CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library « F 497H55 A36 ^^ | iMiiiiP' 3 1924 028 84» o't' g^^^s ; olin Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028848541 HISTORY OF HENRYan^FULTON COUNTIES OHIO WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS EDITED BY LEWIS CASS ALDRICH SYRACUSE, N. Y. D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS 1888 ^ PRESS OF D. MASON & CO., 63 WEST WATER ST., SYRACUSE, N. Y. (K INTRODUCTION. HISTORY is a statement of fact, clearly and concisely written, without in- ferences or personal opinions. One of the most satisfactory features of such a work, both to the writer and to the reader, is accuracy of statements and dates of occurring events. In this the historian always largely depends and relies upon the official records of the county — a part of the subject treated ; and the absence of such records places him in the somewhat em- barrassing position of being compelled to omit certain important facts, or else to say that they occurred at " about " such a time. In the preparation of this volume, and in the department relating to each of the counties, the writer was at once confronted with the fact that he must proceed without early official records. Twice in the history of Henry county has its court-house been destroyed by fire, and, upon the occasion of the first of these events its records, almost entire, were consumed. Likewise the court- house at Ottokee, the seat of justice of Fulton county for some years, was burned, and with it were destroyed all records. But, notwithstanding these unfortunate conditions, the compiler has been able to furnish a reasonably ac- curate statement of history by virtue of the kind and ever- ready assistance of men whose word and memory are almost equal to any record. It is, therefore, the province and purpose of these introductory pages to acknowledge and make manifest the obligations of the editor and the publishers of this volume to those who have so generously contributed in every way to make the work not only a success, but possible of accomplishment. Among the early chapters, those relating to the Indian occupation of this region, will be found the contribution of Colonel Howard, a resident of Wina- meg, but who also maintains a domicile at Wauseon. Then, in the same de- partment — the general history, will be found chapters from the pen of Judge Haag, who is acknowledged to be by far the most versatile writer of Henry Introduction. county. To his willing labor, also, are we indebted for the Bench and Bar, the Press, and several township chapters. To the judge's son, Jackson D. Haag, are due the thanks of the editor for the history of the several townships, Ridge- ville, Freedom and Washington, of Henry county. The name of James E. Scofield heads two chapters relating, respectively, to the townships Flat Rock and Pleasant. In the military history of this county we here acknowledge the services of Captain C. E. Reynolds, he having contributed important material for the same relating to the Sixty-eighth Regiment; and, in the same chapter, the muster roll of that regiment is furnished through the courtesy of Elmer A. Palmer, esq., now of the adjutant-general's office at Columbus. The geolog- ical chapter, and that of Napoleon township as well, are written by Dr. Hunter. For the chapters which comprise the history of Fulton county acknowl- edgments are made to the following persons: To Hon. Oliver B. Verity, for the chapters on Land Titles, Amboy, Chesterfield, Clinton, Dover, Franklin, Fulton, German, Gorham, Pike, Royalton and York townships; to L. M. Murphy, esq., for the chapters on the Bench and Bar, the village of Wauseon and Swan Creek township ; to Hon. Moses R. Brailey (since deceased), for the military history ; to Josiah H. Bennett, M. D., for the medical sketches; to Thomas Mikesell, for a valuable meteorological record ; to Hon. John C. Rorick, for the recollections of pioneer life. And finally, to the people at large of both counties, who, by their generous support, have enabled the publishers to produce this Memorial History; to each and every one who has by word or act contributed to the work of the historian, and lightened the burden of his duty, are due sincere thanks from him and from the publishers. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. A BRIEF CHAPTER EXPLANATORY OF THIS VOLUME AND ITS SUB- DIVISIONS 17 CHAPTER n. Commencement of the Indian Occupation of the Country East of the Mississippi — Orig- inal Occupants — The Lenui Lenapes — The Mengwe —The AUegwi — Ancient Tradi- tion — The Conflict — The Lenapes and Mengwe Victorious — Their Occupation of the "Whole Eastern Country 18 CHAPTER HI. From the Close of the Revolution Down to the Time of the Removal of the Last of the Indian Tribes from the Valley — Names and Characteristics of the Tribes of the Valley — The Part Taken by Them in the Wars — Their Final Removal — Incidents . . 22 CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF THE SOIL AND JURISDICTION. Province of Louisiana — - French Claim — British Claim — Cession of France to England — Cession by England to the Colonies — Cesssion by the States to the United States — Extinguishment of Indian Titles — Organization as to Territory — Admission as a State — Organization of Counties — Township Organization 32 Contents. CHAPTER V. HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, INVASION, IMMIGRATION AND SETTLE- MENT BY THE WHITES 37 CHAPTER VI. Early Settlers of the Maumee Valley Recalled — The Names of Many of Them, and Some Incidents Concerning Them 43 CHAPTER VH. Erection of Henry County — The Act Creating It — Other Counties Erected at the Same Time — Original Boundaries — Subsequent Reductions to Form Other Counties — Geographical Location and Present Boundaries — Events Incident to Its Complete Organization — Locating the County^ Seat ^— Napoleon Designated — First County Officers — First Court — The Old Log Court-House — The First Frame Court-House — Its Burning — The Records Destroyed — The First Brick Court-House — Its Destruction — The Present Court-House and Jail — County Civil List 47 CHAPTER Vni. • Historical Incidents and Localities Connected with Henry County — Simon Girty — A Tale of the Early War — Logan's Fidelity Proved — The Black Swamp — Killing of Four Indians 55 CHAPTER IX. A GENERAL TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW OF HENRY COUNTY ; ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS 62 CHAPTER X. GEOLOGY OF HENRY COUNTY 65 Contents. g CHAPTER XL The Titles to Lands of Ohio — Original Claimants — Extinguishment of Indian, Titles — Surveys in this Region 70 CHAPTER Xn. HENRY COTJNTT IN THE WAR OF 1861-65 76 CHAPTER XHI. THE BENCH AND BAR 140 CHAPTER XIV. THE HENRY COUNTY PRESS 156 CHAPTER XV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 162 CHAPTER XVI. i HISTORY OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF NAPOLEON — THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF HENRY COUNTY 166 CHAPTER XVII. 5 HISTORY OF BARTLOW TOWNSHIP 199 CHAPTER XVIII. HISTORY OF DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP 203 s 2 lo Contents. CHAPTER XIX. HISTORY OF FLAT ROCK TOWNSHIP 208 CHAPTER XX. HISTORY OF FREEDOM TOWNSHIP 227 CHAPTER XXI. HISTORY OF HARRISON TOWNSHIP 230 CHAPTER XXII. HISTORY OF LIBERTY TOWNSHIP 235 CHAPTER XXIII. HISTORY OF MARION TOWNSHIP 239 CHAPTER XXIV. HISTORY OF MONROE TOWNSHIP 243 CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP 248 CHAPTER XXVI. HISTORY OF PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 264 Contents. i r CHAPTER XXVII. HISTORY OP KICHFIELD TOWNSHIP 270 CHAPTER XXVIII. HISTORY OP RIDGEVILLE TOWNSHIP 273 CHAPTER XXIX. HISTORY OP WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP 277 CHAPTER XXX. THE ORGANIZATION OP PULTON COUNTY. Erection of Pulton County — Act Creating It — Pixing the Seat of Justice — Naming It — The Pirst Oourt-House — Pirst Term of Court Held in Pike Township — The Pirst Jail — Propositions to Change the County Seat — Burning of the Court-House at Ottokee — New Court-House Erected — Removal of County Seat to Wauseon — The New Court-House — The Jail — The Infirmary — List of County OfBcials 285 CHAPTER XXXI. Geographical Location of Fulton County — Boundaries — Position of Townships — Streams — Topography — Ditching and Draining 293 CHAPTER XXXII. GEOLOGY OP PULTON COUNTY 296 CHAPTER XXXIII. Showing Titles, Grants and Surveys, Native and Poreign, to the Soil of Pulton County. . . 302 12 Contents. CHAPTER XXXIV. METEOROLOGY OP FULTON COUNTY 316 CHAPTER XXXV. Early Settlement North of the Fulton Line — RecoUeotions of Pioneer Life 327 CHAPTER XXXVI. SOCIETIES OF THE COUNTY 331 CHAPTER XXXVII. Military History of Fulton County — Early Militia Organizations 334 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE BENCH AND BAR, OF FULTON COUNTY 387 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 403 CHAPTER XL. THE PRESS OF FULTON COUNTY 411 CHAPTER XLI. HISTORY OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF WAUSEON, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF FULTON COUNTY : i20 Contents. 13 CHAPTER XLII. HISTORY OP AMBOY TOWNSHIP 434 CHAPTER XLHI. HISTORY OF CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP 444 CHAPTER XLIV. HISTORY OF CLINTON TOWNSHIP 455 CHAPTER XLV. HISTORY OF DOVER TOWNSHIP 465 CHAPTER XLVI. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP 475 CHAPTER XLVn. HISTORY OF FULTON TOWNSHIP 489 CHAPTER XLVni. HISTORY OF GERMAN TOWNSHIP 506 CHAPTER XLIX. HISTORY OF GORHAM TOWNSHIP 516 14 Contents. CHAPTER L. HISTORY OP PIKE TOWiN'SHIP 3^8 CHAPTER LI. HISTORT OP ROY ALTON TOWNSHIP o4i> CHAPTER LII. HISTORY OF SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP 551 CHAPTER LHI. HISTORY OP YORK TOWNSHIP 562 CHAPTER LIV. BIOGRAPHICAL 57a BRIEF PERSONALS 64a Contents. IS BIOGRAPHICAL, Allen, Hon. Charles L 573 Ayers, David 599 Barber, Col. E. L 575 Bassett, Dr. L; A 624 Briggs, Frank — 576 Brown, Hon. Levi W 610 Canfield, Heman A... 612 Deyo, Hon. Albert 613 Ely, Lafayette G - 616 Finney, Dr. S. B. 618 Groschner, Hon. H. C 625 Haag, Hon. John M.. 578 Haag, Samuel C. .-. 586 Hagar, William D - - . 601 Hamler, John 590 Handy, William H -- 587 Hollister, D. W., M. D 589 Hornung, Charles 627 Howard, Hon. D. W. H 581 Jordan, Amos H 619 Kilpatrick, Mrs. Mary I 628 Kelley, William C - 592 Miller, Joseph H - 621 Murbach, Andrew J., M. D - . . 623 Rorick, Hon. John C 603 Rorick, Hon. E. H 629 Robinson, Anthony B 594 Scott, Hon. Robert K. 606 Scofield, James E - 632 Scofield, John N - - . - 596 Scribner, A. B 633 Thompson, Abraham B 597 Trowbridge, Lyman 635 Tyler, Hon. John H -.. 636 Vaughan, James C - 639 Verity, Hon. O. B 640 ILLUSTRATIONS. Allen, Hon. Charles L facing 524 Ayers, David. . - - - - - -facing 470 Barber, Col. E. L facing 338 Bassett, Dr. L. A facing 492 Briggs, Frank facing 568 Brown, Hon. Levi W facing 610 Canfield, Heman A facing 520 Deyo, Hon. Albert. facing 452 Ely, Lafayette -G - facing 484 Finney, Dr. S. B facing 618 i6 Contents. Haag, Hon. John M. .. ..facing 152 Haag, Samuel C facing 586 Hagar, William D facing 600 Hamler, John facing 240 Handy, William H facing 396 Hollister, D. W., M. D facing 404 Hornung, Charles facing 266 Jordan, Amos H facing 448 Kilpatrick, Mrs. Mary I facing 628 Kelley, William C facing 398 Miller, Joseph H facing 502 Murbach, Andrew J., M. D facing 514 Rorick, Hon. John C facing 424 Rorick, Hon. E. H facing 526 Robinson, Anthony B facing 594 Scott, Hon. Robert R. facing 96 Scofield, James E facing 208 Scofield, John N facing 274 Scribner, A. B. facing 180 Thompson, Abraham B. facing 564 Trowbridge, Lyman facing 172 Tyler, Hon. John H. facing 262 HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. CHAPTER I. A BRIEF CHAPTER EXPLANATORY OF THIS VOLUME AND ITS SUBDIVISIONS. FOR an intelligent and proper narration of the events which it is the pur- pose and province of this work to record, it has been found necessary that the work should be arranged in three general divisions, or departments, and each department again divided into chapters. The first department contains all that pertains to the two counties, Henry and Fulton, that may be said to be common to both of them, and will be found recorded in the earher chapters, numbers two, three, four, five and six, bring- ing the subject down to the time of the erection or formation of Henry county, in the year 1820. These chapters relate in the main to the Indian occupation and history, with the fifth, the early settlers of the Maumee Valley prior to and about the time the county was brought into existence. Following these chapters will be found the history of Henry, the senior of the two counties. Henry county was formed in the year 1820, while its fellow in this volume, Fulton, was not given an existence until some thirty years later. Again, the departments relating especially to the counties will be found subdivided and arranged in two departments each; the first treating of sub- jects having a general extent over the county, and not of such character as to identify them with any particular township or locaUty, and of themselves form the general history of each county. 1 8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. By comparing the chapters in the general history of the counties there will be found similar subjects treated in each, but these have been carefully pre- pared by different writers, and while the subject matter in the general remarks will be found the same, and the same conclusion arrived at, the variable style of presenting them will be found interesting and instructive to the reader. It will be discovered, too, that each township in each county is written sep- arately, some longer and some shorter, according to the importance of each, or the volume of history that each is found to possess. Generally any county cannot be said to possess any history prior to its formation, and a narrative of its events would naturally commence with that formation ; but notwithstanding this, the territory now embraced within the boundaries of Henry and Fulton counties had a history long before such form- ation was made, or even contemplated, and that history embraced the whole Maumee Valley, of which valley the county of Henry forms an integral part, although but few, if any, of the stirring events of the valley can be said to have been enacted within the borders of what now constitutes that county ; therefore, it may truthfully be said that the history of Henry and Fulton coun- ties is auxiliary to that of the whole Maumee Valley, auxiliary to but not co- extensive with it. Nevertheless, in an intelligent narrative of the events of this locality the history of the whole valley must be included. CHAPTER n. Commencement of the Indian Occupation of the Country East of the Mississippi— Original Occupants— The Lenni Lenapes— The Mengwi —The AUegwi— Ancient Tradition— The Con- flict—The Lenapes and Mengwe Victorious— Their Occupation of the whole Eastern Country. WHEN the first European adventurers visited this country they found the whole land occupied by a tribe, or rather a nation, of Indians, calling themselves Lenni Lenapes, meaning original people. Their possessions reached from the Hudson River on the east, throughout the whole country west from that, including the larger rivers of Pennsylvania, the Delaware, Susquehanna, Allegheny, Ohio, Juniata, Schuylkill, and the streams of Ohio as well, even as far south as the Carolinas. Their seat of government was on the Delaware River, and from this fact they were known to the whites as the Delawares. Their sub tribes, that scattered over this vast domain, were subjects of and paid allegiance to the sachems and chiefs at the seat of government, although each tribe was known by a different name suited to the locality in which they respectively lived. General History. 19 Among them, and with their old antagonists, the Iroquois, for hundreds of years there lived a tradition, handed down from generation to generation ; but it is well enough to remark that the story has not in any regard been enlarged upon by younger generations ; it has remained the same, told in the same simple manner, although without fixed date, and no names except those of the tribes or nations engaged. The story, or tradition, is so pure and natural that it seems like a reality, and to call it a tradition seems an unworthy charge and a gross perversion of Indian character and Indian nature. Sometime during the fourteenth century, as the story goes, there came to the west bank of the Mississippi River, each journeying eastward, two nations of Indians called respectively the Lenni Lenapes and the Mengwe. Neither knew of the journey of the other, nor had they any former acquaintance. Their first meeting was upon the river. They found the country bordering on the river to be in possession of a numerous fierce and warlike nation of Indians calling themselves the Allegwi, who claimed all the territory for hundreds of miles around and apparently were possessed of sufficient force to maintain that claim. The emigrants sent messengers with presents to the chiefs and sachems of the Allegwi, and asked of them permission to cross the river and settle in their country. After a council of those in authority the request was refused, but permission was given that the Lenapes and Mengwe might cross the river and journey to the country far east and beyond the lands claimed by the Al- legwi. The embarkation was at once commenced and thousands crossed the river, when, either deceived as to the number of the emigrants and fearing them, or with malice in their hearts, the Allegwi fell upon them with great force and slaughtered many, driving them into the forests and scattering them far and wide. After a time each of the journeying nations was gathered and all united as a common people, and returning, attacked the Allegwi, beat them in a long and terrific battle and drove them from the country to the far south. The victorious forces now resumed their journey eastward, but with little feelings of friendship, for the Lenapes declared that the brunt of the battle fell upon them, and that the Mengwe hung in the rear and fought but little. After their journey had ended, these nations never had friendly relations, but lived aloof from each other, and finally became engaged in war, which ended in the entire subjugation of Lenni Lenape, or Delaware country, by the powerful Five Nations, who were, or claimed to be, descended from the Mengwe. The Lenni Lenapes, as has been stated, settled in the country of the rivers and running streams, while the Mengwe took the country bordering on the lakes, in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The former were far more numerous, but were peaceful and content to hve at peace ; while the latter, although less in number, were quarrelsome and inclined to warfare. They were wary and crafty, not satisfied with beating an enemy, but sought to anni- hilate all against whom they waged war. This people, from about the middle 20 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. of the seventeenth century down to the time of the last treaty between the whites and the Indians, were the acknowledged rulers of our whole country ; and although they were variously known as the Iroquois Confederacy, the Five, and subsequently, the Six Nations, and by other names as well, they were, nevertheless, the same people, and inasmuch as they were the conquerors and rulers of the country in this region, and carried on their depredations in this locality, an extended account of their origin and existence, as well as their system of government (for it was a perfect one), will be appropriate in this place. And although there are no well authenticated accounts of Indian his- tory single to the counties of Fulton and Henry, until many years later, the history of the Iroquois Confederacy, or Five Nations, will serve to prepare the mind of the reader for such events as are to follow in succeeding chapters, bringing the subject down to a time within the memory of man. The Iroquois Confederacy. It should be stated at the outset that the name Iroquois was never applied by the confederates to themselves. It was first used by the French, and its meaning is veiled in obscurity. The men of the Five Nations (afterwards the Six Nations) called themselves " Hedonosaunee," which means, literally, "They form a cabin," describing in this expressive manner the close union that existed among them. The Indian name just quoted is more liberally an4 commonly rendered "The" people of the long house," which is more fully de- scriptive of the confederacy, though not quite so accurate a translation. The central and unique characteristic of the Iroquois league was not the bare fact of five separate tribes being confederated together, for such unions have been frequent among civilized and half- civilized peoples, though little known among the savages of America. The feature that distinguished the people of the Long House from all other confederacies, and which, at the same time bound together all these ferocious warriors as with a living chain, was the system of clans extending throughout all the different tribes. Although this clan system has been treated of in many works, there are doubtless thousands of readers who have often heard of the warlike success and outward greatness of the Iroquois Confederacy, but are not acquainted with the inner league which was its distinguishing characteristic, and without which it would in all probability have met, at an early day, the fate of other similar alliances. The word clan has been adopted as the most convenient one to designate the peculiar artificial families about to be described ; but the Iroquois clan was widely different from the Scottish one, all the members of which owed undi- vided allegiance to a single chief, for whom they were ready to fight against all the world ; yet "clan " is a much better word than " tribe," which is some- times used, since that is the designation usually applied to a single Indian nation. General History. 21 The people of the Iroquois Confederacy were divided into eight clans, the names of which were as follows : Wolf, Bear, Beaver, Turtle, Deer, Snipe,. Heron, and Hawk. Accounts differ, some declaring that every clan extended through all the tribes, and others that only the Wolf, Bear, and Turtle clans did so, the rest being restricted to a lesser number of tribes. It is certain, however, that each tribe — Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas or Sen- ecas — contained parts of the three clans named, and of several of the others. Each clan formed a large artificial family, modeled on the natural family. All the members, no matter how widely separated among the tribes, were con- sidered as brothers and sisters to each other, and were forbidden to intermarry. This prohibition was strictly enforced by public opinion. The nations of Indians that formed this confederacy were the Onondagas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, and Senecas. All the clans being taught from earliest infancy that they belonged to the same family, a bond of the strongest kind was created throughout the confederacy. The Oneida, of the Wolf clan, had no sooner appeared among the Cayugas than they claimed him as their special guest, and admitted him to their most confidential intimacy. The Sen- ecas, of the Turtle clan, might wander to the country of the Mohawks, at the farthest extremity of the Long House, and he had a claim upon his brother Turtle, which they would not dream of repudiating. If, at any time, there appeared a tendency toward conflict between the different tribes, it was in- stantly checked by the thought that, if persisted ih, the hand of the Heron must be lifted against his brother Heron, the hatchet of the Bear might be buried in the brain of his kinsman Bear, and so potent was the feeling, that for at least two hundred years, and until the power of the league was broken by overwhelming outside force, there was no serious dissension between the tribes of the Iroquois. Such then was the bond that bound together this nation in common broth- erhood, and made them a most powerful league, sufficiently strong to prevail against every enemy, nor were they slow in availing themselves of their might. Additions to their strength were made from various sources, notice- ably in the accession of the Tuscaroras, by which the Five Nations became the Six Nations ; but this last acquisition was made after the grand conquest of the Iroquois over the whole country. First, they overthrew the Kahquahs and the Fries, and then went forth "conquering and to conquer." This was probably the day of their greatest glory. Having supplied themselves with the arms of the white man they smote with direst vengeance whomsoever of their own race as were so unfor- tunate as to provoke their wrath. On the Susquehannas, the Delaware, the Ohio, the Allegheny, even to the Mississippi in the west and the Potomac and Savannah in the south, the Iro- quois bore their conquering arms, filling alike with terror the dwellers on the 22 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. plains of Illinois, and in the glades of the Carolinas. They strode over the bones of the slaughtered Kahquahs to new conquests on the great lakes beyond, even to the foaming cascades of Michillimacinac, and to the shores of the mighty Superior. They inflicted such terrible defeat upon the Hurons, despite the alliance of the latter with the French, that many of the conquered nation sought safety on the frozen borders of Hudson's Bay. The peaceful, though numerous Lenni Lenapes, fell an easy prey to their united attack, and the land of the Delawares passed into the hands of the confederates. In short they triumphed everywhere and stayed only before the steady approach of the sturdy white-faced pioneer, and even he was, for a time, held at bay by these fierce confederates. These, then, were they, who, by force of arms, conquered, subjugated and ruled the whole Indian country. In this region their depredations were less prominent, nevertheless, they were its rulers and owners from an Indian point of view. The tribes, who, at a later day occupied this country, are understood to have been descendants of the earlier owners, yet no authentic record of their relationship can be traced. In the more stirring times of war and civili- zation, and the advance of settlement, something greater seems to have absorbed the mind of the Indian and the settler, and the connecting links of tribal relationship and descent for a time has been found broken. Yet, the Indians were here in force and made an Indian history for this region, as will fully appear in the succeeding chapters. CHAPTER III.i From the Close of the Revolution Down to the Time of the Removal of the Last of the In- dian Tribes from the Valley — Names and Characteristics of the Tribes of the Valley — The Part Taken by Them in the Wars — Their Final Removal — Incidents. AT the close of the Revolutionary War of the American colonies with Great Britain, in 1784, and for centuries before that time, so tradition has it, the Indian tribes inhabited the valley of the Maumee (Me-aw-mee) and its tribu- taries, the St. Mary's on the south, the St. Joseph on the north, the Au Glaize on the south, the Tiffin River, or " Bean Creek," on the north, and the Turkey Foot (bothinorth and south), and the smaller streams, such as Beaver Creek, joining the Maumee near Grand Rapids ; the Tone-tog-a-nee, near the old In- dian mission, and the Portage near its mouth. At the time of the first American settlement in 1796, and until the last 1 By Hon. D. W. H. Howard. General History. 23 remnant was removed in 1838, there were a few scattering families gathered up and removed in 1842 or '43. The Indian occupants were the Ot-ta-was, of the valley proper, and the hunting grounds on the Au Glaize ; the Pot-ta-waw- to-mies of the St. Joseph and the upper portions of the Tiffin River, and the hunting grounds on the Raisin, River Ruch, and along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan (now in the State of Michigan). These latter people were, however, more or less intermarried with their neighbors, the Ot-ta-was on the south, and the 0-gib-e-was on the north, whose lands and hunting grounds they adjoined. The Mi-am-ies on the upper Wabash and the Eel Rivers, with the smaller " bands" of We-aws and Pi-an-ki-shaws, and the lower St. Mary's River ; the Wy-an-dotts on the Sanduskies, the Tousaint and their branches ; the Shaw-won-no (or Shawnees) on the Hog Creek and upper " Blanchard's Fork " of the Au Glaize. These various tribes, then quite numerous and powerful, were united into the confederation of the Five Nations, or tribes (each speaking a different dia- lect, but must not be understood as being in any manner connected with the original Five Nations, or Iroquois, mentioned in Chapter I), for the purpose of mutual protection and defense against the advance of the American settlements north of the Ohio River ; they having never signed the treaty or given their consent to the treaty made between the* British and the American govern- ments after the close of the Revolutionary War, but considering themselves the sole owners of this vast extent of terrritory, and beautiful and profitable hunt- ing country, were determined to defend it until the last, and they were en- couraged in this by the emissaries of the defeated British, who furnished them with arms, ammunition and clothing, and gave them sustenance and support in every way possible. The Indians availed themselves of the military experience and teaching of the British officers, and mainly through this were they enabled to defeat General Harmer with a large force near Fort Wayne on the St. Mary's in 1791, and subsequently General St. Clair with 1,600 men, near Greenville, in the summer of 1792. Added to the native strategy of the Indians, the ex- perience and military education of the British officers who were their daily associates, and constantly hovering on the frontier, and renewing from time to time their pledges to sustain them in any event, it is not strange that the poor deluded savages closed their ears to the overtures made by Washington and the American government, and gave a willing assent to the British propositions. This was their home ; their fathers slept in graves upon the banks of these beautiful streams ; their council fires had burned for many years upon the banks of her rivers and had never gone out ; the deer and elk had been chased through every tangled break, and open forest and prairie ; the great black bear (so numerous then) had been tracked to his winter den, in the hol- low of the giant oak, sycamore or poplar ; the cunning beaver and the rich fur- covered otter and martin had been out-witted by the wily hunter and trapped 24 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. in' the fastness of his secluded home ; the red fox and the beautiful silver-gray fox had furnished the Indian maiden with the rich ornaments she so highly prized, and the valuable wampum to the Indian hunter in barter and exchange with the French and British fur traders. Food was abundant in these beautiful forests ; the wild turkey hid its nest from the bear and wolf and the wily fox (their natural enemy), and came forth with her brood to fill the woods with her twitter and call, and flocks of hundreds could be seen any day in a half hour's walk. The Indian women manufactured an abundance of the delicious maple ■sugar from the hard maple with which the country abounded. Fish in endless numbers and variety abounded in all the streams, and could be taken with net ■or spear at all seasons of the year, and nets were made from the bark of the nettle, the linn, or the leatherwood, and the spear from the wood of the supple hickory or white ash, hardened by heating the spear points in the fire. The rich "bottom lands" along the streams furnished a soil unequaled in fertility and productiveness upon which were grown thousands of bushels annually of that most valuable product, the Indian corn, maize, beans, squashes, and pump- kins were also grown extensively, and dried in the sun or over a slow fire, and preserved for future winter use. Much of the corn was also preserved in its natural green state in this way. When the impartial historian reviews the beauties and attractions of this ■country, the ease with which the Indian could subsist, the sport of hunting and fishing, of paddling his frail bark canoe across lakes and on the streams, run- ning the rapids of the swift rivers upon whose banks their villages were usu- ally situated, where their children, in the limpid waters, sported like dolphins in the long summer days, and the hunter slaked his thirst at the bubbling spring of purCj cold water that could be found bursting from the banks, and the thou- sand attractions natural to the civilized or savage man, who would not con- tend for such a country ? Would not civilized and cultured man ? Surely the North American Indian might be pardoned, if not exonorated for fight- ing for his home, his council fires and the graves of his fathers, that had not been already desecrated by the foot of the stranger. Such was the situation of the country and this the rich inheritance of these ravage tribes, when the American government determined to make one more grand effort to subdue the Indians and compel the English government to fulfill its treaty obligations and evacuate the country, which it still held by gar- rison at the outposts of Mackinac, Detroit, St. Joseph and Fort Miami, with •other points of less importance, as protection for its trading posts throughout the entire frontier. In 1792, after the terrible slaughter and defeat of General St. Clair's army, Washington prevailed upon Gen. Anthony Wayne, who had retired upon his farm in Pennsylvania at the close of the Revolutionary war, to once more take the field and strike a blow that would at once subdue the hostile savages and teach the emissaries of Great Britain that they too must re- General History. 25 spect the American arms. Wayne, after spending nearly two years mustering an army, making such preparations as to secure him against a possible defeat, took the field (or forest rather), and leaving the post at Greenville (now in Darke county, O.), in July, and although harassed somewhat on the march by the Indians, struck the Maumee River at the mouth of the Au Glaize, August 8, 1794, where he hastily constructed Ft. Defiance, and leaving the fort with a small garrison on the i6th of August, he proceeded down the left bank of the Maumee, pursuing the fleeing savages who had made, with the ad- vice of the British general, great preparation at Presque Isle, or Fallen Tim- ber, to resist Wayne's further advance. Wayne, previous to leaving Ft Defi- ance in pursuit of the Indians, had sent a flag of truce requesting an interview (agreeably to Washington's desire), offering peace propositions of great advan- tage to the Indians; but they were disregarded and the bearer of the flag taken prisoner. There was, however, a division of opinion among the leading chiefs and warriors as to the proposition of Wayne for a council of peace. Many of the more sagacious chiefs saw that their defeat was only a question of time, as they could not always successfully contend against so powerful a government as that of the United States, and strongly urged a peaceful settlement of the long struggle at a council held by the confederated chiefs, under the "Council Elm" at the Grand Rapids of the Maumee, only two nights previous to the great battle of the Fallen Timbers. The principal advocates of peace in this council were the great chief. Little Turtle (Mis-she-kence) of the Miamis, and Kine-jo-i-no, a young chief of the Ottawas, but the eloquence of the wily Pot- tawatamie chief, Turkey Foot (Mis-sis-sa-in-zit), and the clamor of the braves for war prevailed, and the council closed its deliberations at the dawn of day and declared for war. On the 20th of August, 1794, was fought the great battle of the Fallen Timbers, which proved so disastrous to the con- federated savages and gave a prophetic warning to the English emissaries of their future, if they persisted longer in holding their posts within American territory. The rout of the Indians at this battle was complete and the slaughter great, which taught them that Washington had at last found a gen- eral (Che- no- tin, meaning hurricane) that could cope with their most artful and sagacious warriors. This also broke the Indian superstition that the Mani- too (Great Spirit) would assure their success in any event and the councils of the more sensible and far-seeing chiefs were thereafter to prevail ; consequently, a treaty of peace was held by W^ayne at Greenville with these savages, in 1795, where the greater portion of the northwest was ceded to the United States, thus ending a long and bloody conflict. The various tribes were ruled over and governed by a chief and " head men," who inherited (not invariably however) their high positions from gene- ration to generation, and were, many of them, possessed of much native talent and statesmanship. They were far-seeing, and well aware of the power and i 26 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. numerical strength of the white man ; and while welcoming him as a stranger, and a "trader," they nevertheless feared him as a neighbor and intruder, and knew full well that at no distant day, they would be compelled to contend, by the force of arms, for their hereditary birthright, their native home, and all that was held dear to the savage breast ; the beautiful lakes, rivers and forests, sup- plied with an abundance of food, furnished by the kindness and generosity of the Great Man-i-too (the great spirit) as a home for his red children forever. At the time of the commencement of the white settlements proper in the Maumee Valley, in 1808 or 18 10, the principal Indian villages were located as follows, and were presided over by the following named chiefs : Near the mouth of the Maumee was located the Ottawa village of Mis-sis-sa-nog (Tur- key Town), whose principal chief was Scho-no. It had a population, in 1810, of about six hundred inhabitants. Their people had fine cornfields and gar- dens and fine grazing country on the margin of the bay ; and also beautiful forests of timber surrounding them on all sides, which was bountifully supplied with wild game in great variety. They still held a large tract of land in their own right. The next village of importance was twenty miles up the river, called Me-nish-sha-nong (or Island Town), located mainly on a large island, ^called Indian Island) upon which a French trader had many years previously planted an orchard that furnished a never-failing crop of apples. It had also large quantities of corn and beans, and also squashes and pumpkin were annu- ally produced. They also owned a large tract of rich land on the left bank of the river, extending some twelve miles above ; quite a village was also located on the main land and the population (of both villages) at this time was not far from one thousand souls. This village was governed by two chiefs, 0-to-saw and Na-wash, and in later years, previous to their removal west, by Ot-to-kee and Wau-se-on. A Presbyterian mission was established in 1820 or 182 1, by Rev. Isaac Von Tassel, and conducted as a school for the young Indians, until their final removal to their new homes, west of the Missouri River, in 1838. A portion of the old Mission House (a frame building) is still standing, but in a some- what dilapidated condition, a landmark of a former age, and upon whose tab- lets is written the melancholy history of the vain efforts made by good and ibenevolent people, in behalf of the poor and benighted savage. Surrounded, ;as he was at this time, from 1820 to 1838, and associated more or less with unprincipled and whisky-selling white men, the education and Christian teach- ings received at the mission had a tendency (if anything) to demoralize, rather than to elevate him ; and coming in contact with this worthless appendage of civilization, who delighted in demoralizing, and then robbing the unsuspecting Indian, he soon became a drunken vagabond. The more important, however, of the villages of the valley proper, was the Ottawa village of Ap-a-to-wau-jo-win, or Half-way, which was located at the General History. 27 head of the "Grand Rapids," and near the noted Council Elm. Here, too, was located the band of Tien-jo- i-no, the noted peace-chief, and colleague of Little Turtle in the great council held previous to the battle of Fallen Timbers. It had a population of from 600 to 800 in 1820, but had diminished by dis- ease and debauchery, incident to intoxication, to about half that number in 1838, the time of their final removal west. They had fine corn-fields and gardens, as had all the other villages on the rich river flats. The villages of Shaw-wun no and Nac-i-che-wa, at the mouth of the Au Glaize, where now stands the flourishing village of Defiance, and where Wayne constructed Fort Defiance in 1794, named from its strong position, at the junction of the Au Glaize with the Maumee, was the most wealthy of any of the Indian settlements. The people owned large farms and droves of many horses. At the time of General Wayne's march down the river, in their hasty flight before his victorious army, the Indians abandoned nearly everything but their ponies, which aided them materially in their retreat. Wayne destroyed all the corn and gardens, and burned their villages, situate on both sides of the river- On the Blanchard's Fork of the Au Glaize, where the village of Ottawa is now located, was the Indian settlement of Oc-que-nox-ie, a blood-thirsty and savage warrior, who was never (after the treaties of peace) the friend of the white man, and who would, on most all occasions, repeat the bloody tales of the warpath. He was always feared and hated by all whites and peaceably inclined Indians. Shar-low's Town, on the Au Glaize, some distance above its mouth, was of less importance than many others, although governed by a very wise chief, and a great friend of the white settlers. The principal villages of the numerous and powerful tribes of the Miamis were at the head of the Maumee, where is now the city of Fort Wayne, and on the banks of the beautiful Wabash, at Peru, Logansport (mouth of the Eel River), and at Wabash Town, in the State of Indiana. The principal chiefs were Richardville (Rusheville) and La Fontaine, with a number of chiefs of much less influence with their people. The beautiful bottom-lands of the Wabash furnished a fertile soil for their entire cornfields, and the sloping and rolling highlands, covered with hard maple, gave abundant sugar orchards for the supply of the delicious maple sugar. The Wyandott settlements were on the Sandusky River and the Ti-moch- tee Creek, under the control of the chiefs of the "Wauker family." The Shawnees, or Shaw-wun-no, emigrants from the powerful nations of the Carolinas, owned a small reservation on the upper branches of the Au Glaize, and the principal villages were on and near the site of the present little city of History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Wa-pa-kon-net-ta, in Allen county, O. The educated brothers, William and Joseph Parks, were the controlling spirits of this tribe of the Shawnees. The principal Indian village within the present limits of Fulton county, was that of the Pottawatomie chief, Winameg, located on the banks of Keeg (now Bad) Creek, and the high ridge crossing the creek near the post-office of Win- ameg (in Pike township), named for the old chief by his early and lifelong friend, D. W. H. Howard, whose residence is immediately upon the site of the old village and near where his father, Edward Howard, built in the early years of the thirties a trading house, in which was opened a lucrative trade with the remnant of this (then) scattered and wandering people, the remnant of a once powerful nation, now principally inhabiting a small reservation west of the Missouri. Smaller settlements were located on Bean Creek and the upper branches of the St. Joseph, but were of a more temporary character. At the time of the writer's first visit to the village of Winameg, in the spring of 1827 or 1828, the aged chief, Winameg, whose head was whitened by the snows of a hundred winters, yet who was still active in mind and body, ruled the tribe and directed its affairs, aided by his son (Wi-na-meg) and other chiefs of less influ- ence. Much of the earlier history and tradition of these people was learned by the writer some years later from the great Pottawatomie chief, " Billy Colwell," an Englishman by birth and without a drop of Indian blood in his veins, who was taken prisoner when a child in one of the expeditions from the Mohawk by the Iroquois, from Canada, and who was afterwards sold to the Pottawatomies of the peninsula of Michigan and adopted by them and eventually made their Great Chief By his superior intelligence and tact he became the " Head Chief" of all the Pottawatomies and Ogibewas. Within the boundaries of the village of Winameg, or more properly Neshe naw-ba, or Due- naw-ba (the Twin-Boys), and at a still earlier day, named De-mutre, " the Beaver," for the many ponds in the immediate vicinity, were numer- ously inhabited by this sagacious little animal, was located the " Mounds," which are still plainly seen, although the plow has done much to reduce their height in the yielding, sandy soil ; tradition has it, as related to the writer by " Billy Colwell," many years previous to their removal west, that a great battle was fought between the Pottawatomies (the pioneers of the land) and a powerful tribe of invaders from beyond the Mississippi. Great slaughter was the result of the battle, and the slain of both armies were interred in these mounds by the Pottawatomies, who defeated the invaders and still held the place. Billy Colwell di^ed in 1841, and lies buried on a high bluff overlooking the muddy waters of the Missouri, near the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Chief Colwell led the Pottawatomie warriors against General Harrison, at the battles of Tippecanoe and the Thames, and was also at the siege of Ft. Meigs in July, 18 13. There were also several small settlements of the Ottawas on the high pop- General History. 29 lar sugar ridges along the banks of the Maumee within the limits of Henry county. A noted and favorite camping place, once of much historic interest, was " Girty's Point," situate above Napoleon on the left bank of the Maumee, where was held the headquarters of the noted renegade white man, Simon -Girty. This was a beautiful high bottom land, covered with a forest of large oaks, white and blue ash, sugar maple, walnut, and several other varieties of timber, and almost entirely unencumbered with small timber or underbrush. The surroundings were open and clear as a park that had been through the hands of a skilled landscape architect. These trees formed a dense shade, and made a place of frequent resort for the Indians during the heated summer months. Deer and other wild game abounded and subsistence was easily obtained. The grass along the margin of the stream and on the low banks furnished an abund- ance of sweet food for the herds of ponies that the Indians possessed at this time. The history of the blood-thirsty Simon Girty, this renegade white man, who deserted his own people and joined the savages, and who urged them to acts of inhuman barbarity to avenge an imaginary wrong, will be found written elsewhere in this work. It is, moreover, written in the blood of innocent women and children. In his cruel treatment of Colonel Crawford while burn- ing at the stake, and other acts of like character of less note, need not be repeated in these pages; but for preserving historic truths, they should never have been put upon the historic page. The small reservations retained by these tribes, at the treaty of Greenville, as their home, were finally ceded to the United States, and a portion of the Indians removed to their homes and hunting grounds west of the Mississippi, during the summer of 1832. The remainder, with a few small bands and fam- ilies (Chief Winameg and a few others excepted), were taken to their lands west in 1838, the writer aiding the government and accompanying them on the journey. B. F. Hollister, of Ft. Meigs, was the agent and conductor for the removal of those in 1832, both from the immediate valley of the river and, also, for the Shaw- wan-noes (or Shawnees), of Wa-pa-kon-ne-to. They were moved overland in wagons and on horseback, using their own ponies on the trip. Those removed in 1838 were by the Hon. Robt. A. Forsyth, of Maumee City, by contract with the government. The greater number, with their goods, were taken to Cleveland by the lake steamer, " Comodore O. H. Perry," commanded •by the veteran Captain David Wilkinson, and from Cleveland by the Ohio Canal to Portsmouth ; thence down the Ohio and up the river Mississippi and Missouri to the mouth of the Kansas River, where now stands the prosperous and thriving Kansas City ; thence to the Indian Territory. Many of the young men rode their ponies across the country, crossing the Mississippi at Burlington. Thus the original possessors of this beautiful and fertile country passed on their long journey " toward the setting sun," and now where the dark and shaded .forests, the tangled thicket and inirey swamp, silently proclaimed a wilderness ; 30 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. where, either in the darkness of the night or in the broad Hght of the sun, could be heard the dismal howl of the wolf or the Indian's savage yell, now waves the golden harvest of the husbandman and the sharp whistle of the locomotive speeding along the lightning train over the iron track. The cry of the wolf and the " whoop " of the Indian is heard no more in the land, and the plow- boy whistles gaily, undisturbed as he wends his quiet way to the fields to turn the fertile soil. Many of the chiefs hereinbefore mentioned, of these tribes, were men pos- sessed of native intelligence,, not generally known or understood by the histo- rian or the general reader ; they were men of noble presence and dignified bearing ; wise and eloquent in counsel, and saga-cious and strategetic managers on the battle-field. Few men equaled the Miami chiefs.'Richardville and Wa- se-on, in the persuasive and eloquent language which dropped from their lips in debate. The writer well remembers, when but a boy, of being present at the treaty, held opposite Fort Meigs, in 1831, with the Ottowas, by the United States commissioner. Governor Porter, of Pennsylvania. The governor, in his address to the Indian council, portrayed in glowing and eloquent language, the beauties of the country beyond the Mississippi, which was to be their new home; the beautiful groves of timber, the rolling and undulating prairie land, covered with waving grass, and spangled over with flowers of the many-colored hues of the rainbow ; herds of buffalo, elk and deer, were quietly resting in the cool shades of the leafy forest; wild turkeys and water- fowls by the million, . fed upon the luxuriant vegetation. This picture was drawn by a master mind, and presented to the untutored savage, in the most seductive language of which the eminent statesman and diplomat was possessed. After closing his eloquent address, and taking his seat, amid a profound silence throughout the council, all eyes were turned upon the stoical and dignified countenance of Otto-wau kee (Che-ot-tire-wan-kee), the great O-taw waw chief, who sat with his gaze riveted upon the earth, seeming unconscious of the wild throbbing of the thousand anxious hearts of the assembled council. Many minutes passed in silent suspense, when he rose to his feet, and with that majestic dignity born to the North American savage, scarcely equaled by the cultured prince or- statesman, folded his arms across his breast, his eyes now riveted upon the face of the commissioner, and flashing with the inward emotion of his bosom, he spoke as follows : " The ears of my young men are open : they have heard what the pale- face chief has said : his voice is like the bird, and the land is as beautiful as the flowers, among which it builds its nest and feeds its young ; my young men compare it to the beautiful land of the spirits of the dead ; the land of the great^Man-i-too, beyond the setting sun. Their heads are young, and they are not wise ; they may go, but the old and the wise, will stay where the graves of their fathers are ; where the council fires of their people have never gone out ; the land and the water given to them by the Great Spirit, so- General History. 31 "long ago that no one lives who remembers the time — the land of the beautiful Me-au-me, and when the Great Man-i-too calls, we will answer — 'here !' My pale-face brother is wise; his beautiful daughters from the sun- rise love the shade and the flowers, and the beautiful land toward the sun-down, that he sings in the ears of the red children ; will he not go there with his pale-face children ? There is no enemy of my brother on the long trail, and no one to molest him ; he need not be afraid ; the Great Spirit of his fathers, will protect him. Go to the wigwam of the great father (the President of the United States), and tell him that his red children will give the 'beautiful land' to their pale-face brothers, and they will sleep where their father's sleep, and their last council fire shall, go out on the banks of their beautiful Me-aw-mee. Go, tell this to the great father.' The wily and adroit commissioner could not answer the native eloquence and statesmanlike speech of the great chief, and the council closed. Among many like incidents (and several occurred at which the writer was present), there was one other worthy of record in these pages, as showing the native character of these untutored savages. This incident was related several times at the cabin of the writer's father, by one of the principal actors at the scene, Governor Lewis Cass, territorial governor of Michigan. Governor Cass was sent by the government, in 1824 or 1830, as commissioner to treat with the Win-ne-ba-goes, Sacs and Foxes, 0-gib-e-was and Kick-a-poos, to be assembled on the banks of the Mississippi, at the old French trading- post, Prairie du Chien. It took many weeks to assemble them from their distant -hunting-grounds, and the governor was obliged to be patient, and wait the slow movements of the Indians, who were loth to come into the council. He put in the time as best he could by talking to the leading chiefs already assem- 'bled, and urging his purpose in many long private conferences. One morning, as the governor was seated upon a log on the bank of the Mississippi, the great head chief of the Win-ne-ba-goes, Waw-be-see (White Crane), seated himself by the side of the governor, and became an attentive listener to all the com- missioner had to say ; soon, however, other chiefs and braves came and be- gan to take seats on the log (always on the left side of the great chief), and soon filled that end of the log, so that the chief requested Cass to move along, as more of his braves wished to sit down. After several moves, the general reached the end, and could move no farther without falling off, and after noti- fying White Crane of the fact, the Indian rose, and taking a position, but a few feet in front of the general, said : "My brother is a great chief; he speaks the truth and my young men have heard it and they will not forget it. " Then raising his right hand and pointing "towards the rising sun said: "My brother, so many snows have fallen, and it is so long ago that none can remember it, that my people looked over the great ■salt lake toward the sunrise and saw a great canoe with white wings coming to 32 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the land. My people welcomed the strangers, for they were the people of the sun, with pale faces ; we gave them food and shelter and gave them land ; we looked again and more canoes with white wings were coming ; we gave their people food and we gave them land to plant their corn and we moved away to give them room. Many more came, more than we could count, and we moved away many times, so far that we could not see the salt lake, to where all the water was without salt ; the children of the sun were so many that we gave them all the land around the shores and beyond the great lakes that have no salt, and we moved to the banks of the 'great river,' the 'father of waters,' and now you ask us again to move further; we are at the end of the log, and if we move again we shall fall off, fall into the great river, for our canoes will not cross the muddy water. Go, and tell the 'Great Father' what we say. I have done." Thus closed the conference, and the commissioner, knowing that it was use- less to prolong his stay, soon left the treaty ground. These incidents are related that the reader may be able to judge more cor- rectly the Indian character and his ability to cope with the wisest of our states- men. As a rule, when treaties were successfully made, there was more or less deception practiced to accomplish the objects in view, and it is no credit to so noble and generous a government as that of the United States to have, unfor- tunately perhaps, appointed among its agents selected to transact the business, of the government, with these untutored and confiding savages, men who were, to say the least, not just. CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF THE SOIL AND JURISDICTION. Province of Louisiana — French Claim — British Claim — Cession of France to England — Cession by England to the Colonies — Cesssion by the States to the United States — Extin- guishment of Indian Titles — Organization as to Territory — Admission as a State — Organiza- tion of Counties — Township Organization. HENRY county was originally embraced in that vast region of territory claimed, by virtue of discovery and conquest, by France, lying between the Allegheny and the Rocky Mountains, known by the general name of Loui- siana. While the king of France had dominion in North America, the whole of the United States northwest of the Ohio River was included in this province, the north boundary of which, by the treaty of Utrecht, concluded between England and France in 1713, was fixed at the 49th parallel of latitude north: of the equator. General History. 33 After the conquest of the French possessions of North America by Great Britain this territory was ceded by the former country to the latter, by the treaty of Paris, in 1763, and the dispute of dominion ceased. Dominion beyond the AUeghenies had always been claimed by England. The principal ground for the claim was, that the Six Nations owned the Ohio Valley and had placed it, with their other lands, under the protection of Eng- land. Some of the western lands were also claimed by the British as having been actually purchased at Lancaster, Pa., in 1744, at a treaty between the colonists and the Six Nations. The European powers based their claim to American territory upon the discoveries made by their subjects, and thus the title to "Louisiana" became a subject of contention between France and England. In 1609 the English crown granted to the London Company all the territory extending along the coast for two hundred miles north and south from Point Comfort and "up into the land, throughout, from sea to sea, west and northwest." Charles II., in 1662, granted to certain settlers upon the Connecticut, all the territory be- tween the parallels of latitude which include the present State of Connecticut, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. During the Revolution Massachusetts claimed an interest in these western lands, founded upon a similar charter granted thirty years afterwards. In 1774 the parliament of Great Britain passed an act by which the whole of the northwestern territory was annexed to and made part of the Province of Quebec, as created and established by the royal proclamation of October 7, 1763- The colonies, having, in 1776, renounced allegiance to the British throne, assumed rank as free, independent, and sovereign States, and each State claimed the right of soil and jurisdiction over the district of country embraced within its charter. The claim of England to this northwestern territory was ceded to the United States by the treaty of peace signed at Paris, September 3, 1783. The provisional articles which formed the basis of that treaty, more especially as related to the boundary, were signed at the same place on the 30th of Novem- ber, 1782. Pending negotiation relative to these preliminary articles, the Brit- ish commissioner, Mr. Oswald, proposed the Ohio River as the western bound- ary of the United States, and but for the indomitable perseverance of John Adams, one of the American commissioners, who insisted upon the Mississippi as the boundary, the probability is that the proposition of Mr. Oswald would have been acceded to by the United States commissioners. The charters of several of the States embraced large portions of unappro- priated western lands. Those States which had no such charters insisted that these lands ought to be appropriated for the common benefit of all the States. Congress repeatedly urged upon the charter States to make liberal cessions of those lands for the common benefit of all. ^ 34 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Answering these appeals, the State of Virginia, in March, 1784, ceded the right of soil and jurisdiction to the district of country embraced in her charter, situated to the northwest of the Ohio River. In September, 1786, the State of Connecticut also ceded her claim of soil and jurisdiction to the district of country within the limits of her charter, " situated west of a line beginning at the completion of the forty-first point degree of north lattitude, one hundred and twenty miles west of the western boundary of Pennsylvania, and from thence by a line drawn north parallel to and one hundred and twenty miles west of said line of Pennsylvania, and to continue north until it came to forty- two degrees and two minutes north latitude." Connecticut, also, on the 30th of May, I Box, ceded her jurisdiction claims to all territory called the " Western Reserve of Connecticut." The States of New York and Massachusetts also ceded all their claims. But these were not the only claims which required adjustment before the commencement of settlements within the limits of Ohio. Numerous tribes of Indians asserted their respective claims, and these had to be extinguished. A treaty for this purpose was made at Fort Stanwix, October 27, 1784, with the sachems and warriors of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Tuscaroras, by the third article of which treaty the Six Nations ceded to the United States all claims to the country west of a certain line extending along the west boundary of Pennsylvania, from the mouth of the Oyounayea to the river Ohio. A treaty was also concluded at Fort Mcintosh, January 21, 1785, with the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa, and Ottawa nations. By this treaty the bound- ary line between the United States and the two former nations was declared to begin " at the mouth of the river Cayahoga, and to extend up said river to the Portage between that and the Tuscaroras branch of the Muskingum, thence down that branch to the crossing place above Fort Laurens, thence westerly to the Portage of the Big Miami, which runs into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the fort stood which was taken by the French in 1752, thence along said Portage to the Great Miami, or Omee River, and down the south side of the same to its mouth, then along the south shore of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, where it began." The lands within the de- scribed limits were allotted to the Wyandots and Delawares " to live and hunt on, and to such of the Ottawa nation as lived thereon, saving and reserv- ing for the establishment of trading posts, six miles square (one township) at the mouth of the Miami, or Omee, (Maumee) river," and the same at the Por- tage, on " the branch of the Big Miami which runs into the Ohio, and also the same on the Lake of Sandusky, where the fort formerly stood, and also two miles square on each side of the Lower Rapids of Sandusky River." In 1789, January 9, another treaty was made at Fort Harmer, between Governor St. Clair and the sachems and warriors of the Wyandot, Chippewa, General History. 35 Potawatomie, and Sac nations, in which the treaty of Fort Mcintosh was re- newed and confirmed. The claim of soil and jurisdiction by France, England, the colonies and the Indians to the territory within the limits of Ohio having been extinguished and the title vested in the United States, legislative action by Congress became necessary before actual settlements could be commenced, as in the treaties with the Indians, and by the acts of Congress, all citizens of the United States were prohibited settling on the lands of the Indians as well as on those of the United States. Ordinances were accordingly adopted by Congress for the government of the northwestern, territory, and for sale of portions of the lands to which the Indian title had been extinguished. In May, 1785, Congress passed an ordi- nance for ascertaining the mode of disposing of these lands. Under that ordi- nance the first seven ranges, bounded on the east by Pennsylvania and on the south by the Ohio River, were surveyed. Sales of parts of these were made at New York in 1787, parts at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in 179$, and some were located under military land warrants. No further sales were made until July I, 1 80 1, when a land office was opened at Steubenville. In 1788 Congress appointed General St. Clair governor ; Winthrop Sar- geant, secretary, and Samuel Holden Parsons, James Mitchell Varnum, and John Cleves Symmes, judges over the territory. The county of Washington, its limits extending westward to the Scioto and northward to Lake Erie, and embracing about half the territory within the present hmits of Ohio, was estab- lished by proclamation of the governor. In 1790, Hamilton county was erected including the country between the Miamies, " extending northward from the Ohio River to a line drawn due east from the standing stone forks of the Great Miami. " Wayne county was established in 1 796, including all the northwestern part of Ohio, a large tract in the northeastern part of Indiana and the whole territory of Michigan, so that the territory of Henry county was as a county organization first under the jurisdiction of Wayne county. Wooster is the cap- ital of the county retaining the name of Wayne in Ohio. In 1789 the first Congress under the constitution passed an act recognizing -the binding force of the ordinance of 1787, and adapting its provisions to the federal constitution. The northwest territory, before the end of the year 1798, contained a population of five thousand free male inhabitants, of full age, and had eight organized counties, entitling the citizens under the ordinance of 1787, to a change in their form of government, and a territorial government, the first legislature of which met on the 24th of September, 1799. On the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed an act authorizing the call of a conven- tion to form a constitution. The constitution of that year was adopted at Chillicothe on the 29th of November of that year. It became the fundamental law by the act of the convention alone and Ohio became one of the United, 36 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. States, and county organization, soil and jurisdiction were subsequently con- trolled by our own legislature and State officials. On the 7th of May, 1800, the northwest territory was divided into two governments, that part lying west of a line beginning opposite the mouth of the Kentucky River, in Kentucky, and running north to the Canada line, was called Indiana, and formed, and still is, the western line of Ohio. After the admission of Ohio into the Union, the remainder of the territory, was, by act of Congress, January 11, 1805, formed into the county of Michi- gan, and is now the State of Michigan, being admitted January 22, 1837, and forms the northern boundary of northwestern Ohio. After Ohio assumed the sovereignty of a State, county organizations be- came rapid, and boundaries were clearly defined. By act of the Legislature, passed February 12, 1820, "all that part of the lands lately ceded by the In- dians to the United States, which lies within this State" — being northwestern Ohio — was erected into fourteen counties, Henry being of the number. By this act the boundaries of the county were defined "to include all of ranges five, six, seven and eight, north of the second township north, in said ranges," [the north line of Putnam county, (which was formed at the same time) and the south line of Henry], and to run north with the same to the State [Michigan] line. By the erection of Defiance county, March 4, 1845, townships three, four and five of the fifth range, being Adams, Richland and Powell's Creek — now Highland — were taken from Henry, and made a part of Defiance, which with Williams county, forms the western boundary of Henry. June 30, 1835, Lu- cas county was formed, to which most of the territory now composing P'ulton county, and at that time belonging to Henry, was allotted, but by the erec- tion of Fulton, February 28, 1850, this territory was given to that county, and the line between the two counties, Henry and Fulton, established on the south line of section twelve, in township six, north of range eight east, and which is now the northern boundary of Henry county. The eastern boundary has never been disturbed. The county is now divided into thirteen townships as follows : Ridgeville Township Xo. 6, X Range No. 5, E. Freedom Napoleon. .. Flatrock Pleasant Liberty Harrison Monroe Marion Washington . Damascus- .. Riclifield Bartlow 6, 5. 4> 3. 6, 5. 4- 3. 6, 5. 4, 3. Napoleon, in Napoleon township, is the county seat. General History. 37 CHAPTER V. HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, INVASION, lilMIGRATION AND SETTLEMENT BY THE WHITES. THE first footprints of white men in the sands of the Maumee were unques- tionably made by the French Jesuits in the seventeenth century. These Jealous arid devoted people came to the red man, unlike the Spaniard with sword and brand to civilize by death, torture and depopulation, but with the Word of God in their hands, preaching peace and good will to all men, and endeavoring to civilize and Christianize by education, kindness, mercy and the teachings and virtues of the highest Christian civilization. Whatever the motive of the European in his visit to the American Indian, whether trade, agriculture, or missionary labor, prudence, even of those who sought only temporary residence, suggested the necessity of adopting some means of safety, of retreat and protection, and to guard against surprise,, treachery and attack. As early as 1679 the Count de Frontenac, then gover- nor of Canada, urged upon the French monarch the importance of erecting forts and trading posts in the western country along the chain of the great lakes. Frontenac, a man of great energy and spirit, though unaided by the profligate Louis, sent out a number of trading parties, authorizing them to erect stores and posts and to take possession of all territory visited, in the name of the government of France. The first effort to form a settlement in the territory now constituting the jurisdiction of Ohio, was undertaken by the French in the Maumee Valley, in the year 1680. On the authority of the late A. T. Goodman, secretary of the Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society, and founded on data obtained from French records at Montreal and Quebec, and papers at Albany and Harrisburg, "One of these parties found their way to the Miami or Mau- mee River, and, in 1680, built a small stockade just below the site of Maumee City. This was an important trading point for several years, and in 1694 was under the command of Sieur Courthemanche, but was finally abandoned for a more eligible location at the head of the Maumee River, near where the city of Fort Wayne now stands. On the very spot where the fort of Maumee stood, the British, in 1794, erected Fort Miami." This shows the occupation of the Maumee to antedate that sought to be established at Detroit, the first effort at settlement being made by the French at the latter place in 1683. In 1695 Captain Nicholas Perrot built a trading station "at the west end of Lake Erie," the exact location of which cannot now be ascertained. After remaining there for two years the Miamis plundered the place, made prisoner of Perrot and were about "roasting him alive" when he was rescued by the Outagamis. 38 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. , In 1690 war was declared between England and France, and for a century- after a bitter and malignant feeling existed between the subjects of these nations, and especially so among those residing and claiming possessions in America, and competing for the lucrative trade with the Indians, In that year we find the governor of Canada in a letter to his king expressing " great desire for the maintenance of French posts in the west." A bloody war occurred in 1695 between the Iroquois and the Mianiis, in which the latter suffered severely as did also the French traders in the Ohio and Illinois country, and the governor •of Canada complained that the Iroquois "roasted all the French prisoners" who fell into their hands. It is probable that English traders began establishing themselves perma- nently in the west in 1698-99, as early in the year 1700 M. de Longueil, at a council held with various Indian tribes at Detroit, urged them to make war on the English, saying : " It is to the White River and the Beautiful (Ohio) River that I expect you will immediately march in quest of him, and when you de- stroy him you will seize and divide all his goods among you If the English escape you on the Beautiful River you will find them a little further off with his brother, the Flat Head." During this same year the Iro- quois made a treaty with the French, by which their missionaries and traders were allowed in all parts of the west, and about the same time a party of fac- tors from Detroit built a small post on the Maumee, where Toledo now stands. The English, in 1703, invited the Hurons and Miamis to locate near the Senecas, on Lake Erie, but the proposition was rejected. During the year 1705 Sieur de Joncaire visited the Seneca Indians, and Sieur de Vincennes the Miamis, on business of the governor of Canada, and found English traders among them. The mission of these Frenchmen seems to have failed, for in 1707 M. de Cadillac, commandant at Detroit, marched with a small force against the Miamis, and soon forced them to terms. In 17 14 Captain de La Forest pointed out to the French government the importance of maintaining Detroit and keeping possession of Lake Erie and its environs. The French had more foresight than the English, and spent large sums of money in ex- tending their possessions, and having obtained control of the Indians, the En- glish, in 1 7 16, sent agents among them with speeches and presents, but were unsuccessful in forming an alliance. Gain seems to have been the great ob- ject of these traders, and in a letter addressed about this time to the governor of Canada by M. de Ramezay and M. Begon, they urge the French govern- ment to build a post at Niagara, on the ground that it " would deter the Mis- sisague and Amicone Indians from going to the Iroquois to trade when passing from the neighborhood of Lake Erie." In 1736 the French claimed to have 16,403 warriors, and 82,000 souls under their control in the west, and in 1739 the commandant at 'Detroit crossed the Ohio country, and discovered Bigbone Lick, in Kentucky. He General History. 39 constructed a road from Detroit to the Ohio River, which crossed the Miami at the foot of the rapids, and was thereafter used by the Canadians. By the treaty at Lancaster, Pa., in 1744, the Six Nations "recognized the king's right to all lands beyond the mountains," and the English, encouraged by this, formed several settlements and magazines along the Ohio, but were driven off by Detroit Indians. [It is not the province of this work, and it would much exceed our space to give an account of all the French, English and Indian troubles, outrages and murders which occurred in the western territory during the first half of the eighteenth century, and we refer the reader who may be interested in it to Knapp's History of the Maumee Valley, while we hasten to history more im- mediately connected with the territory of which we write.] In 1 748 the " Ohio Company " was formed for the purpose of securing the Indian trade, and it appears that in 1749 the English built a trading house on the Great Miami, at a spot called " Loramie's Store." In 1751 Christopher Gist, as agent of the " Ohio Company," was appointed to examine the western lands, and made a visit to the Twigtwees, who then lived upon the Miami River, about one hundred miles from its mouth. In 1752 the French, having heard of this trading house, sent a party of troops to this Indian tribe and de- manded the surrender of these traders as intruders on French soil, which demand was refused. The French, assisted by the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, attacked the block trading house, and after a battle, in which fourteen of the natives were killed and others wounded, took and destroyed the build- ings, capturing the traders and carrying them to Canada. The name of this fort, or trading house, was Pickawillany, and was the first British settlement of which a record can be obtained. In order to repel the Indians, who, after Braddock's defeat in 1755, pushed their excursions as far as the Blue Ridge, Major Lewis, in January, 1756, was sent with a party of troops on an expedition against them. The attempt, on account of the swollen condition of the streams and the treachery of guides, proved a failure; but in 1764, the year after the French had relinquished their claim to this territory, General Bradst^eet dispersed the Indian forces besieging Detroit, and passed into the Wyandot country, by way of Sandusky Bay. He ascended the bay and river as far as navigable for boats, made a camp, and a treaty of peace was signed by the chiefs and head men of the Indian nations, except the Delawares, of the Muskingum, who still remained hostile. Colonel Boquet, with a body of troops, the same year marched from Fort Pitt into the heart of the Ohio country, on the Muskingum River, and a treaty of peace was effected with the Indians, who returned the prisoners they had captured from the white settlements. During the Revolutionary War most of the western Indians were more or less hostile to the Americans, and numerous expeditions were projected 40 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. against them, but we must confine ourselves to the territory which forms our subject, and this will confine us to the period after the Revolution, and after the time that England had relinquished all claim to the western lands. In the same year, after the treaty at Fort Harmer (1789), referred to in the preceding chapter, the Indians assumed a hostile appearance, and were seen hovering around the infant settlements near the mouth of the Muskingum and between the Miamis, and a number of persons were killed. The settlers be- came alarmed, erected block-houses, and in June, 1789, Major Doughty, with one hundred and forty men from Fort Harmer, commenced building Fort Washington. A few months afterward General Harmer, with three hundred men, arrived, took command, and, negotiations proving unavailing, was di- rected to attack the Indian towns. In pursuance of orders, he marched, in September, 1790, with one thousand three hundred men, from Cincinnati west- ward towards what is now Fort Wayne to the Indian villages on the Miami of the Lake (Maumee) near the latter place. Harmer, after several reverses and severe loss, succeeded in burning the towns and destroying the corn crop of the Indians, and commenced his homeward march ; but the savages rallied, engaged in battle with a detachment of Harmer's army under command o Colonel Hardin, which resulted in the defeat of the latter; and the general, dispirited, returned to Cincinnati, his expeditions in intimidating the Indians having been entirely unsuccessful. The Indians continued hostile. A new army, superior to the former, was mobilized at Cincinnati, under the command of Governor St. Clair, a Revolu- tionary officer. The regular force numbered two thousand three hundred men, and the militia about six hundred. Commencing his march toward the Indian towns on the Maumee, he established a fort at Hamilton and one at Jefferson. Misfortune attended the expedition from its commencement, desertions and the detachments of soldiers to pursue and capture them, and to protect the con- voys of provisions which it was apprehended they (the deserters) designed to capture, materially weakened the army, and on the 3d of November, 1791, when, at what is now the line of Darke and Mercer counties, St. Clair halted, intending to throw up slight fortifications and await the return of the troops sent in pursuit of the deserters. On the following morning, however, before sunrise, he was attacked with great fury by the whole disposable force of the northwest tribes. The Americans were totally defeated. General Butler and upwards of six hundred men were killed. Indian outrages multiplied and im- migration was entirely suspended. The president, Washington, now urged the most vigorous prosecution of the war and the complete protection of the Northwest Territory ; but the en- listment and organization of a new army was retarded by many obstacles, and it was not until the spring of 1794 that an army was gathered at Greenville, in Darke county, and placed under the command of General Anthony Wayne, General History. 41 the bold, energetic and experienced " Mad Anthony " of the Revolution. His force consisted of 2,000 regulars and 1,500 mounted volunteers from Kentucky. The whole force of Indians, amounting to about 2,000 men, had collected near the British fort erected after and in violation of the treaty of 1783, at the foot of the Rapids of Maumee. [From this point on the 13th of August, 1793, the Indians, inspired by Elliott, McGee, Butler, and other English traders and emissaries, with hope of British aid, a defiant rejection of all overtures of peace made by the United States, was sent. It was signed by fifteen nations in addition to the Seven Nations of Canada, and closed all attempts at peace.] On the 28th of July, 1794, Wayne moved to Greenville and on the 8th of August was near the junction of the Au Glaize and Maumee, at Grand Glaize, now Defiance. This had been the Indian headquarters, and Wayne was anxious to reach it undiscovered. In order to do this he had caused two roads to be cut, one towards the foot of the Rapids (Roche de Bout), the other to the junc- tion of the St. Mary and St. Joseph, while he pressed forward between the two ; but the Indians hearing of the approach of the army from a runaway member of the quartermaster's corps, hastily abandoned their town. Being unable to make peace with the Indians, who still relied on British aid and support from Detroit, Wayne determined to march forward and settle matters at once, and on the 1 8th of August he had advanced forty-one miles, and being in the vicinity of the foe, threw up some light works which was named Fort Deposit, in which to place the heavy baggage during the expected battles. On the morning of the 20th, the baggage having been left behind, the whites moved down the north bank of the Maumee and encountered the Indians with their English- alHes about two miles east of where the village of Waterville now stands, and there was fought the celebrated battle of Fallen Timbers. The Indians were completely routed and fled and were pursued under the guns of the British fort, Miami. Wayne returned with his army to Fort Defiance on the 27th of the same month, laying waste the Indian villages for a distance of fifty miles on each side of the Maumee. The army remained at Fort Defiance until September 14, of the same year, and then marched for the Miami villages at the junction of the St. Joseph and St. Mary Rivers, and there built Fort Wayne, where the city of that name now stands. During this time the troops suffered much from sickness, but more for want of flour and salt, the latter article, on the 24th of September, selling for six dollars per pint. This vigorous prosecution of the war by Wayne, and the failure of the British to furnish their promised aid and supplies, induced the various tribes to ask for peace, and finally, on the 30th of July, 179S, a treaty by which the hatchet was to be buried forever was agreed to at Greenville. In a letter, dated August 14, 1794, written from Grand Glaize (Defiance) Wayne says : " The margin of these beautiful streams, the Miamis of the lake (Maumee) and Au Glaize (Auglaize) appear like one beautiful village for a num-^ 42 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ber of miles both above and below this place ; nor have I ever beheld such im- mense fields of corn in any part of America from Canada to Florida." The permanent settlement of Ohio followed closely the treaty of Wayne, but was confined mostly to the southern and eastern parts of the territory — Marietta, Dayton, Chillicothe, Cleveland, and Cincinnati ; but speculators and settlers began to appear in pretty large numbers in western Ohio, settlements being established in the Miami of the lakes (Maumee). After the death of Wayne, 1796, General Wilkinson was appointed to the western command, and but little of interest occurred on the Maumee until the outbreak of the war of 18 12. A few white settlements had grown up along the river, and more or less Indian outrages occurred and pioneer adventures were had, but few can be located with any certainty within the jurisdiction of which we write. In 181 2 three points in the west. Fort Wayne, the Wabash and the Maumee, needed defense. The troops for the first point were placed under the command of General Winchester, a Revolutionary officer then resi- dent in Tennessee, and but little known to the frontier men; the Wabash un- der Harrison, who had acquired.fame at Tippecanoe; while Governor Edwards, of the Illinois territory, was to command the expedition on the river of the same name. Such were the intentions of the government, but the wishes of the people finally led to the appointment, Sept. 17, 18 12, of General Harrison to the post of commander-in-chief of the west and northwest. In the mean time Fort Wayne had been relieved and the line of the Maumee secured, so that when Harrison was placed at the head of the western military affairs, his main objects were: (i) to drive the Indians from the western side of the De- troit River; (2) to take Maiden and (3) to recapture the Michigan Territory, surrendered by Hull. To do all this before winter and be prepared to conquer Upper Canada, Harrison proposed to take possession of the Rapids of the Maumee and to concentrate his forces and stores at that point. He divided his troops into three columns — the right to move from Wooster through Up- per Sandusky, the center from Urbana by Fort McArthur on the heads of the Sciota, and the left from St. Mary's by the Au Glaize and Maumee, all meeting at the Rapids. The troops of the left, under Winchester, worn out and starved, were on the point of desertion; the center, mounted men, under General Tup- per, were unable to do anything, mainly by reason of the incapacity of their -commander, which, together with sickness and the difficulties of transportation ■caused by the autumn rains, obliged a change in this plan and caused a post- ponement until winter would bridge the streams; and even when that had taken place, Harrison was doubtful as to the wisdom of an attempt to conquer Canada without vessels on Lake Erie. And the year of 1 8 1 2 closed with nothing effectual having been done towards the re-conquest of Michigan. Winchester, his men enfeebled by sickness, in want of clothing and of food, was on his way to the Rapids, the right wing of the army was approaching Sandusky and the .center rested at Fort McArthur. General History. 43 On the loth of January, 181 3, Winchester reached the Rapids, having passed down the north bank of the Maumee from Defiance. Of Winchester's misfortunes at Frenchtown, we have not time to speak, nor does it relate to our subject; suffice to say that Harrison, with the remnants of his army, was at the Rapids in the spring of 1813 and had erected Fort Meigs. Of this fort the EngHsh with their Indian aUies commenced the investment, and by the 1st of May had completed their batteries. On the 5th of May, General Clay, with twelve hundred additional troops, came down the Maumee in flat boats. Of the events which followed — the de- feat of Colonel Dudley, the massacre of his men, the subsequent victories of Harrison on land, and Perry on the lakes — general history speaks. White settlement on the Maumee was very tardy, and in 1800 Colonel John Anderson was the only white trader of any notoriety on the river, having in that year settled at Fort Miami. Peter Manor, a Frenchman, was here previous to that time, and was adopted by the Indian chief, Tontogany. He did not however come to reside until 1808. During the year 18 10 Major Amos Spafford, Andrew Race, Thomas Leaming, Harvy W. Leaming, James Carlin, William Carter, George Blalock, James Slason, Samuel H. Ewing, Jesse Skinner, David Hull, Thomas Dick, William Peters, Ambrose Hickox and Richard Gififord came here, and when the War of 181 2 broke out there were sixty-seven families residing at the foot of the Rapids. The war made the Maumee an exceedingly unhealthy climate, and the white settlers were com- pelled to flee for their lives. After peace was declared, most of those who had resided here before the war, returned, and the actual settlement of the Maumee Valley began, but progressed very slowly until the location of the Miami and Erie Canal. The last remnant of the powerful tribe of Ottawa Indians was not removed until 1838, and their burying-grounds and village sites are scat- tered along both banks of Maumee from its mouth to Defiance. CHAPTER VI. Early Settlers of the Maumee Valley Recalled— The Names of Many of Them, and Some Incidents Concerning Them. IN the year 1830, according to the census of population then made, the county of Henry contained two hundred and sixty persons, young and old ; in 1840, two thousand five hundred and three; in 1850, three thousand four hundred and thirty-four ; in i860, eight thousand nine hundred and one ; in 1870, fourteen thousand and twenty-eight; in 1880, twenty thousand five hun- 44 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. dred and eighty- five. From these facts it is fair to assume that in the year 1820 there was not to exceed a dozen families within the borders of the county, and upon this basis, not more than fifty or sixty white inhabitants. Although Henry county was formed, and only formed, in the year 1820, there were not then living therein enough people to organize a township, and it was not until three years later, 1823, that the whole county was populous enough to be formed into one township, called Damascus. The county, it is true, was given an existence at the time named, and while conveyances of land may have recog- nized such an existence, the residents knew no county boundaries beyond their warrant or deed ; they were residents and pioneers of the whole Maumee Val- ley, and as such will be mentioned so far as their names can be ascertained. It is possible that in the following record the names of some may be inad- vertently omitted, as the names, as obtained, are somewhat incomplete, still it will serve to show who were a large majority of- the residents of the valley prior to the year 1825, together with some incidents concerning them and their families. The list was prepared by a person now past the alloted " three score and ten" years of life, and will be found substantially authentic so far as given. It is arranged to commence at Defiance and record the names as the people were found on going down the river, and is as follows : Pierce Evans and family, Indian fur trader; Dr. Jonathan F. Evans, physician and surgeon; Colonel Evans, on the Au Glaize ; Allen Browher, father and brother, farmer and trader; Brubecker, farmer ; James Laughlin, Indian jewelry manufacturer and river boatman ; the " Snook Boys," two brothers, farmers and pirogue men (river boatmen). Flat Rock : (Down the river four miles), old Uncle Hively, Pennsylvania Dutch farmer ; Adam Kepler, on south side of the river, also Pennsylvania farmer. There were a few other settlers near this point, whose names cannot now be recalled. The next settlement was at or near Damascus, below the present village of Napoleon: John Patrick and wife, farmer and Indian trader; " Sammy" and David Bowers, brothers, on south side, both farmers ; Elisha Scribner, father and family, farmer ; Charles Bucklin and father, " Squire " Bucklin, farmers ; Samuel Vance and wife, farmers and Indian fur traders, brother to ex- Gov- ernor Vance, of Ohio ; Richard Gunn and family, farmer ; Carver Gunn and family, farmer ; Osman Gunn and family, farmer ; Judge Cory, the largest farmer in the valley ; David De Long and sons "Jeff" and " Nicky." Grand Rapids : Uncle Peter Manore, Frenchman, farmer ; he built the first saw-mill on the river ; his son, Frank, now or recently living on the old home- stead, a part of the Indian grant of one and one-half sections, at the head of the Grand Rapids, was born at the foot of the rapids, where Maumee City now is, in 18 1 2. General History. 45 On the south side of the river, at this place, was settled Thomas Howard and his sons, Edward, Robert A. and Richard M. W,, and their families, as also William Pratt and family, son of Captain Pratt, of Fort Meigs, all farmers. A few miles below this, at Raccoon Rapids, was John Morgan, an old Rocky Mountain hunter and trapper, and his "man Friday," "Bob" Ryan, a farmer. A short distance further down, on what afterwards was known as the Hedges (grandfather of Judge David Commager) farm, was a " squatter," by the name of Adam Teel, farmer, and still further down the river, near the mouth of Tone-tog-o-nee Creek, and opposite the " Indian Island," was erected and in full operation, the Presbyterian Indian Mission, under the general man- agement of Rev. Isaac Van Tassell, assisted by Revs. Coe and Sackett, with their families, and the Misses Riggs and Brewster; Dayton Riley (brother of William Riley, of African slavery fame, who after his release and return to America, built the first mill to crack corn, on the St. Mary's River, near the line of the Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad, near the present village of Wilshire, Van Wert county, Ohio). This Dayton Riley was a very good carpenter, and performed much work for the Indian mission people, but loved the woods so well that most of his time was spent in hunting and trapping for the fur-bearing animals, and lining the little busy bees to their homes in hol- low trees, for their rich stores of wild honey. Still on down the river opposite the present village of Waterville, was the commodious and hospitable log cabin of " Uncle " Guy Nearing, whose cabin latch-string always " hung out " to welcome the neighboring settler, or the tired and often belated traveler. Near him, in a snug little cabin, lived one Thomas Dix, usually called " Uncle Tommy Dix," a full-blooded Irishman, from Cork, and the only pauper on the river. He was, however, very industrious, but be- ing quite aged, was unable to entirely maintain himself, and was aided consider- ably by the town poor-masters. He was quite a hand at making maple sugar in the spring. He had seven large trees near his cabin into which he put numerous ■spiles, and, as he counted it, made quite a sugar bush. A settler once asked him. how many trees he had, and he answered " seventy." The settler could not see so many and so remarked. Uncle Tommy replied that he had " tin taps in a tree, and sure that's sivinty." Just below this were the families of John Race and the Deckers and John Charter. Going back to Roch te Bout (Bushteboo) was found Isaac Richard- son, the man who was afterwards murdered by Porter, the " Old Gay Lark," as he was usually called, who was the first man ever hanged in the valley under the civil laws of the United States ; and also Hughs, a millwright, living at Rich- ardson's. At Waterville was John Pray and family, Colister, and Whitcomb Haskins (a little below), and the two brothers Farnsworth and their families ; Deacon Cross, Mr. Martindale, Orson Ballou, Alex. Howard and family ; Warren 46 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Gunn, and on the high bank of the river, a Httle below was the white- washed log cabin of " Count" Pierre Louie La Point, known as " Uncle" Peter La Point, whose roof often sheltered and made glad many a heart from the posts- at Detroit, and along the river to Fort Wayne, by the hospitality of this genial and kind-hearted old Frenchman; Deacon Barlow (on Presque Isle), Judge Jonathan Jerome, at Turkeyfoot Rock, " Old" Haynes, and one or two others whose names cannot now be recalled. At Maumee City proper Tivere General John E. Hunt, and Robert and James H., and Duncan Forsyth, all merchants and Indian fur traders ; Judge Wolcott, also a fur trader ; David and Isaac Hull, fur traders ; Dr. Conant,. James Wilkison, Hezekiah Hubel, hotel keeper and farmer; " Old" Haynes, George, John and James Knaggs, farmers and traders ; Parley Carlin and his brother. Esquire Carlin, Mr. Gibbs and family, Whitney, Peter Rebedow, a blacksmith ; Mr. Masher, the Rand family, Trombley, and a number of other French families, including Peter Nevar and brothers ; " Deacon " Keeler, and Indian agent Major Stickney and family, Mr. Whitney and "Uncle Peter' Shaw, Mrs. Mary Ann Gilbert (itee Miss Wolcott, daughter of Judge Wolcott), Ralph Keeler. There may be yet a number whose names- have been forgotten. Passing back to the vicinity of Fort Meigs : First was found Captain Pratt and sons, Jonas, Hiram, Amos, James, and Foster, and daughters Sally and Jane. Also in the family of Captain Pratt was his mother, known by every- body as " Granny " Pratt, Judge James Spafford and brother, and their fam- ilies. Dr. Coulton, John and Frank Hollister, merchants and Indian fur traders, as also a brother, Harry; Thomas McKnight, John Webb, who built the first house in Perrysburg and who died August 28, 1885 ; Jacob Wilkin- son and Captain David Wilkinson; the Jenison family, Nathaniel, Julius, Leon- ard, and Blinn, brothers, and sister Mary ; Philander B. Brown and father, a blacksmith, and sister Jane; Elijah Herrick, Thomas McElrath and the Learn- ing families. Carter, a tailor, and Wm. Ewing, then a boy, but later known as ex-Judge Ewing ; Judge Thomas Powell, " Sile" Morehouse and brothers, and Vickers, a gunsmith and blacksmith, employed by the United States government for the Indians; Griffith, John Chartier,Wm. M. Billings, Valentine Winslow, the Deckers, Races, John J. Lovett, Hawley, Wilsons, Baldwin, Prentice, Hubbard Worden, Sibley, Whitmore, Noyes, Elijah Huntington, Joshua Chapel, Charles- C. P. Hunt, brother of John E., of Maumee, Mrs. Major Skinner {nee Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Maj. Spafford, of Ft. Meigs), James Mackelrath, Ft. Meigs ; Louis Trombla and Mr. Daget, of Maumee; Mr. Adams, Waterville; Mrs. Isaac Hull, daughter of Mr. Spafford; Mrs. Perrin, now living, daughter of Jacob Wilkison and brothers Merrill and Samuel, Jerry Crane and father, Mr. Crane, "Old" Loup, "Sister" Knowles, an old bachelor, who finally married and was supposed to have lost his life from poison given him by his wife; Charles and Curtis, " Curt." Roby, and possibly others. General History. 47 CHAPTER Vn. Erection of Henry County — The Act Creating It — Other Counties Erected at the Same Time — Original Boundaries — Subsequent Reductions to Form Other Counties — Geographical Location and Present Boundaries — Events Incident to Its Complete Organization — Locating the County Seat — Napoleon Designated — First County Officers — First Court — The Old Log Court-House — The First Frame Court-House — Its Burning — The Records Destroyed — The First Brick Court-House — Its Destruction — The Present Court-House and Jail — County Civil List. IN the early part of the year 1820, and soon after the (then) last treaty with the Indians, by which their right of possession to the soil in this part of Ohio was extinguished, there was at the disposal of the authorities a vast tract of land in the northwestern portion of the State that was practically uninhab- ited by whites ; and, for the better administration of the affairs of this country, and the desire on the part of the authorities that the territory should be occu- pied and improved by settlers, it was deemed prudent that the country should be erected into several counties. It was, therefore, by such provisional action that the county of Henry was brought into existence. By the act which was passed on the 12th day of February, 1820, it was declared " That all that part of the lands lately ceded by the Indians to the United States, which lies within this State, shall be, and the same is hereby erected into fourteen separate and distinct counties," to be bounded and named as in the act provided. These counties so formed were: Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Marion, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Sen- eca, Van Wert, Williams, and Wood. Separating Henry county from its fellows formed at the same time, it is found that the same was made to include " all of ranges five, six, seven, and eight north of the second township north, in said ranges, and to run north with the same to the State (Michigan) line as aforesaid, and to be known by the name of Henry." The county was so named in honor of Patrick Henry, that distinguished statesman whose eloquent voice had been so frequently heard in upholding the cause of the struggling American colonies in the days of her infancy. At the time of this erection there undoubtedly was not a sufficient number of residents within the broad limits of the county to fill the county's offices, or to in any manner administer its affairs ; but the act made further provision, by the second section, that the newly created counties of Hancock, Henry, Put- nam, Paulding, and Williams should be attached to the county of Wood until otherwise directed by law. The temporary seat of justice of Wood county was fixed at Maumee. The first election for county and township officers for Wood county, and the counties attached to it, as well, was ordered and directed to be held on the first Monday of April, 1820. 48 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Under this provision and by this enactment was Henry county attached to Wood county, and so continued for about four years, when, by an act passed on the 2d of February, 1824, it was provided that Williams county be fully organized for all purposes, and that the other counties of Henry, Putnam, and Paulding be attached thereto for judicial purposes ; that on the first Monday of April, 1824, the legal electors residing in the counties of Williams, Henry, Putnam, and Paulding "shall assemble within their respective townships, at the usual place of holding elections, and shall proceed to elect their several county and township officers, who shall hold their several offices until the next annual election." It was further provided that the courts for the several named counties should be held at Defiance, in the county of Williams, until otherwise provided by law ; further, " that suits or actions, whether of a civil or criminal nature," which should be pending at the time of the passage of the act, should be pros- ecuted to final judgment and execution in the county of Wood, in the same manner as they would have been had not Williams county been fully organ- ized. Otherwise than as above provided, Williams county became the seat of justice for Henry county after February, 1824. By virtue of an act passed June 20, 1835, entitled "An act to erect the county of Lucas," Henry county was called upon to surrender a portion of her territory to the formation of the new, and the portion so taken passed under the jurisdiction of Lucas county, except as related to suits or actions then pending in Henry county, which grew out of transactions in the land so taken. It was also provided by this act that the counties of Lucas, Darke, Shelby, Mercer, Allen, Van Wert, Putnam, Henry, Wood, and Williams, should partic- ipate in common in the election of a representative to the General Assembly of the State, and with the additional county of Miami, should elect one State senator. Again, in the year 1845, by an act passed March 4, Henry county was called upon to surrender a part of her territory to the formation of Defiance county, thus taking from her lands on the western border, and her jurisdiction and authority over the part so taken ceased, except as to suits and actions then pending. For a third time the county was made to surrender her territory to a new formation, in the year 1850, under an act passed on the 28th day of February, creating the county of Fulton. This will be found fully set forth elsewhere in this work, in the department relating to Fulton county, so that a detail of the facts need not be given here. In the year 1834, Henry county became fully organized for all purposes; authorized to elect its own officers, hold courts within its boundaries, and per- form all of the acts and duties incumbent upon all counties. But, before go- ing into the facts relative to this organization, and the proceedings and events Henry County. 49 that occurred at that time, a brief description of the location and characteris- tics of the county will at this time be appropriate. Henry county occupies a central position among the counties in that sec- tion of the State of Ohio, that is usually termed the Northwest. Its bounda- ries, after the formation of the several counties in the region, are as follows : north by Fulton county, east by Wood county, south by Putnam county, and west by Defiance and a small part of Williams counties. In the formation of Defiance county, the lines were so run as to leave a portion, or fragment of Henry, projecting westward between Fulton and De- fiance counties, and reaching out an average township length to Williams county. This strip, or projecting tract of land, now comprises the township of Ridgeville. With the exception of this deformity, caused by the erection of Defiance county, this is, perhaps, as regular in formation and boundary, as any of the counties of the State. Under an act of the State Legislature passed during the session of 1834, the civil organization of Henry county was completed, and it was thereafter no longer annexed to Williams county, but authorized to elect its own officers, administrate its own affairs, and govern itself The act made provision, also, for the appointment of three commissioners, not residents of the county, to whom fell the duty of locating the seat of justice for the county. In the performance of the trust the commissioners visited the county, and viewed the several locali- ties proposed, heard the arguments of the people, pro and con, and finally, and with no opposition, or but very little, fixed the seat of justice at the town of Napoleon. The first proceeding necessary, after the complete organization of the county was the selection of county officials. They were as follows : Pierce Evans, Reuben Waite and David J. Corry, judges ; Newton Evans, clerk of the courts : Xenophen Mead, Amos Cole and Allen Brougher, county commis- sioners; Hazel Strong, auditor; Israel Waite, treasurer; Elkanch Husted, sheriff; William Bowen, coroner; Frederick Lord, prosecuting attorney. They were to hold their respective offices until the general election in October fol- lowing, and at that time all were re-elected except that Samuel Bowers was elected to the office of sheriff in place of Elkanch Husted, who had left the county. The whole number of votes cast at this election was ninety-seven. A term of court, the first in the county, was held at the public house of George Stout, a short distance north of the Maumee River. Judge David Higgins presided upon this occasion, having reached the place by coming up the river on horseback. Unfortunately, the journal of the proceedings of this pioneer court was destroyed by fire upon the occasion of the burning of the frame court-house, in the year 1847, and no record of the same is now obtain- able. It became necessary that, for the proper conduct of terms of court, and the 7 so History of Henry and Fulton Counties. administration of the affairs of the county, there should be provided a court- house, and this became one of the first duties devolving upon the commission- ers. These officials made an agreement with George Stout that he should build an addition to his log tavern for the purpose indicated. This was done within a reasonable time, and a suitable room was thus provided in which just- ice was " meted out " until the county was sufficiently strong in point of popu- lation and wealth to afford a more pretentious building. The court- room proper was located upon the second floor of the log addition, while the other part was used by " mine host " Stout, for the purposes of trade. Courts at this time were held but twice each year, so the worthy landlord enjoyed undis- puted possession most of the time. It was the custom, too, upon the adjourn- ment, for all to participate in a jolly, old-fashioned country dance, in which the officials, attendants, litigants, witnesses and general hangers-on should partici- pate. This old log court-house answered the demands of the county for a num- ber of years, but, as the town grew more populous, and the county became settled, a more adequate and attractive appearing building became necessary. In the year 1844, the first frame court-house building was erected. It stood near the corner of Perry and Washington streets, about on the site of the pres- ent building. It was a plain, two-story structure, with court-rooms on the upper floor, while the offices of the county officials were on the lower or ground floor. It was built by Michael Shuman, and cost about two thousand dollars. During these years the old jail continued in use as a place of confinement of prisoners and offenders. This log jail stood about south from the present jail, across and on the south side of the canal. This was used for all cases durr ing the early days of the county, but as law-breakers became more frequent and desperate, the old building proved no longer secure, and until the first brick court-house was built with the jail in its basement, many of the more serious offenders were taken to Maumee City, and perhaps a few to other places. The most noted escapade from the old log jail was that of the mur- derers of the three unoffending Indians, an account of which will he found else- where in this volume. In the month of April, 1847, by an incendiary fire, the frame court-house was entirely destroyed, with it all records, books and valuable papers belong- ing to the several departments of county government, except a few of the tax duplicates, which were saved through the efforts of James G. Haly, then auditor of the county. This was a serious loss to the new and struggling county, and for a time each arm of the local government seemed paralyzed. The commissioners held a meeting to consider the misfortune, but with no unneces- sary delay determined upon the erection of another and more substantial court- house. But here another question was presented that for a time seriously threatened the removal of the county seat from Napoleon. Henry County. 51 About this time there was some effort making looking toward the erection •of another county, and for that purpose taking again of the lands of Henry county. But this project seemed not to have been popular and found not much determined support, but very much determined opposition. With the burning of the court-house an effort was made to have the county seat moved to Florida by the people on the west of the county, and to Damascus by those residing on the east. These movements were made most apparent in the nomination of candidates for the office of pounty commissioner, each locality using the greatest endeavor to nominate and elect a commissioner favorable to the particular locality he should represent. The commissioners then in office were under contract with the firm of James B. Steedman & Co. for the erection of a new county jail, and in fact the work was already commenced when the fire occurred. For a modest con- sideration the contractors were induced to stop work and surrender their con- tract. Following this, on the 7th of March, 1848, the commissioners adopted a resolution as follows: " Whereas, the subject of erecting pubHc buildings for the county of Henry is being agitated in different parts of the county at this time ; and whereas, a majority of the people of the county are opposed to the erection of such build- ings, or any contract for the same, until the subject of the removal of the county seat shall have been fairly and fully canvassed by the people at the next annual election, and their wishes acted upon by the Legislature at its next ses- sion ; therefore, "Resolved, that the subject of erecting, contracting for or constructing pub- lic buildings for Henry county, be postponed until after the rising of the next General Assembly." The result of this agitation and discussion was in the determination of the commissioners to erect new buildings on the site of the old. Two town lots were, in December, 1849, donated by the proprietors of the town for the ad- ditional grounds required for this purpose. It was provided that the court- house and jail should be in one building, and that the county officials' quarters should be in another, separate from the first. The former to be two stories in height, and in dimensions, forty by sixty feet. The offices for county officials were to be in a building (fire-proof), twenty by sixty feet in size, and divided into four equal apartments. In January, 1850, the contract for these buildings was awarded to James Durbin, Achilles Smith and William Russell, at the price of $7,495.75. In due course of time these buildings were completed ; the combined court- house and jail, a plain brick structure, two stories high, built with reference to convenience and practical utility rather than ornamentation. It was never- theless a substantial and attractive appearing house of justice, and received much favorable commendation from visiting magistrates and layman of the legal fra- 52 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ternity. The apartments for the incarceration of offenders occupied the lower portion, which was protected on the sides by heavy stone-walls, while the court-room occupied the second story. The rooms for the jury and such of the officers as were required to have offices in the building, were situated in convenient parts and well ordered. This building answered well the needs of the county for many years, but, like its predecessor, was doomed to fall a victim to the ravages of the fiery fiend. On the night of the 8th of November, 1879, a fire broke out in what the residents were pleased to designate as "Dutch Row," which soon commu- nicated to the adjoining buildings, and ended in a sweeping and disastrous con- flagration. The court-house " caught fire " from the burning buildings and it was soon a mass of ruin and debris. Henry county was again without a court-house. Fortunately, none of the records of the county were destroyed, they being saved before fire could reach their place of keeping. On the 25th of March, 1880, the commissioners entered into a contract with Jacob Karst and William Woodruff for the erection of the new and ele- gant court-house, an ornament to the village of Napoleon and an honor to the county. The contract price for its construction was $79,825, and added to this the cost of furnishing, made its aggregate cost about $95,000. At the same time and in the same contract these parties were awarded the work of build- ing the present jail and sheriff's residence, at the price of $20,000. The jail was completed during the latter part of the year 1880, but the court-house was not finished until the early months of the year 1882. During its building Beckmann Hall was used for county and court purposes. Fulton county un- doubtedly has the finest court-house in northwestern Ohio. It stands on an elevated tract of land at the corner of Perry and Washington streets, from each of which avenues there is an entrance. The buildihg is of brick with heavy and finely cut Berea sandstone trimmings. Its height, including basement and mansard roof, is four stories. In the central part and rising to a height of about one hundred and fifty feet from the ground, is a well built square tower, surmounted by a figure of justice. Beneath the figure and in the upper part of the tower is a four-dial clock. The interior of the building is admirably ar- ranged, the main floor containing the most important of the county officers' apartments. The prosecuting attorney, sheriff and clerk have offices on the up- per floor, on which, also, is the spacious and well arranged court- room, while the county surveyor, infirmary directors and janitor have offices in the basement. In rear of the court-house, and fronting on Washington street is the sub- stantial and secure jail, connected with which is a comfortable sheriff's resi- dence. These public buildings will stand a lasting monument to the generosity and public- spiritedness of the people of Henry county, and in this age of progress and elaboration they can point with pardonable pride to this magnificent structure that bears favorable comparison with any in the State. Henry County. 53 Having reviewed the leading events in connection with the erection of the county, and have furnished a record of its several public buildings, it is fully- proper that this chapter should close with a roster of the persons who have been- in charge of the several departments of its civil government ; but owing to the destruction of the records at the time of the first fire, in 1 847, and the loss of many since, it is impossible to furnish a complete and civil list of the county from the date of its complete erection. In fact, the list here given from 1852 down to a very recent date, is taken from the files of the North- West, the leading newspaper of the county. To attempt to give a hst of the officers prior to 1853, would involve the statistician in a mass of inaccuracies, as all information would necessarily be based upon the memory of "man, jvhich, at best is unre- liable. The first officers of the county are mentioned in the early part of this chapter. The following record contains the names of county officers who were elected at the time indicated by the year given in each case, and will be found to be reliable. In the year 1852, those holding office under the county government were as follows: Probate judge, Harvey Allen; clerk of the courts, A. H. Tyler; auditor, William J. Jackson ; sheriff", Daniel Yarnell ; treasurer, George Steb- bins ; prosecuting attorney, Edward Sheffield ; recorder, A. Craig ; county surveyor, Paul P. Doud ; county commissioners, David Harley, D. F. Welsted,. Charles Hornung. Elected in 1852, sheriff, Henry N. Low; commissioner, Matthew Reid; cor- oner, David Leist. 1853. County auditor, Edward Sheffield ; treasurer, Daniel Yarnell ; re- corder, Rensselaer Hudson; commissioner, John Hamler; prosecuting attorney^ Justin H. Tyler ; coroner, Abel Montgomery. 1854. Probate judge, Harvey Allen; clerk, Asa H. Tyler; sheriff, Henry N. Low ; commissioner, Ward Woodward ; surveyor, W. H. Brownell. 1855. Auditor, Edward Sheffield; treasurer, Daniel Yarnell; commissioner,. Matthew Reid ; prosecuting attorney, Justin H. Tyler. 1856. Sheriff, C. R. McWilliams ; recorder, Rensselaer Hudson; commis- sioner, John Hamler. 1857. Probate judge, T. S. C. Morrison; clerk, D. M. McCann ; auditor, J. E. Cowdrick; treasurer, H. D. Taylor ; prosecuting attorney, W. A. Choate; commissioner, George Crawford ; surveyor, Charles Hornung ; coroner, Mi- chael Neff. 1858. Sheriff, C. R. McWiUiams ; coroner, John Powell. 1859. Auditor, James E. Cowdrick; treasurer, H. D. Taylor; recorder,. Thomas Yarnell ; prosecuting attorney, William A. Choate ; commissioner, Levi Spangler ; coroner, Reuben Reiter. i860. Probate judge, T. S. C. Morrison; clerk, Thomas W. Durbin ; sheriff,. John P. Rowan; commissioner, George Crawford; surveyor, Levi Coffman. 54 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. 1 86 1. The records for this year are missing, yet James A. Parker was pros- ecuting attorney, and Augustin Pilloid treasurer. 1862. Sheriff, John P. Rowan; recorder, William F. Daggett; commis- sioner, Levi Spangler ; coroner, Edward Lingle ; surveyor, Strong. 1863. Probate judge, T. S. C. Morrison; auditor, Rensselaer Hudson; treas- urer, Augustin Pilloid ; clerk, Charles Reiter ; prosecuting attorney, James A. Parker ; commissioner, John C. McLain ; surveyor, Samuel L. Adams. 1864. Probate judge, John M. Haag ; sheriff, Oscar E. Barnes; commis- sioner, Harrison Hudson ; coroner, Edward Lingle. 1865. Prosecuting attorney, James A. Parker; auditor, B. F. Stout; treas- urer, C. R. McWilliams ; recorder, W. F. Daggett; commissioner, Henry Schall. 1866. Probate judge, John M. Haag; clerk, Charles Reiter; sheriff, Oscar E. Barnes; commissioner, John C. McLain; surveyor, James C. Crawford; coroner, Jacob Diemer. 1867. Auditor, B. F. Stout ; treasurer, W. A. Tressler; prosecuting attor- ney, J. L. Robertson ; commissioner, H. Hudson. 1868. Sheriff, John C. Jaqua ; recorder, J. F. Hoskinson ; commissioner, Henry Schall ; coroner, Jacob Diemer. 1869. Probate judge, James G. Haly ; clerk, Oscar E. Barnes; auditor, Frederick Theek ; prosecuting attorney, J. L. Robertson ; treasurer, W. A. Tressler ; commissioner, Thomas W. Durbin ; surveyor, J. C. Crawford ; cor- oner, Henry Seeling. 1870. Sheriff, Charles Reiter; commissioner, R. B. Calkins. 1 87 1. Prosecuting attorney, J. L. Robertson; treasurer, H. H. Van Fleet; recorder, R. P. Osborn; commissioner, A. J. Saygers; surveyor, Henry Kolbe; coroner, Henry Seeling. 1872. Probate judge, James G. Haly; clerk, Oscar E. Barnes; auditor, J. F. Theek ; sheriff, George Daum ; commissioner, Tighlman Miller. 1873. Treasurer, Henry H. Van Fleet ; prosecuting attorney, John L. Rob- ertson ; commissioner, John Powell ; coroner, Henry Seeling. 1874. Auditor, W. F. Daggett ; sheriff, George Daum; recorder, R. P. Os- burn; prosecuting attorney, David Meekison ; commissioner, Charles Hornung; surveyor, Henry Kolbe. 1875. Probate judge, James G. Haly; clerk, Oscar E. Barnes; treasurer, John C. McLain ; commissioner, Daniel Yarnell ; coroner, Henry Seeling. 1876. Auditor, B. F. Stout; sheriff, D. W. Spangler; prosecuting attor- ney, David Meekison ; commissioner, Reuben Reiter. 1877. Treasurer, John C. McLain; recorder, Daniel Hartnett ; commis- sioner, Charles Hornung ; surveyor, George Welsted ; coroner, Michael Neff. 1878. Probate judge, James G. Haly; clerk, Oscar E. Barnes ; auditor, H. L. Ennes ; sheriff, George Daum; prosecuting attorney, Martin Knupp; com- missioner, Daniel Yarnell. Henry County. 55 1879. Treasurer, Charles H. Gidley ; commissioner, Reuben Reiter ; cor- oner. Dr. Henry Woesterfeldt. 1880. Sheriff, George Daum ; prosecuting attorney, Martin Knupp ; re- corder, Daniel Hartnett ; commissioner, W. H. Booher ; surveyor, D. P. Hud- son. 1 88 1. Probate judge, David Meekison ; clerk, Oscar E. Barnes; auditor, Charles Evers ; treasurer, Charles Gidley ; commissioner, Henry Rohrs ; cor- oner, R. M. Cloud. 1882. Sheriff, Frederick Aller : prosecuting attorney, R. W. Cahill ; com- missioner, James Connelly. 1883. Treasurer, A. Pilliod ; recorder, Thomas W. Durbin ; commissioner, W. H. Booher ; surveyor, D. P. Hudson ; coroner, R. M. Cloud. 1884. Probate judge, David Meekison; clerk, James Donovan; sheriff, Fred- erick Aller ; auditor, Charles Evers ; commissioner, Henry Rohrs. 1885. Treasurer, J. C. Waltemire; prosecuting attorney, R. W. Cahill; com- missioner, George Daum ; coroner, R. M. Cloud. 1886. Sheriff, E. T. Barnes; recorder, Thomas W. Durbin; commissioner, W. N. Zierolf ; surveyor, Charles N. Schwab. The present officers of Henry county are as follows : Probate judge, David Meekison ; treasurer, J. C. Waltemire ; auditor, Charles Evers ; clerk of the courts, James Donovan ; recorder, Thomas W. Durbin ; sheriff, Elbert T. Barnes ; prosecuting attorney, R. W. Cahill ; surveyor, Charles N. Schwab ; coroner, Conrad Bitzer ; county commissioners, George Daum, Henry Rohrs, William N. Zierolf; infirmary directors, Henry Bostleman, Kimball Rakestraw and Peter Schall. CHAPTER VHI. Historical Incidents and Localities Connected with Henry County — Simon Girty — A Tale of the Early War — Logan's Fidelity Proved — The Black Swamp — Killing of Four Indians. THERE is, perhaps, no locality within the bounds of the State of Ohio that has been more rich with historic events, during the latter part of the past and the early part of the present century, than the valley of the Maumee River; and while the whole valley has been the scene of many a bloody tragedy, many a conflict at arms between contending hosts, there was enacted but com- paratively few scenes of strife and bloodshed within the borders of that which now constitutes the county of Henry. The early chapters of this volume have recounted the various events and incidents of the valley, and it does not be- come this chapter to furnish more than to such incidents as can be located in their occurrence to this county. 56 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. From the village of Napoleon up the Maumee, a distance of about five miles, is located what have been termed " Girty's Point," and "Girty's Island," so named and called from the fact of its having been the residence and place of refuge of Simon Girty, the renegade white savage, who, in his desire to be like the Indians, by whom he was in boyhood adopted, and to imitate them in all their barbarous customs "out-Indianed" the savages themselves, and perpetrated acts of devilishness and inhuman cruelty upon white captives that would have brought a blush of shame upon the most depraved of the red men •of the forest. The history of Simon Girty has been read by, and is familiar to every man, woman and child in the whole Maumee Valley, and all historians generally agree upon the facts of his life and deeds ; yet, of late years, in which there seems to be a general tendency to lessen the seriousness of past events, some writers have inclined to deal more moderately with Girty, and some have even gone so far as to intimate that he was "more sinned against than sinning," thus showing him and his character in the light of a martyr, rather than of the in- human, rapacious, merciless, and devilish cut-throat and villain that he was. There seems to have been a strong vein of inhuman and unnatural inclina- tion running throughout the whole Girty family ; the father was given to the excessive use of intoxicants, to obtain which he was restrained by no influence; lie had no loftier ambition than to get drunk, and usually found means to grat- ify it. He was abusive and heartless, possessed of no sense of manliness or even decency. His wife, too, formed improper associates, but for her there is a sentiment of charity and forgiveness. They had four sons, Thomas, Simon George and James. All of these, except Thomas, were taken by the Indians in Braddock's unfortunate campaign on the Pennsylvania frontier. Each was adopted by an Indian tribe, Simon, the subject of this sketch, by the Senecas, the most fierce of the tribes forming the Iroquois confederacy. One act of honor, however, must be credited to Simon Girty. He and Simon Kenton were scouts together during what was known as Dunmore's -war, serving faithfully and efficiently under command of Lord Dunmore. Some years after this war Kenton was captured by the Indians, subjected to the most cruel torture, and finally condemned to death at the stake. About this time Girty, who was known among the savages as " Katepacomen," appeared, rec- which he bore with uncommon fortitude, and died with the utmost composure and resignation. More firmness and consummate bravery has seldom ap- peared on the military theatre. Said Winchester in his letter to the command- ing general : " He was buried with all the honor due to his rank, and with sorrow as sincerely displayed as I ever witnessed." Said Major Hardin in a letter to Governor Shelly : " His physiognomy was formed on the best model, and exhibited the strongest marks of courage, good humor and sincerity." It was said by the Indians that the British offered one hundred and fifty dollars for his scalp. He had been very serviceable to our cause by acting as a guide and spy. He had gone with General Hull to Detroit, and with the first Ken- tucky troops who marched to the relief of Fort Wayne. The foregoing story will not, in all respects, accord with the life and death of Logan, as it has been written by historians of recognized ability and re- search, nor will it fully harmonize, in some particulars, with statements made in this work relating to the Indian occupation and events of the territory un- der consideration; yet on the whole, the story is a good one and worthy of a place in these annals, and an earnest desire to portray the facts and incidents, and all of them, of the territory treated, impels its reproduction here. The Black Swamp. — Here was, many years ago, an extensive tract of land, lying in part within the county of Henry. It has its history, and like all other parts of this comparatively new country, that history has been made in its transformation from swamp lands into broad and well cultivated fields, no bet- ter than which lies within the State of Ohio. In the year 1846, when this county was in a comparatively unimproved condition, Henry Howe, with assistants, made a tour of the State, gathering data for his "Historical Collections" of Ohio. In his journeyings Mr. Howe visited the famous "Black Swamp," and at a time when the same existed in its "full force and virtue." In describing it in his sketch of Henry county, he 6o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. says: "A greater part of this county is covered by the famous 'Black Swamp.' This tract reaches over an extent of country of one hundred and twenty miles in length, with an average breadth of forty miles, about equaling, in area, the State of Connecticut. It is, at present, thinly settled and has a population of about fifty thousand; but probably in less than a century, when it shall be cleared and drained, it will be the garden of Ohio, and support half a million of people. The surface is generally high and level, and sustains a dense growth of forest trees, among which beech, ash, elm and oak, cotton-wood, and poplar most abound. The branches and foliage of this magnificent forest are almost impenetrable to the rays of the sun, and its gloomy silence remained unbroken until disturbed by the restless emigrants of the west. It is an inter- esting country to travel through. The perfect uniformity of the soil, the level surface of the ground alike retaining and alike absorbing water, has given to the forest a homogeneous character; the trees are all generally of the same height, so that when viewed at a distance through the haze, the forests appear like an immense blue wall stretched across the horizon. It is yet the abode of wild animals: flocks of deer are occasionally seen bounding through its labyrinths, flowers and flowering shrubs bloom in its midst and beautiful birds make it vocal with melody. "Throughout the swamp, a mile or two apart, are slight ridges of limestone, from forty rods to a mile wide, running usually in a westerly direction, and covered with black walnut, butternut, red elm and maple. The top soil of the swamp is about a foot thick and composed of black, decayed, vegetable matter, extremely fertile. Beneath this and extending several feet, is a rich, yellow clay having large quantities of fertilizing substances of lime and silex. Lower still is a stratum of black clay of great depth. The water of the swamp is un- pleasant to the taste from containing a large quantity of sulphur; it is, how- ever, healthy and peculiarly beneficial to persons of a costive habit, or having diseases of the blood. The soil is excellent for grain and almost all produc- tions." Such, then, was the " Black Swamp," forty and more years ago. It is true, as the historian states, that it covered a major portion of Henry county, but from its vast extent, this county lay on the margin of the swamp, the Maumee being practically its northern boundary. It is frequently understood that the swamp occupied the territory on both sides of the river, but this theory seems hardly well founded. The lands generally throughout the county were, be- fore being drained, swampy or marshy, and the soil in many places partook of the peculiar distinguishing character of the swamp lands proper, but they formed no part of what has properly been termed the "Black Swamp." The speculations, too, of the worthy historian have proved true, wherein he says: "But probably in less than a century, when it shall be cleared and drained, it will be the garden of Ohio." There is to-day no more fertile land, or more Henry County. 6i productive land within the State than can be found within the old "Black Swamp." While its fertility was quite well known during the early days of the county, there were but few of the pioneers that had the hardihood to at- tempt the development of it; its locality was exceedingly unhealthy and it abounded in agues and fevers and other kindred diseases. For these reasons the development of this section was delayed and the struggling pioneer sought other lands which were less difficult of improvement, and wherein health and life were not endangered. It was in the year 1835, soon after the civil organization of the county was completed and its officers chosen, that one Brown was charged with hav- ing murdered an Indian. The culprit was arraigned before "Squire' Strong, but for a lack of evidence sufficient to hold him, he was discharged. He im- mediately left the vicinity, fearing that the companions of the Indian would enforce the law according to their own "primitive custom." It was but a short time after the event just narrated happened, that three Wyandot Indians were found murdered in the south part of the county, whither they had come to hunt and trap game. Two young men named Lyons and Anderson were arrested and charged with the crime. They stoutly protested innocence, however, but were confined in the old log jail awaiting trial. They managed to escape and made themselves scarce in these parts. One was sub- sequently re-captured, tried and acquitted. The Indians were quite inoffen- :sive creatures, named Summadewat, Canwaan and Nancy, the wife of Canwaan. •One of them was a minister of the gospel among the Wyandot Indians. 62 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER IX. A aENERAL TOPOaRAPHICAL AND GEOGRA.PHICAL VIEW OF HENRY COUNTY; ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS. HENRY county occupies a position in that portion of the State of Ohio, that is generally termed the Northwest, and in northwestern Ohio its. position is nearly central ; it is removed but the width of a single county, Ful- ton, from the Michigan State line on the north, and but a single tier of coun- ties intervene between its west boundary and the State of Indiana. It is bounded on the north by Fulton, east by Wood, south by Putnam, and west by Defiance county. The county seat, Napoleon, is of latitude north forty- one degrees and twenty-two minutes, and longitude west eighty-four degrees- and seven minutes. The geographical location, in the county, of the county-seat is in the northwest part, perhaps some eight or ten miles from the central part of the county, and was established by the commissioners appointed by the Legislature,, at variance with the usual custom of locating the seat of justice as near as pos- sible to the geographical center of the county. But in justice to the worthy commissioners who fixed the county seat, it must be said that their duties were as faithfully and conscientiously performed as could be done. The county seat must be situate on the beautiful and historic Maumee, and no more avail- able, appropriate, or central location could be designated than the then little settlement in Napoleon township. The commissioners could not, of course, foresee the reduction of the county's territory in the erection of Defiance and Fulton counties, but by these formations, and the surrender of Henry county's- territory for them, the county seat was left in a position still further removed from the geographical center of the county, as now constituted. As originally laid out by the act of the Legislature creating it, the county was embraced in a substantially square, solid block of land, containing near five hundred and seventy-five square miles of territory ; but the erection of Defiance county took three townships from the west side, or some one hundred and eight square miles, leaving to the county its extreme northwest township, Ridgeville, projecting westward from this, between the counties of Defiance and Fulton. Again, in the erection of Fulton county, Henry was called upon to yield her lands therefor, and, although no whole townships were taken, the town- ships of Ridgeville, Freedom, Liberty and Washington lost each at least eight square miles, or a total of thirty- two. It is not deemed necessary for the pur- Henry County. 63 poses of this chapter to recite the erection of Lucas county, and a description of the lands of this county that were taken therefor. By far the most important of the natural characteristics, or features of Henry county, is the presence and existence of the Maumee River. This stream enters the county from the west, at a point abont two miles south of the boundary line, between the townships of Flatrock and Napoleon, thence it flows in a course generally east by north, until section two, of Flatrock town- ship is reached, at which point the course of the river bears north with a slight inclination west, and so holds for a distance of about three miles, when it bears to the northeast, and passes from Napoleon township into the northern part of Harrison, which it crosses in a generally east direction, until Damascus town- ship is reached. Its course across the latter is also about due east, with a slight bend in the vicinity of Texas ; and it leaves the county at the northeast part of the last named township, nearly between sections one and twelve. On the north side of the river and bearing substantially the same course, is the Miami and Erie Canal; and, while the latter is by no means one of the natural characteristics of the county, it is, nevertheless, an important factor in connec- tion with the drainage system of the county. This canal was projected dur- ing the " thirties ; " the contracts for construction, in this neighborhood, at least, were let in or about the year 1837, but the highway proper was not opened for traffic until the year 1843. Old settlers, who have watched the events of the past, will recall this memorable occasion, upon which Lewis Cass made the opening address. The event, however, did not take place within this county or State, but in the State of Indiana, on the west. In addition to the utility of the canal as a thoroughfare for boat navigation, and as a receptacle for drainage water in many parts of the county, its waters also are utilized as a source of powers for many mills and manufactories in the county that are situate between it and the river. That, by drawing off of this water for mill and factory purposes, the supply for regular navigation purposes may not be exhausted, the river has been dammed at convenient points, and its water used to replenish and keep up the canal supply, which process and erection necessary for the purpose are termed as "feeders." In the county, on the north side of the river, the canal receives nearly all of the drainage water, both natural and artificial, while on the south side the river alone carries off the surplus. None, however, of the streams of the county, except the river, is of any considerable magnitude, and few, if any, can be relied upon to furnish power at any time except during the winter and early spring; for this reason, therefore, there are found no water-mills away from the channel of the Maumee. Another of the natural .characteristics of Henry county (now a thing of the past) was the existence of the famous Black Swamp, which originally cov- 64 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ered the larger part of the county's area, and struck terror to the heart of the early pioneer. The vast body of land that was formerly a part of this swamp, is now counted among the richest and most productive farming lands to be found within the borders of the county. Being the subject of special mention in another chapter of this work, no repetition of it is here needed. In the year 1820, by an act of the State Legislature, the county of Henry was given a life. At that time, and for several years afterward, there were but very few residents within its borders, as defined by the act. For the purpose of perfecting some system of organization, and exercising some sort of civil jurisdiction over it, it was, with other counties, consoHdated, thereby including a sufficient population within the whole of them to warrant municipal control subordinate to the civil control of the State. In the year 1821 the county was surveyed and townships established, not however, established, or formed to the extent of having a local civil organi- zation, but in accordance with the necessity and order for sub-division into convenient bodies of land for purposes of designation, and in contemplation of future settlement, growth, and development. In the year 1823 the county entire was organized into a township, or election district, and called Damascus. There has been, and still is, some speculation as to the origin, or derivation of the name Damascus, as applied in this connection. There did exist, at a point down the river some miles, many years ago, a trading post, or village, known by the French name of "Prairie du Mask," or " Prairie du Masque," and it is thought, and with much show of reason, that the prefix word " Prairie" had been dropped, and the remainder corrupted, or transformed into the name Da- mascus, changing its original character entirely and adding the last syllable to give euphony. However this may be, it is a question quite impossible to solve at this day, as difficult at least as it is to determine why the county seat was named " Napoleon." In regard to each of these, and the reason of it we must be content with the old and familiar saying : " It was done because it was done, and that's the end on't." In the year 1835, by virtue of an act of the Legislature, passed at the last preceding session, the civil organization of Henry county was perfected, and from that time dates the separate organization 6f her several townships, al- though they were not so organized at the same time. It seems, unfortunately, that in the disastrous fire of 1847, the court-house, together with all the county records, was destroyed, and with that loss was also destroyed the posi- tion and exact date of the formation of the several townships previously erected, leaving only the imperfect township records, and the " memory of man " to be relied upon. The former have, to say the least, been carelessly kept, in most instances, thus placing them on the same level with the memory of man, not confidently to be relied upon. Such records, however, as have been preserved Henry County. 65 concerning the formation of the townships, and dates thereof, will be found in connection with the history of each, which appears elsewhere in this volume. There are, in Henry county, thirteen separate township organizations, each of which, with the exception of the four constituting the north tier, contains, or at their original survey did contain, thirty- six square miles (sections) of land. The four townships excepted from the above statement are Ridgeville, Free- dom, Liberty and Washington. Liberty and Washington, however, since their original survey, have been extended so as to embrace all the land lying be- tween their then south boundary and the Maumee River. For this extension the townships of Harrison and Damascus surrendered territory, the former to Liberty, and the latter to Washington. The several townships of the county, naming them promiscuously, are as follows : Ridgeville, Freedom, Liberty, Washington, Napoleon, Harrison, Da- mascus, Flat Rock, Monroe, Richfield, Pleasant, Marion and Bartlow, concern- ing each of which a detailed chapter will be found elsewhere in this work. CHAPTER X. GEOLOaY OF HENRY COUNTY. BEFORE speaking of the geology of Henry county, it will be well to give a short sketch of the general geological conditions of the Maumee Valley. Maumee Valley. — The latest open sea that covered the valley of the Mau- mee was that of the Devonian age, and the highest grade of fossils that were found in its rocks are those of fishes. The Carboniferous age being above the Devonian, it is then useless to look for coal in the valley. After the Devonian age came the Glacial epoch with its mighty glaciers, that extended from the pole to Southern Ohio, covering Northwestern Ohio many hundreds of feet deep in ice, which was not in a state of rest, but went plowing with resistless force across the country, scooping out the beds of the great lakes, grinding off the surface of the rocks, reducing them to powder and scattering the debris over the bare, rocks, covering them up, and thus laying the foundation of soil upon which vegetation could grow, and air- breathing animals could live. The marks upon the rocks show that the general course of the glacial flow was up the valley in a general southwestern direction. There is a continuous ridge along the eastern banks of the St. Jo- 66 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. seph and St. Mary's rivers, which marks the point at which a change of climate took place. The glacial stream was arrested and a deposit of boulders, sand and gravel was made. During the melting of this large body of ice there were great floods of water, which could not be discharged in the direction of Lake Erie, as the space was covered with ice many hundreds of feet in thickness. This water was, therefore, discharged through what is now known as the Wabash Valley, into the Mississippi and the Gulf. This gi'eat flow of water dug out the present bed of the Wabash River, which is now an unimportant stream, yet the width and depth of the valley shows that it was once the bed of a mighty river. After the melting of the ice the Maumee Valley was covered with an im- mense lake, having its western shore at the ridge just mentioned. This lake remained for ages a quiet sea of fresh water, and with its deposits of fine clay covered up the scars left by the ice, and left a smooth plain covered with a material in itself rich in plant food, which, owing to its tenacity formed the best possible basis for the remarkably fertile soil which now covers it. After a long period of time another ridge was formed near to and parallel with the first ridge, which had a height of 220 feet above the present surface of the lake. This second ridge had an elevation of 195 feet. Again after a long lapse of time, the third ridge was formed, parallel with the two others, at an elevation above the lake of 170 feet. This ridge is known as the Belmore Ridge, and enters Henry county at Freedom Mills post-office, passing through Ridgeville Corners, and crossing the Maumee River at Independence, in De- fiance county. This ridge, after crossing the river, passes through Pleasant township, and also Marion township, in Henry county, near the villages of New Bavaria and Richland. This is a low sandy ridge, generally but a few rods wide, and only four or five feet high. The fourth beach is marked by a sandy territory reaching from Sylvania, in Lucas county, to a point a few miles below Napoleon, and lies north of the Maumee River. This tract, though not re- markable for its fertility, contains a mine of wealth,' inasmuch as it furnishes an inexhaustible supply of the best quality of glass sand. It is now being shipped in immense quantities from Sylvania and Monclova, in Lucas county, for that purpose. The shipping of the sand has received a great impetus since the dis- covery of natural gas. Large glass manufactories will soon be established on this beach and will be supplied with gas by piping, and the shipping of the sand saved. This beach has an elevation of from sixty to ninety feet. The fifth beach •constitutes the present shore of the lake. If present conditions continue, it is only a question of time when Lake Erie will disappear, and in its valley there will flow an immense river, which will •carry the waters of the Great Lakes, that now flow through and constitute Lake Henry County. (jj Erie. Niagara Falls has already worn its way from Lewiston to its present location. This wearing away of the barrier will continue until Lake Erie is tapped at or near Buffalo, when Lake Erie will be a thing of the past, and the space now occupied by its shallow waters, will be a fertile plain, supporting an immense population. At no distant date northwestern Ohio (of which the Maumee Valley consti- tutes the greater portion), owing to its late discoveries of gas and oil, will be called upon to support a denser population than any other portion of the con- tinent of equal area. The great agricultural resources of this region will enable it to comply with this demand of the future. Drainage. — The drainage of the Maumee Valley is towards the Maumee River and Lake Erie ; that on the north side of the river is southeast, while that on the south side is towards the northeast. A peculiar feature of the drainage of the valley is that the St. Joseph River, which, uniting with the Au Glaize at Defiance, forms the Maumee River, receives all its important tributaries from its right bank. This is also true of Bean Creek, the waters from the left bank flowing away from these streams. This is reversed on the south side of the Maumee, the Au Glaize receiving all its important tributaries from the left bank. The Wabash takes its rise near the edge of the Maumee Valley, and receives its tributaries from its left bank, the water from near the right bank flowing into the Au Glaize. Henry County. — Henry county lies very near the center of the famous Black Swamp. The Maumee River divides it very nearly in the center. Its area aggregates two hundred and sixty-two thousand one hundred and six acres of land. The average assessed value of this land in 1880 was $12.78. An assessment made at this time (1887) would place it at from sixteen to twenty dollars per acre. The general character of the drainage of the county is that of the Maumee Valley. Several small streams empty into the Maumee from its northern side, while but one of importance, the South Fork of Turkey Foot, flows into it from its southern side. The southeastern portion of the county is drained by the Portage River and Beaver Creek, which unite and empty into Lake Erie at Port Clinton, in Ottawa county, Ohio. The county is an even prairie, having few undulations, except those made by the washing of the streams. The amount of fall is from four to six feet to the mile, giving all the fall needed for effectual drainage, if done with a reason- able amount of engineering skill. The rock exposures of the county are confined to the bed and banks of the Maumee. Near Florida, in Flat Rock township, there are exposures of the Huron shales and the Hamilton Group. In the lower portion of the for- mer there is a strata of black limestone, which is very hard, and makes a good 68 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. quality of water-lime. In the effort to find gas, a well was bored in 1886 in Napoleon. The following strata were passed through by the drill, viz. ; Forty feet of clay, under which there was found eight feet of sand and gravel, which furnished an abundant supply of pure water, making forty-eight feet of drift. Then followed Huron shale, a portion of which was hard black limestone, sixty-five feet. Then followed the Upper Helderberg limestone, one hundred feet deep. Beneath this was six hundred feet of the Lower Helderberg lime- stones ; Niagara limestone, two hundred and twelve feet ; Clinton limestone, ninety-five feet ; Medina and Hudson River shales, three hundred and sixty feet ; Utica shales, three hundred feet. Underneath this there lies an un- known depth of Trenton limestones. No strata of sandstone was found in the well. At a depth of seventy- five feet a strong stream of sulphur water was found, which rises to within a few feet of the top. Several other streams were found, the last at a depth of one thousand feet. The surface of the ground at the well is six hundred and sixty-seven feet above the level of the sea. Another well is being bored one- half mile north of well No. i, which be- gins at six hundred and fifty-four feet above tide. The present depth (Sep- tember 3, 1887) is one thousand, five hundred and eighty-two feet. The strata passed through are very similar to No. i, meeting the different strata at somewhat less depth. In well No. 2 a vefy strong stream of sulphur water was found at a depth of two hundred and fifty feet, which flows with a powerful stream from the top of the well. Another well was bored in Napoleon some years ago, and also one in the village of Texas, about ten miles below, on the river. No record of the geology of these wells was kept. All of these wells furnish an abundant supply of valuable water for medicinal purposes, and are thronged with persons seeking their curative properties. Drainage. — The character of the drift in Henry county makes thorough and deep drainage an absolute necessity-^ — without it, the best results in the production of crops cannot possibly be attained. The surface being very level, and the underlying clay very retentive of moisture, the natural condition of the soil in a wet season is wet and cold, producing poor crops. In a dry season the ground is hard and dry, so that the roots of crops cannot penetrate deeply enough to reach moisture, and again a short crop results. But this difficulty can be overcome through tile drain- age to the average depth of four feet. The soil is warmed and pulverized to the depth of the tile, and is prepared for planting at least ten days earlier in the spring, and the soil is kept warm and free from frost, at least ten days longer in the fall, thus adding about three weeks to the growing season. This gives abundant time for any crop to mature that is suitable to this latitude. Deep drainage is at once a safeguard against too great an amount of rain, Henry County. 69 and also against too little. This may appear strange, yet it is true. Air is admitted to the depth of the tile, and forms a constant circulation through the ground. If the tile is placed at the depth of four feet, it insures the cooling of the air below the dew point. The result of this is, that the moisture that it always in the air, even in the driest time, will be deposited in the soil that sur- rounds the tile. If you dig down to the tile, you will find the soil and tile moist and cool, and you will find that the roots of the clover, timothy, wheat •or corn, have reached down to the moist earth, and their growth shows clearly that they have not suffered from drouth, while on undrained land the surface soil is entirely exhausted of moisture, and the underlying clay is baked so hard that the roots cannot penetrate it. A failure of the crop results. Suppose the tile is laid at a depth of thirty inches — this will insure a crop in a wet season. Let us see how it will work in a dry one. The air enters the tile just as freely when thirty inches deep as when four feet deep ; but in the former case the -earth is warmed to a depth of thirty inches or more, and the air is not cooled below the dew-point, and consequently does not deposit its moisture, therefore no benefit results ; on the other hand it may be a damage, as the warm air in passing through the soil will carry along with it what little moisture there is in the soil. This is not mere theory, but has long been a demonstrated fact, and is thoroughly consistent with scientific principles. The difference then between a deeply drained soil and a shallow drained or an entirely undrained soil, is the ■exact difference between success and failure in a series of years. The latitude of Napoleon, the county seat, is N. 41 ° 22'. The longitude is W. 84° 7'. Areas of low barometer are mostly formed west of the Mississippi River ; are somewhat elliptical in shape and pass across the country in a direction some- what north of east, passing out of the country, a majority of them, along the line •of the St. Lawrence River. The centers of these low areas usually pass north of Toledo, but a small per cent, of them passing south of that point. Now it is a well established law of tornadoes, that they almost invariably occur in the southeastern quadrant of the storm or low areas. This accounts for the fact that we so seldom suffer from these terrible visitations, as we are too far north for this storm area ; while tornadoes are common, and very destructive to life and property, in Central and Southern Ohio, we are seldom seriously affected. The annual temperature of this county is between 50 and 52 degrees Fah- renheit, and the rainfall from thirty-six to thirty- eight inches, giving all the climatic conditions needed for the best results in agriculture. The extremes of temperature are about iOO° in summer, and 20° below zero in winter. The advantages of Henry county, are a remarkably fertile soil, a favorable climate, and freedom from epidemic diseases. Therefore, nothing but ignorance and want of enterprise can hinder her from taking her place as one of the most j)rosperous counties of the State. 70 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Gas. — Up to this date (Sept. S, 1887) no high pressure gas has been found in the county. The Huron shale is the surface rock in the northwestern por- tion of the county ; this disappears a short distance south of the Maumee River. When digging a well on the fair ground in the southern part of the corporate limits of Napoleon, low pressure gas was found near the surface of the Huron shale, sufficient in quantity to heat and light a large dwelling. In. many places gas been found when searching for water ; sometimes in consid- erable quantities. In the northwestern part of the county, low pressure gas could be found in a great many places in sufficient quantities to warm and light one or more dwellings, and possibly furnish power for some light machinery. All that is required is a small amount of money, and some enterprise. If some enterprising farmer sets the example, others will soon follow. Owing to the fact that the gas is found in the surface rock, high pressure gas need not be looked for in that strata. In order to have high pressure gas, a solid cover of rock must overlie the stratum that contains the gas, to prevent its easy escape. Gas springs are very common in this part of the county. It is, therefore, believed by many that gas may be found at such places, by deep boring. This reasoning is fal- lacious. The gas from the gas springs escapes from the surface rock, because it has nothing to confine it. Gas is always found near the surface of the rock that contains it, and is no indication that deeper lying rocks also contain it. CHAPTER XI. The Titles to Lands of Ohio — Original Claimants — Extinguishment of Indian Titles — Sur- veys in this Region. THE^territory that now constitutes the State of Ohio, was first of all in the full possession of the race of Mound-builders; afterwards, but still in the pre-historic age, its sole occupants and owners for some centuries were un- questionably those Indian tribes who are found already mentioned in this vol- ume. They, as well as the Mound-builders, held titles acquired by priority of" discovery, by conquest, by occupancy or possession. Various historians of accredited veracity and research state that the adven- turous La Salle, in 1670, accompanied by a few heroic followers, passed from Lake Erie south, over the Portage into the Allegheny River, perhaps by way of one of its numerous tributaries, and from thence down into the Ohio, which- they descended as far as the falls on that river (at Louisville), and that they were therefore the first of European birth to enter upon the soil of Ohio. Henry County. 71 In 1679 the intrepid La Salle, with a party of some thirty or more French- men sailed along the entire length of the southern shore of Lake Erie in the Griffin, a small vessel of about sixty tons burthen. Again, three years later, 1682, the same voyager descended the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, the latter to its mouth ; and in 1684 he sailed along the Gulf of Mexico, past the mouth of the Mississippi, to a point in Texas, and landing there became its discoverer. These facts are noted for the reason that upon these voyages of discovery, re- inforced with the provisions of some European treaties, that France laid her claim of title to the whole territory north-west of the Ohio River. France not only asserted ownership and held possession of the territory that now constitutes Ohio, from the time of the treaty of Utrecht, in 17 13, until the treaty of Paris, in 1763, by which peace was established between France and England, but she also exercised authority and maintained control over it by military force, and this, too, in defiance of titles set up by Great Britain, one of which was based upon the treaties made with the Iroquois or Six Na- tion Indians, who claimed title to the whole country by conquest and subjuga- tion. By conquest and treaty provisions. Great Britain came into possession in 1763, which possession she maintained substantially, until the close of the Revolution, when, by the treaty at Paris, in 1783, and ratified in the Ameri- can Congress in January, 1784, ownership was vested in the United States. The latter, in October of the same year, extinguished the title of the Six Na- tions to the Ohio Valley. By the treaties at Forts Mcintosh and Finney, held respectively in 1785 and 1786, all Indian titles to Ohio territory were extin- guished, except that portion situate chiefly between the Cuyahoga and Mau- mee Rivers. By the terms of the treaty at Fort Stanwix, concluded with the Iroquois, or Six Nations, in October, 1784, the indefinite claim of the confederacy to the greater part of the Valley of the Ohio River was extinguished. The commis- sioners of Congress acting upon this occasion were Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler and Arthur Lee. The chiefs Cornplanter and Red Jacket represented the Indians. The treaty at Fort Mcintosh, in January, 1785, extinguished the title of the resident Indians to the Ohio Valley, and established the western boundary line of the lands confirmed to the United States at the Cuyahoga River and along the main branch of the Tuscarawas to its forks, near Fort Lawrence ; then westerly to the Portage between the headwaters of the Great Miami and the Maumee or Miami of the lakes; thence down the river to the lake (Erie) and along the lake to the mouth of Cuyahoga. This treaty rehnquished the rights of the Delawares, Wyandots, Ottawas and Chippewas. The subsequent treaty of Fort Finney, in January, 1 786, extinguished the rights of the Shaw- nese in the territory bounded above. 12 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The treaty made in January, 1795, and known as the treaty of Fort Har- mer, was, in the main, confirmatory of treaties already made. So, also, was- that made by Gen. Wayne at Greenville, in October of the same year. The lands to the northern and western boundaries of the State were ac- quired by purchase on the part of the State in the year 18 18. The last pos- session of the Delawares was purchased in 1829. Virginia acquired title to the great northwest by its several charters,, granted by James I., bearing dates respectively, April 10, 1606; May 23, 1609,. and March 12, 1611. The Colony of Virginia first attempted to exercise au- thority in, or jurisdiction over that portion of its extensive domain that was organized by the ordinance of "i,"] into "the territory northwest of the Ohio River," when in 1769, the House of Burgesses of said colony passed an act es- tablishing the county of Botetourt, with the Mississippi River as its western boundary. It was provided by the act that, "whereas, the people situated on the Mississippi, in the said county of Botetourt, will be very remote from the court-house, and must necessarily become a separate county as soon as their numbers are sufficient, which probabl}' will happen in a short time; be it there- fore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the inhabitants of that part of the said county of Botetourt which lies on the said waters shall be exempted from the payment of any levies to be laid by the said county court for the purpose- of building a court-house and prison for said county." Civil government, however, between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers was more in name than reality until 1778, after the conquest of the country by General George Rogers Clark, when the Virginia Legislature organized the county of Illinois, embracing within its limits all the territory owned by Vir- ginia west of the Ohio River. Under an appointment from the governor of Virginia, Colonel John Tod served as civil commandant and lieutenant of the county, until his death at the battle of Blue Licks, in 1782, less than two years before Virginia ceded the country in the United States. In the year 1783,. however, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an act authorizing the con- veyance of the great northwest to the general government. Having thus se- cured the absolute right of possession of this vast domain, the United States at once took measures for its civil conduct and government, the outcome of which was the act entitled, "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio." This has generally and more popularly been known as "The Ordinance of '87," and otherwise as "The Or- dinance of Freedom." This also was the fundamental law upon which has been based all the statutory enactments and subsequent laws for the govern- ment of this State. The Ohio Land Company was an organization formed in the State of Massachusetts, having for its object, the purchase and settlement of a large tract of land in the new territory. The purchase was effected October 27, Henry County. 73 1787, and embraced a tract of something like a million and a half of acres without the present counties of Washington, Athens, Meigs and Gallia, subject to certain reservations. This was the second purchase and survey. The first survey of the public lands in Ohio was the seven ranges of Con- gress lands, and was made pursuant to an act of Congress, of May 20, 1785. The present counties of Jefferson, Columbiana, Carroll, Tuscarora, Harrison, Gurnsey, Bellmont, Noble, Monroe and Washington, are, in whole or in part, within this survey of seven ranges. The next survey was the " Symmes purchase," under a contract of pur- chase made with Judge Symmes in October, 1787, but subsequently. May, 1792, modified by an act of Congress. The Symmes purchase embraced the entire Ohio River front between the Big Miami and the Little Miami Rivers, a distance of twenty-seven miles, and reaching sufficiently northward to include an area of one million acres ; but by the modification, the area was reduced only three hundred and eleven thousand six hundred and eighty-two acres, exclusive of certain reservations held by the government. The lands between the Little Miami and Sciota Rivers, known as the " Vir- ginia military lands," was never regularly surveyed into townships, but pat- ents were issued by the president to such persons, residents of Virginia, as had rendered service on the continental establishment of the army of the United States (hence the name), and in the quantities to which they were entitled un- der the act of Congress of August 10, 1790. These military lands embraced a body of some six thousand five hundred and seventy square miles, or four mill- ion two hundred and four thousand eight hundred acres of land. The Connecticut claim was ceded to the United States, excepting the west- ern reserve, by deeds of cession, bearing date of September 14, 1786. When Ohio was admitted into the Federal Union as an independent State, one of the ternjs of admission was, that the fee-simple to all the lands within its limits, excepting those previously granted or sold, should vest in the United States. Different portions of them, were, at different times, granted or sold to individuals, companies, and bodies politic. The following are the names by which the principal bodies of the land are designated, on account of these dif- ferent forms of transfer, viz.: i. Congress Lands; 2, United States Military; 3, Virginia Military; 4, Western Reserve; 5, Fin Lands; 6, Ohio Company's Purchase; 7, Donation Tract; 8, Symmes Purchase; 9, Refugee Tract; 10, French Grant; 11, Dohrman's Purchase; 12, Zane's Purchase; 13, Canal Lands; 14, Turnpike; 15, Maumee Road Lands; 16, School Lands; 17, Col- lege lands ; 18, Ministerial lands ; 19, Moravian Lands ; 20, Salt Sections. It is thought that this will furnish a sufficient record of the various grants, without giving a detailed description of the tracts themselves. The System of Surveys. — The land surveys under the United States were uniform, and done under what was known as the " rectangular system." This 10 74 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. system of surveys was reported from a committee of Congress, May 7, 1784. The committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, chairman ; Messrs. Williamson, Howell, Gerry and Reas. This ordinance required the lands to be divided into "hundreds" of ten geo- graphical miles, and those again to be subdivided into lots of one mile square each, to be numbered from one to one hundred, commencing in the north- western corner, and counting from west to east and from east to west continu- ously ; and also that the lands thus subdivided, should be first offered at public sale. This ordinance was considered, debated and amended ; and on the 3d of May, 1785, on motion of Mr. Grayson, of Virginia, seconded by Mr. Mon- roe, the size of the townships was reduced to six miles square. After further discussion the measure finally. May 20, 1785, passed. The origin of this system is not known beyond the report of the committee. There had been land surveys in the different colonies for more than a hundred years ; still the method for granting land for settlements in vogue in all the colonies, was in irregular tracts, except in the colony of Georgia, where, after 1733, eleven townships of twenty thousand square acres each were divided into lots of fifty acres each. The act of cession of the State of Virginia of her western territory provided for the formation of States from the same, not less than one hundred, nor more than one hundred and fifty miles square. This square form of States may have influenced Mr. Jefferson in favorof a square form of survey, and besides the even surface of the country was known, the lack of mountains and the prevalence of trees for marking it, also favoring a latitudinal and longitudinal system. Certain east and west lines run with the parallels of latitude, and the north and south townships with the meridians. The system, as adopted, provided for sale in sections of six hundred and forty acres, one square mile. In 1820 a quarter section, or one hundred and sixty acres could be purchased. In 1832 sub-divisions were ordered by law into forty-acre tracts or quarter-quarter sections to settlers, and in 1 846 to all purchasers. On May 18, 1796, the ordinance of May 20, 1785, was amended; also on May 10, 1800, on the introduction of land offices and credit sales, and on February 11, 1805, April 14, 1820, April 5, 1832, and May 30, 1862. Since the adoption of the rectangular system of public surveys. May 20, 1785, twenty-four initial points, or the intersection of the principal bases with surveying meridians, have been brought into requisition to secure the certainty and brevity of description in the transfer of public lands to individuals. From the principal bases townships' of six miles square are run out and established, with regular series of numbers counting north and south thereof, and from the surveying meridians a like series of ranges are numbered both east and west of the principal meridians. The first principal meridian divides the States of Ohio and Indiana, having Henry County. 75 for its base the Ohio river, the meridian being coincident with 84° 5 1' of longi- tude west from Greenwich. This meridian governs the surveys of public lands in the State of Ohio. Execution of Surveys. — The principal meridian, base, standard, and guides having been first measured and marked, and the corner boundaries established thereon, the process of surveying and marking the exterior lines of townships, north and south of the base, and east and west of the meridian, within those standard lines, is commenced. The public lands are first surveyed into rectangular tracts, according to the true meridian, noting the variation of the magnetic needle. These tracts are called townships, each six miles square, having reference to an established prin- cipal base line on a true parallel of latitude, and to longitude styled principal meridian. Any series of contiguous townships, north and south of each other, constitutes a range, the townships counting from the base, either north or south, and the ranges from the principal meridian, either east or west. The first survey of Henry county lands was made in the year 1821, soon after the county was organized. In the work of making this survey the engi- neers, James Riley, P. F. Kellogg, Nathaniel Beastley, and James Heaton were engaged. The township of Ridgeville was surveyed by James Riley, and was town- ship number six, north, range five, east. Pleasant township was surveyed by P. F. Kellogg, and was numbered three, north, range six, east. Flat Rock township, surveyed by P. F. Kellogg, and was number four, north, range six, east. Napoleon township, surveyed by P. F. Kellogg, and being township num- ber five, north, range six, east. Freedom township, surveyed by P. F. Kellogg, and being township num- ber six, north, range six, east. Marion, surveyed by Nathaniel Beastley, and being township number three, north, range seven, east. Monroe, surveyed by Nathaniel Beastley, township number four, north, range seven, east. Harrison, surveyed by Nathaniel Beastley, township number five, north, range seven, east. Liberty, surveyed by Nathaniel Beastley, township number six, north, range seven, east. Bartlow, surveyed by James Heaton, township number three, north, range eight, east. Richfield, surveyed by James Heaton, township number four, north, range eight, east. Damascus, surveyed by James Heaton in 1821 ; re-surveyed by A. Rice in 1833 ; township number five, north, range eight, east. T6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Washington, surveyed by James Heaton in 1821 ; re-surveyed by A. Rice in 1833; township number six, north, range eight, east. The above designates the surveys of the several townships, and their loca- tion in the county. The county was composed of township number six, of range five, east ; also townships three, four, five, and six, of ranges six, seven, and eight, east. The reader must not be misled by the fact that the several townships being so surveyed at the time indicated above, are evidence that the special civil organization of them was made complete at that time. Such. was not the case. The surveys were made then, it is true, and the territory embraced by each survey, substantially includes the townships as named and bounded, respec- tively. They were so surveyed in accordance with the system of surveys then adopted and hereinbefore fully set forth. The separation is made for the pur- pose of locating the survey in each case. CHAPTER XII. HENRY COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1861-65. FOR several years prior to this great event in our national history, Henry county had no military organization of any kind. To be sure, there had been, many years before this time, a militia company in the county, an organ- ization complete and well equipped for the time, but its deeds of valor were narrowed down to "general training" on muster day and the customary wrest- ling match, and eating of ginger-bread and doughnuts. But this old militia company had been broken up many years before that fateful day, early in April, 1861, when the words were written on our political horizon, '' civil war" and the news spread instantly throughout the length and breadth of the land. At this time Henry county had not to exceed ten thousand population, but nobly did she respond to the president's call for seventy-five thousand volun- teers to "put down the rebellion." In less than one week from that call. Com- pany F, of the Fourteenth Regiment, was recruited and ready for duty with over one hundred men, and in just ten days the regiment left Toledo for Camp Taylor, near Cleveland. From that time to the close of the war, in 1865, Henry county was never behind her quota. In addition to the several sepa- rate organizations that left the county for the service, there were many men that went to other counties to enlist, for which the county did not receive credit. It is, therefore, safe to assume that in the service, Henry county con- tributed more than one per cent, of her entire population. From the time of Henry County. "jj the fall of Fort Sumter, until the final surrender in 1865, there went from Henry county between eleven and twelve hundred volunteers. Money was not lacking and contributions to the several relief funds were generous and prompt. Volunteers were ready, therefore but little money was needed to provide substitutes, and the volunteer had the fullest assurance that in his absence his family would be provided for. During the war Henry county, through her soldiers, made an excellent record, a record that has borne favorable comparison with the best and richest counties of the State. But turn to that record and let the deeds of her soldiers prove the statement. The Fourteenth Regiment — Three Months Service. The records of the services of men and regiments of the three months ser- vice are decidedly incomplete. The Fourteenth was recruited very soon after President Lincoln's first call for troops, from the counties of Lucas, Fulton, Williams, Paulding, Wood and Henry. The latter contributed Company F to the formation of the regiment. The commission for the command of the com- pany was issued to Andrew Crawford, who was afterward killed by accident at PhilHpi, West Virginia. John D. Belknap was elected first lieutenant, and he, too, was accidentally killed at Cheat Mountain. Samuel Pomeroy was commissioned second lieutenant and subsequently became a veteran captain. The organization of the regiment was made complete at Toledo, during the latter part of April, 1861, by the election of field officers. They were as follows : colonel, James B. Steedman ; lieutenant colonel, George P. Este ; major, Paul Edwards; surgeon, J. A. Coons; assistant surgeon, W. C. Daniels. With nearly one thousand men in line, the Fourteenth left Toledo and went to Cleveland, arriving there on the 2Sth of April. Here they went into camp for drill and instruction in the duties of active field service. On the 22d of May the regiment left Camp Taylor and proceeded to Columbus, where they were fully equipped, and thence went forward to service in Virginia. On the 27th the regiment reached Parkersburg, Va., and for the first time unfurled and floated its flag on rebel soil. The enemy retreated at once from the place and commenced burning the bridges on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. A company was immediately double-quicked along the line of the road and the fires were extinguished, and several of the rebels were captured in the act of firing the bridges and some other property. For several days the regiment was engaged in repairing the bridges and preventing further destruction. On the 2d of June, a dark and dismal night, the command marched to Phillipi, and on the morning of the 3d drove out the rebel cavalry stationed there, tak- ing a few prisoners and capturing the stores with five wagon loads of arms and ammunition. In this little affair the Fourteenth had four men wounded. On the 7th of 78 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. June the rebels appeared in force on Laurel Hill ; several cavalry charges were made by the enemy, and repulsed by the Union troops. On the I2th General Garnett began his retreat ; the Union forces, with the Fourteenth in the lead, pressed on after the retreating forces ; the rebel columns were so closely pressed that the road was littered with with trunks, boxes, tents, stalled bag- gage-wagons and tired out Confederates. At Carrick's Ford, the rebels made a stand in order to save their trains, and taking a strong position awaited the approach of the Union force. The advanced guard of the Fourteenth were soon under fire from the rebel guns, and they were greeted with a shower of rebel bullets. The Fourteenth immediately closed on its advance, and an- swered the rebels' first volley before they fired the second. In twenty minutes, and just as the main column came up, the enemy gave way, leaving everything behind, and "ran for dear life." The fruits of this victory were two hundred and fifty prisoners, three stand of colors, one battery, and thirty well laden baggage-wagons. The next morning the regiment returned to Phillipi with the prisoners and captured trains, but owing to the heavy rains, the rivers and creeks were swollen, and there being no bridges, they did not reach Phillipi until the 15th of July. On the 22d the Fourteenth started on its homeward trip, and arrived at Toledo, on the 25th of July, where after a few days it was mustered out and paid off. Whitelaw Reid, in his " Ohio in the War," says : " After partaking of a sumptuous feast, prepared by the citizens at the Oliver House, the regiment dispersed, and after a few days' rest at home, the men re-assembled, and again volunteered in a body, for three years, or during the war." In this statement, the worthy compiler is most certainly in error. But few, comparatively, of the men from this county re-entered the Fourteenth, for the three years service, although nearly all did re-enlist, but in different regiments then forming. Of the contingent from Henry county, some re-enlisted in the three years service in the Fourteenth (the regiment still retaining that number in the hne), but a fair proportion of those who made up Company D, were recruits gath- ered and enlisted by Samuel Pomeroy and William H. Brownell. But this company more properly forms the subject of a separate sketch and follows this. The Fourteenth Regiment — Three Years Service. Toward the original strength of this regiment, the county of Henry contrib- uted one company, which in the completion of regimental organization was given the name of "D." This company as well as the regiment, was com- posed, in part, of men who had but recently returned from the three months service, but it is questionable whether or not a majority of the regiment were formerly of the Fourteenth, in the short term. However this may be, this reg- iment held the same number in the Hne of Ohio soldiery as when first organ- ized. Henry County. 79. The roster of Ohio soldiers, now being published by ai'ithority of the State Legislature, says: "This regiment was organized at Toledo, from August 14, to September 5, 1 861, to serve three years. On the expiration of its term of service, the original members (except veterans) were mustered out, and the organization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in service until July II, 1865, when it was mustered out in accordance with orders from the War Department." Company D was raised by Samuel Pomeroy and William H. Brownell, both of whom were veterans of the three months service. The former was com- missioned captain, and the latter first lieutenant, upon the complete organiza- tion of the company. On the 23d day of August, 1861, the regiment left Toledo, and proceeded to Cincinnati, and after receiving its arms and equip- ments on the 25th, crossed the Ohio River to Covington, Ky., and took cars for Lexington and Frankfort. On this trip the train was assaulted by some of the Kentucky chivalry, with a volley of stones and other missiles, by which the windows of the officers' car were broken, and some slight injuries inflicted. The train was stopped and two of the assaulting party captured and taken to Frankfort While marching up Main street, a citizen rushed through the ranks and drew a butcher's knife across the throat of one of the prisoners, severely wounding him. From Frankfort the regiment moved to Nicholsville, and from there about the 1st of October to Camp Dick Robinson. About this time news was re- ceived that a small garrison situate on Wild Cat Mountain, about sixty miles from Camp Dick Robinson, was being surrounded by the rebels. The Fourteenth, with the Thirty-eighth Ohio and Barnett's Battery, immediately marched to their relief, and on the morning of the 21st of October, after a double-quick of three miles through mud and slush up the Wild Cat Hills, they found five companies of the Thirty-third Indiana Regiment nearly sur- rounded by rebel troops under General Zollicoffer. Barnett's Battery was im- mediately placed in position and commenced shelling the enemy, while two companies of the Fourteenth crawled through the brush, and with shovels and picks soon fortified the knob on the crest of the hill. The other troops now coming up, and the enemy meeting with so warm a reception, after twice charging the Httle fortified position abandoned the attack and retreated towards Loudon, leaving about thirty killed and wounded on the field. The Four- teenth and Thirth-eighth pursued the fleeing enemy as far as Loudon. Zol- licoffer having already retreated from that place, the Union forces went inta camp and threw up fortifications a short distance north of the town. The reg- iment remained here about two weeks, when they were ordered to march back towards Lancaster by the way of Crab Orchard and Mount Vernon. The march was made in the night, in a terrible storm of rain. Rock Castle River had to be forded, and the mud and slush being deep, on arriving at Crab 8o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Orchard next morning the men were completely exhausted, and unable to march. After resting 'one day, the regiment marched to Lebanon and went into winter quarters. It remained at Lebanon until the latter part of December, when it was ordered to join its brigade at Somerset, where it arrived January I, 1862. It remained in camp at Somerset until the 19th of January, when die brigade to which the Fourteenth belonged was ordered out and marched rapidly towards Mill Springs, - where Zollicoffer had been strongly intrenched during the winter. General Crittenden having recently assumed command of the rebel forces at that place, on that morning marched out of his fortifi- cations to give battle before General Thomas could concentrate the Union forces, hoping to whip them in detail. The rebels met the Union forces at Logan's Cross-roads, about six miles north of Mill Springs, and a lively litde battle took place. The Fourteenth and Thirty- eighth Ohio coming up, the rebels gave way, and in confusion retreated to their fortifications at Mill Springs, closely pursued by the Union forces. Owing to the delay in fording Fishing Creek, the water being up to the arm-pits, and the current swift, a cable was stretched across the stream for the men to hold on while crossing. But one company of the Fourteenth — Company C — reached the field in time to take part in the action. On the arrival of the Union forces at the enemy's fortifications, the batteries commenced shelling the works, and the Fourteenth lay on their arms all night in a driving rain, ready for the assault which was ordered for early dawn. The Fourteenth in advance carried the works, and found that the enemy had crossed the river during the night, except one regi- ment which was captured with twenty pieces of artillery, all their camp and garrison equipage, together with a large number of horses, mules, wagons, and ■other property. The Fourteenth did not arrive at Pittsburgh Landing in time to take part in the battle, but took part in the slow siege on Corinth. After the siege the regiment marched to luka, Miss. ; thence to Tuscumbia, Ala., and from there to Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived on the 7th day of September, 1862; thence to Bowling Green, Ky., in pursuit of Bragg's army ; then moving on toward Louisville, which last named place was reached September 22. This was a severe march on the men, the weather being intensely hot, roads dusty, and water scarce, and of poor quality. From Louisville the regiment marched to Perryville, but being detailed as guard to the ammunition train, did not take part in the battle. After the pursuit of Bragg was abandoned, the regiment marched to Gallatin, and on the isth of November went into winter quarters, and during the winter was almost daily skirmishing with John Morgan's guer- rillas, and, at the Robling Fork, giving Morgan's entire command a severe drubbing. The regiment left Gallatin June 13, 1863, and reached Nashville on the iSth; from there to Laverque, and thence to Triune, Tenn., and was placed in the advance of Rosecrans's army on TuUahoma and Chattanooga. Henry County. On the 26th of June the Fourteenth with its brigade, had a sharp engage- ment with the enemy, and lost thirty men in killed and wounded. On June 28 Tullahoma was reached, and the Fourteenth drove in the enemy's pickets, and got near enough the town to see the enemy was evacuating the place. An advance was ordered early next morning, and on crossing Elk Run several men were drowned. On the last day of August, 1863, the National forces •crossed the Tennessee river on rafts, the pontoons not having arrived, and on the 19th of September encountered the enemy at Chickamauga Creek. The Fourteenth, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Kingsbury, being in the advance, was deployed in line of battle. The regiment having been on the march for the previous twenty-four hours, were much fatigued ; but it became immediately hotly engaged with the enemy, and from nine o'clock in the morn- ing until four o'clock P. M., was continually under fire, after which it was re- lieved for a short time to replenish its cartridge boxes, when it was again engaged and so remained until sundown. The next morning it had a desper- ate encounter with a part of Longstreet's Division, after which the Union forces fell back to Rossville. In these several encounters the regiment lost two hundred and thirty-three men in killed, wounded and missing, out of a total of four hundred and forty-nine. Among the wounded were eight line officers. On the 21st of September the regiment was in line of battle all day, but was compelled to fall back into hastily constructed entrenchments near Chattanooga, closely pursued by the enemy. About the middle of November in the brilliant assault on Mission Ridge, the Fourteenth charged and took a battery of three guns, loosing in this en- counter sixteen killed, ninety-one wounded and three missing. On the 17th of December, 1864, all but thirty men of the Fourteenth re- enlisted for another three years, and on Christmas day and night they were re-mustered into the United States service. They were then sent home on veteran furlough and arrived in Toledo on the 6th of January, 1864. On the 6th of February it again left Toledo for the front, and arrived at Chattanooga on the 29th, it having, in the mean time, while on veteran furlough, recruited its decimated ranks to a full regiment, many of whom came from Fulton and Henry counties During the months of March and April, 1864, the Four- teenth was engaged doing picket duty and building corduroy roads between Chattanooga and Ringgold. On the 9th of May it moved with its brigade on Dalton, driving in the enemy's videttes near Tunnell Hill, at which place com- menced that long and terrible campaign for the possession of Atlanta, in which in all the marches, incessant skirmishing and fighting, the Fourteenth bore an honorable part and lost heavily in officers and men ; and while lying in front of Atlanta the regiment lost twenty men in killed and wounded. On the 26th of August, in a flanking movement towards Jonesboro, the Fourteenth and other regiments of its brigade captured two hundred prisoners, n 82 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. On the 1st of September the division of the Fourteenth army corps, with which the Fourteenth was brigaded, marched towards Jonesboro, destroying the railroad as it marched, and at 4 o'clock that P. M., confronted the enemy's works surrounding that place. The third brigade, to which the Fourteenth belonged, commanded by Colonel Este, of Baird's Division, Fourteenth Corps, was in line of battle directly in the rear of General Carlin's Division, which had just made an unsuccessful charge on the rebel works, when Colonel Este, with the Fourteenth and Thirty-eighth Ohio, Tenth Kentucky and Seventy-fourth Indiana, being all ready for the fight, Colonel Este gave the command : Bat- talions, forward ! guide center ! His lines moved steadily forward amid a shower of balls. A battery was also opened with grape and canister, but the brigade moved steadily on; the edge of the abattis was gained, and with a yell and a charge the rebel works were gained and a hand to hand fight ensued. The rebels fought with desperation and not until many of them were killed did the remainder surrender, and were marched as prisoners to the rear. The Four- teenth took about three hundred prisoners and several stand of colors, but the cost was frightful, as fully one-third of the Fourteenth were killed or wounded. This was the last severe fight for the regiment, although it marched from At- lanta, with Sherman, to the sea and through the Carolinas to Goldsboro and Raleigh, thence to Washington, where it was reviewed by the president and his cabinet, and on the 13th of July, 1865, was mustered out of service and re- turned home, having spent four j^ears in active military duty in the field. As has already been stated Company D of the Fourteenth was enlisted in Henry County and as a complete roster of its officers and men can be obtained, it is proper that they be mentioned in connection with this sketch. Field and Staff Officers. James B. Steedman, colonel; promoted to brigadier general July 16, 1862. George P. Este, colonel; prom, from lieut. col., July 17, 1862; mustered out July 7, 1865. Paul Edwards, lieut. col.; prom, from major July 17, 1862; resigned Nov. 26, 1862. Henry D. Kingsbury, lieut. col.; prom, from capt, Company A, to major, July 17, 1862; lieut. col., Dec. 27, 1862; mustered out Nov. 8, 1864. Albert Moore, lieut. col. ; prom, from capt.. Company A, to lieut. col. Nov. 18, 1864. John W. Wilson, major; prom, from capt, Company E, Jan. 20, 1863; died Oct. 3, 1864, from wounds. Roster of Company D. Samuel Pomroy, capt., enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; wd. at Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Henry County. 83 Oscar N. Gunn, capt. enl. Sept. 5, 1861 ; prom, to second lieut., com- pany I, Dec. 20, 1862 ; first lieut. Nov. 18, 1864, and to capt. Jan 6, 1865 ; must, out with company, July 11, 1865. William H. Brownell, first lieut., enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; resigned Sept. 10, 1864. John P. Crawford, first Heut. enl. Aug. 25, 1861; prom, sergt, company K., Jan. 6, 1865; mustered out with company, July 11, 1865. Wm. B. Steedman, second lieut., Sept. 4, 1861; prom, to first lieut, Dec. 21, 1862, and assigned to company C. Joseph Reynolds, first sergt. Sept 4. 1861 ; mustered out with company. Joseph B. Wilder, sergt. Sept 4, 1861, mustered out with company. William Nanna, sergt Sept. 4, 1861, prom, from corp.; mustered out with company. John Plegstone, sergt Sept. 4, i86i,prom. from corp.; mustered out with company. John Heckler, sergt Sept 4, 1861, prom, from corp.; mustered out with company. Andrew McConnell, sergt Sept 4, 1861, disch. for disability Aug. 8, 1862. James W. Barrett, sergt Sept 4, 1861, mustered out Sept 12, 1864. Smith Cadwalader, sergt. Sept 4, 1861, prom, to q. m. sergt Dec. 17, 1863, assigned to field and staff". James P. Stout, corp. Sept 4, 1861, appt Apr. i. 1864, mustered out with company ; veteran. Joseph Snyder, corp. Sept 4, 1861; appt Apr. i, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. WilHam Hollis, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; appt. Apr. 20, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. Henry Houston, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; appt. Apr. 20, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. George W. Williams, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; appt Oct. i, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. Henry A. Anglemeyer, corp. Sept 4, 1861; appt Oct i, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. Peter Storch, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; appt Oct 4, 1864; mustered out with company ; veteran. James Swanger, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; appt June S, 1865; mustered out with company ; veteran. George Zefange, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; died of wounds received at Chicka- mauga Sept 19, 1863. George B. Hartman, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga Sept 19, 1863; mustered out Sept 12, 1864. James Wells, corp. Sept 4, 1861 ; killed at Chickamauga Sept 19, 1863. 84 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Andrew B. Clements, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863. George W. Long, corp. Sept 4, 1861 : disch. for disability Aug. 19, 1862. Philip Hueston, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 19, 1864. Lewis Kramer, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Sept. 23, 1863, from wounds. Harvey B. Bartell, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; died from wounds received at At- lanta, Ga., Sept. 10, 1864. John Zink, corp. Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. William F. Barret, musician, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. George M. D. Steadman, musician, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. Philip Frankhouse, wagoner, Sept. 4, 1861 ; captured Feb. 28, 1865 ; no record. Henry Andrex, private, Oct. 5, 1862 ; wounded at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Jasper Allen, Feb. 22, 1864; mustered out July 11, 1865. James H. Brown, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out July 11, 1865 ; veteran. David Burk, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out July 11, 1865 ; veteran. George Bruker, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died from wounds received Sept. 19, 1863. Thomas Burke, Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Sept 12, 1864. Samuel R. Bottomfield, Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. John Bottomfield, Sept. 4. 1861 ; disch. for disability July 3, 1862. Edmund Borden, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Feb. 27, 1862, at Lebanon, Ky. Stephen H. Bates, Sept 4, 1861 ; missing at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863. John Bowker, Sept. 4, 1861 ; captured at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Oct. 9, 1864. David K. Bowker, Sept. 4, 1861 ; prom, to com. sergt. Dec. 15, 1863, and transferred to field and staff. Robert Bowen, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Jan. 2, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Henry F. Benchie, Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged. Martin W. Bowker, Feb. 11, 1864; disch. June 10, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by order of War Department. Andrew Christy, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. Daniel Cook, Feb. 11, 1864; mustered out with company July 11, 1865. Zachariah T. Cole, Jan. 19, 1864; mustered out with company. James Cunningham, Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1862, for disability. William Casteele, Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Joseph CHck, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Oct. 24, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. Henry C. Clark, Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. i, 1864. Henry County. 85 John Deetrick, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Jacob Dixon, Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. for disability at Louisville, Ky. Thomas Davis, Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed near Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 7, 1862. William Edsul, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Oct. 18, 1863, from wounds received at battle of Chickamauga Sept. 19, 1863. James S. Ensminger, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. William Foster, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Isaiah Fox, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Sept. 8. 1862, at Tuscumbia, Ala. John Gewars, Sept. 4, 1867 ; mustered out with company; veteran. WiUiam Gallagher, Sept. 19, 1863; absent; mustered out July 11, 1863. Hiram E. Gruber, Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. for disabilities July i, 1862. Benjamin Houk, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. Philip Hollingshead, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. Joseph F. Hill, Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 14, 1865 ;. mustered out July 25, 1865 ; veteran. Stephen Hain, Jan. 22, 1864; mustered out with company. Henry Hain, Feb. 22, 1864; mustered out with company. Aaron Heaton, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Philemon Hendrix, Jan. 19, 1864; died Sept. 4, 1864, from wounds re- ceived at battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. i, 1864. William Halter, Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 6, 1862, for disability. Alfred W. Hinds, August 28, 1861; trans, from Co. F March 24, 1864;; mustered out with company, July 11, 1865 ; veteran. John Keller, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Robert Kelsey, September 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 13, 1863, for disability. Smith Knowles, Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19,, 1863; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Samuel Kilbourn, Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, Mch. 14, 1864; mus- tered out Oct. 22, 1864. Frank Long, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Jacob Lohr, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. John F. Luderman, Feb. 14, 1864; mustered out with company. Alonzo Lamphere, Aug. 18, 1861 ; died November 23, 1681, at Lexing- ton, Ky. Ephraim Long, August 18, 1861 ; died Dec. 12, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. Walter Linn, Aug. 18, 1861 ; discharged July 21, 1862, at Louisville, Ky. Jarvis Long, Feb. 11, 1864; absent, sick; mustered out July 11, 1865. Joseph Long, Aug. 18, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Austin Leach, Feb. 11, 1864; disch. Oct. 10, 1864, for disability. Bass R. Myrice, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out July 11, 1865 ; veteran. Barney McGee, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out July 11, 1865 ; veteran. Samuel Myrice, Oct. i, 1862 ; mustered out with company. 86 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. David Marsh, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Lee Morrow, Aug. 18, 1861 ; no record. Bruce D. McBane, Aug. 18, 1861 ; discharged Dec. 5, 1862, at Colum- bus, O. William B. Morris, Aug. 18, 1861 ; died Oct. 16, 1863, at Chattanooga Hospital. Matthew Morrison, Aug. 18, 1861 ; left at Corinth Hosp., Miss.; died Sep. 17, 1862. James Mann, Aug. 18, i86i ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. John W. Miller, Aug. 1861 ; killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863. George S. Myers, Oct. 15, 1862 ; discharged May 12, 1865. Daniel Marsh, Oct. 18, 1861 ; killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. i, 1864. Theron McMillen, Aug. 28, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, March 15, 1864; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. David C. Meek, Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Eng. Corps, Aug. 10. 1864; veteran. Noah J. Overmeyer, Oct. 15, 1862 ; mustered out with company. Samuel Overmeyer, Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out with company. James Ostrander, Aug. 18, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, March 15, 1864; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Thomas Patton, Aug. 18, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. George Pretenious, Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Eng. Corps, Aug. 26, 1 864 ; veteran. Robert L. Roberts, Aug. 18, 1861 ; no record. Ahusiel Rhone, Aug. 18, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Granville Russell, Aug 18, 1861 ; died Feb. 24, 1862, at Lebanon, Ky. Allen Rich, Aug. 18, 1861 ; wounded at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, 1863; discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability. Converse P. Russell, Aug. 18, 1861 ; discharged Jan. 10, 1864, for wounds received at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, 1863. Jacob Richler, Aug. 18, 1861 ; disch. Jan. i, 1863, at Louisville, Ky. Peter Shauteen, Aug. 18, 1861 ; died Sept. 27, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn., from wounds received at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, 1863. James W. Smith, Aug. 18, 1861 ; died March 14, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. Orlando B. Stout, Sept. 4. 1861 ; mustered out with company; veteran. Robert W. Showman, Aug. 18, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Jacob Sill, Aug. 18, 1861 ; disch. Mch. 20, 1863, for disability. Frederick Speigle, Aug. 18, 1861 ; capt. at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, 1863 ; died Aug. 1 1, 1864, at Andersonville Prison. James O. Smith, Aug. 18, i86i ; disch. Nov. 12, 1862, for disability. Milo Smith, Aug. 28, i86i ; trans, from Co. F; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. Henry County. 87 Thomas Taylor, Sept. 4, j86i ; mustered out with company; veteran. Allen F. Thatcher, Aug. 18, 1861 ; capt. at Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863 ; mustered out Sept. 12, 1864. George C. Westcott, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. John C. Williams, Dec. 17, 1863 ; mustered out with company, July 11,. 1865. Martin Westcott, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company ; veteran. William Weaver, Feb. 2, 1864; mustered out with company, July 11, 1865, John White, Dec. 29, 1863 ; mustered out with company. Isaac Wells, Aug. 18, 1861 ; disch. for disability Jan. 28, 1862, at Louis- ville, Ky. The Thirty-Eighth Regimgnt. The second regiment raised for the three years service to which Henry county contributed was the Thirty-eighth O. V. Infantry, raised during the summer and fall of the year 1861, in answer to the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand men for three years. Company B of this regi- ment was recruited in this county, and there may have been other men in other companies, but they were scattering and went in singly and not as a regular organization as did Company B. The regiment was organized at Defiance, on the 1st of September. On the 22d of the same month it was transferred to Camp Dennison, where the men received their arms and field equipments, and were drilled preparatory to active service, after which they were ordered to proceed to Kentucky, where they arrived October i. On the next day the regiment passed through and encamped near Nicholasville. About two weeks later it was ordered to the relief of the garrison at Wild Cat, Ky., and after a forced march of some sixty miles reached its destination on the 19th of Octo- ber. Afterward it pursued the enemy to Loudon and Barboursville ; marched on all of the subsequent campaigns during the fall, and went into winter quar- ters about Christmas time near Somerset. During the winter months the men suffered severely, not being accustomed to the climate and the rough usages of camp life, so that in a short time less than three hundred in the entire reg- iment were fit for duty. The regiment participated in the campaign of Mill Springs, and marched to Louisville, arriving there on February 28, 1862. Early in March the regiment proceeded to Nashville where preparations were made for the spring campaign ; thence it proceeded with the army of the Ohio through Middle Tennessee, and encamped during the month of April on the battle-field of Pittsburg Landing, and then again marched under General Hallet toward Corinth, Miss., and took an active part in the siege of that place. After the evacuation of Corinth, May 27, 1862, the Thirty-eighth marched with the army in pursuit of Beauregard as far as Boonville, and on returning encamped near Corinth until the 20th of June, when it marched with the armjr 88 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. to Tuscumbia, Ala., arriving there on the 28th. On the 28th the regiment proceeded to Winchester, Tenn., where it arrived on the 7th of August. From this point several reconnoitering parties were sent out, and among them none were more actively engaged than the Thirty-eighth. A party of eighty men from this regiment made a forced march upon Tracy Creek, which was cap- tured and a large quantity of stores destroyed. For this event those engaged made the march and return, a total distance of seventy-two miles, in less than twenty- four hours. The regiment participated in the battle with the enemy at Chaplain Hill, and afterward in the campaign in Kentucky, and went into camp late in Octo- ber, on Rolling Fork, near Lebanon. From here it soon proceeded toward Nashville, Tenn. During the months of November and December it was guarding railroads between Gallatin and Nashville, but in the latter part of the year it marched to Nashville and took a prominent part in the battle at Stone River, and fortunately met with but slight loss. After the battle the Thirty- eighth went into winter quarters near the city and remained until March 13, 1863, when it joined with the forces at Triune. Commencing in June, the year 1863 witnessed for the regiment these events : Marched with the Army of the Cumberland and took part in the Tul- lahoma campaign ; began the march to Chattanooga August 17 ; moved with the center corps, crossed the Cumberland mountains to the Tennessee River, which was crossed on log rafts on the night of September 2, and proceeded over Lookout and Raccoon Mountains and arrived in the Lookout Valley about the middle of September; acted as guard for an immense wagon train to Chattanooga, by special order of General Thomas, and thus escaped the battle of Chickamauga, but successfully accomplished the task assigned it. On the 25th of November the division to which the regiment was attached as- saulted the enemy's works at the foot of Mission Ridge and carried them, driv- ing Bragg's forces. Li this brief engagement the Thirty-eighth was on the extreme left, and was subjected to a terrible fire from the rebel infantry. In this charge the regiment lost seven killed, and forty-one wounded. After pursuing the enemy as far as Ringgold the Thirty-eighth returned to camp near Chattanooga, where on the 26th of December the men re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was furloughed home. At the expiration of the furlough the regiment joined the army then at Ringgold, Ga. Recruits were sent forward and when Sherman started on the memorable Atlanta cam- paign the regiment numbered seven hundred and forty-one men. On May 5, 1864, the regiment broke camp and marched to Buzzard's Roost Gap, where it was brought into action. After skirmishing about for a few •days, in which the Thirty- eighth took an active part, several men were killed and wounded. The regiment then participated in the campaign that followed; in the siege of Kenesaw and elsewhere, fortifying and skirmishing, and brought up Henry County. 89 July 5, 1864, on the Chattahoochie River. On the 17th they advanced, crossed the river, and on the 22d had the honor of establishing the picket line of the Fourteenth Corps in front of Atlanta. On the 3d of August it moved to Utoy Creek, where two days later Companies A, C and K of the regiment charged the enemy's line successfully. By a series of movements the army arrived at Jonesboro, Ga., early in September, coming upon Hardee's pickets at four o'clock P. M. of the ist. Este's brigade at once charged the works. The regiment lost here, in killed and wounded, one hundred and fifty men, nearly one-half its entire strength. Following the Jonesboro campaign came the campaign of Georgia. The army broke camp on October 3, 1864, and retraced its lines as far north as Dalton, Hood in the mean time having reached the rear of Sherman's army. The Thirty-eighth accompanied the expedition thus far, and moved thence via Gaylesville, Ala., to Rome, and reached Kingston, Ga., November 5. Ar- riving at Milledgeville on the 24th of November, the regiment was assigned to provost duty in the city. It was soon sent to destroy the bridge across the Big Ogeechee, which was done, the regiment marching on that day a distance of forty- four miles before reaching Louisville, to which place the army had gone. From Louisville the army went to Savannah, arriving there on the 21st of December, where the regiment went into camp. During their stay here the regiment received two hundred drafted men and substitutes. On the 30th of January, 1865, the Thirty- eighth left Savannah with the army, and participated in the " Campaign of the Carolinas," and after forty days came to Goldsboro, N. C. From there it went to Holly Springs, where it remained until after the surrender of Johnston's army. From Holly Springs the regiment marched to Raleigh, thence to Richmond, and finally to Alexan- dria, Va., where it remained until after the grand review at the capital, when it encamped near Washington. It remained there until June 15, and then pro- ceeded to Louisville, Ky., where it arrived on the 23d. On the 12th of July the muster out was completed, and the regiment proceeded to Cleveland,, where it was finally discharged on the 22d day of July, 1865. Thirty- Eighth Regiment — Field and Staff. Edwin D. Bradley, col. ; resigned Feb. 8, 1862. Edward H. Phelps, col. ; prom, from lieut. col. ; killed in action Nov. 25, 1863. William A. Choate, col. ; prom, from lieut. col. ; died of wounds. Charles Greenwood, maj. ; prom, to lieut. col. William Irving, maj. ; promoted to lieut.^col. Andrew Newman, maj. ; mustered out with regiment. Epaphras L. Barber, maj. ; resigned Jan. 12, 1862. Moses R. Brailey, maj. ; resigned Feb. 9, 1862. 12 90 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Israel Coons, surg. ; resigned July 13, 1863. James Haller, surg. ; mustered out Jan. 4, 1865. H. B. Powell, surg. ; prom, from asst. surg. ; mustered out with the regi- ment. Company Roster. The muster roll of Company B is hardly as complete as could be desired, but owing to the fact that the State roster is not yet published, the same can- not now be given in full. The following roll is made from a company memo- rial, and shows the name of each officer and man, but its record is not full : William A. Choate, capt. ; prom, to col. Edmund Metz, first lieut. ; mustered out with regiment. William E. Kintigh, first lieut. ; prom, to capt. ; resigned March 24, 1863. Benj. S. Pindar, second lieut. ; prom, to capt. ; resigned. William H. Ellis, sergt. ; prom, second lieut. March 6, 1862; first lieut. May 5, 1863 ; resigned September 15, 1864. Sergeants. — James E. Eidson, first serg't, veteran ; Edward T. Gray, wounded Aug. 4, 1864, veteran ; Jacob Altenberger, veteran ; Cornelius Nye, veteran ; George W. Ford, veteran ; Forman Evans, first serg't, prom, to second lieut., to first lieut., Co. K ; James M. Patterson, first serg't, prom, to second lieut. Co. C, to first lieut. Co. E ; Henry P. Urquhart, trans, to Vet, Res. Corps. Corporals. — John Babcock, disch. Dec. 13, 1862 ; Samuel M. Powell, disch. April 18, 1862; David Kilpatrick, disch. Dec. 29, 1862; WilHam W. Wad- dams; Daniel Hartley, disch. Sept. 13, 1864; Loyal L. Bly, disch. Sept. 13, 1864; James McEwen, veteran; John Burnhour, wounded Sept. i, 1864; William C. Eidson, captured Feb. 26, 1864, veteran ; Israel Weamer, veteran; David Bost, wounded Sept. i, 1864, veteran; Robert Babcock, wounded Sept. I, 1864, veteran; George Brown, veteran ; Wilson Quick, captured Feb. 26, 1864, veteran; Jacob Hafer, prom, to com. serg't. Privates. — Cyrus Altman, vet. ; Samuel Bost, captured Feb. 26, 1865, vet. ; Lemuel Howard, vet. ; William D. Hudson, vet. ; James M. Knox, wounded Sept. I, 1864, vet. ; George Lighthiser, vet. ; John McCracken, vet. ; Joseph Mares, vet. ; Leander Mares, wounded Sept. i, 1864, vet. ; William Mares, vet. ; Edmund B. Magill, vet. ; Henry C. McIIenry, vet. ; William F. Reig- hard, vet. ; Hugh M. Reighard, vet. ; William H. Sprague, vet. ; Philip Witt- mer, vet.; Valentine Zink, vet; Daniel CHmer, wounded July 21, 1864; Thomas Chambers, Levi Donnelly ; William H. Dennis, wounded Aug. 4, 1864; Daniel W. Frease, Adam Lighthiser; George Myers, wounded Au- gust 5, 1864; Thomas Rose, Elmer Struble, Silas Wright, Joseph Wells, George M. Zink, William H. Ellis, Frank Kitsmiller ; John Babcock, wounded Sept. I, 1864; Patrick Cassidy, Levi Frysinger, David Kennedy, John Sim- Henry County. 91 erly, William A. Babcock, Alva Spade, William H. Atherton, William H. Bestor, Cornelius Carder, Peter Doubenmyer, Dudley T. Fields, Henry Gear- hart, James Garretson, Alexander Henry, Jasper L. Jones, David Nessley, George Ream, Andrew Barnhart, captured July 9, 1864. Members Discharged. — Philip B. Walterhouse April 18, 1862 ; Lulius Kelly, July 16, 1862 ; George B. Corbett, Aug. 18, 1862 ; Thomas Barrett, Dec. 11, 1862; Presley C. Durbin, Dec. 29, 1862; Robert McEwen, Jan. 26, 1863; Lawrence A. Durbin, date not given ; Joseph W. Davis, Dec. 27, 1862 ; D. H. Latta, July 27, 1862 ; Henry Shatzer, July 27, 1863; Frederick Sprow, July 27, 1863; Adam Bost, July 27, 1863; John Booher, July 27, 1863; Seth Kenter, July 28, 1863 ; John Sprague, Jan. 4, 1862 ; Smith Cowdrick, Jan. 4, 1862; George Smith, Jan. 4, 1862; Francis M. Bascom, Sept. 13, 1864; Charles Gillespie, Sept. 13, 1864; William H. Russell, Sept. 13, 1864; Will- iam Sands, September 13, 1864; Daniel W. Davis, September 13, 1864; Francis M. Kinney, Sept. 13, 1864; Perry S. C. Durbin, April 22, 1862. Company Death Roll. — Corp., Robt. Frees, March 6, 1864; corp., Henry Wittmer, July 26, 1864; corp., James Cowan, June 6, 1862 ; corp., Oscar P. Randall, killed Sept. i, 1864; corp., George Struble, killed Sept. i, 1864; Henry Ellis, date not given ; Perry S. Pinder, April 28, 1862 ; Henry Weaver, May 28, 1862; Benjamin F. Wright, Sept. 15, 1862; Joseph W. Britnell, Sept. 25, 1862; James M. Frederick, Oct. 22, 1862; Samuel Lorah, Dec. 15, 1862; John W. Carter, May, 1863; Philip Naugle, Feb. 15, 1863; Balser Borts, March i, 1863; Lewis F. Frysinger, April, 8, 1863 ; Robert McCracken, Oct. II, 1863; David McCracken, of wounds, Nov. 4, 1864; O. D. Riley, Dec. 28, 1863; James M. Green, March 20, 1864; William Richmond, March 12, 1864; Azariah Bast, March 22, 1864 ; Andrew Saltsman, April 5, 1864; Philo W. Amy, Dec. 27, 1861 ; Thomas J. Richmond, date not given ; Michael Hayes, date not given; Samuel A. Palmer, Jan. 26, 1862; George Ceiling, Nov. 13, 1861 ; George Price, Sept. 13, 1861 ; William Manley, Nov. 24, 1861 ; Joseph Huston, June i, 1864; Michael Bast, date not given; William Parker, killed Aug. 11, 1864; Charles A. Alexander, killed Aug. 19, 1864; Bennett Ponteous, killed Sept. i, 1864; Jacob Green, Feb. 9, 1864; S. L. F. Jones, Dec. 30, 1864; William Fellers, wounded Sept. i, 1864; died Sept. 10, 1864. SixTY-f^iGHTH Infantry. This regiment was composed mainly of young men of from seventeen to thirty years of age. Fulton, Wilhams, Paulding and Defiance counties, each furnished one company, and Henry county furnished the great majority of the men of the other companies. The regiment' commenced to rendezvous at Camp Latty, Napoleon, O., November 21, 1861. Sibley tents, with stoves and plenty of straw, gave the boys sumptuous quarters. The rations furnished were of the best quality, and abundant, and the supplies of delicacies sent 92 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. them by their friends at home were frequent, and generous in quantity and variety. On the 5th of January, 1862, the regiment moved to Camp Chase, where it remained until February 7, when it moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., arriv- ing on the 14th. The regiment was assigned to General Charles F. Smith's division and occupied a very important position on the left of the lines during the two days' operations. After the surrender the regiment encamped near Dover until the 15th of March, when it moved to Metal Landing, on the Ten- nessee, and from there to Crump's Landing, and from there to Pittsburgh Land- ing. Up to this time the health of the men had been comparatively good ; but now bad water, bad weather and bad rations operated very seriously upon the boys, fresh from the comforts of home life, and the strength of the regi- ment was reduced by sickness from one thousand to less than three hundred men fit for duty. The regiment was assigned to General Lew Wallace's division, and during the battle of Pittsburgh Landing was engaged in guarding ordnance and supply trains. Lieutenant-Colonel Scott and Captain Richards went as volunteer aids to General Thayer, and were mentioned in his official report for gallant and efficient service. During the operations around Corinth the regiment was constantly on duty in building roads, bridges and entrench- ments. After the evacuation the Sixty-eighth with the Twenty- third Indiana, was stationed at Bolivar, Tenn., where they rebuilt the bridge across the Hatchie, and formed the guards along the railroad for a number of miles. The first regular engagement participated in by the regiment was the bat- tle of Metamora (or the Little Hatchie), and for gallantry in which the regiment was complimented in general orders. The regiment also participated in the battle of luka. It closed the campaign of 1 862 by forming the advance of an expedition which attempted to get into the rear of Vicksburg by the way of Holly Springs and Granada, Miss. The design was frustrated by the surren- der of Holly Springs, and the regiment returned to Memphis. During the campaign in Mississippi the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, where it remained until the close of the war. In the spring of 1863 the regiment moved with its command to Lake Providence, La., on the Mississippi River, where it worked on the Lake Provi- dence canal in the fruitless attempt to clea'r a passage for the river boats through Bayou Tensas. It engaged in similar work in the vicinity of Walnut Bayou in the vicinity of Eagle Bend. About the loth of April, 1863, the regiment moved down to Milliken's Bend, where it was engaged in working on the military road toward Richmond, La. While here Lieutenant John C. Banks, of Company C, and privates John Snyder of Company A, Joseph Longbury and William Barnhart, of Company C, volunteered to take one of the transports, a common river steamer, past the Vicksburg batteries. They Henry County. 93 •succeeded in this undertaking on tlie night of April 21. On the 23d of April the regiment began its march for the rear of Vicksburg. It marched more than seventy miles over low bottom lands, still partly submerged, crossed innumer- able bayous on bridges hastily constructed of timber from neighboring houses -and cotton gins, and reached the Mississippi at Grand Gulf The regiment moved down to Bruinsburg, where it crossed the river, and by a forced march was able to participate in the battle of Thompson's Hill, May i, 1863. The regiment pursued the retreating rebels and was engaged in the battles of Ray- mond, May 21 ; Jackson, May 14; Champion Hills, May 16, and Big Black. The regiment lost heavily in all these engagements, especially at Champion Hills, where Lieutenant- Colonel John S. Snook was killed. The regiment engaged in an attack on the rebel works in the rear of Vicks- burg on May 18, and in the assault on Fort Hill on the 22d. During the early part of the siege the regiment was constantly in the trenches, and it also furn- ished large details of sharp-shooters ; but during the latter part of the siege it was placed in the army of observation, near Big Black. It was on the recon- noissance toward Yazoo city, in the latter part of June, and participated in the engagement at Jackson on the 12th of July. After the battle it guarded about six hundred prisoners into Vicksburg. The regiment was quartered comfortably in the suburbs at Vicksburg until the middle of August, when it moved on an expedition to Monroe, La., and returned with one- third of its men either in the hospital, or on the sick list. In October the regiment moved on a reconnoissance with the Seventeenth Corps, and was engaged in a skirmish at Bogue Chitta Creek, and on the Sth of February, 1864, it partici- pated in the fight at Clinton and Jackson, Miss, while on the Meridian raid. This expedition prevented the regiment from going north on veteran furlough as promptly as it otherwise would have gone. It was one of the first regi- ments in the Seventeenth Corps to report three-fourths of its men re-enlisted, it having done so on the 15th of December, 1863. Upon its return from the Meridian raid the men were supplied with clothing, and the regiment em- barked for the North, leaving one hundred and seventy recruits at Vicksburg, who arrived just as the regiment was moving down to the landing. The regi- ment arrived at Cairo on the 23d of March, and embarked on the cars, moved by way of Indianapolis, Bellefontaine and Columbus to Cleveland, where it arrived the 26th. Through Illinois and Indiana the regiment was welcomed • everywhere with banners and flags. It was royally entertained at the Soldiers' Home in Indianapolis on the morning of the 24th, and was feasted bountifully by the citizens of Muncie, Ind., on the evening of the same day. The regiment was detained ten days at Cleveland before a paymaster could be obtained, and soon after payment the regiment started for Toledo, where it arrived at three o'clock P. M., on the 6th of April. It was met by a delegation of citizens, beaded by the mayor of the city, with bands of music, and after marching 94 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. through the principal streets it was escorted to the Island House, where a splendid dinner was in waiting. This was the first welcome the regiment had received since entering the State. Special trains were made up on the differ- ent roads, and by night all the men were at home. On the 7th of May the regiment again took the cars at Cleveland, and pro- ceeded to Carlo by way of Cincinnati. At Cairo it was joined by the recruits- left at Vicksburg, and these, with those obtained during furlough, numbered over three hundred. Here, too, the regiment turned over its old arms and drew new Springfield muskets. On the 12th of May the regiment, with more than seven hundred men for duty, embarked for Clifton, Tenn., and thence it marched by way of Huntsville, Decatur and Rome, to Acworth, Ga., where it joined the main army under Sherman on the loth of June. During the remainder of the Atlanta campaign the Sixty-eighth was under fire almost constantly. It was on the advance line for sixty-five days and nights, and it was engaged at Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, Nicojack, Atlanta, July 22d: and 28th, Jonesborough and Lovejoy. On the 22d of July the regiment was- engaged very heavily. It had been selected to go to the rear, and to picket the roads in the vicinity of army and corps headquarters ; but upon reaching its position it discovered in its front, instead of cavalry, a corps of rebel in- fantry ; while, at the same time, another line of rebel troops was forming across the road in its rear. Thus the Sixty-eighth was sandwiched between the enemy's advance and rear lines. The rebels were totally unaware of the position of this little Buckeye band. The commands of the rebel officers could be distinctly heard, and prisoners were captured almost from the rebel line of file closers. As the rebel line moved forward the Sixty-eighth advanced, cheering, on the double-quick, and dropping behind a fence, poured a volley into the rebels, who were in the open field. The batteries of Fuller's brigade. Sixteenth Corps, responded to the alarm thus given, and the fight opened in earnest. The Sixteenth Corps engaged the enemy so promptly that the regi- ment was enabled by a rapid movement by the flank, and a wide detour, to pass around the enemy's right, and to rejoin its brigade, which it found warmly- engaged. The attack came from front and rear, and the men fought first on one side of the works and then on the other. At one time a portion of the brigade was on one side of the works, firing heavily in one direction, while a little way lower down the line the remainder of the brigade was on the other side of the works, firing heavily in the other direction. The left of the brigade swung back to the crest of a small hill, the right still resting on the old works, and a few rails were thrown together, forming a barricade, perhaps a foot high, when the last charge of the day was made by two rebel divisions. On they came in splendid style, not firing a shot, arms at " right shoulder shift," officers in front, lines well dressed, following each other in quick succession^ The brigade held firm until the first line had crossed a ravine in its front, and- Henry County. 