 1839, he and his brother purchased a saw-mill at Middletown, which they worked for five years, and with that ex- ception Mr. Hershner has followed farming and stock-growing for a business. He had one son in the late war, Adam, enlisted in 18b J, and served three years, and when his time was out enlisted again and served nearly a year lono-er; first enlisted in Co. K, 64th O. V. 1. Hel:ook part in a number of engagements, and was wounded at Murfreesboro. B. HECKERT, Treasurer of LeesviUe Stone Co LeesviUe ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1812 ; son of Casper and Elizabeth Heckert, who were natives of the same county, and where the father died in 1820. Mr. Heckert spent his youth and early manhood with his "71 mother ; received a common-school education, and was married, in 1833, to Mary Rinehart, who was also born in Pennsylvania. From this union there were eleven children— Casper, Elizabeth, Catharine, John, Jacob, Frank, Mar- garet, Moses, Mary J., Fannie A. and Albert. Five of these children are now dead. In 1852, Mr. Heckert left the place of his nativity, and came to Crawford Co., settling in Jefferson Township, and in 1859 came to LeesviUe, where he purchased a flouring-mill which he ran for a number of years, then _sold it, and in 1862 went into the mercantile business in LeesviUe, where he sold goods until 1878. He now is one of a company that own and work the LeesviUe stone quarries, and is treasurer and business manager of the same. These quarries furnish a superior quality of building stone, and are extensively worked. Mr. Heck- ert had two sons in the late war— John and Frank— the latter serving nearly three years, and the former about eight months. Frank took part in a number of engagements ; was at Vicksburg, Nashville, and a number of others, taking part in eighteen battles in all. Mr. Heckert and family are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church. ^ ^ ,. FREDERICK KILE, farmer ; P. 0. Gallon. The subject of this sketch was born in Craw- ford Co. in 1849 ; the son of Tobias and Cath- arine Kile, who were born in Germany. The father came to America about the year 1833, and the mother a few years later. They were among the early settlers of Crawford Co. ; they settled in Whetstone Township, where they yet live, having entered the land they live on, and done all the clearing and made all the improve- ments on this land. In the father's family there are ten children, all of whom are yet living. Frederick Kile was raised on his father s farm, and has always followed farming for a business. He received a good common-school education, and was married in 1872 to Caroline Freeze, who was born in the county, and whose parents came to the county about 1825. From this union there were four children, one now dead, Samuel F.— Catharine M., Harry F. and Will- iam. Mr. Kile began business for himselt en- tirely upon his own resources, and has been quite successful, and is now in pretty good cir- cumstances. He and his wife are members ot the German Lutheran Church. CHRISTIAN LOBER, minister and farmer; A^ 1^ 1U04 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: P. 0. North Robinson ; was born in Wurtem- berg, Grermany, in 1835, the son of Michael and Eve Lober, who were born in the same place, and came to America in 1856. They settled in Wood County, where the father yet lives. The mother died in 1877. Christian Lober came to America two years previous to his parents ; he also settled in Wood County, where he resided until 1863, at which time he came to Crawford County. lie was educated in Germany, and is a man of fine culture and education. He is a minister in the German Reformed Church, and has two charges in Cx'awford County, the Windfall Church, in Jefferson Township, and the German settlement church, in Vernon Township, both of which are in a flourishing condition under his ministration. Mr. Lober came to the farm that he now resides on, in 1873. He owns a fine farm of 80 acres, and is a successful farmer as well as a successful min- ister. He began business for himself when he came to America, entirely upon his own re- sponsibilities, and by close attention to busi- ness, and strict honesty and integrity, has been prospered in all his undertakings. Mr. Lober has been married twice. His first marriage was to Barbara Maurer ; she also was born in Ger- many, and came to America the same year her husband did, but was married in America. They were married in 1857, and had one son, Henry. The mother of this child died in 1864. Mr. Lober remained a widower until 1866, when he was again married. This time the lady of his choice was Mary B. Beach, who was born in Crawford County. Her parents were natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America, and to Crawford County at an early day. This union was not blessed with children. ELIAS McCLURE, farmer ; P. O. Gallon ; was born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1828, and is a son of John J. and Esther McClure. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and father, of Washington Co., Md. The father went to Pennsylvania, where he was married and where he resided until about 1828, when they came to Richland Co., Ohio, and in about 1829, came to Crawford Co. The father en- tered land in what was then Jackson Township, now Jefferson, which he cleared and improved, and where he resided for about sixteen years, when he purchased a piece of land near Lees- ville, in the same township, where he died in 1847. The mother is yet living. When the father first came to the county, he had only money enough to pay for the land that he en- tered, and by hard work and proper economy he accumulated quite a fortune ; he was a sash- maker by trade, and worked at this business in connection with his farming. He was a man of a good education and held the office of Township Clerk for a great many years. He had a family of seven children, two of whom are now dead. Elias McClure was raised on his father's farm, had the advantages of a com- mon-school education. He was married in 1852, to Elizabeth Rynold, who was born in Washington Co., Md., and came to Richland Co., Ohio, with her parents in a verj^ early day, and where she lived until her marriage. From this union there were eight children, three of whom are now dead. They were Mary E., Melissa J., Horace G., Benjamin F., Elmer A., Milton M., Delia M., and one died in infancy. Mr. McClure began business, like his father, on his own responsibilities, and made most that he now has by his own hard work. After a few years, however, he received a little money from his father's estate, but he had the founda- tion of his fortune laid before he received any assistance. He now has 108 acres of well- improved land, and has always followed farm- ing and stock-growing for a business. WILLIAM McKEAN, farmer ; P. 0. Lees- ville ; was born in Crawford Co. in 1841 ; son of Dr. John McKean, who came from Columbiana Co. to Crawford in about 1835, and settled at Leesville, where he practiced medicine for a great many years. The father now lives in Crestline, where he is also yet practicing med- icine. The subject of this sketch spent his 3'outh and early manhood with his parents, and has the advantage of a good education. He is of a family of nine children, four of whom are now dead. He was married in 1863, to Wilimina Smith ; she was born in Perry Co., Penn., in 1841, and came to Crawford Co. with her parents in about 1858, Her parents settled near Leesville, where they lived and died. From this union, there are three children — Beulah B., Harry L. and Bertram S. The mother of these children died in February, 1880. Mr. McKean has always followed farm- ing and stock-growing for a business. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church. 1^ JEFFEKSON TOWN^SHIP. 1005 WILLIAM PRICE, farmer; P. 0. North Robinson ; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1828 ; son of John and Rebecca Price. His father was a native of Belmont Co., and his I mother of Chester Co., Penn. The latter came ! to Belmont Co. with her parents when quite ' young. Our subject's grandfather Price came \ from Wales and settled in Belmont Co., where he spent his days, and where his father lived until 1871, when he went to Guernsey Co., where he now lives. In the father's family i there were thi'ee children, one of whom is now dead. Mr. Price was raised on his father's j farm, and received a common-school educa- I tion. He has always followed fanning and stock-raising for a business. He was married in 1851, to Margaret Brokaw, who was born in i Harrison Co., Ohio ; they had a family of j eleven children, five of whom are dead — Mary | L., George V., Sarah J., John, Joseph L., Mar- tha A. and Rebecca E.; four died in infancy. • In 1859, Ml'. Price left the place of his nativity j for that of Morrow Co., where he resided until 1862, when he came to Crawford Co. and pur- j chased a farm of 87 acres, where he now lives. ; He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. J. P. ROBINSON, farmer and trader; P. 0. North Robinson ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 4, 1828, and is the son of Will- iam and Sarah Robinson, who were also na- tives of Pennsylvania, and came to Crawford Co. in or about 18;j0. They settled in what is now Jefferson Township, and purchased a tract of land in the woods, which they cleared and improved. The village of North Robinson de- rived its name from this family. The father died about the year 185-1, and the mother yet lives at Crestline. In the father's family there were nine children — James, John, Samuel, J. P., William, Archibald, David, Mary J. and Deborah. Mr. Robinson was raised on his father's farm, in Crawford Co., and had the ad- vantages of a common-school education. His principal business has been farming, although he has at times turned his attention in other directions. He at one time sold dry goods and groceries in North Robinson for about one year, and, since about 1877, until within the last few months, has been engaged in the grain trade in the same place. He was married, about 1858, to Mary A. Dixon, who was born in Crawford Co. Her parents were natives of Indiana Co., Penn., and came to Crawford Co. at a very earl}' day. This union never was blessed with any children. Mr. Robinson be- gan business for himself without the aid of any one, and, by perseverance and strict atten- tion to business, he has gained quite a fortune. Although he has met with misfortunes that are common to men in business, and lost some mone}', he did not sit down and repine, but kept bravely on, without a murmur, to repair his fortunes, and has been successful in doing so. He is a man that is universall}- respected, and also a man of rare business abilities. MAJ. JAMES ROBINSON, farmer ; P. 0. Gallon ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1817. His father removed to Crawford Co. in 1831. locating at North Robinson. James and his cousin walked all the way from their old home, driving the cows. He remained and made his home at his father's farm, until he was 26 years of age. He was elected Town Clerk of Jackson township in 1839 and 1840, and in 1845 he was elected Recorder of the county, and held this office two consecutive terms of thi^ee years each. He then went to farming, and continued in that pursuit for three years, during which he served as Justice of the Peace for Jackson Township. In 1857, he was again elected Recorder and served one term. In 1867, he was elected to the Legisla- ture from his district, and re-elected in 1870. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace in Jefferson Township, and served two terms. He was married, in 1845, to Miss JaneR. Donahe}-, of Stark Co., Ohio. They have three children living — Virginia, James C. and Irene M. Mr. Robinson is residing at present upon his farm, two miles northwest of Gallon, on the edge of Jefferson Township. He is known far and near as " Major " Robinson, having received this title while serving in the Ohio State Militia. The laws of the State from 1836 to 1859. required every able bodied man from 18 to 45 to belong to the " Militia." Mr. Robinson served in all ranks, from private to Major, when he re- signed to accept the office of Captain of Light Infantr3\ The " Major " is a genial, kind- hearted gentleman of the old school ; although passing into the "sere and yellow leaf" his 3'ears sit lightly upon him and he bids tair to outlive some of his younger friends. All honor to the men, who, after serving 3'ears of public trust, bequeath to posterit}' a stainless name. k* 1U06 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: WILLIAM SHERER, farmer; P. 0. Gal- ion ; was born ill Crawford Co. in 1843, the son of Adam and Nancy Slierer, who came to Craw- ford Co. about the 3'ear 1842, the father being a native of Pennsylvania. They settled in Whet- stone Township, and purchased a farm, most of which he cleared and improved. When the father came to the county, he began business for hunself a poor man, and by perseverance and steady application to his business he ac- cumulated quite a fortune, and has been able to give each of his children a good stai't in the world. William Sherer was raised on his father's farm, and has always followed farming as a business. He received a common-school education. In 1862, he enlisted and served three years in the late rebellion ; he was in Co. E, lOist Ohio V. I.; was in the battle of Stone River, Chickamauga and a number of others. He was married, in 18G6, to Sarah J. Beltz, who was born in Crawford Co. Her parents were na- tives of Pennsylvania and came to Crawford Co. at a very early day. From this union there were five children — Francis M., Wilbert J., Alonzo P., William M. and Nancy B. Mr. Sherer has a farm of lUO acres three and one-half miles northwest of Gallon, and his business is farm- ing and stock-growing. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican. OLIVER SMITH, farmer : P. 0. North Rob- inson ; was born in Crawford Co., in 184(3, and is a son of Joseph Smith, who was of German descent, his parents coming to America about 1795, and settling in Pennsylvania, where they lived and died, and where Joseph lived until about 1840, when he came to Crawford Co. In his family there were five children — Leonard, Gilbert, Mary E., Matilda and Oliver, all of whom live in the county yet. Oliver is the youngest of the family, and he yet resides on the farm that his father purchased when he came to the county, and which was cleai'ed and improved by the family. In 1869, Oliver was married to Eliza Van Voorhis, daughter of W. R. Van Voorhis, whose biography appears in this work, and who was among the first settlers of the county. From this union there are seven children— Florence V., Frank, Le Roy, Jessie M., Orvil A., Harry, and the youngest is yet unnamed. Mr. Smith has always followed farming and stock-growing for a business. WILLIAM STALEY, farmer ; P. 0. Gallon ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Aug. 5, 1808, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Staley, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Crawford Co. in 1826, and settled in Whetstone Township, where they lived for a number of years, and then went to Michigan, where they died. The father died in 1840, and the mother in 1859. William Staley was raised on his father's farm, receiving a common-school education, and was married, in 1839, to Eliza- beth Whitmore, who was born in Northumber- land Co., Penn., and came to Crawford Co. with her parents in 1828. Her parents are now both dead, her father djing in 1861, and her mother in 1879. From this marriage there were eight children, three of whom are now dead — Cath- arine A., Margaret J., Elizabeth E., Amanda P., John R., Mary B., William R. and Eliza M. In 1861, William R. and Eliza died, and, in 1870, Elizabeth p]. died. Mr. Staley began business for himself, entirel}' upon his own resources, and has made all he now has by his own hard work and economy. He helped his father to clear up two farms, and has cleared one for himself, and so has done his share toward clear- ing in the county. He now owns 80 acres of well-improved land, and has always made farm- ing and stock-growing his business. His wife is a member of the German Reformed Church. Politically, he is a Republican. HENRY S. SHELDON, farmer ; P. 0. Lees- ville ; was born in Essex Co.. N. Y., in 1808; son of Daniel and Phoebe (Green) Sheldon. The latter was born in Ireland, and the former in the State of New York, where they lived and died. Mr. Sheldon's parents died when he was quite 3'oung, and he lived with his Grandfather Sheldon until 13 years of age, and, from that time until he was 19 years of age, he was on the water. In 1826, he came to Crawford Co., and has lived in the county ever since. He was married, on March 12, 1835, to Nanc}' Ridgel}', who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1813, and came to Crawford Co. at a very early daj'. From this union there were ten children — Ma- tilda, Rachel, Mary A., Sarah J., Andrew J., Rebecca, Annas W., William H., Heniy and Nanc3\ Mr. Sheldon began business for him- self a poor man. and lias been somewhat fortu- nate in business. He is a cooper by trade, a business he followed for a great many years. HENRY THOMAN, fa^rmer; P. 0. Lees- ville ; was born in Germanj^ in 1842 ; son of JEFFEESON TOWNSHIP. 1007 Conrad and Magdalena Thoman. The mother died in Germany. Mr. Thoman came to Amer- ica with his father in 1846 and settled in Craw- ford Co., where the father died in 1864. He lived with his father until he was 10 years of age, and, since that time, has done for him- self He received a common-school education. In 1862, he enlisted for three yeai'S in the Union army, and was out about nine months, when he was taken sick and was discharged from the service. He came home, and in a few months had recovered sufficiently to re-enlist in Co. L, 10th 0. V. C, and served until the close of the war, taking part in several engagements — At- lanta, Jonesboro, and a number of others. At the close of the war, he came home and worked as a farm laborer for a number of years. He was married, in 1870, to Lydia C. Freeze, who was born in the county. From this union, there are four children — William, Ira, Pearl}^ and Fannie. Mr. Thoman began business for him- self entirely upon his own resources, and, by hard work and economy, he has gained a com- petency. His health was seriously impaired while serving his adopted country. He and his wife are members of the U. B. Church. W. R. VAN VOORHIS, farmer ; P. 0. North Robinson. The subject of this sketch was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., May 25, 1802, the son of Samuel and Sarah (Myers) Van Voorhis, who were natives of the same county in New York. Mr. Van Voorhis came to Crawford County with his parents in 1821. They left New York for Washington Co., Penn., where they resided until they came to Crawford County. They settled in Whetstone Township, where the parents died. The father died in 1856, and the mother in 1850. When they came to the county it was almost an unbroken wilderness, and the land they entered at that time had to be cleared before they could raise the neces- saries of life, and of course they saw many hard times, and endured many privations, be- fore they got their land under cultivation. Mr. Van Voorhis was 19 years of age when he came to the county, and he has noted the wonderful change that has been made in the county since he first knew it. He has been married twice. His first marriage was in 1824, to Hannah Jones, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, and came to Crawford Count}' with her parents in 1821. From this raari'iage there were seven children, two of whom are now dead. Hiram N., Daniel, Abraham, Sarah, Rebecca J., Cath- arine, and one died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1841. About the year 1836, Mr. Van Voorhis went to Michigan, where he resided until 1841, when he returned to Crawford County, and remained until 1860, when he again left, this time going to Wood Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1877, and re- turned to Crawford County again. He yet lives here, and expects to spend the balance of his days here. In 1842, he married his second wife, Almeda (Johnston) Warden, widow of Benjamin Warden, who died in 1840 ; he was a native of Harrison Co., Ohio, as also was she. They came to Crawford County in 1821, having two children — Nathan C. and Benjamin F. Ten children were born to Mr. Van Voorhis by his last marriage, two of whom are dead — Amanda, James M., Mary, Eliza, Greo. S., Mar- tha, Isaac 31., John R., Alice and Albert. Mr. Van Voorhis began business for himself with- out the aid of an}' one, and made all he has by hard work and economy. He had one son, John M., and his two step-sons, Nathan C. and Benjamin F. (Warden), in the late war, all of whom lived to return home. Mr. Van Voorhis and wife are members of the Disciples' Church. CALEP WEAVER, farmer ; P. 0. North Robinson; was born in Germany in 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Weaver, also born in Germany, who, emigrating to America in 1845, and coming direct to Crawford Co., settled in JeflTerson Township, where they lived until 1849, and then went to Vernon Township, where they died. The father died in 1858, and the mother in 1871. The father was married twice, and there were six children by his fii'st marriage and the same number by his last. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the second set of children. When the parents came to Amei'ica, they were veiy poor, but, by hard work and proper economy, they accumu- lated something of a fortune. Calep Weaver was raised on his father's farm, and has always followed farming for a business. He did not have the advantages in the way of acquiring an education when he was young that are now afforded, and his education is consequently very limited. He began business for himself entirely upon his own resources, and, by close attention to business, has made quite a fortune. He was married, in I860, to Margaret Delp; she was born in Crawford Co. Her parents 1008 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: were natives of German}', and were earlj- resi- dents of the connty. From this marriage, there were five children, one now dead — Will- iam F., John H., Samuel E., Emeline and Louis H. Mr. Weaver went to Defiance Co. in 1861, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres of land in the woods, which he cleared and improved, and, in 1870, he sold this and returned to Crawford Co. and purchased the farm that he now resides upon, consisting of 100 acres, in Jefferson Township, most of which he has cleared, and has put all the improvements on it. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. JOHN WEBER, farmer; P. 0. Crestline; was born in Germany in 1832, and is the son of John Weber. Mr. Weber came to America with his father in 1845, and settled in Crawford Co., where his father died, in 1856. His moth- er died in Germany about the year 1835. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, and received a common-school education. He was married, in 1858, to Elizabeth Delp, who was born and raised on the farm that Mr. Weber now owns and resides upon. From this union there are two children — George and Andrew. He began business for himself a poor man, and is now in good circumstances. When he first began bus- iness for himself, he worked as a farm laborer, and in this way accumulated enough to buy a threshing machine, and, for a number of years, followed threshing for a business, and, in 1859, purchased the farm of 79 acres that he now lives upon, and has since followed farming and stock-growing for a business. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Po- litically, he is a Democrat. CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. JOHN BURGBACHER, farmer ; P. 0. Chat- field. Esquire Burgbacher, one of the stanch and reliable men of Chatfield, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, town of Boll, County of Sulz, June 23, 1824 ; son of Johannes and Rosina (Bippus) Burgbacher. He emigrated with his parents, in 1 835, to this State, locating in this township, and purchasing 80 acres in Sec. 7, of Trueman Wilkinson, he being the second owner ; 6 acres of this land was all that was (ileared. John was thus early in life in- ured to hard labor, and subject to many of the privations incident to a pioneer settlement. His father dying Jan. 27, 1842, the care of the farm devolved upon John, who was at this time 18 years of age, which post of responsibility he held until he was 25 years of age. On July 3. 1849, he was joined by wedlock to Susanna M. Koenig, who was born Dec. 1, 1829, in Zell, Rhine Bavaria, and whose parents were William and Mary L. (Fey) Koenig, who were born Oct. 21, 1797, and Jan. 4, 1795, respectively. They emigrated to this country in 1833. Mr. Koenig was one of the first coopers in this part of the country. Since the marriage of Mr. Burgbacher, he has remained continuously on the homestead ; he began first by buying out the heirs' interest, until he became the legal possessor of the entire farm. Ten children have been born to him, six of whom are living, viz.: Mary L., now Mrs. William Hohl, of Lima, Allen Co. ; John W., in Defiance Co. ; Rose, now Mrs. Jacob Breigle, of this township ; William H., married Ellen Goler, daughter of George and Mary Strahle, of Defiance Co. ; and Elizabeth, at home. The farm of Mr. B. con- tains 170 acres of land ; he has acquired the same with the assistance of his faithful spouse. During his life, he has been a true Democi'at, having served two terms as County Commis- sioner, as Justice of the Peace over twenty, and as School Director twenty-four years. He and his wife are members of the German Lu- theran Church. Johannes Burgbacher, above mentioned, died in his 68th year, and his wife, Dec. 14, 1850, aged 64. AARON CARRICK, farmer; P. 0. Caro- thers ; was born June 27, 1836, in Huron Co., Ohio, being the third child of Joseph and Fred- erica (Harklerhodis) Carrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. He was born on July 16, 1808, and she on Sept. 8, 1809, in Bedford Co. The}' were married April 6, 1829, in Stark, and moved afterward to Columbiana Co. To them were born William, Laura A., Aaron and Sarah. William is in Seneca, Rock- J^f CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1009 away Township, and Sarah is now Mrs. Jesse English, of Carothers, Seneca Co. The Car- rick family came to this township in 1846, locating on the farm now owned by Aaron, purchasing 105 acres; but a small portion was cleared at that time. Aaron's father was a carpenter by occupation, but after coming to this township applied himself to farming. He died Nov. 12, 1877, a worthy and respected citizen. Aaron's early boyhood was spent in attending school and at work on the farm. In August, ^862, when the war cloud was hanging over- our Republic, and deluging our land with the crimson tide, and stalwart men were needed to combat the traitors' advance, Aaron was ready to respond to the Nation's call, and donned the blue, and for three years he was found at the front and did his duty until the termination of the war. During this time he was a participant in some of the most sanguin- ary conflicts of the war. His regiment was the 123d Ohio V. I., and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was once taken prisoner by Moseby, but escaped him and rejoined his com- mand. " Upon his return to peaceful pursuits, he came home and resumed farming, and in 1868, was married to Lucy Ann Ficke, who was born in Venice Township, Seneca Co., daughter of Peter Ficke. Of three children born them, but one survives, Jacob A. He has 105 acres of land. J. H. DAVIDSON, farmer ; P. 0. Chatfleld ; first saw the light of day. May 28, 1835, on the northwest quarter of Sec. 20, in Chatfield Township. His parents were Richard and Re- becca (Hill) Davidson, he was born May 28, 1799, in Virgina. His father was Gleorge David- son, who was a first cousin to Colonel Crawford, of Broken Sword fame. He was a soldier in the Revolution when 18 years of age. The land upon which his son Richard was born, was that which he obtained through the Govern- ment, in consideration of his services in the Revolutionary war, which title was never per- fected, and lie failed to have the matter ad- justed, and it finally fell into other hands, where it has remained "to this day, though justly should be in the Davidson family. The elder Davidson emigrated to this State in the early part of the present century, and settled in Knox County, being one among the first set- tlers, and remained here until his death. Rich- ard, his son, removed to this county in 1830, and settled on the land now owned by our sub- ject, who was the fifth child of a family of twelve, nine of whom lived to maturity. In 1832, his father was elected Justice of the Peace, being the first dispenser of justice in the Township, and was, for several years afterward, prominent as one of the leading spirits in the township. John H. was 13 years of age when his father died; he then remained with his mother, and assisted in her maintenance. Re- moved to Marion County in 1857, where he was employed as a teacher, remaining here until 1862 ; he then returned to the homestead, where he has since lived. He has been twice mar- ried, first, to Ann M. Hopple, in September, 1865 ; she died two years later. March, 1871, was married to Laura J. Williams, born in Lib- erty Township in 1848, she is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Shofstall) Williams, who were from Pennsylvania, and of German de- scent. Three children— Nellie May, Florence M. and Walter Edward— are the younger repre- sentatives of the Davidson family. Is Demo- cratic in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace several terms ; a teacher for twelve terms in all, and has ever been one among the prominent, enterprising and public-spirited men of his township. Is a representative of one of the prominent church societies, and is an up- right Christian gentleman. JOHN GREEN, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born Sept. 15, 1844, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co.; eldest son of Jacob Green, who was born in Wurtemberg March 13, 1818, who was a son of Frantz Gottlieb Green, who was born Dec. 11, 1775, and emigrated to this State in 1832 and settled in Liberty Town- ship. Jacob Green was married to Magdalena C. Treftz, who was born July 15, 1823, in Wur- temberg, daughter of Michael and Rachel (Rou) Treftz, who came over in the same vessel with the Green family. Mrs. Green came to this county with her" parents, who entered 40 acres in Chatfield Township. When her father went to enter the land, he left his family in a barn at ; Bloomingville, there being no other accommo- ' dations. Mrs. Green and her sister walked from that point to Sandusky, to hire out, which 1 they did, receiving 18 cents per week. She ' afterward worked in Columbus, walking the en- i tire distance several times, through the forests, '■ and carrying her clothing and food, and stop- I ping at the farmhouses over night when she 1010 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: could, and at the taverns, paying 6 cents for a bed. John was raised to farming. There were eleven children in the famil}', ten of whom are living. At the age of 25, he was married to Barbara Pitts, born Aug. 25, 1846, in Chatfield Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rock) Pitts, who were natives of Pennsylva- nia. After John's marriage, he engaged in farming on his own behalf, and has now 104 acres of land. Of six children born, four are living — Clara E., Anna M., Oscar L. and Ida A. Jacob Grreen died in June, 1875. He has a brother, John, who has been serving in the regular arm}' since the Mexican war, now in the West, in the cavalry service ; is a General, and a valiant officer, and is a terror to the In- dians. JOHN HANES, farmer ; P. 0. Carothers ; is a son of Daniel Haines, whose wife was Su- sanna Bordner, both of whom were natives of the " Keystone State," near Reading, and emi- grated to Stark Co. about the time of the In- dian war, locating in Pike Township, where John was born, on Jan. 5, 1819. His father entered 40 acres of land, but died soon after. The family being poor, John's minority was spent in acquiring means to maintain them, al- ways turning over his earnings to his mother. Soon after he became of age, he went to Huron Co., where he worked out by the 3'ear for ten successive twelve-months. Returning then to Crawford Co., he was united in wedlock to Par- melia Shade, who was born in September, 1829, in Stark Co., Ohio, daughter of Samuel Shade. Having some money, he and his brother Chris purchased 80 acres in the northeastern part of Chatlield Township, which they held in partnership for about six years. He then sold out to his brother, and purchased 74^ acres of his grandfather and Uncle George Bordner, on Sec. 5, and has since added to it until he now has 120 acres, all of which he has acquired by hard toil and prudent management, his farm ranking among the best of its size. It is well tilled, and everything pertaining to it proclaims the thrifty enterprise of its owner, whose re- solve was, in early life, that, should Providence grant him health, he would industriously apply himself to the acquisition of a good home and a reasonable competence, which resolve he has now realized. Of seven children born to him, five are living — Rufus, of this township ; Ellen, now Mrs. Isaiah Keller, of Bucyrus ; Samuel, Daniel and Ida, at home. There were twelve children of his father's family, he being the sixth. His school advantages were very lim- ited indeed. He is among the few in the town- ship who cast their vote for Republican princi- ples. He and his wife are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church. FREDERICK HIPP, farmer ; P. 0. Chat- field. Among the prominent citizens in this township is the above-named gentleman, whose long association with this locality, his sterling qualities and recognized merits have justly placed him in high esteem in the community, in which he has been a resident since 1833. Was born Dec. 9, 1822, in Bessingheim, Wur- temberg, German}^ ; son of Christian F. and Sabina (Beckbissinger) Hipp, to whom were born six children, our subject being the second. In 1833, he emigrated to this State with his parents, who located in Chatfield Township, and engaged in farming. After attaining his ma- jority, he went to Bucyrus, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade, which, being com- pleted, he set up in business at Richville, and continued steadily at the same for over a score of years, when he engaged in the mercantile business at this place for five 3'ears, since which time he has been engaged as a tiller of the soil, and has been successful in his efforts. When he began for himself he had nothing ; when he went to keeping house he made the greater part of his own furniture, humble and plain of its kind, yet their wants were few, and their chief desires were to secure a home and sufficiency for their declining ^-ears. Providence has crowned their efforts with success, they having now 200 acres of excellent land and town prop- erty. His amiable wife was Catharine Kunzi, born December, 1825, in Wurtemberg, in the " Faderland." She was a daughter of Andrew and Eve Kunzi. Fifteen children have crowned the union of Mr. Hipp and wife. Of the num- ber now living are — Jacob, in Seneca Co. ; Louisa, Mrs. J. H. Robison, of Bucyrus ; Hen- ry, at home ; Mary Ann, Mrs. C. D. Markle}' ; John, Charles, Savina, Sarah, Frederick and Emma. Democratic in sentiment, he has for sevei'al j'eai's past been one of the wheel horses in the Democratic party, and has filled several offices of trust in his township, as Postmaster and as Justice of the Peace eighteen years, he and Esquire Burgbacher being the present dis- pensers of Justice in the township. Mr. Hipp ~-« e)j^ CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1011 is a liberal patron of the public journals, and is a friend and supporter of all enterprises in which the public weal is concerned. CHRISTOPHER HANES, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. New Washington ; is among the prominent farmers and self-made men of this township, beginning in life a poor boy. His father dying, he was thus early in life left with- out a paternal friend to counsel and advise, and was thrown out upon the cold world to battle with its tempests and storms without a shilling in his pocket. His only capital was a good constitution and willing hands, which he brought into requisition, and to these he is mainly in- debted for the condition of things about him as seen to-day. He was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 4, 1819, to Daniel and Susanna Hanes, who had twelve children. Christopher worked out by the month to get his start, working six years "^ for Stephen Russell. His school advan- tages were of an exceedingly limited character. Free schools were not then in vogue. Having saved some money, he, in company with his brother John, purchased SO acres in this town- ship, which they held in common a few years, and, then buying John's interest, he has since added to it at different times, until he now has about 400 acres, upon which are eight orchards. His farm ranks among the best in the township, and is highly productive, he raising as much grain to the acre as any of the surrounding farmers. Stock-raising is given especial atten- tion, and his entire efforts in a business way seem to have been, in the past, crowned with marked success. His wife was Julia A. Smith, who was born in 1822, in Virginia, of well-to-do parents, who, moving West, located in this township and bequeathed to their de- scendants a liberal patrimony. Eight children have crowned the union of Mr. Hanes to Julia, his wife — George (the eldest, resides at home), Samantha (Mrs. John Martin), Elizabeth A., Frank, Susanna (Mrs. William De Roche) and Matilda are those now living. In 1875, he built a spacious brick farmhouse, 32x32, with a large observatory, and cellar under the entire building, making the finest farm residence in the township. DAVID KALB, farmer; P. 0. Chatfield ; was born on the homestead, situated a short distance southwest of Richville, where he first beheld the light of day May 21, 1844. His father, William, was born in August, 1800, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and was married to the mother of David in the year 1828, whose maiden name was Savina Haner, born in April, 1803. In 1833, they emigrated to this State in company with Esquire Hipp and father, making his first settlement in Holmes Co., where he bought 80 acres in the woods, where he built a rude cabin and lived about two years and a half In 1836, during the month of February, he came to Chatfield Township and bought 110 acres in Sec. 19, and but 3 acres were cleared. For the 110 acres he paid $400. Their outfit for keeping house was not elaborate or expensive ; sat on benches and ate their frugal fare, at night resting their tired limbs on rude bedsteads of their own construc- tion. They planted their corn among the stumps, and harvested the same with a butcher knife yet they labored on and awaited the grow'th and development of the country, and lived to see the day when they were surrounded with all the conveniences of life, and a sure competence for their declining years. David remained with his parents until March 12, 1869, when he was married to Catharine Brigle, born in this township Sept. 6, 1843, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Sheffer) Brigle ; since has resided on the homestead. Has six chil- dren— Rosella M., Emma M., Lucy E., Clara 0., William H. and John A. Has 340 acres. The family are members of the German Lu- theran Church. Of the four children— sisters and brothers — all of them are residents of the count}'. GEORGE LEONHART, farmer, New Wash- ington. Is one of the largest land-holders in the township. He was born March 3, 1810, in Alsace, near the river Rhine. He was a son of George Leonhart, who was born in 1776, and died in 1832. The year following, our subject embarked for the United States to better his condition, although tolerably well-to-do in Ger- many, yet, having heard such favorable ac- counts of America — of the cheap homes and reasonable compensation for labor — he severed his relations with the land of his nativity, and set sail for the " land of promise." He came first to Stark Co., bringing with him $800, which he invested in land ; this he improved to some extent, and sold it at $200 advance and then moved to this county, locating in Chat- field Township, in 1837, with $1,000 in cash. He purchased 160 acres of land, and has aug- ■^c k^ 1012 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mented the first purchase at different times un- til he now has nearly 800 acres of land. Hav- ing always enjoyed excellent health, he has worked hard, been very economical, managed well, and is to-day one of the wealthiest farm- ers in the township. Immediateh^ prior to his embarking for America, he was joined in wedlock to Margaret Sceapes, who was born December, 1814. To this couple have been born six children, who are John ; Kate, Mrs. Hammer ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Adam Reechart ; George, in Kansas ; Adam, at home. Aside from bis land possessions in this township, he has four sections of land in Texas, purchased in 1879. Although he has already reached his three score and ten years, he is looking for- ward to still riper years, to extend his bound- aries and increase his store by laudable and legitimate means. "^M. J. LUTZ, merchant, Chatfield ; is among the rising young merchants of Crawford Co., and was raised to farming pursuits. He was born Aug. 29, 1854, in this township; son of Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz, who were na- tives of Germany, and emigrated to this State, locating in this township, many years ago, and have been, since their arrival, closely identified with its interests. At the age of iS, Michael J. left the farm and engaged at the carpenter's trade, which he followed^ for about five years. On Feb. 6, 1879, he engaged in the mercantile business at Richville, with Mr. Morhoff, under the firm name of Morhoff & Lutz, and they are doing a thriving and prospering trade, it having doubled since their commencement. They keep a general stock, consisting of dry goods, gro- ceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and such articles as are required among the farmers, and at prices to suit the times. On Sept. 16, 1880, he was united in marriage to Christina Zeller, who was born July 6, 1856, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Bardon) Zeller. In 1879, he was elected Township Treasurer. He and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church. ^ DANIEL LUTZ, farmer ; P. 0. Sulphur Sprmgs ; was born on the farm he now owns, in December, 1837, and is a son of Gottlieb and Eva Kibler. He was born in Wurtemberg, 1797 at Oberamts, Backnang ; she was born Jiily 11^ ]808. He died April 28, 1868 ; she died Oct. 17, 1850. To them were born twelve children, five of whom lived to maturity, Daniel being the sixth. In 1832, Gottleib emigrated to this State, stopping first at New Lisbon, and, the year following, came to Chatfield, where he lo- cated, entering 40 acres of land in the " green woods," and building a rude log cabin.