95 the second line of reserves could be seen coming down the opposite slope. Then came a terrific crash of musketry, and then volley after volley. The rebels fell back, leaving the ground thickly strewn with the dead and dying. After the engagement at Lovejoy, September 2-6, the regiment was stationed on the Rough and Ready road, near East Point, for two weeks, when it moved in pursuit of Hood. The regiment advanced as far as Gaylesville, Ala., and here quite a number of men were mustered out by reason of expiration of term ■of service. The regiment commenced its return march about the ist of No- vember, and moved by way of Cave Springs and Lost Mountain to Smyrna camp-meeting ground, where the men were supplied with clothing, and every- thing was thoroughly overhauled. The railroad was destroyed, and on the 14th the regiment moved to Atlanta, and at daylight on the 15th commenced the march to the sea. With the exception of an engagement with the Georgia militia at the crossing of the Oconee, and the destruction of the railroad build- ings at Millen, the regiment experienced no variation from the easy marches and pleasant bivouacs, which all enjoyed. On the loth of December the regi- ment reached the works around Savannah. On the 12th the Seventeenth Corps moved well around to the right of the main road running from the city to King's Bridge. Here the regiment assisted in throwing up a heavy line of works, and furnished two companies daily as sharp-shooters. During the op- erations around Savannah the regiment subsisted almost entirely upon rice, which was found in large quantities near camp, and which the men hulled and ground in rude hand-mills. Upon the occupation of the city the regiment was ordered on guard duty in the town, and was quartered comfortably in Warren and Oglethorp parks. Here, too, the regiment lost some valuable men, who were mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. A large number of commissions were received, and the regiment was supplied with a fine corps of young and enthusiastic officers. On the 5th of January, 1865, the regiment embarked at Thunderbolt Bay for Beaufort, and from there it formed the advance of the corps for most of the way to Pocotaligo. Here some heavy works were thrown up, and after rest- ing about two weeks the troops moved on the campaign of the Carolinas. The regiment marched by way of Orangeburg, Columbia, Winnsboro and Cheraw, destroying property, both public and private ; but upon entering the State of North Carolina this destruction of property was forbidden by orders from superior headquarters. The march was continued through Fayetteville to Goldsboro ; where the regiment arrived ragged, bare-footed, and bare- headed, and blackened and begrimed with the smoke of pine knots. On the morning after its arrival the adjutant's report showed forty-two men bare- footed, thirty-six bare-headed, and two hundred and sixty wearing some article of citizen's clothes. The regiment rested ten days and then moved out to Raleigh. g6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. After the surrender of Johnson the regiment marched by way of Dinwid- dle C. H., Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria to Wash- ington city, where it participated in the grand review on the 26th of May.. After the review the Sixty-eighth camped at Tenallytown for a week, when it was ordered to Louisville, Ky. It went into camp about two miles from the city, and a regular system of drill and discipline was maintained until the loth of July, when the muster out rolls were signed, and the regiment was ordered to report to Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, for payment and discharge. Upon arriving at Cleveland the Sixty-eighth was met at the depot by a delegation of citizens, and was escorted to Monument Square, where a splendid breakfast was served. After this the regiment marched to camp, where it remained until the l8th of July, 1865, when it was paid and discharged. During its term of service the regiment was on the " sacred soil " of every rebel State except Florida and Texas. It marched over seven thousand miles,. and traveled by railroad and steamboat over six thousand miles. Between nineteen hundred and two thousand men belonged to the regiment, and of these ninety per cent, were native Americans, the others being Germans, Irish, or English, the Germans predominating. Colonel R. K. Scott commanded the regiment in all its engagements except Metamora, when Lieutenant- Colonel; J. S. Snook commanded until after the Vicksburg campaign, when the com- mand devolved upon Lientenant-Colonel George E. Wells, and he continued to hold the command in all subsequunt engagements, skirmishes and marches- until the close of the war. The regiment was presented with a beautiful ban- ner by the citizens of Henry county just before its muster out; it having been impracticable to send the flag to the regiment at Atlanta, as was intended, the flag was returned by Colonel Wells, on behalf of the regiment, to the citizens of Henry county. The regimental colors were turned over to the- adjutant-general of the State, and were deposited in the archives. Upon these flags, by authority from corps and department headquarters, were in- scribed the names of the following battles : Fort Donelson, Pittsburgh Land- ing, Siege of Corinth, luka, Metamora, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Jackson,. Champion Hills, Big Black, Vicksburg, May 22, and siege; Jackson, July 12;. Monroe Raid, Bogue Chitta, Meridian Raid, Kenesaw, June 27, and siege ; Nicojack, Atlanta, July 21, 22 and 28, and siege; Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Oc- onee, Savannah, Pocotaligo, Salkehatchie, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw,. Bentonville and Raleigh. This regiment was organized in the State of Ohio at large, in October,^ November and Decejmber, 1861, to serve three years. On the expiration of its term of service the original members (except veterans) were mustered out^ and the organization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in service until July 10, 1865, when it was mustered out in accordance with orders from the war department. i^'ii-iyE'SmiumsSa-jify' Bri&.&Bre't IvIaj, C-Eh'L U.S. Vol Henry County. 97 The official list of battles, in which this regiment bore an honorable part, is not yet published by the war department, but the following list has been compiled, after careful research, during the preparation of this work : Thomp- son's Hill, Miss., May i, 1863; Raymond, Miss., May, 12, 1863; Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863 ; Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1863 ; siege of Vicks- burg, Miss., May 18 to July 4, 1863 ; Clinton and Jackson, Miss., February 5, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 9 to 30, 1864; Big Shanty, Ga., June 15, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. (general assault), June 27, 1864; Atlanta, Ga. (Hood's first sortie), July 24, 1864; siege of Atlanta, Ga., July 28 to September 2, 1864; Jonesboro, Ga., August 31 to September i, [864; Love- joy Station, Ga., September 2 to 6, 1864. Roster. Field and Staff. — Mustered out July 10, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., by Cy- rus M. Roberts, captain Seventy-eighth O. V. Infantry. No record of mus- ter in found. Company A. — Mustered in December 13, 1861, at Camp Latty, Napoleon, O., by Lewis Y. Richards, captain Sixty-eighth O. V. I. Mustered out July 10, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., by Cyrus M. Roberts, captain Seventy- eighth O. V. Infantry. Field and Staff. — Samuel H. Steedman, colonel, October i, 1861, three years. Promoted from lieut.-col. Nov. 29, 1861 ; disch. July 5, 1862. Robert K. Scott, col., Oct. i, 1861, 3 years; prom, to lieut-col. from maj. Nov. 30, 1861 ; to col. July 5, 1862 ; brev. brig-general Jan. 25,' 1865 ; brig.- general March 31, 1865 ; brev. maj. -general Dec. S, 1865. John S. Snook, lieut.-coL, Nov. 29, 1861,3 years; prom, from maj. July S, 1862; killed May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss. George E. Wells, lieut-col., Oct 29, 1861, 3 years; prom, to maj. from adj. July 5, 1862 ; to lieut-col. May 16, 1863 ; to col. June 16, 1865 ; not must. ; must, out with reg. July 10, 1865. Arthur Crocker, maj., Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; prom, from capt. company D, Feb. 26, 1864, to lieut-col. June 16, 1865 ; not must; must, out with reg. July 10, 1865. Eugene B. Harrison, surgeon, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; resigned June 9, 1864. M. A. Brown, surgeon, Sept. 26, 1864, 3 years; declined. John G. Brigham, surgeon, Dec. 7, 1864, 3 years; must, out with regt. July 10, 1865. Benjamin F. Berkley, ass't-surgeon, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; resigned Dec. 31, 1862. S. C. Chase, ass't-surgeon, Aug. 19, 1862, 3 years ; resigned Oct. 31, 1862. David C. Rathburne, ass't-surgeon, Feb. 4, 1863, 3 years; declined. 13 98 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. W. C. Catlin, ass't-surgeon, April 28, 1863, 3 years; declined. William Massie, ass't-surg., July 10, 1863, 3 years; appt. July 20, 1863; prom, to surg. July 13, 1864; declined ; resigned Aug. 20, 1864. L. B. Vorhees, ass't-surg., July 13, 1864, 3 years; declined. E. C. De Forest, ass't-surg., Oct. 25, 1864, 3 years; declined. Andrew Jackson, adjt., Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; prom, from second lieut. company F, July 5, 1862 ; resigned Feb. 24, 1863. Thomas T. Cowan, adjt, Oct. 4, 1861, 3 years; appt. from first lieut. com- pany H, Feb. 28, 1863; prom, to capt. May 9, 1864; declined — , ; must, out Oct. 27, 1864, on the expiration of term of service. Henry Welty, adjt., Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; appt. from first lieut. company A, Oct. 24, 1864; prom, to capt. Nov. 26, 1864; declined — , ; must, out with reg. July 10, 1865. James G. Haley, quartermaster, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; appt. Oct. 26, 1861 ; resigned Oct. 26, 1862. Leverett G. Crandall, quartermaster, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; appt. from first lieut. company D, Oct. 26, 1862 ; detailed April 24, 1863, to command mortar boats which opened bombardment of Vicksburg May 20, 1863 ; returned to • regiment May 25, 1863 ; prom, to cap. and ass't-adjt-gen'l on staff of Gen'l Robert K. Scott, 2d Brigade, 3d Div., 17th Army Corps Nov. 8, 1864; mus- tered out March 20, 1865. Charles Bates, quartermaster, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; prom, to serg't-maj. from private, company K, Nov. 23, 1861 ; to second lieut. company B, April I, 1862 ; first lieut. company B, May 16, 1864, but declined to accept; must, out April 9, 1865, on expiration of term of service. Elmer Y. Smutz, quartermaster, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; appt. from first lieut. company C, April 10, 1865 ; must, out with regiment July 10, 1865. Martin Perkey, chap., Dec. 24, 1861, 3 years; resigned Sept. 17, 1862. Samuel R. Adams, serg't-maj., Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years; prom, to quarter- master-sergeant from private company F, Nov. 20, 1861. Isaac McCoy, serg't-maj., Oct. 22, i'86i, 3 years; prom, from first serg't company C, Oct. 26, 1862 ; to second lieut. company A, Nov. 10, 1863. Milton Stout, serg't-maj., Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; prom, from first serg't company F, April 30, 1864; to capt. company F, Jan. 11, 1865 ; veteran. Alfred M. Russel, serg't-maj., Dec. 3, 1863, 3 years; prom, from private company C, Jan. 27, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment July 10, 1865. Jacob Bruner, quartermaster-sergeant, Nov. 23, 1861, 3 years; prom, from serg't company C, April i, 1862 ; disch. April 9, 1863, to accept promotion in 9th Louisana Volunteers, African descent; killed June 7, 1863, at action in Milliken's Bend, La. Charles E. Reynolds, quartermaster-sergeant, Jan. 5, 1862, 3. years; prom, from private company F, April 20, 1863; captured May, 1863, at Chnton, Henry County. 99 Miss., while carrying dispatches; exchanged Aug., 1863 ; captured Feb. 10, 1864, at Morton, Miss. ; exchanged April 17, 1865 ; must, out June 16, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by order of war department ; veteran. William G. Lamb, com.-serg't., Nov. 26, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private company I, Nov. 27, 1861 ; disch. July 23, 1862, at Cincinnati, O., on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Jacob A. Dorshimer, com.-serg't, Nov. 9, 1861, 3 years; prom, from pri- vate company K, Feb. 14, 1863 ; to first lieut. company K, Nov. 26, 1864 ; veteran. Frank Flemmer, com.-serg't. Oct. 29, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private, company F, Dec. 25, 1864; must, out with regt. July 10, 1865 ; veteran. James M. McGriffin, hosp. steward, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private, company I, Nov. 26, 1861 ; disch. May 8, 1862, at Shiloh, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. John G. Parry, hosp. steward, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private, company F, Oct. 23, 1863; wounded May 6, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; must, out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Cary E. McCann, hosp. steward, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; prom, from pri- vate, company I, Oct. 8, 1864; to second lieut. Jan. 11, 1865 ; not must; must, out with regiment July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Larkin Linthicum, prin. mus., Oct 19, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private •company A, March 12, 1862; mustered out with regt. July 10, 1865 ; vet- eran. Ithamer Culbertson, prin. mus., Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; prom, from private, company E, April 12, 1862; must, out with regiment July 10, 1865 ; veteran. GuyE. Eastman, drum-maj., Nov. 15, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 9, 1862, by order of war department John B. Mikesell, fife-maj., Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; died March 11, 1862, at Fort Donelson, Tenn. Company A. — Lewis W. Richards, captain Oct 3, 1861, 3 years; app't Nov. 5, 1861 ; mus. out Oct 26, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Isaac McCoy, captain, Oct 22, 1861, 3 years; prom, to second heut from serg't-maj. Nov. 10, 1863 ; capt. Nov. 26, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Abram C. Urquhart, first lieutenant, Oct 28, 1861, 3 years; appt Nov. 21, 1861 ; prom, to captain Nov. 11, 1862, but declined to accept; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. William F. Wilhams, first lieut, Oct 12, 1861, 3 years; appt second lieut Nov. 21, 1 86 1 ; prom, to first Heut Oct 26, 1862 ; to capt company D, May 9, 1862." Henry Welty, first lieut, Oct 7, 1861, 3 years; prom, to second lieut com- pany F, Feb. 26, 1864 ; appt adj. Oct 24, 1862. loo History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Upton, Spurgeon, first lieut, Oct, 8, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. i^ 1861; serg't July i, 1862; first serg't Jan. i, 1863; prom, to first lieut. Nov. 26, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Samuel R. Adams, second lieut., Oct. 17, 1861, 3years; prom, from serg't- maj., Oct. 26, 1862 ; to first lieut. company K, Feb. 26, 1864. Peter Huner, first serg't, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. first serg't Dec. i, 1861 ; died Dec. 6, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn. Elmer Y. Smutz, first serg't, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt.. serg't. Jan. i, 1863; first serg't, Dec. 26, 1864; prom, to first lieut. company C, Jan. II, 1865; veteran. Andrew J. Treslar, first serg't, Dec. 12, 1861, 3, years; appt. corp — , ; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; appt. serg't. March 9, 1864; first serg't, Jan. 30, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Jacob Battenfield, serg't., Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ? serg't, Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Horace Waters, serg't, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. ; serg't,. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Ehas Kigar, serg't, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years ; appt. from private Dec. 24, 1864; mustered out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Robert B. Wood, serg't, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; serg't. Jan. 30, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Samuel Morse, serg't, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. serg't, Dec. I, 1 861 ; died Dec. 14, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. Elmer Y. Baker, corp., Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Richard, Steward, corp., Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; appt. corp. Dec. 25, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Thomas Jenkins, corp., Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Ebenezer W. Schooley, corp., Oct. 25, 1863, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Joseph Rickey, corp., Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 186.';; veteran. John Kigar, corp., Oct. 17, 186 1, 3 years ; appt. corp. Dec. 24, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Henry Dickerson, corp., Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. i, 1861 ; disch. — , , at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry C. WiUiams, corp., Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; died Sept. 3, 1864, at Cairo, 111., of wounds received June 12, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. Henry County. lor Barr, William J., private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with companjr July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Thomas Burrow, private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; captured Feb. 10, 1864, at Morton, Miss.; mus. out June 16, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by order of war department ; veteran. Bortz, George, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years. Buchele, Louis, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Lewis Buckleys mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Beck, Adam, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mustered out with company July 10, 1865;. veteran. Beck, Benton, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Beck, Paul, private, Aug. 26, 1862, 3 years; died June 8, 1863 at hospitat at Lake Providence, La. Battenfield, William D., private, Oct 16, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Bear, Abraham, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Brenner, Nathaniel, private, Dec. 24, 1861, 3 years; captured May 10, 1864, at Morton, Miss.; died Sept. 11, 1864, in rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga.;. veteran. Bowman, Frederick, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; trans, to company D. Bowman, Frederick, private, Jan. 5, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company- July 10, 1865. Bordner, Henry, private, Dec. 10, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Branghno, John, private, Feb. 7, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company- July 10, 1865. Babcock, John D, private, Dec. 23, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company- July 10, 1865. Babcock, William O., private, Jan. 25, 1864, 3 years; mus, out with com- pany, July 10, 1865. Babcock, Alonzo A., private, Jan. 16, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Babcock. James H., private, Feb. 7, 1864, 3 years; died June 4, 1865, Harewood General Hospital at Washington, D. C. Brackham, Frederick, private, Oct. 7, 186 1, 3 years; trans, from company- F, — , ; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Berthmyer, David, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; died May 22, 1862, at Napoleon, O. 102 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Best, Azariah, private, Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years; died March 26, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn. Baker, John K., private, Dec. i, 1861, 3 years; disch. July i, 1862, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Bonny, Joseph M., private, Oct. 31, 1861, 3 years ; disch. June 20, 1862, at Oamp Cliase, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Cross, Abel, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years ; disch. May 2, 1862, at Pitts- burgh, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Cary, Harlan P., private, Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; transferred to 8th Michi- gan Light Art, Dec. 10, 1862. Dunbar, John, private, Aug. 26, 1862, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Dunbar, Boyd, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; w'd May 16, 1863 in battle of Champion Hills, Miss; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Dunbar, James, private, Oct. 20, 1862, 3 years; discharged June 26, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Davis, George R., private, Oct. 20, 1862, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Davis, John, private, Dec. 23, 1862, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Drummond, Levi, private, Jan. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out July 21, 1865, in New York city by order of war department. Dennis, Andrew J., private, Sept. i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Done, Eugene O., private, Dec. i, 1863, 3 years; mus. out June 8, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department. Duell, Eugene F., private, Dec. 31, 1863, 3 years ; died April 22, 1864, at Vicksburg, Miss. Delong, Charles, private, Dec. 31, 1863, 3 years; died Sept. 15, 1865, at Vicksburg, Miss. Edson, John B., private, Dec. 4, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Edgar, John, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years ; discharged Oct. 8, 1862. Frantz Henry, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865.; veteran. Frederick, Erastus, private, Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany, July 10, 1865; veteran. Foster, Charles E., private, Oct. 19, 1861, three years; on mus. roll but never reported for duty. Foster, Charles E., private, May J, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Flenner, George, private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; discharged Dec. 23, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry County. ioj Friend, Jacob, private, Feb. 22, 1864, 3 years; killed June 22, 1864 in action at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. Galman, Joseph, private, Oct. 16, 1864, i year; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Goodwell, Nathaniel, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, on expiration of term of service. Garret, Jacob, private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Helberg, Christian H., private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany, July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Helberg, Frederick, private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. 17, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hutchins, Simon J., private, Oct. 14, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany, July 10, 1865. Howe, William H., private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Haller, William, private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal ; sergeant, March 9, 1864; reduced to ranks, Dec. 17, 1864; wounded, June II, 1863, in action near Vicksburg; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Hershberger, Wilson, private, Oct. S, 1861, 3 years; died April 24, 1862, at Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn. Hershberger, Thomas, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; on mus. roll, no further record found. Hissong, Lyman J., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; trans, to company I, Dec. I, 1861. Hiser, John, private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; died Jan. 22, 1864 in ho!5pi- tal at Vicksburg, Miss. ; veteran. Konzen, Leanord, private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; captured Nov. 17, 1864, on march from Atlanta to Savannah, Ga. ; no further record found. Kriling, John, private, Oct. S, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 18, 1862, in hos- pital at Jackson, Tenn. Kemm, Christian, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years;- died July 9, 1862, at Na- poleon, O. Knapp, James H., private, Oct. 22, 1861,3 years; transferred to company D. Kittering, John, F., private, Oct. 20, 1861, 3 years; absent March 13, 1862, in general hospital, Mound City, III; no further record found. Kelly, Alvey, private, Oct 28, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 29, 1862, at Columbus, O., surgeon's certificate of disabihty. Laher, Gottlieb, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Lawrence, George F., private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865; veteran. I04 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Lettick, Simon, private, Oct. 9, 1862, 3 years; also borne on the rolls as -Simon Leetlirk; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Large, Erastus, private, Oct. 13, 1861, 3 years; on mus. roll, no further record found. Large, Erastus D., private, Jan. i, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Linthecome, Larkin, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; promoted to princi- pal musician March 12, 1862. Lesnet, Lafayette, private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. 17, 1862, at BoHvar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Lyman, Nathan, private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; killed Sept. 24, 1862, in railroad accident near Jackson, Miss. Miller, John, private, Oct. 24, 1864, i year; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Mapes, James F., private, Jan. 16, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Mitchell, Andrew, private, Feb. 8, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Mitchell, Aaron, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; died April 16, 1862, at Savannah, Tenn. Myers, George, W., private, Oct. 27, 186 1, 3 years; appointed sergeant, July I, 1861; reduced to ranks March 9, 1864; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Mann, Abraham, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. 27, 1862, -at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Miller, Fenelson G., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 27, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Moore, John, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 27, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Merris, James M., private, Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years; also borne as James M. Morris; discharged Sept. 27, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Moses, Charles W., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; detached as hospital steward 42d United States colored infantry, June 29, 1864; mus. out Octo- ber 31, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Ottinger, Jacob G.., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany, July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Onweller, James, private, Nov. 10, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 24, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Parker, George, private, Dec. 5, 1863, 3 years; transferred to veteran re- serve corps, July i, 1864. Prentice, Jacob, private, Sept. i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1865, -at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Henry County. 105 Preston, George W., private, Feb. 6, 1864, 3 years; died March 23, 1864, in Washington general hospital at Memphis, Tenn. Preston, William, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; died on or about March 16, 1862, at Cincinnati, O. Plossman, Frederick, private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. i 7 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Parsons, William H., private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years ; discharged , 1861, at Napoleon, O., by civil authority. Primmer, Simon, private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. 13, 1862 at Cincinnati, O., by order of war department. Percy, Perrin S., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Peters, David W., private, Sept. 3, 1862, 3 years; discharged Sept. 16, 1863, at Keokuk, la., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Retig, George, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Roddy, John, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, on expiration of term of service. Roddy, William, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 186s ; veteran. Roddy, Daniel, private, Sept. 3, 1862, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Reed, George, private, Oct. S, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; vet- eran. ' Reed, John, private, Nov. 2, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Reed, Jesse, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; died March 12, 1864, at Vicksburg, (?) Miss. Robinson, Lorenzo, private, Oct. 12, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Robinson, Benjamin F., private, Oct. 5, 1861, S years; discharged Dec. 12, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disabihty. Rhodes, Jacob, private, Feb. 22, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Rose, Daniel, private, Dec. 13, 1 861, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1869, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department ; veteran. Richmond, Thomas, private, Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years ; discharged March 22, 1863, at Lake Providence, La., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Rhiad, John, private, Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; died April 22, 1862, at Cin- cinnati, O. Simmons, Frederick, private, Feb. 7, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. ^* io6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Simmons, Thomas, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865; veteran. Spurgeon, Lemuel, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; died Dec. 9, 1863, at Vicksburg, Tenn. Spurgeon, Jeremiah, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Sworden, Harvey, private, Jan. 16, 1864, 3 years; died Sept. 7, 1864, at 17 the Army Corps Hospital, Marietta, Ga. Stout, George H., private, Dec. 8, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Spade, William H., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; died March 27, 1862, at Napoleon, O. Snyder, George, private, Jan. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Snyder, Noah, private, Jan. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Snyder, John, private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; veteran. Sweet, Charles R., private, Jan. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Stickler, Peter, private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 18, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Siford, Frederick, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; died May 27, 1863, near Vicksburg, Miss., of wounds received May 22, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. Taylor, James, private, Nov. 9, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Trouby, Samuel, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years. Vonness, William G, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged Aug. 25, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn. Van Hyning, Julius, private, Nov. 13, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 18, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Willard, Samuel D., private, Sept. 9, 1863, 3 years; discharged July 18, 1865, at Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C. Willard, Elias, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; vet- eran. White, John M., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Withrow, John, private, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; trans, to 103d company, 2d battalion V. R. C, Nov. 22, 1863. Whilton, Orrin S., private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; also borne as Orrin S. Whitten ; discharged July i, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of ■disability. Henry County. 107 Company D, ditk Regiment. — Arthur C. Crockett, captain, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; appointed Nov. 21, 1861 ; promoted to major Feb. 26, 1864. William F. Williams, captain, Oct. 12, 1861,3 years; promoted from first- lieut. company A May 19, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1861. Leverette G. Crandall, first lieut., Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; appointed Nov. 21, 1 861 ; appointed regimental quartermaster Oct. 26, 1862. Levi Coffman, first lieut, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; appointed second lieut. Nov. 21, 1861; promoted to first lieut. Nov. 21 1862; transferred to com- pany B March 3, 1863. William Gilson, first lieut., Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861; sergeant, Dec. i, 1861; first sergeant, Dec. 16, 1863; wounded Aug. 31, 1864; promotedtofirstlieut.Jan.il, 1865; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Elias Rottinger, second lieut, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; appointed sergeant from private Dec. i, 1861 ; first sergeant May i, 1862 ; promoted to second lieut April i, 1864; to captain company E Nov. 26, 1864. Michael Neff, first sergeant, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; appointed from private Dec. I, 1861 ; discharged Aug. 27, 1862, at Columbus, 0.,on surgeon's cer- tificate of disability. Angelo Emery, first sergeant, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861 ; sergeant Dec. 16, 1863; first sergeant Jan. 27, 1865; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Rezen H. Moore, sergeant, Oct 11, 1861, 3 years; appointed from private Dec. 1, 1861 ; mus. out Oct 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Wesley Pontius, sergeant, Oct 12, 1861, 3 years; appointed sergeant from private Dec. i, 1861 ; mus. out July 15, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Henry De Long, sergeant, Oct 28, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861 ; sergeant Oct. 12, 1864 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; vet- eran. Levi Hoy, sergeant, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. i, 1861 ; sergeant Oct 12, 1864; .mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; vet- eran. Benjamin Parker, sergeant, Oct 15, 1861, 3 years; appointed from private Dec. I, 1861 ; discharged by civil authority. Jerry Hollinshead, sergeant, Nov. 6, 1 861 ; 3 years ; mus. as private ; ap- pointed sergeant; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out Dec. 15, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. John W. Kelly, corporal, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal, Dec. I, 1861 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. John Getz, corporal, Dec. 7, 1861, 3 years ; appointed corporal, July i, 1864; rnus. out with company July 10, 1865. io8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Frank W. Smith, corporal, Nov. ii, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861 ; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. William Booher, corporal, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal July I, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Stephen Shartzer, corporal, Dec. 13, 1861,3 years; appointed corporal July I, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Eugene M. Rugg, corporal, Aug. 26, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal July I, 1864; mus. out May 29, 1865, at Washington, D. C , by order of war department. Samuel McConn, corpora], Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861 ; died May 5, 1862, in general hospital at Keokuk, la. Thomas Gilson, corporal, Oct. 25, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861 ; discharged April 15, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Charles Morey, corporal, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; appointed corporal Dec. I, 1861; died Aug. 23, 1863, in McPherson Hospital, Vicksburg, Miss., of wounds received May 22, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. Andrews, John, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Altman, George, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; absent, sick since May 30, 1865, at Washington, D. C; mus. out July 28, 1865, at Cleveland, O., by order of war department ; veteran. Altman, Andrew, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Adams, Samuel L., private, Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years; transferred to non- commissioned staff; no further record found. Adams, Noah T., private, March 18, 1863, 3 years; prom, to first-lieut. 135th U. S. Colored Inf, March 27, 1865. Bloomfield, John, private, Nov. 4, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10; veteran. Beamen, Samuel, private, March 2, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Bunting, Levi, private, Jan. 15, 1864, 3 years; trans, from company K June 29, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Bonghna, Hacob, private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; wounded August 17, 1864, in action near Atlanta, Ga. ; disch. June 21, 1865, at General Hospital, Cleveland, O. Bowman, Frederick, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; trans, from company A ; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Booher, George W., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; died April i, 1862, in hospital at Cairo, 111. Henry County. 109 Berry, Henry, private, Nov. 5, 1861, 3 years; died April i, 1862, at Cov- ington, Ky. Brown, William H., private, Nov. 27, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 13, 1862, •on surgeon's certificate of disability. Babcock, James H., private, Dec. 12, 1861, 3 years; disch. March 31, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of inability. Bowker, Harman, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; trans, to 126th com- pany, ind. battalion Vet. Reserve Corps Jan. 25, 1864. Burgess, Owen, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of time of service. Grossman, Hiram, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Crockett, John, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years ; wounded May 25, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. ; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Crockett, Jonathan, private, Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years; disch. Oct. 23, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of inability. Crockett, Eber, private, Oct. 26, 1 861, 3 years; died Sept. 22, 1862, at Bol- ivar, Tenn. Churchill, James M., private, Jan. 15, 1861, 3 years; trans, from company K, June 29, 1864; trans, to company K 6th V. R. C. Dec. 22, 1864; mus. out July 26, 1865, at Cincinnati, O., by order war department. Dewell, Clark W., private, Feb. 23, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Dobbs, Judson, private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; trans, from company K June 29; mus. out June 19, 1865, at Columbus, O., by order of the war de- partment. Durbin, William, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, on expiration of term of service. Evans, Amos E., private, Feb. 23, 1864, 3 years; mus. out May 29, 1865, at Columbus, O., by order of war department. Emery, Nathaniel, private, Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years; died June 28, 1863, at Milliken's Bend, La. Eastman, G. C, private, Nov. 15, 1861, 3 years ; discharged April 9, 1862, •on surgeon's certificate of disability. Edwards, Swuire G., private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 24, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ellis, William F., private^Oct. 20, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 25, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. ; mus. out Dec. 19, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Freeman, Albert, private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 8, 1862, at ■Columbus, O. ; re-enlisted Dec. i, 1863; wounded August 31, 1864, in battle •of Jonesboro, Ga. ; trans, to company H, 6 Vet. Reserve Corps, March 3, 1865 ; .mus. out July 23, 1865, at Johnson's Island, O., by order war department. no History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Fisher, Jacob, private, March 23, 1864, 3 years; mustered out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Francis, WilHam H. H., private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; disch. May 2, 1865, at Columbus, O., for wounds received July 22, 1864, in battle of At- lanta, Ga. Frederick, John L., private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; veteran. Finigan, John, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; disch. Jan. i, 1862, at Camp Latty, O. Getz, Michael, private, Dec 8, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 23, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss. ; mustered out with company July 10, 1865 ! veteran. Gillette, Theodore, private, Feb. 27, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Gilson, David, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 18, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Goaky, Joseph, private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 14, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Goon, Moses, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Hill, David, private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Haynes, \Yilliam I., private, Dec. 5, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Hoffman, Sebastian W., private, March 25, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Hughes, Evan M., private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; trans, from company K June 29, 1864, while absent; died April 23, 1864. Hudson, Horace, private, Oct. 4, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 21, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hopkins, Phineas, private, Nov. i, 1861, 3 years ; discharged 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hamm, James, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; on muster roll, no further record found. Haines, Orelious, private, Oct. 13, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss. ; mus. out to date Oct. 13, 1864, at Colum- bus, O., on expiration of term of service. Harman, Jacob, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died April i, 1862, at Covington, Ky. Harman, John, private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savanah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Hartman, Joseph, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; detached in 8th Ohio- Battery June I, 1862 ; mustered out Dec. 6, 1864, at Columbus, on expiration- of term of service. Henry County. i i i Hoy, Daniel, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; disch. August 26, 1863, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. High, Johnson N., private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 11, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Johnson, Joseph D., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Jones, William, private, Nov. i, 1861, 3 years; discharged, 1861, on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Kelley, James, private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; disch. May 18, 1865, at Cleveland, O., from wounds received July 22, 1864, in battle at Atlanta, Ga. ; veteran. Knapp, James H., private, Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; trans, from company A ; died Nov. 13, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. Keek, George, private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps Jan. 10, 1865 ; mus. out July 20, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind., by order war department. Kneule, William, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; transferred from com- pany F ; disch. Nov. 24, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certifi- cate of disability. Lamphire, Austin, private, Nov. 25, 1861, 3 years; disch. May 9, 1862, at Shiloh, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Love, Reuben, private, March 3, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Losh, Daniel, private, Feb. 25, 1864, 3 years; died July 9, 1864, at Rome, Ga. Long, William J., private, Nov. 16, 1861, 3 years; discharged May 9, 1862, at Shiloh, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Morey, Albert, private, March 29, 1864, 3 years; died Oct. 6, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga. Morey, Justus, private, Oct. 13, 1861, 3 years ; mustered out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Meech, Welcome, private, Oct. 20, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Marris, David, private, Dec. i, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Marris, James, private, Feb. 25, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Maul, John, private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; disch. , 1 861, by civil authority. Maul, John, private, Sept. 29, 1862, 3 years; died Feb. 5, 1864, at CHnton, Miss., of wounds received in action same day. Mayman, Robert, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; died Dec. lo, 1864, in rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga. ; veteran. 112 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Miller, Warren, private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah., Ga., on expiration of term of service. Miller, Eli, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years ; died April 8, 1862, at Crump's- Landing, Tenn. Myers, Lorenzo, private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; discharged , by civil authority. Ozier, Cyrus M., private, Feb. 17, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Osgood, Marquis, private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company,. July 10, 1865. Overlightner, Jacob, private, Dec. i, 1863, 3 years; died May 22, 1864 3t Vicksburgh, Miss. Overmire, Hiram, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct, 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Ottman, George, private, Dec. 15, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out July 28, 1865,^ at Camp Cleveland, O., by order of war department. Pontius, David, private, Oct. 29, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Palmer, William F., private, Dec. 2, 1861, 3 years; discharged April 11,. 1862 at Crump's Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Palmer, William F., private, Oct. 2, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Palmer, Rundle, private, Dec. 9, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Primmer, Lewis A., private, Feb. 8, 1864, 3 years; wounded Aug. 26, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga. ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Parsons, Thomas, private, Feb. 17, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out July 27, 1865, at Newark, N. J., by order of war department. Parsons, William H., private, Feb. 17, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1864. Patrick, Martin, private, Feb. 18, 1864, 3 years; died June 30, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Pearse, Joseph, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; died May 12, 1863, at Grand Gulf, Miss. Price, Allen, private, March 29, 1864, 3 years; died May 17, 1864, at Pu- laski, Tenn., of accidental injury received on railroad. Packard, James, private, Nov. i, 1861, 3 years; died Nov. 6, 1862, at Bol- ivar, Tenn. Reed, Aaron, private, Dec. 31, 1861, 3 years; died March 4, 1862, at Camp Chase, O. Reid, James, private, Dec. 22, 1863, 3 years; discharged June 7, 1864, to accept promotion in 4th United States Heavy Artillery. Henry County. 113 Reeves, John H., private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; died Nov. 9, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Rogers, James P., private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany, July 10, 1866; veteran. Reneule, William, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; on mus. roll, no further record found. Toberson, Chester, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; discharged , 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Rehl, John, private, Oct. 25, 1861, three years. Stephens, Harman, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Sunnyfrank, George, private, Feb. 8, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Snide, Peter, private, March 22, 1864, 3 years; mus. out June 30, 1865 at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Smith, George, private, March 6, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Slee, John, private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; discharged Nov. 10, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Saul, William, private, I-^eb. 29, 1864, 3 years; mus. out June , 1865 at Camp Chase, O., by order of war department. Stockman, Frederick, private, Nov. 3, 1861, 3 years; discharged Nov. 12, 1862, at Cincinnati, O, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Span gler, Joseph, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; discharged Dec. i, 1861, at Napoleon, O., by civil authority. Spangler, Frederick, private, Dec. 14, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 18, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Stickley, Jacob, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 22, 1863, in action near Vicksburg, Miss.; mustered out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga^ Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Snow, John, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; discharged , 1861, by civil authority. Slack, Wilbur G., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in the battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; discharged May 21, 1864, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate ofdisabihty. Seeling, Henry, private, Nov. 22, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Tharp, Harrison, private, Feb. 8, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Van Pelt, George, W., private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Wells, Robert, private, Nov. 10, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1862 at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. ^^ 114 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Wells, Joseph A., private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; see Company B, 38tli O. V. I. Wolf, John G. private, Nov. 3, 1861, 3 years; discharged Dec. 31, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Company E. — Nelson A. Skeele, captain, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. I, 1 861; killed July 22, 1864, in battle of Atlanta, Ga. Elias R. Ottinger, captain, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; prom, from 2d lieut.,^ company D., Nov. 26, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Thomas T. Lamberg, ist lieut., Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. i, 1861; detached at brigade headquarters, June 27, 1865; mus. out with company,, July 10, 1865. Jacob Bartlett, 2d lieut, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. i, 1861 ; re- signed Feb. 14, 1863. Henderson J. Hunter, 2d lieut., Nov. 9, 1861, 3 years; prom, from serg't,. company K., April 14, 1863; trans, to company I. William Harrison Highshew, 1st serg't, Nov. 18, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. ist sergeant, ; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Cham- pion Hills, Miss; prom, to 1st Heut. Nov. 26, 1864, but not mus.; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Mortimer Belding, 1st serg't, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; appt. serg't Oct. 24,. 1861; 1st serg't, Dec. 20, 1864; prom, to ist lieut., company G., Jan. 11, 1865; veteran. Enos M. Shaw, 1st serg't, Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. ■serg't ; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; appt. to 1st serg't, Jan. 27, 1865; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. William A. Ling, serg't, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. serg't, ; mus. out, with company, July 10, 1865, veteran. Charles W. Cornell, serg't, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal, ; serg't Oct. I, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Miles W. Higgley, serg't, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal, ; wounded May, 16, 1863 in battle of Champion Hills, Miss; appt. serg't Jan. 27, 1865; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. John B. Stites, serg't Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal, — • — ; serg't Jan. 27, 1865; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Edward WilHams, serg't Nov. 18, 1861, 3 years; appt. from private Dec. 15, 1861; died March 23, 1862, at Savannah, Tenn. Daniel Jones, corp., Nov. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Martin D. Palmer, corp., Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years ; appt. corp. Dec. 16, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Samuel Kelley, corp., Nov. 4, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Samuel Kelly; appt. corp. Jan. 27, 1865 ; mus. out with corp. July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Henry County. 115 Andrew J. Wheeler, Corp., Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Jan. 27, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Francis M. Barnes, corp., Oct. 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; wounded May 16, 1863 ; battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, on expiration of term of service. Sanford, Reese, corp., Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., at expiration of term of service. Andrew, Daniel, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died March 22, 1863, at Savannah, Tenn. Austin, James C, private, Oct. 29, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. i, 1862, at Detroit barracks, Michigan, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Barber, Oscar H., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Barber, Osmer, private, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; died March 25, 1862, in hospital at Savannah, Tenn. Biery, Samuel, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died Sept. 3, 1862, in hos- pital at Bolivar, Tenn. Bayes, Thomas M., private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; disch. Oct. 30, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., by order of war department. Burville, Judson, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out as Judson Bur- well, Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Burke, John, private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 18, 1862, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Brink, Watson W., private, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; died Sept. 6, 1862 in hospital at Bolivar, Tenn. Baty, William C. , private, Nov. 31, 1861,3 years ; on muster in roll ; never reported for duty. Call, Thomas J., private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Thomas I. Cole ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Connelly, Elisha C, private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865; veteran. Connelly, Andrew H., private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Connelly, John D., private, Dec. 25, 1863, 3 years; disch. May i8th, at Washington, D. C, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Clark, William B., private, Oct. 7, 1863, 3 years; trans, to company C, 22d Veteran Reserve Corps, Aug. 10, 1864; mus. out July 17, 1865, at Camp Cleveland, O. Cix, Straus, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; died June 4, 1864, in hospital at Vicksburg, Miss. Creglow, Noah, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; died March 20, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn. ii6 History op' Henry and Fulton Counties. Cottman, Oscar, private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; disch. Feb. 1864, to enlist in Battery 8th 1st Mich. L. Artillery. Culbertson, Ithamer, private, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; prom, to principal musician April 12, 1862. Dickson, Charles, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 25, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Duke, Thomas, private, Nov, 7, 1861, 3 years. Duck, Than, private, Nov. 20, 1861, 3 years. Elsvort, Silvester, private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; on muster-in roll, never reported for duty. Emick, James P., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 21, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ford, Henry H., private, Feb. 8, 1865, i year; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Fowler, John, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 15, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Fowler, Benjamin, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; disch. Jan. 3, 1863, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Foster, Thomas B., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Fowty, Stephen, pri^'^'.te, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; trans, to 141st company, 2d bat. vet. reserve corps July 25, 1863, Graets, Francis G., private, Oct. 16, 1863, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of service. Gilbreth, James, private, Nov. 31, 1861, 3 years; disch. March 6, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Gayler, James, private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; on muster in roll; never reported for duty. Hall, Lewis, private, Feb. 8, 1865, i year ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Hayward, Ralph D., private, Dec. 11, 1863, 3 years; trans, to vet. reserve corps Jan. 10, 1865 ; mus. out July 20, 1865, at IndianapoHs, Ind., by order of war department. Haverfield, James, private, Dec. 10, 1863, 3 years; killed July 22, 1864 in battle of Atlanta, Ga.; veteran. Hart, Juhus C, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 22, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Higler, Austin, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died July 25, 1864, in 3d div. hospital, 17th army corps near Atlanta, Ga. Higley, Sheldon, private, Aug. 28, 1862, 3 years; disch. Sept. 20, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Higby, William, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; died April 5, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn. Henry County. \\j Higby, Elisha, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; died March 2, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Hutchins, Meredy, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; died April 14, 1862, at. Savannah, Tenn. Hoffmire, John, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 25, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hale, Smith, private, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 8, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn. Hone, Daniel H., private, Nov. 20, 1861, 3 years ; disch. — , , on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Kelley, John, private, Dec. 8, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Lingle, Elmore Y., private, Feb. 7, 1865, i year; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Lingle, Oscar B., private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Lyons, Ellas, private, Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years ; disch. July 31, 1862, at Camp Chase, Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disabiUty. Lyons, Sylvester, private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 15, 1862, in hospital at Jackson, Tenn. Loozer, John I., private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; died June 17, 1862, at Wauseon, O. Longer, George, private, Nov. 23, 1861, 3 years. Larimer, Linos L., private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Linos Lar- mar; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Matteson, George F., private, Dec. 8, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Markly, George H., private, Dec. 17, 1863, 3 years; died May 19, 1865, at Findley Hospital, Washington, D. C. Moyer, Daniel, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years ; died May 20, 1862, in hos- pital at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. Mily, Benjamin, private, Dec. S, 1861, 3 years; disch. May 3, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Mikesell, John B., private, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; died March 11, 1862, at Fort Donelson, Tenn. Osborn, George, private, Dec. S, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 21, 1862, at St Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Oldfield, Gilbert, private, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; disch. Oct 17, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Fennel, John, private, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 '■, veteran. Purdy, Alfred, private, Feb. 4, 1862, 3 years; mus. out Feb. 3, 1865, at Beaufort, S. C, on expiration of term of service. ii8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Purdy, John, private, Feb. 4, 1862, 3 years; mus. out Feb. 3, 1865, at Beaufort, S. C, on expiration of term of service. Pomeroy, Timothy, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; disch. Aug. 14, 1863, -at St. Louis, Mo., for wounds received May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss. Richards, Wilson S., private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Richard Wilson; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Richards, Israel, private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; died March 14, 1862, at Cairo, 111. Richards, Curtiss, private, Feb. 2, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Reese, Charles M., private, Oct. 20, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Radcliff, Thomas, private, Jan. 14, 1862, 3 years; disch. Feb. 10, 1865, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Roasner, Daniel, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Rogers, George W., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died March 15, 1862, at Mound City, 111. Reeder, David, private, Nov. 18, 1861, 3 years; died April 25, 1862, at Keokuk, la. Somer, Edward, private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Somers, Martin, private. May 4, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Sweeney, Elijah, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Shellenberger, Daniel, private, Jan. i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out Jan. 10, 1865, by order of war department. Shellenberger, Nicholas, private, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 24, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Shank, Henry H., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years ; disch. Jan. 29, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Smith, Lewis O., private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 18, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Silsbee, Morris, private, Oct. 28, 1 861, 3 years; died April 25, 1862, at Keokuk, la. Stites, Alonzo, private,' Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; died May 28, 1862, at Camp Dennison, O. Swartz, David, private, Nov. 2, 186 1, 3 years; died Sept. 18, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn. Stewart, James C, private, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 21, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry County. 119 Sloan, Wilson, private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years. Stilwell, Oliver, private, Oct. 30, 1861, 3 years. Spencer, Daniel C, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years ; disch. Feb. 14, 1863, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Spencer, Allen H., private, Oct. 4, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 24, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Sisco, John, private, Dec. S, 1861, 3 years ; disch. July, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Strictcraub, Christ, private, Nov. i, 1861, 3 years; on muster in roll, never reported for duty. Terpening, William H., private, Oct. 7, 1863, 3 years; mus. out of com- pany, July 10, 1863. Taylor, Hiram, private, Nov. 23, 1861, 3 years; disch. April 11, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Taylor, Edward, private, Nov. 15, 1861, 3 years. Woodworth, James O,, private, Jan. 14, 1864, 3 years; killed July 22, 1864,. in battle of Atlanta, Ga. Wilcox, Anza, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years ; died April 10, 1862, at Sa- vannah, Tenn. Warner, Dexter, private, Oct 24, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Warner, Orrin B., private, Sept. i, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; trans, to 4th Veteran Res. Corps Feb. 11, 1864; mus. out July 12, 1865, at Milwaukee, Wis. Williams, Walker, private, Oct. 28, 1861, 3 years; died May 23, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Waters, William A., private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years ; died Nov. 16, 1861. Weaver, Michael, private, Nov. 19, 1861, 3 years ; on muster in roll; never reported for duty. Company F. — Wesley W. Bowen, captain, Oct. 3, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. 17, 1861 ; mus. out Dec. 25, 1864, at Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. Milton Stout, captain, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as private; appt. serg't Dec. 20, 1861 ; 1st serg't Jan. i, 1863 ; prom, to serg't-maj. April 30, 1864; to captain Jan. 11, 1865; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. James Lannen, first lieut, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. 17, 1861 ; prom, to captain Feb. 26, 1864; not mus.; mus. out Dec. 20, 1864, at Savan- nah Ga., on expiration of term of service. Jasper H. Smith, first lieut, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private ; appt. serg't — , ; first serg't April 30, 1864; prom, to first lieut. Jan. 11, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Andrew Jackson, second lieut, Oct lO, 1862, 3 years; prom, to first lieut. and adj. July 5, 1862. T20 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Henry Welty, second lieut, Oct. 7, 186 1, 3 years; appt. first serg't from private Dec. 20, 1861 ; prom, to 2d lieut. July 5, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. company A, Feb. 26, 1864. George W. Scott, first serg't, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. serg't — , ; first serg't Jan. 27, 1865; prom, to second lieut. Jan. II, 1865 ; not mus.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Remus Howard, serg't, Nov. 21, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. serg't; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. John W. Leach, serg't, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt. serg't — , ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Abraham V. Wilson, serg't, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; serg't April 30, 1864 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. William Moore, serg't, Dec. 5, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; serg't Jan. 27, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Robert Wheeler, corp., Dec. 2, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. John A. Brukaker, corp., Oct. 9, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. June i, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Samuel W. May, corp., Jan. i, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. June i, 1864; THUS, out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. William MoJlett, corp., Nov. 25, 1861, 3 3'ears ; appt. corp. June i, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. David Schleiser, corp., Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; mus. out June 23, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department; veteran. Patrick Brennan, corp., Oct 15, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. — , ; -wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; died May 6, 1864, at Monroeville, Huron county, O.; veteran. Agler, George W., private, Jan. i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Adams, Lorenzo, private, March 8, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Adams, Samuel R., private, Oct. 17, 1861, 3 years; prom, to quartermaster- sergeant Nov. 20, 1 861. Albough, John, private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Berry, Henrj^ private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; trans, to company D. Boorman, Isaac H., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; died May 17, 1862, at Camp Pea Ridge, Tenn. Brackan, Frederick, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; trans, to company A. BuUen, Ignatius L., private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Henry County. 121 Bowen, Jesse P., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company- July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Burbaker, William D., private, Oct 16, 1861, 3 years; disch. Jan. 13, 1863, at Jackson, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Burbaker, Levi H., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Burbaker, Francis M., private, Oct. 9, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Braily, David C, private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Jan. 11, 1865,. at Nashville, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Biglow, James L., private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Biglow, Edward A., private, Dec. 31, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Barnhart, Edward, private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; died Aug. 29, 1863, in hospital at Keokuk, la. Barnhart, George, private, Oct. 19, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Barnhart, John, private, Dec. i, 1861, 3 years; transferred to 8th Ohio battery, Jan i, 1864; veteran. Breachisen, Lewis, private, Sept. 6, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in batde of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out May 29, 1865 at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Bruner, John L., private, Oct. 10, 1863, 3 years; died July 12, 1864, in field hospital at Rome, Ga. Babcock, Solomon, private, Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged Dec. — ,. 1 86 1, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Baker, Charles, private, Dec. 3, 1861, 3 years; died March 31, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn. Bailey, Philander, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; died March 31, 1862, at hospital in Cincinnati, O. Carr, Samuel, private, Nov. 27, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Clark, Hiram, private, Aug. 30, 1862, 3 years. Cooper, William, private, Dec. 8, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Cooper, Charles, private, March il, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Cole, Newton, private, Nov. 30, 1861, 3 years; (?) transferred to signal corps Sept. 7, 1863. Chester, Burget, private, Dec. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 20, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. 16 122 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Day, William, private, Nov. 29, 1861, 3 years; died Feb. 3, 1862, at Camp Chase, O. Davison, William, private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; discharged Dec. — , i86i, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Durbin, Rodney C, private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July TO, 1865. Dodd, William, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 12, 1862, at Jackson, Tenn. Dikeman, Christian, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; died July 9, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn. Eis, Peter, private, Nov. 5, 1861, 3 years; died April 3, 1862, in general hospital, Cincinnati, O. Emery, John G., private, Nov. 19, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Fleming, Michael, private, June i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Flenner, Frank, private, Oct. 29, 1861, 3 years; promoted to com. serg't Dec. 25, 1864; veteran. Fuller, Frank M., private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; died April 10, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn. Feeny, Michael, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Gunn, Julian H., private, Oct. 18, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Griffley, Leo, private, Feb. 28, 1864, 3 years; discharged June 13, 1864, 3 years; discharged June 13, 1864, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Grim, Jacob F., private, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; died March 10, 1862, on board steamer on Tennessee River. Grabel, George, private, Oct. 21, 1861, 3 years; died March 29, 1862, at Crump's Landing, Tenn. Groshner, Frederick, private, Dec. 7, 1861, 3 years; killed May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss. Hopkins, George W., private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 26, 1863, in action in rear of Vicksburg, Miss.; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Hartman, Watson, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865, veteran. Hughes, Cyrus, private, May 7, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Hughes, James R., private, Jan. 21, i864,*3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Henry County. 123 Hileman, Jacob, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; discharged enlisted Jan. 5, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Howard, Samuel F., private. May 7, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Hague, James B., private, March 3, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Harper, Hiram, private, Jan. 2, 1864, 3 years; died Sept. 2, 1864, in field hospital at Atlanta, Ga. Heath, Alvero, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as Alvin Heath; died March 7, 1865, at home in Henry county, O. ; veteran. Heath, John F., private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Nov. 10, 1864, at Columbus, O., on expiration of term of service. Houston, Jeremiah, private, Oct. 9, 1861, 3 years. Hartley, Samuel, private, Oct. 20, 1861, 3 years. Herrick, Egbon O., private, Oct. 6, 1861, 3 years; discharged Feb. 16 1863, at Overton hospital, Memphis, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Homan, Samuel, private, Nov. 27, 1861, 3 years; discharged Sept. 17, 1862, at Columbus, O. on surgeon's certificate of disability. Jones, John, private, Oct. 19, 1865, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of ser- vice. Jones, Allen, private, Oct. 19, 1865, 3 years; discharged July 15, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Kaylor, Samuel, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865; veteran. Kannerst, August, private, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as August Kahnast; discharged July 25, 1862, at Columbus, O.; re-enlisted Jan. 5, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. King, Oliver, private, April 20, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Krisinger, Joseph, private, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; died March 12, 1862, at Mound City, 111. Kneule, William, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; transferred to company D. Lewis, Joseph J., private Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; captured Feb. 10, 1864, at Morton, Miss.; mus. out June 16, 1865, at Camp Chase, O.; veteran. Lowry, George O., private, Sept. 29, 1863, 3 years; mus. in as George O'Lary ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Limestall, Joseph, private, Nov. 27, 1863, 3 years; killed Aug. 4, 1864, in action near Atlanta, Ga.; veteran. McCuUough, James, private, Oct. 18, 1865, 3 years; discharged March 26, 1863, 3t Memphis, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability ; re-enlisted Dec. 15, 1863 ; discharged May 30, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., on surgeon's cer- tificate of disabihty. 124 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. McBlaine, John, private, Jan. 5, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company- July 10, 1865. Morrison, John, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Morrison, George, private, Feb. 21, 1865, i year; mus. out with company July ID, 1865. May, Harrison T., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Morrow, John D., private, Dec. 2, 1863, 3 years; mus. out June 3, 1865, at N. Y. City by order of War Department. Morse, Curtiss L., private, March 8, 1865, i year; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Miller, Ferdinand, private, Oct 8, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 23, 1864, in general hospital at Rome, Ga.; veteran. Murphey, John, private, Nov. 2, 1861, 3 years; discharged Oct. 17, 1862, at Bolivar, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Marlow, Christoff, private, Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years; discharged July 25, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Mall, John, private, Oct, 22, 1861, 3 years; died April 7, 1862, in general hospital. Savannah, Tenn. Myerholtz, Henry, private, Oct. 30, 1861, 3 years; discharged Jan. 22, 1863, at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Newell, Ira, private, Oct. 18, 1863, 3 years; trans to 97th co. 2d Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 28, 1863. Parry, John G., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; promoted to hospital stew- ard Oct. 23, 1863. Pearce, Albert, private, Nov. 28, 1863, 3 years; mus, out with company July ID, 1865. Parmer, Jacob W., private, March i, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Paul, William P., private, Sept. 29, 1864, i year; drafted; discharged Aug. 31, 1865, at Washington, D. C, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Potter, Alexander, private, Feb. 29, 1864, 3 years; discharged May 16 1865, at McDougal Hospital, New York Harbor, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Robison, Jeremiah, private, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Rapp, Jacob, private, Dec. i, 1861, 3 years ; discharged June 10, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Reynolds, Charles E., private, Jan. 5, 1862, 3 years; promoted to q. m. s. April 20, 1863. Henry County. 125 Sisler, Stephen, private, Oct. 15, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with compan)'- July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Stephens, John, private, Oct. 11, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as John Stiffens; THUS, out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Shupe, John, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 j'ears ; mus. out with company July •10, 1865 ; veteran. Schaaf, Peter, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865, as Peter Schawf; veteran. Squires, Mortimer, private, Oct. 26, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Smith, James O., private, Dec. 2, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Smith, James S., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; died May 8, 1862, at Cov- ington, Ky. Smith, James A., private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, on expiration of term of service. Sheffield, Byron E., private, Feb. 23, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- _pany July 10, 1865. Seibert, Anthony G., private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; killed June 22, 1864, in action near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga; veteran. Sinkep, John, private, Oct. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Sinkey, William, private, Oct. 29, 1861, 3 years; discharged Jan. 24, 1864, -at Vicksburg, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Shinneman, Adam, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; discharged Aug. 2, 1862, at Columbus, O., by order of war department. Steedman, George, M. D., private, Dec. 7, 1861, 3 years. Telliga, Jerome, private, Jan. 28, 1864, 3 years; discharged June 8, 1865, ■on surgeon's certificate of disability. Thompson, George W., private, Jan. 9, 1862, 3 years; captured March i, 1865, near Black Creek, South Carolina; mus. out June 19, 1865, at Camp ■Chase, O., by order of war department; veteran. Vanness, Comfort J,, private, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years. Walters, William, private, Oct. 23, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Young, Reuben, private, Dec. 13, 1861,3 years; discharged Aug. 11, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Company G. — William C. Comstock, captain, Oct 7, 1861, 3 years; ap- pointed Dec. 18, 1861; resigned Nov. 22, 1862. John C. Harmon, captain, Oct. 5, 1861, 3 years; promoted from 1st lieut, ■company B, Nov. 23, 1862; mus. out Oct. 28, 1864, on expiration of term of .service. 126 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Joseph Ice, captain, Oct. 7, 1861, 3 years; promoted from 2d lieut., Co. B,. Nov. 26, 1864; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865. Robert Matthews, 1st lieut., Oct. IC, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. 18, 1861;. promoted to captain, company B, May 9, 1864, Mortimer Belding, ist lieut., Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; promoted from 1st serg't, company E., Jan. 11, 1865; mus. out with company, July 10, 1865;. veteran. Alexander Boyd, 2d Heut., Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; appt. Dec. 18, 1861;, resigned Aug. I5v 1862. Lay W. Richardson, 2d lieut., Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; appt. serg't from private, Dec. 20, 1861; ist serg't, July 14, 1862; promoted to 2d lieut. Aug. 15, 1862; to 1st lieut. May 9, 1864 but not mustered; mus. out Jan. 3, 1865,. on expiration of term of service. Henry Rust, ist serg't, Nov. 27, 1861, 3 years; mustered as private; ap- pointed 1st serg't Dec. 20, 1861; discharged July 17, 1862, at Grand Junction, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Chandler I. Richmond, ist serg't, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private;, appt. serg't Dec. 20, 1861; 1st serg't Jan. 5, 1863; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss., died July ist, 1863, at Evansville, Ind. John D. Travis, ist serg't, Nov. 17, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal Jan. — , 1863; 1st. serg't, Sept. — , 1863; promoted to captain, company I, Jan. 11,. 1865; veteran. William Glime, 1st serg't, Dec. i, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal Dec. 20,. 1861; serg't July 28, 1862; 1st serg't Jan. 27, 1865, mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Pope Gordon, serg't, Oct. 27, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal Dec. 20, 1861, serg't, April I, 1863; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. William B. Smith, serg't, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. corporal Dec. 24,, 1862; serg't April 11, 1863; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Abram E. Neer, serg't, Dec. 3, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. April i, 1863;. wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; appt. serg't, Nov. I, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Joshua Shellhart, serg't, Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years ; appt. corp. Nov. i, 1863 ^ serg't Jan. 27, 1865 ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. James W. Clark, serg't, Oct. 16, 1861, 3 years; mus. as private; appt serg't; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. James M. Haguerman, serg't, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 20^ 1 861 ; serg't May i, 1862 ; died June 10, 1862, at Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn. Benjamin Sincox, serg't, Oct. 15, 1861 ; mus. as private; appt. serg't Dec. 20, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 11, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry County. 127 Samuel Miller, corp., Nov. 22, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. July 7, 1864; TOUS. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Adam Shafter, Corp., Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. July 7, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Riley Shaffer, corp., Nov. ii, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp.; mus. out Dec. 9, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. William S. Willeman, corp., Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; appt. corp. July 7, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Isaiah ShuU, corp., Nov. i, 1861, 3 years ; appt. corp. Oct. 22, 1864; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Elmer Cohow, corp., Jan., 1862, 3 years; appt. corp. Jan. 27, 1865; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. George T. Shadford, Corp., Oct. 14, 1861. 3 years; appt. corp. Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. May 9, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disa- bility. Arch, Joseph, private, Nov. 15, 1861,3 years; died March 24, 1862, at Savannah, Tenn. Allman, George, private, Nov. 3, 1861, 3 years; died June 20, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. Arnold, George D., private, Dec. 13, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 23, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ayres, Oscar, private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years; died April 5, at Savannah, Tenn. Bear, Samuel, private, Oct. 10, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Bennit, James G., private, March 10, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Baltozer, John H., private, Dec. 24, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Bundy, Isaac, private, Oct. 10, 1862, 3 years; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps June 3, 1865; mus. out Aug. 3, 1865, at Jackson, Mich., by O. W. D. Bunday, Jacob, private, Oct. 10, 1863, 3 years ; died Nov. 22, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Bundy, Eli M., private, Oct. 9, 1861, 3 years; died July 16, 1862, at Bol- ivar, Tenn. Blackman, Ransom G., private, Nov. 6, 1861, 3 years; died May 11, 1862, at Cincinnati, O. Beatty, William C, private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; died April 16, 1862, in hospital at St. Louis, Mo. Clark, Perry W., private, Oct. 12, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Cox, John, private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. 128 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Clay, Samuel, private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Clay, Jeremiah, private, Feb. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out. with company July 10. 1865. Crall, John H., private, Dec. 22, 1863, 3 years; died Aug. 27, 1864, at Marietta, Ga. Comens, John, private, Jan. 3, 1864, 3 years ; mus. in as John Curinims;; died May 29, 1864, at his home in Ohio. Coon, Harmon, private, Nov. 3, 1861, 3 years; disch. by civil authority. Culbertson, William, private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years. Crane, Edward I., private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; disch. March 22, 1862,. at Crump's Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Curtis, Orlando, private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; mustered out Nov. 11, 1864, at Columbus, O., on expiration of term of service. Couts, Peter, private, Dec. 6, 1861, 3 years; disch. Sept. 11, 1864, at At- lanta, Ga., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Connelly, William, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; died Nov. 18, 1863, at McPherson's Hospital, Vicksburg, Miss. Coe, William L., private, Dec. 6, 1861, 3 years; died March 23, 1862, at Savannah, Tenn. Chamberlain, John E., private, Jan. 7, 1864, 3 years; drowned in Ohio River, near Louisville, Ky. Des Granges, Daniel, private, Dec. 23, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Diemer, Frederick, private, Jan. 13, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Dillon, Charles R., private, Dec. 20, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 26, 1862, at Camp Chase, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Dillon, Carlisle, private, Dec. 20, 1861, 3 years; died Sept. 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. Esterline, Henry J., private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Eaton, Frank, private, Jan. i, 1862, 3 years; mus. out June 27, 1865, at Columbus, O., by order of War Department. Eaton, Azur, private, Oct. 25, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 24, 1865, at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Evers, Joseph, private, Jan. 27, 1864, 3 years; disch. June 26, 1865, at Cleveland, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Emery, Robert G., private, Oct. 3, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 17, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ennis, Jacob, private, Nov. 5, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 55, 1862, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry County. 129 Fryed, George D., private, Jan. 26, 1864, 3 years; died Aug. 19, 1864, at Marietta, Ga. Ferguson, William, private, Nov. 16, 1861, 3 years; died March 15, 1862, in hospital at Paducah, Ky. Fulke, Jacob, private, Nov. 25, 1861, 3 years; disch. Aug. 9, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Forrester, Luther, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; disch. Aug. 2, 1862, at Columbus, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Gerver, Jacob R., private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Greek, Joseph, private, Dec. 25, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Giffbrd, Charles, private, Jan. 25, 1864, 3 years; mus. out May 21, 1865, at Cleveland, O., by order of war department. Gleason, Nelson, private, Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years; died March i, 1863, in hospital at St. Louis, Mo. Gorsuch, Thomas, private, Oct. 22, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 7, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Gilbert, William, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; on muster in roll, no further record found. Gilbert, Austin, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 26, 1862, at Camp Chase, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Harbaugh, John, private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Hammond, John M., private, Dec. 23, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Honicl, Otto, private, Jan. 13, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Hames, Ephraim, private, Jan. 27, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company K, July 10, 1865. Haight, David, private, Jan. 21, 1862, 3 years; disch. Jan. 31, 1865, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hutchinson, James, private, Jan. 7, 1864, 3 years; died April 7, 1864, at Vicksburg, Miss. HambHn, Anson, private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years. Hamblin, Benjamin, private, Nov. 12, 1861, 2 years; disch. June 19, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Haller, Benjamin, private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years. Haguerman, Nathaniel, private, Nov. 18, 1861, 3 years; disch. — , 1864, by civil authority. Haguerman, William, private, Nov. 9, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. 19, 1864, near Savannah, Ga., on expiration of term of service. 17 I30 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Hager, Christopher, private, Nov. 20, 1861, 3 years. Haguerman, Abram, private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years. Jayne, Ebenezer, private, Jan. 13, 1864, 3 years; disch. June 6, 1865, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Johnson, Salander, private, Nov. 22, 1861, 3 years; disch. 'July 12, 1862, at Detroit, Mich., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Jackson, William C, private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; died March 3, 1862, at hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Kennedy, James, private, March, 4, 1863, 3 years ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Kinsey, Moses, private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Kinsey, Jacob, private, Dec. 10, 1861, 3 years ; on muster in roll, no further record found. Kunkel, Benjamin E., private, Dec. 23, 1863, 3 years ; killed July 22, 1864, in battle of Atlanta, Ga. Kirkenberry, John M., private, Nov. 14, 1861, 3 years; on muster in roll, no further record found. Kewley, William, private, Oct. 30, 1861, 3 years; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; died — , , at Memphis, Tenn. Lesh, Charles H., private, Dec. 9, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Lewis, Charles, private, Nov. 3, 1861, 3 years; disch. May i, 1862, at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. Leonard, Albert, private, Nov. 10, 1861, 3 years; disch. Jan. 13, 1863, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Lindlay, Nathan, private, Oct. 24, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 7, 1862, at Camp Chase, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Moore, William, private, Oct. 31, 1861, 3 years; died July 3, 1864, at At- lanta, Ga. Miller, David, private, Nov. 23, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 8, 1863, at La Grange, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Miller, Frederick, private, Nov. 12, 1861, 3 years; died March 8, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Miller, Henry, private, Nov. 22, 1861, 3 years; died Nov. 20, 1862, in Henry county, O. Miller, George, private, Nov. 22, 1861, 3 years; died Sept. 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. Morris, Solon, private, Dec. 11, 1861, 3 years; died Sept. 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. Norrick, 'Samuel, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; died Dec. 8, 1862, at St Louis, Mo. Henry County. 131 Osmond, John, private, Dec. 4, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 20, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Pyle, Ephraim, private, Jan. 20, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Porter, Edmund R., private, Dec. 7, 1863, 3 years; mus. in as Edward R. Porter ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Porter, Joseph, private, Nov. 26, 1861, 3 years; prom, to chaplain 6 1st U. S. Colored Infantry Aug. 27, 1863. Porter, John F., private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 3, 1862, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Palmer, James, private, Nov. 26, 1861, 3 years; died March 18, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Page, James D., private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 28, 1862, at Camp Chase, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Page, Nathaniel, private, Oct. 19, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Oct. 29, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on expiration of term of service. Rasley, Solomon, private, Oct. 10, 1862, 3 years; died Jan. 31, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Ind. Remo, John, private, Oct. 23, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as John Remmes ; wounded May 16, 1863, in battle of Champion Hill, Miss.; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Remo, Frederick, private, Oct. 10, 1862, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Rosey, Joseph, private, Oct. 25, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Richardson, Myron, private, March 4, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Roub, Michael, private, Dec. 30, 1863, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865. Rhodes, William, private, Jan. 27, 1864, 3 years; died Sept. 12, 1864, at Marietta, Ga. Rogers, Lewis, private, Nov. 7, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. 8, 1862, at Boli- var, Tenn. Rogers, John, private, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; died Oct. S, 1863, at Vicks- burg. Miss. Rogers, Elmore, private, Nov. 28, 1861, 3 years; mus. out Dec. i, 1864, at Columbus, O., on expiration of term of service. Randall, Leonard A., private, Nov. 9, 1861, 3 years; on muster in roll, never reported for duty. Rosse, Joseph, private, Oct. 25, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865; veteran. Stoutsenberger, Daniel R., pri'....te, Nov. 8, 1861, 3 years; mus. in as David R. Stoltzenberger ; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. 132 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Shaffer, Henry B., private, Jan. 3, 1864, 3 years ; mustered out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Shaffer, Henry, private, March 4, 1863, 3 years; mustered out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Stilwell, William H., private, March 28, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Shelhart, William, private, Dec. 31, 1863, 3 years; disch. May 3, 1865, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Shelhart, Christian, private, Dec. 30, 1863, 3 years; died July 29, 1864, at Marietta, Ga., of wounds received in action. Shellhart, Daniel, private, Jan. 4, 1864, 3 years; mus. out May 25, 1865, at McDougal Hospital, New York Harbor by order of war department. Spencer, Allen H., private, Jan. 4, 1863, 3 years; disch. Aug. 12, 1864, at Cleveland, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Spencer, Daniel, private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; trans, to Veteran Re- serve Corps April 6, 1885. Spencer, William H., private, Nov. 14, 1861, 3 years; disch. June 26, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Snider, Jacob, private, Sept. 21, 1862, 3 years; captured Nov. 13, 1864, at Kingston, Ga. ; disch. June 26, 1865, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certifi- cate of disability. Snider, Thomas C, private, Nov. 15, 1861, 3 years; disch. Sept. 24, 1862, at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Sloan, Joseph B., private, Oct. 14, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 16, 1863, at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Scott, Caleb, private, Nov. 23, 1861, 3 years; disch. Dec. 10, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Thorp, James R., private, Nov. 10, 1861, 3 years; mus. out with company July 10, 1865 ; veteran. Thompson, David, private, Jan. 25, 1864, 3 years; disch. Nov. 2, 1864, at Cleveland, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Taylor, Allen, private, Nov. 20, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 30, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Thomas, Roger W., private, Nov. 19, 1861, 3 years; discharged June 23^ 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Tremain, Andrew I., private, Nov. 16, 1861, 3 years; disch. July 12, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Terrill, Charles, private, Nov. 17, 1861, 3 years; on muster-in roll; never reported for duty. Utter, Joseph, private, Jan. 21, 1864, 3 years; died May 21, 1864, at St Louis, Mo. Vanarsdalen, William, private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; died June 10, 1864 at Madison, Ind. Henry County. 133 Vanarsdalen, Cornelius, private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; mustered out with company July 10, 1865. Wyrick, Michael, private, Feb. 15, 1864, 3 years; mus. out June 26, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Wyrick, George W., private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Wallace, George W., private, Jan. 18, 1864, 3 years ; mus. out with com- pany July 10, 1865. Wolverton, John A., private, Nov. 19, 1861, 3 years; disch. Nov. 2, 1864,. at Camp Dennison, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Weaver, Solomon, private, Nov. 31, 1861, 3 years; died Feb. 23, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Weaver, Frederick, private, Nov. 16, 1861, 3 years; died March i, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Yoing, William H., private, Nov. 11, 1861, 3 years; died March 25, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Yoha, William H., private, Jan. 12, 1864, 3 years; died Aug. 4, 1864, at Marietta, Ga. Zook, John, private', Jan. 13, 1864, 3 years; mustered out with company July 10, 1865. The One Hundredth Regiment, Infantry. To the formation of this regiment the county of Henry contributed more than one full company, and the surplus was transferred to a separate company in the same regiment. Company B was made up wholly of residents of this county, and it is in recognition of their services in the regiment that this re- cord is made. The One Hundredth regiment was organized at Toledo, during the months of June and July, 1862, and was mustered into service on the 15 th of July fol- lowing, by Captain Dodds, U. S. Army. On the 8th of the same month, the regiment moved to Cincinnati, for the defense of that city. On the 9th it went into position on Covington Heights, a few rods in front, and to the left of Fort Mitchell. The regiment marched for Lexington, Ky., on the 8th of October, and re- mained there, undergoing a thorough course of instruction, until about the ist of December, when it moved to Richmond. It was engaged in work on the fortifications until the 26th of December, when it moved to Danville, and on the 3d of January, 1863, it moved to Frankfort. Toward the last of February it marched to Lexington to intercept a rebel raid, and from that point it marched to Crab Orchard, Mount Vernon, Somerset, and to various other points where the presence of the enemy rendered it necessary. On the 13th of August, the regiment went into camp at Danville, preparatory for the march for East Ten- 134 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. nessee. Upon arriving at Knoxville, a portion of the regiment was sent up to the Virginia State line, to guard the railroad. The detachment, two hundred and forty strong, was captured by the enemy on the 4th of September, and was sent to Richmond, Va. The regiment participated in the defense at Knox- ville, and was on active duty during its stay in East Tennessee. Early in the spring of 1864, the regiment marched in the Twenty- third Army Corps, to join General Sherman, then at Tunnell Hill, Ga. It moved on the Atlanta campaign, and was engaged at almost every battle from Rocky Face Ridge to Atlanta. On the 6th of August it was engaged in an assault on the rebel works in front of Atlanta, and lost one hundred and three men out of three hundred. Thirty-six men were killed on the field, and eighty more died of wounds within the next thirty days. The colonel was disabled for life. After the evacuation of Atlanta, the regiment joined in the pursuit of Hood's army, and participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. It moved with the Twenty-third Corps to Wilmington, N. C, and was there actively engaged. It marched into the interior, and moved from Goldsboro to Raleigh, with Sher- man's army. It next moved to Greensboro, and from there to Cleveland, , where it was mustered out of the service on the 1st of July, 1865, having served nearly three full years with the Union army. The One Hundredth lost during its term of service sixty-five men killed in action, and one hundred and forty-two wounded ; twenty-seven died of wounds ; one hundred and eight died of disease ; three hundred and twenty- five were captured by the enemy, and eighty-five died in rebel prisons. The regiment participated in the battles of Lenox Station, Knoxville, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Etowah Creek, Atlanta, Columbus, Franklin, Nashville, Town Creek and Wilmington. Field and Staff Roster. John C. Groom, colonel; resigned May 13, 1863. Patrick Slevin, colonel; prom, from lieut-col. ; honorably discharged Nov. 30, 1864. Edwin L. Hayes, colonel ; prom, from major to lieut-coL; prom, to col. Franklin Rundell, lieut-col.; prom, from major ; mus. out with regiment. John A. Shannon, major; mus. out May 11, 1864. Henry D. Taylor, major; prom, from captain. George- A. Collamore, surgeon ; mus. out with regiment. Leonard B. Griffing, chaplain; discharged Aug. 9, 1864. Roll of Company B. Henry D. Taylor, captain ; prom, to major. George W. Waterman, first lieut; resigned Jan. 8, 1863. George D. Forsyth, second lieut.; prom, to first lieut. Henry County. 135. Douglas O. Kelley, first serg't; prom, to second lieut. Jan. 8, 1863. Absalom Yager, serg't; prom, to first serg't Jan. 8, 1863. M. V. Marsh, serg't ; voluntarily returned to ranks. Samuel Foltz, serg't. Philo H. Holly, serg't. Corporals. — William M. Simpson, promoted to sergeant, January 8, 1863 ; A. S. Clark, Henry Shaffher, John A. Haly, Samuel R. Elerton, voluntariljr returned to ranks; Frederick Stockman, appointed color corporal; George W. Savage, Laran Emery. Musicians. — John L. Halter, Joseph Grinn. Wagoner. — Edward Pearse. Privates. — Milton Atkinson, Montcalm Armstrong, John Bauman, Nicho- las Barnhart, Philip Bordner, John E. Bates, Conrad Bower, Alonzo A. Bab- cock, discharged Jan. 5, 1863 ; Peter Bump, Henry H. Beaver, Elisha T. Coon, appointed ward-master, Sept. 7, 1862 ; Orrin Crockett, deserted from hospital at Lexington, Jan. 6, 1863 ; James Crockett, Adam Councilman, Godfrey Councilman, Stephen B. Coon, died at Lexington, Ky,, Nov. 16, 1862; Ed- ward H. Dawson, Joshua Dornor, Joseph M. Dornor, Joseph C. Dornor, Levi Dresback, William Dirr, Azra Freeman, Newton Freeman, died at Lexington, Ky., March 15, 1863 ; Henry Friday, John J. Falkinghor, Frederick Gherkin, Hezekiah Guyer, Walter F". Hunter, died at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 26, 1862; Daniel Hess, detailed as teamster ; Michael Hockman, died at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 15, 1862; Daniel D. Haly, Daniel D. Harriett, Wilson Heaton, died at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 9, 1862; Gideon W. HoUopeter, appointed sergeant, Jan. 27, 1863 ; Benjamin F. Haynes, David O. Howard, Lewis Hitt, Isaac Howe, George H. Hollis, detailed as teamster ; Lewis Hartley, William B. Hutchins, deserted Jan. 6, 1863, from Danville, Ky.; William Jackson, Edward L. Jaco- bus, William Kaufman, Lorenz Kaufman, John B. Lowry, Albert Lane, Henry Marsh, James McClure, David McClure, Alexander Morgan, August Maier, William H. Moorhead, Francis M. McKinnis, James C. Murray, William Meyril,. Norman C. Rose, John Ricard, John H. Rhodes, Samuel Redman, Gllmore Red- man, Joseph T. Redman, James Simmons, Daniel O. Shepard, Samuel Stein- aker, appointed corporal ; Henry Stephens, Hiram Sisco, George W. Starr, Jo- seph Siford, John Siford, Joseph Shull, Henry Snyder, John Stickler, deserted ; Garrett Salsbury, Isaac Shook, joined company as recruit, Feb. 14, 1863 ; Jacob Snow, William Thrapp, James Taylor, George Vogle, Joseph W. Wells, John, M. Zuber. The One Hundred and Twenty- Fourth Regiment. To the formation of this regiment, the county of Henry contributed parts. of two companies, D and G, but the contingent of men in each was so small that it can hardly be said that either company was a Henry county contribu- 136 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. tion. The regiment was recruited from the northern counties of Ohio, with the exception of Company I, which came from Cincinnati. The regiment ren- dezvoused at Camp Taylor, and on the first day of January, 1863, marched into Cleveland, seven hundred and fifty strong, ready to take the cars for the field. When the regimental organization became perfect, it was commanded as follows: Colonel, Oliver H. Payne; lieut- col., James Pickards; major, James B. Hameson. After leaving for the field the regiment made its first camp at Elizabeth- town, Ky., where it remained until March, when it returned to Louisville, and embarked on board transports, and in company with twenty thousand other troops, proceeded to Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived on the loth. From Nashville it went to Franklin and encamped, remaining there until June 2d, building forts, perfecting its drill, and getting ready for active field service. On the 5th of March the " boys " had a sharp skirmish with the rebels who were in the vicinity. The One Hundred and Twenty- fourth, with three other infantry regiments, a battery and some cavalry, under General Colburn, were sent on a reconnois- sance down the Columbia Pike. For a time they drove back the enemy, until Thompson's Ford was reached, when a general engagement ensued. The ene- my were much stronger and better posted than was expected, but the fight was stubbornly contested for some time, until the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth were enabled to safely guard the ammunition train and take it from the field. On the 2d of June the camp at Franklin was abandoned, and another pitched at Triune. A few days later the regiment was ordered to join General W. B. Hazen's brigade at Readyville. Again, after a reconnoissance to Elk River, they went into camp at Manchester. Here the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Twenty-first Army Corps, with General Palmer as division, and General Crittenden as corps commander. The corps then in August, crossed over the Cumberland Mountains in time to participate in the battle at Chickamauga, where it held a position on the left. Although this was the first severe fight in which the regiment took part, it nevertheless held its ground firmly, and stood well up to the work, and only after the lines were broken and the full force of the enemy's charge and fire were concentrated upon them, did the regiment fall back. During the Chick- amauga battle the regiment lost in killed, wounded, and missing, one hundred and forty men. They then retreated to Chattanooga, and went into camp on the 22d of September. While here the army was reorganized, and tlie One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Divis- ion, of the Fourth Army Corps. It next participated in the engagement at Raccoon Mountain, where the enemy's position was taken, and after camping there a few days, was relieved, and returned to camp at Chattanooga. Henry County. 137 The regiment next took part in the battle of Mission Ridge, in which the men performed nobly, fought lively, and captured seven pieces of artillery, two cassions, eighty stand of arms, and a wagon-load of ammunition. Its loss here was twenty-three killed, four wounded, and nineteen missing. On the 30th of November the regiment, with a portion of the army, marched to the relief of KnOxville, where it arrived on the loth of December, but other re-enforcements having come earlier, the siege was raised, and the enemy retired from before that place. After remaining here a few days, the regiment went into camp at Clinch Mountain. From here they were driven by a large force of Confederates. About the 15 th of April, 1864, under an order from the war department to concentrate the army, preparatory to the spring campaign, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth moved to McDonald Station, about thirty miles east of Chattanooga, where it was thoroughly clothed and equipped. After a tew days of rest the regiment marched to Tunnel Hill Station, on the railroad, and thence to Rocky Face Ridge. At this point the enemy was engaged, making a strong charge against his works, in which it suffered severely. Marching and fighting continuously, it made its way to Dalton, and from there to Resaca, Cassville aud New Hope Church. Here, again, it was en- gaged, and lost many brave men. The regiment then participated in the flank- ing movement to Jonesboro, and consequent evacuation of Atlanta, after which came a much needed rest of thirty days. It then followed Hood's army to Gaylesville and Athens, Ala. ; thence to Pulaski and Columbia, passing through Franklin, and reaching Nashville in advance of the main forces, and went into camp behind the entrenchments of that place. In the battle of Nashville it took an active part, and at its close, joined in the pursuit of the defeated and demoralized rebel army. At Hunts- ville the chase was given up, and the force went into camp. From here it was ordered to Strawberry Plains, in East Tennessee. Thence back through Green- ville to Nashville, where, on the 9th of July, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of service. It was then sent home, and was paid off and discharged at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, the place from which it started two and one- half years before. On account of the small number of men from this county who were in companies D and G, of the One Hundred and Twenty- fourth Regiment, and the great difficulty in locating them accurately, no roster is given. One Hundred and Sixty-third Regiment — One Hundred Days Service. The One Hundred and Sixty-third Infantry Regiment was composed of the Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, of Richlandjcounty , the Sev- enty-second Battalion, Ohio National Guard, of Henry county, the Ninety-^ 18 138 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. sixth battalion, Ohio National Guard, of Ashland county, and the Ninety- ninth Battalion, Ohio National Guard, of Stark county. The regiment was mustered into the United States service at Camp Chase, Ohio, on the 12th day of May, 1864, and on the 13th of the same month it proceeded to Wash- ington City, under orders from General Heintzelman, commanding the depart- ment of Ohio. Upon arrival at Washington the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Twenty-second Army Corps, with headquarters at Fort Reno, District of Columbia. The regiment remained here on duty until the 8th of June, when it was ordered to the front, and proceeded in transports to White House, Virginia, and thence to Bermuda Hundred. It reported to General Butler, at Point of Rocks, Va., on the 12th of June, and on the 14th took part (with General Turner's division) in a reconnoissance on the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad. Two hundred and fifty of the men were engaged in a severe skirmish on the 15th, and were highly complimented by the brigade commander, who said, " they comported themselves like veterans." On the i6th the regiment proceeded to Wilson's Landing, and from that point made several reconnoissances to the west side of the James River. It also assisted in building a large portion of the works known as Fort Pocahontas. On the 29th of August the regiment was relieved from duty, and proceeded to Columbus, O., where it was mustered out September 10, 1864. The Sev- enty-second Battalion, Ohio National Guard, of Henry county, when mustered into service became Company G, about eighty-five strong. Field and Staff Officers. — Hiram Miller, colonel; John Dempsey, lieuten- ant-colonel; Aaron S. Campbell, major ; Alex. Sutherland, surgeon; James 0. Carter, ass't-surgeon ; David C. McMillen, ass't surgeon ; Andrew M. Burns, adjutant ; Samuel L. Nash, quartermaster ; Samuel D. Bates, chaplain. Muster Roll of Company G. — Ransom P. Osborn, captain; Charles W. Kalo, first lieut.; Henry E. Cary, second lieut.; Thomas R. Carroll, John Gard- ner, Wellington D. Golding, Henry Yeager and John Waterman, sergeants; Jabez Dennis, David Foulk, Cyrus Gunn, Hampton Harrison, Luke Lemmest, Wallace Blair, Milton E. Heller and Thomas Williams, corporals; John Ball- ner, drummer ; Jonas Adams, fifer. Privates. — Frederick AUer, John Battenfield, John Battles, Fenton Jirooks, Daniel Bascom, Wheaton P. Barnes, Jacob Breikhiser, Baxter Burgess, George Banks, James Corbin, William Campbell, George Davis, William Dota, Benja- min F Dennis, Edward Dodd, Gififord D. Ellenwood, Stillwell Hess, Henry Howard, James Henry, Hiram Gilson, Rease Gilson, Lewis A. Groff, Thomas Ireland, Stephen H. Jacobs, Charles Kegler, Morris Killets, William Lowry, William Lighthiser, Miller Long, John Leiter, Samuel Leiter, Samuel Margratt, Isaac Masdeen, Maxwell F. Mealey, Philetus Merriman, Frank Mason, Elton Masten, David Moffett, William McComb, Martin Ohler, John Paul, Lewis Pearce, Volney Powell, George Powell, Winfield Randall, Joseph N. Ritter, Henry County. 139 George W. Raff, Landoii Raff, Washington Radle, George Smith James Shas- teen, Hiram S. Shoemaker, Robert B. Smead, Joseph M. Spangler, Asa C. Senter, Israel Smith, Achilles Smith, Romaine Tyler, Joseph Travis, George Valentine, Isaac Williams, John Yeager, George W. Zellner, Solomon Zeddi- ker, Nathaniel Hartman, discharged ; Charles DeLong, transferred ; Archibald Worthington, deserted. The One Hundred and Eighty-Fourth Infantry. This was one of the regiments raised under President Lincoln's last call for one year troops. It was organized in February, 1865, at Camp Chase. To the formation of the regiment Henry County contributed one full company, B. Immediately after muster the regiment was ordered to Nashville, and from thence proceeded to Chattanooga; thence to Bridgeport, Alabama, reaching the latter point about the 21st of March, and was engaged in the duty of guard- ing an important railroad bridge over the Tennessee river. It also acted as guard over a considerable line of railroad between Bridgeport and Chattanooga and frequently came in contact with guerrillas that infested the region, and squads of rebel cavalry. On the 25th of July the regiment was ordered to garrison duty at Edgfield and remained at that place until mustered out of service. Returning to Camp Chase, the men were paid off and discharged on the 27th day of September, 1865. In the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth was much excellent material — many of the men having been in the service in other regiments — and although while in this command they were in no general engagement, they, nevertheless, rendered important service in the country to which they were assigned. In Other Commands. While the record above mentioned purports to, and does contain the expe- riences and vicissitudes of the regiments and parts of regiments from Henry county, still there were other commands in which the county was represented, but with so small a number of men as to make an extended notice of them un- necessary. Looking over the records of the county's soldiery it is found that there was a small contingent of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth represent- ing the county in Company I. On the field and staff roster is found the name of Dr. Henry McHenry, who was the regimental surgeon. In all there were about fifteen men from this county that belonged to the regiment. Then, again, it is found that several, not more, men of the county enUsted in the Ninth Cavalry, which was commanded by Colonel William D. Hamil- ton. The Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Regiments, O. V. Cav., were raised late in 1862 by Governor Tod, under the instructions of the president. Other regiments that had a few representatives of Henry County, were the I40 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Third Cavalry, the Twenty-first Infantry, the Eighty-eighth Infantry, the One Hundred and Eleventh Infantry, the One Hundred and Eighteenth, the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry, and perhaps others of which no record can be accurately obtained. CHAPTER XIII. THE BEXCH AND BAR. IT was many years alter the organization of Ohio before the northwestern portion of the State had either Bench or Bar ; and for a long time after the territorial government had ceased the only courts known were the Indian coun- cil and the court martial, while the bar consisted of the feathered chief and the uniformed commander. The jurisprudence of the State, as of all the northwestern territoiy embraced in the Virginia cession, was founded on the common law of England, modified and construed by the several charters of King James I to the early settlers of Virginia, and by the ordinance of 1787. In 1793, by the territorial legisla- ture, a statute was adopted from Virginia declaring " that the common law of England and all statutes made in aid of the common law prior to the fourth year of James I, which were of a general nature, should be a rule of decision until repealed."' By the second section of the act of February 22, 1805, this act was repealed, but by the first section of the act was re-enacted ; it was again repealed January 2, 1806. So it may safely be said that the British statutes never had any effect in Ohio save as adopted by the Legislature, [i Chase, 190, 512, 528]. The English common law, however, so far as reason- able in itself, suitable to the condition and business of our people, and consist- ent with the letter and spirit of the Federal and State constitutions and stat- utes, ever has been and is followed by our courts and maybe said to constitute a part of the common law of Ohio. [2 O. S. 387. J After the organization of the State by the adoption of the constitution of 1802, the written law of Ohio may be said to have commenced, but the prac- tice was far from uniform, and it was not until 1845, when the able work of Joseph R. Swan, whose name needs no title to the bar of Ohio, Practice and Precedents, was published, that uniformit)- began to prevail with either bench or bar. Previous to that time, paraphrasing from the preface of that able work, most of the members of the bar and bench, whose opinions moulded our judi- cial system, had pursued their legal studies in other States of the Union, and brought with them a high respect for the practice and decisions of the courts Henry County. 141 where they were educated. Almost all the States of the Union had been thus represented at our bar and upon our bench, and had produced a very great diversity of law in different parts of the State. In truth, a local common law existed to some extent in each judicial circuit. In one the English common law was looked to as the only pure fountain ; in another the common law of England was modified by the laws of New York; in another the common law of Massachusetts ; in another of Connecticut ; in another of Penns3'lvania. The statutes of the State indicated the same heterogeneousness. The practice act came from New Jersey ; the attachment law from Pennsylvania ; the adminis- tration law from Massachusetts, and the non-imprisonment act from New York. This state of things sometimes gave rise to divisions of opinions in the court in bank, and often subjected the adjudications to severe and unjust criticism. It is certainly no disparagement to the many able jurists who aided in giv- ing to Ohio a uniform and perfect system of jurisprudence, to say that to Judge Swan is the bench and bar of Ohio most indebted for the desirable consumma- tion; and his work at once became the law of practice to bench and bar through- out the State, and remained so until the enactment of the code of civil proced- ure in 1853, after the adoption of the Constitution of 1851. The common law as to crimes, and the mode of procedure in criminal cases, "was never in force in Ohio — all this was the matter of legislative enactments, [i O. 132, 2 O. S. 387, 10 O. S. 287.J The history of the various revi-sions and codifications of the statutory law and modes of procedure within Ohio is interesting, and is so concisely and ac- curately stated in the preface to the first addition of the revised statutes made by the codifying commission, appointed under the act of March 27, 1875, and published in 1880, that we copy literally : " The first revision was made during the session of the Legislature held at Chillicothe, in 1804-5, at which all the laws, with few exceptions, adopted by tTie governor and judges, or enacted by the Legislature under the territorial government were repealed. That revision embraced statutes for the adminis- tration of justice, the conveyance of property, the collection of the revenue, the organization of the militia and the punishment of crime, and other statutes pre- viously adopted or enacted were amended and re-enacted. "With these statutes for a basis other legislatures followed the example, and, accordingly, the laws were revised at the session of 1809-18 10, the ses- sion of 1815-1816, the session 1823-1824 and the session of 1830-1831, each revision being an improvement on that which preceded it, the practice and •other remedial statutes gradually becoming more liberal and the penal enact- ments more humane. "In 183s the statute relating to felonies was again revised and further pro- vision was made to simplify the practice, and in. 1840, an act relating to the settlement of the estates of deceased persons, based on the statute of Massa- 142 History of Henry and Fulto,n Counties. chusetts, was prepared by Joseph R. Swan and enacted by the General Assem- bly. The principal part of it has remained without change to the present day.. At the same session the statutes in relation to wills, elections and other sub- jects, were revised. "Meanwhile the statutes had become so numerous and had fallen into such confusion that a systematic republication of the laws in force had become a necessity. Fortunately the work was undertaken by one competent for the task, and it is only just to say that with the material before him, and in the ab- sence of all power to change it, perhaps no other man would have been able to- produce a collection of our statutes so admirable in all that pertains to the work of an editor, as Swan's Statutes of 1841. In 1854-5, in i860 and in 1868, Judge Swan performed the same task of collecting and arranging the statutes in force, the notes to the edition of i860 having been prepared by Leander J. Critchfield, and the notes to the edition of 1868 by Milton Sayler. While these editions of the statutes have now become comparatively useless, they are none the less monuments to the industry and ability of the gentlemen who were en- gaged in their preparation. "In this connection it will not be out of place to notice a collection of the statutes of a more permanent character. In 1833— 1835 (subsequently Chief Justice) Chase prepared an edition of the statutes. It included the territorial laws, whether adopted by the governor and judges, or enacted by the territo- rial legislatures and the statutes down to and including those of 1833. This embraced seven volumes of territorial laws and thirty volumes of the statutes of the State, and the whole was republished in chronological order in three vol- umes. The work was continued on substantially the same plan by Maskell E. Curwen, who republished in four volumes, the general laws from 1834 to i860, inclusive. Since the death of Mr. Curwen, the work has been continued by J. R. Sayler, who has republished, in four volumes, the general laws from i86i to 1875, inclusive. "It will thus be seen that the statutes of Chase, Curwen and Sayler — all admirably edited — are a republication of all the general laws adopted or en- acted under the territorial and State governments from 1788 to 1875, inclu- sive, in the order of the original publication. V/hile only a very small num- ber of the statutes which these volumes contain remains in force, the remarks- of Judge Chase with respect to them in his first volume are entirely just. 'Many questions of right and remedy,' said he, 'depend upon the provisions of repealed statutes. In reference to such questions the examination of the whole series of laws affecting them is a matter of absolute necessity. In addition to- this, a knowledge of the acts repealed is often essential to a correct understand- ing of the law in force. No lawyer, nor intelligent legislator ought to be sat- isfied with knowing what the. law is, unless he also knows what the law has- been." Henry County. 143 " Recurring to the subject of codification it is evident that it had engaged the attention of the people to some extent, previous to the adoption of the present constitution. Provision was made in that instrument for a commission ; and it was ordained that ' said commissioners shall revise, reform, simplify and abridge the practice, pleadings, forms, and proceedings of the courts of record of this State ; and as far as practicable and expedient shall provide for the abolition of the distinct forms of actions at law now in use, and for the admin- istration of justice by a uniform mode of proceeding, without reference to any distinction between law and equity.' " In obedience to that provision an act was passed and William Kennon, William S. Groesbeck, and Daniel O. Morton were appointed commissioners. They confined their labors to the subject of practice in civil cases, and reported what was known as the code of civil procedure, to the fiftieth General Assem- bly, and that body on March 11, 1853, adopted it. . . Though somewhat <;hanged in language-' and arrangement, the principal part of it re- mains substantially as it was reported by those commissioners. " With the growth of the State in population and wealth, the annual vol- umes of the general laws increased in size until the statutes of a general nature, in force, exceed two thousand in number. The subject of codification then began to attract attention here as in other places. In 1869 a bill prepared by Senators Charles H. Scribner, Daniel B. Linn, and Homer Everett, codifying the statutes in relation to municipal corporations, became a law, as did also a bill embodying a code of criminal procedure, which had been prepared by Sen- ator Frank H. Hurd. The subject was further agitated and finally, in 1874, Representative George W. Boyce, of Hamilton county, introduced a bill pro- viding for such codification. Subsequently, Senator Lucian C. Jones, of Trum- bull, Trumbull county, introduced a bill on the same subject, which, on March 27, 1875, became a law. [72 v. 87]. The following are its leading features: " The governor was required, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint three competent commissioners to revise and consolidate the general statutes of the State, and he was authorized to fill any vacancy in the commission. " In performing the duty the commissioners were required to bring together all the statutes and parts of statutes relating to the same matter, omitting re- dundant and obsolete enactments, and such as had no influence on existing rights or remedies, and making alterations to reconcile contradictions, supply omissions, and amend imperfections in the original acts, so as to reduce the geheral statutes into as concise and comprehensive a form as might be con- sistent with clear expression^of the will of the General Assembly, rejecting all equivocal and ambiguous words and circuitous and tautological phraseology. " They were required to arrange the statutes under suitable titles, divisions, subdivisions, chapters, and sections, with head notes briefly expressive of the 144 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. matter contained therein, with marginal notes of the contents of each section, with reference to the original act from which it was compiled, and foot notes of the decisions of the Supreme Court upon the same ; and they were required to report the whole, in print, to the general assembly for its adoption. " On the day of the passage of the bill Governor Allen appointed, and the Senate unanimously confirmed, Michael A. Daugherty, Luther Day, and John W. Okey as the commissioners. Commissions were issued to them on that day, and immediately thereafter they entered upon their duties. Judge Day continued to be a member of the commission until February i, 1876, when he resigned, having been appointed a member of the Supreme Court commission, and John S. Brasee was appointed by Governor Hayes to fill the vacancy, and Judge Okey continued to be a member of the commission until November 9, 1877, when he resigned, having been elected a judge of the Supreme Court, and George B. Okey was appointed by Governor Young to fill the vacancy. No other changes were made in the commission." The codified or revised statutes consist of four parts. The first part (Polit- cal) contains the enactments which are organic, being the frame-work and ma- chinery of our government ; the second part (Civil) relates to person and prop- erty ; the third part (Remedial) includes everything connected with civil pro- cedure in all the courts ; and the fourth part (Penal) embraces the provisions relating to crimes, criminal procedure, and jails and the penitentiary. Constitution of \%oz. — Under the Constitution of 1802 the judicial power of the State, both as to matters of law and equity, was vested in a Supreme Court, in Court of Common Pleas for each county, in justices of the peace, and in such other courts as the Legislature might establish. " Such other courts " were never established in this section of the State. The Supreme Court consisted of three judges — two of whom formed a quorum. It had original and appellate jurisdiction, both in law and in chan- cery, in such cases as the Legislature might direct, and which would be beyond the province of this chapter to enumerate. The Legislature was empowered to add another judge to the number after five years, and in that event the judges were authorized to divide the State into two circuits within which any two could hold court. The Courts of Common Pleas consisted of a president and two associate judges. The State was required by law to be divided into three circuits with a president judge for each circuit, and not " more than three nor less than two " associate judges for each county. Any three of these judges constituted a quorum and composed the Court of Common Pleas, and had common law and chancery jurisdiction, and also jurisdiction of all probate and testamentary mat- ters and of guardians and minors, and of criminal cases. Clerks were appointed by the court for a term of seven years. Power was conferred on the Legisla- ture to increase the number of circuits and of the president judges after the Henry County. 145 expiration of five years. The Supreme Court was required to be held once a year in each county. All judges were appointed by a joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly, and held office for the term of seven years, " if so long they behaved well." Justices of the peace were elected in each township and held office for three years. Their " powers and duties" were " regulated and defined by law." The destruction of the records by the fire of 1847, renders it very difficult to give a detailed or concise history of the courts held in the county or the names and time of service of the officers. Henry county was formed by an act of the Legislature passed 1820 [3 Chase, 2134]. By act of February 2, 1824 [3 Chase, 2137], the county was for judicial purposes attached to Williams, with the county seat at Defiance, and became a part of the second circuit, [i Curwen, 115. J In 1834 the county was authorized to elect county officers, but it was not until 1835 that a perfect organization was had, and in that year the first court was held in Napo- leon, which had been made the county seat. The officers of that first court were: David Higgins, president judge; David J. Cory, Reuben Waite, and Pierce Evans, associate judges; J. N. Evans, clerk; E. Husted, sheriff, and Frederick Lord, prosecuting attorney. Judge Higgins was succeeded as president judge in 1837 by Ozias Bowen, who continued to hold the courts of the county until the Legislature on the l6th of February, 1839 [i Curwen, 518], created the thirteenth judicial cir- cuit, which was composed of Lucas, Wood, Henry, Williams, Paulding, Put- nam, Van Wert, Allen, Hardin, and HancOck — Defiance, Auglaize, and Fulton had not then yet been created. Of this circuit Emery D. Potter was elected first president judge in the same month that the circuit was created, and con- tinued to hold the courts of the county until in the winter of 1844, when he resigned to take a seat in Congress, to which he had been elected in October preceding. Judge Potter was succeeded by Myron H. Tilden, who continued in office about eighteen months, when he also resigned. In February, 1845 [2 Curwen, 1086], the sixteenth circuit was formed and the thirteenth reorganized so as to be composed of the counties of Henry, Wood, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron, and Erie. Ebenezer B. Saddler, of Sandusky City, was elected president judge, and held court in the county until February 22, 1847 [2 Curwen, 1374], when the eighteenth circuit was created, consisting of the counties of Putnam, Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, and Henry. To this circuit Fulton county was attached January 10, 1851 [2 Curwen, 1593]. George B. Way, of Defiance, was elected president judge at the same time the circuit was formed, and continued to hold the courts of Common Pleas until the Constitution of 1851 took effect. 19 146 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The last term of the Court of Common Pleas, under the old judicial system, was begun and held in Napoleon, on the 19th day of November, 1851. The president judge was George B. Way, the associates, Amos Cole, Samuel B. Jones, and John Knapp; Hazel Strong was clerk, and Daniel Yarnel, sheriff; the prosecuting attorney was Edward Sheffield. At that term, which lasted only four days, the following preamble and resolutions were entered on the journal, vol. 1, p. 342 : " Whereas, By the organization of our new judicial system under the new Constitution, our worthy and esteemed president judge of this judicial cir- cuit, the Hon. George B. Way, leaves the bench, we feel it not only a high privilege but a duty to express our opinion and appreciation of his distinguished judicial career; therefore, as embodying our feelings, we adopt the following resolutions : " Resolved, That we look with regret upon the retiracy from the bench of the Hon. George B. Way, for, while occupying that high position, the clear- ness of his judgments, his high legal abilities, the variety of his attainments, the amenity of his manners, has shed a lustre upon his high station, and made the practice of our profession before him not only a pleasure but a sort of im- provement ; that it delights us to approve his official conduct and to pay spon- taneously this tribute to his judicial worth. " Resolved, That, if in our practice before him, we may have said or done anything that has pained or temporarily wounded his sensibilities, we ask that it may be forgotten and forgiven. " Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be signed by the members of the bar present and presented to the Hon. George B. Way, and entered upon the minutes of the court, and a copy furnished to each of the Defiance papers for pubHcation." This paper was signed by H. F. Wait, William Sheffield, William H. Hall, H. S. Comminger, J. C. Spink, James O. Caldwell, James G. Haly, E. Shef- field, and William H. Moe. Of these early president judges there are still living Emory D. Potter, of the city of Toledo, and Ebenezer B. Saddler, of Sandusky City. Myron H. Til- den, after his resignation, became president of the Cincinnati law school. Ozias Bowen was afterwards elected one of the supreme judges of the State, retiring in February, 1858. The Early Bar. — It was a good many years before the bar had a " local habitation" in Henry county. At the time of its organization Frederick Lord, who has already been mentioned as prosecuting attorney, and William B. Berry, who succeeded Lord as prosecutor, were the only attorneys living in the county. In 1840 James G. Haly was admitted to the bar, and became the third prosecuting attorney. He in turn was succeeded by James McKenzie, who, after serving one year, resigned and took editorial charge of the Venture^ Henry County. 147 a Democratic paper started at Kalida, then the county seat of Putnam county. Mr. McKenzie afterwards became one of the judges of the third judicial district under the new constitution. Mr. Haly was appointed and filled the unexpired term. Mr. Haly was succeeded by Edward Sheffield, and he in turn by Justin H. Tyler. Edward Sheffield, with his brother, William, settled in Napoleon about the year 1841, both being members of the bar. Ebenezer Lathrop, dur- ing the years 1841 and 1842, was a practicing attorney resident in the county. These persons constituted the resident attorneys under the old constitution. Much, however, of the little legal business then in the county was conducted by the Circuit Riders. — There was a class of lawyers, eminent at least locally, who rode from county to county, mostly on horse-back, through the entire circuit along with the president judge. Among the most prominent of these practi- tioners may be mentioned all of those who had been president judges. An- drew (better known as Count), Coffinberry, John C. Spink. The Constitution of 185 i — The judicial system of the State of Ohio was considerably changed by the constitution of 185 1, and is defined by the IV. Art. of that instrument. The courts were then made to consist of a Supreme Court, District Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, Courts of Probate, Justices of the Peace and such ■other courts, inferior to the Supreme Court, in one or more counties, as the General Assembly might from time to time establish. The Supreme Court is composed of five judges, a majority of whom consti- tute a quorum, and has an original jurisdiction in q7W warranto, mandamus, habeas corpus and procedendo, with such appellate jurisdiction as may be pro- vided by law. The District Courts were composed of the judges of the Courts of Common Pleas of the respective districts and one of the judges of the Supreme Court, -any three of whom constituted a quorum, and it was seldom, after the lapse of a few years that a supreme judge was present, as it was held [19 O. S., 587] that the presence of a supreme judge was not necessary to give validity to the court. This court was required to be held at least once a year in each county, and had like original jurisdiction with the Supreme Court and such ap- pellate jurisdiction as was conferred by law. The jurisdiction of the Courts of Common Pleas, and of the judges thereof, is also to be fixed by law. A Probate Court, which is made a Court of Record, is established in each county, and given "jurisdiction in probate and testamentary matters, the ap- pointment of administrators and guardians, the settlement of the accounts of executors, administrators and guardians, and such jurisdiction in habeas corpus, the issuing of marriage Hcenses, and for the sale of land by executors, admin- istrators and guardians, and such other jurisdiction, in any county or counties" as may be provided by law. 148 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. All judges are elected by the electors, the supreme judge in the State at large ; common pleas judges in the several sub-divisions of the districts, and probate judges in the county. The term of offices of the probate judges is three years, of all other judges five years. The first election was in October, 185 I, and the term of ofiice commenced on the first Monday of February, 1852. Justices of the peace were, as under the old constitution, elected in the several townships. The State was divided into nine common pleas districts, with power in the Legislature to sub-divide the district. Henry county was placed in the third district, and by act of the Legislature, February 18, 1852, in the second sub- division thereof [3 Curwen, 1710]. John M. Palmer was the first judge of this sub-division, being elected in October, 1851, and assuming office in the following February. His first term of court in Henry county was commenced on the 24th day of May, 1852. In October, 1856, Alexander Sankey Latty, then of Paulding county, was elected judge of the sub- division. He was four times elected and served for twenty years, retiring in February, 1877. During most of his first term his sub-division consisted of the eight counties already mentioned, and necessitated twenty-four terms of the Common Pleas, with the district courts in addition. May I, 1862 [i Sayler, 328], the rapidly increasing business induced the Leg- islature to so remodel the districts and sub-divisions as to make the third sub- division of the third district consist of the counties of Paulding, Defiance, Will- iams, Fulton, Henry and Wood. It so remained until February 21, 1868 [2 Sayler, 1453], when Wood was transferred to the fourth sub-division. In 1876,, Selwyn N. Owen, of Williams county, was elected judge, and held the courts of Henry county until June 7, 1879 [R. S., Sec. 8020], when this district was so changed as to make Paulding, Defiance and Williams constitute the second sub-division, to which Judge Owen was then assigned ; Fulton, Henry and Putnam composed the third sub-division. John J. Moore, of Put- nam county, who had been elected in the second sub-division, of which Put- nam was then a part, became the judge for Henry county. Judge Moore was re-elected in 1883, but resigned in February, 1885, to take his place on the circuit bench, to which he had been elected the fall before. After the resignation of Judge Moore, William H. Handy, of Fulton county, was appointed by Governor Hoadly. He was elected the fall following, and is now the judge of the sub- division, which still consists of the three last named counties. Circuit Court. — On the 30th of March, 1883 [O. L. vol. 80, 383], the Leg- islature submitted to the electors of the State an amendment to the constitu- tion. This amendment was ratified at the October election of that year and became, and now is, a part of our fundamental law. By this amendment the judical system was so changed as to abolish the District Court and substitute Henry County. 149 the Circuit Court. The material change consists in the latter court being com- posed of three independent judges elected in the circuit, instead of the interme- diate court between the Common Pleas and the Supreme being held by the judges who held the Common Pleas. The State was divided into seven circuits and Henry county placed in the third, of which Thomas Beer, of Crawford county, John J. Moore, of Putnam county, and Henrj' W. Seney, of Hardin county, are the judges. The Probate Court. — Harvey Allen was the first probate judge for the county. He was elected in 185 i and took charge of the office in February, 1852. He served two terms and died shortly after his term of office expired. He was succeeded by Thomas S. C. Morrison, elected in 1857, re-elected in i860, again in 1863. Mr. Morrison was editor of the Northwest, had been admitted to the bar but never practiced law. He died in March, 1864, when William M. Beckman was by the governor appointed to the vacancy. In the following faU John M. Haagwas elected, and re-elected in 1866. He was suc- ceeded by James G. Haly in 1 869. Mr. Haly served for four terms, and was in 1 88 1 followed by David Meekison, who is at present on his second term,, which will expire in February, 1888. Prosecuting Attorneys. — We have already given the names of the prose- cuting attorneys under the old constitution and will, in like manner in succes- sion, give those who have served since : Edward Sheffield, William A. Choate, James A. Parker, James L. Robert- son, David Meekison, Martin Knupp, Richard W. Cahill. Attorneys. — Among the attorneys who have been members of the Henry county bar since 1851, and not now in practice, here may be mentioned William H. Moe, John M. McFadden, Benjamin E. Sheldon, Joseph R. Swigart, John- son N. High, Wm. H. Hubbard, F. M. RummeU, A. L. Lessick, and C. E. Selfridge, removed ; Sanford R. McBane, Hiram H. Poe, James L. Robertson, James A. Parker, William and Edward Sheffield, A. R. Scheble, and Romaine Tyler, deceased ; Andrew Crawford, who was a captain in the 14th O. V. I., three months service, was shot by mistake by one of his own men in West Vir- ginia ; William A. Choate, the colonel of the 38th O. V. I., was killed at the battle of Jonesboro. James G. Haly and Asa H. Tyler, who still reside here, have retired from practice. The Present Bar. There has been no time during the existence of the Bar in Henry county that the same can be said to have been strong in point of members, but in point of intellectual strength and ability and legal attainments on the part of its practitioners there never has been a bar in the county equal to the present, and it is these practitioners that this branch of the present chapter is intended to be devoted. I50 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. James G. Haly — Although now practically retired from the active work of his profession, Judge Haly still remains a member of the present bar, and is, in fact, its senior member. Mr. Haly was born in Holmes county, Ohio, on the 6th of December, 1816. He was born of parents in quite modest circumstances, his father being a farmer in that county. James received a common school education, but on account of the need of his service on the farm his education was quite limited. When about twenty years of age he came to Napoleon, following to that place Alexander Craig, to whom he was well known and with whom he afterward, for a time, lived. While in Napoleon he attended school and received a fair elementary education, after which he read law under the instruction of Curtis Bates, esq., of Defiance. After a course of study Mr. Haly was admitted to practice in July, 1840, and soon afterward came perma- nently to Napoleon and engaged in practice. At the second regular county election he was chosen to fill the office of prosecuting attorney, and served four years by election and one year by appointment. He then resumed the prac- tice, but was soon elected to the position of justice of the peace, serving in that capacity six years. In 1845 he was elected county auditor and held that office four years. Still later Mr. Haly was elected to the Lower House of the State Legisla- ture, representing the counties of Henry and Putnam at the session of that body commencing in January, 1852. This was the first session under the new con- stitution. During the years 1853— 4-5 he held the position of collector of tolls at the junction of the Wabash and Miami Canals, in Paulding county, and dur- ing his incumbency of this trust Mr. Haly received, by way of collections, and paid over to the State treasurer, the gross sum of a quarter of a million dollars. After his duties at the junction had ceased Mr. Haly returned to Napoleon and his profession, and formed a law partnership with Edward Sheffield, which relation was maintained until the fall of 1861 when our subject enlisted in Com- pany D, Sixty-eighth O. V. Inf , which company he was chiefly instrumental in raising and to the command of which he was entitled, but, giving the com- mand to others, he accepted the office of regimental quartermaster and at once proceeded to Columbus, where he obtained the complete equipments of the regiment for field duty. Mr. Haly's service with the regiment continued for something over a year, when failing health^compelled his resignation and re- turn home. He then resumed the practice of law alone for a time, but later, in partnership with John M. Haag and William Sheffield, under the name and style of Sheffield, Haly and Haag. Mr. Haly continued in the successful prac- tice of the law until the year 1869, at which time he was elected to the office of probate judge of the county. In this capacity he served for a term of twelve years, and in 1881 was succeeded by David Meekison, the present incumbent. From that time Judge Haly has been retired from the active arduous duties of tlie profession and devotes his attention to his farming interests. Henry County. iSi Justin H. Tyler. Inasmuch as the Hfe, social, political and professional, of Mr. Tyler is made the subject of a more extended sketch elsewhere in the work, it will be necessary to produce here only the briefest outline of his ca- reer in connection with his profession. Mr. Tyler was born in Franklin county. Mass, November 15, 1815, but during his infancy his father moved to Oswego county, N. Y. At this place Justin received an education at the common schools, and also the academy, after which he taught school in Oswego county. In the year 1839 Mr. Tyler came to Circleville, O., where he engaged in teaching, and during the same time read law under the direc- tion of D. Lord Smith, esq., a practicing attorney of that place. After a course of study of about two years Mr. Tyler was admitted to the bar at Mt. Vernon, O., in the year 1841. Three years later he went to Huron county where he established himseif in the general practice of the law. About this time he visited Napoleon with a view to permanent location, but did not come here until 1852. In the year 1854, after a residence in this county of but two years, Mr. Tyler was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and was re-elected at the expiration of the first term. From that time to the present Justin H. Tyler has occupied a position of prominence and importance in the affairs of Henry county. In 1881 he was elected a member of the Legislature, representing his county in the sixty-fifth General Assembly of the State. Al- though now retired from active practice, and devoting his attention to private interests, Mr. Tyler is still frequently in attendance at court when cases of im- portance arise. His legal business, in the main, has been given into the hands of his son, Julian H. Tyler, and his partner, Michael Donnelly, both of whom are young and active practitioners at Napoleon. Sinclair M. Hague. The subject of this sketch was born at Leesville,. 0., July 6, 1834. During youth he acquired only a common school educa tion, but became sufficiently proficient to enable him to teach school, which he commenced in 1851. In the year 1855 he went to New Philadelphia, this State, and entered the law office of Hon. G. W. Mcllvaine as a student at law, and two years later, September 24, 1854, was admitted to the bar. During his two years of study Mr. Hague supported himself by performing clerical work in the public offices of the county. In April, 1858, he opened an office in New Philadelphia for the practice of the law and here he remained until the month of December, 1859, when he came to Henry county, where he has since resided and engaged in a successful practice, except during the first four months of his residence in the county, which time was employed in teaching school at Florida. Mr. Hague has always enjoyed a fair share of the professional busi- ness in the county ; a man of quiet, unassuming manners, popular in the com- munity and having no desire for political preferment. He has outlived a ma- jority of those who constituted the Henry county bar in i860, which then con- sisted of Justin H. Tyler, James G. Haly, Edward Sheffield, Sanford R. Mc- 152 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Bane, William A. Choate, Thomas S. C. Morrison and H. H. Poe, all of whom, except Mr. Tyler and Judge Haly, have been dead for many years. John M. Haag. The life of John Marion Haag is elsewhere made the sub- ject of a special sketch, but any reference to the bar of the county and its mag- istrates and practitioners, without some allusion to Judge Haag would be in- deed incomplete. Judge Haag was a native of Pennsylvania, born at Mifflins- burg, Union county, on the i6th day of August, 1836, but during his early •childhood the family moved to York county, and soon thereafter to Lancaster county, Penn. In the last named county Mr. Haag continued to reside until arriving at the age of seventeen years, when he left home, crossed the moun- tains and entered the office of the Free Press at Millersburg, O., where he learned the printer's trade, but subsequently took a position on the editorial staff of that paper. After about a year he went to New Philadelphia, Tuscar- awas county, whither his parents had removed, and here his time. was passed in the office of the Ohio Democrat and in part in reading law in the office of Belden & Haag. Other than this he received legal instruction from Judge Mcllvaine, late justice of the Supreme Court of the State. In 1859, Mr. Haag was admitted to the bar and commenced practice at Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County. Three years later, 1862, he came to Na- poleon and formed a law partnership with S. R. McBane, under the name of McBane & Haag. This partnership continued until 1863, when the senior partner died, after which he became a member of the law firm of Sheffield, Haly & Haag, but which firm was soon thereafter dissolved by Mr. Sheffield's accepting a government appointment. Mr. Haag then purchased and edited the Northwest, a leading Democratic newspaper of this section of the State. In the fall of the same year, 1864, Mr. Haag was elected probate judge of Henry County, after which he retired from active law practice and gave his attention to his judicial duties, still retaining, however, his editorial connection with the Northwest. In 1866 he was re-elected for another term of office as probate judge. At the expiration of his second term he sold his interest ill the paper and resumed the practice of the law in partnership with I. L. Rob- ertson. In the fall of 1871 Judge Haag was elected to the State Legislature, and at the expiration of his first term, was re-elected for a second term. Dur- ing his second term in the Legislature, Judge Haag was made chairman of the judiciary committee. Returning from the Legislature, he has since de- voted himself to professional work, engaging no further in political life than naturally became a man of his prominence and experience. In 1880 he formed a law partnership with James P. Ragan, a young and rising lawyer of the county. This relation has since continued and the firm is now looked up- on as one of the leading law firms of Henry county. David Meekison. The subject of this sketch was born in Dundee, Scotland, Henry County. 153 on the 14th day of November, 1849. When David was but five years old his parents came to this country and located in the Genessee Valley, in New York State. Here the family resided until 1853, when the father, attracted by the offer of cheap lands in the Maumee Valley, came to this place, and two years later, brought his family here. Young Meekison attended the common school at Napoleon for a time, and in 1865 entered the office of the Northwest, a news- paper published by Judge Haag, where he remained about one year, learning the printer's trade. He was then away from Napoleon for four years, three years . of which he served in the regular army of the United States, two years at De- troit and one year in the South, after which he returned home. In 1871 he entered the office of Justin H. Tyler, esq., for a course of law study, and after two years was admitted to the bar. He then engaged in practice as a partner with Mr. Tyler, which relation was continued about a year, when Mr. Meeki- son received an appointment from Judge Latty, as prosecuting attorney of the county, in order to fill a vacancy in that office. At the next election Mr. Meekison was elected to the same position, and at the expiration of his first term was re-elected for a second, serving in all, in that capacity, five years. After the expiration of his second term as public prosecutor of the county, Mr. Meekison resumed practice, and so continued until the year 1881, when he was elected to the office of probate judge of Henry county, and, at the expi- ration of his first term, was re-elected for another. Judge Meekison is known as a careful, shrewd lawyer, having a good understanding of the law, and strong before the court and jury. In 1886 Judge Meekison established a banking house in Napoleon, in which he is doing a safe and successful business. His time is now divided between the duties of his office as probate judge, and his banking business, the regular law practice having been allowed to decline. Martin Knufp was born at Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, August 4, 1841. He received a common school education, and afterward attended Heidelburg College at Tiffin for about two years, but did not graduate from that institution. He read law in the office of Judge James Pillars, of Tiffin, and, after two years, was admitted to the bar at Bryan, in September, 1863. From that time until 1867 he practiced at Tiffin, and then went to Ottawa, Putnam county, where he remained in practice until 1876, when he came to Deshler, this county, but two years later, 1878, he came to the county seat, having been elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of the county. This office Mr. Knupp held two terms, commencing in January, 1879, ^^'^ continuing four years. In August, 1884, the law partnership of Stephenson & Knupp was formed. Walter Stephenson, the senior member of the law firm of Stephenson & Knupp, was born near Greenville, Darke county, O., on the 19th day of No- vember, 1843. Up to the age of about eighteen years he lived on a farm, receiving in the mean time a common school education. Then for three years lie attended Wittenburg College, but did not graduate therefrom. In the 20 154 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. summer of 1864 Mr. Stephenson enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the four months service, holding a commission as second lieutenant. At the expiration of his term of enlistment Mr. Stephenson returned to Ohio and engaged in teaching school, and reading law at Greenville with Judge McKenry, and was so employed until the latter part of the year 1868, when he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and from which he was graduated in March, 1870. In May following he came to Napoleon and opened an office for the general practice of the law. During the fall of the same year he formed a law partnership with S. M. Hague, esq., which firm relation continued until 1874, and then ceased. For ten years following Mr. Stephenson practiced without a partner, but, in 1884, the present firm of Stephenson & Knupp was formed, which firm has ever since ranked among the leaders at the Henry county bar. Richard Wallace Cakill, the present prosecuting attorney of Henry county, was born at De Kalb, Crawford county, this State, on the 22d day of Aprils 1853. He was educated at Wittenburg College, and graduated therefrom after a regular four years course of study, on the 28th day of June, 1878. Prior to his collegiate course Mr. Cahill had taken a preparatory course of study at the University at Wooster. After graduating from college he read law one year in the office of Griffin & Williamson, at Norwalk, and came to Napoleon in No- vember, 1879. After another year of study at the latter place, in the office of S. M. Hague, esq., he was admitted to practice October 8, 1880. In 1881 the law partnership of Haly & Cahill was formed, and so continued until Jan- uary I, 1883, at which time Mr. Cahill retired to assume the duties of the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, a position he has since held. James Patrick Ragan, the junior member of the law firm of Haag & Ra- gan, was born at Gilead (now Grand Rapids), Wood county, O., on the 17th of March, 1852. When James was but three years old his father's family moved to Damascus township, in this county. Young Ragan attended the school at Grand Rapids, taking an academic course, and was graduated in the year 1871. Prior to this time of graduating he began teaching school, and taught in all twenty-one terms. For one year he was principal of the White- house school, and for the same length of time filled the same position in the school at Milton Center. In May, 1875, Mr. Ragan commenced a course of law study in the office of Justin H. Tyler,^esq., of Napoleon, and was admit- ted to practice in March, 1879. The law partnership of Haag & Ragan was formed in March, 1880, and has since continued. James Donovan, the clerk of the courts of Henry county, was born in the township of Washington, this county, on the 8th day of July, 1855. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school in Washington township, and afterward continued his pedagogical course at the Texas and Colton schools. He was educated at Lebanon, O., where he pursued an academic course of Henry County. 155 study for four years. In 1877 Mr. Donovan commenced a course of law study in the office of J. H. Tyler, esq., and in October, 1880, was admitted to prac- tice. For the year next following he practiced in Laclede county, Mo., but returned to this county in 1881. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity two and one-half years. In February, 1885, his term of office as clerk of the courts commenced, he having been elected to that position during the fall of 1884. John V. Cuff. The subject of this sketch was born in Fulton county, O., August 25, 185 I. He received an education at the district and high schools, after which, at the age of sixteen years, he entered the profession of teacher, and taught his first term in Hillsdale county, Mich. He was a successful teacher for sixteen years, after which he was admitted to the bar. During the last few years he has figured prominently in politics ; was defeated as a candi- date for county auditor of Fulton county in 1880, and during the same year removed with his family to Henry county, locating at Liberty Center, where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected to the House of Representatives of Ohio, and re-elected in 1885. Michael Donnelly was born in Washington township, this county, on the 18th day of August, 1856. He was educated at the common schools of the county, after which he took a scientific course of study at the Normal School at Lebanon, O., from which institution he was graduated in 1878. In the month of August, following, he commenced a course of law study, under the instruc- tion and direction of Justin H. Tyler, esq., and was admitted to practice in the month of December, 1880. He remained in Mr. Tyler's office until the fol- lowing spring, when, in April, a partnership was formed with his late instructor, which continued up to November, 1886, at which time Mr. Tyler retired, yield- ing his practice to his son, then recently admitted. The firm thereupon became Donnelly & Tyler, and has so since continued. William W. Campbell was born in Windsor county, Vt, April 2, 1853. He received a good common school education in his native county, and after- wards entered Goddard Seminary, a preparatory school, at Barre, Vt. From here he entered Tufift's College, at Bedford, Mass., in 1874, but left during his senior year. He then read law and was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts, in 1879. In the year 1881 Mr. Canipbell came to Napoleon and commenced practice, and, two years later, 1883, formed a law partnership with Hiram Van Campen, which firm still exists. In connection with their general law practice, this firm have established an abstract office. Hiram Van Campen, the junior partner of the law firm of Campbell & Van Campen, was a native of Massachusetts, born at New Bedford, on the 1 0th day of February, 1859. Having received a common school education, and taking a preparatory course, he entered Tufft's College, from which he was graduated in 1880. He then came to Findlay, O., where he remained two iS6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. years, teaching and reading law with Colonel Bope and Henry Brown, after which he went to Toledo and read about one year with Haines & Potter. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1882, but continued some months after- ward in the office of his instructors. Mr. Van Campen came to Napoleon in July, 1883, and formed a law partnership with William W. Campbell, under the firm name of Campbell & Van Campen. Julian H. Tyler, the junior member of the law firm of Donnelly & Tyler, and the youngest member of the legal fraternity of Henry county, was born at Napoleon, January 2, 1862. He was educated at the Union school, of this place, after which he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, for a regular classical course, and from which institution he was graduated in 1874. He read law, for a time, in the office of his father, Hon. Justin H. Tyler, at Napoleon, and later, with John N. Jewett, of Chicago, 111., at which city he was admitted to the bar in March, 1886. He then returned to Ohio and was admitted to practice in this State, after an examination at Columbus, in Octo- ber, 1886. Returning to Napoleon he formed a law partnership in November, 1886, with Michael Donnelly, succeeding to the practice of his father, Justin H. Tyler. Earnest N. Warden was born February 9, 1859. ^^ graduated from Ober- lin in 1880, and read law with Albert Lawrence, of Cleveland. He was ad- mitted to the bar in May, 1883, and after a brief time in practice at Norwalk, O., came to Deshler, this county, where he is now established. There are a few other attorneys in practice in the county, of whom no sketch has been obtained, although requested of them. Of these James M. Patterson is at Deshler, in Bartlow township, while the other, E. L. Hartman, practices at Holgate, in Pleasant township. CHAPTER XIV. THE HENRY COUNTY PRESS. EDUCATION is the great civilizer, and printing is the greatest auxiliary. Were it not for the aid furnished by the press the great mass of the peo- ple would still be groping in the darkness of the middle ages, and knowledge would still remain confined within the limits of the cloister. It is surprising, when searching our libraries, to discover how little has been written of the "Art preservative of all Arts," and the educator of all edu- cators. While printing has been the chronicler of all arts, professions and learning, it has recorded so little of its own history and progress as to leave Henry County. 157 even the story of its first invention and application wrapped in mystery and doubt. We only know that from the old Ramage press which Faust and Franklin used, capable of producing a hundred impressions per hour, we have now the ponderous machine which turns out one thousand copies per minute. In glancing over the pages of history, we discover the gradual develop- ments in the arts and sciences. We notice that they go hand in hand — one discovery points to another, one improvement in the arts leads to others con- tinually, and the results of the last few centuries show that observations of no apparent use lead to the most important discoveries and developments. The falling of an apple led Newton to unfold the theory of gravitation and its rela- tions to the solar system ; the discovery of the polarity of the loadstone lead to the construction of the mariner's compass ; the observation of the muscular contraction of a frog lead to the numerous applications of galvanic electricity ; the observation of the expansive force of steam lead to the construction and application of the steam engine ; the observation of the influence of light on the chloride of silver lead to the art of photography ; the observations of the communication of sound by the connected rails of a railroad lead to the inven- tion of the telephone ; the impressions taken from letters cut in the smooth bark of the beech tree lead to the art of printing — the art which transmits to posterity a record of all which is valuable to the world. Thus is progress discernible in every successive generation of man. Grad- ually has he advanced from a state of rude barbarism and total ignorance to a degree of perfection which gives him almost absolute dominion over all el- ements, and in the pride of glorious and enlightened manhood he can exclaim with Cowper : ' ' I am monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute ; From the center all round to the sea I am lord of the fowl and the brute !" So long as mind shall occupy its seat, so long will progress be the watch- word of man, and onward and upward will be his march to an endless and lim- itless ascent — where all the hidden and occult secrets of creation will unfold their mysteries to his comprehension and crown him master of them all. The printing office has well been called the " Poor Boy's College," and has proven a better school to many; has graduated more intellect and turned it into useful, practical channels; awakened more active, devoted thought, than any alma mater on the earth. Many a dunce has passed through the univer- sities with no tangible proof of fitness other than his insensible piece of parch- ment — himself more sheepish, if possible, than his "sheep-skin." There is something in the very atmosphere of a printing office calculated to awaken the mind to activity and inspire a thirst for knowledge. Franklin, Stanhope, Ber- anger, Thiers, Greeley, Taylor, and a host of other names illustrious in the world of letters and science have been gems in the diadem of typography and owe their success to the influence of a printing office. iS8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The newspaper has become one of the chief indexes of the intelligence, civ- ihzation and progress of the community in which it is published, and its files are the foot-prints of the advancement and refinement of the period of its publication ; and the printing office is now deemed as essential as the school- house or church. It has taken the place of the rostrum and the professor's chair, and become the great teacher. No party, organization, enterprise or •calling is considered perfect without its "organ" — the newspaper — as a mouth piece. Tradition, we have no record, says that in 1845 there was a sickly paper, Whig in politics, printed in Napoleon by one Martin Shrank. It was about the size of the Newsletter, the first paper printed in America, i. e., the size of a sheet of letter paper. It was named The Journal, and died "a bornin'." On the 8th day of September, 1852, the newspaper, in fact, uttered its natal cry in Henry county. It was born in Napoleon and was christened the North- west. It entered life with " high hopes for a low heaven," praying God to "grant it patience." Alpheas M. Hollabaugh was the venturesome knight who acknowledged its paternity and assumed its support. It was an unassum- ing folio of five columns, and as a visible means of support contained less than one column of advertisements and a circulation resembling the shadows in the gloamings. Sickly as the infant was, it grew in strength, and the first volume was enlarged to a six column folio. It remained under the parental control of Mr. Hollabaugh until April 19, 1854, when he disposed of his offspring to Thomas S. C. Morrison, who saluted its readers on the 26th day of the same month, with an increased circulation and nine columns of advertising patronage. Mr. Morrison continued in the editorial management and ownership of the paper until his death, which occurred on the 31st day of March, 1864. After the death of Mr. Morrison the publication of the paper and its editorial man- agement was 'conducted by John M. Haag until the 4th of May of the same year, when a temporary suspension was had. On the 28th of the same month the office was sold at administratdr's sale, and purchased by Mr. Haag, who resumed the publication of the paper on the i6th day of June, 1864, and on the 24th of August, 1865, enlarged it to a seven column folio. On November 16, 1865, the business management passed into the hands •of Messrs. Adams and Pomeroy, Mr. Haag remaining in editorial control. Mr. Adams retired December 28, 1865, when a co-partnership was formed between John M. Haag and Samuel Pomeroy, under the firm name of Haag & Pome- roy, by whom the paper was pubHshed until the 26th day of July, 1866, when Rensselaer Hudson, who purchased the interest of Mr. Pomeroy, associated him- self with Mr. Haag, and the publication was continued by|Haag & Hudson until May 16, 1867, at which time Mr. Hudson retired and Mr. Haag again became the sole proprietor and editor, and so continued until March 25, 1869, when he was succeeded by E. W. Trift. On the 22d of April, 1869, the paper passed Henry County. le^g. into the hands of Coughlin & Hubbard, the latter, WilliamH., became the editor. On the 8th of May of that year the paper was enlarged and converted into a five column quarto. June i, 1871, the paper was again enlarged and became a six column quarto, and so remained and was so conducted until the death of Mr. Hubbard, which occurred May 11, 1872. After the death of Mr. Hubbard the paper passed into the management of Thomas Coughlin, who had been associated with Mr. Hubbard, and his brother Michael, by whom it was conducted until the 5th of December, 1872, when the office was sold to Messrs. Orwig & Wisler. Mr. Wisler retired in 1875, at which time the senior partner, Luther L. Orwig, became sole editor and pro- prietor and so remains. The Northwest has well earned its present position — one of the leading country journals in the State, and an accredited mouthpiece of its party. It has had its trials and tribulations and passed through all the vicissitudes of childhood and manhood. It has had measles, whooping cough and the scarlet fever. On March 25, 1859, it first passed through that destructive element to which sinners are finally consigned, and on the morning of the next day every- thing consumable was found converted into ashes. The metal of the old Smith press, upon which the paper was printed, was picked up and drayed to the foundry, where it was cast into a cannon and became a campaign and Fourth of July thunderer. After having killed and mutilated five or six men, it exploded at a political meeting held at Chroninger's school-house, in Liberty township, in the fall of 1872, fortunately causing no serious injury. The office was again destroyed by the fire of 1869, and a complete new outfit was required. These fiery ordeals proved a benefit to the office, and it always came forth much im- proved. Mr. Haag introduced the first " jobber " — a small " Alligator " press, and soon followed with a full sized " Gordon." After the fire of 1869 Messrs. Coughlin & Hubbard brought on a Potter cylinder and much improved the office, both for news and job printing. But to Mr. Orwig is due the credit of planting in Napoleon one of the best appointed printing offices in the State. He has added steam power and stereotyping, and is prepared to compete in fine job work with any office outside of the big cities. Evanescent Papers. — The Democratic party being in the majority in the county, it was difficult for the opposition, with the sparse population, to main- tain a paper; it, however, had the pluck to make effort after effort until it finally succeeded. The Star was started as a Whig paper, in 1854, and was published by George Weimer. It glimmered for a year or so when it disappeared from the firmament. In 1865 one L. H. Bigelow, then a druggist in Napoleon, started a Repub- lican paper called the Republican. It was printed in Toledo and had an exist- ence of only a few months, being in fact nothing but a campaign paper. It was not until the loth of September, 1865, that a Republican organ was estab- i6o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. lished. At that date the publication of the Signal was commenced by George W. Redway. It was a seven column quarto and started out with about 650 subscribers. After publishing it eight weeks Mr. Redway sold the office to J. S. Fouke and D. B. Ainger, who continued its publication with varying suc- <:ess until January, 1 870, when J. S. Fouke sold his interest to D. B. Ainger, who became sole proprietor and editor. In 1872 Mr. Ainger enlarged the pa- per to nine columns, and its circulation ran up to about 900 copies. About October i, 1873, Mr. Fouke, who had been foreman of the office for the two previous years, bought the office of Mr. Ainger, paying him $3,500 for the same. Mr. Fouke continued its publication for eleven years, when he sold the concern to H. M. Wisler, who published it sixteen months, when he resold it to Mr. Fouke. The latter retained the office only seven months, when he sold it to J. P. Belknap, its present proprietor. It cost Mr. Redway about $1,500 for the material and expenses in establishing the Signal. Mr. Fouke assisted Mr. Redway in getting out the two first numbers of the Signal and of the twenty-two years of its existence he was connected with it as editor and proprietor sixteen years and about two years as foreman. Mr. Redway is now, and for a number of years has been, a department clerk in Washington. Mr. Ainger is at present editor and proprieter of the Charlotte (Mich.) Republican, and is also adjutant-general of Michigan. Mr. Wisler lias removed to Kansas, and Mr. Fouke still remains in Napoleon. The Signal office is, with the possible exception of the Northwest, as well equipped as any in the county. The columns of the paper contain the latest local and general news, while its editorial department faithfully and ably guards the interests of the Republican party in the county, the organ of which party the paper is, and for many years has been. The Signal is established on a safe paying basis, and is considered as one of the leading papers of the northwestern territory of the State. The Deshler Flag. The initial number of the Flag made its appearance in October, 1876, under the proprietorship of J. P. Lockhart. After about six months the office and paper were sold to W. H. Mitchell. The latter contin- ned its publication and sole editorial management until the month of June, 1885, when it passed into the hands of George W. Wilkinson, by whom it was <:onducted about one year, when he retired and bought the Weekly Beacon, of North Baltimore, of which paper he is still editor and proprietor. L. S. Smith next succeeded to the proprietorship of the Flag and remained one year, after which he accepted a position on the Canton Advance, a paper published in the interest of the Prohibition party. In June, 1887, M. G. Marron, of Wood county, leased the paper, changed its tone from neutrality to independence, and still fills its editorial chair. The Flag is a five-column quarto, enjoys a liberal advertising patronage and fair circulation. During the eleven years of its existence it has been a five, six Henry County. i6i and seven column folio and a five, six and seven column quarto. From the Flag office, which is remarkably well equipped, several papers have been started, notably the Wood county Herald, the Hicksville Independent, the Payne Star, the Tiffin Daily Courier and others. The last two are not now in existence. The Holgate Times. This is the name of a five-column quarto with patent sides, published in the incorporated village of Holgate, at the crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad with the "Clover Leaf" route, in the township of Pleasant. The paper was established in 1881 by William J. Johnson, and pub- lished by him for about three years, when it was purchased by William Kauf- man and William E. Decker and by them published about six months, when Mr. Decker became the sole proprietor and editor. He still continues so. The Times has a circulation of about five hundred and enjoys a healthy adver- tising patronage. The Liberty Press is a six column folio, published at Liberty Center, in Liberty township. It was established and its publication commenced by Rev. J. L. Bushbridge, Nov. 17, 1881. It was by him sold August 31, 1882, and passing into the hands of N. W. Emery, who, in May, 1886, was succeeded by J. H. Russell. A few numbers were issued by Mr. Russell under the name of " Trissotin." The paper was then suspended for several weeks, when its pub- lication was resumed by J. H. Smith and D. S. Mires, under the firm name of Smith & Mires, and restored to its maiden name of Liberty Press, and is still published by them. It is neutral in politics and religion. The German Press. The first German paper published in the county was the Democratise her Wegweiser. It was established by J. M. Haag, then of the Northwest, m 1867, was a six column folio. Democratic in politics, and was edited by Dr. John M. Evers. Its publication was continued about one year, when Mr. Evers purchased the office and removed it to Toledo. Der Henry County Demokrat was started June 26, 1885, by C. W. Bente & Co. (M. R. Voll & F. Howe, of Wauseon), C. W. Bente, editor. About Oc- tober I Henry Holterman bought out the company and printed the inside in Napoleon, which had previously been printed in Wauseon altogether. The circulation at that time was about 450, and did not increase much until May 14, when Mr. Holterman also bought out C. W. Bente and engaged C. F. Clement as editor. From this time on Mr. Holterman, who had formerly been treasurer of the county, also gave more attention to the paper and it com- menced to boom. On June 24, 1886, Mr. Holterman also bought out the Fulton and Williams county Gazette, consolidating the three papers, there- by adding greatly to the already large circulation. On Jan. i, 1887, C. F.- Clement bought one-half interest. 21 j62 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER XV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. IT is a common remark that Henry county possesses as strong an array of medical practitioners, as any of the northwestern counties of the State, that holds no greater population than does this county. This, it is said, has charac- terized the county for many years. And it seems, too, that there has been a noticeable freedom from that branch of the profession that infests nearly every community, pretending and assuming a knowledge of the healing art, without possessing a single honest qualification therefor. This class in Henry county is noticeable for its absence. There seems to have been a com- mendable desire on the part of each of the past and present physicians of the ■county, to fit themselves at the best and most thorough medical institutions of the country, and in looking over the brief sketches of practitioners of the; county, in this chapter, it will be found that nearly every one of them has taken a ■course of medical study at some well-established college for the instruction of physicians and surgeons. Of the pioneer physicians of the county, there is but a single record, the duplicate for the year 1837, the only valuable document that was saved from the disastrous fire of 1847, by which the court-house was entirely destroyed. It is found that, in that year, the practicing physicians of the county were William D. Barry, Harris Howey, Lorenzo L. Patrick and Jonathan F. Evans ; at least, they were the only persons at that time assessed as physicians. Dr. William D. Barry was, undoubtedly, the first and pioneer physician in the vicinity of Napoleon, and he is well remembered by the old residents. Af- ter having practiced medicine for a time he engaged in the legal profession, and became quite a personage in the community, holding various positions of trust. He left here many years ago and went to Illinois, where, it is understood, he still lives. Dr. Harris Howey came to this locality from the State of New York, and was in practice for some years. While a resident of Napoleon, he married a daughter of General Leonard. In later years he emigrated west. Dr. Gibbs came to the place at an early day, and remained here until the time of his death. The name of Dr. Lorenzo L. Patrick, recalls one of the early families of the Maumee Valley. He was practicing here as early as 1836, and continued for many years after. He was prominent in all of the affairs of the town and county, and did much toward building up and improving the county seat. He was one of the leading spirits in the movement looking to the incorporation of Napoleon, and acted as the agent of the petitioners for that purpose in the year 1853. Henry County. 163 Dr. Jonathan F. Evans, who is also mentioned in the old duplicate of 1837, resided in Richland township, one of three townships that were set off to the erection of Defiance county, and by that act he thenceforth became a resident of the newly created county. He had a large practice in the county, and be- came extensively acquainted, frequently being called to the county seat in line of professional duty. At one time he held the office of county commissioner of Henry county. Dr. Bamber came to Napoleon about, or soon after, the year 1840. He is remembered as a good physician, and enjoyed a considerable practice, although he left and went to New York State. Among the other physicians, more recent comers to the county, some of whom are still living here, although not now actively engaged in practice, may be mentioned the names of Dr. D. M. McCann, Dr. Asa H. Tyler, Dr. O. H. Tyler, Dr. Henry McHenry, Dr. Gibbons Parry, and perhaps others whose names have been forgotten. Dr. Asa H. Tyler still lives in the county, on a farm not far from Napoleon. Dr. Gibbons Parry resides in Flat Rock town- ship, not far from the village of Florida. Present Physicians of the County. — As a matter of course there are more physicians residing at the county seat than in any other of the county's vil- lages. At Napoleon there are at the present time nine persons engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, while the village contains a population of less than four thousand souls. Those so engaged are Drs. Eugene B. Harri- son, John M. Shoemaker, Hazael B. Powell, John Bloomfield, Alfred E. H. Maerker, James Haly, Morrison J. Marvin, Thomas C. Hunter and Mrs. Hulda H. Sheffield. Eugene B. Harrison was born at Dover, England, on the 21st day of May, 1831. When he was less than a year old his parents emigrated to America.. Eugene read medicine with his father, who was a physician of Licking county, this State, and subsequently with Dr. M. McCann, then a resident of Martins- burg, Knox county, this State. Dr. Harrison took a course of medical lectures and study at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and commenced practice about the year 1853. In 1855 he came to Napoleon, where he has since resided, and been engaged actively in professional duty, except for a brief period of time spent in the west. In addition to his lecture course at Cincin- nati, Dr. Harrison attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa.,, from which he was graduated in 1857. He is a member of the American Medi- cal Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and the local Medical Society of Henry county. John M. Shoemaker was born in Columbiana county, O,, February 11,, 1834. He read medicine in the office of Dr. R. J. Hagerty, of Mount Blanch- ard, O., and attended the medical department of the University of Michigan,, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in the year 1859. He practiced. 164 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. for a short time at Mount Blanchard and at Van Buren, O., and came to Na- poleon in 1 86 1. In 1864 he entered the army as assistant-surgeon of the Seventy-first Infantry, but was detailed as acting surgeon of the First Illinois Light Artillery, which latter position he resigned in March, 1865. He then returned to Napoleon and resumed the practice of his profession. Dr. Shoe- maker is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medi- cal Society, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, the Toledo Medical Soci- ety, and was formerly a member of the Indiana Medical Society, and the Northeastern Medical Society, both of the State of Indiana. In the year 1863 Dr. Shoemaker was appointed, and has since held the position of examining suj-geon for pensions. Hazael Benjamin Powell was born in Napoleon on the 24th day of Feb- ruary, 1837. He read medicine under the instruction of Dr. Henry McHenry, for about five years, devoting such time thereto as could be spared from his duties as clerk in his father's store. He attended the medical department of the University of Michigan during the winters of the years 1857 and 1858. He afterward attended the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and was graduated from that institution in the spring of 1861. He then commenced practice at Napoleon in partnership with Dr. McHenry, and so continued until August, 1861, when he enlisted as private in Company B, Thirty-eighth In- fantry. The knowledge of his professional ability coming to the commanding officers, he was detailed to surgical duty in the hospitals at various places. He became a veteran at the expiration of his enlistment term, and was subse- quently advanced to the rank of surgeon-in-chief of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. At the close of the war he was mustered out of service and returned to his practice at Napoleon, where he has since con- tinued. John Bloomfield was born at Akron, O., January i, 1842. At the age age of sixteen years he came to Damascus, in this county, where he engaged as clerk in a store. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty- eighth Volunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment throughout the war. On returning to this county he purchased a farm in Harrison township where he resided until the fall of 1873, when he removed to Napoleon. The next year he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Hazael B. Powell, and continued for a period of three and one-half years. He attended the Med- ical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, and was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1879, since which time he has been engaged in practice at Napoleon. James Haly was born at Napoleon on the 25th day of July, 1851. He commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. B. Harrison, and afterward attended lectures at the University of Michigan, and also, at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., graduating from the latter in- stitution in the spring of 1862. From that until the present time Dr. Haly has been a resident practitioner at Napoleon. Henry County. 165 Alfred E. H. Maerker was born at Posen, Germany, on the 25th day of May, 1857. -^^ the age of fifteen years he came to this country, locating at Niles, Mich., but remained there only two years when he came to Napo- leon. He read medicine with Dr. E. B. Harrison, and afterward took a med- ical college course at Cleveland, O., graduating in 1882. From that date until the present he has practiced at Napoleon. Morrison J. Marvin, was a native of Ohio, born in Hancock county on August 4, 1844. His early life was spent on a farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Tenth Ohio Cavalry, and served two years, when he was wounded and placed in a hospital, and remained there until discharged from the service. He read medicine at Findlay, O., and attended the Cleveland Medical Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1870. Hulda Harrington Sheffield, widow of the late William Sheffield, and the only active resident practitioner in the field of homeopathy, wa^ born in Erie county, O., and began the study of medicine with Dr. Allen, of Defiance, some thirty years ago, not then, however, with an intention of practicing that branch of the profession. She subsequently continued her studies with Dr. Thomas C. Hunter, of Napoleon, after which she attended the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, and was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1877. Since then Mrs. Sheffield has resided at Napoleon and practiced through- out the county. Of the physicians of the county, outside the county seat, very little infor- mation is at hand, although each has been requested to furnish data, and ample time granted therefor. Of such as have answered the request a record will be found in these pages, but those who have not responded must content them- selves with a mention of their names and location of residence. The village of Holgate, in Pleasant township, has four resident physicians : Dr. J. Townsend, Dr. J. M. Stout, Dr. J. C. Becker and Dr. J. D. Archer. Dr. Townsend was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., August 25, 1833, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1844. He commenced the practice of medicine at Freeport, Wood county, in 1855, but moved to Maysville, Ind., in 1856. Ten years later he returned to Ohio and located at Edgerton, in Williams county, where he practiced until 1874, when he came to Holgate, this -county. J. Dall Archer was born October 30, 1858, in Wood county. He read medicine with Dr. W. F. Thomas, of North Baltimore, for three years, when •he entered the Starling Medical College. After receiving the first degree he went to Dundee, Mich., for practice, and remained there until the year 1885, when he came to Holgate. The prosperous village of Deshler, Bartlow township, has three resident physicians : Dr. T. M. Garrett, Dr. J. C. Donaway, and Dr. Slaughter. Hamler, in the south part of the county, has two physicians. Dr. Elmer ■Cowdrick, and Dr. C. M, Townsend. 1 66 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Liberty Center, the central and tradiilg point of Liberty township, has three resident members of the medical profession : Dr. E. T. Martin, Dr. D. E. Haag,. and Dr. Viers. Daniel E. Haag, the twin brother to Hon. John M. Haag, of Napoleon,^ was born in Pennsylvania. He read medicine with Dr. Bull, of New Phila- delphia, O. He first practiced in partnership with Prof Pomeroy, and after- ward moved to Mt. Eaton. He came to Henry county in the spring of 1863, practicing for a time at Texas, but soon found a better field for professional labor at Liberty Center. The enterprising village of Florida, in Flat Rock township, is the residence of four of the county's physicians, although all are not at present professionally engaged. The M.D.'s at this place are Dr. Gibbons Parry, Dr. George Parry,. Dr. A. M. Pherson, and Dr. S. E. Miller. The last named. Dr. Miller, is a graduate of the Chicago Medical College. John W. Sharp, of McClure, was born at Simcoe, Ontario, Can., on the 15th day of June, 1858. He graduated from the Toronto University in 1874, after which he entered Trinity Medical College, and was graduated therefrom in March, 1879. He then spent a year at the different hospitals, and located for practice at Ridgeville, this county, in April, 1880. In October of the same year he moved to McClure where he now resides. At other points within the county are located practicing physicians as fol- lows : At Malinta, Dr. E. B. Mauk; at Colton, Dr. A. J. Munn; at Ridgeville,. Dr. Shaffer. The county, in former years, possessed a Medical Society, strong in point of numbers and productive of much good to the profession in general ; but owing to some cause, not susceptible of explanation, it has been allowed to decline and meetings are rarely held. CHAPTER XVL HISTORY OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF NAPOLEON — THE SEAT OF' JUSTICE OF HENRY COUNTY. WHEN the commissioners, appointed by the Legislature, to fix the seat of justice for the county of Henry, determined to, and by their act, did locate the same at the town of Napoleon, that place then had an existence, but hardly more. There were a few log houses scattered about that gave the place something of the appearance of a cross-roads settlement, with nothing to at- tract notice from the traveler except the natural beauty of its location. Of Henry County. 167 the possibilities of a future, such reasoning was hardly indulged in before the county seat was fixed. Still Messrs. Phillips, Leavell & Cory, the proprietors of the town, may have entertained the idea of future growth, but the idea was but crude and undeveloped. According to their original plan the town was laid out, or intended to be laid out, some distance further down the river, and on lower ground, at a point that, in after years, attained the characteristic and dignified name of " Goose- town," but a rise of the waters of the historic Maumee flooded this district, making it imprudent to attempt a settlement, much less the building up of a town at that point ; wherefore the proprietors moved the town to the higher and more desirable lands it, with its enlargements, now occupies. The proprietors, who were Horatio G. Phillips, Benjamin Leavell and El- nathan Cory, had a large amount of land along the river, not a solid tract lying in one body, but many sections at various places throughout the county, and even in the county west of this. They called this place " Napoleon," why, is a question not to be demonstrated or solved at this time. Nevertheless they named it so, and so it has since remained to this day, and undoubtedly will continue notwithstanding the fact that an effort was made some years ago to have it changed to represent something more American. Napoleon became the county seat in the year 1835, ^^'^ from that date its history has been made, although that history, perhaps, belongs to the township of Napoleon, from which it was separated about a score or more of years later. Many important events occurred, each of which contributed to build up improve and enlarge the town, and make it the neat, attractive and well-or- dered village that it now is. The first of these events was the location of the county seat ; and while this was undoubtedly the most important occurrence, and gave a good start to the town, it was followed soon after by the surveying of the Miami and Erie Canal, the letting of contracts for which, in this vicinity, was done in the year 1837. But before this time the town had a few substantial residents ; substantial because they were thfifty, go-ahead, energetic, industrious and honest people, who worked hard for the town and its welfare; and inasmuch as the names of most of them can be recalled, it is fitting that some recollections of them be noted here. They were George Stout, " Gen." Henry Leonard, John Glass, John Mann, Alexander Craig, John Powell, Hazel Strong, James Magill, James B. Steedman, and perhaps a few others whose names cannot now be recalled. The first log house in the town was built either by Mr. Andrews or Huston. Hazel Strong worked on this house, and in speaking of the event he said that at their "feast" (for what was a raising without a feast?) they had biscuit made of wheat flour and " shortened " with " coon fat." Wheat flour in those days was considered a luxury rarely indulged in, in fact it was a commodity seldom to be had. 1 68 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. George Stout will be remembered as the tavern-keeper of the town, in- whose house the first term of court was held ; and he, too, at the request of the county commissioners, built a log addition to his hostelry to be used for the purpose of a court-house. Terms of court were then great events, and their infrequency (two terms annually, and holding only two days), gave them ad- ditional importance, and were generally concluded with a genuine old-time country dance. Mine host Stout was quite a celebrity in the town, and gen- erally master of ceremonies on all great occasions. He was, withal, a good and worthy citizen. He raised a large family, but they have all gone from the town, and the name has now but few, if any, living representatives in the county. Henry Leonard, or as he was commonly knowp, " General" Leonard, like his fellow-townsman, Stout, was a tavern-keeper, whose log house stood at the corner now occupied by John Higgins's store buildings, between the canal and the river. The town was then down near this "corners," and the extending toward the north was the work of after years. General Leonard was a prom- inent personage in early days ; a good citizen and neighbor, and whose tavern was a resort for all the worthies of the neighborhood. He died many years ago, leaving a family, but they are here no more. John Glass had a more pretentious home than most of his neighbors, being a frame structure, not large, but having sufficient room for the necessities of his family. He was a man of all work, a butcher, stone-mason, chimney builder, and in fact turned his hand to any kind of employment, and did every- thing well. He was one of the first county officers, having been elected treas- urer to succeed Israel Waite. John Glass was a good, hard-working citizen, and an efficient public servant. He died many years ago leaving a family, the descendants of whom still reside in the county, and are among its highly respected people. John Mann was another of the pioneers of the town. He was a blacksmith and gunsmith by trade, but could turn his hand to almost any kind of repair work. His shop stood on the bank of the river, east of Judge Craig's tavern. Around this shop, nearly every day, was from a half a dozen to ten Indians waiting to have their guns "fixed up." It seemed as if the gun of the average Indian was always getting out of repair, and the services of John Mann were in constant demand among them. John was popular among these natives and the whites as well, and a very useful person in the settlement. He had a good military record, having served at Fort Meigs under General Harrison, and elsewhere during the war, but his chief occupation in the army was that of gunsmith. Both he and his wife died here. They were respected residents. Alexander Craig, or, as he was afterward titled, "Judge" Craig, came here- during the year 1835. He built a tavern east of General Leonard's. The building had a frame front, with a log kitchen in the rear. It was one of the Henry County. 169 more pretentious houses of the town, and on this account, and the further fact that its landlord was a very genial person, it became a popular resort. The frame part of this old pioneer building is still standing. Craig was a tailor by- trade, but did not follow the business in this locality. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1837, and served four years; was afterward appointed asso- ciate judge of the county, and held that office seven years. From this he received the title of "judge," by which he was known down to the time of his death, a few years ago. After his service as associate judge had ceased he was. elected recorder of the county and held the office six years. When the town' had increased in population Judge Craig built another public house further up' the hill, toward the court-house. By honesty, industry and economy Judge- Craig became possessed of a fair competency. His family was not large, but they were very highly respected. people. John Powell came to the town in the year 1835, from Huron county, this; State. He was the merchant of the town, and had a store and dwelling oppo- site Judge Craig's tavern, and on the bank of the river. Mr. Powell was one of the most enterprising men of the town, and took a prominent part in its aff'airs, and that of the county as well. He held the office of county auditor, and afterward associate judge ; the latter he held seven years. In after years he rrioved out of town and on a farm, where he died about a year ago. He had quite a family who grew up highly respected in the community. Dr. Powell, a leading physician of Napoleon, is a son of the pioneer, John Powell. Hazel Strong, a Vermont " Yankee," from the vicinity of Rutland, came, with his young wife, to this county about the year 1834. He located on a tract of land outside the town, about three miles east, where he cleared and improved a fine farm ; later he moved into town and built a residence. From the very first Hazel Strong occupied a position of prominence among the peo- ple of the county, and was soon called into its administrative department. He was the first auditor of' the county, and afterwards was appointed clerk of the courts in place of J. M. Evans, resigned. The latter position he held nearly fifteen years. His penmanship was good, and in mathematics he was well versed. As a surveyor he was exceedingly well occupied, and there is no part of the county in which he was not, at some time, called to run lines. Every trust reposed in him was well executed, and he proved competent in every- thing he undertook to accomplish. He helped build the first log-house in the- town. Hazel Strong died a few years ago, leaving a wife, who is still living,, although now past her eightieth year of life. James Magill was a brother-in-law to John Powell, and came to the town at or about the same time. He built a residence and lived here, although his occupation was farming. He is remembered as a man straightforward and honest in his business transactions, and possessing the respect of the people generally. He died about twenty years ago. Edward B. Magill is a son, and., 22 I70 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the widow of Colonel William A. Choate a daughter, of the late pioneer, James Magill. Every one of the older residents of the town and vicinity well remember James B. Steedman, better known in after years as General Steedman, who came here during the infant days of the county in connection with the construction of the canal, in which work he was a contractor. General Steedman knew everybody, and everybody knew Steedman. If once a person met him it would always be remembered. He was a good business man, made money and many friends, and had the faculty of retaining the latter, but the former invariably slipped away from him. He married Sarah Miranda Stiles, niece of General Leonard. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of Leonard's log tavern. While a resident of this county General Steedman was elected to the Legisla- tnre, the district comprising eight counties. This was in 1841. After he left the town the general used frequently to come back and renew his old ac- quaintance. Although now some years dead, his memory is still fresh in the minds of the people. He made an excellent war record, and an elegant mon- ument at Toledo keeps alive his memory and services as a citizen and soldier. Frederick Lord.'^a " Down-easter" from the State of Maine, is another per- son entitled to recognition among the pioneer residents of the town and county. Mr. Lord was an attorney by profession, and, so being, was appointed prose- cuting attorney for the county in 1835, and afterward elected to the same posi- tion. Still later he was elected county surveyor. He was a highly educated person, and filled an important position among the people of the new county when good judgment and ability were required. After many years of resi- dence here, Mr. Lord went to Michigan, and is said to be still living, although of advanced years. William D. Barry came from New York State and practiced medicine for a time. He then studied law and was admitted to practice at the courts. He was subsequently chosen to fill the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, succeeding, in the incumbency of that office, Frederick Lord. From here Mr. Barry went to Illinois, and is thought to be still living. These, then, were they who laid the foundation in social, business, and pro- fessional life, for the town of Napoleon ; and of and concerning them there is no word of criticism and no word of reproof There may have been others whose names are, by error, omitted. The town was then small, and had but few needs, but such things as were required seem to have been performed and done well. From this time, about 1837, "^^ residents were constantly coming to the place, and its pioneer work, in a measure, became lost in the general progress of the town. From the tax duplicate for the year 1847, twelve years or there- abouts after the settlement commenced, the following names are taken show- ing land, or lot owners, but not necessarily residents. They were as follows: Henry County. 171 Amos Andrews, John Amour, Brigham, Samuel Bowers, Benjamin Coffin, John Crist, James Cain, David I. Cory, Alexander Craig, David Cross, A. Daughinbaugh, I. N. Evans, David Edwards, Forman Evans, Daniel Eng- lish, John Glasgon, John Glass, Hezekiah Hubbell, Frederick Koom, Solomon Render, James S. Irwin, George R. Lewis, Henry Leonard, Frederick Lord, E. Lathrop, John Mann, McHaughey and heirs, Powell & Magill, Philips & Cory, Abel Rawson, R. W. Shawn, George Stout, Hazel Strong, John Tay Ion John Warnox. These were taxpayers on town lots. Following this list ap- pears others who were residents and were assessed as having chattels or tax- able professions. They were : Alexander Craig, three horses, two cows ; Will- iam Dodd, one horse ; Samuel Dawson, one horse ; John Glass, one cow ; James G. Haly, law practice, $200; Henry Leonard, two horses, four cows; E. Lathrop, law practice, $200 ; Jacob Mann, two cows ; James Magill, seven cattle ; John Powell, two horses, five cattle ; Andrew Peam, three cattle ; L. L. Patrick, medical practice, $200 ; Lucy Patrick, one cow ; John Rafferty, two cattle ; Hazel Strong, one horse, two cattle ; George Stout, one cow ; William Sheffield, lawyer, $200 ; Jacob Shott, one cow ; Benjamin P. Smith, lawyer, $200 ; Michael Sherman, three horses, one cow. Original Plat of the Town. — It has been mentioned in this chapter that the proprietors of the land, or large tracts of land, Horatio G. Phillips, Ben- jamin Leavell and Elnathan Cory, laid out the same about the time the first settlements were commenced therein. This was in the year 1834, with the fol- lowing description, notes and references made on the original draft ; " Each street is five rods wide, and each alley is one rod wide ; each lot is five rods in front, and ten rods back. Twelve feet is reserved along the streets in front of each lot for sidewalks. The streets intersecting the Maumee, run north thirty degrees west, and are crossed at right angles by streets running north, sixty degrees east. In the center of Main Cross street, and on the north line of Front street, and between lots numbers 24 and 25, is placed a stone with a cross cut upon the same, the center of which cross is precisely in the center of the stone aforesaid; and ten rods north, in the center of Main Cross street, is a second stone, with a like cross upon it. " In the center of Front street, and directly in the east line of Monroe street, is a third stone ; and also ten rods east, in the center of Front street, is a fourth stone, both of which contain a cross, the center of which is the precise center of said Front street. (Signed) H. G. Phillips, B. Leavell, El'n Cory. Wit- nesses present, William Leonard, A. Brancher." The certificate of the sur- veyor in charge of the work was as follows : " I, Miller Arrowsmith, deputy- surveyor of the county aforesaid, hereby certify the within to be a correct plat of the town of Napoleon, as surveyed and platted by me, at the instance of the proprietors, to- wit: Horatio G. Phillips, Benjamin Leavell and Elnathan Cory. "Given under my hand officially this loth day of October, in the year A. D. 1834. Signed, MiLLER Arrowsmith." 1/2 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. This certificate was dulj^ acknowledged before William Leonard, justice of the peace, on the 15 th of October, of the same year. From the original draft it seems that Perry street, now the central thor- oughfare of the village, then formed the west line, there being no lots platted on the west of it, and the whole town lying on the east. The north and south streets, naming them from the west, were Perry, Monroe, Main Cross, Jeffer- son and Wayne, with intermediate alleys. The east and west streets, naming them from the river toward the north, were, Front, Main, Washington and Clin- ton, with intervening alleys. Each block contained eight town lots, and these were divided into four smaller blocks of two lots each by the intersecting alleys in the center of each main block. The plat of the town contained twelve blocks bounded by streets, each having eight lots, while on the south side of Front street, and between it and the river, was a row of twelve lots, facing north on Front street. The whole number of lots in the town was one hundred and twelve. The first settlements made were in the vicinity of the intersection, or place of meeting, of Perry and Front streets, and it was in that locality that lived the persons of whom record is made in the early portion of this chapter. Under this arrangement and disposition of the lots of the town, it was built upon, and continued to grow and enlarge for a period of nearly twenty years. But there was not, as yet, any act or proceeding that made Napoleon a town or village, except as a part of the township of Napoleon. The town had no independent or separate organization, and was, in its government, attached to and subject to the jurisdiction of the officers of the township. The lots were rapidly taken, some for speculation, and others for regular building purposes, in making residences and places of business, manufacture and trade; and, as there was nothing to keep it within the limits of the plat made by the proprie- tors, it of course grew and extended beyond that limit, so that at this present time, the place retains nothing of its original conformation, except as to that portion originally platted, and its former area is but a small fractional part of "the village within its present boimdaries. Incorporation of the Village. — Soon after the year 1850, the residents of the town began to feel the necessity of a corporate organization separate and apart from the township, of which it had hitherto formed a part. The place had assumed proportions, and had acquired a population sufficient to war- rant such procedure. The subject was agitated and discussed, but it was not until the early part of the year 1853, that any decided action was taken look- ing to the end sought. • In the mean time a feature of the case had developed that in the proceed- ings of the incorporation of the town, it was desired by many of the petition- ers that the name should be changed from Napoleon to some other more ex- pressive of "^things American." The first step in the matter was the presen- ^g'tyE.^Wilhimi iEr; f-K n n. Henry County. 173 tation of a petition to the commissioners of the county, which petition was as follows : "To the commissioners of Henry county. The undersigned, legal voters of the town of Napoleon, respectfully ask your honorable body to incorporate the following territory, to wit: Northeast fractional quarter, containing 116.93 acres; northeast fractional south half, 82.24; east half northwest quarter, 80 acres; west fractional south half, 75.44; west half, northwest quarter, 80; con- taining four hundred and thirty-four and sixty-one hundredths acres, and be- ing all in section thirteen, in township number five, north of range number six €a.st, (sec. 13, T. 5, R. 6, E.). Said territory to be incorporated into a village, and to be called 'Henry'; for a more particular description of which territory, and the relative position thereof, you are referred to the accompanying plat, showing that portion of section thirteen north of the Maumee River proposed to be included in said limits of incorporation. We also state that Dr. Lorenzo Patrick is fully authorized to act in behalf of the petitioners in prosecuting this petition. Napoleon, O., Feb. 28, 1853. (Signed) W. J. Jackson, L. L. Pat- rick, Wm. C. Brownell, W. H. Moe, George Stebbins, John Glass, John Pow- ell, Enoch L. Mann, J. P. Rowen, Isaac Lightcap, John McCartney, Paul P. Doud, Thomas Yarnell, A. Craig, D. M. McCann, Alph. M. Hollabaugh, Wil- liom Dodd (out of the limit), W. H. Mallory, Harrison V. Conway, James O. Caldwell, Henry N. Low, Josiah Pearce, J. W. Stewart, James Armstrong, Thomas Barrett, G. C. Eastman, Adam Howk, Israel Strole (not a resident), J. H. Tyler, Jer. Glass, A. H. Tyler, S. R. McBane, Isaac Van Horn, H. D. Tay- lor, George McCann." This petition to the commissioners was followed by another, to wit: "We, the'undersigned, citizens and taxpayers of the town of Napoleon, in said county, and vicinity, pray that your honorable body will, upon the incorporation of said town, change the name thereof, and, in the stead of 'Napoleon,' name the same 'Henry.' (Signed) Edward Sheffield, James G. Haly, William Dodd, George W. McCann, S. R. McBane, H. McHenry, David Hartman, G. Grim, Jeremiah Glass, A. H. Tyler, H. Allen, H. D. Taylor, William Halter, C. R. McWilHam, D. Yarnell, J. P. Rowan, James Armstrong, W. A. Tressler, G. C. Eastman, Thomas Yarnell, Jesse Frost." This proposition, so far as related to the changing of the name of the cor- poration, met with a decided opposition, led by Augustin Pilliod, a French- man, and then a prominent resident of the town, who preferred the name of Napoleon. There appears to be no preserved record of a remonstrance being presented against the petition, but there was, nevertheless, a strong opposition which ultimately prevailed, as will appear hereafter. The question came before the commissioners for hearing and action on June 7, 1853, at which time the ^'ollowing order was made: "This being the day appointed for the hearing of the petition and proposi- 174 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. tion to incorporate said territory, Loronzo L. Patrick, agent named in the said petition to act for the petitioners, personally appeared and asked leave to- amend and change said petition by striking out the name 'Napoleon,' pro- posed for said town when incorporated, and inserting the name 'Henry' in lieu thereof, which was granted by the commissioners, whereupon said appli- cation was heard upon the petition herein filed, the affidavits, etc., and the commissioners being satisfied that more than 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 and plats thereof made and filed in said petition, and that the name proposed by said petition as amended, for said incorporated village, is proper and sufficient to distinguish it from others of the like kind in the State; and it being deemed right and proper in the judgment and discretion of the commissioners that the prayer of said petition be granted. It is therefore ordered that said territory described in said plat, attached to said petition, be incorporated and organized as a village, under the name of ' Henry,' as named and described in said petition. June 7,. 1853. (Signed) D. Harley, Charles Hornung, Matthew Reid, Commission- ers of Henry county, O." Having been defeated in their endeavors to retain the name of Napoleon for the village, the friends and supporters of it were by no means wholly dis- couraged or disposed to let the fight drop. They renewed their opposition more earnestly, and, it is thought, gained some strength. The loth day of Oc- tober, 1853, was the date fixed for the election of mayor and councilmen for the new incorporated village, and here the friends of "Napoleon" made such a demonstration that the election could not proceed. In the mean time the Northwest, the newspaper of the town, had dropped "Napoleon" from its head-line and substituted " Henry." No records appear to exist concerning the events of the day of election and such information as can be accurately derived is taken from the editorial columns of the Northwest. It seems that the friends of Napoleon were out in force, and when an attempt was made to choose officers to conduct the election they by some means managed to defeat it. After balloting several times, but without securing a board, the meeting was adjourned for one year. This was a decisive victory for the op- ponents to the petition over those who desired to change the name of the town,- and from this time all effort, both as to changing the name, the incorporation of the village and the election of village officers as well, was stopped. The next issue of the Northwest found the old name of "Napoleon" restored, and after a few days of discussion the excitement passed away and the incorpora- tion of the county seat was delayed for ten years. The next attempt to effect the incorporation of the county seat was made in the early part of the year 1863, based upon a petition signed by nearly one- Henry County. 175 hundred and fifty persons, residents and taxpayers, residing within the limits of the territory affected. The petition, which contained a description of the lands proposed to be incorporated, was as follows : "To the Honorable, the Commissioners of Henry county, Ohio : " Your petitioners respectfully represent to your honorable body that they are inhabitants of a part of the said county of Henry, not embraced within the limits of any city or incorporated village; that they desire to be organized into an incorporated village, under the name and style of the ' incorporated village of Napoleon ;' that they desire to have the following described territory em- braced in such incorporated village, to wit : Parts of sections thirteen (13) and fourteen (14) in township number five (5), north of range number six (6), east, and bounded and described as follows : Commencing at the northwest corner •of the east half of the northeast quarter of section number fourteen (14); thence east to the township line ; thence south to the Maumee River ; thence south- westerly along said river to the west line of the east side of the north part of the northeast fractional quarter, section number twenty- three (23) of said town- ship and range ; thence north along said line to the northwest corner of the east half of the southeast quarter of section number fourteen (14) of said town- ship and range, and thence north along the west line of the east half of the southeast and northeast quarter of said section number fourteen (14) to the place of beginning. Your petitioners appoint and authorize S. M. Hague to act in their behalf in the prosecution of the petition ; they also ask that your honorable body will appoint a time and place for the hearing of this petition, the said time not to be less than sixty days from the date hereof Napoleon, March 2, 1863." The question came before the commissioners for a hearing and final deter- mination on the 2d day of June, 1863, whereupon the following order was made : " Ordered, that the incorporated village named and described in the within petition be organized. "George Crawford, \ "Levi Spangler, > Commissioners. "John Powell, ) " Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio." It was, therefore, on the 2d day of June, 1863, that the county seat became •an incorporated village, separate from the township of Napoleon, of which it had formerly formed a part. Its oiganization was complete and thorough ; authorized to elect its own officers and administer its own affairs, which it has ■done from that until the present time. This act of incorporation was unquestionably the most beneficial to the .residents of the county seat that could have been performed. It not only gave 1/6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Napoleon a distinct organization, but gave it, moreover, the dignified title of " village." By the organization its officers and people could make such ex- penditures for public improvements as were deemed advisable, without being subject to the adverse opinion of the residents of the township, outside the town, who, not being directly benefited by such improvements, were exceed- ingly inclined to oppose them on account of a slight increase in taxation. The village of Napoleon has frequently, by the action of its municipal au- thorities with the approval of other powers, been enlarged, so far as its corpor- ate limits are concerned, so that at the present time it covers a much larger area than was included by the proceeding of 1863. These several extensions, a detail of each of which is not necessary in this chapter, have included a Jarge tract of land with its occupying buildings, on the south side of the Maumee River. This enlargement brought to the village a considerable population, and some few unimportant business interests. This locality south of the river is known as South Napoleon. Napoleon proper occupies a pleasant location on the river, from which, to the center of the business portion of the village, is a gradual ascent. At a point not far from the court-house the greatest elevation of the place is reached ; and from this point there seems to be a gradual depression of the surface in each direction as the village limits are approached. This favorable situation affords excellent natural drainage, notwithstanding which trunk and lateral sewers are frequent for the better carrying off of surface water and sewage. The principal business street (Perry) has been substantially paved with stone, giving the locality a decidedly metropolitan appearance, and creating much favorable comment from visitors. The general substantial and attractive ap- pearance of the business blocks, and the goodly number of them too, has much to do with favorable impression that is already gained for the place, and it is a questionable fact whether there can be found in Northwestern Ohio, a place having no greater population than this that can present a better or cleaner busi- ness center. Where, at the time of the incorporation of the village in 1863, there was not a single three-story brick business block, there now stands dozens of them. The first of them was the " Heller Block," built in the year 1865. Since that time there has been a general tendency to erect substantial and attractive brick buildings, and this has been done to such an extent that the objectionable " frame row " is the exception, not the rule. There are, to be sure, many frame business houses, but they are not found continuous, and such as are still standing are generally kept well painted and neat in exterior ap- pearance. In the year 1863 there was hardly a dozen stores in the entire town, and but very few manufactories of any kind ; it is proper, therefore, that a mention should be made of the various business houses in the locality that now as well as then was known as the center of trade. Henry County. 177 Mercantile and Other Business Interests. In making the following record classification has been found impossible, owing to the mixed character of the stock generally carried by merchants, and for that reason, they are arranged with reference to their street location in con- secutive order, beginning with the west side of Perry street, from north to south, and showing such facts as may be of interest regarding the business conducted at each place. F. C. Fisk & Co., grocery and provision store, glass and queen's ware ; established by Clewell & Fisk in 1880; succeeded by F. C. Fisk, and in 1887, John Thiesen became a partner, and is one of the present firm. C. H. Suydam, boots and shoes, also manufacturing and repairing same ; established in April, 1885, as successor to R. W. Suydam. R. Hudson, harness store and manufactory, horse and carriage goods ; L. H. Diehl, manager; established 1883. Eggers & Son, restaurant and saloon ; established 1886. J. C. Saur & Co., bankers (the firm being J. C. Saur and F. O. Blair) ; commenced business April i, 1886, as successors to Heller & Saur, bankers. While this firm can hardly be considered as having succeeded the First Na- tional Bank of Napoleon, their business is the outgrowth of that commenced by the corporation named. The First National Bank was incorporated in 1872, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was afterwards increased to $100,- 000. The first officers were, E. S. Blair, president; J. W. Miller, vice-presi- dent, and A. D. Tourtillott, cashier. On July i, 1877, E. S. Blair succeeded the banking corporation, and was, in turn, succeeded by Heller & Saur. Frease Brothers (D. W., J. H. and W. S. Frease constituting the firm) ; jewelers, also dealers in boots and shoes; established in 1879. A. J.VanDerBroek, merchant tailor, clothing and furnishing goods ; estab- lished in 1869, by Van Der Broek & Co., and succeeded in 1887 by A. J. Van Der Broek. D. & J. Wilson, dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and carpets ; established in 1866, succeeding in business the firm of Roach & Wil- son, pioneers in the business at Napoleon. Gustav Kohler, groceries, provisions, crockery and saloon ; established in 1879 in copartnership with William Spengler; the latter retired in 1880, since which the business has been conducted solely by Mr. Kohler. Isa Leist, drugs, books and stationery; established in the year 1882. H. C. Groschner, general hardware, stores, carriages, wagons and plows ; the hardware branch of this business was estabHshed about 1862, by Henry Kahlo, who was succeeded by the firm of Imber & Gillis, and they in turn by Groschner & Heller, and subsequently the firm became Groschner & Redder- son. In 1887 the present proprietor became sole owner and has since man- aged the business. ^^ 178 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ' Saur & Balsley, drugs, books and stationery ; established April i, 1865, bjr J. C. Saur, who in May, 1887, formed a partnership with Mr. Balsley. Shoemaker Brothers (Milton J., Frank C. and Charles W. Shoemaker con- stituting the firm). This business, general dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, hats and caps, clothing and carpets, was established by Scott & Heller, on March 4, 1861, but in May following Mr. Scott sold his interest to his partner, who managed it alone until 1866, when W. L. Heller became a partner, under the firm style of S. M. & W. L. Heller; in 1871 W. L. Heller sold to Colonel S. A. Hissong, when the firm became Heller & Hissong; in 1873 Colonel His- song sold to M. E. Heller, and the firm then became S. M. & M. E. Heller. This firm continued until i886, when Shoemaker Brothers succeeded to the business. D. J. Humphrey, dealer in drugs and medicines, books, stationery, paints, oils, wall paper, and picture and other frames ; Mr. Humphrey was the pio- neer of the drug business in Napoleon, having started in 1859, on Washington- street. About the year 1872, he established at his present location, corner of Perry and Washington streets. Henry Meyer, merchant tailoring, clothing, hats and caps, and gents' fur- nishings ; established in partnership with George Hahn, in 1 870, under the firm name of Hahn & Meyer, and continued until 1886, when Henry Meyer suc- ceeded the firm. H. A. Meyerholtz & Brother (H. A. & H. F. Meyerholtz composing the firm) ; established in 1866; dealers in groceries, provisions, crockery and glass- ware. This firm are also proprietors of the Napoleon Tile and Brick Works, Rensselaer Hudson & Co. (W. P. Hudson being the Co.); jewelry, watches,, clocks, musical instruments and repairing ; the business, except musical instru- ments, was established by G. W. Pardee, in 1855, but some years later R> Hudson became a partner, and in about the year 1870 sole owner; still later W. P. Hudson, son of R. Hudson, became a partner. Multon & Fate, saloon. Ulrich & Co. (A. J. Ulrich and E. F. Weinland) ; general hardware, stoves- and agricultural implements ; established 1886. J. B. Couch, general dry goods, boots and shoes ; Mr. Couch started in^ business in Napoleon in 1873, in partnership firm of Imber & Couch, and in 1876 sold to his partner. In 1878 he again commenced and has since contin- ued as sole proprietor. S. M. Honeck, merchant tailoring, furnishing goods, and hats and caps ;. established in 1879 under firm of Honeck & Grosscup, but after five months the firm was succeeded by Mr. Honeck, who has since conducted the business. H. E. Cary, established i860, but for four months during the war the pro- prietor was in the service, and the business left to a clerk's management ; in 1873 T. R. Carroll purchased an interest but retired in 1880. Stock, grocery and queen's ware. Henry County. 179 S. F. Shower, established 1862; harness store, horse goods, manufacturing and repairing. The proprietor has twice taken a partner, but for a very short time. Charles Polkea, saloon and restaurant. M. Reiser, boots, shoes and rubber goods ; established 1886. The pro- prietor has been engaged in business in Napoleon for many years, but in other branches. S. L. Curtis, established in business as dealer in furs, pelts and hides in 1862 ; about 1865 or '66 had Henry Tressler as partner for about six months. Recently Mr. Curtis has established an extensive variety store. As a dealer in furs he is one of the oldest in the region. John Keil, saloon and lunch room; established 1887. William Hoffman, saloon and lunch room ; established 1887. The business interests on the east side of Perry street are as follows : Conrad Bitzer, furniture and undertaking ; Bitzer Block, corner of Perry and Chnton streets; established in 1873 ; three story brick block built in 1875. George Hahn, merchant tailoring, clothing, and furnishing goods. David Halter, bakery, confectionery, and shelf groceries ; business estab- lished about 1878 by Harmon Heber, who was succeeded in July, 1887, by the present proprietor. John Diemer, meat market; established in Napoleon in 1859; prior to 1863 he had a partner, but since that time has conducted business alone. William Newman, saloon and pool-room ; established 1871. William Spengler, groceries, provisions, and saloon; established in 1879, with Gustav Kohler, but sold to his partner in 1883, and started similar bus- iness at the last named date. Anthony Hahn, tobaccos, cigars, and saloon. David Meekison, banker; established March, t886, at the same location formerly occupied by the banking firm^of Sheffield & Norton ; but in no manner can Mr. Meekison be said to have succeeded to the business of the former firm •other than that his place of business is at the same location. J. M. Myers, tobacco, cigars, and confections; established 1887. Jacob Sens, saloon ; established 1882. John Hahn, saloon ; established about 1870. Oliver Higgins, jeweler and watch repairer ; successor, in 1884, to the bus- iness that was established in 1883 by Higgins & Brother. The following are the leading business interests on the north side of Wash- ington street : Halter & Gidley, marble and granite dealers, manufacturers of monuments ; established 1875, as successors to R. W. Hartman. S. Bernstein, clothing and furnishing goods ; established 1 878. W. G. Coover, general hardware; established 1868, by Groschner & Hell- i8o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. er, and in 1871 sold to Groschner ; in 1871 Hellers & Coover was established and continued to 1879, when W. L. Heller, the senior partner, sold to his son, R. B. Heller, whereupon the firm became Heller & Coover; in March, 1886, Mn Coover succeeded to the entire business. R. B. Shasteen, grocery, provisions, and queensware ; established 1884^ succeeding the firm of Shasteen Brothers. Davison Sisters (C. L. and H. D. Davison), millinery and dressmaking; established 1886. A. Bradley, general grocery, crockery, and glassware ; established 1874. George Baum, harness manufacturing and repairing, horse goods and sup- plies ; established 1878. Pohlman Brothers (C. F and H. F. Pohlman), meat market; established 1881. Rohrs & Suhr (George H. Rohrs and Thomas H. Suhr), dry goods, notions, hats and caps, boots and shoes, carpets ; established 1884, succeeding the older firm of Rohrs & Vocke, which latter firm was established about 1879. J. W. Tietjen, tobacco, cigars, and saloon; established 1870. S. E. French, art gallery and studio. Miss A. M. Weaver, millinery; established 1883. F. W. Rohrs, saloon and pool room. George Curdes, bakery aud confectionery; established 1880. On the south side of Washington street is found these business houses : Frederick Schroeder, furniture dealer and manufacturer; established 1884, as successor to Musser & Wilson. A. B. Scribner, general hardware and agricultural implements ; established 1880 (formerly proprietor of foundry and machine shops). Redderson & Westhoven, meat market ; established May 21, 1877, as suc- cessors to William Redderson. W. P. Stockman, grocery, provisions, and crockery; established 1877. Norden & Bruns, dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, furnishing goods; established 1884, succeeding Henry Norden, who was established in 1879- The following are business interests not classified as above : Hotels. The village has two well appointed hotels — the " Miller House," a first-class hostelry, situate at the corner of Perry and Clinton streets, and the " Capitol," located near the Wabash depot ; the former under the proprietor- ship of Wallace Blair, and the latter managed by Harry ^Webb. General Insurance Agents. C. E. Reynolds (also real estate dealer), estab- lished i860; H. H. French, 1878; S. F. Long. 1886. Liverymen. Russell Jones, established 1859, formerly in mercantile busi- ness ; Charles Van Hyning, established 1876; J. B. Foster, established 1879; ira Hayes. Henry County. i8i Dentists. Ezra W. Talbott, established 1865 ; A. S. Condit, established 1878; William J. Pierepont, established 1884. Manufacturing Interests. Napoleon Flouring Mill. This industry was commenced during the year 1856, by Augustin Pilliod, but it was not until some time later that the build- ing was completed and in running order. Power was obtained from the canal and carried thence through the mill and discharged into the river. It was of the class commonly known as a "stone mill," having two run of stone — one for wheat and the other for buckwheat and feed, or chop. In the year 1 864 the property was purchased by John H. Vocke, who rebuilt and otherwise improved it by enlarging its capacity. It was operated by his sons, Harmon H., Clementr Bernard, and John. They continued its management until 1882, when Ber- nard and Clement both died, after which its operation was continued by Har- mon H. and John Vocke to the present time. In 1885 the mill underwent radical changes, and " roller process " machinery was placed therein ; there was also added two run of stone for producing chop and buckwheat flour. The size of the building is 48 by 100 feet, four stories high. It has a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour per day. It is located on Front street, west of Perry street. Vocke's Distillery. The distillery building is located on the north side of and near the canal, east of Perry street. It was built in the year 1866, by John H. Vocke, and run for a number of years as a " high wine distillery," by the sons of the owner. In 1878 it was changed to an " alcohol and spirit " distillery. The manufacture of distilled spirits at this place was stopped in 1883, since which time the building has been idle. It had a capacity for pro- ducing daily from thirty-five to forty barrels of spirits, using therefor about five hundred bushels of grain. Roller's Flouring Mill. This is one of the oldest of the manufacturing industries of Napoleon, and bears no resemblance whatever to the original building of which the present substantial structure is the outgrowth. The mill on this site was built in the year 1850, by John Ritter, he taking power from the canal, and, by means of a conduit, conveying the same through the mill and discharging the waste, or utilized water, into the Maumee, on the bank of which the mill was erected. Originally the mill had but two run of stone. Mr. Ritter owned and operated it up to the time of his death, 1871, after which it passed, by purchase, into the ownership of Josiah Kohler. The latter at once substantially rebuilt the mill, and increased its capacity by adding two run of stone, making a total of four. In this manner it was operated until 1885, when the owner again made material improvements by changing its machinery from stone to the more modern " roller process," placing therein, fourteen sets of rollers, thus giving the mill a total producing capacity of one 1 82 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. hundred barrels of flour daily. Mr. Kohler continued in sole management until February, 1887, at which time Jacob B. Augenstein became a part owner. The mill in size is 42 by 50 feet, four stories in height, with a large addition on the south side. In connection with their business the proprietors have a large storage ele vator near the Wabash depot, which was built in the year 1876 and has a -storage capacity for thirty thousand bushels of grain. Napoleon Woolen Mill. The only manufacturing enterprise of this kind •in Napoleon is that which was established by Jacob Augenstein in the year 1863. The building stands on Front street, west of Perry and between the canal and the Maumee River. After having operated the mill for about a year the proprietor and founder took two partners, H. B. Lantzenheizer and Samuel Bigger, which partnership continued in successful business operation until the year 1873, when Mr. Lantzenheizer retired, J. B. Augenstein taking his place in the firm. In 1883 the senior partner gave his sons, Charles and A. Augenstein, an interest in the business. Two years later, 1885, J. B. Augen- stein sold his interest to A. E. Augenstein. In the spring of 1887 A. Augen- stein died, his interest, however, remaining in the firm and owned by his estate. The present members of the firm are Jacob Augenstein, Charles F. Augenstein, -Samuel Bigger, Allison E. Augenstein and Acquilla Augenstein, the interest of the latter being now in an estate. The firm manufacture woolen goods, mainly flannel shirtings; also yarn -and other commodities. They employ about twenty-five persons. Saygers's Saw-mill. This is one of the oldest industries on the river in this vicinity, having been established in the year 1843, by John Powell and Hazel Strong, both pioneers of the town, of whom mention has been made in the early part of this chapter. The mill built by them at this place is said to have been the first on this "level" of the canal, and from tlte canal the motive power was obtained. From the time of its erection in 1843 until it -came to the present owner, its several changes have been about as follows: Powell & Strong sold to Welsted & Halter, and the latter to Richards & Em- ery; Richards sold his interest to William Martell, and Martell to George Sipler. It then went on forced sale back to Mr. Martell, the title to the whole property vesting in him. In 1877 he sold to Saygers & Imber, but the Imber interest was afterward transferred to his partner, Andrew Jackson Saygers, who is still its owner. This is but an ordinary water-power saw-mill, its chief prom- inence attaching on account of its early construction. The mill stands on the river bank south of Front street, being the farthest west of any of the man- ufactories which abound in this neighborhood. Very near it and almost form- ing a part of it, is the Napoleon Boat Oar Factory, concerning which a more ■detailed mention will elsewhere be found. The Napoleon Brewery. This, the only industry of its kind within the vil- Henry County. 183 lage, was started in the year 1862 by one Kopp, and although the present brewery is the outgrowth of the original, founded as above stated, it bears so little resemblance to Kopp's brewery as to be scarcely recognized as once hav- ing formed a part thereof. Its dimensions have been frequently enlarged to meet the increased demand of its production. After managing it for about five years Mr. Kopp sold it to John Herbolsheimer, and he, after conducting it until 1885, sold to the present owner and proprietor, Ferdinand Roessing. Under his ownership the most frequent enlargements have been made, nearly every year marking some improvements, so that, at the present time it has a capacity for producing twenty-four hundred barrels of lager beer annually. From here every dealer in this commodity in the village is supplied and quan- tities are shipped to other points. The works occupy three lots situate at the corner of Perry and Front streets. The building is a large, three-story, brick structure, well arranged for the business conducted. Bruner's Hoop Factory. Although the manufacture of barrel hoops is but a comparatively recent industry in Napoleon, it is rapidly assuming a fair pro- portion among the interests of the place. It was started here in the year 1885, by A. Bruner, he leasing the building formerly occupied as the Napoleon Ag- ricultural Works. The affairs and business of the latter were managed by an incorporated company, of which Harmon H. Vocke was president; A. H. Ty- ler, secretary ; J. D. Norton, treasurer, and H. H. Vocke, Joseph A. Stout, H. E. Cary, J. D. Morey and Charles Reiter, were directors. The company was organized about the year 1 874. The object of the company was to manufacture grain reapers, but during the first two years it was operated only as a machine shop. It was then rented to one Turnbull, who continued its operation as a machine shop and works for about five years, when the building and plant was sold, Harmon H. Vocke & Brothers becoming the owners. This firm made radical changes and operated it as a stave factory, under the firm name of Vocke Brothers & Wheeler. It was so conducted until the fall of the year 1885, when Mr. Bruner leased the plant and established the present business of hoop manufacture, which can be said to be about the only successful and profitable production connected with the life of the building. The works are situate near the line of the Wabash railroad, in the northeastern part of the town. Thiesen & Hildred's Planing-mills. The name applied to this important branch of Napoleon's industries is adopted simply for convenience, and is but poorly expressive of the character or extent of business done by the firm. To be sure, they have an extensive planing-mill, but in addition to that feature of the business, they are manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, and deal- ers in lumber, lath, shingles, lime, cement and plastering hair The works are situate on the south side of Front street, and west of Perry street, in the center of the extensive manufacturing area of the village; the firm also have- an extensive lumber yard on the north side of the canal, some distance from,- 184 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the factory, and one of less extent near that building. The plant was founded in the year 1864, by John Thiesen and William Shepard, by whom the first business was done. After about a year Shepard sold his interest to Levi Wells, the latter replacing the former in the firm, which then became Thiesen & Wells. Some years later Wells sold to Frederick AUer, and the firm name was changed to Thiesen & AUer. Again, after a lapse of about seven years, the senior partner sold his interest to Daniel Richards, and at the same time Mr. Hildred went into the firm which became Aller, Richards & Co., Mr. Hil- dred being the. company. In 1877, September i, Mr. Thiesen bought in, taking Richards's interest, and again the firm name changed to Aller, Hil- dred & Co. In 1 88 1, Thiesen and Hildred, with J. D. Norton, purchased the Aller interest and changed the firm name to Thiesen, Hildred & Co. The last change was made in May, 1887, when Thiesen and Hildred bought the other interest, and the present firm of Thiesen & Hildred was established. Notwithstanding the frequent changes made in this firm establishment, the business has always been successfully conducted and proved a fairly profitable investment of means. To be sure, in times of stagnation in trade and business circles, the firm have felt the general depression, but at no time can the busi- ness be said to have been conducted at a loss. Napoleon Foundry. This industry was established by T. J. Clay, in the year 1858, or thereabouts, but after operating some time was sold to A. B. Scribner. The latter subsequently sold a half interest to R. M. Bedeau, and business was managed under the firm style of Scribner & Bedeau. In 1874 the Bedeau interest was sold to Ephraim James and the firm name changed to Scribner & James ; one year later Mr. James became sole owner and proprie- tor, and with some changes of no strong account has so continued to the pres- ent time. The works are located on the street first east of Perry, and a short •distance north of Front, but when first started were on a common some dis-. tance further east. At the foundry is manufactured all kinds of iron and brass castings, particularly light castings. Tile and Brick works. In the year 1869 the firm of H. A. Myerholtz & Brothers established a plant for the manufacture of drain tile and building brick. The works are situate on Washington street, east. No tile was made by them, however, until the year 1876, since which it has ranked equal with their other branch of manufacture. The manufacture of tile is governed largely by the demand for it through the agricultural districts, as much of the land, through this county at least, requires draining before it can be made profitable for farm- ing purposes. The annual production of brick by this firm reaches about one and one-half millions. In the year 1886 they manufactured about four hun- dred thousand feet of drain tile of all sizes. At their works there is a visible future supply of clay to run about three more years, but when that is ex- hausted they have an abundant supply elsewhere and within convenient dis- tance. Henry County. 185 Miller's Carriage Works. This branch of trade and manufacture under this name was started by John and Florence Miller in the year 1870, and so continued until 1877, when John Miller sold his interest to Joseph and Conrad Miller, the firm still retaining the original style of Miller Brothers. In 1885 the firm changed and M. R. Rummell and John Miller succeeding. The build- ing occupied by them is a substantial three story brick, situate on Perry street, south of and near the canal. As indicated by the heading, the firm manufac- ture carriages and wagons of all descriptions, and also do general repair work. Shaff's Carriage Works. About the year 1870 Mr. ShafT, the proprietor, commenced in a small way the manufacture of carriages and wagons in Napo- leon. Four years later he erected the present commodious brick factory build- ing on East Washington street. Here, since that time, he has been engaged in the business above mentioned, in connection with which is a general black- smith and repair shop ; also he holds the agency for the Champion mower, reaper and binder. Napoleon Machine Works. In the year 1878 Charles F., Alfred, and James Beard commenced business in establishing a machine shop and repair works on Front street, west of Perry, under the firm name of Beard Brothers. Sub- sequently, and in connection with this business, was started a brass and iron foundry. About the year 1882 Charles F. Beard became sole proprietor of the entire business. At these works are made steam engines, shafting, hangers, pulleys and wood-sawing machines, also all kinds of iron and brass castings. Napoleon Boat Oar Factory. Although this is a comparatively new in- dustry to the town it is by no means new to its proprietor. Mason Britton, who started the business at Ashtabula, O., thirty-five years ago. He was the in- ventor of the machinery now in use at a similar factory at Wauseon, and was for some years interested in the business at that place. In March, 1887, Mr. Britton erected works and commenced business on Front street, near Saygers's mill in this village. It is a known fact that the United States supplies the foreign and domestic trade with the best quality of boat oars, and for their manufacture there are nine regular factories in this country, besides five others that make this produc- tion auxiliary to some other. A ready market is found at all seaport towns, but this factory ships mainly to San Francisco. Shoemaker & Zaenger's Cigar Factory was started in Napoleon on the 4th day of May, 1887, and is therefore the youngest of the town's industries. The members of the firm are George C. Shoemaker and John C. Zaenger. They employ at present but six workmen and produce about one thousand cigars- daily. The factory is located on the east side of Perry street in the main busi- ness part of the town. 24 1 86 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The Village Fire Department. There appears to have been no well conducted effort looking to the organ- ization of this important adjunct of the municipality until the early part of the year 1870, and the agitation the subject received was brought about by a most ■disastrous and sweeping conflagration that occurred during the year preced- ing, 1869, by which an entire square of business blocks and dwellings, with small exceptions, was destroyed. Prior to this time the village possessed no fire apparatus whatever, not even so much as a "bucket brigade;" nor was there in existence any organization, volunteer or other, for the prevention or extinguishment of fires. To be sure, at the first alarm of fire the whole people stood ready to render such assistance as lay in their power, and volunteers, with a plentiful supply of pails and buckets, were always on hand, but the serious fire losses in the town showed the inefficiency of this kind of service and protection. It was, therefore, after the extensive destruction by fire of prop- erty, during the year 1869, that the subject became so seriously discussed that the complete organization of a fire department was determined upon and event- ually effected. The municipal authorities took the matter in hand, and by an ordinance of the council, passed January 10, 1870, the proposition was submitted to the electors of the village, whether a fire department should be organized and nec- essary and complete apparatus procured. On the 3d day of February, of that year, the election was held, and the proposition carried. Then followed much discussion as to the kind of apparatus that should be secured, some favoring the purchase of a hand engine and the procuring of ladders to be built "at home," while others believed in purchasing a complete set of apparatus, including steamer, hose cart and truck (hook and ladder) of approved patterns. To a certain extent both were successful, although it was not until some time later that the excellent fire apparatus, now in use, was secured. At the time of the election a tax of five mills was voted for the purpose of organizing the department and procuring fire apparatus. On February 14th the council appointed members Barnes and Vocke a committee to enquire concerning the necessary apparatus and supplies. The council subsequently, March 14, voted on the question whether a hand engine or a steam engine should be procured for the department, upon which vote the result showed four members in favor of a hand engine and but one favoring a steamer, whereupon a committee, consisting of members J. M. Haag, O. E. Barnes, and J. L. Vocke, was chosen to contract for and purchase a hand engine. It seems that this resolution to purchase for the village a hand engine was never carried out, although it had been voted, and O. E. Barnes had been Henry County. 187 selected to proceed to Adrian and examine an engine that was offered for sale at that place. About this time too, the question of introducing the Holly system of wa- ter-works was being discussed somewhat, and owing to the great diversity of opinion, and conflict of sentiment, matters were at a standstill. The hand engine scheme seems to have been abandoned. The town of Defiance had procured a steamer from the Clapp & Jones works of Hudson, N. Y., and upon being tested, so fully met the approval of all interested that, on the ist of Oc- tober, 1872, the Mayor and J. L. Robertson were directed to close a contract with the representative of Clapp & Jones for the purchase of a steamer, jumper, and three hundred feet of rubber hose, at the agreed price of $4,600, which was done. In the mean time a lot and building was secured for the uses of the department, situate on Washington street, not far from the present location of Norton & Bruns's store. The building here was destroyed by fire, after which the department ap- paratus was stored in convenient places until the new building on Washing- ton street, east of Perry, was completed. This building was erected during the year 1875, by George Lightheiser. It is a plain, but substantial three story brick building. The lower floor is used by the department for storing their apparatus; also in the rear are rooms- fitted for purposes of a city lock-up. The second floor is arranged for the corporation use, in part for council room and mayor's ofifice, firemen's meeting^ room, and additional room for confining offenders. The upper floor contains a hall for general assemblage uses. The total cost of the building, according to the bid of George Lightheiser, was $8,900. The apparatus now in use by the village fire department consists of one Clapp & Jones's piston steamer, one jumper, one four-wheeled hose cart, and one hook and ladder truck. The department was first organized and managed in the same manner as the departments of many other towns and villages throughout the State, but in 1881, by an ordinance passed October 3, the whole underwent a material change. By this ordinance it was provided that the council should appoint a resident freeholder to enlist not less than fifteen, nor more than twenty-five men to act as hose-men ; not less than twenty-five and not more than forty men as engine-men ; not less than twenty nor more than forty men to act as hook and ladder-men ; also providing for the election, for each company, of one foreman, one first assistant, and one second assistant foreman. This ordinance met with some considerable opposition from the " fire lad- dies," and was modified somewhat to meet their wishes. The first engineer of the steamer was J. B. Reno, but he was soon succeeded by George Flenner, Next was Joseph Wheeler, who served until 1878, when James Shay was elected and has served to the present time. The first chief of the department History of Henry and Fulton Counties. was Oscar E. Barnes. The present officers of the Napoleon fire department are as follows : Chief engineer, Josiah Kohler ; first assistant, Jacob Brown ; second assistant, B. F. Pontius ; secretary, Joseph Kopp ; treasurer, J. M. Mar- tin ; engineer of steamer, James Shay. Education in Napoleon. In matters pertaining to education, and educational institutions, the town and subsequent village of Napoleon can furnish a record, which, for advance- ment and prosperity, has kept even step with the other of her institutions, from the founding of the town to the present day. The beginning, like that of the other branches, was, of course humble, but from it has grown an institu- tion that stands, not only an ornament, but an honor to the village and its resi- dents as well. The first place for the education of the youth of the town was a little log building, not, however, built for school purposes, that stood quite near Craig's old tavern. School was held here as early as 1837, and, for a time, was under the charge of Miss Mary Whipple. There is still living in Napo- leon, at least one person who attended Miss Whipple's school, at the age, then, of four years. This building, of course, was illy arranged for school use, but it was a be- ginning, and served the purpose until the building of a frame school-house that stood not far from the present court-house location. This is said to have been a one-story frame structure, not large, but sufficient for the times. A number of the older residents of the town went during their younger days to school there, among them Judge James G. Haly, and his wife, or she whom he after- ward married. Samuel Powell also attended this school. The teacher, about 1838, was a young man named Watson. He came from New York State. Then again, during the "fifties," another school was built in rear of what is now Bitzer's block, about where Mr. Bitzer's residence stands. This also was a one-story frame building, but in later years was changed materially, an ad- dition built two stories high, and a bell was provided to be placed in a belfry on its top, and "rung" with a rope. This building was destroyed in the ex- tensive fire that took place in the early part of November, 1869. From that time down to 1 871, or until the completion of the present elegant Union School building, the board of education hired several rooms in different places in the town. Prior to the year 1858 the town of Napoleon, or what then was known as the town, with surrounding territory, within prescribed limits, formed a part of ■school district number one of the township of Napoleon, and its schools were under the control and direction of the school directors of that township. On the 9th day of August, 1858, upon the petition ofT. S. C. Morrison, James G, Haly, J. A. Stout, John Powell, William Dodd and Justin H. Tyler, an elec- tion was held by which the question was submited to the electors whether a Henry County. 189 union school district should be created in the territory that had formerly formed a part of district number one of the township. The law authorizing this action was passed by the Legislature of Ohio, Feb- ruary 21, 1849, and was amended at the next session by a further act passed March 13, 1850, but it was not until the year 1858 that the people of Na- poleon availed themselves of its provisions. The vote upon the question resulted in forty- three ballots for, and three against the adoption of the pro- "visions of the law, and the subsequent organization of the town into a union school district. On the 20th day of August following the electors again met for the pur- pose of chosing six school directors, which resulted in the election of the fol- lowing persons : William Dodd, John Powell, J. A. Stout, W. J. Jackson, H. McHenry and Justin H. Tyler. These constituted the board of education. They met for organization and election of officers on the 21st day of August, at which meeting Justin H. Tyler was made president, John Powell, secretary, and W. J. Jackson, treasurer. They employed G. V. Bailey as teacher of the High School, at a salary of fifty dollars per month, and Misses S. S. Powell and H. E. Reynolds, also employed as teachers of the primary department at a salary of eighteen dollars per month each. ^ |The next year, 1859, S. L. Adams was employed as principal at a salary of forty dollars per month ; Miss Powell for the second department, at a salary of eighteen dollars per month, and Miss E. A. Craig for the third department, at a salary of sixteen dollars per month. In the year i860 the board materially increased the school facilities by the ■erection of a new building and enlarging the old. At a meeting of the board held March 7, 1865, it was unanimously agreed to purchase a certain tract of ground " lying south of the Methodist church, and joining the canal," and authorized J. E. Cowdrick to negotiate with Henry Yeager, the owner, for the purchase of the same at the price of four thousand dollars. By the incorporation of the village in 1863, the hmits of Napoleon, proper, were defined ; but by subsequent extensions of those limits, much more terri- tory was brought to the town, and as frequently as these changes have been made, just so frequently have the limits of the Union School district been en- larged, and they now run co-extensive with the village limits with some ex- ceptions, noticeably on the south side of the river, but it is hardly within the province of this brief sketch to pursue them in detail. By an extensive conflagration that occurred in November, 1869, the school- ■building of Napoleon was entirely destroyed. Upon the following day the board held a meeting, and engaged the house of Mrs. McCann, Craig's Hall, •and rooms over Wilson's store for school use until another school-house could be provided. In December, following, it was ordered that the board petition igo History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the Legislature for permission to issue bonds, upon the credit of the village, to- the extent not exceeding the sum of fifty thousand dollars, for the purpose of building a union school. This law was passed, whereupon the board entered into a contract with George Platfoot, of Toledo, for the erection proposed, ta be built on the lands that, in 1865, had been purchased from Henry Yeager.. In September, 1871, the building was completed and occupied. It was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies, the address upon that occasion being deliv- ered by Hon. John M. Haag, of Napoleon. The Napoleon Union School is a three story brick building, three stories- high, and with a mansard story and basement. Its interior is well arranged for its purpose, having four primary department rooms, including German, on the lower floor; three intermediate school- rooms, and one "C" grammar de- partment on the second floor; the " A " and "B " grammar rooms, with reci- tation rooms, on the third floor, while the large hall is arranged to be used for the high school department. The building stands on a desirable and large piece of land in the west part, of the village. It is a large and substantial appearing structure, entirely suffi- cient for the present wants of the place. The board of education, with com- mendable zeal, have succeeded in reducing the bonded indebtedness to about six thousand dollars, an amount that will be entirely paid within the next few years. This school is under the care of the following instructors : W. W. Weaver, superintendent ; J. F. Smith, principal ; Miss Fanny Godman, assistant princi- pal ; Mary E. Fanning, teacher of " A " grammar department; Alta Suydam,. "B" grammar department; Nettie Hibbard, "C" grammar department; Lalah Hague, "A" intermediate department; Hannah Peterson, "B" inter- mediate department ; Mary Ketring, " C " intermediate department ; Lena Miller, third primary ; Jennie Fouke, second primary ; Belle King, first pri- mary; Mr. C. F. Clement, teacher of German, which is limited to the fourth- grade. By an extension of the village limits, a considerable tract of land was acquired on the south side of the Maumee River, and which locality is now designated as South Napoleon. Its lands of course came within the jurisdic- tion of the board of education of the village ; but in 1879, upon a petition duly presented to them, the lands embraced within sections twenty-five, twenty-six,, thirty-five and thirty-six, were released to the jurisdiction, for school purposes, of the school directors of the township of Napoleon. The South Napoleon brick school-house was erected by the board of edu- cation, in the year 1884, at a total cost of $2,540. It has accommodations for nearly one hundred scholars; contains two school- rooms, each 24 by 28 feet in size, with a hall-way ten feet wide. The rooms for the school are situate one on the first, and one on the second floor. The teachers are Miss Mary E. Barnes and Miss Blanche Leonard. Henry County. 191 This furnishes a record, substantially, of the schools, past and present, of Napoleon, except the parochial school connected with St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, and its society, an account of which will be found in connec- tion with the sketch of that society. Much of the information upon which is written the sketch of the early schools of Napoleon, is derived from recollections of old residents of the town and vicinity, and it is possible that some inaccuracies in statement may be found ; on the whole, however, the record may be regarded as substantially correct. Churches of Napoleon. St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church and Parochial School. In the year 1856 Bishop Rappe visited this place, and found about eight Catholic families, whom he encouraged to build a little church. They were mostly poor people, who had large families to support by their daily labor, and could spend but ht- tle of their hard earnings in the cause of religion. However, a liberal- hearted Frenchman, Augustine Pilliod, took the matter in hand and, assisted by James Brennan, and with what little help he could get from the other families and some outside the church, put up a small frame building 24 by 30 feet in size, but for want of funds the church was not plastered until about 1858. When finished the church cost about $500, and Mr. Pilliod named it St. Augustine's Church, after his Christian name. The mission was then attended at certain times by the priest in charge at Defiance, in 1858, by Rev. F. Westerholt, and from 1859 to 1861 by Rev. A. J. Hoeffel. The care of it was then given to the priest of Providence, being attended from 1861 until July, 1863, by Rev. James P. Maloney, and from July, 1863, until September, 1864, by Rev. J. M. Pietz. In November, 1864, the congregation had considerably increased, and it received, in that year, its first resident pastor. Rev. P. J. Carroll, who had charge until 1868. Under his administration an addition, 24 by 25 feet, was built to the church, and also a tower erected in front, the latter being paid for by John H. Vocke ; he also built a little frame school-house, 26 by 36 feet in size. In 1865 he organized a Catholic school, which he placed in charge of his sister, Ellen Carroll, and since that time Napoleon has not been without a parochial school. Father Carroll was succeeded, in November, 1868, by Rev. N. A. Moes. Under his pastorate the Napoleon and Providence congregations, which for nine years had been attended by one priest, were separated, and each received a resident pastor. In October, 1870, Father Moes was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Michael Pietz, who found the church encumbered with a debt of about $1,100, about two-thirds of the value of its entire property. Under his min- istry the debt was paid and about $1,000 worth of furniture purchased. In the latter part of 1875 Father Pietz purchased the lot on which the present 192 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. church stands, at a cost of $4,000, and which was paid for in three years. In- 1878 a new school-house was built on the lot, and also a new house for the sisters. For more satisfactory educational facilities the school was placed in charge of the sisters of Notre Dame, Cleveland. In the year 1880 the congregation with the sanction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour of Cleveland, took the first steps toward the erection of the new and elegant church edifice. The committee chosen to share this labor and respon- sibility with the pastor, were H. H. Vocke, Fred F. Shoner, Michael Wirth,. Fred'k Fisher and Otto Honeck. According to their original intention the edi- fice was to cost not exceeding $15,000, but its actual cost reached something over $21,000. The work of building was let to various persons for the dif- ferent classes of work to be performed. The Gothic style of architecture was adopted, and the building was faithfully done, reflecting much credit on alt engaged in the work. The corner-stone was laid June 19, 188 1, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, assisted by Rev. N. A. Moes, Rev. J. B. Lung, Rev. James Christophany, Rev. Edward Hannin and the pastor. The church was formally dedicated with appropriate and impressive ceremonies, on the 17th of June,^ 1883. The interior compares favorably with the exterior in design and finish. It is well furnished and carpeted, and supplied with a fine pipe organ. The extreme height from the ground to the top of the cross is one hundred and seventy-five feet. The First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon was organized June 15, 1861, The congregation met for this purpose in the court house. Rev. E. B. Rafens- berger, one of the members of the committee of organization appointed by the Presbytery of Maumee, preaching the sermon. The text chosen for the occa- sion was the third verse of the third chapter of the prophecy by Amos; " Can two walk together except they be agreed ?" The committee of organization was composed of Revs. Rafensberger and D. L. Anderson. Many of the older members of the church and congregation have passed away, while some have gone to other places. The following is a complete list of members at the time of organization: James A. Parker, Rachel W. Parker, Rosana Steedman, Chrisiina Stout, Susanna D. McCann, Rebecca P. Steed- man, John Babcock, Rachel B. Tressler, Anna McWilliams, Harriet Cary, Sa- rah Durbin, Harriet Tyler, Margaret Tressler, Mary Babcock. With these members the church was organized in June, 1861. The society in its early existence met for worship in the court-house, the Episcopal Church edifice, and in the rooms in the Cary block, but feeling the need of a church home, resolved to build for its own use. When nearly completed the edifice was almost wholly destroyed by a severe storm, but the ruins were at once cleared away, and the erection of a neat and comfortable brick edifice was begun, and in due time completed on the same site, at the corner of Washington and Web- ster streets. The lot was donated to the society by Justin H. Tyler. Henry County. 193 The first pastor of the church was Rev. D. K. Richardson, chosen by the congregation in 1864. He was followed four years later, 1868, by Rev. Daniel Edgar. In 1871 Rev. J. P. Lloyd was called, and continued pastor in charge for a period of nine years. In 1882 the present pastor, Rev. Donahey, was called to the field. Prior to his call the church was supplied for about six months by a Mr. Abbey, a student under the care of the Presbytery of Mau- mee, but now a foreign missionary. The Methodist Episcopal Church. The early records of this church and its society are unknown to the people of the present day. Such written records as have been kept are at the seat of the conference district, and an effort to obtain accurate data concerning the early days of the church in Napoleon has proved fruitless. The early members are nearly all dead or gone from the locality, and those who came into lhe church later have a very imperfect rec- ollection of the matter. The early meetings of the society, however, were held at the court-house, the school-house, and in halls, and the church edifice at the corner of Washington and Webster streets, was erected somewhere between the years 1857 and 1861. The society is large, ranking about second or third in point of numbers in the village. It is impossible from such information as is at hand, to furnish a list of its pastors. The society is at present under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Bates. The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Church. This society was organized in Napoleon during the year 1856, and held its meetings in the court-house and other convenient places until the year 1867, when the church edifice on Monroe street was erected. Up to this time the church was a sup- ply station, having no resident pastor. The first supply pastor was Rev. A. W. Bergt, who organized the church, and to whom the credit therefor is mainly due. He was succeeded in 1864 by Rev. Paul Rupprecht, who was in charge until 1867, during which year the church edifice and pastor's residence was built. The first resident pastor came to the place in 1867, Rev. Karrer, who remained until 1871, and was then succeeded by Rev. L. Dulitz. The latter continued until 1883, a period of nearly thirteen years. The present pastor, Rev. W. L. Fisher, was then called and has since remained in charge, officiat- ing at this church and two missions outside the village. The society now in- cludes about seventy-five families, and the church membership reaches nearly two hundred and fifty persons. Connected with this church is a thriving par- ochial school, having an average attendance of about fifty scholars, and under the tutorship of Frank Firks. The society erected the school-house that is now occupied during the year 1885. The Evangelical Association Church. The mission of this association was organized at the conference of 1872, and placed under the charge as supply of Rev. Elisha Hoffman. The class at that time was composed of but nine per- 25 194 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. sons. Rev. Hoffman was assisted in 1873 by Rev. W. H. Ingle. In 1874 the commodious church edifice was completed and dedicated on the 12th day of April, of that year. It is situated on Clinton street, one block west from Perry street. Its cost was about ten thousand dollars. The pastors or supplies in charge of the mission (for being still partly sup- ported by the conference is still a mission) have been as follows: 1872-3-4^ Rev. Elisha Hoffman; 1875-6, Rev. A. W. Orwig; 1877-8, Rev. G. Miesse; 1879-80, Rev. S. P. Spreng; 1881-2, Rev. S. J. Gamertsfelder ; 1883, Rev. F. G. Stauffer; 1885, Isler M. Houser; 1886, Rev. E. M. Spreng, the latter being the present incumbent. This society is not large but is steadily increas- ing in numbers. The German Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel Church was formed during the year 1883, under the form of church government prescribed by the Ohio Synod. Among the early members of the society were Frederick Theek and family, Henry Rohrs and family, Frederick Soehnholtz and family, George Behrens and wife, August Hirseland and family, Theodore Suhr and family, H. C. Groeschner and family, George H. Rohrs and family, Otto Kuntzner and family, Ferdinand Roessing and wife, Henry Holterman and family, Mrs. Wues- tenfeldt and some others. Not all, however, of those above named are still connected with the church, some having moved to other places, while others, have withdrawn from the society. No church edifice has ever been erected, the society occupying the church formerly occupied by the society of the Protestant Episcopal church. The church was organized by Rev. Louis Dammann, who has been continued in pastoral charge to the present time. Of the other church societies that should be mentioned in connection with this chapter are those of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, and that of the United Brethren, the latter being located in South Napoleon. St. John's Church was organized many years ago and was among the first societies formed in the town. They built a neat chapel on Clinton street, west of Perry street, but the society was never large or particularly prosperous ; on the contrary, its membership decreased and finally the church was closed. The building still stands, however, and is now rented to the society of Emanuel Church. The United Brethren Church of South Napoleon is a comparatively new organization, whose house of worship was recently built. The society and membership are small, but are nobly struggling to retain an existence. Local Organizations, Societies and Orders. — Napoleon Lodge, No. 256, F. and A. M., was chartered October 25, 1855, with the following charter mem- bers, who were chosen its first officers, there being only sufficient members to perfect the organization : G. R. McBane, W. M.; D. M. McCann, S. W.; H. D. Taylor, J. W.; Julius Kellogg, treasurer; Harvey Allen, secretary; Will- Henry County. 195 iam J. Jackson, S. D.; Henry Seeling, J. D.; John McCartney, tyler. From "these original members the lodge has increased to about fifty'. The present officers are as follows: Samuel Bigger, W. M.; A. E. H. Maerker, S. W.; ■Oliver Higgins, J. W.; John Wilson, treasurer ; A. S. Condit, secretary ; S. Jacquay, S. D.; John Frease, J. D.; E. James, tyler; G. F. Curtis and John Hoy, stewards. Haly Chapter, R. A. M., No. 136, was chartered September 26, 1871, with the following members, who were chosen to the offices indicated : Jonathan D. Norton, M. E. H. P.; Charles E. Reynolds, capt. of host ; Henry E. Cary, Icing; James G. Haly, G. M. 3d vail; S. M. Hague, R. A. capt.; H. B. Lantz- enheizer, G. M. 2d vail; R. P. Osborn, P. S.; Samuel Bigger, scribe; L. G. Randall, G. M. ist vail ; A. Bridge, guard. Succession of most eminent high priests: Jonathan D. Norton, 1871-4; H. J. Bigley, 1874-6; J. D. Norton, 1876-8; S. M. Hellor, 1878-80; J. F. McCaskey, 1880-1 ; E. T. Martin, 1881-4; L. G. Randall, 1884-7. The chapter has a present membership of forty-one, and is officered as follows: E. T. Martin, H. P.; Samuel Bigger, king; J. V. Cuff, scribe; C. E. Reynolds, C. of H.; William Humphrey, P. S.; Seth Jacquay, R. A. capt.; F. O. Blair, G. M. of 3d vail ; William Brook, G. M. of 2d vail ; George Wright, G. M. of 1st vail; J. H. Frease, treasurer; George Dann, secretary ; Oliver Higgins, guard. Napoleon Lodge, No. 260, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 23, 1855, with charter members as follows : George W. Waterman, Robert K. Scott, Robert Boyle, Joseph Rogers, and Andrew J. Schofield. Its present officers are Otto A. Stuve, N. G.; Charles Van Hyning, V. G.; T. C. Clewell, secre- tary ; S. Martin, treasurer; D. Wilson, warden; James Emery, R. S. N. G.; A. J. Ulrich, L. S. N. G. Maumee Valley Enc, No. 177, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 8, 1870, with the following charter members : C. N. Smith, F. N. Powell, L. T. Calkins, David Wilson, John M. Shoemaker, Seth L. Curtis, and James W. Brown. This is not a strong organization, numbering at present but sixteen members. Its officers are as follows : Samuel C. Haag, C. P.; James G. Kitter, H. P.; Otto A. Stuve, S. W.; J. Y. Housell, J. W.; D. Wilson, scribe; A. Bradley, treasurer. Patriarchs MiUtant, Canton of Napoleon, No. 50, 1. O. O. F., was instituted by charter in June, 1887. The degree is new to Napoleon but not to the order. It has a membership of eighteen, and is officered as follows : T. C. Clewell, captain; J. P. Belknap, lieutenant; J. Y. Housell, ensign; S. C. Haag, clerk; David Wilson, accountant. Choate Post No. 66, G. A. R., so named in honor of Colonel William A. Choate, of the Thirty-eighth O. V. Inf., and formerly a prominent member of the Henry county bar, was organized by charter May 4, 1881. The charter members were L. G. Randall, Charles E. Reynolds, L. Y. Richards, Otto 196 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Honeck, Henry E. Gary, John M. Shoemaker, R. M. Cloud, J. P. Watson, H. H. Fast, A. S. Condit, G. H. Reeber, H. B. Powell, H. McHenry, M. J. Mar- vin, John Siford, James Shay, Frederick Yockee, E. B. Magill, F. M. Bascom, Abner Yeager, Levi Drummond, W. F. Balsley, Joseph Grim, Henry Lazenbe, and Charles Newton. The first officers were : Post Com. L. G. Randall ; S. V. Com., Otto Honeck; J. V. Com., L. Y. Richards; adjt., C. E. Reynolds; q. m., Henry E. Cary ; surg., John M. Shoemaker ; chaplain, R. M. Cloud ; officer of the day, J. P. Watson ; officer of the guard, H. H. Fast; sergt. maj., A. S. Condit; Q. M. sergt., George H. Reeber; aid, H. B. Powell. Comrade Randall held the office of post commander for three years, when he was succeeded by Comrade Reynolds. The membership of the post now reaches one hundred and sixty persons, officered as follows ; P. Com., C. E. Reynolds ; S. V. C, D. M. Jones; J. V. C, George Baum; adjt., Henry Kobe; Q. M., Henry E. Cary; chap., David Musser ; surg., John Bloomfield ; officer of day, Joseph Grim ; officer of guard, Samuel Martin ; Q. M. sergt, J. B. Hague ; aid, H. B. Powell. The post treasury has a relief fund aggregating seven hundred dollars. The Napoleon Light Guard, Company F Sixteenth Regiment Infantry, Ohio National Guard, was organized under the State military law, in the year 1877. Company F is fully equipped and armed, ready for use. At present it numbers seventy members, officered as follows: C. E. Reynolds, captain; F. W. Reiter, first lieutenant; A. E. Augenstein, second lieutenant; sergeants, W. L. Fouke, first; Julius B. Bernstein, W. N. Hess, C. H. Suydam; corpo- rals, William Hudson, James N. Putt, W. W. Lenert, Joseph Kopp, Joseph A. Musser; musician, Charles W. Jackson. Henry County Agricultural Joint Stock Fair Company. The fair company was incorporated in 1883, by J. C. Saur, Josiah Koller, Robert K. Scott, C. H. Gidley, Henry Rohrs, R. B. Heller, J. C. McLain and N. H. Hartman. Cap- ital stock, $10,000, divided into four hundred shares. The company's grounds embrace about thirty-eight acres of land, situate in South Napoleon. Annual premiums are offered averaging about $5,000. The officers are Josiah Koller, president; M. Reiser, vice president; O. Parker, treasurer; J. L. Halter, sec- retary; board of directors, the officers, ex- officio, and William Booher, C. F. Wilson, J. Brinckerman,G. W. Lester and H. Rohrs. The company is in the fifth year of its existence. Village Civil List. The following list of officers of the incorporated village of Napoleon is extracted from the Journal of Council Proceedings, and includes the names of such officers as were elected by the electors of the village from the date of incorporation: 1863. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler; recorder. Ransom E. Reynolds; George W. Waterman, Henry Kahlo, Daniel Yarnell and George Bogart, councilmen. 1864. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler; recorder. Ransom E. Reynolds; Henry Henry County. 197 Kahlo, John Sidlinger, George W. Waterman, David Honeck, George Bogart, councilman. 1865. Mayor, Asa H. Tyler; Frederick M. Daggett, recorder; John Thrapp, Henry D. Taylor, Daniel Honeck, David Hartman, James Brennan, councilmen. 1866. Mayor, Asa H. Tyler; Ransom T. Osborn, recorder; John M. Haag, John H. Vocke, Seth L. Curtis, William Ditmer, Harmon J. Tressler, councilmen. 1867. Mayor, Joseph R. Swigart; Charles M. Smith, recorder; Elisha B. Harrison, Daniel J. Humphrey, Edwin S. Blair, Henry Lantzenheiser, Joseph A. Stout, councilmen. 1868. Mayor, Joseph R. Swigart; Thomas R. Carroll, recorder; Joseph A. Stout, Edwin S. Blair, Henry D. Lantzenheiser, Lyman Trowbridge, John Theisen, councilmen. 1869. Mayor, John L. Robertson; M. E. Heller, recorder; John M. Haag, Oscar E. Barnes, Frederick Theek, John M. Shoemaker, John H. Vocke, councilmen. 1870. Mayor, Justin H.Tyler; Henry Westervelt, clerk (name changed from recorder); Henry B. Lantzenheiser, Henry Rafif, John Wilson, Henry E. Cary, J. W. Brown, Joseph Vocke, councilmen; C. B. Waters, marshal. 1871. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler; Henry Westervelt, clerk; Elijah B. Bel- den, John Kuntz, Joseph L. Robertson, councilmen elected; street commis- sioner, Samuel J. Roche. 1872. Mayor, William A. Tressler; marshal, Orrin A. Parker; treasurer, Jesse D. Norton; clerk, Henry Westervelt; councilmen, Charles M.Smith, Seth L. Curtis, John Theisen, David W. Shoemaker. 1873. Mayor, William A. Tressler; David Meekison, clerk ; D. W. Shoe- maker, Leverett G. Randall, David Wilson, councilmen elected. 1874. Mayor, Benjamin E. Sheldon; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; treas- urer, Jesse D. Norton ; Albert M. Wright, David D. TurnbuU, Samuel Biggar, councilmen elected. 1875. Mayor, Benjamin E. Shelden ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein; street commissioner, John Sullivan ; Henry E. Cary, John Theisen, Matt. Reiser, councilmen elected. 1876. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein; marshal, D. M. Jones ; treasurer, Daniel J. Humphrey ; Oscar E. Barnes, Frederick Al- ler, Leverett G. Randall, councilmen elected. 1877. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell ; Henry E. Carey, Matt Reiser, George Daum, councilmen elected ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstien. 1878. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell; councilmen elected, Frederick F. Shoner, Albert Bradley, Oscar E. Barnes ; J. B. Augenstein, clerk ; Daniel J. Humphrey, treasurer ; David M. Jones, marshal. 198 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. 1879. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell ; Jacob M. Augenstein, clerk ; coun- cilmen elected, Henry E. Gary, Henry Rohrs, Matt. Reiser; street commis- sioner, John Langdon. 1880. Mayor, John M. Shoemaker; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein; coun- cilmen elected, William J. OverhuUs, George Daum, Frederick Aller; treas- urer, Daniel J. Humphrey ; marshal, William A. Tressler. 1881. Mayor, John M. Shoemaker; clerk, Jacob Augenstien ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess ; councilmen eleeted, Asa H. Tyler Otto Honeck, Nathaniel McCoUey. 1882. Mayor, John M. Hagg; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; treasurer, Jo- seph B. Vocke ; marshal, John D. Ritter; councilmen elected, Andrew Jack- son Sagers, Henry A. Meyerholtz, Edward Brown. 1883. Mayor, John M. Hagg; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein; street com- missioner, Daniel Hess; councilmen elect, David Meekison, Orrin Parker, Geo. Hahn. 1884. Mayor, William A. Tressler ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; marshal, John D. Ritter ; treasurer, Joseph B. Vocke ; councilmen elected, Joseph Schoff, Lu- ther L. Orwig, William Tietjen. 1885. Mayor, William A. Tressler; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; street com- missioner, Joseph Grim ; councilmen elected, John Withers, Lemuel Fellers, Oscar E. Barnes. 1886. Mayor, John Theisen ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; marshal, S. 0. Rake- straw ; treasurer, Oliver Higgins ; councilmen elected, Richard W. Cahill, Matt. Reiser, Ferdinand Roessing. 1887. Mayor, John Theisen; clerk, Edwid C. Dodd ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess; councilmen elected, James Donovan, Henry Halterman, Jerome Martin. Present Municipal Officers. — Mayor, John Theisen, salary, $100; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd, salary, $240 ; treasurer, Oliver Higgins, fee office ; marshal, S. O. Rakestraw, salary, $1.50 per day ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess, salary per diem allowance ; councilmen, Richard W. Cahill, James Donovan, Henry Halterman, Matthias Reiser, Jerome Martin, Ferdinand Rogssing (not salaried.) Committees of the council, finance, Cahill, Roessing and Donovan. Fire department, Martin, Roessing and Reiser. Sewers, Donovan, Martin and Halterman. Sanitary, Reiser, Halterman and Cahill. Streets and sidewalks, Halterman, Martin and Donovan. Purchasing, Roessing, Cahill and Reiser. Henry County. 199. CHAPTER XVII. HISTORY OF BARTLOW TOWNSHIP. THIS, original number three in range five, is the youngest in the sisterhood of townships, and is situated in the southeast corner of the county where Henry, Wood, Hancock 'and Putnam join. It was not organized until 1854, at which time there were not enough electors living on the territory to fill the township offices, and it became necessary at the first election, which was held on a pile of railroad ties, for one person to assume the duties of sev- eral official positions. There was not much electioneering, politicians were not in demand, and no charges of bribery or corruption were made. The township was named in honor of Cornelius Bartlow, who located on section thirty-six, where he still lives, in 1851, and was the first settler in the township, it at that time being a part of Richfield. From the duplicate of 1855, the first upon which Bartlow appears as an independent organization, we learn that there were at that time but four resi- dent taxpayers, namely : Cornelius Bartlow, Jesse Bensley, James F. Russell, Jonathan W. Vanscoyoc, who, with the Dayton & Michigan Railroad, paid taxes on personal property valued at $1,331. There were 22,429^ acres of land valued at $28,874 listed for taxation, and the total tax paid was $488.12. A contrast may as well be drawn here. The duphcate of 1887 shows 21- 633 acres of land valued at $152,930, the number of acres having been reduced by railroad right-of-ways and town plats. The chattel property is assessed at $123,450, and the tax paid aggregates $8,207.98. The population in i860- was only thirty-two (32) ; in 1870 it had reached one hundred and twenty-six (126) ; in 1880 it amounted to eighteen hundred and sixteen (1816), and must at present be at least twenty-five hundred (2500). There are seven school- houses, in addition to the graded one at Deshler. Many causes contributed to retard the improvement and development of this township: (i) It was the only part of the county that formed a part of the actual "Black Swamp," and it was indeed a swamp — low, flat, wet, no outlet of any kind for the water which covered the whole surface, and timber and underbrush, and all kinds of wild vegetable growth, made it a place where indeed "beasts with man divided empire claimed," and to the first settler may well be appHed the words of Moore : " His path was rugged and sore, Through tangled juniper, beds of reeds, Through many a fen, where the serpent feeds. And man never trod before." (2) Nine-tenths of the land was owned by non-residents of the county. The late John G. Deshler, of Columbus, himself owned about one-fourth of the 200 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. township ; these lands were held for speculation, and were not for sale. (3) There were no roads nor access to market. (4) There were plenty of more desirable and eligibly located lands to be had at a cheap price. The construction of the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, which enters the township on the east near the half section line of section twelve, running south- westerly and leaving near the middle of section thirty-four on the south, was the first break made in the wilderness. The construction of this road necessi- tated drainage, but it was very superficial. A large reservoir was constructed at the place where Deshler now stands, and the surface water drained into it through Brush Creek, and became a main watering place for the railroad. The real improvement of Bartlow began with the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway in 1869. A frame building was erected and a supply store for the contractors and employees opened at the reservoir, and the D. and M. then made that place a regular station, giving it the name of Alma. The B. and O. enters the township near the middle of section twenty- four and runs in a northwestern direction, leaving at the northwest corner of section eighteen. The Deshler and McComb Railroad runs through sections thirty-six and twen- ty-five, terminating at Deshler in section twenty-three. The West Branch of Beaver Creek, Hammer Creek, Beaver Creek, Brush Creek, all cleaned out, widened and deepened, and surface and underground, together with the railroad ditches, affords good and sufficient drainage ; and fair roads are now constructed to almost every part of the township. The Village of Deshler. This is the only town in the township. It was so named in recognition of John G. Deshler, the large land owner already referred to, but was laid out and platted by Frederick H. Short for himself and as trustees for a syndicate com- posed of Daniel McLane, Stephen S. L'Hommedieu, William Beckett, William E. Boven, Theodore Stanwood, John W. Hartwell, and John G. Deshler. The plat was recorded August 23, 1873. It is located in the southeast corner of section twenty- three, and the southwest corner of section twenty- four. It con- sists of two hundred lots, twenty out lots, and two public squares. North, Plum, Elm, Maple, Main, Mulberry, and Walnut streets, and five alleys, run east and west ; Wood, Vine, Park, East, Lind streets, Keyser avenue and four alleys run east and west. On the 8th of February, 1875, Silas D. Stearnes, Justus Stearnes, and Josiah H. Stearnes platted an addition in the north side of the southwest quarter of section twenty-four, east of the D. & M. Railrord, and on both sides of the B. & O. Railway. North, Plum, Elm, Maple, Main, and Mulberry streets were continued and Short street added, running east ; East and Lind streets were continued, and Ash and Oak added, running north ; Water, Holmes, and Bart- low streets and four alleys run southeast, and Stearnes avenue, Pine, Beach, Henry County. 20 r Sycamore, and Butternut streets, with five alleys, run northwest. One square is dedicated to the public. On the 1 8th of September, 1875, Short, for himself and as trustee, as already mentioned, added addition to the village embracing eighteen of the out lots in the original plat, the part of the northeast quarter of section twenty- three not before: platted, eighty acres in the northwest quarter of section twenty-three, fifteen, and a half acres in the southwest quarter of section twenty-three, thirty-five acres in the southeast quarter of the same section, forty-nine acres in the south- east quarter, and seven acres in the southwest quarter of section fourteen. -The addition was on both sides of the B. & O. Railway. It continued North, Plum, Elm, Maple, Main, and Mulberry streets, with the alleys on the north side of the railway, and continued Walnut, and added South, Buckeye, Marion, and Harrison, running east and west, on the south of the railway. It also con- tinued Keyser avenue, Park, Vine, and Wood streets, and alleys, and added Washington, Chestnut, and Deshler streets, running north and south. The incorporation of the village was perfected on the 30th day of April, 1876. It has now a population of about fourteen hundred ; maintains a fire department, is grading and improving its streets, sidewalks, etc. It has a fine $5,000 brick school building, and an excellent graded school is taught nine months in the year. A Methodist Episcopal brick church, a Roman Catholic frame church, and a Free Methodist frame church furnish sufficient places for worship. The Deshler Flag, a five-column quarto weekly journal, is pub- lished here. There is also a machine shop and foundry. One of the most extensive stave factories in northwestern Ohio is owned and operated by Mr. A. W. Lee. A large saw-mill, owned by Messrs. Ball and Smith, has a capacity of 35, 000 feet per day, and turns out annually 2,000,000 feet of sycamore lumber, used almost entirely for tobacco boxes, besides a large amount of ash, oak, and hick- ory for domestic and shipping purposes. Heidelbach Brothers are manufac- turing tobacco boxes, and deal in lumber, sash, doors, etc., on an extensive scale. Mitchell & Widdner are the proprietors of the Deshler brick and tile works, an industry which is assuming large proportions. Through the enter- prise of Mr. Mace Baer, a large brick block has been erected within the last two years. The citizens are energetic and enterprising. When we glance back and see the wonderful changes and transformations which have taken place within so few years, eastern fable assumes a shade of plausibility, and Aladdin's lamp seems a possibility. William Hubbard, when editor of the Northwest, in appreciation of the wonderful improvement, and partly joking Tontogany, a village in Wood county, wrote the following fable, which is worth preserving : 26 202 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. THE OLD TIME AND THE NEW. BY A FROG AND AN OWL. There was a great big Frog, and he Sat on a great big log, and he Croaked thus ; " I'm old Mahogany, " First settler at Tontogany ! " Boola-ba-lum ! — Lum ! — Lum ! " Boola-ba-lum ! — Lum ! — m ! — m ! " I've seen a ' settler ' shiver and shake, Until I thought his liver would break ! Then bitters and barks ' endivver ' to take, And gag, and ' hid-je-ous ' faces make ! " I've known the fog so thick at night You'd get from your candlewick no light ; But stir the air with a stick, you might. And the smell it would make you sick outright. " The doctor he kept a mercury can. And found the practice hard work for a man ; But feeling your pulse with a jerk, he ran To measure your calomel out in a pan ! " The sick were as ten to one viell, you know, And the well one a doctor would tell to ' Go ! ' For daddy and mamma is awful low, ' And you'll find our house by the cow-bell, O !' " The doctor behind him fastened a boat, A life-preserver tied round his throat, And with rubber pants and vest and coat, He i\'as ready to ride, or row, or float ! "If an old she-bear didn't cross his way. Or a catamount ' chaw him up ' for prey. He would reach the house by break of day. And onthe road home would whistle for pay !" Thus spoke the old bull-frog, and he Dodged under his slippery log, then he Croaked out : " Good-bye, Tontogany ! ■" You'll see no more of Mahogany ! " Boola-ba-lum ! — Lum ! — Lum! , " Ker-chug !" There was an owl perched on a tree ; She oped her eyes that she might see — She wondered what in the world could be The cause of the croak at Tontogany. " Too-hoot !— To-hoot !— To-hoo ! " To-hoot ! — To hoot ! — To-hoo-oo-oo ! "^No 'fevernagur ' now is near, Nor barks nor bitters are wanted here — The fog is gone and the sky is clear. And health has reigned for many a year. Henry County. 203 " The doctor has sold his mercury can, He keeps no more a calomel pan, His life-preserver was ' bought by a man,' And he made of his boat a bin for bran. "A thousand channels are digged, you see, Our rich, wild lands from water are, free ; And the rivulets ripple and roll in glee To swell the waves of the broad Maumee. " The she-bear and her cubs are gone — The wolves died howling one by one, To the crack of the settler's deadly gun, When the day was past and the chopping done. " Let croakers such as Mahogany, Do just as did that frog, when he Went under the slippery log, and he Said ' Good-bye, old Tontogany ! ' Boola-ba-lum ! — Lum !■ — m !-! ' Ker-chug ! " The old time's past — to-hoot ! — to-hoo oo ! We welcome now the new !" CHAPTER XVIII. HISTORY OF DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP. IT would appear tha.t the biography of a middle aged man could be easily written, and the information obtainable from one person. So should the his- tory of a county, young as that of Henry, be accurately and speedily compiled. We are, however, confronted with a mountain of difficulties seemingly insur- mountable. The smoke of the element, to the music of which Nero is said to have kept time with his fiddle, has obscured the early foot-prints ; ignorance has made no record, and when made carelessness has permitted it to be de- stroyed. Unlike an old settled county one generation has not stepped into the tracks of its predecessor, and tradition preserved the record ; but like the Toltecs and the Aztecs, the successor has inherited no history of its predeces- sor, and it is only from a few landmarks and the [impaired recollection of a very few of the remaining members of the original tribe of Abraham that we are enabled to gather a few recollections worth preserving and embalming in print. Three Stages of Civilization. We find three types of civilization as having existed here. Pioneer is rather a misnomer for the first, as he came not as a settler, removed but few obstruc- 204 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. tions, and cleared a very narrow way for those who were to follow; he was rather an adventurer, restless in civilization and happy only in the solitude of wild nature ; the rifle and the dog were his companions, and the fruit of the hunt and trap his only means of support. Very little improvement was made by this type ; a small corn and truck patch was cleared, and a rude log cabin •erected, but the immense forests remained comparatively undisturbed. He was followed by the man with the ax, and in his footsteps came the saw-mill. This was the timbering period, and the giants of the forest fell rapidly before the woodman's ax. The monster oaks were felled, hewed, sleded to the Mau- mee, rafted to Toledo, thence on vessels to Montreal and Quebec, and then to Liverpool, England, where they were converted into vessels. The walnut, ash and poplar were converted into lumber and shipped to Eastern markets. The soft wood has become valuable only in late years and since the advent of the stave factory and hoop maker. With the lumbermen came many who re- mained, and accompanied or followed by others in search of cheap homes. These with their descendants, eastern arrivals and foreign immigration make up the present population and civilization. Civil Organization. Damascus township was organized as a voting precinct in 1823, included the whole of what was then Henry county, with the voting place at Independ- ence, now in Defiance county. As time advanced improvements multiplied and population increased, new civil townships were formed, until Damascus is at present limited to the original government-surveyed township No. Five, north of range eight, east, minus so much as lies north of the Maumee River, and forms part of Washington township, being sections i and 6, the most of 5 and 7, and parts of three and 4. It is, of course, bounded on the north by the Maumee, on the east by Wood county, on the south by Richfield, and on the west by Harrison township. In 1840, when its territory, divided with Rich- field and Flat Rock, embraced all of the county south of the river, it had a pop- ulation of only 489. In i860, reduced to its present dimensions, it contained 761 souls, which in 1870 had increased to 1,179, this grew to 1,415 in 1880, and at present, estimating from the voting population and including the village of McClure, which has sprung up since, must number not less than 2,000 persons. Topography. The township, in common with the county, is very level, or rather flat. It is, however, easily drained into the several natural water courses which run through the township, emptying into the Maumee. The south branch of Turkey Foot, the main creek south of the Maumee, enters the township in the southwest quarter of section nineteen, running north- Henry County. 205 easterly through sections nineteen, eighteen and seventeen and emptying into the river in the west half of section eight. Lick Creek starts in the southwest cor- ner of section twenty-nine, also running in a northeasterly direction until it reaches the river in the northwest corner of section three, a fragment of which lies south of the river. The east branch of this creek commences in the south- west corner of section sixteen, uniting with the main creek in the southeast corner of section nine. Big Creek starts in the southwest quarter of section thirty-four, running south, tending slightly to the east, through sections twen- ty-seven, twenty-two, fifteen and eleven, reaching the river in the southwest quarter of the latter section. The channels of these creeks have been greatly improved by widening and deepening, and with the system of artificial drain- age, both surface and under-ground tiling, completety drain the township, which is now one of the best improved and most productive in the county, the soil being mainly black alluvium and its fertility seemingly inexhaustible. The Coldwater, Mansfield and Lake Michigan Railroad is located through the township, its road commencing at the east side of the southwest quarter of section twenty-five and running in a southwestern direction through sections twenty- five, twenty- six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty and nineteen. The "Narrow Guage," now converted into a standard, and known as the "Clover Leaf " route, also runs through the township, entering on the east line at the northeast corner of section thirteen and running diagonally through the township, southwesterly to the southwest corner of section thirty-one. It crosses the road bed of the C. M. & L. M. Railroad, in the northeast quarter of section twenty-eight. The location of the railroads, and especially the con- struction of the narrow guage, gave birth to the Village of McClure. This, the only village in the township, was laid out and platted into town lots by John McClure, and entered of record in the ofiice of the recorder of Henry County, April 15, 1880, and is situated "in the northeast part of the northeast quarter of section twenty-eight," on the line of the Delphos and To- ledo (narrow guage) Railroad. The original plat was 711 feet square and was divided into twenty-eight lots, including the depot grounds. On the 7th day of February, 1881, Mr. McClure added an addition of thirty- two lots on the south of the town, increasing the number of lots to sixty. April 7, 1881, Da- vid Foltz platted an addition of six lots to the east side of the town, and August 26, 1 88 1, added another addition of four lots on the south of the town. Oc- tober 19, 188 1, J. G. Markley's addition of twenty- four lots was added to the north of the town. Sept. 23, 1881, Mr. McClure added his second addition of twenty-six lots on the west of his first addition. Sept. 5, 1882, Ammond Smith platted an addition of five lots to the west of McClure's second addition. April 10, 1885, J. G. Markley added a second addition of sixteen lots on the iwest of his first addition. 2o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The village was incorporated in 1886, and the plat admitted to record on- the loth day of August of that year. The first substantial building erected in the village was in 1880, on lot fif- teen on the original plat, by Thomas W. Durbin, who for a number of years- had been merchandising at Texas, in Washington township. The building is- a two- story frame, one hundred and thirty feet deep, and twenty- two feet wide. A general mercantile business is carried on by the "Durbin boys" — Dickin- son, Charles and Clark, sons of the proprietor. The same year Andrew John- son erected a commodious hotel ; the year following the Rowland brothers put up an elevator and also a store-room ; following were the Counselman broth- ers with still another store ; then xame the stave factory, planing-mill, etc. The town at present contains a population of five hundred, has a post, express and telegraph office, one church, a large two-story school-house, three general stores, one drug store, a hardware store, saw-mill, stave factory, planing-mill,, and the various mechanical artisans. Gas and oil have lately been struck,, mains and pipes have been laid, and the town is now heated and lighted by the natural vapor. Early Settlers. In 1837 there were but three hundred and eighty-five acres of land in what is now Damascus township, on the duplicate for taxation, and it was a number of years after that date before settlement commenced. John Savage was, per- haps, one of the very first actual settlers ; Abraham Snyder came from Vir- ginia in 1840, but first settled in Washington, at that time called Myo town- ship; James Reid came in 1843 ; James Fiser, also from Virginia, came the same year ; Samuel Domer in 1849, and Solomon Domer the year following; Milton Jennings came in 1851; Jacob Beaver was one of the early settlers ; William Bell, Philip W. Counselman, the Shepard family, John M. McClure, John Foltz, John C. McLain, may be mentioned among the pioneers to whom is due the credit of converting the forests of Damascus into a garden. Present Condition. — Not less than three fourths of the lands of this town- ship were under a high state of cultivation, worth from $25 to $85 per acre- The township is well ditched, has good roads on almost every section line ; its residences and farm buildings are surpassed by few localities, and it has more churches and school-houses than any other township in the county, or, in fact, in most any other county. Its population is very moral, sober and industri- ous, in fact a more desirable community or better county in which to live, will be hard to find. Damascus township presents several sad examples from which the farmer- and agriculturist should profit. Several of her pioneer and best to do farmers who purchased government lands at a low price in the early days of the county, settled in the wilderness, and patiently enduring all hardships and deprivations,. Henry County. 207 -were in their old age induced by their boys, who had become fascinated with town Hfe, or felt too proud to farm, to sell their hard earned homes, now valu- able, and remove to the neighboring town and engage in merchandising, a business of which neither they or their boys knew anything. In discussing the reasons why so many of the boys born and bred on farms, become dissatisfied with rural life, and why so few follow the occupation at which their fathers had won success, there is one that is too little considered. Most of these young men expect some day to marry, and seeing how hard a time their mothers usually have, are properly unwilling to oblige the girls they love to assume such arduous responsibilities. In fact, they cannot oblige a girl to become a farmer's wife if they would. The time for such obligation has not yet come, and in ninety- nine cases out of one hundred, ambitious girls, who like a man well enough for himself, suppress their feelings and give him the go-by, if this be the prospect in life that he holds out " for better or for worse." It is, unfortunately, not altogether a prejudice that thus influences young wo- men against the farm, or rather it is the natural prejudgment of their own fate from the facts in farmers' wives' experiences with which they are themselves familiar. Undoubtedly the greatest improvement in farming life now needed con- sists in greater comforts and conveniences for farmers' wives. The farmer him- self has all sorts of labor-saving machinery. The wife often has to do with only the same conveniences provided for her mother and grandmother before her. As social duties become more exacting her time and leisure are less than formerly. Children on the farm do not " rough it " as much as they used to. Just all the difference in their appearance marks so much the greater care thrown upon the mother. It is more difficult than formerly to get good help in the house in the country. Girls who work in private families prefer city life. They, too, had rather find a beau among the young men in some city avoca- tion than on a farm. Now, as far as possible, a farmer should make his wife's work proportionately as easy as his own, or he .should quit the business if sat- isfied that this cannot be done. Usually the hardest jobs in the house may be saved by a little timely thoughtfulness on the part of the husband and men folks. Having a good supply of wood or other fuel in a convenient place ought to be a requirement from every housewife. So, too, should good hard and soft water convenient for use. Many steps may be saved by constructing sewage drains to convey slops from the house. This drain should terminate in some receptacle at a distance from the house, which, kept disinfected, will more than pay its way in providing fertilizers for the farm. It is presumed that most farmers' wives have sewing machines. They are as great help in the house as mowers and harvesters are on the farm, and rnay be used many more days in the year. The ice-house and creamery should be maintained wherever a cow is kept. They make a great saving in the labor of 2o8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. caring for milk, and are besides well worth their cost in making more and better butter than by the old laborious methods. The ice-cold milk from the creamer is an excellent drink for hard working men. With every particle of cream re- moved it is as nutritious as it ever was, and its coolness, combined with nutri- tion, makes it valuable for a drink to men in the hay and harvest fields. Then,, too, with plenty of ice it is easy to have ice cream easily, made cheaply and better than nine-tenths of what is sold in cities. With beautiful home-grown flowers in the dooryard, and perhaps a green-house for them in winter, the farmer's wife need ask no odds of her city sisters with equal wealth in the pleasures and refinements of life which each may enjoy. The trouble with most farmers is that they do not make the most of little things where they can easily and cheaply increase the comforts and luxuries of life. Lacking these they look with greater envy on the supposed advantages of city residents, and of course become discontented and unhappy. If farmers asked the advice of their wives more than they do about household arrange- ments, and gave them their way in these, they would find the comforts of their homes greatly increased thereby. Perhaps then their sons, whom they hope to leave as prosperous farmers, would not be deterred from their father's busi- ness by their inability to find lovable and intelligent young women willing tO' share such a life with them. CHAPTER XIX. HISTORY OP FLAT ROCK TOWNSHIP.i IN the year 1833, about September, my parents (Jared and Susanna Scofield)' left Delaware county, N. Y., for the Maumee Valley. We boarded a canal boat at Utica, N. Y., on the Erie Canal, which took us to Buffalo; thence by sail up Lake Erie. After a tedious journey of several days we arrived at a place- called Portland (now Sandusky City) east of the mouth of Sandusky River ; thence by wagon to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont); thence across to Perrys- burg, through what was then called the Black Swamp, which, indeed, was prop- erly named. The road is now macadamized, but then was black swamp the entire distance. I recollect one day our progress was so slow that we did not get far enough to find a place to stay over night without camping in the mud and water, and we were without horse feed. We left the wagons, went back and stayed at the place we had stayed the night before. After this tedious 1 Written and contributed for this volume by James E. Scofield, a, pioneer of the Maumee Valley, from personal recollections, records, and information derived from other early settlers. ^ tTCv;^:^^^^ Henry County. 209 journey of several days (thirty-one miles) we arrived at Perrysburg, there forded the Maumee River, and went up the north bank to Providence. There we camped in a log cabin, without floor or windows, and allowed the teams to return to their homes in Portland. Our emigrant train consisted of father, mother and seven children, four boys and three girls, and grandmother ; also Uncle and Aunt Lucinda Morse (mother's sister), with two children, a boy and a girl. My father went pro- specting (being some acquainted with the country from a visit here the year before) with his neice and her husband, Joseph Heath, who also located here in the spring of the same year, on the north bank of the river, opposite Girty's Island. The remainder of the family remained in camp in regular Indian style, hunting and fishing. Game and fish were plenty. Upon my father's return, after an absence of a week, we broke camp and embarked on a double pirogue, which consisted of two huge trees being dugout in proper shape, with reason- ably thin sides and bottom to make them light as possible, and yet substantial enough to endure some hardships, then laid side by side matched together and caulked in the seam to prevent leaking. Then " wales " were added around the top of the sides for poling, or propelling purposes. I believe they had a name for the craft to designate it from a pirogue, which is one huge tree dug out like a canoe. Thus equipped, and under command of Captain Carver, we weighed anchor and glided up the placid Maumee, using poles for power, and arrived late in the evening of the same day at Girty's Island, and the residence of Joseph Heath, before mentioned. All the parties were mutually acquainted in the State of New York. In this neighborhood I have resided since. On coming up the river a fine buck was seen swimming across at some distance above us. Uncle Orrin being anxious to have the first deer made a shot, at a long distance, but failed to hit him. Shortly after when nearer, father made a better shot, killing the deer. Upon arriving at the spot, the water being shallow and full of grass, the deer did not sink but was easily pulled into the boat. This was our first venison captured in Ohio, or perhaps any other place. It is my first recollec- tion of venison. At this time (about October, 1833) Napoleon was not known. Not a tree was cut. The branches of trees hung over the banks of the river on either side all the way up, and indeed, all the way to Defiance, and also Fort Wayne, Ind. Now and then were observed small clearings, one of which was that of John Patrick, (a pioneer of 1824) three miles east of Napoleon. Another owned by widow Buckhn, near the mouth of Turkey Foot Creek; Mr. Gunn's, at Prairie du Masque; Samuel Bowers's about one mile west, and Elisha Scrib- ner's, off the river farther north. The next clearing west of John Patrick was that of Elijah Gunn, a pioneer of 1826, at Girty's Point, opposite of the east end of Girty's Island, in (now) Flat Rock township; then Joseph Heath's, op- 27 2IO History of Henry and Fulton Counties. posite the west end of the island, on the north bank of the river. On the south bank were Reuben Wait and Amos Cole. The three last named families- were pioneers of 1833. Then came John Lowry's plan, up near Snake Town, formerly an Indian town on the south bank, opposite the (now) town of Florida; then John Carver, at Snake Town. William Hunter's inn, or hotel, was a double log cabin on the north bank (now Florida); Thomas Brown lived a half mile east ; William Bowen, who afterward laid out the town of Florida, lived on his land. He had a small clearing, as also had Mr. Hunter and Mr. Brown. The next clearing, west of Florida, was that of Richard Grimes, on the north side of the river and a little back (now the residence of Dr. Gibbons Parry). The next on the river bank, in succession, now in Richland township, Defiance county, were Mr. Tuttle, Samuel Rohn, Dr. Jonathan Evans, Hively, Isaac Brancher and Pierce Evans (near Defiance). On the south bank were Dr. J. L. Watkins (in now Flat Rock), Graves (now Richland) and Samuel Kep- ler. Then Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Au Glaize and Maumee Rivers. Township Organization — Election Records. Flat Rock township was organized on the 23d day of May, 1835. The records show the election of its first officers of that date. William Bowen and Samuel Rohn were judges, and Jared Scofield and Amos Cole, clerks of elec- tion. The book shows ten votes polled. Amos Cole was elected justice of the peace; John L. Watkins, Richard Grimes and Jared Scofield, trustees; Joseph Heath, clerk and constable; William Bowen and George Lowry, overseers of the poor; John Lowry and Jesse King, fence viewers; John L. Watkins and Elijah Gunn, road supervisors. June 22, 1835. Trustees met and divided the township into school dis- tricts. Number three included Pleasant township and Marion and Monroe, if they had any -inhabitants. The records do not show when these townships were detached, neither do they show how Richland and Flat Rock were to- gether, but from memory (as a boy fifteen years old), the election was held on the bank of the river, on the territory now of Richland, using a hat for the ballot box. Some of the voters lived there then, and since to time of their decease. The first State and county election was held October 13, 1835. John L. Watkins, Jared Scofield and Richard Grimes were the judges, and Samuel Rohn and William Wait, clerks of said election. Patrick G. Good received eight votes for senator, Stacy Taylor five, John E. Hunt, five, and John C. Spink, three; Samuel Marshal had five votes for representative; for county commissioner, Amos Cole had thirteen, Isaac Brancher, ten, and Jonathan Mead, eight votes; for surveyor, John L. Watkins had ten, and Frederick Lord two; for sheriff, Samuel Bowers had thirteen; for coroner, William Bowers had thirteen; for auditor, Hazael Strong had thirteen; for recorder, John N. Henry County. 211 Evans had thirteen; for prosecuting attorney, Frederick Lord had four; for treasurer, Israel Wait had twelve, and for county assessor, Willis Wait had thirteen votes. The first settlement with township officers was held March 7, 1836. Trus- tees present, John L. Watkins, Jared Scofield and Richard Grimes. The next township election was held April 4, 1836. Jared Scofield, John L. Watkins and Richard Grimes were judges, and Joseph Heath and Reuben Wait, clerks. Reuben Wait, Jared Scofield and Richard Grimes were elected trustees, and Joseph Heath clerk. The following October my father, Jared Scofield, died, which ended his further action in developing this, then, wilderness. The second State and county election was held October 11, 1836, with twenty-four electors present. For governor, Joseph Vance had seventeen votes, and Eli Baldwin seven; for congress, Patrick G. Good had seventeen, and James Brown seven; for representative in State legislature, John Holister had seventeen votes, and Amos Evans seven ; for county commissioner, John Pat- rick had twenty-four votes ; for recorder, Hazael Strong had eighteen votes, and John Glass six. From this record it would seem that the Whigs were in the ascendancy. (A much different state of affairs now exists.) From my recol- lection the persons receiving the larger number of votes were all Whigs. The Democratic majority over the RepubHcans will run an even hundred, and per- haps a little more at this time (1887). The next township election was held April 3, 1837. Sixteen electors were present. Reuben Wait, Richard Grimes and Jesse King were elected trustees ; Joseph A. Brewer, clerk; William Bowen, treasurer; for school examiner, Wm. C. Brownell had fifteen votes, Isaac P. Whipple sixteen, and Reuben sixteen. The record does not show how the tie vote was settled. The next State and county election was held October 10, 1837, w'^h thirty-two electors present. For State senator, John Patterson had twenty-one votes, and Curtis Bates eleven; for representative, George W. Crawford had twenty-one, and Parley Carlan eleven ; for county commissioners, Isaac Brancher had twenty- two, and James Magill eight; for treasurer, Israel Wait had twenty-two, and John Glass, five ; for auditor, John Powell had twenty-one and F"rederick Lord eleven ; for sheriff, Alexander Craig had nineteen votes, and Henry Leonard twelve; for coroner, John B. Rundel had twenty-one, and Joseph Heath ten; for prosecuting attorney, William D. Barry had ten, and Frederick Lord twen- ty-one ; for assessor, Adolphus Patrick had eleven, and Willis Wait twenty-one. The next township election was held April 2, 1838. Reuben Wait, Rich- ard Grimes and Jesse King were elected trustees, and William C. Brownell clerk. At this election William C. Brownell, Richard Grimes and Amos Cole were elected school land trustees. On the lOth day of May, 1838, Amos Cole was elected justice of the peace for a second term, and John B. Rundel for a first term, making two justices in the township. 212 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The next State and county election was held October 9, 1838. Number of electors present, 25. For governor, Joseph Vance had 14 votes, and Wilson Shannon 1 1 ; Congress, Patrick G. Good had 14, William Sawyer 1 1 ; State senator, John Hollister 14, and Curtis Bates 1 1 ; representative, William Tay- lor had 14, and Perley Carlin 1 1 ; county commissioner, Jonathan F. Evans 12, and Henry Leonard 13 ; surveyor, William C. Brownell 24, Frederick Lord I. The next township election was held April i, 1839. Reuben Wait, Rich- ard Grimes and Jesse King were elected trustees, and Wm. C. Brownell, clerk; William Bowen, treasurer, and Jacob Barnhart, justice of the peace, in place of John B. Rundel, deceased. The next State and county election was held October 8, 1839. For State senator, John E. Hunt had 17 votes, and Jonathan Taylof 14; representative, Moses McNelly had 16, and William Taylor 14; sheriff, Alexander Craig had 22, and William D. Barry 5 ; treasurer, John Patrick 16, and Samuel Bowers, 14; auditor, John Powell 16, and. Lorenzo L. Patrick 12; commissioner, John Knapp 14, and David Edwards 14 ; assessor, Benjamin B. Abell 17, and Will- iam C. Brownell 14; recorder, Hazael Strong 21, and John Glass 3 ; coroner, Joseph Heath 18, and John Patrick 10. On the second day of March, 1840, George A. Young, a citizen of T. 3, N. R. 6, E. (now Pleasant township), pre- sented a petition signed by citizens of that part of territory of Flat Rock town- ship, praying to be set off in a separate school district, known as No. 4, to in- clude No. 3 north of ranges 6 and 7, east (now Pleasant and Marion town- ships), which was granted ; also, at the same time, altered that part of school districts Nos. 2 and 3, as originally divided, as follows : All of No. 3, in Flat Rock township (T. 4, north of range 6, east), to be included in No. 3 ; also to include all of No. 4, north, range 7, east (now Monroe township). This left Nos. I and 3, all on the north side of the river, in No. 4, north of range 6, east, which has ever since remained in Flat Rock township. The next township election was held April 6, 1840. Reuben Wait, Jesse King and Richard Grimes were elected trustees; Isaac Bowen, treasurer. The records for federal. State and county election do not appear on the minutes for this year. The writer of this chapter was attending school at Lancaster, Fairfield county, O., that summer. There he saw General William H. Har- rison, candidate for president on the Whig ticket, and Colonel Richard M, Johnson, candidate on the Democrat ticket for vice-president; also Thomas Corwin, candidate for governor of Ohio, and Hon. William Allen, since mem- ber of Congress from that portion of Ohio, and governor of the State, and many other leading politicians of that day. The next township election was held April 6, 1840. Trustees elected, Reu- ben Wait, Jesse King and Richard Grimes ; clerk, William Wait ; treasurer, Isaac Bowen. For the first time, G. A. Young, a citizen of the territory of Henry County. 213 (now) Pleasant township, was elected supervisor of road district No. 4. The records do not show when this road district was created. Road districts Nos. I, 2 and 3, were in existence some time before this, and, at this election, George Luciobel was elected for district No. i ; William Miller for No. 2, and Isaac P. Whipple for No. 3 ; overseers of the poor, Isaac Bowen and Washing- ton Lowry ; fence viewers, Addison Goodyear, Cyrus Howard and Jesse King; constables, Adam Stout and Henry Banks. The next township election was held April 5, 1841. Richard Grimes, Jesse King and Amos Cole were elected trustees, and David Harley, clerk ; treas- urer, Isaac Bowen ; overseers of the poor, David Harley and Cyrus Howard. On May 21, Cyrus Howard was elected justice of the peace at a special elec- tion. The next election was held April 4, 1842. School land trustees, John Lowry, Amos Cole and Isaac P. Whipple ; trustees of township, Cyrus How- ard, David Harley and William Wait ; clerk, George W. Patterson ; assessor, William C. Brownell ; treasurer, Isaac Bowen,. The records do not show State and county election. The next township election was held April 3, 1843. Cyrus Howard, Wash- ington Lowry and Adam Stout were elected trustees; George W. Patterson, clerk ; treasurer, Isaac Bowen ; assessor, Andrew Rundel. The next annual township election was held April i, 1844. Amos Cole, Robert Newell and Reuben Wait were elected trustees; Jared McCarty, clerk; Andrew Rundel, assessor ; Cyrus Howard, treasurer. The latter did not qual- ify, and Lyman Back was appointed by the trustees to fill the vacancy. Cyrus Howard was also elected justice of the peace, at this election, but did not qualify, and, on the 22d day of June, 1844, Amos Cole was elected to fill the vacancy. At the next annual election, held April 7, 1845, Reuben Wait, Amos Cole and Robert Newell were elected trustees ; Jared McCarty, clerk ; Daniel A. Blodget, treasurer; Amos Cole, assessor. The next annual township election was held April 6, 1 846. Robert Newell, Reuben Wait and Lemuel Sapp were elected trustees ; Gibbons Parry, clerk ; Daniel Blodget, treasurer, and Jared McCarty, assessor. The next annual election for township was held April 5, 1847. Amos Cole was elected justice of the peace ; Robert Newell, Amos Cole and Elijah Gunn, trustees ; Lyman Back, clerk ; Adam Stout, treasurer, and James E. Scofield, assessor. The next annual election was held April 6, 1848. Lyman Back was elected justice of the peace ; Emanuel Barnhart, David Harley and Amos Cole, trus- tees ; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk ; Adam Stout, treasurer, and James E. Sco- field, assessor. The next annual election was held April 2, 1849. Emanuel Barnhart, Eh- 214 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. jah Carr and David Harley were elected trustees ; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk ; Adam Stout, treasurer, and James E. Scofield, assessor. The next annual election was held April i, 1850. Emanuel Barnhart, Eli- jah Carr and Amos Cole were elected trustees ; J. C. McCracken, clerk ; Adam Stout, treasurer, and Charles G. Shull, assessor ; also, Elijah Carr was elected justice of the peace. On June 25, Lyman Back resigned his office of justice of the peace, and Jonathan Cook was elected to fill the vacancy, October 8, 1850. The next annual election for township officers was held April 7, 185 1. Amos Cole, Elijah Carr and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; Adam Stout, treasurer ; Charles G. Shull, assessor, and J. C. McCracken, clerk. The next annual township election was held April 5, 1852. Amos Cole, John Brubaker and Elijah Carr were elected trustees; treasurer, Adam Stout; clerk, George W. Waterman, and assessor, James E. Scofield. The next annual election was held April 4, 1853. Amos Cole, Elijah Carr and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; George W. Waterman, clerk ; Eman- uel Barnhart, treasurer and assessor. The next was held April 3, 1854. Amos Cole, John Brubaker and Jere- miah Huston were elected trustees ; George W. Waterman, clerk ; R. K. Scott, assessor, and James E. Scofield, treasurer. This year the election for State and county officers appears again, and was held October 10, 1854. For rep- resentative in Congress, Richard Mott received 90 votes ; Henry S. Com- mager, 28; Joseph R. Swan, 85, and Shepard F. Norris 35, for judge of State Supreme Court. Board of Public Works, Jacob Blickensderfer, 87, and Alex- ander P. Miller 33 ; probate judge, Hazael Strong 78, and Harvey Allen 42; ■county clerk, George B. Pfeifer 83, and Asa H. Tyler, 37 ; sheriff", William Durbin yy, and Henry N. Low 42 ; surveyor, WiUiam H. Brownell 84, and Charles Hornung 33 ; commissioner, James E. Scofield 81, and Ward Wood- ward 35. Whole number of votes polled 120. At that time the people were dividing some in politics, caused largely by Congress agitating the slavery ■question ; the persons receiving the majority vote being Whigs, except two of the commissioners, both of whom belonged to the Democratic party. James E. Scofield, the Republican member of the board, was wavering, and voted for Richard Mott, which undoubtedly caused his Whig friends to give him a good vote. The vote shows that something did it. The next annual township election was held April 2, 1855. Amos Cole, John Brubaker and Jeremiah Huston were elected trustees ; George W. Water- man, clerk ; Isaac Karsner, treasurer, and Robert K. Scott, assessor. On the third day of March, 1856, James E. Scofield was appointed clerk to fill vacancy ■caused by G. W. Waterman's removing from the township. The next annual election for township officers was held April 7, 1856. James E. Scofield was elected justice of the peace ; Amos Cole, John Brubaker and Jeremiah Huston, trustees ; Robert K. Scott, clerk ; Matthias Diemer, as- Henry County. 215 sessor, and Isaac Karsner, treasurer. James E. Scofield was continued clerk by appointment, as R. K. Scott did not qualify. The next annual election was held April 6, 1857. Amos Cole, John Bru- baker and Henry R. Andrews were elected trustees; Isaac Karsner, treasurer) Milton Stout, assessor, and James E. Scofield, clerk. The next annual election for township officers was held April 5, 1858. John A. Vincent was elected justice of the peace ; Amos Cole, H. R. Andrews and John Brubaker, trustees ; James E. Scofield, clerk ; Isaac Karsner, treas- urer, and Henry Banks, assessor. The next annual township election was held April 4, 1859. Amos Cole; H. R. Andrews and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; James E. Scofield, clerk; R. K. Scott, treasurer, and Henry Banks, assessor; James E. Scofield, justice of the peace. The next annual township election was held April 2, i860. Amos Cole, Henry R. Andrews and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; James E. Sco- field, clerk ; George W. Armund, treasurer ; Matthias Diemer, assessor. The next annual township election was held April i, 1861. Henry R. Andrews, Amos Cole and John Brubaker were elected trustees; James E. Sco- field, clerk ; George W. Armund, treasurer, and Henry Banks, assessor. John A. Vincent was also elected justice of the peace. The next annual election was held April 7, 1862. Henry R. Andrews, John Brubaker and John Knipp were elected trustees ; James E. Scofield, clerk; Isaac Karsner, treasurer, and Henry Banks, assessor; James E. Scofield was also elected justice of the peace (his own successor), receiving all the votes polled, 81 ; and 137 out of 142 for clerk. The next annual election, April 6, 1863. John Knipp, Henry R. Andrews and Joseph Bachman were elected trustees ; James E. Scofield, clerk ; Isaac Karsner, treasurer (being his own successor without opposition ; as also was James E. Scofield, clerk). Curtis L. Morse, assessor. The next annual election was held April 4, 1864. John Knipp, Henry R. Andrews and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; Isaac Karsner, treasurer ; John A. Vincent, clerk, and George Schneider, assessor ; also, John A. Vincent, justice of the peace, being his own successor. The minutes do not show who was the successor of James E. Scofield, resigned, and moved out of the town- ship temporarily, which event, to his knowledge, occurred the 24th day of February in the year 1864. He resigned, both as clerk and justice of the peace, and also postmaster at Florida. James E. Scofield was assistant postmaster at Florida in the year 1850. In July, of that year, Lyman Back, the postmaster, died, leaving the office in Sco- field's possession. Shortly after this time the latter was appointed postmaster and remained such until after the nomination of James Buchanan, for president, in 1856. This official refused to support Mr. Buchanan, in consequence of 2i6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. which his " head went into the basket," and Henry Andrews was appointed his successor. Mr. Andrews remained a year or two, when he, too, was de- posed, and Isaac Karsner was appointed his successor. Shortly after the elec- tion of Abraham Lincoln, in i860, Mr. Karsner turned the office over to Sco- field, as assistant, and, after the inauguration of President Lincoln, in i86i,the latter was appointed postmaster, and remained as such until his resignation, in February, 1864, leaving in charge John A. Vincent, who was shortly after- ward appointed to fill the vacancy. In 1833 there was no post-office nearer than Defiance, but one was established in about 1834, called McLean, after John McLean, the postmaster-general. Jared Scofield and Isaac P. Whipple, his brother-in-law, were both candidates for postmaster, which was amicably settled between them, and Isaac P. Whipple became the appointee, this being the first post-office in the township, and perhaps the first one in the territory of Henry county. Mail was received about once each month, carried on horse- back, by John Omens, as near as can be ascertained. This post-office was situ- ated about one mile east of the present town of Folrida. Florida was laid out about this time, or soon after, by William Bowen, who recorded twenty-four lots on the Williams county records. The records of Henry county being destroyed in the year 1847, by the burning of the court-house, left Florida without any available plat. About 1872 it became necessary for some cause, to search for records of some lots and corners in dis- pute, and it was found that none of the lot lines and alleys would correspond with others. Owing to this unfortunate state of affairs, many and serious com- plications and disputes arose, but the surveyor had, fortunately, recourse to the records of Williams county, to which Henry county was formerly attached, where he found the original twenty-four lots there recorded. An application was made to the Legislature for a special act for replatting the town, which was granted in the winter of 1873, but it was found that no law authorizing such an act existed, and therefore the act was made general. By that act the com- missioners of Henry county appointed the writer to re-survey and plat Florida, which was done. About the year 1865 or '66, a post-office was established and called Okolona, and Mr. Scofield was appointed postmaster and remained as such until about January, 1872, when John H. Benson, who succeeded to the business of the former incumbent, was appointed. The next election for the township offices was held April 8, 1865. Henry R. Andrews, John Brubaker and John Knipp were elected trustees; Isaac Karsner, treasurer ; John A. Vincent, clerk, and George Schneider, assessor. The next annual election was held April 2, 1866. Henry Andrew, John Brubaker and John Knipp were elected trustees; Isaac Karsner, treasurer; John A. Vincent, clerk ; and George Schneider, assessor. At this election John A. Vincent failed to qualify, and Andrew J. Scofield was appointed April 2 1st by John Knipp and H. R. Andrew (two of trustees) to fill vacancy. Da- Henry County. 217 vid Smith was also elected justice of the peace at this election. On May 26, 1866, an order was received from the probate judge for an additional justice of the peace, and on the 12th day of June, 1886, M. V. B. McKinney was elected. On the' 9th day of October, 1866, Jerome Thayer was elected justice of the peace. The next annual township election was held April i, 1867. Henry R. Andrew, John Brubaker and John Knipp were elected trustees; An- drew J. Scofield, clerk ; Henry L, Weaver, treasurer ; George Schneider, asses- sor ; Andrew J. Scofield was also elected justice of the peace. The next annual township election was held April 6, 1868, John Knipp John Brubaker and Henry R. Andrew were elected trustees ; Joseph Ice, clerk ; Henry L. Weaver, treasurer, and George Schneider, assessor. The next annual election was held April 5, 1869. John Brubaker, Henry R. Andrew and John Knipp were elected trustees ; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk ; Henry L. Weaver, treasurer, and William Kemmer, assessor. On the 12th day of October, 1869, Elias Parker was elected justice of the peace, and James E. Scofield land appraiser. The next annual township election was held April 4, 1870. John Brubaker, John Knipp and Henry R. Andrew, trustees; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk; Henry L. Weaver treasurer, and William Kemmer, assessor. Andrew J. Sco- field was also, elected justice of the peace on the same day. The next annual election was held April 3, 1871. John Brubaker, John Knipp and Henry R. Andrew were elected trustees; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk; Henry L. Weaver, treasurer ; William Kemmer, assessor. The next annual election was held April i, 1872. James E. Scofield, George Hoffman and John Brinkman were elected trustees ; Andrew J. Sco- field, clerk; Henry L. Weaver, treasurer, and William Kemmer, assessor. The next annual election was held April 7, 1873. John Brinkman, George Bortz and John Brubaker were elected trustees ; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk ; Henry L. Weaver, treasurer ; William Kemmer, assessor. At the same elec- tion Newton S. Cole and William J. Barr were elected justices of the peace. The next annual election was held April 6, 1874. John Brinkman, George Bortz and Martin Lowry were elected trustees ; Joseph Weibel, clerk ; Frede- erick Loenhart, treasurer, and William H. Stockman, assessor. The next annual election for township officers was held April 5, 1875. Martin Lowry, John Brinkman and George Bortz were elected trustees ; Frederick Loenhart, treasurer ; Joseph Weibel, clerk, and William Kemmer, assessor. The next annual township election April 3, 1876. John Brinkman, Mar- tin Lowry and George B. Rettig were elected trustees ; Joseph Weibel, clerk ; Lewis F. Richholt treasurer, and William Kemmer assessor. The next annual election was held April 2, 1877. John Brinkman, Martin Lowry and George B. Rettig were elected trustees ; Lewis F. Richholt, treas- urer ; Joseph Weibel, clerk, and William Kemmer, assessor. ^^ 2i8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The next election for township officers was held April i, 1878. John Brinkman, George B. Rettig and Martin Lowry were elected trustees ; Lewis F. Richholt, treasurer ; Andrew J. Scofield, clerk, and William Kemmer, as- sessor. The next township election was held April 7, 1879. John Brinkman, George B. Rettig and James E. Scofield were elected trustees ; Joseph Weibel, clerk ; Lewis F. Richholt, treasurer, and William Kemmer, assessor. At this election Joseph Weibel and Abraham Huff were elected justices of the peace. The next annual election for township officers was held April 5, 1880. James E. Scofield, George B. Rettig and John Brinkman were elected trustees ; Joseph Weibel, clerk ; Lewis F. Richholt, treasurer, and William Kemmer, as- sessor. The next annual election for township officers was held April 4, 1881. John Brinkman, James E. Scofield and George B. Rettig were elected trustees ; Jo- seph Weibel, clerk; Lewis F. Richholt, treasurer, and William Kemmer, as- sessor. The next annual election for township officers was held April 3, 1882. Frede- rick Nischwitz, George B. Rettig and James E. Scofield were elected trustees; John W. Long, clerk ; Lewis F. Richholt, treasurer, and Abraham Hough, assessor. Also at this election James E. Scofield and Abraham Hough were elected justices of the peace. The next annual election for township officers was held April 2, 1883. Frederick Nischwitz, William Art and William N. Brubaker were elected trustees ; Frederick B. Loenhart, treasurer ; John W. Long, clerk, and William H. Dancer, assessor. ' The next was held April 7, 1884. Gotleib F. Rothenberger, John A. Knipp and James E. Scofield were elected trustees ; Frederick B. Loenhardt, treasurer ; John W. Long, clerk, and Martin V. Brubaker, assessor. The next election was held April 6, 1885. James E. Scofield was elected justice of the peace ; John A. Knipp, Conrad C. Groll and James E. Scofield, trustees ; F. B. Loenhardt, treasurer ; John W. Long, clerk, and William E. Decker, assessor. The next April 5, 1886, Conrad C. Groll was elected trustee for three years; G. F. Rothenberger for two years, and Philip Huston for one year; F. B. Loenhardt, treasurer ; John W. Long, clerk, and Martin V. Brubaker, as- sessor. The next minutes of election do not appear on the books, but the meetings of the trustees for the qualification of the officers elected was held April li, 1887. The trustees of Flat Rock township met April 11, 1887, for the pur- pose of qualifying officers for the respective offices to which they had been elected as follows ; James E. Scofield, trustee for three years ; Conrad C. ■Groll two years, and Gotleib F. Rothenberger one year ; Frederick Loenhardt, treasurer, one year ; John W. Long clerk, i year ; Petef Kemmer assessor, Henry County. 219 one year ; Joseph H. Rennicker, and Samuel Travis constables, one year each ; Henry Egler, supervisor road district No. i, one year; Christian Baur, No. 2 ; William Rush, No. 4 ; John Sell, No. 5 ; Peter Loenhart, No. 6 ; John Cur- rans, No. 7 ; Jacob Brecheisen, No. 8 ; Charles Grossman, No. 9; C. H. Wes- lenhausen, No. 10, and Frederick Kemmer No. 1 1 ; Henry J. Kesler, justice of the peace, three years, and James E. Scofield yet to serve one year. Road district No. 3 has been recently attached to No. i, therefore no supervisor of that district was elected, but it is in charge of No. i. The reader will see that the growth of this county has been rapid when he considers that only three road districts existed at the commencement, and the territory comprised four original surveyed townships — Flat Rock, Pleasant, Marion and Monroe — twelve miles square, which will appear separately written in this work. Each now has its own road districts, and good farms along their roads ; but formerly it was a wilderness, the haunt of wolves, bear, deer, wild turkeys and frogs. No pen picture can make the reader realize the change that this region has undergone. In all this territory were only a few inhabi- tants, and they settled along the river in the original survey (Flat Rock town- ship), within a distance of about three miles, and the land they tilled would not equal a section (640 acres) of territory. Now good farms and roads are all over this territory. Flat Rock township, six miles square, contains eleven road districts and good roads. Florida, the first village in the township and county, is situated- on the Miami and Erie Canal and Maumee River, and here the township records are kept, and township business done. Its early business men have passed away. Many are dead ; some have removed, and a few are yet living here. Adam Stout, Lyman Back and Jared McCarty, the last two under the firm name of Back & McCarty (all deceased) were its first permanent merchants. There were a few others at the commencement of digging the canal — Adam Stout as early as 1840, and Back & McCarty about the autumn of 1842. About 1846 Back & McCarty dissolved partnership, Mr. McCarty retiring. Mr. Back continued the business until his death, in 1850, and Mr. Stout until about 1852, when he sold to Emanuel Barnhart and Isaac Karsner, who continued the business for a time, when they dissolved, Mr. Barnhart retiring. Mr. Kars- ner continued for some years, when he sold to Dr. Robert K. Scott. Drt Scott sold out to Mr. Karsner, and removed to Napoleon and associated him- self with S. M. Heller, then in business at that place. Mr. Karsner continued the business until about the close of the war, when he took as partner his step- son. Captain Washington W. Bowen. This firm was of short duration, when the firm name was again changed to Weaver & Viers, Dr. Henry L. Weaver and Ezra Viers having purchased the stock of goods. This also was a short- lived firm, Mr. Viers selling to Mr. Karsner, when the firm name became Weaver & Karsner, and continued until about 1875, when it again changed to 220 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Isaac Karsner & Son. This firm continued to perhaps about 1879, when they closed their business entirely, leaving the house out of business. About this time, or before, S. M. Heller & Co., of Napoleon, opened a branch store in the building erected by Tuttle & Egler, and continued the business for a time when they removed their goods and left the village. About 1869 Andrew Tuttle, of Defiance, and Jacob Egler erected a store building on the present site of John Dancer & Son's storeroom, and opened a stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc., under the firm name Tuttle & Egler. About 1 87 1 Mr. Egler sold his interest to E. Y. King. Shortly after Mr. Tuttle sold to Miner Ice. Shortly after Mr. Ice sold to David F. Brubaker, and the store was continued for a time by King & Brubaker, when the latter retired and Mr. King became sole proprietor. Shortly after this Mr. King closed out entirely and went to Harvey county, Kan., and engaged in farming. About this same time George C. Weaver opened a stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, etc., in the old building of Isaac Karsner & Son, where he continued to the time of his death, in April, 1881, when John Dan- cer bought the stock and removed it to the old stand of E. Y. King. After having erected a new building in place of the former, which was destroyed by fire, the business was continued for a time under the firm name of John Dancer & Son, the son, William H. Dancer, being the partner. This firm was succeeded by John W. Long and Andrew Tuttle, under firm name of Long & Tuttle, by whom the purchased goods were removed to their newly repaired building which they yet occup)'. This firm is doing an extensive business in dry goods and groceries, boots and shoes, besides buying grain of all kinds, and selling agricultural machinery. Long & Tuttle bought and repaired two of the old warehouses and storerooms occupied in earlier times when the canal was doing a lively business, and until the railroads were built on either side, the Wabash first, then the Baltimore and Ohio. This firm have repaired two of these buildings — one a commodious storeroom and the other a warehouse, in which they have placed an engine for elevating grain and shelling corn. Their grain business this year will amount to about forty-five thousand bushels of wheat, besides barley, rye, corn and oats. In the year 1850 James E. Scofield engaged in the mercantile business at Florida, which was of short duration, when he took a partner in the person of George W. Waterman, under the firm name of Scofield & Waterman. They erected an ashery, and ran it in connection v\ith their other trade. The firm soon dissolved, Mr. Waterman taking the ashery, and Mr. Scofield the store. Mr. Waterman added an oven for pearl-ash, which he continued for some time, when he closed out and removed to Hutchinson, Kan., but was, during or since the war, in South Carolina with his brother-in-law. Governor R. K. Scott, in the railroad business. Mr. Scofield continued in the dry goods and grain business up to about 1852, when he sold his goods to Barnhart & Kars- Henry County. 221 Tier, but continued in his storeroom, selling drugs and medicines. On Feb- ruary 24, 1864, he went to Oakland Station (now Okolona), on the Wabash Railroad, in Napoleon township. In about the autumn of 1849 David Harley erected the storeroom now known as the old school-house, and engaged in merchandising, which he con- tinued for a time when he sold the building to the school directors, they con- verting it into a school-house. In about 1852 John and Jacob Frease bought, at administrator's sale of the estate of Lyman Back, the plank warehouse and storeroom combined, erected by him just before his death in 1850. They put in it a stock of goods usually kept in a first-class country store. It was placed in charge of George Frease. This firm sold their stock of goods to David Harley and F. A. Woodward, and removed to Napoleon. The new firm of Harley & Woodward continued the business in all its parts for a time, when C. K. Woodward bought Mr. Harley's interest. Soon after this John J. Stockman bought the warehouse and store- room, when- the old firm removed their goods to a small storeroom in the house now occupied by Long &Tuttle. The storeroom at that time was much smaller than now, it having since been remodeled and enlarged by the latte'r firm. The firm of Woodward Brothers continued for a time, when they closed out, C. K. Woodward returning to his farm in Liberty township, and F. A. Woodward and David Harley moving to Napoleon, where they again engaged in merchandising. Some time after this, about 1865, John J. Stockman opened a store in the plank warehouse, of which he was now the owner, and continued the business, together with grain buying, for a time, when he took a partner in the person of Joseph Ice. This firm continued for a time, when William H., a son of the elder Stockman, became the partner, which latter firm was con- tinued up to the death of John J. Stockman, when the entire stock of goods was closed out at administrator's sale. Since that time there has been nothing of any importance in the old plank warehouse. A hardware stock of small amount was continued there for a time, supposed to be the property of W. H. Stockman, but the store was in charge of W. T. Faucet, neither of which per- sons are now residents. The business now being generally closed along the canal, the little village of Florida began to decline. The probable cause of this may not be out of place. The firm of Smith & Scofield, at Oakland Sta- tion, on the Wabash Railroad, north of Florida, drew largely from all the former patrons of the place, and, moreover, the county seat, Napoleon, had grown since 1835, and down to 1850 in more than double proportions, and became a natural trading center to which the farming people were glad to resort. The Wabash road went into operation about 1852. It passed about two miles north of the town, and where once had been the most flourishing village of the county, there was nothing but a way station on the old canal, which, too, had practically gone into disuse. Many business men left about this time, of com- 222 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. pletion of the Wabash Railroad. About twelve or fourteen years later the the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was finished, passing the town on the south,, and Holgate, a new town on that road, cut the trade again. Florida, however,, has not become wholly depopulated. The country in the vicinity contains many fine farms, and the village still holds some small trade. The village is pleasantly situated on the river in the northwest part of Flat Rock township, and contains some two hundred and fifty inhabitants. It has had some manu- facturing industries. David Harley, a contractor on the canal during its con- struction, shortly afterward erected a saw- mill on the present site of the flouring-mill of J. E. Klingelhofer. To this was added one run of stone for flouring and grinding corn. This was the first grist-mill in Henry county after its organization in 1835. Isaac Karsner was foreman in the mill for a time. It afterward became the property of Gibbons Parry and Isaac Karsner, under the firm name of Karsner & Parry. This continued for a time when Daniel Fribley and Peters Gibbons were added to the firm, and Mr. Karsner retired and went to merchandising. The firm name then changed to Parry,. Gibbons & Fribley, who in about 1856, erected the flouring-mill now owned by J. E. Klingelhofer. This mill had two heavy run of stone, together with the light ones in the old mill. This firm remained until about i860, when it dissolved, Dr. Parry retiring, and Mr. Fribley selling his interest in the saw- mill, but retained it in the flouring-mill, of which he became sole proprietor. Austin F Gitchel became a partner with Peters Gibbons. They entirely rebuilt the saw-mill. The firm name became Gibbons & Gitchel, which was continued until choice timber was scarce and portable mills became frequent,, after which it went into disuse and decay. But little of it is now left, only the flume which supplies the flouring-mill. About 1865 the flouring-mill passed into the hands of John Spangler and David Boor, of Defiance. This firm re- mained for a time when Mr. Boor sold his interest to Alfred Elkins, and the firm then changed to Elkins & Spangler. After a short time Mr. Elkins be- came sole proprietor and continued up to his death, in March, 1881, he being killed in the mill. His widow, with her two sons, John and Newton Elkins, continued the business for a time, when it was sold to Sigg & Klingelhofer, under whom it was quite extensively repaired. In 1886 it passed to J. E. Klingelhofer, Mr. Sigg retiring. J.|E. Klingelhofer, the present enterprising owner, had all the old machinery taken out and replaced with full roller pro- cess, second to none in northwestern Ohio. Florida, being located in the center of a large grain growing country, with a good flouring-mill, for sale and custom work, will add materially to its present- trade. Mr. K. intends manufacturing flour for shipment, which will give em- ployment in winter when the canal is closed. The first physician of the vil- lage was Dr. John L. Watson. He was here on a farm in the woods, on the south side of, and up the river from Florida. Whether a graduate is not. known, but it is presumed that he was, as he was a man of excellent education.. Henry County. 223 About 1842 Dr. George W. Patterson located in Florida and practiced for •some years, when he moved away. In 1840 Dr. Gibbons Parry located at Independence, some five miles above Florida. His practice extended to this point, and further east along the canal, then in course of construction. Shortly after he removed to Florida, where he has since remained. He obtained a lucrative practice, and now lives on his farm a little out of town, enjoying the fruits of his well spent life, and is aged over eighty years. There were sev- eral other physicians, but of short residence, many of whose names are forgot- ten by the present inhabitants. In about i860 Drs. Henry L. Weaver and Abraham McKinney located here and commenced practice under the firm name of Weaver & McKinney. They remained for a time, when a dissolution occurred, Dr. Weaver retiring, and went to merchandising. Dr. McKinney continued for a time, when he removed to Defiance, and is yet in practice. About 1866 Dr. Tyler located here and practiced, but soon returned to Napoleon. About 1872, Dr. J. M. Stout came here and practiced and Dr. H. L. Weaver became associated with him. This firm practiced for a time, when Dr. Weaver returned, went into other business, and Dr. Stout moved to Holgate, where he is yet in practice. About 1876 Dr. Albert M. Pherson located at Florida, and yet continues in his practice. Dr. Stanton E. Miller located here in the spring of 1887. About 1848 Dr. John L. Arnold located here and practiced in connection with his other business (groceries and provisions) together with his farm, which he •obtained soon after his location. Issac Karsner read medicine with Dr. Gib- bons Parry to better prepare himself for the profession, having had some prac- tice in earlier days of the country. He practiced in connection with his other business for a time, and is yet living in the town, but doing no other business than looking after his farm. He is now in the sixty-seventh year of life. Among the business interests- of Florida not before mentioned, there may be named the following : R. A. Wood opened a stock of dry goods and boots and shoes, which was continued for a time, and then sold to Jones & Andrew {Millet Jones and Calvin R. Andrew). These firms were in the building now occupied by Long & Tuttle. The business was, after a few years, closed out, Mr. Andrew going to Dakota, and Mr. Jones resumed his trade as a carpenter. About 1846 Lyman Back, in connection with his dry goods business on the street north of the canal, opened a grocery and feed store for the accommoda- tion of the boating people. This was soon followed by Adam Stout and others, some adding "fire water " and other beverages for the inner man. The saloon business became common, and in fact at one time outranked other branches of trade, but with the general^decline these went down, so that there is but one saloon in Florida at this time. About 1847 Matthias Diemer and Andrew BoUey opened a general boat and feed store, all kinds of groceries and provisions, vegetables, including "firewater," and did a prosperous business 224 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. for some years. Diemer Brothers' business so increased that they were com- pelled to add more room, which they did by erecting a new and more commo- dious building to accommodate their increasing trade. Boatmen made it a point, when going east, to lay in supplies, such as oats, potatoes, cabbage, and other commodities for the round trip to Toledo and return, including as much water as vessels would hold. Diemer Brothers continued this business until about i860, when Jacob Diemer retired and went to Napoleon, and engaged in the grocery and saloon business. Matthias Diemer continued in the old stand until about 1866, when he sold to Lewis F. Richholt, and went to Na- poleon, where he engaged with his brother. Mr. Richholt continued for a time in connection with his saloon. When the canal became of little impor- tance for trade he purchased the old warehouse of Karsner & Son, remodeled it, and engaged in the grain trade both here and at Toledo. He also erected a grocery house in town. Mr. Richholt was elected treasurer of Flat Rock township three terms. He erected the new school-house in 1882-3, after which he closed out and went to Dakota, leaving his treasury bondmen and grain creditors to account his folly in grain gambling and the neglect of other business. About 1838 Robert Newell engaged in blacksmithing. He was^ the first regular smith in the village, and continued up to his death, in 1851 or 1852. Peter Sester was the next, who now lives on his farm in Napoleon township. William Calhoun, Jacob T. Groshner, William Goldenstar, all fol- lowed in the same trade. Frederick Loenhart, John J. Andrew and F. B. Loenhart are the present smiths in the village. About 1850 Henry Andrew (now deceased), together with his son-in-law, Joseph Rogers, engaged in cab- inet work. About 1844 John Truby engaged in wagon making. He was fol- lowed by George Hopkins, Jasper H. Smith, Smith & Loenhart, and F. B> Loenhart, who yet continues in connection with blacksmithing. The first shoemaker of the town was Jacob Barnhart, about 1840; the last were Henry Harris and D. Rasmus, who are now in that business. The first hotel was erected about 1840 by Joseph A. Brewer, but was first used for store pur- poses and as an ashery. Mr. Brewer moved away, when the storeroom, with additional buildings, was converted into a hotel, and the ashery into stables by John B. Rundle, and by him occupied as a hotel. The subsequent propri- etors were Hiram Scobel, Dr. Gibbons Parry and William Goldenstar. It was finally converted into a dwelling and occupied by different families. This house is yet standing and occupied as a dwelling by its owner. The next hotel was erected soon after the first, and was occupied by Christian Stoat. Then J. C. McCrackin became host; then Joseph Stout. The property was afterward sold to George Hopkins, who continued it for a time and called it " White Hall."' It was again sold to John Dancer for a private dwelling, but eventually be- came the property of the M. E. Church society for parsonage and church pur- poses. Henry County. 225 In 1 87 1 this society erected their church on the property. This was the first church building in the village. Soon afterward followed the United Brethren Church in 1874; then the Evangelical German Reform Church in 1875. A few years later the German Lutheran society built a brick church edifice. These four buildings are neat and substantial edifices sufficient for the necessities of their respective societies. Prior to the several church erec- tions worship was conducted in private dwellings and school-houses. At an early day William Bowen, a devout Methodist, and proprietor of the village, donated a portion of his lands for church and school purposes. A small frame building was erected by the school authorities and church mem- bers and was used by both up to and after the death of Mr. Bowen, when it was found that neither had any title in fee simple. The property was deeded by the heirs to the school authorities, and was used many years for school and church purposes. The first post-office at or near Florida was established about 1834, with Isaac P. Whipple as postmaster. It remained there until about 1842, when, at the death of Mr. Whipple, it was moved to Florida and George W. Patterson appointed postmaster. In about two or three years Mr. Patterson left the town and Lyman Back became postmaster, and continued as such to the time of his death in 1850, when James E. Scofield became his successor. He con- tinued to 1856, when he was deposed for refusing to support James Buchanan for president, and Henry Andrew became his successor. In about a year Mr. Andrew w^s succeeded by Isaac Karsner. In i860 James E. Scofield became Mr. Karsner's assistant and removed the office back to its old quarters. In 1 86 1 Mr. Scofield was appointed to fill vacancy caused by Mr. Karsner's resig- nation, and continued to 1864, when he resigned and removed to the little sta- tion of Oakland, on the Wabash railroad (now Okolona) where he again be- came postmaster for a term of years, mention of which has been made in this chapter. John A. Vincent became his successor at Florida, but soon moved away, and Henry L. Weaver became his successor and remained until his resig- nation in 1885. John W. Long, the present incumbent, next succeeded to the office. It may be well here to mention that during Mr. Weaver's term the office was in the hands of an assistant, and at three different locations besides the first. Early and Prominent Settlers. — Elijah Gunn, in about 1826, settled on what is known in history as " Girty's Point," which contains a large extent of as fertile land as is in the State. The Gunn tract is now owned by his heirs who reside thereon. Much of this rich and highly productive land, which gently rises back from the river at this historic point, and including Girty's Island, is owned by different parties, among whom are Lei-oy Wait, Anthony Shultz's heirs, and Henry Boesling. All these farms are under excellent culti- vation, having good buildings, rendering them very valuable farming lands. 29 226 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. In 1833 Girty's Island was a dense forest with an undergrowth of whortleberry, wild grapes, buckeye, and other growth indigenous to the rich soil. On some of the small islands surrounding it, grew great quantities of wild onions. The smaller islands have disappeared. The larger portion of the main island, con- taining about thirty acres, has been somewhat diminished from its original size by ice and wash. About one-half is now under cultivation. This island is yet the favorite resort of pleasure seekers for recreation. It was commonly reported that a cannon was shoved off the foot of the island during the war along the Maumee. Some of the boys of 1833-4 have sought for it without result, the water at that point being extremely deep. Many relics of warfare have been plowed up on the farms adjoining the river, such as sabres, gun- barrels andbuUets; also Indian relics such as rings, brooches, buckles, toma- hawks, pipes, stone hammers and arrow heads of flint. At that time (1833). the Indians were more numerous than the whites, but perfectly civil. They had camps near this island on the south bank of the stream, and came each year and burned bones at the graves of their deceased friends. The old forest farms of Judges Wait and Cole, on the south bank of the river opposite and west of this island, are now in the possession of heirs and purchasers, but in a good state of cultivation, now having but httle woodlands as compared with their state fifty years ago. No pen picture can malce the reader realize the change from then to the present. Among the enterprising residents might be named Henry L. Weaver, Ernest Weaver, Joseph Lowry, John A. Andrew, John Brinkman, William Goldenstar, Isaac KarSner, Dr. Gibbons Parry, Christian Stout, James E. Scofield, John Brubaker and David Brubaker. All of these owned and lived on their farms between, 1833 and 1850, except Ernest Weaver, John Brinkman and William Goldenstar the latter two having bought improved farms. There are many other excellent old farms near Florida, but they are mostly owned by farmers that bought already cleared farms from heirs and some of the older inhabitants who have removed from the township. Many others in the immediate neighborhood and in Richland township, Defiance county, contribute liberally to the trade of Florida, which makes it a village of much prosperity and likely to remain so ih the future. It will grow in number of inhabitants as the country and soil is capable of sustaining a population mul- tiplied by ten or twenty of its present. The same may be said of the county in general, and indeed, of all northwestern Ohio. Flat Rock is one of the best " cleared up " townships in the county, containing more of the " old " farms, perhaps, than any other section. Henry County. 227 CHAPTER XX. HISTORY OP FREEDOM TOWNSHIP. EVERYWHERE we turn we are bewildered by the fire of 1847. Even the record of the civil organization of the townships cannot be found. It is known, however, that Freedom was one of the first of the five townships organized in the territory- now composing Henry county ; that it, and Napo- leon township, in 1 840, included nearly, if not all of the said territory north of the Maumee River, together with all of Fulton county, which was organized in 1850. At that time, with all of its territory, it had a population of only •one hundred and five. By the organization of Fulton county, there was left to Freedom township not even the originally surveyed territory — two tiers of sections having been taken from the north and given to Fulton county; and there is now left to Freedom township but twenty-four sections of land. Not- withstanding this, the township has had a wonderful growth both in population and valuation. In 1850 it contained four hundred and sixty souls, and the taxable valuation of the property amounted to $27,602. In i860 the popula- tion, with greatly diminished territory, was four hundred and fifty and the val- uation $71,697. In 1870 the population was eight hundred and twelve, and the valuation of land $85,279. In 1880 the census showed twelve hundred and thirty-five population, and the land was valued for taxation at $230,480. The township is situated in the northern part of Henry county. Is bounded on the north by Fulton county, on the east by Liberty township, on the south by Napoleon township and on the west by Ridgeville township. The topog- raphy is that in common with the balance of the county, level, and the soil ex- ceedingly good and fertile. The township is devoid of waterways, with the exception of three small creeks, the largest being Napoleon Creek and Ober- haus Creek. These traverse nearly the whole width of the township. Through the southwest corner of the township runs the bed of the defunct Coldwater and Mansfield Railroad. The early settlers of this section were few; not more than a score lived in the township prior to i860; among those who did live in this part of the county, from 1838 to 1850, may be mentioned Daniel Shinaman, John Miller, Samuel and Lewis Eckhart, John Sorrick, John Knapp, Harmon Kline, junior and senior, Conrad Clay, George Struble, John Harmon and Benjamin Holler. The first-school house .ever erected in this township was one of unhewed logs, a very primitive and small building. It stood in what is now section twenty- eight. Daniel Shinaman, John Harmon, Benjamin Holler and Har- mon Kline were the builders. The first church was a United Brethren. It was built in 1852, or there- 228 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. abouts, and also stood in section twenty- eight. Here the settlers from far and near would congregate on Sabbath day and listen to the Word of God inter- preted by George Struble. The township is, as far as is possible to learn, devoid of many of those stir- ring incidents which make the life of the settler exciting, and for this reason facts of record can only be dealt with, "pleasing incidents of frontier life" will be conspicuous by their absence. And we will proceed to what the town- ship was after the year i860; not that it was civilized by this time, but because the facts are within our grasp. From i860 up to the present time there has been an influx of Germans to this county, and especially to Freedom township. To this frugal people may be given a great deal of the credit of converting a wilderness into a garden, for the reason that they were not choice as to the kind of land Uncle Sam gave them, and whether a swamp or ridge it was the same to them and they went to work. Now Freedom township is a model of well-kept farms; now there are six fine school-houses, a couple of churches and scores of brick dwelHngs. The first one was built by Harmon Kline and the others followed thick and fast, and now as one rides through the county, a palatial brick residence, well kept grounds — a sure sign of thrift and wealth — is an ordinary sight. Although this township is not a locality for pioneer reminiscences it has a history which entitles it to the name of the "dark and bloody ground of Henry county," three persons having been murdered by the pretended friends of the victims, for the sole purpose of gain. The Miirder of W. W. Treadwell. — On July 14, 1864, Math. Bowen while walking through the woods near what was known as the little Red School-house, suddenly came upon the body of a man. The body had evi- dently lain for some time as the birds of prey, and decomposition, had so dis- figured the remains that identification was well-nigh impossible. Two bullet- holes were found in the skull, the bullet evidently entering just back of the right ear, and coming out above the right eye. The right side of the head was also beaten with a club, which was found near by. On his person was found a number of trifles, together with an upper set of false teeth, on a heavy gold plate ; seven dollars in bills and some eatables. Some weeks later a re- port came from Adrian, Mich., saying that two men had escaped from the jail there. The description of one of the men tallied with that of the murdered man. Investigation was at once begun, and it was learned that the name of the murdered man was W. W. Treadwell, formerly a banker of Hudson, Mich.,, who had been confined in the Adrian jail for operations not exactly legitimate. The man with whom he escaped was incarcerated for horse stealing. His name was John Crowell, and he was subsequently arrested in Sandusky, tried and bound over, and on the loth of May, 1865, his trial begun with Hon. A. S. Latty on the bench. The facts disclosed were as follows : Treadwell having Henry County. 229' secured large loans from other banks, absconded, was arrested in Mansfield, O., taken back, tried, convicted, and remanded in jail to await sentence. Crow- ell was arrested in Erie county, this State, for stealing horses in Michigan, tried and convicted at the same term of court as Treadwell was, and also remanded. In jail they were put together, and at five o'clock on the 1st of July escaped. Identification of the two men now became an easy matter ; they traveled through the northern part of the county inquiring for lost cattle. The club now became an important factor, and every witness pointed it out as being car- ried by Crowell. The chain of evidence was quickly woven around him. The identification of Treadwell was established beyond a doubt. The object of the crime was $900 in the possession of Treadwell. The sum having been given to him by his wife shortly before his escape. It was all in $100 bills, and the most of them upon the bank of Rochester. One of these Rochester bills was found upon Crowell. On Monday, May 15, 1865, the case was given to the jury; an hour later, came the verdict of " guilty." A motion for a new trial was made but denied. Judge Latty then sentenced Crowell to be hanged on Friday, the i ith of July, 1865. The execution was under the direction and charge of O. E. Barnes, who was then sheriff. While making preparations for the execution, and even upon the scaffold, the prisoner was the most collected of all present. Upon the scaf- fold the sheriff asked him if he had anything to say before the sentence of the court was executed, and he rephed, "No sir, I am guilty." The sheriff asked him if he wished it understood that he was guilty of the crime for which he stood condemned. Crowell replied slowly and distinctly, " Yes sir, my punish- ment is just." He then knelt with his spiritual adviser. Father Carroll, after which the pinioning, placing of the cap, etc., was proceeded with, and all the time Crowell showed the least emotion of any present. At sixteen minutes before i P. M., the trap was sprung, and John CroweU had expiated his crime. The Murder of George Williams and Wife. The second murder was the one of George Williams and wife, by Wesley Johnson, on October 23, 1883, the details of which are as horrible as any instance of the kind in the State. On the evening of October 25, 1883, Addison Crew, a farmer living near the farm of George Williams, had occasion to go to Williams's place. On first going to the barn his eye met a ghastly sight. There, upon the floor he saw the lifeless body of George Williams, with head split open, and throat cut from ear to ear. He raised a cry and with several others went to the house, where, upon the floor of their sleeping- room, lay the body of George Williams's wife, terri- bly mutilated. Upon the bed was a nearly famished infant. From the state of the bodies it was supposed that they had lain in this state for several days. Suspicion immediately fell upon Wesley Johnson, a young man in the employ of John Williams, because of his behavior, and the hour he retired two or three 230 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. nights previously. He was arrested but stoutly maintained his innocence. But proof was not lacking, and at the preliminary examination, there was proof enough to bind him over. His trial began in January, 1884, and long will it be remembered as the most exciting trial ever witnessed in the county, and during the whole trial, Johnson's demeanor was that of a statue, showing no emotion or feeling. When, on the evening of February 12, 1884, the jury brought in a verdict of "guilty," there was a general "amen." The case was conducted for the State by prosecuting attorney R. W. Cahill and J. M. Haag ; for the defense Messrs. Martin Knupp and William H. Hub- bard. Judge J. J. Moore presided. He was sentenced on the i6th of Febru- ary, to be hanged on the 29th of May, 1884. The execution was conducted by Frederick Aller, then sheriff, and took place in the jail. With the same nerve that marked Crowell, Johnson dis- played, he ascending the scaffold with the same fearless step. When the sheriff asked if his punishment was just, he answered "yes." At 10 A. M. the trap was sprung, and Johnson's soul was dangling in the balance, and his body be- tween heaven and earth. CHAPTER XXI. HISTORY OF HARRISON TOWNSHIP. THIS township, named in honor of the hero of Tippecanoe and Fort Meigs, and the ninth president of the United States, when first organized, early in the forties, embraced townships three, four and five of range seven. Number three is now the township of Marion ; four was, in 1850, organized into Mon- roe. On the north of the Maumee River, which is now the northern boundary of the township, sections one, two, three, four, five, six, most of seven and parts of eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve were, previous to 1850, attached to Liberty township as a convenience for voting purposes. The township lies immediately west of Damascus, and all that has been said of the latter town- ship, of the general character of the soil, drainage, roads, early settlement, present degree of improvement, and population may be applied to Harrison. Among the earliest settlers of the county may be named Hazael Strong. He came to the county as early as 1833, '^nd lived in what is now Harrison township for several years before coming to Napoleon to take charge of the auditor's office. The Sheats family came in 1834; Alonzo Packard in 1843; Americus M. Spafford, 1845; Harper Centre, 1847; Isaac Ingle, 1849; Noah Jackson, 1852; John C. Lighthiser, 1853; Michael Kryder, 1853; Henry County. 231 the Ritter family, as also that of the Reiter, the Spangler and the Palmer families were among the early settlers, as were also Campbell Wilford and Gideon G. Cregen In 1847, according to the oldest preserved duplicate we have, there were, on the seventy-two sections of land which then constituted the township, only- forty-nine persons who paid personal tax, and the value of all this land, — 69,120 acres, — was $22,168; and the personal property was valued at $5,217. The total tax collected was $2,071.61. The duplicate for 1887 shows that at present this township, with less than twenty-eight sections remaining to it, has a real estate value, for taxable purposes, of $323,905, and personal property, listed for the same purpose, amounting to $59,340. This township was tardy in settlement and slow to improve. There were good reasons for this. The construction of the canal and especially the Wa- bash Railroad, on the south of the river, affording convenient shipments to market. The construction of the dam at Providence had made the river un- fordable between that point and the rapids at Florida ; on the south side were not only no railroads, but no roads of any kind, and, in order to reach a mar- ket of any sort, it became necessary to ferry the river, which in seasons was difficult. Lands being equally cheap on the north the early settlers naturally secured homes there. True, there were men hardy and courageous enough to enter these dense forests, and, braving all the difficulties and encountering all the inconveniences, made homes in the wilderness. Along the river bank, in section ten, was Sam- uel Bowers ; in nine Hazael Strong had settled ; in section eight the Rugg farm farther up the river and nearly opposite Napoleon, in section eighteen, Charles and Reuben Reiter had made large clearings; on section fifteen road were the Palmers, John D. Thorn and a few others ; John Sheats was in sec- tion twenty-two ; and on Turkey Foot road were John C. Lighthiser, Levi Spangler and others. There were also a few settlers along the banks of Tur- key Foot Creek. G. G. Creager was on section twenty-four, and Campbell Wilford on section twenty-five. It was not, however, until after the construc- tion of the bridge across the Maumee at Napoleon, in i860, that settlement can be said to have really begun in earnest in Harrison township. After that roads were cut out and improved and a system of drainage commenced. This led to heavy taxation and assessments, compelling non-resident land owners to dispose of the lands they had purchased for speculative purposes, and these passed into the hands of persons who became actual settlers and made farms from the forest. To assist in this, and in many cases to pay for the land itself, the giant oaks, walnut and poplar were sold to the ship-timber and other tim- ber merchants, who brought great gangs of men from Canada, and soon made room for the sunshine to dry the swamps. Then came the saw-mill and the stave-factory, so that to-day Harrison township has no more timber than is. 27,2 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. necessary for her fences and family fuel ; fully four-fifths of hersoil being under cultivation and all highly productive. The township is well drained, naturally, by Turkey Foot Creek which runs through the south and southeastern part ; Randall Creek through northeast, and Bowers' Creek with its branches runs through the center, all emptying into the Maumee ; and by artificial surface and underground ditches. Good roads are established and kept in repair in almost every section line. The township is divided into eight school districts, with a good building on each, most of them brick. There are six churches, all Protestant, in the township. The dwellings and farm buildings are new, large, convenient and well appointed. The township is without railroads and without villages. The Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan Railroad bed was graded through the township and the "Clover Leaf" route passed close to the southeast corner where Har- rison, Damascus, Richfield and Monroe come together, and here is laid out the The Hamlet of Grelleton. The original plat of this hamlet was laid out in the southeast corner of sec- tion thirty-six in Harrison, by William Mead, and was recorded August 14, 1880. It consisted of fifteen lots. Main street on the east, Monroe street on the south. Fourth street on the west, Emery street on the north, and three alleys. The subsequent additions to the hamlet were in the adjoining township, mainly in Monroe, and will be treated of in the history of that township. The Henry County Fair Grounds Are located on section fifteen in this township. A short sketch of the or- ganization and management of this institution may not be uninteresting: In the summer of 1883 the Patrons of Husbandry decided to hold a one day fair at the hall of Harrison Grange, each member of the order to bring some of their best stock and farm products for display, and to invite their fel- low farmers outside the order to assist. The object was to get farmers together to discuss the best methods of growing the various kinds of crops adapted to the climate and soil of Henry county, also as to the most profitable kind of stock to raise, etc. ; the Grange Hall being used as a floral and vegetable hall. An admission fee often cents was charged and about five hundred tickets were sold. The unexpected success of this the first attempt to hold a fair encouraged the Grange to organize, for the following year, what was known as the Henry County Grange Fair. The constitution provided that the officers of the County Grange should be the officers of the fair, including a board of ten directors chosen from among its members. Under these provisions John Garster was made president ; E. M. Hollipeter, secretary, and John Sheets, treasurer. Under this organization the ground was leased and buildings erected, four miles east of Napoleon in Harrison township, on the farm of Henry County. 233 Mr. Henry Blythe, and a very successful fair was held. The following year there was a change made in the provision of the constitution for the elec- tion of officers and the name was changed and called the Henry County Farmers' Association, and the following officers elected : E. M. Hollipeter, president; John Ervin, vice-president; Eli Culbertson, secretary; John Gar- ster, treasurer. There was but one change made in the election of officers for 1886, the year following, Rufus Spangler being elected president. In 1887 it was reorganized under a constitution according to the provision of the laws of Ohio regulating agricultural fairs, and is now known as the Henry County Agricultural Fair. Each year the fair has proven a grand success in the display of the best stock and farm products of Henry and from adjoining counties. List of officers of the Henry County Fair : Rufus Spangler, president ; Jo- seph Leatherman, vice-president ; John C. McClain, treasurer ; C. E. Weaks, secretary. Directors : Isaiah Foor, D. D. Myers, Joseph Leatherman, Peter Deitric, Eli Culbertson, C. E. Weaks, John Shelt, S. L. Snyder, Rufus Spang- ler, Francis Ginsel, John Garster, J. C. McClain. It may not be out of place in this connection to give a few facts pertaining to the origin and history of agricultural associations. The number of societies in England holding fairs relating to agriculture, live stock, etc., is officially stated at one hundred and ten. Among those are the Bath and West of England Society, organized in 1777, the first farmers' club in England. The Royal Agricultural Society, whidh has exerted so wide an influence upon improved processes and cultiva'tion in soil and animal farm- ing of the world, was founded in 1838. Its motto was "Practice with Science." In 1 8 10 England had organized a board of agriculture, of which Sir John Sin- clair was president, and Arthur Young secretary. There were in this year eighty-one agricultural societies in regular working order, and of one of these the Badenach and Strathspey Society, the celebrated Duchess of Gordon was president. The first agricultural society formed in America was The Philadelphia (Pa.) Society for Promoting Agriculture. Among the awards of this society in 1790, was a gold medal to Mr. Matheson for the best sample and greatest quantity of cheese. The first agricultural society ever incorporated in America was the Soci- ety for the Promotion of Agriculture, of South Carolina, established in 1795. Its objects included, among others, the institution of a farm for experiments,, and the importation and distribution of products suited to the climate of that State. In New York, a Society for the Advancement of Agriculture was incor- porated in 1 79 1, but it died at the age of ten years. The Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts, in which agriculture was 30 234 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. first named, established in 1804, published seven volumes of transactions pre- vious to 1815. The New York State Agricultural Society held its first regular fair in 1840, the admission being twelve and one-half cents. In Massachusetts, in 1803, the trustees of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture offered, among others, a premium of one hundred dol- lars, or the society's gold medal for a cheap and effectual method of destroy- ing the canker worm. From the beginnings thus noted, agriculture, horticul- ture, pomology, forestry and floriculture have gradually increased. Agricul- tural societies offering premiums are found in every State and most of the Ter- ritories. Popular interest is especially active in agricultural societies in the West and is constantly increasing in the South. It is safe to say the agricultu- ral societies of the United States have exercised a greater influence for the ad- vancement of agriculture than any other means. Harrison township has furnished her full quota of both military and civil officers. Wm. A. Choate was not only prosecuting attorney of the county, but also colonel of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, O. V. I.; L. G. Randall was quartermaster of the Sixty-eighth O. V. I., and was also postmaster at Napo- leon; Arthur Crockett was major of the Sixty-eighth O. V. I.; Benjamin F. Pindar was captain of Company B, Thirty-eighth O. V. I. Levi Spangler was a county commissioner, Reuben Rieter both clerk and sheriff, his brother Reu- ben a commissioner, Benjamin F. Stout, auditor; William M. Becknam, was, by the appointment of the governor, probate judge to fill a vacancy, and Thomas Castel was infirmary director. Booming may do for Kansas and other western States, for the mining, the gas and the oil regions, but he who is content to lead a quiet, honest life in the quiet luxuries and enjoyments of a home, need not go beyond the boun- daries of Henry county. Here can be had a cheap, comfortable and produc- tive home, where the investment is certain, sure and cannot diminish in value, but must increase; here is education and culture, refinement and the highest civilization; here, right at hand, are not only the necessaries and comforts, but the luxuries of life. Many of our people who were induced to "go west" by the glittering promises of speculators and jobbers, have been glad to return, and many more are sorry that they have not means left to do so. Harrison township furnishes one notable example. We refer to the Crockett family, and know that we will be pardoned for doing so. Being among the early settlers, they had made and owned a good and valuable farm in the township. Se- duced by the brilliant pictures of the West, they sold out and followed the westward star. They met with disappointment; sickness and death overtook them, and but a year ago, the mother, aged and impoverished, save for a grate- ful government which rewarded her for the patriotism of her sons, returned to Henry county and purchased the old Rugg farm in her old township, where she now lives, happy, comfortable and contented with her only remaining son, Edward. Henry County. 235 The growth of this township, in common with all in the county, has been rapid. In i860 it contained a population of 781; in 1870 it was 1295 and in 1880 it had grown to 1382, and by the next census it may be safely predicted will amount to 2,000. CHAPTER XXII. HISTORY OF LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. THIS is one of the best, one of the earliest settled and first improved town- .ships in the county. It po,ssesses more intrinsic historic interest than any of the thirteen. In the government survey it is known as township six, north of range seven, east. This territory was reduced by the detachment of the two northern tiers of sections in the formation of Fulton county. It was, however, increased by the annexation of sections one, two, three, four, five and six, and the most of seven and half of eight, nine and twelve, and a small slice off the northern part often and eleven of township five in the same range (Harrison) at the time the Maumee River was made the dividing line between the town- ships. The part of section twelve taken from Harrison, and section seven of Wash- ington (originally Damascus) constituted what was known to the pioneers as Prairie du Masque, having been so named by the early F"rench adventurers, traders, or religious enthusiasts, who were attracted to the valley of the Mau- mee, ambitious of conquest, for greed of gain, or desire for religious pros- elytism. This was a camping ground for the army of General Wayne on his march to the battle field of Fallen Timbers. Upon this division of land, thus designated as Prairie du Masque, and long before the division of the northwestern territory into counties, much less town- ships, the white man had dared to penetrate. He invaded the wilderness which then enshrouded the county of Henry and the outposts of which were guarded by the most savage of the Indian tribes, and settled there. The names of the representatives of the white man as can now be ascertained, were John Butler, David and Jacob Delong, Charles Gunn, George Chilson, David Buck- lin and Samuel Vance. These brave men located on the prairie in 18 14, and Elisha and Edwin Scribner came in 1818. These early settlers are, alas, all dead. The ashes of some of them rest in obscurely marked and almost for- gotten graves along the banks of the Maumee. The last survivor of these pio- neers was Edwin Scribner, who died during the present (1887) year, at the residence of his son-in-law in Napoleon. 236 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. At a date so early that its date cannot now be determined with certainty, but surely no later than 1820, Samuel Vance, already mentioned, erected on section twelve, a double log house, called it a tavern and suspended a sign an- nouncing "accommodation for man and beast." The cellar of this primitive tavern still remains on the banks of the Maumee, close to the "old orchard" — the first planted in the connty — near the town of Damascus. The brick for this cellar were boated from Toledo (so at present named) on pirogues. At that time this was the only house between Defiance and the Rapids, where Peter Manor then lived. A short time afterwards Joseph Cowdrick, whose sons are now residents of Napoleon, built a small house on the river below 'Vance's, but subsequently removed further up the river about half way between Da- mascus and Napoleon, where Joseph Rogers now lives. In 1826, on the 17th of November, John Patrick, the father of George, who still resides on the old place, settled on the river three miles east of Napoleon. He purchased the land of one Cornelius Thompson, who obtained it from the government on land scrip issued to him for services under Wayne in his Indian campaigns. Mr. Patrick erected a large house at this place, and also opened a house of public entertainment, and which subsequently became the main " tavern," as they were called in those days, between Defiance and Toledo during the days of canal navigation and packet travel, which began in 1843 and remained brisk until the construction of the Wabash Railroad. Long before work on the canal had commenced Edwin Scribner, already referred to, erected a " thunder gust " saw-mill on Dry Creek, and this was the first saw-mill in the county. After the completion of the canal, Burlin & Taylor started a mill at Damascus, and the mill has ever since been retained and is still one of the principle stationary ones in the county. Burlin & Tay- lor also opened a general store, the first in the county, and managed the tavern which had been established by Vance. A town was laid out at this point, but if ever platted the plat was destroyed in the fire of 1847. I" 1859, however, under direction of the auditor, the assessor made a plat of the lots in section twelve (Damascus), which was recorded on the 5th of December of that year. By this it is learned that there were in all seventeen lots — fifteen of which are on the north of the canal and two on the south. In early days this was the most promising business point on the canal within the county of Henry, and was ambitious enough to rival Napoleon for the county seat. The inability of the canal to compete with the railroads and retain the carrying trade, has ruined Damascus as a town and converted it into a magnificent farm. In those early days, to use pioneer language, "it was pretty rough sledding.' When John Patrick came to the river in 1866, the nearest mill was at Waterville, a distance of twenty-five miles, and the settlers were often compelled to go to Brunersburg, on Beam Creek, in what is now Defiance county, and not unfre- quently to Monroe, in Michigaln, taking along an ax and log chain to clear out the Indian trail, the only road to travel. Henry County. 237 After the completionoE the canal, and the commencement of navigation on its muddy waters, the settlers along its banks began to multiply with geomet- rical progression, and in 1 847, the earliest preserved duplicate discloses the fact that there were residing on the territory which at present is embraced within the limits of Liberty township, sixty-six persons who paid tax on personal property. Among these contributors to the public revenues who resided on the sections detached from Harrison, were General Ezra S. Dodd, whose ashes repose in the Damascus grave-yard ; Joseph Cowdrick, already referred to ; Samuel Bowers, dead and buried on the farm he cut and cultivated from the wilderness ; and George Bowers, who is still living and rejoicing in great- grandchildren ; Judge Meekison, a banker at Napoleon, being the father of the latest addition. Prominent among those who resided in the other part of, or rather the origrial township, may be named: Alonzo, Lorenzo, Solomon, James H., and a large family of Babcocks, most of whom are still living ; George Chroninger, one of the jolliest old men, surrounded by a happy family, who still lives in the township, having by his industry, frugal habits and honest •dealings, acquired a competency which v.'ill certainly protect him from the char- ity of the infirmary director; Hosea Harrison, Rensselaer, and several others of the Hudson family, whose names have become interwoven into the official his- tory and progress of Henry county ; John and several others of the Knapp family, still prominent in the township; John M. Meek, a brother-in-law of Judge Cory, who came to the county at a very early period, was prominent in local government, and whose only remaining descendant by his first marriage, is the wife of Judge J. M. Haag, of Napoleon ; the Redfield family; Samuel H. -Steedman, who was the first colonel of the Sixty -eighth O. V. Lifantry; James B. Steedman, subsequently the hero of Chickamauga, and whose monument is now the chief ornament of the city of Toledo ; John Wright, sr., John Wright, jr., and Nathan Wright; Ward Woodward, now of Liberty Center, Samuel Winters, and George Crawford, at one time county commissioner and promi- nent in local politics, whose children still reside in the vicinity. The duplicate of 1847 shows the township charged with eighteen thousand four hundred and forty-two acres of land, valued at $38,764.95, and chattels valued at $4,988. The total tax paid was $1,316.66, with an additional for school-house of $49.22. A comparison and a calculation of the growth and prosperity of the town- ship may be made from the following figures : The duplicate of 1887 shows seventeen thousand five hundred and ninety- one acres of land, exclusive of town sites, and railroad right-of-ways, valued ^t $330,725 ; chattels listed at $136,487, paying a total tax including the vil- lage of Liberty Center, of $10,139. The township had a population of 1,119 in i860; 1,766 in 1870; in 1880 the population amounted to 1,946. It may 'be safely estimated at present at 2,400. 238 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Outside of the town of Liberty Center, there are eight school-houses, most of them brick, and all well appointed, with school maintained for at least half the year. The Christian Union has a church edifice in section thirty- two and also in section fifteen, and the United Brethren have a chapel in section fifteen. The main and several branches of Turkey Foot Creek (north of the Mau- mee) and Dry Creek, afford the township very good natural drainage, and ar- tificial surface and underground ditches have contributed to make this perhaps- the best farming township in the county ; and which, together with good roads,, commodious, comfortable and well-constructed residences and farm buildings give to it, as a body, an average value greater than that possessed by any other farming land in northwestern Ohio. The construction of the Wabash Railway did much to develop the town- ship and hasten its improvement. While it destroyed the plant of the towns, along the canal, it converted the wilderness along its track into many flourish- ing villages. Among them is Liberty Center, at present a flourishing village with a population between five and six hun- dred. It was the second village in the county to become incorporated, and has- taken advantage of its corporate franchise to secure good sidewalks, streets and drainage. It is located in sections twenty-five and thirty-six of the original surveyed township, is a railroad and telegraph station on the Wabash, has the third best post-ofiice in the county, and a printing office from which the Liberty Press is issued weekly. The village has a good hotel, a livery stable, a hard- ware store, a drug store, three dry goods stores, several saloons and restau- rants, several fine brick blocks, and the mechanical artists usual to all villages. A handsome roller process grist-mill is a considerable attraction to the trade of the village, and a saw-mill furnishes a market for the few trees which re- main to be converted into timber. It has four churches, — one Methodist Episcopal, one German Reformed, one United Brethren and one Seventh Day Adventist Its greatest ornament, however, and its chief pride is its new graded school building, erected during the year 1886. It is a two-story>- finely finished building, in which is maintained one of the best educational schools in the county. On the 4th of June, 1863, Alpheas Buchanan first conceived the idea of establishing a trading-point in Liberty township, and on that day recorded a plat of twelve lots in the northeast quarter of section twenty-five, on the south side of the Wabash Railway. To this was added his first, "second and third additions. January 7, 1867, Calvin C. Young added an addition of twelve lots; and June 7, 1 868, E, T. Coon contributed an addition often lots more, with requi- site streets and alleys; January 2, 1869, G. P. Parrish stimulated the growth* Henry County. 239 of the village by adding eighteen more lots to the town plat, being in the northeast corner of section thirty-six. Ward Woodward, one of the early set- tlers of the township already mentioned, not wishing to be outdone by those to the manor born subsequent to himself, on the 19th of July, 1869, contributed to the village a triangular addition of ten lots and an alley, on the south side of the Wabash Railway. Orle Buchanan, awakening from a sort of Rip Van Winkle sleep, determined not to be outdone by those whom he termed the "boys," and, on the 24th of July, added an addition of eight irregular lots, and a street of thirty feet on the north of the railway, and caused the erection of a handle and excelsior factory in his addition. This enterprise served to again arouse old " Uncle George " Parrish, who, getting on his muscle, added a sec- ond addition of four irregular lots on the west of his former addition and sepa- rated from it by Parrish street. On the 22d day of September, 1882, Daniel Ehrgood gave to the village its last contribution, which consisted of sixteen lots, continuing East street and adding Garfield, Lincoln, Cherry and Plum and an alley, which gives to the village one hundred and forty- one platted lots upon most of which are neat and handsome residences or business buildings, and is the site of one of the pleasantest, most prosperous and enterprising towns along the line of the Wabash Railway. This township is divided into two voting precincts. The elections for the eastern is' held at Liberty Center, and that for the western at Chroninger's school-house. CHAPTER XXIII. HISTORY OF MARION TOWNSHIP. MARION is the extreme southern township in the county of range seven, being bounded on the south by township two of that range, the line be- tween the two forming the line between Putnam and Henry counties. There is little to distinguish this township from the balance of the county except the south or (as named by the geologists of the State) Belmore Ridge, which runs through it, entering the township near the half section line of sec- tion thirty, and running in a winding track eastward through sections twenty- nine, twenty- eight and twenty-seven, when it turns southeasterly through sections twenty-six, thirty-five and thirty-six, crossing the township Hne near the southeast corner of the latter section. The lands along this ridge are high and dry. The remainder of the township is, or rather was, very wet, but ex- ceedingly well timbered with burr and white oak, walnut, maple, poplar, ash and the softer woods. 240 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The settlement of the township has been slow, and even comparatively modern. Located in a dense forest, no roads, not even " cow paths," and no way to reach market except on foot, it was absolutely inaccessible, except from the ridge, which made a good natural road to Defiance. The wetness of the soil, the density of the forest and the isolation of the territory from market and civilization, were, however, not the only causes which retarded the settle- ment and improvement of the township. In the years 1850-51, before the adoption of the new constitutioti, Samuel Medary, then editor of the Ohio Statesman, and other Columbus gentlemen and capitalists, conceived the idea of founding a settlement in the " Black Swamp," and laid out a village, which they named Medary, in township two of this range of land, in Putnam county. About the same time a scheme was formulated by John M. Palmer, who sub- sequently became a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, to construct a plank road from the above village, northward, to intersect the Kalida pike in section thirty, Monroe township. The road is still known as the Medary road. Pal- mer, by some process of manipulation in which rascality is ever fruitful, suc- ceeded in getting a board of stupid trustees to issue the bonds of Marion township, which at that time had scarcely any population, in the sum of five thousand dollars for the ostensible purpose of building this plank road. Hav- ing secured the bonds Palmer negotiated them at once, put the proceeds in his pocket, and the road was never built. The debt, however, was entailed on the township, and to that extent was a mortgage on all the land. The lands were valued very low, and the duplicate being small, the tax was correspond- ingly high, and the debt was not finally paid until 1864. This aided materi- ally in preserving Marion as the camping and squatting ground of the hunter, and gave to it the name of "Big Woods." The township was organized in the spring of 1847, at which time there were but ten voters living in it. , The duplicate of that year shows but seven chattel tax payers: John Hamler, Samuel H. Harshberger, Daniel Harshberger, William^Pales, William Rayle, S. K. Warnick and W. M. Warner. The value of the personal property was $680; that of the land, there being but 9,266 acres listed for taxation, was $13,031.15, and the total tax paid was $480.45. Most of the persons named are either dead or removed. The descendants of Samuel H. Harshberger and of WilHam Rayle still reside in the township and are the owners of some of the best farms in Marion-, well improved, good, and large buildings erected, and the land under a high state of cultivation. W. M. Warner soon tired of wood life and sold out to Casper Zeirolf, now dead, but the old farm, perhaps in all respects, being situated on the ridge, the best in the township, is owned and occupied by his son William, at present one of the commissioners of the county. Samuel Harshberger, son of Samuel H., was the first white child born in the township, and inherited from his ancestors one of the best farms in the township, upon which he now resides. ^^'C Henry County. 241 Of these pioneers John Hamler deserves more than a passing notice, al- though" he is elsewhere spoken of in this book. He was the first settler in the township, having entered land and located in section twenty-one, September 16, 1846. The forest was dense, and wild beasts and mosquitoes the only inhabitants. The Indians, a remnant of the Ottowas, were only twenty-six miles east ; the nearest house was fourteen miles, twenty miles to the nearest trading point, and thirty miles to mill, may give some idea of the incon- veniences and hardships of frontier life. Yet Mr. Hamler says that his life was not devoid of enjoyment, and that he took almost as much pleasure in the rude and wild life of the woods as he does now surrounded by all the com- forts and luxuries of civilization. The real improvement and settlement of the township did not commence until 1869, when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was constructed. This road enters the township at the southeast corner of section twelve and runs north- westerly to the northwest corner of section six. The construction of this road assisted largely in draining the lands, lead to the erection of saw-mills and stave factories ; the cleaning out and deepening of the creeks, the main ones of which are Turkey Foot, Beaver, Brush and Lost creeks, and to the location, construction and improvements of roads. These improvements caused heavy taxation and assessments, and this obliged the non-resident land speculator to dispose of his holdings, which, passing into the hands of those who became permanent settlers, improvements seemed to spring up like Jack's bean pole, in a single night, and makes Marion to-day as good a township as there is in the county. The growth of the township may be indicated by the tax duplicate and the census returns. We have already shown the duplicate of 1847. That for 1887 shows 22,962 acres of land for taxation valued at $203,035, and personal property to the amount of $130,613, and the amount of taxes paid to be $7,541.17. The population in i860 was only 195 souls; in 1870 it amounted to 513 ; in 1880, to 1,202, and at present maybe safely estimated at 1,500. The educational interests of the township have been carefully provided for and there are at present, in addition to the graded school at Hamler, nine good and substantial schools- houses erected. In each of the villages and at one or two points in the country, church buildings have also been erected. The growth of this township has certainly been phenomenal and is owing largely to foreign immigration, the population outside of the descendants of the pioneers and the few Yankees who have been attracted by the wealth to be made of the great forests of timber, being composed mostly of industrious, so- ber, quiet and rehgious classes of Irish and German. These people mixing and inter- marrying, including the native born, make the progressive and ener- getic homogeneous American, and indicates that our national motto, e pluribus unum, means not only one State for many States, but one nation from all the 31 242 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. nations of the earth, and that the motto has not yet degenerated into a trade mark for the standard dollar, but still deserves a place on the broad standard of human rights and human hopes. It also indicates a population of healthy- sentiment. No agrarian or communism here. An honest, industrious people came here into the wild forest, when cheap lands could be obtained, and lands inexhaustible in fertility, which by, hard work could be converted into homes, where old age might rest in comfort and its descendants live in luxury. Men like these, who settled and peopled Marion, were present in the mind of the poet when he asked: "What constitutes a State?" and answered: "Not raised battlement and labored mound. Thick wall or moated gate; Not cities proud, .... Men, high-minded men, . . yieii who their duties know. But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain — Prevent the long aimed blow. And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain — These constitute the State ! " Edwardsville Is a triangular tract of land in the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section twenty-eight, formed by the crossing of the Medary road and the Ridge road. It consists of seven lots and two out lots, and was laid out by George W. Edwards and John Rayle on the 6th of Septerriber, 1863, and recorded on the 7th of the same month. A post-office was established here as early as 1861 and named Ridgeland. The post-office still remains, but the hamlet has not grown beyond two or three dwellings. William P. Young has, however,, erected a saw-mill, stave factory and tile manufactory within a stone throw, and is doing a thriving business. Hamler. This flourishing village, named in honor of John Hamler, is situated in sec- tion eleven, where the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad crosses the Turkey Foot road. It has a population of about five hundred, a post-office, and is a tele- graph and express station. A large and extensive stave factory is located here, affisrding a good and profitable market for the large quantity of soft wood still growing in the township. A fine two- story brick building affords excellent accommodation for the graded school held in it. A new commodious Catho- lic church, and a Methodist Episcopal furnish places of worship, and indicates the religious leaning of those with enterprise sufficient to erect a building. The various mechanical trades are represented ; three dry goods stores, doing a general business ; one hardware store, an agricultural implement warehouse indicate a thrifty business ; and a good hotel, two saloons and restaurants fur- nish accommodations for the stranger. The Odd Fellows have a lodge here and the Grand Army a post. Henry County. 243 The village was originally platted by Hon. William D. Hill, of Defiance, and his wife, Augusta B., on the loth of July, 1874, and recorded December 23, 1875. Five and one-third acres were appropriated to depot grounds; seventy-five lots were platted on the south side of the railroad, and ninety- six on the north ; there were ten alleys, and the streets running east and west were named respectively, Green, English, Edgerton, Baltimore, Randolph, Benton and Cowan ; and those running north and south were christened White, Main, Lee and Pendleton. Turkey Foot road, known as Marion street, runs diagonally southwesterly through the village. The lots are four by eight rods, except those lying west of Marion street, which are eighteen links in width. On the 6th of January, 1875, J. W. Sargent laid out an addition of seven- teen lots, which was recorded on the 8th of the same month. It comprises four acres of land, including streets and alleys, and is the east part of the north- east corner of the north half of the southeast quarter of section ten. Mr. Hill and wife added their first addition of three out lots November 28, 1 88 1. It is triangular, west of Marion street, south of the railroad and east of the west section line of section eleven. On the 7th of April, 1887, recorded on the 21st of the same month, Mr. Hill and wife added a second, addition of ninety-six regular lots, six irregular, and blocks A and B. Chestnut, Cleveland, Blaine and Hubbard streets run east and west, and First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth north and south ; there are seven alleys. This addition is in the southwest corner of section eleven and southwest of the original plat. CHAPTER XXIV. HISTORY OF ilONROB TOWNSHIP. THIS is another township which has recently been cut out of the " Big Woods," and thus destroyed a large part of the happy hunting ground of the sportsman. It was organized as a geographical township in 1850, being detached from Harrison to which it had previously belonged. In the govern- ment survey it is known as township four, north of range seven, east. The duplicate of 185 1 shows only seven chattel taxpayers resident in the township. We give the names with the amount of tax paid by each : Samuel E. Ed- wards (author of the " Ohio Hunter," who then resided on the farm now owned and occupied by Philip Heckler), $2.40 ; William Hill, $1.89 ; Michael Hill, $2.02; Waite Hill, jr., $1.09; Christopher Kemm, $3-38; Matthias Knops- ley,$.97; Amonah Parkison, $1.05 ; Paulus Quitman, $1.01. The number of 244 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. acres of land entered and subject to taxation was 14,463, valued at $22,268.21 ; while the value of the chattel property was only $476, and the total tax paid, including specials, was $1,698.35. In this connection the duplicate of 1887 may as well be given. It shows 22,960 acres of land, valued at $233,210, subject to taxation ; the chattel property is valued at $80,376, and the total tax paid $7,244.62. The population of the township was, in i860, three hun- dred and fifty-two souls ; in 1870 six hundred and fifty-eight; in 1880 it had grown to one thousand one hundred and forty-eight, and is at present not less than fifteen hundred. The township is divided into nine school districts and has as many good and commodious school buildings ; and five churches, all Protestant, — one a United Brethren, near Levi • Dresbeck's ; two Lutheran churches.'one on section 18, and one on section 33. The others will be spoken of when we write of the villages. Among the early settlers of the township, in addition to those already named, we may add : David Latta, Matthew Hill, Daniel and W. H. Bigford, Rev. Williamson Barnhill, Charles Huber, John Bensing, John Frankforther, Peter Reimond, John B. Meyers, Rev. Frederick Witzgall, and Jacob Snyder, who made the early improvements on the valuable farm now owned and occu- pied by John Rentz. All of these persons or their immediate descendants or families are still living in the township. For many years this township was a stunted child, and its healthy growth commenced with the construction of the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Rail- road, a narrow guage, but which has in the present year been extended to a standard guage, and is now known as the "Clover Leaf" route. The road enters the township at the northeast corner of section one, on the east line, runs in a southwest direction, leaving the township in the northwest quarter of sec- tion thirty- one, on the west line. The lands in this township, as in the whole county with the exception of the ridge, are low, flat, level, and were wet, requiring considerable drainage. This has been accomplished and three-fourths of the township is now under a good state of cultivation. The drainage is accomplished by the cleaning out, widening and deepening of the natural water courses, the main one of which is Turkey Foot. This creek enters the township in the south at the line between section thirty-five and thirty-six, running north in a winding direction through sections thirty- five, twenty- six, twenty-three, twenty-two, fourteen, fifteen, ten, three, four and five, entering Harrison township near the center of the latter section on the south township line. School Creek enters the township in the west near the southwest quarter of section nineteen, and runs northerly, wind- ing through sections eighteen and eight, emptying into Turkey Foot in section four. Lost Creek and Ash Creek also run from the south to the north, both adding their waters to Turkey Foot. Into these several streams artificial drainage, both surface and sub-soil, have been constructed, pretty thoroughly Henry County. 245 draining the township and fitting it for cultivation. Good roads have been constructed on almost every section line, both north and south and east and west, many of which have by the county commissioners been improved under the laws of the Legislature enacted for that purpose, and the township to-day ranks among the best and wealthiest in the county. The hamlets and villages in the township are Ellery (or, as known on the plat book, Herrtown) Grelleton and Malinta. Of these in order : Herrtown or Ellery. On the plat book this hamlet is known as Herrtown, but the postofifice located there having been named Ellery, the latter has become the accepted name. It is situated in the south part of the east half of the southwest quarter of section sixteen on the " Clover Leaf" route. It consists of seventeen lots; is a railway station, has a postoffice and small store. It was platted by Peter Ritter, January 29, 1881. It may be said to be extensively laid out but thinly settled. Grelleton. This village, or more properly hamlet, is located where the township of Harrison, Damascus, Richfield and Monroe corner. It is also on the " Clover Leaf" route. On the 23d of March, 1881, EH C. Clay laid out an addition of seventeen lots and erected a saw- mill in the northeast corner of section one in the latter township. On the lOth of May, 1884, Mr. Clay platted another addition in this township, in the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the same section. It consists of thirteen lots, and was recorded December 27, 1884. The hamlet has a good school-house, two dry goods stores, a meat market, restaurant, a saw-mill, hoop factory, stave factory, a railroad depot, express, telegraph and post-offices, and contains a population of from three hun- dred to three hundred and fifty. Among the first settlers and present resi- dents of the place may be enumerated Thomas B. Emery, Joseph B. Ward^ Eli C. Clay, William Mead, C. H. Thompson, Jonathan Scheidler, Leroy Thompson, Randall & Hughes, hoop factory, and the Dewey Stave Company. Malinta. This is the principal village in the township. It is also on the line of the " Clover Leaf," and is located in sections ten and eleven. It contains a popu- lation of from four hundred to four hundred and fift}'. It has four dry goods and general stores, two hardware stores, two saloons and restaurants, one saw- mill, stave factory, tile and brick factory, picture gallery, blacksmith shops, shoemaker, etc. It is a railroad station and has an express, telegraph and post- office. Two churches, one Lutheran and one United Brethren, are erected here. 246 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The village was first platted and laid out by John Bensing, September 21, 1880, in the west part of the northwest quarter of section eleven, on the north side of the railroad. Turkey Foot avenue bounded it on the west, Main street on the north, an alley on the east, and an alley between the plat and the railroad on the south. It was constituted of twenty lots, with Center street running east and west, and Henry street and an alley north and south. De- pot grounds were also laid out on the south of the railroad. Mr. Bensing platted and recorded his first addition to the village, April, 1 88 1. It is in the west part of the northwest quarter of section eleven, south of the railroad, west of the depot grounds and east of Turkey Foot avenue. It consists of twenty-six lots. Washington and Adams streets and one alley run east and west; Henry street continued and two alleys run north and south. May 28, 1 88 1, L. and L. Horn added an addition to the village, located in part of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section ten. It em- braced four and a half acres west of Turkey Foot avenue. It consists of twelve lots, two alleys running east and west and one north and south, on the south side of the railroad; and seventeen lots, Monroe street and three alleys, east and west and one alley north and south, on the north of the railroad. The town is thrifty, the population enterprising, and it will doubtless, before many years, rank among the foremost villages in the county. Before closing this chapter a word should be'said in memory of the men who first undertook the task of making delightful homes of the "tangled for- ests." The Sturdy Pioneer. "Peace has her victories as well as war;" with equal truth may civil life be said to have its heroes as well as the tented field, and if ever man deserved the title of hero, that man is the pioneer. Language cannot be woven into a fitting uniform for this hero; he was not an adventurer; he possessed all the elements of the true soldier; courage, fortitude, determination, endurance, self-reliance, perseverar^ce were his characteristics. He went forth, venturing where no other white foot had ever trod, a colonist, founding new homes and building new States. The race of pioneers was a constructive one, and its conquests were pushed, not only beyond the mountains, but from ocean to ocean, and where its seeds of thought, religion and civilization were once planted, there they grew and flourished. Time too readily blots from the memory of the rising generation the glori- ous achievements of their ancestors, and the hardships, trials and deprivations suffered by them that they might crown "a youth of labor with an age of ease" and leave behind them homes of comfort as inheritances to their posterity; and the bravest, the best and the noblest are laid away, in a few years to be for- gotten. Henry County. 247- There is something grand in the gradual development of human history and human progress. The actors at any period may wholly fail to appreciate the effect of their action on the future, and be ignorant of the links and succes- sion of events which connect past, present and future. The actor knows only to face and to do his duty as day by day it is presented to him, and he too often re- mains unconscious of his relation to predecessor and successor and of the grad- ual unfolding of the great plan of human development and progress. In all human movements we have the temporary and the permanent, the transient form and non-essential incident with the permanent substance and the essen- tial truth. There must be personal actors, as well as potential causes and irre- sistable current. Every age has its heroes, martyrs and victims, and every cause its defenders, advocates and enemies, and to the heroic men who preceded us to the pathless wilderness we owe the heritage we now enjoy, and it is proper that to them honor be paid and their memories cherished. No nation ever did anything worth remembering that failed to honor its heroic dead and count among its national treasures the fame of its illustrious ancestors. As we gaze over the expansive and fertile fields and see the comfortable and pleasant homes of Henry county, reflect that but a few years ago it was but a "matted woods, where birds forget to sing," and recall the labors, toils, sacrifices and dangers which made up the life of the pioneer heroes whose graves indent our soil, and as we appreciate the triumphs won by them which have given to us the noble heritage we now enjoy, and cast ourselves into the beckoning future which these men and their labors made possible, our hearts- cannot fail to fill with pride, and love and gratitude, and in the sight of coun- try and of the world we lift up their honored names, and ask posterity to em- ulate the pioneer. There seems to be a neglect of duty on the part of the children of the pi- oneer. There should be monuments erected to commemorate the achieve- ments of these brave and great men. Monuments are the links which connect names and events to fame. Let monuments be built in each township and stand as a silent, but eloquent witness, not only to the devotion and daring, but as a constant witness that we, the sons and daughters of these pioneers,, hold in greatful recollection those to whom we are so largely indebted for the blessings we to-day enjoy. 248 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP. THIS township was organized in the spring of 1835, soon after the full organi- zation of Henry county. The population in 1880 was 1,472 not including the town of Napoleon ; this has increased considerably. The township con- tains thirty-six square miles, without deducting the space covered by the Mau- mee River. The larger portion of this area is in an advanced state of cultiva- tion. It lies near the middle of the famous Black Swamp, which was formerly such a terror to emigrants, and which caused it to be passed by by early settlers, who were seeking homes, in what was in the beginning of the century, the " far west." Its surface is remarkably even, except in the immediate vicinity of its water courses, where the surface drift has been washed away, during and since the glacial epoch. The soil, like that of the Black Swamp generally, is remark- able for its great fertility. It is underlaid by what is known as the Erie clay, which was deposited during the long ages when the township formed a portion ■of the bed of Lake Erie. This clay on account of its great tenacity, furnishes the best possible foundation for a fertile soil. In itself it furnishes a large amount of plant food, and after being exposed to the disintegrating effects of frost and heat, becomes a very productive soil. The great growth of vegeta- tion, previous to its discovery and settlement by the white man, gave it a rich coat of soil, which the retentiveness of the clay preserved for future use. The beautiful Maumee River furnishes the great center of drainage to the township, as well as to the greater portion of the county. The general trend of the surface is towards the Maumee River, and Lake Erie, i. c, on the north- ern side of the river the slope is toward the southeast, while that of the south- ern side of the river is at right angles, or towards the northeast. The rate of descent is between four and six feet to the mile, which gives sufficient fall, when skillfully distributed, to secure the benefits of thorough un- derdraining, which in the Black Swamp is the one great necessity in securing the conditions of successful agriculture. There are five small streams with their branches, that empty into the river from the northern side, while there are none of importance in that small portion of the township lying south of the river. Much time, labor and money have been expended in bringing the township out of its original condition of a dense swampy forest, to its present advanced state of productiveness. Much, however, remains to be done. It took no small amount of courage to attack the swamps and forests of this locality half a century ago. More hardships were endured, and more lives lost in the work of clearing up and preparing the conditions which now exist in the form of beautiful productive farms, which are to be seen throughout the town- Henry County. 249 ship, than were endured to subdue the hostile and treacherous Indians which once occupied the country. We have here no early history of Indian or other wars, through which the earlier settlers of this region had to pass. The battle of the Fallen Timbers at Presque Isle, on the Maumee River, three miles above Maumee, so broke the power of the Indians, that no further trouble was had with them. As that mem- orable battle occurred in the latter part of the eighteenth century, when there was probably not a single white resident (unless it may have been the renegade Simon Girty), in the whole county, we have therefore no blood-curdling stories of hair-breadth escapes from the Indians, or of ambuscades or battles. All has been peaceful since the organization of the county. Our modest story will therefore lack interest to those who require something of a blood-curdling na- ture. The early settlers here had enough to contend with in the shape of inhos- pitable nature, and were very well satisfied with the fact, that the lives of their wives and little ones, as well as their own scalps were in no danger from the savage Indians. We see around us now many of the aged pioneers both male and female, who took part in this great contest with savage nature, whose tottering frames show very clearly that they have endured great privations, such as but few of their children would undertake. Fortunately for the children, they have noth- ing to do but enjoy the fruits of their parents indomitable pluck and persever- ance. These old pioneers are rapidly passing away, and soon will be only known by the works they have done. Yet, before passing away they have had the great satisfaction of knowing that they have left a heritage for their children, where they may enjoy all the comforts of Hfe without enduring the trials, pri- vations and inconveniences they were compelled to endure. It is to be hoped that the children will continue to develop the resources of the land their parents have done so much to make ready for their occupa- tion. In the very nature of things the future resources of this township will mainly depend upon agriculture. There seems, at present, to be little else upon which the people of Napoleon township can depend except that which may be gained from the cultivation of the soil. This is not a cause for discouragement. We have the city of Toledo, with its phenomenal growth, which may fairly en- title it to the appellation of the " Future Great ;" also the embryo cities of Findlay, Bowling Green and Lima, with their great flow of oil and gas, which cannot help making them great manufacturing centers. All of these are our near neighbors, and they will need everything we can produce, and will there- fore furnish a market at our very doors, and at remunerative prices. The early settlers of the township are rapidly passing over to the majority beyond the river, therefore it is well to place on record their early trials and privations, and their heroic struggles with poverty and disease ; in their efforts to subdue the 32 250 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. unbroken wilderness ; in the process of developing its resources to the present condition. This furnishes a reason for the existence of this volume. It is in- tended to be a memorial of inestimable value to the descendants of these worthy pioneers, as well as to all who may hereafter partake of the benefits of their indomitable industry and perseverance. We had almost neglected to speak of our beautiful Maumee River, the pride of northwestern Ohio. The dam built by the State to feed the Miami and Erie canals, backs the water more than twenty-five miles, extending nearly to the western line of the county, thus giving us a beautiful and placid stream which is a marvel of beauty. It furnishes navigation for pleasure boats of all kinds ; and excursions up and down the river are of almost daily occurrence through the summer season, and in winter gives our young people the best of skating, which they are not slow to utilize. Accomplished skaters are very numerous among those who live along its beautiful banks. The following is a list of the chattel taxpayers of Napoleon township in 1837, viz. : Amos Andrews, Samuel Bowers, Catharine Belong, Jesse Essex, John Glass, Henry Leonard, George Bowers, Alexander Craig, Frederick Lord, James Magill, Jonathan Kneely, Lorenzo Patrick, Adolphus Patrick, John Patrick, John Powell, Edwin Scribner, George Stout, Hazael Strong, Reuben Straight, Israel Wait and J. P. Whipple, — twenty-five names in all. We believe all of them are dead with the exception of Frederick Lord, who, at last account, was living at Paw Paw, Mich. Among our best citizens many of these names are found, showing that they are well represented. The value of the real estate in the township at that time was $18,792 ; 25 horses valued at $1,000 ; 88 head of cattle valued at $700 dollars ; money and merchandise to the amount of $425, making a total valuation of $20,941, on which was assessed a tax of $286.97.8. In the present year, 1887, just fifty years, the same items are as follows : Religion is also not neglected. Besides the numerous church edifices, filled with attentive congregations, in the county seat, there are two Lutheran and one United Brethren churches outside of the town of Napoleon, where neigh- bors can attend worship nearer home. Okolona is a small village with post-office on the Wabash, St. Louis and Western Railway, in the southwestern part of the township. It has considera- ible local trade, and is a convenience to the people in that locality. Sketches of Pioneer Residents of Napoleon Township. Hazael Strong was born in Vermont, March 23,, 1804. 'He was married to Sabrina Garrey in 1833. Mrs. Strong was also born in 1804. They settled' in Henry county and Napoleon township in the same year they were married. Mr. Strong was the first auditor of Henry county, having been appointed to that position by the associate judges at the time the county was organized- Henry County. 251 He held the office until his successor was elected at the first general election. He afterwards held the office of county recorder; he was clerk of the Com- mon Pleas Court fourteen years ; he also held the office of county surveyor, for which office he was peculiarly well fitted, as he took great pride in doing his. work with the greatest possible accuracy ; he also served as deputy treasurer of the county during the term for which Israel Wait was elected, doing the greater portion of the work of the office. They had only one child, a son, who died in 1861. Hazael Strong died in 1877. His widow still survives at the ripe age of eighty-three years. Hon. John Powell was one of the first settlers in Henry county, having per- manently located here in 1835. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1806 ; was married in Erie county, O., Jan. 9, 1831, to Esther Magill, who was born in Huron county, O., Dec. 7, 181 1. They had a family of twelve children, five of whom are dead ; one of them, Volney Powell, having been murdered in a South Carolina massacre, Oct. 20, 1870. Four of their sons served their country in the War of the Rebellion. Samuel Powell belonged to Co. B, 38th Regiment O. V. I., of which regiment Hazael B. Powell, M.D., then quite a young man, was surgeon. Volney Powell belonged to the 14th Regiment 0. V. I., and was afterwa^rds in the one huudred day service. George Powell was also in the one hundred day service. When Mr. Powell settled in this county Napoleon consisted of one log house, owned by a man named An- drews. Several log houses were added to the place during the summer of 1835. In the same year Mr. Powell was elected township clerk, and in 1837 was elected county auditor. After serving two terms, he served as deputy sheriff. He was then elected justice of the peace, and in 1840 was, by the Legislature, appointed associate judge of Henry county, which office he held one term. He also filled the office of county commissioner, three terms. He began business in Napoleon, as a shoemaker ; in 1836 he began merchandising, which vocation he followed until 185 1. He then kept a hotel or tavern, as it was then called, but soon again entered the mercantile business which he con- tinued until 1862. After the first court-house burned, in 1847, the question of removing the county seat to the town of Texas, a few miles farther down the river, in Washington township, arose. The people of the county were divided on the question, and upon that issue Mr. Powell was elected county commis- sioner, which fixed the county seat at Napoleon. Mr. Powell died July 27» 1886, and his aged wife followed him in December of the same year. Edwin Scribner, was born in New York in 1808, and brought to Henry county when a lad of eight years old, in 1816. There was not at that time a wagon road in the county, nothing but Indian trails. Flour and meal could only be obtained by taking wheat to mill at Monroe, Mich. When a lad of thirteen years of age, he rode on horseback and alone, to Greenville, Darke county, O., and brought back with him a bundle of rolls of wool to be spun 252 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and woven into clothing for the family. Mr. Scribner erected the first saw- mill in Henry county in 1838, on Dry Creek, in what is now Washington town- ship. He died May 16, 1887. Allen B. Scribner, a son of the above, was born in Henry county May 25, 1825. He was married in Delaware county, O., August 24, 1863, to Mary C. Potter, who was born in that county in 1841. They have had four children. Mr. S. is. at present engaged in the sale of hardware and agricultural imple- ments in Napoleon. George Stout came to Napoleon in the autumn of 1834. Napoleon town- ship was then an almost unbroken wilderness. He purchased a town lot in Napoleon and built the second log cabin in the place. He lived in this cabin while he built a public house or tavern, into which he moved his family in March, 1835. This he opened for the entertainment of guests as soon as it could be made ready. The first two or three terms of the Common Pleas Court, was held in the dining room of this hostelry, and the first grand jury of Henry county slept in the hay-mow in the barn. At this time there were but few settlers in the county. Those nearest were Hazael Strong, John Patrick, and Amos Andrews, who lived four miles down the river, and Elijah Gunn, who lived on Girty's Island, five miles above town. For a distance of fifteen miles from the river, on both sides, the county was a vast unbroken wilderness. As an inducement to settlers, a town lot was offered by the original proprietors of the town, Messrs. Phillips, Cory and Level, to the first permanent settler. Upon this lot a log cabin had been built by a man named HoUoway, being the first erected in the place. It was quit- claimed by Mr. Holloway, and also afterwards by several others, none of whom remained long enough to entitle them to a deed, and was finally deeded to Mr. Stout as the first actual settler in the town. This was lot No. 25 on the original plat of Napoleon. The house was somewhat pretentious for those days, as it was built of hewed logs, the greater portion of the buildings of that day being of round logs. It was after- wards weather- boarded and plastered, and is still standing, being the oldest house in town. Joseph A. Stout, a son of the above, was born in Holmes county, 0., July 13, 1 8 19. He was married to Sarah C. Palmer. They raised two children, Albert T. and Ella A. Stout. The latter married Johnson N. High, and re- sides with her husband in Kansas. Mr. Stout came to Henry county with his parents in 1834, and had with all the settlers of that early period an abundant experience of the trials of pioneer life. John G. Stout, a brother to the above, came to Henry county with his parents in 1834. He was at one time a superintendent of public works in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He was married to Sarah Ryan January 24, 1841, They had a family of eight children, one of whom, John P. Stout, is an exam- iner of pensions in Washington. Henry County. 253 Adam Stout was born in Richland county, O., September 29, 18 19. He was married to Mary J. Barnhart, who was born in Maryland, O., in 1826. They had eight children. He moved with his parents to this county in 1833. Hon. James G. Haly was born in Holmes county, O., Dec. 6, 18 16. He was married August 12, 1845, to Harriet Conkling, who was born in Mont- gomery county, O., February 3, 1821. He was admitted to the bar of Ohio in the summer of 1840; was elected prosecuting attorney for the county in the same year. He served four years by election and one year by appoint- ment of the court. He served six years as justice of the peace of Napoleon township, was elected county auditor in 1845, and served four years. In 1851 he was elected to the Legislature from Putnam and Henry counties, and sat during the first session of that body under the present constitution. He was appointed collector on the Miami and Erie Canal, and was stationed at Junc- tion, in Paulding county, where the Wabash and Erie Canal joins the Miami and Erie. He filled the position for a term of three years, during which he collected and paid over to the State of Ohio, more than a quarter of a million dollars. He then entered into partnership at Napoleon with Edward Sheffield (since deceased) in the practice of law. This partnership continued until the beginning of the War of the Rebellion in 1861. He recruited and organized Company D, Sixty-eighth Regiment, O. V. I., and was appointed quarter- master of the regiment, in which capacity he served one year, when he resigned on account of failing health. He then formed a law partnership with J. M. Haag and William Sheffield (since deceased), which continued until he was elected probate judge of Henry county, which office he held twelve years. Since his retirement from the judgeship he has retired from active life and oc- cupies himself superintending his farm near town. Six children were born to them. Hon. Alexander Craig settled in Napoleon township in 1835. He and his wife were both born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and 1 801, respectively. They were married in 1827. Mr. Craig held the office of sheriff two terms, and that of associate judge of Henry county one term. They had a family of four chil- dren. Mr. C. is now dead. William C. Brownell, with his wife, whose maiden name was Lydia Osborn, came to Henry county in the autumn of 1835, and settled in what is now known as Flat Rock township, and came to Napoleon in 1842 or '43 ; was elected sheriff of the county in 1843, and served one term ; was school examiner sev- eral years, and was also county surveyor for a longtime, doing a larger amount of surveying in the county than any other man. They had seven children. He lived and died a consistent member of the society of Friends. William H. Brownell, a son of the above couple, was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., September 6, 1832, and was brought to this county in 1835 with his parents. He remembers seeing many Indians in his boyhood, as they 254 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. frequently stayed all night at his father's house. Mr. B. held the office of county surveyor one term. He was a farmer in his early life, then learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed until the Rebellion. He enlisted in Napoleon in Company F, Fourteenth Regiment, Ohio three months men, and served the time in West Virginia. He took part in the battles of Phillippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford. After their term of enlistment expired the regiment re- enlisted and reorganized as the Fourteenth Regiment O. V. I., for three years. He was appointed first lieutenant of Company D ; was in the fight at Wild Cat, Ky., and in numerous skirmishes between Ringgold and Atlanta. When he reached Atlanta he was compelled to resign on account of his health. When he arrived home he weighed only 115 pounds. He has since filled many responsible positions, and is now cashier of Meekison's bank. He has had six children. John O. Palmer settled with his parents in Henry county in 1837. He was born in New York June 22, 1832, and married in Napoleon, O., September 24, 1857, to Margaret Tressler, who was born in Ohio August 19, 1837. They had three children. Mrs. Palmer's mother came to Henry county, a widow, in 1849. James Shasteen was one of the earliest settlers in the county. He came with his parents in 1826. He filled the offices of justice of the peace and assessor. He furnished three sons to the Union army. Peter Shasteen be- longed to the Fourteenth Regiment O. V. I.; was wounded at Chickamauga,. and died from the effects of the wound soon after. Emanuel Shasteen belonged to the artillery corps, and died in the service. James Shasteen, jr., belonged to the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth Regiment, O. V. I., and survived the war. S. L. Curtis was born in Java Lake, N. Y., October 11, 1836, was married to Mary Chapman, who died in 1872 leaving two children. He married Mar- garet A. Guaintance, in Napoleon July i, 1874. He settled in Henry county in 1838. William Dodd was born in New Jersey June 18, 1810. He was married to Mary Thompson in Henry county about the year 1837. When quite young Mr. Dodd enlisted in the U. S. Army, then stationed at Fort Leavenworth. During the three years he served in the army they were engaged in a very active campaign, under the command of Colonel Dodge, against the Comanche Indians, near the Rocky Mountains. After his term of enlistment expired he returned to the States in 1836. He also took part in the Canadian Rebellion in 1837. He held a colonel's commission from the Provincial Congress of Upper Canada. He was a contractor during the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal. He held the office of sheriff, and also that of treasurer of Henry county. He died April 22, 1859. Mrs. Dodd was brought to the Maumee Valley in 182 1, when she was four years old. She is believed fo Henry County, 255 have taught the first school in Henry county. The school room was in the residence of John Patrick, three miles below Napoleon on the river. She also taught at Independence, six miles below Defiance on the river. Many of our oldest citizens attended her school in their early days. She also taught at Waterville, in Lucas county and the Indian mission school, near Water- ville. She is now spending the evening of her days with her children in this vicinity. She has spent sixty-nine years of her life on the Maumee river ; the greater portion of this time she resided in Napoleon. This couple had six children. Their eldest son, Ezra S. Dodd, was attending school in St. Louis when the war began. He at once enlisted in the First Missouri Regiment of Infantry for one year. At the battle of Wilson's Creek he was taken prisoner and was held eighteen months. After his release he came to Napoleon, and raised Company B, One Hundred and Eighty- fourth Regiment, O. V. I., and was appointed captain. He was in numerous engagements, and was on board of the first gunboat that passed the gauntlet at Vicksburg. He was promoted to the rank of major of the regiment, and held that position when mustered out of the service. He now resides in Toledo, O. William Dodd, jr., was a member of Company I, Sixty-eighth Regiment, 0. V. I., and died in the service October 12, 1862. Edwin C. Dodd, another son, was a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment, O. V. I., Company B, and served to the end of the war. George Frease was born in Pennsylvania, August 20, 1812. He was mar- ried in Summit county, O., June 7, 1835, to Elizabeth Willard, who was born in Ohio, December 10, 1812. They had eight children, several of whom are prominent in business circles at this time. Mr. Frease settled in Henry county in 1843. Thomas Brown, a millwright, settled in Henry county in 1845. Nativity, Ohio. S. F. Hamlin, a millwright, settled in Henry county in 1849. Nativity, Ohio. Charles Sweet, a millwright, settled in Henry county in 1858. Nativity, New York. D. W. Frease was born in Stark county, O., July 28, 1837, 's a son of George and Elizabeth Frease, who were natives of Pennsylvania, born in the year 18 12, and settled in Henry county in 1842, where they still reside. Henry Willard, the father of Elizabeth Frease, died in Henry county at the advanced age of ninety-four years. The subject of this sketch was married at Napoleon February 16, 1871, to Julia Feighner, who was born in Pennsylvania, March 15, 1845. Mr. Frease enlisted February 14, 1864, in Company B, Thirty- eighth Regiment, O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was in the following battles and campaigns, viz.: The campaign of Atlanta, campaign 256 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. of Georgia, siege of Savannah and campaign of North and South Carolina, and served until the end of the war. He is now a justice of the peace for Napoleon township. He came to the county with his parents in 1842. A. H. Tyler settled in Napoleon in 1847. He was the first county clerk ever elected in Henry county. That officer, previous to the present con- stitution, was appointed by the court. He has since filled the offices of justice of the peace, county school examiner, and was a member of the constitutional convention that framed the present constitution, which was adopted in the year '1851. Dr. Tyler was born in New Haven, N. Y., January 27, 1819. He was married to Elizabeth B. Grannis, in Huron county, O., October 29, 1846. They had four children born to them. Mrs. Tyler died in . Dr. Tyler served as assistant surgeon in the Sixty-eighth Regiment O. V. I. for two years. He married again, and is now residing on his farm near Napoleon. Bennett Stenbird was born in 1822, and settled in Henry county in 1847. He enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, O. V. I., at Toledo, Sep- tember 17, 1861, and received his discharge at Atlanta, Ga., September 12, 1864. Herman A. Myerholtz was born in Hanover, Germany, June 17, 1835, and settled in Henry county with his parents in 1848. He was married in Defi- ance county, O., March 17, 1864, to Louisa Shults, who was born in Prussia in 1844. They have several children. He has held several ofifices of trust in the county and township. He was township trustee, and justice of the peace, and treasurer of Napoleon township. He was the first infirmary director of the county. He, with his brother Henry, have carried on the business of grocers and provision dealers for many years. They also have been engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile for a number of years. H. F. Myerholtz, a brother of the above, was born in Germany June 24, 1844, and married to Mary Gilson September 15, 1868. He came to Henry county with his parents in 1848. He enlisted in Company F, Sixty-eighth Regiment, O. V. I., and served until January 27, 1863, when he was discharged at Cincinnati, O. He re- enlisted February 9, 1865, and served until the close of the war. Although in active service from the time of enlistment until the close of the war, he escaped without the slightest wound. W. Linn settled in Henry county in 1849. Reuben P. Calkins was born in New York April 2, 1821. He was married in Ohio to Annie E. Thompson, daughter of William and Rebecca Thompson, of Stark county, O. Four children were born to them. Mr. Calkins's parents settled in Henry county in 1836. Mr. C. himself came in 1856. Christian H. Helberg was born in Germany November li, 1833. He was married in Henry county November 17, 1865, to Anna Drewes, whose parents were natives of Germany, and who settled in Henry county, where Mrs. H. was born. Mr. H. settled in Henry county in 1848, and suffered the privations. Henry County. 257 common to the settlers of that period. In early times in this county it was not an uncommon thing for the farmer to shoulder a bag of grain and carry it to mill, as that was frequently the easiest way to get it there. The forests at that time were full of game. Squirrels were very numerous, and materially assisted the farmer in gathering his corn crop. Mr. Helberg enlisted in the Sixty- eighth Regiment O. V. I., October 15, 1861. He took part in the siege of Vicksburgj battle of Atlanta, and marched with Sherman to Atlanta. He was wounded, and the ball was never extracted. John Dancer was born in Jefferson county, O., June 3, 1823. He was mar- ried to Margaret Huston in Ashland county, O., November 5, 1849. Mrs. Dancer was born in Columbiana county O., May 28, 1827. They had six children. Their son George was a member of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, 0. V. I., and served three years and ten months. Mr. Dancer settled in Henry county in 1848. William Mason was born in Milan, O., April 12, 18 17. He married Eliza- beth Smith, who was born in Wayne county, O., September 23, 1824. They had four children, and were early settlers in the county. Hon. William A. Tressler was born March 19, 1824; was married Jan. 23,. 