^ He lived several years the life of a pioneer, the wolves and bears being their companions and neighbors, making the night hideous with their howls, and the sheep-pens and sties almost ten- antless by their nightly depredations. One viewing the well-kept and farmer-like premises of Daniel Lutz in 1880, one would scarcely imagine how great the contrast when his father first settled here and the present time. Now, the forest and rude cabin are things of the past, being supplanted by fruitful and pro-, ductive fields, the premises being adorned by excellent and well-designed farm buildings. Daniel stayed with his paternal ancestor until 20 years of age, then, learning the carpenter's trade, he followed the same until he was 27 years of age. On Oct. 5, 1863, he was united in wedlock to Elizabeth Ulmer, who was born July 28, 1837, in Liberty Township, daughter of Daniel Ulmer, who was born in Wurtemberg ; to them were born twelve children, eleven of whom are living. Mr. Lutz has 128 acres of choice land, and is an excellent and successful farmer. Two children — David and Katie — compose the family. Mrs. Lutz's mother's maiden name was Barbara Brosey. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the Lutheran Church, and are true representatives of the better class of farmers. J. D. LOYER, farmer ; P. 0. Chatfield ; was born Oct. 19, 1843, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co., Ohio ; son of Michael and Cath- arine Crouse, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, his birth bearing record 1805 ; his wife, one year later. In 1837, they crossed the broad Atlantic, to seek a home in the Western wilds, and amid the pioneers of the almost un- broken wilderness. After reaching America, they wended their way toward the setting sun, making their stand in the Buckeye State, where they purchased 90 acres in Liberty Township, Crawford Co. Here the family were raised, which numbered, in all, twelve children, but six now living, J. D. being the ninth in or- der, who lived with his parents until 21 years of age, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for eight successive years, during this time making his father's ■^ CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1013 house his home. In 1871, he came to Chat- field and purchased an interest in a steam saw- mill, which he yet holds. Dec. 10, 1874, he was united in marriage to Catharine Lutz, who was born in this county, Oct. 10, 1856, to Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz. Two chil- dren have crowned this union, who are Clara M. and William F. Farming and milling is the business in which he is now engaged. Has 40 acres of land, and has recently erected a commodious house, completed in 1879, and, during the present year, a large barn, of mod- ern style of architecture. In 1874, he was elected Township Clerk, and is yet serving in that capacity, with satisfaction to the people. MATTHIAS LOYER, farmer; P. 0. Chat- field, is the tenth child of Michael and Catha- rine Loyer, and was born Feb. 24, 1846, in Lib- erty Township. His father was a farmer, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits, Mat- thias living with his parents until he arrived at maturity. He subsequently learned the tan- ner's trade at Richville, under Gottlieb Kibler, whom he served four years. In 1871, he and his brother. J. D. Loyer, purchased the steam saw-mill at Richville, and are prepared to do custom sawing to order, and at reasonable rates. On May 2, 1872, he was married to Savina Lutz, who was born in this township, Sept. 5, 1853, the daughter of Michael and Catharine Lutz. Has three children — Michael E., Ida M. and Mary L. His father died in 1874 and his mother in 1877. All of the family yet living, reside in this county, with one exception, a sister who lives in Paulding Co. He has 40 acres of land, and other valuable property. BENJAMIN MARTIN, farmer ; P. 0. Chat- field ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., was born March 9, 1816, and was the eldest son of David and Barbara Martin, who were, likewise, natives of the same locality. David Martin was a Mennonite preacher, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits. Benjamin's early boy- hood was spent in attending school, and assist- ing in the many duties that pertain to farm life. At the age of 26, he was wedded to Mary Weaver, who was born Dec. 16, 1824, in Cum- berland Co., Penn., and at an early age, removed with her parents to York Co., Penn., where she grew to womanhood. They died when she was nine yeais of age. Oct. 27, 1842, was the date upon which was celebrated their association as man and wife. The first year after his marriage, he rented land, then purchased land of his father and erected farm buildings thereon, which he occupied for nine years. In the spring of 1853, he moved to this county, locating on 160 acres which he had purchased the fall pre- vious, of Charles Gibson, in Chatfield Township, he being the first owner, having received his title from " Uncle Sam." There were but about 45 acres cleared at the time of his purchase. After the second year he built a stable, and the fifth year erected a better house than the former. Of ten children born to him, seven are living — Henry C, in Montgomery Co., Kan. ; Barbara 0., now Mrs. John Mahon, of Cranberry Town- ship ; John S., Samuel, James M., Mary E. and Peter J. His farm consists of 143 acres, and is well improved, being a pleasant home, adorned with evergreens, and the house and yard with flowers and plants, of which Mrs. Martin is a lover. He and wife are members of the Mennonite Church. They have adopted his brother's child, Marietta ; she resides with them. Though the township is largely Demo- cratic, yet he is loyal to the Republican party. GEORGE SHAFFER, farmer ; P. O. New Washington ; was born Dec. 15, 1815, in Al- sace, Neabronn, Uhrwirller, and is a son of John and Catharine (Zeider) Shafler, who were born in April, 1786, and January, 1787, re- spectively. John Shaffer, the father of our subject, was a tailor by trade, which vocation he taught his son, but, it being distasteful to him as an occupation, he never followed it. Having entertained favorable impressions of ' America, he resolved he would cast his lot with it, and, at the age of 18, he bade adieu to the "Faderland," "and set sail for the land across the sea, to better his fortune, and a farmer to be." Upon his arrival, he turned his i steps toward the Buckeye State. Reaching I Stark Co., he remained within its borders two years, during which time he worked by the ■ day and month, and then came to this county in 1835, having $50 in money. He entered 40 acres the year previous to his coming, in Chat- field Township, Sec. 3, in the southeast quarter. The land was covered with dense timber, which j he began in a small way to clear up. So, building a rude cabin, he and his wife began life in earnest. They were married in Stark j Co. July 15, 1833. Her name was Anna I Zoebst, and she was born in 1809, at the same •^ TEXAS TOWNSHIP. 1021 secured a life partner in the person of Miss Lodusky Beverstock, who was born in Vermont, and came to this State while in her ^^outh. He finally abandoned his trade, and, moving to Richland Co., engaged in farming. In 1848, he embarked in mercantile pursuits in that county, being two years at Ganges and one at Belleville. He then moved to this count}^, ar- riving at Benton, July 8, 1851, and followed the same business until 1859, when he retired to his farm. In 1852, he erected the storeroom in which his son now conducts the business. He died Dec. 20, 1878. John was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed until October, 1874, when he went into the mercan- tile business with James Outcalt, and on Jan. 19, 1880, he became the sole proprietor, keeping a stock of general merchandise, as well as an assortment of drugs. On Feb. 24, 1868, he was united in marriage to Julia, the daughter of Peter Longwell. She was born March 13, 1848, and has borne three children — Rolla D., Mary L. and Jessie D. Both he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Repub- lican. CHRISTIAN MASKEY, carpenter and farmer ; P. 0. Poplar ; was born Aug. 27, 1833, in Ashland Co., Ohio. His father, Benjamin Maske}', was born and reared in the old Key- stone State, and there leai'ned the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and clothing himself most of the time. He served in the war of 1812, and was married to Nancy Rhinehart, and near 1831, moved to Ash- land Co., Ohio. In 1849, he moved to Wooster, assisted in building the court house at that place, and then came to this county, where he ever after lived. He bought a small farm near Osceola, on which he died in 1867, in his 78th 5'ear. His wife departed this life in 1873. Christian learned the trade with his father, as did also his four brothers, and when of age bought 20 acres of land with his careful sav- ings. He kept adding to its size as well as en- hancing its value, and in April, 1870, when he sold and moved to Benton, he had 80 acres of land. He owns a farm as well as town proper- ty, and has virtually relinquished the trade. He was united in marriage to Emil}' Close, Oct. 27, 1857. She was a daughter of Harvey Close, who was born in York State, in 1792 ; served in the war of 1812, and came to this place in 1869, where he lives with Mr. Maskey. Emily was born June 27, 1825, in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and came here a few j^ears previous to her mar- riage. She died Nov. 6, 1877, and Dec. 24, 1878, he was married to Mary J., daughter of Jervis and Deborah Jump. She was born Dec. 23, 1845, and has borne him one child, Clara E. Mr. Maskey is a member of the Masonic order, and the Patrons of Husbandry. Is serving his fourth term as Trustee, and has always been a Republican. J. F. MELROY, farmer ; P. 0. Poplar ; son of Samuel and Lucinda Melroy, was born Nov. 30, 1853, in Texas Township, Crawford Co., Ohio ; was raised on the farm, and follows that business at present. He received only a lim- ited education as common schools afforded, but is a practical business man. He married Miss Emma Swalley, Dec. 26, 1878, and lives on the Swalley Homestead ; they have one child. Miss Maud Melroy. ELTING PAUL, farmer; P. 0. Melmore ; was born June 15, 1838, in this county, and on the farm on which he now lives. His father, Dodridge Paul, was born in New Hampshire Sept. 19, 1796, and was there reared to the pur- suit of farming. Believing there was better land and a more productive soil farther west, than he had seen in his own State, he left the old homestead when of age, and started for the great West, of which he had so often heard. He worked in Buffalo one 3'ear, and then came to what is now Erie (then Huron) Co., Ohio, where he was married to Roxana Whitney. She was born Oct. 3, 1799, in Rutland Co., Vt., and while yet 3'oung her pai'ents moved to this State. After their marriage they lived for sev- eral years in Erie Co., where he labored at any- thing he could get to do, but, having bought a quarter-section of land in this countj', he con- cluded to move to it, and accordingly- arrived here in May, 1825. Leaving his wife and two children at the house of a friend in Seneca Co., he came on alone, and unaided built a cabin in the dense forest, which a neighbor helped him to cover with bark. He then moved his famil}^ to this primitive residence, but, there being no door, they waited for him to cut one, and then, moving in their household goods, built a fire in one corner, and the careful wife prepared a supper, which the husband pronounced to be the happiest meal of his life. They had no door, except a blanket, and the wolves howling around the cabin when night approached, made 1022 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : it lonesome indeed, besides tlie}' were frequently visited b}^ Indians, who wanted something to eat. He cleared 3 acres that season, which he sowed in wheat, and built another and more substantial house, into which they moA^ed during the win- ter. He cleared 6 acres for corn the next spring, and set out an orchard of 100 apple trees. From this time on they were quite suc- cessful, and at his death, in October, 1 850, pos- sessed a valuable property. His companion is still living, making her home with her youngest son, on the old homestead, which he now owns, it being one of the best in the whole township. He served as 2d Lieutenant in Co. C, 136th, 0. N. G.. and returned uninjured. He was mar- ried Nov. 10, 1860, to Mary C, daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Hess) Hershberger. Her parents were of German descent and came from Virginia to this State, and settled in what is now Wyandot Co., where she was born, on Ma}' 31, 1839. One child has blessed their un- ion — Jimmie H. Mr. Paul has always been a Republican and cast his first ballot for A. Lin- coln. WILLIAM H. SEERY, farmer ; P. O. Pop- lar ; is one of the prominent and intelligent farm- ers of this township, and is favorably known as an energetic and enterprising citizen. He is the eldest son of Peter Seery, a sketch of whom appears in this work (see Lykens Township), and was born May 19, 1848, in Crawford Co., Ohio. He has always followed agricultural pursuits except two summers that he worked at the car- penter's trade. For several years he has been connected with a threshing machine, and has succeeded be3-ond expectation, as competition was lively. He was married, in August, 1871, to Matilda, daughter of Peter and Mary Stutz- man. She was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and came here when in her youth. Her parents are still residents of the Keystone State. Mr. Seery moved to where he now lives in Decem- ber, 1878. His marriage has given four chil- dren — Minnie M., Orin 0., Lawrence and Clara. His wife belongs to the U. B. Church. He is a Republican in politics. SANFORD SOBERS, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. Poplar ; is the third of a fam- ily of seven children, and was born Oct. 22, 1834, in Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, Ja- cob Sobers, was born near the city of Philadel- phia, and learned the trade of miller, millwright and carpenter. He was a good workman, and was married while working in York State to Mary Matrawn. In 1833, he moved from there to this State, and located in Seneca Co., where he yet resides, owning a pleasant little farm. He has worked at the carpenter's trade mostly, in this State, but of late years has devoted his time to farming. Sanford learned the trades of carpenter and millwright with his father, and worked until one year after his marriage, when he commenced dealing in stock in this and ad- joining counties. His ventures have been crowned with success, and he now owns 70 acres of land, clear of all incumbrance,, and all self- made property. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 6, 1859, the other contracting party being Corillia Sweet, who was born May 25, 1837, in Champaign Co., Ohio. Her father, Daniel Sweet, was born June 14, 1795, in Fleming Co., Ky., and is a son of William Sweet, who came to that State from Rhode Island, served under Harrison in the war of 1812, and afterward moved to Ohio. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Mershon. Daniel came to Cham- paign Co., Ohio, in 1815, and there married Antilla Thompson. He was a carpenter by trade, and in 1839, came to Hardin Co., farmed three years, and has since lived in this county, where his wife died, Nov. 6, 1873. He is now living with Mr. Sobers, who moved to this count}' in 1869. The subject of this sketch has always been a Republican, and voted first for Fremont. His marriage has been blessed with three children — Huron A., Wilber I., and Ethel B. MICHAEL C. SNYDER, grist-mill. Poplar ; was born Jan. 24, 1824, in Franklin Co., Penn., and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Cover) Snyder, both of whom being natives of that count}'. Samuel was a blacksmith by trade, but in the latter part of his life was obliged to relinquish it, as it had seriously impaired his health. He moved to Seneca County in 1846, and lived there until his death, in 1870, his companion having died one year previous. Michael went to the miller's trade in 1841, be- ing at first in his native State, and then in Maryland, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Seneca County, and conducted a mill until the fall of 1860, when he came to this county. Here he has been connected with the mill at Benton, and in 1872, bought the prop- erty. He does a good custom trade, and rail- road facilities will soon place him on the list of 'W ^1 TEXAS TOWNSHIP. 