1845, ill Frederick county, Md., to Anna Elliott, who was born Jan. 14, 1823. They came to Henry county in the spring of 1849. Mrs. Tressler died Nov. II, 1881. Mr. Tres.sler has lived in the county ever since his first arrival. He has held the office of State Senator two years, was county treasurer four years, was mayor of Napoleon four years, marshal of the town two years, and justice of the peace eight years, which office he now fills. George Daum is the son of George and Margaret Daum, both of whom are deceased. They were born in France, in 1798, in the same town and on the same day and hour. The subject of this sketch was born in France, Jan. 12, 1834, and married in Napoleon, O., in the autumn of 1 871, to Rachel Spieth, whose parents were Germans. They have a large family of children. He settled in Henry county in 1846. He was at one time clerk of Pleasant town- ship, was elected sheriff in 1872, which office he held four years, was elected county commissioner in 18.76 and served one term, was again elected sheriff and again served two terms, or four years. He was again elected county com- missioner in 1886, which office he now holds. Mr. Daum enlisted in Cleve- land Oct. I, 1862, in Company D, 124th Regiment, O. V. I. He was pro- moted from second lieutenant to captain of the company, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. He was wounded in the battle of Nashville, in the second day's fight. He also took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek and Atlanta. Henry E. Gary was born in Huron county, O., Jan. 14, 1838, and removed with his parents to Henry county in 1846. His father, Joel Cary, was born in Vermont in 18 14, and died Sept. 21, 1849. His mother, Harriet W. C. Gary,. 33 258 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. was born in Connecticut, in 18 18, and still resides in Napoleon. Mr. Cary was married in Napoleon, Dec. 27, 1886, to Amelia M. Roach, who was born in Providence, Lucas county, O., Jan. 22, 1845. They have three children. Mr. Cary enlisted in Company G, 163d Regiment, O. V. I. as lieutenant, and served ninety days. His brother, Harlem P. Cary was a member of the 68th Regiment, O. V. I. On his way home he died with small-pox, at Chatta- nooga, Tenn. Mr. Cary claims to have the oldest grocery house in Napoleon. Homer P. Hopkins was born in Erie county, O., May 29, 1837, and was married Oct. i, 1867, to Mary A. Neidhamer, who was born in Michigan, in 1847. Mr. Hopkins enlisted in Company H, First Regiment, M. V. I., at Adrian, Mich., July 25, 1861. The regiment was assigned to Hooker's brig- ade, and during the winter oi 1 86 1 was kept as guard at Annapolis, Md. He witnessed the celebrated contest between the Moniter and Merrimac in Chese- peake Bay. He was in the battle of Mechanicsville, and was shot through the arm at Gaines's Mills. He took part in the siege of Richmond ; at Chancellors- ville he narrowly escaped death; while lying flat on the ground a shell burst and a piece struck the ground between his arm and head as he lay with his arm bent, and buried itself eight inches in the hard earth. After he was wounded he lived six days without food except a few berries He was in sev- eral of the hard-fought battles of the war, was with Burnside in the march from Falmouth, Va. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war- He has removed from the county. Mrs. Eliza Hill was born in Jefferson county, O., Feb. 16, 1825, was mar- ried in Holmes county, Aug. 16, 1844, to a son of Abraham and Sarah Hill, in Holmes county, O. They had nine children. Edward Lingle was born in Butler county, O., June 21, 1818, and was mar- ried in the same county to Margaret Weaver, Dec. 3, 1846. Six children were born to them. The parents of this couple were all from Pennsylvania. Mr. L. held the office of coroner six years, and that of infirmary director, three years. He settled in Henry county in 1850. Jacob Bales was the son of David and Ann Bales, of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio in 1812. He was born in Wayne county, O., Sept. 27, 1821, and was married in the same county, in 1841, to Salome Sidle, who was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 9, 18 19. They had eleven children. Mr. Bales filled the office of assessor and township trustee. Conrad Clay was born in Stark county, O., April 20, 1822. He was mar- ried in Defiance county, O., Oct. 9, 185 i, to Julia A. Stoddard, who was born in Connecticut, Feb. 17, 1834. They had nine children. He lost a valuable mill by fire in 1871. He, together with his parents, John and JuHa Clay, set- tled in Henry county in 1850, as also did William H. and Abigail Stoddard, the parents of Mrs. Clay. Andrew Sherman was born in Germany, and settled in Henry county in Henry County. 259 1852. He was married in Sandusky City, O., May 9, 1849, to Eva Walter, also a German. He settled in Henry county in 1852. Henry Panning was born in Germany, February 21, 1821. He was mar- ried in Henry county, O., January 28, 1851. Miss Othnar was also born in Germany, December, 1824. They had nine children. Mr. P. 's parents settled in this county in 1854. His wife's parents came in 1858. Mr. Panning set- tled in this county in 1851. Henry Dachenhaus settled with his parents, who are Germans, in Henry county in 1850. He was born January 5, 1825, and married in Henry county, October 18, 1854, to Sophia Precht, also of Germany, where she was born in 1828. Seven children were born to them. Henry Buhlart was born in Germany May 15, 1844. He was married May 30, 1867, to Eliza Ludeman, who was born in Cleveland, April i, 1844. Mr. Buhlart, with his parents, Henry and Louisa Buhlart, settled in Henry county, in 1849. Mi's. Buhlart's parents, Frederick and Catharine Ludeman, settled in Henry county, in 1845. Mr. Buhlart was a member of the Sixty-eighth Regi- ment 0. V. Infantry, and was in a number of battles during his term of service. Robert K. Scott was born in Armstrong county. Pa., in 1826, and settled in Henry county in 185 i. He practiced medicine five years, then engaged in merchandising. In 1861 he was appointed major of the Sixty- eighth O. V. Infantry, which he recruited. He was promoted to lieutenant- colonel Novem- ber 29, 1861; was at the battles of Fort Donaldson, Pittsburgh Landing, then at the siege of Corinth. He commanded a brigade in the battle of Hatchie River. His regiment was placed in the command of Major- General McPher- son. He took part in the battles of Port Hudson, Raymond, Jackson, Cham- pion Hills and Big Black. He was placed in command of the Second Brigade, Seventeenth Army Corps. He was taken prisoner during the investment of Atlanta, was exchanged and returned to his brigade, with which he accompa- nied Sherman in his famous march to the sea. His brigade was mustered out of service July 10, 1865. He was made a brigadier-general January 12, 1865, and before the close of the war was made a major-general by brevet. In Jan- uary, 1866, he was ordered to take charge of the Freedman's Bureau, in South Carolina. In 1868 he was elected governor of South Carolina, and again in 1870. He returned to Henry county in 1876. He married Jane Lowry, by whom he has one son, R. K. Scott, jr., who was for some time captain of Com- pany F, O. N. G. The governor is now engaged in manufacturing. William McHenry, the son of Dr. McHenry mentioned above, was born in Seneca county, O., May 21, 1845. He was married September 3, 1873, to Anna M. Reiter, who was born in Henry county, January 15, 1855. They have two children. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment O. V. Infantry, October 8, 1862. He was transferred to Company I, in the same regiment, June 15, 1863. He took part in the battles of Chicka- 26o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. mauga, Mission Ridge, Dandridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Lovejoy Statiori. He received a wound at Dandridge, and another at Lovejoy Station, and was honorably discharged on account of disability, November 15, 1864. He served five years as guard at the Ohio Penitentiary, during'a part of which time he filled the position of instructor of schools and librarian. He came to Henry county with his parents in 1850. David Meekison was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1812, and came to Henry county in 1853. He was married in 1835, in Dundee, Scotland. They had eight children. Mrs. Meekison died June 3, 1875. He married again and still lives in Napoleon. David Meekison, jr., a son of the above, was born in Scotland, November 14, 1849. He was married August 24, 1881, to Clara E. Bowers, who was born in Henry county, August 4, i86o. Three children have been born to them. Mr. Meekison made the first start in public life by joining the Fourth U. S. Artillery, in which he served three years as a private. He then returned to Napoleon, and received the appointment of clerk of the town, to fill an unex- pired term, after which he was elected and served two terms. His second term as probate judge will expire in December, of this year, 1887. He is an active and public-spirited citizen, and is foremost in all enterprises that tend to ad- vance the well-being of the place. He came to Henry county in 1855. Julius Chappnis was born in France, August 6, 1841. He was married at Texas, in Henry county, in September, 1861, to Ann Hardy, who was born in Virginia, December 24, 1837. They have six children. Mr. Chappnis settled in Henry county in 1853. Abraham L. Willard was born in Stark county, O., April 12. 18 19, and came to Henry county in 1852. He owned and ran a boat on the canal for ten years. He was never married. He still lives in Napoleon. Henry Otte was born in Germany, in 1831 ; was married in 1855 to Elsie Myer, who was also born in Germany. They had seven children, and were early settlers in the county. Jo. Christ Buchele was born in Germany, June 18, 1838, and was married in Henry county, in 1854, to Christina Singer, who was also born in Germany, July 20, 1832. They had nine children. They settled in Henry county in 1853. John F Oberhaus was born in Germany, July 18, 1842, and was married in Henry county, April 19, 1872, to Sophia M. Beaderstat, who was also born in Germany, Dec. 12, 185 I. Mr. Oberhaus had a brother in the Sixty- eighth 0. V. Infanty, in 1851, and served until the close of the war. They had several children. Julius Van Hyning was born in Summit county, O., January 3, 1822, and was married in the same county January 19, 185 i, to Sarah Willard, who was born in Stark county, January i, 1822. They had six children. Mr. Van Hyning belonged to the Sixty-eighth O. V. I., and took part in the battles of Henry County. 261 Fort Donaldson, Pittsburgh Landing, Fort Henry, and was wounded at the battle of Crump's Landing, Tenn. He was honorably discharged from the service for disabiHty. He settled in Henry county in 1858, and still resides on his farm near Napoleon. Nathaniel Hartman was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and was married in Henry county November 2, 1856, to Lydia R. Ritter, who was born in Ohio in 1838. Seven children were born to them. Mr. H. was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-third O. V. I. during the " late unpleasantness," and died in Napoleon in 1886. He settled in Henry county in 1850. John Wait was born in Pennsylvania March 3, 1826, and married to his second wife in Henry county, September 5, 1871, to Annie M. Strole, who was the widow of Milton Atkinson, who enlisted in Company B, One Hun- dredth Regiment, O. V. I., in 1862, and was lost in the battle of Limestone Ridge, Tenn., in 1863. His real fate is not known, but he is supposed to have been killed. Mr. Atkinson left four children. Mr. Wait had one child by his first wife, and two by his second wife. He belonged to the Ninety-sixth Regi- ment O. V. I.; was in several battles and escaped unharmed. He settled in Henry county in 1867. H. H. Fast was born in Ohio, and settled in Henry county in 1852. William F. Daggett was born in Lucas county, O., May 24, 1830. He was married in Washington township, Henry county, December 25, 1855, to Al- vira L. Scribner, who was born in the same township January 24, 1833. They had eight children. He was recorder of the county six years and auditor three years. He settled in Henry county in 1852. Charles E. Reynolds was born in Massachusetts June 15, 1844. He was married at Napoleon September 12, 1866, to Sarah E. Parker. Two children were born to them. He served as auditor for several years ; also as county school examiner for many years, which office he now fills. He also served as clerk of Napoleon township ten years. He enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Company F, Sixty-eighth Regiment, O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He entered the service as a private, and was promoted to quartermas- ter-sergeant. He was in the battle of Little Hatchie. At the siege of Rich- mond he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison, where he remained one month, when he was exchanged, but was afterwards again taken prisoner while on Sherman's raid, near Norton, Miss. He was confined first at Mobile, then at Cahaba, Ala., and lastly at that shed on earth — Adersonville — where he spent thirteen months, until the final exchange. Like all the unfortunates who entered that worse than hell, he suffered such tortures and privations as no pen has yet been able, adequately, to describe. The close of the war re- leased him, with such of his comrades as had survived. He now resides in Napoleon, and is engaged in the business of insurance. He came to Henry county in 1854. 262 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Patrick Ragan was born in 1800, in County Cork, Ireland ; was married in 1844 in Canada to Norah Hagerty, who was born in St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, in 1822. They had six children. Mrs. Ragan died in 1856; Mr. Ragani in 1866. They settled in Henry county in 1854. James P. Ragan, a son of the above, was born in Gilead, near Grand Rapids, in Wood county, O., March 17, 1852, and came with his parents to Henry county in 1854. After teaching school a number of years he studied law, and was admitted to the bar March 16, 1878. He resides in Napoleon and is engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with Hon. J. M. Haag.. John Diemer was born in Bavaria, February 2, 1837. He was married in Napoleon, in i860, to Josephine Greber, who was born in Bavaria in 1840. They had twelve children. Mr. Diemer enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio three months troops, and served four months. He was honorably discharged and returned to Napoleon. He was in many skirmishes and battles during his term of service, among which were Philippi, Laurel Hill, Cheat River and Car- rick's Ford. Since the war he has continued to reside with his family in Na- poleon. He has kept a meat marrket for many years. He came to Henry county in 1850. John D. Belknap came to Henry county in 1850, and was one of the first men to enlist in the Fourteenth Regiment, three months men, and was in- stantly killed at Laurel Hill. He was married before coming to this county. They had three children. His son, J. P. Belknap, is the editor and proprietor of .the Henry County Signal. Jonas Shumaker was born in Wayne county, O., October 26, 1821. He was married in Crawford county, O., May 25, 1847, to Esther Speigle, who was born in Stark county, O., December, 1829. They had seven children. He was a member of the board of education nine years. He settled in Henry county in 1850. Joseph Shumaker, brother to the above, was born in Wayne county, 0., May 13, 1828. He was married in Crawford county, O., October 18, 1853, to Mary A. Weiler, who was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage. They had seven children. Mr. S. came to Henry county in 1858. Jeremiah J. Thompson was born April 12, 1850, in Holmes county, 0.; was married in Henry county September 3, 1871, to Mary Foncannon, who was born in Seneca county, O., May 21, 1853. They had two children. Mr. Thompson settled in Henry county in 1853. George Stoner was born in Maryland, July 16, 1828. He was married in Seneca county, O., November 16, 1852, to Louisa Wilkins, who was born in Ohio, January 31, 1830. They have a family of eleven children. He settled- in Henry county in 1866. Thomas J. Howell was born in Ohio, Februar)' 15, 1850. He was married in Henry county November 4, 1870, to Eliza Elarton, who was born in Sen- %%ra«wms a*" »' J^^i. ^Z. Henry County. 263 €ca county, O., October 15, 1852. Mr. Howell settled in Henry county in 1867. Mrs. Howell's father, Samuel Elarton, enlisted in the looth Regiment O. V. I., during the War of the Rebellion. He served his country three years, and died in Libby prison. Richard Howell, a brother of the subject of this sketch, belonged to the 113th Regiment O. V. I., and served three years. John Snyder was born in Ohio, August 13, 1841, of German parentage. He was married in Henry county October 31, 1864, to Catharine Leifer, who was born in Richland county, O., August 8, 1841. They had five children born to them. Mr. Leifer, the father of Mrs. Snj der, settled in Henry county in 1853. William M. French was born in Licking county, O., July 18, 1847, 3-"d was married in Henry county March 31, 1868, to Sarah E. Miller, who was born in Marion county, O., January 24, 1850. The parents of Mr. French, WilUam S. and Mary G. French, settled in Henry county in 1862. Henry H. Freytag was born in Germany, in 1845 ; was married in Henry county June 24, 1869, to Catharine Rohrs, who was born in Germany in 1849. Mr. F settled with his parents in Henry county, in 1851. His wife's parents, John and Mary Rohrs, came to the county in 1858. Justin H. Tyler was born November 15, 18 15, in Massachusetts, and was married June 21, 1847, to Alice Olmsted, who was born in New York city, in 1825, and died in Napoleon, January 2, i860, leaving two children. Mr. Ty- ler was married the second time, on February 21, 1 861, to Hattie M. Peck, at Shelbourne, Mass., where she was born June 21, 1832. Four children were born to them. Mr. Tyler was admitted to practice law in 1841. He first lo- cated at Huron, O., where he held the office of township clerk, and also was clerk of the village of Huron, three years. He then came to Henry county, where he has held the office of prosecuting attorney four years. He was also a member of the Ohio Legislature two years ; he was also school examiner for several years, and was the first mayor of the village of Napoleon, which office he held three terms. When he first came to the county, in 1852, Napoleon was a village of about three hundred inhabitants, and a large portion of the county was an almost unbroken wilderness. He has practiced law in the county thirty-five years. He does not now engage actively in the duties of his profession, leaving the bulk of the work to be performed by his son, Juhan H. Tyler, who promises to fill with credit the position so long held by his father. Although Mr. Tyler is not a member of any church, he has been a most liberal contributor to the construction of church buildings, claiming that he has contributed to nearly every church built in the county. Mr. Tyler was originally a Whig in politics ; and after the disruption of that party he became an ardent Republican, and, although always in the minority, he continues firm in his allegiance to that party. He resides in Napoleon. Lewis Y. Richards was born December 20, 183 1, in Greene county, O.; was 264 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. married November 8, i860, to Harriet Augusta Brancher, who was born in 1839, at Defiance. They had two children. He came to Defiance county in 1846, and removed to Henry county in 1853. He enlisted October 3, 1861^ in Company A, 68th O. V. I., as second lieutenant. He was soon promoted to first lieutenant, and afterwards became captain of his company. He was in the battles of Pittsburgh Landing, Fort Donaldson, Siege of Corinth, Hatchie River, Port Hudson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills and Big Black. He was offered a commission as major, in 1863, but declined, and was mustered out of service at the expiration of his period of enlistment, November 24, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Since that time he has resided at Napoleon. Christian E. Axe was born in Wayne county, O., September 16, 1837, and was married in Henry county December 9, i860, to Mary A. Freysinger, who was born in Wayne county, O., May 31, 1840. They had three children. Mr. Axe's parents settled in Henry county in 1849, ^"d those of his wife in 1859. Thomas W. Durbin was born in Maryland,. August 24, 1822, and was mar- ried May 22, 1850, to Lucinda King, who was born in Perry county, O., July 8, 1832. They had five children. Mr. Durbin was clerk of the Court of Com- mon Pleas for Henry county during one term of three years ; he also held the office of county commissioner during one term, and has been county recorder since January 7, 1884, being now in his second term. He came to Henry county in 1843. CHAPTER XXVI.i HISTORY OF PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. OF the early organization of this township it appears that no written records are preserved, but in common with many other of the county's civil divi- sions, the early records have been neglected and allowed to become destroyed or lost. The township occupies a position in the extreme southwestern part of the county and its territory was formerly embraced within Flat Rock. The earli- est settlers in this locality were George A. Hofricker, Henry Saur, Frederick Loesch, George jDirr, Andrew Gardner and Peter Grimm, who came here in the year 1836. The following year, 1837, there were others, some of whom can be recalled. They were John P. Hornung, George A. Young, Adam Min- sell, John Friberger and Paul Renolet. From this time down to 1 844 there were Casper Mangas and his sons Peter, Jacob and Henry; Paul Eding and 1 By James E. Scofield. Henry County. 265 his sons Gerhart (Jared) and Harmon; Theobold Bolley, George and Daniel Wolfe, John Bates, John Helrich, Stephen Byal, John Wilhelm, Daniel Des- granges, Frederick Martz, James Shasteen (the first justice of the peace), Henry Schall and John Diemer, all heads of families, with exception of the sons of Mangas and Eding. About 1840 Mr. Easterbrook, an Englishman, taught the first school in the settlement and continued three or four winter terms of three months each. While thus engaged he wrote a pamphlet biography of his life, styhng himself David Crocket second. Among other things it contained rem- iniscences of his teaching among the "benighted beings," as he styled them, of the wilds of Henry county. James E. Scofield, the writer hereof, followed him as teacher of the same school in 1844-5, two winter terms, of three months each, and remembers many of the inhabitants of that time, together with many of his pupils, including his wife, then a school girl ten years his junior. Here may be given the names of the younger heads of families, some of whom have married daughters of the first settlers : John Hofrieter, Joseph Schneider (a shoemaker), Henry Dirr, George Dirr, John Bawman, Charles Kesselmeyer (a wagon maker), and perhaps other names not remembered. The following are names of remembered pupils, now old men and women, having well im- proved farms and families of grown up children, some of whom are settled for themselves on farms and others in villages and cities, in business; George N. Wolf, Harmon Eding, Henry Grimm, Peter Grimm (deceased), William Saur, John Loesch, Henry Loesch, Meni Loesch, Adam Loesch (deceased), Andrew Loesch, Margaret Saur, Caroline Wolf, Elizabeth Wolf Daniel' Wolf Phil- lip Dorider, John M. Young, Elizabeth Grimm (deceased), Henry Bates (deceased), Paul Heisch and others perhaps whose names are not remembered, children then between the ages of four and twenty years, and attending school. It is supposed this township was detached from Flat Rock in the year 1843. It was then a howling wilderness of water, frogs, wolves, bear, deer, turkeys, coon and other animals of various kinds, all of which have now disappeared, and this vast wilderness, by the energy of its inhabitants, made to blossom like the rose. The records of Flat Rock township show names of heads of families residing in town three, north of range six, east, now Pleasant township, then attached to Flat Rock. Their children, that is, of the families, enumerated for the public schools in the year 1838, were as follows: Joseph Waddel, i male; Casper Mangas, 4 males; Peter Hornung, i male and i female; Peter Hornung, jr., i female; March, 4 males; G. A. Hofrickter, 2 males, i fe- male; George Dirr, i female; Peter Grim, 2 males, i female; Andrew Gardner, 2 males, 5 females; John Friberger, i male, 4 females; David Dorider, 2 males, 2 females; John Bates, 2 males, i female; Helrich, i male, i female; in all 22 males and 19 females; total, 41 children between the ages of four and twenty years. In the four original surveyed townships, three and four north of ranges six 3i 266 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and seven, east, Flat Rock, Pleasant, Marion and Monroe, all these included in Flat Rock, contained 56 male and 51 female schoolchildren; total 107. None of these children were then enumerated in three and four, north of range 7, east, now Marion and Monroe. After the detachment of Pleasant and Marion from Flat Rock, Marion remained in Pleasent for a time (from recollection of the oldest inhabitants). It is known that James Shasteen was the first justice of the peace and officiated as such in 1844. Who were the first trustees and clerk is not certainly known, but it is supposed that Henry Schall was first clerk, and continued for several terms. A few years later Charles Hornung- was clerk, and also justice of the peace for thirty-nine years in succession. It is also supposed that Theobold Bolley was first treasurer. The writer well re- members that he was treasurer in 1844-5, from the fact of drawing his wages as school teacher from him. The village of New Bavaria was known by that name from the name of a post-office situated on the Ridge road as early as 1844-5. Charles Hornyng was postmaster, who has been continued since, with the exception of one year (i860), when he acted with the Republicans in the Lincoln and Hamlin campaign of that year, for which he was beheaded, and Henry Schall appointed to fill the vacancy. Immediately after Mr. Lincoln's inauguration Mr. Hor- nung was reinstated and has been continued since. New Bavaria was surveyed and platted in the year 1882, a short distance west of the old post-office site, at the crossing of the Ridge road and the To- ledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad, and estimated to contain about one hundred inhabitants. This railroad gives it an outlet for the products of an excellent farming country surrounding it. Messrs. Charles Hornung 8e Sons, for a number of years, have been engaged in merchandising, together with farming and stock raising. Recently, Charles Hornung has retired from the mercantile business, leaving that branch with his sons, Jacob and John H., but attends to his farm and stock, of which he has a fine herd. Jacob Hornung is also engaged in extensive manufacturing, using steam power. He manufac- tures heading, hoops, lumber and staves, for which he finds a ready market. The firm of the store have a warehouse connection, and buy all kinds of pro-, duce. This makes a home market for the products of the farms in the vicinity. J. Hammerer is engaged in the manufacture and repair of boots and shoes. About two miles south, on the same railroad, is located Pleasant Bend, a sta- tion established at or about 1879, at the time of the completion of said railroad, with a post-office of that name. Jacob J. Fraker is the postmaster. The vil- lage was surveyed and platted in 1882. It is estimated to contain about one hundred inhabitants. Jacob J. Fraker, in connection with the post-office, is dealer in general merchandise and grain, also all kinds of country produce. Being only a short distance from New Bavaria, the trade, from necessity, is di- vided, both places doing a thriving business, and each having the trade of an 't**"^ ■S^Sf^ v-\ ia^ fuPn^yiunri Henry County. 267 excellent farming community. J. W. Jones & Co., general merchandisers, to- gether with factory (steam power), manufacture lumber, hoop and heading. The village contains two saw-mills, owned by Philip Burrel and William Martz, both doing a thriving business, and will, no doubt, so long as the timber lasts. There are no churches in either of these villages, but in the vicinity near, erected before their existence. The German Methodist, a fine, roomy frame building, situated a short distance north of Pleasant Bend and northwest of New Bavaria, near to both places, and well attended. The German Reformed, a larger, more expensive and commodious brick building, is located on the Ridge wagon road, about one mile west of New Bavaria. It is accessible from both villages and vicinity. It has a large membership and is well attended. It has mounted in its belfry a large, expensive bell of modern manufacture. Nicholas Laubenthal, the present clerk of the township, lives about two miles east from New Bavaria, along the Ridge wagon road. He is engaged in merchandising and the sale of agricultural machinery and wagons ; also, he is ■engaged in farming and saw-milling, — the latter when water is plenty, which is not in good supply only part of the year. A little farther east of him is now being erected a Catholic church edifice, of brick, at an estimated cost of twen- ty-four thousand dollars. This building is to replace the old one destroyed by fire some time ago. The society have a large membership, many of whom come from a long distance. Peter Mangus, one of the foremost farmers and stock dealers of the town- ship, commenced business for himself about the year 1844; then a poor young man, without any capital except his hands and energy. Now he has one of the finest of farms, of about one hundred and eighty acres, with good buildings and al! necessary implements for modern farming ; besides this he has other wild lands. In about 185 i-2^he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jack- man. They have raised a large family of boys, who have left the parental roof, except the three younger ones, whose ages range from fourteen to eighteen years, and are yet under the care of kind and indulgent parents. The same may be said of Henry Dirr and family. These gentlemen and the writer were much together m the early days of settlement of this township. Much might be said of many others of later date. Pleasant township is traversed from northwest to southeast by a beautiful ridge, which enters on the west line of section seven, one and a half miles south of the northwest corner ; thence passing through the central part through sec- tions seven to seventeen, part of sixteen, through twenty-one and twenty-two, and corners of twenty- three and twenty-seven, through twenty- six and twenty- five, where it passes out some distance north of southeast corner into Marion township. At a very early time there was a wagon road survey along this ridge for ingress and egress, which extended from Defiance and Independence, — the latter a small village four miles east of Defiance, — to Maderia, in Putnam 268 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. county, where was erected a steam flouring-mill. Maderia, like Independence, is among the things of the past. Settlement was first made along the ridge. From this ridge the land immediately descends into lowlands on either side, which is of very rich soil. The ridge was crossed in many places by swales and rivulets which are now made into artificial creeks, thereby making an ex- cellent drainage outlet, thus rendering available an immense quantity of as good farming land as is in this or any other State. Along this road the very first settlements were made, as the vicinity afforded very passable roads. The land had also dry places enough for immediate farming, as fast as the woods could be cleared away, thereby giving the settler an early crop. Holgate. This village is situated in the northeast portion of the township, the corpora- tion line being on the township line between the townships of Pleasant and Flat Rock, in sections one and two, at the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio, and Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroads, and crossed by the Napo- leon and Kalida pike, a wagon road much used for many years before Holgate was known. The village having six directions for ingress and egress, — four by rail and two wagon roads, makes it a desirable place for business. It contains about thirteen hundred inhabitants, including about three hundred school youth between the ages of six and twenty one-years, within the school limits, which includes something more than the corporate limits of Holgate. It has also a large and commodious school-house, brick structure, which is presided over by Professor William E. Decker (editor of the Holgate Times), as principal, to- gether with his assistant, Miss Tillie Eager. This school has a large attend- ance. Andrew J. Weaver commenced general merchandising here in the autumn of 1873, at the time of completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and laying out and platting the place. He has recently retired from business on account of failing health, and is now erecting a fine residence. The present business houses are those of E. W. Poe & Co., general merchandising; Daniel Fribley, general groceries, flour and feed ; Valentine, Kimmick and Frederick Spicer, boots and shoes, connected with making and repairing ; B. W. Justice and Ed. Swartout, barbers and hair-dressers; Isaac Sadesky, general clothing; Roller, tin and hardware ; Newton S. Cole, general hardware, includ- ing stoves, farming utensils, wagons, buggies, and general farming machinery of all kinds. He commenced there in the spring of 1874, and is now erecting a large and commodious building of brick, for the accommodation of his exten- sive and increasing business. Henry H. Fast, general hardware, farming uten- sils, machinery, etc. He has only been in the business about four years, but has recently erected a fine residence. L. Gillet, general merchandise ; Henry Voigt, meat market; F. H. Voigt, general druggist and pharmacist. In coHt Henry County. 269' nection with his drugs he keeps clocks, w-atches and jewelry. L. M. Turney, general druggist and pharmacist ; William S. Schuyler, general merchandise in two separate buildings ; Joseph Voigt, furniture and undertaking; physicians, Drs. J. Townsend, J. C. Becker, J. B. Archer and James M. Stout; Braver Brothers, manufacturers of staves and heading ; Shelly Brothers, manufacture staves and hoops; Jacob Laubenthal, saw and planning mill, and sash and door factory; Gates, saw-mill, sawing only sycamore for tobacco boxes ; G> W. Walker, general saw-mill ; E. L. Hartman, flouring mill ; William Kauf- man, postmaster and proprietor of the Kaufmanville portion of the city, origi- nally known as an ashery. In connection with his business as postmaster he manufactures black salts. F. Buchenberg, merchant tailor and ready made clothing; Jesse Ware, blacksmith; Harman Binger, blacksmith; Mrs. Harris, milliner; Mrs. Mangas, milliner; Christ Brickie and Hartwick, wagon-makers and blacksmithing; J. M. McEwing, groceries; H. D. Tripp, bakery and canned goods; Frank Edwards, groceries; William Edwards, dentist; E. E. Nothstine,. photographer. The present officers of the corporation are as follows : Dr. James M. Stout, mayor; Ed. Swartout, marshal; B. T. Burrin, William Ritz,^ Henry Bortz, Valentine Kimmick, Henry Meyer and Jacob Laubenthal, coun- cilman ; William E. Decker, clerk. The latter person, William E. Decker, is- editor of the Holgate Times, published weekly. The village has five livery stables and seven saloons ; E. Minsor is a paper- hanger and painter. There are two hotels, the Holgate House, L. Heacock, proprietor, and the Forest House, S. Margrat, proprietor ; other business inter- ests are, E. B. Linde, dealer in organs and pianos; G. Zachreck, carpenter, builder and general contractor; William Retz, Christian Stauber and Phillip Fahrer, general carpenters and builders; Lot Barter and Izadon Hurr, masons and plasterers. Holgate was surveyed and platted in the year 1873. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was completed in the same year. The Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad, built as a narrow guage in 1880, but changed to stand- ard in 1887. George W. Edwards, proprietor of one of the liveries with his father (now deceased) settled near the vicinity about 1836, and has resided here ever since. The father was known as "Edwards, the bear hunter of Henry county." Mrs. Edwards is a daughter of Michael Hill (deceased), a settler of about the same time, and who opened up a farm on the banks of Turkey Foot Creek, northeast of Holgate. The writer well remembers these families as they obtained their mail as late as 1846 at Florida, he being a clerk in the post-office and store of that village at that time, and later was postmaster and proprietor of a store ; he also surveyed the road along Turkey Foot Creek, through this settlement. The progress of opening up this wilderness was, of necessity, slow and tedi- ous, taking many years. After Napoleon, the beautiful county-seat, loomed 270 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. up to pretentious proportions, equal to or in excess of Florida, this settlement, with its increasing numbers, used Napoleon for mail and other supplies, there- fore, the acquaintance became limited, and finally ceased almost entirely. The first settlers of Pleasant township in 1836, were of foreign birth, mostly from Bavaria, Germany, and some from Baden, and later from France. From these parents the present population, American born, are descendants, and are in active business, although many of the parents are yet living. Since the early settlement many relatives and their acquaintances have immigrated here, and settled the vacant lands in this and adjoining townships. They show much en- ^^Sy> '^"d are law-abiding, industrious citizens of which any township or county may feel proud. They speak the English language equal with any other American citizen, but retain their own, which is handed down to their offspring. Their native tongue is taught in their churches and Sunday-schools, and they are also taught to read and write their own language, which is invariable in religious worship of all denominations. CHAPTER XXVn. HISTORY OF RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. THIS was one of the five townships originally organized in the territory at present embraced in Henry county. We know that it was organized as early as 1837, but the misfortune of the fires makes it impossible to even ap- proximate its limits at that time, it certainly included, as late as 1854, the township of Bartlow, which in that year was detached and given an indepen- dent organization. The township, as now organized, embraces the thirty-six sections of land contained in the government survey of township four, north of range eight, east. The growth and improvement of these sections were very slow and limited, and became marked only in the last few years, and it re- mained among the last of the hunting grounds reluctantly surrendered by the professional hunter and the delighted sportsman. The onward march of pro- gress, however, compelled these men, step by step, like the poor Indian, to turn their footsteps westward, or yield and adopt the habits of civilization and the customs of social life. The fragment of the duplicate which remains of the year 1837, shows that at that time there was but one piece of land listed for taxation — the east half of section one — in the name of Dewald Macklin, valued at $321. Buildings were assessed at $321. There were four horses, forty-six head of cattle. The total value of chattel property was $328, and the aggregate tax $6.70. The Henry County. 211 personal taxpayers were Angel Arnold, Peter Hewit, Joseph Macklin, John Mason, David Murdock, William Piper, John Rowland, Jacob Sowers and John Sturgeon. In 1839, came Silas and Robert Rowland. The dupHcate of that year shows 1,281 acres of land valued at $3,042, subject to a tax of $53.23, and chattel property worth $720, taxed with $12.60. A few of these early comers, a few only hunters, left as civilization and cultivation arrived, the majority, however, died on their first settlements, which are now con- verted into fine and valuable farms, and occupied by their descendants. We believe there is not one of the original stock now living. A contrast will show the rapid growth an,d improvement of this township. In i860 its population was only 277; this, in 1870, had increased to 396, and in 1880 to 857, and may at present be safely estimated at 1,200. The dupli- cate of 1887 shows 23,003 acres of land, valued at $179,870, and $41,190 worth of personal property subject to a tax of $5,194.94. The township is divided in eight school districts, and contains in each a good, comfortable school building. There is but one church in the township, and this belongs to the denomination of United Brethren. The township has no railroads and no villages, except in the northwest corner of section six were the "Clover Leaf" nips. At this point Peter Brillhart, on the 19th of May, 188 1, laid out an ad- dition to the hamlet of Grelleton, platted into twelve lots and four alleys, and four acres for stave factory grounds. The southeast corner of section sixteen has been named West Hope, and a post-office of that name is established there ; there is also a small country store, but no plat has ever been made, nor any division of lots laid out. For many years the roads in this township were in a miserable condition,^ and during the wet seasons of the year ingress and egress were almost impos- sible. This was due mainly to the absence of drainage, the natural facilities for which were not good. Beaver Creek is the principal, in fact the only, natural water course. The west branch of this creek enters the township in the cen- ter of section thirty-four, running northeasterly to the center of the south side of section twenty-four. The east branch enters at the center of section thirty-five, winds through sections thirty-five, thirty-six and twenty- five,, uniting with the west branch at twenty-four, and then northeasterly through sections twenty- four, thirteen, twelve and one. The artificial drainage, both surface and sub-soil is now good, and money and labor expended on the roads have made them very fair and passable during the greatest part of the year. There is yet considerable very good and fertile lands to be obtained in this township at a moderate price. They are, however, being rapidly taken up by actual settlers, and as the valuable timber is about used up, these lands must be converted into farms, and in a few years Richfield will rank among the best agricultural parts of Henry county. When these lands are once improved and brought under cultivation, as 2/2 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. many acres already are, the owner and occupant should indeed be a happy, and contented man. There is certainly no happier or more independent life than that lived by the farmer. No worry of business, no fear of bankruptcy, no bills to meet need disturb his sleep when his day's toil is ended. He, too, has the consolation of knowing that he is a producer, adding daily to the ne- ■cessities and comforts of his fellow man and to the substantial wealth of the world. The soil and the muscle of labor must produce all the wealth that is possessed, and he who cultivates a hill of potatoes, raises a bushel of grain, fashions the product of the mine into a useful implement of husbandry has done more for his fellow than all the millions who ever lived since the accumulation of wealth began. And think of the improvements which then and since have been made, and the aid they have rendered to agricultural labor. Farming has almost ceased to be labor and has become pleasure. Every day something new is intro- duced into farming and yet old things are not driven out. Every one knows that steam is now used on the farm for plowing and threshing and working ma- chinery, and one would have thought that by this time it .would have super- seded all other motive powers. But while new things come the old do not go away. One life is but a summer's day compared with the long cycle of years of agriculture, and yet it seems that a whole storm, as it were, of innovation has burst upon the fields ever since we can recollect. The sickle was in use in Roman times and no man knows how long before that. With it the reaper cut off the ears of the wheat, only leaving the tall straw standing, much as if it had been a pruning knife. It is the oldest of old implements — very likely it was made of a chip of flint at first, and then of bronze, and then of steel. Then came, in England, the reaping hook, which is still used there on small farms, and to some extent on large ones, to round off the work of the machine. The reaping hook is only an enlarged sickle. The reaper takes the hook in one hand and a bent stick in the other, and in- stead of drawing the hook toward him, the reaper chops at the straw as he might at an enemy. In America we had the cradle ; then came the reaping machines, which simply cut the wheat and left it lying on the ground. Now there are the wire and string binders, that not only cut the grain, but gather it together and bind it in sheaves, a vast saving in labor. On the broad page of some ancient illuminated manuscript, centuries old, you may see the churl, or farmer's hired man, knocking away with his flail at the grain on the threshing floor. The knock, knocking of the flail went on through the reigns of how many kings and queens we do not know (they are all forgotten, God wot), down to the edge of our own times. The good old days when comets were understood as fate, and witches were drowned or burned — those were the times of the flail. The flail is made of two stout staves of wood joined with leather. They had flails of harder make than that in those old Henry County. 273 times — hunger, necessity, fate, to beat them on the back and thresh them on the floor of the earth. There was an old wagon shown at the Royal Agricultural show in London said to be two hundred years old. Probably it had had so many new wheels and tongues and other parts as to have completely changed its constitution — still there were wagons in those days, and there are wagons now. Express trains go by in a great hurry, slow wagons gather up the warm hay and the yel- low wheat just as they did hundreds of years since. You may see men sowing broadcast just as they did a thousand years ago on the broad England acres. Yet the light iron plow, the heavy drill, the steam plow, are manufactured and cast out into the fields and machinery, machinery, machinery, still increases. Machinery has not altered the earth, but it has altered the conditions of men's lives. New styles of hats and jackets, but the same old faces. The sweet violets bloom afresh every spring on the mounds, the cowslips come, the wild rose of mid-summer and the golden wheat of August. It is the same beautiful country, always new. Neither the iron engine nor the wooden plow alter it one iota, and the love of it rises as constantly in our hearts as the com- ing of the leaves. The wheat, as it is moved from field to field, like a quarto folded four times, gives us in the mere rotation of crops a fresh garden every year. You have scented the bean field and seen the slender heads of barley droop. The useful products of the field are themselves beautiful, while there are pages of flowers that grow at the edge of the plow. CHAPTER XXVni. HISTORY OP RIDGEVILLE TOWNSHIP. THIS township is in the northwestern corner of the county, and the only one remaining of range five, being township number six, the balance of this range having been detached and given to Defiance at the time of the organiza- tion of that county. The area of the township is the same as that of Freedom, the two northern; tiers of sections having been taken to form Fulton county. Of the civil organization of the township little is known, the records having been destroyed in the fire of 1847. However, it is known that it was prior to 1840. The topography of the township varies slightly from the balance of the county, inasmuch that through the township, from north to south, runs the Belmore Ridge, and from this fact the township derives its name. The Ridge 35 274 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. is first noticeable at or near Lake Ridge, Mich., and then runs in a semi-circu- lar shape, continues through the northwestern part of Henry county, touching Defiance county, then back into Henry county through the southwestern part of the county, and finally emerging into the Black Swamp. The Ridge is well defined, being from three to ten feet higher than the adjoining country. At many places along the upper part of it are found huge bowlders, which, ac- cording to the theory of Dr. Newberrj', were deposited there by icebergs, at a very remote period, when this locality was the bed of a lake. The township is devoid of natural v/aterways, with the exception of a couple of small creeks, or rather apologies for creeks. The bed of the Coldwater and Mansfield Railroad cuts the farms diagonally in the northeastern part. The principal thoroughfares are the Bryan and Napoleon pikes, and what is called the Ridge road. The latter runs nearly north and traverses the Bel- more Ridge. The first one is merely a continuation of the second one, which runs from Napoleon to the hamlet of Ridgeville. This is one of the main roads of the county, and is now one of the best, owing to the fact that it is being graveled. It was laid out by one Barton Palmer, at an uncertain but early ■date. Previous to this time all travel between Napoleon and localities north- west, was done by way of Gilson's Creek (which is about a mile west of Napo- leon). The creek bed was followed up to where the creek branches, in section nine, town five, north, in Napoleon township, then along a bridle path which is now the pike. From the duplicate of 1847 the following names are found: George and John Tubbs, Joseph Bear, J. Fenton, George Harmon, Adam Rowe, Lorenzo Higby and Barton Palmer. These were the oldest settlers in Ridgeville town- ship. A few of them were here before Defiance county was organized, and when the county was organized, land that originally laid in Henry county was given to it, and thus a few of them live at present in Defiance county, although they never changed their residence. They have, however, sons who are now classed among the best and most thrifty farmers in Ridgeville township. Near the southeastern corner of the township is situated the hamlet of Ridgeville Corners. The place was originally laid out by Barton Palmer, at a very early but uncertain date. He was also the projector of the several roads that lead into the hamlet. At a certain point in Ridgeville Mr. Palmer owned ' and conducted a tavern, and at that time it was the only house of accommoda- tion for miles around. Mine host Palmer conceived the brilliant idea of hav- ing all the roads of this immediate section center at his place of accommoda- tion ; (heretofore bridle paths were the only thoroughfares). He began imme- diately to set his plan into execution, and, as a consequence, Ridgeville Corn- ers is one of the main road centers of Henry county. It is at present a thriv- ing little place of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, and has a furniture and undertaking store, two dry goods stores, and two groceries, one black- s / Henry County. 275 smith shop, two saw-mills and a tile yard. Mail is received daily by the some- what antiquated " overland mail." There are two churches, a Methodist and a Congregationalist. The latter was the first church established in the town- ship, and was in the year 1846. Previous to this time services were held semi- occasionally, and at uncertain places. No regular preacher was here, and some minister from an adjoining settlement would make " an appointment " at a certain house, and then the settlers would gather for religious worship and also for a "visit." Visiting was begun at an early period, — in fact in 1836. In this year George Tubbs and wife moved to this township, and, as soon as they were settled, two ladies from near Wauseon, having heard of them, came to see them, riding along what is now the Ridge Road, but then only a bridle path. On the following Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs, — the former on foot and the latter on horse-back, returned the visit, also expecting to hear a sermon from an itinerant preacher, but who failed to appear, and the people where they visited promised to send him over the following Sunday. He started, but before arriving he ate some cheese made from sour milk, and was com- pelled to turn back, and shortly after reaching the starting place was gathered to his fathers. The township is distinguished as the home of a large denomination of Mennonists, followers of Simon Menno, their founder in Germany. They have some peculiar notions, and " believe that the New Testament is the only true rule of faith, that the terms Person and Trinity ought not to be applied to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; that there is no original sin ; that infants should not be baptized ; and that Christians ought not to take oath, hold office, or use physical force." They do not exercise the elective franchise, and take no part whatever in politics. They are distinguished for their sterling honesty and fair dealing, punctually fill every engagement, respect every promise, and be- Ueve in strictly minding their own business. They have many peculiar customs ; are simple in dress and manner of living ; abstain from litigation ; deal cau- tiously with those not of themselves ; their general business is usually advised and directed by one man selected for that purpose ; they are frugal, industrious and though exclusive, are, as a rule, good citizens. The township has very strong surface indications of natural gas, sufficient certainly, to justify more extensive investigation than has yet been had. In the summer of 1881 Herman A. Meyerholtz commenced boring a well for water on his farm near the Corners, when reaching the depth of about one hundred feet, a vein of gas was struck powerful enough to expel the drilling tools from the well, and greatly frightened the ignorant and superstitious people employed in the work; and upon light being applied to the combustible, a flame of twenty feet shot into the air. Haste was too slow to enable them to get away in time to escape the perils of what they supposed to result from a trespass upon the domain of the prince of darkness. The terror of the simple and superstitious 2/6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. residing in the neighborhood was so great as to compel Mr. Meyerholtz to fill up the well, which he did with considerable difficulty. Several wells have since been bored with similar results. This township has had some regard for her educational interest. Its graded school is maintained at Ridgeviile Corners, and the balance of the territory is divided in six districts, in each of which a first-class common school is con- ducted, and where are taught arithmetic, English grammar, penmanship, geography and American history. The material condition of the township may be ascertained by the duplicate of 1887. Then we find that there were nineteen thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight acres of land listed for taxation, valued in 1880 at $31,840, but which has greatly increased in value. The chattel property is assessed at $65,- 140, and the total tax paid is $6,441.96. The census of i860 showed a popu- lation of four hundred and twenty-four souls, which in 1870 amounted to seven hundred and sixty-four, and in 1880 had increased to eleven hundred and nine- teen. A proportionate increase has been made since. This township is fortunate in the recent discovery of valuable gravel pits, which will enable its citizens to not only get, at a comparatively trifling cost, the best of roads, but to contribute materially to the roads of the whole county, and the township is certainly to be congratulated on the enterpising character of its electors who were the first to follow the example of Napoleon township and vote upon themselves a tax to apply this gravel "where it will do the most good" — on the roads. Ridgeviile is excellently ditched and drained, its farms well improved and under high cultivation; its residences and farm buildings well befitting every agricultural country, and it will ever rank as one of the most prosperous and thrifty townships in Henry county. In addition to the post-office at the Corners, Uncle Sam has provided an- other office named Tubbsville, on the Pettisville road about half way between the Corners and the latter place. A daily mail is received and the master, William B. Tubbs, keeps the office at his residence. The population of the township is mixed. Besides the Mennonists already mentioned, there is a large population of Germans, a few English, and the ma- jority of those residing at and in the immediate vicinity of the Corners, have come from the Western Reserve. Henry County. 277 CHAPTER XXIX. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. THIS is the last township in alphabetical order, and possesses more intrin- sic historic interest than any other of the townships of Henry county. It was the hunting ground of the last of the Ottawas, from which three chiefs and a small band of followers were reluctant to retreat from the advancing feet of Caucasian civilization. These three chiefs were Oxinoxica, Wauseon and Myo, the latter ranking third in the Indian degree of power. He was a small, but exceedingly wise, or more properly, cunning Indian. He died on the Maumee and his skull was for a number of years preserved by Dr. L. L. Patrick, one of the pioneer physicians who had the courage to combat with the malaria and bilious fever of the Maumee, and who was an uncle of George Patrick, now residing in Liberty township and well known as one of the most prosperous agriculturists of the Maumee valley, also an uncle of the first wife of O. E. Barnes who is well known to the citizens of Henry county as sheriff and clerk, for many years. This township was originally named Myo, in honor of the chief so called — "Little Chief" — but possessed of more judgment and distinction than the two who ranked him in authority. At the time of the organization of the township there were but eleven vot- ers and their names may be recorded among the pioneers. These were Ed- ward Murphy, Noah HoUoway, James O'Niel, Michael Connelly, sr., the father of Michael and James Connelly, who still reside on the old homestead, Ed- ward Scribner, whose descendants still reside in the county, William Angle- meyer, some of whose descendants still reside in the township, John Lamphier, now a well-to-do and prosperous farmer residing in Liberty township, on the west line of Washington, David Edwards, whose sole surviving representative, Martha, is now married to Robert Showman and now lives upon the old home- stead, David J. Cory, who was one of the first associate judges of Henry county and who died childless at Findlay at a ripe old age, having a large fortune, and was universally respected. The first voting place was in an unhewed log school-house, known as Mur- phy's school-house, situated near where the fine brick residence of Michael ■Connelly, jr., now stands. Abraham Snyder, now of Damascus township, was ,at that time, (1839) then a hunter in what was then the wilds of northwestern Ohio. The last known of Myo as a township on the duplicate of the county was in 1847. Then there were 7,975 acres of land valued at $23,016.45, paying a -total tax of $518.85, and an additional tax of $112.23 for school-houses. 278 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. At this time John Biggins, still living; Dennis Bresnahan, dead; Peter Donnelly, living; August Groff, dead ; John Grumling, living; Ephraim Hy- ter, living; Daniel Hartnell, sr., deceased; John Kettering, now of Harrison township ; Daniel Moore, dead (sons living on homestead), and Nelson Poison,, had moved and settled in the township. Between the making of the duplicates of 1847 and that of 1848 the Mau- mee river was made the southern boundary of the township, and sections six,, and parts of one, two, three, four, five, seven and eight of Damascus attached,, and the name changed to Washington. We then find on the duplicate of 1848 the additional names of Charles Bucklin, David Mohler, William Anglemeyer, James Durbin, Thomas W. Dur- bin (present recorder), David Edwards, Edward O'Hearn, John Lamphier,. John H. Poison, A. Smith, Michael White, all of whom are still living, or leave descendants. This township was the last of the hunting grounds of the Indians in Henry county, and in fact] in northtvestcrn Ohio ; a reservation for the last of the Ottowas having been retained in the possession of that tribe for many years after the whites had obtained a majority of population. The reservation set aside for the Ottowas extended into Henry county at the northeast corner, and was situated as follows : Commencing a little north of the half section line of twenty-four east, running southwest with the west line of the northeast one- fourth of section thirty-four, thence in a southeastern course to the Maumee River in the north half of the southeast one-fourth of section two, in the gov- ernment-surveyed township, five north of range eight, east. This is still one of the best sporting fields in the county. Game, however, is limited to the smaller class — pheasants, quail, rabbits and squirrel. The time, however, has- certainly come to hang up the rifle and the 'trap, and the rapidly disappearing forest also suggests putting aside the ax and the saw, and picking up the shovel^and the hoe, and learn that, " He who by the plow would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive." The topography of this township differs materially from all others in the county. The southeastern part consists of what is known as " openings," i. e.y quick-sand swamps — very wet, where nothing but swamp grasses, shaking asps, and bull-rushes grow, and of sand knolls covered with "scrub oak." A few years ago this part of the township was not considered worth the widow's- mite, but by thorough ditching, and at considerable expense, has been con- verted into productive and valuable farms. The balance of the township was more like the other parts of the county — very heavily timbered. But the tim- ber has gone, and it is too late to say, " woodman, spare that tree.'' What sad havoc was wrought in the early days when the " clearings '' were being made, and when trees had no positive value and no market. It is only in later days that the value of forest or timber lands has been appreciated^ Henry County. 279 Think ! The forest lands of the United States, excluding Alaska, embrace 500,000,000 acres, or twenty-eight per cent, of the entire area. The farmers own about thirty-eight per cent, of the forest area, or 185,000,000 acres. The rest is owned by railroad corporations, mine owners, charcoal burners, tanners, lumbermen and speculators. The farmers are the most desirable class of own- ers, and they begin to learn the value of their wood, and devote time and thought to its preservation. Now they begin to cherish their woodlands, and add millions, yearly, of trees for shelter and beautification, and for subsequent profit to those who will come after them. The farmers' area of forest is in- creasing in all the Western States, and groves are plentiful as in the days of the Druids in England, or of the classic deities of Greece and Italy, and are put to much better purpose. One thing is to be noted, that trees will flourish on lands that will not return a remunerative crop. The conifers will thrive under apparently most inhospitable conditions. Forest trees return to the soil the nutriment they take from it, thus maintaining its productive power and en- couraging their own growth. The routes of transportation now render access to market easy, by land or water, and these facihties, with the extension of railroads, grow better every year. The railroads need many hundreds of ties for each mile (6o,000,000 a year in all, at an average of two ties to a tree), and these ties must be renewed every seven or ten years. One acre of land may contain and perfect from four to six hundred trees. In a few years these trees will produce a rich harvest of ties, and the surplus wood will give an im- mense supply of fuel and fencing. The farmer, with a big wood lot, may well ask, "What shall the harvest be ?" and then look out for a rich profit. As matters go, the thirty-eight per cent, owned by the farmers now will soon be seventy-five per cent, of the tree area, and forestry is commanding the atten- tion of our most thoughtful and considerate men. The duplicate of 1887 indicates the material wealth of the township, and shows 18,178 acres of land, valued in 1880 at $219,175, and chattel property valued at $130,854, listed for taxation, and a tax of $8,190.72 paid. The edu- cational interests have not been overlooked, and the township is divided into ten districts, with good, well-provided buildings in each. The spiritual welfare of the people is attended to in three churches; one, a Protestant Methodist, at Texas, and two at Colton, — a Church of God, and one Methodist Episcopal. ^ The population in i860 was 894; in 1870, 1,141, and in 1880 amounted to 1,249. A proportionate increase has been maintained since that time. The township is situated in the same tier of townships with Freedom, Ridgeville and Liberty, and like these townships has contributed its twelve northern sections to the formation of Fulton county. It is in the eighth range, ^nd is one of the oldest in the county, having had a settlement long before Na- poleon was thought of as a county seat, and contained a hamlet of good size before the woodman's ax had begun gnawing at the pillars of God's first tern- 28o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. pies in any other part of the county. It had an important trading post before the surveyor's chain was stretched and the streets of the present county seat were marked, although it was not platted until many years later. Texas was, and is, the principal village of the township, and is one of the oldest in the county. It is beautifully situated on the north side of the Miami and Erie Canal, and on the north bank of the Maumee River. A ravine runs around the north and west sides, so that the town plat lies high and dry. The outlet lock of the twenty-four mile level of the canal is at this place ; and the slack- water in the Maumee River, caused by the dam at Providence, gives the river a great depth and a width of not less than one hundred rods. A public ferry connects the banks, the expense being paid by the county. The village was recorded April 2, 1849, by James Durbin, the proprietor. The streets were laid out to the cardinal points; those running from north to south are named mainly from the timber natural to the soil, and those running from east to west are named numerically, beginning at the canal. Through the eastern part of the town runs what is called a hydraulic canal. It leads from the canal and was built for the purpose of supplying motive power for the mills in the lower part of the town, which were the first erected in the county. The first brick burned in the county was made here, and the first brick court-house, the one destroyed by fire in 1879, was constructed of brick manufactured at this point, being transported from there by canal to Napoleon. The village, in its early days, was the most important trading point in Henry county, being the best market for miles around. It was also a formidable rival of Napoleon for the county-seat. In 1865 Captain George Carver conceived the idea of boring for oil, and a company was formed in February, 1866, under the name of the Henry & Lu- cas Co., Oil and Mining Company. Work was at once begun, and at a depth of about four hundred feet a vein of gas was struck of sufficient force to blow the tools, which weighed fifteen hundred pounds, clear out of the well. A stream of water shot into the air for twenty feet, and continued to spout for a couple of days. At last it subsided and work was resumed. Their method of boring was very primitive, for instead of casing the hole, they continued tO' bore in the water ; reaching a depth of over eleven hundred feet they discon- tinued, thinking there was nothing any farther down, not at that time knowing anything of the purposes to which natural gas could be converted. The vein of water which was struck was of a strong, sulphurous kind, and heavily charged with gas. By taking a glass of it fresh from the well, it is noticed to sparkle like champagne. It is impossible to fill a bottle of fresh water and then cork it lightly, as the generated gas will surely break the bot- tle. After the futile attempt to strike oil, the land was sold to Captain J. W. Geering, who, thinking that there was an opportunity to start a sanitarium, built a large hotel on the grounds, and thoroughly equipped it with all modern Henry County. 281 conveniences. But alas ! for human fancies! his dreams were doomed to be blasted, and now the hotel is a huge residence. At present the town presents an aspect that dimly recalls to mind the Sleepy Hollow of Irving's creation. There are a few stores here, but the weather-beaten siding, dingy inside and general look of dilapidation leads one to believe thats its peaceful inhabitants are enjoying the sleep of Rip Van Win- kle, or are soothing themselves with the fumes of tobacco which gave to Wou- ter Van Twiller his sublime indifference. They are still smoking, and the world wags on as they remain in a semi-morbid state, not caring, and much less think- ing of what goes on around them — a veritable Knickerbocker settlement minus the scheming "yank." The next and only remaining hamlet in the county is called Colton, and lies at the center of section twenty-one on the line of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pa- cific Railroad ; is twenty- six miles west of Toledo, and ten miles east of Napo- leon. The town plat was recorded July 14, 1855, and by John R. Osborn, the proprietor. At present it is a. thriving hamlet of about two hundred inhabit- ants, and with a good hotel, express office, post-office, and does a comparatively thriving business. The population, like that of all the other townships of the county is small. The southeastern part is settled mostly by Irish or their de- scendants, who came here during the construction of the canal, and locally is known as " Ireland." The north is mostly German or of German extraction. A good sprinkling of the Yankee is also found here. The whole population is honest, industrious, thrifty and enterprising, except in the villages where a little energy, capital and modern attachments would certainly do good. 36 HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. CHAPTER XXX. THE ORGANIZATION OF FULTON COUNTY. Erection of Fulton County — Act Creating It — Fixing the Seat of Justice — Naming It — The First Court-House — First Term of Court Held in Pike Township — The First Jail — Propo- sitions to Change the County Seat — Burning of the Oourt-House at Ottokee — New Court- House Erected — Eemoval of County Seat to Wauseon — ■ The New Court-House — The Jail — The Infirmary — List of County Officials. THE growth and development of the country in this section of the State had, about the year 1850, become so marked, that it was deemed prudent that a new'county'should be erected out of parts of the counties in the northwest territory. Furthermore, the county of Lucas embraced a very large tract of land, and in the more remote portions thereof, especially in the west and south- west portions, the convenience of the people demanded the erection of a new county. In this locality then, as well as now, resided men of energy, integrity and determination, who not only felt the necessity of a new county organiza- tion in this region, but who saw the great advantages to the country by such a movement in case it could be carried out successfully. Among those who took an active interest in the project may be recorded the names of Nathaniel Leggett, William Hall, A. C. Hough, Stephen Springer, Michael Handy, Mor- timer D. Hibbard and a few others. These not only discussed the project, but gave such substantial assistance as finally completed and consummated the work, and made the erection of the county of Fulton not only possible, but an established fact. There has been, perhaps, no event of greater importance to the county, or its people, than that which gave it an existence, and it is therefore pardonable that the full text of the act creating it should be set forth. It is as follows: An Act to Create the County of Fulton. "Sec. I. Beit enacted, etc., That such parts of the counties of Lucas,, Henry and Williams, as are embraced in the boundaries hereinafter described, be, and the same are hereby created into a separate and distinct county, which 286 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ^hall be known by the name of Fulton, to wit : Beginning on the State line be- tween the States of Ohio and Michigan, at the northeast corner of township nine, south of range four, east of the Michigan meridian ; thence south on the township line to the southeast corner of town ten, south of range four, east, on the Fulton line ; thence west on said Fulton line to the northeast corner of town eight, north of range eight, east ; thence south to the southeast corner of section number twelve in township six, north of range eight, east; thence west on section lines to the southwest corner of section number seven in township six, range five, east, on the county line between the counties of Henry and Williams; thence north on said line to the southeast corner of town seven, north of range four, east; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of section number thirty-five in said town seven, north of range four, east; thence north on the section lines to the Fulton line ; thence west on said Ful- ton line to the southwest corner of section number eleven, in town ten, south of range one, west of the Michigan meridian ; thence north on section lines to said State line; thence easterly with said State line to the place of beginning." Thus having erected and described the boundaries of the county of Fulton on the 28th day of February, 1850 (the same being so named in honor of Robert Fulton), provision was next made for the administration of its affairs by section two of the act, as follows: All suits, whether of a civil or criminal nature, which shall be pending within those parts of the counties of Lucas, Henry and Williams, so sefc off and erected into a new county previous to the first Monday in April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, shall be prose- cuted to final judgment and execution within the counties of Lucas, Henry and Williams, respectively, in the same manner as though the said county of Fulton had not been erected, and the ofiicers of said counties, respectively, shall execute all such process as shall be necessary to carry into effect such suits, prosecutions and judgments ; and the collectors of taxes for the coun- ties, respectively, shall collect all taxes that shall be levied and unpaid within the aforesaid portions of their respective counties at the time of the passage of this act. By section three it was provided : That all justices of the peace and other township officers within those parts of the counties of Lucas, Henry and Will- iams, which are, by this act, erected into the county .of Fulton, shall continue to exercise the functions and discharge the duties of their respective offices until their term of service shall expire, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified, in the same manner as if they had been elected or commissioned for the county of Fulton ; and all writs and other legal process within the ter- ritory hereby erected into the county of Fulton, shall be styled as of the county of Fulton, on and after the 1st day of April, 1850. The election of officers for the county was provided for as follows : Sec. 4. The legal voters residing within the limits of the county of Fulton Fulton County. • 287 shall, on the first Monday in April, in the year 1850, assemble in their respec- tive townships, at the usual places of holding elections (the voters residing in each of the fractional townships taken from the counties of Henry and Will- iams, shall assemble in the township immediately adjoining such fractional township and lying towards the center of said county of Fulton), and proceed to elect the different county officers in the manner prescribed in the act to regu- late elections, who shall hold their oflSces until the next annual election, and until their successors are elected and qualified. The succeeding section (5) provides for the annexing of the fractional townships not taken for the new county, and annexing the same to adjoining townships, or creating new townships out of them, as the commissioners of the counties of Henry and Williams may deem expedient; also, empowering the commissioners of the county of Fulton to annex the fractional parts taken from Henry and Williams counties to the adjoining townships already estab- lished within Fulton county, or to erect them into new townships as, in their judgment, shall seem prudent. Section six of the act provides that the county of Fulton shall be attached to, and made a part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Ohio, and the Courts of Common Pleas and Supreme Court of the county of Fulton, shall be holden at some convenient house in the township of Pike, until the permanent seat of justice shall be established within and for said county. The next section (7), provides " That Laurin Dewey, of Franklin county, Mathias H. Nichols, of Allen county, and John Riley, of Carroll county, be appointed commissioners to fix upon and locate the seat of justice of said new county of Fulton, agreeably to the provisions of the act entitled" an act for the establishment of seats of justice. The first, and perhaps the most important duty in connection with these events was that of locating the seat of justice in the newly created county. On meeting for this purpose several sites were recommended to the commissioners — one near the center of the county, Etna, Fluhart's Corners, Delta and Spring Hill. After much deliberation, and the hearing of arguments by those inter- ested in the various places named, the commissioners decided upon the site nearest the center of the county, in the township of Dover, at a point that then had no distinguishing name. Several names were suggested by persons present, but none seemed to meet with general approval. One of the com- missioners observing Dresden W. H. Howard on the outer line of spectators, called upon him to suggest a name for the county seat, to which a reply came at once " Ottokee" (this being the name of a chief of the Ottowas). It was at once declared to be the name of the seat of justice of the county of Fulton. The question of confirming this as the county seat was them submitted to a vote of the people of the county. At the first election, while Ottokee re- ceived more votes than any other site, still it had not a majority of the ballots. History of Henry and Fulton Counties. On the occasion of the second election the town received a clear majority, and became, by the will of the people, the seat of justice of Fulton county. While, by a majority of the popular vote of the county, Ottokee was the regularly chosen seat of justice, there had been a marked opposition to its selection, and that opposition by no means disappeared after the matter had been settled, but manifested itself by frequent murmurings of discontent from various quarters. The town of Ottokee was situate in southeastern part of Dover township, on an elevated tract of land, and as near the center of the county, geograph- ically, as it well could have been. In fact the location was well chosen, and, were it not for the building of the railroad through the county, several miles south of the place, it is much doubted whether the seat of justice would ever have been removed. In the next year, 1851, the court-house was built. This was a frame struc- ture, two stories in height, having a frontage of about forty or fifty feet, and a depth of about eighty feet. The court and jury rooms were on the upper floor, while the offices for the county officials were on the lower, or ground floor. It was a large, commodious and airy building, presenting a tasty appearance with the large dome on its top. It was built by Amos H. Jordoh, of Royalton township, and cost somewhere about five or six thousand dollars. It was provided by the act creating the county, that the courts should be held at some convenient house in Pike township, until the seat of justice should be fixed. In pursuance of this the associate justices, John Kendall, A. C. Hough and William Parmalee, designated the residence of Robert A. Howard, as the place for holding courts, and here the first term was held in 1850. Owing to the fact that the transfers of cases to the counties from which this county was formed were incomplete, and the further fact that there was but little or no business transacted at this court, in lieu of business, those attending indulged in a game of ball. It is said that on this memorable occasion, Oliver B. Verity (afterwards probate judge), W. A. Bates, Spencer T. Snow, Benjamin Hallett, William Sutton (then county commissioner), James, Augustus and "William Howard, and others whose names cannot now be recalled, took a part in that sport, which has since become recognized as " our national game." Judge Saddler came on horseback to preside at the court, and the associate justices at this time were, Socrates H. Cately, Abraham Flickinger and Will- iam Parmalee. After the completion of the court-house, the courts were held at Ottokee. In the year 1853 the first jail was built at the county seat. This was a substantial frame building, lined with heavy, hard wood plank, and thoroughly spiked. Although built of wood, there was' never an escape from it on account of its weak construction. There did escape, however, two prisoners, through the door, by reason of the carelessness of the watchman, he having left the safety bar out of place. Fulton County. 289 Connected with the jail was the sherift's residence. The whole building cost about $3,800. The town of Ottokee continued to hold the county build- ings for a number of years, and the place grew in population and value until the building of the railroad through the southern tier of townships, when the question of removal was agitated. In the year 1863 Wauseon made an attempt under an act of Legislature, known as "an enabling act," but, on a submission of the proposition to the people, it was voted down. The town of Delta then asked that the seat of justice be removed to that place, and urged, in support of argument, that a tier of townships would be taken from the county on the east, thus increasing the area and population of this county ; and, furthermore, that the town. Delta, would then be situate in the geographical center of the county, as enlarged, and the most accessible place for the county seat. In the Legislature of 1864 an act was passed similar to the Wauseon act, and the question was submitted to the people, as to whether the county seat should be removed to Delta, but on a count of the vote, the proposition was defeated by a very large majority. During this period of agitation and on the i6th day of July, 1S64, the court-house building at Ottokee was destroyed by fire, and with it all of the county records and other valuable material in the offices of the county officials. The building was insured for about one-half its original cost. During the next year, 1865, the county commissioners entered into a con- tract with Hiram Pritchard, for the erection of a new brick court-house on the site of the old building. This was a one-story brick building, plain but sub- stantial, and cost about $5,000. It was arranged to be used only for court purposes, the county officers' departments being in a separate building, on land adjoining the court-house. This latter building cost about $2,800. These buildings answered the needs of the county for several years, but at- tending court, -or transacting business with the county officials, or at the county seat, was attended with great inconveniences. The railroad had become a recognized thoroughfare of travel, and to all parties from outside the county, and those within it, as well, a carriage or stage ride of at least four miles was necessitated. This inconvenience was all the more marked, as the now grow- ing towns of Wauseon and Delta were on the line of the railroad, and soon again was another effort made for the removal of the seat of justice, this time with success. In the winter of the year 1869, the Legislature passed another enabling act, by which the seat of justice of Fulton county was authorized to be removed from Ottokee to Wauseon. The question was then submitted to the people of the county, and in the month of October, of that year, at an election held for the purpose, the proposition was carried. The enabling act contained a condi- tion that before the change could be accomplished, there should be raised by subscription among those desiring the change to be made, the sum of $5,000,. 37 290 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. which sum should be paid over to the county commissioners, and used as a part of the building fund. On the 19th day of January, 1 870, Isaac Springer, trustee of this subscribed fund, paid the same into the hands of the commissioners, who were at the time, Joseph Ely, A. B. Gunn and M. O. McCaskey. Lots numbers one hundred and forty-nine and one hundred and eighty-nine of the original plat of Wau- seon were deeded to the commissioners, or their successors, for the site of the court-house building. These lots were situate at the southwest corner of Fulton and Chestnut streets, having a front on the first named. The bids for construc- tion of the building ranged from $43,000 to $56,000. The lowest bidder was F. M. Brooker, and the contract was let to him, but failing to give the required fidelity bond, the contract was awarded to Alexander Voss and H. B. Bensman, at the price of $44,350. The building is of brick, with stone chimneys, two stories in height, and with a tower and belfry on the Fulton street front, much higher than the main building. It is a building not only substantial, but ele- gant, and an ornament to any town; one in which the commissioners, the archi- tect, the contractors, and the people of the county have reason to feel just pride. Its interior is admirably arranged, the large, well lighted and well ap- pointed offices for county officials occupying the ground floor, while the court- room, judges and jury rooms are on the second floor. Access is had to the upper floor by two stairways, one at the front and the other at the rear of the building. The total cost of the building, including extra work, amounted to $45,772.27. The contract for its construction was made on May 31, 1870, and the building was first used for court purposes in the early part of the year 1872. Although Ottokee ceased to be the county seat of Fulton county in the year 1 87 1, the jail, the place of confinement for offenders, was maintained at that place for nearly four years longer, and until the building of the present jail and sheriff" residence at Wauseon, in the year 1876. The contract for this building was let on the i6th day of February, of that year, to John Lichten- berger, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., at the price of $18,500. This is, in all respects, a model county jail, both in point of security and arrangement. The materials used in its construction were of the most modern and approved quality, and the prisoners do not at any time have access to any substance except stone and iron. The building is located on Chestnut street, at Wauseon, in the rear of the land occupied by the court house. The sheriff''s residence is attached to the jail and is well arranged as to comfort and convenience. The buildings at Ottokee having been vacated by the change of the county seat, were still owned by the county. The increase in population in this local- ity, the same as in nearly every county in the State, the incoming of new fam- ilies, the infirmities of age and the unfortunate condition of some persons who had'become a charge upon the public, led to the estabhshment of an institution within the county, and to be maintained at the public expense, called the In- Fulton County. 291 firmary, by which it is commonly known throughout most locaHties, as a home for aged, decrepit and indigent persons. Early in the month of May, 1874, the buildings owned by the county at Ottokee, and under charge of the commissioners, were turned over to James Riddle, Robert Lewis and O. A. Cobb, as infirmary directors, and the work of making the changes necessary for its intended use was at once commenced. A tract of land, some three hundred acres in extent, was purchased in the vi- cinity and a sufficient county farm was established. O. B. Verity was ap- pointed infirmary superintendent, an office he filled for six years, when he was succeeded by John T. Whittaker, who also served for the same length of time. He was in turn succeeded by Samuel Atkinson, the present superin- tendent. The building will accommodate about seventy inmates. County Civil List. Having reviewed the various proceedings had in the formation of the county, and the several acts relating to change and location of the county buildings, to the final erection of the same and the establishing of the seat of justice permanently at Wauseon, it is proper, in this connection to furnish a list of those who have had a part in the administrative affairs of the county. It will be remembered that in the destruction of the old court-house at Otto- kee, the records of every kind were destroyed and for that reason it is impos- sible to verify the lists prior to the year 1864, except from the recollection of persons generally conversant with the county's affairs. In the main, however, the list prior to 1864 will be found correct. The dates set opposite the names of officers represent the year of their elec- tion, where no date is given it will be understood to mean that the officials held during the years of which no record exists. Sheriff. George Brown, Charles Smith, Myron H. Hayes, Oscar A. Cobb, Jacob Huffmire, 1864-6; Joel H. Brigham, 1868-70-76; Sullivan Johnson, 1872-74; Harvey L. Aldrich, 1878-80; Frank T. Blair, 1882-84; Daniel Dowhng, 1886. Tre.vsurer. Nathaniel Leggett, Isaac Springer, Julius Marsh, L. L, Carpenter, 1864; A. B. Canfield, 1866-68; David Avers, 1870-72; H. L. Moseley, 1874-76; Jared M. Longnecker, 1878; Thomas A. Kelley, 1879; James M. Howard, 1881-83; John B. Schnetzler, 1885. Auditor. Mortimer D. Hibbard, A. C. Hough, Jason Hibbard, 1864; Ozias Merrill, 1866-68; L. G. Ely, 1870-71-73-75; Isaac Springer, 1877-80 A. W. McCon- nell, 1883; Thomas Kelley, by appointment ; A. W. McConnell, iJ 292 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Prosecuting Attorney. J. H. Read, A. Carmichael, N. Merrill, M. R. Brailey, J. W. Rosborough, 1864, 1868, 1870; Octavius Waters, 1866; W. W. Touvelle, 1872; M. Handy, 1874; H. H. Ham, 1876-78; W. H. Gavitt, 1880-82; Mazzini Slusser, 1885. Recorder. C. Allman, Joseph Jewell, S. B. Darby, R. H. Howard, J. K. Newcomer, W. H. Stevens, jr., 1866-69; Richard Taylor, 1872-75; Albert S. Bloomer, 1878-81-84. Probate Judge. Samuel Gillis, 1851-4; Lucius H. Upham, one month, unseated; Socrates H. Cately, 1854-58; Oliver B. Verity, 1858-1870; Caleb M. Keith, 1870-79; Levi W. Brown, 1879-88. The years given for the last above officials represent their terms of incum- bency of office, having been correctly ascertained. Clerks. OF Court of Common Pleas. Samuel Durgin, Naman Merrill, Harry B. Bayes, 1861-64; Samuel Dur- gin, 1864-67; Truman H. Brown, 1867-70; Daniel W. Poe, 1870-73; Al- bert Deyo, 1873-79; Albert 15. Smith, 1879-88. County Surveyor. JohnSpillane, 1865; Osceola E. M. Howard, 1868; Anthony B. Robinson, 1871-74-77-80;. Lucius B. Fraker, 1883-86. Coroners. W. M. Schnetzler, 1864; Josiah H. Bennett, 1865; John Fenton, 1866; Charles M. Canfield, 1868-69; John Odell, 1871-73 ; S. T. Worden, 1875-77; Charles E. Bennett, 1879-81 ; George W. Hartman, 1883. County Commissioners. Christopher Watkins, William Sutton, Jonathan Barnes, Warren McCutch- en, Stephen Houghton, E. Masters, George Taft, Joel Brigham, James Cornell, William Dye,' Henry Jordon, Elias Richardson, 1864; Joseph Ely, 1865 ; A. B. Gunn, 1866; Milton O. McCaskey, 1867; Joseph Ely, 1868; A. B. Gunn, 1869; A. B. Thompson, 1870; H. A. Canfield, 1871; Joseph Shadle, 1872, A.B.Thompson, 1873; D. B. Allen, 1874; Joseph Shadle, 1875; A. B. Thompson, 1876; E. L. Barber, 1877; Richard H. Scott, 1878; Charles Blake, 1879; E. L. Barber, 1880; Richard H. Scott, i88i ; Charles Blake, 1882, Charles H. Van Ostrand, 1883; James C. Vaughan, 1884; Henry H. Williams, 1885; Sylvester W. Baum, li Fulton County. 293 The present county officials are as follows : Auditor, Thomas A. Kelley ; clerk of the courts, Albert B. Smith; probate judge, Levi W. Brown; treasu- rer, J. B. Schnetzler ; recorder, A. S. Bloomer ; prosecuting attorney, Mazzini Slusser; sheriff, Daniel Dowling ; county surveyor, Lucius B. Fraker; county commissioners, J. C. Vaughan, T. J. Cornell, S. W. Baum ; infirmary directors, S. G. Aumend, L. H. Guilford, W. P. Cowan. CHAPTER XXXI. Geographical Location of Fulton County — Boundaries — Position of Townships — Streams — Topography — Ditching and Draining. FULTON county occupies a position, geographically, in the northwestern portion of the State, in the country incident to the historic Maumee val- ley ; and although no part of the river Maumee lies within the county, the early history of this locality is inseparably connected with that valley ; it is auxiliary to, but not co-extensive with it: Fulton was created by the surrender of portions of the counties of Lucas, Henry and Williams, the greater part, by far, being taken from the county first named. It is bounded on the north by the State of Michigan, east by Lucas county, south by Henry county and west by Williams county. The county is, perhaps, as regular in conformation as any within the State. Its townships number twelve, being in a range of four, east and west, and three north and south. Gorham township occupies the extreme northwest corner ; east of that hes Chesterfield, then Royalton, and on the extreme east and in the northeast corner of the county, lies Amboy. On the second or middle tier on the west is located Frankhn and next east of that is Dover ; then Pike, and on the extreme east Fulton township. Of the lower or southern tier of town- ships, first on the west is German, the largest in area of the county's sub-divi- sions ; east of German is Clinton, within the bounds of which is located the county seat, Wauseon. East of Clinton lies York, and on the extreme east and in the southeast corner of the county is the township of Swan Creek. The old " State line," or as it has otherwise been known, the Fulton line, passes an almost due east and west course, intersecting the townships of Frank- lin, Dover, Pike and Fulton. This line was the former boundary between the States of Ohio and Michigan, and concerning which boundary there was a se- rious complication between the authorities of the two States. A full and ac- curate account of this controversy will be found in the chapter devoted to the " Land Titles," of this work. 294 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Fulton county can hardly be said to be a well watered district, and there^ are but few streams of any considerable size within its limits. The largest, un- doubtedly, is the Tiffin River, or, as it is commonly called, " Bean Creek."' This stream has its headwaters in the ^northern and northwestern townships, Gorham and Chesterfield, and in the townships north and within the State of Michigan. Its general course is southwest, through the east part of Gorham, into Franklin, which it intersects, and thence across the northwest corner of German and passes into Williams county on the west. There are many tribu- taries to Bean Creek in Gorham township, thus making it one of the best nat- urally drained townships of the county ; in fact, there has been a less number of artificial drain ditches constructed in this township than any other county except Franklin. The extreme northeast part of Gorham is drained by a small stream called Mill Creek. South of Bean Creek, and maintaining a general course of nearly the same direction, is Brush Creek. This has its source or head near Spring Hill, in the western part of Dover township ; thence it flows southwesterly, crosses the northwest corner of Clinton, enters German, and flows its general course south- west across the last named township and leaves it at the southwest corner of the county. The township of York has a number of streams that have their courses gen- erally in a southerly direction, yet artificial drainage has been resorted to in or- der to free its lands of their marshy or swampy character, and adapt them for agricultural pursuits. Its streams gradually find their course south into Henry county and discharge into the Maumee. Bud Creek has its source in the central part of Pike township, whence it runs southerly and with an inclination to the east, touches the northeast part of York, crosses Swan Creek and passes on into Henry county on the south. Swan Creek is a small stream having its headwaters in the southwest part of Fulton township; thence it flows south and east across the north part of Swan Creek township, into Lucas county on the east. The South branch drains largely the northern and eastern part of the township. It maintains a general course bearing east and passes beyond the borders of this into Lucas county. Blue Creek is a small stream flowing from the central part of Swan Creek town- ship south, and then east into Lucas county. Ten Mile Creek rises part in each Ambo)' and Royalton townships and runs east and northeast past Meta- mora and into Lucas county. These are the larger and more important streams of this county, which in ordinary localities would be entirely sufficient to thoroughly drain the whole territory embraced by the county. But unlike the counties in the eastern and southern parts of the State, Fulton has no hills of any magnitude to give head- way or force to its streams. The hills are no more than a slight rise of ground in any portion of the county; while in many localities there seems to be a gen- Fulton County. 29s «ral depression of the surface, insomuch that they cannot rid themselves of their surface water without resort to artificial drainage. The general slope of the surface is to the southeast and quite moderate. The lowest land in the county is in the township of Swan Creek, where the surface lies ninety-five feet above Lake Erie, while in northwestern Gorham the altitude reached is about two hundred and fifty feet above the lake. In the central part of the county, embracing the northern part of Clinton, nearly all of Dover, about three-fifths of Chesterfield, the southwest part of Royalton, the west half of Pike, and the northwest corner of York, is an elevated sandy plateau with an average elevation of about two hundred feet above lake water. Prior to about the year 1858, there was a vast amount of land lying within the county that was wholly unfit for agricultural purposes, on account of its swampy character, and inasmuch as there were no streams within the county available for water power, there was but little prospect for advancement or progress by way of manufacture, and the inhabitants must, per force, seek some channel or adopt some means whereby the county might be built up and made productive. This peculiarity of situation, if it may be properly called such, was not entirely single to this locality, but there were several counties similarly possessed. Here the climate, the soil and the natural situation of the land showed favorable for good results in agricultural pursuits as soon as the surface of the land could be properly drained of its surplus and sluggish water. The Legislature made provision for draining by the ditching process, and by this must the county stand or fall. It can hardly be within the province of this chapter to enter into a detailed narrative of the laws passed by the Legis- lature from time to time, bearing upon the subject of ditch draining, but suffi- cient it is to state that such was the fact ; and under this act and its several amendments and supplements has the vast amount of draining been done within this county during the last twenty-five and more years. While by far the greater part of the draining done in the county has been of that kind known as ditching, still there has been laid by the commissioners, or those act- ing in the work for them, a large amount of tile, or pipe made from the native clay. The latter is used where it may be laid to advantage. Tile draining is usually done by the individual in cases where he desires to carry the water from some depressed portion of land to some already established ditch or other stream. It was in the year 1859 that ditching commenced in this county under the direction of the county commissioners, and since that time there are but very few square miles of the surface of the county but has in some manner been opened for this purpose. Of course there are localities where this is not nec- essary, on the more elevated lands of sandy character. The work is carried on to such an extent that each year, for several years past, there has been at least one hundred miles of ditching performed in this county. 296 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The following record, by townships, will show first, the date of digging the first ditch therein ; second, the number opened, or dug ; third, the number deepened or widened, or both, and fourth, the number cleaned out : Amboy, 1862; forty-eight new, sixteen deepened and widened, and three cleaned out. A total operated upon of sixty-seven. Royalton, 1859; thirty-eight new, sixteen deepened and widened, and one cleaned out. Total, fifty-five. Chesterfield, 1864; thirty-four new, seventeen deepened and widened, and six cleaned out. Total, fifty-seven. FrankHn, 1859; fourteen new, four deepened and widened, and one cleaned out. Total, nineteen. Gorham, 1865; twenty-eight new, five- deepened and widened, and one cleaned out. Total, thirty-four. Dover, 1864; forty- six new, twenty- eight deepened and widened, and six cleaned out. Total, eighty. Pike, 1859; fifty-one new, thirteen deepened and widened, and six cleaned out. Total, seventy. Fulton, 1862 ; forty- four new, twelve deepened and widened, and four cleaned out. Total, sixty. Swan Creek, 1859; seventy new, nineteen deepened and widened, and twenty cleaned out. Total, one hundred nine. York, 1859; sixty-one new, sixteen deepened and widened, and ten cleaned out. Total, eighty- seven. Clinton, 1859; seventy-one new, twenty-eight deepened and widened, and twenty cleaned out. Total, one hundred nineteen. German, 1859; thirty-one new, seven deepened and widened, and one cleaned out. Total, thirty- nine. CHAPTER XXXH. GEOLOGY OF FULTON COUNTY. IT is a well established fact, the result of scientific research, that the whole country about this region has at some time, ages ago, been covered with water of unknown depth, and that these waters were constantly changing as if in motion, or by under currents, tides and waves. In the course of ages these waters receded, having found some outlet into the vast bodies of water that now so largely cover the earth's surface. Again, the labors of those who, dur- ing the last two hundred years, have devoted themselves to the study of the Fulton County. 297 structure of the globe, have resulted in the creation of the science of geology, and the claim which this department of human knowledge has to science, de- pends upon the symmetry which has been found to prevail in the arrangement of the materials forming the earth's crust. By the slow process of adding act to fact and by comparing the observations of the devotees of the science in dif- ferent lands, it has been found that the rocky strata of the earth hold defi- nite relation to each other in position, and hence in age ; that many of them are distinguished by constant or general features, and contain characteristic or peculiar remains of plants or animals by which they may be recognized where- ever found. This sequence of deposit forms what has been aptly termed the Geological Column and the changes which are recorded in the strata of differ- ent formations, both in regard to the physical condition of the earth's surface, and the organic forms that inhabited it, constitute that which is known as ge- ological history. Of this record the different ages, periods and epochs follow each other everywhere in regular order, and form a grand and 'uniform system of change and progress, compared with which the successive eras of human history drop into insignificance. The observations of geologists have shown that the materials which com- pose the earth's crust form three distinct classes of rocks, the igneous, sedunen- tary and metamorphic. Of these, the first class includes those that are the direct result of fusion. These are divided into two subordinate groups, volcanic and plutonic, of which the first includes such as are produced by volcanic eruption, lava in its various forms, pumice, obsidian, trachyte, etc. The second class of igneous rocks — the plutonic — comprises those massive, rocky forms which are without distinct bedding, have apparently been completely fused, and yet were never probably brought to the earth's surface by volcanic action. Hav- ing consolidated under incalculably great pressure, they are, in structure, dense and compact, never exhibiting the porous and incoherent condition which is so characteristic of purely volcanic rocks. The plutonic rocks are granite in some of its varieties, syenite, porphyry, and part, but not all, of basalts, dior- ites and dolerites (greenstones). None of these igneous rocks are found in place in this region of county, although they exist in vast quantities in the mining districts of the west and on the shores of Lake Superior. From the latter re- gion numerous fragments were brought and scattered generally through this region during the glacial period, and they constitute a prominent feature in the drift deposits that cover so large a part of Ohio. Abundant evidence exists that the earth has been consolidated from a gas- eous through a liquid state, and that the consolidation resulted from the cool- ing of an intensely heated mass, but that near the center this cooling process has never been entirely completed and makes its existence manifest even to this period, through not infrequent volcanic eruptions. Again is it evidenced in penetrating the earth to a great depth, which, as it is increased, the higher becomes the temperature. ^^ 298 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. It is a matter of supposition that the igneous rocks were formed first and that they constituted the primeval continents. As soon, however, as they were exposed to the action of the elements, they began to be worked down and washed away, and the materials derived from them were deposited as sed- iment in the first existing water basins. That process has been going on through all subsequent ages, so that by far the larger part of the rocks which we now encounter in the study of the earth belongs to the class of sedimentary deposits. These are commonly known as sandstone, shale, limestone, etc., the consolidation of the comminuted material having been effected by both chem- ical and physical agencies. The differences discovered in these sedimentary rocks are, for the most part, dependent upon very simple causes, such as are now seen in operation upon every coast. The rains that fall upon the land give rise to rivers, and these on their way to the sea excavate the valleys through which they flow, transporting the materials taken into suspension to the points where the motion of the currents is arrested and their power of suspen- sion ceases, that is, in the water basins where they debouche. In the gradual arrest of the motion of river currents, the coarsest and heaviest materials first sink to the bottom, in obedience of the laws of gravitation, then, in succession, the fine and still finer until all are deposited. Shore waves are still more po- tent agents in the distribution of sediments. Whether they break on cliff or beach they are constantly employed in grinding up, and by their under-tow carrying away the barriers against which they beat. Nothing can resist their force and ceaseless industry. In time the most iron-bound coast and the broadest continent must yield to their slow but sure advance, and the com- minuted materials are spread far and wide in the rear of their line of progress. Rain, rivers and shore waves are the great destructive agents in geology — the greatest levelers known — but in the same measure that they demolish, the sea builds again. She sifts, sorts and spreads anew and in regular order, the materials she receives from them, thus laying the foundation for new conti- nents. These, when raised above the sea- level by internal forces are again cut away, again to be rebuilt. Upon the retreat of the sea the surface of the land would be again covered with vegetation, acted upon by atmospheric influences, washed into hills and valleys, and locally covered with sand or clay, the products of this local wash- ing. Any excavations now made upon this continent would reveal distinct and legible records of this last inundation, viz.: Beneath the superficials, a lime- stone; below this, a shale; below that a sandstone, or conglomerate; and all these resting upon the rocky foundations of the continent ; the result of a pre- vious submergence, and representing a previous geological age. To be sure these rules are not without some occasional irreconcilable deviations, some- times called faults, or exceptions, owing to a variety of causes, but are of not sufficiently frequent occurrence to demand any lengthy explanation, or any Fulton County. 299 notice other than mere mention. Having followed the geological evolutions of our continent thus far, its importance to the average reader being an apol- ogy for its length, we may now turn and observe the geological formation and construction of this locality, as the same is laid down in the geological reports and surveys prepared by Prof C. K. Gilbert, from which the strength of this chapter is taken, and to which is added the result of a recent drilling for oil in the vicinity of Wauseon, showing the different strata penetrated and its thick- ness. The bedded rocks of Fulton county are covered with a heavy sheet of drift, to a depth of from fifty to at least two hundred feet. These are mainly on or near the line of the Air- Line Railroad, and the rock struck in each case was the Huron shale — either the characteristic black shale or associated masses of pyrites. At Delta it was drilled through in boring for oil, and found to have a thickness of fifty-five feet. Under it was found twenty feet of soft gray shale, representing the Hamilton group, while the upper part of the Coniferous group appeared to be quite argillaceous. Comparing the altitudes of these beds in the neighboring counties, Henry and Lucas, where they outcrop, the general dip is found to be to the north and west, and it is probable that its continuance carries them under the Waverly group within the limits of the county. So far as can be judged the greater part of the county is underlaid by Huron shale, and this is covered in the northwest portion by the beds of the Waverly group. In boring for water near the south line of Gorham township, cannel coal was struck, and was said to have been penetrated to a depth of three and one- half feet. Overlying it was the blue clay of the drift, but as the underlying material was not determined, it remains uncertain whether the coal was in its original position, or was merely a drift boulder transported from the Michigan coal field. All present information or knowledge tends toward the latter theory, although the nearest outcrops of the coal measures are about forty miles distant. The unmodified Erie clay (sand, gravel and boulders), appears in the north- western part of Gorham township, and presents the same features as are found in the county on the west, except that the deep marshes are wanting, or nearly so. The beach line which limits it crosses the west line of Franklin township, a half mile north of the "Fulton line," and runs northeast to Fayette, and thence to the Michigan line, which it intersects three miles west of the east line of Gorham township. The lacustrine clays (post-glacial epoch), have resulted from the redispo- sition of the Erie clay, and differ from it in that they lack the coarser materials, are more homogeneous, and are deposited with a flat, and often nearly level surface. They cover the county generally. In Franklin, German,°the south part of York and Clinton, and the eastern part of Amboy, their extreme^flat- 300 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ness is remarkable, rendering it quite impossible with the eye to discover the direction of their slope. The beach ridges have but a small area, but crossing many farms otherwise destitute of sand, they form a desirable variety. Besides the upper ridge, the position of which in Gorham has been described, another, constituting the third beach, is well defined. Beginning on the Michigan line three miles west of Metamora it curves abruptly, first east and then south. Proceeding nearly south to the village of Ai, it then curves so as to take a course a little west of southwest, touches the northwest corner of Swan Creek township, passes through the village of Delta, and leaves the county near the middle of Clinton township. In its general character it is sandy, but at several points where its dimensions are small, it is formed of fine gravel. These gravel and sand ridges are desirable for roads, and are used at numerous places. In the north- east part of German township are several parallel ridges of fine sand, that are possibly beaches. They run from the edge of the central sandy plateau south- west over the clay plain, in which they are finally lost. In the regions of the deep sand a large part of the surface consists of a succession of knolls, or dunes, and short ridges, the latter being, occasionally, traceable for some miles. Interspersed with these, and enclosed by them, are numerous marshes, or wet prairies, large and small, which are slowly building up their surfaces with accumulating muck. When first occupied by the whites the only trees on these tracts were oaks, and these so sparsely set that their tops, as a rule, did not meet, and a wagon might be driven in nearly any di- rection. From this fact the county became known as the " oak openings." With the discontinuance of the annual fires set by the Indians, a dense growth of oak sprung up in many places, but the lightest of the sand acquired only a scrubby undergrowth. The more dry parts of the prairies became grown thickly with aspens, which also dates from the cessation of the fires. These deep sands cover a fourth part of the county. The principal tract is central, including central and southern Chesterfield, the western half of Pike, and a small area in southwestern Royalton. In the southeast the county limits include a portion of a much larger district that forms a broad belt in Lucas, Henry and Wood counties. In this county it covers the southeastern two-thirds of Swan Creek township, and a small portion of York. There can. be no doubt that this sand, of whatever depth, rests on clay, and all around the margins of these tracts are belts of country, often several miles in width, where the sand is thinner, so that the underlying clay may be met in digging a few feet, and forms an impervious subsoil that checks largely the leaching tendencies of the sand. These belts have been as well timbered as the clay lands, and at their margins pass gradually into them. The depth of the drift as shown by examinations made in various localities, is about as fol- lows : Archbold, one hundred and forty-six feet ; at Wauseon, one hundred Fulton County. 301 and sixty-six feet; at Delta, eighty- five feet ; at Phillip's Corners, one hundred and fifty feet; at Matamoras, one hundred and forty-five feet; Fulton town- ship, eighty feet. The water supply in the deep sand district is derived by shallow wells from the sand. Elsewhere recourse is had to the deep-seated reservoirs in the Erie clay, and these are reached by boring. In frequent in- stances the clay has been penetrated to its base, but no supply obtained ; still more commonly water is found at the base, and even above it. There exist no surface indications, nor other data from which to anticipate results, and it is a notorious fact that of two holes bored but a few rods apart, one may furnish an abundance of water, and the other none. When reached, the water generally rises nearly to the surface, and in some limited districts overflows^ making artesian wells ; the belt of these, already described as crossing Will- iams county between the Ridge and Beam Creek, crossing Franklin and termJ- nating in Gorham township. A fountain well is known in Clinton township. The water has the same general character, and the same variety, as that of Will- iams county. Clay, suitable for making brick, can be found in abundance in every town- ship, and a quality adapted to the manufacture of tile is not uncommon. Bricks are made to some extent, and the manufacture of drain-tiles, although a com- paratively recent industry, it is now large and still growing. The people real- ize the importance of a thorough under-drainage to accomplish the best results in agricultural pursuits. This is all the more apparent in this county where the land is very flat. The excessive moisture became an evil, but unstinted ditch- ing under competent direction, together with the free under-drainage system that has marked the county during the past ten years, has made it one of the richest and most productive counties of the northwest territory of Ohio. En- dowed with no natural facilities for manufacture, she has had of necessity to be- come almost purely a farming county, and readily and heartily have her peo- ple responded to this necessity, and its results are shown in the full and abund- ant crops of each season. The deposit known 2.=, feat or muck, is found in mod- erate quantities in the marshes of the sand districts. This is serviceable as a top-dressing for the light sand lands. Marl is also found in the marshes, upon the borders of the sand areas, where there has been some drainage from the clay land. Bog iron ore has been found in similar situations, and, possibly, may be found to exist in considerable quantities. The existence of petroleum in this and adjoining counties is a known fact, but that it need not be sought or expected in paying quantities in this locality, is indicated by the experimental borings that have been made. Still, this non- success, is not a sure guarantee that valuable oil deposits are not underlying this county. It was thought that in earlier days there were sure surface indi- cations that would denote the presence of this product, but later theories, and later results, have exploded this fallacy. Borings for water that reached the 302 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. underlying black shale have, in several instances, penetrated at the bottom of a gravel saturated with oil, and the discovery of a local deposit would not be remarkable. Still, a practical and well informed oil producer would naturally be inclined to the belief that this region is "off the belt." But this theory proves nothing, as oil, in limited quantities has been obtained, and whether it exists in quantities sufficient to warrant its production, remains for future dem- onstration. An accurate record, kept by M. Britton, during the process of boring at Wauseon, the depth attained being over twenty-one hundred feet, will show through what deposits the drill passed, and the thickness of strata. From the surface to the shale or slate rock, the drift measured one hundred and fifty- six feet, and from thence downward as follows : Black shale, 94 feet ; soft limestone, 30 feet; black shale, 70 feet; lime, 27 feet; hard brown lime, 15 feet; soft lime, 20 feet; soapstone, 5 feet; hard brown lime, 15 feet; white lime, 60 feet ; brown hard lime, 45 feet ; magnesia, 5 feet ; light brown hme, 15 feet; lime and magnesia, 10 feet; chalk, 5 feet; light lirne, 20 feet ; dark hard lime, 15 feet; white pebble sand, 20 feet ; light slate, 15 feet; hard white lime, 65 feet ; floating sand over coal, i foot; coal, 8 feet; soapstone, 10 feet; water Hme, 70 feet; drab lime, 35 feet; hard lime with iron, 130 feet; water lime, 45 feet ; brown hard lime, 48 feet ; dark drab lime, 25 feet; white marble, no feet; dark lime, 90 feet; colored marble, 120 feet; dark lime, 53 feet; slate, 90 feet; dark slate, 280 feet; black slate, 310 feet; slate and Trenton rock, 30 feet. CHAPTER XXXITI. Showing Titles, G-rants and Surveys, Native and Foreign, to the Soil of Fulton County. THE territory now known as Fulton county, and now included in Ohio, was first explored, with its contiguous territory, by Chevalier Robert de la Salle, a French fur trader, who came to the valley of the Maumee in 1679, and where, in 1680, he built a small stockade fort at Miami, just below the present site of Maumee proper. The French claimed the country, and repelled by force of arms, every counter claim of the English-speaking settlers, who held under grants from Kings George or James of England, until 1763. For generations after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, in October, 1492, the country was the subject of wild conjecture and tales of wonder by the whole European world, and its visitors and explorers were but civilized ruffians whose only object was gain of gold and diamonds, and favor of their superiors. Fulton County. 303- It is quite probable that this northwestern territory was first visited and set- tled by white men (French) a few years earlier than the visit of La Salle. Father Marquette, a French Catholic missionary, visited the Upper Lakes in 1668, and founded missions at Detroit and other places. Father Marquette has undoubtedly the credit of being the first white settler west of the Ohio. Yet history says, " early in the seventeenth century, before the landing of the pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, the northwest, and more particularly the Up- per Lakes, were visited by French explorers, missionaries and fur-traders, and this whole country west of the Alleghanies at once became familiar to them, a .race of semi-vagabonds, acting in the interest of the French fur-trading com- panies. This knowledge of the country gave to the French what they claimed a pre-empted right to this whole country west of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi River, and north to the Arctic Ocean," over which they placed rul- ers as early as 1663. Robert de la Salle was the first to set up the tri-color of France, under a commission from Louis XIV, its king. This whole vast wilderness region was under the control of France just one hundred years, when the whole territory passed into the hands of the English by the treaty of Paris, 1763, France ceeding all her American possessions east of the Mississippi River to the North Sea. Thus finally ended French jurisdic- tion over the vast western domain, of which they had claimed ownership, by right of discovery, for at least one hundred and sixty years and during this time of ownership by the French, it was recognized as the Provinceof Quebec, of which the city of Quebec was the capital. Soon after that territory passed under Brit- ish rule, the most of the Indian tribes in the west were dissatisfied with the English and preferred the French control, who, under the lead of Pontiac, an Ottowa chief, who lived on Pechee Island about eight miles above the city of Detroit, and who at this time was Grand Sachem of all the Indian tribes in the west, some twelve in all. In May, 1763, they made a simultaneous attack upon several forts, among them was Forts La Boeuf, Venango, Presque Isle, Michillimacinac, St. Joseph, Miami, Green Bay, Ouitonon, Pittsburgh, San- dusky, Niagara and Detroit, and by the secret aid of the French, the attack resulted in the most frightful massacre of the English garrisons at all the points except Detroit, Pittsburgh and Niagara. Those conquered fell into the hands of the savages. This success upon their part led to a succession of hostilities, which for a time retarded any rapid occupation of this country by the whites. No acme of peace was established until August 20, 1794, when occurred the final struggle between the Indian and American forces, the latter under General Anthony Wayne, on the lower Miami (or Maumee), which broke the strength of Indians and their white allies. But to return to our historical in- tentions of titles etc., in connection with events as they transpired. A little over one hundred years ago at a regular session of the House of Burgesses of 304 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the colony of Virginia, March i, 1784, by an act that body ceded all the ter- ritory northwest of the Ohio River, to the United States. Then, thereafter, by subsequent acts of the Federal Congress, the cession was ratified July 13, 1787, which is generally called the "Ordinance of Freedom;" aside from some minor titles, Virginia had claimed title to the whole of this northwestern ter- ritory, by its several charters granted by James the I, of England, bearing dates respectively April 10, 1606; May 23, 1609; March 12, 1611, and like- wise by subsequent conquest. That Virginia had a paramount title above all other claims, when the prehistoric facts are all set forth, is undeniable. Under these she asserted ownership and exercised a nominal jurisdiction over the whole territory, as early as 1769, on the western boundary east of the Mis- sissippi River. But whatever the claim was founded upon, the State legisla- ture of Virginia waived all title and ownership to it (except to the Virginia military district) and all authority over it by directing the representatives of said State (Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Hardy, Arthur Lee, and James Monroe) to cede to the United States all right, title and claim, as well of sale as of ju- risdiction, excepting as above, to the secretary of said State, lying and being to the northwest of the Ohio River. New York, Massachusetts, and Connect- icut, soon after the treaty of peace of 1784, and for some time before, had as- serted claims to a portion of this northwest territory, and now composing the State of Ohio, although it was at once apparent that said claims were overlap- ing those of James I to the colony of Virginia, as facts seem to determine. Smucker, in his paper in the Ohio statistics of 1877, says: " The charter of Massachusetts, upon which that State's title was based, was granted within less than twenty-five years after the arrival of the Mayflower, and that of Connect- icut, bearing date March 19, 1631, both embracing territory extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean; and that of New York, obtained from Charles the Second, March 2, 1664, included territory that had been previously granted to Massachusetts and Connecticut ; hence the conflict of claims between these States, their several charters covering, to some extent, the same territory ; and hence, also, their contest with Virginia as to a portion of the soil of Ohio." Probably the titles of some, or all, of the aforesaid contesting States were in some way affected by the provisions of treaties with the Iroquois, or by tlie fact of their recognition by them, as appendants of the government of New York. New York's deed of cession was considered and favorably reported upon by a committee of Congress, May i, 1782; and by like acts of patriotism, magnanimity and generosity to those of New York and Virginia, Massachu- setts and Connecticut soon followed by similar acts of relinquishment of title, or by corresponding deeds of cession to the United States. The Legislature of Massachusetts, on the 13th day of November, 1784, authorized her delegates in Congress to cede the title of that State to all the territory west of the west- ern boundary of the State of New York to the United States, and the measure Fulton County. 305 was consummated in 1785. Connecticut, in September, 1786, ceded all her claims to soil and jurisdiction west of what is now known as the Western Re- serve, to the United States. Five hundred thousand acres of the western por- tion of the Western Reserve was set apart for the relief of the Connecticut suf- ferers by fire, during the Revolution, since known as the 'Firelands,' the In- dian title to which was extinguished by the treaty of Fort Industry {now To- ledo), in 1805, Charles Jouett being the United States commissioner, and the chiefs of the Shawnees, Delawares, Wyandotts, Chippewas, Ottawas, and some minor tribes, representing the interest of the Indians. The remainder of the Western Reserve tract, amounting to about three million acres, was sold, and the proceeds dedicated to educational purposes, and has served as the basis of Connecticut's common school fund, now aggregating upwards of two millions dollars. Jurisdictional claim to the Western Reserve was ceded by Connecti- cut to the United States, May 30, 1801." So ends all the conflicting claims by grants or right of discovery, and the ordinance of Virginia, fully and une- quivocally, and forever, places the great Northwest from under the shadows of these accumulated claims to territory, as far as the white race is concerned.. We yet have to deal with the claims of the red man. As we must all admit,., he was here before the advent of Europeans upon its soil ; that he has, at least,. & possessory right. To this land he held the right of pre-emption, "the time whereof the memory of man ran not to the contrary ;" and superadded to this,, "a patent from the Great Spirit, which estabHshed his right on solid ground." The first adventurers held that their Christian civilization gave to them a su- premacy, and that the pagan world had no rights which they were bound to respect ; a doctrine they fully carried out in the first two hundred years after the discovery of America. When we reflect on what has been done, and view these past centuries over, and that now, in our greatness and acme of boasted civilization, the words of Cowper may justly apply to us : " 0, could those ancient Incas rise again,; How would they take up Israel's taunting strain ! Art thou, too, fallen, Iberia ? Do we see The robber and the murderer, weak as we ? Thou, that has wasted earth, and dared despise Alike, the wrath and mercy of the skies. Thy pomp is in the grave, thy glory laid Low in the pits thine avarice has made. We come with joy from our eternal rest, To see the oppressor in his turn oppressed. Art thou the God, the thunder of whose hand Rolled over all our desolated land ; Shook principalities and kingdom.s down. And made the mountains tremble at His frown ? The sword shall light npon thy boasted powers, And waste them as they wasted ours. ' Tis thus. Omnipotence, his law fulfills. And vengeance executes what justice wills." 39 3o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Now, as the treaty of Paris, of 1763, had adjusted all the disputes between the two rival governments for the possession of American territory, at which time all of the vast French possession, east of the Mississippi River, passed to and under the control of the government of Great Britain, and aside from her charter titles named, she based further claims by treaties with the great Iro- quois, or Six Nation Indians, who claimed to have conquered the whole coun- try, from the Atlantic Ocean on the east, to the Mississippi on the west, and from the lakes, north, to the Carolinas, south, and hence claimed that they were owners and had full power to dispose of the same. Great Britain, from 1763, retained possession until the close of the War of the Revolution, when by the treaty of Paris, in 1783, and so ratified by the American Congress in January, 1784, possession and government passed to the United States in Oc- tober, 1784. That prior to this treaty with the British government, it is un- derstood that by the terms of the treaty held at Fort Stanwix, that the princi- pal chief of the Six Nations confirmed the Fort Stanwix treaty of 1784. As the Six Nations, having taken part with England in the Revolution, when the king's power fell in America, the Indian nations were reduced to the miserable alternative of giving up so much of their country as the Americans required, or the whole of it. That in said treaty the title of the Six Nations was extin- guished through all the valley of the Ohio, and by them Great Britain claims to have acquired a full right to soil and complete and undisputed jurisdiction. That the treaties of Fort Mcintosh and Finney, alone, held respectively in Jan- uary, 1785 and 1786, the Indian titles to all this territory west of the Cuyahoga River, and east of a line directly south from the mouth of the Maumee at its confluence with Lake Erie ; that in this soil and jurisdiction passed as well as the good will and perpetual peace of said nation. It is conjectured, and perhaps well, too, that the Indians were held in the military arena of this country by a few unprincipled speculators, and that they were the moving springs for their tardy adherence to treaties made and con- cluded at different times and places ; that the principal of them were McKee, Simon Girty and one Elliott, who, for gain, conceived that if the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers were made the boundaries in settlement, it would be no difficult matter for them to purchase it with trifling articles, and the worst of allure zvater (whisky), of which they largely dealt in at their trading post, De- troit. The conclusions of these treaties were anything but satisfactory to them ; and with the battle at Presque Isle (Erie, Pa.), forever resigned their hopes. They had seen the Indian nations hopelessly defeated in all their contending conflicts with the white, which proved to be the Indian's destruction. It is from these three men and their teaching, that most of the inhuman barbarities of the Indians came, in the West. Immediately after the severe campaign of General Anthony Wayne, upon the Maumee, and the successful defeat of the Indians at the battle of Fallen Fulton County. 307 Timbers, August 20, 1794, just above the rapids on the Maumee, and the re- moval of their British aUies, peace again smiled, and men again appeared in their genuine manhood as worthy of the heroic age of the West ; as having se- cured peace with the savages, and relief_ from their horrible atrocities. The government took immediate steps to secure a further gratuity of relief by the treaty of Greenville, which was concluded August 3, 1795, in which the In- dians agreed to a permanent peace. The Indians, as a price of their further peace, gave up an extensive tract of country, south of the lakes and west of the Ohio, and such other tracts as comprehended all the military posts in the western region. And, as a guarantee, the government, as a gratuity, gave them $20,000 in goods, and further agreed to pay them $9,000 a year, forever to be divided among the twelve tribes, then in council, in proportion to their numbers ; and further agreed not to sell or dispose of their right to soil, or pass jurisdiction to any person or persons, or power other than the United States, which gave permanent peace to the country until the War of 1812. Long before the white man had put foot upon the valley of the Maumee, or its adjacent territory, there dwelt and roamed over this unbounded forest a powerful tribe of Indians, known as the Pottawatamies, with the fragment of another tribe named the Tawas, who had long been accustomed to hardships in every form, and taught to consider themselves invincible. They had learned to regard life as valueless, if its price was victory. Their hunting grounds were boundless, and game was plentiful from Lake Erie to Lake Michigan. Let it be said, to the honor of these Indians, that their white brethren were very seldom molested. Hull's Treaty. — In the year 1807, at a council held with the dusky sons of the forest, at Detroit, November 17th, called by Governor Hull, who was then governor of the northwestern territory, they ceded the lands in the south part of Michigan, and the northern part of Ohio, to the whites. The tribes in coun- cil were the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandottes and Pottawatamies, who were the original owners. Boundaries. — The boundaries fixed by that treaty were as follows : Begin- ning at the mouth of the Miami (now Maumee) of the lakes, running thence up the middle of said river, to the mouth of the great Auglaize River; thence run- ning due north one hundred and thirty-two miles, until it intersects a parallel of latitude to be drawn from the outlet of Lake Huron, which forms the River St. Clair; thence northeast, the course will lead in a direct hne to White Rock, Lake Huron; thence due east until it intersects the boundary line between the United States and Upper Canada, in said lake, through the river St. Clair and the Detroit River into Lake Erie, to a point due east of the Miami River; thence to the place of beginning, now embracing about two hundred and sixty townships of Ohio and Michigan. This treaty did forever extinguish all the Indian titles within said boundaries and no subsequent Indian claims have been attempted. 3o8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Treaty of Chicago. — In 182 1 a further treaty was made at Chicago, by which the Indian title to all the lands in the territory south of the Grand River was relinquished to the government of the United States, which cleaned out all the Indian titles west of the west treaty line, made by Governor Hull, at De- troit in 1807. These treaties comprehended all the lands in central and south- ern Michigan, and a large area in northern Ohio, and relinquished every ves- tige of Indian titles to all the lands now within the limits of Fulton county, except a special grant of a few sections in the southeast corner of said county, which was afterwards sold to the white settlers. That after the acts of cession from the Virginia colonies were fully com- pleted and confirmed by the Congress of the American colonies, July 13, 1787, that same Congress appointed Arthur St. Clair governor of the Northwest Ter- ritory, who arrived at Marietta, July 9, 178B, nearly one year after the cession, and entered forthwith upon the duties of his office. On July 27, 1788, Gover- nor St. Clair by proclamation, established the county of Washington, including all the territory east of the Sciota River, north to Lake Erie. The balance of the present limits of Ohio, reaching south to the present center of the State, was considered unorganized territory. On August 15, 179S, it, with the whole peninsula between the lakes, now called ^Michigan, was organized into one county, called Wayne. The county seat of the same was fixed at the city of Detroit (then but a military post), and remained so until Ohio was admitted into the Union, February 19, 1803, when the boundary line upon the north be- tween it and the unorganized territory was established, at what is now termed the " Fulton line," which was afterwards run as established by the ordinance of 1787. Before this Northwestern Territory was subdivided into independent government divisions, the seat of government was at Chillicothe, O., to which Wayne county sent one delegate until the year 1800. In this year the Terri- torial Legislature convened at Cincinnati, at which the county of Wayne was represented by three citizens of Detroit, to wit, Solomon Sibley, Jacob Visgar and Charles F. Chohart de Joncaire. It was in this year that the Northwest- ern Territory was divided into two governments called "the Eastern and West- ern Divisions." The western was called Indiana, and the eastern the "Old Gov- ernment of Ohio." The county of Wayne was, however, excluded from any representation at Cincinnati in 1800, in forming the first constitution of Ohio, or in the organiza- tion of the State ; nor had the Maumee country any representation in the first Legislature of Ohio, which assembled at Chillicothe on the ist day of March, 1803. It was at this time that all of the unorganized territory (after the State of Ohio assumed State relations), was organized under the name of the " Indiana territory." In 1805 the Indiana Territory was subdivided, and the northern part (all north of the Fulton line, the boundary line of the ordinance of 1787), Fulton County. 309 was organized into the Territory of Michigan, which gave the northern half of the present Hmits of Fulton county to the jurisdiction of the Territory of Michi- gan, which she as a territory controlled and held under government relations for thirty years or more, until December, 1836, when the question of jurisdic- tion was settled in Congress, by the Territory of Michigan relinquishing all right to soil and jurisdiction south of what is called the " Harris line " (the pres- ent line of the State). This territory remained the county of Wayne until 18 17, when the Territo- rial Legislature of Michigan organized the county of Monroe, and established the county seat at the city of Monroe, at the mouth of the River Raisin, and so held jurisdiction for nine years. In 1826 the county of Monroe was fut-ther subdivided and the western por- tion erected into the county of Lenawee (an Indian name signifying man), and ;S0 remained until the transfer of this territory to Ohio, in December, 1836. Tecumseh was fixed as the county seat. This county to the Fulton line, was surveyed by one Joseph Fletcher, in 1819, and finished when, by a proclamation of the president of the United . States, March 15, 1820, it was ordered to be sold at public sale, July 4, 1820. (Where the sale took place we are not informed.) Thus, while Michigan was under territorial rule from 1805 to 1835, she was ruled overt by the following governors respectively: William Hull, from 1805 to 1814; Lewis Cass, i8i4to 1832; George B. Porter, of Pennsylvania, 1832 to 1834; Steven T. Mason, 1834 to 1835; John S. Horner, 1835; Steven T. Mason, from 1835 to its admission as a State. It was during the territorial government of the last named governor, Steven T. Mason, that occurred what is known in history as the " Toledo War," which was caused by a misunder- standing about the boundary line between the State of Ohio and the Territory of Michigan, and culminated in calling out the militia upon both sides, in Sep- tember, 1835, by an attempt of Ohio to resurvey the Harris line. Prior to this difficulty the General Assembly of Ohio, in 1807, under a resolution from that body, instructed its representatives in Congress to use their influence to obtain the passage of a law to ascertain and define the northern boundary line of the State, and fix the same agreeable to the proviso. In 18 1 2, the surveyor-general of the United States caused two lines to be run, one in conformity with the enabling act of Congress, and another as called for by the proviso. It was not until 18 16 that William Harris concluded his survey, to which Ohio claimed as by the proviso. In 181 8 John A. Fulton, under instructions from the surveyor-general of the United States, completed his survey under the enabling act of Congress, which is known as the "Fulton line," and claimed by Michigan. That the Fulton line was recognized as the true line by Ohio for a long 3IO History of Henry and Fulton Counties. period of time, there is no doubt, as that State afterwards made and completed' her congressional surveys up to said line, and there stopped, while the United: States completed the survey of the Michigan territory down to the Fulton line,, and established in its survey the meridian line of the State down to said Fultort line, which was the western boundry line of Hull's treaty with the Indians at Detroit in 1807. In the attempt of Ohio, under Governor Lucas, to resur- vey the Harris line in 1835, " this act fired the heart of the young governor,. Stevens T. Mason ; his loyalty and zeal would not brook such an insult. The militia at his disposition was called into requisition early in the spring of 1835. They were first put upon the trail of the commissioners and actually routed them, and took several of the party prisoners on the line some ten miles east of Morenci (near Phillips's Corners, in Royalton township, this county). These they held for a few days, then discharged some on parole, and others on bail, to answer in the district court." But the end was not yet. A majority of those living on the disputed ter- ritory in Monroe county were late emigrants from Ohio and Pennsylvania. They were thoroughly impressed with the importance to them of being a part of Ohio. The port of Toledo was just opening to the traffic of the lakes. The States of Ohio and Indiana were ready to bring in the great Wabash canal, pro- vided it could tap the lake on Ohio soil, and besides Ohio was already quite an old State and would be able to develop the territory much quicker. The territorial interest was all centered at Detroit, and Toledo, if it remained to Michigan, would only be a dependency paying tribute. With these sentiments prevailing the governor of Ohio was induced to put in force the laws of the State. Proclamation was issued giving boundaries to towns and counties, and for the election of civil officers. The election was held, officers chosen, and they assumed their duties. The militia was organized and commenced drill- ing. In short, we had two- active and efficient governments, each striving to excel, and, as may be naturally inferred, the relations between them were not of a very friendly nature. The one acting as informers to Governor Mason, and the other mostly engaged in procuring bail to be relieved from arrests, preferring to have their transgressions settled by the courts to an open and violent conflict of arms. The governor's quick, impulsive nature would brook this double entendre no longer. The general government did not respond to this call; Ohio would not stop at his bidding; the subjects were disloyal and refractory in their every act ; therefore it became him as governor to put a quie):us on the whole difficulty. He called out the militia of the territory, to the number of about one thousand five hundred, early in the month of September, 1835, to prevent any further inroads upon the territory in dispute, and particularly to prevent the holding of Circuit Court in Lucas county, which had just been organized,. with Toledo as the county seat, where the first session of the court was ap- pointed to be held. Fulton County. 311 This call was responded to readily in many parts of the territory, but by a very few, perhaps, from this county. They rendezvoused in Monroe county, and from there marched to Tremainsville on the afternoon before the court was to convene, where they bivouacked for the night. They were here three miles out from the objective point, and much hard work was to be done in a verj' short time to meet the emergency of the morrow, for an army was to be organized out of the material presented. Upon inspection it was found that some had muskets, others had clubs, but most had trusty rifles. These were assigned to companies and battalions, and in 'the morning marshaled for in- spection by the commander-in-chief. They were by him pronounced com- petent, and ordered to March to the scene of the conflict. In entering the city they actually marched by the door where the court, of which they were in search, was in full operation, without knowing it. They had expected to find it guarded by an army that would be worthy of their steel. But where could they be ? They certainly could not be in Toledo, for the great army of our noble commander-in-chief covered the whole city and some of its suburbs. There could be but one conclusion. They had of course hied themselves to the spot from whence they came, and must be now on their way through the defiles of the Black Swamp. A council of war was held. The surroundings looked dark. They had come for blood, and without it there could be no remission, the enemy having ignobly fled the field. The usages of war would therefore make their way clear, and reprisals would be in order. If they would not let the issue be decided by force of arms, they could expect nothing less, and must abide by these rules which had been recognized by all nations. In this strait it did not take the brave commander long to decide. His forces were soon marshaled — formed in two batalions, the one ordered to make an attack on the cellars and larders of the inhabitants, the others to move upon the magazines and commissary of the enemy, that a wag had informed them was stored in a barn owned by Piatt Card, who was known as one of the moving spirits in the rebellion, and who was then in bonds to answer for what he had heretofore done in inciting it. This last work was not to be trusted to raw recruits, or committed to an inferior officer. It was virtually the conquer- ing of an army, and none knew how strongly it was guarded within,. or what might be the dangers of approach. That the work might be quick and effectual it was decided that the brave commander should lead the charge. In reconnoitering the premises all was still, yet there were certain holes in the walls, reminding them of the post holes in ancient forts, and in which they fancied they saw grim messengers of death staring them boldly in the face. This could be endured no longer, the order was quick given and a broadside was poured into the pine siding of the barn, approaches were made stealthly and cautiously until they reached the 312 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. door, which obeyed the mandate of the hand, and readily swung on its hinges. To the surprise of the noble commander and his comrades in arms, they found they had captured a very fine horse, as the warm blood flowing from many bullet holes attested. They had come for blood as a sacrifice to sprinkle upon the altar of their loyalty and devotion to their country, and who will deny at this late day that they found it? Returning to head-quarters it was found that the other battalion had made a successful raid, especially in the line of Major Stickney's wine-cellar, and from some others that gave a more exhilarating beverage, sufficient was ob- tained with which to wash down the hard army biscuit of which their knap- sacks contained an ample supply. Night approaching, each drew his cloak around him and gave himself to pleasant dreams over the experiences and es- capes of the last twelve hours. On the following morning an order was issued from the governor disband- ing the forces, allowing each to find his way home as best he could. Thus ended the great Toledo war and all strife on the disputed tract. The people of Michigan having called a convention and framed a State constitution, petitioned the Congress of the United States to be admitted into the Union, claiming as a part of their territory, the tract in dispute with Ohio. Congress, however, decided in favor of Ohio's claim to said tract and gave in compensation, as a compromise, to Michigan in place of this fertile strip along her southern border, about twenty- five thousand square miles of territory along the southern shore of Lake Superior, then only valuable for its wilderness, but now known to be rich in mineral wealth. Michigan came into the federal Union as the thirteenth State, January 26, 1837, and this strip of land so long in dispute, forever after became an integral part of Ohio and was attached respectively to the counties of Lucas and Wil- liams. It was out of the throes of this very eventful struggle that Lucas county was formed, in the year 1835, from portions of Wood and Sandusky counties, in Ohio, and of what had been Monroe and Lenawee counties in Michigan, over which territory, however. Wood county had exercised jurisdiction from April I, 1820, then being one of the fourteen counties at that date, by the legislature, organized from Lidian territory, the county seat being at Perrys- burgh on the Maumee River. In the year 1849, there arose a demand for a new county in northwestern Ohio, the projectors of which were such prominent men as Nathaniel Leggett, of Swan Creek; William Hall, Hon. A. C. Hough, of Chesterfield ; Stephen and Isaac Springer, Samuel Durgin and others, of Fulton; Michael Handy, Hon. D. W. H. Howard, Robert Howard and Ly- man Parcher, of Pike; Mortimer D. Hibbard and Reuben Tiffany, of Dover; Ezekiel Masters and Joseph Ely, of Franklin; William Sutton, Israel Mattern, Fulton County. 313 W. A. Mace and Oliver B. Verity, of Gorham, to be composed of parts of Wil- liams county, Henry county, and the larger part from Lucas county. Ac- cordingly the necessary legislation was had in the general assembly of Ohio, and in the winter of 1850, February 28, the Legislature of Ohio set off and erected into a new county, the following described territory: Beginning on the State line between the States of Ohio and Michigan, at the northeast cor- ner of township nine, south of range four east, of the Michigan meridian. Thence south on the township line, to the southeast corner of township ten, south of range four east, on the Fulton line; thence west on said Fulton line, to the northeast corner of township eight north, range eight east; thence south to the southeast corner of section number twelve in township six north, range eight east, Ohio survey. Thence west on section lines to the southwest corner of section number seven, in township six north, range five east, on the county line, between the counties of Henry and Williams; thence north on said line to the southeast corner of township seven north, range four east; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of section number thirty-five in said township seven north, range foureast, (leaving the county of Defiance intact); thence north on section line, to the Fulton line (being the original line between Ohio and Michigan), to the southwest corner of section number eleven, in town- ship ten south, range one west of meridian; thence north on section lines to the State line (called the Harris line) ; thence easterly with said State line, to the place of beginning, and named it the county of Fulton, in honor of Robert A. Fulton, the inventor of application of steam for power. Nearly one-half of this county was of the Michigan survey, which had become an integral part of Lucas and Williams counties; hence the greatest part of the territory was orig- inally from Lucas when organized into the county of Fulton. The act of Feb- ruary 28, 1850, creating the county of Fulton, gave all civil and criminal suits which were and should be pending in the counties of Lucas, Henry and Wil- liams on the first Monday in April, 1850, to the respective counties, and were to be prosecuted to final judgment in said co"unties as though the said county of Fulton had not been erected. All justices of the peace were to hold their offices until their services expired, or until their successors were elected or commissioned for the county of Fulton. All writs or other legal processes were to be styled as of the county of Ful- ton, on and after the first day of April, 1850. The legal voters residing within the limits of said county, were to assemble on the first Monday in April, 1850, to elect officers of the county, to serve until the next annual election in October, 1850, and the courts were to be h.eld in the township of Pike, at some convenient house (place to be designated by the associate judges of said county), until a permanent seat of justice should be established within and for the said county. Lawrence Dewey, of Frankhn county, Mathias H. Nichols, of Allen county, 40 314 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and John Riley, of Carroll county, were appointed by the Legislature of Ohio, commissioners to fix and locate the seat of justice in said new county of Fulton. Pending said location, the associate judges, who had by said act been ap- pointed, to wit: John Kendall, Alfred C. Hough, and Socrates H. Cately, fixed the courts at the house of Robert A. Howard, of said Pike township. After the creation of the county of Fulton, and until the change in the constitution of Ohio, Nathaniel Leggett, of Swan Creek, John Kendall, of Franklin, Socra- tes H. Cately, of Swan Creek, Alfred C. Hough, and William E. Parmelee, of Chesterfield, and B. W. Fleckinger, of Gorham, severally served as associate judges of the court of common pleas; Saddler, president judge. At the April election of 1850, the following named officers were elected and en- tered upon the duties of their respective offices under the act to-wit: Mortimer D. Hibbard, auditor; Nathaniel Leggett, treasurer; George W. Brown, of Roy- alton, sheriff; Carl C. Allman, of Delta, recorder; John H. Reid, of Pike, prose- cuting attorney ; William Sutton, of Gorham, Christopher Watkins, of Fulton, and Jonathan Barns, of German, commissioners ; Samuel Durgin, of Fulton, was appointed clerk of courts. (Then the common pleas judges had probate jurisdiction.) The locating commissioners^appointed by the Legislature of Ohio, in the summer of 1850, came to the county for the purpose of designating the county seat, there being several points to them presented by the people of the county as their choice. One the center of the county ; Robert A. Howard's, in Pike; Etna, in Pike ; Fluhart Corners, in York ; Delta, in York ; and Spring Hill, in Dover. The commissioners after carefully examining all the points presented, and hearing the statements of citizens, pro and con, decided upon the center of the county, and accordingly stuck the stakes, and at the suggestion of D. W. H. Howard, named the place Ottokee. (After an Indian chief of that name, who once resided and roamed over this territory of the Ottawa tribe.) The question yet had to go to the people for their endorsement, and after two strenuous trials by ballot by the people, the action of the locating commissioners was confirmed, and Ottokee was established as the seat of justice of the county of Fulton, and suitable temporary buildings were by the county commissioners forthwith pro- vided for the county offices and the holding of courts. Proposals for the build- ing of a court-house were given out by the commissioners, and at the time fixed, bids were opened, and it was found that A. H. Jordan, of Royalton, was the successful man, who immediately entered upon his contract to build a court- house, which was duly completed in the season of 185 1, at that day, a nice and very commodious structure of the kind, built entirely of wood, stone foun- dation ; and for a time Ottokee seemed to bid fair for a large county town, but the construction of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad (now Lake Shore), seemed to check its growth and prospects, and Wauseon soon after 1854 became a prominent railroad point in the county four miles Fulton County. 315 south of Ottokee, and thereafter became a strong rival for the county seat, which was thereafter for a time upon the wing. In the winter of 1864 the Leg- islature of Ohio passed an act fixing the seat of justice at Delta, and the sub- mission of the question to a vote of the people at the next general election in October, which was largely defeated. During the contest between Delta and Ottokee, the court-house was burned, together with all the records of the county. The fire occurred about midnight of July 15 and 16, 1864, and was supposed to be the work of an incendiary. This same season the commissioners caused to be constructed a large line of brick offices for the county, and on December of the same year, the several officers of the county took possession of the same, under the approval of the commissioners. In the summer of 1865, the commissioners caused to be further erected a new court-house of brick, Hiram Prichard, contractor, and completed the same so that the October term of the court of common pleas was held therein the same year. Judge Alexander S. Latty, of Defiance, presiding. In the winter of 1869 another enabling act was passed by the Legislature of Ohio, fixing the seat of justice at Wauseon. At the October election of 1869 the people decided by a very small majority upon removal; whereupon in the spring of 1870 the commissioners of Fulton county to wit, Joseph Ely, of Frank- lin, Alfred B. Gunn, of York, and Milton McCaskey, of Fulton, fixed upon the present site, and commenced the building of a court-house at Wauseon, which was completed and accepted and declared ready for occupancy about the first of January, 1872, and all public records and business of officers were removed from Ottokee to Wauseon, in that month and year. That the old buildings so vacated at Ottokee, were, by the commissioners of the county, in March, 1874, set over to the county for an infirmary, and after purchasing in addition somewhere near three hundred acres of land, and build- ing a large and commodious barn, got the same ready for occupancy May i, 1874, whereupon they appointed James S. Riddle, of Franklin, Oscar A. Cobb, of Dover, and Robert P. Lewis, of Swan Creek, as directors, who thereupon ■qualified, and all further business was by the commissioners turned over to them, and they immediately made choice of Ohver B. Verity and his wife super- intendent and matron respectively, who entered upon the duties of their posi- tion, May 2, 1874, and served until March, 1880. 3i6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER XXXIV. METEOROLOGY OF FULTON COUNTY.^ IN all ages of the world, and in all conditions of life men have been led, from interest or necessity, to study the appearance of the atmosphere and sky to arrive at some conclusion as to what the weather will be. It is not my province to give a treatise on the science of meteorolgy, but only to give a compend of my observations during the last eighteen years. My place of observation is in north latitude about 41° 36', west longitude 84° 7', and elevation above sea level, 800 feet. The instruments used are a barome- ter, thermometer, rain-gauge and wind-vane. Observations are made three times each day, at 7 A. M., 2 and 9 P. M. All readings of the barometer are reduced to the uniform temperature of 32°, corrected for instrumental error, and reduced to sea level, so as to make them comparable with observations made at other places. The following is a brief synopsis of the more important of my observations for the entire period from January, 1870, to July, 1887, inclusive : The average mean temperature for each month during the years 1870 to 1887, inclusive, was for January 22.5, February 25.6, March, 32.4, April 46.3, May 59., June 68.4, July 72.8, August 69.6, September 62.8, October 51.3, November 35.5, and December 26.3 degrees. The annual mean temperature was 47.7 ; Winter 24.9, Spring 45.9, Summer 70. 1, Autumn 49.9; from No- vember 1st to March 31st 28.5, from May 1st to September 30th 66.4, and from April ist to October 31st 61.4 degrees. The average range of temperature from 1870 to 1887, was for January 64.1, February 61.5, March 60.8, April 63.2, May 58., June 51.5, July 47.6, August 49.9, September 56.8, October 59, November 58.1, December 61.4 degrees. The annual range of temperature was 116. 2 ; Winter 74.3, Spring 85.8, Summer 56.7, and Autumn 83. degrees. The highest temperature occurring in any one month from 1870 to 1887, was on January i, 1876, 69.5, February 27, 1880, 62.7, March 31, 1875, 79.S, April 26, 1872, 87., May 29, 1874, 103. 2, June 28, 1874, 99., July 7, 1874, 104.5, August 20, 1874, 102., September 5, 1881, 100.3, October 4, 1884, 87.7, November 11, 1882, 74.6, December 31, 1875, 70. degrees. The highest temperature during this period, 104.5 degrees, occurring on July 7, 1874. The lowest temperature occurring in any one month from 1870 to 1887, was January 25, 1884, —31.7, February 13, 1885, —24.3, March 20, 1883, —iJAr Aprils, 1881, -5.2, May 3, 1885, 21., June i, 1883, 34.5, July 20, 1871,43-2. August 24, 1884, 38.9, September 30, 1871, 24.9, October 14, 1874, 12., No- 1 Compiled specially for this work by Thomas Mikesell, esq., of Wauseon. Fulton County. 317 vember 19, 1880, —8.5, December 19, 1884, —32.4 degrees. The lowest tem- perature, — 32.4 degrees, occurring December 19, 1884. The average mean temperature of the warmest days from 1870 to 1887, was January i, 1876, 63.3, February 28, 1880, 56.1, March 31, 1875, 64.2, April 26, 1872, 73.4, May 30, 1874, 80.7, June 28, 1874, 88.5, July 7, 1874, 86.6, August II, 1874, 85.2, September 6, 1881, 84.7, October 5, 1884, ^6.6, November 11, 1882, 66.1, December 31, 1875, 62.8 degrees. The average mean temperature of the coldest days in each month from 1870 to 1887, was January 9, 1875, — 16.4, February 10, 1885, —1 2.6, March 4, 1873, 2.S, April 4, 1874, 17.3, May 21, 1883, 33.9, June 4, 1882, 49.6, July 20, 1871, 57.9, August 27, 1885, 53.2, September 27, 1876, 42., October 31, 1873, 25.8, November 21, 1880, 3., December 29, 1880, —13.8 degrees. The average rain fall, including melted snow, for all the months from 1870 to 1887, was for January 2.20, February 2.77, March 2.99, April 2.52, May 4., June 4.29, July 4.05, August 3.03, September 2.53, October 2.95, November 3.05, December 2.37 inches; the annual average was 38.07 inches; the aver- age from December ist to February 28th was 7.42, from March 1st to May 31st was 9.68, from June ist to August 31st was 11.37, September ist to No- vember 30th was 8.53, and from April ist to September 30th was 20.86 inches. The average monthly snow fall from 1870 to 1887, was in January 11.9, February 8., March 1 1.6, April 2.9, May .4, October .2, November 6. and in December 10.9 inches. Average amount per year 52.9 inches; average depth per winter 51.5 inches. From January, 1870, to July, 1887, the latest killing frost occurred June i, 1883, the latest frost June 30, 1871, the earliest frost August 3, 1886, the earliest killing frost September 2, 1885, the latest snow of one or more iriches April 28, 1874, the latest snow May 22, 1883, the earliest snow October 6, 1871, the earliest snow of one or more inches October 21, 1873, the earliest thunder storm January 17, 1870, the latest thunder storm November 21, 1883, the latest freeze May 29, 1884, the earliest freeze September 2, 1885. Highest barometer from January, 1880, to September, 1887, was on Janu- ary 22, 1885, 30.784, February 4, 1887, 30.871, March 4, 1887, 30.651, April 8, 1887, 30.513. May 29, 1884, 30.376, June 27, 1887, 30.389. July 23. 1882, 30,247, August 9, 1884, 30.364, September 14, 1884, 30.461, October 16, 1883, 30.550, November 23, 1880, 30.727, December 12, 1885, 30.748. The lowest barometer from January, 1880, to September, 1887, was Janu- ary, II, 1885, 29.204, February 18, 1887, 29.179, March 20, 1886, 29.084, April 15, 1884, 29.148, May 14, 1883, 29,400, June 6, 1880, 29,446, July 12,. 1883, 29.630, August 3, 1885, 29.454, September 8, 1885, 29.477, October 29, 1883, 29.236, November 17, 1886, 29.273, December 9, 1885, 29.113. 3i8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Tornadoes. A tornado is that peculiar form of storm, characterized by a funnel-shaped ■cloud, small end down, whirling with immense velocity in the direction from north to west, and south, and east, and having a forward motion to the east- ward. Wh-erever it descends to the earth it destroys whatever may be in its path. It is generally very small, and the greatest destruction occurs at the center. It is not the same as a cyclone, which is a storm at sea, of from lOO to i,ooo miles diameter, whose center is a dead calm and the destructive winds toward the outside. The first tornado in this county of which I have heard anything, occurred about the year 1824. This I get from Mr, D. L. Buler, who, in the winter of 1836-7 came upon the " windfall" over the line in Michigan ; and having a curiosity to know how long since it happened, cut some of the new growths and found them about twelve years old. Doubtless it was the same windfall which started in the north part of this county and extended to the northeast. The track was several miles long, but not very wide. June 20, 1834, a tornado crossed the north part of York township. Itfirst came down near the northwest corner of the township, about 2 P. M., and moved directly east nearly four miles, and then to the east southeast. The track was about three-fourths of a mile wide and six miles long. It was above the timber part of this distance. Near where it first descended Wm. Jones and others were camped. They ran into the open prairie, and, lying down, held on to the grass till the storm passed. They left their oxen tied to a tree, and after the storm found them completely hemmed in by fallen trees, but unhurt. John King and his son, William, had arrived on the bank of Bad Creek, on the 19th, and made a shelter by setting poles against a large tree, and cover- ing them. They were in the track of the tornado, and after it had passed they found all the timber down around them except the tree their shelter was -against. Only the providence of God saved them. Settlers who came later were three days cutting a road through this fallen timber. The trees were turned out by the roots, tearing up great quantities of earth, which are not yet leveled down after years of cultivation. The storm (of which this tornado was a part), was felt in Indiana, in the forenoon of the same day, and by 4 P. M. it had reached Wayne county, O. A separate tornado occurred the same day as the above, and about the same hour, about two miles to the north of this one. It was about one hun- dred feet wide, and took everything clean as it moved to the east southeast. In June, 1842 (this date is uncertain),- a tornado passed over this place at an altitude of three hundred or four hundred feet, making a loud, buzzing roar. It was almost clear at the time. The cloud was funnel-shaped, very black, and the tail hanging somewhat behind and some distance below the body of Fulton County, 3^^ the cloud, which was not very large. It did not affect the wind at the ground, and there was no rain or hail from it here. It moved directly eastward about as fast as a man can run. It was not known to descend till it reached Maumee City, where it demolished a brick building that was not yet finished. Two lit- tle girls, one white and the other colored, who ran up to the building to get away from the storm, were killed. It is possible that this was the same cloud which A. S. Fleet saw pass over North German township about that time. He says it was nearly clear except this one small, black cloud, from which hail fell thickly while it was passing. The hailstones were nearly three inches across by over half an inch thick. It was going to the east. About the first of June, 1844 (this date may not be correct), there was a tornado in the northwest part of German township, at about i P. M. It moved to the east- northeast, and cut a road about half a mile wide and three miles long. Sound white oak and walnut trees, three feet through, were twisted off or torn out by the roots. Everything was destroyed in its path. About the middle of August, 1852, at about 5 P. M., a tornado descended on the prairie along Bean Creek, nearly west of where Peter Powers lives. On coming to the timber it leveled a strip about eighty rods wide. It destroyed the house and barn of John Martin, and carried a new wagon, belonging to Peter Powers, twenty or thirty rods, and dashed it to pieces against a log build- ing. Its last work was on the farm of Lyman Bebee, and as it rose it twisted off large trees twenty to thirty feet from the ground. The whole length of the track was about seven miles. It moved to the east-northeast, making a fear- ful roar, and was accompanied by heavy rain for several miles on each side. In April (about the 19th), 1856, another of these aerial monsters visited this county. As it descended it struck the house of Nathaniel Jones, in the northwest part of Clinton township, and took everything clean to the upper floor, — roof, timbers, bedding and furniture. The bedding was scattered for half a mile to the southeast, in the woods. It destroyed a part of his log barn and took part of the roof off the frame barn. Continuing on its course, which was southeast, it raised and passed over a piece of timber and came down in Isaac Tedrow's field, tearing the fence to pieces and even carrying the ground chunks away. Further on it caught William Tedrow, and the horse he was riding, and turned them completely around and dropped them. Then it raised till it passed on to the York Centre road. At this place C. H. Lozer was in the road, driving a team of oxen. His wool hat was taken off by the wind and rolled along the road several rods, and then suddenly caught up and carried to the southeast about a quarter of a mile, where it was found wedged in the fence. Mr. Lozer was blown along for a short distance; and then a pail containing eggs, which he was carrying, was jerked from his hand and dashed to pieces against a stump at the side of the road (just in front of where I. E. Bayes now lives), and himself lifted and carried about five rods, only touching a foot to the 320 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ground once in that distance. It then raised and passed over the timber, and when over Wauseon it descended low enough to unroof some buildings, and move on its foundation the warehouse of E. L. Hayes, which contained a stock of hardware and about two tons of iron. This was the last heard of it. It was about twenty rods wide, and the whole track was about three miles long. The inrushing winds damaged several buildings and leveled much fence. On the left-hand side it took part of the roof off T. J. Case's barn; and on the right, part of the roof from Isaac Tedrow's barn, part of Wright Bayes's barn roof and racked Samuel Lozer's house. There was heavy rain with it. Between i and 2 P. M., on the 2d of July, 1864, Dover township was vis- ited by a tornado. It crossed over the farm of L. C. Cook and came down on C. B. Carter's, west of Ottokee, destroying a strip of timber about twenty rods wide. Its course then changed from southeast to nearly east, and passed on, not doing much damage till it reached Ottokee, where it unroofed several build- ings, among them the court-house. It then raised and disappeared. It was followed by heavy rain. June 5, 1867, one of these storms crossed Clinton township, about noon. It took the top off Barton's house, west of Lena, and east of this destroyed a barn. At Lena it scattered the lumber in the mill-yard. A boy at this place narrowly escaped being killed by the flying lumber. It leveled much valuable timber on John Miley's farm, and nearly all the fences for a mile wide, were blown down by the inrushing wind. The tornado track was about twenty rods wide and three miles long. It traveled a little to the north of east. About 4 P. M., on the 31st of May, 1880, a tornado passed over the north part of Clinton township. It uprooted part of Colonel J. H. Brigham's or- chard, and going to the east, it destroyed part of Ambrose Clark's barn and moved the house on the foundations, having passed between them. At this place a calf was blown over the board fence to which it was tied. Clark's or- chard was nearly all destroyed. Further on it twisted large white-oak trees off and blew down much timber. A considerable timber and a great part of the north and south fences for over a mile on the south side, and some dis- tance on the north, were blown down. The wind blew at the rate of about fifty miles an hour here, a little over half a mile south of the tornado track. The barometer reduced, stood 29.844 inches. The track was about eighty feet wide and two and one-half miles long. There was heavy rain with it. The ranifall here was 1.19 inches in less than one hour. June 6, 1880, at about 3:30 P. M., a tornado passed to the east- northeast, a little south of the county line, in Henry county, straight south of Wauseon. It was about fifty feet wide and passed between Bogart's house and barn, tak- ing the end off the latter. A half mile east it destroyed the house and barn of Eli Zull, and further on another barn. The track was about two miles long. This storm passed about seven and one-half miles south of here, and the wind Fulton County. 321 blew here at about thirty miles an hour. The barometer stood at 29.476 inches. On the 24th of June, 1886, a tornado struck near the north line of this county. About 2:30 P. M. a cloud came from the southeast and another from the west, and when they met the tornado was formed. There was a thunder and hail storm a few miles to the west at the time. As it descended it un- roofed the house of J. Stahl, south of Lyons, and crossing the road came to O. P. Barnes's house (which stood just north of the center of the track), and took the south side to the floor, but left the north wall standing. The house was made of plank, and the part taken off was dashed to splinters. A part of the roof of his barn was blown off. Mr. Barnes, who was in the yard, was jerked from the ground and carried about one hundred feet, passing over two apple trees, and falling in the third. A boy who was with him was thrown under a sled and a corn-crib dashed down over him. Another boy was lying on the lounge when the house was struck and was rolled off and the quilt carried over half a mile to the east. Mrs. Barnes was struck by something and seriously hurt. As it moved on it destroyed nearly the whole of Mr. Barnes's orchard, and then raised. The path of destruction was about ten rods wide by twenty rods long. Household goods were carried about four miles east and one mile north. The direction was a little north of east. It was funnel-shaped and moved for- ward with great velocity, being not over two seconds in passing a given point, and made a terrible noise. It was followed by rain and a little hail. The air was still till the tornado struck. It was about ten miles northeast of here. Barometer stood 29.698 inches. About I P. M. on the 2d of May, 1887, the last of these terrible visitors came into our midst. It first descended about three miles southwest of Wau- seon, at the barn of Dr. D. W. Hollister. It did not get low enough to de- moHsh it, but lifted it clear from the foundation and swelled the sides out like a barrel. It passed over the house without damaging it. About half a mile north of here (the storm moved north 20° east) it struck the brick school- house at the cross roads. This was completely demolished, the east, west and north, and bottom of south walls being blown outward by the instant expansion of the air inside the house when the tornado removed the pressure from the outside. The top of the south wall fell inward, and the roof was thrown from three to thirty rods to the northwest. The joists were dropped at the north end of the floor, falling on two boys, one of whom, Benton Gasche, was killed, and the other seriously injured. There were fifteen persons in the house at the time and the teacher and six of the children were hurt, besides the one killed. The tornado, at this point was less than forty feet wide. From the school-house it began to raise, and passed over Isaac Springer's barn, shaking it violently. A little further on it turned to the northeast, passing over Wau- seon high enough not to do much damage. 322 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The inrushing winds did considerable damage on the right hand side, blow- ing down nearly all the fences for over half a mile wide, by about four miles long, which were standing across the wind (which blew the direction the tor- nado moved), while fences in line with the wind remained standing. Amos Turney was driving out of town at the southwest with a load of tile, and he and his son were blown from the wagon, which, with the team, was carried across the ditch at the side of the road. Part of the roof was blown ofFT. Ed- ington's barn, near the school-house, and John Haumesser's barn, just south of Wauseon, was blown from the blocks on which it stood, and crushed by the wind and fall, together. Northeast of town part of the roof was taken from Marion Fashbaugh's barn. On the left hand side very little damage was done. There was heavy rain with the tornado, and hail in some places. This tornado passed about a mile south of my place of observation. As it passed the wind blew here at the rate of about forty miles an hour. It rained here, .36 inch. The barometer stood at 29.897. Notable Meteorological Events. The following are some of the notable meteorological events of this county from the earliest settlement. In these some of the dates may not be correct, as it is very hard to get such things now, but so far as possible I have verified the dates from several sources. For this information I am indebted to many of the pioneers of this county, who have taken great pains to be as accurate as possible. The first notable event, after settlers began to come into what is now Ful- ton county, was a tornado, which occurred June 20, 1834 (see account in "Tornadoes.") The first day of March, 1840, was so warm that men came in their shirt sleeves from miles around to a meeting which was held at my father's house. Grass in the prairies was large enough for cattle to live out at that time. The winter of 1842—43 was a long one. Snow fell the latter part of No- vember, and sleighing continued from that time till after the spring election, April 3, which day it began to thaw. It came came off warm then and spring set in at once. The spring of 1844 was very early, and on April 12 peaches were blossom- ing. On the 25th of April, 1845, a hail storm passed over the southern part of this county, the heaviest ever known here. For about two days there had been almost constant rumblings of thunder in the west, and when at last it came, it deluged the earth as it is seldom done. It reached here just after dark, and continued about an hour. Hailstones of all sizes up to the size of hen's eggs, fell to the depth of several inches, and the ground, where there was no water, was covered yet the next morning, They fell down the chimney of Fulton County. 323 my father's house so thickly that they were scattered all over the floor. When the hailstorm slackened rain fell in torrents till nearly midnight, and low ground everywhere was covered with water. There was not much wind with this storm. Some stock was injured, and roofs were damaged. Jared Beebe, then a resident of this county, was out in the storm, and the horse he was riding was knocked down. There were marks made upon fences and logs that remained visible for more than a year. It is probable that a tornado passed at the same time as this storm, a few miles further south. In June (about the 2d), 1845, there was a frost which killed the wheat which was then in head, and corn, which was ten to fifteen inches high, was frozen to the ground. However, the corn was not destroyed, but sprung up and made a good crop. At harvest that year, one morning there was so much frost on the wheat that men had to wait for it to melt before going to work. There was frost every month that year. In 1848 there were eleven consecutive days of rain, beginning July 4. Some days the rains were very heavy, and the streams were all overflowed. Wheat harvest had just begun, and much of the wheat sprouted before it was cut. The winter of 1854-55 was very warm till in February, and no snow. January i, 1855, was a warm, pleasant day, like Indian Summer, and wild geese flying over. In February a heavy snow storm, accompanied by thun- der and lightning came, and then it was cold, and the snow remained on for several weeks. May 13, 1855, snow fell one-half inch deep. The summer of 1855 was so wet during July that very much of the wheat was so grown that it was nearly worthless. It made what was called " sick wheat." The month was very hot also. The winter of 1855-6 was a long, cold one, snow laying on from Novem- ber till late in March. In the spring of 1856 there was a fearful hailstorm passed over the north part of the county. It came with a high wind from the northwest, in the afternoon. Hailstones as large as a watch fell so thickly that there was no escaping them, only by getting under cover. It was fol- lowed by heavy rain. The hail made dents on the siding of George Roos's barn, which remained there when the boards were removed thirty- one years afterward. Stock was badly injured, some animals being nearly killed. (The date of this storm I have been unable to fix, but it is very probable that it accompanied a tornado which passed across the county about the 19th of April). About the 12th or 14th of May, 1856, a sleet and snow storm, with much rain, occurred, and corn planting was thereby delayed about two weeks. The fall of 1856 was very dry and smoky. Muck beds dried out so that they burned from one to two feet deep. C. H. Lozer found fire in the muck on the farm he now owns as late as January i. 324 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. June 6, 1859, there was a frost which killed the early wheat. Many fields were not worth the cutting. Late wheat, and that protected by forests, was not much hurt. The whole month was rather cool. The summer of 1862 was very dry and hot. Oats were hardly more than a foot high on the clay, and yet yielded about forty bushels per acre. Sep- tember was very hot at seeding time. The great frosts of 1863, which killed the corn all over the county, oc- curred Monday and Tuesday mornings, August 31 and September i. The whole summer had been rather cool, and consequently corn was rather back- ward. i The cold New Year's day was January i, 1864, The day before had been very warm (about sixty degrees), and raining, but toward night it turned cold, the rain changed to snow, and the next morning the temperature was twenty- four degrees below zero. This was a change of over eighty degrees in about eighteen hours. April 22, 1865, about five inches of snow fell. It melted the next day. August of this year was rather cool, the mean temperature of the month being about three degrees below normal. The highest temperature of the month was ninety-six degrees on the 31st. September was very warm, about four degrees above normal. The first killing frost occurred October 4. During March, 1866, there was almost continuous freezing and thawing. It froze every night except eight, and thawed every day except two. This was followed by a very warm and dry April, and, as a consequence, wheat was nearly all killed, and the crop that year was a failure. We had twelve bushels from twelve acres of good wheat land. July that year was warmer by about three degrees, than the average, and August was five degrees cooler than the average. Oat harvest was a little late, about the 5 th of August. On the 6th of August, 1866, there was a solar halo consisting of seven cir- cles, some of them almost as bright as any rainbow. It began to rain that day and rained every day for six days. The fall of 1867 was very dry, and muck beds burned till about Christmas, when the rains flooded them. July 4, 1869, there was a heavy rain in the vicinity of Wauseon, which flooded all the low grounds and floated some of the sidewalks away. October 23, 1869, about eight inches of snow fell and remained on the ground till about November i. The snow was very wet, and hung on the trees, breaking them badly. Many people had not taken care of their apples yet. In 1870, April, May, June and July were about three degrees warmer than usual; August was nearly seven degrees colder than usual, and September about four degrees warmer. The fall of 1871 was very dry, only 1.50 inches of rain in September and October. I sowed wheat on the 9th of September, and very little of it was to Fulton County. 325 be seen till the snow went off, the next March. By the way, that wheat aver- aged twenty- six bushels per acre on thirteen acres. July, 1872, was very wet, — 7.26 inches of rain during the month. It made it very difficult to save wheat. The 29th of January, 1873, was the coldest known here to that time, 29.2 degrees below zero. April 6, 7 and 8, 1873, there were heavy rains, — about four inches in the three days. Rain fell on nineteen days that month. Octo- ber 21, 1873, there fell about eight inches of snow, which melted the next day. June 9, 1874, a heavy rainstorm passed over here, and 3.82 inches of water fell in less than seven hours. July 22, 1874, there was some frost on muck. January 9, 1875, was the coldest day I have ever known. The mean tem- perature of the day was 16.4 degrees below zero, and the highest during the day was 10.3 below zero. To make it worse the wind blew from fifteen to twenty-five miles per hour all day. The whole month was very cold. The mean temperature of February, 1875, was only 11.3 degrees. The mean tempera- ture for the first twenty-one days was only 6.9 degrees ; and for the fifteen days ending with the eigliteenth, 1.5 degrees. October 29, 1875, a terrific thunder storm passed over here from 11:30 till about 12:15. It rained 66 inch in about half an hour. It was so dark that lamps had to be lighted to see to eat dinner. December 31, 1875, and January i, 1876, were days Hke May. The tem- perature ran up to 70 degrees on the 31st, and to 69.5 degrees on the ist. The mean temperature of the whole two days was 62, degrees. Frogs were out in abundance, and so were the bees. March, 1876, was colder, on the average, than either January or February. December 21, 1876, a large meteor passed over, a little south of here, going to the east, with great velocity. It made a noise like thunder, the sound con- tinuing to be heard about fifteen minutes. The agitation of the air shook houses, and the light exceeded the full moon, though it was cloudy at the time. During February, 1877, there was only .8 inch of snow fell, and the rain and melted snow was only .12 inch. The month was generally warm, having thawed every day except two. In March, 1877, 41.7 inches of snow fell, 13.5 inches of which fell on the I2th, and 10. 5 inches on the i6th. This snow nearly all melted on the afternoon of the 30th. October 19, 1877, 2.77 inches of rain fell. Frogs were out the 19th of December, 1877. October 2, 1879, I saw that rare phenomenon, a lunar rainbow; the only one I have ever seen. The night of the 4-5th of March, 1880, a terrific thunder storm, accompa- nied by high wind, passed over here It blew down considerable timber. During the last thirteen days of May, 1880, 5.56 inches of rain fell, 3.18 inches of which fell in the last two and a half days. On the i8th of February, 1881, 10.2 inches of snow fell till noon. 326 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. June, 1 88 1, was a very wet month, there having been 8.43 inches of rain. On the 8th there were over 2 inches of rain in about an hour and a half; and about three and one-half miles northwest of here this storm was far heavier. About seven inches of water fell in an hour and a half It flooded a tract of land about half a mile wide by nearly a mile long, to the depth of eighteen inches to two feet. September 5, 1881, the temperature ran up to 100.3 degrees; on the 6th, to TOO degrees; 7th, to 98 degrees. The mean temperature of the three days was 84 degrees. October, 1 881, was the wettest month in my record, — 8.92 inches of rain, an average of .29 inch each day. November 17 and 19, 1882, there were the most brilliant auroras that have been seen in many years. March 18, 1883, was very warm till 2:20 P. M. The temperature rose to 69.1 degrees, but by 4 P. M. it was freezing, and at 9 P. M., eight hours after the highest was reached, the temperature had fallen 55.2 degrees ; and thirty- two hours later it had fallen to 17.4 degrees below zero ; a change of 86.5 de- grees in forty hours. On the i8th and 19th 12.1 inches of snow fell. May 21, 1883, sleet and snow fell to the depth of 6.5 inches. The summer of 1883 was very cold, so much so that crops were held back. Wheat harvest did not begin till July 12. On the 23d of July .63 inch of rain fell in thirteen min- utes, and on the 25th .70 inch in fourteen minutes. During the fall of 1883 there were the most brilliant sunsets and sunrises that it has been the privilege of this generation to see. There were great changes in the barometer on the 19th to 21st of Febru- ary, 1884. It raised 1.070 inches in the fourteen hours ending at 10 A. M., of the 20tb; in the next twenty-two hours it fell .582 inch, and then in thir- teen hours it raised .616 inch. July 29, 1884, there was a heavy hail storm a few miles west of here. Hail fell to the depth of about four inches. Much damage was done to crops over a small tract. The evening of the 30th 2.34 inches of rain fell in two hours and a half. The morning of December 19, 1884, was the coldest recorded here, 32.4 degrees below zero. April 6, 1886, 15.7 inches of snow fell. It was one of the stormiest days I have ever seen. In the afternoon of the 24th of June, 1886, there was a heavy rain and hail storm in the north part of the county. It was in connec- tion with the tornado of that date. The hail fell to the depth of several inches some places, and cut crops badly. Corn was stripped of the blades, and much fruit knocked off the trees. The storm extended over an area about five by fifteen miles. In July, 1886, we had only .31 inch of rain. October 14, 1886, was a very windy day. The wind blew from thirty to forty-five miles per hour, and took the roof off W. R. McManus's barn, and part of the roof from the Fulton County. 327 county jail, grist-mill, and some other buildings in Wauseon. Large trees were blown down in the forests. As this storm passed away the barometer raised 1.264 inches, i"^ forty- four hours. CHAPTER XXXV. Early Settlement North of the Fulton Line — Recollections of Pioneer Life. THE pioneer settlement of Fulton county was commenced more than a quar- ter of a century before the county, as such, had a separate existence; even long before the proprietors of the enterprise of creating a new county of this name had an idea of such an event. It began while the territory now em- braced by it was known as Wayne county, and several years prior to the erec- tion of Lucas county, from which it was, in the main, directly taken. The county of Wayne was established by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, on the isth day of August, in the year 1796, and was the third county formed in the northwestern territory. Its original limits were very extensive, and were thus defined in the act creating it; "Beginning at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, upon Lake Erie, and with the said river to the Portage, be- tween it and the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum ; thence down the said branch to the forks, at the carrying place above Fort Laurense ; thence by a west line to the east boundary of Hamilton county, (which is a due north line from the lower Shawnese town upon the Sciota River); thence by a line west and northerly to the southern part of the Portage, between the Miamis of the Ohio and the Saint Mary's River; thence by a line also west and northerly to the southwestern part of the Portage, between the Wabash and the Miamis of Lake Erie, where Fort Wayne now stands; thence by a line west-northerly to the southern part of Lake Micliigan ; thence along the western shores of the same to the northwest part thereof (including, the land upon the streams emp- tying into the said lake); thence by a due north line to the territorial boundary in Lake Superior, and with the said boundary through Lakes Huron, Sinclair and Erie to the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, the place of beginning." The lands embraced by these boundaries formed a part of what is now the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and all of Michigan. When this erection was m-idc there could not, of course, have been any set- tlement within the boundaries of this county, which was included within, but formed a very insignificant portion of the territory named. Such of the pio- neer settlement as was made in this locality, or within the limits of that which IS now Fulton county, was accomplished just prior to and about the time of 328 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the erection of Lucas county. In fact this county was largely taken from Lu- cas county, and the portion thereof that was taken, was embraced in a sin- gle township, called York. The counties of Henry and Williams also con- tributed of their lands to the new formation of Fulton, although in a compara- tively small degree. York township was subsequently subdivided into several smaller townships, and the original name is now represented in one of the southern tier of the county's townships. The subdivisions of York, Amboy, Chesterfield, Clinton, German, Gorham, Royalton, Swan Creek, York, Frank- lin, Dover, Pike and Fulton were all made and completed while this territory was a part of Lucas county, excepting the original York, which antedates Lu- cas county, and the small portions from Williams and Henry counties which were annexed to the townships nearest which they were situate. This county was not organized until the year 1850, and with its erection it at once acquired a considerable population, Amboy having in 1840, four hun- dred and fifty-two; Chesterfield, three hundred and one; Clinton, three hun- dred and three; German, four hundred and fifty- two; Gorham, three hundred and fifty two; Royalton, four hundred and one; Swan Creek, four hundred and ninety-four and York, four hundred and thirty-five. Each of these town- ships was organized prior to 1840, and each of the others was formed be- tween that date and 1850. While the pioneer settlement of these townships is necessarily a part of their separate history, a general mention of the names of some of the pioneers will be found of interest and not out of place here. The question of land titles will be found fully discussed in another chapter in this work, and to speak of the settlers north of the old state line, the mean- ing will be fully understood. It is of these settlers that the principal mention will be here made. In the early part of the year 1832, Eli Phillips, with his young wife, came to the "disputed land." They were former residents of Michigan, in the vi- cinity of Adrian. Mr. Phillips located on sections ten and eleven, town nine south, range three east, on the loth day of June in that year. He still lives at an advanced age, enjoying the distinction of having been one of the very first settlers in this then almost unbroken wilderness. The deed for the lands occupied by this pioneer was signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States. Upon this land he still lives, aged about eighty-three years. He has lived to see the forest lands almost entirely cleared of their timber, and where once was timber and marsh in nearly endless extent, are now beautiful, well cleared and excellent producing farms. He stands to-day almost the sole living monument of pioneer days. Eli Phillips was followed soon after by other pioneers, among the names of whom are found Samuel Stutesman, But- ler Richardson, Hiram Farwell, John Jacoby, Warren Dodge, Benjamin Davis, Chesterfield W. Clemens, George P. Clark, Daniel Berry and his son, Nicholas Fulton County. 329 Berry, D. Barnes, David White, A. H. Jordan, Valentine Winslow and David Severance. These certainly were here prior to 1835, and there may be, pos- sibly, others whose names are now out of memory. The year 1835 witnessed a considerable settlement by other families, most of whom came from the States east of this. These came to build for themselves homes and farms in the new country which was then, among eastern people, considered to be in the far West, and on the frontier of civilization and settle- ment ; and so it was, at the time, the now known western country being a vast, uninhabited tract, occupied only by the American Indian and an occasional trader, who had ventured so far from the center of settlement, for the purpose of barter among the tribes that swarmed over the region. Among those that made a settlement north of the Fulton line, during the year 1835, are found the names of Charles B. Smith and family ; John S. But- ler and his faiher, Asa Butler; Garner Willett, Amaziah Turner, Ami Richards, Alexander Vaughan, Alanson Briggs, Joseph Cottrell, Erastus Cottrell, Gorham Cottrell, senior. Sardis Cottrell, James Baker, Freeman Cofifin, Clement Coffin, Martin Lloyd, Stephen Chaffee, Phillip Clapper, William Lee and others. In this year the "Vistula Road," from Toledo west through the disputed lands was laid out and built by the government. This thoroughfare has other- wise been known as the "Old Territorial Road." This construction opened an established route of egress and ingress for the sturdy pioneers of the region, by which they were enabled to convey their products to market, and returning, carry to their homes such commodities as were needed in the new settlement. It opened, furthermore, into the heart of the country, a route which was easy of access and travel for hundreds of new comers, who were seeking homes in the land now being rapidly developed and occupied. There came to the region in the year 1836 a number of families, among whom are to be found the names of Ansel H. Henderson, Harlow Butler, John P. Roos, John B. Roos, Asher E. Bird, sr., John McLaughlin, Daniel Donald- son, John Donaldson, and perhaps others. After the coming of these families, and sub:^equent to the year 1836. the lands became rapidly taken up and set- tled, so that their settlement becomes lost in the general growth of the com- munity. " These early pioneers, the advance guard of a new civilization in the wilderness, were the blood and brains of the Eastern States, which formed the main composition of this growing territory ; whose fathers had educated their sons and daughters for the practical work of life, and they have, in turn, left their impress upon the country by their determination, energy, perseverance, thrift, and their stern political integrity and loyalty to government." Of like disposition and character were the pioneer families of the various other Incaliiies of the county, but it is a generally conceded truth that the lands in the northern part of the county were hrst taken and occupied — the land on the disputed tract, which will be found fully discussed elsewhere in this volume. 42 330 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. James C. Vaughan, now one of the commissioners of the county, was un- doubtedly the first male white child born on the disputed tract, and Miuiha Turner, daughter of Amaziah Turner, was the first female white child born thereon. Recollections of Pioneer Days. The pioneers are passing away. In fact, so many of them have already gone, that with regret we note their vacant places, and realize that the inevit- able years will soon gather them all. The)', in a general way, have written their own history, and have built their lasting monuments on every farm and in every villat^e of this county, but thousands of unwritten incidents and deeds worthy of record have passed from the memory of the living, and can never be recalled. The men and women who built the first homes for the white race in this important part of a great State, were not common people. They wore not broadcloth or silk, and fashion and useless polish were strangers to them. In their plain homes and primitive surroundings, with open hands and open hearts, they met upon one common social level; nevertheless they were an uncommon people. From the refined homes and cultivated fields of the east the bravest and the best went out with a determined purpose to build among diffi- culties for civilization, and to sow for posterity to reap. No ordinary people could do what the pioneers of this county have done. But a few short years ago, compared with the age of the State, they commenced the magnificent task, and by constant toil, seeking not for ease, through trials incessant, bravely fac- ing calamities, after long and weary waiting they saw gardens crowd away the briar and the thistle, and grain and grass wave where once was tangled marsh. All through these long years they were unconsciously weaving webs of a history which spoke the doings of an interesting band, every word of which ought to be cherished by us, and every possible fragment gathered and saved in memory of our fathers and our mothers, and to the honor and for the benefit of ourselves and those who may live after us. It may be true that no tongue can ever tell, no pen can ever write the words which bring back in realistic form the weary, homesick feeling, the anxieties, trials, hopes and fears of the dark days, or the happiness and sunshine of the bright da)'s of the pioneer's struggle for better homes and a higher civilization ; but it is equally true that the incidents of his career are sacred facts, and that his victories in the great battle of an unselfish life are as worthy of our remem- brance as are the deeds of the men who fought the battle of Sedan, or led the famous march to the sea. The true benefactors are they who penetrating the wilderness drove back all features of barbarism, and built refined homes, and created broad harvests to enrich the world ; and it was a true heroism which enabled them to endure the privations and hardships of the past, which are fast being forgotten midst the comforts and luxuries of the present; for incompre- hensible were the noble motives and splendid purposes of the true heroes who built the primitive cabins. Fulton County. 331 CHAPTER XXXVI. SOCrBTIBS OF THE COUNTY. IN the county of Fulton there appears to be in existence three estabhshed organizations, the interests of which are dependent upon the county for support and maintenance. They arc the Fuhon County Agricultural Societ}' ; the Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association, and the Northwestern Ohio Fair Company. The last named, the Fair Company, is a corporation, and while hardly to be classed as a society of the county, it draws support largely from the county by way of attendance at its meetings, but its expenses are met by the stockholders, and who also participate in its profits, and while it may not be strictly termed a county society, it is, nevertheless, sufficiently such in its nature for the purposes of this chapter. The Fulton Comity Agricultural Society. This society was organized in the year 1858, and is wholly owned, or controlled, by the count)'. The object of the society is similar to like institutions throughout the State, having for its chief object a friendly competition among the people, especially in the pro- duction of farm and garden supplies, by offering prizes, or awards for the best of each class. This also extends to all articles, not farm and garden produce, such as works of art, useful and ornamental, and in fact nearly every branch of trade or occupation is, or may be represented at the exhibitions of the so- ciety, and prizes given for superior excellence in each. The result is whole- some and beneficial, as it stimulates the farmer to greater effort in his pursuit that his products may be of the best ; and as it applies to farm production so it does to the results of other pursuits. The first meeting or exhibition of this society was held in the fall of the year 1858, on a ten acre-tract of land which the society held under a ten year lease. The place of meeting was at a point in Dover township, about a half mile east from Ottokee, then the county seat. Suitable buildings were here erected for keeping the exhibits, and the other purposes of the society. The grounds were laid out with a trotting course for competition in trials of speed of horses. The result of ten years of existence in this locality, and on this limited tract of land, was beneficial to all die people, and at the expiration of the lease the society purchased a tract of about forty acres of land situate on the " west road," leading from Wauseon to Ottokee. The land was marshy and had no improvement, much of it being covered with timber. The improvements for the first year were made at an expense of about fifteen hundred dollars. This site was procured for the society by D. W. H. Howard, Oliver B. Verity and L. L. Carpenter. The erection of buildings, fences and enclosures, and the con- 332 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. struction of the track for exhibition of stock and trials of speed, cost the soci- ety several thousand dollars. Of recent years the society has confined its ex- hibitions mainly to the display of farm products, stock and art work, rather than to horse trotting, the latter being now incident to tiie meetings of the Northwestern Ohio Fair Company, The present officers of the Fulton County Agricultural Society are as fol- lows ; L. G. Ely, president ; L. W. Brown, secretary ; J. W. Howard, treas- urer ; executive board, A. C. Daniels, Adam Kanauer, H. S. Persing, James Fenton, J. H. Brigham, S. H. Cately, L. W. Brown, George Gasche, A. M. Lee, Peter Schug, D. W. H. Howard, W. A. Blake, William Waffle, E. H. Patterson and L. G. Ely. To the encouragement and support of the objects of this society the State provides a fund of one cent per capita of the county's population. This fund now reaches something like two hundred and ten dollars. Should there be a surplus of receipts over expenses the same is used in making improvements and premium awards. Any person may become a member of the Fulton County Agricultural Society by paying annually into the treasury the sum of one dollar. This not only makes them members, but in addition thereto, entitles such person to a voice in the administration of the society, and to four admission tickets to the exhibitions of the same. The Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association. For a period of sev- eral years prior to the actual organization of this association its necessity was recognized by the older residents of the county. It was felt that to the pion- eers, who at an early day located in this region, and who, by their lives, privations, toil and industry, sucteeded, through a period of almost incredible hardships and sufferings, in laying the foundation upon which the superstruc- ture of the county has since been built and enlarged by neu- comers and later generations, there should be erected in some suitable manner, a monument to their memory, and the memor\- of their deeds and lives; a monument, per- manent and imperishable, that the children of all coming generations might know to whom the honor and credit of the early settlements of the county is actually due. It was therefore considered advisable that a society should at once be organized, the object of which should be to gather while po.ssible, the facts and incidents relative to the pioneer days of the county, and to record them in substantial form for future use and reference. It was deemed im- portant, too, that this work should be done, if ever, during the lifetime of the pioneer, while a complete and acurate record could be made. To this end, and for the accomplishment of the purpose expressed, a call was made upon the older residents of the county, inviting them to meet at the court-house, at Wauseon, on the 22d day of February, in the year 1883; that there might be a full and free interchange of views on the subject, and complete organization effected. Fulton County. 333 In obedience to the invitation there was a large attendance upon the occa- sion, February 22, 1883, and for the purpose of temporary organization, Michael Handy, esq., was made chairman and L. G. Ely, secretary. The ob- ject of the meeting was then fully and carefully outlined by Hon. D. W. H. Howard, substantially as set forth in the early part of this sketch, after which a committee on constitution and by-laws was appointed as follows : D. W. H. Howard, Albert Deyo, Joseph Shadle, L. G. Ely and James S. Dean. Upon the report of the committee the constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the society to be known as the " Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Asso- ciation," was brought into existence. It was provided that the president should be the person who had resided the greatest number of years in the county, and that the vice-presidents should be the persons who had the longest residence in the townships from which they were respectively chosen, it being provided that there should be one vice-president from each township in the county. Hon. Dresden W. H. Howard being the oldest resident of the county was made president of the association, an office he has filled most acceptably and capably to the present time. The vice-presidents were as follows: John Jones, York; J. M. Williams, Clinton; John S. Butler, Chesterfield ; Heman A. Can- field, Gorham ; J. S. Riddle, Franklin ; David Ayers, Dover ; John McQuil- len. Pike; James Fenton, Fulton; Socrates H. Cately, Swan Creek; George R. Betts, German ; Dallas Brown, Royalton; John Clendening, Amboy. The other officers were L. G. Ely, secretary ; Socrates H. Cately, treasurer ; Levi W. Brown, S. C. Biddle, Michael Handy, Ozias Merrill and J. P. Roos consti- tuted the executive committee, and Hon. Oliver B. Verity was chosen as the historian of the association. Meetings were appointed to be held on the 22d day in the months of February and August of each year. The object of the association being so worthy, has met with marked success during its brief existence, and from the first has steadily increased in member- ship, until it now numbers nearly all the old substantial pioneer element of the county. Its present officers are as follows : President, Hon. Dresden W. H. Howard ; secretary, Thomas Mikesell ; treasurer, Socrates H. Cately ; ex- ecutive committee, S. C. Biddle, Rufus Briggs, Ozias Merrill, J. P. Roos and 0. A. Cobb; historian, Hon. Oliver B. Verity. The vice presidents remain, one from each township, as stated and given heretofore. The Northwestern Ohio Fair Company. This association was organized in response to a feeling that existed widely that Fulton county ought to have a place for annual meetings and exhibitions, at which premiums and purses were to be awarded, and which was situate within a convenient distance of the county seat and a railroad .station. The fact that the grounds of the Fulton County Agricultural Society were distant some miles from the railroad, and could only be reached by carriage conveyance ; that the grounds of that 334 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. society had no ample accommodation for stabling horses, and that there was no hotel, or public house within several miles of the place ; and from the fact that there was a general demand on the part of many persons who were in the habit of attending exhibitions of this character, both residents and non-resi- dents, a number of the substantial citizens of Wauseon and vicinity caused to be incorporated, in the year 1883, the Northwestern Ohio Fair Company, having for its object the same, substantially, as it set forth concerning the Fulton County Agricultural Society. W. C. Kelly was elected president; J. S. Newcomer, secretary, and E. S. Callender, treasurer. The grounds of the company are situate just north of Wauseon, easy of access and within a con- venient walking distance. The lands comprise something like fifty acres and are arranged with reference to convenience and good order. Substantial buildings and enclosures are erected for the display of exhibits of all kinds, while the trotting course (half mile) is one of the best in northwestern Ohio. The society is in good standing in the region and well supported. Its present officers are Frank E. Blair, president ; A. S. Bloomer, secretary ; E. S. Cal- lender, treasurer. The meetings of the company are held annually. CHAPTER XXXVII. Military History of Fulton County — Early Militia Organizations. THE early military history of Fulton county is so obscured by time that no statistics relative to the early organization can be found, and we have been compelled to rely wholly upon the memory of some of the early settlers of the county, among which we have received much information from Samuel Carpenter and A. H. Jordan, esq., of Royalton township. Before this county was organized, in 1850, most of the territory embraced in Fulton county was within the limits of Lucas county, and the military or- ganizations were called Lucas County Militia. There was a full regiment, five companies of which belonged to Lucas county and three, namely. Company A., captain, Lyman Parcher, first lieutenant, Samuel Stutsman; Company B. Charles Smith, captain, Elias Richardson, first lieutenant, and William Saw- yer, second lieutenant. Company C, commanded by Captain Treadwell; Pe- oli Alwood, first lieutenant, and John Viers, second lieutenant. The regiment usually had two general musters each year, which were high old times, lasting three days, the last of which was usuall)-, after roll call in the morning, turned over to general sports, such as shooting at a mark, rimning foot races, pitching the iron bar, throwing the maul, wrestling etc. ; and as whisky was cheap in Fulton County. 335 those da3'S, only twenty cents a gallon, a great quantity of the "creature", was usually disposed of on these occasions. About the year 1844, it being this part of the county's turn for the "general training," as it was called. Colonel Briggs ordered the regiment to assemble at H. C. Jordon's corners for a one day muster. The order was generally obeyed, and as there was a vacancy of a lieutenancy in one of the companies, an election was ordered to fill it, which resulted in the election of a young soldier from Maumee. After his electien he was required to make good his footing, which was to treat the whole regi- ment, but the newly elected lieutenant not having the necessary money and having forgot or neglected to bring along a coon skin, the regiment became violent and were about to declare the rifhce \ acant and proceed with a new election, when A. H. Jordon, good soul .is he is, and always was, came to the rescue and furnished the thing needful. The boys had become so thirsty by this time that it took five gallons to go around. The regiment was then or- dered into line and commenced training, but as they warmed up with the drill, the whisky also warmed up, and before noon about one half of the regiment were under arrest for disorderly conduct, and as it took the other half to guard those under arrest, this meeting was adjourned to meet at ^tna (now Win- ameg) about one month thereafter. It met according to the adjournment for a three days' drill. It had a fine time at this meeting and was inspected and reviewed by Major General Charles W. Hill, of Toledo, who highly com- plimented the command for its proficiency in drill and good soldierly bearing. During the night of the second day's drill Colonel Briggs had occasion to be outside the guard line, and as he rode up to where True Whiteman was stand- ing guard, the latter halted him and told him to dismount and give the coun- tersign, but the colonel had forgotten the countersign, and feeling his oats somewhat, endeavored to force his way past the guard, but True was "true blue," and understood hisduty, and, as the colonel rode up, persisting that he was Colonel Briggs and had a right to, and would pass at all hazards, the guard thought differently, and clubbing his rifle, promptly knocked the horse down on which the gallant colonel was riding and made him a priso.ner until the ad- jutant was sent for, who communicated the countersign to the colonel, which he then gave to the guard and was permitted to pass. This was the last gen- eral muster in this county in ante-bellum days, although the regiment met af- ter that at Maumee and other places in Lucas county. The War of 1861-5. At the breaking out of the "V\'ar of the Rebellion, Fulton county, in point of numbers, was one of the smallest counties in the State, numbeiing at that time, in round numbers, about twelve thousand population. There were, at that time, no villages in the county numbering one thousand inhabitants. Delta being the largest with a population of only a few hundred persons, and 336 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. all the other villages combined reaching less than twelve hundred. The coun- try was sparsely settled, and by a strictly farming people. As soon as Fort Sumter had been fired upon by the Jrebels, the people of this county, with one accord, sinking party affiliations for the time, sprang to the defense of the Union ; public meetings were held all over the county and, in a few days, two full companies were raised, under the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand men Owing to the rapidity with which Ohio's quota of the seventy- five thousand was filled, but one of Fulton county's companies could be ac- cepted. This company, ninety-seven strong, commanded by Captain E. L. Barber, of Wauseon, was mustered into the Fourteenth Regiment as Company H, and rendered good service in that regiment during its term of enlistment. The other company was ordered to Camp Herrick, in Swanton, where, af- ter being drilled for about one month, it was mustered out and paid off by the State. After Congress met in July, 1861, the president issued his second call for three hundred thousand troops for three years' service Ohio's quota was quickly filled ; the Fourteenth and Thirty-eighth Regiments were raised in the northwestern counties of the State; Fulton county contributing to the three years Fourteenth Regiment at muster in, forty- seven men, and sent to the regi- ment as recruits, seven men, making a /total of fifty-four from Fulton county, for that regiment. ■ Fulton county furnished for the Thirty eighth Regiment two full companies : Company I, Captain M. R. Brailey, and Company K, Captain R. A. Franks. These two companies had an aggregate of two hundred men, and forty-one men mustered into other companies of the regiment ; a total at muster in of two hundred and forty-one men from Fulton county. The county, during the war, also sent one hundred and nine recruits to the Thirty-eighth Regiment, making a total of three hundred and fifty from this county for the Thirty- eighth. The county furnished to the Forty- seventh Ohio Regiment fifty- three men. This was a squad of men raised for other regiments, but they being full, the men were mustered into the Forty-seventh. There were recruited for the Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry two hundred and eleven men, who were mustered in at the organization of the regiment from Fulton county, and the county sent them forty-nine recruits during its term of service, making a total of two hun- dred and sixty men from this county. The county furnished for the Sixty-eighth Regiment one company of ninety- seven men ; for the One Hundredth Regiment, one company, H, was wholly recruited from Fulton county, added to which the county sent sixteen recruits. The county also furnished twenty other men for thi^ regiment, who were mustered into other companies, making a total of one hundred and thirty- six. For the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Fuiton county furnished sixty-two men, most of whom were mustered into Company K. Fulton County. 337 The county furnished one whole company, D, which was mustered into the Forty-fourth Illinois Regiment of infantry. It also sent to the regiment, while at the front, twenty-seven recruits, a total of one hundred and twenty-four. Eighty-four men from the county enlisted and served in Michigan regiments. For the Third Ohio Cavalry there were were fifty-five men recruited from Fulton county, who served with that regiment during the war. There was recruited in this county for the Thirty-seventh German Regi- ment twenty- six men ; and for other three years Ohio regiments, one hun- dred and fifty-six men, making a grand total of three years men who went into the service from this county of one thousand four hundred and fifty-seven. Fulton county furnished for the One Hundred and Eighty- second Regi- ment sixty-one men, forty-five of whom were mustered into Company B, and sixteen into Company K, of that regiment. This county also furnished for other one year regiments, forty-two men, who were mustered into the following one year regiments, viz. : the One Hun- dred and Eighty- fourth, the One Hundred and Eighty- ninth, the One Hun- dred and Ninety- first, the One Hundred and Ninety-Third and the One Hun- dred and Ninety- fifth, making a total of one hundred and two men for the one year service. Fulton furnished for the three months service, ninety-seven men, mustered into Company H, Fourteenth Regiment; and' ninety-eight men, who were mustered into Company G, Eighty- fifth Regiment, and twenty-one men, who were mustered into different companies of the Eighty-seventh Regiment, mak- ing a total of two hundred and sixteen, furnished by this county for the differ- ent three months organizations. In the spring of 1864, when General Grant assumed the command of all the armies of the United States, and was about to begin his famous advance against the army of General Lee, it being necessary that he should have all the veteran troops of the Army of the Potomac for that purpose, President Lin- coln called together, at Washington, the governors of all the loyal States for consultation, and to devise means, if possible, to raise recruits for a short pe- riod, to guard Washington, and to- do other guard and garrison duty in and about that city, and to hold places captured in rear of the line of march of Grant's army, and to guard the supply and ammunition trains for his army, so that all the old, available troops of the Potomac Army could be at the front. The loyal governors assembled, and, after consultation, Governor Brough, of Ohio, suggested to the president and State governors, the idea of calling out one hundred thousand men for one hundred days service, pledging Ohio for thirty thousand of this class of troops. President Lincoln immediately agreed with this proposition, and, after a short conference, the other governors agreed to the proposition. It is needless to say that thirty thousand was much larger than Ohio's quota, yet the whole number was speedily raised, and about three 43 338 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. thousand surplus. The first regiment to respond was the One Hundred and Thirtieth, or First Ohio National Guards, wholly raised in the northwest cor- ner of the State. Fulton county reported with three companies, but, as there was a total of eleven companies reported, one company from this county was distributed among other companies of the regiment. Fulton county furnished for the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment two hundred and fifty-one men- Although the one hundred days men did but little fighting, they were of ines- timable value in holding the rear of Grant's army, preventing raids on Wash- ington, and giving to General Grant all the good fighting men of his army. For the cavalry service Fulton county did not send a great number to the field. It did, however, furnish for the Third Regiment of Cavalry fifty-five men, most of whom were mustered into Company H, of that regiment. There were also enlisted in this county and mustered into other cavalry regiments forty- three men, making a total of ninety- eight from Fulton county for this branch of the service. In addition to the foregoing, thirt)' men from Fulton county volunteered, and were mustered into the First Regiment of Ohio Light Artil- lery ; thirteen men went into the Sharpshooters, twenty-three enlisted and were mustered into the different Ohio independent batteries, and eleven into the United States Regulars, making a total of eighty-seven men mustered into these miscellaneous organizations. Recapitulation. — Fulton county sent to the field and had mustered into the service for three years, one thousand four hundred and fifty-seven men. For the one year service this county sent to the field one hundred and two men; for the six months service Fulton county sent to the war ninety- four men; for the three months service there were recruited in this county and sent to the field two hundred and sixteen men ; for the one hundred days service this county sent two hundred and fifty-four ; miscellaneous organizations, eighty- seven men, making a total, for all armies of the service of two thousand two hundred and seven men that actually entered the service. It will be observed that in many instances no company roster is given in connection with the history of the command. In explanation of this absence it may be stated that no reliable record of individuals could be obtained of many of the companies that entered the service later than 1862; and even for that year all do not appear. Memorials and muster-out-rolls have been found from which an incomplete record could be made, and, in such cases, care has been used to make the data as reliable as possible. Again, in frequent cases, it ap- pears that only a small portion of a company was from the county, and in order to give a complete roster, each name should appear, and it has been found im- possible to determine just who of the company were from Fulton. The Fourteenth Infantry — Three Months Service. There was not at any time during the progress of the war against the Re- bellion, a more hearty response to the president's demand for volunteers than Fulton County. 339 under the first call for seventy-five thousand men for three months' service. Indeed, so promptly and so faithfully did the men of Ohio answer to the ne- cessities of the occasion, that less by far were required than had volunteered for the service. Ohio had overrun her quota by the thousands. In no place was greater patriotism and greater loyalty to the Union shown, than in the then young and struggling county of Fulton. Epaphras L. Bar- ber, then a resident of Wauseon, engaged in the real estate business, at once signed the enlistment roll, and his action was immediately followed by others so rapidly, that on the 23d day of April, just four days after the enlistment began, the company, one hundred and twelve strong, went to Toledo. In perfecting the company organization, E. L. Barber, was elected captain ; Thomas M. Ward, first lieutenant; and Reason A. Francks, second lieutenant. Arriving at Toledo, the company was attached to the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and made Company H. The regiment was fully organized by the election of the field officers as fol- lows: James B. Steedman, colonel; George P. Este, lieutenant-colonel; Paul Edwards, major. The Fourteenth, having close to one thousand men, left To- ledo for Cleveland where they arrived on April 25th, and went into camp. Two days later, April 27th, the regiment was mustered into service. The regiment was raised in what was then the Tenth Congressional District, embracing the country in the vicinity of Toledo. So great was the enthusiasm of the people, that many of the companies were more than full. This was the casein Company H, under Captain Barber, by whom a portion were sent back home. In this the captain exercised good judgment, and returned those whose presence was most needed at home, such as men having families dependent on them for support. Company H, as will be seen from the appended muster-roll, was made up mainly of young men, strong, sturdy fellows, taken from the farms and shops of Fulton county, and not a man of them but fully realized the serious business in which they had enlisted; and although their term of service was short, and their battles few, they were, nevertheless, capital soldiers, and rendered such service as was required of them promptly and well. When mustered into service the Fourteenth went into Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, for drill, and in this they were exercised to an abundant degree. In fact, there were here, as well as subsequently, numerous complaints on the part of a few of Company H, that they were being too much drilled, but later in the service (for most of the men became veterans), they profited by the drill and discipline they received from Captain Barber, as is shown by the fact that out of his company alone, twelve men became commissioned officers in other com- mands. On the 22d day of May the Fourteenth left Cleveland for Columbus, where they received their clothing, arms, and all necessary equipments, and on the 34° History of Henry and Fulton Counties. next day, the 23d, proceeded to Marietta, at which place they were joined by the First Ohio Battery. They then on the 27th moved on toward Webster, sometimes riding, and frequently being compelled to march, acting as pioneer and construction corps, for the enemy and southern sympathizers had destroyed roads and bridges. At Webster the regiment was joined by the Sixth, Sev- enth and Ninth Indiana troops. The regiment then marched for Philippi, Va., which was performed on a dark and stormy night, and brought up in front of the place soon after daylight on the inorning of the 4th, and at once a volley from the battery was fired into the town. Had the plan been executed accord- ing to its original conception, Philippi would have been captured ; but through some blunder on the part of one of the commands, the scheme failed of its main purpose. The rebels, however, quickly abandoned the town, which was imme- diately occupied by the Union forces. The rebel stores, and several wagon loads of arms and ammunition fell into the hands of the Union soldiers. The regiment then went into camp at Philippi, where they lay a few weeks, sending out occasionally skirmishing parties to attack and free the country of roving bands of guerillas that infested the country. On the 2d da}- of July, the boys received their first pay, in gold and Ohio currency. From this place, in early July, the Fourteenth marched to Bealington, on Laurel Hill, where the rebels had gathered in considerable force under com- mand of General Garnett. The enemy's pickets were driven and they sud- denly evacuated the place, closely pressed by the Union troops, the Fourteenth being in the advance of the pursuing forces. They followed on to Carrick's Ford, where the rebels made a determined stand to save their trains of sup- plies. The Fourteenth received the first fire of the enemy, but returned it even before the second could come from the rebel guns. The battle raged fiercely for about twenty minutes when the rebel line was broken, their force routed, and fled in confusion, leaving their wounded, stores, ammunition, colors and supplies, all in the hands of the boys in blue. They captured here, also, two hundred and fifty prisoners. This was the only engagement in which the Fourteenth was actually under fire, and not a man flinched nor wavered, but stood bravely to their work. The regiment returned to Laurel Hill, where they camped for a short time, after which, their term of enlistment having expired, they returned to Toledo, and were mustered out of service. Many of the men, after a few days of rest and enjoyment at home, re-enlisted in various regiments then forming for the three years service ; but here the history of the Fourteenth — three months men — ceases, and their future reward belongs to other commands. It appears from the muster out roll of Company H, that the men joined for service on the 22d day of April, 1861, at Wauseon; and that they were mus- tered into service at Cleveland, on the 27th day of the same month. The fol- lowing roll will show the name of each member of the company, both officers Fulton County. 341 and privates, their age at time of enlistment, and their town or township of supposed residence or address at time of muster out, aUhough in giving the place of residence errors may appear. The list is compiled from the muster out roll, and such errors as appear thereon are copied here : Epaphras L. Barber, captain, age 30, residence, Wauseon ; Thomas M. Ward, first lieutenant, age 45, residence, Ottokee ; Regin A. Franks, second lieutenant, age 26, residence, Wauseon; Hiram McCIatchie, first sergeant, age 27, residence, Medina, Wis. ; Jacob Bartlett, second sergeant, age 33, residence. Pike township; Erastus W. Briggs, third sergeant, age 26, Emmett Lusure, fourth sergeant, age 24, Worlen B. Leggett, first corporal, age 24, Albert R. Stranahan, second corporal, age 19, residence, Wauseon; Emanuel B. Cantel- bery, third corporal, age 21, Samuel Hanley, fourth corporal, age 33, residence, Pittsville ; Itham Culbertson, drummer, age 20, John B. Mikesell, drummer, age 23, residence, Wauseon. Privates. — Lewis Butler, age 23, William C. Barnes, age 22, Isaiah Bayes, age 24, residence, Wauseon ; Robert H. Betts, age 19, residence, Archbold ; Ezra F. Bragg, age 25, residence, Pike town- ship ; George Burer, age 26, residence, Archbold ; Sumpter Beckem, age 20, residence, Chesterfield; Charles Courier, age 26, residence, Archbold; Calvin Cass, age 26, Franklin D. Cass, age 18, Howard Cass, age 21, residence, Ted- row; Allen C. Clark, age 26, residence, Pittsville; Oscar Coleman, age 21, residence, Chesterfield ; Nathan R. Chudle, age 18, Charles W. Cornell, age 26, residence, Wauseon ; Thomas I. Childs, age 21, died at Marietta, O. ; Weber I. Colt, age 22, John O. Dowell, age 23, residence, Wauseon ; George W. Ellsworth, age 23, Christian Funkhouser, age 24, Emanuel Freistone, age 20, Jacob Gilbert, age 19, residence, Archbold ; Shelly A. Gish, age 18, residence, Wauseon; John R. Gallop, age 19, residence, Ottokee; John A. Garberson, age 22, William Hamp, age 20, residence, Ai ; Orrin Hamp, age 18, John Hine, age 18, Josiah P. Hodges, age 21, Samuel D. Hodges, age 25, residence, Wauseon ; Josiah Hodges, age 23, sick at home at muster out ; William H. Hishoe, age 20, Oscar I. Hale, age 23, Ezra Harger, age 19, Martin Hinckle, age 20, John G. Jewell, age 34, William S. Jones, age 19, residence, Wauseon ; George W. Jones, age 23, Emanuel Krouty, age 27, residence, Pittsville ; Frederick Konnaker, age 28, George W. Kobble, age 23, Jacob B. Lepley, age 22, William Losure, age 26, Marion Losure, age 20, Marriott Losure, age 20, Paul Lingle, age 19, residence, Wauseon; Silas Lingle, age 18, residence, Ted- row; Wesley Lewis, age 20, no address given; Sylvester Lyon, age 27, Lo- renzo Lyon, age 20, John W. Miller, age 23, Hiram Miller, age 19, David Miller, age 23, residence, Wauseon ; John Miller, age 27, residence, Archbold ; William R. McManus, age 23, Horace Mixler, age 26, La Fayette B. Price, age 22, William H. Pelton, age 27, Wesley Pontius, age 21, residence, Wau- seon ; William Rogers, age 20, residence, Archbold ; George S. Royce, age 38, residence, Ottokee; John Renaugh, age 23, Frederick Renaugh, age 21, 342 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. residence, Archbold ; Albert B. Smith, age 21, Henry T. Smith, age 23,. George Struble, age 21, William S. Struble, age 24, residence, Wauseon ; Jo- seph Snyder, age 38, residence, Pittsville ; Richard Shadle, age 21, residence,. Ottokee ; William R. Saums, age 28, residence, Wauseon; William Shoe- maker, age 23, residence, Archbold ; William S. Skeels, age 20, Edward F. Summers, age 20, Uriah Todd, age 22, Leander Taber, age 19, Augustus A. Wood, age 24, Henry L. Waldron, age 19, Samuel Wellman, age 23, William Wier, age 26, John S. Wise, age 23, residence, Wauseon ; George W. Williams,, age 18, residence, Archbold; Linas P. Woodward, age 21, Virgil Weeks, age 21, Henry Yeager, age 20, residence, Wauseon. The Third Cavalry. The Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Monroeville, 0., in August and September, 1861. The regiment is purely a Northern Ohio or- ganization, fifty five men of which volunteered from Fulton county, mostly of whom were mustered into Company H, and the remainder in Companies A, C, F and I. In February, 1862, the regiment reached Jeffersonville, opposite Louisville, Ky. On the i8th of March it arrived at Nashville, Tenn., and on the 29th left for Pittsburgh Landing. On the 4th of April the first battalion was detached by order of General Buel and sent to Lawrenceburgr Tenn. Here the battalion to which Company H was attached, met Beffle's- rebel cavalry and drove them out of Lawrenceburg, killing one and wound- ing several others and capturing six horses. On the 6th a detachment un- der command of Major John H. Foster, seized a large quantity of bacon be- longing to the rebels. It arrived at Pittsburgh Landing on the 25th. On the 4th of May while on a recconnoissance, it met the enemy's advance at Cham- bers Creek and drove them back to their main body. At a point about ten miles from Corinth, Major Foster's battalion, while m.aking a reconnoissance,. had a spirited encounter with the enemy, but was finally forced back by the overwhelming number of the rebels. In this fight the rebels lost twelve men killed, among which was Lieutenant- Colonel Ingram. For the next two- months the regiment was constantly on the march and doing picket duty, with frequent skirmishing with the enemy. On the 29th of July Major Foster, with the first battalion of the Third Cavalry and ten companies of infantry, was sent on a foraging expedition to Salem, and meeting a squad of the enemy with eighty-nine head of beef cattle immediately attacked them and captured the cattle. The regiment, with its divisions, left Winchester on the 14th of Au- gust, and arrived at McMinville on the 29th and was ordered across the Cum- berland Mountains to Dunlap. When half way up the mountain the enemy's messengers were met and captured with their dispatches from General Bragg to General Wheeler; thence proceeding. Major Foster drove in the enemy s pickets, killing and wounding six, and then returned to his division with the or- Fulton County. 343 ders captured from the rebel messengers. On the 3d of September the divi- sion marched for Nashville, thence to Gallatin, and from there to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it arrived on the loth, and from Bowling Green the Third Cavalry went to Mumfordsville, Ky., where the first battalion had a live- ly fight with three times its number, but after making three separate charges the rebels were driven inside their works. In this encounter the battalion lost -two men killed and twelve wounded. The enemy's loss was twenty-eight killed and sixty wounded, among which was Lieutenant-Colonel Brown. The regiment reached Louisville on the 25th of September, and on the ist of Oc- tober joined in the pursuit of Bragg, and near Bardstown the first battalion of the Third Cavalry, reinforced by two companies of the Second Ohio Infantry and Third Kentucky Cavalry, attacked the enemy, twelve hundred strong, but was forced to fall back with a loss of six men killed, twenty wounded and seventeen captured. Among the wounded was Major Foster. The Second, Third and Fourth battalions of the Third Ohio Cavalry, under Colonel Zahm, were stationed most of the summer at Woodville, Ala., guarding the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad, and was repeatedly attacked by guerillas from the mountains of Alabama. An expedition, by order of General Buel, under Major Paramore, was sent out and succeeded in driving the rebel guerillas from this section of the State. In this affair the detachment lost six men killed, and about twenty wounded ; the loss of the rebels was much more se- vere. About this time the second and third battalions of the Third, were attached to the Second Brigade of cavalry, commanded by Colonel Lewis Zahm, of the Third. With this brigade they formed the rear guard of Buel's army in its march from Nashville to Louisville, after Bragg. On this march they were almost daily attacked and harassed by the eneqny, but they brought all the trains through in safety, and for so doing were highly complimented by Gen- eral Buel. They engaged the advance rebel cavalry force of General Kir- by Smith, at Shelbyville, Ky., and drove them from the town, capturing a Jarge number of prisoners. During the battle of Perryville the Third was en- gaged with the enemy at the ford of the Kentucky River, near Paris. After the battle, the Third went into camp at Danville, and on the 19th of October, a detachment under Major Seidell, with a detachment of the Fourth Cavalry, numbering in all two hundred and fifty men, were sent, under orders from General McCook, as an escort to special couriers to Lexington on a forced march of over forty miles. While in camp near the old Henry Clay home, at Ashland, early on the morning of the 20th, the camp was completely sur- rounded by John Morgan's forces. They made an obstinate resistance, but were overpowered by force of numbers, and after being stripped oftheir valu- ables and horses, they were paroled by General Morgan, and sent into the Union lines, and from there sent to Camp Chase, O. An incident occurred 344 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. here worthy of note. Private Weis, of the Third, enquired for Morgan, and a person among the rebels was pointed out to him as the guerilla chief. Weis immediately drew bead on that officer and before he could be disarmed, shot and the reputed Morgan fell dead. It proved to be Charles Morgan, a cous- in of the general. The private was immediately killed by Morgan's men. From Danville the Third marched to Bowling Green, and were ordered to guard the railroad between that place and Gallatin with headquarters at Fountain Head Station. Morgan's forces at that time were at Gallatin. Col- olnel Zahm sent out a detachment of the Third to reconnoiter and learn the position and strength of Morgan's command. The rebel pickets were captured and the desired information obtained. The next morning the cavalry under Colonel Zahm, supported by a brigade of infantry from General Wood's divi- sion, commanded by Colonel Harket, attacked Morgan's camp and captured it, together with his camp equipage, and a large number of prisoners. During the winter a detachment of the Third under command of Captain E. M. Culier, under orders from Colonel Zahm, went up the Cumberland River to intercept a large drove of mules, and quartermaster's stores, which were being removed by the rebels, accompanied by an escort of Morgan's force. After a chase of twenty-six miles they succeeded in capturing the entire train, and drove off one hundred and forty-six mules, routing the escort and killing three and cap- turing seventeen, among whom were two rebel quartermasters and one pay- master. On the 27th of December the second attack was made on Franklin, in which the rebels were completely routed and driven from the place. The regiment then moved towards Triune, and before night again became engaged with the enemy, and on the 28th the enemy was again engaged by the brigade and was driven seven miles with great loss. After skirmishing during the day, on the evening of the 30th the Third was assigned a position on the ex- treme right of General Rosecrans's army. At two o'clock on the morning of the |3 1st, the first battalion of the regiment being on picket duty, apprised Colonel Zahm of the advance of the rebel forces. The colonel immediately placed his brigade in line of battle and notified General McCook, command- ing the right wing. The third battalion of the Third Cavalry were thrown out as skirmishers. At four o'clock in the morning the skirmish line was driven in and the brigade attacked by Wheeler's rebel cavalry. After two hours' hard fighting against a rebel force, numbering more than two to one, the brigade was forced from the field, it having suffered severely in loss of officers and men. During the morning of the 31st, the rebels having captured Gen- eral McCook's corps ammunition train, were removing it from the field when the second and third battalions of the Third Cavalry, which had already stood the shock of the morning, and remained at their posts, made a dash at the en- emy and recaptured the train, taking one hundred and forty prisoners and kill- ing a number of rebels, and horses. During the afternoon the regiment lost, in sustaining a rebel charge, thirteen men killed, and forty-nine wounded. Fulton County. 345 On January i, 1863, the Third Cavalry was detailed by General Rosecrans as guard to a train of four thousand wagons, for Nashville after supplies. The train was attacked by Wheeler's Cavalry, at Stewart's Creek. The Third being supported by the Tenth Ohio Infantry, repulsed the rebels with heavy loss. Later the same day the train was again attacked by the same force, and eight hundred men of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry forming the rear guard, were completely routed. The Third Ohio Cavalry coming up, a sharp fight .ensued, lasting until after dark, when the rebels were again driven back. The train was safely taken to Nashville, loaded with supplies, and returned to Mur- freesboro in safetj'. After the battle of Stone River the regiment went in pur- suit of the enemy ; his rear guard was overtaken near Middleton, Tenn , and one of his trains captured and brought back to Murfreesboro. While the Third was in camp at Murfreesboro, in the winter of 1864, a detachment of the Third battalion, while on a scout under command of Lieutenant Brennard, were sur- rounded by the enemy who demanded their surrender, which was refused. Lieutenant Brennard then ordered a sabre charge and successfully cut his way through the enemy's lines with small loss, at the same time taking a number -of prisoners. After the battle of Chickamauga, in which the regiment took an active part, the command moved as the advance of General Crook's forces, in pursuit of General Wheeler's cavalry, and engaged them at McMinville and Farmington, at the latter place completely routing Wheeler's forces, large numbers of the «nemy being killed and wounded. In this engagement the regiment lost two men killed, and twenty-three wounded. In November, Captain R. O. Wood, of the Third, had a tussle with the enemy near Dalton, Ga., in which he. Wood, ■was killed. In January, 1864, the Third Cavalry re-enlisted for another three years, and, at this time, out of the original thirteen hundred at organization, only four hundred were left. It left NashviUe for Ohio on the 4th of February, and returned after two years' absence to its old camp at Monroeville. On March 2d it reassembled at Camp Monroeville, it having enlisted over one thousand new recruits while on veteran furlough, and on its return to Nichols- ville, Ky., it numbered over fifteen hundred men. It was re-equipped, armed, and mounted, and went into camp at Columbia, Tenn. It acted as advance guard of the Seventeenth Army Corps from Decatur to Rome, Ga. It was in the fight at Courtland, Ala., and routed the rebels under General Roddy's •command, with a loss of a lieutenant-colonel, major, and upwards of thirty men killed and wounded. It was surprised before daylight at Moulton, Ala., the next morning, but rallied and drove the enemy from the field. At Rome the regiment was assigned to a position on the left flank of Sherman's army, and did good work in the engagements at Etowah, Kenesaw Mountain, Noody Creek, and the crossing of Chattahoochie River. It went to Roswell, Ga., and destroyed the rebel stores and factories at that place. On the gth of July four 44 346 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. companies of the Third, commanded by Major Culver, had a severe fight with a superior force of the enemy, killing eight, and wounding a large number, and capturing a great many prisoners and horses. It was engaged in the bat- tles of Peach Tree Creek and Decatur, and made a raid to Covington and Stone Mountain. In the Kilpatrick raid the regiment was in the brigade in the advance till the rear of Atlanta was reached. It was also in the Stoneman raid, under General Garrard, and suffered severely. In the flanking movement on Jonesboro, the Third was the first to attack the enemy at Lovejoy Station, tak- ing possession of the railroad, after the capture of Atlanta. The regiment fol- lowed up Hood harassing his rear as far as Columbia, Tenn. At Franklin the Third was engaged with the rebel cavalry. It was also engaged in the battle before Nashville, and after Hood's defeat it followed his retreat across the Ten- nessee River into Alabama. It was engaged in the Wilson raid through Ala- bama and Georgia, and in the battles of Selma and Montgomery, Ala., and Macon and Griffin, Ga. It was sent home, paid off, and mustered out on the 14th of August, 1865, having been in the service nearly four years, and en- gaged in more raids and fights than any other cavalry regiment in the service from Ohio, and having actually captured over five thousand prisoners. The Thirty-eighth Infantry. This regiment was organized at Camp Latty, at Defiance, and was recruited from the counties of Fulton, Henry, Defiance, Paulding and Williams. Com- panies I and K were wholly recruited from Fulton county, which also furnished nine men for Company C ; twenty one men for Company E , five men for Company G, and three men each for Companies A and H, making a total of two hundred and forty-one men from this county mustered into the regiment at its organization. Fulton county also furnished for the Thirty-eighth Regi- ment, during the war, by way of recruits, one hundred and nine men, making a total of three hundred and fifty. On the 28th of September, i86i,the regi- ment was transferred to Camp Dennison, where it received its arms and equip- ments, and was drilled and disciplined, and then took cars to Cincinnati, and thence to Nicholsville, Ky., where it camped, on the morning of the 2d of Oc- tober. From this camp, about the middle of October, the regiment was or- dered to march to the relief of the garrison at Wild Cat, about sixty miles dis- tant, which place, after a forced march, it reached on the morning of the 19th of October, in company with the Fourteenth Ohio and Barnett's Battery, the last three miles of which was a double-quick, through mud and slush, up the Wild Cat Mountain. On the arrival was found five companies of the Thirty- third Indiana, hemmed in on three sides by rebel troops, under General Zolli- cofifer. Barnett's Battery was unlimbered and immediately went into action, and commenced shelling the enemy, while some of the Fourteenth gained the summit and fortified it, while the Thirty-eighth was deployed in line of battle as Fulton County. 347 best they could be in the broken and rocky condition of the narrow pass in the hills. The rebels made two charges but were both times driven back, with loss, and, being unable to take the little fortified position, abandoned the attack and hastily retreated in the direction of London, leaving thirty killed and wounded on the field. They were pursued by the Ohio brigade and battery, but find- ing that ZoUicoffer had already retreated from London, the brigade encamped ,a little north of the town and threw up fortifications. They remained here about two weeks, when orders were received to march back to Crab Orchard. This was a terrible march for the Thirty-eighth, and was ordered to take place in the evening. Captain Brailey's Company, L was ordered to assist in get- ting the wagon train and artillery over Rock Castle River and up the Wild Cat hills. The night was exceedingly dark, a heavy rain falling, and the mud nearly a foot deep, and so slippery that the horses and mules were unable to draw the wagons and artillery. The river water was very cold, and about one hundred rods wide at the crossing, and hip-deep to the men. For two hours Company I worked incessantly, in the water, in hfting and pushing the wagons .across the stream, and during the entire night, in pushing and pulling the wag- ons over the Wild Cat hills. So severe was this night's work on Company I, that on arriving at Crab Orchard, the next day, over twenty of the company were so overcome that they had to be left in the hospital at that place ; and several of them were so completely broken down that they were never after fit for duty, and were afterwards discharged for disability. The Thirty-eighth then marched to Staunton and Lebanon, and, about the middle of December, was ordered to Somerset, where it arrived on the 20th, in a terrible snow storm. Finding at that place that the Twelfth Kentucky was engaged in exchanging •shots with Zollicoffer's troops across the Cumberland River, Companies I and K, of the Thirty-eighth, were detailed as pickets on the north bank of the river, and remained there from four P. M. until two o'clock the next afternoon, with- out any rations, the rain and sleet falling all the time. The regiment went into camp lor the winter and threw up strong fortifications adjacent to the town. During the winter of 1861 and 1862, the regiment was constantly on duty. The measles broke out in the regiment, and camp diarrhcea and pneumonia were the order of the day; and by the middle of January, 1862, out of nine hundred and ninety men, less than three hundred were fit for duty. The mor- tality was fearful. During the month of January, 1862, the regiment had sev- •eral skirmishes with the rebel cavalry, and occasionally captured a few of the enemy. On the 19th of January the Thirty-eighth was ordered out, and marched rapidly towards Mill Springs. On arriving at Fishing Creek they found it so swollen by the recent rains that a hawser had to be stretched across the stream for the men to hold on to to enable them to cross. This was slow work, and the regiment arrived at Logan's Cross Roads just in time to see the lenemy routed and in full retreat towards their fortifications at Mill Springs. 348 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The Thirty-eighth joined in the chase after the retreating foe, and arrived at their fortifications about dark, too late to assault the works. The men lay- on their arms during the night, the rain falling all the time, and the artillery shelling the works. At early dawn the Ohio brigade, to which the Thirty- eighth belonged, was ordered to charge the works, and on arriving at the place,, found that the enemy had retreated across the river during the night, except one regiment, and a few sick and wounded, which were captured together with twenty cannon, all their camp and garrison equipage, and a large number of hor.ses, mules, small arms, and other property. In March the regiment was- transferred to Nashville, Tenn., and on the 19th of March it left Nashville with the army of the Ohio, for Pittsburg Landing, but did not arrive at that place in time to participate in the battle, but did take an active part in the siege of Cor- inth. After the retreat of the rebels from Corinth, the Thirty- eighth joined in the pursuit of Beauregard as far as Boonville ; from there it marched back to- Corinth and on the 20th of June, marched with the Army of the Ohio to Tus- cumbia, Ala. After marching around through Alabama about six hundred miles, it on the 7th of August, 1862, reached Winchester, Tenn. During this- month several expeditions were sent out to reconnoitre through the mountains- in the direction of Chattanooga, then the headquarters of the rebel army, in all of which the Thirty- eighth took an active part. A party of eighty men of the Thirty-eighth made a forced march of thirty-six miles, captured Tracy City^ and after destroying a large amount of tobacco, whisky, leather, and other arti- cles belonging to the rebels, returned to camp, having marched seventy-two miles, and captured the city, and destroyed the above named property, all in less than thirty- four hours. On September, i, 1862, the regiment with the bal- ance of Buel's army began the retrograde movement, which terminated in the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. Here the Thirty-eighthbore a conspicu- ous part. In all the marching and fatigue, in excessively hot weather, over dusty roads, and suffering for lack of water, they arrived at Perrysville. The enemy was found in position on Champion Hills, near the town. The Thirty- eighth participated in this battle, and afterwards in the chase after Bragg as far as the Wild Cat Hills. On the 27th of October it went into camp on the Roll- ing Fork. Here it received a detachment of recruits from Fulton countv. About the 1st of November it took up its march for Nashville, Tenn., and' guarded the railroad between Gallatin and Nashville. In the latter part of De- cember the regiment marched to Nashville to prepare for the fight which took place at Stone River, in which engagement the Thirty-eighth was wholly en- gaged. After the battle the regiment went into camp near the city, where it remained until the 13th of March, 1863, when it marched to Triune, Ga., and on the 23d of June marched with the Army of the' Cumberland, and took an active part in the Tullahoma campaign. On the 17th of August the march for Chattanooga began. The Thirty- eighth marched with the center corps, crossed Fulton County. 349- the Cumberland Mountains, and the Tennessee River on rafts built of logs, on the night of September 2, 1863, thence marching over Lookout and Raccoon Mountains, arrived in Lookout Valley about the middle of September. The wagon train and everything else that was cumbersome, was sent to the rear. The entire train of the army was sent to Chattanooga, and the Thirty eighth, detailed by special order of General Thomas, was charged with the sate transit of the same. They started on the evening of the i8th of September, and be- fore morning were safely landed within six miles of Chattanooga. In conse- quence of this detail, the Thirty-eighth was not in the battle of Chickamauga, On the 25th of November, 1863, the division to which the Thirty-eighth belonged, assaulted the fortifications at the foot of Mission Ridge, ascended the hill and carried the works, driving the rebels. The regiment was on the ex- treme left, and although Bragg had considered the slope entirely safe as against direct assault, yet they moved up, up, up, until they reached the summit. The fire from the rebel batteries was terrible, but the shot went mostly over their heads. In this charge the Thirty-eighth lost seven men killed, and forty-one wounded. After pursuing the enemy as far as Ringgold, Ga., the regiment returned to Camp near Chattanooga, where it re-enlisted and returned home on veteran furlough. At the expiration of its furlough, having replenished its depleted ranks by recruits while at home, the regiment joined the army there at Ringgold, Ga., and when Sherman started on his Atlanta campaign, the Thirty- eighth numbered seven hundred and forty-one effective men On the 5th of May it marched to Buzzard's Roost Gap, where it was deployed and brought into action, and after skirmishing two days, a flank movement was ordered by the way of Smoky Creek Gap, nearly in the rear of Resaca. Here the Thirty- eighth entrenched itself and skirmished almost continually, and although no- general engagement was brought on, the regiment lost thirty-five men in killed and wounded. The regiment took an active part in the affair at Kenesaw, skir- mishing almost continually, and on the 5th of July reached the banks of the Chattahoochie River. They crossed the river on the 17th, and on the 22d the Thirty-eighth had the honor of establishing the picket line of the Fourteenth Army Corps, near the city of Atlanta. It held this line until August 3d, when it moved to Utoy Creek, and on the 5th of August Companies A, C, and K, of the regiment charged the enemy's skirmish line with success, and out of one hundred and twenty men who charged, nine were killed, and forty- two wounded, of which four'of the killed, and fifteen of the wounded were from Fulton county. On the night of August 31st the regiment took possession of the Macon Road near Red Oak Station, and on the night of September ist, it was learned that the rebels were fortifying Jonesboro. The army was put in motion for that place, and about four o'clock P. M., came upon the pickets of Hardee's Corps, Este's Brigade, to which the Thirty-eighth belonged, was brought up, and after an unsuccessful attack by Carlin's Division, assaulted the works. This brig- 3 so History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ade consisted of the Fourteenth and Thirty- eighth Ohio, Tenth Kentucky and Seventy-fourth Indiana. Colonel Este gave the command " battalion forward, guide center;" the brigade moved steadily forward amidst a shower of lead. A battery was brought to bear upon them with grape and canister, but they kept steadily on ; the abattis was reached, and with a yell and a cheer, the febel works were carried, and a hand to hand fight ensued. The rebels fought with desperation to hold their works, and not till many of them had been pierced with the bayonet, or knocked down with clubbed guns, did they finally surrender, and were marched as prisoners to the rear. In this charge the Thirty-eighth lost out of three hundred and sixty men that went into the fight, forty-two killed, and one hundred and eight wounded, making a total loss of •one hundred and fifty, or nearly one-half of the men engaged. Of this number twelve of the killed, and twenty-three of the wounded were from Fulton •county. At the beginning of the fight Corporal O. P. Randall had the colors; he fell lifeless; Corporal Baird next took them, and he, too, soon fell dead; Corporal Strawzer next seized them, and he fell severely wounded ; Corporal Dorsey then took the flag and bore it to the works. Of the five that had charge of the -colors, but one, Corporal H. K. Brooks, escaped unhurt. He, although not wounded, had five balls pass through his clothing. This was the last of the severe fighting of the Thirty-eighth, although it marched with Sherman to the sea. It became necessary to burn a bridge on the Big Ogeechee River, and the Thirty- eighth was ordered to perform that duty. The regiment had already marched fifteen miles that day, and it was yet ten miles to the bridge. After marching the ten miles and biu'ning the bridge, it was still fifteen miles to where the army went into camp for the night. The regiment took the wrong road, marched six miles out of the way, and at twelve o'clock at night, got within the picket lines and went into camp, having marched forty-six miles that day, .and destroyed a large bridge. After reaching the sea, the regiment marched with Sherman through the Carolinas to Goldsboro, N. C, and after the surren- der of Johnson, went to Richmond, Va., and from there to Washington, D. C, .attended the grand parade, and was reviewed by the president and his cabinet. From there it was sent by rail to Louisville, Ky., and on the I2th of July it was -sent home and mustered out of the service, it having served three years and ■eleven months. Thirty-Eighth Regiment — Field and Staff.i Edwin D. Bradley, colonel, June lo, 1861; resigned Feb. 6, 1862. Edward H. Phelps, colonel, June 10, 1861; promoted from lieutentant-col- onel Feb. 6, 1862 ; killed Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. William A. Choate, colonel, Aug. 12, 1861 ; promoted to lieutenant-col- iName, rank, date of entering service, and disposition. Fulton County. 351 onel from captain company E, Feb. 6, 1862; to colonel Nov. 5, 1863; died Sept. 12, 1864, from wounds received at Jonesboro, Ga. Charles Greenwood, lieutenant-colonel; Aug. 26, 1861; promoted to major from captain company A, Feb. 6, 1862; lieutenant-colonel Nov. 25, 1863 j resigned Aug. 12, 1864. William Irving, lieutenant-colonel; Sept. S, 1861; promoted to major from captain company G, May 9, 1864; lieutenant- colonel Nov. 3, 1864; mustered out July 12, 1865. Epaphras L. Barber, major ; June 10, 1861 ; resigned Jan. 12, 1862. Andrew Newman, major; Sept. i, 1861 ; promoted from captain company H, Nov. 3, 1864; mustered out July 12, 1865. Israel A. Coons, surgeon, June 10, 1861 ; resigned Aug. 13, 1863. James Haller, surgeon, June 10, 1861 ; promoted from assistant surgeon July 13, 1863; mustered out Jan. 4, 1865. Hazael B. Powell, surgeon, June 10, 1861 ; promoted to assistant surgeon from private, company B, July 19, 1863; to surgeon Jan. 29, 1865; mustered out July 12, 1865. Roster Company I. Moses R. Brailey, captain, Aug. 21, 1861 ; promoted to major Jan. 28, 1862. Edward D. A. Williams, captain, Aug. 28, 1861 ; promoted from first lieu- tenant Jan. 28, 1862; resigned April 15, 1864. David Renton, captain, Sept. 5, 1861 ; promoted from first-lieutenant com- pany D Nov. 3, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Elisha Fewlass, first lieutenant, Aug. 28, 1861 ; promoted to second lieu- tenant from first sergeant March 9, 1862 ; first lieutenant June 16, 1862 ; re- signed April 20, 1863. John S. Templeton, first lieutenant, Aug. 21, 1861 ; promoted to second lieutenant from sergeant, June 16, 1862 ; first lieutenant April 20, 1863 ; dis- charged Dec. 31, 1863. Joseph B. Coons, first lieutenant, Aug. 25, 1861 ; promoted from second lieutenant company C, April 13, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Thomas W. Wright, second heutenant, Aug. 21, 1861 ; resigned June 16, 1862. James McQuillen, second lieutenant, Aug. 28, 1861 ; appointed sergeant from corporal Sept. I, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant April 20, 1863 ; died Oct. 2, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., of wounds received in action ; com- missioned first lieutenant and captain. Leonard Sindel, first sergeant, Sept. 4, 1861 ; appointed corporal May i, 1862; sergeant, June i, 1862; first sergeant. May 23, 1863; died May 15, 1864, of wounds received , in action, near Resaca, Ga.; veteran. 352 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Martin H. Trowbridge, first sergeant, Aug. 25, 1861. John L. Douglas, first sergeant, Aug. 28, 1861 ; appointed sergeant from corporal Sept. 13, 1862; first sergeant June, 10, 1865 ; mustered out with com- pany July 12, 1865 ; veteran. William Stair, sergeant, Aug. 21, 1861 ; discharged June 12, 1862, at Cor- inth, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Uriah W. Ladow, sergeant, Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged Sept. 13, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. George W. Dinins, sergeant, Aug. 28, 1861 ; appointed from corporal March I, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Robert J. Babcock, sergeant, Sept. 4, i86i ; appointed corporal Dec. 11, 1861; captured Aug. 7, 1862, in action near Decatur, Ala.; paroled; appointed sergeant Dec. 11, 1861 ; captured Aug. 7, 1862, in action near Decatur, Ala.; paroled; appointed sergeant Dec. 11, 1863; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran John Kain, sergeant, Sept. 4, 1861 ; appointed corporal July 18, 1862; ser- geant ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Jonathan Enfield, sergeant, Sept. 4, 1861 ; appointed corporal July 18, 1862 ; captured Aug. 7, 1862; in action near Decatur, Ala.; paroled; ap- pointed sergeant June 10, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Nicholas J. Baker, corporal, Aug. 28, 1861 ; died March 25, 1862, at Stan- ford, Ky. Russell B. McCoy, corporal, Aug. 28, 1861; killed Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. John M. Hall, corporal, Sept. 4, 1861 ; appointed corporal; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Charles Herrington, corporal, Aug. 25, i86i ; appointed corporal July 18, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Charles Wilbur, corporal, Aug. 27, 1861; appointed corporal May 23, 1863; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Thomas G. Adamson, corporal, Aug. 28, 1861 ; appointed corporal Dec. II, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. William S. Warner, corporal, Aug. 27, 1861 ; appointed corporal Dec. 11, 1863; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. Thomas H. Wilcox, corporal, Sept. 4, 1861 ; appointed corporal Dec. 11, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Ezra Schlappi, corporal, Aug. 28, 1861 ; appointed corporal June i, 1865; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Louis G. Aton, corporal, Aug. 28, 1861; appointed corporal June 10, 1865; mustered out with company July t2, 1865 ; veteran. Harlan P. Hall, corporal, Aug. 8, 1862; transferred from One Hundred and Fulton County. 353 Fifth O. V. I., June i, 1865; appointed corporals ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Albert H. Herrick, musician, Aug. 28, 1861 ; discliarged Nov. 20, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Privates. Aton, David, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Aton, Levi D., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. Abbott, Frederick, Oct. 20, 1862; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jones- boro, Ga. Allen, Daniel O., Aug. 21, 1861 ; died Dec. 6, 1861, at Crab Orchard, Ky. Adams, Merritt, Aug. 25, 1861 ; died Jan. 27, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Adams, John, Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged June 17, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ayers, Jeremiah, Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged Sept. 16, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Berkey, Horatio, Aug. 21, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Bryant, George E., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Back, Ferdinand E., Dec. 28, 1863; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth 0. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Batchman, John, Aug. 21, 1861 ; discharged March 18, 1862, at Clifton, Tenn., by order of war department. Bunda, WiUiam R., Feb. 16, 1864; discharged May 26, 1865, at WiUett's Point, N. Y., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Canfield, Pomeroy, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Catterel, Eugene F., Jan. 29, 1864;' mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Catterel, Henry, Jan. 7, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Cornell, John W., Feb. 15, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Cole, John, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died July 27, 1862, at Ai, O. Cotilanti, Joseph, Aug. 25, 186 1. Dowty, Hiram, Aug. 21, 1861 ; discharged May 18, 1862, at CHfton, Tenn., by order of war department. Daily, John, Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged May 18, 1862, near Corinth, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Dinins, William H. H., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. *^ 354 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Dinins, Franklin, Aug. 21, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Daily, William, Aug. 25, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Dickson, Ezra, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. Dayton, Travis F., Oct. 10, 1861 ; transferred from Company E, Jan. i, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Doty, Abraham H., Dec. i, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12,. 1865. Daily, Hamilton, Sept. 30, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Douglass, Leroy, Nov. i, 1863 ; died May 13, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., Dull, Jeremiah, Sept. 21, 1864; drafted; died Jan. 30, 1865, at Savannah, Ga. Ellsworth, Thomas, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Nov. 25, 1862, at Delta, O. Elliott, James A., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged Feb. 24, 1864, at Columbus, O., by order of war department. Fashbaugh, John Q., Aug. 28, 1861 ; wounded Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn.; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Fauble, Samuel, Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Fashbaugh, Lewis, Aug. 28, 1861 ; died June 24, 1864, near Big Shanty, Ga., of wounds received in action. Francis, Lewis M., Oct. 8, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Franks, WilHam A., Aug. 28, 1861 ; transferred to Company E, Dec. 11, 1863 ; veteran. Geitgey, Samuel, Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Geer, David, Aug. 28, 1861 ; discharged June 30, 1862, at Columbus, 0.,. on surgeon's certificate of disability. Groff, Philip T., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out Aug. 4, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Gay, Orrin P., drafted ; mustered out Aug. 12, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Griffin, Carver S., Feb. 2, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. German, Alfred, Jan. 13, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Hilborn, Stephen P., Sept. 10, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on ex- piration of term of service. Fulton County. 355 Hunt, Charles J., Aug. 28, 1861 ; absent, in hospital at Atlanta, Ga., mus- tered out to date Sept. 13, 1864, by order of war department. Howden, Thomas, Aug. 25, 1861 ; died Feb. 6, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Hoodless, George, Aug. 25, 1861 ; died April 12, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hall, Alfred M., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hubbard, Chancy M., Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged Aug. 18, 1862, on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Hunter, John W., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out Aug. I2, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Herrick, Henry C, Aug. 28, 1861 ; prom, to drum major Sept. 10, 1861. Hedger, James R., Oct. 4, 1864, substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Herrick, Henry C, Oct. S, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Hogle, Joel B., Aug. 10, 1861 ; mustered out June 23, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by order of the war department; veteran. Jackson, William H., Aug. 21, 1861 ; reduced from sergeant June i, 1862; discharged Aug. 28, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disa- bility. Justice, Henry C, Oct. 8, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Jones, Isaac N., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Kershner, George W., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged May 18, 1862, at Corinth, Miss., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Kennedy, John W., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged Aug. 16, 1862, at Colum- bus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. King, William G., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged Jan. 3, 1863, at Cincinnati, 0., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Kershner, Jonathan, Sept. 4,ji86i ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. K'irkman, Robert, Jan. 27, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Kinniman, Harrison, Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with com- pany July 12, 1865. Kennedy, William, Oct. 4, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Kessler, Peter, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Kyper, Cyrus M., Aug 10, 1861 ; captured and paroled March 31, 1863 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 12, 1863. 3S6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Lumbert, Nelson, Sept. 4, 1861 ; died Jan. 27, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Lindsay, John O., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; died Aug. 6, 1863, at Winches- ter, Tenn. Lumbert, David, Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged May 31, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Livingood, Asbury, Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Loomis, Daniel, Nov. 12, 1863 ; mustered out June 2, 1865, at Columbus,. O., by order of war department. Lightcap, Albert H., Nov. 21, 1863 ; discharged June 20, 1865, on sur- geon's certificate of disability. McQuillin, Ira, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. McQuillin, Elmer, Sept. 20, 1862; mustered out with company July 12,. 1865. Marsh, Richard, Sept. 10, 1861 ; discharged March 18, 1862, at Clifton, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Moore, George, Oct. 7, 1862 ; drafted; mustered out Aug. 8, 1863, on ex- piration of term of service, Metts, William, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. Mills, Jefferson C, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Matoon, Silas N., Nov. 21, 1863; mustered out with company, July 12, 1865. Miller, Daniel, Sept. 20, 1862; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. May, James, Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Mead, Hiram, Aug. 21, 1861 ; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; veteran. Minion, James; died May 21, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Matz, Curtis, Sept. 25, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Morgan, John F., Sept. 28, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Metts, Thomas B., Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. '13, 1864, on expi- ration of term of service. Mills, Willard D., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expi- ration of term of service. Marsh, Luther, Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Nobbs, Robert, Sept. 10, 1861 ; discharged Sept. 8, 1862, at Corinth, Miss.,. on surgeon's certificate of disability. Fulton County. 357 Naylor, Alfred, Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company Ju- ly 12, 1865. Pelton, Benjamin H., Sept. 8, 1861 ; discharged Nov. 22, ,1862, at Colum- bus, 0., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Pool, Ethan A., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out Aug. 12, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Parker, Ira, Jan. 18, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Palmer, Samuel L., Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Riley, John B. Aug. 28, 1861 ; transferred to veteran reserve corps June i, 1864. Reed, David, Oct. 8, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Ross, Christopher, Oct. 7, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Savage, Nelson, Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Smith, Josiah, Aug. 25, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Sanderlin, Thomas J., Aug, 25, 1861 ; died Jan. 16, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Swank, Peter, Aug. 25, 1861 ; died Sept. 5, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., of wounds received , in action. Schell, Adam, Aug. 21, 1861 ; discharged Jan. 24, 1862, at Somerset, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Schlappi, WilHam, Aug. 28, 1861; discharged May 18, 1862, at Shiloh, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Sellers, John, Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged May 15, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Savage, Florus F., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Smith, Alexander, Dec. 7, 1863; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Salsbury, Mathias, Feb. 15, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Salsbury, David E., Jan. 13, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Scott, Chauncy B., Jan. 5, 1864; transferred from the One Hundred and Ffth O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; discharged May 20, 1865, at Fort Columbus, N. Y. Harbor, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Scott, William, Feb. 16, 1864; died Aug. 7, 1864, at Jeffersonville, Ind. Sexton, Seymour, Feb. 21, 1864 ; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth 0. V. I., June I, 1865 ; absent, sick at Nashville, Tenn. ; mustered out to date July 12, 1865, by order of war department. 3S8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Swain, John C, Dec. 29, 1863 ; transferred from the One Hundred and Fifth O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Stewart, Miner D., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Snell, Adam, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Taylor, James A., Aug. 28, 1861. Trowbridge, Solomon, Nov. 9, 1863 ; discharged Oct. 24, 1864, on sur- geon's certificate of disability. Trowbridge, Cornelius, Nov. 9, 1863 ; mustered out June 26, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., by order of war department. Viers, Elisha W., Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Vaughn, Caleb J., Aug. 21, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expi- ration of term of service. Veness, Charles N., Aug. 25, 1861 ; died June 22, 1864, near Big Shanty, Ga., of wounds received in action. Vanfleet, Garret, Aug. 28, 1861 ; discharged Jan. 24, 1862, at Somerset, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Vanfleet, George, Aug. 25, 1861 ; discharged March 18, 1862, at Clifton, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Viers, James, Aug. 28, 1861 ; discharged Oct. 23, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disabilit)^ Viers, Nehemiah D., Aug. 28, 1861 ; discharged Oct. 23, 1862, at Nash- ville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Winslow, Thomas, Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Dec. 20, 1861, at Somerset, Ky. Wood, Edwin W., Aug. 27, 1861; died Jan. 30, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Whaley, Simeon, Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out Aug. 8, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Woodruff, Samuel T., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out Aug. 8, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Williams, Roderick C, Jan. 27, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Worthington, George R., Feb. 9, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Wakelee, Byron, Dec. 29, 1863 ; transferred from lOSth O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Wade, William C, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of War Department. Williams, William W., Sept. 4, 1861 ; discharged Jan. 24, 1862, at Somer- set, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Young, Joel F., Feb. 9, 1864; died July 31, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., of ■wounds received , in action ; right arm amputated. Fulton County. 359. Zimmerman, Jacob, Aug. 25, 1861 ; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jones- boro, Ga. Company K. Rezin A. Franks, captain, Sept. i, 1861 ; resigned April 15, 1864. Charles H. Gorsuch, captain, Sept. i, 1861 ; promoted from first lieutenant May 9, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Foreman Evans, first lieutenant, Aug. 19, 1861 ; promoted from second lieutenant Company B, May 9, 1864; resigned Nov. 14, 1864. David M. Lazenby, first lieutenant, Sept. 5, 1861; promoted from second lieutenant Company G, Jan. 28, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Charles L. Allen, second lieutenant, Sept. i, 1861 ; promoted to first lieu- tenant and regimental quartermaster March 21, 1862. William Losure, second lieutenant, Sept. i, 1861 ; promoted from first ser- geant March 21, 1862; resigned Sept. i, 1863. Emanuel B. Cantlebury, second lieutenant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed first sergeant from sergeant ; promoted to second lieutenant Nov. 21, 1863; first lieutenant Company C, Nov. 3, 1864. Alphonso A. Evans, second lieutenant, Sept. 3, 1861 ; promoted from quartermaster sergeant June 27, 1864, to first lieutenant Company E, Jan. 20, 1865. William A. Carnahan, second lieutenant, Sept. 4, 1861 ; promoted from first sergeant Company E, May 18, 1865; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. La Fayette B. Price, first sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed from sergeant May 8, 1864; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; veteran. Hiram K. Brooker, first sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; first sergeant, Sept. 2, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; vet- eran. Ansel B. Ford, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Caleb H. Keith, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered as private; appointed sergeant ; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; veteran. Francis M. Masters, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed from private July 7, 1864; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; veteran. Jeremiah F. Buzzell, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered as private; ap- pointed sergeant ; discharged July 7, 1864, at Columbus, O., for wounds received Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. Elias D. Willey, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; ser- geant, Sept. 2, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Virgil W. Weeks, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed from corporal ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. 360 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. William H. Tayer, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed from corporal July 10, 1864; absent in hospital from wounds received Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; mustered out July 22, 1865, at Cleveland, O. ; veteran. John W. Tayer, sergeant, Sept. i, 1861; mustered as private; appointed sergeant ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. George T. Cottrell, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; ab- sent in hospital from wounds received Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. ; discharged Sept. 24, 1864, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Albert Falkner, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; killed Sept. I, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. Wesley Lewis, corporal, Sept. i, i86[ ; died April 7, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. Leonard Falkner, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; died Nov. 26, 1862, at Sanders- ville, Tenn. John Hine, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged May 28, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Benjamin Nothnougle, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with com- pany July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Noble Geer, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. John Kane, corporal, September i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; mus- tered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Jacob S. Sohn, corporal; appointed corporal Sept. 2, 1864; mustered out -with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. John Wilson, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. John L. Brink, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; mus- tered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. WiUiam Westfall, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; mus- tered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Benjamin F. Mattern, corporal, Sept. i, 1861 ; appointed corporal ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Marriott Losure, musician, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Oct. 28, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Marian Losure, musician, Oct. 9, 1862; discharged Nov. S, 1862,, at Col- umbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Nathaniel Mikesell, musician, Feb. 20, 1864; died July 16, 1864, at Nash- ville, Tenn. Mason Hatfield, wagoner, Sept. i, 1861 ; died Dec. 19, 1861, at Somer- set, Ky. Privates. Arch, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Fulton County. 361 Ackerman, George J., Oct. 6, 1864, substitute; mustered out with com- pany July 12, 1865. Althope, Harmon C, Sept. 30, 1864, substitute; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Andrews, James, Oct. 1,1862; discharged April i, 1863, at Murfrees- boro, Tenn. Andrews, Leonard, Oct. i, 1862; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps,. Dec. 31, 1863. Borream, Frederick, Sept. 6, 1862 ; died Feb. i, 1863, at Murfreesbora,. Tenn. Barnhart, David, Sept. 24, 1864; drafted; died Jan. 29, 1865, at Savan- nah, Ga. Barnes, William S., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged to date July 2, 1865, by order of war department ; veteran. Brown, Simeon C, Feb. 19, 1864; discharged Feb. 28, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Bolinger, Andrew J., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10,. 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Bartz, John G., Sept. 25, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865,. near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Bingaman, Benjamin F., Sept. i, 1861; discharged Nov. 4, 1862, at Co- lumbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Brown, Thompson, Sept. 9, 1862 ; discharged Jan. 9, 1863, at Columbus,. 0., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Butler, Marshall W., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out July 27, 1863,, on expiration of term of service. Cantlebury, Levi, Feb. 26, 1864; absent in hospital from wounds received Aug. 5, 1864, in action near Atlanta, Ga. ; mustered out July 5, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department. Clutter, Robert D., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; absent, sick ; mustered out July 6, 1865, at David's Island, New York Harbor, by order of war depart- ment. Christie, James, Jan. 4, 18C4 ; transferred from the One Hundred and Fifth 0. V. I. June I, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Coss, Martin V., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Coss, William G., Sept. i, 1861 ; absent in brigade hospital; mustered out Sept. 15, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Crane, Jefferson, Sept. i, 1861 ; died July 14, 1862, at Tuscumbia, Ala. Cochran, Robert F., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted ; mustered out June 10, 1865,. near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Cone, Henry, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged May i, 1862, at Pittsburg Land- ing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. *^ 362 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Childs, John M., Sept. i, 1861; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 31, 1863. Dunbar, William W., Sept. i, 1861 ; died Nov. 18, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Dunbar, Gurdon R. B., Sept. i, 1861 ; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; veteran. Donielson, Henry, Sept. 23, 1862; mustered out June lO, 1865, near Wash- ington, D. C, by order of war department. Dougherty, Henry, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged March 6, 1863, at Murfrees- boro, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Eddy, John G., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865; veteran. Emerich, Josiah D., Feb. 10, 1864; absent from wounds received August 5, 1864, in battle of Utoy Creek, Ga. ; mustered out to date Aug. 14, 1865, by jarder of war department. Everett, William, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Ford, Austin K., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Fankhouser, John, Oct. 8, 1862 ; killed August 5, 1864, in battle of Utoy Creek, Ga. Foster, Henry F., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Fellows, Hiram N., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged June 15, 1865, at Dennison U. S. General Hospital, on surgeon's certificate of disability ; veteran. Fuller, Martin H., Jan. 21, 1864; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth O. V. I., June I, 1865 ; mustered out June 2, 1865, by order of war depart- ment. Franklin, Jacob, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Fairchild, George W., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 3865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Ferguson, James, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of the war department. Fairchild, David, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged May 29, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Frock, Jacob, Oct. 7, 1862 ; drafted; mustered out July 27, 1863, on ex- piration of term of service. Gray, James E., Jan. 4, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Grant, Isaac M., Oct. 6, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 4. 1865. Gould, Lewis B., Sept. i, 1861 ; died Jan. 24, 1865, at York, O.; veteran. Fulton County. 363 Gunsaullus, Daniel E., Sept. i, 1861 ; died Oct i, 1864, at Franklin, O.; veteran. Geer, Israel S., Feb. 13, 1864; died March 8, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Gunsaullus, George, Sept. 25, 1862; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Gray, George E., Oct. i, 1862; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Wash- ington, D. C, by order of war department. Gorman, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out June 21, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department; veteran. Griffin, William, Sept. i, 1861. Gorsuch, Rezin, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged May 3, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Gorsuch, Andrew J., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Aug. 4, 1862, at Colum- bus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Gwin, John, Oct. i, 1862; discharged Aug. 12, 1863, on surgeon's certifi- cate of disability. Hanna, Julius J., Oct. i, 1862; killed Sept. i, 1864, in battle of Jones- boro, Ga. Heckman, John, Dec. 29, 1863; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Howard, Edward L., Jan. 4, 1864; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth 0. V. I, June I, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Heiligher, Oscar C. F., March 31, 1864; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth 0. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Hendricks, Jackson, Sept. i, 1861 ; accidentally drowned Feb. 17, 1862, in the Ohio River. Hopkins, Edwin E., Feb. i, 1864; died July 2, 1864, at Dallas, Ga. Hale, Justus H., Feb. 15, 1864; died June 16, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn. Harrington, George W., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Sept. i, 1862, at Nash- ville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Howard, Ruel S., Sept. 27, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Henderson, William M., Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Hayward, Robert, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Henkey, Charles, Sept. 22, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Hodges, David D., Sept. 23, 1862 ; died Nov. 28, 1862, at Gallatin, Tenn. Herbert, Robert M., Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; died Feb. 2, 1863, at Mur- freesboro, Tenn. Hicker, Daniel, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged May i, 1862, at Pittsburg Land- ing, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. 364 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Harrington, George W., March 24, 1864; discharged May 22, 1865, on surgeon's certificate of disabihty. Hunter, Isaac H., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged June 12, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disabihty. Inman, Ebenezer, Sept. i, 1861; died June 3, 1862, at Danvihe, Ky. Jones, Judson, Sept. I, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Jay, Brice H., Sept. i, 1861 ; prom, to sergt.-maj. March 16, 1863. King, James F., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Keeser, Sewell, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Kuney, Lanson, Feb. i, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Kane, Anthony, Jan. 5, 1864; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth O. V. I., ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Kain, William, Sept. 24, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Le Clere, Lafayette, Sept. i, 1861 ; killed Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mis- sion Ridge, Tenn. Looker, David, Sept. i, 1861 ; absent in hospital from wounds received Aug. 6, 1864, in action near Atlanta, Ga.; mustered out July 5, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department; veteran. Lamberson, William W., Feb. 16, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Linder, John, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Looker, James K., Sept. i, 1861 ; transferred to U. S. Engineer Corps July 15, 1864; veteran. Lunger, John, Sept. i, 1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 31, 1863. McCutchen, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; absent in hospital from wounds re- ceived Nov. 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn.; mustered out Sept. 17, 1864, on expiration of term of service. McVicor, Elijah, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. McKibben, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. McClarran, Cornelius R., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. McKibben, Robert J., Feb. 29, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. McMaster, Leonard, Jan. 21, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, .1865. Fulton County. 365 McCambridge, Patrick, April 6, 1864; transferred from One Hundred and Fifth O. V. I. June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. McClarran, William, Oct. i, 1862; mustered out May 27, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department. McKenzie, Samuel, Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out July 27, 1863, on expiration of term of service. McGowen, Riley, Sept. i, 1861 ; died March 26, 1862; at Lebanon, Ky. McMichael, Leroy, Oct. i, 1862 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 31, 1863. Murray, Atwell, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Matthias, FrankHn D., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Mikesell, Stillman, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Moore, Edson, Jan. 21, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Mikesell, Charles, Sept. i, 1861 ; killed Aug. S, 1864, in battle of Utoy Creek, Ga. ; veteran. Mattern, Jacob, Sept. i, 1861 ; died May 10, 1862, at Gorham, O. Mattern, Jerome P., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Feb. 12, 1863, at Murfrees- boro, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Moses, James, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged April 22, 1863, to enlist in ma- rine brigade. Mankins, Silas, Oct. 7, 1862 ; drafted; mustered out July 27, 1863, on ex- piration of term of service. Miller, Edmond, Sept. i, 1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. 30, 1863. Noonan, John, Oct. 9, 1862; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. O'Donal, John, Dec. 13, 1863; transferred from lOSth O. V. I., June i, 1865; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Osterhaut, Henry H., Sept. i, 1861. Osterhaut, John W., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Aug. 29, 1862, at Colum- bus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Palmer, David B., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Pomeroy, Henry B., Dec. 29, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Parker, William H., Jan. 5, 1864; transferred from lOSth O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; absent; sick since Jan. 26, 1865 ; no further record found. Pfefferley, Charies, Oct. 4, 1 864 ; substitute ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Penny, Isaac, Sept. i, 1861; discharged July 14, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. 366 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Powers, William, Sept. 27, 1864; substitute; never reported for duty; ab- sent, sick ; no further record found. Pike, Hiram, Sept. i, 1861; discharged Sept. 2, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Pelton, Thomas J., Sept. 13, 1862; discharged Jan. 22, 1863, at Gallatin,. Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Rice, Harvey M., Feb. i, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Rawdon, Caleb L., Jan. 2, 1864; transferred from 105th O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Russell, Elijahs., Dec. 20, 1863 ; transferred from lOSth O. V. I., June i,. 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Rowe, James, March 4, 1864; transferred from 105th O. V. I., June i,' 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Reed, Eli S., Feb. 2, 1864; transferred from 105th O. V. I., June i, 1865; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Rember, Christopher, Sept. 21, 1864; drafted; absent, sick in hospital; mustered out to date July 12, 1865, by order of war department. Reigle, Adam, Sept. 24, 1864; drafted; absent, sick in hospital ; mustered out to date July 6, 1865, at New York City, by order of war department. Rohr, George, Sept. 24, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Rodgers, John, Sept. 21, 1864; drafted ; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C, by order of war department. Rock, George, Sept. i, 1861 ; died June i, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. Rice, Joseph G., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged June 19, 1862, at Columbus,. O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Sellers, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Shorten, Daniel G., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 13, 1864, on expi- ration of term of service. Snow, Sardis D., Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Scribner, Luke, Sept. i, 1861 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ^ veteran. Stewart, James, Feb. 10, 1864; transferred from 105th O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Stewart, Cyrus, Jan. 18, 1864; transferred from 105th O. V. I., June i, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Single, Henry, Oct. 3, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Stout, Jesse, Sept. 26, 1864; drafted; mustered out July 20, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by order of war department. Fulton County. . 367 Spire, Andrew, Oct. 3, 1864; substitute; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Smith, John, Oct. 8, 1864; substitute; assigned, but never reported for duty ; absent, sick in hospital ; no record of muster out found. Skeels, William S., Oct. 9, 1861 ; mustered out Oct. 17, 1864, on expira- tion of term of service. Shell, George, Sept. 23, 1864; drafted; mustered out Jan. 3, 1865, at Savannah, Ga., by order of war department. Supinger, Benjamin F., Sept. 24, 1864; drafted; mustered out June 10 1865, near Washington, D. C., by order of war department. Schseffer, Reuben, Sept. 15, 1862; mustered out June 10, 1865, "sar Washington, D. C., by order of war department. Smith, Sala, Sept. 19, 1862; mustered out June 10, 1865, near Washing- ton, D. C, by order of war department. Skeels, Lyman H., Sept. i, 1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 27, 1865 ; mustered out Aug. 26, 1865, at Washington, D. C, by or- der of war department ; veteran. Snyder, John E., Sept. 15, 1862 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 27, 1865. Struble, Cornelius, Sept. i, 1861 ; died Feb. S, 1862, at Somerset, Ky. Snow, Henry, Oct. i, 1862 ; died Nov. 21, 1862, at Pilot Knobb, Tenn. Struble, William, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged Oct. 15, 1862, at Cincinnati, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Showers, Lewis, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged , for wounds received Nov. 25, 1863, at battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. Schaffer, Reuben C, Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mu.stered out July 27, 1863^ on expiration of term of service. Schaffer, Enoch, Oct. 7, 1862; drafted; mustered out July 27, 1863, on expiration of term -of service. Thomas, Jacob, Sept. i, 1861 ; accidentally killed Nov. 17, 1 861, by the falling of a tree, at Wild Cat, Ky. Taylor, John, Sept. i, 1861 ; died June 28, 1862, at Cincinnati, O. Thomas, Simon, Oct. 7, 1862 : drafted ; absent, sick at Nashville, Tenn. ; mustered out Aug. 19, 1863, on expiration of term of service. Tremain, Daniel M. ; mustered out with company July 12, 1865 ; veteran. Vandlin, Daniel B., Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged June 19, 1862, at Colum- bus, 0., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Vanarsdale, Garrett, Sept. i, 1861 ; discharged July i, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. White, Daniel W., Feb. 22, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. Wing, Otis J., Feb. i, 1864; mustered out with company July 12, 1865. 368 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Walters, Jacob F., Feb. 5, 1864; died Feb. 11, 1865, of wounds received Dec. 15, 1864, in battle of Nashville, Tenn. Wise, Michael L., Oct. i, 1862 ; mustered out , by order of war de- partment. Wells, Thomas, Oct. 8, 1862 ; died March 27, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Woodward, Jeremiah, Sept. i, 1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. I, 1863. The Forty-Seventh Infantry. This regiment was principally raised in the southwestern part of the State. It first went into camp near Cincinnati, but was afterward transferred to Camp Dennison. Here the odds and ends of several companies joined it, among which were fifty-two men from Fulton county, forty-two of which were mus- tered into Company I, and the other eleven joined other companies of the regiment. On the 27th of August, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Clarksburgh, W. Va., and on arriving at that place reported to General W. S. Rosecrans. The regiment did a vast amount of marching and picketing in West Virginia, and, in the autumn it marched to BuUstown, on the Little Kanawha River, and was brigaded with the Ninth and Twenty-eighth Ohio, afterwards known as the "Bully Dutch Brigade." Its first battle was at Cornifex Ferry. In the month of January, 1862, the Forty-seventh was ordered by General J. D. Cox to make an expedition to Little Sewell Mountain, and drive the rebels from that place. After driving the rebels out of their works, and tak- ing a number of prisoners, the Forty-seventh proceeded to destroy the works. They returned to camp on the 22d of April, 1863. A detail of three com- panies was sent on an expedition to Lewisburg, and, on the loth of May, was joined by one company of the Forty-fourth Ohio, one from the Forty-seventh Ohio, and one from the Second battalion of the Second Virginia Cavalry. Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott took command, and immediately advanced upon Lewisburg. The expedition was a complete success. The rebels were com- pletely routed, and the camp equipage, horses, wagons, and many prisoners fell into their hands. In their flight the rebels threw away their arms, blankets, coats, and everything that would impede their escape. Soon after this expe- dition the Forty-seventh was brigaded with the Thirty-sixth and Forty-fourth Ohio Regiments, which was called the Third Provisional Brigade. On August 6th Major Perry was dispatched with Company I and three other companies to reconnoitre the northern part of Greenbriar and Pocahon- tas counties, and capture or drive the rebels out of the county. This was suc- cessfully done, and after a great deal of hard marching and skirmishing, the guerillas were driven across the river to White Sulphur Springs. The Forty-seventh took an active part in the siege and capture of Vicks- Fulton County. 369 burg, doing a great deal of fighting, and capturing many prisoners, being nearly- all the time in the front line, and at the time of the surrender occupying Sem- inary Hill Fort. The next day after the surrender the Forty-seventh was dis- patched towards Jackson, Miss., after Johnson's rebel force, and assisted in the attack and capture of Jackson, and destroyed the fortifications around the city. It took an active part in the battle of Chickamauga, October 24, 1863, the Forty-seventh being on the skirmish line when the advance was made, and did its part of the fighting. On the 25th it marched in pursuit of the enemy, and on the 28th entered Grayville and destroyed a store-house, mills, and machine- shop used by the rebels for manufacturing arms. On March 6, 1864, the regi- ment re-enlisted for three more years, and left on return furlough for home, arriving in Cincinnati, March 22. After the expiration of its furlough it returned to the field and reached its brigade at Stevenson, Ala., May 3, 1864. The regiment was actively engaged in all the fights from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Atlanta, Ga. It marched, with Sherman's army to the sea, and participated in the charge on Fort McAlister, December 13th, being in the advance. The fort was carried, the Forty-sev- enth being the first to enter. When the Forty-seventh entered the field it had eight hundred and thirty men, but when it reached Savannah it numbered only one hundred and twenty, except some recruits that reached the regiment at Atlanta. It was paid off" and mustered out August 24, 1865, having served over four years. The Sixty-Seventh Infantry. This regiment was organized by the consolidation of two regiments partly filled, viz., the Forty- fifth and the Sixty-seventh, besides a few recruits from Lucas and Fulton counties. At the muster in of the regiment there were 211 men from Fulton county, as follows ': Company A, 63 men ; Company B, 30 men; Company C, 18 men; Company D, 2 men; Company E, 17 men; Company F, 35 men; Company I, 46 men; total, 211. The regiment left Columbus for the front January 19, 1862, going to West Virginia, and spent the winter at Bloomway Gap and Pau Pau Tunnel. Skirmishing was frequent on the picket line between the Sixty-seventh and Ashby's Cavalry. On the 14th of March the regiment reported to General Banks, at Win- chester, and soon engaged the enemy and drove them until darkness put an end to the fight. They lay on their arms all night, and the next morning were the first to engage the foe. After the fight had fairly begun, the Sixty-sev- enth was ordered to reinforce General Taylor's Brigade, and, in order to reach that command it had to pass over an open field for more than a mile, exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy. The regiment took the double quick, reached Taylor's Brigade, and immediately went into action. It lost in this battle fif- teen killed and thirty-two wounded. For the next three months the regiment 47 370 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. was on the march all over Virginia, and on the 29th of June embarked on a steamer and barge for the James River, to reinforce General McClellan. At the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay the hawser attached to the barge in tow by the steamer parted, and the latter lay tossing in the trough of the heavy sea for more than hour before the steamer could again make fast to it. Horses arms, camp and garrison equipage, and many of the men were washed over- board and lost. At Harrison's Landing it campaigned with the Army of the Potomac until McClellan retreated from the Peninsula, when it marched to Suffolk, Va. At this time the regiment had been reduced to but three hundred men fit for duty, out of the eight hundred and fifty it had when it left Columbus, in January, 1862. Passing over the next five months, which were nearly all occupied in marching, and being transported from one place to another, on April 2, 1863, it landed on Cole's Island, where, for seven months, it endured all the hard- ships of the siege. It took an active part in the charge on Fort Wagner, where it lost heavily. It was, at last, allowed a fews days' rest before starting on its expedition into Florida. The men re- enlisted and returned to Ohio in February, 1864, where they rested, visited, and recruited until the expiration of their furlough, when they again returned to the front, about seven hundred strong. Forty-nine of the recruits came from Fulton county. They reached General Butler at Bermuda Hundred on the 6th of .May, 1864, and on the 9th were detached to guard the right flank of the Tenth Corps, at the railroad at Chester Station, for the purpose of destroying the road from there to Peters- burg. The regiment was placed on the turnpike from Richmond to Peters- burg, with one section of artillery, with orders to hold the position at all hazards. During the night reinforcements arrived, and the next morning the rebels made a general attack upon them. The Sixty- seventh maintained its position. The rebels made four successive charges and were as often repulsed by the Sixty-seventh. The section of artillery was captured, and was, for a short time, in the hands of the enemy, but was soon recaptured by the gallant Com- pany F, of the Sixty-seventh. The loth of May, 1864, will always be remem- bered by the regiment as a sad, but glorious day. Seventy- six officei's and men were killed and wounded in this battle. On the 20th of May the Sixty- seventh, with other regiments, were ordered to recapture a portion of our force which had been taken by the enemy. They took the lines by a desper- ate charge, in which they lost sixty-nine officers and men killed and wounded. They, too, in this charge, captured the rebel general, W. H. S. Walker, and his sword was delivered to Colonel Voorhis as a trophy of this victory. On the 1 6th of August four companies of the Sixty-seventh charged the rifle pits at Deep River, and the first volley of the enemy killed and wounded one-third of the charging column, but, before the rebels could reload, the rifle pits were in possession of the Sixty-seventh. On the 7th, 13th, 27th and 28th of Oc- Fulton County. 371 tober, the regiment was engaged with the enemy, and it is a fact that during the campaign of 1864, the Sixty-seventh was under fire two hundred times, and had lost in killed and wounded, during that time, over four hundred men. In the spring of 1865 the regiment participated in the assault on the rebel works in front of Petersburg, and on April 2, led the charge on Fort Gregg and Appomattox Court-house, and was in the last fight the Union forces had with the army of Virginia. The regiment was at the grand review at Wash- ington, and was not mustered out of service until the 12th day of December, 1865. The Sixty-Eighth Infantry. This regiment was recruited in the counties of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding and Williams, during the fall and winter of 1861-62. One full com- pany was recruited in Fulton county. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Latty, and moved to Camp Chase in January, 1862. It left Camp Chase Feb- ruary 7, 1862, for the front, and arrived at Fort Donaldson, Tenn., on the 14th, when it was assigned to General C. F. Smith's division on the left of the line, and constantly engaged in skirmishing during both days of the fighting. It guarded the supply and ordnance trains of General Lew Wallace, during the battle of Pittsburgh Landing; it was actively engaged during the siege of Cor- inth in building roads, bridges and entrenchments. The regiment participated in the battles of luka and Monmouth. In the spring of 1863 it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and serVed in that command until the close of the war. It participated in the battle of Thompson Hill, May i, 1863, and in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Cham- pion Hills and Black Jack, all in the month of May, 1863. In all of these en- gagements it suffered serious loss, especially at Champion Hills. It was con- stantly engaged in all the fighting during the siege of Vicksburg. It took an active part in the fight of Baker's Creek, February S, 1863. It veteranized, and on the 15th of December, 1863, embarked for home on its veteran furlough. It received recruits while at home, and an additional number when returning ; one hundred and seventy men that had been sent to it about the time it went north on furlough, in all a total of over three hundred, and when the regiment arrived in Georgia, where it joined General Sherman's army on the Atlanta campaign, it had over seven hundred men for duty. During the remainder of the Atlanta campaign the regiment was almost constantly under fire, and for sixty-five days and nights was on the advance line. It was in the battles at Neuces, Nickajack, Atlanta, and on the 28th Jonesboro and Lovejoy. After the capture of Atlanta the regiment marched with Sherman to the sea, and through the Carolinas, and after the surrender of Johnston, marched to Wash- ington, D. C, and participated in the grand review; from there to Louisville, Ky., and on the i8th of July was mustered out of service, and returned home. 372 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. For a more detailed account of the Sixty-eighth Regiment see the report of its achievements in the history of the regiment in the military chapter of Henry county in this volume, and for the purpose of keeping together as well as pos- sible, the names of all who were in this command, the roster will be found in connection with the history proper of it. The Eighty- Fifth Infantry — Three Months Regiment. The Eighty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was organized at Camp Chase, on the loth day of June, 1862. It was raised for the purpose of guarding prisoners at Camp Chase, Ohio. About the middle of July, 1862, the guerilla, Morgan, made a raid into Kentucky and threatened Frankfort, the capital of that State. Aid being necessary, and there being no other available troops at hand, a battalion of four companies of the Eighty-fifth was dispatched to their assistance, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sowers. On arriv- ing at Frankfort they found the loyal people of that place greatly alarmed, and the rebel portion equally jubilant. The next day after the arrival of the bat- talion of the Eighty-fifth they were ordered out by Adjutant- General Leslie Combs, about six miles in the country, to intercept a force of Morgan's cavalry which were camped at that place; but the rebels having been apprised of our approach beat a hasty retreat just as the battalion came in sight of their camp. The battalion was ordered to double-quick, but soon found that infantry was no match for horses, and so gave up the pursuit and returned to the city. The next day they were joined by a battalion of Pennsylvania troops, and five com- panies of Kentuckians and a day or two later Morgan hastily left, and the bat- talion of the Eighty-fifth again reported for duty at Camp Chase, where it remained until about the middle of October, when it was paid off and dis- charged. Fulton county furnished one full company, G, for this regiment, ninety-seven men rank and file. The Eighty-Sixth Infantry — Six Months Regiment. This regiment was recruited from the northern counties of Ohio, Fulton county contributing one whole company. Company H. It was organized at Camp Cleveland, and recruited to ;i full regiment in the month of June and early part of July, 1863. About the time of its muster in the rebel general, John Morgan, was making his famous northern raid through Indiana and Southern Ohio. The regiment was immediately placed under marching or- ders and joined in the chase of the guerillas, the rebels having just been de- feated at Buffington's Island by Generals Judah and Shackleford's troops, and being thus prevented from crossing the Ohio River at that point, turned in a northeasterly direction and marched to the Muskingum River, which they reached a short distance below Zanesville. On the arrival of the Eighty-Sixth at Zanesville, a detachment of two hundred men, under the command of Lieu- Fulton County. 373, tenant-Colonel McFarland, were sent to Eagleport, where it was presumed Morgan would attempt to cross the Muskingum. The detachment arrived just in time to witness the crossing of the rear guard. Colonel McFarland imme- diately commenced skirmishing with the enemy and detained them some time, thus allowing General Shackleford to gain some precious time in pursuit. In the meantime Major Karns, with the remainder of the Eighty-sixth, had been ordered to Cambridge to intercept Morgan at that point. He arrived at Washington on the turnpike, a few minutes after Morgan's forces had passed. Shackelford then coming up with the forces under his command, the two joint- ly pursued the enemy to a place near Salineville, Columbiana county, where the rebels were overtaken and captured. The Eighty-sixth returned to Camp Tod, at Columbus, and on the 8th of August proceeded to Camp Nelson, Ky., where they joined the forces under Colonel De Courcy, in an expedition to cap- ture Cumberland Gap then held by the enemy. The expedition left Camp Nelson August 17th, and on the 8th of September arrived in front of Cumber- land Gap. The force under the command of De Courcy consisted of the Eighty-sixth and One Hundred and Twenty- ninth Ohio Infantry, detachments of the Ninth and Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, and Captain Neil's Twenty- Second Ohio Battery. The country being filled with rebel spies, De Courcy divided all his regiments into two battalions, making each regiment appear as two. This was done in order to deceive the enemy, who greatly outnumbered him. It was then represented to the rebel commander that De Courcy's force numbered ten or twelve thousand. Soon after the arrival of De Courcy's force on the Kentucky side, Major-General Burnside arrived with his force on the Tennessee side of the Gap, thus completely investing the rebel garrison under General Frazer. On the 9th of September the Eighty- sixth formed in line of battle along the Harlan Road, with skirmishers in front, two pieces of Neil's battery on the left occupying an elevated plateau, with the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth in supporting distance in the rear. The remainder of Neil's bat- tery was in position in front of the Gap, and the cavalry on the Barberville road. This disposition of troops being made on the north side in conjunction with General Burnside's forces on the south side of the Gap, a formal sum- mons was sent by General Burnside to the rebel commander demanding the surrender of the place. This demand was acceded to by General Frazer, thus saving great loss of life, as the Gap could have been stoutly defended and the loss of life would have been very great had it been taken by direct assault. The Eighty- sixth immediately marched into the fort and took possession, hoisting the stars and stripes in place of the rebel flag, which had been defiant- ly waving in the same place for so many months. The result of this victory was two thousand eight hundred prisoners, five thousand stand of arms, thir- teen pieces of artillery, and a large quantity of ammunition, quartermaster's and commissary stores. The Eighty-sixth remained in the Gap as a part of 374 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the garrison until its term of service expired. It being one hundred and fifty miles from the Gap to its base of supplies, over bad roads, the troops were compelled to subsist in a great measure off of the country, and foraging par- ties had to go a great distance to reach anything eatable, and the country be- ing filled with guerillas, conflicts were of almost daily occurrence. The time for which the regiment enlisted having expired on the i6th of January, 1864, it started for Ohio, and after a seven days' hard march it reached Nicholsville on January 23. It left for Cleveland, Ohio, where it arrived on the 26th, and was mustered out of the United States service February loth, 1864. Com- pany H had ninety-four men all from Fulton county. The One Hundredth Infantry. This regiment was organized at Camp Toledo, near Toledo, and was mus- tered into the United States service on the ist day of September, 1862. It was recruited in the northwestern counties of the State, Fulton county furnish- ing one Company H, and about twenty other men scattered through the dif- ferent companies of the regiment. It immediately left for Cincinnati, and on the 9th camped in Covington, Ky. On the 8th of October it marched for Lex- ington, and from there on to Danville, where it arrived the 26th of December. On the 2d of January, 1863, it marched to Frankfort, Ky., and in Febru- ary returned to Lexington, and thence to Crab Orchard, Mt. Vernon and Som- erset. On the 13th of August it again went into camp at Danville, and from there in the latter part of August the regiment started on its march with the Ninth Corps for East Tennessee. On arriving at Knoxville a portion of the regiment, two hundred and forty strong, under Major Hayes, was sent up the West Virginia line to guard the railroad, where, on the 4th of September, the entire detachment was captured by the enemy after a spirited resistance lasting more than two hours ; and not until the detachment had fired the last shot in their cartridge boxes did they yield. The regiment participated in the defense of Knoxville, and did valuable service during the winter of 1863—4, in and about that place, being constantly on duty, as were all of Burnside's troops. In the spring of 1864, the regiment, with the Twenty-third Army Corps, marched from Knoxville to join Sherman, then at Tunnel Hill, Ga. It moved with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign and was present at almost every bat- tle from Rocky Face Ridge to Atlanta. On the 6th of August it was engaged in an assault on the rebel works in front of Atlanta, and lost one hundred and three men in killed and wounded, out of three hundred engaged. Thirty-six of these were killed on the field and eight more died of their wounds shortly after. Colonel Slevin was rendered a cripple for life. After the capture of Nashville the regiment went in pursuit of Hood and was hotly engaged with the enemy in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. It then went with the Twenty-third Corps to Washington, North Carolina, and was there actively Fulton County. 375 engaged, after which it marched to Goldsboro, and from there with Sherman's army to Raleigh ; thence to Greensboro ; and thence was sent to Cleveland,^ 0., where it was mustered out of service on the ist day of July, 1865. The One Hundredth lost, during its two years and ten months' service, sixty- five men killed in action ; one hundred and forty-two wounded, twenty-seven of whom died of wounds ; one hundred and eight died of disease ; and three hun- dred and twenty-five were captured by the enemy, eighty-five of whom died in rebel prisons. Of this regiment Company H was recruited wholly from Fulton county in July and August, 1862. It was organized by the election of L. Berry Smith, captain; John L. Palmer, first lieutenant, and Emmet Losure, second Heuten- ant, and was mustered into the service with the regiment at Toledo, Septem- ber I, 1862, and numbered one hundred rank and file at muster in. Captain L. Berry Smith resigned November 27, 1862, and Lieutenant John H. Palmer succeeded him as captain of the company. Emmet Losure was promoted to first lieutenant, and Albert B. Smith was promoted from first sergeant to sec- ond lieutenant. John H. Palmer resigned March 27, 1863, and Emmet Losure succeeded him as captain ; Albert B. Smith was promoted from second to first lieutenant, and First Sergeant John J. Hines to second lieutenant. Captain Emmet Losure died of small pox at Knoxville, Tenn., January 12, 1864, and First Lieutenant Albert B. Smith was promoted to the captaincy of the com- pany and served as such until January, 1865. At the same time, January 14, 1864, sixteen of this company were transferred to other commands, and to the invalid corps. Eight men were killed in battle, and two died from gun-shot wounds received in battle ; twenty died of disease contracted in the service, and ten died in rebel prison pens. The company was with the regiment in all its marches and battles ; at the siege of Knoxville, Mossy Creek, Strawberry Plains, Tenn.; at Resaca, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Ala.; at the siege of Atlanta, in the fights at Dallas, Etowah Creek, in Georgia, and at the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., and at Johnson's surrender to Sherman in North Carolina. The company received sixteen recruits from Fulton county during its term of service, and at its muster out had but fifty-one out of the one hundred and sixteen men in the organization. Company Roster. Muster out roll of Company H, of the One Hundredth Ohio Vol. Inf , showing rank, date of enlistment, and township of residence of each member. Albert B. Smith, captain, July 31, 1862, Clinton twp., promoted from first sergt. to second lieut. Nov. 27, 1862; to first lieut. March 17, 1863 ; to capt. Jan. 14, 1865, and Heut-col. by brevet. John J. Hine, first lieut. Aug. 2, 1862, Clinton twp., promoted to first sergt. Nov. 27, 1862; to second lieut March 17, 1863; to first Heut. Jan. 14, 1865 ^ taken prisoner at Limestone, Tenn., Sept. 8, 1863 ; paroled March i, 1865. 3/6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Jacob R. Ely, first sergt., Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham ; promoted to first sergt. March 17, 1864. William Weir, sergt, Aug. 5, 1862, Clinton ; appt. sergt. Sept. 2, 1862. David Kesler, sergt, Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton; appt. corp. Sept 2, 1862; prom, to sergt. March 17, 1864. Oscar F. Tayer, sergt., Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, appt sergt. May i, 1864. David D. Donahue, sergt., Aug. 7, 1862, York ; appt. sergt Sept 16, 1864; missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. George W. Vrooraan, corp., Aug. 16, 1862, Clinton; appt corp. June 14, 1864. Leonard Hartan, corp., Aug. 5, 1862, Franklin, appt corp. Sept 16, 1864. Elias Sellers, corp., July 24, 1862, Dover; appt. Oct. 14, 1864. Silas Fausey, corp., July 29, 1862, Chesterfield; appt Jan. 10, 1865. Amzie Stiles, corp., Aug. 11, 1862, Chesterfield; appt Feb. 28, 1865. George S. Miller, corp., Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton; appt. corp. April 29, 1865. Manasset V. B. Phillips, corp., Aug. 7, 1862, Fulton; appt. Feb. 1864; missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Henry Beaver, corp , Aug. 5, 1862, Dover; missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Thomas J. Case, wagoner, July 25, 1862, Clinton ; no record. Solomon S. Abbott, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Dover; no record. Oliver P. Barnes, private, July 22, 1862, Clinton; absent in hospital at muster out. James W. Baxter, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Franklin ; no record. Campbell Bayes, private, Aug. 9, 1862, Clinton; wounded at Franklin, Tenn., absent in hospital at muster-out. Josiah Braas, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham; reduced April 26, 1865, from corporal to private. Allen Barden, private, Aug. i, 1862, Royalton ; missing in action at Frank- lin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Benjamin M. Black, private, Aug. 8, 1862, Clinton; missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Alexander Cameron, private, Aug. 2, 1862, Pike; no record. Addison Crew, private, Aug. 9, 1862, York; no record. Benjamin Crew, private, Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton ; no record. Micajah Crew, private, Aug. 7, 1862, CHnton ; missing in action at Frank- lin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Jacob Collins, private, Aug. 9, 1862, Clinton; absent in hospital. Harper, Earl, private, Aug. 2, 1862, York; no record. John Grove, private, Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton, missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Fulton County. 377^ Henry J. Harrington, private, Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton, no record. James Hodge, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Clinton, no record. John P. Holland, private, Aug. 9, 1862, Royalton, no record. Leonard Huth, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Fulton, no record. Thomas Hess, private, July 28, Clinton, missing in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Mathias Miller, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Gorham, no record. Phillip Moore, private, Aug. 9, 1862, York, no record. Charles J. McFarlinge, private, Aug. i, 1862, Dover, no record. Jesse W. Miles, private, Aug. 2, 1862, Clinton, no record. George W. Persons, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, no record. William H. Pelton, private, Aug, 2, 1862, Pike, appointed sergeant Sept. 2, 1862, reduced to private May i, 1864, by order Colonel P. S. Slevin. John F. Raker, private, July 28, 1862,- Swan Creek, no record. Harrison E. Randall, private, July 29, 1862, Clinton, appointed corporal June 14, 1863, reduced to private Feb. 28, 1865. Daniel Steinbarger, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Fulton, no record. Isaac E. Smith, private, Aug. 12, 1862, Pike, no record. John Stair, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Fulton, missing in action at Frankhn,. Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, unofficial notice of discharge. Sylvearns Walter, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Clinton, no record. Jonas Weeks, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Fulton, no record. Samuel S. O. Warren, private, July 31, 1862, Chesterfield, absent in hos- pital, Edwin M. Watrous, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Clinton, reduced from corporal to ranks, date lost. Frankhn Wallace, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, absent in hospital. The following roll will show those who were members of the company, but who ceased from the assigned cause to belong to it: L. Berry Smith, captain, July 19, 1862, Clinton, resigned Nov. 27, 1862, cause, physical disability. John H. Palmer, captain, Aug. 2, 1862, Gorham, promoted Nov. 27, 1862,, vice Smith resigned March 17, 1863. Harlan J. Bates, first sergeant Aug, 7, 1862, Clinton, discharged Feb. 19, 1864, to enable him to accept commission as second lieutenant. John H. Corbett, private, July 24, Dover, discharged by order of major- General Burbridge to accept commission as first lieutenant. Benjamin Kellogg, private, July 28, 1862, Clinton, discharged Sept. 21,, 1863, cause, disability. Jesse L. Pelton, private, Aug. 2, 1862, Pike, discharged June 16, 1863, dis- ability. Allen Shadle, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Dover, discharged Dec. 3, 1862, dis- ability. *^ 378 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Henry Young, private, Aug. 5, 1862, Royalton, discharged Dec. 5, 1862, disability. George Ziegler, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, discharged May 20, 1865, order war department. J. Neal McManus, sergeant, July 24, 1862, Clinton, transferred to invalid corps March 15, 1864. Alexander W. Baker, private, Ang. i, 1862, Royalton, transferred to in- valid corps, 1863, record lost. Silas P. Bowerman, private, Aug. 9, 1862, York, transferred to invalid corps, T863, record lost. William H. Grove, private, Dec. 17, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 130th 0. V. Inf Newton Gamble, private, Dec. 12, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Martin V. Hatfield, private, Nov. 26, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d 0. V. Inf James H. Haines, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Franklin Hickman, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, transferred to invalid corps, 1863. David Lambert, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Wilson A. Olas, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Amboy, transferred to invalid corps 1863. Alexander Percy, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d, 0. V. Inf Julius N. Parker, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Alexander Pierson, private, Dec. 31, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Noble Paige, private, Dec. 30, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Wolcott Russell, private, Aug. 2, 1862, Pike, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf John P. Sigsby, private, Dec. 3, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Warren P. Sigsby, private, Dec. 3, 1863, Toledo, transferred to 183d O. V. Inf Joseph P. Miller, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Fulton, transferred to Vet. Res. Corps April i, 1865. Alva F. Mallory, sergeant, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, killed at battle of Utoy Creek, Aug. 6, 1864. James Stulesman, corporal, July 30, 1862, Chesterfield, killed at battle of Utoy Creek Aug. 6, 1864. Fulton County. 379 Anderson E. Bradley, private, Aug, ii, 1862, Chesterfield, killed in battle at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Martin Markley, private, July 24, 1862, Dover, killed near Atlanta, Ga., June 26, 1864. David T. McLaughlin, private, Aug. 5, 1862, Franklin, killed at Utoy Creek, Ga., Aug. 6, 1864. Orlan W. Masters, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Gorham, killed at Limestone, Tenn., Sept. 8, 1863. ; Benjamin Pelton, private, killed at Utoy Creek, Ga., Aug. 6, 1864. William E. Stoddard, private, Aug. 8, 1862, Gorham, killed at Utoy Creek, Ga., Aug. 6, 1864. Emmett Losure, captain, July 19, 1862, Clinton, promoted to first lieu- tenant Nov. 27, 1862, to captain March 17, 1863, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 12, 1864, of small-pox. Isaac Smith, corporal, Aug. 5, 1862, Dover, died Feb. 14, 1863, of pneu- monia, at Richmond, Ky. Erastus C. Briggs, corporal, ^Aug. 2, 1862, York, died at Crab Orchard, Ky, May i, 1863, of typhoid pneumonia. John Agle, private, Aug. 7, 1862, York, died at Mount Vernon, Ky., June 13, 1863, of consumption. David Booream, private, Aug. 8, 1862, Gorham, died at Marietta, Ga., Sept. 14, 1864, of gunshot vi^ound received in battle. Carroll Collins, private, Aug. 2, 1862, York, died at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 14, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia. Davis Dodge, private, Aug. 6, 1862, York, died on flag of truce boat April, 1864. Dusign Cadrick, private, died at Knoxville, Tenn. Orrison Dee, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 9, 1864, of small-pox. John B. Demaresq, private, Aug. 9, 1862, York, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner of war, Nov. 18, 1863. Simeon Elliott, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Pike, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner of war, March 2, 1864. Daniel Ely, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, died at Lexington, Ky., April 10, 1863, of typhoid pneumonia, Robert M. Foster, private, Aug. 2, 1862, Clinton, died at Andersonville, Ga., while a prisoner of war, April 2, 1864. William Fausey, private, July 31, 1862, Chesterfield, died March 24, 1864, of chronic diarrhea. Champlain Gardiner, private, Aug. 6, 1862, Gorham, died a prisoner at Richmond, Va., March 30, 1864. Mordecia Gorsuch, private, Aug. 8, 1862, Clinton, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner of war, March 30, 1864. 380 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. George H. Herrick, private, Aug. 9, 1862, Royalton, died at Annapolis, Md., April 2, 1864, of typhoid pneumonia. George Harlan, private, Aug. 5, 1862, Franklin, died at Lexington, Ky., ■Oct. 27, 1862. Abraham Hartzel, private, Aug. 7, 1862, Fulton, died at Mount Vernon, Ky., July I, 1863. Charles L. Jones, private, July 30, 1862, Chesterfield, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 8, 1864, of small-pox. Isaac Metts, private, July 29, 1862, Clinton, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 31, 1864, of small-pox. Ezra M. Osti:ander, private, July 30, 1862, Chesterfield, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner, March 10, 1864. John H. Reece, private, July 30, 1862, Chesterfield, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. I, 1865, of wound received in battle. Isaac Robinson, private, Aug. 11, 1862, Clinton, died at Richmond, Ky., Dec. 20, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia. Robert P. Smith, private, Aug. 11, 1862, Chesterfield, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner, March, 1864. John J. Tremaine, private, Aug. 7, 1862, York, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 9, 1864, of small-pox. Jasper C. Fulton, private, Aug. 9, 1862, Fulton, died at Knoxville, Tenn., Feb. 14, 1864, of wound received in battle. George Wortman, private, Aug. 7, 1862, York, died at Covington, Ky., Nov. 23, 1862, of congestion of the lungs. Horace G. Wilcox, private, July 29, 1862, Clinton, died at Richmond, Va., while a prisoner of war, March 4, 1864. Phineas Braley, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, deserted at Burnt Hickory, Ga., May 29, 1864. j Jabez Lambert, private, Nov. 20, 1863, Toledo, deserted at Columbus, 0., Jan. 22, 1865. The One Hundred and Eleventh Infantry. The One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Infantry Regiment was raised in Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Williams, Sandusky and Defiance counties, in the month of August, 1862. It took the field at Covington, Ky., on the nth of Septem- ber, 1862, and on the i8th, with four other new regiments and a battery, it made a reconnoissance to Crittenden, Ky., and, after driving the rebel cav- alry of Kirby Smith, from that place, it returned to Covington. On the 25th it took transports to Louisville, where it was assigned to General Buel's army, in the Twenty-third Brigade, Twelfth Division, under the command of General Du- mont. It moved on Shelbyville, October 3, and, on the eighth took the ad- vance in the movement on Frankfort, where it had a slight skirmish with Fulton County. 381 Bragg's Cavalry. It moved on Lawrenceburgh, October 11, and from thence to Crab Orchard, where it joined the whole army of General Buel. After Bragg's army had escaped, the One Hundred and Eleventh moved, by rapid inarches, to Bowling Green, Ky., where it remained garrisoning forts and guarding railroads, from that place to Nashville, until the 29th of May, 1863, when it was ordered to Glasgow, Ky., where it was assigned to the Second Bri- gade, Second Division Twenty-third Army Corps, where it remained during the remainder of the war, and until mustered out of service. From Glasgow it took part in the movement on Scottsville and Tompkinsville. On the 4th day of July, 1863, Morgan having crossed the Cumberland River about six miles above Tompkinsville, the One Hundred and Eleventh gave chase and marched from Tompkinsville to Glasgow, a distance of thirty-two miles, carrying guns, •equipments and forty rounds of ammunition. On the 6th the regiment marched to Munfordville, and on the 9th took cars for Louisville, Morgan, now having crossed the Ohio River, a short distance below that point, the One Hundred and Eleventh crossed to New Albany, Ind., from there to Jefferson- "ville, and took transports for Cincinnati. On the way up, on an island, ten miles above Louisville, the regirnent was landed, and a detachment of Morgan's men were captured, with about twenty-five horses. The regiment arrived at Cincinnati on the 13th, and at Portsmouth on the i8th. Learning of the cap- ture of most of Morgan's command, the regiment returned to Cincinnati, where the first captured portion of Morgan's command, being about thirty- five hun- -dred, were turned over to the One Hundred and Eleventh, who took the pri- vates and non-commissioned officers to the military prison at Indianapolis, and the commissioned officers to Johnson's Island without the loss of a single man. The regiment at this time presented a rather sorry appearance, it having been for four weeks on the chase after Morgan, and taking the rebels to prison, without a change of clothing, so was, indeed, rather rusty_; but was mustered for pay, and on the 29th of July was paid. The boys here drew new clothing, and the officers took a bath and "rigged up in their best," and really made a fine appearance that evening on dress parade, in the presence of several thou- sand Cincinnatians. About the 1st of August the regiment returned to Ken- tucky. Arriving at Lebanon it marched to New Market, where the Second Division of the Twenty-third Army Corps rendezvoused, preparatory to their march into East Tennessee. This movement began on the 19th of August and the command arrived at Jamestown, on the Cumberland Mountain, eighty-five miles distant from Knoxville, on the 26th. The night of the 25th was a hard one on the men. The One Hundred and Eleventh was detailed to help the division wagon train and artillery up the mountain. This was accomplished by fastening a hawser to the end of the wagon pole and a company of men, with hand spikes twisted in the hawser, drawing the wagons up the almost per- pendicular side of the mountain. From Jim Town the division moved by rapid 382 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. marches through Yarman's Gap, and on the 30th of August arrived at Mont- gomery. On the 2d of September it forded the Big Emory River and arrived at Loudon, Tenn., on the Tennessee River, on the 4th, where it remained un- til the 14th of November, where it took part in the movement on New Market, to check the rebel advance from Virginia. It also took part in numerous- marches, scouts and skirmishes along the Tennessee and Holston Rivers. On the 22d of October General Longstreet appeared with his army in front of Loudon, and skirmishing began and was constantly kept up, between the divis- ion to which the One Hundred and Eleventh belonged, and the rebel advance. On the 14th of October reinforcements met the division at Lenoir, and the Second Brigade was ordered to Huff's Ferry, three miles below Loudon, to- contest the crossing of Longstreet's troops. The roads were almost impassa- ble, and it was dark before the Ferry was reached. On a high bluff, about a mile from the river, a brigade of rebels were encountered ; the Second Brigade were immediately formed in single line and made a successful charge; the enemy was driven back with considerable loss, the One Hundred and Eleventh having but few wounded, as it was on the right flank and partly under cover of a dense woods. The brigade stood to arms all night in a pelting rain. At daylight the division fell back, the One Hundred and Eleventh covering the retreat. At Loudon Creek a lively skirmish took place between the regiment, and the Sixth South Carolina Sharpshooters of Longstreet's Division. The rebels were held in check until Henshaw's Illinois Battery was moved up the hill above the creek. In this engagement the One Hundred and Eleventh lost: four killed and twelve wounded. The command then marched rapidly to Le- noir, and, during the night, destroyed all its camp and garrison equipage, and' on the morning of the i6th, at three o'clock, it marched in the direction of Knoxville. On this morning Lieutenant Omer P. Norris, with fifty-two men,, of Company B, of the regiment, were captured by the rebels while on picket. Of these fifty-two, thirty-six were starved to death in Anderson prison. At Campbell Station General Burnside concluded to halt the command and give battle to General Longstreet, in order to impede the progress of the enemy until the fortifications around Knoxville could be completed. In this engage- ment the One Hundred and Eleventh were in the front line, immediately in. front of two rebel batteries, where, for six hours, it was exposed to the shells of the enemy ; yet it lost but eight men in , killed and wounded, as the enemy's shells mostly fell in rear of the line. That night the regiment marched into Knoxville, having been three days without sleep, food or rest, and having been engaged in three separate fights. It occupied Fort College Hill during the siege of Knoxville, and had six men killed and wounded. After the retreat of Longstreet the regiment was in the skirmishes at Blain's Cross Roads, Danville and Strawberry Plains, and when General Schofield fell back a second time on Knoxville, the regiment occupied an outpost seven miles from the city. In. Fulton County. 383 protecting the crossing of the Second Division, at Strawberry Plains, on the 2ist of January, 1864, the regiment had one man killed. On the 9th of Feb- ruary, 1864, General Schofield arrived at Knoxville, and assumed command of the department. On the 14th of March the regiment marched to Morristown, East Tenn. On the following day it was on the picket line and had a lively skirmish with the enemy's cavalry. The regiment was then ordered back to Mossy Creek, where it remained until April 20, when it was sent to Charleston, on the Hiawassa River about one hundred miles distant, which march it accomplished in four days, arriving at Charleston on the last day of April. From here it marched to Red Clay, Ga. At this point a junction was formed between the left wing of General Sherman's army and the army of the Ohio, prepara- tory to starting on the Atlanta campaign. On the 7th of May the regiment marched to Tunnel Hill, and on the 8th skirmished into position in front of Buzzard's Roost, and on the 9th an advance was made on Rock)' Face Moun- tain. The regiment being on the advance line of skirmishers, in the short dis- tance of three-fourths of a mile, it lost nine men in killed and wounded. On • the 9th it marched through Snake Creek Gap, and halted in front of Resaca. On the 1 6th it charged the enemy's work but was unsuccessful for want of ar- tillery support. Here the regiment lost heavily ; out of the seven companies ■engaged the One Hundred and Eleventh lost seven killed and thirty wounded. In the second day's fight at Resaca, the regiment being in the supporting column, was not injured and after an unsuccessful night attack by the rebels, they evacuated the place. On the i6th, while the One Hundred and Elev- enth were in pursuit, they had a lively skirmish with the rebel cavalry and cap- tured six prisoners. On the 27th while a rebel brigade was making an ad- vance on the Union lines, the One Hundred and Eleventh was ordered out on the double quick and charged and broke the rebel lines. In this charge the regiment lost fifteen men in killed and wounded. It took an active part in the whole campaign against Atlanta. It was engaged in the siege of Kenesaw, the battles of Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Dallas, on the Chattahoochie River near Nicojack Creek, Decatur, Peachtree Creek, and in the siege of Atlanta, and the skirmishes at Rough and Ready, Lovejoy's Station, and Utoy Creek. When it started on the Atlanta campaign it had three hundred and eighty ef- fective men, and of this number it lost in killed and wounded two hundred and twelve. On the 8th of September the regiment went into camp at Decatur, Ga., where it remained until the 4th of October, when the movement against Hood's forces commenced. During the stay of the regiment at Decatur, it made a reconnoissance to "Stone Mountain, where it had a fight with rebel cavalry and lost a few men. It marched next to AUatoona Pass, eighteen miles from Chattanooga, where the twenty-third corps was ordered into Alabama in pursuit of General Hood's 384 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. army. At Cedar Bluffs on the Coosa River, in a skirmish with the rebel cav- alry, one officer and three men of the One Hundred and Eleventh were cap- tured while on picket. At Rome, Ga, the regiment had a brisk skirmish with the rebels. It reached Resaca on the evening of the first of Novem- ber, 1864, and from there the regiment went to Jonesville, on the Tennes- see River, to protect the place from a threatened rebel raid. It left Jonesville on the 20th of November, and moved by rail to Columbia, Tenn., and assisted in checking General Hood's advance on Nashville. It was in the skirmishes in and about Columbia, and was rear guard at the fording of Duck River, while the army under General Thomas fell back on Franklin. The regiment was twice attacked while guarding the wagon train to Franklin, each time re- pulsing the enemy. That night it marched, by the outposts of General Hood's army in bringing up the rear. It reached Franklin on the morning of the 30th of November, and was immediately placed in the front line of the works, on the left flank of the second division. Twenty-third army corps, to the right of the turnpike, and in that fight the regiment that day lost twenty-two men killed and forty wounded, out of a total of one hundred and eighty men en- gaged. Many men on both sides were killed by bayonet thrusts. The con- test was so close that, at one time, the flag of the One Hundred and Eleventh was snatched from the hands of the color sergeant by a rebel, who was instant- ly killed and the flag recovered. During the charge the troops on the imme- diate left of the One Hundred and Eleventh fell back, and the rebels on this part of the line for some time poured an enfilading fire along the line of the second brigade. Owing to the loss of officers in this and former actions, it became necessary to make a detail from other regiments to command the companies. On the morning of the 1st of December, the One Hundred and Eleventh again entered Nashville and was immediately placed in the line of defenses, and was severely engaged in both days of the fight before Nashville. It captured three rebel battle-flags, and a large number of prisoners in the second day's fight. Its loss was seven killed and fifteen wounded. After the fight the regiment was sent in pursuit of General Hood, and on the 17th of January, 1865, it took transports at Clifton, Tenn., to make the campaign in North Carolina. It passed through Cincinnati and Columbus, O., on the 23d and arrived in Washington, D. C, on the 31st. It embarked at Alexandria on an ocean steamer for Fort Fisher, where it joined the army under General Terry, and was actively engaged in the capture of Fort Anderson, and in the skir- mish at Mosby's Hall and Goldsboro. After the surrender of General Johnson the regiment was sent to Salisbury, North Carolina, doing garrison duty there until ordered home for muster out. It arrived at Cleveland, O., July S, 1865. The regiment had one thousand and fifty men at muster in. It received eighty-five recruits. Of the command two hundred were discharged for disa- bility, disease and wounds ; two hundred died of disease while in the service Fulton Countv. 385 two hundred and fifty-two were killed in battle, or died of wounds, and four hundred and one were mustered out. The One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment probably was as well drilled as any in the Union army, and did as much hard marching, skirmishing, and severe fighting as any other, and received as much praise from its superior offi- cers for its gallantry and obedience to orders. It was always ably commanded. It went out in the fall of 1862, under command of Major M. R. Brailey, who remained in charge during the fall campaign, thoroughly disciplining and drill- ing the men. In December, Colonel John R. Bond arrived at Bowling Green, Ky., and took the command. Major Brailey was promoted to lieutenant-colo- nel in January, 1863, and Lieutenant I. R. Sherwood was made major of the regiment. Colonel Bond was an excellent military officer, and commanded the regiment with marked ability, but he was absent a large share of the time, and the command devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Brailey, until January, 1864, at which time he was ordered discharged at the officer's hospital in Cincinnati, on account of abscess of the lungs and other disabilities, and Major Sherwood was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. Colonel Bond having been mustered out of the service in the spring of 1864, Lieutenant-Colonel Sherwood was promoted to colonel, and ably commanded the One Hundred and Eleventh to the close of the war. Colonel Brailey and Colonel Sherwood were both promoted to the rank of brevet-brigadier-general for bravery and meritorious service. This regiment had sixty-two men from Fulton county including recruits. The One Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry. This regiment. First Regiment Ohio National Guards, one hundred days service, was raised in Lucas and Fulton counties, and was organized during the early part of May, 1864. Fulton county reported with three full companies, but there being eleven companies already reported, one of them from Fulton county was broken up and distributed among the other companies of the regi- ment, fiUing those companies nearly to the maximum number. The regiment reported to General C. W. Hill, at Sandusky, and after muster-in, was ordered to Johnson's Island, in Sandusky Bay, to guard the rebel prisoners confined there. While the One Hundred and Thirtieth was on the island, the prisoners attempted to escape by tunnehng out, but their plans were discovered in time to prevent the act. On the 4th of June the regiment received orders for re- moval, and soon after crossed the bay and took the cars for Washington, D. C. At Belair, the State arms, with which the regiment had been supplied, were turned over, and the command given such as used by other military organiza- tions in active service. The regiment then proceeded to Washington, where it remained three days, when it was ordered to report to General Butler, at Ber- muda Hundred. It was ordered by General Butler to Point of Rocks, on the Appomattox. The rebels being in close proximity to that place, and threat- 49 386 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ening an attack, the regiment was left under arms for several days. After the enemy had left that place the command returned to Bermuda Hundred, and went into camp near General Butler's signal tower, on the left of the line of entrenchments, where it was employed in digging rifle-pits, and picketing. The brigade consisted of the One Hundred and Thirtieth, One Hundred and Thirty- second, One Hundredth, One Hundred and Thirty- fourth, One Hundred and Forty-second, and One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio, it being the Sec- ond Brigade, Third Division, Tenth Army Corps. On the 22d of June the brig- ade had a sharp skirmish with the rebel pickets, in which the One Hundred and Thirtieth had one man severely wounded. On the iith of August the regiment went in transports to Fort Powhattan, where it remained on guard duty until it was ordered to be mustered out. On the 7th of September the regiment embarked on the steamer Keyport, and passed down the James River. During the passage a severe squall struck the steamer, and a serious disaster was barely averted. On arriving at Washington, the regiment took cars for Toledo, Ohio, where it was paid off, and mustered out of service. Fulton county furnished two hundred and fifty-one men for the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment. The One Hundred and Eighty-Second Infantry — One Year Service. This was a one year regiment, and was recruited from different parts of the State, Fulton, Henry, Williams, Lucas and Wood counties contributing five companies. These five companies went by rail to Camp Chase, near Col- umbus, O., where five other companies, made up of different squads from all parts of the State, were added, making a full regiment, which, on the 28th of October, 1864, was mustered into the service of the United States. On the 1st of November the regiment proceeded, under orders, to Nashville, Tenn., where it joined General Thomas's forces. For the next few weeks it was en- gaged in drilling, standing guard, and doing out-post duty. In the early part of December General Hood, with his rebel army, made his appearance before Nashville, and invested that place. The regiment was activelj' engaged both days in the battle of Nashville, and afterward remained in Nashville, doing duty until the 7th of July, 1865, when it was mustered out of the service, and sent to Camp Chase, O., where, on the 13th, it was paid off and discharged. Fulton county furnished sixty-one men for this regiment, forty-five for Com- pany B, and sixteen for Company K. The Forty-Fourth Illinois Infantry — Fulton County's Contingent Therein. This county furnished one entire company for this regiment (Company D), commanded by Captain E. L. Hayes ; first lieutenant, Jacob Hoffmire ; second Fulton County. 387 lieutenant, Jacob Fashbaugh. The regiment was raised in Illinois, Ohio, Indi- ana, and some other of the Western States, and was to be called the North- western Sharp-shooters, but as the officers from other States were commis- sioned by the governor of Illinois, they came under the control of that State, and despite the agreement that the regiment should be known as the First Regiment Northwestern Sharpshooters, it was mustered into the United States service as the Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and served as such during the war. Captain Hayes and others made strenuous opposition, but without avail. Many of the officers were put under arrest on account of their opposition to being forced to go into an organization for which they did not volunteer, and for the first year and a half after the regiment entered the service, there was a continual quarrel and dispute between the officers and men representing the different States. It, however, quieted down to some extent, and the regiment for the last two years of the war did efficient service. At the muster in of the regiment Company D had ninety-seven men, including officers, and during the war it received twenty-seven recruits from Fulton county. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE BENCH AND BAR OF FULTON COUNTY. ON the 28th day of February, 1850, the act creating the county of Fulton passed the General Assembly of Ohio, and immediately thereafter became a law. After setting forth and stating the boundaries and description of the newly created county, the Act contained among other provisions, which it is unnecessary to mention here, the following : " That all suits, whether of a civil or a criminal nature, which shall be pending within those parts of the counties of Lucas, Henry and Williams, so set off and erected into a new ■county, previous to the first Monday in April, 1850, shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execution within the said counties of Lucas, Henry and Williams, respectively in the same manner as though the said county of Ful- ton had not been erected ; and the officers of said counties respectively, shall execute all such process as shall be necessary to carry into effect such suits, prosecutions and judgments." And there were also embodied in the Act cer- tain other necessary provisions as follows : " That said county of Fulton shall be attached to and made a part of the thirteenth judicial circuit of the State of Ohio, and the Courts of Common Pleas and the Supreme Courts of the county shall be holden at some convenient house in the township of Pike, to be designated by the associate judges of said county until the permanent seat 388 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. of justice shall be established within and for said county, and that Laurin Dewey, of Franklin county, Matthias H. Nichols, of Allen county, and John Riley, of Carroll county, be, and the same are hereby appointed commissioners to fix upon and locate the seat of justice of said new county of Fulton, agree- ably to the provisions of the act entitled ' An act for the establishment of seats of justice.' " It will occur at once to any one at all familiar with the history of legal practice and procedure in Ohio, that here was quite a fair chance for a com- paratively even start, and in nearly a clear field for the Bench and Bar of the newly created county ; because but little more than three years later than the erection of the county by law, the present code of civil procedure of Ohio went into effect, and with but slight alteration or amendment has subsequently con- tinued, abrogating and sweeping away the technical learning relating to the rules of pleading at common law, and in chancery, but not, however, affecting the underlying principles of the logical or legal statement of those ultimate facts which constitute the cause of action or defense in civil proceedings, and which are called in the phraseology of the law the pleadings, the term, how- ever at common law not comprehending the declaration. Previous to the adoption of the code which went into effect on the first day of July, 1853, the the common law practice, both as to forms and rules of procedure, except in criminal proceedings, it is hardly necessary to state, prevailed in the State of Ohio, and in nearly every State of the Union, and especially as to that portion of it designated and known as pleading, was strict, subtle and quite too fre- quently special. In respect also to the different kinds of actions and the forms thereof it was cumbersome and arbitrary. But, following the example of New York, the pioneer code State, by a few words through the medium of her Leg- islature, and upon the recommendation of the code commissioners, Ohio cleared away the technical rubbish of centuries, and substituted therefor the " one form of action which shall be known as a civil action," as the expression is in the initial words of the act. The forms of pleadings were also defined in a few plain words, and restricted to petition, demurrer, answer and reply ; feigned issues were abolished, and it was enacted that the language of the law should be ordinary and concise so far at least as the pleadings are concerned. This was nearly a revolution in legal procedure, but as revolutions outside of the domain of municipal law are sometimes salutary, so this one within also was, as nearly forty years of experience have amply demonstrated. The code of civil procedure in Ohio, and the county of Fulton are nearly coeval. Before the inhabitants of the county scarcely realized that they had been organized under a new county government, certainly before all the in- cidents of organization had been settled, the new method of legal procedure had been established, and the code and the county started almost together, and although the fact may not in view of the usual methods of legal study Fulton County. 389 and former practice, have been of any special permanent value to the attor- neys who went to the new county to practice, yet the newness of procedure corresponded with the general sense of newness that pervaded everything. Everything was novel because everything was new. It may not be improper to state here, and mainly for the benefit of the un- professional reader who may be attracted to this chapter on the bench and bar of Fulton county, that the organization and jurisdiction of the courts of Ohio were unaffected by the code, and also to name them, and briefly to outline their distribution of jurisdiction. The Supreme Court, the Circuit, the Common Pleas, the Probate, and the Courts of Justices of the Peace constitute the judicial department of Ohio. There are also a few superior courts, but they are of spe- cial character, and to meet special exigencies, and can hardly be called a part of the general judicial system of the State. The Circuit Court is a recent sub- stitution for the old District Court, and has about the same appellate jurisdic- tion. To employ the terms of the common law, the Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest court in the realm, that is in the Commonwealth, and, as if having the English model in view, has no original jurisdiction, unless the issuing of writs in mandamus and quo warranto may be called that. Its main function is- the determination of disputed or unsettled questions of law, upon petition in error, reserved now in the Circuit Court, but formerly in the District Court. The appellate jurisdiction from the Common Pleas, is the Circuit Court. The Common Pleas Court has original jurisdiction in criminal cases, but not exclu- sively so, some minor offenses being assigned to the Probate Court for hearing and determination there, but as to divorce and alimony the jurisdiction of the Common Pleas Court is original and exclusive. Its appellate jurisdiction arises from the Probate Court, from Courts of Justices of the Peace, and in certain cases from the board of county commissioners. The exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Probate is confined to probate and testamentary matters, administra- tors and guardians, inquests of lunacy, appropriations of private property by corporations, and minor crimes. The civil jurisdiction of justices of the peace is usually confined to their respective townships, but their criminal jurisdiction which is only preliminary, is co-extensive with the county. There are also some special civil cases within their jurisdiction, and they possess some distinctive powers not necessary here to be stated. But the assertion may be ventured that there can be no greater conservator of good order and peace in any community, and especially among a rural people, than an intelligent, thoughtful, honorable justice of the peace. It is needless to describe the thirteenth judicial circuit to which by tlie creative act Fulton county was attached, because as a result of the provisions- of the State constitution of 185 i, that circuit was abolished, and by section twelve of article eleven thereof, Fulton county was made a part of the second subdivision of the third judicial district. Under the constitution of 1802, how- 390 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ever, Courts of Common Pleas consisted of a president judge and not more than three, nor less than two associate judges, and had common law, and chancery jurisdiction " in all such cases as shall be directed by law." Therefore both law and equity were for a brief period administered in Fulton county under the old system ; that is by a president judge, usually a lawyer, assisted by laymen, quite generally justices of the peace, but sometimes having the sole qualifica- tion, or rather recommendation of being politically prominent. The constitu- tion of 1802 provided also for three circuits, and empowered the Legislature after the lapse of five years, if necessary, to increase them, which was accord- ingly done from time to time, until in 1850 there were at least thirteen circuits. It should be noted also, that the Common Pleas judges were all elected by the Legislature, there being about that feature of Ohio's first constitution the strong suggestion of English precedent, to be succeeded, however, by an entirely elective judiciary by the express provisions of the constitution of 1851. Population, property, and therefore sources of litigation increasing in the second subdivision as well as elsewhere in the State, and consequently business in the Court of Common Pleas, in 1878, this subdivision was again divided, and Fulton county was allotted to, and' is now a part of the third subdivision of the third judicial district, the other counties in the subdivision being Henry and Putnam, and now constitute the sphere of the judicial labors of Hon. William H. Handy. In accordance with the provisions of the creative act, to which reference has been made, the first term of the Court of Common Pleas held in Fulton county, was in Pike township, and at the house of Robert Howard, who kept an old-fashioned inn or tavern. Judge Palmer, of Paulding county presided. The attorneys then residing in the county were the Hon. Amos Hill, Lucius H. Upham, and Hon. Reuben C. Lemmon, now a Common Pleas judge of Lucas county, and one of the leading jurists of the State. It being, however, the purpose of this chapter, as its heading imports, more particularly to sketch the character and career of the respective members of the Fulton bench and bar, no description will be attempted either from any slight records that may possibly exist, or any reminiscences that may be gathered, of the first court held in the county, and no reflections indulged as to any contrasts, differences or resemblances, either real or fanciful, between the present means and methods of administering justice and conserving the peace in Fulton county, and what they were nearly forty years ago. Brief Sketches of .Early and Present Practitioners. Hon. Lucius H. Upham. Immediately following the formation of Fulton county, Mr. Upham located at Delta and opened a law office. He was then in the prime of life, having been born in 1808, at Windsor county, Vt., and receiving a thorough preliminary education for the active business of life at Chester Insti- Fulton County. 391 tute, in his native county. He then came to Ohio and located and hved for sev- eral years at Wooster, Wayne county, and in 1841 began studying law with Judge Levi Cox. In 1843 Mr. Upham was admitted to the bar, and for the first six years thereafter practiced his profession at Wooster, from which place he removed to Fulton county. Mr. Upham, R. C. Lemmon and Amos Hill became citizens of the county about the same time. In 1856 Mr. Upham was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, and served one term in the House of Repre- •sentatives thereof, his constituency being the counties of Lucas and Fulton. It was but recently that Mr. Upham withdrew from active business. Though starting in the law somewhat late in life, he has been a successful law- yer. His knowledge of legal principles as exemplified in his active practice,, and as counsel, was thorough and profound. He knows well the maxims of the law, and always was apposite in applying them. Of the pleasantest humor, sterling honesty, and manners of kind simplicity, it always has been a pleasure to his brethren to transact the business of the bar and the courts with him. About five years ago quietly and informally he withdrew from the courts, and now is but seldom seen in the haunted places of business activity of any kind,, preferring to spend his closing days in the retirement of contemplative quiet. Mr. Upham was twice married, and his oldest son is an attorney and re- sides in the State of California, but does not practice law, finding other business more congenial. Hon. Amos Hill. On the loth day of June, 1850, and within a few months after the legal creation of the county, Hon. Amos Hill became one of its resi- dents, and immediately opened a law office. Mr. Hill still survives, but is not now and for several years past has not been actively engaged in the legal pro- fession owing to ill health. In point of continuous practice he is the oldest attorney in the county. He is a native of Stark county, O., and was born April 4, 1824. Early in life he removed with his parents to Williams county, where he grew to young manhood on a farm, receiving in the meantime a good common school education, and teaching school for a brief period. He studied law with the Hon. S. E. Blakeslie, at Bryan, O., and was admitted to the bar a few months previous to his settlement in Fulton county. He resided at Ottokee, the county seat, until 1870, when he removed to Wauseon, whither the seat of justice had just previously been removed. For the first twenty years of his practice he was recognized as among the very foremost of the attorneys of the Fulton county bar. By nature thoughtful, studious, and pains- taking, and zealous in behalf of any interest intrusted to him, he acquired, and for many years transacted a lucrative professional business. While not brilliant as an advocate, yet he most thoroughly and exhaustively prepared his cases, both as to the law and the facts, which, combined with his soundness of judgment and unfailing rectitude and integrity in all matters entrusted to his professional confidence, gave him marked success both as an office and a trial lawyer. 392 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. In 1866 he was elected to represent Fulton county in the House of Repre- sentatives of Ohio, where he served his constituents with fidelity and ability for four years, having been re-elected in 1868. He still resides at Wauseon, but, as has been stated, because of his physical infirmities, is no longer en- gaged in active practice, confining himself to office work. The Hon. Reuben C. Lemmon is a native of Seneca county, N. Y., and is now aged sixty-two years. In his youth he removed to Ohio, and studied law, and was admitted to the bar at Tiffin, Seneca county, this State. At the date of his admission he was twenty-five years old. A year later, in April, 1851, he became a citizen of Fulton county, locating in Pike township, the courts of the county being held there at that time. In 1852 he formed a partnership with Henry S. Commager and went to Maumee city, then the seat of justice of Lucas county. Early in 1854 Toledo became the seat of justice, about which time Mr. Lemmon went to Toledo, where he has since resided. Until 1874 Mr. Lemmon assiduously and very successfully practiced law in Lucas and the adjoining counties, never relinquishing his large business in Fulton county until he became Common Pleas judge at the above date. The judge has been twice married, his first wife dying in 1857. In 1859, at London, Eng., he married an estimable English lady. His son, Charles H., by his first wife, is his only child, and is prominent among the younger members of the Lucas county bar. Mr. Lemmon was a very successful lawyer, and is a learned and competent judge. But few lawyers or judges have attained the honorable standing that he has occupied for many years, and no attorney at the bar of either Lucas or Fulton county, was, or is more generally and highly esteemed for learning, integrity and solid mental and moral worth than Judge Lemmon. Michael Handy, esq., one of the most prominent leaders of the Fulton •county bar for upwards of thirty years, was not to the "manor born," but came to Lucas county, O., from New York, his native State, in 1840, having previ- ously seen considerable of the world, both in the States and in Canada. He began active life as a school teacher and farmer, having previous to his admis- sion to the bar in 1 850, at the mature age of forty years, taught school in many districts in Fulton county, and redeemed a farm therein from the wil- derness. He was a robust, many-sided man, with natural endowments both mental and physical of splendid vigor and activity. He was Fulton county's second prosecuting attorney, succeeding John H. Reid to that office in 1852, the same year of his admission to the bar. In 1886 he died full of years and honors honestly won and maintained. For many years he was associated with his son, Hon. Wm. H. Handy, now judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in law practice, and was a foeman well worthy the steel of the ablest lawyers of Northwestern Ohio. As a jury lawyer he was especially strong. He was a man of the people and knew them, their excellences, their weaknesses, their prejudices. Upon his professional name or his reputation as a citizen, there Fulton County. 393- never was blown the breath of dishonorable suspicion or accusation. His wife preceded him to the grave several years, but to his five children who survive him, two of whom were most gallant and meritorious Union soldiers, he left the priceless heritage of a spotless name and a high and honorable professional reputation. Nathaniel Leggett, one of the earliest members of the bar of Fulton county, died in February, 1862, being then in the prime of hfe. Of his early career but little can be ascertained. Before the formation of Fulton county he re- sided in that part of it now embraced in Swan Creek township, where he hunted and cleared the land surrounding him, and engaged somewhat in farm- ing. Making the acquaintance of members of the Lucas county bar at Mau- mee city, he conceived the idea of becoming a lawyer, and with that in view borrowed books of Hosmer and Hall of Maumee city, and in the solitude of the then almost unbroken wilderness of the southeastern part of the county,. began and prosecuted his studies, and was admitted to practice early in the fif- ties. His natural qualifications for business were excellent and he was of val- uable service to the company then building the "Air Line" railway in assist- ing to procure the right of way through Lucas and Fulton counties. He was also treasurer of Fulton county two terms. Together with Barber and Sargent he laid out the village of Wauseon, and became the owner of considerable val- uable real estate in the village. Being immersed in matters of general business he never found the time, or so adjusted the circumstances of his life as to devote himself exclusively to his chosen profession. He is spoken of by those who knew him best, as of sterling mental qualities and full of energy and ambition. He contracted the disease which culminated in his death in Kentucky whither- he had gone on official business connected with the Union army. His remains- were laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery of Wauseon, he being the first per- son buried therein. A modest memorial stone placed there by his old friend i and business associate, Col. E. L. Barber, marks the location of his last earthly- home. Hon. Moses R. Brailey is a native of the State of New York, and was born at Ontario county, in that State, on the 2d day of November, 1816. In 1837, having just attained his majority, he started to seek his fortune in the West, as; Ohio was then called, locating in the same year in Huron county. He had' been in Ohio but a short time before he began to take an active part in locaB politics, and his attention was thereby directed to the legal profession as a. means, among other objects, of securing prominence and influence. Being en- couraged by his neighbors, who had begun to appreciate his talents and energy,, and having received in his. boyhood, in New York, the rudiments of a sound English education, which had been supplemented by considerable reading and close observation of human nature, he concluded to study law. In 1840 he en- tered the office of Stone and Kellogg, a leading firm at Norwalk, the county 50 394 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. seat of Huron county, and after two years of close application, was admitted to the bar in 1842, and at once opened an office in Norwalk. Devoting himself assiduously to his profession, he soon secured a living business, and in 1852 was elected prosecuting attorney of that county, the duties of which he dis- charged with excellent success. Having real estate interests of considerable value and promise in the then new county of Fulton, in 1857 he removed to that county, and, opening a law office, in 1858 he was elected prosecuting at- torney, and was again elevated thereto in i860, acquiring also a large civil business in the meantime. Immediately on the first call of President Lincoln for troops to defend the government from the assaults of armed rebellion, and on the 17th day of April, 1 86 1, Mr. Brailey enlisted as a private in a company which was recruited for, and expected to become, a part of the historic 14th Ohio Volunteers, the first colonel of which was the gallant James B. Steedman. For some reason, known best to the military anthorities of the State, the company was disbanded in June, 1 86 1, without being sent to the field of active military operations. On the 13th of August, 1 86 1, Mr. Brailey again enlisted in the Union army, and -was commissioned captain of Company I, in the 38th Ohio Volunteer. Infantry, and on the ist day of January, 1862, was promoted to be major of the regiment. In March, of the same year, by reason of ill health, he was compelled to re- sign ; but devoting all his time and energies to the cause of his country, as soon as his health had been somewhat restored. Major Brailey set about the work of recruiting under the authority of the adjutant-general of the State, and in June, 1862, had raised a company for the 85th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the duty of guarding rebel prisoners at Camp Chase. In this ■regiment he held the commission of a captain, but was transferred therefrom in August of the same year, to the iiith Regiment of Ohio Infantry, with the rank of major, and commanded that regiment in the field until the winter fol- lowing. In January, 1863, Major Brailey was promoted to the lieutenant- colonency of his regiment, and on the report of the Boafd of Army Surgeons attached to the military department of the Southwest, in January, 1864, he ■was discharged for disability, having just previously, for meritorious service, been brevetted brigadier-general. Immediately thereafter he was appointed pay agent for the State of Ohio, with headquarters at Columbus, and collected and disbursed over four millions of the money of Ohio soldiers, losing not a cent ; a splendid record and a glittering jewel in Colonel Brailey's crown of earthly honors, and no doubt a precious and consoling remembrance to him in his old age. In addition to his other duties, while acting as pay agent. General Brailey assisted in the organization and equipment of eleven regiments of Ohio troops, for the field. At the State election, in 1865, the patriotic people of Ohio further rewarded the efforts of General Brailey, in behalf of his country, by electing him Comptroller of the State treasury, to which position he was Fulton County. 395 again elected three years later, holding that high and responsible office for six years. In 1872 he returned to Fulton county and resumed the practice of his pro- fession, since which time, until overtaken by the infirmities of old age, and the increasing severities of chronic maladies contracted in the army, he has been active and unceasing in all the varied and laborious work of the profession. As a lawyer, General Brailey has been somewhat of a specialist, inclining most to the criminal branch of the practice, in which he has shown signal abil- ity, both in the management and advocacy of that class of cases. He is quite familiar not only with the general principles underlying the administration of law, but with the rules of practice as based on the Ohio Code of Civil Pro- cedure, and that large amount of what may be termed judge-made law, or the common law as embodied in the reports of this and other States, and which, as the late Judge Walker said, referring to the reports of England, is nothing less than the stupendous work of judicial legislation. General Brailey possesses a mind naturally ready and clear. For the speeches and arguments of eminent lawyers he always had a great fondness ; and no other attorney in Northwestern Ohio, probably, can so readily and completely summarize the history of, and the legal questions involved in the celebrated trials in this country and England during the last century and a half He was married but once, and survives his wife. To them eleven children were born, three of whom are buried by the side of their mother in the quiet country churchyard of the Viers church in Fulton township. Since the above was written, and on Wednesday, the i8th day of January, 1888, General Brailey was stricken with apoplexy and died at the residence of his son, James S., in Wauseon. He was buried in the family burial lot in the Viers cemetery on January 20, 1888. Sydenham Shaffer was a native of Ohio, and born in 1829. His father was a prominent Methodist clergyman. In 1865 the subject of this sketch became a resident of Wauseon, and began practicing law. He held, from time to time, different municipal offices, and served one term as mayor of Wauseon. A short time subsequent to his locating in Fulton county he married the only daughter of Elnathan C. Gavitt, prominent in the history of pioneer Methodism in north- western Ohio. On the 2d day of March, 1886, Mr. Shaffer died, leaving his wife, but no children. He did not assiduously devote himself to his profession except as pension attorney and solicitor. He was a man of good natural en- dowments, but his predilections were literary rather than legal. John W. Roseborough, now somewhat past middle age, has been practic- ing law at the village of Burlington, Fulton county, for about fifteen years Prior to his locating there he was prosecuting attorney of the county two terms, during which time his office was at Ottokee. He has taught school in different parts of the county, and been somewhat engaged in farming. For the 396 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. past seven years he has been prominent among the leading advocates of the principles of the prohibition party thoughout the State. Elbridge T. Greenough was a ijative of New Hampshire, and was born at Boscawen in 1808. He was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1828, and studied law in the office of Ezekiel Webster, a brother of the "godlike Dan." Soon after Mr. Greenough's admission to the bar, and about the year 1830, he removed to Danville, Pa., where he practiced law six years. He then returned to his native State, and embarked in the mercantile business at Saulsbury. In i860 he came to Wauseon, at which place he engaged in law business and Teal estate operations until his death, which occurred May 31, 1875. Mr. Greenough was a man of thorough literary and legal training, but in- terested himself mainly in commercial transactions, speculation, and cases at law of an ex parte nature. The honors of the profession he cared nothing about, and hence he did not achieve that local eminence, the reward of active, successful nisi prius work. Octavius Waters was of English birth, but left the land of his nativity to become a sailor at the age of fifteen years. He received his education at an institution called Guy's Academy, in Worcestershire. During his career as a sailor he visited many portions of the globe, landing finally at New York city in 1844. Immediately thereafter he came to Ohio and located in Wood county, where he engaged in the work of the Christian ministry, and for several years was known as a devoted and eloquent Methodist clergyman. In 1851 he located in Fulton county, having just previously married, and engaged for a short time in mercantile pursuits at the village of Delta. Occupying all his leisure time for the next five years in legal study, in 1856 he was admitted to the bar, and at once began practicing law at Delta, at that time the most enterprising and populous place in the county. He was prosecuting attorney of Fulton county for two terms, and a representative for one term in the fifty- sixth general assembly of Ohio, and served as a presidential elector at the elections of Grant and Garfield to the presidency. At the date of his death, which occurred at Delta, he was sixty- four years old. Mr. Waters was very prominent as a Mason, and as a Republican politician. His ability as a lawyer, which undoubtedly would have been successful and conspicuous, was sacrificed at the shrine of his shining talents for popular oratory. He was a very brilliant speaker, and as such could ill brook the dire- ful treadmill work and wearisome details of practice. Hence he was little known as a lawyer, and undoubtedly was careless of his reputation for legal ability. Had he loved the law his native and acquired abilities were such as unquestionably would have made him a great lawyer. William H. Handy. Judge Handy was born in Pike township, Fulton county, on the 29th day of January, 1847, and was the second son of M. Handy, esq. He received his education at the village school, but left home %l Fulton County. 397 at the age of sixteen to become a Union soldier. From the summer of 1863 until the close of the war he was at the front and participated with his regiment, the gallant Sixty- seventh Ohio Infantry, in all that stubborn and bloody cam- paign, which, beginning at the Wilderness culminated in the capture of the Confederate capital, and the overthrow of the Rebellion. On his return home he immediately commenced studying law with his father, but completed his studies in the city of Toledo with the Hon. R. C. Lemmen. In 1869 he was admitted to the bar, and was immediately associated with his father in business. From that period until December, 1884, when he was appointed judge of the Common Pleas Court to fill the vacancy occasioned by the elevation of Hon. J. J. Moore to the bench of the Circuit Court, Mr. Handy practiced law in Fulton county, except a brief interval during which he allowed himself to be diverted from his profession by the charms of local journalism, when he edited the Expositor, a weekly newspaper published at Wauseon. For a clear, comprehensive, ready knowledge of the law, Judge Handy has probably never had a superior at the Fulton county bar, and during his prac- tice was recognized as especially able in the domain of pleading. In 1885 he was elected judge and in that position has given general satisfaction through- out the subdivision and wherever he has been called to preside in the courts •of the district. But few of his decisions have been reversed by the Appellate Courts. Judge Handy is married, and the father of three children. William C. Kelley was of Irish descent and a native of Hancock county, O. He was born in 1837. His early opportunities to acquire an education were -somewhat meager but by strict self denial and perseverance he had accumu- lated a sufficient stock of knowledge to teach school by the time he arrived at man's estate. After teaching several terms in the counties of Hancock and Putnam, he began studying law with Henry Brown, esq., a prominent attor- ney of Findlay, the seat of justice of Hancock county, but relinquished his studies to enter the Union army as lieutenant of a company of Ohio In- fantry, which office he resigned and came home by reason of trouble occasioned by the loss of his eye which he had sustained when a boy. Completing his studies at a law college, then in existence at the city of Cleveland, he was ad- mitted to practice in the courts of Ohio, and came to Wauseon, Fulton county, in 1864. Entering upon his profession with energy and vigor he soon secured a large share of the legal business of the county, and rose rapidly to a place among the foremost attorneys of the county. For twenty- one years Mr. Kelley maintained a large professional business, and succeeded in acquiring a very large property. In the midst of his success and activity he was seized with a fatal illness, dying on the 27th day of June, 1885. He was married in 1869 to Miss Minnie Ayers, of Burlington, la., who survives him. Mr. Kelly ■was a shrewd and able lawyer, very prompt in the disposition of his business. 398 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and expected others to come strictly up to the mark of his own promptness- and exactness. When the docket was called he was ready. He seldom asked for favors, professional or otherwise, and as seldom conferred them on any one. He had the reputation of being somewhat hasty and harsh, which if true prob- ably arose from the bitterness and hardships of his early and rough experience. He was not a man of polish, and wasted but little time or thought on the. pleasant amenities of life. He was careless of the form in which he presented an argument or a pleading and heartily despised sham and pretense, but the substance and the vital points in a case he always held to with a firm and un- relaxing grasp. Tried by his final success, which is the standard of the rougk justice of the world, Mr. Kelley may be pronounced to have been an able lawyer. William W. Touvelle was born at Steubenville, O., on May 12, 1847, and is of French extraction. His infancy and youth were spent at Celina, Mercer county, whither his parents removed in 1848. He was educated in the public schools of Celina, and at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Resigning his cadetship there after the expiration of two years, he began the study of law with the Hon. Frank C. Le Blond, of Celina, with whom he re- mained the customary two years, applying himself most assiduously to law, but not entirely neglecting other reading and study. In 1868 he was admitted, to the bar, and locating in Fulton county he immediately entered into part- nership with Hon. Amos Hill, at that time one of the most prominent attor- neys in the county. Mr. Touvelle entered with energy and zeal upon the practice of law, but still kept up his study not only of legal principles but of general literature through all the varied and attractive avenues of history, biography and poetry;, giving also attention to the cultivation of the attractive and effective gifts as a public speaker with which he had naturally been endowed. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and two years later was re-elected. It is disparagement to none of the able lawyers who have filled that office in Fulton county to say that the duties and responsibilities thereof were never discharged and taken care of with more consummate skill and ability than by Mr. Touvelle. Since 1876 he has devoted his attention entirely to his prac- tice untrammeled by office or the desire therefor, though taking an ardent and influential part in politics both local and general as a Republican of the strictest, sect. He has a leading practice, and is especially able and successful as a trial lawyer, whether the issue be one of law for the court, or one of fact for the jury. He possesses that faculty, the lack of which can be supplied to a lawyer by no other gifts or acquirements, the unerring sense of discernment of the strong and weak points of a case, and that skill and tact which can never be diverted from the vital points of the questions at issue. He probably never undertook a case unprepared, which is a fairly safe indication of that chival- Fulton County. 399 Tous affection for the arduous calling of the law without which no permanent or satisfactory success can be achieved in it. Mr. Touvelle is married and has a pleasant home, devoting to it and his family both provident care and tender solicitude. Henry H. Ham, for many years prominent at the bar of Fulton county, came hither from Pennsylvania in 1870, and at once opened a law office in connection with his brother, Thomas F. Ham, in Wauseon. Henry, the elder of the firm, was born at Honesdale, Pa., on the 25th day of August, 1846, and was educated at Wyoming College, Luzerne county, in that State. He stud- ied law with the firm of S. E. and W. H. Dimmick, able and prominent law- yers at Honesdale, and was admitted to the bar in the month of December, 1869, but remained at the office of his preceptors, until his departure for and ■settlement at Wauseon the following year. Nine years later, being then in the successful and competent discharge of his duties as prosecuting attorney of Fulton county, Mr. Ham returned to Pennsylvania and married Kate, the youngest daughter of Erastus Barnes, esq., a prominent citizen of Warren county in that State. They have one child, a daughter. Mr. Ham has since his location in Fulton county, been conspicuous, not only as an able and talented lawyer, but in business enterprises as well. He always has been ready, not only with his means but his personal encourage- ment and co-operation in every useful local enterprise dependent upon public spirit, and in addition to a large and successful legal business which the firm has acquired by faithful and diligent effort, and which always has been well managed, he has found time and energy to embark in and assist in the con- duct of private business enterprises that have conduced much to the prosper- ity of his adopted town and county. His splendid personal presence and man- ners of the most genial courtesy, would attract attention anywhere, and he is celebrated for his power and influence as an advocate and as a ready and ■effective political orator. His mental and physical organization is powerful, and he probably does not know the meaning of fear in the thick of a legal fight. As a jury lawyer he is at his best but disdains technicalities. He has not, and does not pretend to any mental grasp of what may be called tech- nical points, but fights and wins or loses fairly on the merits. He is a man of great kindness of heart, and of the most generous impulses, and is popular with both his legal brethren and the people generally. Thomas F. Ham is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born at the city of Honesdale on the first day December, 1847. He received his literary education •at Wyoming College, in Luzerne county, a noted historic place in the common- wealth of Pennsylvania. Upon attaining his majority he entered the office of C. P. and G. G. Waller, of Honesdale, where he remained two years as a law ■student, and was admitted to the bar in the month of December, 1869. In the spring of 1870 he located with his brother Henry in Fulton county, O., and 400 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. with him opened a law office at Wauseon. Previous to his leaving the State of his nativity he married Miss Charlotte Scudder, the mother of his three promising sons, Thomas, Frank, and Harry. In the office of H. H. and T. F. Ham the rule and system of a division of labor has always been observed and the subject of this sketch, since the estab- lishment of their professional business, has been distinctly and avowedly the office lawyer. In the main the purely business branch of the law has devolved upon him, and much of the advisory part and largely the direction of the cler- ical work. He is a safe counsellor and a careful and methodical business and commercial lawyer, and is well versed in legal principles. L. M. Murphy is of Irish descent but was born in Belmont county, O., on the 28th of September, 1849. He received an academic 'education and en- gaged in public school work in different parts of the State until 1876, when because of ill health, produced by continuous teaching, he gave up the work which he had chosen for a life vocation and began studying law with Southard and Southard of Zanesville, O. Remaining with this firm but about six months he then went to Mt. Vernon, O., and studied in the office of Mclntyre and Kirk, prominent attorneys of that city, for two years, when in 1879 he was ad- mitted to the bar. In 1880 he located in Wauseon, O., and in point of time as a legal practitioner, is the youngest at the Fulton county bar. He was asso- ciated with Mr. Slusser in business for about four years and with M. Handy, esq., for one year. He was mayor of Wauseon for nearly five years and for the last four years has been president of the Fulton county board of school examiners, still evincing much interest in and giving considerable attention to educational matters. It should not be left unmentioned that Mr. Murphy became a Union soldier at the age of fifteen years, and honorably and faithfully served his coun- try in the field during the last year of the rebellion. In point of scholarly qualifications Mr. Murphy is probably excelled by no member of the bar of Northwestern Ohio, either as to range or thoroughness. His early education was by no means neglected and his most intimate asso- ciates have been his books, yet neither his tastes nor his experience as a teacher has made him pedantic. As a lawyer he may safely for his experi- ence be pronounced a very excellent general practitioner, and is conspicuously able as an advocate. If eloquence be, as defined by a celebrated modern his- torian, a fusion of reason and passion, then Mr. Murphy is an eloquent orator. A lawsuit with him is a kingdom to be conquered by hard fighting and he gives blows often with fierceness and always receives them with equanimity. Of great warmth of feeling and temperament it is not likely that he ever har- bored a resentment a moment after the occasion therefor passed away. Among the leaders of the Fulton county bar he is fast becoming conspicuous and evinces promising talent as a nisi prius lawyer. While prosecuting his legal studies Mr. Murphy was married and is the father of three children. Fulton County. 401 Mazzini Slusser, the present prosecuting attorney of Fulton county, is thirty- five years old, and received his legal education in the office of A. C. Baldwin, at Pontiac, Mich., and at the Michigan University, graduating in the law de- partment thereof, in 1876. His rudimentary and literary training was acquired in the public schools of Bryan, O., and at an academy which flourished there some years ago. After spending two years in public school work, Mr. Slusser located at Wauseon, in 1878, and followed the business of general insurance until 1880, when he formed a partnership with L. M. Murphy, esq., and began the active practice of the law. In 1885 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Fulton county, since which time he has had no partnership associate. Though yet young in the law practice, Mr. Slusser has attained to a profit- able business, and gives earnest of fine ability, especially in the direction of chancery proceedings. He is well versed in legal principles, and is careful and painstaking. He possesses excellent business ability, without which no perma- nent and substantial success can be acquired, especially in the domain of civil practice. As prosecuting attorney, he has achieved success in a fair degree, but the bent of his mind, and the whole tenor of his legal training, seems more in the direction of that responsible class of legal business which is taken care of and receives its final disposition on the equity side of the court, as it is called in the careless language of the practicing lawyer. Mr. Slusser is a married man, the father of three promising boys. His conduct in all the relations of life is most exemplary. He is sober, relf- respecting, and though not brilliant, is destined to solid prominence both as a citizen and lawyer. William H. Gavitt was born in Franklin county, O., on the 12th day of No- vember, 1844. He is the son of a prominent Methodist clergyman, who made Northwestern Ohio the scene of his active labors in the dispensation of the gos- pel during the years it was slowly emerging from the wilderness. Mr. Gavitt was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, one of the most prominent edu- cational institutions in the country under the immediate ecclesiastical control of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 12th day of January, 1863, he be- gan studying law with M. Handy, esq., at Ottokee, the old county-seat of Ful- ton county, but completed his studies at Delaware, in the office of James R. Hubble, at that time a leading lawyer of Central Ohio. On November 25, 1865, Mr. Gavitt was admitted to the bar, and immediately opened an office at Wauseon. Wearying somewhat of the law after a few years, he went to Isabel county, Mich., where in connection with Dr. S. T. Norden, whose daughter he had married, he engaged in the drug business. In 1876 he returned to Fulton . county, and again embarked in the legal practice, this time at Delta, where he has since resided. In 1880 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Fulton county, and two years later was re-elected. Mr. Gavitt is a good general lawyer. He is in no sense a specialist, but seems as much at home in one department of the law as another. He is a good 51 402 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. pjeader, and a good advocate, yet has always given careful attention to com- mercial and office practice. He is noted as a speaker who is never at a loss for something weighty and plausible to say in defense of a cause which has all the appearance of hopelessness, and he can be daunted by no discouragements. His manners are dignified and pleasant, and he is deservedly popular with his legal brethren. John Quincy Files is a native of Greene county, O., and was born Septem- ber 21, 1846. He was educated at the village school of a small and antiquated place designated indifferently in local parlance as Oldtown, or old Chilicothe in that county. At the age of nineteen years Mr. Files left home, and began the battle of life for himself In 1870, being then a resident of Louisville, Ky., he completed the course of book-keeping in Bryant and Stratton's business col- lege of that city, after which for several years he was a traveling salesman, and sold goods throughout many of the western States. In 1875 he located at Holland, Lucas county, and for three years followed farming. Here he made the acquaintance of B. T. Geer, esq., a prominent lawyer of Lucas county, with whom in 1878, he began studying law, finishing his course and being admitted to the bar in 1880, since which time he has been practicing at Swanton, and has met with considerable success. Though beginning the law somewhat late in life, by energy and good busi- ness judgment, added to careful mastery of elementary principles, Mr. Files has risen rapidly, and become justly prominent among the leading lawyers of Ful- ton county. As an evidence of the esteem with which he is regarded by his fellow- citizens, we may mention that he is mayor of the village of Swanton, and for several years was solicitor of that incorporation. He has been twice mar- ried, having lost his first wife and child by death before he became a lawyer. William W. Williams is a native of Michigan. He was born at Monroe county, in that State, in 1836, but early in life came to Ohio, and received his education in the common schools of Fulton county. During the war he served his country with credit as a volunteer soldier, incurring disabilities from which he has not recovered. At the mature age of thirty-six, he began the study of law, at Delta, with Lucius H. Upham, and was admitted to practice in 1875, since which time he has resided at Delta, and practiced in Fulton county. Charles F. Greenough, son of Elbridge T. Greenough, was born July 29, 1849, at Saulsbury, New Hampshire. He came with his parents to Fulton county, O., and was educated in the public schools of Wauseon. He studied law in his father's office, and was licensed to practice in the courts of. Ohio, in 1872, since which time he has been a member of the Fulton county bar. Cicero E. G. Roseborough is the eldest son of John W. Roseborough, and has always resided in Fulton county. He was born in 1863, and in 1884 was graduated at the Fayette Normal School. He studied law in the office of his father, and was licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of the State, in Fulton County. 403 1886. He at once opened an office in Wauseon, but failing health compelled him to relinquish the profession for which he had thoroughly qualified himself He now resides at the home of his parents at Burlington. This chapter, which has been devoted to a brief history of the bench and bar of Fulton county, and a slight attempt at estimating the professional quali- ties and more salient characteristics of those who have occupied and now are occupying places thereat, may, perhaps, be properly concluded by an enumer- ation of those fugitive and evanescent characters, who, from unsteadiness of purpose, from causes which it would be unkind and uncharitable to mention, or from the thirst and desire for brighter and more profitable worlds to con- quer, tarried not long in Fulton county, or sadly fell by the wayside, or re- nounced and gave up that most laborious calling which, as Blackstone says, " employs in its theories the noblest faculties of the soul,'' long before, by toil and perseverance, they had climbed up into "the gladsome light of jurispru- dence." Their names are given here that the list of the bench and bar of Ful- ton county may be complete, and that the worthy impulse and the honorable, though wavering, ambition which prompted them to essay the difficulties of legal study and practice, may not be left entirely unremembered and unre- corded : Richard Patterson, Henry H. McElhinny, John T. Birdseye, William Welker, Ray McConahey, Rezin Franks, Worling B. Leggett, George Den- man, George R. Walker, Henry Hogaboam, Edward Tiffany, S. M. Huyck, Warren Upham, Henry Tiffany, and Allen G. Carmichael. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. FOR all time in the history of this portion of our State, prior to about thirty or forty years ago, it was generally believed by people that had no under standing of medicine or surgery, that the most successful curatives were "roots and herbs ;" and in various places in this work will be found mentioned the names of persons, men and women, who were positive blessings to the commu- nity on account of their ready understanding of each and every " case," which •could be easily brought into subjection by a timely " potion " of boneset, cat- nip, pennyroyal or ginger tea, and that the presence of a man of science, or physician, was unnecessary, and only entailed a needless expense. This, in a measure, is an undeniable truth, for it does seem that half a century ago there were not the tenth part of the ailments and diseases that now afflict mankind, ■or at least there were not, by far, so many named diseases as now present 404 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. themselves for professional treatment. It was a common remark, forty years ago, that the presence of a doctor in any rural community meant future trou- ble — in fact that doctors "bred disorders." Notwithstanding these there not infrequently came the hour when the physician proved a blessing, and his efforts were duly appreciated, though there stood by at the time the redoubt- able " root and herb" devotee, with the ever- ready "hot drink of boneset" or other "infallible cure," unless the patient died. The history of the medical profession has been written in the life and prac- tice of every physician now, or heretofore, in this county. It is written in the innumerable hasty calls from home at midnight, and frequently when tired nature seeks and needs rest and repose. How great seems the hardship to be compelled to start from home and ride perhaps ten or fifteen miles through rain and storm, to fetch the doctor to some loved one in the family. But who ever thinks the physician suffers from such a ride, or from such a storm, or who ever thinks it any inconvenience to him to leave a bed of rest when, perhaps, the day previous he has driven twenty miles visiting patients. The history of the profession is written in each and every of these hardships, in each and every case that he is called to treat. We might pogsibly add the remark of some wag — that the history of the profession is written " on every tombstone" — but honor and respect for a noble profession forbids that any but pleasant remembrances should find place here. There lives not one physician in prac- tice for any length of time but has lost patients, but this is but rarely the fault of the physician ; and of all that may chance to read these pages, there is not one that can honestly and conscientiously say that a physician has not tried to effect a cure. Cases are not wanting in which a mistaken diagnosis has been made — "to err is human," and no man is exempt from it. With the physi- cian his reputation is at stake, and more than that, to his charge is committed^ perhaps, a life. And who shall say he has been careless or negligent of it? The profession in Fulton county is the same as elsewhere, and the medical history of this is that of every county in the State. The Fulton County Medical Society. — This association of the physicians of the county has been in existence for twenty years. It was organized on the 15th day of February, 1868, with the following charter members; Dr. Wil- liam Hyde, Dr. De Witt HoUister, Dr. N. W. Jewell, Dr. William Ramsey, Dr. S. P. Bishop, Dr. S. Hubbard, Dr. A. J. Murbach, Dr. S. F. Worden, and Dr. Josiah H. Bennett. The society prospered and grew in membership and interest for several years, and became auxiliary to the State Medical Society, and was recognized as one of the strongest members of the State organization. Of late years, however, the interest in the local society seems to have declined, and the meetings are not as well attended as the importance of the organiza- tion requires. Appended to this chapter will be found brief sketches of the early, and ■/- 7*^ Fulton County. 405. some of the present physicians of the county. Every reasonable effort has been made to obtain information from each now in practice, but that effort has- not met with the success it honestly deserved. Should any be found missing, the fault rests only with the person, as ample time has been granted in which to furnish data. Of the resident physicians of the county of whom no information or data has been obtained, there are several. For a personal sketch of Drs. De Witt Hollister, A. J. Murbach, Estell H. Rorick and L. A. Bassett, reference is hereby made to the biographical department of this volume. The other resi- dent physicians of the county are as follows: P. J. Lenhart, Wauseon ; J. O. Allen, Fayette ; Dr.^ Clark, Metamora ; Ezra Mann, Lyons; Dr. O'Dell, Delta; A. J. Cunningham, Phillips Corners ; J. H. Waddle, Wauseon ; Dr. Longman, Wauseon ; G. E. Turrill, Wauseon ; Dr. Tompkins, Metamora ; Dr. Fletcher, Delta ; G. W. Hartman, Archbold. Brief Sketches of Early and Present Physicians. William Holland was born at Oakham, Mass., in the year 1766 ; came to- Fulton county in 1842 and purchased a tract of land in Pike township, return- ing soon to Massachusetts. His daughter, Louisa Holland, married Alfred A. Shute, September 11, 1843, and soon after decided to come to Fulton county. With Dr. Holland and family, they arrived in Pike township about the ist of October, 1843, and the whole family soon became closely identified with the then few inhabitants of the township. He was educated in private schools then common in New England. After reaching the age of twenty-one he com- menced the study of Latin under the instruction of Rev. M. Bascom, to prepare himself for the study of medicine. He read medicine with the most prominent members of the profession of the day, and united with the Massachusetts State Medical Association. At the age of twenty-six he commenced the practice. From 1792 to the year of his removal from Massachusetts, 1843, he practiced his profession. After arriving in Fulton county, and at the age of ninety years, he practiced some, even when he had to be carried to and from his house and vehicle. It can be said with truth that no other township in Fulton county save Pike, has laid to rest a man born ten years before the Revolution. William Hyde, son of William Hyde, a silk manufacturer, was born in Lon- don, England, Julys, 1813. He became a physician, not from choice, but from circumstances. When four years old he fell from a two-story window, sustaining a fracture above and below the knee. Dr. Taylor attended him, a young physician, and friend of the family. This being his first case in sur- gery, he wished to have him for a student, to which his father agreed, and when old enough, he was sent to study under him. Seven years of his life was spent in practice in a hospital. When twenty years old he was married to Kathern East. In 1835 he left England and came to America. One year 4o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. previous to this he kept drug store and followed his profession, but disliking the latter he determined not to follow it when he should arrive in this country, but circumstances forced themselves upon him. When crossing the ocean there was a case of typhus fever, and being the only doctor on board he was called upon by the captain to take the case. He did so, and the man recov- ered. When they arrived in New York his success was related, and he was offered a position in that city, but true to his purpose of discarding his profes- sion, he refused the offer, and went to Cleveland, where he clerked in a whole- sale drug store four years. Afterwards he bought a farm in Wayne county, and followed that occupation. Again his evil genius followed him. A child in the neighborhood had the croup, and being so far from any doctor, the father called on Dr. Hyde. He refused to attend the child, but the father called the second time, and in such strong terms urged him, that he went. From that time his practice increased so that he was forced to give up farming, and moved to Millbrook, O. In 1847 hs moved to Fulton county, bought a farm and had a large practice, which so increased that he gave up farming and moved to Spring Hill; from there to Wauseon. In 1873 he went to Chicago to live with Mrs. Swart, his daughter. He died June 8, 1881 ; the cause of his death inflammation of the bowels. He was buried in Goshen, Ind., where the rest of his family, a son and daughter, reside. James J. Kittredge was born in Woburn, Mass., April 11, 1816; studied medicine with his uncle, Paul Kittredge, M. D., of Chelmsford, Mass.; attend- ed two full courses of lectures at the Berkshire Medical Institution in Pittsfield, Mass., the first in the fall of 1844; the second in the fall of 1845 ; moved to Chesterfield, Fulton county, O., June 21, 1846. The first professional call after reaching Chesterfield was to the family of James Taylor, June 22, of the same month; moved from Chesterfield to Morenci, Mich., September 10, r86o, and immediately formed a partnership with Dr. Joseph Tripp, of Morenci; left Morenci in November, 1864, and made his residence in Crystal Valley, Mich., which place is still his home. Dr. Kendall was born in New York State, June 30, 1793; received his medical education in New York; came to Fulton county November, 1839, and practiced in all thirty-six years; died January i, 1873, in Pettisville, Fulton county. S. W. Jewell was born in Wayne county, O., Jan. 20, 1826; moved with his family to then Lucas county, O., in the year 1842, in the vicinity of Spring Hill. At the age of twenty-one he commenced to study medicine with Dr. Wm. Hyde, who had recently moved into the neighborhood, remained with him as a student two years. During the fall of 1848, owing to the amount of sickness and lack of physicians he treated quite a number of families without the aid of his precep- tor, allowing him the fee. Fulton County. 407 In the spring of 1849 he commenced to practice medicine for himself In 1850 he concluded to attend medical lectures. Accordingly, in the month of October he mounted his horse and rode into Wayne county, the place of his birth, intending to sell his horse there, and with the proceeds attend medical lectures during the winter. Failing to sell as expected, he left his horse with a friend and started for Cleveland, O., on foot, where he arrived in due time, matriculated at the college, bought a ticket on anatomy and received a ticket of general admission to all the lectures good for six weeks. At the end of the time his money was all gone and he was compelled to return home. Thus armed with a little knowledge of anatomy and what he had seen in the clinics of the college, he went forth again to battle with disease, feeling at least that he was as competent as any of his competitors. In January, 1855, he married and moved to Toledo, O. ; practiced medi- cine in that city during the summer and fall. In January, 1856, he moved to Wauseon, O., a thriving town on the Air Line Railroad, and within the bounds of his old field of practice'. In the fall of 1859 he removed to Valparaiso, Ind., opened an office in that city and practiced un- til the spring of 186 1, when from the earnest solicitations of many of his old patrons he moved back to Wauseon, O., where he has remained ever since. During the war he was commissioned surgeon for Fulton county to exam- ine applicants for exemption from military duty. Served during the continu- ance of the war. While in Valparaiso, Ind., he learned the business of dentistry as taught in that early day, and when he returned to Wauseon, he practiced jointly medi- cine, surgery and dentistry for many years. In the fall of 1864 he concluded to attend lectures again and obtain the degree of doctor of medicine ; to that end he attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College during the session of 1864 and 1865. He learned after a time that he could not graduate at that insti- tution, however well quaHfied he might be, in consequence of their rules requir- ing two full courses of lectures, his course at Cleveland, O., in 1850 being only a partial course, rendered him ineligible as a candidate for graduation. At the close of the session he returned home, and not wishing to make another break in practice he concluded to avail himself of the opportunity of attending the spring session of the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery for the year 1865, the only college in the west at that time holding a spring session. He repaired at once to Cincinnati, entered the college, and at the close of the term received his diploma bearing date June 19, A. D., 1865. Since his graduation he has attended medical lectures at Chicago, III, in 1873, and at Philadelphia and Baltimore, Md., in the year 1881. Also in the same city he attended, during the months of January and February the daily clinics of Prof Chisholm at the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. W. A. Scott was born August 21, 1823, in Fairfield, Huron county, O. ; 4o8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. came to what is now Swanton township, Lucas county, with his parents, in April, 1835. His preliminary education was obtained in common schools, with two terms of select school in Maumee City. He taught school several winters, two terms of which were in Toledo, O. ; studied medicine with Dr. Calvin Smith, of To- ledo, who died of cholera, in 1852. While pursuing his studies was physician for Lucas County Infirmary, for fifteen months ; clerked in a drug store in To- ledo, one year, for the purpose of obtaining a practical knowledge of drugs and their preparation ; attended medical lectures in Cleveland. Estell H. Rorick was born in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1842. He ob- tained his rudimentary professional education with Dr. Werds, with whom he spent some months at the army hospital at Nashville, Tenn. He attended the lectures at the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Ar- bor, and graduated in 1859. He first located in this county at Spring Hill, and afterwards moved to Fayette, his present residence. Dr. Rorick also took a course of lectures at the Detroit Medical College, at Edinburgh, Scotland, and at Mobile, Ala. His success in the field of medicine has been deserved, and he ranks among the leading physicians of the county and State. Josiah Hibbard Bennett was born July 22, 1825, in Allegany county. State of New York ; of American parentage, and of English and French ancestry. He was principally educated in Temple Hill Seminary, at Geneseo, N. Y., and ■emigrated to Ohio in 1846. He commenced the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. William C. Porter, of Defiance, O., remaining with him for two years, then continuing his studies with Drs. John Paul and Jonas Colby, one year longer. Subsequently, he finished his course of study at Starling Medical College, Columbus, O., in the winter of 1849-50. He commenced the practice of his profession in the spring of 1850, at Evansport, Defiance county, O., and was one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons of Northwestern Ohio. He remained there thirteen years, practicing his profession with satisfactory suc- i;ess, without absence for recreation or rest, riding through streams, swamps, thickets and by-paths, upon horse-back, frequently being lost in the dense for- -est in the night ; would have to sit upon a log, lay upon the ground, or stand till daylight, weary, sleepy and hungry. Some years, in his early practice, in very sickly seasons, would ride day and night, for two or three months, without resting upon a bed one whole night. In August, 1863, he moved to Wauseon, Fulton county, O., where he has ever since resided, and where he is known and recognized as an able physician and surgeon. In 1869 he was appointed surgeon for the Lake Shore and Michigan South- ern Railroad Company, upon the special recommendation of Hon. M. R. Waite, Fulton County. 409- the present chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, which position he still occupies, with credit to himself, with satisfaction to the company, and. with' honor to the profession. His leisure time has usually been spent in medi- cal colleges and hospitals, especially in the surgical room. Dr. Bennett has been a close medical student for some forty years, and his application has re- sulted in originating the principles of dry surgical dressings, which he has used with great success, for twenty-five years, basing his theory upon dry, infre- quent dressing of wounds, with absolute rest and positive position, as most needful for convalescence. He has had the satisfaction of seeing his method, adopted in many of the hospitals of this country and in Europe. Dr. Bennett is an active member of the Fulton County Medical Society,, and also of the United States Medical Congress, since 1856. He also was a member of the International Medical Congress, which convened at London,, England, in 1881. William Ramsey, of Delta, O., was born in the north of Ireland, in 1827, of Scotch parentage; came to Ohio in 1842, and settled near BoHvar, with a widowed mother, three brothers and one sister. He commenced teaching school when seventeen years old and taught until 1847, when he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Bennett and Dodge, in Bolivar, and attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College in the years of 1848 and '49; went into the drug business in Loudonville, O., in the fall of 1851, and; the following spring sold out and moved 'to Delta, where he practiced medicine up to 1873, when, owing to failing health, he established what is known as the Bank of Delta, which venture proved remunerative in his hands, as had his profession. He still lives in Delta, enjoying the confidence of all who knew him as a physician, and now as one of the leading bankers of the county. H. F. Van Buskirk was born in Fayette, O., July 25, 1861, and is a son of the late Dr. J. T. Van Buskirk, of the same place ; began the study of medicine in the fall of 1878, and continued under the direction of Drs. McLean and Bach- man, of Stanton, Mich., until September, 1876, when he commenced a six months' course of lectures at the Detroit Medical College. In the spring of 1880 he went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he began attend- ing the Jefferson Medical College, where he remained until graduating April, I, 1882. Soon after completing his studies he located in his former home,. Fayette, 0., where he still remains in the practice of his profession. Charles E. Bennett was born in Evansport, O., March i, 1856; removed: with parents to Wauseon, O., in October, 1863, where he attended the graded schools until 1873, when he began the study of medicine with his father. Dr. J. H. Bennett ; attended the Detroit Medical College, with Prof. E. W. Jenks as his preceptor, he being president of the institution, and professor of surgical diseases of women and obstetrics. Dr. Bennett attended two regular sessions and was a member, during the 52 4IO History ok Henry and Fulton Counties. spring and summer of 1875, of the five months' recitation term, graduated the 29th of February, 1876, and commenced practice March i, 1876, at Wauseon, with his father, where he has constantly resided since, actively practicing his profession. S. P. Bishop was born in Licking county, O., Dec. 3, 1839. Moved with his parents to Bryan, O., in 1856. Attended the high school [in the same place for several years. Read medicine with Dr. H. C. Long of Bryan. At- tended the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1862, and '63, and Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1864 and '65. Received the degree of doctor of medicine in March, 1865, at the last named institution. Permanently located in Delta, O., April, 1865, where he has an extensive and remunerative practice, and is known as a thorough and highly competent physician and surgeon. L. A. Bassett was born in Amsden Corners (now Bellevue) [Huron county, ■0., October 25, 1825. Commenced the practice of medicine in an early day after several years study and riding with Dr. John Osborne, in Wood county, O. Has been a resident and practitioner of medicine in Fulton county since 1857. Now resides in Swanton. John A. Wilkins was born May i, in New York. Studied medicine with Dr. Alfred FoUett, Granville, O., and graduated at the Starling Medical Col- lege, Columbus, O. Received the degree of A.M. at Dennison University. Practiced medicine and surgery at Delta, O., fourteen years, at which place he still resides. Dr. Wilkins was a member of the Ohio State Senate in 1880 and '81. G. P. Campbell was born March 19, 1847, ^t Carmichaeltown, Green county, Pa. Moved to Ohio in 1855. Read medicine with Dr. J. H. Todd, of Wooster, O. Graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York ■city, in March, 1870. Located at Ridgeville, Henry county, O., soon after graduating and practiced there until May, 1872, when he moved to Tedrow, Fulton county, O., where he has ever since resided attending to a large and lucrative practice. Arthur B. Lathrop was born in Richfield township, Lucas county, 0., September 27, 1857. Attended the following literary schools: Raisin Valley Seminary, two years ; Valparaiso Normal School, seven months ; Hillsdale College, two and one-half years. In medical studies Dr. Congrove, of Syl- vania, O., was his preceptor. He took a five months preparatory course at what is now known as the N. W. O. Medical School. He took a course of study at Starling Medical College two years, graduating from the same in 1882. In the fall of 1882 he attended a course at Bellevue Medical College, New York city, graduating in the spring of 1883, after which he located at Swanton, Fulton county, O., where he still resides, practicing his profession with satisfactory success. Fulton County. 411 L. E. Miley was born February 25, 1852, -in Clinton township, Fulton county. His early life was spent on the farm and in attending district school dur- ing the winter. At about the age of sixteen entered the high school at Wau- seon, wherehe attended two years, after which he taught and attended school some eight years, one year of which he attended the Bryan Normal and Bus- iness College. In the winter of 1877 and '78 he began the study of medicine with Dr. G. P. Campbell of Tedrow, O , and on October i, 1879, entered the medical department of the University of Michigan. He graduated from the university June 30, i88i. In August, 1881, he began practice at Ai, Fulton county, remaining there one year and a half He then located at Louisville,. Ky., when ill health compelled him after nearly a year in the city to return north. February 28, 1884, was married to Ella F. Deyo, daughter of Hon- Albert Deyo. Removing then to Wauseon, O., he has continued to reside there still engaged in the practice of his profession. H. H. Brown, of Lyons, O., was born at Williamsport, Pa., July 8, 1863. Attended literary school at Clinton, Me., high school and University of Mich- igan. Took three years course in department of medicine and surgery at the University of Michigan, entering fall of 1883, and graduating July i, 1886. Located at Lyons soon after completing his studies, where he still resides prac- ticing his profession. CHAPTER XL. THE PRESS OF FULTON COUNTY. PERHAPS the scope of this chapter would but ordinarily include and refer to those papers that are now, or heretofore may have been, published or issued in various portions of the county, and without any allusion to any advance or retrograde movement in journalism, from the organization of the county to the present time. It is a known truth that there was no newspaper within the limits of Fulton county prior to its civil organization, and, at that day, the intelligent reader was for information compelled to depend almost entirely upon papers printed and published many miles from his abode, and even then the average citizen cared but little for the current events of the nation ; happenings outside of the circle of his own limited acquaintance. The cable system fpr rapid transmission of news from foreign countries, was an unheard of and uncon- ceived idea. The telegraphic system was, in a great measure, in an imperfect condition, and but little used in carrying public news for the press. But as our country grew in population and wealth, so its people also advanced in point of 412 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. intelligence, and a desire to become conversant with the affairs of the country in general, especially in relation to its political advance and status. Forty years ago there was not one person in the hundred that could, or would, attempt an intelligent conversation and argument upon any topic of public in- terest ; content were they rather, on a stormy day to gather at the country store ({always near a cross-roads), and discuss crops and incidents, and accidents •occurring in their own community, and should, perchance, any one venture an •opinion upon a matter of public or national interest, they, to a man, would be- come silent listeners, and only within the private of the home and family, could an opinion be drawn from them. Why? because they knew not, nor did they much care, about affairs outside their own community. At the polls they would vote in accordance with their inherited party preferences, and further than this they had no interest. How many sons of fathers, forty and more years ago, dared to, or even thought of departing from the political course of the father, and voting with an opposition party. In those days young men inherited their political allegiance from their parents. Then a newspaper was read, its contents for a time were a source of wonder and amazement, and did it happen to be an organ opposed to the sentiment of the household, it was at once dropped, its •doctrines were heresy. But in the course of American progress, there came a change, a wonderful change, in every community, brought about by a constant interchange of ideas and sentiments among the people, and among the people of the rural districts as well as in thickly populated communities. One step forward has created a desire to go further on, until now, in every part of our land, the people are well informed both as to political and other affairs, and anything that tends to ele- vate and enlighten, and place the people upon a higher plane of intelligence. In answer to the query, what has caused this change ? the answer is clear — American progress and the American newspaper. Again, the question presents itself: Has there been the same improvement, the same advancement in journalism, as in other trades, pursuits and occupa- tions ? For answer only turn to an old paper published half a century ago, and •compare it with the average journal of the present day. From the old screw press on which a paper could be printed on one side at about rate of one each minute, we now see in use presses that print on both sides at the rate of about twelve thousand per hour, or about two hundred per minute. And, too, in a great ratio has there been an increase in number of papers in the country, until now the press is regarded and acknowledged as the great medium of exchange, the means of communication between occurring events and an intelligent reading people. The citizens of this country are now sufficiently educated, sufficiently -advanced, and sufficientl)' American as to demand that there be placed at their houses one or more newspapers, and that the affairs of the nation shall be found in their paper's columns. This demand has been fully met by the publisher. Fulton County. 413 both as an advance step and a positive necessity; but it entailed such an addi- tional expense, that some means must be devised to reduce that expense, or the alternative, the increased subscription price. ■ This necessity led some years ago to the introduction of |a system of pro- ducing what has been, for convenience, termed " patent sides." By this system the paper was, and now is, printed on one side at some large city, with the best and most carefully selected miscellaneous matter, and furnished to the proprie- tors of many offices throughout the country, at a price far less than the matter could be set up and printed in the office of the paper. The benefit of this is readily apparent in the now reasonable price of all country papers, by which the same reaches nearly every family in the country, at a cost seldom reaching be- yond $1.50 per year. Another practice, and a popular one to, is in the stereotyping of colums of printed matter, and moulding it into " plates," or "slugs," which are for sale at many large offices, at so much per foot, or yard. By far a greater portion of the rural papers published in this county are, at least partially, made up in one or the other of the methods named, and the greatest benefit from it is derived by the reader, and there is not now, it is safe to say, a single paper issued or published in Fulton county, but that is in part made up in this manner. But what has Fulton county done in the way of newspaper publications ? And aside from those now issued in the county, let us look into the past and see what has been the record of those that are no more. From it the fact is clear that the life of the average editor and publisher has not been altogether strewn with roses, nor has his pathway been payed with gold. Journalism, like any other profession, has its ups and downs, and of the hundreds and thousands who have ventured into its limitless field, but a small proportion have achieved success. Ability and scholarship are not alone the chief requisites for the con- duct of a successful paper, but tact and management likewise constitute an im- portant element in the work, and any aspirant who lacks any one of these accomplishments, had best avoid the sanctum, the desk, and the case. Of the early papers pubHshed in this county no record exists, and such in- formation as can be had concerning them comes from the memory of old resi- dents. It is, therefore, possible that some inaccuracies may be found in the in statements following ; yet, on the whole, it is believed that they will be found generally correct. The Fulton County Democrat. —The village of Delta may lay just claim to the distinction of having the pioneer newspaper of the county, in the publica- tion at that place, of the Fulton county Democrat ; a six-column folio, all home work (at that time patent sheets were unknown). It was established some time during the winter of 1851-52 by Lewis W. Stum, who continued its publi- <:ation with varying success for about one year, when the office and paper were sold to one Rosenberg. The latter moved the office to Ottokee, the county 414 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. seat, but a few months later he sold to J. W. Carter and H. B. Bayes. Carter and Bayes continued it some six months when Carter bought the interest of his partner, Bayes, and became its sole editor and proprietor. Carter made an arrangement or lease with one Topliff, who was con- nected with its editorial department for a time, but about the spring of the year 1856, the establishment was sold, and the plant removed to Morenci, Mich> The Democrat was, as its name implied, a democratic paper, and the organ of that party, which during the infant days of the county was numerically in the ascendency. The Delta Independent Press. — At the time of the founding of the Fulton- County Democrat at Delta, that place was perhaps the most important of any of the small towns of the county, and while the publication of a paper there was- not particularly remunerative to its owners, the citizens of the place were much displeased at the sale and removal of the office of the Democrat to Ottokee; and although the latter was the county seat. Delta still held the greater population, and felt entitled to a newspaper publication. This feeling led to the establish- ment of the Delta Independent Press, under the management of Lewis W. Stum,, formerly of the Democrat. Stum continued the paper for some months, when he sold his interest to Martin Butler, and the latter, after a short time sold to> William Stum and James K. Newcomer. These gentlemen held its office for several years when Peter James purchased Stum's interest. Under the owner- ship of Mr. Butler the independent tone of the paper was changed, and it be- came thenceforth an advocate of democratic principles. It was issued regularljr down to about the time of the war, when for some reason it seemed to gradually decline, and the office was finally closed. The material and stock were moved to Wauseon, and gradually developed into a publication also known as the Ful- ton County Democrat (not the former paper of that name), under the manage- ment and control of M. H. Butler. William Aultman, jr., became connected with its management about this time. Some few weeks later the soldiers came home on a furlough, and it is said, they not liking the tone or manner of its appearance, dumped the material into the street, and the Democrat at Wauseon ceased to exist. The Signal. A short time after the sale and removal of the Democrat from Ottokee to Morenci, a new paper called the Signal, made its appearance at the county seat, under the editorship of B. F. Montgomery. It lived only about six months. The paper became distinguished by its brief existence, and possibly somewhat by its name, as it proved a signal failure, and the material was moved to Montpelier, Williams county. The Democrat, {^Mirror). Next in the order of succession, there appeared at Ottokee, under the editorship of Henry McElhiney, a paper called ^e. Dem- ocrat. Its first issue appeared in the spring and in the fall it changed owners, H. Day assuming its control. He changed its tone from a Democratic to an-. Fulton County. 415 independent paper and re-christened it the Fulton County Mirror. Under Mr. Day the paper was published about one year when the plant was sold and be- came merged into the Wauseon Sentinel. This ends the life of the press in the county so far as Ottokee is concerned, except for the very brief existence of the Monitor. The Monitor. This venture into the field of journalism was made at Otto- kee, in the month of June, 1863, by H. B. Bayes, but the paper was short lived, as in the month of February of the following year, 1864, it was sold to James H. Sherwood, of the Northwestern Republican, and by him merged into the last named paper. The Fulton County Union. The Union was started in the year 1862, by J. C. French, as an opposition paper to the Northwestern Republican, which was then the leading paper of the county. But this venture on the part of Mr. French failed in its intent, as it only survived the fall campaign of the year of its founding, when it was sold, Isaac R. Sherwood, then the publisher of the paper which the Union had sought to destroy, becoming its purchaser, and by him the Union was merged into the Republican. The Sentinel. This paper, the outgrowth of which is the present North- western Republican, was established in the year 1855, by H. B. Bayes and John D. Hunter. In its political tone it was Repubhcan, being the first to ad- vocate the principles of the newly-formed Republican party in this county. It was, when started, what is known among printers as a six-column quarto, in neat dress for the times, and as the organ of Republicanism in the county, at once took front rank, notwithstanding the fact of its frequent change in own- ership. The paper had been but a short time in operation when Bayes bought the interest of his partner (Hunter), and for the next two years, or thereabouts he was its sole proprietor and editor. He then sold it to A. E. Ball. As an editor and publisher Ball was not a success, but as one who could accumulate a fair proportion of " bills payable," he was a complete success. He sold, or transferred at least, to E. W. Fuller and suddenly left the county, too suddenly in fact, for his creditors. Mr. Fuller conducted the paper for something like a year when he took a partner, John D. Devor, of Elkhart, Ind. He stayed in the office only about three or four months and then sold back his interest to Fuller. On the first day of January, 1858, the headhne and name of the paper was changed to the Northwestern Republican, and it was increased in size from a six, to a seven-column folio. From this date the history of this paper is the record made by the Republican, which, being now in existence, well-managed, well-edited and well-supported, is deserving of notice among the " things that be," rather than of the past. Der Deutsche Gazette. The brief, but eventful career of Der Gazette was begun in the early part of the year 1886, under the ownership of Vol! & Howe. 4i6 History of Henry and Fultox Counties. The paper, a seven-column folio, with patent sides, was printed in Gernnan, and had an extensive circulation among the many German families of the county, but the worthy managers were at fault in their habits, and the paper gradually went to pieces when it might have been one of the best paying investments in the county. Howe retired from its office and Vol! soon afterward sold the subscription list to the Henry county Detnocrat, and the paper as a Fulton county enterprise it failed to appear. With the exception of a small religious paper (monthly) published for a short time under the editorial control of the pastor of one of the Wauseon churches, it is believed that the foregoing record comprises all of the newspaper publications printed at any time within Fulton county, and it is believed that the record can, in the main, be relied upon, although difficulty was encoun- tered in fixing dates accurately, and for that reason, in such cases as the date appears to be approximated, the lack of positive information must excuse the absence of it. The Present Press of The County. The papers of the present day, within the limits of Fulton county, appear to be established on a sound and profitable basis, and under competent control. Of the ten that are now published, five have their base of operation at Wau- seon. From this statement there may be excepted, perhaps, two, which, although they appear and are issued as Fulton county papers, are, never- theless, printed elsewhere, the Wauseon office furnishing only local news, the papers being in fact, branch editions of publications made beyond the limits of the county. The county papers are the Northwestern Republican, the Fulton County Tribune, the Expositor, the Fulton County Wachter (German), the Mau- mee Valley Prohibitionist, the Delta Atlas, the Delta Avalanche, the Swanton Enterprise, the Archbold Herald and the Fayette Record. The Maumee Val- ley Prohibitionist and the Fulton County Wachter are those referred to as be- ing printed outside the county, but each having an editor and local office with- in the county, from which they respectively circulate. The Northwestern Rep2iblican. Upon the changing of the name of the Sen- tinel, the Republican was brought into existence. It was enlarged, as stated heretofore, from a si.x to a seven column folio. During the last few months of the life of the Sentinel, and under the editorial management of Fuller & Devor, these changes were made, but Mr. Fuller soon again became sole pro- prietor, and so remained until during that summer, 1858, when he sold a half interest to J. C. French. This copartnership relation was maintained for a pe- riod of about six months when Fuller sold his interest to Isaac R. Sherwood, and the firm then became Fuller & Sherwood, editors and publishers. Thus was the Republican managed until the summer of the year 1861, when Sher- wood purchased French's interest and became sole editor and pubhsher. Fulton County. 417 One year later, 1862, the office was leased to Joseph Cable, but under his control the paper did not prosper. He had in some manner antagonized a strong element of the Republican party in the county, and the county print- ing was taken away from him and given to the Monitor, a paper published at Ottokee by H. B. Bayes. After the term of Cable's lease had expired the office and material passed, by purchase, to James H. Sherwood, brother of Isaac Sherwood. The new proprietor at once commenced and succeeded in accomplishing the work of building up and re-establishing the Republican on a profitable footing, and brought back to it the favor and support which it had lost during Mr. Cable's leasehold. In the year 1867, James H. Sherwood sold back to his brother Isaac, now honored with the military title of general. General Sherwood ran it about a year and then took a partner, Colonel Albert B. Smith, a practical printer, with whom he became associated under the firm name and style of Sherwood & Smith. Under this management the paper met wiih good success ; it was well edited, appeared in a plain, but neat dress, and became largely patronized throughout the county and even beyond the county's borders ; its exchange list was large, and the paper took rank as the leading publication of the region. It was, and continued to be, the organ of the Republican party, and became an able exponent of Republican doctrines. In the year 1869 James H. Sher- wood purchased the general's interest, and the firm style then changed to Smith & Sherwood. It was, by the latter firm, conducted until the year 1871, when Colonel Smith sold his interest to M. R Brewer, a former resident of Wood county. About six months later Brewer resold to Colonel Smith. In 1877 Mr, Sherwood purchased Colonel Smith's interest and again became sole proprietor. He conducted it successfully until about 1881, when a half inter- est was taken by E. M. Ogle, but the latter only remained in the office a few months, when he sold to W. C. Williams, who, with James H. Sherwood, are the present owners, under the name and style of Sherwood & WilHams. The North- Western Republican is to-day the most extensively circulating paper in the county, and with its contemporary, the Fulton County Tribune, guards well the interests of the Republican party. The Republican now appears as a six- column quarto, and enjoys a paying circulation of between thirteen and four- teen hundred. The Democratic Expositor. As its name implies, the Expositor is the repre- sentative Democratic journal of Fulton county, and the only paper now advo- cating the principles of Democracy, although others preceding it were of that faith. The Expositor was established in the month of January, 1875, by W. H. Handy, now Judge Handy, of the Common Pleas. During the time the paper was edited by Mr. Handy it is well remembered as being among the best conducted of the county's papers ; its local columns were filled with well- 53 41 8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. selected and spicy reading matter, and its editorial comments and leaders were noted for their brilliancy and ability. It was, in fact, just what it purported to be — the organ of the Democratic party, and upon that assumption it built for itself a reputation that has been well maintained to the present day. In April, 1877, the Expositor passed, by sale, into the hands of J. C. Bollmeyer, who has since been its sole editor and publisher. Under him, as well as his predecessor, the paper has been a successful venture from a business point of view. At present the Expositor is the official paper of Fulton county. It is a nine-column folio, in clean dress, and makes an attractive appearance. Its local department is, perhaps, as full and complete as contained in any of the papers of the county. The subscription price of the Expositor is $1.50 per year. It has at this time a circulation numbering over one thousand subscribers. The Delta Avalanche. This paper (weekly) made its first appearance on the 22d of February, in the year 1876, under the ownership of E. L. Waltz. It aimed to furnish to its readers news, local and general, as would prove of interest and value, but without espousing the cause of either of the great po- litical parties ; in fact it was an independent paper. After having edited and published the Avalanche for about three years, Mr. Waltz sold to Colonel Al- bert B. Smith. By the latter its tone was changed, or rather, perhaps, Colonel Smith gave it tone, in making it a Republican paper. His connection with it, however, was brief, for in about a year he sold to E. J. Patch, by whom it was continued for about the same length of time. Mr. Patch sold to W. O. Knapp, and by the latter person the Avalanche was returned to its original character, independent. In the year 1884 Mr. Knapp exchanged the ownership of this for a half interest in the Fulton County Tribune with J. H. Fluhart. The lat- ter made the Avalanche again a Republican paper. It is a seven- column quarto. The Fayette Record. The Record was established in the month of January, 1876, by W. A. Baker, but in the next month, February, it was purchased by O. M. Holcomb and M. Lewis, and managed under the firm name of Holcomb & Lewis. They conducted the paper until May, 1878, when G. W. Griffin purchased Holcomb's interest, the firm name then changing to Lewis & Griffin. In a disastrous conflagration that occurred at Fayette on May 8, 1880, the entire plant was destroyed, but in about sixty days' time another office was estabhshed, and the Record again appeared in a complete new dress. The office too, was much improved by the introduction of a new cyhnder press, the first to be used in the county. In 1882 the publishers erected a substantial two-story frame building, which they occupied until February 28, 1883, when the entire office was again destroyed by fire. But phoenix-like, the enterpris- ing proprietors again "arose from the ashes," rebuilt their offices and issued the Record within the brief space of thirty days, in a new outfit. Since this last misfortune the Record has enjoyed an abundant degree of prosperity, and Fulton County. 