1023 shippers. He will imdoubtedly take advan- tage of this, and, being an industrious as well as a "jolly" miller, we wish him success. He j was married in 1847, to Susan, daughter of ' George and Mary (Koontz) Heckman. She was bornln 1826, in Maryland, and has given him nine children, six of whom are living — Mary A., Susan A., John W., Samuel L., Benjamin F. and Lloyd H. The four eldest are married. Mr. Snyder has held township offices, but he is not a strict party man ; for several years he has been a Prohibitionist. F. WILLIAM SCHWAN, physician and sur- geon. Poplar ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 3, 1843, and is a son of John G. Schwan, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and there received a good education. Being a man of liberal opinions on questions of public policy, he emigrated to America, whose laws were more in harmony with his views, and set- tled in Pennsylvania. He married a lady of Bavarian birth, named Barbara A. Fecher, and for many years was engaged in the tobacco trade, although he owned a farm. He died in 1877. and his wife the following year. The sub- ject of this sketch received a good common- school education, which he improved by attend- ing the Williams Academy, at Ithaca. N. Y., and then a special course in the sciences and languages at the University of Indiana. He entered the Signal Corps of the Regular Army, and, after serving with Sheridan in the Shen- andoah Valley, was detailed for special service in the Adjutant General's office. Department of Pennsylvania. He was discharged in 1865, and highly commended for the able manner in which he had performed his duties. In the autumn of the same year, he entered the Med- ical Department of tlie University of Michigan, and, the following year, he went into partner- ship with Dr. Croninger, of Willshire, Ohio. He completed his course, and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, 111., in the spring of 1867. He located at Gallon, Ohio, where he remained one year ; but, not being satisfied with the location, he returned to his native State, and settled at Middleburg, Snyder Co. While there, he raised a company of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, of which he was chosen Captain. He was afterward tendered the com- mission of Major General of the Eighth Di- vision, but, thinking the office incompatible with his chosen profession, he declined, but. later, accepted the surgeoncy of the division. Owing to the overcrowding of his profession in that State, he again wended his way westward, and located at Loyal Oak, Summit Co., where he remained several years, but, inducements being held out, he removed to Zwingle, Iowa, where he was instrumental in the organization of the Zwingle Normal Institute, of which he was Vice President and Instructor in Anat- omy, Chemistry, Physiology and Hygiene. His health failing, he relinquished his connec- tion with the institution, and returned to Ohio in the spring of 1877, and, locating at Ben- ton, in Crawford Co., he has established a lucra- tive practice. He is a careful investigator, a thorough scholar, and his genius in mechanism has displayed itself in the manufacture and improvement of many instruments used in his chosen profession. He is one of the leading members of the Seneca County Medical Society, and also belongs to the Northwestern and State Societies. His union with Mary E., daughter of Dr. Heckerman. of Tiffin, Ohio, was celebrated March 13, 1867. She was born July 24, 1848, in Pennsylvania, and has borne three children. The only one living is Hattie Florence, born July 12, 1869. Dr. Schwan is a member of the Masonic order, and, having always taken an active interest in education, is a member of the School Board. He is a Republican. JEREMIAH WALTER, farmer ; P. 0. Pop- lar ; is the only son in a family of six children, and was born Jan. 16, 1826, in what is now Wyandot, then Crawford, Co., Ohio His father, Daniel Walter, was born in Pennsylvania in July, 1797, and, when 7 years old, accompanied his parents to Ross Co., they being among the pioneers of that county. He received only a meager education, as his school years were mostly passed in clearing off the hea\'y forest and contributing to the family support. When near his legal age, he came to what is now Wy- andot Co., with one Thomas Leeper, and worked for him thirteen months for $100. With this he bought 80 acres of land, and then had to work out again in order to obtain the necessary tools with which to develop his purchase. Heed- ing the injunction of Scripture which says, " It is not good for man to be alone," he secured a helpmeet in the person of Susanna, daughter of Peter and Susanna Baum. She was born May 2, 1795. in Pennsylvania, and came to Ross Co. at an early day, from which she came to Wy- :e 1024 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: andot Co. a short time previous to her mar- riage. He built a rude cabin, with stick-and- mud chimney, punciieon floor, and other sur- roundings of a like character. Although they started life in humble circumstances, by indus- try and economy they were at length pleasantly situated and amply rewarded for their early privations. He died Aug. 7, 1875, in this town- ship, to which he had moved a few years previ- oush'. His companion still survives him, and makes her home with her children. The sub- ject of this sketch has always been a farmer, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the county. His marriage to Jane Barrack was celebrated Feb. 22, 1850. She is a daughter of John and Jane (Dunlap) Barrack, and was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1829, and came to this township when 5 ^^ears old. Mr. Walter developed the farm now owned by Henry Coon, and lived on it from 1852 to 1864, when he came to where he now resides. He owns a quarter-section of highly cultivated land, has erected tasty and substantial buildings, and has a home that is attractive and interesting to his familj' as well as others. Their children are Elva (deceased), Alice, Lyman P., Dora E. and Scott. All are married except the youngest. The eldest son is now attending the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and expects to finish the course in 1881. Mr. Walter has held various township offices, and was Land Ap- praiser in 1880. He has been a Democrat since the commencement of the late war. DALLAS TOWNSHIP. SAMUEL COULTER, farmer ; P. O. Bucy- rus ; was born May 13, 1801, in Huntingdon Co., Penn., is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Bryce) Coulter, formerly of Pennsylvania ; came to Ohio in 1832, and settled in what was then Marion Co., now Crawford, on the place he now owns ; is the onl}^ one of the pioneers who still owns the first 40 acres that he entered of the Government. Was married, April 18, 1826, to Miss Sarah Keer, of Pennsylvania. Their children are John H., of Marion Co. ; James N., of Des Moines. Iowa ; William K., Macon Co., 111. ; Sarah, wife of William Simmons, Esq. ; Margarette, wife of Thomas Price, of Marion ; Martha, wife of William Keer, of Piatt Co., 111. ; Samuel, now living at Holden, Mo. ; Mary, wife of John Hourer, of Marion Co. ; George W., now living at home ; Samuel and James were soldiers for three 3-ears during the war. Elizabeth, his sister, has been living with him for about twenty years since his wife died. He owns 200 acres of good land ; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and polled his first vote for Jackson, and has been a Democrat ever since. MAJ. M. G. CARMEAN, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; he was born in Ohio, Dec. 31, 1804 ; a son of John and Nancy (Gray less) Carmean, formerly of Maryland. They emi- grated to Ohio in the spring of 1 804, and set- tled in Rock Co., where the subject of this sketch was raised, and where he married, Sept. 30, 1829, Miss Rachel Long, of Pennsylvania. The following children were born to them : Mary A., wife of H. Coulter, of Marion Co., Ohio ; Jonathan D., living in Bucju'us ; Ellen E., Matthew L., married Miss Grolsbaugh, of Pennsylvania ; Nelson died Aug. 17, 1851. Maj. Carmean was, for a number of years, the Major of the Marion Co. State Guards. Has been noted throughout this county as a successful veterinary' surgeon. He came to this county with no money, but a strong constitution and a will to work, and by economy and industry he has secured a competence, owning 900 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Carmean are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Carmean is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Has been honored by his neighbors by being elected Trustee for many years. He is a Republican. CHRISTIAN HOOVER, farmer ; P. 0. Wy- andot ; was born Sept. 22, 1844, in Antrim Township, Crawford Co., but shortly after his birth, Wj^andot Co. was organized and Dallas Township formed, which included the farm upon which Christian was born ; he is at the present time living on a portion of this land which his grandfather. Christian Hoover, set- tled upon in 1822, and shortly afterward pur- chased from the Government. His only son. ■» e) \ J. @ ik^ DALLAS TOWNSHIP. ^ S) 1025 ^ William Hoover, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 1, 1816, in Picka- way Co., and was but 6 3'ears of age when his father removed to Crawford. William was married, Oct. 18, 1838, to Miss Phoebe Swisher, of Groveport, Franklin Co. They were the parents of ten children, five boys and five girls ; these children are all living. Christian Hoover is the second son , he received a thorough edu- cation in the common branches at the district schools of his township ; his first teacher was Archibald Beels, now an editor at South Bend, Ind. When he grew old enough to work, he labored on the farm, assisting his father until he became of age. In the spring of 1866, he commenced to farm for himself, and has been engaged at this occupation ever since with more or less success ; he has paid some attention to the raising of stock, but his income has been derived from farming more than from stock- rearing. He was married Oct. 21, 1868, to Miss Lo Kirby, and they are the parents of five chil- dren, four are still living, three boys and one girl— Ernest, Burdette K., Charles W. and Maud. Mr. Hoover has never been anxious to serve the people in an official capacity, but has been frequently chosen to conduct the business of the school district. JOHN T. HOOVER, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. 0. Wyandot, Ohio ; was born in Dallas Township, Crawford Co., Sept. 1, 1840 ; is a son of Tom Hoover, of Bucyrus ; was raised in this township, and married to Miss Mary E., daughter of James Hufty, of Logan Co., Oct. 18, 1866. They have four children— Pauline, Parmelia, Leo H. and Ray. He owns 160 acres of good land. When his county called, he en- listed in the 11th Ohio Battery, and for thirty- eight months was at the front doing good serv- ice. Was with Gen. Fremont in Missouri in the fall of 1861, stationed at Fort Lamine ; at Otterville during the winter of 1861-62 ; then crossed the country to Booneville and St Charles ; then to Cape Girardeau, Mo. ; was with Gen. Pope at the memorable taking of Island No. 10, and the Mississippi campaign of the spring of 1862 ; then went with Gen. Pope's army to Pittsburg Landing, where, for forty days and nights, was on duty with his battery in the " On to Corinth " struggle ; was at the battle of luka, Miss., when his company lost sixteen men killed and thirty-two wounded ; they then lost their battery, but regained it the next day, and, at the second battle of Corinth, the Confederates had cause to remember the long-range "whistles" of the 11th Ohio; moved with Grant to Grenada, Miss., and with Sherman to Vicksburg ; also took part in the capture of Milliken's Bend, Napoleon and Grand Gulf; and was at the front during the march to Jackson, and in the great battle of Champion Hill ; siege of Vicksburg ; afterward at Helena and Little Rock, Ark., and was sent to assist in Gen. Banks' Red River expedition. During all these long, weary years, Mr. Hoover was never absent, sick or failed to do his duty. Crawford Co. should be proud of such a soldier. JAMES HUFTY, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Bucyrus. James Hufty was born in Greene Co., Penn., July 8, 1818, and was a son of James B. Hufty (who was born in Berks Co., Penn.), and Cassandra (Lucas) Hufty, of Greene Co., Penn. They had born to them four sons and four daughters — Thomas L., living in In- diana ; Jacob, now living in Cass Co., Mo. ; John L., in Iowa ; Martha, wife of David Tay- lor, Esq., of Wisconsin ; Amanda, who died at home in Greene Co., Penn. ; Cassandra, now Mrs. Hughes, living in Pennsylvania ; Phoebe, now Mrs. Pryor, of Iowa. Mr. Hufty died on the old homestead in Greene Co., Penn., on Aug. 3, 1874. Mrs. Hufty is now living with her son James, in Crawford Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Parmelia McLain, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, formerly of Greene Co., Penn. They had born to them one son and three daughters— Sarah A., Mary E., wife of John T. Hoover, of this township ; Charles M., now of Ft. Wayne, Ind. ; and Frances L. Mrs. Hufty died March 1, 1871. On the 15th of October, 1873, Mr. Hufty was married again to Miss Elizabeth V. Wright, of this county, for- merly of New York. Mr. Hufty moved from Pennsylvania to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1837, and, in 1848, moved to Crawford Co., and settled where he now resides. Few men in the county have been more successful in business, and none have the confidence of the county to a greater extent than Mr. Hufty. He has been elected Commissioner for six years, giving satis- faction to his constituents, and is at present Land Appraiser of his township. He has been Trustee of the township a number of years, and for ten years was the Assessor, and has also been for a number of years connected with the 1026 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: School Board, and the good schoolhouse and schools show the hand of a master. He owns a good and well-improved farm of 289 acres of land, is a leading Democrat, and his motto is, " What is worth doing is worth doing well." He is one of the board of officers of the Crawford County Agricultural Society. MRS. MARY J. JOHNSON, farmer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Jan. 18, i830, and was a daughter of David White- sel, of Pennsylvania, and Rebecca Eramerson, of Virginia. She was united in marriage to Samuel T. Johnson Dec. 30, 1853. Mr. John- son was born Sept. 4, 1827, in this county, and was a son of Mr. M. Johnson, a sketch of whose life appears in Bucyrus Township. They had nine children — Herschel, Belle S., Jennie, William, David W., Thomas F., Otoe A., Henry and Ellis. Mr. Johnson died March 13, 1871, leaving Mrs. Johnson with a large family of little children to care for, which she has done well. She owns 240 acres of fine land in Dallas Township. Her father, David Whitesel, moved to Indiana several years ago, and died in 1878. There were fourteen of the Emmersons, who all lived to maturit}'. JOHNSTON FAMILY. Prominent among the early pioneers of Crawford Co., who were instrumental in opening a wild and unbroken tract of valuable country, and through whose industr3^ settlers were induced to seek homes within the boundaries of what is now one among tlie richest agricultural districts of the Western Reserve, were Mr. Thomas F. Johnston and his wife, whose portraits, with other of the old pioneers, were selected to embellish the pages of this book. The name of this branch of the Johnston family is of Irish origin, as the father of Thomas F. emigrated from Ireland to the United States, and settled in Lycoming Co., Penn., where Thomas F., his only child, was born, on Feb. 3, 1800. But little of the surroundings of his early life are known. However, as he grew to man- hood, he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, which trade he learned, and had worked at it for about two years previous to his marriage to Miss Martha L. Walton, which event occurred on Sept. 20, 1823. Mrs. Johnston is the daugh- ter of David and Elizabeth (Rogers) Walton, and was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., May 11, 1803. Her grandfather Walton was one of three brothers who emigrated from England. Her parents were farmers, and at that early da}^ but few opportunities were afforded for attain- ing an education. After their marriage, the}' remained residents of Lycoming Co. until the fall of 1825, when, in company with a brother- in-law of Mrs. Johnston, a Mr. Benjamin Warner, they set out b}^ team over the old Pennsylvania wagon road for the West. They had journeyed as far on their way as the little town of New Grardon, Ohio, when they were stopped b}' a heavy snow-storm, where, the very next day after their halt, Mr. Johnston was taken sick with fever, and did not recover till the following spring. On April 1, 1826, they again started, and this time succeeded in completing their journe}' without further mishap. It was the intention of Mr. Johnston to begin work at his trade upon his arrival in Bucyrus. A very short time, however, served to convince him that such means of support for himself and family must not be thought of, as the city of Bucyrus at that time comprised eight log cabins and two little frame buildings, and a dry board, from which to make an article of furniture, could not be found in the place. Mr. Johnston's principal property consisted of a set of tools, and, when he found these of but little use, he turned his attention to farming, and settled first on 40 acres located in Whetstone Township, Crawford Co., that he purchased by the help of Mr. Warner, where he resided until 1829, when, becoming dissatisfied on account of the scarcit}^ of timber, he removed to Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio, where he resided during the years 1829-30-31, and then returned to his old home, and settled in Dallas Township, Crawford Co., about four miles from his former residence. While he was a resident of Hancock Co., the citizens nominated him the Republican candi- date for County Auditor, to which office he was elected, and discharged the duties pertaining to it to the entire satisfaction of all interested. While Mr. Johnston's duties, as an officer of the count}^ called him from his home much of the time, Mrs. Johnston was left to protect herself against the Indians and wild animals, both of which were very plenty, and, among the latter, was the large gra}' timber wolf, which some- times became ver^^ ferocious, and would gather in quite large numbers around the cabin. Their cabin was but a rudely constructed affair, and in its then unfinished condition, was lacking a door, to supply which, Mrs. Johnston had hung :rf* ^. DALLAS TOWNSHIP. 1027 a bed-quilt to protect herself and her small children from the night air, Indians, wolves and other wild animals. Those were truly pioneer da3S, of which but few of the present generation comprehend the hardships and privations. In the latter part of 1831, as before stated, Mr. Johnston removed from Hancock Co.. and again settled on his farm. He was induced to return to Crawford Co., on account of a num- ber of his own and Mrs. Johnston's relatives. who had followed them westward. On return- ing to the farm, it was the custom of Mr. John- ston to work at his trade in the winter and follow farming in the summer. He also gave much attention to stock-raising, and particular- ly to sheep, of which he would have at times as many as 6.000. As he acquired more capital he increased his stock business and bought more land. He was a good financier, and in all his undertakings he was successful. At the date of his death, which occurred very sud- denly on Nov. 1, 1862, he owned 1,300 acres of choice land. He was one of the noble old pioneers of the county, whose death was mourned b}' many tried and true friends of pioneer days. He was a member of the order of A., F. & A. M., and for many years he held the office of Justice of the Peace in Scott Township. In 1865, Mrs. Johnston removed to Bucyrus, where she still resides. She is now in her 78th year, and is one of the hon- ored and respected old ladies of the city. In her old age her life is being spent in the com- pany of her daughter and youngest child, Miss Agnes, who is the onl}' one living of the nine children born to them. In this sketch of the Johnston family, it is our purpose to give a brief sketch also of each of these nine children, the oldest of whom was H. D. P]. Johnston, who was born on Aug. 8, 1825, in Lj'coming Co., Penn., and was about two months old when his parents emigrated to Crawford Co. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he was engaged in farming and attend- ing to stock, a business in which he subse- quently became engaged on his own account. Though he had few opportunities of acquiring an education, he grew, thi'ough experience in the stock trade, to be a shrewd, careful and successful business man. He and his younger brother, S. Gr., were instrumental in helping their father to his earlier success, as the former did not leave home until he was about 28 years old, and the latter 26. The}' remained this long to help their father pay for a second 600 acres of land. They then engaged in the stock trade on their own account, and for a number of years were associated together in this busi- ness, the elder doing most of the bu3-ing, sell- ing and shipping, while S. Gr. looked closely after the interests of the business at home. On May 6, 1857, H. D. E. was married to Miss Jane Ludwig, youngest child of Mr. Samuel Ludwig, who was one of the old pioneers of Crawford Co., and whose portrait and biogra- phy appear in this book. For two years after their marriage, Mr. Johnston was engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He then removed to Bucyrus and engaged exclusively in the stock trade for three years. He then retui-ned to the farm where he was engaged in the stock busi- ness and at farming until his death, which was caused by consumption and occurred on April 19. 