419 is now among the leading journals of Northwestern Ohio. It is an independent family newspaper, having no political bias. The Fulton County Tribune. The Tribune was the outgrowth of a divided sentiment in the ranks of the Republican party ; and while the paper was not started for the purpose of favoring either element or faction of the party, it was, nevertheless, founded and started as representing the interests of the whole party, which many people felt were not represented at the time. Colonel Al- bert B. Smith and J. H. Fluhart were the proprietors at the time of its first issue, May 19, 1883. The paper was well received by the reading public, and by the fairness of its leaders and its utter absence of comment tending to foster or •continue feelings of dissatisfaction in the party, together with its general worth as a well-edited and well-managed paper, the Tribune has grown in general favor until it is now numbered with the best of the county's papers. Mr. Flu- hart continued his connection with the Tribune until June, 1884, when he was succeeded by W. O. Knapp, the latter having exchanged the Delta Avalanche for Mr. Fluhart's interest in the Tribune. The firm therefore became Smith & Knapp, which relation has ever since been maintained. The Tribune is a seven-column quarto, and enjoys a present circulation of about thirteen hun- •dred. Its exchange list is large, and the paper is considered as among the best of the weekly journals in Northwestern Ohio. The Swanton Enterprise. The Enterprise was founded April 23, 1886, by H. S. Bassett, and is issued from the office at Swanton, in the eastern part of Fulton county. It is a six-column quarto, local family newspaper, indepen- dent in politics, and devoted to the interests of the people of Swanton and surrounding country. In the month of March, 1887, Charles H. Rowland be- came a half-owner in the paper, and the firm became known as Bassett & Rowland. The paper opened its second year with six hundred and fifty sub- scribers, and shows a healthful and substantial increase in popularity. The Delta Atlas. The Atlas, an eight-page, forty-column, independent family newepaper, published by the Atlas Printing Company, at Delta, was founded June 6, 1886, with C. R. P. Waltz, manager and E. L. Waltz, editor. It has been the aim of the proprietors to make it the leading family newspaper of the county, and they have so far succeeded that it now enjoys a circulation nearly equal to any in the county. On the 19th of March, 1887, the office was consumed by fire, but, with commendable zeal and energy, new material was at once obtained and the paper continued witl'out serious interruption or delay. By care in the selection of matter for its columns, and in securing the latest important news, and promptness in publication, the Atlas has become not only a household treasure, but a valuable advertising medium. The office is well supplied with- material for all classes of job-work. The Atlas is furnished to its regular yearly subscribers at the price of one dollar. Maumee Valley Prohibitionist. This paper made its first appearance in the 420 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. county late in the month of October, 1886, and although it is not printed within the county, it has so great a circulation, and a local news department, that it is unquestionably worthy of record among the county's papers. The Prohibitionist is edited and issued from an office at Bryan, Williams county, by Walter J. Sherwood. Its columns are devoted to the cause of temperance, in particular, and it contains besides, an abundance of general and local news. The Fulton county edition has a circulation of about one thousand. The Archbold Herald. The Herald first made its appearance in the year 1886, under the management of Taylor Brothers, at Archbold, in the western part of Fulton county. During the first six months of its existence it experi- enced, or rather the proprietors did, a hard struggle for official life and contin- uance, but with the introduction of a series of humorous articles and para- graphs, the paper grew in popular favor, and the subscription list (the greatest support of any paper) rapidly increased, and the Herald is now in a flourishing and prosperous condition. It is a five-column quarto, independent family paper, and enjoys a fair;Circulation. . The Fulton County Waechter (German). The Waechter is printed at Day- ton, O., but has a resident editor at Wauseon. On the 4th of March, 1887, its first number appeared. It then had a circulation of three hundred copies among the German families of the county. It is independent in poHtics, and furnishes general and local news. About one-third of its columns are devoted to advertisements, and the balance to well selected miscellaneous reading mat- ter. Its editors and proprietors are Baecker & Bussdicker, the former being the resident editor. The offices are intended to be removed to Wauseon as sooa as practicable. CHAPTER XLI. IIISTORy OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF WAUSEON, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OP FULTON COUNTY. THE village of Wauseon, the seat of justice of Fulton county, was laid out in the year 1854, by Epaphras L. Barber, John H. Sargent, Nathaniel Leggett and William Hall. It, with all its subsequent additions and divisions, is comprised of parts of sections twenty-three and twenty-six in Clinton town- ship. At that time the Air Line Division of the New York Central and Lake Shore system of railways, as it at present is, had just been extended far enough west of the city of Toledo, its initial point, to pierce the site of this beautiful and prosperous town, and was constructed by the old Southern Michigan and Fulton County. 421 Northern Indiana Railway Company. No stock therefor was issued ; the en- tire expense of building and equipping the road was paid by the corporation projecting the route ; its design in the main being to have a double track from Toledo, O., to Elkhart, Ind. From Toledo to Butler, situated at the extreme eastern edge of Indiana, a distance of eighty miles, there is not a bend or curve in the line, and for many years past it has carried the largest proportion of the passenger travel of the Lake Shore System from Toledo to Chicago, and VVau- seon has grown to be one of the most important stations on the route. Mr. Barber, at that time a young man, and one of the civil engineers en- gaged in the survey and construction of the road, and a resident of the city of Cleveland, learning of the probability that a station would be established at the present site of Wauseon, in conjunction with John H. Sargent, also a res- ident of Cleveland, and assistant chief engineer of the road, and Nathaniel Leggett, an enterprising citizen of Swan Creek township, and William Hall, an attorney of Maumee city, Lucas county, O., bought of Thomas Bayes, an early settler of Northwestern Ohio, one hundred and sixty acres of land, which com- prised what is known in the records of the county as the original plat of Wau- seon. Barber and Sargent owned two-thirds of tract in common and Leggett and Hall by the same title owned one-third thereof The price paid for the land was sixteen dollars per acre, and the entire parcel was in nearly a wild state. The ax and the torch were the first things brought into requisition to make the tract fit for habitations. At that time out-lying land, but imme- diately adjacent to the newly projected town, was selling for six to eight dol- lars per acre, the most of it having already passed from the control of the gov- ernment, not only near but in any direction and quite a distance from the site of the new village destined for a time to grow quite rapidly. Even at such low figures buyers were not very plentiful. Mr. Hall was interested in the transaction only until the completion of the laying out of the first one hundred and forty lots when he sold his interest to Mr. Leggett. The residence of Mr. Bayes at this time was a log building standing on the present site of the pleasant home of Mr. Andrew B. Clark on Vine street. Coeval with the sale of lots building began, and every one was anxious to get near the line of the railroad, of which predilection the citizens have not yet been entirely cured. As is customary in all modern American towns, the streets were platted to intersect each other at right angles, and Fulton street, the principal business thoroughfare, was made full one hundred feet in width. This street with its subsequent addition of Fulton avenue, which became its northern extension when Newcomer's addition was joined to the original plat, is one mile in length, but is considerably narrower as to the avenue por- tion of it. The streets of the original plat extending east and west with un- important exceptions were named from the species of trees abounding in the forests about; and those extending north and south got their appellations from. 422 History ok Henry and Fulton Counties. the biographies of our country's great men. Fulton street may, however, be an exception. It is not distinctly known whether the memory of Robert Ful- ton, the inventor of steamboats, was to be suggested and preserved by the name bestowed upon the principal street, or whether it was given in honor of the surveyor whose boundary line gave rise to the ludicrous uproar between Ohio and Michigan known as the " Toledo war." For the reason stated, al- though there have been some deviations from the plan, the street nomenclature of Wauseon is quite easy of recollection. In later additions to the village, of which there have been several, the original system of street naming has been deviated from somewhat. On the extreme east and parallel with Fulton we have Prospect street, and on the extreme west, preserving the same parallel we have the decidedly Gallic name of Brunelle. It is claimed, however, that this street was named in honor of John Brunelle, a celebrated English civil engineer. The streets lying between, exclusive of Fulton, are Franklin, Clinton, Madison, and Monroe. At the extreme southern limit of the original plat extending due east and west is Leggett street, so named in honor of one of the founders of the town. The names of the streets, in- tersecting Fulton and parallel with the railroad, are as follows, beginning at the first one north of Leggett street: Cherry, Chestnut, Birch, Beech, Elm, Oak, Sycamore, Walnut, Mulberry, Hickory and Willow. But here an exception must be noted. Just south of the railroad and west of Fulton street, the street, the eastern half of which is known as Birch street, is as to the western half called Commercial street, probably getting so ambitious a designation from the fact that it is the only thoroughfare of the drayage of merchandise and freights from the depot, and on the north side of the railroad a portion of street which properly should be called Beech street, and belongs thereto on every principle of proper nomenclature, is called Depot street. It contains many pretty residences, but the only saving virtue in the unappro- priate name, is that when the residents thereof run out of other subject of talk, they can have a friendly and scholarly dispute as to the proper pronunciation of the name of the street they live on. Beginning at the northwest corner of Livermore and Munn's addition, and extending from Chestnut to Leggett street in a direction slightly west of north is a short street called Vine, and north of the railroad and extending from Oak street to Walnut is another short street called Cedar. On the eastern side of the town there formerly was a street called Marshall by some one who admired the character of the great chief justice, but unfortunately it fell into disuse, and long since was abandoned. Third street passes through Newcomer's addition, east of and parallel with Fulton avenue ; and Ottokee street, a reminder of the old county seat, bounds that addition on the west. The streets running north and south in Livermore and Munn's addition are respectively, Division, Main and West Park, the last probably so named from the small but beautiful park which it bounds on the Fulton County. 423 west side ; and those of this addition extending in a contrary direction are Lincoln and Superior streets. The southern two-thirds of the large mound of about three acres, between Madison and Monroe streets, was set apart by its first owners and deeded to the village for a park. Under the direction of the park commissioners of the village some progress has been made toward orna- menting it, and some years since the project of erecting a monument to the memory of the soldiers of Fulton county who fell in the War of the Rebel- lion was started, but no farther progress was made than to put in the founda- tion and erect the base. Shaftless and uncrowned, the base stands there a perpetual reproach to those who so soon could forget and neglect the memory of the men who freely gave their life blood that we might have a united and free country. On the 27th day of February, 1865, the plat of Newcomer's addition was filed in the office of the recorder of Fulton county, and that addition contain- ing lots one to one hundred and twenty- six inclusive, besides several acreage lots designated by the letters of the English alphabet, became a part of the village. It lies north of the original plat, and is bounded on the north by the York Center road. June 7, 1865, Sargent and Barber's addition was legally made to the northwestern part of the original plat. It contains lots 387 to 489 inclusive, the designation of the lots being a continuation in numerical order of those of the first lots laid out. On the 21st day of June, 1867, Barber and Merrill's addition containing fifty- seven lots was joined on; Livermore and Munn's addition of ninety- seven lots was made on the 12th day of June, 1865 ;. Palmer's addition of thirty-four lots on June 9, 1873 ; E. F. Greenough's, con- taining thirteen lots, March 14, 1867; and C. F. Greenough's addition of twelve lots, February 16, 1874. The Greenoughs' additions are on the east side of the original plat. Barber and Merrill's is at the northeast, and Palmer's is at the southwestern corner thereof The author desires here to digress long enough to give a brief sketch of one of the men who founded the village which is the subject of this sketch. Reference is made to Mr. Sargent. He was a native of western New York, but of New England parentage. When quite young he came with his parents- to Cleveland, O. He received his training for his profession, that of civil en- gineering, at an excellent private academy in the State of New Hampshire, and about the first of his professional employment was in the surveying and construction of the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad, now the Lake Erie Division of the Baltimore and Ohio system. He was one of the most reliable and trusted employees of the corporation that built the Air Line Rail- way. In 1856 he was married to Mrs. Julia Hull. He is still living at Cleve- land, of which for many years he was city engineer, and is both afiduent in circumstances and very highly regarded. The first house built on the site of Wauseon after it was laid out, was erected 424 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. at the corner of Birch and Fulton streets by E. L. Hayes. It occupied the place where now stands the spacious three- story brick block owned by the Masonic fraternity of Wauseon, and by the firm of Prichard & Smallman and Isaiah Bogart. The upper story of the new building contains a beautiful and elegant Masonic Hall, the second is used for offices, and the third is occupied by the hardware store of ]3enjamin Biddle, and the grocery, produce and grain establishment of Prichard & Smallman. The old structure was a two-story frame house. Its first floor was utilized for a general or country store kept by Mr. Hayes, and his family lived up-stairs. In i8 — , for the purpose of making room for the new brick building, it was removed to the farm just at the south- east edge of the village now owned by Mrs. W. C. Kelley, and remodeled into a very comfortable and roomy farm dwelling. Sometime in the first year of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Hayes entered the Union Army as a captain in the Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry. In 1862 he was transferred to the One Hundredth Ohio Infantry Volunteers. He saw arduous and dangerous service, was successively promoted for soldiery conduct through the different grades, and at the close of the war was mustered out as a brevet brigadier-general. He now resides in Bloomville, N. J. Wauseon got its name from that of a Pottawotomie chief, the same as did the old seat of justice of Fulton county. Ottokee and Wauseon were brothers, Wauseon being, according to tradition, the younger. The first plat, however, of the village of Wauseon was called Litchfield, it being the intention to name all the stations along the line of the new railroad each for some one of its direc- tors. There were two Litchfields residing in New York City, who were direc- tors, one of them was Edwin C, and the other one Elisha C, and this name was given for them. They were engaged in the wholesale grocery business in that city. H. L. Hosmer, of Toledo, was applied to when the projectors of the new town came to reconsider the name by which it should be known, and, among other names, he suggested that of Wauseon, which was adopted more because of its Indian origin than anything else. Its spelling is said to be in- correct, and the pronunciation is slightly different from what it was in its abor- iginal purity, but it is said to be more musical in sound since changed from a savage to a civilized appellation. Some carelessness has existed as to the preservation of the municipal rec- ords of Wauseon since its incorporation, and there are no official sources from which to ascertain the names of its different officers, except for a few years back. It was incorporated in 1859; but the county record, embodying the history of its municipal organization, was burned in the conflagration of the first court-house at Ottokee, in 1864. The first mayor of Wauseon was Na- thaniel Leggett. The names of most of the remainder of its former or present citizens, who at different times have been at the head of its municipal govern- ment, are E. L. Barber, N. W. Jewell, Anson Huntington, Andrew J. Knapp, /" /yyL- Ij2^ ^^yt/^^U C^r Fulton County. 425^^ Sydenham Shaffer, Naaman Merrill, Michael Handy, William C. Kelley, Joet Brigham, James S. Brailey, and L. M. Murphy. Eugene S. Blake is the pres- ent incumbent of the mayor's office. Michael Handy served but one month, his election being successfully contested by William . C. Kelley, who became mayor in the month of May, 1874. Mr. Handy's career, therefore, as mayor,, was the briefest in the history of Wauseon. L. M. Murphy served the longest,, his time in that office comprising a portion of a term as the appointee of the- council to fill a vacancy, and he was twice elected. During the administration of Mayor Joel Brigham, from 1878 to 1881, the most important municipal im- provements were made. It was during this time that an excellent and exten- sive system of sewerage was put in, giving the village as good a system of drainage as that of any town or city in northwestern Ohio. The cost of the material and construction was about six thousand dollars, the greater part of which was paid by special tax, and the remainder by a general tax. The citj^ hall was erected during the same administration. It stands at the eastern cor- ner of Depot and Clinton streets, and, excepting the court-house, is the finest building in the village. Its cost was a little in excess of twelve thousand dol- lars. It contains a large and elegantly finished hall devoted to the public use,,. comfortable rooms for the business and social meetings of the members of the- Wauseon Fire Department, the council chamber, village prison, Clinton town- ship hall, used for election and all general official purposes of the township, and a large fire engine, hose, hook and ladder, and truck room. Clinton township- hall was sold by the village to that township for the sum of fifteen hundred, dollars. The Bank of Wauseon is the only institution of that kind Wauseon ha? ever had. It was started by E. L. Barber, the present senior partner of the- banking firm on the 1st day of February, 1863. It is not now and never was incorporated. Its business was first begun in the small frame building on the east side of Fulton street, south of the railroad, now owned and occupied by James Robinson as a grocery and dwelling house. From this place, in a short time, it was moved directly across the street and into a small building which stood where the office of the Fulton County Tribune now is, whence again, in about a year, it was placed in the frame business block which once stood on the eastern corner of Commercial and Fulton streets, and on the site of the Eager House. From this location it was again removed, and became an up-stairs business place, occupying the rooms above the dry-goods store of Springer & Co., on the west side of Fulton street, north of the railroad. Pre- vious to this Naaman Merrill, who had been clerk of the county courts, became- a partner, and the firm was Barber & Merrill, and so continued until the year 1879, when E. S. Callendar, of Champaign county, O., became a partner, when it was changed to Barber, Merrill & Co. Late in the fall of 1879 Mr. MerrilL died, and then the firm became and since has continued to be Barber & Callen- 54 426 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. dar. In 1871 the commodious and fine bank building on the east side of Ful- ton street, north of the raihoad, was built, since which time the bank has been located therein. Wauseon's first hotel, or " tarvern," as many of its Yankee inhabitants ■called it, was built in the year 1854, by John Williams. It was a frame dwell- ing, and the settlers from miles around gathered to attend the " raising bee." It stood on the corner of Beech and Fulton streets, and was first called the Estelle House. Its first landlords and proprietors were W. E. and D. O. Liver- more, who came to Wauseon from Utica, N. Y., their native city and State. They long since went farther west, and the former now lives in California, while tlie latter is a resident of Washington Territory. In the course of a few years the name of the house was changed, and it became for a while the Clinton House, and then was called and remained the Sherman House, until it burned jdown in 1872. For a number of years it was conducted by the Cornell Bros., I. C. and Thomas, and was the leading hostelry of the county. The next hotel in point of chronology was the one, yet standing, on Depot street, just east of the new city hall. The date of its erection cannot be stated with exactness, for it is a kind of mosaic of old houses moved together, on a vacant spot. Its most popular days were when it was kept by George M. Hawes, who, for many years previous to his becoming a landlord and caterer to the traveling public, had been a commercial traveler. He made the old Wauseon House, so long as he kept it, a decided favorite with the modern traveler. The Eager House, a commodious three-story brick building, stands at the corner of Ful- ton and Commercial streets. It was built by its present proprietor and host in 1875. Its site was first occupied by a large, rambling frame building, the sec- ond story of which was devoted to offices and the first to mercantile business. The Clinton House, on the corner of Clinton and Depot streets, was built in 1868. It is a frame structure. There is a tradition among the first inhabitants, ■not very old, it is true, and not very hoary, and which they seem determined not to let die, that the site of this pleasant hotel was a tamarack swamp, and -Jishing for bullheads therein has become a many-times-told tale. In this con- nection, let it be stated, that there are no living streams of water in the region ■of Wauseon, but it is undoubtedly true that the entire site of the village was quite swampy. In making a foundation for many of the buildings, trenches conforming to the size and shape thereof, would be dug and heavy planks laid down in the water, which would rapidly soak in, to get a commencement for a foundation. On this square timbers would be laid and the superstructure placed thereon. Oftentimes blocks of wood were used to set a frame on, for there was no stone, and it was difficult to find clay suitable for the manufacture of brick, in the immediate vicinity. At least, for a long time, such was the prevailing idea ; but nowadays as fine brick as can be found are weekly turned out by the thousands, at the two large brick and tile factories in the village. Fulton County. 427- In 1 88 1, the Fountain City Hotel, on the west of Fulton street, near the court- house, was started by its present proprietor, Eli Snelbaker; and there stands on the east side of Fulton, at its intersection with Oak street, an old building formerly known as the Farmer's Hotel. It has not, for some years, been kept as a hotel, and is now a private dwelling house. The first church building in the village was the Methodist Episcopal. It was a wooden house, and stood at the northeast corner of Fulton and Oak streets on the spot where now is the brick block belonging to Charles Gray, the upper floor of which is occupied by the printing office of the Northwestern Republican. In 1872 the Catholic society, or church, of Wauseon, purchased the old Methodist house of worship and moved it to the northwest corner of Clinton street, and repaired it, making it tasteful and comfortable, and it is now known as St. Caspar's church. In 1871 the Methodist Episcopal people of Wauseon erected the finest house of worship in the county. It is of brick, of modern architecture, and stands but a short distance north and on the same side of the street as did the old one. The expense of building was great, but. cheerfully borne by the members, and this society, both during the days of the old frame meeting-house and those of their new, costly and elegant edifice, has done great good and wielded a grand influence in behalf of good morals and religious culture, in Wauseon and the surrounding neighborhood. Conspicu- ous among the Methodist clergymen stationed at Wauseon, at different periods during the last thirty years, who labored with zeal and efficiency for the faith of their espousal, were the Revs. Herbert, Charles G. Ferris, John R. Colgin,. A. E. Berry, N. B. C. Love, John H. Wilson, Greenberry Priddy, E. S. Dun- ham, J. H. Simms. J. H. Fitzwater is the present officiating minister. It would be invidious to mention any names of laymen, and it is sufficient to say that many of the pioneer families, as well as those who came to Wauseon or its vicinity too late to lay claims to the distinctive merits of pioneers, received the precepts of the gospel, and were constrained to the practice of religion through, the ministration of this church. Rev. Father J. G. Vogt came to Wauseon in 1865. It then was but a Catholic mission field. Through his labors and those who followed him, and among them Fathers Franche and Delbaere, a house of worship was procured, and there are now .some twenty families at Wauseon, communicants of the Catholic Church. The Disciples, or Christian Church, was organized in 1862, but no house of worship was erected until 1864. The house then built still stands. It is on the north side of Elm street, east of Fulton. This church has been an influ- ential body of worshiping Christians since its organization. Its first pastor was the Rev. Elberry Smith. He was succeeded by the Rev. L. L. Carpen- ter, who was an active, enterprising citizen of Fulton county for many years, as well as an earnest and able clergyman. He was treasurer of the county two 428 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. terms, and his honesty and abiUty in that office have passed into a local prov- erb. Elder Carpenter was succeeded in the pastorate of this church by Elder Parker, and its successive pastors thereafter were Elders Baker, Gibbs, Terry, White, Atwater, Nesslage, Newton and Moore. Probably one of the most learned and powerful preachers that ever resided at Wauseon was John M. At- water. He possessed rare intellectual gifts, supplemented by powers of intense and discriminating application given to but few men. The United Brethren Church in Wauseon is largely the result of the efforts of an aged, retired preacher of that faith named John Miller, who, desiring a place of worship for the people living in Newcomer's Addition, built, in 1874, a small house of worship out of his own means, near the center of that addition on land belonging to himself, and which by common consent was called Mill- er's Chapel. This was the nucleus for the people of that faith, and they grew in numbers and resources, until in 1879 they began, and in 1880 completed, a good brick meeting-house on the east side of Fulton Avenue, its dedication taking place in August, 1880. Bishop Weaver, of Westerville, O., conducted the dedicatory services. There is no Evangelical Church building in Wauseon, although there are •quite a number of professors of the tenets of that church in the village and neighborhood. For several years past they have rented a room on Elm street in the Cheadle block, and conducted religious services there. Some of their pastors have been noted for their humble piety and devotion to the cause of practical religion, and have accomplished much permanent good. The First Baptist Church of Wauseon took organized form in the year 1864, but its house of worship was not built until 1868. It is a well designed and large brick edifice on the west side of Fulton street, south of the railroad, and in the near neighborhood of the Congregational Church. Prominent among those who established the Baptist Church in Wauseon may be men- tioned Deacon Abraham Falconer, a good and faithful servant of his divine Master, and Deacon Hiram L. Moseley, one of the former treasurers of the county. Deacon Falconer passed to his final reward in the early spring of 1886. The successive pastors of this church since the building and dedica- tion of its place of worship, were Revs. George Leonard, Homer Eddy, J. J. T)avis and Stephen F. Massett. The distinctive faith of New England Congregationalism has been promi- nent in the religious culture of the citizens of Wauseon. A number of its leading families are from the land of Puritanism. This name is not by any means here given in derision, for, used as it was, more than two centuries ago, as an obnoxious and derisive epithet, it soon became England's glory, and will live in immortal splendor by the side of the illustrious names of Somers, Hampden and Henry Vane. None of the history either of England or this country was more fruitful of true freedom, or fuller of the promise of the splen- Fulton County. 429 did things that have made England and the United States the freest of gov- ernments, and the most powerful and influential of all the world's countries, than during the time of the dominant prevalence in both lands of Puritanism. The Congregational society of Wauseon dates back to 1856. Their plain, but commodious place of worship was built and dedicated in 1862. It stands on the east side of South Fulton street. Its pulpit nearly always has been filled by thoughtful and scholarly men, than whom none were more able and influential in the community than Dr. Waugh, and Rev. R. R. Davies. Journalism now is represented in Wauseon by three newspapers, the North- western Republican , the Democratic Expositor, and the Fulton county Tribune. The first named is the oldest paper. It was established in 1855 under the name of the Sentinel, by H. D. Bayes and John D. Hunter. Not long after this A. E. Ball bought it, and after a brief period he sold out to E. W. Fuller. Mr. Fuller associated with himself in the ownership and management of the paper, John D. Devor, of Elkhart, Ind. These gentlemen then enlarged the journal and changed the name and called it the Northwestern Republican. In 1859 J. C. French was for a short time a part owner with Fuller, then General Isaac R. Sherwood bought both Fuller and French out in i860, running the entire paper himself General Sherwood was a member of Congress from the Toledo district, and secretary of state of Ohio for two terms. His military title was won in the late was as a Union volunteer. He now resides in Toledo. For a number of years, until about 1878, James H. Sherwood, one of the present proprietors of the Republican, and Colonel Albert B. Smith, owned and conducted the paper. On his election as clerk of courts in 1878, Colonel Smith retired, and in 1882 W. C. Williams became and now is part proprie- tor and one of the editors of the Republican. As its name indicates, this journal is Republican in politics, but is conserv- ative and careful. The moral tone of the paper is excellent. The Democratic Expositor was started in 1874 by Hon. William H. Handy, now judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the judicial subdivision of which Fulton county is a part, and Peter Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan, a very intelligent and promising young man, afterward went to Washington, where he became connected with the Washington Post. He died in that city in 1881. In 1877 John C. Bollmeyer, formerly of Port Clinton, O., bought the Expositor, and has, since his control of it, conducted it as a Democratic paper of the "strictest sect." It is the organ of the Democratic party of the county, and has fearless- ly fought the battles of the party whose principles it represents. The Tribune began its existence in 1882. Colonel A. B. Smith and James Fluhart were its first publishers. It is now owned by Smith & Knapp. It is a^Repubhcan paper, firm in the faith and ardent in the advocacy of Repub- lican doctrines. It makes a specialty of the local news of the county, and is an interesting and instructive newspaper. 430 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. At the western limits of the village, comprising ten acres of mound-shaped land, is the beautiful cemetery of Wauseon. • The native growth of the timber, with the exception of scattered large and shapely trees, was cut away when it began to be used for a burial ground in 1862, but evergreen trees and many va- rieties of ornamental shrubbery have been set out and properly cared for until now, in the summer time, the whole mound seems embowered in flowers and leafy foliage. With the birds caroling and twittering among the fluttering leaves, and the white monuments glistening in the sunshine, were there no sad and somber thoughts connected with its sacred use, it would present a lovely view ; yet it is well situated and designed for the place of final rest to which it was dedicated. The circumstances of its beginning were about as follows : In February, 1862, Nathaniel Leggett died. At this time the village had no cem- etry. On the morning following Mr. Leggett's death, Joel Brigham, James- Cornell, and Anson Huntington took mattocks and started out to find a suit- able spot for his grave. They went first to the farm of Mr. Cornell about a mile south of the village, but finding no ground there adapted to their pur- pose, they then went to the hill where now stands the large residence of Colo- nel Howard, and then to the sand mound where the union school house is now situated. Being unsuited at either of these places, they selected the site where the cemetery is located, and therein Mr. Leggett was buried. The land, comprising at first thirteen acres, was bought of William Mikesell at a. cost of one hundred dollars per acre; but the three acres of low- lying ground on the east were sold off to Joel Bingham. Thirteen citizens first purchased this land, and for about three years were the sole owners of the cemetery, but the lots were disposed of for just enough to reimburse the proprietors for the original cost of the land and the necessary outlay for its improvement in a proper manner. On the 13th of March, 1865, the Wauseon Cemetery Asso- ciation, composed of thirty-two persons, was formed. Its organization was under and pursuant to the laws of the State. The first trustees elected were Isaac Springer, Andrew J. Knapp, and James M. Gillett. The treasurer and clerk were respectively E. L. Barber and Naaman Merrill. On the 29th day of April, 1867, ijnder and by virtue of a legislative en- actment of the State, passed in 1865, a meeting of the association was held,.^ and by a vote of a majority of the members thereof, a transfer of the cemetery was made to the trustees of Clinton township and the council of the incorpo- rated village of Wauseon, since which time it has been jointly controlled by a board of trustees, a part of whom are elected by the qualified votes of the in- corporation, and the remainder by the votes of Clinton township. At the date of the transfer the indebtedness of the association was assumed by the joint proprietors, and the deed stipulates that the transfer is for the benefit of all the- citizens of the township, both within and outside of the corporate limits of the- village. Fulton County. 431 The first brick dwelling house in Wauseon was built by William W. Hunt, -who came from Massachusetts. He is a typical Yankee in appearance and in manner and form of speech. His house stands near the southern extremity and on the east side of Fulton street. He and his family have resided in it since its completion in 1859. Mr. Hunt has Hved in Wauseon since 1857. His brothers, Fred, and James Hunt, built the first brick business block in Wau- seon. Its location was on North Fulton street, on the east side, not far from the corner of that street and Depot btreet. For a number of years they carried on a general mercantile business in the building. Fred. Hunt now lives in Aspen, Colo., and James Hunt died in the early autumn of 1886, at Elkhart, Ind., where, previously, for several years, he had resided. He was brought to Wauseon and interred in its cemetery. The store building, erected by the Hunt boys, was, in 1883, partially rebuilt and considerably enlarged by the business firm of Lyon & Mercer, and is now used by them for a dry goods and carpet empo- rium. The other leading business and principal business blocks are the Riddle and Hull block, on the west side of Fulton, between Elm and Depot streets, the Cheadle block at the southwest corner of Fulton and Elm streets, the Hol- lister, three-story brick, on the east side of Fulton between Elm and Depot streets, the Woolson and Madison blocks near thereto, the Haumesser and Ham blocks on Depot street, between Fulton and Clinton streets, and the fine and substantial business buildings of Read & Son, Eager & Green, and B. Miller. In 1873, in the month of December, the Cheadle block burned down, but was immediately rebuilt. It was first erected in 1862. The Riddle and Hull block was built in 1870. Prichard & Smallman, and J. Q. Riddle were its first owners. It is now owned by Mr. Riddle and George W. and Henry S. Hull. The Hollister building was erected in 1864. The third story was designed for, and always has been used as an Odd Fellows Hall. The Wool- son block was built in 1876. The Madison block was an old and somewhat dilapidated building and was partially destroyed by fire in 1885. In 1886 it ■was rebuilt and made a good business block, by its present owner, Joseph Mat- tison. The Ham block was built in 1886, the main design of its construction being to provide a good building for the Wauseon post-office. J. A. Read & Son's fine building was erected in 1880 by its present owners, and the Eager & Green dry goods block but a few years previous. The Miller block was built for a furniture store and manufactury, in 1870, and is still used for that purpose. For some years a hall in the Cheadle block was devoted to pubhc amuse- ments, it succeeding an old hall in what was called the Mikesell block, and which stood at the northeast corner of Fulton and Elm. This building was destroyed by fire in 1867, and its site remained vacant until 1882, when a bill- iard hall and saloon building was placed thereon. When the court-house was built the court room was then somewhat used for assemblages of a public char- 432 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. acter, but of course not for amusements or theatrical performances. For the purpose of gratifying the public taste for a class of amusements better than could find suitable facilities in the Cheadle Hall, Walter Scott, an enterprising citizen, built the Wauseon Opera House in 1879. It stands on the east side of South Fulton street. The first story contains two very large business rooms, and the second is all included in an auditorium capable of seating six hundred people, with an ample stage, and the usual scenery and facilities of a first-class opera house. In the winter of 1879-80 it was formally opened to the public. The most prominent manufacturing enterprise in Wauseon is the flouring mill. It was built in 1862 by J. C. Cornell, and was the old-fashioned buhr mill, and steam was the motive power. To procure water a reservoir was made by removing the dirt from a space of about one-fourth of an acre of land, which, thereby, became a sort of drainage deposit for the extreme wetness of the surrounding soil, and a basin for rainfalls. This plan is still used to pro- cure water for the large mill which now occupies the place of the old one, which was burned in the month of February, 1881. Immediately upon, the destruc- tion of the old mill, a new one, with all the new and improved kinds of ma- chinery, was built. Its capacity is two hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day, and it is run without cessation the year round, except on the Sabbath. A large portion of the productions of this mill is exported to foreign countries. Marcus Lyon, George S. Clement and Charles S. Greenleaf, gentlemen who long have been prominently identified with the business interests of Wauseon, now are, and for a number of years have been, the owners of this property. The other manufactories of Wauseon are of minor importance, consisting only of those necessary to supply local needs, except the Automatic Plow Company, which was formed in 1886. This company manufactures corn- plows. Their factory was built late in 1886, and is on Commercial street. At the October election in the year 1869, the removal of the seat of justice from Ottokee to Wauseon, was submitted to the qualified voters of the county for their decision. By a slight majority the vote was in favor of removal ; and the subsequent winter the General Assembly passed an act whereby Wauseon became the county seat. The county commissioners at this time were Joseph Ely, of Franklin township, A. B. Gunn, of York township, and Milton McCaskey, of Fulton township. Early in 1870 the board of commis- sioners purchased land on the west side of South Fulton at the southwest cor- ner of that street and Chestnut, from John A. Read and Walter Scott, and soon thereafter began the construction of the court-house thereon. The contract for the court-house was let to Vass & Bensman, of Perryburg, O., for the sum of forty-six thousand dollars, and for the jail to John Litzenberger, for eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. C. C. Miller was the architect of the court- house. By the first day of January, 1 872, the building was completed and ready for occupancy. In the same month the county records were removed to Wau- Fulton County. 433 seon, the county officers dulj' installed in their respective offices, and the spring- term of the Common Pleas Court held at Wauseon. As speedily as possible the county jail and sheriff's residence were built, and Wauseon took a new lease of prosperity. From 1870 to 1880 the population of the village increased about thirty per cent. Wauseon's first school-house still stands at the northeast corner of Clinton and Elm street. It is an old-fashioned building of wood, put up in 1856. It contains two rooms and is yet used, it being the place where the youngest chil- dren of school age in the village receive their first instruction. The next, a small brick, was erected on the north side of Chestnut street. It fell into disuse for educational purposes when in 1868 the building for a spe- cial school district, of which Wauseon was quite the larger part, was built on Monroe street, near the park known as Monumental Park. The special school district building is a three- stor}' brick, containing six rooms, and the usual halls necessary to a building of that size for school purposes. It was built by J. Q. Riddle and a man named Cutshaw, the latter being the mechanic, and the for- mer furnishing the material. Its cost was $15,000. This building was not well designed for its' use, and although expensive, it was not well built. It is about the only institution of the town of which the average Wauseon citizen is not reasonably proud. It is not stating the case too strongly to say that the excel- lent people of the village are thoroughly ashamed of the unsightly, badly de- signed, and probably dangerous school-house where their children receive their education. So far as the management of this school is concerned, it always has been excellent, both on the part of the board of education and the teachers, and a number of the graduates of the high school have become intelligent and use- ful members of society. Many who went forth from its walls have been and now are numbered among the most efficient of the common school teachers of Fulton county. The average yearly attendance in all its schools for the last ten years has been about two hundred and seventy-five pupils. An examination of the business history of Wauseon discloses the fact that the representatives of its trade in all channels since its first rude beginnings in the woods, have been unusually reliable and solvent. In proportion to its busi- ness and population, the failures have been few, and commercial disasters of any magnitude entirely unknown. The trades and general business are now repre- sented by about fifty establishments. Its express and freight receipts will com- pare favorably with many places of twice the population. Its citizens travel and mingle with the outside world and patronize the public library, and are thrifty intelligent and generous. Poverty and want among any of the inhabitants are exceptions to the general prosperity of the people, of rare occurrence, and the different church organizations, the civic societies, comprising the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and the noble fraternity of the Grand Army of the Republic, are ever ready to alleviate privation and distress. None of the chil- 55 434 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. dren of Wauseon go hungry, but few ill-clad, and the means of moral and men- tal culture are freely provided for all. Surely the paths of this pretty village have been and shall continue to be prosperous and pleasant. CHAPTER XLII. HISTORY OP AMBOY TOWNSHIP. AT the date of the first settlement of Amboy township by the whites, as- early as 1834 or 1835, that part north of the " Fulton Hne " was included in the territory of Michigan, and, with all the other townships north of said line, the people did all their legal business, and paid their taxes at the city of Adrian, the county seat of Lenawee county, and continued to do so until in December, 1836, when this entire strip of land became an integral part of Ohio, under the jurisdiction of Lucas county. The land office on this survey was at the city of Monroe, near the mouth of the River Raisin, at or near the head of Lake Erie. All persons living on this disputed strip prior to its transfer to Ohio, were residents of Fairfield township, Lenawee county, and Territory of Michigan. At a commissioners' meeting held at the city of Toledo, June 4, 1837, the township of Amboy was organized by taking all of town nine south, range four east, south of the Harris line (now the State line of Michigan), and all of frac- tional township ten south, range four east, extending to the "Fulton line" south. The first election under this organization was held at the residence of David Duncan. The officers assumed jurisdiction and held the same until March i, 1841, when the south part (all of town ten south, range four east) was erected into Fulton township, and passed under her jurisdiction, and so retnained until 1846, when, at a commissioners' meeting held June 2, at the city of Maumee, upon a petition signed by many of the residents of Fulton township (there being no remonstrance from citizens of Amboy), they attached to Fulton township the south tier of sections of town nine South, range four east, to wit: Sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36. Amboy at present contains about twenty-six full sections of land, or an area of 16,677 acres, valued at the last assessment, together with the personal property, at $333,640, as shown upon the duplicate of the county for 1886. All of the alterations of this township were made when this county's terri- tory was a part and parcel of Lucas county, prior to 1850, the time of the or- ganization of Fulton county. Fulton County. 435 Boundaries. — This township is in the extreme northeastern part of the county, and bounded on the east by Richfield township, in the county of Lucas; on the south by Fulton township ; on the west by Royalton township, and on the north by Ogden township, Lenawee county, in the State of Michi- gan, or the " Harris line." Amboy lies wholly within the disputed territory which was adjusted by the Congress of the United States in December, 1836, and was then turned over to Ohio. It was the third township organization of Lucas prior to Fulton county. The extreme eastern part of this township is west from the city of Toledo about fifteen miles, and on an average of twenty miles from Wauseon, the county seat. Its nearest railroad station is about six miles south, Swanton, on the Lake Shore Railroad. Soil. — The soil of this township is referable entirely to the drift deposits, and would be classified as drift clays. The township is traversed from the southwest to the northeast, near the center, with a beach ridge of sand and gravel. This clay, with slight deposits of sand and gravel, covers the major portion of the territory, and is deposited with a flat and often a very level sur- face. This beach ridge, crossing nearly through the center of the township, has, with its branches, but a small area, yet it crosses many farms that would be otherwise destitute of sand, and it affords to the farms and the township a desirable variety. This beach of sand and gravel abruptly terminates about two miles south of Metamora, a small village near the northeast corner. Clay suitable for brick-making can be found in this township in abundance, but, as yet, few bricks have been made. Timber. — The clays of this township support a heavy forest growth, in which no single class predominates. White oak, burr oak, white elm, white ash, and basswood, with a sprinkling of sugar maple, cottonwood, and some "whitewood, sycamore, and but few beeches are met with, and this forms the growth of timber upon its soil, as it appears to-day, and was found by the first settlers. Where this sand and gravel beach overlays the clay, elm, basswood and beech become rare, yet a heavy growth of timber covers its soil. There are no opening lands in the township. With proper care and protection, Am- boy township has sufficient timber for all building purposes for generations to •come, and this is one of her internal sources of usefulness as well as wealth. Water Courses. — The main water course of this township rises beyond the "western boundaries of the township, in the township of Royalton, and runs a northeasterly direction through the village of Metamora, and thence east, leav- ing the township near the northeast corner of section twelve, town nine south, range four east, into Lucas county. It is called Ten Mile Creek, and empties into Maumee Bay, on or near the line between the States of Michigan and Ohio. The summit of this township is on its northwest border. The streams on the north side of Ten Mile Creek have a gentle course to the southeast, while upon the south side they arc few, and a short distance south of Ten Mile 436 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Creek are gently inclined to the south, and empty into Swan Creek. All the inclinations of this township are very gen-tle with whatever course the stream- lets take, the slope being gently inclined to the east and south by east. There are no very singular surface depressions in the locality, and but few wet prai- ries or marshes. Topography. — The highest lands upon the north side of this township are about one hundred and forty feet above Lake Erie, and fall off to the south with a descent of fifteen feet to the mile. At no place within its limits is there an out-crop of the underlying rock, and there are but few glacial boulders in the soil. The overlying rock on this territory is first the Huron shale ; then the Hamilton group ; next the Corniferous limestone. Its water supply is attained by surface drainage, and fails in severe drouths ; otherwise a good supply can only be obtained by the auger below the clay-drift, where can be found an abundance of good water to be utilized for general purposes by using the wind-mill. This township was among the earliest that began settlement in 1834, and held a scattered population for a long period of time. The settlers endured many hardships and privations, and were poor in purse and household effects while they were clearing away the forest to raise corn and wheat for their bread and fattening a little pork for their families to subsist upon. Cabins had to be raised for shelter, roads opened, bridges built, and many other things were required to be done before any revenue could be returned to replenish an empty purse. There were no laggards here, no idlers; the crash of falling timber was heard early and late in that busy circle of early pioneers, and after- wards came the burning and logging, and fitting the land for corn, potatoes, and a little garden after other crops had been put in by the ax and hoe. There was but little plowing and the crops were tended by the whole family with the hoe as best they could. Often .half of these crops were destroyed by birds and wild animals, so prevalent ih those new forest homes, and it is often remarked by these sturdy pioneers that with all their effort to keep soul and body together with sometimes poorly supplied larders, an empty purse, with home-made clothing for their Sunday wear, how well they enjoyed this kind of life; to chop the first tree, to build the log cabin, to move into it, with none other near, was exhilarating. There was no repining. It was a necessity that they should live in^this way, and they with joy obeyed this will as though it was the command of God, and in their rehearsals of those days they often manifest a desire to live them over again. The gun was often brought into use to supply food for the families. How anxious these pioneer men and women were to get a little piece of ground and secure themselves a home, and rear their families, and when away at work how cheering the thought as he went from his toil to his cabin and family at the close of day; no loitering places, or modern day fixtures to draw him away from his family. To recall Fulton County. 437 these days are cheering reflections of an inspiration not possessed by our modern belle and gentleman. It can be well said for these old pioneers that " labor is the life of nature, and to serve all men her highest freedom." Population. — In the last census of 1880 this township had a population of 1,264. The development has been slow, and not until later years did it receive agricultural possibilities that has astonished its people, and in the future is more than likely to keep pace with its sister townships of the county. The first twenty-five years of the settling of Amboy township was slow because of the lack of means of its people, they having come to the territory in very limited circumstances, but through courage and energy they slowly mounted the ladder to success. It was not until the construction of the plank road, ia 1850, that a route was opened from the city of Toledo westward, running through this township from east to west, and then did its prosperity begin. Ever since that event the discouragements have been far less than to those who came to possess the country. Roads. — The first road penetrating this township was the territorial road, or known as the Vistula and Indiana road, laid out by the territorial Legisla- ture of Michigan, about 1832. It was opened at a late date, about 1835, and in 1850 became the bed for the plank road, which for many years was the only outlet for Toledo via Sylvania, westward. In the very early history of the township a road was built running from the old Vistula road south on the sand beach through the township towards the Maumee River, which served as a route of travel in getting to Maumee for milling and trade, and by reason of these roads the central and northern part of Amboy was the first settled and earHest developed. The inhabitants in this locality are probably as well situated and as com- fortably supplied as anywhere in the county. Agriculture. — In the early days here was found covering the territory a dense forest, which required many years of the ambition of the best blood of the country to remove; and after that a great amount of labor was needed ta begin a higher state of cultivation before the development of agriculture be- came a fixed fact ; for it was found that when the forest was removed the soil was rich in all that develops agricultural powers, and to-day, with the system of drainage which every industrious community has adopted, Amboy is second to none in agricultural possibilities. Its natural advantages in soil are equal to any other township of the county, and its productions to-day confirm every statement herein made, as shown by the reports of productions of this town- ship in 1886, and taken in the spring of 1887. Acres of wheat, 1323; bushels raised, 22,983. Acres of rye, 179; bushels, raised 3,331. Acres of buckwheat, 51; bushels raised, 989. Acres of oats, 635; bushels raised, 27,618. Acres barley, 11 ; bushels raised, 419. Acres of corn, 1,682; bushels raised, 59,613. Acres of meadow, I,I5S; tons of hay,. 438 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. 1,096. Acres of clover, 294; tons of hay, 335 ; bushels of seed, 236. Acres of potatoes, 93; bushels harvested, 7,065. Butter manufactured, 26,787 pounds. Cheese manufactured, 141,000 pounds. Sorghum made, 102 gallons; maple syrup, 205 gallons, and 120 pounds of maple sugar. Amount of eggs pro- duced, 33,661 dozens. Wool produced, S,oi6 pounds. Cows in township, 543. Orchards, 352 acres; bushels of apples, 21,368; pears, 35 bushels; peaches, 6 bushels; cherries, 25 bushels; plums, 18 bushels. Early Settlers. — Jared Hoadly was, without doubt, the first resident settler of Amboy township. He entered his land in the month of July, 1833, and late in the fall of the same year he moved to Amboy township. It is found that in the early part of January, 1834, he built himself a cabin upon this purchase, on section seven. He lived in Amboy township for many years and in later life, moved into Michigan. He was a very prominent man with the first pio- neers, and very influential in all the affairs of the township. He was prosper- ous in all his business adventures. He bore well the hardships incident to early life in a new country, and his home was the asylum of the distressed and unfortunate. His outlet for trade was at Perrysburgh, and occasionally at Adrian. His milling was mostly done at Tecumseh, which was reached by roads winding about through the woods and swamps, over unbridged creeks, and it often required three or four days with ox teams to make the trip. The most plentiful thing was game, of those days. Indians were by no means scarce, as they liked the idea of being near the first white settlers for the purpose of trade and barter. They were, upon the whole, a benefit to these early fathers and oftentimes company in the lonesome hours of wilderness life; and besides, they kept the settlers informed of all newcomers for many miles around. They were always peaceable; the settlers had nothing to fear from the Indian. They would assist the families in erecting their first cabins, in order, chiefly, to get what whisky they could drink. It may be said of them that they did their part in making the early pioneers and their families more comfortable for their being here, as many of these old settlers can testify. Mr. Hoadly was an ac- tive man and performed his full share of labor in the developing of the town- ship in its very primitive days. He held the plow to break the first piece of land plowed in Amboy, and built the first cabin of which we have any record. He has long since passed "over the river" from the toils and scenes of this life. Among the other settlers that came to this township in 1833 that can be found recorded in the memory of the present living generation were Alvah Steadman, Aaron Steadman and David Steadman, father of Aaron and Alvah, Frank O'Neil, Charles Blain, William Blain, John Roop, Joseph Roop and Alfred Gilson. The Blains, originally, were from Lodi, near Syracuse, Onon- daga county, N. Y., and first made a halt at Toledo, at a very early day, from whence they came on foot across the country westward, and settled in Amboy, which was then under territorial rule of Michigan, and said to be in the town- Fulton County. 439. ship of Blissfield. Their advent was late in the fall of 1833. They each have raised large families, all of whom have grown to man and womanhood and are settled around their parents on parts of their father's estate. These pioneers, after subduing an interminable wilderness and enduring their share of the trials and privations incident to a pioneer life, acquired a fair share of this world's goods, and a fine share of lands on sections 18 and 19, which estate is now divided among the children. Charles Blain is living to-day at the advanced age of seventy- five years. His mother, Sarah Blain, died in 1874, at his home in Amboy township, at the age of one hundred and four years. Alvah Stead- man is supposed to have been the second settler in the township, but possibly that honor will have to be divided with John and Joseph Roop, yet the best informed of the old pioneers accord that honor to Alvah Steadman. They all came so nearly together that it will be impossible at this late day to settle the question. Joseph Roop made the first brick in the township and carried on that industry for many years. Many of the old settlers show the brick man- ufactured by Joseph Roop, now used in comfortable dwellings. The foot- prints and marks of these first settlers are shown and spoken of all over the township. These families, being the advance guard jn subduing a wilderness, had a large share of the winter of 1834 in which to arrange for a garden and potato and corn patch, one of the first thoughts of the settlers of that day, and gen- erally planted among the logs with spade, hoe or an ax, and in the fall were- prepared to help the coming immigrant with a fair share of their summer's in- dustry, for which they usually obtained a little cash, not greenbacks or gold,, but a little silver and the balance in wildcat notes of that period, upon which there was often a large loss to the receiver. On examination it is found many of the homes of these first beginners have passed into the hands of strangers— later immigrants upon the soil, who since have done their part well, and claim some recognition as pioneers of Amboy township or the county of Fulton. From the old tumble-down cabin will be seen fine residences, mammoth barns, good out-houses and well-drained lands, surrounded by good rail fences. It is now fifty-four years since the advent of the first settler, Jared Hoadly. With many of that year's immigrants full a month's work from each was required to cut and clear out roads and make bridges, etc. No turnpike work could be done in those days. Frank O'Neil settled where Metamora is now located. He built the first cabin in that part of the township, and there alone with his family enjoyed the full fruits of a pioneer's life and the honor of being ahead of the other settlers. Since the date of the settlement of 1833, there has been a large acquisition of 'population. In 1834, David Duncan, from Onondaga county, N. Y. ; also John Blain and Jerry Duncan, from the same place; Lorenzo Abbott, Seneca Corbin, from New York; Park White and his son David White, Jonathan Gil- 440 History ok Henry and Fulton Counties. son, Clark Gilson, James Hallett, John Labounty, Samuel Purdy, Joseph Richey, Nathaniel Welch and Harry Welch. In the year of 1835 there came Hiram Bartlett, who first emigrated from Cooperstown, Otsego county, State of New York, in 1826, and settled at Port Lawrence (now Toledo). He re- sided there nine years before he came to Amboy township. Calvin Skinner, Cyrus Fisher, Horatio Stevens and Caleb Remilie came from Niagara county, N. Y. George Barnett, Chapman, Griswold and Koons, whose given names could not be ascertained, were also among the early settlers. Horatio Stevens settled upon section twenty-nine, afterwards owned by Stephen Haughton. Alfred Gilson settled on section nineteen. Samuel Keeler, father of Solomon Keeler, a banker at Toledo, was among the settlers of 1835. Joseph Richey was also a settler of this period ; and Marmaduke Bunting may be placed as among this class, as it is admitted he was a very early settler. The Blains and Duncans were all from Lodi, first lock on the canal east of Syracuse, Onondaga county, N. Y. David White, a son of Park White, became a noted hunter in the wilds of this county, but since the advancement of civilization and the wood- man's ax, game in later years has become so scarce as to yield no profit. He sought the wilderness of Northern Michigan, and makes hunting profitable. Lorenzo Abbott came through from Maumee, with nothing but a pocket com- pass for his guide, and found the land of his choice, and entered the same and lived upon it until he sold it to Sullivan Johnson, in 1843. When Hiram Bart- lett came to this township, July 31, 1835, from Port Lawrence, Lucas county, he had four children, to wit : Elizabeth, who married a son of Deacon Keeler, the banker of Toledo, and now resides at Elkhart, Ind. ; Julia Ann, the wife of Norman H. Tripp, of Amboy, now living on section sixteen; Hannah F., who became the wife of George Gale, and has since died, and Hiram Russell Bart- lett, who now occupies the homestead of his father. The father died abcut 187s There was one very important incident in the life of Hiram Bartlett, which is worthy of some note. It seems tiiat in early life he learned the hatter's trade, and, on arriving at twenty-one years of age (as it was customary to have birth- day parties), he had a party to commemorate the event. Rum was customary at the sideboard, and was drank freely by all members of society in those days. Having seen the iniquity of so free a use of rum and other strong drinks, he was resolved beforehand to total abstinence. On that day, to make strong the vow, he took a bottle, filled it with rum, corked and sealed the same, and then and there declared, before the company present, that he would never taste any alcoholic drinks during his future existence, unless to save his life, and not then until it was decided by a council of five doctors that it was necessary ; if so decided that it was necessary, the bottle was to be opened and the prescrip- tion to be made therefrom. Russell Bartlett died in the fall of 1875. The bot- tle remained unopened at his death, and so still remains. It is now in the pos- session of his son, Russell Bartlett, a prosperous citizen of Amboy township. Fulton County. 44E Between 1836 and 1840 came Job Duvall, who settled upon section nine. He came from Erie county, N. Y. He now sleeps with the dead. He was highly respected in the whole township. His widow lives where he first set- tled. Tunis Lewis, John Lewis and Charles Welch are found to be among the settlers of this period. John Richey settled on section seventeen; William Ir- win on section fourteen. Charles C. Tiney was born in Washington county, N. Y., April 26, 1809, and his wife, Electa Whitten, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., December 28, 1813. They settled in Fulton county in 1838, on section thirty. Calvin H. Potter settled in Amboy township in 1 842. Since he came to this county he has cut and brushed six miles of road, four rods wide, through heavy timber, and has cleared his farm of one hundred acres. He was born in Herkimer county, N. Y'., August 2, 1822. Morey S. Potter and Minerva, his wife, parents of Calvin H. Potter, settled. in Fulton county in 1842. They have a numerous following of grand and^ great-grandchildren, ma'ny of them living in Amboy and adjacent townships.. The old people were living on their farm in Amboy but a short time ago, eachi at a very advanced age. In 1843 came Sullivan Johnson, who has been twice honored with election to the sheriff's office of Fulton county. He has, ever since he came to the- township in 1843, been a very active man in all matters that pertain to the development of its resources, and is a leader in his political party. He has been successful in honorably obtaining a fair share of this world's goods, and" has seen his children well settled around him. He now resides on the section, formerly owned by Lorenzo Abbott, who first entered the same, and came to» reside thereon July 31, 1835. Norman N. Tripp first visited Amboy in 1838. He was then a young man, and stayed here for a short time. He returned in 1847. He married Julia Ann Bartlett, daughter of Hiram Bartlett, and settled upon section six- teen, where he now resides. He has been a life-long Democrat and a man of much influence in the township and the county. Mrs. Tripp has some very interesting relics of her grandparents, such as family apparel, Hnen, table cloths, and sheets, which were made over one hundred years ago. She shows the work of her grandmother — Hannah Walker Fisher, of Providence, R. I. — a miniature pair of woolen hose and mittens, which Mrs. Tripp wore in her babyhood, sixty-five years ago. Hezekiah Culver, Caleb Satterly, Thomas Cahoe, Daniel L. Bueler, and possibly others whose names cannot be ascertained, came prior to 1850. Present Residents. — In naming the present settlers upon the soil of Amboy there need only be mentioned those who have become prominently iden- tified in its industries as agriculturists and in other pursuits, to wit : Sulli- van Johnson, Norman N. Tripp, Lewis Bueler, James Santee, Miles Kahle, 56 442 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. George Clark, John Richey, George Johnson, George Duvall, Peter Ottgen, Ira Smedes, Alfred Dennis, Charles Blain, Benjamin Blain, Robert Blain, Fred. Broadbeck, George Robinson, Hubert Robinson, Harvey Gunn, Adam Mohr, Herbert Ottgen, Peter Reis, William Beverly, S. P. Knapp, Smallman, •Charles Tiney, Albert Allen, G. N. Carter, Thomas Cahoe, McLean Duncan, William Myers, Samuel Duncan, Nathaniel Welch, William Nevitt, Russell Bartlett, Peter Mohr, Peter Shug, Charles Blain, jr., James O'Neil, Daniel Hal- lett, James Hallett, James Hallett, jr., S. M. Reynolds, John Willey, Joseph Feltz, Christian Ottgen, Christian Ottgen, jr., John Hartell, Peter Kohl, a preacher, Darius Higley, John Reis, E. Bunting, E. F. Bartley, J. L. Molish, S. R. Myers, N. Justice, J. Stillwell, John Broadbeck, George Reis, and many others. Primitive Structures. — The first inhabitants of this township, as did of many others of later settlement, built their first habitations of round logs, gen- .erally twelve by sixteen feet in size ; still some were a little larger, and were •covered with elm bark when shakes could not be obtained easily. A few oth- ■ers were built of bark. These answered for their immediate necessities until they could secure a harvest for the coming winter. As soon as they saw their families provided with something to eat, they built for themselves an improved •structure, which lasted these residents for many years. Some of these primi- tive structures are still standing as evidence of the truth of what is here said. The more modern log houses were built of larger dimensions and with double roof and many of them were quite roomy, and were palatial when compared with the first. The logs were often hewed upon the inside and put under a good shingle roof. The cracks were chincked, and then plastered upon the inside and outside, some with clay and others with lime and sand. With these houses the people were well satisfied for many years, or until "they got their farms well improved, and not until within the last twenty years .have they begun the more modern structure. The fathers and sons in nearly all the first families were good citizens. Many of them were brought up to the German habits of patience, perseverance and industry, and these qualities have accumulated good possessions, and are prepared to lay aside the mantle for their children and journey to another future home — their everlasting home over the river of death. Metamora. — Frank O'Neal built the first house in Metamora. Hezekiah Culver sold the first goods here in 1848, and possibly the first in the town- ship. This was in a very early day. Culver and Compton & Co. built the first grist-mill, in 1845, and the only one ever built in the township, the latter in 1850. It is now owned and run by Eli Bunting. Willi.am Bailey was the first physician in Metamora. He settled near the German church, west some two miles from the town. Jonathan Saunders was one of the original proprietors of the village. His son, Clark Saunders, has Fulton County. 443 there, at the present time, a drug store. A physician named Pomeroy, used to practice medicine in the village at a very early day. He was a very old man at the time, and, after a few years of practice died, and was buried there. Metamora has had a post-office for many years, and the only one in the township up to about 1880, when Siney post-office was established upon the western line, giving two post-offices in the township. The present industries of the village are, one saw-mill, one hotel, kept by Peter Holben ; four dry good stores, owned by James Gurnsey, Edward Duvall and Fred. Prickett. The town also supports one barber shop. There is being built a large cheese- factory, which can be well supported by the farming community. The present physicians of the village are Dr. S. M. Clark, Dr. F"oster, Dr. Tompkins and Dr. Markham. There is one Methodist Episcopal church, which was built in 1870, and is in a good condition, with a large membership. There is also one United. Brethren church, which sustains a fair membership. It was built in 1874. Amboy township, aside from the two church organizations in the village of Metamora, has one Catholic church, called St. Mary's, built in 1864, upon sec- tion 26, and connected therewith is a cemetery specially dedicated for Catholic burials. The country here surrounding is chiefly populated by Irish and some French families, who were originally of that faith when they left their native- land and made America their home. They have, in the main, made good citi- zens ; they have been prosperous, and the township has been benefited by their settling here. Many have a fair share of this world's goods, acquired by their frugality and industry during the few years they have been upon the soil. The Methodist Episcopal church, upon the town line between Amboy and' Royalton, was built in 1867. It has a small number of worshipers, and has sustained itself under adverse circumstances. The Reformed Church of Zion was built by the German residents, about 1870. This society and the church edifice is due to the labors of Peter Kohl, who is yet living in the township at the advanced age of seventy- five years. The church building is located upon section 9. Schools. — There are five school districts in the township, located as follows : one upon the south side of section 4 ; one upon section 7 ; one upon section 16; one upon section 29; one upon section 26, and a special district at Meta- mora. All have well-built houses, some of which have been lately built. Industries. — The only industry in the township, outside of the village of Metamora, is agriculture. There is connected with that one cheese-factory, lo- cated upon section 7, called the Amboy cheese- factory. Benjamin Davis, of Royalton, is the proprietor. It was opened for business in 1868, and has made the milk production very profitable to the farming community in a lairge part of the township. The factory is in a flourishing condition at this time. John Reis, upon the eastern part of the township, carries on the tile and. 444 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. brick making business to quite a large extent. The brick and tile there man- ufactured are entirely used by the farmers. There is not any other very prom- inent industry in the township. Official Roll. — Upon the organization of this township, in 1837, '^t the first election held, Peter C. Lewis of section 9, and Cyrus Fisher of section 29, were elected justices of the peace. Stephen Haughton was the first county officer from the township, and served as county commissioner three years ; Abram B, Thompson was twice elected county commissioner and served six years ; Sul- livan Johnson was twice elected sherifiT and served four years, making, for all incumbents, thirteen years of official service for Fulton county from Amboy. CHAPTER XLHI. HISTORY OK CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP. THIS township was organized at a session of the board of commissioners, held at Toledo, June 4, 1837, by taking all of towns nine south, range one and two east, and all of town ten south ; ranges one and two east, excepting a strip one mile wide from the west side of towns nine and ten south, range one •east, and embracing all the territory described from the " Harris line" on the north, to the " Fulton line " on the south. The first election under this or- ganization was held at the residence of Chesterfield demons, and the officers fully assumed jurisdiction, and held the same until March 6, 1838, when, at a commissioners' meeting held at Toledo, the whole of towns nine and ten south, range one east, was set off and erected into the township of Gorham. Then Chesterfield relinquished her jurisdiction to the territory so set off. Again, at a commissioners' session held at the city of Maumee, June 5, 1843, the whole of town ten south, range two east, was taken from Chesterfield, and with other territory south, was organized into the township of Dover. The town- ship of Chesterfield for several years thereafter exercised municipal control over the balance of the territory. At some unknown date since the organiza- tion of Fulton county, the commissioners thereof struck off and set to Gorham the west half of fractional section 7, and the west half of section 18, lying west of Bean Creek, leaving the present township of Chesterfield as she exists to-day. Chesterfield, as her boundaries exist at present time, contains a small fraction of sections i, 2 and 3, south of the " Harris line," and the balance of sections 7, 8 and 9, south of the same line, and all of sections 10, 11, 12, I3) 14, IS, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33. 34, 35 and 36, excepting therefrom the west half of sections 7 and 18 set off Fulton County. 445 to Gorham, and contains a fraction less than twenty-nine sections of land, or an area of 18,467 acres valued at $354,55°- This township with all its alter- ations was made while under the municipal control of Lucas county, except the west half of sections 7 and 18, which was set off to Gorham by the com- missioners of Fulton county since 1850. Boundaries. — This township is bounded on the north by the State of Mich- igan ; on the east by Royalton ; on the south by Dover, and on the west by Gorham township. It is situated between the townships of Gorham and Roy- alton, and the township of Dover and State line of Michigan, and is wholly upon the disputed territory claimed respectively by Ohio and Michigan, and settled by the Congress of the United States in December, 1836. The same history as expressed in Royalton township applies full well to to the township of Chesterfield, except that, in the last years of this disputed agitation of territorial control by Michigan, these lands were, in the winter of 1834, placed under the township jurisdiction of Seneca and remained so until December, 1836, when to the Harris line it became a part of Ohio, and lost the name of Seneca, and was unorganized territory until 1837, when it was given the name of Chesterfield. First Settlers. — Chesterfield demons was the first settler of this township. He and his family, on the 6th day of October, 1834, entered the township and located upon the west part of section 14, town nine south, range two east. He was born in Ontario county. State of New York, in 1797, and in 1821 married Fannie Downing, and soon after emigrated to Paynesville, O., from whence they came to this county as stated. Six daughters were born to them during their wedded life. Animated by the true pioneer spirit, as he must have been, Chesterfield demons and family bravely penetrated into an almost undisturbed wilderness of then southern Lenawee county, and commenced to make a home for himself and family. His faithful and untiring, industry, privations and hard- ships, have, we doubt not, been instrumental in converting a howHng wilder- ness into a flourishing and enlightened commonwealth. Mr. demons catae in the morning of life with his children and wife, possessed of Httle else than will- ing hands, stout hearts, and sincere and honest desires. This family endured trials and dangers, sorrow and tribulations, unknown to the later settlers, be- cause alone in the wilderness with no thought save to grapple with their im- mediate necessities. Chesterfield demons Hved but a short time to see the fruits of his labor, or the wilderness blossom as the rose. He died at his new home in Chesterfield in the year 1842. His widow subsequently married the Hon, Samuel Gillis. She is the mother of Mrs. James S. Dean, Mrs. Delevan ■C.- Gillis, lately deceased ; Mrs. John S. Butler, Mrs. Gideon Clark, and Mrs. James Hough, deceased. Judge Samuel Gillis died about twelve years since, and Mrs. Fannie (demons) Gillis died at her son-in-law's residence at Morenci, Mich., about two years ago. She was born May 17, 1803, in the State of New 446 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. York. Among the settlers was Garner Willett, who located on the southeast quarter of section 9, town nine south, range two east. He was born Decem- ber 20, 1816, in Somerset county, N. J. In 1835 Garner Willett left his home at the age of nineteen years. He had only thirty-five dollars and his gun when he started west visiting Adrian, Mich., and many places in Ohio, view- ing the country and killing deer, wandering to Chesterfield in 1837. In 1839- he was joined by his father, David Willett, and family. He was present at the organization of Chesterfield township June 4, 1837. In 1845 he married Harriet Parson, who with her parents, came from Maine and settled in Ches- terfield in 1834. Daniel and Esperance Parsons, parents of Garner Willett's wife, came to Chesterfield in the fall of 1834, and lived to prosper and spend their last days in ease. The nearest grist-mill of those days was at Tecumseh, Mich., thirty miles away. George P. Clark and his wife Elizabeth settled in this county in the fall of 1834; they were both born in Rhode Island. He located upon section twen- ty-three, but some years later he sold out and went to Michigan and there died in 1872. Alanson Briggs and wife, Lucinda (Cadwell) Briggs, came to this county in 1834 and settled upon section twelve. He came from the State of New York, city of Utica. In the fall of 1836 a mail route was established and run from Toledo, O., to Lima, Ind.,over the old territorial road, sometimes called the Vistula road, being the first mail service in the township. The distance was one hundred and ten miles, and the mail was carried twice a week. There was but one post-office between the two terminal points. After passing four miles west of Morenci, Mich., the road lay through a continuous stretch of unbroken forest for thirty- three miles. John S. Butler, then a boy of about eleven years, carried the mail on horseback twice each week for a number of years. Alanson Briggs kept a hotel for several years to accommodate the immi- grants, who were rapidly filling up the country. It was located upon the premises now owned by Eleazer Clark. Briggs was a colonel of the State militia of Ohio, which at a later period held general muster at yEtna, in Pike township. Alanson Briggs died in 1879, at the age of eighty- two years. His wife, Lucinda, died in the early days of the township. John S. Butler, a son of Asa H. and Sarah (Daggett) Butler, who first set- tled in Gorham township in 1835. When about eleven years of age he was indentured to Alanson Briggs until he became twenty-one. While here at Alanson Briggs's he was the post-boy on the route from Toledo to Lima, in the State of Indiana, and for several years ran over the route twice a week, a distance of one hundred and ten miles. He says he fell into the St. Joseph River, which he had to cross, with the United States mail on top of him. Once in carrying the mail, he was chased by wolves several miles, but was Fulton County. 447 glad to be rid of their company, as he did not like their music. He also helped Alanson Briggs clear up the farm where now lives James H. Turner. He married Lovina, a daughter of Chesterfield and Fannie demons, on June 14, 1846. He was born in Wayne county, N. Y., May 18, 1824. He is a suc- cessful farmer of Chesterfield township, located on section thirty-two. Harlow Butler, in 1835, came west on a land hunt, and located himself on a farm on section twenty-eight. While on his way through Ohio in the time of the Toledo war, he was seized and taken prisoner, but soon released and went on his way rejoicing. He returned with his family to Ohio, and settled upon the lands he first located in 1836. Harlow Butler was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y., January 4, 1798, and his wife, Mary (Hick- ox) Butler, was born at the same place December 28, 1803. It is said that Harlow Butler's was the fourth family in the township. Mr. Butler planted an orchard on his farm from apple seeds washed from the pumice before leaving New York. He lived to see the trees bear fruit and ate their apples and drank their cider for thirty years before his death, which occurred at his home in Chesterfield many years ago. He was one of that class of men who were an honor to the township, and was a very useful man in society. Darwin E. Butler settled in Chesterfield township in 1836. He came from West Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y. He was a machinest and music teacher, and was a very useful man to the whole township. He married in Chesterfield, November 12, 1843, Aurelia Hibbard. He died at his home in the township in the spring of 1886. His wife survives him. John B. Roos and Elizabeth (Benner) Roos came to this township in 1836, and settled upon section twenty-four, where John died in 1859, and his wife in 1872. Both were born in Dutchess county, N. Y. John P. Roos, son of John B. and Elizabeth, came with his parents to this township in 1836. In 1849, January 25, he united in marriage with Emily L. Noble, who came from Genesee county, N. Y. John P. Roos is a man of un- blemished character and large influence, and is signally prosperous in all his business relations. William Onweller and his wife, Susannah, came to this county in 1835 and settled upon section twenty-three of Chesterfield township. They came from the State of Maryland. William Onweller was a very industrious citizen, and accumulated quite a property. He died March 20, 1864, at his home in the township, devising his estate to his son William, who is a very prosperous farmer of the township. During the last year he built one of the finest brick houses of the county upon the old homestead of his father. Samuel Stutesman came to this township in 1837. He was born in Wash- ington county, Md., August 29, 1806. He came to this county without much means, but, by industry and steady perseverance as a farmer, acquired a large landed estate, and in his declining years is able to enjoy life in ease. He set- tled upon section fourteen. 448 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Heman A. Canfield, and his wife, Amanda G. Canfield, botii of whom were born in New York State, came to this county in 1838, and settled upon the farm now owned by John S. Butler, on sections thirty-two and thirty-three. Mr. Canfield for many years has been one of the foremost citizens of the town- ship in all its business relations ; by his honesty, sobriety, and untiring indus- try has acquired a fair competence ; has raised a fine family, and has twice been honored by his county with the office of county commissioner. In i860 Mr. Canfield sold his farm in Chesterfield and removed to Gorham, where he again came in contact with the forest, and had to clear himself a farm, which he has successfully done, and may now, in his advancing years, enjoy the com- forts of a well-earned competency. Jacob Boynton came to this county in 1835 ^nd bought of Chesterfield demons some thirty acres of land, now owned and possessed by Eleazer Clark. Boynton afterward sold out and moved from the county. Alfred C. Hough was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., and came to Ful- ton county in 1836. He settled upon section twenty-one. Mr. Hough has held the office of county auditor of this county, serving with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself He was the first school examiner, while the ter- ritory belonged to Lucas county. He has several times been honored by his township to important positions. James M. Hough was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., and came to this territory when a young man, and finally settled upon section twenty-one, where he raised a fine family, and is now retired from active life. George Patterson and his family came to this county in September, 1838, and settled upon section thirty- one, where he lived many years. In 1849 ^^ sold out and settled in Dover township, where he died many years ago. Lyman L. Beebe and his wife, Julia (Clement) Beebe, were born in Onta- rio county, N. Y. They came to Fulton county and settled in the township of Chesterfield in 1840, and purchased six acres of wild land at three dollars per acre, on section twenty-seven. He built the first steam saw- mill in the township in 1844, and ran the same for nearly twelve years. It was located on what is now the Crittenden farm, on the south side. In 1856 he removed his steam-mill and re-erected and remodeled the same and ran it for a num- ber of years, when he abandoned it. It was located upon section thirteen. Mr. Beebe is still living. He is now partially blind. His wife, Julia, died in 1849, in Fulton county. Mr. B. now owns five hundred and eight acres of land, and a fine brick residence. Jeremiah Sheffield and his wife, Sarah, from Newburg, Orange county, N. Y., were married October 10, 1838, at Newburg, and started the same month for Ohio, landing in Chesterfield November 11, 1838, and, with the aid of John P. Roos and Charles Smith, selected the land upon which they lived, and on which she, as his widow, resides to-day. t--^ ^^^i^^i^LGp l^ffpT^Hju-^ Fulton County. 449 Nathaniel Parsons and family came to Chesterfield February, 1835. At one time Mr. Parsons went to mill at Tecumseh, thirty miles away, and the mother divided what bread they had in the house, and lived on fractional ra- tions while he was gone. In these very first days there were no schools for a year or two, and the children were taught at home by the mother or elder daughter until such time as the population would warrant a school-building. James S. Dean, sr., came to this township in October, 1838, from Chemung county, N. Y., and settled upon sections twenty-four and twenty-five. Nehemiah Cone came in 1835, and settled on section twenty- four. Gersham Livesay came in 1836 from Elmira, Chemung county, N. Y. David Lee came in 1837. He was the father of Peleg S. Lee, who is, and has been for a long time, engaged in the cheese manufacture, and who, the first year, started with a production of about 4,000 pounds. He now manu- factures from 150,000 to 200,000 pounds of cheese per year. In 1834, 1835, 1836, and up to 1840, many came to the township of Ches- terfield that have not been heretofore named, who have had much to do in improving the country. Mention of some of these will be made, who have been particularly identified with the township. They are : Nathaniel Butler, Hiram Butler, Darwin Butler, Manley Hawley, Flavel Butler, Daniel Fausey, James Aldrich, Hyson Aldrich, Cicero H. Shaw, James M. Bates, George W. Bates, David L. Beebe, George W. Roos, Thomas Welch, Isaac Stites, Benja- min Stites, William Stites, William Richards, Lothrop Briggs, who first settled what was afterwards known as the Dean farm ; James Livesay, Joel Briggs, son of Lothrop Briggs ; Warren Beebe, George W. Kellogg, Azariah Shapley Daniel F. Turner, Amaziah Turner, Phillip Whitehead, Joseph Thorpe, father of Washington, Lewis, and Jesse Thorpe, who have always been prominent farmers of the township; Samuel Ranger, who came in 1835 ; Thomas Welch^ who'came from Stark county in 1835, originally, but direct to this place from Grand Rapids, on the Maumee ; George W. Kellogg, from Gorham, and who, a few years thereafter, returned ; Elizur B. Clark, Mrs. Amy Welch, Gideon Clark, Marietta Turner, and Adaline Whaley. All of the last five named were children of George P. Clark, and his wife, Elizabeth. The mother, at the ad- vanced age of ninety years, is living with her son, Elizur Clark. They were from Orleans county, N. Y., and settled here in the fall of 1836. Amaziah Turner came in 1835, and settled on section sixteen. He died away many years ago. From 1840 until 1850 there came to this county and settled in Chesterfield David Marks, who came from Ashland county, O. ; William E. Pennington, from Somerset county, N. J., in 1847; Ephraim Pennington came with his son, William. The father was a soldier of the Revolution, and died at his son's residence, aged ninety years; Josiah Lee, in 1845, settled on section twenty- 's? 45° History of Henry and Fulton Counties. two; Eustice Leggett, on section twenty-eight; Peter Powers, and his wife, Julia A. (Kennedy) Powers, in 1849, on section nineteen ; Henry L. Smith and his wife, Eunice; Charles Bowen in 1843; he came from Berkshire county, Mass., and married in this county to Miss Julia A. Baldwin ; William Lee and family, in 1846; they came from Gorham ; William A. Williams and his brother, Edward, in 1845-; Ezra Mead and William E. Parmalee, in 1840; Thomas Cuff and Asahel Kennedy in 1840; John W. Bradley, James H. Tur- ner, Jesse Thorpe, Washington Thorpe, Chauncey Bulkley, Asahel Scofield, John Moffett, Fletcher Bishop, Lewis A. Lee, Almon M, Lee, Charles McKen- zie, Clarkson Warne, Lafayette Sherman, Peter Romans, Oliver Todd, Oliver Griffith, John H. Martin, Moses La Rue, Daniel Clock, Samuel Stout, William Holben, William Lee, James Martin, John Smith, Isaac Jones, Peter Jones, Jackson Jones, I. Schoonover, Holloway H. Beatty, and his sons, Sidney S. Beatty, and Whitfield Beatty, who came from Sussex county, N. J., in 1845. Eustice Leggett, John Stites, Samuel Gillis, who under the present constitu- tion, was honored as the first probate judge of the county from this township. He died many years ago. Martha Turner was the first white child born in Chesterfield township, and the record says she was born July 29, 1835. The first marriage was Sallie A. Clemens to Elias Salisbury, in 1840. Alanson Briggs was the only colonel of State militia which mustered for the last time at ^tna, in 1843. Lyman L. Beebe was captain of a company from Chesterfield; Hiram Farwell was captain of a company from Gorham, and Charles B. Smith was captain of a company from Royalton. Eli Philips was lieutenant-colonel; Ezra Wilcox, of Fulton, was adjutant, and Michael Handy paymaster; Charles W. Hill of Toledo was the general. About 1843, time the State militia service declined, as it was held to be a useless encumbrance upon the people, and never again met to drill. Remembrances. — All the early pioneers witness this fact, that the woods were well filled with game of many kinds, which by means of the trusty rifle, kept the people from hunger. In these v^ry early days not enough white men could be gathered together to raise their log cabins and they had to call for the services oi the red men. They were always ready and willing, provided there was whisky on hand. They always drank what they wanted, and saved enough for the next day. You ask the question, how? They would fill their mouths as full as they could hold, step back from the rest and emit it into a bottle to drink the next day. No Indian ever refused to drink whisky when offered him. The first attempt of the people to levy a tax for school purposes failed at the first election, but at the next election it was carried by a majority vote of the people. Soon thereafter provision was made for a school. Accordingly, the inhabitants hastily constructed a school-house on section 16, on the north- east corner, just south of the Hawley Cemetery. Flavel Butler taught the first Fulton County. 451 school in the winter of 1837, and this was the first school ever taught in the township. At this time Chesterfield included the greater part of Gorham, and the northern half of Dover, running to the Fulton line on the south. The remembrances as related by Mrs. Sarah Sheffield, show that Indians helped to raise their log cabin to the height of three logs, when the whisky was passed, and as soon as they got their drink they left, and other means had to be resorted to, to get up the logs. They got it ready and moved into it in about one month. The only trading point was at Adrian. It required one day to go, and one to get back home. In August, of 1839, the. Indians of the vicin- ity, and over four hundred from Illinois, had a war-dance near the house, which at the time boded no good to the whites, yet they were not molested. Alanson Briggs sold the first goods in the township as early as 1835. He kept a small supply at his place of residence, on section 12 (the place now owned by James H. Turner). Alfred C. Hough sold a few groceries from his residence when he first settled in Chesterfield. Since this time no goods were sold upon Chesterfield soil, until within a few years past a partial supply of goods and groceries have been kept at the cheese factory of Peleg S. Lee, for the benefit of his patrons. Harlow Butler was the first justice of the peace in the township, as well as the first school examiner of the county. Alfred C. Hough was the second just- ice. Harlow Butler issued the first forty-seven certificates to teachers of the county. He held the first law-suit tried, entitled Simmons vs State of Ohio. John R. Roberts built and run the first cheese factory in the township, which was at a later day with all its appurtenances, transferred to Peleg S. Lee, who is now proprietor. There is but one church edifice m the township, standing upon the corner of lands now owned by William Onweller. It was built by the " Disciples of Christ." This is the only church organization of the township. The township is the owner of a substantial brick town hall, situated in the center of the town- ship, and which is used for township and other purposes. During the years 1850 and 185 i, a company organized in Toledo, and ob- tained a charter to build a plank road from Toledo to Morenci, Lenawee county, Mich. The grant or right of way was upon the old territorial road, running in this county through the townships of Royalton and Amboy. For the construction of this road, the townships through which it passed, by a vote authorized the bonding thereof for a certain amount per mile. The road was built, and to the people proved to be valueless for their commercial interest, and the payment of the bonds was a severe tax upon the people of the town- ship. The road was never kept in repair, and in a few years entirely rotted away. There are no railway lines in the township. Morenci, Mich., is their near- est outlet by rail over the Canada Southern road. Morenci is chiefly their trad- 452 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ing point, as here the competition afforded makes this town as good to them as any point in the county. Chesterfield contains no village nor very important industry. It has no schools except the common schools of the State, of which the township contains seven in sub-districts, in all of which they have new and improved structures, either brick or wood, and all are in a flourishing condition and the pride of the township. There are three important cemeteries in the township : The first upon section 9; one located upon a corner of the old homestead of Harlow Butler, on section 28, which has become the resting-place of many of the old pioneers ; the other is on section 24, where others of the old settlers now rest from the toils and hardships of the first days of Chesterfield. Soils. — The soil of this township is largely "sand openings," exceptirig a strip along the State line which seems to be of quite stiff clay of the lacustrine order. The Bean Creek valley is chiefly " made " land and contains large de- posits of soil left by the overflow which has continued for a long period of years. When drained, the land is exceedingly productive. In many places sand spurs from the openings reach down to a beach formation, leaving the creek upon its east side as a general rule. The sand lands of the township are as productive as the more level clays, and much easier to work. In the west- ern part of the township it is, if anything, better than in the eastern part, where the surface is not as often filled with the low depression common to the open- ings, and called "prairie lands.'' Water Stipply. — The water supply of this township is not of the best, ex- cept in the western part, along the Bean Creek valley, where borings have been made, and in many places and where artesian wells are obtained. The sand beds of this as well as some other townships of the county are the great store-house for the rain- falls of the season, and offer abundant assurance of a water supply against extreme drouths. This explains the cause of the frequent springs arising from these sand- drifts, which proves the only support for the wells put down thereon, forming a sufficient basin in the underlying clay de- posit. This supply is only to be determined by the area of the sand deposit. In this water the usual earthy carbonates making it " hard" water, are always present, though not often in great quantity. The discharge of these waters, though at times copious, is, in this day of artificial land drainage, very fortu- nately limited. The lacustrine clays which formerly cut off the discharge from these sand beds, are now opened with deep ditches, and all of them serve as taps to the water supply of these beds, and now afford continual drainage. Streams. — The main water course for the streams of this township is upon its extreme western boundary, and called Bean Creek, to which the streamlets of the greater part of the township lead in a westerly direction, and empty therein. The waters of the eastern part are discharged mainly into Ten Mile Creek, which is formed in part from the waters of the township of Royalton and Am- Albert Deyo. Fulton County. 453 boy, and tend generally east. In the township of Chesterfield the streams are principally ditches or drains through the prairies so prominent in the openings of the township, and wherever there is any large area of sand deposits. All the waters of this township find their way to the Maumee Bay by two v/idely different outlets : Ten Mile Creek running directly east near the State line to the Maumee Bay, and the western waters through Bean Creek, running in a southwesterly course to Defiance, into the Maumee River, and thence to the Maumee Bay, where they discharge into Lake Erie. The waters of the eastern part of the township flow over a very gentle slope in their long run for an outlet as the eastern portion has but a slight inclination eastward toward Lake Erie, while the western part of the township has quite a marked inclination westward towards Bean Creek, with a general but a very slight dip southward. Chester- field has an altitude of about one hundred and fifty- five feet above the water level of Lake Erie. There is no out-cropping of rock, and but few glacial bould- ers in the township. The drift overlying the rock is from one hundred and sixty to one hundred and eighty feet in depth, the largest share of which is the Erie or blue clay. Timber. — The Bean Creek valley of this town.ship supports a very heavy growth of timber, probably the heaviest of any section thereof, elm and burr oak predominating, interspersed with sycamore, whitewood, black walnut and some hickory. Cottonwood is quite abundant in the more moist lands of the bottoms ; black ash and basswood may be found in some parts wherever red oak appears, as an accompanying growth ; also an undergrowth of dogwood, ironwood and blue beach (sometimes called hornbeam). The northern portion of the township also supports a heavy forest growth of oak timber of all the varieties, interspersed with much elm and cottonwood in certain areas. The balance of the township, south and east of the foregoing named area, is clearly denominated openings, and was originally sparsely covered with dwarf oaks of the yellow, white and black varieties, with now and then an area of white hick- ory. The more moist lands are densely covered with the quaking asp or asp- en, interspersed with willow. If the fires could be prevented from running over the prairies, and they could remain undisturbed for a few years, a growth of cottonwood would be the result, all of spontaneous production, and a suffi- cient growth to surprise the next generation of men upon its soil. Since the settlement of this township and the withdrawal of cattle from the range, there has sprung up an undergrowth of oak, with some other varieties, and now pre- sents the appearance of a forest growth which, in a few years, will prove suffi- cient to support the building and fuel purposes of the township, if properly cared for. These openings are not to be despised, as once they were, as no better land for mixed agriculture can now be found in this county. Agricultural. — The agricultural power of this township is not fully devel- oped by at least one-half The township is, at present, a purely agricultural 454 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. territory, and in its full strength can support double the present population. It has no other profitable industry of any importance within its borders than the farm and its products. In 1880, the time of taking the last Federal census, this township had a population of 1013, the lowest of any township of the county. It is the ninth township in valuation of personal and real estate. This township, for a long period of years, had no post-office within the lim- its of its present area ; but in later years one has been established called " Oak Shade," near the geographical center, which is supplied three times each week from a mail route running from Morenci, Mich., to Wauseon, O. Crops. — In the assessors' report for this township, as returned to the audit- or's office in May, 1887, the crops of 1886 are statistically reported as follows: Wheat, acreage 1422; bushels grown 27,009. Rye, acreage 183; bushels grown 3439. Buckwheat, acreage 36 ; bushels grown 597. Oats, acreage 807 ; bushels grown 35,662. Barley, acreage 3 ; bushels grown 36. Corn, acreage 1324; bushels grown 48,335. Meadow, acreage 1283 ; tons cut 1581. Clover, acreage 313 ; tons cut 327 ; bushels of seed threshed 184. Potatoes, acreage 68; bushels raised 9149. Number of pounds of butter made, 33,220 dairy, and 10,000 pounds of creamery ; one factory produced the gross amount of xoo,000 pounds of cheese. There were made 681 gallons of sorghum syrup ; 13 10 pounds of grapes and 84 bushels of sweet potatoes were grown. The estimated amount of eggs was 25,445 dozens. The township contains 393 acres of orchard all in good bear- ing condition, the produce of which was 23,035 bushels of apples, 140 bushels of peaches, 161 bushels of pears, 41 bushels of cherries and 9 bushels of plums. The wool product of this year was 23,192 pounds. The sheep, hog, cattle and horse product will compare favorably with other townships. According to size of territory this township is quite prominent for its cheese industry, having at present one factory, which is a part and parcel of the farm industry. Official Roster.— Before the organization of Fulton county and while under the municipal control of Lucas county, Harlow Butler served several years as school examiner. Next succeeding Butler was Alfred C. Hough. Both held by appointment. Under the new county organization of Fulton Alfred C. Hough was elected auditor two terms successively, and served four years, and still later served a third term of two years. Under the new constitution Sam- uel Gillis was elected the first probate judge and served three years, retiring in February, 1854. Upon the organization of this county under the old consti- tution Alfred C. Hough was chosen one of the associate judges, but when his election to the office of county auditor was secured he resigned, and William E. Parmelee was appointed, who held the position for a brief period. In later years William A. Williams was appointed county school examiner by Judge Oliver B. Verity, and was continued therein until his death in 1876 or '77, Fulton County. 455 having served honorably for a period of about eleven years. Albert Deyo was three times called to the office of clerk of the Common Pleas Court, serving a period of nine years, and upon his retirement to his farm was, in 1883,, elected to fill the office of representative in the Ohio Legislature, and in 1885 was again returned, and leaves after four years' service with an unstained reputa- tion. In 1850 William E. Parmalee was chosen deputy marshal to take the census of a certain district of the county, including his own township. Soon after the establishment of the county infirmary, in 1874, James H. Turner was elected director for a term of three years, and was twice re-elected, and served in all a period of nine years. CHAPTER XLIV. HISTORT OF CLINTON TOWNSHIP. THIS territory was originally a part of Wood county, which was organized from old Indian territory, by the Legislature of Ohio, April i, 1820. In July, 183s, Lucas county was organized by the same body, which county, or territory of land, passed under the control of said Lucas county, and on June 6, 1836, all the territory south of the " Fulton line " (the compromise line of the ordinance of 1787, by which Virginia ceded all this northwest territory to the United States) passed under the control of York township, being described as follows : Town 7, north, ranges 5, 6, 7 and 8, east, and town 8, north, ranges 5, 6, 7 and 8, east. At a commissioners' meeting held at the city of Toledo, March 5, 1838, Clinton township was organized by taking from York township towns 7 and 8, north, ranges $ and 6, east, and the first election therein was held on the first Monday of April, 1838. This township main- tained municipal control over all of said territory until March 4, 1839, when German township was organized off its western territory — towns 7 and 8, north, range 6, east. Again the said board of commissioners at the city of Maumee, in said county of Lucas, June 3, 1843, organized the township of Dover by taking from Clinton township all of town 8, north, range 6, east, and sections i, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 off the north side ^of town 7, north, range 6, east; afterwards, in the winter of 1850, the Legislature of Ohio organized the county of Fulton, taking from the county of Henry a strip of land from its northern border two miles in width, its entire length. Henry county, like Wood, was organized from old Indian territory, April i, 1820. That part from Henry county lying adjacent, on the south, was attached to and became a part of Clinton township, to wit: Sections i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 4S6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and 12 ; town 6, north, range 6, east, formerly a part of Freedom township in Henry county, leaving its boundaries as they at present exist. Organization. — This township as it at present exists has forty-two full sections of 640 acres each, making in total 26,880 acres of land in the town- ship. It was comparatively new territory when organized ; covered with a dense forest, only roamed over by the Indian as his hunting ground, they being at an early period very numerous. It was of easy access from the Mau- mee River, upon which they had large Indian towns in places along its entire length. Clinton township, is now composed of sections 7 to 36, inclusive, of town 7, north, range 6, east, and sections i to 12, inclusive, of town 6, north, range 6, east, taken from Henry county and now consists of parts of two congressional surveyed townships. Boundaries. — Clinton township is bounded on the north by Dover ; on the east by York ; on the south by Freedom township, Henry county, and on the west by German township. Its area is forty- two square miles, and it lies in nearly a square compact form, and contains within its boundaries one large village, which, since 1872, has been the county seat of Fulton county. Topography . — Clinton township lies entirely within the broad, shallow val- ley that is drained by the Maumee River. In common with a part of German on the west and York and Swan Creek townships on the east its surface has a general slope to southeast; and the hightest land is in the north and north- west parts of the township. The general surface is at least one hundred and fifty feet above the level of Lake Erie. The township has, what is called by the geologist, a third beach of sand and gravel, crossing over the southeast corner, and taking a northeasterly di- rection. It is raised somewhat above the adjacent territory, and is well defined, but of only a few rods in width. The lacustrine clays cover the major part of Clinton, as well as the adjoining territory upon the east, west and south. This lacustrine deposit is but a redeposition of the Erie, or commonly called blue clay, and differs from it in that it lacks the coarser materials, and is more homogeneous, and is deposited with a flat level surface all through the township ; it presents but few boulders or glacial deposit of rocks near the surface. Clay, suitable for brick and tile making, can be found in abundance all over the township, with good sand for tempering. The soil is very fertile for food production. Endowed with no natural facilities for manufacture or com- merce, whatever will forward her agricultural interest is of vital consequence to her. Many tile have been used in this township, with some from their first manufacture years ago. The importance here of thorough drainage to the attainment of good results in agricultural pursuits is more fully recognized, and more especially in a township like this, with a level lacustrine deposit. The Fulton County. 457- gravel and sand deposits in this township, which form as it were an oasis in this level clay, and especially available for roads, and are so used at various points, and where they overlap the clay they generally give the best results to- agriculture. The land in general is pronounced very productive in all the food productions that belong to this latitude. Timber. — The timber over the most part of this township was tall and dense, and the whole of a very thrifty growth. The varieties here included were basswood, elm, oak of several varieties, hickory, black walnut, some sycamore, black and white ash, whitewood, butternut, sugar maple and a sprinkling of beech. In the northwest part the varieties are not as extensive, but more confined to oak and elm, with hickory interspersed. The timber supply is good, sufficient for many generations, where economy is looked after,, and all the farms will need for fencing and building purposes in agricultural economy. Water Courses. — The water courses, east and south of the center, rise and pass a southeasterly direction out of the township, and find their way in the same direction to the Maumee River. Their make-up is largely from surface drainage, and their whole course is marked with a very gentle inclination of about four to five feet per mile, and as all the streams are nothing but rain fall supplies, in extreme dry weather they are entirely exhausted. The streams and streamlets of that part of the township west and northwest of the center, run in a westerly course until they reach Bean Creek, or Tiffin's River, which empties into the Maumee River at Defiance, and in their course from the township, have as gentle an inclination as those running east and southeast ; and like those of the eastern part, are nothing but rain fall supplies ; not one is fed by springs, and in dry weather are exhausted. The entire water supply for stock and domestic purposes is from the sand and gravel beds overlying the blue clay, and are only supported by rain falls. A far better and more abun- dant water can be reached by the auger below the blue clay, where it is found in quantities inexhaustible, but rarely flowing. Early Settlers. — Thomas Bayes and his wife, Lamenta, settled in Clinton township in 1835, and resided on section twenty-two. He was born in Penn- sylvania in 1806. He, in early manhood, with his young wife, left home and friends in old Pennsylvania, lured by the advantages of a new country, and that untiring spirit to found for themselves a home, slept in the early primitive cabin of this primeval forest as sound and as sweet as you of to- day. The self- sacrificing deeds and trials endured by these early pioneers, were done for the future of themselves and children — not for public fame or to appear in press or history. Mr. Bayes and his wife still live to recount the experiences of those days. Their memory rests to-day with the living, but soon to sleep with the dead ; and while waiting the call of the angel boatman to cross over, they can look back upon a well spent life, and then enter those mansions prepared by better builders. ^« 45 8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. It is quite uncertain just who was the first settler in Chnton township, but history points to this fact: That early in the fall of 1835 there was quite an influx of population upon this territorj'. It is found, aside from Thomas Bayes and his wife, who have been already referred to, there came that fall William W. Bayes, from Pennsylvania, and settled on section twenty-two ; Wright Bayes also in 1835. Thomas Lingle came in the fall of 1835. Ehsha Wil- liams and his family came to the township in December, 1835. He and his son, John H. Williams, came to what is called the " Six Mile Woods " in October, 1835, and put up a cabin on the farm now owned by E. Barr, and then returned to Seneca county, O., and again came on with the family in December. The family at that time consisted of himself, wife, and four grown -up children — John H. Williams, Jerry Williams, Burt Williams and a daugh- ter, now the wife of Thomas Lingle. It is left for the critic or the pen of the future historian to ascertain who was the first white settler in Clinton. In the year 1836 a large accession was made to the settlements of the year before, and among the number that came to this township during the year itt«836 were : Avery Lamb, who came from Onondaga, N. Y., in June, and who :settled on section twenty-four; Christopher H. Losure, and Isaac Tedrow, on :section nine ; Adam Mikesell, William Mikesell, and James Mikesell soon fol- lowed after Avery Lamb. Elisha Huntington seems to have been the first anan with his family to have entered Clinton township the following year, ^vhich was in March, 1836. He settled upon section twenty-five, and was one of the foremost men of that early day. He was possessed of a good education, a genial disposition to all who were his friends, but he was an unflinching Democrat, an ardent admirer of the Jefferson and Jackson school of politics. He died in i860. William Fraker settled in Fulton county in 1835, and is now a resident of section eighteen in Clinton township. He was born in Ohio in 1822, and has been very successful in all his business relations. He is a farmer and has a family of eight children. His parents were from Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania. These men, by the light of hickory torches, perambulated the forests at night to hold a social chat with the new adventurer, and give them and each other encouragement in their new forest homes. All these men did hunting as well as clearing away the forest. This sport gave to the men of early times a sort of fascination not enjoyed by the later day adventurer. This following was necessary to provide means of subsistence from the wild game of the for- est, more especially the deer, and for their untiring labor for each other, and the aid those forerunners gave to all who later sought homes in the wilderness, their memory is cherished with kindness by the living few who were acquaint- ed with them and their works. Mrs. Mary Mikesell, the wife of Adam Mikesell, who, of the 1836 pioneers, Fulton County. 459. passed away in i860, was the daughter of William Jones, who settled in York: township in 1834. She is really the oldest settler upon the territory of Clin- ton township. She became a resident of Clinton by her marriage with Adam: Mikesell, September 12, 1837, and remained a resident up to her death, March. II, 1887. Mary Mikesell was among the few very early settlers of the county,, coming to York township in May, 1834. She remained to see nearly all the first settlers pass away and the growth of a new generation, and the full devel- opment of what was once a wilderness. What wonderful changes she has wit- nessed in the seventy-two years of her life ! After the first two years of the advance guard in this wilderness home, there commenced a rapid influx of settlers to Clinton township, to whom van- tage ground was given by the assistance of the first dwellers and workers, but they soon became used to the toils of a frontiersman's life. They soon devel- oped a push and energy which made up the intellectual fabric of the township. They were such men as Joseph Wells, James C. Cornell, Thomas McKibbin, Jacob First, Robert McClarren, John Newcomer, John A. Clark, Jacob Funk, James Pease, John Hartman, George Beal, Jacob Miley, Matthias Miley, Joseph L. Royce, L. T. Morris, James Dunbar, Asa Young, John J. Clark, Shipman Losier, John Linfoot, William Harrison, Samuel P. Willey, St. Bernard Geer,. David Gorsuch, Nathaniel Gorsuch, William Hill, David Cantlebury, Jesse Pocock, Israel Pocock, Meek Bayes, Jonas Batdorf, Jerome Shaw, Ford Lyon, Henry B. Williams, Anthony B. Robinson and many others who came to the township to make for themselves and families a home. Many of these men are living to-day, and by the fruits of their labor the world m.ay judge, and the reason of their success in life is manifest to all. The prominent land owners of Clinton, at the present date, who have given, and do still give, character to the industry of the township are, Perry Murphy,. William Campbell and Henry Pike, section 7, town 7 north, range 6 east ; Charles Kimmerer, section 8 ; William Tedrow, Joseph D. Aldrich and John J. Clark on section 9; Jacob Figgey and Walter S. Brigham on section 10;. Joel Brigham and L. T. Morris on section 1 1 ; Allen Shadle and Richard Sha- dle on section 12; Frank Blizard, William Harrison, John Losure and SamueL Losure on section 13 ; Thomas Mikesell and Riley McMannus on section 14;. George D. Newcomer and Christopher H. Losure on section 15 ; Robert E. Skeels, section 16; William Drennan, Ephraim Gorsuch and Reasin Campbell's heirs on section 17 ; William Fraker, 18 ; George Fraker, John A. Clark, Jacob Miley, section 19; Conrad Hartman, 20; C. W. Becker on 21 ; Stephen Bayes, Thomas Bayes and Angelo Blake on 22 ; Westley Blake, Anthony B. Robinson, Jackson Stough, section 27; M. H. Hayes, 26; John Hartman, William Patterson, Robert Dunham, section 28 ; J. Bayes, 29 ; George Valen- tine, 30; Philip Upp, 28 ; Charles A. Burr, 26; Elijah Burr, 25 ; Fred. Remeo, 32 ; Mathias Miley, Andy Center, 33 ; William B. Cunningham, William H^ 46o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Gasche, 34; Thomas Frazier, James C. Scott, 35 ; John M. Williams, Henry Yeager, H. Scott, 36; George Edgar, section i, town '6, north, range 6 east; David Pontius, F. Serrick, Jacob Funk, section 2; Stephen Funk, William Croninger, section 3 ; Jonathan Croninger, Thomas Turney, section 4 ; John Leatherman, William Zigler, section 5 ; Christ. Fry, Christ. Rupp, section 6 ; William Fink, Samuel Miller, section 7 ; John Merilet, J. Walfogle, section 8 ; J. L. Cramer, William Hoffmire, section 9 ; OHver Harmon, Daniel Harmon, section 10; Jerry Williams, section li ; Samuel B. McLain, section 12. At this period of our history the spirit of the people soon began to show itself in desires to emulate the eastern home. A competition prevailed and increased as the forestfgave way to the woodman's ax ; farms were rapidly cleared, and the rich soil gave to them the assurance of their desires and an early develop- ment of the country, and their labor .shows in the high state of prosperity which it has attained at the present time. When looking back through the long vista of time and viewing their country's growth, it should swell every heart with pride for the magnificent labor of these early sons of toil. These noble white pioneers who filled the country like the rising tide of the incoming sea, have given to another generation a country which they should ever love and reverence. Reminiscences. — Avery Lamb settled on the township line, upon the York township side, but owning property in Clinton, in which part of his buildings were situated. He was always fully identified with the business and society of Clinton township. He came in June, 1836, and says "that neighbors were not nearer than from three to four miles in those first days. Indians were plenty, roaming the forest, and it was generally from them that we learned of new im- migrants located somewhere in the wilderness territory. At that time letter postage from long distances, was twenty-five cents ; calico was from twp to three shillings per yard ; bleached muslin thirty-one cents per yard. Any in- dividual calamity was the occasion of public regret through the entire circle of •our acquaintance, and the sufferers received all necessary aid. All whom we knew were neighbors for the first ten years. Our hearts, our hands and our doors were open to all. The religion of those days was the overflow of a thankful heart, and all were happy, and of necessity could fight obstacles a mountain high." John H. Williams, in his remembrance of those early days, says : " In the spring following his coming to the township, in December, 1835, he cleared two and one-half acres, sowed it to spring wheat and harvested twenty-five bush- els at that time. There were no roads in the country, but by cutting away some underbrush they could move around from neighbor to neighbor, with an ox team. Always had plenty of company in the woods in the early days, — land hunters and Indians. Very often the first pioneer's cabin presented an in- teresting appearance to the beholder, and was worthy of the artist's pen. Beds Fulton County. 461 and everything were brought into requisition and were spread all over the floor of the cabin at night, to accommodate the land hunters, often several families combined. These cabins often contained more company than many of the first- ■class hotels of the present time. Sometimes the Indians would stay for the night. The rifle had to be brought in play during the day to obtain meat for the coming meals." C. H. Losure, Isaac Tedrow, Thomas, Wright and William Bayes, with the Mikesells and a few settlers of York township who were residents of the terri- "tory at earher dates, gave to the pioneer life very social times. They were in- vited to log- cabin raising very often, nearly every day in the week except Sun- day, which was always a day of social intercourse with the new-comers. Neighbors were often assisted who lived from five to ten miles away, oftener than we do in these days with our neighbors in sight. Winter evenings were tisually spent in going to singing and spelling schools, generally at Spring Hill, but often at Uncle Bob Howard's in Pike township, at Delta, at Wright's ■school-house, or to Ridgeville. We had as much sport in our younger days, and enjoyed ourselves fully as well as the people of to-day, with all their mod- ern methods of amusement ; and we slept as sweetly and soundly as the more modern people. The early settlers from this quarter west and north, usually went to Canandaigua, Mich., to mill, and sometimes to Medina, Adrian and Palmyra, all in Lenawee county, Mich. At some seasons of the year they would go to Maumee, Waterville or Texas, upon the Maumee, and to Bruners- burg, using three or four days to make the trip. In all these trips the nights were very dreary, caused by their darkness. We ■often started from these points after the commencement of nightfall, and trav- eled all night, and in the thick timber often lost our way, but in the "oak openings," as they were known, the light was generally better. We always had plenty of music in those long nights of pur journey homeward, and reached the ■cabin at various hours of the morning. This music we did not always enjoy, -especially when alone. In these dark forests at night might be seen the driver holding on to the end of the yoke, and the cattle making their own way, and if undisturbed all would reach home in safety. John H. Williams further says ■when he began work for himself he chopped heavy timber at $4 per acre, and got for chopping four foot wood twenty-five cents per cord, and at that figure made from seventy-five to eighty- seven cents per day. At the end of his first year of hard work he had earned nearly money enough to pay for eighty acres ■of land, which was purchased fos $215 money down, and he lives upon it to- day. Wheat at this time was selling for thirty cents per bushel ; corn, nine cents ; number one horses $40, and all other things the product of pioneer labor, in proportion. In his tavern bills (as then called), prices for supper, lodg- ing and breakfast, from twenty-five to thirty-five cents. Forty to forty- five miles a day was the common footing distance for able-bodied men. Indians 462 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. were very numerous at this period ; they hunted in the winter, and made sugar in the spring. In the summer they usually returned to the river, or took to the openings near Spring Hill, or Winameg, and there raised some corn and vege- tables. For hoes the Indian would find the proper limb on a tree suitable for a handle, and then chop in above and below the limb, and split therefrom a block and hew it down sharp, which made a very good hoe for digging and hoeing corn. The young man of the later period says it is hard times, they cannot get work ; they think that chopping eighteen inch wood at thirty-seven cents per cord is a starvation price. Listen ! these early men cut four foot wood at twenty-five cents, and were glad to get that. Cowhide boots sold at $3.25 ; calico, twenty to twenty-five cents per yard ; flour usually from from $8 to $10 per barrel, and sometimes have paid as high as $14. Now let the present race talk of hard times with all the increased industries overspreading this country, and the chance for a cheap farm of " Uncle Sam " in the west. " We of that age thought we had good times, and no reason can be given of a valid nature why the people to-day should not have better times, and a more staunch pros- perity. Wolves, Indian horse-bells and owls were the chief music of the night, and Indian war-whoops and the crack of the rifle in the day-time ; these were the most interesting features of the wild woods, and none ever thought of dan- ger no more from the Indian than the white man. The Indian method of sugar making was to take green elm bark, about eighteen inches long, and shave the ends down thin, and gather them together about level with the sides, making a trough that would hold about a half pailful of sap. Their store troughs were made in the same manner. This labor was all done by the squaws ; they chop the wood, dress the deer, coon and all other animals. An Indian was rar-ely found doing any work except to hunt. He would come to the camp, sit and smoke his pipe and get through time until the hunt. Some of the squaws were very handy with the needle, as much so as the best experts! among the whites in dress-making. Their wigwams, as they called their shanties, were generally made of poles and covered with bark peeled from elm trees, and they were as comfortable as the white man's cabin." Now a word in defense of local history, as Gath said in his letter, " Local history indeed, is the only true and genuine history of a country." There are a great many historical facts connected with the settlement of any town or county always worth preserving. " It is this local history that is true and genuine, because those who gather up the facts are right on the' ground, and having a narrow field, can glean it thoroughly." This should be an important thought to the reader in discussing value and authenticity. Now before dismissing this part of the sketch of the early pioneers let this thought be penned from the historian (Verity), as the general impressions made upon his mind while gathering facts of history. These early men seem to have Fulton County. 463 been noble men, born for such a time, and for the purpose of stepping forth upon our frontiers. They were possessed of courage and ambition far above the average man, and through this spirit they always overcame every obstacle that presented itself, and the wilderness yielded to their vigor and determina- tion. Many of this race of brave adventurers have lived to see the wilderness, once the abode of the red man, howling wolves, bear and nimble deer, swept away, and thus by his steadfast energy and personal exertion has finally suc- ceeded in owning a fair share of the land as his patrimony in the township. Many of them still living look back to the " old times " with painful longing to live them over again. Population.~-Th.e growth of this township was very slow after the few first years of its settlement, and it was not revived again until 1850, since which its growth has been rapid. The principal enlargement was caused by the build- ing of the Northern Indiana and Michigan Southern Railway through the townshipi and now called the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. The population in 1880 was 1,813. The estimated population at the present is about 2,300, and this exclusive of the population of Wauseon. This is now the shire town of the county and has been since 1871. It contains one large and populous village named " Wauseon," after an Indian chief who once trod the soil of the county, and who was about the last of the Pottawatomie chiefs of the Maumee Valley. Wauseon was laid out on the 13th day of March, 1854. The proprietors of the town were Epaphras L. Barber, Nathaniel Leg- gett, J. H. Sargent and William H. Hall. The first building was erected in this town April 4, 1854. The first train of cars passed through the place on the Air Line road, so called, on the 20th day of July, 1854, at which time the population of the village numbered fifteen persons. It was incorporated June 13, 1857, three years after its beginning. The commissioners of approval were Stephen Haughton, Joseph Ely and George Taft. The place " Ottokee " was the county seat of Fulton county at that date. In i860 the population of Wauseon was 350 persons; in 1880 it contained 1,902 inhabitants, being an average increase of seventy-eight per- sons each year. It is estimated to now contain about 2,500. Industries. — Clinton township has had but little more than the agricultural developments upon which it could grow and increase. The first saw- mill was erected at Lena, by Jerome Shaw, and in after years was burned. It was re- built by Ford Lyon, but is now a thing of the past. The township never had mills of any other kind until the laying out of Wauseon, to which point all the subsequent industries of the township have centered. In 1866 Amasa B. Verity opened the first brick kiln in the township, and then made the brick used in the residence of Colonel D. W. H. Howard, at Wauseon. Schools. — The first school taught was by Erastus Briggs. It was held in the cabin first put up by Elisha Williams. The present number of school dis- 464 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. tricts of the township is twelve, added to which is one special joint district at PettisviUe, the school-house being located in Clinton township. Other than these there is one graded school in the village of Wauseon. All districts are provided with substantial, well-built structures. Births. — The first birth of a white child in this township was Charles G. Williams, born October 13, 1836. Churches. — Rev. Spencer preached at the cabin of Elisha Huntington one Sunday in October, 1836, he being the first traveling preacher here. He was of the order of Disciples, followers of Alexander Campbell. A class of this faith was soon formed at the cabin of Elisha Williams. Other societies were in time organized in the township, and the first church of any denomination was erected at PettisviUe, by the Baptist Society. Other societies are Olive Branch of the U. B. order ; Bethel Church, otherwise called the Christian Union ; the Hartman Church, called the Evangelical Church of the Evangel- ical Association, founded in 1872 and situated two miles west of the village of Wauseon, and the Reformed German Church at Pettysville, upon the Clinton side of said village. Agriculture. — The agricultural power of this township at present date may be of interest to the readers as it presents some of the most promising of in- dustries. The township, in the year 1886, had 3,523 acres of wheat upon the ground, and the harvest showed 65,944 bushels ; oats, 1,332 acres, bushels raised, 60,645; corn, 2,813 acres, bushels raised 92,340 ; meadow, 1,555 acres, tons of hay 1,562; clover, 1,017 acres, tons of clover 1,112; clover seed, num- ber of bushels 896; potatoes, 72 acres, bushels raised 8,890; number of pounds of butter 60,800 ; number of dozens of eggs produced 5 2,805 \ acres of orchard, 528, bushels of apples 25,940; pounds of wool, 29,965. The township is solely an agricultural community and the marketing of all its products is chiefly made at Wauseon, the market town for at least one-half of the county. Official Roll.— Yor the office of county auditor, first, Isaac Springer, about seven years ; Abram W. McConnell, served three years, re-elected ; treasurer, H. L. Mosely, four years ; recorder, Richard Taylor, three years ; William H. Stevens, three years; Albert S. Bloomer, nine years; county commissioners, Joel Brigham, six years ; James Cornell, two years (appointed) ; E. L. Barber, three years ; H. H. Williams, one year (resigned and Thomas J. Cornell ap- pointed, who served until his death in October following); surveyor, John Spillaine, six years ; Anthony B. Robinson, six years ; Lucius B. Fraker, three years, re-elected; prosecuting attorney, Henry H. Ham, two terms, four years; William W. Touvelle, two terms, four years ; Mazzini Slusser, one term, two years ; coroner, Dr. J. H. Bennett, Charles E. Bennett, Noah W. Jewell, George Hartman, Levi Miley ; school examiner, by appointment, Joseph D. Aldrich, Joseph H> Bennett, Buel, Lindsey, Sater, H. L. Mosely and L. M. Murphy. Fulton County. 465 CHAPTER XLV. HISTORY OF DOVER TOWNSHIP. THE history of Dover township has been obtained from the early settlers yet living, as no records appear to be in existence. At the date of the first settlement by the whites in Dover township that part north of the " Ful- ton line," was included in the territory of Michigan, and those settling on said territory did all their legal business, and paid their taxes at the city of Adrian, the county seat of Lenawee county, and continued to do so until December, 1836, when this strip of land, the entire length of this county from west to east, became an integral part of Ohio. The pioneers entered their lands upon the Michigan survey at the city of Monroe at the mouth of the river Raisin, at the head of Lake Erie. At a commissioners meeting held at the city of Toledo, June 4, 1837, the township of Chesterfield was established by taking all of town nine south, ranges one and two east, south of the Harris line, and the fractional township, town ten south, ranges one and two east, extending to the Fulton line on the south. All "the territory south of the " Fulton line " within the boundaries of Lucas county, west of Swan Creek township, was styled the township of York, in which some of the very early settlers within the present limits of Dover township have voted. At a commissioners' meet- ing in Lucas county, 1838, York was subdivided and the township of Chnton was erected, by taking, all of town seven north, range six east, and fractional town eight north, range six east, of the Ohio survey, up to the said " Fulton line." The first election thereafter, of Clinton township, was held at the cabin of Isaac Tedrow in the western part. It is found upon examining the records of Lucas county that at a regular session of the county commissioners of said county, held at the city of Mau- mee, June 5, 1843, the township of Dover was organized by taking from Ches- terfield township all of the fractional township ten south, range two, east of the Michigan survey ; and all of fractional township eight north, range six east, and one tier of sections ofiT of the north side of town seven north, range six east of Clinton township of the Ohio survey, and contains in its area about twenty-one sections, or 13,1 19 acres of land. This township has for the past thirty-six years been recognized as the center township of the county. Boundaries. — Bounded upon the north by Chesterfield ; on the east by the township of Pike ; on the south by Clinton, and on the west by Franklin. It is the last township organization of the twelve of Fulton county as it now exists. Water Courses. — In this township the streamlets in the northwest part flow west across the corner of the township of Franklin and empty into Bean Creek, 59 466 History ok Henry and Fulton Counties. sometimes called Tiffin River, while in the south and southwestern part they flow southwest, reaching the Maumee at Defiance. In like manner the waters of the east and northeast flow east by southeast into Bad Creek and reach the Maumee River soon after passing the southeast corner of the county near White House. These topographical peculiarities of the township present some- thing singular and striking to the observer, and have excited the attention of the geologist. All the inclinations of this township are very gentle, with what- ever course the streamlets take, running obliquely across the slopes of the country, generally denominated as " sand dunes." These sand dunes, or ridges, were formed by the action and force of winds and water at some ancient day. These form the summit of the township and are supposed to be the first out-croppings of land in the decline of water from an ancient lake here exist- ing, anterior to the glacial period, which once covered the great Maumee Val- ley above the great limestone ridge, which crosses the Maumee at Grand Rapids,. in Lucas county. Depressions on the surface abound among the sand dunes of this township without any outlets, and in many places constitute a characteristic feature, as of these a small number may have been very small lakes, or ponds. A majority of them have been so far filled with peat, marl and vegetable mold as to become swamps, or wet prairies. Soil. — All varieties of deposit are present in the soil which defies classifi- cation by the common run of farmers. The average depth of the deposit in this township is about 150 feet, and at the Fulton county fair ground, is known to be 200 feet having been penetrated by the drill but a few years ago. In this boring water in abundance was obtained at a depth of 184 feet, and it rose to within twelve feet of the surface, but was never utilized for the fair ground. Water is usually found near the underlying rock. There need be but a few dry borings on this territory. The extreme summits of the township mark a .water-line above Lake Erie nearly 200 feet. Timber. — The extreme west end of the township touches closely upon the timber lands of the Bean Creek Valley, which is composed principally of oak and some elm, with here and there whitewood and hickory. From there east- ward over the balance of the township, in the regions of sand and sand dunes, a large part of the surface is denominated prairie, covered v/ith a wild grass in summer. When first occupied by the whites, the only trees of note upon these uplands were oaks of a few varieties, and these so sparsely set that their tops as a rule, did not interlock with each other, yet were very dwarfish in their old age, and a wagon could be drawn in any direction between them. The lower plateaus or marshes were without timber. This gave the name of the country — " Oak Openings" — but since the fires have become frequent, a dense growth of oak, interspersed with hickory, is all over this part of the township, and the lowest lands with the aspen or poplar, usually called " quaking asp." Fulton County. 467 In the more primitive state these uplands, sparsely wooded as they were, were covered over densely with the whortleberry bush, but since the plow and cultivation, together with the drainage system, have been the order of the. day, they have nearly disappeared from the soil. Domestic Uses and Water Supply. — The sand, wherever found here, rests upon clay, and in the more elevated ridges the clay is overlaid with quick- sand, and these form the basins of water supply afforded by the falling rains, and this is all the supply we can have above the clay, and even these may be- come exhausted in great periods of drouth. This underlying clay in some places may be met near the surface. Wherever reached it is impervious to water, and hence checks the tendency of sand towards leaching. Aside from this supply, we have none other, only by piercing the Erie clay to the bed rock, where may always be found a supply of good water. These are called " artesian wells," and are often brought to use by the wind-mill, a great im- provement over the windlass of pioneer days. On these oak openings to-day there is a vigorous and dense growth of young oaks of several varieties, with considerable white hickory and some soft maple, that has grown up since white occupants stopped the burning of the undergrowth that was so customary under the Indian reign. Aspens or pop- lars are springing up in great numbers on the prairies. Their light, down- covered seeds, flying everywhere with the wind, enables them to possess promptly any territory that has freshly become available. The sand dunes and " oak openings " have, in former years, been classed as very poor lands, and, at one period since it commenced to settle, was supposed it would never raise grass of any kind, except the wild grass'found upon prairies, but to-day it is fairly competing with the timber lands adjoining in the production of all the domestic grasses, corn, wheat, and oats, and for potato production it can- not be beaten by the choicest cleared timber lands of the county. It stands in competition with other soils for quality. Being the last township in the county, organized with a scattered popula- tion at the time, and apparently a thin soil for general agricultural purposes, Dover township has arisen from its apparent sterility at a greater rate of pro- gress than any other township in the county, and, since the advent of under- draining has taken its place, she is in full competition with her neighboring sister townships. Dover has upon its soil, for product, a class of men who have clear views of justice, and fixed opinions of right and wrong — a class of men who do not seek office, whose independence in politics is noted, and to the poHtician often gives offence, yet devoted to principles as dear to them as their fathers, and to the law of good morals, which bids them to love their neighbors as themselves. These descendants of the sires proved themselves worthy of their high lineage in the late rebellion, and proudly marched under the stars and stripes upon the battle-fields of the South, in response to the calls of their 468 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. country for aid. This township was never backward, and furnished more than its quota. Indians and Camping Grounds — Upon the banks of what is styled Brush Creek, at Spring Hill, in Dover township, is situated one of the Indians' favo- rite camping-grounds, as noted by Judge Ambrose Rice, who surveyed this territory at a very early day. Its fine springs furnished what, to the Indian was second only to his beloved whiskey — pure, sweet, cpld water. The re- mains of their dead may still occasionally be seen when turned up by the plow- share, or thrown out by the spade. This place lay in their line of travel from the east to the west, and in their migratory hunting excursions in the wilder- ness it became an intermediate resort for rest, one of a few such places in the county. Their chief places of living were always near the rivers, of which they were very fond. Since her organization in 1843, Dover has the smallest territory of any town in the county, and has a very unequal fight for funds for township schools and other purposes on account thereof. Church Societies and Schools. — Church associations and schools were form- ed as soon as the settlement of Dover township began, as early as in 1836. It is a question which of the two societies, the Disciples or United Brethren, had the first organization in this township. The Disciples, however, furnish data from their church record of their organization, which was March i, 1841, held at the residence of Moses Ayers, and that Benjamin Alton was the officiating minister. The society have maintained an uninterrupted organization up to the present date. They have a fine brick church edifice, built in 1882, at Spring Hill, now their present place of worship, and the largest membership of any society. The United Brethren organization was made at a very early date, under the labors of John Bowser and Alonzo H. Butler. They were organized and have continued until the present time without an interruption. The society has a small chapel, built at Spring Hill in i860, and have quite a prominent membership. A society of the United Brethren was organized at North Dover about 1882 by Rev. Bartlett, and built a small chapel for their meetings. The Methodist Episcopal Church has two classes — one organized at Spring Hill as early as 1842, under the labors of James Gay, with Samuel Warren and wife, Ebenezer Fuller and wife, Newell Newton and wife, Isaac Tedrow and wife, and Peter Lott and wife as leading members, and for a long time held their meetings in an old log school-house just east of Spring Hill. After holding their services in various places they have steadily increased in mem- ship. In 1887 they built for themselves a very fine wooden chapel costing nearly $2,000, and dedicated the same August 7, 1887, at Spring Hill, Revs. Belt, Fitzwater and Gordon officiating. In the eastern part of the township the Methodist Episcopal Society was Fulton County. 469 organized by W. W. Winters, in 1857, and in 1876 they built a chapel for their use at Ottokee, and hold a fair membership to this date. In 1847 Elder Hosea Day organized a Christian Church at Ottokee, with a fair membership, which in later years, for want of pastoral service, lost their identity, and finally consolidated with the Disciples, who were quite prominent over the whole township. In 1858 the Disciples, under the labors of Elder L. L. Carpenter, formed an organization at Ottokee, which in after years, like the Christian denomina- tion, became disintegrated and was merged into the Wauseon and Spring Hill Societies. Settlers. — The first white man who settled in what is now Dover township, with his family, was William Jones, known as " Long Bill." He came in the fall of 1836, and settled in the southwest part of the township, in which locality the future immigrants were confined until in 1838. The first cabin erected in the township was for Jones, size 14 by 16 feet square. At this raising were only two men, one boy, and two Indians. The whites were William Jones, Aaron Little and the boy, Jacob Boyers, also Mrs. Jones. The raising was on Sunday, there being no time for rest in the wilder- ness until a shelter was provided. William Jones sometimes preached for the Disciples, there then being a few of that faith in Clinton township on the south. That faith was afterwards supported by the labors of William Jewell and Rob- ert K. Shepherd, as preachers, residents of the soil, and still later by Lawrence B. Smith and Zephaniah Shepherd, son of R. K. Shepherd. In the spring of 1837, Alonzo H. Butler and wife settled upon section seven, town ten south, range two east, upon lands now owned by Charles B. Carter, just north of the " Fulton line." During the summer and fall of the same year quite a large acession was made to the little band of settlers in the arrival of Peter Lott and wife and three children ; Salathiel Bennett and fam- ily; Elijah Bennett and family ; Michael Ferguson ; James Gould, and Parel Smith, all with families. Following thereafter, in the spring of 1838, were William Hoffmire, John J. Schnall, Adam Poorman, Nathan Gay, Eben French, Mortimer D. Hibbard and family, with his father and mother, also Randolf Hibbard. From 1838 to 1846 came Moses Ayers and family, Joseph Shadle, Jacob Nolan, William Fuller, John G. Tiffany, Henry Herreman, William Jones, jr., Oscar A. Cobb, Richard Marks, Alonzo Knapp, Warren W. Hodge and family. Comfort Marks and wife Betsy, Archie and Betsy Knapp, Elisha Cobb and mother, and John Atkinson and family. A greater portion of these settled near Ottokee, at the east end of the towship. In the west end William Waid, E. H. Patterson, Burdick Burtch, Jasper Dowell and mother, William Brierly, Joseph Jewell, William Jewell, James Wells, William J. Coss, Chandler Tiffany, George Tiffany and John Meader, 470 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the last three in the east. Later were Thomas Walters and Robert K. Shep- herd, and so continued the settlement until the " Congress lands " were nearly all taken up, and the frontier was no more here. To-day there is upon the soil of Dover township many grand and noble men and women, some of whom have taken their fathers' places by inheritance, and who were but bare-footed children in those primitive days; and others too who have come upon the soil of the township in place of many who have gone to other territory in the far west, and many to their long homes. They are men of whom the township may well feel proud, and most are quite prominent farmers. Some of these are as follows : David Ayers, John Funk, Gideon Ayers, George Miley, Harrison Schnall, Isaiah L. Hagerman, Willard D. Crout, Peter Gype, John Lathrop, Stephen Eldridge, Cornelius M. Spring, James Kahle, Daniel Foreman, James M. Gillett, DeLos Palmer, Harvey Shadle, Myron A. Beecher, Jeremiah Jones, Barnett and Adolph Kutzley, Thompson Todd, Lucien H. Guilford, Valentine Theobold, George Guilford, John Seibold, Alonzo Marks, Luther Shadle, Lee Whitacre, John P. Shelters, C. B. Carter, Azariah Lathrop, John Smellie, Gavin Smellie, L. C. Cook, L. N. Cook, Barney H. Anderson, Levi McConkey, Jasper Dowell, Asa Borton, Lemuel F. Waid, Charles^Waid, Charles Baldwin Carter, William Somers, Al- fred F. Shafifer, John Huffman, Oliver B. Huffman. This townghip, from its first settlement in 1836, to 1845, was a land of "fe- ver and ague to the very edge." It has been no exaggeration of the histori- an to say, that for a few years after 1838, in the summer and fall, the largest half of the population were languishing on beds of ague and fever ; many a house wife was compelled to keep house and do the work for a family between the passing away of the "sweating stage" and the next "ague" attack. In this interval a large amount of work was done by them, and had to be, because help was scarce in such times as these. This picture is but a fair sample of the township and had to be endured until the winter frosts brought relief Qui- nine was to them the staff of life, and often meant more than bread to the lan- guishing individual. But few of those early pioneers died from these malarial attacks, yet all who passed through those days can never forget them. This is spoken of as one of the trials of the settlers in early days, which, combined with general poverty, made "Jordan a hard road to travel." These incidents and trials of pioneer life are thus memorized that the rosy-cheeked youth of to-day may have some idea of what their fathers and mothers endured in sub- duing and developing a country for themselves, their children and their chil- dren's children. This they have left to you as their best gift. Yet, we can say " when your fathers and mothers, whose beds were made of pins put in the logs of their cabin, and sustained by one leg under the frame ; the foundations wove of bark and covered with straw for springs, enjoyed as much sweet re- pose as any of you to-day." (Z^^y^ Fulton County. 471 It was in this township that the county seat was located, in June, 1851, and Ottokee was the place designated. At that time it received its name and became a pronounced corporate village, and soon began to settle and build up rapidly, and was, for a few years, quite a prominent center for business, and bid fair for a large county town, but the loss of the Junction Railway immedi- ately after the movement of the people to bond the county for $50,000, was defeated, and the building of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railway had been assured, by which Wauseon became a point on said railway. The prospects for further building up Ottokee were destroyed. One fact here possibly may be worthy of note, that Oliver B. Verity alone, of all the men holding office at the county seat, from sister townships, and who came here as probate judge in 1858, has remained a citizen of Ottokee, in the township to the present date. The others only resided here during the life of their office, and then returned to their respective township or followed the county seat to Wauseon. Business Houses at Ottokee. — The first store of goods brought to Ottokee was handled by Hosea Day ; the next by Ezra Wilcox and the third by George Marks and Ransom Reynolds ; then followed thereafter in succession by Op- penheimer, Eliakim Stowe, John Sigsby, Warner Lott, Samuel O. Warren, Henry Herreman, Peter Lott, George G. Goulden, Charles F. Handy, and lastly David K. Numbers, who has been in trade here for several years. The first saloon was opened in 185 i, by Ezra Wilcox, who had a succes- sion of followers down to 1865. The last in the line was George Merrill. The first hotel of Ottokee was opened up by Wm. Jones. He was followed by Henry Taylor, who died in 1 862, after which the house was run for a few months by Calvin Taylor ; next by Richard H. Bagley, then by Charles Hil- ton, now Swanton, and lastly by Abner Wilcox. A second hotel was opened about 1853, on the south side of the street, by Ezra Wilcox, who afterwards sold to David Fairchilds, and he to Lewis Breese. The next owner was Doctor W. C. Robinson, who left it about 1859, since which time there has been but one hotel kept at the town. A temperance hotel was kept for a number of years by John Miller, at and prior to the location of Ottokee, and was about two miles west. Another, by Burdick Burtch, on the farm now owned by I. L. Hagerman, was established and run by Burtch at a very early day. It was discontinued in 1858. James M. Gillett erected a large building at Spring Hill, 1853, for a wagon shop, but changed his plans and opened the same as a temperance hotel and run it for a few years. He sold out to Daniel Ronk, and he to Chauncy Ste- vens, and the last named to Garrett Rittenhouse, who was the last proprietor at Spring Hill. Brick, tile and pottery were first made by Eben French (familiarly known as old man French), who put up an oven on the property now owned by 472 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Charles B. Carter, near what was known as " Chatfield's Corners," where was made all kinds of pottery, which was peddled through the county at a very €arly date, about 1846. He also made brick in small quantities, and made the first tile that was ever manufactured in the county. Mr. French, at about this time, put up and burned brick on lands now owned by Levi McConkey. Brick were made soon after by Joseph Shadle, and continued for a number of years upon his farm, south of Ottokee, but stopped in 1865, after burning brick enough for the county infirmary and other buildings. " Long Bill " Jones, in 1839, made brick on the farm now owned by De Witt Williams, and this "vas as early as any were made. The last brick made in this township were by Amasa B. Verity, upon the premises now owned by Oliver B. Verity. Tile was manufactured for one or two years, at the saw-mill of James Kahle. Ottokee Cemetery. — This place, for burial of the dead, was commenced at a very early day, but was not organized as " Ottokee Cemetery " until 1853. Betsy Knapp, wife of Archie W. Knapp, who came here in May, 1846, and died June 26, 1846, was the first person laid to rest in the cemetery. Ayres Cemetery was laid off for burial purposes the earliest of any in this territory, at the very beginning of its settlement, or as soon as 1838. It was used before any other place was selected, but who was the first person buried cannot be ascertained. Spring Hill Cemetery was the last regularly laid out burial- place in the township, about i860. Oscar A. Hibbard, son of Mortimer D. Hibbard, was the first person buried therein. Physicians. — Doctor Blaker was the first resident physician, followed in succession by Drs. Wm. Hyde, McCann, V. Gurley, S. T. Worden, B. M. De Lano, Henry Herreman and Welcome C. Robinson, each of whom engaged in general practice before Ottokee and Spring Hill had an existence as villages. After Spring Hill started, the first physician was Doctor Wm. Hyde, who edu- cated for the profession Noah W. Jewell, now of Wauseon. Dr. Jewell suc- ceeded Dr. Hyde. Next in order was Dr. Robert C. Ely, followed by Drs. Buchanan, Leach, Webb, Estelle H. Rorick and George P. Campbell, the last named being now in practice there. Spring Hill. — M. D. Hibbard opened the first store of goods, upon a small scale, at a very early day. He was followed by Thomas Walters, and after- wards by William Jewell, Robert Shepherd, Francis Laudersdale & Son. The latter were burned out about i860. Feis Guggenheim, Tarring Osmun, G. W. Wallace, Wesley Huffman and George Walters have also been in trade at the place. In the year 1852 Louis Stumm brought to Ottokee from Delta, a press, and published for a time the Fulton County Advertiser. It was, in a few months, changed into the hands of J. W. Rosenburg, and the name changed to the Fulton County Union. In the winter of 1854 the paper was sold to J. W. Carter, who run it until his death, August 18, 1855, after which Ben. Frank Fulton County. 473; and Benjamin Montgomery took the office and issued regularly, till sold to Henry McElheney, in 1857. In 1855 Rosea Day brought in a competitive press, and issued the Ottokee Observer, superintended by Harry Bayes, and who issued the same to about 1857, when it was sold to S. A. Scofield and taken to Morenci, Mich. In 1857, Henry McElheney, a young lawyer, got» possession of, and run for a few months only, at Ottokee, a Democrat paper called Fulton County Democrat. In the summer of 1863 Harry B. Bayes brought from Bryan, O., a press and established The Monitor, as a competitive paper against the Northwestern Republican, then in the hands of Joseph Cable, at Wauseon, and issued his weekly editions for about eight months, when he sold out to Wauseon parties. Several residents of Ottokee learned the printer's trade at that place, to- wit: Charles B. Carter, Julius D. Carter, Miss Maggie Carter, now the wife of Judge Fallis, of Cadillac, Mich. ; James K.. Newcomer and John S. Young, now in the Republican office, at Wauseon. Mills. — The only saw-mill in this township was built about one mile west: .of Spring Hill, in the year 1853, by Burdick Burtch, and was run by him for a few years, and then sold to Daniel Kahle, and now owned and run by his son, James Kahle. He has added to it a cane -crusher and evaporator, operated by steam. It is the best in the township and gives encouragement to a profit- able branch of agricultural industry — cane growing. About 1857 or '8, a grist- mill was put up at Spring Hill; and did a good business until it was burned- down, in i860. It was rebuilt, but afterwards moved away. School Sub-divisions. — Soon after the organization of this township, in 1843, it was divided into two school districts, one at Spring Hill and the other at Ottokee. Soon after was organized district number two, called the Waid district, and next in order was district number three, in the northwestern part ;. and still later district number five, where all elections are now held. The last district, number six, in the northeast part of the township, was organized about 1864. Since the Spring Hill district, number four, by an act of the Legisla- ture of Ohio, in 1876, was set apart as a special school district, a fine brick school house has been built, suitable for all present needs. Township Elections. — The first was held at the house of Mortimer D. Hib- bard, August 7, 1843, by order of the commissioners of (then) Lucas county. The officers chosen were Moses Ayers, Alonzo H. Butler and Willard Church,, trustees; Joseph Jewell, clerk; William Jewell, treasurer; Elijah Bennett and John G. Tiffany, constables ; overseers of the poor, Elijah Bennett and Newell Newton. On April i, 1844, the assessor found forty-one persons liable to do military duty. The township levy that year was one mill ; road, one mill, which brought into the treasury $43.35 for road purposes. The fees of the township offices that year, 1844, was $2.25 each for trustees; clerk, $4; treasurer, $2; supervisors had no charge. The first male teacher who taught in Dover had his scholars spell United 60 474 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. States commencing with You. Dover was soon after fortunate in securing a better grade of teachers. A. J. Canfield, Rev. J. R. Hibbard, Mortimer D. Hib- bard, Michael Handy, and Miss Amelia Hibbard (now Mrs. Darwin Butler) and many others taught as good common schools as was generally found at that ■day. Wages for males, from 4io to $13 per month and board around, and for .females,$6 to $8 and board around This was paid by rate bills. An item in the early history of the pioneers of Dover worthy of mention is, that they always refused the use of whisky at their raisings. Western Dover claims they have never been cursed with a saloon in that locality yet ; an effort was made some years ago to establish one by Abel Hall, who came into Spring Hill with some molasses, tea, coffee and tobacco, but foremost of all a full bar- rel of whisky. Some women of the town, not being able to locate the whisky as well as they should have done, got an auger and bored through the side of the building and into the molasses barrel, which by morning had emptied itself ■on the ground, the women supposing all the time that they had struck the whisky barrel. The next day, however, the proprietor had to " pull uip stakes" and leave to save the balance of his stock. No effort has since been made to open another saloon at Spring Hill. Public Buildings. — In 185 1 the county seat of Fulton county was located am this township, and buildings erected, viz., the court-house and jail. This ♦continued to be the seat of justice until the beginning of the year 1872, when -all business was removed to Wauseon, Ottokee having been the county seat about twenty-one years. In March, 1874, the commissioners of this county .agreed to transform the old county buildings into an infirmary, and for that purpose, bought additional lands, built a large farm barn and changed and fit- ted the old court-house into quarters for the care of the poor, and about the first of May, 1874, had all things ready for the admission of inmates. The farm and buildings were placed under the superintendency of Oliver B. Verity and his wife. They commenced May 2, 1874, to receive inmates, and in a few •weeks the poor and infirm of the townships of the county were all transferred to the " Fulton County Infirmary." Officers for County. — This township has furnished a goodly number of offi- cers for the county. Mortimer D. Hibbard was from here, the first auditor, .and held that office nearly three years ; Jason R. Hibbard, eight years, or four terms; O. A. Cobb, sheriff, four years; Jacob C. Hoffmire, sheriff four years; L. L. Carpenter, treasurer, four years; David Ayers, four years; Joseph Jewell, recorder (died in office) ; Richard Taylor, four years recorder ; Allen Carmi- chael, prosecuting attorney ; John J. Schnall, surveyor twenty-one years ; Jo- •seph Shadle, six years as commissioner; representative to the Legislature, Amos Hill. She has furnished four infirmary directors: First O. A. Cobb, seven years; Stephen Eldredge, three years; E. H. Patterson, six years, and Lucien H. Guilford, present incumbent. The first superintendent and matron of the infirmary, O. B. Verity and his wife, held their offices for a period of six years. Fulton County. 475- Post-Offices. — John J. Schnall was the first postmaster when the office was named "Tedrow." In the eastern part Henry Herriman was the first postmas- ter, and the office was named "Essex," and afterwards changed to " Ottokee." "Emery" post-office was established at a very early date with Lucius N. Chat- field postmaster. These three exist at this date. Hosea Day was the first post- master at Ottokee. This township has an area of thirteen thousand one hun- dred and nineteen acres of land, or about twenty-one sections of land. In 1880 its population was ten hundred and fifty- five all told. The valuation in 1887 of real and personal estates was $242,950, upon which all taxation is based. CHAPTER XLVI. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. POLITICAL DIVISIONS.— The township of Franklin is quite important from the peculiar construction of its territory being in two surveys; the State of Ohio, and the Territory of Michigan ; also three very important treaty divisions between the Indians and the government of the United' States: The first with General Hull, November, 1807, at the city of Detroit, conveying all lands east of a line run due north from the mouth of the Au Glaize one hundred and thirty-two miles ; the second treaty at the foot of the Rapids in the Maumee, September, 181 7, between the United States, Lewis- Cass and Duncan McArthur representing the government, and the Wyandotts, Senecas, Delawares, Shawanese, Pottawotamies, Ottowas and Chippewas, the latter granting to the government their right and title to lands in northwest Ohio, and the northeastern portion of Indiana, south of the boundary line be- tween Ohio and Michigan, and known as the "Fulton line; " the third at Chi- cago, August 29, 1 82 1, between General Cass and the Pottawotamies and their allies the Ottawas and Chippewas, designating all the territory west of the treaty line made at Detroit, and north of a line due west to Lake Michigan,, from the mouth of the Au Glaize, excepting five designated reservations, all having a general center in Franklin township, and all of which is important to the general reader to understand that the old "Fulton line," and the "Michigan ilieridian," formed part of the boundaries of the three foregoing named Indian treaties, and as has been remarked, "surely we tread on interesting ground, '^ for the history of all this surrounding country finds its center here. In the sur- vey of the territory of Michigan, the west line of the Indian treaty, made by Hull at Detroit, 1807, was taken as the meridian line of their survey with their base line about sixty miles north, and extended south on said line to the "Ful- 4/6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ton line." The Ohio survey numbering east by range from the State line of Indiana, north to the " Fulton line," giving to the center of Franklin two im- portant starting points, two east ranges and one west, and parts of six congres- sional surveys, and the Michigan survey numbering south of base line, ten township surveys, and terminating on the "Fulton line" east and west of mer- ridian, ending with town ten south. In the spring of 1820 the Legislature of Ohio, April i, organized from Indian territory fourteen new counties, among which were Wood, Henry, and Williams, south of the "Fulton line," and which afterwards became in part component parts of Fulton county. All of this township in the Ohio survey, south of the Fulton line, lying west of the west boundary line of Wood county, which afterward, on September 7, 1835, became the west boundary of Lucas county, was in the county of Williams, and not organized for county purposes until April I, 1824. Prior to this time Williams county had been attached to Wood county for judicial purposes, the county seat being located at Defiance, then a part of Williams county. The commissioners of Williams county, De- cember 6, 1 83 1, at a regular session held at Defiance, the county seat, organ- ized the township of Tiffin, composed of towns five, six, seven, and eight north, range four east, south of " Fulton line," and, March 30, 1835, subdivided Tiffin township, and from towns six, seven, and eight created the new township of Springfield, and, at the same time extended its jurisdiction to the "Harris line," over the disputed strip contiguous on the north, and also included in this extension a strip one mile wide off of the west end of towns nine and ten south, range one east, then being held under the jurisdiction of the Territory of Mich- igan, and in the county of Lenawee, and township of Medina About this date, 1835, the legislative council of the Territory of Michigan organized from the western part of Lenawee county, the county of Hillsdale, and formed the township of Mill Creek from town nine and fractional town ten south, range one west, and a strip one mile wide off of the west side of town nine and frac- tional town ten south, range one east, overlapping the claim of Springfield to the ■"Fulton line." Thus this tract was claimed by two townships and one State and one territory. Michigan, having the supremacy, by the sympathy of what settlers were then living thereon, exercised full and complete civil juris- diction until December 16, 1836, when the whole strip in dispute became a portion of Ohio, and, notwithstanding the claim of Springfield to said land north, she could not get in edgewise for her civil control. On March 7, 1836, commissioners met, and all of Springfield township north of town six north was organized into Brady township, first called Brady after Captain Brady. This new township included all of towns seven and eight north, range four €ast, and the strip, one mile wide, off of the west end of towns nine and ten south, range one east, and all of towns nine and fractional ten south, range one west, south of the " Harris line," and wiping out the name of Spring- Fulton County. 477 field over said territory newly erected into Brady township, and, on June 16, ■that part north of the " Fulton line," legally became a part of Brady township, destroying entirely the name and civil authority of Mill Creek township, erected at the time of the organization of Hillsdale county, in 1835. Afterwards, March 4, 1839, at a session of the county commissioners of Williams county, all of Brady township north of the " Fulton line," was set off to Mill Creek, or organized into a new township of Mill Creek. In 1843 all of Mill Creek town- ship included in towns nine and ten south, range two west, and one mile, or the west tier of sections of towns nine and ten south, range one west, was set off to a new township called Madison, and on April i, 1850, the strip one mile wide -off of the west end of towns nine and ten south, range one east, and two tiers of sections of towns nine and ten south, range one west, were set off to Fulton county, north of "Fulton line," and attached to Franklin and Gorham town- ships, respectively, adjoining their western border. Sections one and two of town seven north, range four east, and thirty-five and thirty-six of township •eight north, range four east, south of the Fulton line, was taken from Brady township and attached to Fulton county and became a part of Franklin on the west. Organization. — This township at a commissioners' meeting held at Maumee City, March i, 1841, was organized and called Franklin township, made by taking all of town ten south, range one east, excepting one mile off" of the vest ■end of town ten south, range one east, which was cut off" from the township of ■Gorham, and all of towns eight north, range five east, and one tier of sections off of the north side of town seven north, range five east, from German town- ship, and immediately entered upon its civil jurisdiction as a part of the organ- ization of Fulton county. On the 28th day of February, 1850, the Legisla- ture of Ohio, in creating the new county of Fulton, ran the west boundary line west of the line of old Wood county, and afterwards Lucas county, and adding to the further area of Franklin, from the township of Brady, sections i and 2 of town seven north, range four east ; and sections 35 and 36, town eight north, range four east, and the west tier of fractional sections one mile wide off" of town ten south, range one east, and two tiers of section, to wit: One and two and fractional sections n and 12, off of the west side of town ten south, range ■one west, of Mill Creek, which thereafter became a part and parcel of Franklin township, which embraces in its area six parts of congressional surveys. Boundaries. — Franklin township as her boundaries mark at this time con- tains about twenty- eight and one-third full sections of land, or an area of 18,213 acres. Its real and personal value in 1887 was $443,540, as shown •upon the present duplicate of the county. This township is in the center tier, upon the extreme western border of Fulton county ; bounded on the north by the township of Gorham ; on the east by the township of Dover ; on the south by the township of German, and for nearly one mile at the west end on the 4?^ History of Henry and Fulton Counties. south by the Fulton line, and on the west by the townships of Brady south, and Mill Creek north of the old Fulton line of Williams county, O. A trifle over one- half of its present area is upon the disputed strip, as settled by the Congress of the United States, December i6, 1836. It was the tenth town- ship in its organization in the present limits of Fulton county. Topography.- — The general slope of the surface is southwest. The lowest lands are adjacent to and along the Tiffin River (Bean Creek), which marks a southwesterly course across the township, east of the first beach some four or five miles west. Gravel and sand spurs from the sandy plateau of Dover, put out on the extreme eastern border and southeast corner of the township, and are densely covered with timber. This gravel in the east part is available for good roads, and may be used at numerous points in the township. The spurs, however, are soon lost in the lacustrine deposits of the Bean Creek valley. The only water course rising beyond the limits of this county is Bean Creek, from Devil's Lake in the State of Michigan, and flows in a southerly direction through the center of this township and empties its waters and streamlets in the Maumee at Defiance. The streams are of gentle inclination south, and Mill Creek southeast, and empty upon its right bank. The waters of this township pass into Bean Creek, and, with its waters, to the Maumee, thence to Lake Erie. Water Supply. — Nearly everywhere in this township water can be cheaply obtained by boring from eighty to one hundred feet. This township is famous for its artesian wells, wherein the water of many of them rises and flows to the surface. They, at this day, are eminently numerous in a line of special locality. Geology says " they are found in a belt of country which, in common with the other geological features of the vicinity, has a northeast and southwest trend," which appears true here. SozY.^Along the valley of Bean Creek is a rich lacustrine deposit, with abundance of gravel closely connected with the Bean Valley, and the whole township presents a very level appearance and rich in fruit raising, for the val- ley does not often fail in that, and less frequent in the production of corn, wheat,^ oats and potatoes, and all the varieties of agriculture, or to the rais.ing fine cattle, sheep and hogs. The prosperity of agriculture to-day within its bound- aries shows its wealth in all that makes the farm enjoyable. Timber. ^-'\\\vs> township, in its early days, was covered with an almost im- penetrable forest of giant growth of the various kinds usually found in the west, with a soil too wet at times. A great part of the timber was black walnut, butternut, white, black and blue ash ; in many parts was very fine poplar or whitewood, trees often from two to five feet across, and from fifty to eighty feet without a limb. A great amount of this timber was cut and burned in log heaps by the early settlers, as there was no demand for it. There was also a great amount of oak of different kinds, which secured for the settlers- Fulton County. 47^ good fencing material, for which it was and is now used largely for that pur^ pose. There was beech and maple (both hard and soft), a good supply of basswood, sycamore, red and white elm, black cherry, iron-wood, hickory, dog-wood, cotton-wood and the bean-tree along the creek, with its beautiful flowers, from which Bean Creek derives its name. Population. — Franklin in 1880, at the last Federal cencus enumerated 1,201, and is fast rising into prominence, and without any village or trading post, is more than keeping equal in the race for prosperity, but was among the first to begin its settlement by the white man, as early as 1833, and in rapid succes- sion thereafter did immigration flow into the valley of the "Bean," and by rea- son of the vast improvements in clearing out Bean Creek, and straightening its zig-zag water- courses, it visibly marks the beginning of a prosperity. Under good management it will be rich in agricultural possibilities, and at no distant day, be equal, if not superior, to any other agricultural district of Fulton county. Early Pioneers. — It has been said that Joseph Bates came into this terri- tory, then Williams county, on section two, town seven north, range four east, in February, 1833, while others claim not until 1834, and on the farm known to-day as the Shilling farm. In the absence of better proof we will accept of the record as given by A. W. Fisher, in his historical reminiscences of early settlers, wherein he writes to Joseph Bates's daughter, Mrs. Alvord, of Cam- den, Michigan, replying to which she declares that her father came in 1832; from the testimony given by others it will be doing justice to the memory of Joseph Bates to give him the benefit of a medium date, Feb., 1833, which would seem to correspond with the memory of many living witnesses. He be- came engrafted to the soil of Fulton county by reason of changes made in the political divisions and subdivisions of township. He, when coming to the val- ley of the Bean Creek, in February, 1833, was within the limits of Brady township, Williams county, and was then not a resident of Fulton county, nor either of Wood, which held control of all east of Williams until 1835, when Lucas was organized from the western part of Wood, and so controlled the ter- ritory until Feb. 28, 1850, when the county of Fulton was organized, taking in territory from Williams upon which Joseph Bates resided, but he loses the honor of being one of the early pioneers of Williams, and lays claim to the credit of being the first white resident of Fulton county, and also FrankUn as she exists to-day. During all this term of "years, from 1833 to 1850, a period of seventeen years, Joseph Bates is by all acknowledged to be the first settler in the present area of Franklin township. For quite a period of time he alone endured the hardship of early pioneer life, which never will be sufficiently elu- cidated to the succeeding generations ; the severe labor and toil to make for a growing family a home — always the aspiration of the early men and women of the wilderness — living on hominy made from corn pounded in wooden mortars, and such wild meats as might be obtained by the rifle from the woods, caught 480 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. in the intervals of labor, and often without milk or butter, or any of the arti- cles of luxury. Joseph Bates, in a very early day, ran a hotel called "J. Bates's Inn." In 1 86 1 he sold his possession to William Ayers and moved to Iowa, where he died, August i, 1866, at the advanced age of seventy- nine years. In the sum- mer and winter of 1830 and 1831, Joseph Bates with his gun, dogs, bear and wolf traps, came from the East to Hardin county, O., where he hunted and trapped until the coming spring, and during this time lived on muskrats and other game caught in traps or shot. He sold his furs and skins, the product of his fall and winter labor, and came to then Williams county, and purchased the southeast quarter of section two, town seven north, range four east, now Frank- lin township, and had of that winter's labor $130 left. He went back to his home and in the winter of 1833, started with his family for his new purchase in Williams county, cutting his own road through an unbroken forest from Ot- tawa to Defiance. When arriving at his new home he lived three days in a wagon, until he could erect a cabin with simply his own and family's help. There was no neighbor nearer than twelve miles. He then cleared some land and raised that year the first grain in Franklin township, or the western part of Fulton county. A large part of his life here was spent in hunting and trap- ping, of which he was ever fond. On the 20th of March, 1845, his wife died, and the following year he married the widow of Joseph Borton, sister to Ben- jamin, Nathan, John and Job Borton, all well known through the county. Joseph Bates was born in Vermont in the year 1787, but at the age of man- hood he went to Canada, where he married Harriet Dodge, by whom he had eight children, four sons and four daughters, who came with him to Williams county (that part now Fulton). Truman, who moved with the Packards in 1840 to Missouri; Thomas, who died on the isthmus on his way to California, in 1849; Joseph, who died in 1867, in Iowa, and James who now resides in Boon county, Iowa. The daughters, Harriet, who married Theron Landon ; Belinda, who married Warren Hancock ; Mary, who married Cyrus Barrett, and Elizabeth, who married Hiram Alvord, now of Reading, Mich. Mr. Bates moved from Canada to New York and from there to Richland county, 0., where he settled in his early hfe. No ordinary set of men and women could do what the pioneers of this county have done. It was the bravest and best who dared to push out from home and friends and all the enjoyments of civil life, to seek a home in this great Northwest, long believed by the eastern world unfit for the homes of civihzed men and women. In those days heroes slept in every primitive cabin, whose deeds were worthy of fame, but unrecorded ; the memory rests only with the living, and sleeps with the dead. After a space of nearly two years John Shaffer and Adam Poorman entered the Bean Creek valley, near where Samuel B. Darby lived and kept a store, March, 1835. They got to Bean Creek just at dark, John Shaffer settling on Fulton County. 481 section thirty-two, town eight north, range five east, and Adam Poorman on section five, town seven north, range five east; when arriving on the banks of the Bean they encamped over night, there being a heavy, cold snow upon the ground, about four inches deep. Each spent the night as best he could, and as only pioneers knew how. At daylight next morning they felled two trees across the creek, cut poles and split what they could and made a bridge across the turbid Bean, then swollen, and moved over with their goods and families, as their land lay upon the north side of the creek. They encamped on a piece of rising ground for the night, after crossing, and the next morning were sur- rounded with water from one to five feet in depth, the melting snow and rain making quite a flood. When the water went down they put up a cabin for each family. John Shaffer had quite a family of boys ; Samuel, the oldest, thirteen or fourteen years of age, Amos, David, Joshua and Riley. His house was ever the traveler's home, and he the newcomer's friend. In 1851, John Shaffer sold out his farm to Lyman Morrison and moved into Fulton township, this county, and from there in 1858 or 1859, moved into Montcalm county Mich., where he died many years ago. There is but one of the Shaffer fam- ily in this county now, Joshua Shaffer, who is a resident of Pike township, having a fine farm. Adam Poorman was also a very hard-working and industrious man, and did his full share in improving the country. He was also a friend to the stran- ger and the new settler. His farm was often overflowed by water of the creek. In 1846 he sold the same to Daniel Thomas, and bought land and moved into Dover township on section 6, town 10 south, range 2 east, and commenced again his pioneer's life upon soil equally liable to overflow with water as where he first settled, in Franklin. Here he died, many years ago, respected and la- mented by his neighbors. He had three sons and three daughters : Cornelius was killed by a falling tree, in 1849; Michael and Marion are still living in Dover township, well advanced in years, men of family, having good farms. His daughter Anna, now the wife of Royal C. Stevens, is, by some, claimed to be the first white child born in Franklin township. Soon after John Shaffer and Adam Poorman had got their cabins up, John McLaughlin and Samuel Ayers came to the township from Richland county, O., to hunt themselves homes. They got to Bean Creek just at dark and found the bridge, built by Shaffer and Poorman. They thought to cross with the team, but Samuel Ayers said he would try it first, and accordingly walked nearly over, carefully examining the same ; but as the north end was the low- est, resting on driftwood, then abundant in the creek, the poles of the bridge floated and he fell through into the water up to his waist. They then re- turned their horses to the wagon, and hearing the sound of the cow-bell some eighty or ninety rods north, concluded to try and cross the bridge on foot, leaving the team, and make for the cow-bell. They found it at the cabin of 61 482 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. John Shaffer, at about eight o'clock that night, and where they stayed over night. The next morning, with the assistance of Mr. Shaffer, they fixed up the bridge and got the team over the creek, and McLaughlin and Ayers went on their way farther west, soon found themselves homes, and returned to Rich- land county, where they resided. They soon prepared themselves and fam- ilies to come to Williams county, now Fulton. Another sister, Elizabeth, came in the winter of 1837, with the family of Samuel Ayers, to their new homes in this wilderness. They were originally from Ferry county, Pa. They settled each as follows : John McLaughlin on section i, town 7 north, range 4 east ; Samuel Ayers on section 2, town 7 north, range 4 east ; Joseph McLaughlin on section i, town 7 north, range 4 east, Ohio survey. John McLaughlin's sister, Elizabeth, married Adna Reynolds. On that event- ful day she did a washing in the morning, for the family, shelled, that morning also, one-half bushel of corn, and that afternoon carried it on her shoulder, through the woods, to Bird's mill, located on Mill Creek, north, got it ground, again re-shouldered and carried it home, baked the wedding cake, and was mar- ried the same evening. The distance to Bird's mill was at least two and one- half miles, making five miles to and from, for the lady to travel. This was in the fall of 1838. Rachel McLaughlin married one Porter, and now lives in Steuben county. State of Indiana. David married Libbie Rogers ; he died many years ago. Joseph is living, and has raised a very fine family, and is highly respected. Asher Bird settled here on section 8, town 10 south, range I east, in 1837, ^f"^ that year built the first water-mill on Mill Creek, which gave it the name it bears at the present time. This was the first grist-mill built and run in the township. In 1837 Joseph Ely, Martin Pike, William Young, James Baxter, Jabez Jones and Albert Chatfield all settled on the west side of the creek, excepting Albert Chatfield, who settled upon the east bank, farther north. They, with the other settlers at this time, began to make roads and build bridges, which were crude, barely cut out, and old logs removed sufficient for a team and wagon. This answered the purpose of the early settlers until the stumps began to de- cay. In 1838 Jacob Shaffer, sr., settled on section 12, town 10 south, range I east; Michael Shaffer on section 35, town 8 north, range S east; David Ely on section 2, town 7 north, range 5 east, and Thomas Walters on section 36, town 8 north, range 5 east. John Bowser, sr., came from Fairfield county, O., in the spring of 1838, and settled on section 34, town 8 north, range 5 east. He had six sons, a part of whom were full grown, that came with him. The father bought each one of his boys one hundred and twenty acres of land, and with the aid of the whole combined, being very industrious, soon cleared up the homestead, and the rest as fast as needed. John Bowser was a preacher of the society of the United Brethren in Christ. His house long served as the traveler's heme, and a meeting-house. His settlement here soon drew many Fulton County. 483 of his eld neighbors from Fairfield county, to wit: Dorsey Barnes, his son-in- law ; Ozias Barnes, John J. Clark, Jacob Hanshy, Moses Kirtz, Noah Specht, all followers of Father Bowser, who was soon surrounded with a religious ele- ment of his own faith. In an early day camp meetings were held upon his lands. He died in 1844. Aaron, his youngest son, became a very able and successful preacher among the brethren, and served several terms as presiding elder in the district. He died a few years ago at Columbus Grove, Putnam county, O. Jacob, the oldest son, who lived near the old homestead, was drowned October 4, 1884. In 1837 Samuel B. Darby and family came from Elmira, Chemung county, N. Y., and encamped upon the bank of Bean Creek, and put him up a cabin in a short time thereafter. He and family were nearly three nionths upon the road, and endured many hardships in getting here. He was a very prominent settler ifi Franklin, and many years the foremost leader in affairs of the county. He died at his old homestead July 15, 1881, aged seventy-seven years, his widow yet living with her son. Dr. Francisco L. S. Darby, at Wauseon. Peter Minick and Peter Andre settled on sections one and two, town seven, range five east, in 1839. Peter Andre, in 1845, sold out and moved to Wis- consin, and soon thereafter died. Peter Minick lived many years, cleared up a good farm and made good buildings. His children have grown up and be- come well settled in life. Peter died in December, 1881, at the advanced age of seventy-five years; his widow still lives on the farm. Thomas Walters settled on section thirty-six, town eight north, range five east, in 1838; Joseph Ely, Leonard Whitmore, David Meriolett and George Miller also came during the same year. In 1839 came Benjamin Borton, Geo. McFarlan, Asher Ely and his sons, William and O. S. Ely, and John Sparks. In 1840 came John Wooster and Chauncey Loveland from Richland county. Wooster was a carpenter by trade, and became to the early sfettlers, a very useful man. In 1841 came Nathan Borton, a preacher of the Quakers, also John Borton, and settled on section thirty-five, town eight north, range four east, also Isaac Borton, John Jones, P. S. Vanortrick, afid his two sons, Abram and John, and Peter Vandervier. In 1842 came John Kendall, who in ain early day settled in Gorham, Christian Swartzentniver, Dorsey Barnes, and possibly others that have been overlooked. From 1842 to 1850, the time of the organization of Fulton county, im- provements had been made rapidly, and the township began to present a homelike appearance ; large immigrations commenced to move to Franklin township, as well as other townships of the county. In 1843 came John Den- nis, Orrin G. Greely ; in 1844 John Jacoby, John Fisher, Bethuel Borton and P6t(tr Hagerman ; in 1845, James S. Riddle, Adam Andre, Nathan Oliver, Nathan Borton, Phillip R. Fisher, John Mason, Josiah Mason, Reuben Mason, J. C. Masoh, John Arch, Ezekiel Masters, Jacob Cox and his son, John Cox, 484 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Benjamin Persing and Lucius N. Chatfield ; in 1846, Benjamin Parsing, Johi) McGowen, George Kibler, David Carr and families, Daniel Thomas; in 1847, John Gype and large family, and William Ely ; in 1848, John Hardin, Gideon Long, Joshua Conoway, Obadiah Borton and Chockley Harlan ; in 1849, Richard Rider, Harvey Miller. Of these that came prior to 1850, but few are noW living, and by their deaths the old homesteads have passed into the hands of their descendants, while xnany have gone into strangers' possession, and to-day the farms and homes of the old pioneers are occupied by another generation of men and women, with scarcely a mark to show to the world the labors of their fathers and mothers, obliterated by the improvement of time; the log cabin has been removed, the old log school-house has passed away, and their places are occupied by the brick or painted wooden ones, which now dot the land all over the county; and where once was the Indian trail is now found well gra- ded highways and the iron rail to direct the course of the iron horse. Now, of those who came to Franklin township since 1 850, and at present upon the territory, will be found the names of Lafayette G. Ely, Michael Mart- zolf, Fred Crumrine, Garret H. Baum, S. W. Baum, John Shilling, James Ran- dall, Levi Kump, J. Garrison, W. Burns, Hamilton Persing, Asa Bortori, Arthur Borton, Charles L. Stevens, Royal C. Stevens, Ozias Barnes, grandson of the old pioneer, Ozias Barnes, Anthony Snyder, Lewis Shipman, Jacob Koon, Jacob Shadle, Jacob Doriot, Eugene Doriot, John Winzler, William Dunabar- ger, Campbell Ely, Harrison Ely, Levi Kump, J. Sloan, William Russell, Har- rison Hittle, Levi G. Hittle, Ely Shipman, Josiah Shank, Daniel Prickett, Jacob Roth, Jacob Shofifner, Michael Lea, John Merelotte, Peter Merelotte, James B. Dickson, Reuben Wentz, Samuel Borton, John Gype, Adam Gype, Henry Brame, Thomas Andre, John Dennis, Christ B. Roop, Levi Buxton, J. J. Seller, John Minich, sr., John Minich, jr., John Shilling, F. Gegax. Schools. — Samantha Crandall taught the first school in the bounds of Franklin township, in the old cabin of Joseph Bates. She had to cross Bean Creek on a felled tree across the creek, evening and morning, and wade through swales and water to and from school. Her mother taught the next school. They both died over thirty-five years ago. The time of Samantha Crandall's teaching was in the year 1836, and was conducted as a private school of the neighboring families. This cabin stood on section 2, on what is now known as the Shilling farm ; afterwards Miss Jane Brundridge taught the school. The second school-house built (log cabin) was erected by Samuel B. Darby, on the east bank of Bean Creek, near Darby's land, and Samuel B. Darby taught the first school here, in the winter of 1839. In 1842 a new frame school-house was built on the same site. The Asher Ely school district was organized in i845> and hewn log cabin was built for the district. The first teacher was Augustus Porter. The Methodists and Presbyterians used this house for a long time as Fulton County. 485 a place of worship. Franklin now has seven school districts and one joint school^district, formed from German and Franklin. A. W. Fisher, in his his- torical reminiscence, says, "that which is now called sub-district number four has produced over forty teachers, five doctors, three lawyers, three merchants, two jewelers, one minister, one professor, one editor, one portrait artist, one railroad conductor, one telegraph operator and one commercial traveler," and claims it as a record of which few country schools can boast The first shoemaker was Benjamin Persing ; the next was John Hardin, who settled on the west side of section 2, in 1848, and made shoes and boots some three years; the next was Joshua Conoway, in 1848, who carried on the industry for quite a number of years. He is now a resident of Spring Hill, in Dover township. He, to the old settlers, was. a very useful man, for he com- bined, for his industry, all the trades necessary in business life : he was a mill- wright, wheelwright and carpenter, and, when necessary, plasterer, painter, mason, blacksmith, wagonmaker, shoemaker, tailor and farmer. John Borton put up and distilled the first oils from peppermint, spearmint,, sassafras and butter- weed, in 1841, and has always made it a successful busi- ness industry. He is still in the business. The second still was erected by Asher Ely, in 1844, and run three years, and afterwards abandoned. Next was Nathan Borton's, in 1846, who manufactured large quantities of oils for many years. About this time John Mason built a still-house on section i, and run for about twenty years, when the industry was abandoned, and their still- houses have long since fallen into decay. George Kibbler, in 1852, built a whisky-still in connection with a grist-mill, the first and only still ever built and run in Fulton county. In 1864 the whole was sold to a man by the name of Gigax, who repaired the same, ground a couple of grists, when he lost the dam by floods, and then the mill and still were abandoned. Grist-Mills. — The first grist-mill in this township was built by Asher Bird, sr., on section 8, town 10 south, range i east, on Mill Creek, in 1837. Bird run this mill until his death, in 1842. It was abandoned at a very early date. 1849 or 1850. This was, without doubt, the first regular grist-mill in Fulton county. In 1850 George Kibbler built a grist-mill in connection with a saw-mill, and run them until his death, in 1864, when they passed to other parties, and were soon abandoned. These were both water mills and built on Mill Creek. No industry of this kind, by water or steam, is carried on to-day within the present limits of Franklin township. The first cider-mill was built and run by Chockley Harlan, in 1856. The press was of the beam and lever style, then the easiest to " rig up ;" it con- tinued only a few years. Some years later John Gype and brother put up an improved cider press, which is in use to-day, doing a large and profitable bus- iness. 486 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. The first cane-mill put up in the township was on section I2, on P. R. Fisher farm, by Obadiah Borton, in 1850, and here was worked the first sor- ghum raised in Franklin, and here was made the first sorghum syrup. In 1858 John Mason built a mill for grinding cane, and run the same for fifteen years'. In 1865 Joshua Conoway put up an extensive cane-mill and did a big business for six or seven years, when he sold out his farm to Samuel Harley, and the mill was then abandoned. As early as 1837 or 1838, Albert Chatfield built a saw-mill on Bean Creek, and carried on quite an extensive business for many years. The mill has long since fallen into decay. The old land marks of the same are still visible. A grist-mill was built near the old saw-mill many years after, and run a few years, when it was burned. The first steam saw-mill was built by John Borton, near the south side of section 35, town 7 north, 4 east, of the Ohio survey, in 1856, to which was afterward added a lath and shingle-mill. Both were burned in 1879, and never afterward rebuilt. Another steam mill was, in later years, built near the eastern side of the township, and is now owned and controlled by John and Peter Gype, and, in connection with it, is a cider- mill and press. As a saw-mill it is doing a large and flourishing business. It was built at very early date by Michael Shaffer, who sold to Gype & Smoker. It was once burned, but afterwards rebuilt. It is now the only saw-mill in the present lim- its of Franklin. Stores. — In 1838, a man by the name of Hastings started a store just west of Bean Creek, on the old Maumee and Angola road, and west of Samuel B. Darby's residence, upon the south side of section 32, town 8 north, 5 east. After a few years it was abandoned. In that early day of Franklin the spring freshets of Bean Creek would overflow a wide area of country, and often the settlers would have to " boat it " to the store for the trade desired by them. In 1838 Leonard Whitmore brought a small stock of goods to the Bean Creek valley, and located east of Bean Creek on section 10, town 10 south, range i east. He traded there for a number of years. The early settlers say it was abandoned in 1843. Reuben Mason, in 1850, opened a store at his residence, and in 1852 laid out the village of Trenton [it only existed on paper), and built a large store- room, and sold goods for nearly ten years. He was postmaster at Blanc, for eleven years, and until the post-oflfice was abandoned. The Blanc post-office was first located at the house of Jabez Jones, in Franklin township, in 1850. The mail was carried on horse-back from Toledo to Angola, once a week. John S. Butler, the first mail carrier, is yet living in Chesterfield, in this county. In 1839, soon after the arrival of Samuel B. Darby, to the banks of the winding Bean, he opened a store and sold goods for a few years, when he abandoned the trade. Thus, as the countfy has gf6Wn older, business of all kinds has drifted to common centers upon the railway lines. And as no lines Fui.TON County. 487 of this kind are yet in Franklin, all that was once this busy center, workshops and stores, have departed. There is not now a wagon shop, tailor shop, shoe shpp, grist-mill, still or store, within the liniits of Franklin township. Physicians. — The first physician was Ira Smith, who came in 1840. He practiced some three years and left. In 1841 or 1842 Dr. John Kendall came from Gorham township, and bought and settled on section 35, town 8 north, range 5 east, and was for many years the only physician of general practice in the township. He left the township about i860, and settled at Milburn, some five miles west of Bryan, Williams county, and died soon after. Dr. Kendall was one of the associate judges in the early days of the county of Fulton. A son of Dr. John Kendall, Amos Kendall, in 1846 settled on Bean Creek, near Chatfield's saw-mill, and commenced the practice of medicine. He however stayed but a few years and moved back to Gorham, where in later years he died. In i860 came Dr. Schmidt, and practiced medicine until 1865, when he left and settled in Edgerton, Williams county, where he died. Lastly was Dr. Wil- son, from Stryker, who in 1 867 built a log house and office on lands owned by Joseph Ely. His fame soon spread to such an extent as to bring him patients from nearly every State and Territory of the Union. He soon had to build a hotel for the accommodation of his patients, and a bus hne was established from Archbold on the Lake Shore Railroad to his office. In 1873 he moved to Arch- bold, and there soon after died. He was a wonderful man, a mystery to all, yet his success was not greater in healing disease than other physicians ; his power was in diagnosing disease, in which capacity he seemed to be unusually expert. Churches. — In 1849 the Methodist Episcopal denomination built a church, the first in the township, which was located near Master's Corners. In 1852 the Presbyterians built a church also near Master's Corners, which was the sec- ond church of that faith built in the county, the first being at ^tna, in Pike township, at that time. In 1852 and 1853 the Baptist denomination built a church near the Corners, which was used for a number of years, but subse- quently moved away, and is now located on section 2, town 10 south, range i east. The disciples have an organization in the southwest part of the town- ship, and built a church on section 2, town 7 north, range 4 east, in 1861. They dedicated it February 20, 1862. This church was organized under the labors of Elder L. L. Carpenter. A church of the Reformers or Lutherans is located on section 34, town 8 north, range 5 east. They have a small chapel extemporized from a school-house, in which services are regularly held. These comprise the list of churches and church organizations within the limits of Franklin township. This township has had at different times three brick yards, in each of which brick was made for several years, and also a brick and tile yard was opened near the Angola and Toledo road west of the creek, and worked by J. Shadle 488 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. for two years, and then abandoned. To-day this industry has been fully aban- doned by all, and no brick or tile are made in the township. There are no railroads touching this township in any part, neither are there any post-offices in the township ; but for many years the people have had to get their mails at Tedrow in Dover ; Fayette, in Gorham ; and Elmira, in Ger- man township ; and in the western part at West Unity, in Williams county. The first white child born in this township was Annie Poorman, now the wife of Royal Stevens, of this township. The second, a male child, was Marion Poorman. It is claimed by the very earliest settlers living that a child was born to Mrs. Irena Holt, a sister of Isaac and John Reynolds, of Franklin, and soon after birth died. This was really the first white child born in Franklin town- ship. Ransom Reynolds and Pollonia Crandall were the first persons married in Franklin, and Adna Reynolds and Elizabeth McLaughlin were the second couple married. Official Roster of County Officers. — This township since it began to settle has supplied Williams and Fulton with the following county officers : George Ely, auditor of Williams ; Samuel Ayers, treasurer; Ezekiel Masters and Jo- seph Reasoner, commissioners. Ezekiel Masters served two terms of six years as commissioner of Fulton county, Joseph Ely five terms or fifteen years, and Sylvester Baum the present commissioner; Ezekiel Masters two terms in the Legislature of Ohio ; Lafayette G. Ely has served three terms as auditor ; John Kendall, associate judge under old constitution, 1850; James S. Riddle served as infirmary director six years ; Samuel B. Darby, recorder one term, and filled a vacancy by the death in office of Joseph Jewell ; William H. Stevens, three terms or nine years as recorder. The number of years service in some county office by the official roster of this township amounts to fifty- two years for Ful- ton county since its organization, April i, 1850. Reminiscences. — In a very early day, as early as 1836, a man came into this county and entered some land on Bean Creek or Tiffin River, at the Fulton line, being the head of navigation. It is reported that he was a surveyor and engi- neer ; that he laid out a city, platted it, and called it the city of New Amster- dam, and marked the steamboat landing, the public square and public park, and many other things, among them lots sold. Then he went to Cincinnati, representing it to be almost the garden of the world, and would make one of the great cities of the west. He sold his plat and the land adjoining for quite a sum of money. The land was conveyed from one person to another for some years, when finally a man came to Toledo, on a hunt for the city of New Am- sterdam. He finally, through Robert A. Howard, found his way to Bean Creek, and enquired of Samuel B. Darby, for the city of Amsterdam. As the river happened to be at the height of navigation, Darby told him if he had a boat he would convey him to the site of the city ; but the water would be from one to Fulton County. 489 ten feet deep, and that the land had been sold for taxes, and further informed him that he (Darby) held the tax title, and would like to have the money on it. The man soon left, and has never been back since, or any other person claiming the original title. The town is now owned by Mr. Coon and P. W. Poorman, residents, and is said to be yet mostly in the woods. This tract with others in the vicinity was entered at the land office by one Heffenstine, and on this prop- erty the city was located {that is, on paper). CHAPTER XLVII. HISTORY OP FULTON TOWNSHIP. P RE-HISTORIC. — At the date of the first settlement by the whites of Fulton township, then called and known in this Northwest as tlie " Six- Mile Woods," its political divisions were as follows : That part lying north of the " Fulton hne " was included in the Territory of Michigan, and of those set- tling in said territory all their legal business and the payment of taxes were done at Adrian, then the county seat of Lenawee county. They so continued to do until December, 1836, when this strip of land, lying between the Fulton and Harris lines, was assigned to and afterward became a part of Ohio. Thi& was the result of what has been termed the " Michigan War." In this State- line contest between Ohio and Michigan, some of the early settlers of what was erected into Fulton township participated (mostly in behalf of Michigan). One Peter Broadsword went from this disputed territory to Waterville, south on the Maumee River, to mill, and on his return was taken prisoner of war,, near old Swanton, on the Ohio side, and was detained with his grist of corn meal until his captors became convinced that he was not in any manner aiding the "Wolverines;" and upon fair promises, made by Peter, he was per- mitted to return to his family with the provisions, for which they had become very much in want. The portion lying south of the Fulton line, in the State of Ohio, was, at this time of the early settlement of the territory, and up to 1841, included in Swan Creek township, as near as can be ascertained, and there were about twenty-five famihes, settlers on the territory now under municipal control of this township, when the disputed strip was turned over to Ohio. It may be said, in the language of a writer in Lenawee county's history, that the early settlers of Fulton township had many things to contend with ; it was said that the land was too low, or the water was too high and there was no way for drainage. The land is level, and was heavily timbered and required much labor to fit a small piece for cultivation. When the crops 62 490 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. commenced to appear, wild animals and birds were early to gather their share ; the roads through the woods seemed to have no bottom, arrd long pieces had to be covered with logs, rails and brush, in order to make them passable. The streams had to be forded. They went to mill, to church, and to visit each other with ox teams and lamber wagons, and some of them of the rudest kind — which the pioneer well knows by his early experience in the wilds of Ohio. They did not, in that day, listen to the sweet sounds of the organ, or piano, but to the howls of the wolves, which could, in resemblance to the lis- tener, multiply himself until one would be ten, and ten one hundred ; also, to the hoot of the owl that always flew so noiselessly, that in the night they would not be aware of its presence till the hoot broke with startling effect near them. These were but a few of the vicissitudes of early pioneers. But through the indomitable courage and persevering efforts of the early pioneers this has -all been changed ; the woods have disappeared, the roads have become smooth ■and pleasant to travel, wild animals and destructive birds have left, the log ■cabin is gone and fine farm dwellings, large and productive orchards and small fruits of all kinds have taken their places. Many of these early pioneers have removed to that house not made with hands ; the other few are waiting, with their armor on, for the command, and but a few short years and we have them ^with us no more. •Organization. — It is found on examining the records of Lucas county that ^t a regular session of the county commissioners of said county, held at the city of Maumee, March i, 1 841, the township of Fulton was organized by taking from Amboy township fractional township number ten south, range four east, and from Swan Creek township fractional township eight north, range eight east, and the north tier of sections from township seven north, range eight east, and was erected into a township and named Fulton and so existed until in the year 1846. At a meeting of the board of commissioners of Lucas county, held at Mau- inee June 2, 1846, upon the petition of many residents of Fulton township, it was ordered that the south tier of sections in township nine south, range four east, be taken from Amboy township and attached to Fulton township, so that Fulton township at present contains thirty sections, including the six fractional sections of town ten south, range four east, north of the Fulton line. All of Fulton township prior to 1850, and after the little speck of the Mich- igan and Ohio war, belonged to and was included in Lucas county, and all that part south of the Fulton line was originally of Swan Creek township, and that part north of said line was Amboy township. It was the tenth township in its organization formed in Fulton county. Topography. — Fulton township is an unusually level tract with, in the north part, clay and the south part sand slightly mixed with gravel, and the whole underlaid with a clay subsoil. It was covered in its primitive state with a Fulton County. 491 heavy growth of timber consisting of white oak, some red oak, elm, ash and a large amount of cotton-wood interspersed with yellow poplar, or whitewood, and some basswood (known as linn), all valuable. The average depth of the deposit upon this territory is about eighty feet, perhaps less in the southeast. Water is generally obtained from a gravel bed resting directly on the rock. Fronj the northeastern part of the township, crossing from Amboy township is what in geology is termed a second beach, composed of a coarse sand and, in some places, gravel deposit good for roads. Its course is southwest passing through Ai, a small village, and out of the township just north of Delta on the Lake Shore Railroad in York township. Clay suitable for tile and brick making can be found in abundance in many parts of the township and under-drainage is here attended with best results. Endowed with no natural facilities for manufacture or commerce, but simply with a fertile soil, the township of Fulton is calculated alone for the produc- tion of food, and whatever will forward her agricultural interest is of vital con- sequence to her. Water Courses. — The great water drainage of this township is to the south and southeast by the way of Swan Creek, which stream receives nearly all the tributary streams of the entire township, and are emptied by said creek into the Maumee at the city of Toledo. Swan Creek has its rise from the low prairie lands in the extreme north- west comer of the township, and running an easterly by southeasterly course across the township, south some few rods west of Swanton, and at this place it becomes quite a stream of water, and in the days before steam, was utilized as the motive power for machinery. Boundaries. — Fulton township lies in the extreme eastern part of the county of FuJton with Lucas county on the east. Swan Creek township on the south,. Amboy on the north, and Pike on the west. It is about equally divided by the Fulton line running east and west. Roads. — The roads are remarkably smooth all over the township. The Toledo and Angola was the first road of any importance running near the- center, east and west, through the township ; it was laid from Toledo to An- gola, Ind., about 1840, by the State of Ohio, and run without much regard to the United States survey divisions. Before the advent of railways this was a stage route, and an important thoroughfare westward toward the then frontier. Railways. — The Lake Shore road crosses the southeast corner of this township diagonally upon section one, town seven north, range eight east, and the village of Swanton lays near the track and nearly all within Fulton town- ship. Churches. — ^Fulton township, from its earliest settlement, has had ministerial! services of various denominatioos, first the Christians and Presbyterians, and later the Methodist ; but -still later in its township organization other denomi- 492 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. nations prevailed — Catholics, German Reformed, and United Brethren. The township contains three churches and the town hall, which is also used for church services. Early Settlers. — From the best information obtainable, John W. Harter, his wife and three children, were the first white people settling in Fulton town- ship, on the west half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-five, town eight north, range eight east, in May, 1834. Mr. Harter came from Huron county, O., by the usual mode of transportation at that time — a canvas-covered wagon, drawn by two pair of oxen. His destination was the Six Mile Woods, as then known abroad. When some two miles from his land (having about four weeks before purchased the same of the United States, and which they intended for their future home), they came to the end of the road, and it be- came necessary for Harter to chop and clear a road the remainder of the way to his land. Clearing a road through the forests in those days, where brush and fallen timber was far too plenty, required considerable labor, and a fair amount of fortitude and perseverance. But these obstacles were easily over- come by these early pioneers. A vast amount of time and labor were allotted to the first settlers in clearing road,s, which means to cut and remove brush, logs, and other obstructions, a sufficient width to admit the passage of a team and wagon between the trees. These roads were very crooked, winding around wind falls and swampy places between trees and across creeks without bridges. It required the great- est care of the teamsters to get through this new country, on one of those roads, without getting stuck in mud holes, and fast against trees, stumps, and other obstructions, which were numerous. Mr. Harter and family occupied their covered wagon, as the most of the first settlers were compelled to do, for a residence, which answered for their kitchen, dining-room, bed-room, and parlor for four weeks after their arrival, and until they could build a log cabin. There is no person or family to-day more elated in moving into their new and commodious house, built after the best architectural designs, than were the Harter family in moving into that log cabin, surrounded by the dense forest, with wild flowers carpeting the earth, and the bright rays of the sun in stream- lets through the tree tops, and the fervent prayers offered in that lone cabin to Him, the guide and support of all earthly goodness — all these made the Har- ter family a happy, contented, and industrious community. There was, at that time, an Indian resort nea!r the cabin, on the west bank of Swan Creek, where the Indians would come in the fall of the year and rem.ain until spring, hunting deer, turkey, and other game for food, as well as for their hides, which they would exchange at Maumee City, some sixteen miles distant, for such articles as they would select at those trading- places, and return to make maple sugar in the spring. They were always kind with their new neighbors, always willing to share with them their venison and sugar. o^l4^^^^^.e^^ Fulton County. 493 In the fall of 1834 and spring of 1835, there was a large immigration to the Six Mile Woods, or now in Fulton township. Among those who came dur- ing that fall were John J. Teachworth and his family ; Henry Lake and his family, a wife and five children ; Alexander Boyd, who died in 1837, and the very first person laid in the Ai Cemetery ; he left a widow, two sons, and one daughter. Charles Welch came with a wife and large family of boys, and the forest by them was soon converted into splendid wheat fields. Welch was successful; he died in 1878, in Amboy township. Daniel Q. Berry settled here in 1834, with his wife and seven boys; he settled in town ten south, range four east, where he died in 1844, his widow surviving him some sixteen years only. Abraham Willcox came from the State of Connecticut in 1835, and settled in township ten south, range four east (Michigan survey), where he continued to reside until his death, in 1852. Ezra A. Willcox came about the same time as his brother ; he was the first peddler in the township, supplying the early settlers with clocks made in Connecticut. Rev. John Shaw came in 1834, and settled on the east half of the north- east quarter of section ten, town ten south, range four east ; he however, left in the latter part of 1835. ^r. Maxfield made and burned the first brick in the township on this same place in 1837. George Black came in 1834. Mr. Black, in 1844, moved to Stone Ridge (now Whitehouse), Lucas county, O. Judge Thatcher settled here in the fall of 1834. He served several years as trustee, when he moved back to Connecticut in 1866, where he died a short time after. Alexander Vaughn moved from Holmes county, O., in the spring of 1835, on section three, in town ten south, range four east. They lived in the cov- ered wagon while building a log house, and moved into it as soon as one-half of the floor was laid. Mr. Vaughn was trustee of the township a number of years. He died in 1847. His widow afterwards married Thomas C. Berry, and moved to Branch county, Mich., where she died in 1862. One of her ■daughters, Jane, is now the wife of Ozias Merrill, who lives upon and owns the old homestead. Another of the daughters married Isaac Springer, and resides near Wauseon, in this county. James C. Vaughn, a son, is one of the com- missioners of Fulton county, and resides at Swanton, this township. He filled the office of trustee a number of years, and also served as land appraiser in the township. Alexander Vaughn had two sons in the late war, James C. and Caleb Vaughn. Jacob Hamp moved from Holmes county, O., in 1835, with a wife and five boys; two were soldiers in the late war — John and Eli Hamp. Jacob Hamp died in 1850, his widow surviving him until she was one hun- dred and seven years old. She died at the home of her son, John Hamp, at Ai in 1879. She, while living, was a very useful old lady in the neighbor- hood. She was quite a good physician and nurse, and knew what pioneer life was. On many a night she has rode from two to six miles on horseback at 494 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the calls of these pioneers, often througfa storuas and muddy roada to render relief to the sick ; her whole life has been a busy one. She was bom in 1772, before the Revolution, and hence her whole life was that of a pioneer. Peter Broadsword settled here in 1834, on sectron ten, town ten south, range four east. He had two daughters ; one naarried Mr. Burchard and now resides at Waterville, Lucas county, and the other married a Mr. Almon, and resides at South Swanton, Lucas county. Gideon W. Raymond settled on section thirty-two, town eight north, range eight east, in 1834. He was justice of the peace for several years, and taught school in the first school-house in the Clark district in 1837; afterwards taught the Ai school some four years. He now resides in Pike township, this county. Isaac Day was Uving in the city of Utica, State of New York, and having lost by death his wife and infant son, he determined on trying his for- tune in the wilds of Ohio. On September 14, 1834, leaving his only daughter with his deceased wife's most intimate friends, he started for Ohio, and on his arrival bought a piece of land on section fifteen, in the present Swan Creek. That fall he put up a log cabin, and with his hoe planted one-half acre of wheat He remained there that winter, and in the spring of 1835 he planted out his garden and other crops, so that in August he was able to have ripe melons, green corn, cabbage and cucumbers. The lOth of the following Oc- tober John Nobbs with his wife and three children, started for Ohio, bringing with them Isaac Day's daughter ; also John Day, his wife and three sons and one daughter. They arrived at the cabin of Isaac Day October 20, 1835, ^ glad day for father and child. Isaac Day soon left the place he first settled upon and located on section thirty- three, town nine south, range four east John Nobbs and John Day settled upon the same section. John Day's family being the largest, they put up his cabin first, then the cabin of John Nobbs, but, in November death entered John Nobbs's family and claimed a son. There being no cemetery they laid him to rest on their new lot On January 25, 1836, John Nobbs and family moved into their log house, Isaac Day and daughter with them. In September, 1837, John Day sickened and died, and there being no undertaker at that time, kind neighbors united and made a coffin, and near and dear friends kindly laid him away. His widow, with three- young boys, away from the home of her youth, on an unimproved piece of land, were left to battle alone in poverty, with all the difficulties of pioneer life. But with prudence, care and industry they succeeded in making a good living,, and the boys acquired a fair common school education. In November, 1837, the pioneers built a log school-house in the district. Isaac Day wishing his daughter to learn to write, put in a writing desk for her use. Gideon W. Raymond taught the district school that winter. One Night with Wolves. — As Isaac Day was on his way honve fromi the land office, in 1835, following the road or trail,, as best he could by the aid of Fulton County. 