1870. Mr. Johnston was an active mem- ber of the community, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dui'ing the war of the rebellion, though he was not subject to the draft, he was in raising the funds, and con- tributed to buy substitutes for those citizens of Dallas Township who might be drafted. He left, at his death, a fine propert}' of 515 acres to his wife and their three children, all of whom were daughters. S. G. Johnston, the second son, was born Sept. 4, 1827. His advantages during earl^^ life were about the same as those of his older brother. Their interests were much the same, and he also remained with his parents till he was 26 years old. As before stated, he became associated with his brother in business. Their first purchase of land together, was the old Isaac Monnett farm of 500 acres. This farm afterward became the property of S. G., and is still owned by his widow and heirs. During the war of the rebellion, he also contributed largely to the substitute fund of Dallas Town- ship. He was an active, energetic business man, and, at his death, which was also caused by consumption and occurred on April 19, 1870, he left to his wife and children 900 acres of valuable land. Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Mary J. Whetzel, and there were born to them nine children, six of whom are now living, five sons and one daughter. Henrietta Johnston was the eldest daugh- ter and the third child born to Mr. and IMrs. 1^ 1038 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Johnston. She was possessed of a quick and intelligent mind, and, though the opportunities were few in their country home, she learned very readily, and, with the few advantages of her surroundings, she acquired- a fair educa- tion, after which she attended the Marion schools. She had advanced so far at the age of 14 years as to be able to teach, and, for a short time prior, to her marriage, she was en- gaged in this work. On Oct. 19, 1847, she was married to Mr. Thomas J. Monnett, who was a minister of the M. E. Church, and has since become a distinguished member of one of the most prominent families of Crawford Co. Her disposition and nature were all that a minister could desire, as, at the earl}' age of 1 years, she had united with the M. E. Church, and re- mained until her death a consistent member and a hard worker in the Sabbath school. She aided Mr. Monnett much in his ministerial duties, and frequently, by her quick perception and long study of the Scriptures, made many valuable suggestions that added much to the power and eloquence of his sermons. There were six children born to them, four only of whom are living, three sons and one daughter. Her death, which was caused by consumption — a disease hereditary in the family — occurred on Nov. 20, 1871. Lavina Johnston was born on the farm of her parents on Jan. 20, 1832, and was the fourth child born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston. Her short life was spent in the home of her parents. At the early age of 15 years, she sickened and died of the same disease which afterward caused the death of her brothers and sisters — consumption. Her death occurred on May 15, 1846. JosiAH S. Johnston was born on Feb. 22, 1834. His death occurred in his infancy, and was caused b}^ his falling into a well and drowning on Nov. 1, 1835. W. H. H. Johnston, the fourth son and sixth child of his parents, was born June 28, 1836. His early life was spent on the farm. He acquired at the district schools a fair edu- cation, and then took a full course at the Co- lumbus Commercial College. Shortly after finishing his college course, he entered as a volunteer the 34th 0. V. I., under Col. Shaw. He eutex'ed the service for three years, but the exposure and hard marching through which he passed soon brought on spinal disease, on ac- count of which he was honorably discharged, not, however, until his father had gone to Washington and interested the Secretary of War in his behalf Shortly after he was brought home, his parents sent him for treatment to the Longview Hospital of Cincinnati. His death occurred there on April 24, 1865. June 22, 1863, he was married to Miss Caroline Car- nahan, whose death occurred about eight months after their marriage. James Q. Johnston, the fifth son and seventh child, was born Nov. 5, 1838. His life was spent on the farm until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, when he, too, entered the 34th O. V. I., under Col. Shaw. A short season of army life destroyed his health and soon brought him home to his parents, a victim of that dread disease consumption, from the eflfects of which he died March 10, 1865. Oregon Johnston, the youngest of the sons, was born on Feb. 4, 1843. Though much against the wish of his parents, he, too, entered the army for three years. He was also a mem- ber of the 34th O. V. I., and one of the Lieu- tenants of Company A. He was the only one of the three brothers who withstood the hard- ships of army life, and served his full term of enlistment. His duties were of a miscellaneous nature, as much of the time he was on detail duty. He was an excellent sharp-shooter, and did his country very effective service in this peculiar mode of warfare. After returning from the army he spent about one year in Colum- bus, in the employ of the Grovernment. In the winter of 1871, he married Miss Kizzie, daugh- ter of John Hill, who was one of the early pio- neers of Marion Co., Ohio. Though Mr. John- ston had passed unharmed through many hard- fought battles, he was forced at last to give up, and, on Nov. 1, 1876, his death was caused b}' consumption. Agnes J. Johnston, the youngest of the nine children, was born Aug. 15, 1845. Her early education was received principally at the Bucyrus schools, which she attended until she was 14; she then completed her education at the Oberlin College. In early childhood she was hurt so badly while at play as to leave her lamed for life. For several years she has spent most of her time in New York and Jersey City, under the care of the best medical skill of those cities. IT ^± DALLAS TOWNSHIP. _> 9 1029 E. B. MONNETT, farmer and stock-dealer ; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, March 21, 1837 ; is a son of A. Monnett, of Bucyrus. Mr. Mon- nett was raised in Marion and Crawford Coun- ties, and was united in the holy bonds of mat- rimony to Miss Ellen C. Barton of Pennsyl- vania, Nov. 20, 1861. They have been blessed with four children, two of whom are living — Nettie B. and William A. Mr. Monnett owns one of the best stock farms in the county, con- sisting of 553 acres of land in Dallas Township, watered by the Scioto River, running through from north to south, thus always furnishing a bountiful supply of pure, fresh water to his herds. He is extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock to New York, Pittsburgh and other Eastern cities. He commenced when he was 22 years old, and has kept it up with increased vigor ever since. He makes a ship- ment nearly every week in the year. He also owns a nice little farm near Bucyrus ; is a strong friend of education, and has been one of the School Board for a number of years ; is clerk of the township, and is always identified with all progressive movements in the county ; is a stalwart Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Mon- nett are both members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. OLIVER MONNETT, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1840, the son of A. Mon- nett, Esq., whose life appears in this work. He was raised in Marion and Crawford Cos., Ohio, and was married to Miss Etta, daughter of Charles Reamer, Esq., of this county, and for- merly of Pennsylvania. To them have been born two sons and three daughters — Lorain H., Dimma, Milla, Charles A. and Emma. He owns 954 acres of land, all well improved, on which is built one of the best houses in the county. Mr. Monnett is extensively engaged in stock-raising, often having over 1,000 head on his farm. He is favorably disposed toward all Christian denominations, but is himself a member of the M. E. Church. M. J. MONNETT, farmer and stock-dealer; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1847, son of A. Monnett, of Bucyrus ; was raised in Marion and Crawford Cos., and was married to Miss Alice A., daughter of G. W. Hull, Esq., of Bucyrus (a sketch of whose life appears in this work), Jan. 5, 1869. They have had one son born to them— Orra Eugene. He is en- gaged in raising stock on his fine farm of 560 acres of land, which is in excellent condition, and well watered, the Scioto running through it from north to south. Mr. and Mrs. Monnett are members of the M. E. Church, having their membership at the Scioto Chapel. Mr. Mon- nett is a Republican in politics, of the stalwart stripe. MRS. MARY MASON, farmer; P. 0. Cale- donia, Ohio ; was born in Dallas Township, Craw- ford Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1823 ; daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Smith) Line, formerly of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Line moved from Pennsylvania to Delaware Co., Ohio, and from there, in 1820, to Crawford Co., where the subject of this sketch was raised. She was married, April 12, 1846, to John Mason, who came from England in 1820, and, after he married, settled on the place now occupied by Mrs. Mason. They had born to them Nancy A., wife of Charles L. Sayler, of Harvey Co., Kan.; Fannie, wife of Z. W. Hip- sher, of Marion Co., Ohio ; Ellen M., wife of Otis Brooks, of this county ; Rosa, wife of J. Hord, of this county ; William, now living at home ; Robert, who died, at the age of 20 years, March 20, 1871 ; Ada, who died Feb. 15, 1855 ; and Charlotta, who died Dec. 3, 1872. Mr. John Mason died July 13, 1876. Mrs. Mason owns 270 acres of good land, and has been a member of the M. E. Church for thirty years. CALEB McHENRY, farmer ; P. 0. Bucy- rus. This gentleman was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Nov. 15, 1829, and was a son of Mal- comb and Elizabeth (Wickart) McHenry, who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1812, and settled in Columbiana Co., and afterward moved to Richland Co., Ohio, where they lived until 1838, when Mr. McHenry went West to hunt a new home, and has never been heard of since. It is supposed that the Indians killed him. Mrs. McHenry went to Indiana, where she died on Feb. 6, 1878. The subject of our sketch was united in the holy bonds of matrimony, April 15, 1852, to Louana, daughter of Dennis Palmer, Esq., of Bucyrus Township. They were blessed with six children — Christiana L., wife of R. L. Hudson, Esq., of Delaware, Ohio ; Millard C; Easter, wife of Jacob Shupp, Esq., of Todd Township ; Joseph C. and Mary C. Mrs. Mc- Henry died Dec. 1. 1863. Mr. McHenry was again married to Miss Adeline M. Rex, of Dallas Township. They had four children- Martha M., Orpha M., Milan C. and William C. ihL 1030 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mr. McHenry has been elected Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, and has been often elected one of the Township Trustees, and has also been for many years connected with the School Board, as Clerk of the Chairman. He owns 149 acres of good, well-improved land ; is a Republican in politics, and has made Dallas Township his home since 1840, with the excep- tion of a period from 1852 to 1860, during which he lived in Lake Co., Ind., and at its ex- piration returned to Dallas Township, where he has been ever since. LINUS H. ROSS, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Bucyrus ; was born Aug. 21, 1854, in Bucyrus Township, and is a son of John Ross. He attended the common schools until he was 18 3'ears of age, when he entered the Bucyrus Union Schools, remaining for one year ; in 1875, he attended Mt. Union College, and in 1876, Ada Normal School, thus laying the foundation for future usefulness. He was married Oct. 17, 1877, to Miss Kate Monnett, youngest daughter of Abraham Monnett, who was born Jan. 8, 1858, in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. They have one child — Grace A., born Feb. 12, 1879. Mr. Ross has always worked on a farm, and for a number of yeai's has been dealing in stock, as partner of his father until 1876, when he embarked in the business alone, dealing in sheep, hogs and cattle, and has a farm of 560 acres of fine land. He has lived on this place since March, 1880, and has a fine frame resi- dence of ten rooms. He and his wife are con- sistent members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican in politics. He is a thorough stu- dent, is well informed, and spends his leisure hours in reading and study. WESLEY ROBERTS,' farmer and stock- dealer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born in Lo- gan Co. Jan. 25, 1829; was a son of John Roberts and Louvina (Walton) Roberts, form- erly of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Elsa A. Mon- nett, which union has been blest with two sons — Isaac, living in Maryland, and Madi- son, living in Marion Co., Ohio. Mrs. Roberts died October, 1852. Mr. Roberts was married the second time, to Miss Elizabeth Newsom, of this county, in March, 1858. They have born to them — Frank, Joseph, Charley, Willis, Mar- cellus, Ida M. and Belle, who died from the ef- fects of a burn. At the commencement of the war, in 1861, Mr. Roberts was comparatively a poor man, but b}^ untiring perseverance and care, has been able to accumulate a large fortune. He has one among the best farmhouses in the county, and owns 1,500 acres of good land, and raises more corn and wheat than any farmer in Crawford Co.; is also engaged in buying, feed- ing and shipping stock. He feeds all his corn on the farm to cattle, hogs and sheep. Last year he sold a lot of 400 of the latter. He believes in attending to his own business, has often been solicited to accept office, but always de- clines, believing that it pays to take cai^e of his own interests ; is Republican in politics. BARNHART SAYLER, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. 0. Bucyrus. Among the many en- terprising men of Crawford Co., there is no one more active and wide awake than Mr. Sayler, who was born in Richland Township, Marion Co., Ohio, Dec. 9, 1828. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth -(Kefner) Sayler, formerly of Berks Co., Penn., who came to Ohio in 1799. Mr Sayler rode on horseback 300 miles, carry- ing his pack-saddle and trusty rifle, to Picka- way Co., Ohio, and moved to Marion Co. about 1 820, where the subject of our sketch was born and raised, and where he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss C. J. Owens, of Marion Co., on Sept. 21, 1854. They moved to Dallas Township in 1874, and bought the 360 acres of land they now own. They have twelve children — Ira F., now in Kansas ; Charles L., John B., A. Lincoln, Eugene B., Clara E., Ida M., Willie O., H. Perry, Mirtie E., Thomas E. and Minnie Pearl. They also have an adopted child Mary Petrie. Mr. Sayler is a breeder of fine Norman horses, and his success at the fairs in getting the red ribbons shows that he under- stands the business. He is also engaged with his son Ira F., in the cattle business in Kansas. They own quite a herd of blooded stock in that growing State. Mr. and Mrs. Sayler are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are known and beloved for their Christian bearing ; they are also identified with the Sun- day schools of the county. Mr. Sayler has been three times elected Justice of the Peace, unanimously, by his neighbors. He believes in temperance in all things, and is an advocate of prohibition. WILLARD T. WHITE, farmer ; P. 0. Wy- andot ; is the son of Charles W. and Hannah Hoover White ; born Aug. 8, 1845. Charles White, grandfather of the subject of this ->^ DALLAS TOWNSHIP. 1031 sketch, was born and raised in Virginia. When the Revolutionary war broke out, he was about 16 years of age. He was placed on the muster roll of the militia, and was in active military service several years during the struggle of the colonies for American independence, and a portion of this period under the immediate command of Gen. Washington. White also served for several years in that branch of the service styled " minute men." When his fa- ther died, a portion of the estate inherited b^' the son consisted of slaves. Charles, having been reared under the teachings of slavery, was not at first opposed to the system. He made several additional purchases of this spe- cies of propert}^, and, in a few years, removed to Kentucky, where he lived for some time in Fayette Co. But, having fought for liberty in his 3^ounger days, he could not reconcile the right to hold his fellow-men in bondage with the principles of eternal justice ; and, becom- ing disgusted with the iniquitous system, he liberated his negroes, some thirteen in number, and shortly afterward removed to Ross Co., Ohio. Previous to this, he had enjoyed a com- petenc}', but his devotion to the cause of free- dom and practical abolition caused a great re- duction in his available assets, and, for some years, he was in straitened circumstances. When he removed to Ross Co., about 1812, he had barely enough to purchase the farm of 145 acres of land upon which he settled ; but, by industry and hard labor, he soon became in better financial condition. He resided in Ross Co. for some forty years, and died about the 3^ear 1856, at the advanced age of 96 years 6 months and 14 days. He was the father of three sons — Samuel, George and C. W. White. The two elder were soldiers in the American army during the war of 1812. The youngest son, who was born in Fayette Co., K3^, within a mile and a half of Lexington, July 18, 1802, was too young to engage in the second struggle for American independence. When about 18 years of age, C. W. White left his home in Ross Co. and visited the New Purchase for the purpose of seeking another home in this sec- tion of the State. About the year 1820, he obtained a situation at the old Indian Mill, lo- cated on the Sandusky River, several miles above the present site of Upper Sandusky. He was employed by the Government Indian Agent, received $15 a month and boarded him- self His assistant in the mill was Charles Garrett, and, at this time, the nearest white settler was at the Indian mission, then Upper Sandusky. White assisted at the mill for some three years. During this time, he saved money enough to purchase his first farm, consisting of 207 acres, now located in Dallas Township, which farm he has owned for over half a cent- ury. After working for diflTerent persons dur- ing the next nine years, he removed to his land, and, by industry, economy and hard labor, he has acquired a competency. At the present time, he owns some thirteen hundred acres, all in Dallas Township except some ninet^'^-seven acres which are in Bucyrus Town- ship. During his life, he has paid more atten- tion to the rearing of stock than to farming, and the principal source of his income in past j'ears has been obtained by raising cattle. C. W. White was married, Nov. 25, 1830, to Miss Hannah Simmons Hoover, and they were the parents of three children, who are still living — Loreno, now Mrs. J. J. Fishei", of Bucyrus ; Willard T. White and Charles White. The mother of these died many years since, but their father is still living, at the advanced age of 78 years, with his oldest son, who resides at the White homestead, in Dallas Township. Mr. C. W. White has frequently been chosen to fill various township offices during the last half- century, but has never been anxious to serve the public in an official capacit3^ During the war, although not subject to the draft, he as- sisted in " clearing Dallas Township " on sev- eral occasions. :?r ihL 1033 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: LYKENS TOWNSHiP. EPHRAIM H. ADAMS, carpenter, Poplar; was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 18f31. His father, Eli Adams, was born in 1803, in the old "Bay State," and when 3 years old accompanied his parents to Cortland Co., N. Y. In 1813, they moved to Ohio, and settled in Huron Co., where the father died. In 1825, Eli came to this county, and entered SO acres of Government land in what is now Texas Township, which he developed. He married a lady named Mary Andrews. He moved into Bloomville several years. ago, where his wife died, Jan. 1, 1876, and he is now living with one of his sons. Ephraim went to the carpenter's trade when young, and has followed it ever since, with few excep- tions. In 1861, he entered the service of his country, in the regiment known as the Mechan- ics' Fusileers. After they djsbanded, he entered the 136th O. N. G., Company H, and did duty at Fort Worth. He is the patentee of the well-known " Adams' Buckeye Roller," which was patented Sept. 7, 1875, and has invented other agi'icultural implements. He was married Aug. 26, 1862, to Lutitia, daugh- ter of Asa and Nancy (Lee) Brown. She was born in Crawford Co., in the year 1840, and has borne him three children, two of whom are living — Asa E. and Hayes. Mr. Adams is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is identi- fied with the Republican party. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. RUDOLPH BRAUSE, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was born in Saxony Germany, Feb. 19, 1826, and is a son of Gotfried and Anna (Hays) BraiTse. His father was a tanner by trade in early life, and, in the spring of 1831, emigrated with his family to America, landing in Crawford Co., Ohio, Lykens Township, Sept. 1 1 of that year. He immediately entered a quarter-section of land, and lived on and improved the same until 1856, when he dis- posed of it and went to the State of Iowa, where he now lives, being in his 92d year. His companion departed this life in 1878. Rudolph lived under the parental roof until he organized a home of his own. His mar- riage was celebrated Aug. 3, 1851, Mrs. Cath- arine Celler, widow of John Celler, becoming his wife. She was born in Germany March 23, 1822, and came to this country when 7 years old, her parents being George and Catharine (Kinsley) Klink. She had, at the time of her marriage to Mr. Brause, two children — Elizabeth and (Catharine, both of whom are married. He bought 40 acres where he now lives, there being a little cleared and a small cabin for improvements. He was poor in purse but rich in energy and determi- nation, and, with the aid rendered by his industrious wife, not only developed this, but has purchased other farms, and is now ranked among the independent farmers of the county. Their primitive home has been superseded by a more massive and beautiful structure, per- haps the best in the township. Of the eight children born to them, four are living — George, John, Fidelia and Willis. They have befriended a deserving little boy by the name of Lewis D. Pickering, an intelligent and interesting child, and a source of comfort to them all. The whole family belong to the Lutheran Church. FREDERICK C. BAUER, farmer: P. O. Broken Sword ; was born in Saxony, Germany, April 5, 1819, and is a son of Cas2:)ar and Susannah (Hoffman) Bauer. His father was one of the overseers of the Deeringer forests, a position he held until his death, near 1842, when 56 years old. Frederick secured a posi- tion in his father's business when in his 17th year, and remained in the Government's employ while in that country. In June, 1842, he was married to Henrietta Bauer, and, in the year 1846, emigrated to America in com- pany with his mother and sister. His wife remained behind, with the purpose of follow- ing when he became located. Coming direct to Crawford Co., Ohio, they located, but Fred- erick, not liking the country as well as he •^ LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1033 anticipated, returned to Boston and went to work in a sugar refinery, where he remained five years. While there, his wife and child joined him, the eldest child having come over with his grandmother and lived with her until the arrival of the mother. Having saved a neat little sum while in the city, Mr. Bauer again came to Crawford Co., and secured the farm on which he now lives. But a small part of this was cleared, and the rest was accomplished by himself. He is well and favorably known throughout the county as a successful, careful and industrious farmer. His marriage has been blessed with seven children — William, Louisa, William Freder- ick, Albert, Lewis, Henry and Mary. The eldest was recently killed in a saw-mill in Putnam Co., Ohio, where he was then living. Ml-. Bauer, wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. JAMES MADISON DITTY, merchant, Wingert's Corners, youngest son of William and Susan Ditty, was born April 11, 1854, in Holmes Township. His father was a successful farmer and school-teacher, and died in the fall of 1856, leaving the subject of our sketch fath- erless at the tender age of 2 years. His mother then removed to Wingert's Corners, and, two years later, she was married to Jacob Stearns, of Lykens Township. By this last marriage 'she has two children — Alice and Magdalena, both married to respected farmers of Lykens Township. The mother died in 1860. Mr. Ditty attended district school until his 19th year, when he attended a normal school in Republic, Seneca County. At the age of 20, he went to Upper Sandusky, and entered the grocery and provision store of Harmon Bowen as clerk, and remained there six months, when he came to the farm of his step-father, in Ly- kens Township, and remained three years, and then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Win- gert's Corners, opening a grocery and provi- sion store in company with Jacob Shuck, and is now thus engaged and doing a good busi- ness. Mr. Ditty has been a prominent man in the politics of the township, and was recently elected Township Clerk, and is dis- charging his duties with faithfulness and sat- isfaction. DAVID FRALICK, farmer; P. O. Broken Sword; was born Dec. 14, 1835, in Lebanon Co., Penn., and is a son of David and Eliza- beth (Grarrett) Fralick, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. His father was a weaver by trade in early life, but relin- quished it for farming. In 1836, he moved to this State and located in Richland Co., where he lived about eight years, and then came to Crawford Co. After residing here about six years, he returned to Richland Co., and, following his chosen pursuit of farming, remained quiet until 1860, when he disposed of his property and again moved into this county, which was ever after his home. He died April 1, 1878, possessing at that time a valuable property, the result of his own indus- try and good management. The subject of this sketch went to the carpenter's trade when only 18 years old, and followed it steadily until the year 1875, when he left it for the more congenial and independent vocation of farming. He has a pleasant little farm of 136 acres, which he carefully tills and im- proves. Dec. 24, 1863, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth Hass, daughter of C/onrad and Catharine (Myers) Hass. Her father came to this country from Grermany when six years old, and was maiTied in Colum- biana Co., Ohio. He moved to this county in 1835. Mrs. Fralick was born Aug. 28, 1841, and has been fruitful of six childi*en — Emma J., Benjamin F., Ida C, Lizzie B., Edward C. and Harrison A. Both Mi-, and Mi-s. Fra- lick are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat. JACOB GEIGER, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 5, 1844, and is a son of Com-ad and Veronika (Held) Geiger, both of whom are natives of that country, the above-named lady being Mr. Geiger's second wife. Conrad Geiger is a farmer by occupation, and is yet residing in his native land. Jacob left the fatherland in 1871, and, Sept. 16 of the same year, landed in the city of New York. He remained there three years, laboring at various occupations, and then came to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand until August, 1877, when he removed to this county. He has a pleasant farm of 80 acres, on which good buildings have been erected, and the fields, 1034 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: .k bearing evidence of careful tillage, mark Mr. Geiger as one of the best of farmei-s. He cast his first Presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. WILLIAM M. GEIGER, farmer: P. O. Lykens; was born Feb. 1, 1845, in Seneca Co,, Ohio. His father, Henry Geiger, was born in Reigher, Germany, and when 15 years old accomj)auied his parents to America. They settled in Stark Co., Ohio, and there Henry was married to Christena Zooterven, who came to this country from Germany when in her childhood. As soon as married, he moved to Seneca Co., where he entered 80 acres of Gov- ernment land, and, besides the land, possessed only an ax, fifty pounds of flour, and $1 in money. The privations they endured only served to renew their energies and qualify them for the undertaking presented to them of developing a home in the forest and earn- ing the necessaries of life while thus engaged. They succeeded as such people usually do, and have now one of the finest homes and most valuable farms in the whole county. They have also assisted each of their seven childi'en to a pleasant start in life, and are now living in the enjoyment of the bounties given them for their early struggles. The subject of this sketch remained on his father's farm and under the parental roof until he organized a home of his own. His marriage was celebrated in the month of November, 1868, Maria, daughter of Conrad and Chris- tiana Lebold becoming his wife. She was born Sept. 28, 1846, in Seneca Co., Ohio, her parents being early settlers of that county from Germany. In the spring of 1872, Mr. Geiger sold his farm in Seneca Co. to good advantage, and came to whei'e he now lives, owning a pleasant farm of nearly 100 acres, which he cultivates carefully and successfully. Their marriage has been fruitful of foiu- children — Emma A., Bertha D., Nelson E. and Edward. He is a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat. SAMUEL HALL, retired farmer; P. O. Melmore; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, March 24, 1816. His father, Joseph Hall, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., and when 13 years old accompanied his parents to this State. They settled in Fairfield Co., and there developed a farm. Joseph was united in marriage with Mary Mills, a lady of Penn- sylvania birth, and in December, 1829, removed to this section of the State. He entered a quarter-section of Government land in what is now Lykens Township, and after- ward two 80-acre lots joining, one being in Seneca Co. He underwent the usual priva- tions that fell to the lot of early settlers, and passed a life of usefulness and industry in this county, dying at a hale old age in 1863. Samuel passed his early life amid the stirring scenes of pioneer life, and first owned a farm near the center of the township, now owned by William Tippin. It was partly cleared when he secured it, and on this he lived until 1866, when he removed to where he now lives, on the old homestead. May 4, 1843, he was married to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of James and Rachel (Conger) Telford. She was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1822, and in June, 1835, her parents removed to Ohio, the journey being accomplished in three weeks and four days, in a wagon drawn by two yokes of oxen. They first settled in Seneca Co., and, Dec. 31, 1840, removed to Crawford Co. Of the four children born, one is living — Garrett B. Mr. Hall has held different township ofiices. He was a Democrat in early life, and supported Martin Van Buren for the Presi- dency, but severed his connection with that party during the war, and has since been a Republican. His wife belongs to the Pres- byterian Church. WILLIAM HUNSICKER, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Api'il 15, 1842. His father, Jacob Hunsicker, was born in Germany, and, after reaching maturity, emigrated to America. He lived a few years in the State of New York, where he was mar- ried to Matilda Knerieman, who was also of German birth. From there he removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and, securing a partly devel- oped farm, lived on it until 1851, when he removed to Crawford Co., and located in Chat- field Township, where he now lives. William has always made farming his leading occupa- tion, and in April, 1871, moved to where he now lives, owning a pleasant little farm of 160 acres, on which good buildings have been erected, and other necessary improvements Al' LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1037 made. For several years he has followed threshing, with good results to himself, and satisfaction to his patrons. He was married, Nov. 24, 1S70, to Catharine, daughter of Con- | rad and Magdalena Lust. She was born in \ Crawford Co., Dec. 30, 1850, and has crowned their union with four children — Peter Frank- lin, Magdalena Elizabeth, John Wesley and Charles Simon. Both he and wife are mem- bers of the German Methodist Church. He is usually found in the ranks of the Democratic party, but advocates the support of men in preference to parties. BYRON F. JACOBS, farmer; P .0. Ly- kens ; is the youngest son, and third of a family of four childi-en, and was born Sept. 4, 1847, in Lykens Township, Crawford Co. His father, August Jacobs, was born and reared ' in Saxony, Germany, and there learned the carpenter's trade. He married a lady of his native land, named Eachel Baer, and started immediately for America, landing in the city of New York with 25 cents in money, and debts amounting to $11. After working a while in the city, he turned his face westward, and came to the State of Ohio, where he has since lived. For awhile he worked on the National pike, and then, coming to Crawford Co., bought a small piece of land. He would work at his trade during the day to support his family, and cleared his land after his day's labor was completed. He then sold this, and bought a larger tract, which was all forest, and which he has rendered valuable and attractive, although many prophesied that he would starve when he moved there, as it was wet and low. He is yet living, at a hale and hearty old age, having lost his companion April' 16, 1872. The subject of this sketch passed his early life on his father's farm, and, Feb. 25, 1869, was married, Margaret, daugh- ter of J. A. and Melissa (Kulman) Klink be- coming his wife. She was boi'n Oct. 17, 1850, in ^Liberty Township, this county, and has blessed their union with four childi-en — Jef- ferson, Melissa, Adam and HaiTison. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat; pos- sesses a neat Ittle farm, and is, withal, an intelligent and enterprising citizen. JACOB KELLER, farmer; P. O. Melmore; was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 1, 1831, and is a son of Peter and Susannah (Buch- man) Keller. His father served six years in the reo-ular army of his native country, and the balance of his life was devoted to farming. In the fall of 1852, he emigrated with his family to America, and came directly to Ohio, settling in Seneca Co. He arrived there Sept. 17 of that year, and, after residing there sev- eral years, he moved into Crawford Co., where he remained till his death, clearing up a farm with what assistance he received from his sons. He died in 1866, and his wife survives him. Jacob left the fatherland in advance of the rest of the family, an'iving on the shores of the New AVorld in Avigust, 1851, and came direct to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he com- menced laboring on a farm. Shortly after the aiTival of his father's family he again went to work for his father, although he had reached the legal age, and could have been doing for himself. He labored thus for seven years, and then bought a farm of 80 acres, which he sold, and bought where he now lives, owning 130 acres of good land. He was man-ied April 5, 1860, to Catharine Stuckey, who came to this country from Ger- many after arriving at womanhood. She died July 16, 1862, having borne one child — Adam J. He again entered the mairied state March I 1, 1863, Mary Slowman becoming his wife. She was born in Germany June 26, 1843, and is a daughter of Frederick J. and Ellen N. Slowman, and came to this country in 1852. Their children are named respectively George B., Ellen N. S., Mary A., Jacob, Charley A., William M. and Louisa C. Both he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he is Treasurer, Secretary and Elder. He has always been a Democrat. FRANKLIN LA RUE, farmer and stock- raiser; P. O. Poplar; is the eldest of a family of seven children, and was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, July 22, 1842. His father, Jonathan D. La Rue, was born Sept. 25, 1816, in Steii- ben Co., N. Y., and was there man-ied to a lady named Jane Gray. He taught school there in early life, and, in June, 1841, he moved to Ohio, and settled in Seneca Co., where he resided four years. He then came «a w. 1038 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to Crawford Co., and, securing a partly devel- oped farm in Lykens Township, created a handsome property. " Ma j. La Rue," as he was familiarly called, was a man of extended acquaintance, and was respected by all as a man of good judgment, and the embodiment of honor and integrity. He died Sept. 5, 1880, after a brief illness, and for many years had been a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church. His children were named respect- ively — Franklin, Charles, Comfort W., Levi G., George, Jeannette and Albertus. The two eldest sons enlisted in Company K, 45th O. V. I., and Charles, being captured, died in that horrid prison pen at Anderson vi lie. Comfort W. and Levi G. are residing at Le Mars, Iowa, engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business. George and Jeannette died when young, and the youngest is now studying medicine. The subject of this sketch was married Feb. 20, 186^, to Ardella, daughter of L. M. Waller, of thiaij^township, in which she was born in 1848. t'heir union has produced six children — Charles, Lysander W., Ai-letta C, Ralph W., Guy E. and Harry G. He has devoted special attention to the breeding of sheep of the Spanish merino variety, and, as a result, possesses flocks that take rank among the best in the county. He has always been a Republican. His wife is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church. JOHN McLaughlin, farmer and teacher; P.^0. Poplar; was born Jan. 4, 1835, in Mel- more, Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, George McLaughlin, was born in Juniata Co.. Penn., and learned the trades of wheelwright and cabinet-maker. In 1825, he came to Seneca Co., Ohio, and, locating at Melmore, remained there two years, when he returned to his native State. Again in 1829 he determined to make the West his home, and, coming back to the same place, was married, Feb. 24, 1834, to Sarah Lewis, who came there from Oneida Co.,N. Y., a few years previous to their union. In the spring of 1838, he removed to a farm in Bloom Township, in that county, on which he remained until his death, June 10, 1875. His wife survives him. John received a good common-school education, and when 18 years old commenced teaching school, a business he has ever since followed during the winter season, except the time he was in the army. He enlisted in Company H, 55th O. V. I., and served over three years. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Slaughter Mountain, Manassas, Chancellorsville and other engagements. He was captured at Get- tysburg on the second day, and was impris- oned both at Belle Isle and Libby. When exchanged, he returned to his regiment. On Dec. 24, 1857, he was married to Harriet Dellinger, who was born in this county on April 28, 1836, and died Dec. 30, 1870, leav- ing five children — Elodia, Frank, Ida, Jennie and Minnie. He again entered the married state March 19, 1871, Susan Park becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Amos and Sarah (Baker) Park, and was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1839. She came to this county when quite young, and for many years previous to her marriage had been a leading school teacher in the county. She has blessed their union with foui' children — Nettie, Daisy, John D. and Lettie. He has for several years been one of the leading teachers in the man- agement of the Teachers' Institute in Craw- ford Co. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as also is his daughter Ida. He is a Republican. JOHN W. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; is one of the successful and energetic farmers of the county, and was born in North- ampton Co., Penn., July 18, 1841. His father, Jacob S. Miller, was a native of that county. and there he was married to Mary Mills. He learned the trade of blacksmith in early life, and has followed it much of the time ever since. In 1854, he left the Keystone State, and, coming directly to Ohio, located in Craw- ford Co. Securing a farm in Lykens Town- ship, he conducted it as well as working some at his trade, until 1877, when he relinquished farming, and went to Bloomville, Ohio. He has been blessed with six children, three of whom are living — John W., Richard and Jacob. John W. commenced doing for him- self when of age, and has always been devoted to agricultural pursuits, except while in the army. He enlisted in Company H, 55th O. V. I.^ and served nearly three years. He par- ticipated in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Marietta and other engagements, and went IV ^'. LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1039 with Sherman on his "march to the sea." He was slightly wounded at the battle of Averys- boro, N. C, and, three days later, at the bat- tle of Bentonville, he received a serious wound in the arm, from which he has never fully recovered. He was also prostrated by a sunstroke while gone, which he considers a permanent injui-y. On Dec. 27, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Allbaugh) Shalter. She was born in this county Sept. 21, 1843, and died June 5, 1878. He again entered the married state on October 14, 1879, Sarah Allbaugh, daughter of David and Rebecca (Keeran) Allbaugh, becoming his wife. She was born in this county Sept. 4, 1848, and is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church, while he belongs to the United Brethren Church. He has a model farm of 100 acres, on which he has erected tasty and convenient buildings. He is a Republican. JOHN MOORE, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, July 7, 1823, and is one of the well-to-do and floiu'ishing farmers of the county. His father, Mam-ice Moore, was born and reared in the State of New Jersey, and was there married to Han- nah Davis, who came to this country from Wales in her childhood. He was a farmer by occupation, and, a few years after his mar riage, emigrated to Harrison Co., Ohio, and cleared a farm. In the year 1834, he moved to Seneca Co. and entered aquarter-section of land, which he cleared and improved, with the help of his sons, and on which he is now living. The subject of this sketch received only a meager ediication, and vividly remem- bers many of the privations through which the family passed, in their pioneer home. He recollects distinctly the time when they ground buckwheat through their coffee-mill,' for a family in which there were nine chil- dren. He was married Oct. 9, 1845, to Sarah R. McLaughlin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Fisher) McLaughlin, her father being of Scotch-L'ish descent, while her mother was of Dutch extraction. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 10, 1825, and came to Seneca Co. when 16 years old. After marriage Mr. Moore lived west of Bucyrus about two years, and, in the spring of 1848, moved to where he now lives, having cleared his farm from the dense forest, and has an elegant and attractive home. He has erected substantial and tasty buildings, and can now enjoy the benefits to be derived fi'om his life- time of industry. Four children have blessed their union — Eliza J., Hannah A., Sarah F. and Ai'della A. The three eldest married, but the first one has since died. The joungest died Jan. 16, 1864, when in her 9th year. Mrs. Moore has of late years been afflicted, but places her trust in Him that do6th every- thing for the best. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. ]\loore is a char- ter member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and identifies himself with the Republican party. DAVID PERKY, retired farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., April 1, 1811. His father, Christo- pher Perky, was born in what is now Fayette Co., Penn., and reared to the pursu.it of farm- ing. He maiTied a lady by the name of Elizabeth Slau.ghter, of Westmoreland Co., and there lived a number of years. He served in the war of 1812, and was under Gen. Har- rison at Fort Meigs, and in the fall of 1819 moved to Ohio, whei-e he ever after lived. He lived in Perry Co. a short time, and then went to Fairfield Co., where he remained until 1827. In that year he moved to Seneca Co., where he died, Aug. 28, 1833, on the 57 th anniversary of his birth. His companion departed this life in July, 1849. David was married, April 15, 1834, to Mary, daughter of John and Magdalena (Spitler) Seitz. She was born in Fairfield Co. in March, 1814. He has always been a tiller of the soil, and has been a resident of Crawford Co. since 1848. He has cleared two different fai'ms, one being in Seneca Co., and for the last ten years has done but little manual labor. His wife died July 15, 1853, having -borne eleven children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who grew up were named respectively — John, J ane E., Lewis, Franklin, Abigail, David ands Henry. He was again married Oct. 18, 1855,.' Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary ( Hoover) Kanel, becoming his wife. She was born in Adams Co., Penn., Dec. 10, 1810, and came to this State when 16 years old. Mr. J^ 1040 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Perky's sons were among the patriotic young men who hastened to the defense of their country when her flag was insulted by traitor- ous hands. John enlisted in Co. G, 25th O. V. I., and served three years, coming home uninjured. In 18(32, Lewis and Franklin entered Company H, 55th O. V. I. Lewis was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga., and his ashes now repose in the National cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn. ; and Franklin, being discharged when disabled by sickness, died soon after his return. Wlien only 16, David entered the army, and died at Alexandria, Va. We thiis see that Mr. Perky's family contrib- uted four heroes to the late war, three of whom thereby lost their lives. The youngest son, Hemy, died in February, 1869. He is a Democrat. His wife belongs to the German Reformed Church. T. F. POPE, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born March 30, 1845, in Delaware Co., Ohio. His father, S. C. Pope, was born and reared in Logan Co., Ohio, and for many years fol- lowed teaching. While engaged in his chosen vocation in Richland Co., he was married to Esther Btutow, who was a native of that county. He shortly afterward moved to Del- aware, Ohio, and from there went to Williams Co. and ran a saw-mill. Some ten years later, he returned to Logan Co., and from there went to Paulding Co., where he now lives, his companion dying in 1860. The subject of this sketch, being of a patriotic nature, was one of the first to hasten to the defense of his country, and, when scarcely 17 years old, enlisted in Company L, 10th O. V. C. He served three years, and came out without a mishap or a sick day, and was under Kilpat- rick when he raided through Georgia with Gen. Sherman. When discharged, he returned to this county, where he has since lived, and, April 23, 1866, was married to Amy, daughter of Jonas and Mary (Thomas) Yingling. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Sept. 16, 1848, and is the happy niother of five children — Mary Esther, Kate Irene, Ada J., Sanoma B. and Jonas Adolphus. Mrs. Pope belongs to the Free-Will Baptist Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He has held town- ship offices, and is a stalwart Republican. JACOB RHOAD, farmer; P. O. Bloomville; is one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of this county, and a thorough business man. He was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Sept. 24, 1835. His father, George Rhoad, was born in Pennsylvania, and when 15 years old moved to this State, with his father's family. They lived in Crawford Co. two years, and then went into Seneca Co., where they afterward lived. They settled at first near where the town of Repuljlic now stands, the county then being almost an unbroken forest, and helped clear the land on which the town was built. George was married to a lady named Sarah Webster, who was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, and came to Seneca County when in her youth. He has cleared up a fine farm in that county, on which he now lives, enjoying the benefits derived from his early labors. Jacob's edu- cational advantages were quite limited, but through his own efforts and improvements he now possesses a fair education. He com- menced doing for himself when of age, and has always followed agrieultiu'al pursuits. Having a natiu'al taste for music, of which he is passionately fond, he cultivated this gift of nature, and for the last twenty years has taught singing schools with good success. Feb. 20, 1859, he was married to Alvira, daughter of Albert and Catharine (Grews- beck) Hammond. She was born in Crawford Co. on the 20th day of February, 1839. He served at Fort Worth during the late war, being in Company C, 36th O. V. I. His mar- riage has been fruitful of seven childi'en — Eva A. (deceased), Elmer E., Charley, Nellie (de- ceased), Odessie, Nettie G. and Ira D. Both he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, of which he is Deacon. He is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, an office for which he is well qualified, and takes great interest in the common schools. He was raised by an "Old-Line Democrat," and remained in that party until the Brough cam- paign, when he joined the Republican ranks, to which he now belongs. JACOB SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1825, and is a son of Solomon Seery, Sr., one of the pioneers of this township. He passed his youth and early manhood in assisting his f^ LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1041 father and elder brothers to clear the old homestead. Not until 25 years old did he commence doing for himself. On Jan. 22, 1852, he was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Lavinia A. Coon, who was born Dec. 18, 1833, in the Dominion of Canada, and is a daughter of Elisha and Olivia (Boyce) Coon. In October, 1840, they moved to Ohio, and settled in Crawford Co. After his marriage, Mr. Seery located on the farm on which he now lives, the improvements consisting of a small cabin and stable. It was partly cleared, and by industry and careful management he has brought it to a high degree of cultivation, and possesses one of the most valuable farms of the township. His marriage has proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with four childi-en — Alvaro, De Forest B., Lorenzo M. D!, and Reno Roscoe. The eldest died when 12 years old. Mr. Seery served in Company C, 136th O. N. G., diu'ing the late rebellion, being located at Fort Worth. He has served as Trustee, has been a Repub- lican since the organization of the party, and was a Whig in earlv life. PETER seery", farmer; P. O. Poplar; is one of the substantial and well-known citizens of this township, and is prominently identified with her growing interests. He was born Oct. 5, 1818, in Ross Co., Ohio, and is a son of Solomon Seery, Sr., whose sketch is given elsewhere. He has always been a farmer, and, July 13, 1845, was married to Margaret A., daughter of William and Rhoda Pen- nington. She was born Oct. 13, 1818, in Vir- ginia, and came here about the year 1826. After marriage, Mr. Seery settled on the farm on which he now lives, the improvements con- sisting at that time of a cabin and a few acres cleared. By years of patient and steady labor, he has created a productive farm, and many years ago their primitive house was replaced by one more commodious and elegant. His wife departed this life Nov. 3, 1873. She had borne five childi'en — Mary F., who died in infancy; William H., Willard W., Rhoda M. and Phoebe J. The sons are married. Both he and his wife united with the United Brethren Church before their marriage, and have devoted their lives to Christianity. He was identified with the Whig party in early life, and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. He is at present a Republican. CHARLES SOLZE, farmer; P. O. Broken Sword; was born in Saxony, Germany, Nov. 2, 1840, and is a son of John Frederick and Fredericka (Fodenerhaur) Solze. His father was a farmer, and, in the spring of 1841, with his wife and six children, embarked for Amer- ica. They came direct to Crawford Co., Ohio, and, in attempting to walk from Attica here, wei'e lost, and compelled to pass the night in the woods under a large tree. The next day they reached their friends. He at first bought 40 acres of land, on which a small improve- ment had been made, and, when circumstances wovild admit, sold, and secui'ed a better situa- tion. He died in 1867. One of his sons, Cliristian, was killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, being in Company C, 82d O. V. I. Charles, who is the subject of this sketch, worked on his father's farm until the breaking- out of the war, when he cheerfully responded to the call of his country, and, against the advice of friends and kindred, enlisted in the army. His name was enrolled in Company L, 10th O. V. C, and his term of service ex- tended over a period of three years. He served under Kilpatrick on the " march to the sea," and, during his whole term of service, never lost a day's duty. He was married, Nov. 6, 1870, Mary C, daughter of Alfi-ed and Fanny (Foy) Park, becoming his wife. She was born in this county Sept. 20, 1838, and has borne five children — John A., Fannie, Ada, Jose- phine and Scott. Mi-. Solze is a successful and enterprising farmer, and has a handsome property. He has always been a Republican. SOLOMON SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born Sept. 22, 1823, in Ross Co., Ohio. Solomon Seery, Sr., his father, was born in Washington Co., Perm., and when 10 years old accompanied his mother to Ross Co. Ed- ucational advantages were meager at best, but he, being the only child, was compelled to forego these, and labor for the support of his mother, and is said to have learned to read after his marriage. His mother was after- ward united to Jacob Foy, and came to this county. He was married in Ross Co., to Magdalena Van Gundy, who had come there from Pennsylvania when yet young. He •k^ 1043 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: developed a farm there, and in the fall of 1882, with his two eldest sons, came here, and commenced clearingf, having entered three 80-acre lots. He I'e turned to his family, and the following spring came here, erected a cabin, planted a small crop of corn, and then leaving his eldest son and daughter to keep house, himself and second son went back, and, after harvesting, started for the place with the family, and arrived here Sept. I, 1833. He afterward entered three 80-acre lots, making 480 acres of Grovernment land taken by this one man, which he and his sons developed as fast as possible. He died July 2, 1860, and his companion on July 24, 1873. The sub ject of this sketch has always been a tiller of the soil, and his early life was spent in devel- oping forest land. On Sept. 4, 185(3, he united his fortunes with those of Elizabeth Park. She was born Nov. 9, 1832, in Hamp- shire Co., Va., and is a daughter of Amos and Sarah (Baker) Park. Her father moved from there to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1836, and, two years later, came to this county, where he lived until 1873, and has since been located in Williams Co., Ohio. His wife died in 1871. Since man-iage, Mr. Seery has lived on the farm where he now resides, and where he has erected convenient and elegant buildings. His marriage has been blest with three children — Independence, John W. and Russell O. Both he and his amiable companion have devoted many years to Christianity, and are consistent members of the United Bretln-en Church. He is identified with the Republican party, and advocates temperance. WILLIAM SWALLEY, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was born Nov. 20, 1810, in Mifflin Co., Penn. His father, John Swalley, was born and reared in New Jersey, and, moving to Pennsylvania, was man-ied to Barbara Ai-ma- gast. He was a weaver by trade, and also conducted a farm, and, in the year 1817, moved to Ohio, and settled about fifteen miles soiTth of Zanesville. The father died soon after this, and the family then returned to Mifflin Co. In 1834, the mother again came to Ohio, and this time located in Crawford Co., being accompanied by her two daughters, other members of the family being here already. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried Dec. 8, 1833, to Catharine, daughter of Philip and Catharine Wonsetler. She was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 5, 1817, and has blessed her husband with the follow- ing children: Martin Van Buren, David W., Cornelius, Abel Sylvenus, Ann Eliza, Lafay ette, Sarah Ann. All are married except David, Sylvenus being a merchant at luka, 111. Since coming to this State, Mr. Swalley has developed a quarter-section of land, which he himself entered, and has bought other lots, owning at present 200 acres. The cabin of primitive days was years ago replaced by a more tasty and commodious structure, and but little is left to remind one of the forest home they occupied and enjoyed years ago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Swalley are members of the Free- Will Baptist Chiu-ch. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but left the party at the time of the war, and is now a stalwart Republican. CORNELIUS SWALLEY, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, March 31, 1838, and is a son of William Swalley, of this county. His early life was uneventful, being passed on his father's farm and at the quiet country school. AVhen 20 years old, he commenced working out, and followed that until the year 1862, when he responded to the call of his bleeding country, I and, entering Company K, 45th O. V. L, served for tlxree years. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, and other engagements. He was captured at Mount Sterling, Ky. : was immediately paroled, and, as soon as exchanged, joined his regiment. He was again captured at the battle of Phil- adelphia, Tenn., and imprisoned at Belle Isle for five months, after which he joined his regiment at Atlanta. He was married, Oct. 15, 1867, Soi)hia, daughter of Milton Waller, becoming his wife. She was born in Craw- ford Co., May 4, 1839, and has borne five childi-eu — Dillie, Don E., Minnie, Clara and Willie M. Both he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Chui'ch. He is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. LUCY ANN SMITH, farmer; P. O. Bro- ken Sword; is a daughter of Michael Shupp, one of the first settlers of Crawford Co., and \ — " jy LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1043 was born here June 3, 1830. Her parents dying when she was yet in her childhood, she lived with her brother Michael until her mar- riage, Dec. 20, 1847, to Frederick Smith. He was born and reared in Saxony, Germany, and, when gi'own to maturity, emigrated to Amer- ica. He came direct to Coktmbus, Ohio, and, being a stone-mason by trade, immediately went to work, and soon established his repu- tation as a iirst-class workman. He secured contracts for bridges on the National pike then being constructed, and in a few years had saved several hundi'ed dollars, with which he bought a quarter-section of Government land in Lykens Township, Crawford Co. He moved on this in 1840, develoj)iug, and bring- ing it to a high degree of culture. His first marriage was to Christiana Lipman, a native of Saxony, Germany. She died in 1846, leav- ing four children — Louis F., John F., Adol- phus G. and Clara. By his second union, eleven childi-en were born, ten of whom are living — Cornelius, Matilda, Catharine, Fred- erick, Hemy, Lucy Ann, Jefferson, Emma J., Melancthon and Serepta. Mr. Smith departed this life Dec. 3, 1877, and the farm has since been conducted by his wife. He was an influ- ential and prominent citizen, and well known throu-ghout the county. In November, 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office which he held till his death. He was Town- ship Clerk for many years, and School Di- rector most of the time since living in the county. He was connected with the Grange, and was Master at the time of his death. He was also a member of the county and State Granges. He was a member of the Evangel- ical Association, but had been a Lutheran in early life. He was a Democrat. CORNELIUS SMITH, carpenter. Broken Sword; is the eldest child born to Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith, and was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1847. He received a good common-school education, much of it being secm-ed by his own exertions when not at school, through his habits of study at odd hours. When 18 years old he commenced teaching, and followed it for sev- eral years with fair success, but relinquished it for the carpenter's trade, which is his pres- ent business, and his efforts have been crowned with like results. He was married April 3, 1870, Mary Catharine Ludy becoming his wife. She was born in this county March 17, 1850, and is a daughter of Michael and Cath- arine (Leimenstoll) Ludy, who came to this country from the Old World. They have two childi-en — Joseph Clarence and Cora Ellen. Both he and wife are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. He has a pleasant property situated at Wingert's Cor- ners, and is one of the cultiu'ed citizens of the place. He is a Democrat. MICHAEL SHUPP, retired farmer; P. O. Broken Sword: the eldest of a family of nine childi'en; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., July 24, 1809. His father, whose name was also Michael Shupp, was a native of that county, and was there man-ied to Rebecca Wise. Being a farmer by occupation, he con- cluded to emigrate to the West, where land was plenty and also cheap, and, the 28th day of May, 1828, he landed at Bucyrus, Ohio, with his family. He immediately entered 80 acres of land in Lykens Township, which he carefully developed, and then sold, and bought a quarter-section of new land.