4^5 blazed trees, when arriving near what is now Delta, this county, darkness over- took hJTH, in the old windfall south of that place. The howling of wolves soon adrnwrnished him to seek a place of safety. This he did by climbing the near- est tree where, standing with one foot at a time on a Hmb of the tree, all that night, with the howling of the disappointed wolves, he waited patiently for daylight, then cautiously descending from the upper room of that hotel, he re- suHied his journey homewards in safety. William Stair settled on section 35, and continued to reside there till his death, 1^50. He left two sons : Josiah Stair, who was for several years trus- tee of the township, and John Stair. Both were in the Union army. He had two daughters, one of whom married Joel Wilt, and the other, EHza, married Mr. Kline. Ami Richards came from the State of Connecticut, in 1836, and settled on section 9, town 10 south, range 4 east. He served as treasurer of the town- ship f©r many years. Mr. Richards was a lover of books, while living, and his Kibrary was always well supplied with the best of the age. He was denominated a Free-thinker. He had taken the Boston Investigator for fifty years. He died in 1883, at his homestead, and left a widow, two sons and four daughters ; one of the latter is the wife of James Harrison, jr., of this township. Shubal Nixon settled here in 1835. He is yet living, residing in the State of Michigan. Joseph Babcock came in 1835. He was a school teacher of the first class, and took great pleasure in the advancement of his school. He taught in the first school-house built in the township. He died 1868. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1870, leaving four sons and two daugh- ters. Ro^bert J., one of the sons, was elected justice of the peace in 1881, and holds that office to-day. Samuel Durgin, with his family, wife and two daughters, came from the State of New Hampshire, in 1837, and settled upon section 6, town 10 south, range 4 east. He was justice of the peace up to 1850, when he was appointed clerk of Fulton county at its organization (1850), and was afterwards elected by the people, for a term of three years. In 1853 he was elected to the Legis- lature of Ohio, and was a member of the lower house for two years, taking his seat January, 1854. He taught the Ai school for a series of years, and for many years was county school examiner. In 1863 be was elected clerk of the court, and at the end of a three years' term he moved to Wauseon, where he died, about 1873. His widow is yet living. In reference to the life of Samuel Durgin, who was known to the people for forty years, be was naturally of a re- ligious cast of mind, witli strong convictions of duty to his fellow man. He had no sympathy with any mere formalism. He might have exhibited a species of roughness in manner, yet a man of more than ordinary education from the common school ; blunt and plain in speech, a good debater, very severe and sarcastic at times, with his opponent. All the early settlers of the county will recollect Samuel Durgin. 496 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Samuel Dowling came from Trumbull county, this State, formerly from Ireland, and settled on section 3, town 10 south, range 4 east, in 1838. He continued to reside there until his death, in 1883. He was a very public- spirited and industrious man, a good neighbor and fine farmer. One of his sons, Daniel, is now sheriff of Fulton county. Patrick Dowling, another son, in his early youth became a resident of Toledo ; was in the war, and several times promoted for his bravery. He served two terms as sheriff of Lucas county, and afterwards, under the administration of President Arthur, was ap- pointed postmaster at Toledo, and held that position until 1886. There were two girls, Mary Ann and Katy, the former living in Lucas county, and Katy in Amboy township, this county. Martin and Emery Wilson, brothers, settled in this township in 1843. Both were industrious and successful farmers. Charles V. Merrill and family came from the State of Maine in 1837, and settled on section four, town ten south, range four east. He was a minister of the Christian Church and the first in the township. He was zealous, holding meetings at the different cabins of the early settlers, and log school- houses. His work extended in the different townships and so continued until his death. His widow still resides on the homestead. He left three children surviving him, although twelve were born to them. John C, the youngest, worked the farm and caring for the mother. He was two years treasurer of the township, and was also engaged in mercantile business with John Nobbs at Ai until 1871, when he left for Nebraska. Jonathan Wood with his family settled here in 1838. He was a great educator among the young pioneers and a strong adherent of the Presbyterian Church and a fine Sabbath school organizer. Mr. Wood was clerk of the township from its organization until 1854. He rendered good service as nurse in the [hospitals of the army, carefully attending the sick and wounded. He died in 1879. One of his daughters, Frances, spent the most of her youth in teaching school, principally in Mem- phis, Tenn. She is now the wife of G. W. Fisher, of Memphis. David Springer also came from the State of Maine to Maumee in 1836, and settled on section four, town ten south, four east, and died in 1866. His widow died in 1879 leaving five children. Stephen Springer, the oldest, who studied law with the late Henry S. Comager, of Toledo, was elected city mar- shal which position he held three years; in 1854 he was elected sheriff of Lucas county and served two years, during which time he had to perform the unpleasant duty of hanging Ward, the wife murderer of Sylvania, that county. Soon after, in i860, he died with the consumption at the old homestead. Isaac Springer, another son, was justice of the peace several years ; was twice elected and served as treasurer of Fulton county ; twice elected and served as auditor, and also served as school examiner. He followed the mercantile bus- Fulton County. 497 iness at Ai from 1853 to 1858 and afterwards at Wauseon, from i860 to 1876. He now resides near Wauseon. Robert Pennel settled here in 1836, and is now living at Napoleon, Henry county. He, with three other of the boys, was in the Union Army and made good records. Levi Merrill with his family came from the State of Maine in 1838, and settled on section four, town ten south, four east, and there lived until his death in 1881, his wife dying some nine years before. They had nine chil- dren. Naman Merrill, one of the children, was, in 1853, by the commissioners appointed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Fulton county, upon the resignation of Samuel Durgin to become a member of the Legislature, to which he had been elected. Mr. Merrill was afterwards elected clerk, and served the county two successive terms. He was elected prosecutor in 1862, and served one term. He studied law under the instruction of the Hon. Amos Hill, and followed the profession until 1878 when he became associated with Col. E. L. Earber, in the Bank of Wauseon, from i860 until his death in 1879. Ozias Merrill, another son, has followed farming the most of the time. He has held the office 'of clerk and treasurer for several years; in 1865 was elected auditor of Fulton county and served until 1871 ; was then elected and served as a mem- ber from this county in the constitutional convention in 1873-4. He was formerly engaged in the mercantile business at Ai, from 1856 to 1886, and postmaster at Ai from i860 to 1872. He now resides on the farm his wife's father entered in 1835. Clement Canfield settled here in 1838. His oldest boy, Albert B. Canfield, for a long time sold "yankee notions" from a wagon some eight or nine years. He was twice elected treasurer and served Fulton county from 1866 to 1870. He afterward moved to Nebraska. Hartman Canfield and family settled here in 1838. He settled on section 33, in town eight north, range eight east. He was a very useful man in the community ; always a good nurse and caring for the wants of the sick. He died in 1871 and left four children, two boys and two girls. Both boys were in the Union service. John Viers with his family settled on section five, town seven north, range eight east (Ohio survey) in 1834, and continued to reside there to his death in 1878. He left a widow and thirteen children, nine boys and four girls. Five of the boys served in the Union army. Elijah Herrick and family settled here in 1845, and still resides on the first one hundred acres he bought. He was land appraiser in 1853, when he appraised Fulton, Swan Creek and Amboy townships; was again elected in 1859, and appraised again Fulton township. He was eight years assessor of the township, and held the office of justice of the peace several years. He came from Detroit in 1822 and settled in the Valley of the Maumee, near where the city proper now stands. He is an hon- 498 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. est and enterprising farmer, a good model for the young farmer of this day. He had a family of six children, two of whom died some years since. Robert Watkins settled on section three, town seven north, range eight east, in 1836, where he died in 1876. Isaac Fauble settled on section five, town seven north, range eight east, in 1842, where he died several years ago. He left two sons who reside in the township. Joseph Dennis settled on section one, town ten south, range four east, in 1835, and died at his daughter's, Mrs. Russell Bartlett, in Amboy township in 1885. He left a family of nine children, six boys and three girls, all worthy citizens. Africa Spaulding settled on section 2, town 7 north, range 8 east, in 1834, and died in 1881. There is but one of this family now living, a daughter, who' resides in Swan Creek, this county. Mr. Haynes settled here in 1836, where he continued to reside until his death in 1 841 or 1842. He had one son, Jacob Haynes, who now resides near Luke's Corners, in this township. William H. Harris settled on section 4, town 7 north, range 8 east, in 1835. He was supposed to have been murdered in 1837. His wife died in 1836, and was the first person buried in the Viers cemetery, this township. David Born has resided on this farm that Harris owned for the past thirty-five years. He has been a quiet and useful citizen. Hiram Clark settled here in 1835, ^^^ in 1843 sold to Thomas Watkins. Cyrus Clark settled here about the same time as his brother Hiram. His place is now owned by John Watkins, of Delta. Luther Dodge, mentioned heretofore in connection with the first store of the township, settled here, on section number 11, town 10 south, range four east, at a very early day, on the farm now owned by Horatio Witt. Mr. Witt came with his parents in 1848 or 1849. He has been assessor and trustee of the township a number of years. He is a practical farmer and a kind and val- uable citizen. He was in the Union army. George W. Thompson settled here in 1836, where he soon after died. His son, Orrin Thompson, has been in the hotel business for the past twenty years at Lyons, Wauseon and Napoleon. Josiah W. Bartlett settled here in 1843, and sold to Calvin Quiggle in 1853, on the land now owned by J. W. Deck. Calvin Quiggle engaged in the drug business and died 1873. His widow was a very intelligent woman, formerly from Wilbersham, Mass., and now resides at Delta. One son, R. C. Quiggle, has been clerk of Lucas county for two successive terms, and now resides at Toledo. Three of these boys were soldiers in the Union service and one was killed in 1864. James Fenton, a prominent and successful farmer, came into this township Fulton County. 499 at a still later period of its history, 1847. He was a young man and married a daughter of one of its early pioneers, Miss Hannah Lake, in 1849. He re- sides now at Swanton. John Fenton, a brother of James Fenton, came about the same time, and soon became the owner of the property originally the homestead of Alexan- der Boyd. He has ever since occupied a position of influence in the political field, and an unenviable position among his brother farmers. He has held many important offices in the township, serving a long time as justice of the peace. He served this county as a member of the Legislature of Ohio for four years, being two terms, from 1870 to 1874. He is now successfully re- tired from the duties of active life and devoted alone to the farm. He is one of the respected and honored citizens of Fulton county. Historical Incidents. — In the fall of 1834, Mr. Harter, before spoken of as the first settler, finding the Six- Mile Woods setthng apparently with permanent inhabitants, went back to Huron county, his former home, and induced a mill- wright by the name of Bryant Hanly to accompany him back to his new resi- dence. In the spring of 1835 they built a grist-mill on the north part of his land, near where Winfield Cline's house now stands. This mill was known as the "Horse Mill." Mr. Hanley superintended its construction, and Thomas C, Nicholas Q., and William Berry doing the most of the work. The two latter named men sawed all the lumber for the mill with a whip-saw. This was done by rolling a log on a skidway, high enough for one man to stand under the log to manage the lower end of the saw, who was designated as the "pit-saw- yer." The top sawyer stood on the top of the log and managed the upper end of the saw. It required great muscular power to run this kind of a saw- mill, the first in the township, a qualification possessed by Nicholas Q. and William Berry, far above the average man. They were expert sawyers and made lumber in this primitive manner, not inferior to that made by the mills of more modern times. Ozias Merrill says, " I have a piece of sassafras board given me by N. Q. Berry, sawed in this manner in 1834, and will deposit it in our log cabin, at the fair ground, to take its place among other relics of pioneer days." This horse saw- mill had also a grinding capacity of from two to five bushels per hour. The horse would trot around the circle designated, hitched to a sweep sixteen feet long. Horses being very scarce, oxen had to be used on many occasions, for the propelling power to the mill. On such occasions the motion proved too slow for doing good work, and through the mechanical skill of Thomas C. Berry, the mill was geared so that oxen could be successfully used. The bolt of this mill was turned by hand, similar to turning a grind- stone. Although the flour made would hardly compare with the roller pro- cess of to-day, yet those pioneers ate their bread and cake with as good a relish, and enjoyed their buckwheat cakes or corn dodgers, prepared from the flour thus obtained, as we of to-day with all our modern mill improvements. 500 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Many of the settlers had no teams and they would carry their grist of wheat, corn or buckwheat, on their shoulders, or haul, in the winter season, on hand sleds to this mill, some two to six miles, guided only by blazed trees, or Indian trails, and in many instances, returning long after dark. This mill, in 1 840, was moved one mile south on Swan Creek, and converted into a water-mill by Harter and Stair. It sustained a good mill reputation and proved to be of great convenience to the early settlers. Aside from Harter's primitive mode in the manufacture of lumber for his grist-mill, in 1835, the first saw-mill built in Fulton township, and owged by Nicholas Q. Berry, was on Swan Creek, which ran through Berry's farm, and was run by water power. This required a mill- race about fifty rods long, and from ten to fifteen feet wide, and from three to four feet deep. This race N. Q. Berry dug with his shovel, most of the work being done at noon-time and evening, after his day's work on the farm was completed. He would com- mence work on the mill-race and frequently work until late in the night. The " head " of water was somewhat deficient, causing a slow motion of the saw, but when there was plenty of water no time was lost in running'the mill, and many logs were by this mill converted into good lumber. In 1853 Michael Cline built a steam saw- mill near where once stood the famous " Horse Mill." The steam mill was burned three years after its con- struction. Iram Strong built a steam saw-mill in 1852, about one mile north of Luke's Corners. Michael Kreiger built another steam saw-mill in 1856; Miles Hays built another about i860, a short distance north of Swanton. There is at present a saw-mill, with planing attachments, at Swanton, owned and managed by J. D. Hall. Pilliod Brothers, in 1887, put up a flouring-mill, which is now in successful operation. The grist-mill at Ai was built by Miles Hayes, in 1866, and is now owned by C. Packham. School- Houses. — The first school-house built in this township was in 1836, on the southeast corner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section ten, town ten south, range four east. It was built of logs, and finished and fur- nished without taxing the land — all contributed. It was " chinked " and plastered with mud from the adjoining soil. It had a fire-place made of clay and sticks built up " cob house style," and cropping out just above the ridge of the roof, and plastered upon the inside with clay mortar. This formed a safe as well as a comfortable heating apparatus. The seats were made of logs about ten inches in diameter, and ten or twelve feet in length, and split into halves and hewed to smooth them upon the split side. They were then mounted, the split side up, on wooden legs of proper height for the scholars. For writing desks they bored holes into the logs about three feet from the floor, into which they drove pins, projecting in the room far enough to support Fulton County. 501 a board or slab placed on the pins. For windows they would cut out one log the whole length of the building, and stop the opening with oiled paper. This would admit some light, and keep out the cold. Some were furnished with glass, 7 by 9, and when this school-house was completed, with a good fire nearly the entire length of one end of the building, it furnished a good and comfortable institution for training the young minds successfully in the element- ary branches. Another school- house, of the same character, was built the next winter, 1837, in the Clark neighborhood, not far from the residence of Daniel .Snyder. Others of like description were built as the township was set- tled. In 1842 the first frame school-house was built by David Springer, at Ai, and since moved across the road and remodeled for a dwelling, now owned by James Wheaton. Another school-house was soon after built in the Dodge, or Witt district. Still later they became quite numerous. Now, in 1887, Fulton township contains eleven school-houses — ^seven brick and four frame — all in good condition. Miss Julia Chamberlain, with her sister (Mrs. Samuel Durgin), came to this township in 1.837, ^^^ taught the first school in a small, log school-house, which stood where the present school now stands, in the Ai district. Miss Chamberlain afterwards married Davenport Williams, of Maumee City (now South Toledo), where she now resides. The wages paid teachers from 1837 to 1850, was from twelve to fifteen dollars per month, and from one to two dollars per week allowed for female teachers boarding around among the fam- ilies in the district. Miss Harriet O'Brien taught the first summer term in the Clark district,, but being taken sick. Miss Huldah Merrill finished the term. Miss O'Brien was soon after married to Dr. Colton, one of this township's first physicians. Among the early teachers were Mr. Reed, Luther Dodge, Miss Almeda Doughty, A. Sawyer, Samuel Durgin, G. W. Raymond, Miss Lucy Clough, Margaret Emery, Jonathan Woods, Joseph Babcock, Ezra Tunison, John Clen- dening, Miss Julia Chamberlain, Harriet O'Brien, Huldah Merrill, and Miss- Elenor Johnson. Pui/ic Worship. — The first building used for public worship in this town- ship was J. W. Harter's log cabin, where the Rev. Shaw held religious- services during the summer and autumn of 1834 and 1835. Rev. Gideon Johnson came from the State of New Hampshire in 1842, an ordained minis- ter of the Presbyterian Church. He soon formed a circuit, holding religious services at the Ai and Dodge school-houses in this, and at the Bartlett school- house, in Amboy township ; also at the Parcher school-house, in Pike town- ship. He was an earnest worker in his ministerial labors, and a good citizen. He is now in Illinois, and has been some thirty- three or thirty-four years. Since the early pioneer ministers have died or moved away, Fulton township has been well supplied by ministers of various denominations, mostly residing 502 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. in other townships. There are now three churches. The town hall is used when desirable for church services. Jonathan Wood organized the first Sab- bath-school, and for a number of years superintended the same, at Ai. His attention was wholly given to Sabbath-school labors, and it always prospered while under his charge. Post-offices. — The first post-office in the township was kept in David Springer's log house. It was established in 1843, and named Ai. Isaac Springer was appointed postmaster. Miss Julia Springer, Ozias Merrill, Will- iam Critzer, David Yonkman, and James Grove have since held the office, Grove being the present postmaster. There is at present another office at Swanton, established in 1854. Merca7itile. — The first store was built on the east half of the southwest quarter of section eleven, town ten south, range four east, and a general sup- ply store was carried on in the same by Luther Dodge, from 1839 to 1844, when he was elected sheriff of Lucas county, and left for Maumee. A good •exchange business was done in butter, eggs, corn, dried deer skins, and kirka- man (golden seal) roots. The latter grew very common on the higher bottom- lands of the forest, and was, by the children, dug, washed and dried. When so cured and in good order it was bought by Luther Dod'ge for fifty cents a pound in trade. Dodge was very courteous and obliging as a tradesman. This store enterprise was very profitable to him, as well as a great convenience to his many patrons. Luther Dodge has since died, and his widow now re- sides at Toledo with Charles Dodge, her brother-in-law, a prominent attorney of the Toledo bar. Ai. — Thomas C. Berry built a small store building at Ai in 1849, in which he carried on a small grocery trade until 1851, when he sold out to Henry Haughton. In 1853 Isaac Springer bought a half interest, and soon after en- larged the building. In 1854 Samuel Smout bought the half interest of Henry Haughton. About this time Isaac Springer was elected treasurer of Fulton county, and, in 1856, Ozias Merrill purchased Springer's interest in the store, and soon after William E. Haughton purchased the interest of Smout. In 1857 Isaac Springer again connected himself in the interest of said store by purchasing W. E. Haughton's interest; and, in 1858, a larger building was built by the firm. In connection with their store they built and run an ashery, and took, in exchange for their goods, all kinds of farm produce, ashes, salts and potash, and hauled the same to Toledo. Since then the mercantile busi- ness at Ai has been carried on by Ozias Merrill, Edward Vaughn, David Yonk- man, A. B. Canfield, Whitfield Manly, Thomas O. Williams, Calvin Quiggle, William Critzer, Elijah Gambell, James Grove, and Dr. J. B. Taylor ; the two latter being all engaged at present in the trade of Ai. Swanton. — From 1858 to 1875 Joseph H. Miller was engaged in the mer- cantile business at Swanton, this township, and was also agent for the railroad :^Wj^ Fulton County. 503 company for sixteen years of the time. He has been successful and has ac- cumulated sufficient for himself and family. William Guyser has followed the mercantile trade since he came out of the rebellion of 1861, and is a general produce dealer. Mr. Charles was a partner until about one year ago. Will- iam Guyser is yet in the business with Charles Marsh, his son-in-law, as partner. Swanton now contains two good hardware stores, one by L. D. Boyer, and the other by Hubbell & Drening. It also has one drug store, conducted by A. Q. Price, with a branch at Ai, by Mrs. Amelia Critzer. Charles Hilton and Joseph H. Miller care for the hungry and weary at the only hotels now in the township. Prior to the days of steam railways Mr. Stair kept a hotel, then styled " Farmers' Inn," where Josiah Stair now resides. One other was kept one- half mile from Mr. Stair's, by John J. Teachworth. They were for the purpose of accommodating those early settlers in locating for themselves homes in this unbroken forest. It was not infrequent that three or four canvas- covered wagons, filled with emigrants, would be accommodated at one of these hotels over night; Another large hotel was built by Christopher Watkins, on section five, town seven north, four east, in 1850, which building was used in part for a store. A large trade was done by Watkins until the building of the railroad, when business declined. It is now owned by Mr. Fauble, and used as a residence. Marriage. — The first marriage alliance formed in this township was that of Nicholas Q. Berry and Miss Catharine Burgtufi", both from the State of New York, in December, 1834. They went to Maumee and were married by Dr. Conant. Their wedding tour was from that city to Berry's log cabin, in a lum- ber wagon, a distance of sixteen miles over crooked roads and logs, through creeks without bridges and around swamps. They have ever since resided on the same farm, but instead of the log cabin they have a good frame house, and a carriage has supphed the place of the old wagon. They have five children. There has not been a death in the family of this first marriage in the fifty-two years, nor have they ever changed location. Yet they have been residents of Lenawee county, Fairfield township, Michigan territory, Amboy and Fulton townships, Lucas county, and afterwards Fulton county, O. James C. Vaughn, at present commissioner of the county, was the first white child born in what is now Fulton township. His birth dates August 30, 1835. His mother would frequently have fires built around the cabin to frighten away the wolves, fearing they would carry away and devour her boy. The first building destroyed by fire was the log cabin owned by Joseph Bab- cock, in 1 84 1, near where the town hall now stands. The next was the log cabin of Joel Johnson, near Luke's Corners, in the fall of 1843. Johnson and his wife were gathering hickory nuts some distance from the house, leaving two small children in the care of Joel's father, an old gentleman, and quite deaf, who 504 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. was near shaving shingles ; when G. C. Babcock, who was returning to his home some distance north, discovered that the house was on fire, and immedi- ately gave the alarm. When help arrived it proved too late to save the build- ing, but not until the arrival of Johnson and his wife was it known that the two children were burning in the building. Nothing then could be done to save them from a horrible death. Their bodies or what was left of them, were found where the bed stood, thus indicating that under that they had fled to seek ref- uge from the flames which so mercilessly consumed them The later fires in the township were P. Berry's wagon shop at Ai, in 1862, and one other in same place in 1870; John Nobbs and John C. Merrill's store and contents, at Ai, in 1870 were burned; in 1875 Isaac Berry's barn, and soon after Eli Haup's saloon, John Viers's house, and the residence of David Swank, at Swanton, were burned and all their contents ; the barn and contents upon the old homestead of Daniel Dowling,' sr., burned in the fall of 1886; the residence of Emery Wilson with most of its contents, and some $400 in currency, was burned January, 1887. In the spring of 1839 a daughter of William Pennell was burned to death. The parents were making sugar some distance from their cabin, and were startled by the frantic screams of their little girl, whose clothes had in some way caught fire at the house ; becoming alarmed, the child started for her parents in the sugar camp for help, and her cries attracted their attention, and they hastened to her assistance, but the flames from the clothing had accomplished its work. After three months of untold sufiering, death came to her relief She was the second person laid away in Ai cemetery. It would not be amiss to relate an event that has proved to be a mystery so far, and the facts should be saved to generations to come as the story is told by neighbors. Barnet R. Poorman, one of the early pioneers, continued his residence on the place he first settled in 1836, until he sold his farm to Jacob Luke in 1849. In 1842 Poorman, who was quite an elderly gentleman, mar- ried Belissa Johnson, a sprightly young lady some twenty-five years younger than himself. In 1849 one Griffith, on his return from the Mexican war in which he served, made his home with Elijah Blubaugh living near Poorman's, and soon after formed a friendly acquaintance with Poorman's wife. His visits soon became too frequent for the now indignant husband. He then sold the farm to Jacob Luke, receiving $1,000 in gold. Soon after the sale of the place this Griffith and Poorman's wife were suddenly missed in the neighborhood. Poorman's story was that his wife and Griffith had taken one-half of the pur- chase money received of Jacob Luke, and left the country. This was accepted -of him in good faith throughout the township ; but in 1870 while one of Jacob Luke's boys was at play near the school-house, and where Mr. Poorman was, while in possession, in the habit of burying his potatoes, there was discovered some bones. On examination made by the neighbors they were found to be human bones, and as the early settlers had never known of any one being bur- Fulton County. S05 ied in that vicinity, it created quite an excitement throughout the township, and rumor soon adopted the theory that the bones thus found were all that remained of what was Belissa Poorman. An inquest was held, but no definite conclusion was ever arrived at as to the identity of these decomposed bones. Mrs. Poorman's near relatives as well as many of the neighbors, will, with a great deal of plausibility, always maintain the theory that the unfortunate wo- man was willfully murdered and buried there, instead of accompanying Griffith to any distant home. Neither Griflfith or Mrs. Poorman have, since 1849, been heard from by any of the friends or neighbors. It has been said at the beginning of this chapter that there were, as near as can now be ascertained, twenty-five families within the present limits of Fulton^ township up to 1836, then an unorganized territory. They were John W. Harter, May, 1834; John J. Teachworth, Charles Welch, Daniel Q. Berry,. Judge Thatcher, Peter Broadsword, Isaac Day, John Viers, Alfred Spaulding, Henry Lake, George Black, all in 1834. In 1835 were Alexander Boyd, Abraham Wilcox, Alexander Vaughn, Ezra Willcox, Rev. John Shaw, Maxfield, Jacob Hamp, jr., John Nobbs, John Day, William Stair, Gideon W. Raymond, Shubal Nixon, Joseph Babcock, Joseph Dennis, W. H. Harris, Hiram Clark, Cyrus Clark, Luther Dodge. In 1836 a further increase by Ami Richards, Robert Pennel, Robert Watkins and G. W. Thompson, and perhaps others concerning whom the time of their coming cannot be definitely settled at this day. With these early pioneers, in those primitive days, life- was remarkably social. They had no jealousies or neighborhood differences- to disturb the harmony of their intercourse in all their friendly gatherings, and some of these were the happiest days of their lives. To-day, when the more mature boy and girl looks back over the many splendid farms and farm-houses now seen all over the township, they hardly realize the fact that this country, a little over forty years ago, was then a mighty unbroken forest, without roads, and nothing but trails or blazed trees to guide the movement of the early settlers. Soon after the arrival of the first settlers, the procession of canvas- wagons, filled with emigrants, dropping out to settle here and there, and others going on, was quite a curiosity, and from early in 1834 to 1840 this township was settled, and settled too by as noble a class of men and women as any country may well feel proud of The great mass of them were from New England, New York, and some from Pennsylvania. They were, speak- ing within bounds, men and women of character and intelHgence ;, full of enterprise, far above the age. They came west to found a new empire, and how faithfully have they accomplished their mission ! Fulton township has furnished to this and Lucas county, five sheriffs, one city marshal, three at- torneys at law, one banker, two members of the Legislature of Ohio, one member of the Constitutional Convention of 187 1, two auditors, two clerks of the Court of Common Pleas, one prosecuting attorney, one clerk of the court 61 5o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. for Lucas county, one postmaster in Toledo, one judge, three commissioners, two treasurers of the county, besides many other subordinate situations ; and a class of educators, the first upon the soil, not excelled by the more modern style of to-day. The coldness and selfish exclusiveness which now, too often, separates those living in the same neighborhood into cliques and castes, mak- ing distinction in society, was unknown in the early days of this township. In conclusion it may be said that this township is one purely agricultural. She has a rich soil, and may be said to be well watered ; that since 1834 an unbroken wilderness of very heavy timber, has, by the diligent use of the ax and hand-spike and maul, been converted into fertile fields and pleasant homes. In area it contains 18,213 acres; assessed value for 1887, real and personal, is $464,890, with a population in 1880 of 1,563. Ai was for many years the center of trade of the township, but the incoming of the railroad, and its passage at a distant point, drew away her trade and turned it into other channels. CHAPTER XLVIII. HISTORY OF GERMAN TOWNSHIP. THIS township at present embraces a part of three county organizations, to wit: The counties of Wood, Henry and WiUiams, which were by the Legislature of Ohio organized from Indian territory April i, 1820, south of the Fulton line. In 1835 Lucas county was organized from Wood county, embracing all the territory west of Lake Erie south of said line to the northern line of Henry county, and running west to the Williams county line. After this territory became a part of Lucas county, June 6, 1836, three ranges of townships were organized into the township of York, and the elections were held at what is called "York Center." About two years thereafter, March 5, .18 3 8, by the commissioners of Lucas county, Clinton township was organized, ■embracing ranges five and six west of York, formerly under its municipal con- trol, and the first election for Clinton township was held at the cabin of Isaac Tedrow, then Hving on section nine, town seven north, range six east. On March 4, 1839, German township was organized by the commissioners of Lucas county from towns seven and eight north, range five east. The first election was held at the residence of Jonathan Barnes, on section fourteen. On the 1st of March, 1841, the commissioners took from German township all of town eight north, range five east, and one tier of sections off the north side of town seven north, range five east, and organized it, with other territory. Fulton County. 507 into the township of Franklin. In 1850, at the organization of Fulton county, by the Legislature of the State of Ohio, the area of German township was en- larged by taking a strip two miles wide off the north side of town six north, range five east, then Ridgeville township, Henry county. The Legislature at this same session took from Brady township, in Williams county, a strip of land two miles wide, embracing two tiers of sections upon the east side of Brady, excepting sections one and two, which were organized in Franklin, and at- tached the same to German township. These form its present boundaries. German township has fifty-two full sections of land, making an area of fifty-two square miles, or 33,280 acres. It is now composed of sections seven to thirty- six, inclusive, town seven north, range five east, and sections one to twelve, inclusive, town six north, range five east, and sections eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three, twenty- four, twenty- five, twenty-six and thirty-five, thirty-six town seven north, range four east, from Williams county. Boundaries. — German township is bounded on the east by Clinton town- ship ; on the north by Franklin ; on the west by Williams county, and on the south by Ridgeville township, Henry county. It lies in nearly a square, com- pact form, and is but one mile longer east and west, than north and south, and is composed of parts of three Congressional surveys, or townships. Topography. — German township is very level in its surface appearance, and gives prominence to the lacustrine clay throughout its whole area. In the northeast part some few spurs of sand and gravel seem to put out from the openings and slightly overlap the clays, and are especially available for roads. These sand spurs cover but a small area of the township, and are limited to the northeast part, in patches, and the underlying clay may be reached in a few feet. These spurs are as heavily timbered as the more level clay land,, and where they reach down upon the clays are generally richer in fertility. Clay, suitable for brick making, can be found in abundance, and in qualit5r well adapted to the manufacture of tile, but as yet this industry is poorly de- veloped. The importance of thorough under-draining to the attainment of best results in agriculture in this township, is now generally recognized as of important value to farm industry. The exceeding flatness and consequent saturation of the soil was an evil of the early days, and nowhere was the town- ship reliable for good crops, and drainage in a large measure had to be made to obviate these apparent difficulties, and to secure reliable crops and easy tillage. German is endowed with no natural facilities for manufacture or commerce; but simply with a fertile soil, she can only be considered as a producer of food, and whatever will forward this is of vital consequence to her. Viewed in this light it appears to be of leading importance, and the day can- not be far distant when tile manufacture will be conducted here on an exten- sive scale. Timber and Supply. — The timber covering the virgin soil of German town- So8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ship was very dense throughout its whole area; it was tall and the whole of an extremely vigorous growth ; the varieties include elm, in abundance, bass- wood, oak of several varieties, hickory, black-walnut, whitewood, butternut, sugar maple and a sprinkling of beech, in some parts, and in the lowest lands black ash, white ash prevails throughout the township, and an undergrowth of blue beech and hard hack. Streams and Water Supply. — This township has but a small number of running or unfailing streams. The largest of note is Bean Creek, formerly known as Tiffin River ; it drains the northwest corner of the township, and in its course is very crooked and sluggish, and passes into Williams county in a southwesterly course to the Maumee River, by which all the waters of the en- tire township reach Lake Erie. Brush Creek has its rise near the center of Dover township, and is given some prominence from the springs of the sand area near Spring Hill. It runs in a southwesterly course, and receives a few streamlets, mostly upon its south side, made principally by drainage from the farm land, and traverses the township of German south and east of its center, and leaves the township south of Archbold; and thence makes its way to Bean Creek, into which it empties near Evansport, Springfield township, Williams county. In the western part of the township there are a few small branches that lead west to Bean Creek, but these are quite insignificant as to a water supply. Since drainage has been going on the declension of water in the wells, and other sources of supply, is alarming in case of extreme drouth ; the only permanent supply can be had by deep borings, which, in some places, afford an artesian supply. Soil, etc. — The soil of this township is productive in everything that can be produced from the soil in any township of the county ; a rich clay loam, en- tirely stoneless, presents itself to the surface, and is entirely referable to the lacustrine deposit. It is retentive of vegetable manures, and gives a splendid return for their application. It has for its subsoil a more unmodified clay, approaching the Erie or blue clay, and is rather impervious to water proceed- ing from rain falls, which is soon evaporated in dry weather. The general slope of the surface is to the southwest. The lowest land in the township would, in all probability, lie in the southwest part. The average depth of the drift, taking Archbold for the basis of calculation, would be on an average 146 feet, or upon a level with the waters of Lake Erie. Early Settlers. — The first settlement in this township was made by German pioneers in August, 1834. They were Nicholas King, who afterwards returned to Wayne county, O., on account of an accident that befell him, but who soon returned ; Jacob Bender, wife and seven children ; Christian Lauber, wife and four children ; George Meister, wife and five children ; Jacob Grunday, wife and five children ; Moses Kibbler, wife and six children, and Christian Rupp and family. Accompanying these families from the fatherland were Henry Fulton County. 509 and Jacob Roth, Christian Reigscker and Michael Figy, all young men and un- married. They were also accompanied by one John Gunday, who stayed but a short time and then returned to Wayne county, from whence he came. This •colony was composed of forty-three persons, all told, and most of them were from Millhausen, a small town in Switzerland. Besides these were one or two families from the north of France, but nearly all fresh from the Old World. The first house put up by these colonists was erected by Christian Lauber very soon after his arrival, upon section ten, whereon the family resides at this day. The rest of the heads of families soon selected their land, and cabins were built in quick succession. When putting up the first cabin there came to them a man whom they ascertained to be Joseph Bates from near Bean Creek, who was hunting and who offered his assistance in helping the little colony to cabins. The only shelter they had at that time was the sunny side of large stumps, protected by putting up a few blankets. The next day Mr. Bates returned -with his rifle and ax and three men, two of whom were Abner and WiUiam Ayers, who were boarders with Bates. They all " turned in" and helped these new-comers construct their cabins and saw them all comfortably housed. They then left for their own homes. A portion of these colonists were late arrivals, having landed in New York but a few weeks before. They came to Cleveland and then to Massilon, O., where they were met by friends who had heard of their coming. They liked this country. They had heard of the Maumee Val- ley and with the advice of their friends, concluded to emigrate thereto ; accord- ingly they purchased five yoke of cattle and the necessary wagons, and started about the first of August for German township, then an unorganized territory. After several days travel they reached Napoleon and were much disap- pointed, for they supposed it to be a place of some magnitude, from the name it carried, a name so famihar to them in the old world. Here they found but one building and that occupied by a man named Hueston. Here they left their teams and families for three weeks, while all the men went forward with their axes and cut and cleaned out a track the distance of fifteen miles. Musquitoes -were numerous and troublesome, and at times almost unendurable. They were nine days in cutting their way to what is now called Lauber Hill, after which they returned to Napoleon, and after three days of prepara- tion, set out for German and established themselves on their selected lands, two miles east of the present village of Burlington. For a long time they had little to eat except corn bread, and they ground a large portion of this between two stones, one above and one below, and manipulated the same by hand. They had no place to get grinding done in the whole country, short of Mau- mee. This journey was long, expensive and tedious, and seldom undertaken. They had cows, but no enclosures. The range was extensive and often did they have to go to Napoleon and get them, and in the summer season a de- pendence on them for food was very uncertain. They made a dish which was Sio History of Henry and Fulton Counties. called by them "pumpkin pap," on which young and old fed with voracious ap- petites. Some time after they had got settled Grunday went to Maumee Mills for grist and the purchase of flour. He found a large quantity of mushrooms, of which he gathered three bags full and brought them home, and the settlers ate so freely of them that they were made sick, but all got well without any fatal results. Soon after this colony was settled they found themselves nearly out of pro- vision, and flour at Maumee at that time, 1834, was worth fifteen dollars per barrel ; potatoes one dollar per bushel and corn the same. Some of the set- tlers went to Maumee for six barrels of flour and other provisions. This was about the last of August, 1834, and while absent there came to the settlement one Captain Williams with a party of chainmen and axmen ; also with them was Ambrose Rice, of Perrysburgh, as the surveyor, laying out the State road from Maumee through the Six Mile Woods, via Delta, through (now) York, Clinton and German to West Unity. They were weary and suffering for some- thing to eat, and seeing a fine baking of bread, clean and tempting, wanted to buy it, but the women would not sell it, as that was all they had. The teams were away at Maumee, and when they would return was uncertain. But this surveying party must have the bread ; they made the women all reasonable of- fers, still of no avail ; they then took all the bread that was necessary for a few days' use, leaving a generous compensation therefor, and went on with their work. At this time the nearest settler was Joseph Bates, and the next was at least six miles away, in Williams county, so we understand they could not rely on borrowing. This colony were principally Aumish, a branch of the Menonites, which are a strong body of that faith in the township to-day. This generation of col- onists are fast passing away ; their trials and vicissitudes in endeavoring to es- tablish homes for themselves and famihes could only be overcome by that pa- tience, industry and fortitude which characterized all early pioneers. These men have all made their mark on the calendar of time that well de- fines the type of a generation that is passing away ; whose record for good deeds is worthy of merit to history. They, we can say, brought beauty out of a wild forest ; they changed weakness into strength ; they created means when there were none, and what these colonists were to German township in her in- fancy, will live for all time. These were all the persons that came to this township during the year 1834, at least these are all can be found at this late day. Again, in 1835, it is found that John Reynolds and his family came to the territory from Vermont, and settled on the east bank of Bean Creek, then within the territory. In the present limits the same year it is found that Augustus Hull and wife, Peter Wyse, wife, and children, Peter Leithy, Chris- Fulton County. S" tian Funkhouser, Peter Rupp, W. Greiser and family, Christian Beck and family, George Ditto and family, and perhaps Mr. Kanipe, whose son now occupies the old homestead, and possibly others whose names cannot be re- called. In the year 1837 one of the most prominent emigrants was Benjamin Brown, who settled on section five in the spring of that year, and who after- wards located on section seventeen. He came from Vermont. His wife was the daughter of John Reynolds. Both died many years ago, leaving three children — two boys and one girl. In 1836 there came Henry Lutes and John Lutes, both doctors and preach- ers, Roswell Reynolds, son of John Reynolds, and Ira Eaton. The last named came from Seneca county, O., and afterwards laid out the town of Etonburgh, which bad for its early beginning a few log huts. George and William John- son came in 1836 from England, and bought a large property on Bean Creek, on which they afterward built what was called Johnson's mills, a saw and grist-mill. In the next year came Jonathan Barnes and Dorsey Barnes. Dorsey Barnes left soon after and settled in Gorham. They came to the township in 1837, from Virginia. Jonathan Barnes was a very prominent man, and be- came a leading citizen of German. He settled near where Nicholas King now resides. In 1837 also came Samuel Burkholder and family, Peter Noffsinger, John Rivnaugh, and Benjamin Lee, from England, Samuel Gibbons and family with Joseph Noffsinger, from France. In 1838 and 1839 another influx of immigrants occurred, for which the township was further indebted for all that was to advance its agricultural and educational interests. Among the settlers in that year were Samuel B. Darby, Jacob G. Wilden and family, Jonathan Rogers and family, James F. Rogers and family, Michael Gish, the first hotel proprietor of the township at Eaton- burgh, James Smith, Joel Smith, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, John Reid, Henry Roth, John Wyse, Christian Recknor, Peter and Jacob Rupp, Jacob Depler, and their families, Joseph Sander, Hugh Fairchild, Augustus Clare and their families, and perhaps many others equally worthy of mention, but whose names are forgotten. During the decade 1840 to 1850, when the county of Fulton was organized, the population began to increase with rapidity, which gave strength to the agricultural industry. The settlers of those years were as follows : Albert S. Fleet came with his family in 1840. He had been here the year before and bou'ght his land on section nineteen. He was from Steuben county, N. Y. Jacob Lipe, Moses Stutesman, George Gasche, Peter Noffsinger, Joel Smucker, Samuel Ames, Christ Kloffenstein, William McCucheon, Peter Short, George Betts, John L. Betts, Joseph Clare, Anthony Moine, Peter Gull, Joseph Schad, Fred Grouse, Peter Weaver, Jacob Lininger, John Lininger. Jacob Vernier, 512 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. George Vernier, Peter Kloffenstein, Peter Grimm, J. A. Wolverton, J. P. Flora, Jacques Greiser, Samuel Wait, and William H. Dickason, perhaps other families. It is well to remember the past and to recall the toil and privations and self-sacrifices of those who pushed forward in the wilderness of this township to hew out and provide pleasant homes for themselves and families, for to them it was no slight test of bravery to face a wilderness empty-handed, as were many of the first emigrants, and feared the treachery of the wily Indian of the forest. It was no small expenditure of physical strength which cleared away the majestic forest and brought the untold wealth of the land to the front, smiling with bountiful harvests; and yet, to these old pioneers it was a labor of love, as they looked forward to the time when their posterity, enjoy- ing the fruits of their improvements and dwelling amid plenty, with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of a grander age. Miscellaneous Items. — The first election in this township after its organiza- tion was held at the residence of Jonathan Barnes, when 13 votes were polled. This was in April, 1839; in 1850 74 votes were cast; i860, 271 votes, while at the most recent election over 300 votes were polled. Samuel B. Darby was the first justice of the peace. The first school in the township was taught in the winter of 1839 and 1840 by Samuel B. Darby. The first school-house built in the township was on the State road, one-half mile west of Burlington, and the pioneer teachers were Samuel B. Darby, Milton Zouver, Harriet Schnall, Miss Baker, Miss Shipman, Mary Ann Pretty- man, Miss Geesey, and Miss Darby. Wages of lady teachers at that period were all the way from one to two dollars per week and board ; and for male teachers not less- than $12 per month and board. The township has at present fifteen sub-school districts, and one graded school for the village of Archbold. Church Growth. — Lilly Bridge was the first preacher of the United Breth- ren in Christ. His labor was missionary and occurred in 1838. The first traveling ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were Austin Cole- man and McEnder Capp. The first quarterly meeting in the township was held by the Rev. John Jones, then presiding elder. The first preaching by the Aumish was at the house of Christian Lauber, in the fall of 1835, by Chris- tian Beck, and then organized a society that now numbers 265 members. Nicholas King is the present preacher in charge. The M. E. Church at Burlington was the first organized body of that faith in the township with a membership of about thirty. The Catholics built the first church of the township, at or near its center, and are quite numerous in membership. Henry Lutes and his brother John were prominent local preachers of the M. E. Church in the early days of German. The first English services held in the township was at the residence of Mr. Fulton County. 513 John Reynolds, Henry Lutes officiating. There are now seven churches in the township at large, supporting good frame or brick structures and named as follows : The New Baptist, New Menonite, German Baptist, Methodist Episcopal (at Burlington), Old Lutheran (brick), Aumish (frame), and the Eck- ley branch of the old Aumish (brick). Pettisville supports an Episcopal Church (frame), while the village of Archbold has five ; one Catholic, one Lutheran, one German Reformed, one Episcopal Methodist, and one German Baptist. The whole township supports thirteen churches and two independent organizations, whose meetings are held at private residences. Physicians. — L. K. Carpenter was the first resident physician ; he was of the old Thomsonian school, and was of some importance to the early settlers. The next in order was Dr. Blaker ; the third was William Winterstein, who run for clerk of the court and was defeated, and who soon after left the town- ship ; the next were Drs. Schnetzler and Murback. The last two named are now in Archbold. The first marriage ceremony was that of Holt to Miss Irene Reynolds, in 1837. The first child born in the township was Elizabeth Wyse, October, 1837. The first death was the wife of Daniel Spade, 1838. Marriages and deaths were few up to the year 1850. The first saw and grist-mill was put up in 1841 by George and William Johnson, on the State road, two miles west of Burlington. They were both water mills situated upon the bank of Bean Creek. Henry Roth was the first shoemaker. The first blacksmith was John Reid. ' The first highway laid out was the State road, running east and west through Burlington to West Unity, sometime about the 1st of September, 1834- Jacob G. Wilden was the first merchant in the limits of German township as it is to-day. He laid out the town of Burlington in 1839. Burlington was laid out in a very few years after the State road was opened, and was thought to be quite an important town ; but its business and population have latterly largely diminished. It now shows but little of the enterprise it had in 1850. It has but one store, one cabinet shop, one shoe shop, and one blacksmith shop. It has one school and church. It also contains one lawyer, who has been a resident of the burgh since 1858. Jacob G. Wilden was the original mover in all the enterprises of the town ; he opened a store and run an ashery upon a large scale ; built a saw- mill, and in 1843, seeing the need of a better supply of water for his business, com- menced to dig for it, but when at a depth of forty feet left the well for the night. Before renewing their digging in the morning they tested the well by letting down a lighted candle ; it went down safely until very near the bottom when 65 514 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the candle ignited what was supposed to be gas, but no explosion followed ,•; the flames gradually arose in the well until near the surface when a terrible explosion took place, which was heard seven or eight miles distant. Several persons were injured, among them Mr. Wilden himself, who, by the serious- ness of the accident, was obliged to retire from business. The well was allowed to fill up and was never completed for use. The emission of gas is noticeable to this time. Montgomery Hooker Fitch, a half breed Indian, sold the first goods in German. Archbold is an important village on the Lake Shore Railway. It first sprung into existence in the summer of 1855, following the building of the rail- road. Haywood & Ditto laid out the first division of the village. Wentzler, Schnetzler and Depler have since laid out additions. Its business enterprise is second only to Wauseon, nine miles east. It now supports a large tile factory,, and oar factory, wagon and blacksmith shop, two saw-mills, one grist-mill, one tannery, one tailor shop, and one meat market ; it has four dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two furniture stores, two agricultural implement stores, two hotels, one drug store, two millinery stores, one newspaper, the Archbold Herald, proprietors Taylor Brothers, and one jewelry and toy store. One of the saw-mills has a very extensive planing attachment, and is also doing a large business in the manufacture of staves and heading. Archbold has four churches and a large and flourishing graded school. The estimated population of Arch- bold is 1,000 persons. Pettisville, upon the eastern line of the township, and a part of the town lies in Clinton. It is a place of but little industry, and has a very unequal fight for existence, situated, as it is, with Wauseon on the east, and Archbold on the west. It is a place for small country trade. Before 1840 the settlers went all the way to York Center to vote. Through the efforts of S. B. Darby, a post-office was established at Elmira, in May, 1839,. and Darby was the first postmaster. At this time the township has three post- offices, Elmira, Archbold and Pettisville. In very early days men and women wore wooden shoes, and some may be now seen wearing them occasionally. Men wore buckskin breeches. Corn meal and water, and corn coffee, with hominy, were often the sole food of many families. Wooden forks and knives- were used to eat with, and often a log leveled upon the top was the table. Bed- steads were often constructed of poles with basswood bark for cords, while the ticks for the few first years, were filled with leaves from the forest. Such was the Ufe in the first days of these pioneer adventurers. Money was scarce and hard to get. The markets and mills were very distant. Oxen were used, and it was worth half the load to get to mill and market. Cows were quite plenty^ the range large and they would often stray away. In 1886 the personal valuation of German township was $194,400, includ- Fulton County. 515 ing Archbold with its valuation, 23,190 dollars. That year German produced from 4,864 acres sown 88,467 bushels of wheat ; from 2,854 acres she harvested 103,770 bushels of corn; from 1,966 acres, 75,754 bushels of oats; 1,479 bush- els of clover seed, 2,166 tons of hay ; 6,567 bushels of potatoes; the butter pro- duced was 62,407 pounds; eggs, 27,951 dozen. German has 575 acres of orchard. The sole industry of this township is farming, and is pursued with good success. The Teutons make good farmers, full as successful as any of the Americans, and have and exhibit as much competitive pride in all their rela- tions, and in all industries. Population. — In the beginning, 1834, the population was 43 souls all told; in 1870, it was 2,323; in 1880, she had increased to 3,035, of which eighteen were clergymen, two were lawyers, two were doctors, and an unknown quantity were school teachers. In naming the present occupants of the soil mention will be made of some of those who have been especially prominent in township affairs and general enterprises for the public good. George Gasche, William Dickason, Jacob Zimmerman, Rev. Nicholas King, Benedict Meister, Jacob Bender, Fred Flory, Joel Smucker, John W. Roseborough, attorney, Martin C. Palmer, Rev. J. F. Cook, WilHam Gecsey, Daniel McLaughlin, Peter Gull, James F. Rodgers, Moses Stutesman, John Lininger, Frederic Crouse, Joseph Flory, Henry Grimm, Frank and Charles Grimm, Albert Betts, Fred Beuclerc, Charles Bourquin, Peter Short, Joseph Claire, Anthony Moyne, Daniel Seigle, Christian Shantz, Jacob Crouse, John Lininger, jr., Joseph Feathers, Andrew L. Markley, John Speice, Benjamin Ruffer, Henry Rice, George Diehlman, Nicho- las Rufifer, Christian Gibbs, Michael Weber, Henry Pike, John Gigax, Gotlieb Gegax, Moses Rupp, J. W. Funkhouser, J. D. Nofifsinger, P. Klopenstine, Ja- cob Rupp, H. Yeager, and many others who are as worthy of note as repre- sentative men in the present various industries of the township. Official Roll. — This township has sent from its residents since its organiza- tion, 1839, to represent it in the county as follows: Jonathan Barnes, as com- missioner of the county, and who was the first man from German. He died in office ; his successor was William McCutcheon, of the same township ; John W. Roseborough, prosecutor three times, in all six years ; Truman H. Brown, clerk of courts, served three years ; Levi W. Brown, probate judge, three terms ; John B. Schnetzler, county treasurer, two terms; A. D. Newell, probate judge, term commences the second Monday in February, 1888; Doctor Schnetzler, one term of two years ; A. J. Murbach, two terms, Hartman, two terms as coroners of the county. In all the official roll of the township in county offi- ces shows nearly twenty- eight years of service, with two as yet incomplete. Si6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER XLIX. HISTORY OF aOEHAM TOWNSHIP. GORHAM township was named for Elisha Gorham, one of the first settlers of this locahty, and a prominent petitioner for the township organization, before the board of county commissioners of Lucas county. It is bounded on the north by the State of Michigan ; on the east by Chesterfield ; on the south by the township of Frankhn, and on the west by the township of Mill Creek, in the county of Williams, and is situated in the extreme northwest corner of Fulton county. It has, upon its northern boundary, the counties of Hillsdale and Lenawee, and contiguous thereto, the township of Wright, of Hillsdale county, and the townships of Medina and Seneca, of Lenawee county. Pre-historic. — Long years before the white man had trod the soil of Gor- ham township, it was inhabited by the Pottawattamies, and a small fragment of the Ottawas, whose last home, in Ohio, was on the banks of the Maumee. This township, like all the other territory of Fulton county, lies wholly within the Maumee valley. It is generally believed, by most historians, that no white man trod the soil prior to 1800, either the trader or missionary; at least we find no account of such fact, and none for settlement, until early in 1833- This date, without any doubt, was the beginning of settlement in the county. At the date of the first white settlement upon this territory it was included in the territory of Michigan, and, with all the territory north of the Fulton line, contiguous to Lenawee county, south, was organized into Lenawee county in 1826, and was called the township of Logan, with the county seat at Tecum- seh. In the winter of 1834 the legislative council of the territory of Michigan subdivided the township of Logan into three townships, and called the western part Medina, the middle part Seneca, and the east Fairfield, and exercised jurisdiction in said political divisions south, to the " Fulton line " excepting a strip, one mile wide, off the west side of town 9 south, range i east, and two tiers of sections off the east end of town 9 south, range I west, which was taken from Lenawee county and organized into Hillsdale county, in 1831, and there- upon the territory became a part of Mill Creek, and the county seat was at Hillsdale, where all local and legal matters had to be disposed of, respectively, by the inhabitants thereof In December, 1836, this entire strip of land, north of the Fulton line and south of the Harris line, by an act of the Congress of the United States, was set off to Ohio, and, on the 28th day of February, 1837, the Legislature of Ohio extended her jurisdiction over it, and attaching it to the counties of Lu- cas and Williams, respectively, with all the territory adjacent, north to the Harris line, which had been fixed as the southern boundary of Michigan. This Fulton County. 517 survey was made in 18 19, by Joseph Fletcher, and by proclamation of the president of the United States, dated March 15, 1820, was brought into mar- ket by a public offering on the first Monday of July following. The land of- fice of this survey was at the city of Monroe, near the mouth of the River Raisin, in the present State of Michigan, where all the records of said survey and the entry of lands may be found, which were made prior to December,. 1836, when it became a part of Ohio. Whoever, on this strip, in 1826, and for a number of years thereafter, desired to get to a grist-mill, had to carry their grain to Tecumseh, where, without doubt, was built the first mill north of the Maumee River, unless near Detroit. Prior to the transfer of this territory to Ohio, all settlers thereon were resi- dents of Logan township, Lenawee county, and territory of Michigan, until 183 1, when the county of Hillsdale was organized from the western part of Lenawee. Then all west of the meridian line became residents of Hillsdale county and of the township of Mill Creek; and, after 1834, those living east of the meridian line, by the subdividing of Logan township, became residents of the township of Medina, and so remained until 1836. This territory now embraced in Gorham township is peculiar for having been in four township organizations, to wit : Logan, Medina and Chesterfield,, of the east part, and Mill Creek, of the western part, and fifthly and lastly, Gorham. Gorham was under the jurisdiction, in 1826, of Lenawee county,, and in the winter of 183 1, the western part was under the jurisdiction of Hills- dale, which so retained jurisdiction until 1836, when Lucas county exercised jurisdiction over about one-half, and Williams county the other half, until April I, 1850, when Fulton county was erected, and which has had uninter- rupted jurisdiction to the present date. Township Organization. — At a commissioners' session held at the city of Toledo, March 6, 1838, upon petition, the township of Gorham was organized, by taking all of towns 9 and 10 south, range one east, south of the Harris line, the boundary line between Ohio and the State of Michigan all having been under the organization of Chesterfield township since June 4, 1837; further, by taking two tiers of sections from the east side of Mill Creek township, in Williams county, west of the meridian, being in town 9 south, range i west. At some period of time since the organization of this township, and by the commissioners of Fulton county, the west half of sections 7 and 18, town 9 south, range 2 east, was detached from Chesterfield township and attached to Gorham. At present Gorham contains nearly forty-four full sections of land, or an area of 27,559 acres, embracing the west half of section 7, fractional, along the Harris hne, and section 8, town 9 south, range 2 east ; also fractional sections (along State line), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31, full sections along the meridian, east -side; and 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, full and perfect congressional 5i8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. sections. Town 9 south, range i east, and fractional sections 11 and 12, along the Harris line ; 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and 36, town 9 south, range i west, of meridian. Population. — In 1834, at the beginning of settlement was Hiram Farwell, wife and one child; total 3. In 1880, the last Federal census, 2,029, and at this date, 1887, the population is estimated at not less than 2,500, according to assessors' annual report; being an annual increase of about fifty persons since the fall of 1834. The agricultural power of this township is not yet fully developed, and with a populous commercial center upon the Canada Southern Railroad, is likely to be the second township in the county in population and power of agricultural and mechanical industry. Productive Industry and Valuations. — The chief productive industry of this township is wholly confined to agriculture, of which the prime factor is the raising of wheat, corn, and oats; and of grasses, clover and timothy are here raised to perfection. Sheep, hogs and cattle raising is another quite important industry of the farmers, which taken all together may, with propriety, be classed as one of the best agricultural townships in the county. The fine buildings, houses and barns, and well fenced fields declare to the traveler the fact of the industry of its population in accumulating wealth by the varied agricultural pursuits which this township alone possesses. Timber and Supply. — The township is very heavily timbered. It has a fine growth of beech and maple in the northern and western part, interspersed with white and red oak, giving the township a fine supply of rail timber. All this is intermingled with whitewood and black walnut and hickory ; also white ash which is prevalent upon the highlands, and black ash quite plenty on more swampy tracts. In the south part the beech and maple disappear as we near the Bean Creek Valley, where the prevailing timber is the more sturdy elm, burr oak, white and black ash, whitewood and black walnut. The whole was formerly filled with a dense undergrowth of ironwood and dogwood. Streams. — The course of the streams through the township is generally southeast towards Bean Creek, which runs upon its eastern boundary, crossing the southeast corner, and thence southwest across Franklin on its southern boundary. Springs abound in many places west of Bean Creek. The water supply for stock and domestic uses is abundant since it has been demonstrated by the auger that there is a large supply basin below the lacus- trine deposit. It is often obtained by flowing fountains, of which there are many at the present day. Early Settlers. — There is no account that any Indian or white man lived within the present limits of Gorham township prior to 1833. They, the Indians, had no camping grounds, as no indications of such appear upon its soil, the surest record, if there had been, before the advent of the real settler. Yet the soil was for ages trodden by the warrior and hunter of the dusky tribes of the forest for game alone. Fulton County. 519, The first real settlers in Gorham township were Hiram Farwell and wife, who came early in the fall of 1834 and settled on the east side of section 10, town nine south, range one east, now called Ritter's Station, on the Canada Southern Railroad. He came from the State of New York with his wife, and raised a family of three girls and one boy. He was a man much esteemed by the early settlers for his candor and peace-making peculiarities in the whole range of his social circle. He sometimes preached and was often called to minister comfort and consolation to mourners at funerals and helping to lay at rest their dead. He has long since passed to that bourne from whence no traveller returns. On the 31st day of December, 1834, in the evening, David Severance and his wife, Esther, arrived in the township of Mill Creek (now Gorham) and located for themselves a farm on the north side of section 36, town nine south, range one west of the meridian, which really made them the first settlers of the original township of Mill Creek, Williams county, and the second family in the present limits of Gorham township. David Severance was born in the State of Vermont, and his wife, Esther (Knapp) Severance, was born in Jeffer- son county, N. Y., July 3, 1797. She died February 17, 1887, =^"d David Severance in 1844. Both died upon the farm on which they first settled. They came to Ohio in 18 19, soon after marriage. At the death of Esther Severance she left six living children (having buried four), fifty-one grand- children, eighty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and many of this lineage are now living in the township of Gorham. Among the settlers of 1834 that can be remembered were Abijah Cole- man, town nine south, range one west, with a wife and family. Waldron and Alfred Severance came at the same time, with their father and mother, David and Esther, and soon became the main support of a large and growing family. Among those that came in 1835, that can now be called to mind, were William Lee and his wife, who settled in Gorham in March, 1835, upon sec- tion 13, town nine south, range one east of meridian. In 1846, this family moved to Chesterfield. He died in 1854, leaving five children. Lewis and Almon M. Lee are residents of Chesterfield. The very earliest of the settle- ments of this township commenced just south of the Harris line, but north of this line many settlers had located at an earlier date. Very soon settlements commenced in the southwest corner and center of the township ; they were John Gillett, Gorham Cottrell, sr., September, 1835 J Freeman Coffin in June; Clement Coffin in June, and in September, 1835, Sardis, Joseph and Erastus Cottrell. Just north of and contiguous to the Harris line were Henry Meach, Justice Cooley, James JMcCrillis, sr., Orville Woodworth,' Abel Perry, John Gould and Henry Teneyke, whose lands lay principally in Ohio. In the spring of 1835 came James Baker and wife and settled on section 14, town nine south. 520 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. range one east. They came from Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y. He died many years ago, his wife dying before him. In 1852 he built a saw-mill in Royalton township, just west of the present village of Lyons, and sawed the planks for that and the adjoining townships, for the plank road built in the season of 1853, and which road was laid out upon what is known in history as the Vistula road, leading from Toledo to Morenci, Mich., James Baker was followed the same season by Martin Lloyd, Stephen Chaffee, William Sutton, Asa Butler, and WiUiam Griffin. In the season of 1836 came Levi Crawford, Philip Clapper, John Whaley, John C. Whaley, Aaron Price, Calvin Ackley, Nelson Fellows, John Donald- son, his wife Catherine, and boy, Daniel Donaldson. Of the later settlers for 1837, 1838, 1839 and 1840, it is found from the best information upon the subject, that they were George McFarland, John Jacoby, Elisha A. Baker, Simeon Baker, Lucius Ford, Nathan Shaw, Hosea Ford, Elijah Snow, wife and family, three boys and three girls ; Wendal A. Mace and wife, one boy and two girls ; George W. Sayles and family, Alfred Whitman and wife, Abel Paul and family. Justice L. Hale and family, a mother and her two daughters ; Willard E. Gay, Nathan Salsbury, and Nathan Sals- bury, sr., Joseph Sebring, Josiah Colvin, Benjamin Russell, Almon Rice, Milo Rice, John Kendall, M.D., James Griffin, Amos Kendall, M.D., Hiram Hadley, Alanson Pike, Rensselaer S. Humphrey, and James P. Emerick. Fifteen of the heads of families of the last named have answered the call of the boatman and have been rowed over the river to their final home. The history of these old pioneers serves as a type of a generation who are fast passing away ; whose many trials and vicissitudes could only overcome by that patience, industry and fortitude which has characterized these early pioneers, and which has left an example in struggles and perseverance to accomplish results for the benefit of the generations to come after them, which is born of a faith founded on the belief of the justness of the Creator; that good deeds shall be rewarded, and though many have not lived to see the promised land, yet in the fullness of time the sunshine of a better Christian civilization will surely have its dawning. A few have lived to see the forest displaced by the golden grain and fruits of the husbandman ; the fine painted dwelling taking the place of the first log cabin ; cities, towns, churches and school-houses, standing all over where once they saw the native wilderness. And where once was the Indian trail they now see roads, bridges, canals and railroads. Within the first ten years a very large immigration set towards this township, mostly from central New York, and as Hiram Farwell first opened up the forest to the sunlight, it was left for these to put the finishing touch to all that was primeval ; they were Michael Martzolf, Ansel Ford, sen., Asa Cottrell, Daniel Hoffinan, Benedict Zimmerman, Cornelius Jones, Henry Emerick, John Saltzgaber, Oliver B. Verity, Day Otis r 'I 'C^ Fulton County. t,2T Verity, .James Henry Verity, Jacob Woodward, Abram Van Valkenburg, Na- than Salsbury, jr., Ephraim Sergeant, Truman L. Scofield, Jacob Cox, Martin: Bielhartz, William Conrad, Amos Ford, Philander Crane, Israel Mattem, Ja- cob Mattern, A. P. Boyd, Joseph O. Allen, Jacob Demerrit, John Gamber, Henry Gamber, George Acker, sen., George Acker, jr., Charles Hoffman, Sam- uel Hoffman, Isaac Hoftman, Daniel Hoffman, John Paul, Obadiah Griffin, Johm Woodward, Stilly Huffman, William Davis, Daniel Bear, William C. Ely, Jo- seph Ely, Benjamin Dee, Stephen Hicker, Franklin Ford, Amos Belden, Bain- bridge Belden, John Mallory, Peter Holben, George W. Kellogg, Truman Whit- man, John B. Kimmel, John D. Brink, Jared Parker, Peter F. Chambard, Wil- liam F. Ward, Junius Chase, J. P. Ritter, Jacob Hipput, Thomas C. Lester, J. L. Wise, George Lewis, Ebenezer Lloyd, Lyman Ellsworth, George F. Dubois, George Graves, David F. Spencer, Edward Gamble, A. Amsbaugh, Rial Sweat- land, Henry T. Caulkins, Daniel Rhodes, Oliver Town, Uriah S. Town, Hosea Harmdon, Isaac Town, John W. Lilley, George Gamber, Henry Punches, Sam- uel Farst, Hon. A. W. Flickinger, William Plopper, W. P. Garrison, William^ Thompson, John Wiley and Josiah Woodworth, the latter being killed by light- ning about 1846. He, when killed, was living in the part taken from Milt Creek township. Since 1850 a generation of young men and women, sons and daughters of these old pioneers, have been clothed with the mantle of their fathers. Many who have not been named before, with their fathers and mothers, have come^ through all the vicissitudes of a pioneer life. As far as can be obtained, the names of such are ; Gabriel D. Snow, Spencer T. Snow and Dolly Farwell Snow„ his wife ; Benjamin L. Sayles, Columbus Sayles and Ellen (Scofield) Sayles^ his wife; Wendel A. Mace and Amanda (Bush) Mace, his wife; James Mc- Crillis and his wife, Jane (Sutton) McCrillis; A. A. Gay, H. S. Conrad, Charles Conrad, Charles H. Van Ostrand, Thomas T. Baker, Byron M. Hoag, Asher E. Bird, Gorham Cottrell, jr., Ezekiel T. Griffin, George W. Coffin and his wife,, Cyrus Ford and wife, James Brink, John Cox and Edwin Farwell. Many of the children of the first pioneers have gone to the far west, again renewing their frontier life, while their places are occupied by later immigrations, some of whom will be named, as far as can be ascertained, to wit : Miles L. Wolcott, R. Todd, Harvey Baker, William Kinkaid, J. Reynolds, Abram Schneider, E. Jones, Anson M. Aldrich, S. Youngs, B. F. Robinson, Calvin W. Thomas,. John Smith, S. A. Allen, C. Hettinger, John Bielhartz, J. Walkup, A. Kanaur,. Thomas Ellis, Solomon Gotshall, S. Oswald, W. W. Oswald, J. Toosley, He- man A. Canfield, William Woollace, Jacob Gorsuch, Solomon C. Wynn and many others, who also have aided in the physical and intelligent advance of the township, which is appreciated and worthy of note in the history of to-day. It has been said that the wealth of historical reminiscence forms the root from which springs the spirit of a people, and from which they secure the most no- 522 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ble nourishment. A hasty glance at these old pioneers and their works must suffice to represent to the future the times in which they lived, and whose im- age those of the present now bear. Reminiscences. — It is said that Hiram Farwell erected the first cabin where- in whites dwelt, which was located on the east side of section lo, town 9 south, range i east, and he lived therein for a good many years. He sold this farm of his pioneer days to John Paul, and then went to Morenci to live, where he died many years ago. His wife is yet living, a hale and hearty woman of ad- vanced years. She is living with her daughter, Dolly, wife of Spencer T. Snow, at Morenci. Farwell built and run an ashery for many years. He manufac- tured potash to some considerable extent. The ashes from burnt log heaps was here used by the other pioneers over quite an extensive territory and it is thought he was the first in the township to engage in that industry. In later years Elijah Snow built and run an ashery located on the east side ■of section 17, town 9 south, range i east. He run this industry very exten- sively until his age forbid, when the farm and ashery passed into the hands of his son, Gabriel D. Snow, and was successfully run by him until about i860. He also had a store in connection with the ashery and this was the first store in the township. Both father and son have gone to their long home ; the father at a good old age, but the son in the prime of life. Philander Crane built and operated an ashery south of Handy, as early as 1 841, and worked it for two or three years and stopped. These were all the /regular asheries in the township, and all suspended, except Snow's, at a very ■early day. This industry is not now carried on in the township. Rensselaer S. Humphrey was the first man to clear up the land upon which a part of Fayette is located. He built the first log cabin within the present •limits of the village, and cut away the brush for a highway, now the main street. He, as carpenter, built the first frame house for George W. Sayles, and the second for Justice L. Hale ; the first on section eight and the second on section nine. He also built the first frame school-house in the township, on the north- east corner of section seventeen. He built and owned the first steam saw-mill un the township, located on section nineteen, near the western limits of Fayette. Jn 1850 he built a store and blacksmith shop which laid the foundation for Fay- lette. In 1857 he built a steam grist-mill and operated the same for a few years in partnership with Dr. Joseph O. Allen. It was the first grist-mill in the township and the only one at this day located at Fayette. 'Cemeteries. — The first cemetery in the township was located on the north- 'east corner of section 17, town 9 south, range i east, at what is called the ■" Snow school-house," in the year 1848. The next, on the lands now owned by George W. Coffin, was built some years later. In still later years, after the village of Fayette came into existence, there was laid out, for burial purposes, a cemetery, on a beautiful spot, for the purpose, now within the corporate Hm- Fulton County. 523, its of the village. These are all the public cemeteries in Gorham township at' this date. Quite a large number of the township people bury at Morenci,. Mich. ; those upon the northeast border and the west and southwest part use the " Masters Cemetery," in Franklin township. Schools and Teachers. — The first organized school district in the township was in the Cottrell settlement, in 1836, and a log school-house was built upon the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section, 21, town 9 south, range i east. In 1842 another district was organized in the "Snow Settlement,'' and a frame school-house was built by R. S. Humphrey, it being the first frame school-house in the township. At about this period another school district was organized in the east part, and a log school-house built. Oliver B. Verity taught the winter school of 1844 and '45, at fourteen dollars per month, and. board around, which all teachers of that age did ; a practice that never went out of date until the adoption of the free school system in 1854. Thus began school education in Gorham township. The demand for other districts has since kept apace with the improvement and population. The township now has eight school districts, and one joint sub-school district in the southeast corner, besides a special school district for Fayette. Lucinda Rogers taught the first school in Gorham township, commencing in May, 1836, in the Cott- rell district. She commenced her school under the jurisdiction of the territory of Michigan, and ended it under the jurisdiction of Ohio. As the teacher got: her wages by a " rate bill," the transfer did not interfere, as the bill was col- lected of the parents of those attending the school. This school-house was used for about fifteen years as a school-house and for church purposes, com- bined. The log building was standing as late as 1862. The first school in the southwest part of the township was taught in a log building, and was, in an early day, known as the Severance school- house. It was situate in the southeast corner of section 26, town 9 south, range i west_ This school had no legal organization, and was supported by subscription.. Elizabeth Freeman, now the wife of Waldron Severance, taught here in. the summer of 1842. In 1845 a frame school-house was built on the northwest corner of section 35, town 9 south, range i west, and was painted red, as is well known to many of the inhabitants Hving at the present time. Miss Mi- nerva Cottrell, the daughter of Asa Cottrell, and the wife of George Acker, of Morenci, Mich., was the first teacher in the red school- house. It has since been changed, and the district centre located on the south side of section 26, same township and range. There are no small districts in the township, and it can boast of as good schools as any in the county, excepting, perhaps, the schools at Fayette andJWauseon. Churches. — In 1853 was built the first church of the township, and dedi- cated by the Methodist Episcopal denomination; it was originally located in- 524 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the southeast corner of the|northeast quarter of section 20, town 9 south, range I east, at what has been called " Cottrell's Corners," and stood there for a number of years, when the centre of the Methodist population shifted to Fay- ette, to which place the church was removed. The building was destroyed by fire in 1859 or i860, and a substantial brick edifice was erected in the place of the old one. The Disciples have completed a substantial building for worship, •during the past year. They are in a flourishing condition. These two named •churches are the only ones in the township, and not one is outside of the vil- lage of Fayette. The worshipers of the township attend at Morenci, Fayette, -or Masters Corners, in Franklin township. Saw-mills. — The first saw-mill was built upon the farm of Rensselaer S. Humphrey, now the western limits of Fayette, by R. S. Humphrey and James P. Emerick. The same was run by them for a few years, when the mill was sold to one Taylor, who, in 1859,' was gored to death by a vicious bull, upon the farm of Philander Crane, two miles east of Fayette. The mill was soon after abandoned. About the time of the building of this saw-mill, another was built by Calvin Ackley, near the meridian line. The mill was simply an ex- periment to test a new invention — the application of a band saw. It proved a failure and was soon abandoned. The next, and now the only, saw- mill in the township (except at Fayette), was built by James Baker, on section 13, town 9 south, range i east, and is now owned by Thomas T. Baker and Alphonso Whaley. All these saw-mills were run by steam. All the competitive indus- tries of Gorham township, excepting the single branch of agriculture, have been driven to Fayette or centralized at other points upon lines of railroad, outside the limits of the township. The first physician of this township was Dr. John Kendall, who settled a few rods north of Fayette, in about 1839 or 1840, but he left and went to Franklin township about 1841 or 1842. The next physician was Dr. Joseph O. Allen, who located within the present limits of Fayette in 1851. About this time one Dr. Davis settled at Cottrell's Corners and practiced there for two or three years and left. This is all of the M. D.'s who settled here at an early date, before Fayette started its journey for village life, and there are jione now practicing outside of Fayette. Post- Offices. — In 1839 Gorham post-office was established and held for a number of years at the house of Erastus Cottrell. He was the first post- master. It was afterwards removed to Fayette, and later was changed in name to Fayette, and is the only post-office ever located in the township. The First White Child. — Fhila. Farwell was the first white child born in the township. She now is the wife of Charles Perry, living just over the line of Gorham, in Medina township, Mich., but she is fully identified with the in- terests of her native township in all its relations. Justices of the Peace. — Erastus Cottrell was the first justice of the peace ; 0r^,UiCt.^ Fulton County. 525 the second, Amos Belding ; the third, Israel Mattern, and the fourth Jared C. Parker ; Oliver B. Verity the fifth. Israel Mattern has held the office for a great many years in succession, and is to-day an acting justice of the peace residing at Fayette. Miscellaneous. — The first election held in the'township after its organiza- tion, was at the residence of Erastus Cottrell, on the first Monday of April, 1838. In 1853 was shown some of the physical manifestations of what is called " Spiritualism," which for weeks upon weeks drew large crowds of visitors to witness, many of whom are living to-day to testify to the same. History of Fayette. — Fayette is located at the terminus of the Chicago and Canada Southern Railroad, and is built upon the east half of section nineteen, and the west half of section twenty, town nine south, range one east, and was -dignified with the name as early as 1852, but was not incorporated until in the year 1872. Henry Boyd, of Maumee city, opened a general store in the year 1852, the first in Fayette, which has changed proprietors several times «ince. Henry Gamber, Rensselaer S. Humphrey, Daniel Keifer and Dr. Amos Kendall, cleared the land where Fayette is located. Humphrey, in 1845, Keifer, in 1846, and Gamber and Kendall about 1848. In the year 1856 Rens- selaer S. Humphrey and Dr. Joseph O. Allen built and began to operate a ^team grist-mill and saw-mill. The same mill is in operation to-day, having been furnished with such modern improvements as the times demanded. Joseph O. Allen, Arthur Allen and Judson T. Trowbridge are the present pro- prietors. They manufacture flour by the roller process, and do an extensive business in merchant lumbering. In 1 87 1 John S. Butler, of Chesterfield township, erected a planing-m 11. The same plant, with extensive improvements, is now owned and operated by L. H. Vosburgh, who has in connection with it a saw-mill, sash and blind factory, and heading machinery ; also an extensive lumber yard with a good stock of shingles, lath, cedar posts, etc. Present Mercantile Business. — The mercantile business of Fayette is now represented as follows : A. P. Greiser, general stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, and fancy goods ; Howard & Co., the same ; Huffman & Co., the same; John F. Shaw, family groceries; F. Vernier, the same; L. A. Pur- cell, clothing and gents' furnishing goods ; Acker & Sons, the same ; Perry & Allen, hardware, stoves, iron, etc.; Rorick & Cawley, drugs, medicines, wall- paper, books, and stationery ; Andrew L. Kendall, the same. The bank of Fayette, a permanent establishment, commenced business in 1885. The busi- ness is owned by Colonel E. L. Barber and E. S. Callender, of Wauseon, and Arthur Allen, Judson T. Trowbridge, and the Hon. Charles L. Allen, of Fayette. Charles L. Allen is the cashier and general manager. This institu- tion is rapidly gaining the confidence of the community. The representatives of wagon-making and blacksmithing are Garlick & Booth, John Vine, Eli 526 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Foglesong. Mrs. N. M. Shaw and Mrs. A. M. Empy, represent, each, the millinery business. Educational. — Fayette is a special school district. The public school build- ing is a large and convenient brick structure, with four departments, and has an average attendance of about one hundred and thirty pupils. The Fayette Normal, Music and Business College is an institution of which the village may well be proud. It was established in 1881. Its growth has been of that steady, permanent nature, that insures health and longevity. It is provided with ample buildings and grounds, and through an able and effi- cient faculty has become a prominent institution in the northwest. This col- lege is rapidly gaining public favor, and is destined to become a prominent feature of the village. Religions and Churches. — The first established church denomination was the Methodist Episcopal, the edifice being one mile east of Fayette, and stand- ing on the southeast corner of Asa Cottrell's farm. It was removed to Fayette at a later day, and was destroyed in the first great fire of the village. This- organization has flourished continuously since its beginning in the primeval forest, about the time of the first advent of the whites. Their present house of worship is a substantial brick structure, pleasantly situated on Main street. Its- pastor is the Rev. Theodore W. Brake. The Christian Union was the next society to construct a church edifice, located on Gorham street, near the public school building. It was erected about 1874. In the year 1886 the denomination of Disciples, or Church of Christ, hav- ing become quite strong in numbers by the growth of population, and feeling the need of a place of worship, erected a fine brick edifice on Cemetery street,, which they now regularly occupy. Commercial. — In the year 1872 the Chicago and Canada Southern Railway Company completed the construction of its line to Fayette, and run the first cars to it July 4, since which date Fayette has been the terminal point. It furnishes a good outlet for the produce of the country contiguous, and makes this village a good market for all country produce. The construction of the Wabash line, with a station one and a half miles directly north of this village,^ also furnishes large shipping facilities with a good healthy competition in the township. Its station is called North Fayette, just over the northern boundary ol Gorham. Nezvspapers. — The first newspaper published in Fayette was the Fayette Journal, by Delos Lyon, and its first issue was in the year 1 874. Lewis Hol- comb purchased the plant in 1876, and conducted the paper until February, 1878, when the present proprietors, M. Lewis and George W. Griffin, took pos- session. The paper is non-partisan in politics, and is devoted to the interests of the village and community, and now is called the Fayette Record. A large amount of job work is done at this ofiice. -x\ E. H. RoRicK. Fulton County. 527 The Bar. — Fayette has never for any length of time, supported a member of the legal fraternity. There have been made several spasmodic efforts by gen- tlemen of this profession, to secure a competency in the pursuit of that honor- able vocation, but the peaceable and law-abiding character of its citizens has so far rendered unfruitful all attempts in that direction. //i?^^/.f. — Fayette has one hotel, a fine brick building, pleasantly located on Main street, and easy of access by the traveling public. Physicians. — Dr. Joseph O. Allen was the first physician in Fayette. He has now retired from practice. Dr. Van Buskirk was the next, wh® died many years ago. Dr. Turrell and Dr. Amos Kendall, both of whom have died or left for other parts, formerly practiced here. The present corps ©f physicians are Estelle H. Rorick, H. F. Van Buskirk, C. B. Herrick, Edson Emerick, all able, energetic, and well qualified in their profession. Post-Office. — The post-office was established here^in 1854, and Dr. Joseph O. Allen was postmaster for a number of years. Population. — In 1887 the population of the village was estimated at one thousand persons, and has shown a healthy growth for a number of years. Miscellaneous. — Dr. Joseph O. Allen came in the spring of 1851 ; Charles L. Allen in 1859, and Arthur Allen about the same time. They all came from Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y., and have had a large influence in moulding the sentiment of the village. Hon. Charles L. Allen has been twice elected to the Legislature of Ohio. Official Roll of Honor. — This township has furnished one representative for two terms, Hon. Charles L. Allen ; three commissioners to-wit: William Sut- ton, four years; Heman A. Canfield, six years, and Charles Van Ostrand, two years; one probate judge, Hon. Oliver B. Verity, twelve years, or four terms; one associate judge under the old constitution, Hon. Abram M. Flickinger, two years ; O. B. Verity, county school examiner, six years, making a record of thirty-six official years for the township in the county official roll. In 1852 Oliver B. Verity was elected as land assessor in the district composed of Gor- ham, Chesterfield, Royalton and Amboy, and in 1870 was appointed United States Assistant Marshal, by the United States Marshal, for the Northern District of Ohio, to take the census in the townships of Dover, Chesterfield, Royalton and Amboy. In 1874 he was selected as superintendent for Fulton County Infirmary, and held the position six years, ending March, 1 880. In conclusion, a word to the old pioneers : You are passing away ; the younger people are fast filling your places ; they must increase, and you must decrease. If you have rounded out your lives to such perfection that you can contemplate your departure from the scenes of pioneer life with composure, and peacefully at last lie down, not to dreams, but to enter upon the pleasant reali- ties of an eternal hfe, where many of your fellow pioneers before you have gone from these earthly labors to enter upon the higher and nobler activities of that 528 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. <( better land, and when from the sublime heights of the grand hereafter, you shall look down upon these scenes of your earthly pilgrimage, and see how really small were the trials which vexed you here, and how they have, if rightly improved, worked out for you a greater nobility of character, how will the soul swell with gratitude to Him who hath led you through all these years of toil to work up and round out a life for which your children shall rise up and call you blessed. CHAPTER L. HISTORY OP PIKE TOWNSHIP. EARLY MENTION.— At the date of the first settlement of the whites upon the lands of the present limits of Pike township in 1833, the part lying north of the "Fulton line" was under the jurisdiction of the territory of Michi- gan, county of Lenawee, and in the township of Fairfield, and its surveys were made by the authorities of Michigan as early as 18 19 and 1820. Its county seat was Adrian. The inhabitants thereof did all legal business, and paid their taxes at Adrian, until December, 1836, when, by a compromise of existing claims between the territory of Michigan and the State of Ohio, by and in the Congress of these United States, it became the property of Ohio. Lucas county then being the adjoining county to a large part of the transfer, was, by an act of the Legislature of Ohio, June 20, 1836, given the jurisdiction of the same on her entire northern limits, of which she immediately assumed munici- pal control, and organized from the south part of Fairfield the township of Royalton to the " Fulton line." All the territory south of the " Fulton line," and now included in this township, was of the Ohio survey ; said survey was done and completed by Judge Ambrose Rice at a very early day, and for a long time was included in the township of York, which had its organization when it was a part and parcel of the county of Wood, to which all the inhab- tants of this strip, south of said line, paid tribute and voted up to March i, 1841. Upon examining the records of the commissioners o*" Lucas county, it is found that, at a regular session of the county commissioners of said county, held at the city of Maumee, March i, 1841, the township of Pike was organ- ized by taking from Royalton all of town 10 south, range 3 east, of the Michi- gan survey, and all of fractional town 8 north, range 7 east, and one tier of sections off the north side of town 7 north, range 7 east, and so remained until 1846. Again at a commissioners' meeting, held at the city of Maumee, June 2, Fui.TON County. 529 1846, an addition was made to Pike township by taking from Royalton the south tier of sections of town 9 south, range 3 east, and Pike assumed juris- diction-over this added tract. Boundaries. — Pike township as at present constituted, contains sections 36, 35i 34> 33> 3^' ^''^^ 31 of town 9 south, range 3 east, and sections i, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, and fractional sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, of town 10 south, range 3 east, north of the Fulton line ; and of the Michigan survey south of the Fulton line in the Ohio survey ; all of fractional town 8, range 7 east, to-wit : fractional sections 30, 29, 28, 27 and 26, and sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and sections I, 2, 3, 4, S and 6, off the north side of town 7 north, range 7 east. At pres- ent it contains about twenty-eight full sections of land, or an area of 17,839 acres, valued in 1886, as appears upon the duplicate, $291,670 personal and real. This township embraces two fractional township surveys and part of two other township surveys. It is bounded on the north by Royalton, on the east by Fulton, on the south by York, and west by Dover and Chesterfield town- ships, and is about equally divided east and west by the " Fulton line," once the boundary between the territory of Michigan, and the State of Ohio. Pike appears as the eleventh township in its organization, when this region was un- der the municipal control of Lucas county prior to 1850, the year of the organ- ization of Fulton county. Population. — The first white man, as near as can be ascertained, settled here in the fall of 1833. The population, by the United States census of 1880, shows in round figures, 1,147. It was a fair and proportionate increase, ac- cording to its area, with other townships in the county. It has no populous commercial center or village within its boundaries. Soil, etc. — The soil of this township probably is varying as much as the township of Dover on its western boundary. The extreme eastern and south- eastern part is referable entirely to the drift deposits, and is what may be denominated clay and sand mixed, of the lacustrine order, largely modified at many points with the second beach sands, which lies near its southeastern cor- ner, traveling in an angular direction northeast across the township of Fulton -on the side of which sand spurs put out and are prominent for one and two miles at different points upon its eastern boundary. The center of this town- ship is largely modified from the western part, by the overlapping of the finer sands of the second beach formation upon its western boundary, which put .out in spurs from Dover township. The whole township has a very gentle inch- nation east, and with these sand spurs makes the surface gently undulating at various points. This township has a rich soil, susceptible of high cultivation, and produc- tive of all the cereals of agriculture, and less subject to early frosts (except a small part of its northwestern corner) than its neighbor township, Dover, on the west. While sand and muck largely prevails in all the frost regions of this 67 530 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. and other townships, wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, and clover and timothy, with everything to enhance the interest of agriculture, can be as successfully pro- duced all over the area of this township, and is capable of supporting as fine dairies as the more heavier lands of the county. The raising of sheep and hogs is also quite a prominent industry of this township. The lands in the western part of this township, and angling upon its north- ern line to the northeast are denominated "openings," embracing half of the area of the township, and are considered light sand lands, often subject to early frost, which in some seasons are serious drawbacks to the successful raising of corn and buck- wheat, which require a time later to mature. Wheat is success- fully raised upon this land, of not so large an average, but more uniform in a period of ten years than clay land, the quality generally good. Large prairie areas are prevalent in the north and northwestern part, and before underdrain- ing had been done they were wet and covered with a species of wild grass, which in the early history of white settlements, was cut and dried, and was the- principal cattle food for winter ; this was before the cultivation of domestic grasses. There is not a foot of waste land in Pike township at present, and largely improved by the great amount of underdraining now being done. Timber Lands. — The eastern end of this township was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, the more prominent of which was the white and burr oaks, elm, hickory, black walnut, cotton-wood, and some white ash, with now and then the famous whitewood. The buckeye may be found in small quantities along the valley of Bad Creek. The forest afforded to the settler all the rail timber used in clearing and building purposes in the past, and what is now standing is fully sufficient for the use of the farmers for gen- erations to come. In the west end, and over the balance of the township is what in geology is termed the " second beach," produced by the receding waters of the glacial period, is of sand and often quite heavy ridges, covered with oak. Before the white man began to settle these lands, the oak was very dwarfish and scattering on these ridges, while the level plateaus or marshes were without timber ;^ but since the fires have been kept away, a dense forest growth of oak has made its appearance all over these sand lands, vigorous and noble in its forest home, and since commencing drainage the low lands are losing their wild grass, and its place filled by the aspen and willow, now so prevalent here in the " openings." The whortleberry, like the wild grass of the prairie, has almost disappeared from the soil. It was said by the more fortunate neighbors- of surrounding townships, that these openings were good for nothing but raising frogs and whortleberries, which they declared were the " chief support "^ of the pioneers, and yet this being the chief support, as they declared, in the berrying season, the more fortunate neighbors would, with their wives and Fulton County. 531 children, for a dozen or more miles, fill the woods and purloin from Pike town- ship '■ our chief support," as they frequently declared, but to-day the residents do not more often hear the sound of the frog than in the vicinity of " our more fortunate neighbors," and they do not appear as of yore as in the caravans to the " mecca" of these oak openings. Water Supply. — The sand openings soil, wherever found in this township, rests entirely upon the unmodified Erie clays and under the more elevated ridges underlaid with quick-sand, and forms the only basis of water supply afforded by falling rains, and is all the supply above the clay drift. These may become exhausted in great periods of drouth. This underlying clay, modified by the lacustrine deposit, is found in many places throughout the openings near the surface, and wherever it projects out it is nearly impervious to water- Aside from this supply, there is no other acquired than by piercing the clay drift to the bed rock, about one hundred and forty feei, where there may always be found a bountiful supply. In these modern days the deep-well sup- ply is easily utilized by the wind-mill, which is gaining favor among farmers generally. '^i Post- Offices. — This township has but one post-office, established in 1848 or 1849 ^i^'i called "Winameg," situated upon what is familiarly known as " iEtna," near the center of the township. It was so named by the Hon. D. W. H. Howard, in memory of a noted chief of the Ottawa tribe, who formerly roamed over the forest of this county. The first post-office established in the township was at the house of Lyman Parcher, called " Parcher's Corners," but was soon after removed to Alfred R. Shutes's, and then abandoned. Another post-office existed some years at the residence of Robert A. Howard, called " Essex," and when the county seat was estabHshed at Ottokee, this office was abandoned. Water Drainage. — The drainage of the township is chiefly to Bad Creek, the northern branch of which has its rise in the prairies of the northwest part of the township, and running a southeasterly course to about the center of the township ; thence south until it meets the south branch near, and a trifle south- east of the Salsbury cemetery, near the farm of the late Joseph Salsbury. Here it receives the waters of the south branch, which has its rise in the prairie lands of Dover township, near its center, and enters this township on the west, near the Fulton line, and thence, with its numerous tributary streams upon either side, made more rapid by surface and underdrainage, crossing to the north side of the Fulton line, and so continuing an east course until it unites with the north branch south of the Fulton line, on lands owned by Henry S. Isabell. And still there is a more southerly branch of the same creek, or range of waters, with its lesser streams, having its rise in and about Ottokee, and running east and northeast until it unites with the north and middle branches of this whole western drainage, at or near said Salsbury cemetery. The 532 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. streamlets of this township have a gentle inclination east and southeast, and run obliquely across the geological determination of the beaches until they empty into the Maumee River, at Texas, in Henry county. This township has an elevation of about one hundred and forty feet above the water level of Lakt Erie, with an inclinationof about fifteen feet across the township, south, to the Maumee valley. Rebellion Record. — This township answered well every call of the chief executive of the nation for soldiers, to put down the rebellion, and promptly filled their quotas without a resort to the draft ; and to-day it proudly points to- her loyalty to the flag, in common with her sister townships of the county. She had her soldiers in every part of the volunteer service of that period, irre- spective of party, or party affiliations. The boys in blue rallied at the call, sat- isfied that loyalty to the stars and stripes was the duty of every good citizen. Fruit. — This township, since its earliest period of white settlement, has led the van in fruit culture, with a soil and climate well adapted therefor. She has been enabled to produce as fine fruit, and at as early a date, as any other township. Indians ; their Camping Grounds. — Upon the banks of what is known as Bad Creek, near ^tna, upon fractional section 9, town 10 south, range 3 east, north of the Fulton line, appear reminders of one of the most desirable camp- ing grounds of the children of the forest. Its fine springs furnish what, to the Indian, was second only to his beloved fire-water. Its soft, pliable soil, on either side, for garden purposes, rendered it a desirable resting place for this nomadic race; and the numerous circle of mounds upon the north bank, covering an area of three acres at least, are plainly visible to-day, although much lowered by the plow of tl\e white man. The Hon. D. W. H- Howard, in removing one of these mounds, upon the south side of the arc, to make a foundation for building, unearthed bones and relics of the Indian race. The bones he carefully collected and deposited in another mound, of which there are several in the circle and others outside of the circle, scattered around in an outer circle, apparently. The Indians said to Mr. Howard, that they had no knowledge of the time of its use or construc- tion, but the tradition of the Indian race, latterly the soil, points back to the time when a great battle was fought here between the Indians of the West and the East, wherein a mighty slaughter was the result, and the killed were bur- ied here. However true this may be, one thing is certain, from all the facts gathered, no Indians of that age, and prior for a long time, had used the ground for bur- ial purposes, but tradition to this primitive race is often more correct than the pen of the historian, 'to the foundations of fact. Drake, in his " Indians of North^America," page 55, quotes Mr. Jefferson, who says, as to mounds of this class, "gthat they were the repositories, has been obvious to all ; but on what Fulton County. 535 particular occasion constructed, was a matter of doubt. Some have thought they covered the bones of those who had fallen in battles fought on the spot of interment. Some ascribe them to the custom, said to prevail among the In- dians, of collecting, at certain periods, the bones of their dead, wheresoever de- posited at the time of their death. Others suppose them the general sepul- chres for towns, conjectured to have been on or near these grounds, and this opinion was supported by the quality of lands in which they were found, and by a tradition, said to be handed down from the aboriginal Indians, that when they settled in a town, the first person who died was placed erect, and earth, put about him, so as to cover and support him, and that when another died a narrow passage was dug to the first, the second reclining against him, and the cover of earth replaced." If speculation on the origin of these mounds is all that can be presumed upon, most people are satisfied that the foregoing opin- ion is as near correct as any presented. Early Settlers. — This township presents a fine record of the pioneer's per- severance against obstacles almost insurmountable, and finally, their thrift by the indomitable use of the ax and hand-spike, in clearing away an interminable forest. The first settler upon its soil was Valentine Winslow, who first located on what was afterwards the Chet Herrick farm, on section 3, town 10 south, range 3 east, in the fall of 1833, and there resided about two years. In 1835 he located east about one mile on the east side of the same section, where he died about 1858. The circumstances of his death led some people to believe that it came by foul play. A coroner's examination resulted in but little in- formati£)n of how he came to his death. . He was buried in ^tna cemetery. David Robert is said to have been the next settler upon the soil of this town- ship. He came, himself and family,near the end of the year 1833 or the very beginning of 1834. He died in 1841 and lies in the Salsbury Cemetery. In 1834, there was a large immigration to this township, of families, to wit: Arvetas Knight, Nathan Wilson, Daniel Knowles, John Sindel, George Wiers, and Whitfield Tappen then a young man, and a few others whose time of set- tlement is uncertain. In 1835 ^ larger accession of colonists was added than in the two former years, to wit : Peter Lott, William Griffin, Sewell Gunn. Pe- ter Lott however, left the township in June, 1836, and settled it Dover town- ship, near Springhill. Thomas Silsby located on section 33, town 7 north, range 7 east ; Robert A. Howard, Jack Hobart. In 1836 Peter Salsbury located a large tract of land in the southeast part of the township, where a large number of his relatives reside to-day. He came from Harrison county, O., with his patent deed signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States, later, in 1836 ; many others came that year, but again find dates too unsatisfactory. Peter Salsbury was a quiet man, unob- trusive, industrious and unostentatious, yet courteous and friendly. His friend- ship was ardent and he was greatly attached to his family. This township was 534 History of Henry and FOlton Counties. seen by him in its native wilderness, and he has done as much as any other to rescue it from that state by colonizing it with his kindred, who to-day exhibit thrift second to no other settlers of that period. The year 1837 was eventful to the earlier settlers by a larger immigration than usual to the township, and soon brought a change ; instead of poverty and hard times, comfort and plenty came ; they were Alva Wilson, Henry Slai- gle, Joseph Walters, John Walters, Emery Wilson, Martin Wilson, Peola All- wood, Ephraim K. and Joseph Allwood, Thomas Cole, George Megarah, An- drew Falor, George McQuilling, Jacob McQuilling, David Salsbury, Joseph Salsbury, James Viers, Adam Kline, Wilham Cox, Samuel Allen, one Graham and Thompson with families and some quite large. This large addition of set- tlers to the little band here before them, began to take an interest in the well- fare of the township and soon became active in laying out roads, opening and repairing the same, establishing regularly organized schools and creating a so- ciety which has been largely beneficial to the mental and social world therein. From 1837 to 1840 came still greater acquisitions to the prospering colon- ists, which required more room and they stepped further into the wilderness parts. There had not been more than grain enough raised to supply the wants of the settlers, with but little to spare to the rapid influx by immigration, and soon exhausted the accumulated surplus. Among the families that came to the township about this time were David McQuilling, George Galligher, David Zimmerman, John W. Millers, Chester Herrick, William Fewlas, Thomas Hoxie, David Pelton, Boyd Dunbar, Robert Dunbar, Michael Handy and family in January, 1840. Mr. Handy came here from the north part of Michigan ; Mo- ses Tappan, Andrew and Samuel Dennis and others, principally drifting in and changing from other localities of the townships in the county. In 1843 Dr. William Holland settled here ; he came from New Hampshire, a physician with age and experience, who soon gained a prominent position in the county. Al- fred R. Shute and his wife, daughter of Dr. Holland, came at the same date and settled on section 2, town 10 south, range 3 east; Mrs. Shute is the only survivor of the lineage, a hale, hearty woman seventy-six years of age. Si- mon Elliott, a Protestant Methodist minister, William MuUin, James Dicka- son, Orrin Taylor and family, Joshua Shaffer, John Whitaker, Sherman, Mar- shall and David Fairchilds with families. These make up the principal part of the early pioneers of Pike, who braved the dangers and hardships incident to the settlement of a wilderness, and carved out of it for themselves and their growing families a home, a comfortable home which they have left as legacies to those who, it is hoped will ever honor and revere the life and works of these pioneers. We of to-day have but an imperfect idea of the hardships and pri- vations endured by the pioneers ; without roads to travel upon or bridges to cross the streams ; at a great distance from all the privileges that now extend over Fulton county ; and when comparing those days with the present the Fulton County. 535 thought is well expressed* in the words of another : " But the man has changed^ his shelter is better than that of his father, but the son is a more tender plant. The sewing machine girl works as hard and long as Hood's sewing girl, and is as likely to stitch a shroud as a shirt." With new inventions new wants are in- vented, and it now requires all the things, and the latest things, to make man comfortable ; he grumbles as much behind a locomotive now as his fathers did behind oxen fifty years ago. Reminiscences of Early Days. — Robert A. Howard settled on section 33, town eight north, range seven east, and a part of section 4, town seven north, range seven east, in the fall of 1835, ^.nd erected suitable buildings, and kept the first hotel on the Maumee and Angola road, direct from Maumee City to Angola in Indiana, and also one Jennings kept in| the same building a small store. Jack Hobart, a son of David Hobart bought out at a very early day the goods and interest of Jennings, and in 1840 built an ashery near by, just east a few rods, and in connection therewith the store ; how long he run the ashery is not easily obtained. He soon after built a house across the way and sold goods thereafter from this new building, which is there to-day. In 1835 Howard was first elected justice of the peace of York township, which he held for fifteen years. In 1850 the county of Fulton was organized and a tem- porary seat of justice was fixed at the house of R. A. Howard by the com- missioners elected at the April election of that year, and the new officials com- menced there to legally administer the affairs of said new county until a per- manent seat of justice could be established, and remained there until the fall of 1 85 1 when the business had been provided for under the new location at Ottokee and ceased further from that time to run a hotel. Howard was also postmaster ; office Essex, and maintained for a number of years, when the office was abandoned and established west three miles at the new county seat, and called Ottokee post-office. David Salsbury, at his residence upon the the south side of the township in his first settlement, ran a feed mill for grinding corn, and was built by dish- ing out a large black walnut stump as a mortar, and preparing a large heavy stone corrugated with the chisel and pick and hung in a frame work fixed so as it could be raised from the depression in the stump and then attached to a sweep drawn round and round by oxen, the first power ; and for a time made for the inhabitants a good corn-meal, which saved much valuable time of the settlers in running to Maumee through the country without roads or bridges. It was after changed to one of more modern date as soon as means could be obtained to buy one and served the inhabitants for a number of years ; the frame work and the old stump were visible up to 1850 or later. In 183s Peter Salsbury, father of David and Joseph, built a saw-mill, water power, upon a stream entering Bad Creek farther east, located upon section 4, town seven north, range seven east, constructed by Henry Slagle, a 536 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. carpenter, which was run by Salsbury, and furnished lumber for the early set- tler for miles away. It was afterwards owned and run by James Viers suc- cessfully for a number of years, as long as it could be furnished with water- power. It was abandoned thirty years ago ; fragments of it may be seen to- day where it stood. Orrin Taylor built and ran a steam saw-mill for three or four years about 1876, and connected with it was a cider press ; in this mill he lost his life ; the mill was soon after abandoned and moved to the south- east corner of Chesterfield and run by Peter Stukey. Henry Miles has a steam saw-mill now working, located upon the Fulton line south of ^tna. Peola AUwood built a steam saw-mill in 1880, before the one built by Miles, located upon the Fulton line just across the middle branch of Bad Creek, and was run but a few years and abandoned and machinery taken away. Houses Built. — The first frame dwelling was erected upon the farm owned by Alfred R. Shute. The second was the farm house of John Scindell. The third was the pres- ent residence of D. W. H. Howard, built about 1840 by his father, Edward Howard, and Jacob McQuillan first occupant. The house of William Cox now owned by Henry S. Isabel was said to be built in 1840. James Viers was the first and only cabinet maker iri the township, and for a long period of time made the coffins of the deceased settlers of the township far and near. First Blacksmith. — Thomas Silsby put up and opened the first shop for blacksmithing, which was all the township supported for a good many years. Alfred A. Chatfield, a grandson of Lucien N. Chatfield, so well known to the settler of early days, has opened up and now runs a blacksmith shop just north of the one run by Thomas Silsby. Stores or Trading-posts. — In 1833 Edward Howard, then living at the rapids on the Maumee, entered at the land office at Monroe, Mich., the lands at .^tna (now Winameg) and immediately after built the old .(Etna " Block House," and there established an Indian trading post for the Indian trade. Merrill Wilkinson and D. W. H. Howard, then a boy, were the traders of this establishment, until the death of Wilkinson, when the goods and trade were sold to other parties. The Indian trade was soon after destroyed by the re- moval of the Indians, under the authority of the United States government, to their lands west of the Mississippi River, in 1832 and 1838. Howard followed them and entered in the fur trade with them in the west. Washington and William Ewing, fur traders at Fort Wayne in 1838, sent D. W. H. Howard, then but nineteen years of age, with $40,000 worth of goods to Council Bluffs for the Indian fur trade. The goods were conveyed on pack horses. A few years after his return to the Maumee Valley he came to his farm at .^tna, where he still resides, and his Indian customers have long since passed to their Fulton County. 537- happy hunting grounds. This Block House stood to about 1878 when it was burned. A atore was kept at the house of Robert Howard by one Jennings in 1835 and afterwards sold to Jack Hobart, who sold goods in connection with aui ashery established by him, and was abandoned in 1850. Daniel Knowles sold goods and ran an ashery at a very early date up to about 1850. A store was for a short time at ^tna run by one HoUingshead at the Block House. Edward C. Sindel has run one from 1861 to 1886, and goods are now sold from the same store by Hinkle & Downer, of Lyons. Post-0 ffices. — The second post-office established was at the place of Robert A. Howard, in 1836, and called Essex, and abandoned in 185 1. The first office was established at Lyman Parcher's and called " Parcher's Corners," and moved to the residence of A. R. Shute ; then later moved and called Winameg about 1850, where it remains to this day, and is the only post- office in the township ; mail daily from Wauseon to Lyons. First born was male, W. D. Scindel, in October, 1834; female was Eliza- beth Hobart, daughter of David Hobart, was born in 1833. First marriage, a nephew of Lyman Parcher with a daughter of Aretas- Knight, were married by Daniel Knowles, a justice of the peace, at an early day; Joseph Salsbury, with Maggie , were married as early as 1836 \. Whitfield Tappan, with a Miss Amanda Woodford, of Royalton township, im 1835 ; said Tappan is supposed to be the first marriage. Cemeteries. — The Salsbury Cemetery was first located in 1837, '^"^ ^ daughter of Joseph Salsbury, Mary Ann Salsbury, was there buried November 16, 1837. It now covers at least two acres of ground, well arranged, neat, and clean, and well set with evergreens. The .iEtna Cemetery was first dedicated for burial purposes by the burial of Catharine Wilson, sister of Emery and Martin Wilson, original settlers in Pike, about the last of the year 1837. It is now a fine resting-place for the dead, and well kept in repairs. Churches. — The first church built was on the farm of William Mullin, in 1846, dedicated by the Presbyterians; was burned about 1868 or 1869 and never rebuilt. The Poplar Grove Church was built about 1848, and dedicated to the United Brethren. Bueler Church, of the United Brethren faith, was built in 1881, under the labors of Henry Barclay. St. Paul's Church, of the Evangelical faith, was built in 1881. A Church of the Disciples was rigged up for worship in 1881, located in school district number five, called the Trowbridge district. A church of the Seventh Day Advents was built in 1881, upon lands in district' number three, called the Whitcomb district, under the labors of A. Bigelow. ®^ 538 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Schools. — The first school taught in the township was in 1835, in an old log hut standing at a very early day upon the knob where the Salsbury Cemetery is now located. It was afterwards removed to Thomas Silsby's corner, and Michael Handy taught there the first winter he came, in 1840. Caroline Trowbridge taught the first school. Afterward she became the wife of William Fewlas. The township now contains six school districts, supported by good frame buildings, once built of brick but now torn down. A leading step in education is being taken in this township, which may be seen in the school- houses and school -room. She is not backward in social reform and religion. Roads. — The Maumee and Angola Road is the oldest road in the town- •ship ; was laid out prior to its first settlement at a very early date and runs through Ottokee, Spring Hill, to Angola, in Indiana, and was the chief emigrant road west from the Maumee Valley. The Toledo and Angola was laid in 1840, and run from Toledo to Angola, in Indiana, and runs through jEtna, on the north part of the township. Physicians. — Doctor William Holland was the first physician and a good one, educated in private schools. Robert A. Moore was the next, a very eccentric man in all his ways. The next was Dr. James S. Richards, called the " Indian doctor," was from Pennsylvania. And lastly Samuel B. Finney, whose practice is world-wide in late years, and from poverty and obscurity he has arisen to wealth and fame, a mystery to all who visit him, and a severe thorn to the medical fraternity surrounding. He is located and in practice one- half mile west of ^Etna. Industries. — Tile and brick were first made in this township by E. M. Strong for a number of years, but abandoned one year ago. Factory. — A cheese factory was established a few years ago and run suc- cessfully, located about one mile east of .(Etna. It is at this time doing a fine business, a good industry for the farmers within reasonable distance. Shoe-Shop. — Michael Handy did the first shoe-making and mending as early as 1840, which he followed up to 1850, when he was shortly after ad- mitted to the bar of Fulton county and successfully held a first position as a lawyer at said bar until his death, April, 1886. Hotels. — Robert A. Howard opened the first hotel, and was the only one iin the county for a great while. Next followed George Wiers, two miles west; then Michael Handy, in 1840, where the thirsty and hungry were sup- plied, and kept open the same until 1851. After the Block House at .(Etna was abandoned as a trading post, William Mullin opened it up as a hotel, After a few years the business was transferred to Laban Radway and William Culbertson, afterward an Indian doctor, who held it open until 185 1, after •which all hotel accommodations have been abandoned. Official Roster. — This township has furnished the following officers for Ful- ton county, as follows : Michael Handy, prosecuting attorney ; Robert A. Fulton County. 539 Howard, recorder ; Albert B. Canfield, treasurer ; Osceola E. M. Howard, county surveyor ; Harvey L. Aldrich, sheriff; James W. Howard, treasurer ;. lastly, D. W. H. Howard, senator to the Legislature of Ohio, and also presi- dential elector in i860; Michael Handy, county school examiner; William P. Cowan, infirmary director. This township furnished Lyman Parcher as a representative to the Ohio Legislature then in Lucas county. She has the honor of furnishing two com- mon pleas judges — Reuben Lemon, of Lucas county, and William H. Handy, for Fulton county, now presiding. Dr. William Holland, the first physician, was born at Oakham, Mass., 1766, and came to this county in 1843, and soon identified himself with all the set- tlers of the township, and died at his home September 17, 1857, ^t the age of ninety-one years, and was laid at rest in the ^tna Cemetery. He was a Pres- byterian in faith, and while living in the county the Rev. George Johnson was his pastor and preached at the Presbyterian Church, at ^Etna. Dr. William Holland's wife, Bethsina, died August 28, 1875, aged eighty- nine years, and together they rest from their labors side by side in the cemetery at ^tna. When at the age of ninety years, he was solicited by James Herrick (son of Elijah Herrick, living), to be ready to attend his wife's accouchment, and in a short time after the consent to attend, a team came for the doctor as he was preparing for bed, and with the assistance of his daughter and her husband (Louisa Shute and Alfred R.), the old man was prepared with wraps and furs (it being in the winter and snow on the ground), and by those present taken up and carried to the sleigh, and made the trip and discharged his duty, and returned next day without being any the worse for wear. It is thought this township has the honor of the resting place of the only man of ten years be- yond the Revolution. Dr. Holland had no common school education, only as obtained in the private schools. At the age of twenty- one years he chose the profession of medicine, and secured his knowledge of Latin at the studio of Rev. Bas- com, at Oakham, Mass. He studied medicine with approved scholars of the medical schools, and at the age of twenty-six years commenced practice. His daughter, Louisa (Holland) Shute, was a school-mate of the celebrated writer, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Alfred R. Shute in 183 1 left the east and went west to the Rocky Mountains, and spent eleven years of his youthful career in the mountains and plains of the west. He was often with " Kit Car- son " in his journeyings on the frontier, and returned to his native heath in 1843, and in the same fall came to Pike with his young wife, Louisa. He died at his home in Pike township May 17, 1879. He was the ninth generation from the martyr, Rogers, burnt at the stake in England. " It is nevertheless enjoyable to look back upon the likeness of what has been before our own times, and to dwell upon the remembrance of these early pioneers who strug- 540 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. gled long and manfully with famine, and poverty, and the red man, to provide a home for themselves and children. And shall not these remembrances be preserved ?" CHAPTER LI. HISTORY OF ROYALTON TOWNSHIP. AT the date of the advent of the first white settlers upon the soil of Royal- ton township, June lo, 1833, the territory being situated north of the "Ful- ton line," was, like the rest of the northern tier of townships, included in the territory of Michigan, the county being Lenawee, and the county seat Adrian. The inhabitants therein did all their legal business, and paid their taxes at Adrian, and continued to do so until December, 1836, when this territory with all the rest of the region, was turned over and yielded to Lucas county, which was some two years before organized from and out of the counties of Wood and Sandusky. For this survey the entry and sale of lands was made at the city of Monroe, at the head of Lake Erie. In the winter of 1824 the territorial Legislature of Michigan subdivided the township of Logan, being the township upon the south half of Lenawee county, and organized it in 1826, the same time as the organization of the county of Lenawee, into three subdivis- ions : Fairfield in the east, Seneca in the middle, and Medina on the west, and extended their jurisdiction respectively to the Fulton line. Prior to this trans- fer to Ohio, the inhabitants thereof were residents of the township of Fairfield, Lenawee county, and territory of Michigan. Wood county, at a very early period, much earlier than 1835, attempted to extend the law of Ohio over this strip to tfte county of Williams, and claimed it to be in that county. They levied taxes (there then being some settlers in the east part near Toledo), but the people did not recognize the act and authority of Wood county, and refused to pay the taxes. It was in this township that some of the scenes of the Ohio and the Michigan war were enacted. When, in the beginning of 1835, Ohio undertook to enforce jurisdiction over this ter- ritory along the whole northern border of Ohio, to the Harris line, which terri- tory had been and was considered a portion of Michigan, and claimed as such, and so previously recognized by the surveys of Ohio and Michigan. The legislative council of Michigan on February 12, 1835, passed an act " to prevent the exercise of foreign jurisdiction within the territory of Michi- gan," making it a penal offense for any one to accept or exercise any public office in any part of the territory, except by commission from the United States or Fulton County. 541 Michigan. On the 19th of the same month, acting Governor Mason ordered 'General Joseph W. Brown, then commanding a division of the Michigan mi- litia, saying, "under existing circumstances but one of two things is left for Michigan to pursue — if Ohio continues to persevere in the attempt to wrest from us our territory, as she now meditates, involuntary submission to en- croachments upon our rights, or firm and determined opposition to her; the latter though painful to us, is preferable to the former, and must be decided upon." Major-General Joseph W. Brown was assigned to the command of the mili- tary force of Michigan, with " the control of the measures to be adopted to repel the Ohio idea." On the 23d of that month, the Ohio Legislature asserted the right of that State, and also declared that measures should be taken to establish it. Therefore, Governor Lucas placed a major-general in command, and ordered him to enroll the militia of the district in dispute for protection while running a boundary line, which Ohio insisted upon, being the original Harris line. On the 19th day of February, 1835, General Brown assumed com- mand, marched to the scene of action and halted near Toledo, of which action Governor Lucas was duly advised. General John Bell was assigned to the -command of the Ohio army, to be enrolled of the militia on this disputed strip. General Brown interposed an army of Wolverines in position to prevent enroll- ment of the Ohio militia, and Governor Lucas had to seek elsewhere for troops, and obtained about three hundred from Wood county that felt willing to try a hand with General Brown's militia, and furthermore, was obliged to call upon Sandusky, Hancock and Seneca counties, which furnished three hundred men, making six hundred in all of Ohio forces to push the Ohio idea into the terri- tory in dispute, and run the Harris line. The troops went into camp at old Fort Miami, about eight miles above Toledo, to await the orders of Governor Lucas. "These proceedings on the part of Ohio exasperated the authorities of Michigan." They "dared" the Ohio mihtia to enter the disputed ground -and " welcomed them to hospitable graves." At this juncture there appeared to be no escape from battle, both armies laying in camp on each side of the ■disputed strip. Just at this time, while Governor Lucas was giving thought to the whole situation, he discovered that Governor Mason was but an appointed subaltern of President Jackson ; that the Michigan territory was under the pa- ternal care of the government at Washington, and that Congress had exclusive control of the boundaries of the territory. The " Ohio idea" being weakened by the fates of war, and twelve hundred militia to oppose six hundred, it be- came clear to the governor at once, that the objective point of his campaign -should be in Washington, and not at Toledo, and so he backed out and dis- banded his army, who returned to their several homesy He then called an ■extra session of the Legislature on the 8th of June, 1835. This Legislature ipassed an act "to prevent the forcible abduction of the citizens of Ohio," and 542 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. created the new county of Lucas out of part of Wood county and this disputed strip ; made Toledo the seat of justice, and directed the Court of Common Pleas to be held on the first Monday in September, 1835, at any convenient house. Early in April Governor Lucas sent a surveying party to run the Harris line. The commissioners had commenced their work at the northwest corner of the State. General Brown had sent scouts to watch their operations, and when running the line, to report immediately when the surveying party had reached the county of Lenawee. The under sheriff of that county, with a warrant and posse, made his appearance to arrest them. About ten miles east of Morenci, along the line, in Royalton township, he came upon the trail of the commissioners sent out by Governor Lucas, and arrested nine of the party, but the commissioners and Surveyor Dodge made a timely escape, and ran with all their might until they got off the disputed territory, reaching Perrysburgh next day, and they no doubt ran a much more direct line for Perrysburgh than that which they surveyed into Lenawee county. The Hne was not marked, and it is therefore lost to political geography. Those of the party arrested were held for a few days, and then discharged, some on parole, and others on bail, to answer in the district court. On April 8, N. Goodsell was arrested for serving as judge of election, and sent to Monroe jail, but after a time was admitted to bail. Others were arrested and placed behind the bars — the Andersonville of that bloodless war. The diplomacy of Governor Lucas with the Washington authorities, however, in the end succeeded, and the Congress of the United States, on the 15th day of June, 1836, admitted Michigan into the Union, with the Harris line for her southern boundary, and peace was fully restored. On the 25th day of June the settlement of this boundary question was celebrated in Toledo, and the day was ushered in by the firing of cannon. Emery D. Potter was the orator of the day. It was during this strife that Lucas county came into being, accord- ing to an act passed February 23, 1835, and a further act passed June 20, 1835, taking in the disputed strip, and fixing Toledo as the seat of justice. Organization of the Township. — At a session of the board of commissioners held in the city of Toledo June 4, 1837, the township of Royalton was organ- ized by taking all of town nine south, range three east, south of the Harris line, and all of town ten south, range three east, extending to the Fulton line south. The first election under this organization was held at Phillips Corners. The ofiScers then chosen assumed jurisdiction and so held the same to March I, 1 841, when the south tier of sections of town nine south, range three east^ and all of town ten south, range three east, were cut off and erected into the township of Pike. The township of Royalton, as her boundaries mark at this day, contains about twenty- five sections of land, or an area of 15,773 acres, valued, personal Fulton County. 543 and real, upon the present duplicate of the county at $301,870. This town- ship, with all its alteration, was made when this county was a part and parcel of Lucas county, several years prior to 1850, the date of the organization of Fulton county. Boundaries. — This township is the second west of the northeast portion of the county, and is bounded on the east by Amboy township ; on the south by Pike; on the west by Chesterfield, and on the north by Fairfield township, Lenawee county, Mich., and lies wholly upon the disputed territory as settled by the Congress in December, 1 836, and given to Ohio. It was the fourth township in its organization in this county. It is about fifteen miles north of Wauseon, the county seat, and contains one quite smart growing village, called Lyons. It has but one post-office named Lyons, also. The first settlement in Royalton was made in the month of June, 1833, by Eli Phillips, his wife and children. It was the first section settled in the county, and from the date of Mr. Phillips's arrival to the present time it has grown in population, so that it now holds a population of over eleven hundred persons. Soils, etc. — The soil of this township, like Amboy, is referable to the drift deposits, and would, in the north and east parts, be classified as drift clays. The southwestern portion and south side are considered as openings, compris- ing nearly one-third of the area of the township, and is made up of sand and many sand dunes. The surface geology in this, as in adjoining townships, is independent of the underlying rock; the northern and eastern portions, or about two-thirds of the area of the township, consists of unmodified Erie clay, and the soil with its heterogeneous deposit is rich, and has a very level surface. This clay is also rich in all the elements of vegetable growth. No bank gravel is found in this township, and there are but very few large bowlders to be found. The other one-third referred to is sandy in places, and, on the ridges, is objectionably light. The eastern and northern slope affords everywhere a rich and highly prized sandy-loam, which changes gradually into the clay- loam of the lower lands. It is easy of drainage and tillage, and now bears visibly the marks of prosperity in the whole of its domain, and under good management will be rich in agricultural possibilities, and will, at no far distant day, be the garden of the county. It may be said here that the Erie clay underlies the whole surface of the township, but where not covered with sand is largely modified by the lacustrine deposits. This Erie clay is very thick, reaching to the rock under- neath, and is supposed to be near one hundred and fifty feet in depth. The summit of this township is at least one hundred| and fifty feet above the waters of Lake Erie. Timber. — The clays of this township support a heavy forest growth of tim- ber, white and burr oak predominating, with, in some parts, sugar maple, white elm, white ash, basswood, whitewood and black walnut, with a shght 544 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. sprinkling of Cottonwood. Much the same growth is found on the sand slope, but the higher sand land was originally covered, though sparsely, with dwarfed oaks of the white, yellow and burr oak species. But since the settlements have begun it is found covered with a dense undergrowth of the oak varieties, and now has the appearance of forming a good forest for the future, sufficient to supply the building purposes of the township for generations to come, if cared for as every prudent husbandman cares for the prosperity of his farm. Water Supply and Course of Streams.. — The main water courses run through the center of the township, a northeasterly course, and are but a continuation of the waters of Ten Mile Creek, referred to in the history of Amboy town- ship. This stream has its rise in the adjoining township of Chesterfield, on the west. Another prominent water course comes from out of Michigan and runs south, just west of the village of Lyons, and empties into Ten Mile Creek. The waters of the greater part of this township empty into Ten Mile Creek, and flow with a gentle slope in their long run for an outlet. The streams upon the southern side find their way south to Swan Creek and Bad Creek, coursing their way to the Maumee River, and emptying therein, by two different outlets, into Maumee Bay. The water supply of Royalton is wholly unsatisfactory, as the first is only obtained by surface drainage, and is wholly dependent upon the rains ; while the next and better supply can only be obtained by the auger, in the clay de- posits, and raised by the wind-mill. The sand lands, however, are much bet- ter, holding water in the basins of quicksand, supported by the Erie clay ; a more bountiful supply, yet may be considered exhaustible in extreme drouths. Topography. — ^This township has a very gentle inclination towards Lake Erie, and is supposed to be about one hundred and fifty feet above the watef level of the lake. There is about fifteen feet of inclination to the east, across the township, with a slight dip southward. There are no out-croppings of rock, and but few glacial bowlders in the soil. The overlying rock, under the drift, is first, the Huron shale, then the Hamilton group, next the corniferous lime- stone. Early History. — From 1824 to 1832, the influx of population was very rapid in and around Adrian, and, as early as 1830, was moving south toward the State line, which then, and a few years later, was being run over by the emigrant, in search of a home. Scarcely beyond this line, south, had the emi- grant chosen to wander, possibly for this reason, if no other, that this northern land was in the Michigan survey, and the land office for the same was then lo- cated at the city of Monroe, at the head of Lake Erie. Coming into the territory, as these early settlers did, from the East, by the lake, or the so-called " white prairie schooner," upon its southern shore, through Ohio, or from the North, through Canada, via Detroit, it was quite natural that these explorations should be solely confined to this territory. Not Fulton County. 545 until 1832, did entries begin to be made. In this year Eli Phillips entered his land, and his charter right to it (a deed and seal), was signed by Andrew Jack- son, president of the United States. Early in the season of the following year Eli Phillips, with his young wife, started from the vicinity of Adrian for this disputed strip, and located where he had purchased the year before, upon sec- tions 10 and II, town 9 south, range 3 east, now in the township of Royaltoh, which was then an unbroken wilderness for at least seventy miles due west, and none nearer on the south than the Maumee River. Who, of to-day, would be willing to take such a step for a home, then of so little money value, and face the difficulties apparently insurmountable, to make one of greater value ? Accustomed, as he was, to the Berkshire hills of old Massachusetts, where he was born, in the land of the Puritans and of learning, with his young wife, Vesta (Arnold) Phillips, and children, we must realize that in that time the trial was a severe one ; but through all these difficulties there was no repining. Mr. Phillips has kept that land, and he lives upon it to-day. It was fifty- four years ago that he erected the log cabin, the first of this township, and also the first upon the soil of Fulton county. Very soon after Eli Phillips settled in this township, others followed, and came to stay. Butler Richardson, it is said, was the next to follow Eli Phillips. He came in May, 1834, from Niagara county, N. Y., and settled upon section 15. He was born in Ontario county, N. Y., June 30, 1806. In later years he returned to Niagara county, where he was married to Elizabeth McCumber, on October i, 1829, and came from there to F"ulton county, and became one of the successful farmers of Royalton township. He had a family of three children. On the first of February, 1866, his son, Chapman, was supposed to have been murdered, while he was caring for the stock. On that fatal morning the barn was set on fire and consumed. His bones were found among the ruins, together with the remains of nineteen head of cattle. Prosecutions were made, but no convictions obtained. At the same time Mr. Richardson lost a large amount of hay and farm utensils. George W. Welsh, another of the pioneers, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., October 13, 1804. He was married in Niagara county to Mary Whitney. They had eleven children. The family'came from Niagara county to Royalton in 1834, and settled upon section 15, where they lived and where the pioneer raised his entire family. Barney M. Robinson was another old pioneer ot the township. He was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., March 5, 1812. He was married to SallieE. Cole, of New York, in 1834. He, with his wife, came to this county in 1839. He was, at an eariier date, upon the border, for we find him in the Toledo war under the order of General Brown. Charles D. Smith, who came to this territory during the stormy contest for ownership of this disputed strip, was born in Orange county, N. Y., July 26, 1813, and was married to Jane B. Helms October 17, 1834. They came to Ful- 546 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ton county in 1835 ^i^d they settled upon section 7. Mrs. Smith was born in Orange county, N. Y., July 24, 1811. Mr. Smith died at his home in Royal- ton October 21, 1858, in the prime of his manhood. He was a respected and highly honored citizen. He was thrice honored by the people of his county for the sheriff's office, which he filled with credit to himself and honor to the whole people of the county. He was always an unflinching Democrat. Two of his sons, Martin V. and Laton, served the Union cause in the late war. The father while living was always ready to lend a helping hand to the poor strug- gling pioneer of the early days, and was a very important actor in all the business relations of his day that looked to the advancement of his people. Amos Rathbun came to Fulton county in 1837. ^^ ^^^ among the men of that time that came to make a home and was ever willing to endure the hard- ships incident to a pioneer life. He was born at Salem, Conn., January 20, 1812. He grew to manhood among the thrifty New Englanders and was pre- pared when he came to Fulton county as a man, to meet the Indian on equal ground, and subdue an almost unbroken wilderness. To-day only a few, very few of those old settlers are left to tell the story of that life in the cabin built of logs, where the deer bounded past the door, and the sweet sleep upon a couch of straw came after a hard day's work, and' that to be often broken by the howling wolf Mr. Rathbun built the first school-house of his neighbor- hood of logs, with a floor of split puncheons, hewed upon the face ; the seats and desks were of the same material. It was built upon the corner of his farm, one mile south of Lyons. In later years he left the county and settled near Weston, Lenawee county, Mich., and there died August 18, 1887. Jenks Morey came to this county in 1838, from Mentor, Lake county, 0., and settled upon section 9, where a large part of the village of Lyons is now built. He kept the first hotel in the township in 1850 in a fine wooden struct- ure, and in which hotel accommodations are had to the present date. He died after many years of toil in the wilderness, November 15, 1871. Warren J. and George Morey are the only one of his children now living. Elias Richardson and Lucinda (Dowd) Richardson came to Fulton county May 14, 1836, and settled upon section 9, first and afterwards bought an eighty acres adjoining, on section 10, upon which he built a frame house in which he resides up to date. Elias Richardson has made life a success, and he and his wife are now advanced to a ripe old age. He was one of the directors of the plank road which was built in 1 850, from Toledo to Morenci^ Mich. He built eleven miles of this road. Thomas Richardson came at the same time of his brother jElias. Hiram Richardson came in 1837, a year later. They were all from Niagara county, N. Y. All are still living and highly respected. Elias Richardson was twice honored by the people of the county with the ofSce of county commissioner, and served six years. He is now seventy-five years old and has a bright memory. Fulton County. 547 John Sturtevant came in 1835, Joseph H. Applegate in 1834, and Witt L. "Windship in 1835. Benjamin Davis and wife came here in 1838 from Dutchess county, N. Y., and has been very successful as a farmer and business man of the county. Ansel M, Henderson came in 1836. George B. Brown came in 1836. He was the first sheriff of Fulton county, and is still living at an advanced age. Ansel H. Henderson was married to Ruth A. Richardson in Niagara county July 6, 1836, and came directly to this county. He has had four children. He lost his first wife, and on January 30, 185 1, he was married again to Eliz- abeth A. Hawley, daughter of Manly Hawley, of Chesterfield township, with whom he is still living. In 1836 there came to this township many families who have been honored ■citizens. Amos H. Jordan and Henry Jordan came from Vermont ; A. C. Osborn, who settled on section 15, came from Montgomery county, N. Y.; Jared Hoadley, Daniel Bueler, Ebenezer S. Carpenter, Mordecai Carpenter, Willey Carpenter, John T. Carpenter and Snow Carpenter. "Uncle" Billy Smith came to this county in 1833, with, or soon after Eli Phillips. Smith was a bachelor. Warren Dodge and his wife Permelia (Church) Dodge settled in this town- ship in 1834. They had eleven children. Joshua and Mary Youngs settled here in 1835. Dr. Youngs was the first and only physician in this locality for many years. At one time his practice was extensive. He settled upon section 26. He died in 1873, having pre- viously retired from practice. In 183s David Wood settled on section 9. Frasier Smalley came in 1834. In 1835 came William and Charles Blain, brothers, and settled in the East, on the line of Amboy and Royalton townships. Alpheus Fenner was born in Berkshire county, Mass., July 29, 18 13, and settled in Fulton county in 1838, on section 10. Enos C. Daniels and Mary A. (Carroll) Daniels were married at Mentor, Lake county, O., May 4, 1837. He was born in Madison county, N. Y., December 22, 1814. He settled in Fulton county, this township, in March, 1840. He became an important acquisition to the people and a leader in agricultural and other industries. He built the first frame hotel which was occupied by Jenks Morey, also built the first brick church of the township, occupied by the Disciples in Christ ; also the first frame house in the town- ship, and the first block in the village of Lyons. His son, Albert C. went into the service and served in the Sixty-seventh Regiment three years, and was promoted to sergeant. Samuel Carpenter came to Lenawee county, Mich., in 1828, and from there to Fulton county in 1843, consequently he has more experience in pioneering than most of the persons named. He settled on sections 21 and 22, just six- 548 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. teen miles south from Adrian, Mich. At or near the hamlet called Logan (now Adrian) Mr. Carpenter spent most of his boyhood days, and his recol- lection of the incidents connected with that period are clear. He married Susan Welsh, November 2, 1844. Mr. Carpenter has been a follower of the Jeffersonian school of politics since he was of age, and it may be said of him there has been no break in his political faith. He feels proud of it to-day. Michael Forester and Patrick Burroughs came to this county in 1840. Michael Forester lived to be over one hundred years old. David Potes came in 1840. John Hinkle came in 1838. Nathaniel S. Ketchum and his wife Eme- line (Smith) Ketchum, came to this county in 1835. They were from Orange county, N. Y. John, Erastus and James Welsh came in 1838, from Niagara county, N. Y. Many others came during the same period whose names have been lost or cannot be definitely ascertained. Miscellaneous. — Emeline Welsh was the first white female child born in the township, the event occurring November i, 1834. William Smalley was the first male child born. Whitfield Tappan and Amanda Woodford were the first parties married. Ebenezer Carpenter, a justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. The bride only lived in this township, and the bridegroom in Pike. Jonas Dodge and Olive Green were the first residents married in the town- ship. Mrs. Brown, mother of the wife of Henry Jordan, was the first person buried in the Jordan cemetery, and Cintha Cadwell, a sister of Alanson Briggs, of Chesterfield, was the first buried in Lyons cemetery, west of the village. Joshua Youngs was the first physician of the township. Elder Hodge was the first preacher ; he was a Baptist. Colonel Lathrop, of Lucas county, preached in the very early days to those of the Universalist faith. The first school-house built was on section fifteen, in 1837, ^'i'^ the first teacher was Olive Green. The second school-house was on the farm of Amos Rathbun, who built the same. The first goods sold in the township was at Phillips Corners, by Allen Wil- cox and Sanford L. Collins. The first church built was the Universalist at Lyons, in 1862. There are now four churches in the township, one Universalist, one Disciples in Christ, (both of these are',in the village of Lyons), one Free Methodist and one Metho- dist Episcopal ; the last two are on the eastern border of the township. In 1858 Warren J. Hendrix built and taught for a number of years thereafter, a high school at Lyons. Royal ton has now six sub- district schools and one special school. Jenks Morey run the first hotel, and Eli Phillips the second in the very early days of the township. The first saw-mill was built in 1850 by the Plank Road Company, and Fulton County. 549 stood west side of Lyons cemetery. James Baker, of Gorham, was the man- ager of the mill, which was used exclusively for sawing plank for the road. The mill, in later years, was moved to Gorham where it is now owned and run by Thomas F. Baker. The Eagle Cheese factory of this township was the first one erected in the county. It is now owned by Albert C. Daniels and is a very flourishing in- dustry as well as profitable to the farming community. Another cheese fac- tory in Amboy township just east of the Royalton line, called the Ben Davis factory, is, in at least fifty per cent, of its product, supported by the farmers of Royalton township. ' Royalton has but one post-office, called Lyons, located at Lyons on a mail route extending from Adrian, Mich., to Wauseon, the county seat of Fulton county, and has had for many years a daily mail. The Village of Lyons. — Lyons, formerly called Morey's Corners, did not commence its history until the building of the plank road in 1850. Since that time it has developed a steady growth to the present day. Jenks Morey was its original projector. It now supports one dry goods and general merchan- dise store, kept by Hinkle & Downer ; one drug store by Nelson F. Carmon ; one undertaker .shop and art gallery by Richardson & Ladd ; one hotel by Mr. Baker; three blacksmith shops, one cheese factory, one brick and tile factory by James Briggs ; one grist and saw- mill, with attachments for making shingles, also a planing machine, owned by A. C. Daniels and Walter Meeker ; one millinery shop, one hardware and tin shop by R. W. Ladd ; one harness and carriage trimming shop by F. A. Slater ; two churches, the Universalist, built in 1862, and one Disciples, built in 1877. Lyons has a lodge of F. & A. M., numbering four hundred and thirty-four members, and organized in 1862. It has a lodge of the I. O. O. F., organzied at the same time. It has two physicians, Ezra B. Mann and H. H. Brown. Phillips Corners. — This hamlet contains one dry goods store, run by Davis- B. Brown ; one blacksmith shop, one physician, Dr. Cunningham, and one wagon and repair shop. Official Roll— George B. Brown was the first sheriff of the county, elected in April, 1850. He served nearly one year. Charles D. Smith was elected in the fall of 1850 and served six years; Henry Jordan was commissioner for three years; Elias Richardson two terms, six years of service; Hon. Ezra B. Mann, two terms as representative in the Legislature of Ohio, four years ; Rich- ard Scott two terms as commissioner. In all this shows a term of twenty-six years of official service in the county for Royalton township. Agricultural and Other Industries. — The agricultural and industrial power of this township in 1886, as represented by the returns of township assessor to the auditor of Fulton county, are carefully compiled and shown thus : Num- ber of acres of wheat sown, 1,086; bushels harvested, 10,591; rye, 130 acres. 55° History of Henry and Fulton Counties. bushels harvested, 1,950; buckwheat, 30 acres sown, bushels harvested, 480; oats, 609 acres sown, bushels harvested, 26,845 > corn, 1,328 acres planted, bushels harvested, 42,952; meadow 1,528 acres, cut and harvested 1,567 tons of hay ; clover, 57 acres, cut and harvested 87 tons of clover hay and 72 bush- els of clover seed ; potatoes, 64 acres, number of bushels raised, 5,801 ; butter made, 25,220 pounds. ; cheese manufactured at home 24,000 pounds. In factories supported by milk from the resident farmers, 150,000 pounds; sorghum in syrup, 313 gallons ; eggs, 19,551 dozen ; apple orchards, 273 acres, bushels of apples raised, 23,165 ; number of pounds of wool, 29,071 ; number of cows milked, 736 ; bushels of other fruits : peaches 140; pears, 160; cher- ries, 41 ; plums, 9. Now, while the area of this township represents 15,773 acres of land, it is also found that there are nearly 4000 acres yet in a forest and uncleared, and 1581 acres of partially waste land. Present Occupants. — So much attention has been given to the early pioneers it would be a matter of justice to name the present occupants of the soil, of whom some may be the descendants of early pioneers, and others have come at later periods, and in some measure have aided in giving a finishing touch to what was so early begun. They will be named in succession by sections upon which they reside ; section one, south of Harris line, A. Patterson, H. B. Whet- ter and George Hoadly ; section two, Thomas Richardson, R. Dewey, John Sturtevant and O. S. Sturtevant ; section 3, A. Chandler, S. Green and N. Fay ; section four, G. A. Potes and J. B. Woods ; section five, Moses Jay, Enos C. Daniels, A. C. Daniels; section seven, including Otis and Walter Smith, James Smith, Jane B. Smith, Aaron Deyo, S. Onweller; section eight, S. D. Carrol, William Smith, Richard Scott, John Roberts, Dwight Noble, Thomas G. Richardson ; section nine, Ezra B. Mann, D. N. Fenner, William Smalley, Elias Richardson, B. L. Barden ; section ten, A. Hindee, J. Cottrell, G. W. Hoadly, Eli Phillips, Alpheus Fenner and T. Welsh ; section eleven, A. Cottrell, George B. Brown, Ansel H. Henderson J. Budlong, and J. Henderson ; section twelve, Benjamin Davis, G. T. Knight and H. Robb ; section thirteen, W. W. Driscoll, Alvah Steadman, J. R. Dodge, J. P. Hol- land, C. and S. Buck and J. L. Barden ; section fourteen, G. R. Morey, William Rynd, Wm. Davis and heirs of Ira Hinkle ; section fifteen, V. R. J. Osborn, J. O. Meeker, George W. Welsh, EmeHne Ketchum and But- ler Richardson ; section sixteen, William Potes, J. C. Fuller, S. H. Camron and heirs of Ephraim Hinkle; section seventeen, James Briggs, Warren P. Bebee, C. Hilton, Mary Mudge. M. Mann and Jas. B. Carpenter; section eighteen, A. C. Egnew, Clark Standish and R. Fuller ; section nineteen, E. Mead, P. E. Curtis, Anthony Leonard and F. W. Richardson ; section twenty, Oliver Gilmore, Fred Holt and A. Disbrow ; section twenty-one, Samuel Car- penter, Barney M. Robinson and J. C. Carpenter; section twenty-two, R. Hin- kle, W. S. Edgar, Daniel Wilson, A. Threedouble and Patrick Burroughs ; Fulton County. 551 section twenty-three, C. Thornton, N. J. Rynd, R. Lawler and H. Heffron; section twenty-four, R. Sprague, L. H. Morrison, George Robb, N. Robb, P. Forester; section twenty- five, William Blain, Samuel Gordinear, Benjamin Pa- rent, A. Fisher and J. Thompson ; section twenty-six, T. O. Neal, Jinks M. Youngs, J. Burroughs, J. Baker and H. Callehan ; section twenty-seven, Wm. Snyder ; section twenty-eight, B. Welsh, S. Spangler and M. Richardson ; section 29, J. W. Vine, Harrison Welsh, T. A. Furgeson and B. Welsh ; section thirty, A. H. Jordan, Tip Southworth and F. De Merritt. CHAPTER LH. HISTORY OF SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP. SWAN CREEK township was erected by law in the year 1836. At that time it was a part of Lucas county, and included in the township of York; the same being true as to all of the territory comprising Fulton county, except the portions thereof acquired from Williarns and Henry counties. The southern por- tion of this township, two miles wide and six miles long, its length being of the extent of the township from east to west, or from the western boundary of Lucas county, to the eastern boundary of York township, was taken from Henry county, and contains twelve square miles, or 7680 acres of land. The entire township contains forty-two square miles, or 26,880 acres. But this township, as it stands on the map of Fulton county, is not the same as originally con- structed. It formerly extended as far north as the Fulton line, and lacked its present two tiers of sections on the south ; but when Fulton township was erected, in 1843, all that part of this township between the present northern boundary of Swan Creek township and the Fulton line, was taken from Swan Creek township and attached to the new township of Fulton. Here an explanation may very properly be made as to the meaning of the term, Fulton line. It has no reference to any boundary line of Fulton town- ship, but refers to the line of the original survey of the boundary between the States of Ohio and Michigan, and is so called from Fulton, the name of its sur- veyor. The State of Michigan claimed it as the correct boundary, which was disputed by Ohio, this State insisting that a subsequent survey, made by a man of the name of Harris, was the true one. This dispute gave rise to what is known as the "Toledo war," bloodless, but resulting in favor of Ohio as to the correct boundary on the north and south of the States referred to. The northwestern part of the township was the earliest settled and devel- oped, and is probably, at the present time, the most affluent. The greater 552 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. part of the northern portion of the township was heavily timbered, and con- tains, naturally, the strongest and readiest soil for agricultural purposes. A great deal of this township is what, in local parlance, is called " openings," or "opening lands," a designation or qualification as applied to the character of the land the origin of which is somewhat difficult to determine. But it seems to arise out of two facts peculiar to considerable of the soil and its aboriginal treatment in Fulton county; the first being its composition, largely, and, in some instances, entirely of sand ; and the second, the undoubted circumstance of the'Indians yearly burning it over to keep down the timber growth, to fa- cilitate their hunting. It is probable that the true origin of the term is in the last stated fact, although there is a large section of the county, which, in a state of nature, and completely unmolested by any one or anything, would not pro- duce other than scrubby and stunted growths of timber, and almost impervious thickets of hazel, whortleberry, and other brushy kinds of the smallest timber. These thickets furnished a covert or hiding place for game, and their only one; for in all the county there are no rocks, caverns, or deep and stony ravines, as in many parts of Ohio, and the burning of the thickets and undergrowth left no inaccessible hiding place, from the Indians, for the various kinds of game once abounding throughout the county. But this fact of the non-productiveness of heavy timber by much of the soil of Swan Creek township, is by no means conclusive of its lack of fertility. When properly drained, and it is fast becom- ing so, it is well adapted to gardening, and the production of all kinds of fruit, and if skillfully managed, yields excellent crops of clover, potatoes and oats, and fairly good corn and wheat. Being but a short distance from the enter- prising and thriving city of Toledo, and traversed by one of the principal lines of railway leading from that city, it is probable that but a few years will elapse before there will be so great a demand for the productions of the market gar- dener, that much of the area of this township will be devoted to that kind of farming. Another reason for this prediction lies in the fact that perhaps the poorest and most utterly worthless of all the land in northwestern Ohio, known as " openings," is much of that immediately adjacent to Toledo, on the west. It is very sparsely settled, and with the exception of a strip or belt here and there, seems incefpable of productiveness, and a large part of it has not yet been cleared off or drained, and is not likely, for years to come, to be so at- tended to. The natural drainage of Swan Creek township consists of a small sluggish stream called Blue Creek, a somewhat larger one called Bad Creek, both cours- ing in a southeasterly direction, and Swan Creek, from which the township was named, running almost due east, and all tributaries of the Maumee River. These streams are the objective points of all the numerous ditches now thrid- ding the township, by means of which it has, within the last few years, ob- tained a very excellent drainage. Fulton County. SS3 For many years most of the people of the southern part of this township were poor. The marshy, sandy soil did not very abundantly repay their la- bors, and undoubtedly many of them had a hard time to secure a frugal hving. Miasmatic troubles also plagued them a good deal ; but marvels have been wrought by ditching, and the land is very rapidly increasing in productiveness and value, and the atmosphere has been purified to such a degree that it now is, perhaps, as healthy a locality as any in the county. Generally speaking, the people are provident and industrious. Churches and good, comfortable school- houses abound, and evidences of material thrift and mental cultivation are rapidly on the increase. Another hopeful indication for the development, prosperity, and increase of wealth of this township is the disappearance of own- ership of large tracts of its land by non-residents and speculators. The cost of ditching has caused this class to dispose of their real estate, held only for speculation, in Swan Creek ; it therefore has been divided and subdivided, its owners now live on it and are clearing, ditching, and otherwise improving it. The Air-Line Division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway penetrates this township about three-fourths of a mile west of the Lucas county line, thereby passing first through the southeast corner of Fulton township, in which township, Swanton, the market town of this section, is mostly situated. Traversing a portion of section I2 north, the road then passes through sections 10, 9 and 8 north, leaving the last named at its southwest corner, and passing through the north part of section i8. The Swanton railway station is in Ful- ton township. A source of considerable revenue to the people of Swan Creek has been the manufacture and sale of ties to the railway company, the scrubby oak timber being well adapted to that purpose, and the railroad tie seller, here and there, has been something of a terror to the non-resident land owner, for not always did the enterprising axman, who was in the tie business, be scru- pulously careful to keep on his own land. But the predatory tie business be- longs to a decade gone by, and the epithet " sand-lapper," as applied to the people of southern Swan Creek, is fast losing its appositeness. At the south- east corner of this township the old Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, now known in railway nomenclature as the main branch of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, passes, cutting a few acres of land, triangular in form, from the main body of the township ; but this road, although about cotemporaneous with the Air Line in date of construction, has been of no particular value to the development of the township. The date of the first settlement of Swan Creek township cannot be ascer- tained with accuracy, but from the most reliable information that can be se- cured, was about the year 1834. The first road penetrating this section was from Maumee City, which was largely the market and milling place, and also the first fdistributing point of those seeking new homes in the extreme northwest of Ohio, and so remained 70 554 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. until a few years later, when railways began to be built ; the first being the main or old line of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, or as it at, and for many years subsequent to its construction, was called, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railway. The construction and opening to travel and traffic of this road brought settlers, to some extent, from and by way of Southern Michigan, but did not divert the milling and marketing of the Swan Creek settlers from the immediate margin of the Maumee River and its few scattered towns. .The first twenty-five years of the settling and developing of Swan Creek township were marked by but slight progress. Perhaps from 1850 to i860 were its most hopeful years of the period referred to. During the half dozen years just antedating the outbreak of the rebellion, there was an influx of set- tlers, who seem to have been the most prominent by way of enterprise and thrift, and to have carved out its most marked improvement. They and their children now are the leading citizens. Their discouragements were far less than those who first went in to possess the country, and their vantage ground was secured to them by the patience and persistence of the hardy pioneers who "began to pass away with the dawn of a hopeful and promising day. The same spirit that impelled them to seek a primitive locality in which to build their homes, caused many of their descendants to do the same; and but few of their posterity are left, they having, from time to time, joined the restless column seeking homes farther and farther west. The oldest church organization of the township is the Methodist Episcopal. The first place of worship was at Centreville, a small hamlet less than a mile south of S wanton. In 18 — the meeting-house was removed to its present site in the southern part of the village of Swanton, and therefore it yet remains in Swan Creek township. In the northwestern part of the township there is a Union Church, so called, belonging to no religious denomination, and under no ecclesiastical control, but intended and used for united services, and where any and all religious bodies or people can meet for worship. It is known as the Viers church. Another church building, erected with the same view, is the Raker Union Church, in the western part of the township. It was dedicated in 1 88 1. In October, 1886, the members of the United Brethren Church, in the neighborhood of what was formerly known as the Union school-house, in section 31, purchased the school building and removed it two and three-fourths miles east, in section 35, upon land owned by William Phare, and dedicated it to the service of their denomination, making four churches or places of religious worship in the township. Methodism, however, is the prevailing church faith, but there are also some Presbyterians, and a few Catholics and Free Metho- dists, the last named being an offshoot of the powerful sect founded by John Wesley. Thirteen school-houses furnish the facilities for education to the people of Fulton County. 555 this township and the average yearly attendance for the last ten years has been about three hundred pupils. AH these school buildings are frame or brick, the old log school-houses havipg entirely disappeared. In 1870 Swan Creek township had a population of eleven hundred. By the Federal census of i88q it was eleven hundred and ninety- six. To the list of Fulton county officials, than which there has not been a cleaner handed or more efficient one in the history of the State, Swan Creek township has con- tributed Nathaniel Legget^:, who was the first treasurer, and filled that office for three terms ; General M. R. Brailey, who was prosecting attorney from 1858 to 1862; Caleb M. Keith, probate judge of the county three terms, closing his official career in that capacity in 1878, and immediately thereafter removed to Toledo ; Charles Blake, commissioner from 1879 to 1885; Soc- rates H. Cately, an associate judge of the judicial district of which Fulton county was a part under the State constitution of 1802, and probate judge one term, beginning in 1854; an^ P. R. Lewis, infirmary director two terms. All that part of {the village of Swanton lying south of the railroad is in; Swan Creek township, and comprises a population of about two hundred. The houses were mostly built at a comparatively recent date, and are all neat and. comfortable, and in some instances elegant and costly. The minor share of the business is on the Swan Creek side, but there are several energetic and enterprising business establishments in that section of the place. The entire village is included in a special school district recently organized, and the schools have been graded and promise a high degree of excellence. Centerville at the first four corners south, as the provincialism would state it, is very old and very sleepy, a mere relic and reminder of the time when travel and transportation were by stage and wagon ; but in its bright and flourishing days it furnished pleasant and bountiful cheer at its old frame tavern on the northwest corner|to the tired traveler and his jaded team, forty years ago. While perhaps aside from its beginnings away back in the forties,, and its traffic in the necessaries of a homely and somewhat meager subsistence with the inhabitants of its sparsely settled environ before the railroads were built north and south of it, there is nothing in its drowsy annals worth record- ing; yet in the memory of some to whom its old-fashioned tavern was once the only one for miles of weary, wooded, wet country, and who sat by its big blazing fire, and there made an extended acquaintance, and gossiped and told hunting stories and backwoods legends, or danced away the night in the somewhat rude but innocent revelry of the country ball, in its low-ceilinged, unornamented "ball-room," and ate from its bounteous table, or drank at its bar " when liquor was better than it is now," and a good deal cheaper, the mention of Centerville awakens very pleasant thoughts of the old palmy, bois- terous days before the railroads sent it to decay, and put its drowsy denizens who chose still to stay there to sleep. Wesley Knight for years was the land- lord. SS6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. A conspicuous figure in the wilderness of Swan Creek was Nathaniel Leg- gett, the first person buried in Wauseon's beautiful cemetery. Clearing the land and hunting was his occupation for about ten years, and there was no doubt fully as great a fascination in those pursuits as in many of our later day pastimes and vocations. He located in this township about the year 1834, and old citizens who knew him, speak of him as having been a great worker and hunter, and his memory is yet cherished with kindness by the living few who were acquainted with him when he hunted or cleared the forest by day, and read law or history at night out of books from Maumee city by the light of blazing hickory bark on the rude hearth of his cabin home. He encouraged settlers to come to the place of his own choice, and did much toward starting the township on its final prosperous career. In the bench and bar chapter of Fulton county contained in this volume, a slight sketch of his life, and a brief estimate of his character as a lawyer and citizen are given, and mention of him is made in the present connection only for the purpose of perpetuating his memory as a pioneer of Swan Creek township. Others of this township's first settlers were John Witmer, Wells Watkins, Joshua Fassett, Thomas Gleason, David Williams, Eccles Nay, Looman Hall, Sidney Hawley, William Meeker, William Fewless and Jesse Browning. All of these became residents therein prior to 1840. John Witmer settled in the northwestern part, on what is now section seventeen, in 1834. He came from Berne, one of the three leading cantons of Switzerland, and both he and his wife were natives of that country. Their first habitation in the township was built of bark, and at this time they had several children. In due time a por- tion of land was cleared and planted and a better house erected. Mr. Witmer was the father of three boys, who grew to manhood, two of whom battled for the country and laws of their father's adoption. At terrific battle of Pitts- burgh Landing one of them was killed. The father and sons all were good citizens, bred and brought up to the Swiss habits of patience, industry and frugality, and they were and are liberty-loving and patriotic. Wells Watkins, who came to Swan Creek township in 1838, is still living. He is of English ancestry, but his parents were natives of the State of Mary- land. He was born in Jefferson county, O., on the 7th day of April, 18 18, and was married on the Sth day of July, 1838, at Wayne county, O., to Sarah Newhouse. Just a month after his marriage Mr. Watkins and his wife started to seek a home in Fulton county. After a hard journey of nine days they reached and settled in Swan Creek upon section ten. The first winter he re- lates he did his milling on foot, carrying his grist of corn on his back three miles to a little mill, the motive power of which was furnished by a horse. His marketing was done at Maumee and Perrysburg, what little he had to market, and there were procured the articles of subsistence for his family, he making the expedition alone, winding about through the woods and swamps, and gen- Fulton County. 557 erally taking nearly a week for the round trip. Wages were very low, the remuneration for a hard day's work to the best of hands from sun-up to sun- down, being but fifty cents, and generally paid in some articles of barter in- stead of money, for money was extremely scarce, and the price of food and clothing correspondingly high. The most plentiful thing|was game. Indians also were by no means scarce, but they were peaceable. The first two years flour was worth as much per barrel nearly as oxen per yoke, salt pork was worth as much per pound as the choicest steaks of beef at the city market, and potatoes so scarce and dear that it took three or four day's hard labor with an ax to earn money enough to buy a bushel of them. Clothing was manufactured at home around the cabin hearth, of buckskin, linsey, and coarse home-made linen. To this hardy pioneer family were born nine children, ■seven of whom are living. The wife and mother died in the year . Mr. Watkins still survives, and is honorably borne on the roll of his country's defenders as a member of Company E, One hundred and Thirty-eighth Ohio Infantry. His son, Vernon C, was also a member of the same regiment. Eccles Nay came to what is now Fulton county in 1834. He settled in Swan Creek township. His first stopping place in Ohio was in the extreme •eastern part, in Jefferson county. Here he was married to Elizabeth Mills, who came with him to northwestern Ohio. Mr. Nay's birthplace is Bristol, Vt.,and he was born in 181 1. His parents were New Hampshire people, and of Revolutionary stock. When he located in Swan Creek there probably were not ten famihes in a radius of ten miles; but in the summer of 1835, some fifteen families moved in. His land was purchased from the government. The first two years all the neighbors, and that term included families several miles away, were kept busy assisting each other in raising log cabins. 1 ut few in- deed of such places of habitation exist now, but it is not uncommon to hear an old settler sighing for the days when he was domiciled in a cabin, and sat dur- ing the gloomy winter evenings by his big blazing fire-place listening to the dissonant requiem sung by the winds and howled by the wolves, and which soon became entirely too common to be terrifying. Some of them have been known to slip out of their fine farm houses, standing as monuments of their ambition to better their condition and their desire for the comfort of their families, and go to the old half-tumbled down cabin on the corner of the place, and build a fire and sit by it until late at night, doubtless calling up memories and trying to charm back the scenes of hardship, not unmingled with many pleasant things belonging to the days that have passed from them forever. Mr. Nay's 'first experience in Swan Creek was probably unusually trying and ■severe, for after paying for his land he had no money left, and no personal property of any kind except an ox team. But the few neighbors were kind and accommodating, and subsistence was partially provided from the abun- dance of wild game all around. The grandfather of this pioneer lived in the 558 History ok Henry and Fulton Counties. city of Boston, and participated in the tea-spilling which was one of the events that provoked the senseless ire of George HI, and in the battle of Bunker Hill. The grandson was in no sense unworthy of his patriotic ancestry. In 1834, as nearly as can be ascertained, William Fewless, an Enghshman by nativity, came from Long Island to Swan Creek, but the malaria and mos- quitoes were so annoying that he became discouraged, and returned to his former home. However he did not remain at Long Island a great while before he returned west and into Swan Creek township once more, remaining for many years, and clearing and improving a farm. Mr. Fewless died in Swan Creek township in 1881. John Watkins, a native of ^Steubenville, Jefferson county, went into this township about a year later than William Fewless, was a resident there but a few years, for his land on the organization of Fulton township was included therein. Mr. Watkins is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a cousin of Wells Watkins. Jesse Browning, who died in Swan Creek in 1867, went there from Oswego county, N. Y., his native State, in 1835, and about the same time Alexander and,' Africa Spalding became settlers ; also William Meeker and John Viers. Mr. Viers was a native of Portage county, O. In 1836 Ormand Pray settled on land in the neighborhood of the farm now owned by J. D. Lutz, and about this time a man named Crosby, who was a hatter by trade, located about three miles due south of Centerville. Mr. Crosby has been dead many years, and left no descendants. In 1839, Jacob Reighard, a member of that provident class of people known as Pennsylvania Dutch, came from Pennsylvania and settling in section twenty-eight of this township, lived there until his death, which took place in 1866. He was buried in the Raker cemetery. This burial ground was established in 1836. About a year after making his home in Swan Creek, Mr. Reighard was married to Rebecca Crile. All their children, four in number, of whom three are living, were natives of this township. Henry, the eldest, resides at Delta ; Robert and George are farmers and yet live near the spot of their birth. Socrates H. Cately, familiarly known throughout the county of Fulton as Judge Cately, was until quite recently, for about forty-two years, one of Swan Creek's 'most active [and enterprising citizens. He is a native of Cortland county, N. Y., and was born on the 8th day of January, 1815, in the calendar of the Democratic party, known as " St. Jackson's Day," and the date of the battle of New Orleans. When he attained his majority he started west, stop- ping at Maumee City, where he lived for a little less than eight years, and then purchased land in Swan Creek township, and established himself on it. He still owns the farm which then was utterly wild, but now is one of the best farms in the township. He was married in 1839 at " Six Mile Woods," near Delta, to Sarah Williams. He was twice married, his last wife being Juliette Fulton County. 559 Nearing. By his second marriage he was the father of ten children, seven of whom are Hving. Judge Cately now lives at Delta. He was the first probate judge of the county, and was an associate judge of the judicial dis- trict of which Fulton county was a part under the constitution of 1802. Recurring to the settlers of this township to whom vantage ground was given by its first dwellers and workers, this class being mainly the comers from about 1845 to i860, among the more prominent are to be found the Templetons, Braileys, Bassetts, Blakes, Reighards and Lewises. These fam- ilies all were people of push, energy and resolute intellectual fibre. The mem- bers of some of these have risen to local prominence as business and profes- sional men and teachers. John Templeton, the progenitor of the Templeton family in Swan Creek township, was born in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania in 1807. Early in life he came to Ohio with his parents and settled in the thriving county of Wayne. Here he was married to Susan Watkins. She was a native of Ohio, and born near the western bank of that river in Jefferson county, and was two years older than her husband. They came with their children to Fulton count)' in 1853 and located in Swan Creek township. The Templetons, as the name would indicate, are of Scotch-Irish origin. They all are men of very large frame and most robust physique. Old John Templeton weighed nearly four hundred and fifty pounds, and it is no extravagant simile to say he was stout as an ox. He was known to lift a dead weight of a thousand pounds, but his splendid gifts of nerve and muscle were never expended in the phys- ical opposition of any one. He had that kind of courage, stopping with the assertion of his own plain rights, asking nothing more and content with nothing less, which is the index of the highest type of manhood. His grand- father participated in much of that long struggle which raged between the Indians and the whites during the closing ten years of the last century for the mastery of the territory west of Ohio. He was with Colonel Crawford and lost his hfe in the battle of Sandusky Plains. John Templeton died at his home on section ten in Swan Creek township on the — day of 18 — . His wife preceded him to the grave about years. John S., the third son of John and Susan Templeton, was a native of Wayne county, O. He was born on the 22d day of March, 1833, and died in Swan Creek township on the — day of 1886. He inherited largely the physique and strength of his father, but was one of the most genial and kind- of men. A considerable portion of his life was spent as a railway conductor, but he always made his home on the old Swan Creek farm. During the war of the Rebellion until January 4, 1864, he was a member of the company that carried the colors of the heroic Thirty-eighth Ohio Infantry, participating in a nnmber of the great battles of the southwest, including the bloody fields of Chickamauga and Stone River, and winning his way by meritorious conduct S6o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. to the first lieutenancy of his company. Because of deafness he was discharged before the war ended. It is no unearned praise of John S. Templeton to say that he was a good man and a valuable citizen. The war was to him all of what it was in small or great degree to every man that participated in it. It was an educator in many ways, but one of its principal personal lessons was to teach men who had been without advantages and possibly without education, the great and true value of mental training as acquired at school. Lieutenant Templeton felt and appreciated this through his army experience, and on his return home he made every sacrifice to educate his family of boys that they might become useful men, and his efforts were not misspent. Frank, James and John W. were sent to college and acquired education fitting them for ex- cellent school teachers. Mrs. Templeton, whose maiden name was Lydia A. Fesler, survives her husband, and resides on the old Templeton farm in sec- tion ten. In 1857 Moses R. Brailey, being then in the prime of a vigorous manhood, came from Huron county, O., and settled in section twenty-two in Swan Creek. Some years previous Mr. Brailey had acquired considerable landed interests there. Although an attorney, and a successful one, Mr. Brailey could not entirely divert his mind from a love of ownership of the soil. He desired what man always has and always will want, a spot of mother earth to call his own. Though practicing law and engaged in the varied duties of different responsi- ble positions of which mention has been made elsewhere, Mr. Brailey made his home upon the land, which under his direction was cleared and developed into a broad and productive farm, and upon it most of his children grew up to manhood and womanhood. In 1869 he built a fine brick residence thereon, but has resided in Wauseon since 1880, where Mrs. Brailey, his faithful wife, died a few years ago. She was a member of the Mason family of Erie county, N. Y. M. R. Brailey is of Irish descent, and though the blood of other line- ages commingles considerably with the main current of his Celtic origin, yet its distinguishing characteristics of quickness of mental power and generosity of heart were not extinguished in him. Palmer R. Lewis was born in Seneca county, N. Y., on the 27th day of November, 1821. In 1848 he settled on the farm now owned by him in this township and upon which he still lives. Previous to removing to Fulton county he lived during several years in Erie county, O., where he was mar- ried toSophronia Blake. They have five children, one of whom, C. F. Lewis, esq., is an attorney of Wood county, O. Mr. Lewis has been identified with the official affairs of this township as justice of the peace or trustee for the last twenty years. Orra Blake, who was born in 1 821, in Allegany county, N. Y., became, with his family, a resident of Swan Creek township in 1852. His wife was Catherine E. Osterhout. Besides clearing and improving the excellent farm Fulton County. 561 on which he now resides, Mr. Blake has built many farm buildings throughout the township, and has been a prominent and very useful citizen. The same year that Orra Blake settled on his present farm, Wesley Knight, of Middle- bury, Vt, bought and took charge of the old tavern at Centerville. Mr. Knight was born in the Green Mountain State' in 1808. For nineteen years he kept the pubhc house of Centerville, but never sold any intoxicating liquors of any kind, taking a wide departure from the example of those who preceded him there. Of the others of the Swan Creek pioneers whose names have been given there are no authentic records. Their personal history is not to be found re- liably existing in the memory of any one, but it may fairly and justly be summed up by saying that they all did their part in redeeming an inhospitable and unpromising wild section from wilderness and swamp, and in preparing the way for a good living chance for those who came after them. We believe we cannot more appropriately close this narrative by which we have briefly sought to embody in a permanent form an outline of the history of Swan Creek township, than to make some reference to the patriotism of its citizens when that noble element of character was in most stern demand. Full one-third of the men of this township capable of bearing arms were gallant and faithful Union soldiers ; and enlistment to most of them, especially those who had families, was peculiarly trying ; for in the years of the Rebellion but few parts of Ohio could be found inhabited by poorer people. The Swan Creek volunteer went from a poor and often uninviting home, except for the loved ones left there, and from neighbors as poor as himself, and scarcely able except by sore privation to themselves, to provide aid of any kind to those whom they would most gladly have helped and whom they often did assist, but out of no store of abundance. The volunteers of this township participated in many of the bloodiest battles of the war. In the Army of the Potomac they fought through the Wilderness campaign, and were participants in that long list of battles, numbering among others, the dreadful conflicts of Antietam, Spottsylvania, and Chancellorsville. Many of them were in the southwest, and the sanguinary and trying campaigns that finally culminated in Sherman's march to the sea, are a part of their personal experience. Sixty of her vet- erans belong to the Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic at Swanton, and other contiguous villages, and among them are the usual proportion of the scarred, maimed and broken bodied, the victims of hardships, of prison, pestilence and of battle. 71 $62 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. CHAPTER LHI. HISTORT OF YORK TOWNSHIP. THIS township was originally a part of Wood and Henry counties. These were oTganized from old Indian territory, by the Legislature of Ohio, in 1820, and named respectively, the first after the brave and chivalrous Colonel Wood, a distinguished officer-of engineers in the War of 1812, and the latter after Patrick Henry, the celebrated Virginia orator in the Revolutionary period. In July, 183s, the Legislature organized the county of Lucas from out of Wood, south of the Fulton line, and named the same after Governor Lucas, then chief executive of Ohio. York township was organized June 6, 1836, after the territory came under the control of Lucas county ; yet no record is found in Lucas county of such organization ; we find that the very early settlers went all the way to vote at what is now known as York Center. Its extent was north to the Fulton line, and south to the north line of Henry county, and west to the county of Williams, embracing all the territory of towns 5, 6, 7 and 8 east, and 7 north, and all of town 8 north, ranges 5, 6, 7 and 8 east. That same year the organization of Swan Creek township gave to York its present eastern boundary. On March 5, 1838, the board of commissioners of Lucas county organized Clinton township from the western territory of York, which subdivision defines the present western boundary of York. On March i, 1 841, Pike township was organized by taking from York all of town 8 north, range 7 east, and one tier of sections from the north side of town 7 north, range 7 east, which defined the present northern boundary. As thus formed it re- mained untouched until the year 1850, when Fulton county was organized by the Legislature of Ohio, which gave to this county a strip two miles wide from Henry county, off of the north side, the length of Henry county. The strip of two sections wide of town 6 north, range 7 east, was attached to and became a part of York township, extending its southern boundary two miles farther south, which has ever since been the southern boundary of this township. All this territory lies wholly within the Maumee Valley. Nothing prominent marks its pre-historic period before the advent of the white race. It is said that the Indian never shed the blood of the white man within the limits of Fulton county. The township first began to settle with people of New England de- scent, and can be made to be one of the most highly cultivated and thickly populated townships of the county. In 1834 began the first white settlement of the township as now defined. The operations of the Indians were principally confined to the Maumee River, where the white man first settled, and gave but little attention to the interior. Perrysburg was the center of location for early immigrants, and from there they distributed themselves throughout the valley. Fulton County. 563 It was founded by the government as a point at the head of ship navigation, and began its existence in 18 16. It was named in honor of Commodore Perry. At this time there roamed through the valley powerful tribes of Indians known as the Ottawas and Pottawatamies, but their number was much reduced by government removals to the West at different dates. In 1838 the last remnant of the once powerful Ottawas was removed beyond the Mississippi, at which ■date they numbered some interesting men. Boundaries. — York township as at present formed, is bounded on the east by Swan Creek, on the north by Pike, on the west by Clinton, and on the south by Liberty township, Henry county. It is composed of sections 7 to 36 inclu- sive, of town 7 north, range 7 east, and sections i to 12 inclusive, of town 6 north, range 7 east, and contains parts of two Congressional surveys with forty- two full sections of land, or an area of forty- two square miles, embracing 26,- •880 acres of land. Topography. — The township in general is level. Its surface geology is ref- erable exclusively to the drift. It has a beach of sand and gravel extending across it in a northeasterly course, leaving the township just north of Delta, a town situated on the Lake Shore Railroad, in the northeast corner of the town- ship. South of this ridge the land is purely the black swamp deposit, and no ^purs of sand leave the ridge upon its southerly front. Upon the north side a few spurs put out and overlap the lacustrine clays for some distance. In the xiorth part of the township heavy spurs of sand reach southward from the " oak openings" of Dover and Pike townships, overlapping the heavy clays. There are no quarries of stone found in the township, and but few boulders. The depth of the drift forbids the hope that any may be discovered. Any amount ■of material exists here for tile and brick manufacture, which could be made to "pay" if properly developed. The average depth of the drift in this township is about one hundred and forty feet above the rock or water level of Lake Erie. Timber. — The timber growth of York was dense and very tall, and pre- sented all the varieties common to heavy level soils. Elm is found in abund- ance, together with basswood, and nearly all the varieties of oak ; black and white ash exist in some parts ; hickory, butternut and black walnut, some hard maple, and, in a few places, the beech may be found and a sprinkling of white- wood. The timber of this whole township, in its primitive days, was of a dense growth, the branches and foliage making it almost impenetrable to the sun, and its gloomy recesses remained unbroken until discovered and settled by the ever restless immigrants of the east and south. Water Supply. — The water supply is derived wholly from rain fall, which is insufficient in times of drouth. This rain fall is held in the quicksands under- lying the sand and gravel ridges and sand spurs from the openings, and may be found by shallow diggings, deposited in sand or gravel beds permeating the lacustrine clays, over the blue or Erie clay of the whole valley ; hence, in dry 564 History of Henrv and Fulton Counties. weather the streams go dry and qifford no water. The only unfailing supply of water is procured by the auger penetr^iting to fhe rock below, where an abundance of water is often found, and this, by the wind- mill, is utilized for farm and household purposes. The streams of York township, excepting Bad Creek, have their source in the township on its northern and western border. Those with Bad Creek in the east run in a southerly direction across the township, while the balance run nearly a southeasterly course, and find their way to Maumee River. The course of the streams js marked with a gentle inclination of about three to four feet to the mile. The laind of the northwest part is more elevated than in any other section of the township. Bad Creek has its principal source from Chesterfield, Dover and Pike, and affords an extensive drainage for the wet prairie lands lying in the openings and sand areas surrounding them. Soil and Productions. — The black swamp clay predominates to a large extent south of the sand and gravel ridge of this township. It is, with a proper rainfall, very productive for all the general crops of this latitude. North of the ridge spurs put out and overlap the lacustrine deposits in many places,, giving a very rich and productive soil, sufficiently mixed with the sand, gravel,, and clay to make husbandry easy and profitable. The largest area of the township is of the lacustrine deposit, and gives to the farm lands but one spe- cific soil. When properly managed it is capable of as heavy production as the majority of the soils of the county. These clay soils are homogeneous, with sand and gravel enough to render it arable and permeable. A few patches of unmixed clay may be found, some quite friable, but more commonly very adhesive and difficult of management. Early Settlers. — The first settlement made in York township, as gathered from the recollections of those still living, was made by William Jones and family, in May, 1834. He settled on the northeast quarter of section eighteen. However, we leave the honor of being the first pioneer to be settled by the future historian. It appears that William, John, and James King came to this territory early in May, 1834, and they say, in a little historical sketch of their own, that when they came the only persons known to be in the woods (for then the woods extended north to the Fulton line, and west to Williams county), were Elisha Trowbridge and his brother, Willard, and a Swiss family named Schlappi. As the region was an unbroken and densely wooded forest, and with no roads, it was quite impossible to know the whereabouts and time of all new arrivals until a better acquaintance with the woods and territory was had. Mr. King settled on section twenty-four. John S. Trowbridge settled in Fulton county, in this township, in 1834. He was from Saratoga, N. Y., and was born November 18, 1816. After com- ing to the valley he married Hannah Hampton. They have nine children. He is now a merchant of Delta. Cornelius Trowbridge came from Saratoga- y/{ 0.^-1^. ^y^ o- ■--> Fulton County. 565 in 1834. Alanson Trowbridge also eame in 1834. A Mr. Hampton was, in that year, here looking for land. He took an entry of eighty acres made by- William King, and moved upon it in 1834, cleared it and made a fine farm. William King and family settled in York township in May, 1834. He had a family — wife, three sons, one daughter, and his aged father and mother. They came from Londonderry, Ireland. On arriving at Manhattan they hired a team which took them to Providence, where they " put up " at the hotel kept by Manor, a Frenchman, with the expectations of going to Defiance, but, through the entreaties of Manor, King was induced to go some twelve miles north, to what was then called the Six Mile Woods, Manor accompanying him._ Here they found William Meeker, who had settled in the edge of this woods in 1833, or the year before, now in Swan Creek, where they hired Meeker to show them some of the "bush " which Uncle Sam was selling for $1.50 per acre. They then started from Meeker's cabin, and went on that line due west, to where the village of Delta now stands ; thence they continued as far west as the center of York township. They then turned and went south one mile j thence east to the " oak openings," and located lands on section twenty-four. They then immediately returned to Providence. From there King went to the land office, then at Waupakonetta, on foot, which journey required three days travel. He says : " The roads were so bad that a horse could hardly make any headway. Mud and slush was nearly to the top of boots." The way to the land office was through a dense, unbroken forest, and in many places not cut out. The trees were blazed to mark the route. On his return he forthwith made the transfer of his family to his purchase on section twenty- four, and erected his cabin which became their home, rude as it was. The Doolittles settled near the center of York township, as also did Uriah Spencer, in 1835. The only mail these early settlers had was at the river, which passed once a week to Fort Wayne, in the State of Indiana, and was carried on horseback. All the settlers, even in the Six Mile Woods, had to go from twelve to twenty miles to the river for their mail. These families named, as far as facts can be gathered, undoubtedly were all that located within the limits of York during the year 1834. The settlement was begun so near the present line of Swan Creek township that, for the pur- pose of York township history, correct information is impossible, but the chap- ter devoted to Swan Creek will show the names of early pioneers and pioneer items ; yet, at a very early period, all this section was York township. It is here proper to state that William Meeker was the first settler within the pres- ent limits of Swan Creek township, being found here in the woods as early as 1833, and, for authority, we will refer to the reminiscences of the hfe of Peter Manor, the Frenchman of the Maumee. Smkrs from 183s to 1840. — John Murray and his wife, Mary Huffieller, $66 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. settled in York in the thirties ; came from Pennsylvania and settled upon sec- tion twenty-six, cleared and improved a large farm, reared a family and died thereon. Robert McClarren and his wife, Catharine Jones, came from Maryland and settled in York township, February 6, 1836 ; Catharine was a sister to William Jones the first settler. Henry Fluhart located here in the very early days of the settlement of the township upon section seven. He was a zealous Christian and did noble work in aid of early missionary work. His latch string was always out to friend or foe. He, at a later period, moved to Missouri and has since died,;^but some of his family are residents of York ; one son, James Fluhart, is editor and propri- etor of the Delta Avalanche, published at Delta. Abram Cole and family came to York in January, 1835, and settled on sec- tion twenty-five, the east half of northeast quarter. Peter Wise, Gillman Cheedle, William Fowler, David Childs, Avery Lamb, John Batdorf, Bethuel Gould, Jefferson Van Vleet, Martin Butler, Don- aldson, Thomas Wardly, Charles Gray and William Fowler came in 1835. Gard- ner Tremain and his wife, Elizabeth, came to York in 1836, the former a na- tive of Cayuga county, and the latter from Dutchess county, N. Y. They set- tled on section twenty-five and thirty-six. He died many years ago. John Jones came with his father, William Jones, and hence may be con- sidered among the settlers of 1834. He is still living, having attained a good old age. John Batdorf settled upon section twenty-one, the same on which he now resides, and raised a large family. H. E. Whitney came at a very early date, and with his family settled upon section twenty- five. James Trowbridge, wife and two children, left Saratoga, N. Y., July 4, 1837, and landed at Perrysburgh, in the Maumee Valley, July 17, 1837. His route of travel was from Albany to Buffalo, by freight boat on the Erie canal, and from there on Lake Erie to Toledo, O., on board of the boat, Commodore Per- ry. He found at Maumee an Indian camp, and government officers were gath- ering the Indians of the valley at this place, preparatory to moving them west. The Indians were very peaceable and friendly. The same day, on arriv- ing at Perrysburgh, he found a man by the name of Elijah Herrick (now a res- ident of Fulton township), who took him and family to the " Six Mile Woods," near where Delta now stands. There were no roads and the way lay through what was called wet prairies and sand openings. That night they all stayed at Swanton, fourteen miles from Maumee. In the morning they started for their home eight miles further west. They met with many difficulties in get- ting across Swan Creek. After crossing and traveling a mile or two they came to a thick wooded country where they found a few inhabitants and before noon got to their future home. This was on July 20, 1837. He says that at that time Fulton County. 567 it was twenty miles to a postoffice, twenty miles to a doctor and the same dis- tance to a saw or grist-mill. The roads were nothing but Indian trails and cow paths. Some of the difficulties they had to encounter were amusing and many times dangerous. One very important undertaking at this time in pro- gress, was the building of the canal up the Maumee, which gave an impetus to immigration that reached this territory and had its influence for the ultimate benefit of all. In the summer of 1838 a dreadful epidemic broke out among the canal dig- gers and reached all the isolated settlers in the woods, ten or twelve miles away. During this siege of sickness there were not well persons enough to care for the sick. Eight persons died that summer. Catharine Moyer, in her historical reminiscence says, "I landed at the mouth of Swan Creek, May 14, 1838, and, to get to land had to wade through water enough to sail quite a boat. But that was nothing to riding over cor- duroy roads, and the kind of bridges in use at time, with a six months old ba- by in my arms. The shaking and rocking did not soothe the child much. So I had to get out and walk when I came to a good place. We stopped on the route out at a cabin for water, and they had to strain it to get the 'wigglers' out of it before offering it to drink. I was thirsty and drank, regardless of the wigglers. I took my supper that night at the cabin of Gardner K. Tremain, and from there, the next morning went to the cabin of Abram Cole and stayed until we built a place of our own. After many trials incident to a pioneer be- ginning, we cleared our land, got a fair start on the road to a good and easy way of living, when my husband went to Delta and worked as a blacksmith. Again in 1849 he went to California and there died." Mrs. Moyer, in her recollections of those early days, further says : " I do not understand architecture very well ; but our house had a shake roof, boards for floor below, and two boards for chamber floor ; we took one of them for a door in the fall ; a two-legged bedstead, a chest for a table, a log sawed out for windows, a blanket for door, shakes for pantry, and one side of the house for a fire. People said we were quite well off. We lived in hope ; we had to wait until we could prepare ground. In the spring I hoed up some dirt around the house and planted twelve hills of corn. I never felt so rich in all my Hfe, as I did when the corn came up. I have planted and raised bushels, since, yet nothing ever gave me the joy that I experienced in raising that twelve hills. It was my first, and on my own land. I taught school and took my pay in produce." W. King says : " On the 21st of June, 1834, shortly after I was settled, we were visited by a terrible cyclone, which swept the woods from west to east. Its track was about two miles wide and thirty miles long. Its duration was about twenty minutes, and almost destroyed the forest; everything was a wreck in its path. It came just at sun setting. The day had been calm and 568 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. sultry. When the storm came it was accompanied with wonderful ekctfkal disturbances, heavy thunder, a great volume of rain and total darkness. The shanty was saved, amid the falling and crashing of timber." Mr. King thought it safer to plant himself at the foot of a patriarchal oak, which was twisted off, a few yards above his head, and carried away. The fallen timber was piled around the shanty, but none fell upon it. A horse that was tied near the shanty, was also saved. It required, of the settlers, eight days of steady work to cut their way out of this windfall. William Fowler, sen., came originally from Cumberland county, Pa., in 1828, to Fairfield county, O. ; and in August, 1835, with his family, came to Fulton county. With him were three sons, who may be considered pioneers of that age. They were William, Thomas and Robert. William Fowler, sen., located his farm in York township, where he died many years ago. General Remarks. ■'—Ma.ny of the old pioneers that first entered York town- ship were obliged to cut and clear away miles of timber, to get to their lands, and each gave to the public from twenty to thirty days hard work, for a few years, to clean and cut out roads. They conquered all obstacles, by their courage and ambition, and by their own steadfast purposes and personal exer- tions, have finally succeeded in owning a fair property. One of the characteristics of these old-time settlers was, that they generally managed to have enough to eat and wear, such as it was. They liked to hear the trees fall, and see the light from the burning log heaps and brush piles, at night. This was one of their greatest enjoyments, and they always lived as though the life of a pioneer was a glorious one ; and many of them, still living to-day, look back to the old times with longing, and would love to live them over again. Other Settlers. — Stebbins R. Stebbins came to York, in 1844; George Wright came in 1847, ^""^ settled upon section/; he was a native of England. William Markle and wife, from Pickaway county, came in 1844; Elija Smith and his wife, Eliza, came in 1849. Mr. Smith was from the State of New York, and his wife from Seneca county, O. They settled upon section 26- Alfred B. Gunn settled in York, in 1844. At that time he was in Henry county, and became a resident of Fulton county April i, 1850, when that part of Henry was made a part of Fulton county. He was one of the delegates to the convention that established the boundary line of Fulton county. He set- tled upon section 12, town 6 north, range 7 east. He has been twice elected commissioner of this county, and served a period of six years ; was one of the commissioners in locating the court-house at the place where it now stands, in Wauseon. He has long since passed away, but his homestead remains in the family. He was a very influential man and a good neighbor. He lived a life worthy of imitation. Samuel and Elizabeth Biddle settled in York township October 13, 1842. d CT^'UIq.^ Fulton County. 569, They came from Pennsylvania, "the land of the Quakers." They raised a family of five girls and three boys. In his lifetime, Mr. Biddle was one of the foremost men of the township; he settled upon section 17, on lands that were entered and improved by Uriah Spencer, one of the first settlers. Mr. Biddle died February 17, 1867, and his wife in 1877. When Mr. Biddle set- tled in York, 1842, there were but three school-houses in the whole township, and log buildings at that. The township then was not as large as at present, yet children found their way to what few schools there were. The first school taught in this part of York was by Miss Sophronia Flu- hart. She taught a winter term of six weeks and three days, at a cost of sixty- two and one- half cents per week, and boarded herself at home. This school was kept in a cabin owned by Samuel Biddle, near the York and Clinton line, east of Wauseon. Calvin Biddle, son of Samuel, settled in York in 1842. He came with his parents from Pennsylvania. He has been twice married ; his present wife was Margaret Todd. Mark Berry, from Wooster, settled here in 1843. Stillman C. Biddle set- tled in York, 1842. He came with his parents when but a small boy, and, un- doubtedly, as a barefoot boy, of that period, is able to give a very characteris- tic description of pioneer days. He now resides upon section 17, and is one of the foremost men of York. Abner P. Brainard settled in York, in 1846. John Harrison came in a very early day and settled upon section 17. The only crops of these days were wheat, oats, corn and potatoes, and in this township a crop of the finest quality was sure to follow. This was a wonderful encouragement to the early settlers. There was no trading point of any account except Maumee, where all business was done. The building of the Air-Line Railroad, in 1854, seemed' to change the very face of nature, and was the pivotal point in which pioneer life suddenly vanished, and a general traffic in every product that could be- gleaned from the land, jumped into life. The history of these and others, that might be given, serve as a type of a generation who will soon be gone. They are crossing over the river. Many of these old pioneers have lived to see the sunshine of a better Christian civili- zation ; the forest displaced by wide areas of improvements ; by towns and cit- ies filled with churches, and the whole country dotted over with school-houses ; and railroads, where was once the Indian trail. It was in these homes that many of the present generation received their early training, by the side and. upon the lap of that mother, whose influence was felt and fully appreciated. Roads. — ^The first road opened in and through York township was laid out by one. Captain Williams, with chainmen and axmen, and Judge Ambrose Rice, of Perrysburgh, as surveyor. The road extended from Maumee, by the way of where Delta now stands, west to West Unity, Williams county. It was surveyed in August and completed about the first of September, 1834, and is now called the State road. ^^ 57° History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Post Routes. — The first post route established was from Toledo via Delta, west to West Unity, in 1838, running upon the State road. Post-Offices. — The first post-office in the township was York Center, two and one-half miles west and one mile south of Delta. In 1838 there was a post-office established on what is now the farm of the Hon. S. H. Cately, in Swan Creek, which answered well for York township. William Meeker was the first postmaster, and in naming it, misapprehending its meaning, supposing it signified "fertile valley," gave it the name of Delta. It was in 1842 moved to the village of Delta, and became a post-office of York township, and so re- mains to this date. Beta, a post-office upon the south side of York, became as such in 1850, by the acquisition of territory from Henry county. Platts- town post office was established in 1886. This comprises the list of offices of the township. York Center was discontinued some years ago. Physicians. — The first physician of the township was Erastus Lathrop, who settled near Delta and died very soon after the village was located. He was a member of the Baptist church and sometimes preached for the society. The medical practitioners of the township have centered in the village of Delta, from which point they practice over a large area of the surrounding county, and are William Ramsey, S. P. Bishop, John Odell, John A. Wilkins, and O. P. Fletcher. Educational. — The first school-house built in the township stood upon the farm of Willard Trowbridge, one mile west of Delta. There are, at the pre- sent time thirteen sub- districts and one graded school for Delta, all in a very flourishing condition. Churches. — The first church built in the township was by the Presbyterian society of Delta, and at date, the township, including Delta, has eight houses for public worship located as follows : Four in Delta, one each on sections •eleven, twenty-nine, thirty-one and thirty-four, embodying in faith all the prin- ■cipal denominations of the county. Steam Mills. — Outside of the village of Delta there are four steam saw- mills, employed for the use of the lumber- producing interest of the township. No grist-mills were ever run in the township ; the only one erected is at Delta, a roller process mill, doing a large and profitable business, both in home and foreign trade. Some of the Present Inhabitants. — Some of the principal land owners, noted for enterprise, who are likely to lead in the industry of the township, are Frank T. Blair, Daniel Harmon, John McQuillen, William Ramsey, Norman Hunger, Silas B. Skeels, Jacob Koos, Matthew Lutton, J. B. Fasbaugh, Daniel Eberly, Phillip Boyce, A. Berkebile, John Harrison, George Seible, Valentine Emer- ling, William Trowbridge, George Orndorf, Jacob P. Garman, Stillman C. Bid- die, Calvin Biddle, Samuel G. Aumind, Frank Briggs, Jacob Huth, Cornelius Trowbridge, Richard E. Terwilliger, C. Harrison, J. Berkebile, John Batdorf, Fulton County. 