- He again entered the struggle with the elements of Nature, but had the satisfaction of possessing a larger farm when once he had it cleared. He died in 1836, and his wife in 1843. The subject of this sketch coromenced doing for himself when 22 years old, and, working out one year, received the sum of $100 for his serv- ices, with which he entered 80 acres of land. After improving it he sold, and bought the quarter-section where he now lives. This he has also cleared and rendered valuable by a lifetime of industry and careful attention to the minute details connected with the duties of a successful farmer. He was man-ied, March 4, 1834, to Susannah, daughter of John Adam and Anna Maria (Wirt) Miller. She was born June 19, 1817, in Union Co., Penn., and came to this county in 1830. She died Dec. 19, 1877, having borne foui'teen children, twelve of whom are living — Isaac, Amanda, Mary I Ann, Lavina, Noah, Caroline, Luciuda, Benja- min, Henry, Susannah, Catharine and Julia. All are married except the youngest thi'ee. IVIi-. Shupp is a member of the church known as the Evangelical Association, in which his >[^ 1044 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: son Noah is a minister. His wife also was a member of the same church. LOUIS F. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Cokimbns, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1886, and is a son of Frederick Smith, one of the most prominent farmers of the county. Louis was reared to agricultural pursuits, but, pos- sessing good business qualifications, he has made himself useful in other ways, while con- ducting his farm. He was mamed Sept. 5, 1859, to Christean Wilhelm. She was born in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 6, 1840, and came to this country when six years old. Their union has proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with eight children, five of whom are living — Sophia, Adolphus, Clara, Loretta and John H. Mr. Smith owns a pleas- ant farm, which is the result of well-directed labor and care. He is a man of recognized ability, being at the present time Master of Subordinate Grange, No. 245, and has impor- tant relations with the county and State Grange. He is prominently identified with the Crawford Co. Agricultural Society, and manifests a degree of interest in its success. Both he and his companion are members of the Pyethist Church. He has always been a Democrat. WILLIAM TIPPIN, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1827, and is a son of John and Margaret (Miller) Tippin, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania, and were there married. John's father, James Tippin, came to that State from Ireland when 21 years old, and was married to a Dutch lady, and, in the latter part of his life, moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they both died, he being in his 85th year. John moved to this State shortly after his marriage, and, locating in Wayne Co., remained there until 1837, when he came into Crawford Co. In 1851, he went to Wood Co., where he remained some time, and then returned to the county of Wyandot, where he now lives. The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until they started for Wood Co., when he remained behind, and has since been doing for himself. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 18, 1852, Miss Frances, daughter of Solomon Seery, becoming his wife. She was born Oct. 26, 1828, in Ross Co., and has blessed their happy union with nine children — David E., Owen W., Elbridge F., Emma C, Charley R., Seery S., Anna May (deceased), Harvey B. and Alta. The three oldest are married. Mr. Tippin and wife are consistent members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a Trustee. He is a Republican. ELI WINTERS, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born Sept. 28, 1824, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. The Winters family were among the first settlers of Jefferson Co., coming there from Pennsylvania when this State was yet a Territory, and it was there that Eli Winters, Sr., the father of the above-named gentleman, was born, in February, 1802. He was married to Annis Andrews, who came there from Ches- ter Co., Penn., the place of her birth, and, in March, 1884, moved to this county, and set- tled on a tract of Government land which he had entered the previous year. Mr. Winters, with the assistance of his sons, developed a good farm, besides doing much work for others, and in 1865 disposed of his property, and retired to Bloomville, where he now lives. The partner of his joys and sorrows departed this life in 1879. The subject of this sketch was deprived of many of the advantages that are necessary to the ac(jaisition of a liberal education, there being a demand for his serv- ices at home, even during the short session of winter school. However, in his father's family a " night-school " was organized, in which the children were scholars, and an older member of the family would act as in- structor, and thus he received the most of his schooling. He taught school one winter, and has been doing for himself since he reached the legal age. He did "job-work " for several years, ran a threshing machine, and at length secured a half-interest in a saw-mill at "Buljo," with which he was connected for a number of years. He qu.ite naturally drifted into the mercantile business at that place, and at the same time was Deputy Postmaster. In the spring of 1865, he bought his father's farm, and has ever since followed agricultural pur- suits. He is now serving as Justice of the Peace, an ofiice to which he was first elected in 1858, and has held ever since, except a short time during the war, when party spirit "^ a) w ^< ^ LYKENS TOWNSHIP. 1045 ran high, and, being a Eepublican, he was deposed a short time, as the township was mostly composed of the opposite party. In 1851, he was married to Eliza Howenstein, who came to this coimty from Pennsylvania a few years before their union. Six children have blessed their marriage, f oiu' of whom are living— Orelia A., Thomas H., Laura and STEPHEN WALLER, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was boi-n Aug. 25, 1831, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Milton Waller, one of the hai-dy pioneers of this township. He has always followed agricultiu*al pursuits, and is one of the well-to-do and respected farmers of the county. On Dec. 25, 1853, he was married to Martha, daughter of James and Mary (Rose) McKinley. She was born May 17, 1827, at New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and departed this life Oct. 4, 1879. She was an amiable companion, an affection- ate mother, and a friend to all. Her union with Mr. Waller gave nine children, five of whom are living— Osmar L., Stephen Milo, Ellen E. and Helen E., twins, and Mary J. The eldest has taught school, and is now attending the Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Mich. IVIr. Waller belongs to the I. O. O. F., and was a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He was the second Master of the Lodge, and was, the same year, delegate at large to the State Grange from Crawford Co. He is a consistent member of the Eree-Will Baptist Church, as was also his wife. He is a Democrat. LYSANDER M. WALLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Lykens; was bom in Orleans Co., N. Y., July 20, 1827. His father, Milton E. Waller, was born Aug. 7, 1807, m Washington Co., N. Y., and in early life learned the cooper's trade, and in 1825 accom- panied his parents to Orleans Co., where he was maiTied the following year to Polly Coon. He afterward moved into Chautauqua Co., where he secured a farm, and, ti'ading this off, received part of his pay in dry goods. He emigi-ated to Ohio in the spring of 1833, and located in Seneca Co. The same year he en- tered 80 acres of land in Lykens Township, Crawford Co., and the year following, moved on to his property. He soon secured 40 acres more, which he paid for by day work, and, besides developing this, had to labor for others, for the support of his family. He would work at the trade during bad weather, and often at night, after the completion of a hard day's labor. He departed this life Feb. 28, 1880, and his companion on Aug. 17, 1872. The subject of this sketch received only a meager education, such as the pioneer schools of those days furnished, many years of his life being devoted to the more practical occupation of clearing and assisting to develop the " forest home." He was manned in 1848 to Arietta Cory, and in 1851 she departed this life, leav- ing one child- Ai'della, now the wife of Franklin La Rue. He again entered the marriage relation Feb. 16, 1859, Miss Ann J. Yingling becoming his wife. She is a daugh- ter of Jonas and Mary (Thomas) Yingling, and was born in 1836, in this county. Their union has given one child— Amy Sophia, who died in her infancy. Mr. Waller is a member of the Masonic Order, Knights of Honor and Patrons of Husbandry. He is now serving his second term as Commissioner of Craw- ford Co., giving almost universal satisfaction. He has always been a Democrat. ROBERT WALCUTT, farmer and agent; P O Poplar; is one of the well-known and genial citizens of Crawford Co., and one of her thorough business men. He was born m Pickaway Co., Ohio, Feb. 21, 1832. His father, Jacob Walcutt, was born m Loudotui Co., Ya., in 1790, and sei-ved in the war of 1812. He came to Ohio after reaching his manhood, and was mairied in Pickaway Co., to Elizabeth Riley, who was also from the " Old Dominion," having been born there in 1800. He was a farmer, and while Robert was yet in his infancy moved with his family into Franklin Co., where he soon after died. He had, however, entered 80 acres of land near Benton, in this county, some time previ- ous, on which he contemplated moving, when Providence interposed, and his untimely death left a family of se -en childi'en to a mother's However, a iew years later, they came care. to this coimty, and sottled on the farm secured to them by the husband and father before his death. Robert received only the rudiments of what is now considered a common-school ■^ 1046 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: education, but his time has not been unim- proved, and he has added greatly to his early accomplishments. He has, until recently, l)aid special attention to farming, and in 1857 went to Iowa, where he lived one year, the rest of his time being passed in the Buckeye State. In 1877, he commenced working for the well-known W. H. Houpt, of Shelby, Ohio, one of the largest dealers in marble, o-ranite, etc., in the State. He has been a successful salesman, and is held in high esti- mation by the firm. During the past year, he has also dealt in agricultural implements and machinery, with uniform results. In 1854, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Abraham and Susannah (Cline) Knisely. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1836, and came to this coimty when 6 years old. She died Aug. 18, 1876, having borne nine children, six of whom are living — Mary Virginia, James R., John Brough, Frances J., Minnie B. and Nellie A. The eldest is married, being the wife of Torry C. Linn. The eldest son has been a successful school teacher, and is now attending the Starling Medical College, at Columbiis, Ohio. Mr. Walcutt belongs to the I. O. O. F. ; is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Gen. Scott. WILLARD WICKHAM, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1814, and is a son of David and Louisa (Hilliard) Wickham, both of whom were natives of that State. The father served in the war of 1812, and, being a farmer by occupation, came West to better his circumstances and iinprove his surroundings in life. In 1837, he came to Crawford Co., Ohio, and seciu'ed a partly developed farm in what is known as Texas Township, on which he passed the rest of his life, dying in September, 1849. His wife departed this life in August, 1875, and was residing at that time in Michigan, at the home of a daughter. The subject of this sketch commenced doing for himself when of age, and has always been a tiller of the soil. He taught school for several winters when a young man, and in 1 840, secured the farm on which he now lives. It v/as all heavy forest, and this he has develope(\ and made valuable by a lifetime of industry and toil. During the administration of Franklin Pierce, he was appointed Government farmer among the Winnebago Indians, located at Long Prairie agency in Minnesota. Of late years he has led a more retired life. He was united in the bonds of matrimony Oct. 21, 1838, Phoebe, daughter of William and Rhoda (McKeever) Pennington, becoming his wife. She was born in Virginia, in the year 1820, and ac- companied her parents to this State at an early day. Their union has been blessed with ten children, seven of whom are living — George W., Margaret A., Mister W., Anson, Mary L., William H. and Wallace M. All received a good education, and all have been successful school-teachers. Mr. Wickham is now serv- ing his fourth term as Justice of the Peace, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. His companion has been a member of the United Brethren Chiu'ch most of her life. He is a Republican. JOHN P. YINGLING, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; is one of the industrious and energetic farmers of the county, and was born Aug. 6, 1838, in Crawford Co., Ohio. His father, Jonas Yingling, was born and reared in Hunt- ingdon Co., Penn., and when a young man came to Ohio. He was a mason and stone- cutter by trade, and for awhile worked on the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. when it was being built. He was married in Portage Co., Ohio, to Mary Thomas, who was born in Wales, and came to America after reaching maturity. She remained a short time in New York, and then came to Pittsburgh, and soon went to work for a man named Appleton, who was a contractor on the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. It was here that she first met Mr. Yingling, who afterward followed her to Portage Co. and made her his wife. They started for Crawford Co. as soon as married, where he entered 80 acres of Gov- ernment land, and, although he made several changes, never left the county. He died Aug. 27, 1867, having at that time 260 acres of land. John received only a meager educa- tion, being required on the farm much of the time. He has always been a tiller of the soil, and confesses that he has not yet completed the trade, although his farm bears evidence of careful tillage. In the late war, he served i^ Company C, 49th O. V. I., being stationed at Fort Worth. Oct. 2, 1870, he was united :^ — ^ ERRATA. 1047 in the bonds of marriage with Miss Sarah F. Moore, who was born in this county Aug. 7, 1852, and is a daughter of John Moore, a sketch of whom is given in this work. Two children have blessed their union — Myrtie, born Aug. 7, 1871, and Ora, born July 7, 1873. He is a Republican. ERRATA. BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP. THOMAS P. HOPLEY, printer and journal- ist, Bucyrus ; the fourth son, or third living son, of John and Georgianna (Rochester) Hop- ley ; born at Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, Nov. 13, 1853. He has been a resident of Crawford Co. since April, 1856. He was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus, from which he graduated in the class of 1872. He is a printer by trade, and a journalist by profes- sion ; he has worked in the Bucyrus Journal office for about ten years, since May, 1868. He has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus since February, 1868. He hasn't done anything worthy a place in the Crawford Co. History except vote the Prohibi- tion ticket since he became of age, including Presidential votes for G-reen Clay Smith in 1876, and Neal Dow in 1880. He is consid- ered a "fool" by many who do not like his views on the Temperance question, and thinks their opinion a compliment. His mother is the fourth daughter of John Rochester, who was born near London, England, Jan. 9, 1796. Rochester was married in 1816, to Miss Marian Gladle, a descendant of the Westley family on her mother's side, and the daughter of a rene- gade Frenchman, who left his native land dur- fng the French Revolution, and served as an otflcer in the English army ; Gladle was killed in Spain, while fighting against France. Mr Rochester emigrated to America in 1820, and settled at Englishtown, Athens Co.; he removed to Logan, Hocking Co., in 1829, and was, for nearly fifty years, engaged in the mercantde business at that place. He united with the Presbyterian Church in 1832, and was, for forty-four years, a member of that religious society, serving thirty-four years as an Elder, and twenty-eight years as a Trustee in the church : he was for many years Superintendent of the Sunday school. He died Nov. 29, 1876, in the 81st year of his ag6 ; his first wife died in September, 1832. Georgianna Rochester was born Feb. 22, 1826, and was married April 19, 1848, to John Hopley ; they are the parents of ten children ; nine are still Uving. Mrs. Hopley is a member of the First Presby- terian Church of Bucyrus, and took an active part in the Woman's Temperance Crusade of 1874. W. H. HOUPT, Bucyrus, proprietor of Shelby Marble Works, importer and wholesale dealer in all kinds of marble and granite ; born in Sen- eca Co., Ohio ; his parents removed to Craw- ford Co., Ohio, where he spent his youth on a farm ; at the age of 26, he went to Somerset Co., Penn., and engaged in the marble business for some two years and a half; he then came to Ohio and purchased an interest in the works and ran in partnership for about a year; in the spring of 1872, he purchased his partner's interest and took control himself; he has su- perior advantages in the purchase of material ; he buys directly from the quarries of England, Scotland, Ireland and Canada; he purchases American granite and marble from all quarries in the United States; he has recently pur- chased the marble works of Plymouth, Ohio, and opened works in Bucyrus, Ohio ; from the long experience of Mr. Houpt in his business, ancT his well-known and honorable dealing, coupled with first-class material and workman- ship, he has established a large and increasing trade. r ^-1 3 Z) -g X O.A V A- ^ <^ f " <= « ■<*» c^ '^W^' ./\. 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