571 A. E. Bradley, J. Pontius, Reuben Bond, Samuel McLain, William Struble, J. Leist, N. Biery, George W. Tabor, A. B. Thompson, Charles Cullen, Charles W. Hatton, and J. M. Longnecker. Aside from the agricultural industry of the township, all the competitive industries that once existed therein have taken leave, and now only exist in the villages. Delta, a large village of this township, is endowed with no natural facilities for manufacture or commerce, but simply has a good farming country around it, and is only good for the production of food, and whatever will forward her agricultural interest is of vital consequence to all. As Delta is a rival to the other towns of the county, and possibly the oldest of all, it is one of the very few that has come to us alive from the wrecks of city booms of early days. This village was not planted by some shrewd speculator, nor were its ad- vantages heralded throughout the land by flaming hand bills ; it was of spon- taneous growth and seemed indigenous to the soil, and grew apace with the improvements of the country. This site was trod over by the white man as early as in 1834, and up to 1838 the land hunters did not seem to have any idea that there would be a town where Delta now stands. Two families then were living on the bank of the creek : James McQuilling on the south side of the State road, and G. B. Lewis on the north side. Both were farmers. Mc- Quilling owned and run a saw- mill, a water-mill, and Lewis opened a temper- ance tavern. He kept a little tea and tobacco for sale, and on Sunday always, had preaching in his house, so his was a dwelling, tavern, store and church. This was really the first beginning of business in Delta. A Mr. Kenyon built the first house, a frame, and up to 1839 George Wood and wife composed one fourth of all the residents of the village. This house was afterward sold to Doctor Lathrop, who had just married his second wife, but in a few months from that time they both died. J. T. Gates and George Wood became the owners of the Lathrop property in 184 1. In this year the village received an accession to its population in a very old fashioned way. All its previous increase had been through immigration, but this was by the birth, in October, of Mary Augusta Wood, who made her debut as an actor on the world's great stage, and on which she has continued to act for forty-six years; during this time she has visited the principal towns in Europe and America, and has given the former an opportunity of talking with a native American in their own language and on their own soil, and showing to the literary men and women of England, France, Germany and other countries, that a person may be born in the wilds of Ohio and be their equal. The first church in Delta was the Presbyterian of the old school. It was built on Adrian street at a very early date. Since that time the society has built a new one on Main street a fine structure. James Trowbridge kept the first store, but the pioneer store that prepared 372 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the way for all the rest since, with no interruption, was opened by Eli Kitts, of the firm of Wisewell & Kitts, of Maumee city, in 1841. At this time Delta contained four families, James McQuilling, McKaskey, the venerable Adam Zedaker and George Woods, and contained at that time only four log dwellings. Kitts lived here about one year and died. A man by the name of Griswold took up the stock in trade and had the whole oversight for a short time. After him came Dan Cummings. The first permanent structure built in Delta was by Dr. Allen White, for a residence, and is now the wing part of the residence of Dr. William Ramsey. The first printing press established in the county was at Delta, Louis Stumm was editor and proprietor. This was very soon after the organization of the county; and after the location of the county seat, the paper was moved to Ottokee. The Avalanche and the Delta Atlas seem to be established on a solid foundation and have passed through several years of life, and from their beginning to this day both are sending out, weekly, a large edition to subscribers. Delta is a very active live town for business ; with its bank, stores, mills and other industries it is a heavy market point for the products of the farm, and distributes as many goods, wares and merchandise to the farmer as any town in the county of its size. It, in 1880, had a population of eight hundred and fifty-eight, and an estimated popula- tion at the end of 1887 of twelve hundred. The village is situated upon the Lake Shore Railway, about twenty- three miles west from Toledo. It lies principally on sections twelve and thirteen, upon the east bank of Bad Creek, and in the northeast corner of York township. It has the best of railway ac- commodations for the traveling public. Surrounding is a rich country of farming lands, north, south, east and west, and it handles largely the products of that region. About the year 1849 or 1850 a company was formed at Toledo, and by certificate of incorporation laid out a plank road from Toledo to West Unity, in Williams county, with the right of way upon the old State Road. The pro- jectors asked for from three to five thousand dollars aid of the township, for which all the townships along the route were bonded. Its construction was completed, or nearlj' so, as early as 1853, but it was continued only a few years when the worn out timber bed was removed. It was very expensive to the people and never made a good road. The first marriage was William Spencer to Miss Donaldson. The first death was that of a Mrs. Doolittle, who was laid away in the grave-yard used by the German Baptist society. The first election was at York Center, on the 30th day of June, 1836, to select township ofircers, who then presided over a large territory south of the Fulton line. Official Roll. — First, L. H. Upham, one term as representative in the Ohio Legislature ; second, L. H. Upham served one month as probate judge. (He Biographical. 573 was elected but was displaced by the court, John M. Palmer, judge). George Taft was commissioner by appointment ; Octavius Waters was elected repre- sentative in the State Legislature one term, two years. John A. Wilkins was •elected and served one term as State Senator. Octavius Waters was prosecut- ing attorney two years; William H. Gavett prosecuting attorney four years, or two terms ; Alfred B. Gunn served two terms, or six years, as commissioner of the county; Frank T. Blair two terms, or four years, as sheriff; Thomas Kelley five years as county treasurer, and eight months as auditor, by appoint- ment ; Silas B. Skeels one term of three years as infirmary director ; Samuel G. Aumend one term of three years as infirmary director, and in the fall of 1887 was re-elected for a second term ; M. H. Butler was the first school ex- aminer; next. Holmes Smith, by appointment, served several years as school examiner of the county; A. B. Thompson also served as commissioner. Population. — York has shown steady and a very healthy increase in pop- ulation. In 1840 it had 435 and the last census of the United States had, excluding Delta and corporation, a population of 1,714, but with Delta added it numbered 2,572. CHAPTER LIV. BIO GRAPHICAL. ALLEN, Hon. CHARLES L. The parents of the subject of this sketch were natives of New England, born in the State of Connecticut, but they, at a very early day, emigrated to Western New York, and were pioneers of Mon- roe county. The father was Isaac and the mother Mary (Terry) Allen. They never became residents of Ohio, but passed their lives in New York State, where the father died in the year 1884, at the ripe old age of ninety- one, the mother having died in 1876, some eight years before her husband, and aged about seventy-eight. Isaac Allen was a somewhat prominent figure in the early history of the Empire State, and he lived, moreover, in a region that was fruitful of important events during the first score of this century's years. He was an American soldier in the War of 181 2, and fought therein to maintain that independence the American colonies had gained during the Revolutionary War; and in this connection it way it may be stated that during war of 1861-5 his loyalty and patriotism, and devotion to the Union arms were almost remarkable, and he ■even went so far as to go to the South in the hope that he, notwithstanding his years, might in some manner assist the Northern army. 574 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. In the family of Isaac Allen were ten children, and of them, all save one are still living. Three of the sons now reside in Gorham township, Fulton county, and are numbered among its highly respected and enterprising citizens. Isaac Allen died at his home in Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y., in 1884, and at the funeral ceremony each of his living children was present, and six of the sons officiated as bearers of the pall. Charles Luther Allen, one of the sons of Isaac Allen, and the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Clarkson, N. Y,. on the i6th day of November, in the year 1838. Up to 1859 he lived at his father's home, but in that year he came to Fulton county and took up his abode in Gorham township, where his brother, Dr. Allen, was then a resident. Here Charles taught school for a time, but afterward accepted a position in the store of Thompson & Cadwell, where he remained until August, 186 1. He then en- hsted in Company K, Thirty-eighth O. I. V., and, upon the organization of the company, was elected second lieutenant. In this capacity he served for about six months, when, after the battle at Mill Springs, he was assigned to duty on the staff of General Shoeppf, commanding the Ohio Brigade. Some time later Lieutenant Allen was promoted to first lieutenant and made regi- mental quartermaster, serving as such nearly a year, when he was assigned to duty as regimental adjutant. On January i, 1864, Lieutenant Allen, on account of disabilities that un- fitted him for active field service, resigned, which resignation being accepted, he returned to Fayette the same month. For the succeeding four or five months Mr. Allen acted as enrolling officer at Fayette, and rendered efficient service in that capacity during the latter part of the war. In October, 1865, Charles L. Allen was married to Susan Gamber, the daughter of Henry and Mary Gamber, of Fayette. Of this marriage two chil- dren have been born. In this same year Mr. Allen engaged in the mercantile business at Fayette, in partnership with his brother, Joseph O. Allen, which firm relations were maintained and the business conducted with a fair degree of success for about four years, when our subject became its sole owner and so continued for a period of about ten years, when the mercantile department was disposed of, and he thereafter continued the produce dealing branch until the month of No- vember, 1885, when this department was discontinued. In this year the Bank of Fayette was established, and in it Mr. Allen took an interest ; he was chosen its cashier and has so acted to the present time, having practically the management of its business. The success of this well conducted and growing institution fully attests the business capacity of our subject. During the years 1880-I Mr. Allen represented Fulton county in the sixty- fourth General Assembly of the State, and upon the expiration of his first term was re-elected to the sixty-fifth General Assembly. Biographical. 575 Upon the organization of Gorham Lodge, No. 387, F. and A. M., Charles L. Allen was one of its charter members ; he is also a member of Stout Post, G. A. R., and A. D. C. on the staff of the department commander. BARBER, Colonel E. L. Epaphras Lord Barber is a native of Ohio, and was born at Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, December 16, 1830. Of the five children born to Epaphras L. and Jerusha T. (Sargent) Barber, he was the third. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent on his father's farm at work, and in attending the district school during the winter terms. At the age of eighteen years young Barber joined an engineer corps and was em- ployed on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad, where he had a practical education in surveying and civil engineering. After a few months engaged in this work he attended a private school for nearly two years, but again returned to engineering and perfected himself in that profession. After leaving the C. C. & C. road he was engaged on other work of the same char- acter, and in 1853 came to Fulton county, being then employed on the Air Line, now the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. In connection with the work in this county he had headquarters at Delta. Mr. Barber continued his connection with the construction of this road until about 1856, when, having become interested in lands in the vicinity of Wauseon and elsewhere in the county, he severed his connection with the road to give attention to the real estate business. Two years later he was appointed station agent at Wauseon, and held that position for two years, resigning in i860 to resume his real estate business, but to continue therein for a single year only, when loyalty and patriotism called him into an entirely new field of action. When, in April, 1861, Fort Sumter was fired upon, in answer to the president's call for troops, a company was at once raised at Wauseon, and among them Mr. Barber's name was found. At the election of officers he was made captain of Company H, of the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, and served with that command during the term of their enlistment, and was mustered out at Toledo in August, 1861. Prior to the muster-out, and while awaiting that event Captain Barber re-enlisted and was appointed major in the Thirty-eighth Infantry, which was then forming. With this regiment he served for a period of eight months in Kentucky, when, on account of the death of his business partner, Nathaniel Leggett, he resigned his commission and returned home. Not long, however, was he to remain there, for he was soon called to Co- lumbus by Governor Tod, advanced to the rank of colonel and directed to organize the One Hundredth and the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiments. This he did promptly and well, and was placed in command of the latter and went to Cincinnati with them to repel the threatened invasion of the State by the rebel forces under General Bragg. The duties assigned him by the gov- 576 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ernor being fulfilled, Colonel Barber returned to his business interests at Wau- seon in the fall of 1862. In connection with the military career of our subject it may be remarked that at the time of his enlistment, in the spring of 1 861, he had no special desire for advancement to a position more exalted than that occupied by his comrades; but they made him captain, knowing his capacity as a man of busi- ness, and having full confidence in his ability as a commanding officer. As an officer, in preparing his command for the field, Colonel Barber was a strict disciplinarian ; so rigidl}', indeed, did he enforce the rules and regulations of tactics, and so thoroughly did he instruct and drill the men, that murmurs of discontent were not infrequent; yet, after the three-months men were dis- charged and re-enlisted, of those of his company that returned to the service no less than twelve were made commissioned officers, thus reaping direct ben- efit from the instruction received at his hands. Again, as an organizer he was no less efficient ; insomuch that the governor called him from private life to organize two regiments for the service, besides the other important duties en- trusted to his charge. Having returned to Wauseon in the fall of 1862, Colonel Barber resumed his business of dealing in real estate, and to this he has devoted more or less of his time to the present day. In the spring of 1 863 he established a bank- ing house at the place, of which he was sole owner and manager until 1865, at which time Naman Merrill became a partner therein. The firm remained unchanged until the month of June, 1879, when E. S. Callendar became a partner. In November following Mr. Merrill died, since which event the bank has been owned and managed under the firm name and style of Barber & Cal- lendar. In November, 1885, Colonel Barber became interested in a bank es- tablished at the village of Fayette, and known as the Bank of Fayette, but his interest therein is, in the main, an investment, the management of the business being in charge of residents of that place. As a man of business Colonel Bar- ber occupies a position in the county second to none ; his integrity, his hon- esty and his careful business methods are well known, and he enjoys the confidence of the people. His manner of doing business is strict, as it is acknowledged that to be successful, banking must be done on strict business principles ; he has been successful and no man has deserved success more than he ; he is public spirited and generously aids every enterprise looking to the advancement of his town and its people. On the 20th of day of October, 1853, Epaphras L. Barber married Sophia H. Watkins, daughter of Timothy Watkins, of Cleveland. Of this marriage two children, one son and one daughter, have been born. BRIGGS, FRANK, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wayne county, O., on the 15th of February, 1842, and was the third of seven children, sons and daughters of Francis and Sarah (Cuffle) Briggs. The father, Francis BlOGRAPAICAL. 577 Briggs, was a physician of much repute in Lucas county. As a youth, Frank was about his father's office much of the time when not at school, or at work on the farm, and there he gained a fair knowledge of pharmacy that was of great benefit to him after he came to reside in Fulton county. In April, 1861, young Briggs enlisted in Company I, of the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three months service. This was a Lucas county company, and with it he served until the month of August following, when he was mustered out. He, in October, 1861, re-enlisted in Company K of the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, but was promoted for meritorious service, first to sergeant, then to second lieutenant, and, still later, to first heutenant, which latter commission he held at the time of his final muster-out. With the Sixty-Seventh regiment Mr. Briggs served three years and six months. Unlike the great majority of the young men that entered the service, Lieu- tenant Briggs saved the earnings of those years, and upon his coming to Delta, in December, 1864, he had five hundred dollars in cash. With this he pur- chased the stock of drugs and business formerly conducted by Dr. Young at this prosperous village. After making the purchase, Mr. Briggs added to the stock as the requirements of trade and the rapid growth of the town de- manded. About twelve years ago he enlarged his business enterprises by the addition of an extensive hardware stock. These he had in adjoining stores, and were successfully conducted by him until the month of September, 1887, when the drug stock was sold and replaced by a large assortment of crockery, glass, and queensware. Since his residence in Delta, Mr. Briggs has always been in the mercantile business, and, although his beginning was small, it has continued to steadily grow until he is now recognized as one of the leading merchants of the village ; nor does his stock in trade represent his whole business, as he is interested in real estate in this vicinity. But whatever of success has attended his efforts, there is no man to say it is undeserved, as his accumulations are the result of his own personal endeavor, and his acknowledged honesty and integrity. This is the common report among the people of the town and locality in which he lives. While Frank Briggs has never been an aspirant for political honors, he has, nevertheless, taken great interest in all that pertains to the political welfare of the county at large, and in the just and economic administration of its affairs. In Delta he has held various town offices — clerk, councilman, and perhaps others of minor importance ; but in the advancement of the educa- tional interests of the town, and in keeping up the high standing of the schools he has been especially prominent. In his political preferences, Mr. Briggs is a staunch, determined Republican. A no less commendable zeal has been shown by our subject in the spiritual welfare of the community. He is prominently connected with the Methodist 73 578 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Episcopal Church, and is one of the trustees of that society. Of his means he has been a generous contributor to the several funds used for the purpose of maintaining and advancing the strength of this and other church societies. In the Masonic fraternity, Frank Briggs is a member of the lodge and chapter at Delta ; also of the Toledo Comniandery. In this ancient order he has advanced step by step until he is now what is termed a thirty-second de- gree member. While the business and social relations of our subject have been entirely pleasant and successful, and his progress in these have been marred by no untoward event, his home and fireside have been invaded by the Destroyer, and wife and children alike have been taken from him. Mr. Briggs has been thrice married : First, on March 20, 1 864, to Laura Trowbridge, daughter of Elisha Trowbridge, of Delta. She died October 20, 1871. On the 20th of June, 1872, Mr. Briggs married Mattie Hill, daughter of Robert Hill, of Port Washington, Tuscarawas county. Of this marriage two children were born, neither of whom is living. His wife, Mattie, died February 14, 1878. On the lOth day of July, 1878, Mr. Briggs married Emma, daughter of Jacob Gelzer,. of Delta. ^ Of this marriage four children have been born, all of whom are living. HAAG, Hon. J. M. For more than twenty-five years has Judge Haag been in active practice at the bar of the courts of Henry county. In the thousand and one details that go to make up the character of a suc- cessful lawyer, noticeable in the work of Judge Haag, are industry in collecting facts, sagacity and foresight in collating them, broad and comprehensive views of the legal principles applicable to them, and absolute fearlessness in the pre- sentation of his client's cause. Added to these is a memory that is seldom at fault, either regarding a fact or the law. His knowledge of the statutory code laws of Ohio, even after the codifiers had exhausted their capacity to obscure it, is something unusual. He is rarely mistaken as to the existence or force of any statute. Judge Haag loves the practice of the law, not because he partic- ularly loves litigation of itself, but because it is a profession in which men of erudition, high legal attainments, and honorable feelings, have full scope for all their powers, and yet can aid in the honest and able administration of jus- tice. His clients know that he is incapable of betraying their confidence, his professional associates know that he is incapable of trick, the bench knows that candor and entire fairness are his characteristics. Again, as a lawyer his character is, in many respects, a model for imita- tion. In the examination and preparation of a cause he exercises the greatest care, especially if the case be one of vital importance. He is careful and con- scientious in his conclusions and in his advice to his clients ; determined and unyielding in the vindication of the rights of his client, and in his defense of Biographical. 579 the principles which he has asserted with the energy of thorough conviction ; properly deferential, but never more than that, to the court ; courteous to his antagonist, and never more so than when dealing his severest blows, and es- pecially always kind and considerate in a marked degree towards the younger and more timid members of the profession. In his practice of the law, accord- ing to his impulse, he would rather defend than prosecute even a criminal. There is also another characteristic of the man in his legal work. His mind is studious and practical as well, and in investigating any question, he will search for principles first and expedients afterward. It is natural and fit that such a man should be entrusted with public duties and a brief review of his history will show that, though this is so to a degree, office was not even a secondary pursuit to him, but all that he has filled he has discharged with ability and fidelity. [These expressions are not the sen- timents of the Henry county bar alone, but are as well the result of an acquaint- ance that the writer of this volume has had with Judge Haag of some months' standing.] John Marion Haag was born at MifHinsburg, Union county. Pa., on the i6th day of August, in the year 1836. During his early childhood his parents moved to York county, where they lived a short time and then moved to Lan- caster county, of the same State. At about the age of seventeen years young Haag left home and came to Millersburg, Holmes county, O., where he en- tered the Free Press office to learn the printer's trade, and afterward accepted a position on the editorial staff of that paper. After this he went to New Phil- adelphia, Tuscarawas county, to which place his parents had removed, where his time was employed on the newspaper. The Ohio Democrat, and, in part, in a course of legal study in the office of Belden & Haag, attorneys at that place ; he also received a no small part of his early legal education under the instruction of Judge Mclllvaine. In 1859 Mr. Haag was admitted to practice, and soon afterward established himself in an office at Canal Dover, in Tuscarawas county. Three years later, in 1 862, he became a resident of Napoleon, and a member of the Henry county bar. He formed a law partnership with S. R. McBane, esq., which continued until the death of that person in 1863, after which Will- iam Sheffield and James G. Haly became partners with our subject, under the firm name of Sheffield, Haly & Haag, but the senior partner soon after- ward accepted a government appointment, and Mr. Haag purchased the Dem- ocratic Northwest, and became its editor and publisher. This was in June, 1864. In the fall of the same year Mr. Haag was made the nominee of the Henry county Democracy for the office of probate judge, and at the polls in October was elected. He then retired from the law firm. In the succeeding year, 1865, on the 17th of August, Mr. Haag was mar- ried to Martha J., the daughter of John M. Meek. Of this marriage five chil- dren were born, three of whom are now living. In the fall of the year 1866 S8o History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Judge Haag was re-elected to the office of probate judge. In this capacity he served in all five years, still retaining, during the time, his ownership and control of the Northwest, but at the expiration of his second term he sold his interest in the paper and resumed the practice of the law, in partnership with J. L. Robertson, esq., and this relation was maintained until Mr. Robertson's death. In the fall of 1871 Judge Haag was elected to the Legislature of the State, and re-elected in 1873. During his last term in the State Legislature he was chairman of the judiciary committee. After the expiration of his second term Judge Haag returned to his practice at Napoleon, and to this has his time ever since been devoted. His partnership with James P. Ragan was formed in 1880. In the politics of the municipality of Napoleon, Judge Haag has been a somewhat conspicuous figure, and in the selection of its officers he is governed by a desire to secure the best men, and not held strictly by party ties. In 1882 he was elected mayor for the express purpose and with the avowed in- tention of correcting certain existing evils. Besides this he has held other offices of importance in the village. Judge Haag, during his journalistic experience, contributed his full share to the current anonymous newspaper literature, of which much of the uncredited emanated from his pen. The following stanzas, indited to his two daughters. are worth preserving : My Little Girls' Dispute. To meet me on the way As homeward turned my feet. To be the first with kiss And give me welcome greet, At childhood's greatest speed Two httle maidens came — Mary the name of one And Kate the other's name. " O, pa ! We had dispute," The eldest called to me, " And you must tell who's right. For we cannot agree ; Which do you like the best. Which prettiest of us ? Now tell us quickly, pa. And still our little fuss." Like birds of plumage same, Or flowers from one vine, A choice I cannot make 'Tween little girls of mine ; You must not urge me more, I cannot tell you why — One's the morning sunrise And one's the evening sky ! Biographical. 581 TJOWARD, Hon. D. W. H. The hazy Indian summer skies, The autumn leaves that strew the way, I've seen for three score years and ten, I'm seventy this November day. My mind goes back to twenty-one (1821 ;) The Maumee pioneer appears ; And I, a boy of but four summers then. Have lived to count my seventy years. I've seen the seasons come and go, With plenty and tranquillity ; And thank my God for each and all The seventy years he's given to me. These verses are taken from a poem written upon the occasion of the sev- entieth birthday of Colonel Howard, and they recall to the biographer the words of a famous writer : " Dear are the days of youth ! Age dwells on their remembrance through the mist of time. In the twilight he recalls the sunny hours of morn." The events of the life of this man have been so many, and are so well known to the people of Northwestern Ohio, especially among the older resi- dents, that, in narrating those events we shall confine all statements strictly to facts, and indulge in no comment and draw no conclusions. But, before enter- ing upon this narrative, we must say, that in the past history of this region there stands out clear and distinct the name and life of this man, and his ancestors. As the narrative will show, it has not been the lot of Colonel How- ard to possess an education through the school or the college, but his intelli- gence and judgment have so matured by observation and reflection and experience, that he has been able to do much good, and set an example in life worthy of praise and imitation. His naturally well balanced mind has never for a moment yielded to the novel vagaries of the day, either in theory or practice, but have led him safely through the windings and turnings of life's path ; but misfortunes unforeseen and insurmountable have come, and through them he has been a sufferer, as have all men. But it is as a citizen, neighbor and friend that Colonel Howard is known and remembered most fondly. His genial and kindly presence, his uprightness and purity of life, his truthfulness and singleness of mind, his liberal hand and free heart, his thorough contempt for all knavery and sham, his unhesitating assertion and support of his honest convictions, in short, his Christian faith, and the Christian morals and Christian life by which that faith is evinced, these form the memories of him which will longest endure in the hearts of his friends. Dresden Winfield Huston Howard was born in the village of Dresden, on the east bank of Seneca Lake, Yates county, N. Y., on the 3d day of Novem- ber, in the year 181 7. In 1821, then being but four years old, with his 582 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. parents, Edward and Nancy (Haight) Howard, his grandfather, Thomas How- ard, his two uncles, Richard M. W. and Robert A. Howard, and his aunt, Sidney Nelson Howard, he came to the Maumee country. They came by wagons to Buffalo, where the party divided, a portion taking passage on the thirty ton schooner Eagle, while the balance continued the wagon journey overland. After an unpleasant voyage of eight days, the schooner arrived under the picketed walls of Fort Meigs, on the evening of June 17th. The land party were some weeks on the road before they reached their destination — the Maumee. The scene that was presented to this little party of emigrants upon reach- ing the mouth of the river was far from inviting or encouraging ; the dark and dreary forest stretched unbroken in every direction ; the habitation of the white man was nowhere seen, save the Indian agency building ; but the wig- wams of the savages were in every opening, and the smoke from their camp- fires curled upward in blue columns above the dark green forest. Even the stoutest heart might fail at such an outlook for the future. Their neighbors were to be the bear and the wolf, and the hardly less savage red man. , It was the intention of these families to go to the then new settlement at Ann Arbor (properly written An-aw-ba, the Pottawatomie word for "boy"), but the fatigue of the long journey and the dread on the part of the women to enter the dark and seemingly interminable^ forests, changed their plan, and they were easily persuaded by the few white settlers to remain on the murky waters of the " Miami of the Lakes," and they were soon provided with small log cabins and a few acres of cleared land on the river flats, on which they planted corn, potatoes, and other necessary earth products. To this work the attention of our pioneers was given, but in its performance, however slight that labor was, they were much delayed and their work retarded by the ever pres- ent and ever ready ague, but with the approach of cold weather the severity of these attacks was much relaxed. During the next summer lands were pur- chased on the right bank of the river, at the head of the Rapids, or at Grand Rapids, as it is more commonly known. Here three log cabins were built for the accommodation of the famiUes, and to which they moved in March, 1823. To reach their home with wagons new roads were required to be cut through the woods. On the opposite side of the river was the Ottawa Indian village of between one and two thousand people, and these, save one, were the only neighbors of our pioneers. The exception just noted was the kind hearted and ever willing Frenchman, "Uncle" Peter Manor and his good wife. The young Indians of the village were soon the companions and playmates of Dresden Howard, and he soon learned to speak their simple language. His association with them became so friendly and intimate that he as often slept in their wigwams, on their beds of blankets and skins, as in the comfortable cabin of his parents. His good mother was in a state of almost constant Biographical. 583 anxiety for the safety of her son in the camp of the dreaded Indian — but the free, wild life in the woods, under no restraint — how soon the boy learned to love it ! The Presbytery of Massachusetts had established an Indian mission (church and school) at a point eight miles down the river from Edward Howard's cabin, and here Dresden attended school from the age of six to nine years, and, other than this, the days of youth and boyhood gave him but little chance for an education at school. However, before he was ten years old, young Howard was taken from school and put at work far too important for a child of his years ; but necessity is a hard master. According to his father's idea, the life of an Indian fur trader seemed to be the best for his son ; therefore he was hired out to a mer- chant in the Indian trade with the limited knowledge of the business that he acquired in his father's little store of Indian goods. The boy soon became expert. He knew the value of all the articles of trade, and could accurately judge the quality and value of skins and furs brought into market by the In- dians and the few white hunters of the region. These accomplishments, for such were they then considered, together with his understanding of the Indian languages, made him an exceedingly valuable employee, so that, at the age of fifteen, he had a safe passport into any of the fur trading establishments of the country. In the early summer of 1827 or 1828, young Howard accompanied Benja- min F. Hollister with a pack train of horses loaded with goods for the Indian trade, on a journey to the " treaty grounds," on the shores of Lake Michigan, near the mouth of the Chicago River (now the site of the great western metrop- olis), where were gathered the various tribes — the (Pottawatomies, the Sacs, the Foxes, and the Winnebagoes — who were met in council with agents of the government for the purpose of treating upon various subjects. At the time this journey was made, young Howard remembers not of see- ing a single settler's cabin in all that long distance, but there was an occasional trading post. There was maintained, on the site of the treaty ground, or near it, Fort Dearborn, with its little garrison of soldiers, held here, ostensibly, for the purpose of checking any depredations of the Indians, and the protection of the western frontier. The business of trading in furs and peltries was car- ried on during the fall and winter months ; therefore, during the heated term our subject had but little to occupy his time. His father sent him, during the summer of 183 1, on an expedition down the Wabash River, thence through to the Mississippi, for the purpose of locating bounty lands, to which the father was entitled as a veteran of the war of 1 81 2-1 5. For this purpose our young hero, for such he was, being but fourteen years old at that time, was fully equipped, and fully authorized to act. On this journey his route lay up the Maumee by boat with some French " freighters," thence down the Wabash, on $84 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. the back of an Indian pony purchased at Fort Wayne, to the old trading .post at Terre Haute ; thence across the prairie to the Mississippi. His trip, he says, was a most enjoyable one ; he was accompanied by young Indians most of the time, and the rifle easily procured an abundance of venison, turkey, and other wild game. He camped wherever night found him. Upon the details of this journey and the successful accomplishment of the duty assigned him, we cannot dwell. The scenes of wild sport and adventure through the unset- tled country with companions as wild as the scenes around them, would fill a volume. In the summer and fall of 1832 was commenced the removal of the Indians from this section, and in this work our subject bore an important part ; it was a work of many weeks and many hardships. It was done under the direction of Benjamin F. Hollister, assisted by Dresden Howard (our subject), Duncan Forsythe, and Samuel (Curt) Roby. The Indians were taken in small num- bers at each time, a few hundred, as they were very unwilling to leave their old homes and hunting grounds, and depart on a long journey to the Indian Territory, southwest of the Missouri River ; but they must retire before the steady approach of the white man, and their country in all its wild beauty and grandeur soon yielded to the attacks of the ax of the woodman and the plow of the husbandman ; the powerful Shawnees from Wapokoneta, and the Ot- tawas from the Au Glaize, alike, must leave and make their homes in the far- off west. It will be remembered, too, that this year witnessed the first visitation of cholera in this country, and on the journey several of the Indians were attacked and died of that terrible disease. The last of the Indians were removed from the valley in 1838, and with their departure likewise went the occupation of our subject. He, however, prepared to follow them in 1 840, taking a large stock of goods for the fur trade, and acting as agent for W. G. & G. W. Ewing. Mr. Howard ascended the Missouri as far as Fort Leavenworth, where, in consequence of the shallow- ness of the river, he disembarked, procured freight wagons (San Taffee), with eighty mules and Spanish drivers, and then followed the land trail up the Mis- souri. The white settlements at that time extended only to the little trading post at St. Joseph, which was laid out by and named for Joseph Rebidue, the old French fur trader for the American Fur Company. Mr. Howard's trade among the Sioux, Blackfeet, Crows, Grosventres and other tribes of Indians, proved quite lucrative. Of the numerous incidents of this visit we will men- tion but one, and that is of some historic interest. It occurred on the day of the presidential election of that year, 1 840. There was gathered under a large Cottonwood tree a party of ten or twelve traders, trappers, and hunters of the region, among them our subject, for the purpose of holding an election for president. General William Henry Harrison seems to have been the unani- Biographical. 585 mous choice of this small but patriotic assemblage. The oldest trapper was chosen chairman and the youngest trader secretary of the meeting ; this latter choice called into requisition the services of Mr. Howard, who kept the poll list on a piece of paper torn from a memorandum book. The votes were cast for the candidate direct, and not for electors ; and, after all had voted, the "poll book" was directed and sent to the "President of the Senate of the United States." This was the first vote of our subject for a presidential candi- date ; and it may be remarked, parenthetically, that the meeting was held near the ruins of old Fort Calhoun, beyond the jurisdiction of State or territorial government ; nevertheless, the hero of Tippecanoe received the undivided sup- port of the whole party. Of these persons all, save Mr. Howard, were past the middle age of life, so it is safe to assume that he alone, of the entire num- ber, is now living. But to return to the scenes of life on the Maumee. Edward Howard, the father of our subject, died in 1841, after which, as soon as it could be done, Dresden closed his business at the various trading posts, and became a permanent resident of the Maumee country. In the sub- sequent development of this region he has been an active participant, and his progressive nature and public-spiritedness have, in a measure, been rewarded by his being chosen to some of the most responsible public offices in the gift of his fellow people. In 1842, soon after closing the affairs of his former business, Dresden W. H. Howard was married to Mary Blackwood Copeland. Of this marriage two children have been born: O. E. M. Howard, now a civil engineer and promi- nent citizen residing at San Diego, Cal., and Miss Mary Agnes Howard, now living with her parents. The first public station to which our subject has been called, was in his appointment by the State Legislature, as commissioner with Elisha Hunting- ton, of Perrysburg, and Orlando Evans, of Defiance, as co- commissioners for the purpose of locating and constructing a turnpike from Fort Meigs to Fort Wayne, or to the Indiana State line. This was about the year 1843. I" 1870 he was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization for the real estate of Ohio. Again, in 187 1, he was elected to represent his district as senator in the Legislature of the State. In April, 1887, Mr. Howard was appointed by his Excellency, Governor Foraker, to the board of trustees of the Asylum for Insane persons at Toledo. These are the leading positions to which our subject has been called ; but he has been identified as strongly with the growth and development of Fulton county and northwestern Ohio as any resident within its borders ; he is not a man that inclines naturally to political station or to special prominence in any relation, but would rather retire to the quiet of his own home. Mr. Howard loves to dwell upon the memories of the past, and to recall the days and com- panions of his youth ; his farm home at Winameg, at the Springs, and on the 74 586 History of Henry a]S(d Fulton Counties. site of the village of the old chief, Winameg, is exactly suited to his tastes, for on it are still discernible traces of old Indian mounds, though, much disturbed by the plowshare ; and on the trees are still visible bullet holes and Indian marks of various kinds. But, notwithstanding his inclinations and tastes, our subject has been identified with some very prominent measures, among which was that of originating and building the Toledo and Grand Rapids Railroad, in which enterprise his son was also extensively engaged. This road is now a part of the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railway (standard gauge), and extends to the city of St. Louis, Missouri. HAAG, SAMUEL C. In the town of Bainbridge, Lancaster county. Pa.,, on the 7th day of August, 1841, Samuel Conroth Haag, the youngest, but one, of the seven children of Peter H. and Catharine Haag, was born. When Samuel was eleven years of age the family left the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania, crossed over the mountains and took up their residence at New Philadel- phia, Tuscarawas county, O. The boyhood days of our subject were not unlike those common to all youths, attending school and doing such work about home as he could perform ; but, when old enough, Samuel entered the office of the Ohio Democrat, at New Philadelphia, where he learned the printer's trade, and where he was employed until the fall of 1861. On the 19th day of September, of that year, he enlisted in and was made corporal of Company G, Fifty- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In the per- formance of his duty at the battle of Stone River, on the 1st of January, 1862,. Mr. Haag was severely wounded, being struck in the left arm by a minnie bullet. He was then sent to the hospital and remained there some six months. Upon recovering the use of his arm sufficiently to perform duty Mr. Haag returned to his command and was advanced to the rank of orderly on General Stanley's staff. With this command our subject served with credit, sharing alike the suc- cesses and reverses incident to army life, performing well each and every duty assigned to him, until, on the 2d day of September, 1864, when, at the battle of Lovejoy, he was again wounded in the left arm, but this time with more serious results, for amputation became necessary. This operation was performed in the field hospital, but he was soon after removed to the regular hospital for the wounded. Mr. Haag was not discharged from the service until March 17, 1865, upon which he returned to his home at New Philadelphia. In October following Mr. Haag became a resident of Henry county, taking up his abode at Texas, and here he continued to live until the year 1871. His chief occupation at this place was teaching school, at which he was remarkably successful ; he was elected clerk of Washington township, and held the position of postmaster at Texas, his commission bearing date September 19, 1866. In 1871, Mr. Haag, came to reside in Napoleon township. He was appointed I ( 1 Biographical. 587 superintendent of the infirmary farm, assuming that position September i st, and holding for a period of ten years. He then moved to Freedom township, hav- ing purchased a farm therein, but his residence here was of but two years duration, as, in October, 1884, he moved to the village of Napoleon that his children might have the benefits of the excellent schools of that place. Mr. Haag had not been a resident of the county seat a single year before his appointment to the position of postmaster, to succeed Captain Leverett G. Randall, removed. This appointment dated from July 14, 1885. At the expi- ration of the term, May 27, 1886, he was re-appointed by the president for a full term of four years. There have been no events in the life of Samuel C. Haag that require ex- tended comment in these pages. In his nature and disposition he is quiet and reserved ; a faithful friend and a kind and generous husband and father. He has not been an active partisan in the field of politics, as his nature leads in an opposite channel. He is certainly deserving of credit for his success in life, and that despite the fact that he was wholly unable to work at his trade after the loss of an arm. His marriage event occurred while he was in the Union serv- ice, and at a time when he was at home on veteran furlough. On the 21st of February, 1864, in Tuscarawas county, at New Philadelphia, Samuel C. Haag was married to Christina Limestall, who then residing near New Philadelphia. Of this marriage three children have been born, the oldest of whom is dead, the others living with their parents at Napoleon. H' ANDY, WILLIAM HENRY, the fourth child of Hon. Michael and Mary A. Handy, was born in Pike township, Fulton county, on the 29th day of January, in the year 1847. At the age of sixteen William enlisted in Com- pany H, of the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment until February 10, 1864, when he was discharged. On the 15th of April following he re-enlisted in Company H, of the Sixty-seventh Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry and served through the remainder of the war, and was mus- tered out of service and discharged on the 1st of September, 1865. On returning home he entered the office of his father as a student at law, where he remained some time, and afterward further^'prosecuted his studies in the office of Judge Lemmon, of Toledo. At this city, in the year 1868, he was admitted to the bar. He immediately commenced practice at Ottokee, then the county seat of Fulton county, being associated with his father. This rela- tion was maintained until January i, 187S, when our subject retired from the firm to assume control, as editor and publisher, of the Democratic Expositor. This paper was the only exponent of Democratic principles in the county at the time, nor had there been one for eleven years prior thereto. To Mr. Han- dy's management is credited the paper's early success, and to his leaders in its editorial columns, was also due the credit of having brought about a more per- fect party organization in the county. After two and one-half years in the ed- 588 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. iter's sanctum Mr. Handy sold the paper and resumed the practice of his pro- fession, which he continued up to the time of his advancement to the common pleas bench in February, 1885. The position that Mr. Handy has occupied in the political history of the county is too well known to need any extended comment in this place; yet, in some respects his position has been somewhat singular. While he is, and for a number of years past has been looked upon and acknowledged as one of the Democratic leaders of the county, and in the councils of the party therein he stands perhaps at the head, yet the turmoil of politics has no special charm for him. Thrice has he been the candidate of his party for the office of prosecut- ing attorney, but upon a single occasion only can it be said that he was an ac- tive, aggressive aspirant for this preferment. Being, as he has been for some years, the only Democratic member of the legal fraternity in his county, and being, moreover, a man of much professional and personal popularity, he could not well avoid entering the arena of politics in answer to the demands of his party, when it was hoped that his strength might turn the scale of doubtful contest; but the county has generally proven too strongly Republican to ad- mit of such a possibility; yet Mr. Handy has the satisfaction of knowing that* to his support has rallied the full strength of his own party, and that he has al- so drawn largely from the opposition. At the meeting of the delegates to the Democratic judicial convention of the third sub-division of the third judicial district, on the 27th day of January, 1885, William H. Handy was made the nominee of that body for the office of common pleas judge. Two days later he was appointed by his excellency. Gov. Hoadley, to the office for which he had just been nominated, and entered upon the discharge of his duties on the 7th day of February. In October fol- lowing he was elected for the unexpired term, there being no candidate nomi- nated to oppose him. As a Ia3'man of the legal profession Mr. Handy enjoys the reputation of be- ing a good counselor, and a good trial lawyer, and while he never laid claim to possessing especial brilliancy as an advocate, yet he had a way of present- ing a case to the jury that brought him at once into favor with that body, and, in close cases, gave him a fair advantage. As a judge Mr. Handy presides with becoming dignity; he thoroughly understands the law and interprets and pre- sents it to the jury clearly and with conciseness ; and in reviewing the facts is wholly free from any bias or prejudice. While the public and professional life of our subject have been entirely pleasant, his private life and qualities among friends and within the sacred precincts of home, have been none the less agree- able. Mr. Handy was married on the i6th day of October, 1869, to Isabella J., daughter of John Van Arsdale, of Ottokee, but formerly a resident of Wy- andot county. Of this marriage three children have been born : Harry L., Clive C. and May B., all of whom are living. Biographical. 589 HOLLISTER, M. D., De WITT. The residence of this well-known citizen in Wauseon, Fulton county, dates back to about the year 1851. He was- born in the town of Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y., on the 8th day of Decem- ber, 1825. His father, Philarmon HoUister, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but our subject, at the early age of eighteen years, determined to enter professional life. With this end in view he commenced a course of medical study with Dr. Stephen Pardee, a physician of Oswego county, and continued his reading for a period of about four years ; during this time, however, young Hollister attended the Geneva Medical College, where he perfected himself in the higher branches of the profession, and in surgery, and from which institu- tion he was graduated after two terms' attendance. Dr. Hollister first commenced the practice of his profession at Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson county, N. Y., and remained there about one and one-half years, after which he joined the tide of emigration to this then western country, and took up his abode at Wauseon, in the newly created county of Fulton. At that time Dr. Hollister was the only resident physician in the place, and soon acquired a large practice ; and, being a young man of good education and ad- dress, and possessing a thorough understanding of his profession, this practice became so extended as not to be confined to the limits of the county. After a residence here of about two years Dr. De Witt HoUister was united in marriage with Permelia Lamb, daughter of Avery and Sarah Lamb, of York township. Of this marriage three children were born, all of whom are now living. In connection with his professional life and duties in Fulton county Dr. Hollister has been a very busy man ; too much so, perhaps, to give much at- tention to public affairs other than as interests every well-disposed and enter- prising citizen ; he has never held nor sought public office, yet in the welfare of the county he is much interested, and gives his full share of generous sup- port to every measure for its advantage. Of late years he has given some attention to farming, not, however, as a means of livelihood, but rather as a diversion. When he had been a resident of the county for some years, in connection with his practice, the doctor estabhshed a drug store in Wauseon, which he conducted about ten years without a partner, but later he became associated with Dr. William Hyde, under the style of Hollister & Hyde ; but, after about two years, he again became sole proprietor, and so remained for several years, when John A. Reed came into the firm, but he in turn was suc- ceeded by Jacob S. Newcomer, the present partner, under the firm name of Hollister & Newcomer In his business and professional life Dr. Hollister has been rewarded with a good degree of success, and there stands no man to say that he has not de- served it. As a physician and surgeon he stands second to none in the county, and as a friend and adviser his acquaintance and counsel are frequently sought. 59° History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Now having reached the sixty-second year of his Hfe our subject is content to lay aside the more arduous duties of his profession and devote a part, at least, of his time to the care of his lands ; but notwithstanding this, demands for his professional skill and advice are constant, and cannot well be refused. HAMLER, JOHN. It is the purpose of this sketch to record some of the events that have caused John Hamler to be ranked among the prominent men of Henry county ; for it is a well known and well established fact that in the early settlement of the south portion of this county, and its subsequent development, no person has taken a more active part, or rendered more efficient service to that end than the subject of this sketch. Again, John Hamler has a favorable acquaintance throughout the entire county, and will be remembered from the fact of his having served faithfully for a term of six years as one of the county commissioners. The father of our subject was Alexander Hamler, who was born in the old county of Northumberland, in the State of Pennsylvania, on the nth of August, 1789. His wife was Mary Hamler, a native also of Pennsylvania, born in York county in February, 1792. Their children were Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Catharine, Eleanor, Alexander, John, Samuel and James. At the time of the birth of John Hamler the family resided at Marietta, in Lancaster county. John was born April 20, 18 17. The father was a carpenter by trade, but, during the youth of our subject, he was occupied, a part of the time at least, as a pilot on the historic Susquehanna River, and to the occupations of the father John was brought up until he was old enough to make his own way in life. But in the year 1834, or thereabouts, the family left Pennsylvania and came to Franklin county, O., where they lived for about a year and a half, and then moved to Crawford county and occupied a leased farm. John Hamler, at the age of twenty-three years, up to this time having resided at home, decided to started out in search of a fortune, so with but one dollar in his pocket and without a coat to his back, he started for Franklin county, where he found employment with an old friend. While at home his education had been neglected, never having spent a day in school, but after coming to Franklin county he devoted his evenings to study, and by the aid of an old friend, for whom he was working, he suceeded in obtaining for him- self a fair business education. In the spring of 1 842 he fell sick, and was in so serious a condition that but little hope of his recovery was entertained. By the advice of his physician he went south, working at various places, and traveling over several States. His greatest success in the southern country was the full restoration of health and strength, after which he returned to Franklin county, settled up his affairs there, and then came to the home of his parents in Crawford county, where he engaged in farming and clearing land. It was while so engaged, and on the 20th of December, 1843, that Mr. Biographical. 591 Hamler was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann HoUingshead, the daugh- ter of Richard and Catharine HoUingshead, then residents of Crawford county, but formerly of Morgan county. They too, were native Pennsylvanians, born in Bedford county, Richard on August 21, 1788, and his wife, Catharine, on January i, 1793. Mary Ann, the wife of our subject, was born in Morgan county, O., December 7, 1827. In the year 1 846, with his wife and one child, John Hamler came to the wilderness country of southern Henry county, locating upon land in the present Marion township. They arrived here on the night of September 16, and took up their abode in a cabin built the summer before, and which had neither windows or doors. Mr. Hamler's land comprised a quarter section situate one and three-fourths miles southwest of the present village of Hamler. At that time there were but three other residents of the region. From this time dates the residence of John Hamler in Henry county. He has been, to some extent, a farmer, but his chief occupation has been that of land tracer and agent for land owners. To this has the greater part of his time been devoted for upwards of forty years, and he is now the agent of the Deshler Land Company and for the Deshler heirs. This employment has been the source of a good revenue to Mr. Hamler, and added to it is the result of his own investments, and his own industry in clearing and improving the lands in this vicinity. John Hamler has lived to see this vast country cleared of its forest trees, its great swamp lands thoroughly drained, and where, forty years ago, there seemed but a trackless waste, are now finely cultivated farms, villages spring- ing up here and there, and the whole territory cut by well-kept thoroughfares of travel. And while our subject has lived to see all of this improvement, in its accomplishment he has borne no small part. In him the owners of land have had the fullest confidence, and to every trust reposed in him has he been faithful and true. He has been successful, but that success he has earned. He was chosen, and for twenty- four years held the office of assessor in Marion township ; his acquaintance with the lands in the region especially fitted him for this service ; in fact no man but he could locate them accurately. For several years, he served as trustee and clerk of the township, and besides, has held other offices of trust and responsibility ; for thirteen years, in connection with his land operations, he held the office of notary public. About the year 1850 he was elected county commissioner, and served two terms of three years each. Under the administration of Mr. Buchanan he was appointed post- master at Ridgeland, the first such office in the township, and held four years. During the war Mr. Hamler was active in raising men for service, devoting much of his time, and using his own means for this purpose, asking and seek- ing no reward therefor. Up to this time he had been actively identified with the Democratic party in the county, but from that to the present time he has 592 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. voted for men, not for party, but according to the dictates of conscience, and regardless and independent of party ties. John Hamler has been a progressive man in the county, and particularly in his own locality ; every measure tending to benefit the township and its people has found in him a hearty supporter, and one not niggardly in his con- tributions for all substantial benefits and improvements. The growing and pretty little village of Hamler was so named in his honor. At this place is his present comfortable home, and here is he content to pass the remaining years of his life, still possessed of full, mental and physical vigor, although now past the allotted three score years and ten of life. By his marriage with Mary Ann Hollingshead there has been born to John Hamler six children, as follows: Mary Catharine, born July 12, 1846, married Jesse W. Hitt, of Marion township ; Ellen, born March 18, 1849, married George Fredericks, of Hamler; Angelina, born February 21, 1852, died Jan- uary 24, 1856; Alice, born June i, 1854, died November 17, 1855; John Flet- cher, born July 28, 1857, died March 16, 1858; Sarah, born August 12, 1859, married Richard H. Ebersol, now living at Lima, O. KELLEY, Esq., WILLIAM C. For but a little more than two score years was Mr. Kelley a resident of Fulton county; yet, during that time he made a record as a citizen and lawyer second to none within its boundaries. As a lawyer he stood at the head of the bar in the county, and ranked equal with any in Northwestern Ohio'. He possessed far more than ordinary legal ability, and was thoroughly successful both in the counsel room, and as an advocate before the court and the jury. In the political history of the county, during the first ten or twelve years of his residence here, Mr. Kelley was a prominent central figure, and one of the recognized leaders of the Republican party. He fully enjoyed the excite- ment of a political campaign, and lent his every effort for the success of the candidates of his party, but he would never consent to become its nom- inee, except for some local office of minor importance. During the latter eight or ten years of his life he cared less for the exciting political issues of parties, but interested himself in the ability, honor, integrity and fitness of the candidate for the office. One reason for this was the fact that his professional duties required his careful attention, for he was as true to his client as he was to his friends. This was one of the marked and striking characteristics of the man, and one that always kept him high in the esteem of his professional associates and fellow-men. In a trial of a case he was entirely devoted to the interests of his client, yet equally watchful and careful of his client's conscience. He had true moral courage, and if at times aggressive, he never carried per- sonal feeling beyond the doors of the court room. He could, and he did look an antagonist squarely in the face and express his sentiments, uncomplimentary Biographical. 593 or otherwise, as forcibly as if out of his presence. He was also singularly free from professional jealousy. He desired consideration for himself, he demanded it, and obtained it too, but he never sought it at the expense of another. He wished his light to flame high, but he never thought it necessary for that end that other lights should be dimmed. He won his position and success by sturdy and sterling qualities of mind, by undaunted courage, by mental readiness, by untiring industry, and un- flagging patience, by self-denial, and setting his face against temptations to idleness and frivolity. By nature he was free from cant, and impatient of shams, and always gave more heed and attention to the substance than the form of anything, and thus, though not pretending to be polished in manner, was powerful and thorough in his work, holding with an unyielding grip every step he won in his business or profession. Possessing a thorough understanding of the law, he was not given to misconstruction of doubtful cases, and before the jury he was a log- ical, influential advocate. William Clay Kelley, of whom these things are said by his associates at the bar, was born in Liberty township, Hancock county, O., on the 24th day of March, 1838. His father, Daniel R. Kelley, was a carpenter and joiner, but our subject, at an early age, showed a strong inclination for professional life. This was a determination more easy to arrive at than to perform. His father was a man in quite modest circumstances, and whatever young Kelley might accomplish must be the result of his own personal effort and perseverance.. , He was not wanting in any of the essential elements that make success possi- ble, and he had, moreover, an unusually bright mind and an abundance of perseverance. His early education was received at the Findlay High School, but prior to that time he had attended school only about twenty months. At the age of fifteen years he began teaching. During these years of study, and in those that followed, he supported himself by such work as he could find to do. In the month of December, 1859, he entered the law office of Hon. Henry Brown, of Findlay, for a course of study, having fully determined to enter the legal profession. He continued his studies until the month of July, 1861^ when he dropped them for a time, and helped to recruit, and took a commis- sion as second lieutenant of Company D, 99th O. V. I. With this command he served until November, 1862, when his resignation was accepted because of impaired health. In January, 1863, Mr. Kelley entered the Ohio Union Law. College, at Cleve- land, and was graduated therefrom in June of the same year, and soon after was admitted to practice in the courts of the State. The next year, in March, 1864, Mr. Kelley came to reside at Wauseon, and became a member of the Fulton county bar. After having been a resident here of some three years, Mr. Kelley was, on the 2d day of November, 1867, married to Minnie L. Ayers, 75 594 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. daughter of Eli Ayers, of Kossuth, Iowa. At the time their acquaintance was formed Miss Ayers was a teacher in the schools of Wauseon. Her home had been in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., her parents having recently moved to Des Moines county, Iowa. From 1864 until 1885, William C. Kelley resided and was actively en- gaged in practice at Wauseon, and during this time his life was one of almost uninterrupted success. But during the latter portion of this period the de- stroyer was not idle. Mr. Kelley was attacked with a malignant tumor of the throat, which resulted in his death on the 30th day of June, 1885. In his religious views Mr. Kelley was a radical free thinker, although he never forced his theories upon unwilling listeners. At his burial ceremony re- marks were made by prominent members of the bar from Fulton and other counties, and while clergymen were present, they took no part in the services. In concluding this sketch, no higher, or more fitting tribute of respect to the memory of this man can be written, than is embodied in the record of the Common Pleas of Fulton county, being the action of the bar upon the occasion ■of his death. The record is as follows : "The State of Ohio, Fulton county, ss. In the Court of Common Pleas. At a Court of Common Pleas, begun and held at the court-house in the town of Wauseon, in the county of Fulton, and State of Ohio, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five. Present, Hon. William H. Handy, judge of said court. "Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Architect of the universe in His inscrutable wisdom, to remove from earth our esteemed friend and fellow member of the Fulton county bar, the Hon. William C. Kelley; and "Whereas, In his untimely death the community has been deprived of the services of one of its most useful citizens, and the bar of this county one of its most faithful representatives, and his friends and relatives of one who was loved for his virtues and respected for his integrity ; therefore be it " Resolved, That we hereby bear testimony to his acknowledged talents, his public and private worth, uprightness of character, and the many estimable and sterling qualities of mind and heart; that, feeling our own loss, we deeply sympathize and condole with the relatives of the deceased in their greatest be- reavement. ''Resolved, That these resolutions be ordered spread upon the journal of the court, and a copy thereof be transmitted to the relatives of the deceased." ROBINSON, ANTHONY B., the subject of this sketch, was born in the valley of Salt Creek, Wayne county, O., on the 28th day of September, in the year 1825. His parents were George W. and Sarah Robinson, and of their ten children, Anthony was the oldest. The father was a farmer living in Salt Creek valley, and here our subject passed the days of boyhood and youth. ^^^^-y'^T *^Jr ycyf^^^^^zj^T^n^ Biographical. 595 working on the farm and attending school. When he was eighteen years old, Anthony attended Edinburg Academy, in Wayne county, intending to prepare himself for teaching and civil engineering. After some four or five terms at the academy, he did commence to teach, and so continued for twenty eight terms, and gradually took rank with the best and most successful instructors of the county. For four years he was one of the principals of the Fredericks- burg school, which was a " summer and winter " school. June 17, 1847, then being twenty- two years of age, Mr. Robinson was mar- ried to Nancy Hutchinson, daughter of Jimsey Hutchinson, of Wayne county. From this time down to 1862, our subject was employed as teacher and at work on a farm, devoting, however, his leisure time to the study of civil engineerings intending to emigrate to Iowa and follow surveying, but the unexpected death of his father (September 26, 1846), materially changed his plans for the future, and he then decided to remain in Ohio, but, during the year last above men- tioned, 1862, he came to Fulton county and took up his residence on a farm about one and one-half miles southwest from Wauseon, and one-half mile south- west from that on which he now resides. At that time the lands in this vicinity were in a comparatively undevel- oped condition, and there appeared nothing in the then future to materially enhance their value except the labor that might be put upon them. A few years later, however, the seat of justice of the county was removed from Ot- tokee to Wauseon, near which this farm was situate. Being a thrifty, enter- prising and industrious farmer (and takes an active interest in the farmer insti- tutes), Mr. Robinson soon possessed as good an agricultural tract as was to be found in the county, and the removal of the county seat greatly increased its value. To this he subsequently added other lands, until now he is the owner of nearly three hundred acres of as productive farm lands as can be found in the region, and they have, in the main, been cleared, underdrained and devel- oped by himself Mr. Robinson is among the staunch, stalwart Republicans of Fulton county,, he being one of the delegates at its formation in 1854, at Columbus, O, Prior t® his residence in the county, however, he had held the office of justice of the peace. In 1854, then being a Wayne county citizen, Mr. Robinson, as we said before, helped to organize the Republican party, and in its doctrines, teachings and policy he has ever since been a firm believer, and to its cause a faithful adherent and an efficient helper. In about the year 1872 he was elected county surveyor and held that office for twelve consecutive years ; in the office of justice of the peace of Clinton township, he served for an unbroken term of eighteen years. And in all measures pertaining to the educational interests of the township and the county, as well, has our subject been espe- cially active and prominent, and, in this branch of the local government, he has represented the township in various capacities. As an early teacher of '596 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. understanding and experience, during his younger life, Mr. Robinson was well fitted to suggest and direct such measures as were of the greatest benefit, both to teachers and scholars. To the marriage of Anthony B. Robinson and Nancy Hutchinson there has been born a family of ten children — five sons and five daughters — and of •these all, save two, are still living. Surrounded with family and friends, Mr. Robinson still lives in Clinton, township on the farm adjoining that on which he first settled in the full enjoy- ment of health, although now past his sixty-second year, and possessed of sufficient of this world's goods to keep wife and self in comfort during the re- mainder of their days, and thereafter to leave a goodly inheritance to their children, all of whom are now married and living in Fulton county near the old home. SCOFIELD, JOHN N. In the year 1855 Mr. Scofield became a resident of Ridgeville township. Four years later he bought the land upon which was afterwards built the little hamlet of Ridgeville, being so named for the township. Perhaps no man has been so instrumental in building up and im- proving the place as he, and there are few, if any, who have done as much for the welfare of the township at large as has Mr. Scofield. With its civil and political history he has been closely identified for upwards of thirty years, and although his political convictions are not in accord with the majority of the voters of the township, his personal standing has been sufficient to break down party lines, and place him in some of the most important of its offices; still, he has not been, by any means, a politician, nor has he ever sought, while in office, to advance his own or his party's interest at the expense of the opposing party; his effiarts, rather, have been directed toward the improvement and develop- ment of the locality, thus benefiting the whole people. As is well known, Mr. Scofield holds to the doctrine of Republicanism, and, in the various offices that he has been chosen to fill, he has always been the representative of the Repub- lican party. His candidacy for the county office of probate judge is well re- membered by the people of the county, and, although defeated at the polls, he ran well up with the ticket, notwithstanding the fact that he was opposed by one of the strongest Democrats of the county — a person of no less strength than James G. Haly. John Newberry Scofield was born in Seneca county, N. Y., August 30, 1 8 14. When he was but three years old his parents, Benjamin and Sally (New- berry) Scofield, with their children, left Seneca county and came to Ohio, locat- ing in Strongville township, Cuyahoga county, where the father purchased a tract of wild land, and upon which he commenced an improvement, although his former occupation was that of a carpenter. In the family of Benjamin Sco- field was thirteen children, and of these John was the eighth in the order of Biographical. 597 their birth. John lived with his parents until he became of age, and during these years acquired a very good common school education. At the age of twenty-one he went to Cleveland, where he learned the carpenter trade, and at which he worked some six or seven years continuously thereafter, but he de- voted considerable of his time to teaching and farm work in various portions of Cuyahoga county; in all his mechanical labors in this county covered a period of something like twenty years. In the year 1837 he went to the town of Independence to teach school, and while so employed, became acquainted with Miss Anna L. Stafford, one of his pupils, to whom, on the 6th of September, 1838, he was married. From this time until 1855, Mr. Scofield was variously employed, part of the time on his father's farm, again at his trade, then he bought and improved a piece of land, but, in the year last named sold out and came to Henry county, locating in Ridgeville township, where he purchased a saw-mill property, completed the mill and set the machinery in motion. This he owned and operated success- fully for about twenty- one years. In connection with his business operations in this locality Mr. Scofield has become possessed of large tracts of wooded land, and many fine farms show the results of his labor. In other branches of business, also, he has been very active, and established and operated them with good success. He built a cheese factory in the township in 1867, but sold it after one season. In Janu- ary, 1878, he started a general store at Ridgeville, and still owns and conducts it. In 1 86 1, under the administration of President Lincoln, Mr. Scofield was appointed postmaster at this place, the name of the office being Ridgeville Cor- ners, but after about three or four years he resigned ; again, under President Hayes, he was reappointed and held until the year 1887, when, under the new administration, a successor was appointed. In the year following that in which Mr. Scofield became a resident of Henry county, 1856, on the 2d of December, his wife, Anna, was taken away by the hand of death. She bore him six children, but all of these, save one, are dead. On the 1 6th of December, 1858, Mr. Scofield married Margaret N. Harring, of Port Byron, N. Y. She died March 26, 1886. Again, on December 30, 1886, he was married to Sarah E. Harris, of Ridgeville. THOMPSON, ABRAHAM B. About half a mile north from the village of Delta, in York township, stands the residence of Abraham B. Thomp- son. He is not a native of this country, but was born in Lincolnshire, England, on the Sth day of March, 183 1. When Abraham was but three months old his mother died, and when a little over one year old his father left England and emigrated to the United States, leaving three small children, the oldest being but five years of age, entirely dependent upon the kind charity of relatives. The father did not return to England until the year 1848, and at that time our 598 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. subject was seventeen years old. Upon again coming to America Abraham accompanied his father. They came to Royalton township, Fulton county, and here the son lived until he attained his majority, when he started out determined to work his own way in life, and, above all other considerations, to acquire, at least, a fair business education. After working out by the month for nearly a year, Mr. Thompson attended school at Maumee city, and here he remained as long as he had money to pay for board and tuition, but was finally obliged to give up further study for want of funds, and, at this time, he never so much realized the need of cash, as when compelled to leave the school before finishing the course he had marked out. About this time there was considerable excitement over the wonderful gold fields of California, and many of the more venturesome young men of the east were going there. In 1854, then being twenty- three years old, young Thomp- son made the journey by the Nicaragua route. On reaching the Pacific slope small-pox broke out among the passengers, and many died before reaching their destination, while from this and other unfortunate causes, the arrival of all was much delayed. Upon reaching San Francisco our subject was entirely out of money, but by no means was he discouraged. He borrowed $30 from a friend, and started for the mines full of hope and expectation. For about four years he endured the hardships, privations and disappointments of life in the mines, when, in the fall of 1858, he returned to Ohio, having accumulated about $2,000 in money as the result of his toil. With this he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Amboy township, the improvement and cultivation of which he immediately commenced. Having got the farm and its build- ings in good condition, our subject realized that it was " not good for man to live alone," for we find that on the 27th of November, 1859, he was married to Susan Ann Powlesland, a native of Devonshire, England, but who came with her parents to this country in the year 1849. Of this marriage five children were born, viz.: Addison Brooks, born October i, i860; Cara Dora, born May 18, 1862; Evaline Francetta, born June 20, 1864; Gertrude H., born June 7, 1867, died April 10, 1869; and Ira J., born May 10, 1868. During his residence in Amboy township Abraham B. Thompson was recognized as one of its most thrifty farmers and enterprising business men. In 1869 he erected a suitable building and commenced the manufacture of cheese, which industry he has ever since continued with most favorable results. In 187s Mr. Thompson moved to his present home in York township, where, in 1877, he built the elegant residence which he now occupies. At this place, in 1875, he built an extensive cheese factory, and, until 1883, operated both this and that at Amboy, in which year the Amboy factory was sold. It will be seen that in this manufacture Mr. Thompson has been engaged for the last eighteen years ; in fact, this has been as much, and possibly more,, his occupation as farming, although at both he has been abundantly successful,. Biographical. 599 and accumulated a comfortable fortune, the result of energy, perseverance and straightforward honesty. The cheese that he' has produced has always been a standard article in the market, and brings good prices. It is shipped mainly to Toledo and Adrian, although a fair proportion of the output is used to supply a demand in the county. While Mr. Thompson has been a very busy man in conducting his business affairs, he has, nevertheless, found time to show a patriotic interest in the wel- fare of his township and county ; and in the political history of each he has been a prominent figure as is shown by his various political holdings, and in each of which he has been the nominee of the Republican party. He has filled with entire satisfaction the offices of township road supervisor, school director (fifteen consecutive years), treasurer, trustee, justice of the peace, and in con- nection with the county's affairs, he filled the important and responsible posi- tion of commissioner for nine consecutive years. In the most ancient and honorable order of Masonry has our subject been for many years a faithful craftsman. He joined the order in 1863, and has filled various offices of trust and responsibility in connection therewith ; from master of Fulton Lodge, No. 248, he has advanced and is now acting M. E. H. P., of Octavius Waters Chapter, No. 154, of Delta. In 1881 he became a member of Toledo Commandery, and went into the Scottish rites in 1883. AYERS, Esq., DAVID. Among the pioneers of the territory that is now embraced within the boundaries of Fulton county, was the family of Moses Ayers, a former resident of Wayne county, but who came to this locality in the year 1838. To the older residents of this county the name of Mr. Ayers is well known. He was a thorough, honest, intelligent and respected farmer, and one that contributed his full share in the development of Dover township. His wife was Elizabeth (Chrisman) Ayers. They had a family of seven children, five boys and two girls. Moses Ayers built a small tannery and conducted it in connection with his farm work for some time. This event is probably forgotten by many of the old settlers, as it was done some fifty years ago. At that time Dover was a wild and uncultivated country, and Indians were more numerous than whites, but they were quite friendly and peaceable. The old tannery has long since gone to decay, and the farm is now occupied by David Ayers, who was the second child of this pioneer family. David Ayers was born near Shreve, in Wayne county, this State, on the 2d day of April, 1828, and, at the time of his father's settlement in this locality, was but ten years of age. There was no school in Dover at that time, so Da- vid, when old enough, was put at work in the tannery, but the damp and un- pleasant atmosphere told severely against him, in fact, it was then thought that he had not long to live. At the age of twenty years he went to Adrian, Mich,, and attended school for about six months, after which he entered the Bethany 6oo History of Henry and Fulton Counties. College, in West Virginia. Here he remained two and one- half years, when his health failed and compelled him to return home. It should be mentioned that the father of this young man was very generous toward his children, and encouraged them in every industrious effort ; he gave them land to cultivate, and a share in the profits of the tannery, and it was from the sale of his share that David acquired means with which to pay for his education. In 1853 he went to California, induced to make the journey in the hope of restoring health and strength, and, in part, to acquire a fortune. The first, and perhaps the most important, of these desires was realized, for his physical strength was recovered, but in the acquisition of a fortune his efforts were not so fully rewarded. He worked a claim on the Yuba River for one fall season, and at its close was just $500 out of pocket. He then engaged in shingle mak- ing at $9 per thousand, but this price soon declined. Still later he worked on a farm until the year 1856, when he returned to Fulton county to reside. Two years later, on the i8th of March, 1858, our subject was married to Elizabeth Anna Bayes, daughter of William W. Bayes, of Clinton township. Of this marriage three children have been born, all of whom are still living. From the time of his return home from the far west to the present day, Da- vid Ayers has been a respected resident of Dover township ; but from this time must be excepted the four years of his incumbency of the office of county treasurer, during which he lived at Wauseon. His farm is one of the best in Dover, and it was here that his parents settled fifty years ago. Mr. Ayers is a man of modest, quiet disposition and temperament, yet pos- sessed of firm convictions in political and civil affairs. He has been, in no sense, a seeker after office, still there are but few, if any, of the offices of the township that he has not filled at the request of his fellow-townsmen ; and, in each and every capacity in which he has been elected to serve, the people have had the assurance of the selection of a faithful official, one in whom they had confidence, and one by whom no trust was ever violated. Such a reputation does David Ayers bear among his townspeople, and throughout the county. In the year 1 87 1 he was the nominee of the Republican party for the office of county treasurer, and at the polls was elected by a good majority. His administration of the affairs of this office showed that the honor was worthily bestowed, and upon its incumbent there was no breath of suspicion. He proved a faithful public servant, and discharged his duty to the entire satisfaction, not only of his party, but of the people of the whole county. Upon the expiration of his second term, for he was re-elected in 1873, Mr. Ayers returned to his comfort- able farm home where he now resides. In matters pertaining to religion Mr. Ayers is connected with the Christian Church, of which he and his family are members. He has been frequently chosen for various church offices, and of his means has contributed liberally toward defraying the expenses of building the church edifice, and maintaining the good work of the society. William D. Hagar. Biographical. 6oi HAGAR, WILLIAM D., was born in Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y., on November 22, 1847, ^"^ in that quiet and peaceful village he received his early education, under the careful guidance of a mother who possessed unusual intelligence and moral firmness of character. His opportunities for a literary education were limited, but at an early age he displayed an aptness for acquir- ing and retaining knowledge, which, in the eventful years of his life, has en- abled him to secure a fund of information upon literary, scientific and useful subjects, and especially in the intricacies of his profession, which is possessed by but few men. Possessed of a fixed determination to occupy a prominent position in life's busy arena, he early commenced the fight and at the age of fourteen launched his hopeful craft on the adverse sea of life, which, guided by his own hand and kept afloat by his own energy and perseverance, was to eventually land him in the ranks of the progressive men of the times. Experience teaches its own les- sons and the succeeding years were devoted to that very exacting preceptor^ Several occupations were tried and dropped, and several schemes succeeded each other, but all failing to meet his youthful expectations. The great armies of the Union were fighting the desperate battles of the rebellion, and young Hagar responded with youthful patriotism to the call for reinforcements and enlisted in Company I, Tenth New York Cavalry and went to the front. Bra- very on the battlefield, a patriotic devotion to his country's cause, and prompt performance of every duty won for the boy soldier the love of comrades andi high regards of all who knew of his valor and deeds of heroism. He was. taken prisoner at the battle of Manassas Gap and confined in the rebel prisoin at Richmond six months, after which he was paroled and subsequently honor- ably discharged from the army, having served two years. Young Hagar re- turned home, laid aside the blue and donned the citizen's dress, but not satis- fied with opportunities offered, started for Michigan and engaged in various pursuits at Morenci, but afterwards went to the "pineries" and engaged in the manufacture of shingles, but soon drifted to Chicago. The heavy firm of C. W. & E. Partridge of that flourishing city was the first to offer flattering in- ducements, and he passed the ensuing three years in their employ, making a specialty of the dry goods trade, during which time he gained the esteem and respect of his employers as well as of the mercantile firms of note in the west. Miss Jennie Neff, professionally known as " Miss Jennie Morgan," was at that time at the height of her fame as a public singer, and while filling an en- gagement at Chicago made the acquaintance of Mr. Hagar, which resulted in the solemnization of the marriage rites between the busy man of commerce and the charming songstress. Mrs. Hagar was an accomplished vocalist of pure merit, who was celebrated for her high talents throughout the Union, which no doubt was the cause of the turning point toward a fortune for the 76 ■6o2 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. subject of our sketch, as it attracted his attention to the public dennand for amusement, for the supplying of which he was particularly qualified. It is not inappropriate to add that the fame of Mrs. Hagar never abated during her pro- fessional career, but she voluntarily retired from the stage, and in her private life is equally fascinating to her friends, and a loving and devoted wife to her husband. Mr. Hagar decided to embark in the amusement profession and se- cured what are known in circus parlance as the " privileges " with the late John Murray's circus and menagerie. These Mr. Hagar operated with rare ability for four years. Mr. Coup, then owning one of the most noted circuses of the day, rented Mr. Hagar the " privileges " of his enterprise, which were controlled with success for a similar period of four years ; but adversity overcame Mr. Coup in 1882, and his immense concern was sold by the sheriff at Detroit to satisfy the demands of his creditors. Coup was then owing Mr. Hagar about ;$I4,000 borrowed money. He was on the alert and took timely steps to save liis money, but every dollar was lost through technical errors, for which his at- torneys were purely responsible. In 1883 the museum fever demanding the attention of some of the ablest showmen of the day, caused Mr. Hagar to become the senior partner of Hagar, Campbell & Co., in the proprietorship of the Dime Museum of Philadelphia, which was undoubtedly the largest, most prosperous and best managed insti- tution of its kind on the American continent. In 1883 Mr, Hagar, still holding his interest in the Dime Museum, secured the management of the concert, side show, annex, and other " privileges " of the world- renowned "Barnum and London Combined Shows." Mr. W. T. Campbell was also a partner in the Barnum enterprise. They having an offer of what was supposed to be a fabulous price for the museum, it was sold in 1885, and Messrs. Hagar & Campbell turned their entire attention to the man- agement of the "privileges" of Barnum's " Greatest Show on Earth." In the spring of 1887 Mr. Campbell retired from the show business and settled upon his large fancy stock farm at Rushville, Ind., Mr. Hagar taking his entire in- terest. Mr. Hagar has long been identified with the agricultural interest of Fulton ■county, having frequently invested a portion of his surplus earnings in real es- tate here and now owning one of the largest and best farms in York township, ■which is heavily stocked with blooded horses. He has an elegantly furnished Ihome in Wauseon, where he takes a winter's rest after the arduous labors of the show season, enjoying the rich reward of a life well improved. He is the soul of honor, a genial companion, a fast and never failing friend, a lavish giver to deserving charity, and a liberal supporter of every public en- terprise. Biographical. 605 RORICK, Hon. JOHN C. There is not, perhaps, a single resident of Ful- ton county that has had an experience in life so varied as that of the sub- ject of this sketch ; still, from a business point of view, notwithstanding his years of travel and the many enterprises in which he has been engaged, the life of our subject may be said to have been entirely successful and satisfactory, and he now stands among the leading business men of the county. Mr. Rorick has- profited by his experiences, and the many places that he has visited, the pur- suits in which he has engaged, and the people he has met, have educated and' given him an understanding of men and affairs that has proved of great value. This much of comment will be pardonable when we narrate the partial events of a lifetime. John Conklin Rorick was born near Elmira, in New York State, on the 13th- day of February, 1834, and of the five children born to William and Phoebe Ann Rorick, he was the second. When John was but two years old the family moved to Lenawee county, Mich. Here our subject was reared, and, when old enough, was put at work on his father's farm. He attended school about two months each winter, acquiring, at the age of sixteen, a very limited education,, confined to reading, writing and simple rules of arithmetic. By the encourage- ment of a teacher, named Ed. Hopper, he, at that time, made a radical change,, and by incessant application to his studies during the hours when other boys slept, and every moment that could be spared from his daily labors, aided bj^ eighteen weeks' attendance at the Medina Seminary, he passed a successfuF examination in the common and some of the higher branches, and commenced teaching at the age of eighteen. Graduating in book-keeping and commercial law at Gregory's College, in Detroit, at the age of twenty, he went to the Lake Superior copper regions, to take charge of the books of the Ridge Mine, but his arrival having been delayed by lake storms several days, he found the place already filled, and accepted the position of " boss " of a gang of men connected' with the mines. Disliking the position, in company with three companions, he made the trip from Ontonagon to Stephen's Point, a distance of two hundred: and thirty miles, on foot through an unbroken wilderness, being guided by the use of chart and compass. From this place Mr. Rorick went to Madison, Wis., where he opened a school for writing and drawing. It may be stated here that in the art of penmanship and drawing Mr. Rorick became wholly proficient, and, in fact, in the latter of these attainments, he has but few equals. But our subject did not remain long in Madison, for in the year 1855 we find him associated with a celebrated penman, Dan Howard, in establishing a commercial college at Milwaukee, Mr. Rorick having charge of the depart- ments devoted to book-keeping and commercial law. The institution was suc- cessful and profitable from the commencement, but Mr. Rorick's close applica- tion to teaching, both day and evening classes, was followed by failing health, and, upon the advice of Professor Douglass, he sold out his interest, and loaned €o4 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. his surplus earnings to a successor, taking therefor a note which was never paid. Mr. Rorick then resumed his former occupation of teaching night schools in Northern Illinois, and from that time to i860, he engaged in teaching, working farms on shares, and small speculations ; but at that time he became the owner of a good farm near Aurora, with a large personal property, but was quite heavily in debt. The reverses of i860 caused by the Illinois "stub-tail" cur- rency, followed by the depressions of war prospects and other misfortunes, wiped out his margins ; but instead of keeping his cash and forsaking his credi- tors, he sold all his property at great sacrifices, and paid every dollar of debt before it became due. After closing his affairs in Illinois Mr. Rorick returned to Lenawee county, and in 1862 leased his father's farm in company with his brother, J. M. Rorick, giving his note for his share of the investment, which was very successfully run for two years in connection with speculations in stock and other property. His next venture was the purchase of the Sherman House, in Wauseon, the con- duct of which he assumed in January, 1864, but in August following he sold out at a large profit, and bought a farm in Chesterfield township to which he then moved. This farm was sold, also at a large profit, and, in 1866, with J. M. Rorick, he purchased the Exchange Hotel at Morenci, Mich., which they managed for a short time and, being offered a large advance, sold out. John C. Rorick then moved to Canandaigua, and purchased a spoke factory and a large amount of town property, which was greatly enhanced in value by his energy and other causes. Having sold out his entire interest he moved again to Wauseon in 1872, at which place he has since resided, taking an active interest in its industries and prosperity. He has owned several farms in Ful- ton county, which have been greatly improved under his management ; he has been prominently connected with the National Butter, Cheese and Egg Asso- ciation, which has a reputation as wide as civilization ; he was many times elected one of its vice-presidents, and once its first vice-president, and his speeches at Chicago, Indianapolis and other cities are prominent features of its reports during his membership. He was the inventor and patentee of the "Rorick system of reworking butter," which went into general use, and no doubt added millions of dollars to the value of the "store butter" of the United States. He invented and patented the Ohio Rug Machine, which has found sale all over the United States ; he was one of the founders of the Safety Loan and Abstract Company, and is, at the present time, its president. To enumerate each of the interests with which Mr. Rorick has been identi- fied since his residence in Wauseon would be a long and useless task ; but it will be seen from the foregoing sketch that the life of our subject has been, from early manhood, an exceedingly busy one, and one that would ordinarily require the whole attention of the person interested ; but, notwithstanding this, Mr. Rorick has found time to give much attention to public affairs, and has Biographical. 605 taken a prominent interest in politics from the time of Stephen A. Douglas to the present. He was a Democrat up to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, casting his first vote for Fremont, and has been a Republican ever since. He commenced his career as a newspaper writer by reporting Douglas's Illinois speeches for the Chicago Democrat. He was justice of the peace in Michigan several terms, and held other offices there. Since residing in Wauseon he has been township trustee once, and a member of the city council four years. He was a member of the State Board of EquaHzation in 1881, representing the Thirty-third Senatorial district comprising the counties of Lucas, Fulton, Henry, Hancock, Putnam, and Wood. His duties on that board were neces- sarily very laborious, but were performed to the utmost satisfaction of his dis- trict. He at the commencement secured the confidence of his associates, and by rare good judgment, never taking a position which he did not have the figures and arguments to maintain, kept it to the last, and the records show that he never made a motion which was not carried. It is conceded that no part of the State secured so favorable a consideration as did the " northwest,'' through the management of Mr. Rorick. The temperance legislation of the Republicans turned the Thirty-third District over to the Democrats, and the Senatorial Convention at Toledo, in 1883, believing that he was the most avail- able candidate, gave him the nomination, which he reluctantly accepted several days after, and made a creditable campaign against Hon. O. B. Ramey, of Ottawa, running nearly one thousand ahead of the ticket, but, nevertheless, was defeated. In justice it must be said that Mr. Rorick never solicited an office or accepted a nomination except with reluctance. He is an independent thinker, a close student, and has acquired a local reputation as a newspaper writer on political, theological, and scientific subjects, and has always taken a deep interest in popular education, now holding the position of president of the Wauseon board of education. The life of John C. Rorick needs no comment beyond a narration of its events ; it needs no eulogy, no praise. The facts stand out clear, and the people know the record. His sterling worth and integrity, his progressiveness, his generosity, and public-spiritedness are well known throughout the county, and even beyond its borders. If his business life has been successful that suc- cess has been earned and deserved ; and if he has accumulated a comfortable fortune that condition is the result of his own personal effort, industry, and per- severance. Not wholly alone does our subject enjoy the fruits of his labor. He was married on the iSth of December, 1862, to Emma J. Whiting, the daughter of Seth F. Whiting, of Elmira, N. Y. Dr. F. H. Rorick, a young physician, who has acquired considerable prom- inence as a specialist, an inventor of surgical instruments, and medical writer, is the only son of the subject of our sketch. 6o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. SCOTT, Hon. ROBERT K. These pages do not contain the space requi- site for a detailed narrative of the events of the life of this man, nor is it in accord with his desire that such detail should be given, but rather, as a neces- sary part of the history of Henry county, for his life during the last thirty-five years has been almost inseparably connected with it, that there should be made some reference to a career of business activity, and one closely associated with the civil, social, political and military history of the county, more closely, per- haps, than that of any other person. Again, there lives not within the county's borders a single person that has risen by his own or another's effort to occupy the honorable and distinguished positions that have been assigned, by those in authority, to Robert K. Scott. Governor Scott's residence in Henry county was the result of an incident: rather than of intent, as, at that time, he was journeying westward over the Miami and Erie Canal toward the Mississippi River, and thence intending by- water to reach California, where he had previously, though for a short time, resided ; but, on reaching the town of Florida, he met a party of former ac- quaintances, by whom his baggage was taken ashore and he, vi et armis, com- pelled to accompany them ; still, this whole proceeding was altogether friendl}r and with the desire that young Dr. Scott should remain with them. Robert Kingston Scott was a native of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, born in Armstrong county on the 8th day of July, in the year 1826. His parents were John and Jane (Hamilton) Scott. The father had been a civil engineer, but at the time of Robert's youth was a farmer, and on the farm our subject passed the early years of life, at work and in attending the district school. Early in life Robert determined to enter some profession and had a strong inclination for the law, but subsequent events changed his course and he became a mem- ber of the medical profession. At the age of fifteen he left home and came to Stark county, in this State, where he had a sister residing and with whom he lived and attended school, the facilities for an education being much better here than then could be found in Armstrong county. Later young Scott began teaching school and, at the same time, boarded with the family of Dr. Graves, of Navarre, in Stark county. Here he gradually drifted into the study of medicine and afterward supplemented his course by lectures and further study at the Starling Medical College at Columbus. He went to California just at the time when the "gold fever" was at its height. This was in 1850, one year too late to entitle our subject to the distinction of having been a "Forty-niner." Dr. Scott spent one year in the Golden State ; he first went to digging, or rather making preparations for digging ; he succeeded in turning the Middle Fork of the American River, but just as this great task was completed and a very rich deposit of mineral discovered, the Doctor awoke one morning to find no less than forty feet of water over his claim ; but his work was not wholly- lost as he had already secured some valuable dust, and he was the only person Biographical. 607 engaged in this work that gained anything except disappointment. After this, in company with eight men, our subject started on a prospecting trip to the locality known as the " Secret Diggings," where they worked successfully for a time, but Scott soon left the mines and commenced practice, which he con- tinued for some months with marked success ; but, following his inclination, he started for a return journey to his home. On the way he visited several places of interest along the coast of Mexico and South America. After what seemed to him a visit of sufficient length among friends and relatives. Dr. Scott again set his face westward, intending to return to Cali- fornia, and it was while carrying out this determination that he journeyed across Henry county, where "circumstances " changed his purpose, as has been heretofore narrated. Having decided to remain in Florida, Dr. Scott resumed his professional work and soon acquired a remunerative practice. He had a thorough under- standing of medicine, and his reputation as a physician soon became estab- lished throughout the county, and even beyond its borders. For five years he was actively engaged here, but after that became interested in a successful mercantile business, which he continued for something like one and one-half years, when he disposed of it and came to reside at the county seat. This was in the year i860. Here he formed a business partnership with Samuel M. Heller, but, at the breaking out of the war, sold his interest to that gentleman and devoted his own time, attention and means, unselfishly and without hope of reward, to recruiting and sending companies to the front. In the organiza- tion of the Fourteenth and Thirty-eighth Regiments he bore an active part, traveling throughout the county and vicinity, raising men and perfecting these military organizations ; this being done he commenced recruiting the Sixty- eighth Infantry, which regiment has ever been known as the pride of Henry county, it being composed largely of young men from the several townships of that county. In this work Dr. Scott was acting under orders from Governor Dennison, and upon the full organization of the command, he was entitled to, and offered the commission of colonel, but declined and accepted that of lieu- tenant-colonel, while Harry Steedman was made regimental commander. Soon after, however, Scott succeeded to the command, and so continued until the fall of Vicksburg, where by every military consideration, coolness in action, bravery, and above all, meritorious services, he honestly earned, and received a commission as brigadier- general of United States Volunteer Infantry, the instrument conferring this rank bearing the date of December 1 2, 1 863. Again, in March, 1865, General Scott was brevetted major-general, which rank he did not resign nor was he mustered out of service, but, on the 15th of Decem- ber following, he was ordered by the secretary of war to report to General O. 0. Howard at Washington ; which order being complied with, he was sent to relieve General Saxton, at Charleston, S. C, as commissioner of freedmen, refugees and abandoned lands. 6o8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. In this capacity General Scott entered upon the discharge of his duties soon after the first of January, 1866; he satisfactorily adjusted the diflScuIties ex- isting between the whites and blacks ; protected the interests of the loyal white residents and controlled the disposition of the abandoned lands in the State. He was vested with wide discretionary powers and much latitude in the trans- action of the business of his office ; many abuses were corrected and the affairs of the State were placed on a firm basis. Notwithstanding the scope of his duty and the many opportunities that were presented for self advancement and gain, General Scott was never charged either with malfeasance or mis- feasance in office, and in this regard he was almost the only officer so invested with power against whom no charge of corrupt practice was made, or against whom no word of suspicion was uttered. While in the performance of his duties here, at the 1 equest of many citizens of Charleston and of the State gen- erally, the muster out of General Scott from the service of the United States was suspended, but in July, 1868, his resignation was accepted. In the same year, having gained a residence in the State, General Scott was placed in nom- ination by the Republican State Convention for the office of governor, and at the polls was elected by a majority of 45,000. Two years later he was re- elected to the same office, although by a less majority of votes. This was a period of reorganization. During his first official term Governor Scott was ably assisted by the most capable of the financiers and statesmen of the Commonwealth ; and there was but little political opposition to his admin- istration; but during his latter term of service his administration was con- stantly hampered and embarrassed by the designs of unscrupulous money- getters, carpet baggers and other obstructing elements against whom he had to contend. Still further, the Democracy of the State again became organ- ized and sought, by all schemes and measures, to overrun the Republican or- ganization, which was eventually accomplished. It would be a useless task to attempt to set forth the every act that marked the official life in the South of Governor Scott, nor is it considered an impor- tant feature of this sketch. Suffice it, therefore, to say that his administration was a success ; his duty lay plainly before him and faithfully and fearlessly did he fulfill it ; and notwithstanding the clamor of certain of the chivalric opposi- tion, the governor's efforts toward building up a safe governmental structure for the State were materially assisted by a large contingent of the honest and conscientious residents of the city of Charleston and elsewhere. For a period of some six years after his retirement from official life Gov- ernor Scott continued to reside in Columbia, where he was engaged in busi- ness, mainly in dealing in stocks and bonds, besides giving some attention to farming, but in July, 1878, he, with his family, returned to Napoleon, and his long neglected real estate interests in this locality. From that until the pres- ent time he has been one of the most extensive and successful dealers in lands Biographical. 609 of Northwestern Ohio, and even beyond the State, for his investments in the west are known to be large. Within a few years past he has purchased a tract of over two hundred acres of land lying, nearly all, within the limits of the city of Toledo, but after the purchase was completed he took partners in the en- terprise. The development and sale of this in lots is now occupying, in the main, the attention of our subject, but his other vast interests, ramifying as they do throughout this whole section, demand some portion of his time and care. Such, then, is a brief resume of some of the principal business and other operations of Robert K. Scott. If it indicates anything it is that he is a re- markable man in his capacity to grasp and successfully direct large enterprises. In such undertakings, the detail of which would distract and paralyze the powers of men less favorably constituted for such operations. General Scott has seemed to see the end from the beginning. He looks over his ground, forms his own judgment with rapidity and almost unerring accuracy, and after that proceeds to the execution of his plans with the serene confidence that the result will be in accord with his expectation. He has been, and is as must be seen, a very busy man ; but his manifold interests never worry him ; in all these his power has proved sufficient for any emergency and his time adequate for all require- ments. And he has found time, too, for other duties than those confined to his business operations ; indeed, to every improvement that has promised to add to the welfare or beauty of his village and county he has been a generous contributor. During his years of residence in Henry county he has been an active worker in the political field, on the Republican side, though never for his own advance- ment ; he has not sought or accepted office, but his time and means are al- ways ready for the good of the party, and when the government was threat- ened by internecine foes, none was more active and hberal in its support than he. Though not personally connected with the church all religious organiza- tions receive of his sympathy and material aid. In short, General Scott has not only succeeded in erecting a business and financial fabric of large propor- tions, but has been, in all respects a useful citizen, to whom the confidence and respect of his townsmen are not the least appreciated of his rewards. It was during his residence at Florida, in this county, that Robert K. Scott was united in marriage with Rebecca J., the daughter of John Lowry, a pio- neer and prominent resident of the county. Two children, a son and a daugh- ter, were the fruits of this union. The daughter died during the parents' resi- dence in the South. A curious fact is that ever since the Revolutionary War one male member of every generation of the Scott family has held some mili- tary title. The son (R. K., jr.) of the subject of our sketch holds the title of captain, and according to the Adjutant-General's report is the youngest captain in the United States. 77 6io History of Henry and Fulton Counties. BROWN, Hon. L. W. When Levi W. Brown entered upon the discharge of his duties as probate judge of Fulton county, it is said, and with much truth, that he brought into that office as thorough a knowledge of its legal points as any incumbent that has occupied the position since the county's erec- tion. Judge Brown is not a member of the legal profession, save ex-officio, but before he was called to fill the office referred to, he had studied the law, and had an excellent understanding of its maxims, principles and application, and these are the elements upon which those "learned in the law" most largely de- pend for success; therefore it can be no exaggerated statement on the part of the members of the profession in giving utterance to these thoughts. Judge Brown was a native of Fulton county, a son of one of its early set- tlers, and one of its highly respected citizens, Benjamin Brown, a former resi- dent of Addison county, Vt., from which place he came to Ohio in the year 1837, and took up his abode in the wild and sparsely settled region of country that was subsequently erected into this county. Levi Walter Brown, the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin town- ship on the 2ist of December, in the year 1841. Of the four children born to Benjamin and Ruth (Reynolds) Brown, he was the youngest. The father was a farmer, and Levi was brought up on the farm, where he worked during the spring and summer, and in attending school in the winter, until he became eighteen years old. He then commenced teaching in season, and was thus en- gaged, alternating between the farm and the school- room, for a period of about four years. At the age of twenty-five years, having accumulated a small sum of money, the result of his industry, Mr. Brown embarked in the mercantile business at Elmira, this county, having a small stock at the outset, but gradu- ally enlarging it as his means permitted and the increasing trade required, un- til he became known as one of the most successful and reliable country mer- chants of the county. For about seven years Mr. Brown was engaged in the mercantile business, when a partnership was formed only to continue for a brief time, when Mr. Brown again became sole proprietor, and so continued un- til about 1872, when he sold out and moved to his parents' farm, they then be- ing in impaired health and strength on account of their advanced years. Up- on their death Mr. Brown became owner of the farm, he paying legacies to the other heirs to abundantly compensate them for interests in the property. He continued his residence on the farm until February, 1879, when he moved to Wauseon to assume the office of probate judge. As a farmer Mr. Brown was as successful as in mercantile life, and in con- nection with agriculture he engaged extensively in stock growing, both cattle and sheep, and in this department he was among the largest stock growers of Northwestern Ohio, and from this branch of industry Judge Brown has not re- tired, as he is now the owner of a large and well-appointed stock farm, situate south of and near Wauseon, and has thousands of dollars invested in fine stock, J.LaJ^ Qry-tAyyv Biographical. 6ii and in which he takes great delight. While our subject has for many years taken an active interest in the political welfare of the country, he did not be- come engaged therein to any considerable extent prior to his advancement to the judgship of the Probate Court ; he had, however, held the office of clerk of the township in which he lived. As has already been stated, he took his seat as probate judge in February, 1879, and was twice thereafter re-elected. Since his residence at the county seat Judge Brown has been one of the ac- knowledged leaders of the Republican party in the county, and his ability as such, and as an organizer as well, has made him a prominent figure in the pol- itics of the State. In 1886 he was a candidate for nomination for the office of representative in Congress, but was defeated in the nominating convention, Hon. M. M. Boothman being the successful aspirant. He was subsequently elected, and his success was largely due to the effijrts of Judge Brown, who so throughly organized the district as to make his election possible, there being in the district a standing Democratic majority of not less than one thousand. In the year 1887 Judge Brown was made chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, a position that called forth his greatest effort as an organ- izer; but that this trust was well-placed is shown by the result of the recent election and needs no comment in this place. The gallant Governor Foraker and his friends fully appreciate the work of the campaign, a campaign almost nationalin the interest taken by both parties throughout the country and the results likely to follow therefrom. A recog- nized factor in the politics of Ohio, the judge naturally takes a deep interest in national politics, and took an active part in the organization of the National Re- publican League, being a delegate in attendance and member of the executive committee, representing Ohio in the first national convention held in New York city December 15, 1887. While Judge Brown has always been a pronounced Republican, active in the councils and work of party organization, and his fighting qualities recog- nized and felt by his political opponents, yet each time he has been a candidate before the people, he has secured a large number of Democratic votes, and no personal warfare has ever been made against him. It would seem, under ordinary circumstances that a man whose time was so fully occupied with the cares and duties that have been allotted to him would give but little heed to matters pertaining to the church, but in this instance, such is not the case. Judge Brown was born of parents who were humble and devoted worshipers and members in the M. E. Church, and in the teachings and faith of that denomination has our subject been educated. For the last twenty- five years he has been a member of the church. He has, moreover, been a member of each lay conference that has assembled since that feature of the church's government was adopted, and was a delegate to the last General Conference held at Philadelphia during the month of May, 1884. In other so- 6i2 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. cietiesand orders he has also been prominent; in the Masonic fraternity he has risen to the degree of a knight templar. His membership in the order is of twenty years' standing. He is also prominently connected with the society known as Knights of Pythias. Levi W. Brown has been thrice married. His first wife, Nancy A. Ames,, he married June 14, 1863. Four children were born of this marriage. His wife died in 1874. On the 14th of September, 1875, Mr. Brown married Ehz- abeth Gigax, of which marriage one child was born. The second wife died February 14, 1881. On the i6th of January, 1882, he married Esther Stone, of Cayuga county, N. Y. Of this marriage one child has been born. Mrs. Brown is a lady of fine cnlture and an able second in all her husband's pub- lic enterprises, both church and State. CANFIELD, HEMAN A. On an island of several hundred acres area, in the Tiffin River, or, as it is more generally known. Bean Creek, stands the comfortable residence and excellent farm of Heman A. Canfield. In Gorham township, which has been his residence for the last twenty-five and more years, this man is well known and highly respected for his moral integrity and sterling worth ; a man, who, by thrift and untiring energy, has built for himself and his family a comfortable fortune. But the time of residence on this island by no means represents the dura- tion of his residence in the county, for in this regard he antedates the county's existence by a dozen or more years. He first came to the territory embraced by the present township of Chesterfield while its lands formed a part of Lucas county. Heman Arza Canfield was a native of New York State, born in the town of West Bloomfield, Ontario county, on the 25th day of January, in the year 18 1 6. His parents were Titus and Orpha Canfield, and they lived on a farm in Ontario county, and there brought up a family of five children, of which our subject was the second. Soon after arriving at the age of twenty- one years Heman came to Ohio and took up a tract of land, two hundred and forty acres in extent, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. This land is located in Chesterfield township, and was a part of what has been styled the "Oak Openings." Here Mr. Canfield built a log cabin, but, being unmarried, boarded one summer with the family of Azariah Shapley, a pioneer of the region. After ten acres were cleared, in the spring of the year 1838, corn and pota- toes were planted and cared for until fall, when Mr. Canfield returned to On- tario county and was married to Amanda G. Brown, a most excellent young woman, a resident at that time of West Bloomfield. This devoted husband and wife have lived in the most agreeable companionship for a period of nearly a half century. They have raised to maturity a family of six children, three Biographical. 613 sons and three daughters, all of whom are still living and well situated in life. They are as follows: Delia S.; who married John Smith, now living in Massa- chusetts ; Henry T., now engaged in the agricultural implement business in Texas ; Ellen L., who became the wife of Daniel A. Bennett, and now lives at San Jose, Cal.; Clara G., who married Henry T. Kurtz, of AUentown, Pa.; Ed- ward T., a progressive farmer of Dover township, and Arthur B., who resides near the parental home on the island. As a farmer of Chesterfield township Mr. Canfield was thrifty, thorough and practical ; his farm, when first purchased, was of such land as abounded in the region, forest lands and oak openings, but, through his persevering efforts it was made one of the best and most productive of the locality. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he is remembered as having been an extensive cattle dealer and drover at an early day, taking Hve stock as far east as Syra- cuse, in New York State, and to other markets in that State. At a later period, being found capable and worthy of confidence, he has been entrusted with the management of several estates, and in each and every trust reposed in him he has answered- fully and faithfully its requirements. In the matter of the drainage of the Carroll swamp Mr. Canfield was a prime mover, and although a long and tedious litigation followed, he held firmly to the project and became, eventually, successful. In this and every measure looking to the advantage of his locality he has been among the fore- most advocates, and has cheerfully contributed of his means and personal endeavor to their accomplishment. In the political history of the county, and of his township, too, Mr. Canfield has been an influential though not con- spicuous person. He never asked for or sought an office, but has held nearly every position within the gift of his townspeople. From 1871 to 1874 he filled the position of county commissioner, and performed his part with ex- ceedingly good judgment and to good purpose. For a period of twenty-two years Mr. Canfield was a resident of Chester- field township, but in i860 he sold his lands there situate and moved to.Gor- ham township, on the island in the river, as mentioned heretofore in this sketch. Our subject is now beyond the three score and ten years allotted to man, but still is he in the enjoyment of health and strength, conscious of having performed well his part in the battle of life, and content now to remain in com- fort and domestic peace and happiness, awaiting the Master's call. DEYO, Hon. ALBERT. In the northern part of Chesterfield township, about two and one-half miles east from Morenci, .stands a large and elegant brick residence, and within a few rods "from it are standing as commodious and well-appointed farm buildings as can be found in northwestern Ohio. The owner and occupant of this comfortable home is known as one of the most 6i4 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. stirring, progressive, and capable business farmers of Fulton county — one whose name has been, perhaps, as prominently before the people of this county as can be found within its borders. Albert Deyo is remembered as the recently retiring member of the State Legislature, having served therein with honor to himself and to his county two terms. He was first elected in 1883, and again in 1885, and his majority at the polls was, to say the least, very flattering. Still earlier he is remembered as having held, for six years, or two terms, the office of clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, being first elected in 1872, and re-elected in 1875. As early as 1863 he was elected township clerk of Chesterfield, and was the incumbent of that office for nine consecutive years. Again, Albert Deyo is remembered as a man closely identified with the growth, development, and improvement of Fulton county. Especially has his effijrts been directed toward the graveling of the roads of the county, which efforts, although not yet accomplished, certainly show commendable enterprise on his part. In this he has met with much opposition from certain quarters, but he is still confident that the improvements advocated and publicly urged by him upon all proper occasions will be finally adopted and fully carried out. His fine farm and its improvements shows his thrift, enterprise, and determina- tion. From a very early day he has taken a deep interest in the educational advancement of the township, has insisted upon establishing a uniformity of text books, and the erection of better school-houses. Albert Deyo was not born in Ohio. He is a native of New York State, born in the town of Windham, in Greene county, on the 21st day of August, 1828 ; but the ravages of time and almost ceaseless toil scarcely show upon him, and he might readily be taken as a man of fully fifteen years less than he in fact bears. In the family of his parents, Aaron and Anna (Ford) Deyo, were five children that grew to maturity, and of these Albert was the youngest. When he was but six years of age his father's family left New York and came to Seneca county, in this State, where he worked a farm for four years, after which he moved to Huron county and resided there until his death, in the year 1842. Aaron Deyo was an honest, hard-working farmer, who, by his toil had acquired some means, but by circumstances beyond his control, he was stripped of his property, and that, too, at an age in life when further labor could not repair the loss. After his death the mother, with Albert and two other of her sons, kept the family together for three years. About this time, or when he became eighteen years of age, Albert com- menced teaching school in the winter, and did carpenter work during the work- ing season, and so continued most of the time until his marriage, in 1854, and even later, for we find that during the winter succeeding his marriage, he taught school in Huron county. It was on the i8th of October, 1854, that Albert Deyo was married to Biographical. 615 Margaret Kishpaugh, the daughter of Henry Kishpaugh, of Huron county. The succeeding spring with his wife and a hired conveyance, Mr. Deyo came to Fulton county and took up his residence in the then wild region of Chesterfield township, on a tract of land situate within a half-mile from where he now resides. He had here purchased a tract of unimproved land of one hundred and sixty acres, making a payment of about eight hundred dollars, money that he had previously earned, and encumbering the property for the balance. He built a log house in the woods and commenced an improvement. The clearing, however, was not wholly done by him, as he worked at his trade as a carpenter during the summer, hiring the necessary work of the farm to be done. On this farm our subject lived until 1863, when it was sold, and he pur- chased the two hundred and twenty-six acre tract now occupied and so greatly improved by his labor and industry. This occurred during the time of the late war, in the events of which Mr. Deyo took more than a civilian's interest. He was the captain of a militia company, receiving a commission from Governor Todd ; but desiring a more active service than that of home guard, he enlisted for the hundred-day service as a private of Company D. He was afterward promoted to orderly sergeant. The command was attached to the One Hun- dred and Thirtieth regiment, and served therewith until the expiration of the term of enlistment. Subsequently the company was reorganized and he was unanimously elected its captain. The interest taken by our subject in the civil, social, and political affairs of the county are well evidenced by the early part of this narrative, and need no further comment in this sketch. The record made by him in the Legislature of the State was wholly satisfactory, both to the man and his constituents. During the first term of his service there, the Democratic party was in the majority, and not being a member thereof Mr. Deyo expected no favors ; he received none, he asked none ; yet he did his duty fearlessly and well. The next term found his own— the Republican party— in the ascendency, and with that came work and responsibility, for he was made chairman of the Fees and Salary Committee, second on Agriculture, second on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, besides performing important service on special committees selected on various occasions. Now having reached the sixtieth year of his life, Albert Deyo is content to yield the a<5tive participation in the arena of politics to younger aspirants, and to retire to the quiet and comforts of his home, where, surrounded by family and friends, he enjoys the fruits of early toil and labor. Still, not infrequently, does he enjoy the pleasures of travel, learning more and seeing more of this broad and progressive country. Mr. Deyo's family, besides himself and wife, consists of three children— one daughter, the wife of a promising young physi- cian, of Wauseon, and two sons, the elder in business in Nebraska, the younger possessing the same habits of industry and energy that characterized his father. 6i6 History ov Henry and Fulton Counties. resides at home and has charge of the farm, stock, etc., thus relieving his father of the entire charge of the same. ELY, LA FAYETTE G. In the western part of Franklin township, near the Williams county line, is the excellent farm and elegant home of La Fay- ette G. Ely, a man well known throughout this county as a successful farmer, a thorough- going business man, a trusted public servant, and a man of strict integrity and moral worth. All this is said of him by persons whose acquaint- ance with Mr. Ely is of long standing. The father of our subject, and the mother as well, were natives of the Key- stone State, Pennsylvania, but at the time of their marriage, were residents of Knox (now Morrow) county, O., and our subject was born in Knox county, a part of which afterward became Morrow county. In his father's family were eleven children, and of these La Fayette Gilbert Ely was the oldest, he be- ing born on the 3d day in April, 1834. Of these children but seven grew to manhood and womanhood, the others having died during childhood. George Ely was the youngest of those that reached man's estate. He is well and favor- ably remembered in the western part of Fulton county ; he was a member of Company C of the One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, and was killed at Atlanta, Ga., during Sherman's memorable campaign. George Ely, the father of our subject, was the son of Asher Ely, and of the fifth generation from Joshua Ely, one of the Puritans of New Jersey, and who died at an advanced age in the year 1 704. Asher Ely was born in New Jersey in 1788, and moved with his parents to Pennsylvania in 1795. He was a soldier and engaged in the War of 1812-15. In 1826 he moved to Knox county (now Morrow), where George Ely was married and where our subject was born. In the year 1835, the father, George Ely, his wife, Elizabeth (Folck) Ely, and their child. La Fayette G., then about one year old, became residents of Will- iams county ; and among the pioneers of that locality, none was more promi- nent in every measure looking to the improvement and development of the county than George Ely. He assisted largely in the organization of the town- ship, and to him belongs much of the credit of its early improvement and hav- ing laid the foundation for its subsequent growth. George Ely still lives in the enjoyment of good health for a man of his years, being now aged seventy-five, andj his wife, too, aged two and a half years less than her husband. The life of La Fayette G. Ely, up to the age of about twenty- three, was spent on his father's farm, and in attending school, but on attaining his majority he rented the farm of his father, which he worked in season, and taught school during the winter. The early education of the children of George Ely was by no means neglected, and while their father could not provide each with a home Biographical. 617 when at man's estate, he, nevertheless, saw that the means of earning that home was furnished in teaching them industry, frugaHty and economy. How. well this instruction was received is shown in the life of our subject. On the 1 2th of November, 1857, La Fayette G. Ely was united in marriage with Sarah S. Masters, the daughter of Hon. Ezekiel Masters, of Franklin town- ship, and in this same year the young couple came to reside in that township. From that time Mr. Ely became a resident of Fulton county,, and his associa- tion with its civil and political growth is so well known as to require but a brief mention in these pages ; and in the township of his residence there lives no man but that enjoys his acquaintance. His beginning here was necessarily small, for his means were limited, but the visitor at his present home is at once struck not only with the attractiveness of its surroundings, the large and com- fortable dwelling and out-buildings, but with the evidence of thrift and pros- perity that everywhere prevail. His farm is known as one, of the best and most productive, not alone of the township, but of the county, and in area it extends- over some two hundred and ten acres. From here can be seen the residence of his parents in Williams county, to the west. The devoted wife of Mr. Ely shared with her husband in the toil and econ- omy that made this comfortable home ; she bore him four children, all of whom are yet living. For their son and daughter that have married an abundant provision was made upon the happening of that event. After a pleasant mar- ried life of nearly thirty years, Mrs. Sarah Ely answered the Master's call on^ the 1 6th day of May, 1885. She was a loving and devoted mother, a kind and' affectionate wife, an excellent neighbor, a faithful worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she had long been a member, and in the teaching* of which she had reared her children. For more than a year Mr. Ely lived a widower, and, on the 30th of December, 1886, was married to Mrs. Mary H. Wood, a most worthy woman, and a prominent teacher in the Fremont schools. La Fayette G. Ely has been a successful farmer of Franklin township for upwards of thirty years, and while his time has, in the main, been devoted to the care of his farm, he has found time to participate in the events of the polit- ical world, although he has by no means been an office seeker or politician. There are but few of the offices of the township that the people thereof have not asked and elected him to fill. In 1859 he was elected justice of the peace and subsequently re-elected, holding in all twelve years. For six years he was auditor of the county, first taking the position in 187 1, but was twice re-elected, having been renominated in convention by acclamation, and, upon his third candidacy his majority at tfae polls was greater than upon either prior occasion. This indicates that Mr. Ely's strength did not lie wholly within the Republican party, and that the administration of the affairs of the auditor's office, together with the popularity of its incumbent, were sufficient to call to his support his 78 '6i8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. party's full vote, added to which was a large complimentary following from the opposition party. And it is proper to remark that Mr. Ely was re-elected at a time when, over the whole land there was a great outcry against all third term ■candidates. During the six years in which Mr. Ely was the fiscal officer of the county he maintained, temporarily, a domicile at the county seat, but other than this, he has been a constant resident of Franklin township. The farm and the political station which he has been chosen to fill, have not wholly engaged the time and attention of our subject, for, in his own, his family's, and his people's spiritual welfare, he has made an earnest, honest en- deavor. From boyhood he was instructed in the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to that faith has ever since strongly inclined, although he is no strict sectarian, as his contributions to many worthy causes outside his own society will fully attest. All share of his bounty, and all enjoy the benefits of his liberality and generosity. No worthy charity has ever appealed 1:0 him in vain. Again, Mr. Ely has always taken a great interest in the agricultural advancement of his county, and has, for the last thirty years, and ^rom its first organization, been an active member of the County Agricultural Society; he has been on the board of directors for a number of years, and -the president of the society for the past three years, which latter office he mow holds. Among those who have labored to elevate the standard of agriculture, and sought to instill into the minds of the farmers and their families, a true and commendable pride in and love for their occupation and calling, Mr. Ely has always been in the front rank ; and to his earnest and conscientious endeavor in this direction must be ascribed a no small share of the credit for the high standard to which agricultural education and develop- ment have attained in Fulton county. He has, likewise, always been a friend of education, and shown a deep in- terest in the welfare of the young people around him ; his library, one of the largest and most complete in the county, has always been open to the free ac- cess of his numerous warm friends among the young. FINNEY, Dr. S. B. It may be seen a somewhat remarkable assertion to say, that any physician possesses the power of analyzing disease by intui- ^tion, yet such cases are not wholly unknown, although they may be infrequent. IHowever this may be, it is a well-known fact that Dr. Finney possesses a rare 'gift in diagnosing and successfully treating physical disease, whether or not he has had an opportunity of a personal interview with the subject for treatment ; and the throngs that constantly visit his laboratory, and the still greater amount .of communications by letter, that call for his professional skill, attest the won- iderful success of his method of treatment. And it is not alone the rich people of this world that receive substantial cures at his hands, but the poor, as well ; / s \ /, , S. B. Finney, iM.D. Biographical. 6ig for it is a fact, that Dr. Finney dispenses and distributes among all classes, many thousands of dollars worth of his medicines, each year. At home and abroad, among all nations, are his wonderful healing remedies sent, carrying joy and comfort into tens of thousands of homes, and bringing to this kind bene- factor the gratitude of as many hearts. But it will be asked : Who is this man ; and whence comes he ? S. B. Finney was born in Holmes county, O., in the year 1834, and passed the years of boyhood and youth on his father's farm, in that county, and in attending the common district schools of the neighborhood. From early youth he had a natural love for botanical studies, and applied himself diligently therein until he attained a thorough knowledge of this science, as well as a complete understanding of the healing and curative properties of the plant creation. But for a time he gave up this pleasant pur- suit in response to his country's call for help. Young Finney enlisted as a pri- vate in Company K, of the I52d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which com- mand he went to the front in August, 1862, and thenceforth shared the viscis- situdes, privations, hardships and successes of the army, until at the battle of Chariton Bridge, where he fell. He was honorably discharged from the service in September, 1864, and returned home to family and friends. Early in the month of April, 1865, our subject came to Fulton county, and took up his abode in the then unsettled and uncultivated region of Dover township, that has ever been known to the people as the " Oak Openings." Here, assisted by his devoted wife, he built a log cabin, and at once com- menced the cultivation of the naturally fertile soil, and was compelled to live frugally, as he had but little means. Here he had an opportunity of again pursuing his favorite study of botanical specimens, with which the region was abundantly supplied, until, at last, having watched carefully their effects and results, and combined those elements that proved productive of the greatest good, this soldier physician announced to the world his healing remedies, that have, from that day, been of inestimable value to mankind ; a panacea for the many ills that flesh is heir to, and he has used them with such skill and judg- ment that his crowded rooms are no longer wondered at by the good people of the vicinity. It is now more than twenty years since Dr. Finney became a resident of Fulton county, and during that time he has achieved unbounded success; and who is there to say that he has not deserved success? His home, laboratory and offices are at Winameg, a small hamlet about three miles north from the old county seat, Ottokee, and about ten miles from Wauseon. JORDON, AMOS H. But few comparatively, of the old settlers of this re- gion were of New England birth, but there is found occasionally a substan- tial progressive resident who, among people unacquainted with the New Eng- landers, are called " regular downeasters." However this may be, it is no less a fact that among the few families of "Yankees" of Fulton county, there is €20 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. found as much enterprise, thrift and determination as exists in any class of her residents. The person whose name entitles this brief sketch is a fair represen- tative of the class just mentioned, although a majority of his years have been passed in this country of Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Amos Hosmer Jordon was born near Bellows' Falls, Windsor county, Ver- mont, on the 9th day of September, in the year 1 8 13, therefore at this time he is in the seventy- fifth year of his life. In the year 1830, when our subject was seventeen years of age, his father's family left the Green Mountain State and came to Michigan, locating at a point near the present city of Adrian, where Amos lived until he attained his majority. He then came over to the " disputed ter- ritory " and commenced the improvement of a quarter section of land, on sec- tion twenty-three near Phillips Corners. After much hard work in this wild and sparsely settled country, Mr. Jordon succeeded in making a fine farm, and about time, 1836, he married Rebecca Livesay, the daughter of Gershom Live- say, of Chesterfield township. This faithful and devoted wife shared the trials, hardships and subsequent success of her husband for sixteen years ; she bore him seven children, five of whom are now living. She died on the 4th day of December, 1852. For about two years Mr. Jordon remained a widower, when in 1854 he married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Lewis and Rachel Miller, of WiUiams county. One child was the fruit of this union, but his wife, Elizabeth, died in a very few days after its birth. From that time Mr. Jordon has been a widower. Amos H. Jordon is well known throughout the county as a man of sterling worth and integrity ; a man whose thrift and energy have made his life suc- cessful, and whose social relations have always been pleasant and agreeable. He is not, however, a man whose name has been frequently before the people asking for political preferment, as he has never been an aspirant for these hon- ors, save once, and upon that occasion he became a candidate, at his party's request, and not his own desire. The party to which he has pinned his faith for many years past, has not been the dominant power of the county, and its candidates have learned, generally, to expect defeat at the polls ; and, although this resulted when Mr. Jordon was the Democratic nominee for the office of sheriff he, nevertheless, held the full strength of his own party in the county, and received a good support from his friends in the opposition party. Prior to the defeat of General Scott as a presidential candidate, Mr. Jordon affiliated with the Whig party, but after that event occurred he found a home in' the Democratic camp. Mr. Jordon became well known and acquainted with the county's people in the year 1857, at which time he was the contracting builder of the first court house at Ottokee. This was during the infant days of Fulton county, and any person then in any manner connected with the events of the time, was an ex- ceedingly important personage. This work Mr. Jordon performed faithfully Biographical. 621 and well. At another time he held the position of district land appraiser for the townships of Pike, Dover and Franklin. For a period of nearly forty years Mr. Jordon has been a member of the order of Free Masons, his membership thereof dating back to about the year 1850. Since that time he has been at least an honorary member of each lodge or chapter organized in the county. He is also a member of Toledo Com- mandery. Amos H. Jordon, of whom this sketch is written, was the son of Samuel and Sivel (Hosmer) Jordon. In their family was seven children, six boys and one girl, and of these children Amos H. was the oldest but one. MILLER, JOSEPH H. Nearly a half century has passed since Mr. Miller located upon the land now covered by the village of Swanton, and dur- ing that time the most surprising changes have been made in the vicinity, and it may be said truthfully that no one man has been more instrumental in bring- ing about these changes, these improvements, and evidences of prosperity and growth than he whose name entitles this sketch. ■-:*.% Joseph Henry Miller was born at Cherry Valley, Otsego county, N. Y., on the 2 1st of November, 18 12. He was the second of six children, sons and ■daughters of Lewis and Sally (Tennent) Miller, the latter of whom died at the age of thirty-two years. Of these children, but two — Joseph H. and Mary {Miller) Harriott — are now living. Lewis Miller was a shoemaker, and at the bench he labored hard for his family's support, but misfortune came upon him and took away his greatest helper — his wife — leaving to their father the addi- tional burden of the care of several small children. Joseph was one of the older of these, and, upon his mother's death, he was "bound out" to learn the shoemaker's trade ; but it seems that the lad had no liking for such work, as he soon ran away, only to be captured, returned, and " bound out " for a ■second time ; but a second opportunity for escape (for to him it seemed like •escape from captivity) was offered, which he at once accepted and took his ■departure from that region and went to Ohio, and subsequently to Illinois. To attempt to fpUow the fortunes of Mr. Miller for the ten or more years that passed after he went to Illinois, would be absolutely impossible for the biographer, and would seriously tax the memory of the subject himself; suffice it to say then, that for a number of years he traveled over the country, west and south, working at various employments — now on the Mississippi River boats, again on the rail, then crossing and recrossing the mountains, earning and spending money, and gaining nothing of lasting value beyond experience and a knowledge of men and States. While in Illinois he suffered from an attack of small-pox, but recovering, a later time found him in New Orleans, where he was " pressed" into service in a small-pox hospital in that city and remained there six months. 622 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. At last, becoming tired of the vicissitudes of a roaming life, and possess- ing an earnest desire to settle down to some established vocation or business, Mr. Miller returned to Ohio in the year 1840, where he found employment on the Miami and Erie Canal, which was then being constructed. He drove team, towing boats loaded with stone, up the Maumee for a time, but finally settled at the point whereon was afterward built the pretty and flourishing village of Swanton. After having lived here three years, Mr. Miller married on April 4, 1 843, Lydia Cass, a most estimable young woman, a native of Canada, but then residing in Ohio. She bore him four children, viz. : JuHa Ann, born May 24, 1844, married James White and now lives in Swanton; Lydia Ann, born May 12, 1847, married Wood HamHn, died August 22, 1868; Sylvia L., born March 25, 1851, married Cyrenus Sanderson, and now living at Swanton; and Olive L., born July 10, 1854, died May 19, 1886. Lydia (Cass) Miller, the devoted wife and mother, shared the hardships and successes of her husband for upwards of forty years, and died on the 23d of July, 1884. Two years later, July 27, 1886, Mr. Miller was married to Ann Cass, a sister of his former wife. To the building of the Air Line division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Mr. Miller undoubtedly owes much of his success in busi- ness life, although, to his excellent judgment and foresight, is also due a no small portion of that success, for, by his effort and his donation of lands to the railroad company, they were induced to locate a station upon his land, at the point where it is now situated. When the building of the road in this locality was commenced, Mr. Miller was engaged on the work, receiving the modest compensation of seventy- five cents per day. A little later we find him deal- ing, in a small way, in butter and eggs, but although seemingly small, he saved $500 in a single year. With this he started a store in Swanton, and to his credit be it said that no matter how short of ready cash he may have been, he was never denied credit for any amount of goods he desired to purchase. These principles have characterized his every transaction in life — straightfor- ward honesty, and integrity. Mr. Miller continued merchandising from 1856 to about 1872 or 1873. On the completion of the railroad he was made station agent, and, with the exception of about six months, held that position for sixteen years. In con- nection with his other business interests, he has bought and sold much land; and whereon now stands the village of Swanton, nearly all of the tract has, at some time, been owned by him. He has given not only land but large cash contributions for various enterprises. The land given the railroad company cost him three hundred dollars. To the company that built the grist-mill he offered a tract of land or four hundred dollars in cash ; they took the land. He donated two hundred dollars worth of land for school purposes, and to the Biographical. 623 society of each of the churches- Methodist, Baptist, and Christian— he donated lands worth two hundred dollars each ; for the saw, planing, and lath-mill he leased land at three dollars per acre, annual rent, to run at the pleasure of the occupants. Added to these gifts may be mentioned the bountiful provision made by Mr. Miller for the various members of his family, retaining to himself only a small portion of his extensive estates, and the rental of a part of his buildings. Still retaining his full mental vigor and strength, although his physical structure has been somewhat impaired by the ravages of time, Mr. Miller continues to reside at his fine hotel in Swanton, and has now passed the seventy- fifth year of his life. MURBACH, M. D., ANDREW J. At Gachlingen, Switzerland, on the 15th day of December, in the year 1838, the subject of this sketch was born, and in that country his life, up to age of sixteen, was passed. In the spring of 1855 his parents, Jacob and Catharine Murbach, with their children, came to this country and settled in Lucas county. The father was a farmer and came to Lucas county when its lands were in a comparatively undeveloped state. He and his wife still live there, highly respected people, and both well •advanced in years. At the age of eighteen years Andrew came to board in the family of Dr. Marcus H. Schnetzler, who was then a practicing physician at Burlington, in this county, and with whom he read medicine, his course of study covering a perid of some six years. During the later years of his study young Murbach became sufficiently well informed that his instructor permitted him to practice in the locality, and, with the means thus acquired he determined to take a med- ical course at some thorough institution. To this end he entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, where he attended lectures during the terms of 1862-3, and 1863-4, ^^'^ was regularly graduated in the spring of the year last named. In the year 1862, about the time of the completion of his medical studies with Dr. Schnetzler, Andrew J. Murbach was married to Ann Janette, the daughter of Jonathan Barnes, of German township. One child that died in in- fancy was the only fruit of this marriage. Having been graduated from Starling, and received that highly cherished prize, a diploma, more commonly known as "sheepskin," Dr. Murbach located for practice at Archbold, in the fall of the year 1864. Here he has resided to the present day. During these years he has built up a practice second to none in the county; in fact, his ride comprehends a greater territory than is con- • fined by the county's limits, and while his practice has been, and still is, very large, it has also brought to its possessor a handsome return, as his elegant home, . his store building and its stock fully shows. No man is jealous of Dr. Mur- bach's success in practice ; he has earned it, and he has deserved it. More- 624 History of Henry and 1^'ulton Counties. over, there is not in Archblod, a citizen more public spirited or more liberal in all that tends to the welfare of the community, than he. In 1 87 1, in connection with his practice. Dr. Murbach established a drug- store at Archbold, which is now conducted under the firm name of Murbach & Schnetzler, the partner therein being the present capable treasurer of the coun- ty, and a brother of Dr. M. H. Schnetzler, the former instructor of our subject. In his professional occupation, in September, 1885, in order to somewhat lessen its cares and responsibilities, a medical partnership was formed between Dr. Murbach and Dr. George W. Hartman, a graduate from the department of medicine of the University of Michigan. In^this sketch reference has been made to the marriage of Dr. Murbach to Ann Janette Barnes. She died in August, 1866, after a pleasant married life of about four years. On the 1st of December, 1869, Dr. Murbach was mar- ried to Lizzie Tanner, daughter of Martin Tanner, of Sandusky. Of this mar- riage three children have been born, all of whom are now living. In the affairs of the municipality of Archbold, and of German township, Dr. Murbach has been a somewhat prominent figure, although he has never as- pired to the honors of any county office. Like a majority of the county's peo- ple he leans toward the Republican party. In the village he has held the of- fices of councilman and treasurer, and was also treasurer of the township. His interest in politics is well known as he is perfectly frank in the expression of his opinions, but his time is too much occupied by professional duties to devote any considerable attention to politics in general, or beyond the limits of his township. BASSETT, Dr. L. A. Lyman Augustus Bassett was born in Lyme town- ship, Huron county, O., on the 2Sth of October, 1825. He was the old- est of eleven children of Smith and Huldah (Lee) Bassett. His father was a farmer of Huron county, and on the farm our subject was brought up, attend- ing school, summer and winter, until old enough to do farm work, when his school days were confined to the winter months. At the age of eighteen years young Bassett was apprenticed to learn the trade of harness making, which, at that time, meant more than simply the mak- ing of a harness, as he also learned to make saddles, trunks, bags, and trim car- riages. At this occupation he worked three years and eight months, but, ow- ing to ill health, was compelled to give up the trade, and, in or about the year 1846, commenced to study medicine under the instruction of Dr. John R. Os- born, of Wood county, to which county Mr. Bassett had gone, and located a tract of land. He continued reading and studying medicine, but not continu- ously, for some four or five years, not, however, with the intention of becom- ing a physician, but rather that he might have a knowledge of homeopathy ; but gradually he found himself drifting into its practice, in the neighborhood in Biographical. 625 which he lived. He, in order to perfect himself, then attended lectures, and the year 1857 found him actively engaged in a successful and growing practice. About this time, or soon after, Dr. Bassett established himself in Fulton county, at a point south of and near the village of Swanton, where he continued his professional labors, and engaged in other branches of business. He started a general store at Swanton, and managed it about six years, but prior to that he was in the drug business, which could be conveniently carried on in connection with his professional work. At Swanton his stock comprised groceries, staple dry goods and drugs, and, as his mercantile interests increased, he gradually went out of his medical practice. The store, except the drug stock, was sold about the year 1 872, but the latter he continued nearly five years longer. In his business and professional life Dr. Bassett was quite successful, and accumulated considerable property. He has also engaged in handling real es- tate in his vicinity, and this has been a source of profit in a rapidly growing town, as Swanton has proved to be. In the affairs of this village, its improve- ment and development, the doctor has been a prominent figure. Upon its in- corporation he was elected mayor, and subsequently re-elected to the same office, serving in all, four years. For the last twelve years he has filled the of- fice of justice of the peace. In 1887 he was a candidate for nomination in the county convention, for the office of probate judge, and in that convention he developed considerable strength. He was defeated, however, a compromise candidate being chosen. As is a well known fact. Dr. Bassett has been iden- tified with the Republican party since its organization, and prior to that was an ardent Whig. Lyman' A. Bassett has been twice married. His first wife was Cornelia Elizabeth Farrand, of Sandusky county, whom he married January i, 1850. Three children were born of this union, only one of whom is now living. From his wife Dr. Bassett was divorced by a decree of date October 23, 1867. In 1870, on the 9th day of December, he married Laura A. Grover, daughter of Girden Grover, and step-daughter of George H. Hollis, of Swan Creek town- ship. GROSCHNER, Hon. H. C. Herman Christian Groschner, the subject of this sketch, was born in Baddelaben, Prussia, on the 4th day of February, in the year 1844. He was one of the younger children of Jacob C. and Dor- othy Groschner, who will be remembered among the highly respected Ger- man families of Napoleon. The family emigrated from Prussia when Herman was but seven years of age, and took up their residence at Buffalo, N. Y., where the father found employment at his trade, that of a blacksmith and car- riage maker. They lived in that city but one year, when they moved to De- fiance county, O., only to remain there six months ; thence to Florida, in this county, and, a little later, to the county seat of Henry county, at which place 79 626 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. he lived up to the time of his death. Herman C. was employed in assisting- his father in the shop. He proved an apt helper, and soon became conversant with the English language. At the age of fifteen years he became clerk in a hardware store at Defiance, and remained there four years, during which time he learned the detail of the business, and, being able to speak both German and English, soon became a valuable employee. When about twenty-one he ac- cepted a managing position in the hardware store of Henry Kahlo, a pioneer merchant of Napoleon, with whom young Groschner remained until the pro- prietor sold to Imber & Gillis, when the young man was given the manage- ment of the business. Soon afterward Mr. Groschner became an actual part- ner, being for two or three years associated with the junior member of the former firm ; and from that until the present time he has held an interest, either as part or sole owner. He was connected with the business under the several firms of Gillis & Groschner, Groschner & Hellers, and Groschner & Redder- son, but in May, 1887, he purchased his partner's interest in the stock and be- came sole proprietor. It must be remembered that when our subject commenced his business life he was wholly without means, and whatever of success has attended his efforts has been the result of his own personal energy and industry. His position, for some years, was that of a clerk, but by the interest he showed in the welfare of his employer's business, he gradually became entitled to more than a clerk's position. Of course, with advancement, there came increased salary and greater responsibility on his part ; step by step has he advanced, until now he is sole proprietor of a large and well- stocked hardware establishment, added to which are special branches, and all requiring close and careful attention. Mr. Groschner's store on Perry street, in Napoleon, is in the business center of the town, and his trade is large and constantly increasing. It would seem that a man whose business cares are so great would find but little opportunity to indulge in the worry and labor of politics ; nevertheless, he is not wanting in political zeal and ambition, both in local and State affairs. In Napoleon he has served in several capacities : first, he was treasurer, and later a member of the board of education, holding in the last named office for nine years, and being on the most important committees of that body. He was the successful candidate for the office of representative in the Legislature of Ohio, and took his seat in 1879. At the expiration of his first term he was renomi- nated in convention, and again became a member of that body, serving in all, four years. Again, at the earnest solicitation of friends, he became a candidate for senatorial honors, but was twice defeated in convention ; but in 1885, he was the nominee of the Democracy of the 33d Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Lucas, Hancock, Putnam, Henry, Fulton and Wood, and was elected by a good majority. As a member of each branch of the Ohio Legislature, Mr. Groschner Biographical. 627 served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his people ; he originated no special measures, but identified himself with such acts as seemed for the general welfare. It was his policy to acquaint himself with the duties of his po- sition, and then act understandingly. During his two years in the Senate he was a member of the following important committees : Finance, board of pub- lic works, labor, roads and highways (chairman), ditches and drainage, fish cul- ture and game, board of public survey. In the fall of 1887 Mr. Groschner was renominated by the District Senato- ' rial Convention, but owing, in a measure, to the extraordinary efforts of the opposition party in behalf of their candidate, he was defeated at the polls. At the age of twenty- three years, in 1867, soon after having become a res- ident of Napoleon, Herman C. Groschner was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Darrah, of Toledo. Of this marriage there has been born seven child- ren, six of whom are still living — two girls and four boys. HORNUNG, CHARLES. Of all the classes or nationalities of people that have settled in and developed the county of Henry, none have been more prominent, more active, more thrifty, or more enterprising than the Bavarian Germans; and of this class in the southwestern part of the county the family name of Hornung is, perhaps, the most conspicuous. The pioneer of Pleasant township was John Peter Hornung, who, with his family, came to this locality and settled among the Indians, in the year 1837. Here he had a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild, uncultivated land, the improvement of which he commenced and completed, except such further development as was made after his death ; he built up a fine farm with build- ings suitable for the times. Both John Peter Hornung and his wife, Elizabeth, died within the township, but, at the time of their coming to the place. Pleas- ant, as a township, was unknown. Charles Hornung, one of the younger children of this family, seems to have been the person upon whom fell the duty of making the subsequent improvements in this locality ; he built up the little hamlet of New Bavaria ; he has, at various times, established manufacturing industries here, cleared large tracts of land, had a post office established, en- gaged in mercantile business, and done and performed all the acts needful to entitle him to the honor of being the founder of the town, which he, in fact, was. Mr. Hornung was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the i6th of May, 1823, and at the time of his parents coming to this country, in 1837, he was fourteen years old. He was brought up on the farm, and in 1844 he commenced work for himself On the 14th of July, in this same year, he was married to Catha- rine Desgranges of Pleasant township. Of this marriage there have been born eleven children, of which number but six are now living. For the ten years succeeding his marriage Mr. Hornung was devoted to 628 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. farm work, clearing and cultivating, but at the end of that time he commenced selling goods, in a small way at first, but gradually enlargfng his store and stock, keeping step with the growth of the township, until his business has assumed large proportions. In 1855 he commenced the manufactnre of pearlash and continued it with fair success until about 1870. It was in 1844 that he laid out and started the little town of New Bavaria, naming it in honor of his native country. Here about this time, through his efforts, a post-office was established. His mercantile business had so grown, that in 1882 he built the large and commodious brick store building that he now occupies, and about the same time or soon afterward, he started the ex- tensive hoop and stave factory which is now in successful operation. These, then, are the enterprises that have, in the main, occupied the time of Mr. Hornung during the last forty and more years of his residence in Henry county ; and they have been, through his untiring industry, energy, thrift, and last, but by no means least, his straightforward honesty in every transaction, the source of goodly fortune to him. But he has found time also for matters outside of strict business, which show his interest in the affairs of the county in general, and, furthermore, attest his business capacity, and the appreciation of his efforts by his fellowmen. During his early residence in the county he was elected to the office of county surveyor. In 1854 he was elected county com- missioner, serving one term, and then re-elected for the succeeding term. The same office was held by him at still later period, from 1874 to 1880, making in all twelve years of service in this important position. He has been post- master since 1844, with exception of one year (i860). He has been justice of the peace forty-two years. From these several political holdings it will be seen that our subject has been a somewhat prominent figure in the affairs of the county, and while he has been thus favored he has, during these years, been elected upon choice of each of the great political parties of the day. His political career dates from the time of Mr. Buchanan. Twice upon the candidacy of Mr. Lincoln he voted for his electors, and upon General Grant's first canvass he was his warm sup- porter ; but when Mr. Greeley became the nominee of the Democracy and the Liberal Repubhcans, Mr. Hornung was found among his admirers. From that time he has been identified with the Democratic party of the county, and one of its strongest men. KILPATRICK, Mrs. MARY I. The subject of this sketch, whose maiden name was Mary Isabelle Patrick, is a daughter of one of the pioneers of the Maumee Valley, John Patrick, who made a settlement in this county in 1825. John Patrick was a native of Canaan, Mass., and his wife Esther (Tift) Patrick, was born in Providence, in the State of Rhode Island. They were married in Oneida county. New York State, whither their parents had removed Mary Kilfatkick. Biographical. 629 before the happening of that event. Soon after the young couple left for the then western country, intending to locate in Indiana, near Vincennes, to which place the wife's parents had emigrated. John Patrick and his wife lived here some three or four years, after which they went to Michigan, but on account of the severity of the winter months, they returned to Ohio, and on the 17th of October, 1825, settled upon a tract of land in the Maumee Valley, in what is now Liberty township, this county, the same land now owned by George E. Patrick. On this farm Mary Isabelle Patrick was born; on the 4th day of November, in the year 1827. She lived with her parents until October 28, 1852, when she was united in marriage to David Kilpatrick, a native of Ireland, but who came to Ohio in or about 1840. After their marriage they moved to the farm the first below that now occupied by our subject in Harrison township, and oppo- site to the place first settled by her father. Of this marriage one child, Ralph, was born, but died in infancy. David Kilpatrick was a soldier in the army, and served early in the war, but died on the 19th of October, 1863, from diseases contracted in the South. The struggles, hardships and privations of early life in the valley are so fully recorded through various portions of this work, that it is not important to re- cite all of those endured by the Patrick family. John, the pioneer, died on the 15th day of December, 1868, aged seventy-three years; his wife, Esther, died on the 1st day of January, 1879, aged seventy-nine years. In their family was a number of children, viz.: Sarah, who died in infancy; Kennath, who died in infancy ; Ralph, who died in November, 1 848 ; Mary Isabelle, the subject of this sketch, now a widow, and living in Harrison township ; Asenath, who died May 15, 1851 ; Jane, who married George W. Hoskinson, and who died at Na- poleon, July 20, 1887 ; George E., now residing on the old home farm in Lib- erty township ; Hester Ann, who married Samuel C. Hanna, and lives in In- dianapolis, Ind.; Almira, who died in infancy; Mahala, who died in infancy; and Augusta, who died in infancy. It will be seen from this record that of a family of eleven children, but three are now living, and one of these is a resi- dent of Indiana. RORICK, Hon. E. H. At the growing village of Fayette, in the north- western part of Fulton county, is the residence of Dr. Rorick, of which place he has been a citizen for something like fifteen years. Here he enjoys the reputation of being a leading physician and surgeon, and this is shown not only in his extensive and lucrative practice, but also by the fact that his lei- sure time is largely devoted to study with a view of further improving his mind in his most honorable calling. In many respects the life of Dr. Rorick dis- proves the frequent remark that self-made men do not exist in these times, as every one of his acquaintances knows that for many years the early life of Dr. 630 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Rorick was one of hardships, struggles and misfortunes, but they also know that his energy, perseverance and strong determination overcame every mis- fortune and surmounted every obstacle, and has made his later life one of the most gratifying success. This much of comment on the part of the biographer will certainly be par- donable, as it is demonstrated by the events of Dr. Rorick's life, and is, furth- ermore, thoroughly understood by his most intimate friends ; nor is it the pur- pose of this sketch to dwell upon, or even to narrate the various accidents, in- cidents or misfortunes that have happened to our subject, but rather to present, in a general way, a brief outline of his life, together with some of the impor- tant events that have made him so prominent among the people of the county, and further to present an example in life, notwithstanding its drawbacks, that is worthy of emulation. Estell H. Rorick was born near Morenci, Lenawee county, Mich., on the first day of September, in the year 1842. His father was a farmer, and on the farm young Rorick was brought up, rendering such assistance as a boy could, and attending school in the vicinity. He afterward attended school at the Me- dina Academy, and a school of higher grade at Kalamazoo, but his expenses here were paid with money that he himself had earned. At the age of twenty- one years he commenced teaching and so continued for about two years, after which he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Weeds, a prominent physician of Medina, Mich. During the last year of the war he accompanied Dr. Weeds to Nashville, Tenn., where he acted as his assistant in the army hospital in that city, and here he acquired valuable knowledge and experience in surgery. After the close of the war Mr. Rorick returned home and worked on the farm for about two years, after which he attended the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was gradu- ated in the spring of 1869. Then not seeing a favorable opening for practice, he found employment on a brick yard in Lenawee county, where he worked for some months, and in the fall of 1869 he established himself for practice at Spring Hill, Dover township, in this county. At this place Dr. Rorick prac- ticed with a fair degree of success for a period of about three years, when, in the spring of 1872, he left that place and came to Fayette. Of his success in his professional labors at this place the people are well aware, and of his interest in the welfare of the village, and of the valuable ser- vices rendered by him in his lectures at the Fayette Normal School there is abundant evidence which needs no setting forth in this place. But with his graduation from the university at Ann Arbor the studies of our subject by no means ceased ; his life thus far has been one of constant study and constant advancement in his profession. After locating at Fayette, Dr. Rorick attended a course of medical lectures at Detroit ; he was there for a Biographical. 631 term of six months and graduated March 2, 1875. Still later he visited Scotland, and for a period of six months attended lectures at the University of Edinburgh. Again, while spending a winter in the South, he took a course of lectures and graduated from the Alabama] Medical College at Mobile, March 15, 1883. It is quite apparent from this narrative that Dr. Rorick's time has been de- voted almost wholly to matters pertaining to his profession, but notwithstand- ing this fact, he has found opportunity to show a commendable zeal and patri- otism in the political welfare of his county. In 1885 he, at the solicitation of friends, became, or rather allowed his name to go before the people as a candi- date, in the Republican convention for nomination for the office of representa- tive in the State Legislature, but he was defeated in convention. In the year 1887 he again became a candidate for the same preferment, this time with suc- cess, for he was nominated and at the polls, on November 8th, was elected by a good round majority. From one of the newspapers of Fulton county some extracts are made show- ing the position our subject occupies among his own people. In commenting upon his professional career it says: "From the start he never claimed to know more than his superiors, and frequently called in council such well- known physicians as Doctors Hollister and Bennett, and securing the confi- dence- of the public, his practice has been from that time to the present, very successful." And further, in speaking of the interest he has taken in educa- tional and other matters, the paper continues: "Dr. Rorick has always been identified with educational interests and has spared neither time nor money to make the Normal School of Fayette a success. He has furnished a room in that institute and fitted it up with manikins, models, charts and suitable appa- ratus, entirely at his own expense, and delivers regular courses of lectures in anatomy, physiology and hygiene, free of charge. He is practically acquainted with every feature of agricultural enterprise and runs a good farm himself, which is said to be one of the best managed in his section of country. Being, therefore, a man of broad views and wide experience, whose integrity has never been questioned, he can safely be trusted with every legitimate interest of his constituency and no jobs or class legislation will ever secure his support." The domestic and home life of our subject has been as fully pleasant and agreeable as his association with people outside these sacred precincts. In the year 1868, while a resident of Lenawee county, Estell H. Rorick united in mar- riage with Mary Acker, the daughter of George Acker, of Morenci, Mich. Of this marriage there have been born three bright children, and of these two are now living. 632 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ^ SCOFIELD, JAMES E. In the latter part of the year 1833, a number of pioneers and their families ascended the Maumee River in rudely con- structed boats. Among these was the family of Jared Scofield, a former resi- dent of Delaware county, N. Y., who settled on lands in that part of Henry county that was known as Flat Rock township. Here he had a tract of for- est land, ninety acres in extent, that required the attention of himself and sons for some months before it was fit for tillage. , After a residence at this place of only three years Jared Scofield died. His first wife died two years before this, but he had remarried. In the family were nine children, of whom James Edwin Scofield, the subject of this sketch, was the third. He was born near Unadilla, Delaware county, N. Y., on the 13th day of May, 1821, therefore at the time of his father's settlement in this county he was but twelve years old. He lived at home until his father died, after which a guardian was appointed for him, and he was put to work on farms, at which he continued faithfully until about nineteen years of age, when he went to Lancaster, Fairfield county, and took up his residence with an uncle, where he remained one summer attending school. He then returned to this county and resumed general work on the farm and the canal, which was then in course of construction, and so continued until the fall of 1 846 when he was elected surveyor of Henry county. In this office he served two terms of three years each. During these years Mr. Scofield, with his earnings, started a- general merchandise business at Florida, in Flat Rock township. Mr. Scofield, on the i6th day of September, 1849, took to himself a wife in the person of Catharine Elizabeth Loesch, daughter of George A. Loesch, of Flat Rock township. Of this marriage seven children have been born, six of whom are still living. In 1850 Mr. Scofield was appointed postmaster at Florida, and continued in office until 1856, at which time he was officially decapitated for not supporting Mr. Buchanan as a presidential candidate; he was, however, reappointed in 1861 and held the position until 1864, when he resigned and moved to Okolola, where he again en- gaged in trade, and when a post-office station was established at that place, in 1865, Mr. Scofield was made postmaster, and so held until 1869, at which time he ceased the mercantile business, resigned the office and returned to his farm ; he, however, continued to hold his commission as postmaster until 1872, as his resignation was not accepted prior to that time. From that to the present time Mr. Scofield has been numbered among the thrifty, persevering and suc- cessful farmers of Flat Rock. In the affairs of the township and county he has always taken an active interest, and has frequently been chosen by his towns- men to fill some of the important offices in their gift ; in 1 846 he was elected county surveyor, as the nominee of the Democracy, and affihated with that par- ty until 1856, when he supported John C. Fremont, but since that campaign he has been an active, earnest Republican. Since about 1852 Mr. Scofield has Biographical. 633 held some office within the township of Flat Rock, and rarely has he been de- feated, although at no time in all these years has there been a Republican ma- joriry therein ; first he was elected township clerk and justice of the peace, and held the last named office for three terms ; he has been township treasurer one term ; assessor two or three terms ; road supervisor, school director, and, at the present time is school director, township trustee and justice of the peace. These several and long-continued political holdings in a Democratic township attest the honesty, integrity and faithfulness in the discharge of duty, of James E. Scofield, and place him in the enviable position of possessing the confidence of his fellowmen. SCRIBNER, A. B. In the year 1818 there came to the Maumee Valley the family of Elisha Scribner, a native and former resident of Onondaga county, N. Y. The family did not, however, come directly to this locality upon leaving the Empire State, but went to Cincinnati, thence to Greeneville, Darke county, and from the last named place came to that part of the Maumee Valley that was, two years later, erected into the county of Henry, and at the point then known as Prairie du Masque. Elisha Scribner was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. The pioneer lived only ten or twelve years in this county when he was taken away by the hand of death. Edwin Scribner, the father of our subject, was one of the younger children of Elisha, and was some ten or twelve years old at the time of the family's settlement in this valley. At about the age of twenty-one Edwin Scribner married Lucinda Bucklin, of which marriage seven children were born, and of these children, Allen Bawher Scribner, the subject of this sketch, was next to the oldest. That Edwin Scribner was one of the most enterprising men of the county is fully shown by the following narrative of the events of the life of his son during the days of young manhood. He was, moreover, deeply interested in all that pertained to the welfare and education of his own family and the people of the county as well. For many terms he was a teacher of the schools of his vicinity, and among those who were his pupils can be named some of the most prosperous business men and farmers of the county. Allen B. Scribner was born on the 25th day of March, in the year 1835, in what was then Damascus township, but is now included within the boundaries of Washington township. He was brought up on the farm, performing such work as could be done by a boy, and on every occasion possible attending school, with the desire of acquiring an education more extended than was given in the schools of the locality; but it seems that much of his time was re- quired by his father in the work on the farm and at the saw-mill, where he was chief assistant, not only at the work, but in keeping the books and attending generally to the business. When about twenty- three years of age young 80 634 History of Henry and Fuuton Counties. Scribner obtained his father's consent for a course of collegiate study, and although the son had devised a plan whereby the necessary expense could be defrayed without parental assistance, nevertheless the father insisted upon paying the same, and made that the only condition of his son's action. In the year 1859 Mr. Scribner entered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, O., where he remained but a single year, and then, in the fall of i860, entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, taking a classical course. From this institution he did not graduate, but left during his senior year to accept a traveling situation with a large publishing house of New York city. This action was in part induced by one of the college faculty, by whom young Scribner had been highly recommended to the firm as a young man of supe- rior qualifications. In the same year in which he left college Mr. Scribner was married to Mary Catharine Potter, daughter of John Potter, of Delaware county, O. Of this marriage five children have been born, three of whom are still living. For a period of four years Mr. Scribner was connected with the publishing house, performing satisfactorily every duty to which he was assigned, and the experience acquired by him during these years was of benefit equal to his salary, as he was brought constantly into association with men of under- standing and recognized ability, by which he was enabled to readily judge of men and men's natures, which has proved of great value to him in business life. After having severed his connection with this firm Mr. Scribner returned home, and for five years thereafter managed his father's farm. This, too, was a successful venture, and a source of profit. In 1871 he left the farm and moved to Napoleon, and engaged in manufacture connected with a foundry and machine shop, ,under the firm style of Scribner & Badeau, and was so continued for about one year when the firm became Scribner & James ; but, still later, was entirely owned and managed by our subject until it was finally closed. In 1875 he started a fire insurance business at Napoleon, and con- tinued it about two years, when he retired, and, in i877,.estabHshed an agri- cultaral implement business, which he has since successfully managed. To this, in 1880, was added a general and extensive hardware stock, the com- bined interests requiring Mr. Scribner's whole time and attention. In all his business relations and associations with men Mr. Scribner has been governed and actuated by principles of entire fairness, honesty and per- severance, and in his multitude of transactions no word is spoken against his integrity, and no man can well say to the contrary. These qualities have not only made him a leading business man of the county, but one who possesses the confidence, respect and esteem of his fellow- men. BlOGKAPHICAL. 635- TROWBRIDGE, LYMAN. In the town of Pike, Wyoming county, State of New York, on the 3d day of December, 1822, the subject of this sketch was born. His parents were Asahel and Betsey (Murray) Trowbridge. He is descended from a highly respected family named Trowbridge, that have for more than a century past lived in Connecticut, where the name is more com- mon than in the west. The father of our subject was a farmer, and on the farm Lyman lived, attending school in season, and working during other months until he was about fifteen years old when the family moved to Niagara county. From this time until he was twenty-two years old Lyman worked out by the month, except for a period of about three years, during which time he was too sick to perform ordinary farm work. But notwithstanding his early sickness he managed to save some money while working, most of which was sent to his parents, they being in modest circumstances. In 1845 01 the 30th day of January, Lyman Trowbridge married Olive Gushing, a daughter of Charles Cushing, of Niagara county. This devoted wife and most estimable woman shared the trials and successes of her husband for nearly forty years, and died surrounded with all of the comforts of life on the 29th day of May, 1884. Two children were born of this marriage, one of whom died in infancy, the other, Cora, became the wife of Maximus Eugene Loose, a business man now residing at Napoleon. In the year next succeeding his marriage Mr. Trowbridge became superin- tendent of the Niagara county poor house and farm, which property is known in Ohio as the Infirmary. After a year on the county farm he moved to Lock- port and engaged with his brother in the manufacture of shingles by machinery, using horse power. This they continued some three or four years, when they changed to the manufacture of barrel staves, which was successfully continued for twelve years, and then, in 1864, moved to Toledo, O. In the fall of 1866, Mr. Trowbridge came to Napoleon and erected a stave-mill, but did not make that point his residence until 1867. The business relations with his brother were continued until the latter part of 1870, when Lyman became sole propri- etor of the Napoleon factory, the brother taking that at Toledo. The manufacture of staves and heading has been the recognized business that has engaged the attention of Trowbridge for many years, and in it he has been remarkably successful. Incidental to the business, and connected with it, he has handled large tracts of land, clearing off the timber and making fine farm- ing lands. During his twenty years of residence in Henry county he has here paid out for material and labor the gross sum of eight hundred thousand dol- lars. In addition to his business interests at Napoleon, in the year 1878, Mr. Trowbridge established a stave factory at North Baltimore, and another at De- fiance, which were run by him for several years, but subsequently sold. After the sale of the North Baltimore factory, he purchased a large tract of wood- '636 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. land at Jewell, Defiance county, where he built extensive works and erected thirteen dwellings for employees. Again, in 1 882, in company with his brother, he bought the stave works at Freeland, Mich., but after about two years be- came sole proprietor and still conducts it. In 1886 the Napoleon factory was removed to Henry township. Wood county, and its management given over into the hands of Mr. Loose. It will be seen from these facts that Lyman Trowbridge has not been, in any sense, a public man ; he haS had neither the disposition nor the time to indulge in the worry of political life ; he has sought no office nor station other than that to which he was clearly entitled — that of a leading business man of the community ; nevertheless, any enterprise, any public project that has seemed likely to promote the general welfare, has found in him a generous and efficient helper. For the erection and support of the Presbyterian church at Napoleon, he appears as one of the most liberal cash contributors, but his donations for charitable and church purposes have been by no means limited to these gifts alone, as many other similar institutions have been the recipients of his bounty and his generosity. While not a man claiming a finished education or exceptional brilliance, his fund of general knowledge is shown to be comprehensive and useful, and is underlaid by sound common sense and excellent judgment of men and affairs. Behind all of this a character noted wherever his name is known for sterling integrity and worth. TYLER, Hon. J. H. Justin Howard Tyler, the fourth child and third son of Peter and Eunice (Hebard) Tyler, was a native of Massachusetts, born at Leyden, in Franklin county, on the isth day of November, in the year 18 15. When Justin was but one year old the family moved to Oswego county, N. Y. Here our subject passed the days of boyhood and youth, attending the common district schools and the academy, laying the foundation for an edu- cation that stood him in good stead in later years. After passing his eight- eenth year, Justin found employment on the farm during the summer months, and in teaching during the winter. In the year 1839, then being arrived at the age of twenty-four years, young Tyler left Oswego county, and came to Circleville, Pickaway county, O., where an elder brother was engaged in teach- ing, and by whom he was induced to come to that locality. For a period of about three years he was enployed in teaching school, devoting his leisure time, however, to the study of the law under the instruction of Daniel Lord Smith, a leading lawyer of the place, and in the fall of 1841, at Mt. Vernon, O., he was regularly admitted to the bar, but he continued teaching, and was so engaged more or less of the time until the year 1845. Although Mr. Tyler had formed a determination to, and did prepare himself for and enter the legal profession, he was, however, prevented, for a time at least, from engaging in active practice ; his means were limited, and the pro- Biographical. 637 fession at that time gave but little promise of abundant remuneration. In 1843 he was called back to the home of his parents in Oswego county, by a serious accident to his father. Here he remained for about one year, when the prop- erty was sold, after which, accompanied by his father and mother, he returned to Ohio, and made for them a home at Huron, where he established his father in a business which proved quite successful, and enabled them to live comforta- bly during the remainder of their lives. In 1844 Justin moved to Huron, Erie county, and continued to reside there until 1852, engaged in the practice of law. In 1847 Mr. Tyler returned to Oswego county, and, on the 9th day of June, of that year, was married to Miss Alice Olmsted. Of that marriage seven children were born, five of whom died during infancy. Romaine Tyler, one of the children that survived, was well and popularly known in this locality. He served four months in the army, and died at Napoleon, in the year 1879. Jus- tin Arthur Tyler, the other son, is now engaged in a successful business at Fort Wayne. Mr. Tyler's first visit to Napoleon was made in the year 1844, but was of only a few days' duration, and while on his way to Indiana, where he in- tended to locate, and where he had some property. He remained there but about two months, when in deference to his wife's wishes, he returned to Hu- ron, and resumed his practice. Here he continued with moderate success until the latter part of the year 1852, when he determined to locate at the county seat of Henry county, to which place, with his family, he immediately moved, and took his place among the members of the Henry county bar. Then being a young man, in the enjoyment of excellent health, possessing a good understanding of the law, and being, withal, an able advocate before the court and jury, Mr. Tyler at once took a front rank among the leading law- yers of Northwestern Ohio ; a position to which he was justly entitled by every professional consideration, and one that he maintained so long as he was en- gaged in active practice. As a lawyer he is cautious and methodical. It has always been his policy to discountenance rather than to promote litigation, and in his intercourse with his clients mature deliberation always precedes counsel. In presenting a case to the jury he addresses himself to the understanding of his hearers, rather than appealing to their passions, and approaches the subject in hand with dignity, self-possession, and in the light of principle and common sense. A noticeable feature in his professional life has been the interest he has taken in fitting young men to become lawyers, and it is a conceded fact that more attorneys have obtained their early legal education in his, than in the office of any other practitioner in the county ; and among the many who may be said to have been graduates from the office of Justin H. Tyler, there may be named some of the brightest legal minds in Henry county. Naturally enough being possessed of much personal and professional popularity, Mr. Tyler could not well avoid being drawn somewhat into the arena of politics, but he has by no means been an office-seeker, as his nature is directly the opposite of whatever 638 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. constitutes that character. In 1854, after a residence of but two years in the county, he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, and re-elected at the expiration of his first term. In 1881 he was chosen to represent the county in the State Legislature, being nominated and elected by the Republican party, and receiving a majority of six hundred and sixty-five, while the standing ma- jority of the opposition party in the county reached about twelve hundred. On all the political questions of the times Mr. Tyler entertains clear and well settled convictions, and is perfectly frank and open in the expression of them ; still he is inclined to adhere to the established order of things, and not easily led by any of the isms of the day. As the county's prosecutor he was elected upon the Democratic ticket, but, with the general disintegration of parties, about the time of the organization of the Republican party, and the dissolution of the old Whig party, he found an acceptable candidate in Mr. Lincoln, and has since been identified with the Republican party, and was elected representative as the nominee of that party in 1881, being the only Republican ever elected to that office from Henry county. Prior to that organization's coming into ex- istence he was a liberal Whig. In every measure looking to the advancement and progress of the village of Napoleon, and the county as well, Mr. Tyler has taken an active interest, and contributed of his means to every worthy cause. In the proceedings that re- sulted in the incorporation of Napoleon he engaged actively, and was elected the first mayor of the village, and was subsequently re-elected to the same office. F"or some years he was president of the local board of education, and did his full share in advancing the schools of the village to their present high standing. In matters pertaining to the church, and to the erection of church edifices generally throughout the entire county, he has contributed liberally of his means, without regard to denomination. The lot on which stands the Presbyterian Church edifice at Napoleon, was his free gift to the society, and added thereto was a goodly cash donation. In connection with his extensive law practice he has made many invest- ments in real estate, and profited by the gradual increase in values, until now, having passed the seventieth year of his life, he has given his law practice into the charge of his son, and devotes himself to the care of his other business in- terests, still retaining, however, an advisory position among his old clients. While the professional and business life of our subject have been entirely successful, his home and fireside have been invaded by the destroyer, death. Of the seven children born of his first marriage, one only now survives. His wife, Alice (Olmsted) Tyler, died on the 2d day of January, i860, leaving to the father the care of two children. After living a widower for more than a year, Mr. Tyler in February, 1861, married Hattie M. Peck, of Franklin county, Mass. Of this marriage four children have been born, viz.: Julian Howard, a young and active attorney of Napoleon; Willie Peck, now a law student in his brother's Biographical. 639 office ; Nathaniel Pickens, now living at home, and George Hebard, now in Boston, Mass. VAUGHAN, JAMES C. There are but few, if any, of the residents of Fulton county that have a more extended and favorable acquaintance therein than the present member of the board of county commissioners, whose name appears in the heading of this sketch. Mr. Vaughan was born at Ai, in Fulton township of this county, on the 30th day of August, 1835. His father, Alexander Vaughan, was one of the pioneers of that locality, having settled here in April, 1835, on lands then in the State of Michigan, or, as will be more clearly understood, on the " disputed strip." Alexander Vaughan was a Pennsylvanian by birth, being a native of Westmoreland county, but, at the age of eighteen years, came to Holmes county, this State, and from thence to Fulton in 1835. In his family were nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth, in the order of seniority. In the year 1 847, when James was but twelve years old, his father died, but about one year later his mother married again. James continued to live at home until he attained his fifteenth year, at which age he started out to make his own way in life. He w^orked on a farm during the summer, and attended the district school in the winter until about twenty years old, when he went to Toledo and filled the position of turnkey, and one year thereafter that of deputy sheriff, at the county jail. After three years he returned to Ai and be- gan improvements on the land that came to him through his father's death, and also cleared and improved other lands that he had purchased here. About this time, and on the 20th day of March, i860, Mr. Vaughan was married to Harriet A., daughter of William Taylor, of Lucas county. Of this marriage eight children were born, and six of them are still living. After a pleasant married life of over seventeen years, Harriet A. Vaughan was taken away by the hand of death. Some two years later, and on the iSth day of January, 1879, Mr. Vaughan married Julia Turney, of Lucas county. Two children, both of whom are living, were the fruit of this marriage. In 1862 Mr. Vaughan established a mercantile business at Ai, in partner- ship with Ozias Merrill, and continued for about two and one-half years, when Mr. Merrill succeeded to the proprietorship thereof, and our subject moved to a farm, or tract of wild land in Fulton township, which he cleared and made valuable for agricultural purposes. Here he resided until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to the office of county commissioner, and in March fol- lowing moved to the village of Swanton, where he has since resided. Having held this important county office for three years, and performed its duties with entire satisfaction to the people, and with credit to himself, Mr. Vaughan was renominated for a second term, and in November, 1887, was again re-elected by a good majority. 640 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. In the political affairs of the county Mr. Vaughan has taken an active part in the interest of an honest and faithful administration of public trusts. In his preferences he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, although not radical in his views, or loud in his advocacy of party theories. As a resident of Fulton township he has been equally interested in its affairs, and frequently held township offices; from 1858 to i860 he was postmaster at Ai. It is no flattery to say in concluding this sketch, that among the people of Fulton county James C. Vaughan is a man highly respected for straightforward hon- esty and integrity ; and one whose every transaction in life, both public and private, will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. VERITY, Hon. O. B., was descended from parental stock who emigrated to Long Island, N. Y., in the reign of Oliver Cromwell, of England. James Verity, on the paternal side, was a Frenchman born in the north of France, and belonged to the French army on the confines of Turkey, in the reign of Louis XIV of France. He was a prisoner upon Turkish soil. While a pris- oner he had formed an attachment with a Turkish woman, and by some means got away from the Turks, and with this woman came back to France, where they were married, and soon afterward came to Long Island, as above stated. The grandfather of our subject, James Verity, was born in 1760, in Queens county, L. I., and, in 1781, was married to one Hannah Gritman, of German descent, and born in the same county. James G. Verity, father of O. B. Verity, was the third child of this union, and was born in Queens county Jan- uary 21, 1786. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to a Quaker, a weaver by trade, living at Nine Partners, Dutchess county, N. Y, at which trade he worked until the age of twenty- one years, when he went to Rensselaer county, N. Y., and worked in the cotton factories then running at Schaghticoke Valley, on the Hoosick River, in said county, for several years. In the year 181 1 he formed the acquaintance of Miss Eunice Banker, of Pittstown, Rensse- laer county, and was married to her February 12, 18 12. The mother of our subject was the youngest child of Adolphus and Ruth Banker, whose maiden name was Ruth Oakley, of the city of New York, but of English parentage. Oliver B. Verity, the subject of this sketch, was the first child of this union, and was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer county, January 8, 1815. He may be called a St. Jackson man, having been born on the day and in the year that Andrew Jackson fought and whipped the British at New Orleans. In 1830 his parents moved from Lansingburgh, and lived for a short time in the town of Sempronius, Cayuga county, between Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes, and, in 1831, again moved to the town of Lysander, Onondaga county, N. Y., where his mother, Eunice Verity, died in 1834, and his father, James G., in 1840. Both were buried in the cemetery at Plainville, in the town of Lysander. Biographical. 641 Oliver B. Verity was married to Celome Scofield, at PlainviUe, town of Lysander, Onondaga county, February 28, 1838. In 1843 they came to Gor- ham township, Lucas, afterwards Fulton county, O., and first settled on section nine, but later upon section sixteen. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Verity was elected to the office of probate judge, and moved to Ottokee, then the county seat of Fulton county, on February 17, 1858, where he now resides. There were six children born of their marriage, only two of whom are living: Amasa B. Verity, at Bay City, Mich., and Oliver A. Verity, at Toledo, O. Celome, the wife of Judge Verity, was the daughter of Amasa B. and Polly (Lee) Scofield, both from Connecticut, who were married in 18 17, at Marcellus, Onondaga county, N. Y., and who, in 1819, moved to Plainville, town of Lysander, in that county. Oliver B. Verity was elected school examiner for the town of Lysander, in April, 1838, and served one year. He held the office of township clerk in Gorham nine years in succession; in 1855 he was elected justice of the peace, but resigned the office to accept the position of probate judge. In the fall of 1857 he was elected probate judge of the county, taking his seat February 9, 1858 ; he was three times re-elected and served the people of the county twelve years ending February 9, 1870. In the fall of 1852 he was elected land appraiser for the district composed of the townships of Gorham, Chesterfield and Royalton, and made the tour of said townships in 1853, and reported to the auditor of the county. In 1846, under the old constitution, and when it was Lucas county, he was appointed a sub-school examiner to examine applicants for teaching in Gorham township alone, which he held until Fulton county was organized, April i 1850. Under the new constitution of 1851 he was appointed by Samuel Gillis to the office of county school examiner, which he held until he took his seat as probate judge. The same year, after leaving the probate office, he was chosen as assistant marshal for the purpose of taking the census for the year of 1870, of Dover, Chesterfield, Royalton, and Amboy, which was completed in August of that year. In April, 1874, he was chosen superintendent of the newly ■erected county infirmary, and held that position until March i, 1880. He has held the office of justice of the peace from April, 1870, to the present time, ■except six years in the county infirmary ; has been two years township clerk, and one year as trustee of Dover township. Since 1 870 he has been a juror in the United States District Court for the northern district of Ohio six times. On the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency of the United States, April 9, 1 86 1, he was chosen as postmaster at Ottokee, and held the same until May, 1885, a trifle over twenty-four years. 81 BRIEF PERSONALS ABBS, SQUIRE WILLIAM, Ridgeville, Ridgeville Corners, p. o., was born in Cambridge- shire, England, in 1837, and was a son of Adua and Elizabeth CWilson) Abbs, who emi- grated to, and settled in Saratoga county, N. T., in 1851, where Adna died in 1871 leaving a widow and eight children. William enlisted in the 13th New York Marine Artillery, Company F, January 4, 1864: ; was mustered out of the 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Company H, Aug- ust 26, 1865, at Washington. He settled in Ridgeville in 1866 and became engaged in the lum- ber business and in 1873 he turned his attention toward farming. He was married December 20, 1866, to Mrs. Polly (Welder) Thompson. They had one child, Lizzie Ann. Mrs. Polly's first husband was Mr. Isaac Thompson, who was born in Bangor, Maine, in 1832 and died in 1865, leav- ing four children : R. A., M. J., L. 0. and Ida B. Isaac enlisted in the 12th Ohio Cavalry in 1863, was taken prisoner at Richmond, wounded, and died April 14, 1865. Polly was a daugh- ter of George and Catharine Welder, of Ashland county, who settled in Ridgeville in 1852, where they died leaving five children. William has been constable, supervisor, treasurer from 1872-79, school director and justice of the peace. Ackley, Calvin, G-orham, Fayette p. o., a retired pioneer farmer, was born in Winfield, Her- kimer county, N. Y., in 1815, and was a son of Sterling and Lydia (Bronson) Ackley, of Con- necticut. Lydia died in Fairfield county, 0., in 1837. They had a family of nine children, but two of whom are now living, Nancy and Calvin. Calvin was married in 1837 to Gertrude Walker, who was born in New Jersey. She died in 1854, leaving a family of five children : Leman, Ellen, Winfield, Edward and Josephine. He married for his present wife, BUen Van Arsdalen, in 1868. She was born in Fairfield county, 0. Mr. Ackley settled in Fairfield coun- ty in 1836, and in 1837 he purchased a farm of one hundred acres for which he paid two and one- half dollars per acre. In 1840 he settled with his family in Mill Creek township, which was then Williams county, but now Gorham, Fulton county, where he now resides. He purchased one hundred and fifty acres for three hundred dollars in 1842, which he has now cleared and under cultivation. He was the first postmaster of the town and held that office for several years; was also a justice of the peace and a member of the school board for many years. He was agent for the Greenland Company of several thousand acres and was one of the active, in- fluential men of the town. His father resided with him until 1855 when died. Ellen Ackley married William Acker and Josephine Ackley C. A. Snow. Aldrich, Anson Mason, Gorham, Ritters p. o., was a son of David and Freelove (Mason) Al- drich who were born and married in Farmington, Ontario county, N. Y. They had a family of €ight children, four sons and four daughters, four of whom are now living : George, Anson M. (born August 5, 1820), Harriet and Eliza. One son, WiUiam, enhsted from Illinois, served dur- ing the war and died at the close ; AngeHne (Mrs. James Baker), Laura (Mrs. PhiUip Clapp) and Homer are deceased. David, the father, died in 1859, and his wife in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1861. Anson Mason Aldrich was married in 1847, to Mary Holbrook, who was born in Wayne county, N. Y. They have had a family of three children : Huldah S., William B., Frank G. Mrs. Aldrich was a daughter of Samuel and Martha Holbrook, who died when Mary was an infant. She was brought up by Samuel Paul, of Sodus, N. Y. Mr. Aldrich settled in Gor- ham, coming there from Ontario county, N. Y., in 1854, and became engaged in manufacturing lumber. He erected a steam saw-mill in company with James Baker, and in 1856 purchased his present homestead of eighty acres for which he paid $1,601), and which is now finely im- proved and well tilled. Allen, Arthur, Gorham, Fayette p. o., a member of the firm of J. 0. Allen & Co., proprietors of the Fayette Roller Mills which were erected in 1858, and now have all the modern improve- ments and improved mill machinery, was born in Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y., in 1842, and 644 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. was a son of Isaac and Mary (Terry) Allen, who were born in Enfield, Conn., married in 1818, and settled in Monroe county, N. Y., where they died, she, in 1876, at the age of sixty-nine years and her husband, Isaac, in 1884, at the age of ninety years. They had a family of ten children : Ohauncy, Isaac, Mrs. Harriet Little, Mrs. Mary Hobbie, Mrs. Julia Aldridge, Mrs. Em- ily Phillips, Henry, Charles L. and Arthur. Arthur Allen spent a portion of the year 1862 in Fulton county, 0., but returned to assist his parents in Monroe county, N. Y. In 1865 he joined his brother, Charles L., in the mercantile business at Fayette. The year 1866 he spent in Bloomington, 111., and in 1867 returned to Payette where he purchased an interest in the flour- mills. He was married in 1869, to Frances Dubois. They have had four sons : G-eorge, born 1872 ; Harry, born 1875 ; Edwin, born 1877 ; Terry, born in 1884, and one daughter, Delia Ma- rie, who died in infancy. Prances was a daughter of George F. and Amelia (Deming) Dubois. George was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., and Ameha in Litchfield, Conn. They .settled in Gorham, in 1847. Mr. Allen has held most of the township offices. He has been justice of the peace, township clerk for a number of terms and a member of the school board and council. He is also a member of the firm of Perry & Allen, now engaged in the general hardware business. Amsbaugh, Relmon D., Gorham, Payette, p. o., was born in Richland county, in 1855 and was a son of George I. and Lavina (Hopp) Amsbaugh, who were born in Richland county. Their parents were natives of Pennsylvania. George settled in Gorham in 1855, as a farmer. He had a family of five children : Rissa, Relmon D., Prances L., Cassius 0., Jannie D. George and Lavina were married May 3, 1851. George was born October 15, 18,25, and was a son of Adam and Tenia Amsbaugh, who were from Indiana county, Penn. Relmon D. was married March 16, 1881, to Estella E. Gay, who was born in Gorham township, in 1858. They have two children : Willard Mace and George L. Estella was a daughter of Willard E. and Adelia (Mace) Gay. Adelia was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1823, and her husband in Herki- mer county, N. Y., March 27, 1815. They were married in 1842. Mr. Gay settled in Ohio, in 1841 and purchased his farm and was married in Gorham township. They had two children: Theodore L. and Estella E. Mr. Gay died December 2, 1880, and his wife, June 16, 1883. Mr. Gay was an influential citizen. His parents settled in Gorham township in 1839. His father was born in 1778 and died in 1840, and his mother was born in 1785 and died in 1867. Andre, Adam, Franklin, Tedrow p. o., one of the pioneers of Frankhn, Fulton county, was born in Luzerne county, Penn., in 1815, and was a son of Jacob and Mary (Bridinger) Andre, of Pennsylvania. They were of German parentage and settled in Seneca county, 0., in 1834, with a family of ten children, where the parents died. Six of the children are now living : Ad- am, Jacob, Elizabeth, Edward, Susan, and Rebecca. Those deceased are Catharine, Peter, John and Mary. Adam settled in Franklin township in 1845 and purchased a farm of eighty acres, for which he paid four hundred and fifty dollars. He now owns two hundred acres of the best farm land, and one hundred and forty acres of well improved. He was married in 1848 to Sa- rah Jane Provines, who died in 1850, leaving one son, Thomas J. He was married the second time, August 12, 1852, to Laura B. Rogers, of Elmira. They have had one son. Valorous P. Mr. Andre has held all of the township offices ; was justice of the peace for six years, treasurer, trustee, supervisor, etc. His brother, Edwin, served in the late war as a first lieutenant. Mr. Andre is a grower of graded stock and makes a specialty of registered hogs. He was an early carpenter and builder but has now retired. Atkinson, Stephen S., Dover, Ottokee p. o., superintendent of the county infirmary, was born in Piscataquis county. Me., in 1824, and was a son of Amos and Dorcas Ann Atkinson, who settled in Medina county, 0., in 1841, where they died, Amos in 1884, at the age of ninety- six years. They had a family of nine children, five of whom are now living: Stephen S., Amos G., Celia A., Sarah J. and Olive 0. Stephen S. was married in 1853 to Nancy Bachelor, of Milan, Erie county. They had a family of four children, two of whom are now living ; Mary Jane and Fred Nathaniel. Mr. Atkinson settled in Fulton county in 1860, came to Swan Creek and served as justice of the peace for one term, and settled in Dover in 1886. Ayers, David, Dover, Tedrow p. c, one of the pioneers of Dover township, was born in Wayne county, 0., in 1828 and settled in Dover in 1836 with his parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Chrisman) Ayers. EHzabeth was born in Maryland and her husband, Moses, in Pennsylvania. They were married in Wayne county, 0., in 1826, and had a family of seven children: Solo- mon C, David, Saphrona, Isabel, Gideon, Isaac and James P. David and Gideon are the only ones now living. Solomon C. was a physician and died January 18, 1885, leaving a widow and two children. Gideon enlisted and served through the war, was wounded in an Indian engage- ment. The mother, Elizabeth, died in 1855, and Moses died in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1884, at the age of seventy-nine years. Moses was » justice of the peace for many years and also held other town offices. His second wife was Altha Southworth. David Ayres was married in 1858 to Elizabeth Ann Bayes, who was born in Holmes county, in 1835. They have had three children : Aylett W., Nettie 0. and Merritt. BUzabeth was a daughter of WilUam and Brief Personals. 645 Mary (Tedrow) Bayes. Mr. Ayers has been county treasurer four years, justice of the peace for seventeen years, town clerk, town treasurer and also held other minor offices. He is en- gaged in general farming and now has a farm of two hundred and twenty acres purchased on settlement in 1838, at one dollar twenty-five per acre. Back, William, Flat Rock, Napoleon p. o., was born in Oanajoharie, Montgomery county, IST. Y., m 1820, and was a son of William and Lucy Back, William was married in 1851, to Mrs. Eunice Lucretia (Back) Gunn, widow of L. Back. They have a family of five children living, Lucy, Francis H., Maria, Jennie L., Joseph E., and one son, Lyman, died leaving a widow and two children; and one son, William E., died at the age of twenty-seven, single. Mr. Back settled in Flat Rook, Henry county, in 1861 and settled on his present homestead. Eunice L. was a daughter o£ the old pioneer, Elijah and Eleanor (Grant) Gunn, who came to Henry county from Lucas county in 1827. They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living : Cath- arine, Lucretia, William and Julian. The grandfather, Elijah, was a Revolutionary soldier who was born in Scotland, and served in Washington's army. Eljiah was a soldier in the War of Ballard, Doctor Philip, Harrison, Grelton p. o., a physician, and surgeon, of Harrison town- ship, was born in Franklin county, Mass., in 1817. He read medicine with his brothers. Doc- tors Thomas and Horace Ballard. He settled in Wood county, 0., in 1856, and there began the practice of medicine and surgery. He was married in 1841 to Esther Fuller, who was born in Connecticut and married in Portage county, O. They have had a family of seven children : Maria J., Albert W., P. U., J. G, L. E., S. P. and Cora D. Doctor Philip enlisted in Company I, Sixty -eighth Regiment, December 24, 1863, was detailed as field hospital surgeon and was discharged at the close of the war. Doctor Philip was a son of Oren and Margaret Ballard who settled in Trumble county, in 1820 coming there from Massachusetts. Baringer, John W., Pleasant, Holgate, p. o., was born in Mahoning county, 0., in 1843, and was a son of Absalom and Sarah (Rakestraw) Baringer. She was born in New Jersey and her husband was a native of Germany. They were married in Mahoning county. Absalom died in Defiance county in 1866. They had twelve children, seven of whom are now living. Two sons enhsted. Levy R. and John W. John W. lost his right arm in an engagement at Atlanta, while serving in Company D, lOOth Ohio Volunteers. He enlisted August 4, 1862, and was discharged May 17, 1865, from the Cleveland hospital. He now receives a pension of thirty- six dollars per month. Levy served in the 111th to the close of the war. The other children were Benjamin R., Esther J., Lydia, Sophia and Caroline. John W. was married in 1868 to Charity Povenmire, of Defiance county, in 1868. They have seven children; Mary E., OUve R., Luther B., Ernest E., Harriet E., Charles P. and Sarah V. John W. settled in Holgate and was appointed postmaster in July, 1874, and served until 1885. He was made ticket, express and freight agent of the railroad and resigned in 1880. He was justice for two terms and is now assessor. Barnes, Francis M., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., a veteran soldier, was born in Holmes county, in 1843, and enlisted in Company F, 68th Ohio, in 1861, under Colonel Steadman, served for three years and one month. He was wounded and discharged and receives a pension for inju- ries received. He was married in 1863 to Nancy F. Ditto. They have had a family of six chil- dren : Clara Etta, Jennie 0., Minnie M., Mary C. F., Carrie E. and Emma Gertrude. Nancy F. was a daughter of Solomon and Mary Jane (Dever) Ditto, who settled in Fulton county in 1847. They had a family of ten children, nine of whom are now living. Francis M. Barnes was a son of Leonard P. and Mary Ann (Day) Barnes who were born in Harrisburgh, Penn., and settled in Clinton township, Fulton county, 0., in 1849. Leonard P. died in 1880. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. Three of the sons enlisted and served in the late war of the Rebellion. They were W. C, Ohver P. and Frances M. Barnes, W. C, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Holmes county in 1838, and settled in Pulton county with his parents, Leonard and Mary Ann (Day) Barnes, who were born and married in Harrisburgh, Penn., and settled in Holmes county in 1846. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. Leonard died in 1880. Three of his sons en- hsted and served in the War of the Rebellion. W. C. Enlisted in the 14th Ohio Regiment, in 1861 and served for five months. At the end of that time he was discharged and enrolled in the home guards, furnished a substitute for the one hundred day call. He was married in 1862 to Mary Jane Scott. They had a family of three children : Henry A., Anna B. and Jennie D. Mary Jane was a daughter of Henry and Amy (Graham) Scott, who were early settlers in Clin- ton, Fulton county, 0. Leonard Barnes purchased his first homestead of eighty acres, for four hundred dollars. His son, W. C, now resides on this old homestead. Barr, John H., Flat Rock, Florida p. o., a veteran soldier of the War of the Rebellion and owner and proprietor of the Florida steam saw and planing-mill, was born in Fairfield county, in 1840 and enlisted September 5, 1861, in Company H, 15th Ohio Regiment, under Colonel 646 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Moses Dickey; re-enlisted and served until November 21, 1865, at which time he was dis- charged at San Antonio, Texas. He was promoted to sergeant. He was married in December, 1869, to Prances L. Hard, of Lorain county, who was born in 1851. They have had seven chil- dren: Gertrude, Sherman, Luella, Arthur, Bessie, Mable and George W., who died at the age of nine J ears. John H. was a son of John and Barbara (Lamott) Barr, of Pennsylvania. They were married in Fairfield county, 0., and settled in Defiance county in 1846. They had a fam- ily of nine children, seven of whom are now living: J. M., J. H., W. J., L. M., Nancy, Sarah J. and Mary. John was born in 1804 and died July 6, 1883. His wife Barbara, died in 1850. John H. became engaged in the manufacture of lumber in 1870, and settled in Flat Rock town- ship in 1875, where he built his present steam saw-mill in 1876. He is now engaged iri the manufacture of, and dealing in pine lumber, lath, shingles etc. Barr, William J., Plat Eock,a veteran soldier, who .lost the use of his limbs through palsy, which was contracted during service, on July 3, 1865, just before the discharge of his regiment which occurred July 18, 1865. He enlisted October 5, 1861, under Captain L. Y. Richards, in Com- pany A, Sixty-eighth Ohio, under Colonel McCoy. He now receives a pension of seventy-two dollars per month. He is an active, ambitious man and bears his affliction without a murmur. He was married September 10, 1867, to Catharine I. Miller. They have had two children : Wil- liam Logan (born May 10, 1869) and Mary Beatrice (born July 6, 1874). William J. was a son of John and Barbara (Lamott) Barr. Catharine was a daughter of William and Mary (Noggle) Miller, who were early settlers. They had one daughter, Catharine I. Mary had by her third husband, Washington Lowry, a family of five children : Eobecca J., who married Charles G. ShuU ; George 0. ; Susan C. married Isaac Hersberger ; Theresa A. married William H. Gunn, and Ellen. Mr. Lowry died in 1843. She married her third husband, John Barr, in 1858. He died July 6, 1883, in the eightieth year of his age. Bartlow, Cornelius, Barltow, Deshler p. o., was the first settler in Bartlow township, andfrom him received itsname. He was born in Lycoming county, Penn., Oct. 5, 1811, and has been married twice. His first wife was Sarah McMahan. They had four children. Only one is now living, Mary A. His second wife was Elizabeth Medley. They have had one child, John T. Mr. Bartlow has held the office of justice of the peace for nine years, and township treasurer for twelve years. Bayes, Elliott, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., a pioneer, was born in Clinton township in 1840 and was a son of William W. and Mary (Tedrow) Bayes, who were born in Somerset county, Penn., and married in Holmes county, O., and settled in Clinton, Fulton county, in 1837 with one daughter, Bhzabeth. They had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living : Eliza- beth A., Jane, Elliott, Isaac P., Meek, Mary and Melissa. Two of the sons, Elliott and Isaac P., enlisted. Mary died in 1869 aged fifty-four years and William W. died in 1885 aged seven- ty-six 'years. WiUiam W. purchased farms from the government, one of 160 acres, he paid $1.50 per acre. He owned 240 acres in all. William W.'s father was Thomas, who settled in Clinton and was a justice of the peace and also held other minor offices. William was a prom- inent and influential man, very active in all church affairs, services being held in his house until they could find larger quarters. The town elections were also held at his log house for several years, such was the public spirit of the man. Elliott Bayes was married in 1871 to Frances M. Praker, a daughter of Squire William and Nancy A. (Krutzer) Fraker, of Clinton township. They have had a family of four children : Nellie Inez, Harry M., Blaine G. and Mamie. Mr. Bayes has a farm of 85 acres and owns a part of the old homestead farm. He enlisted in the 130th Ohio Regiment on the one hundred days call and served for five months, at the end of which time his regiment was discharged. Bayes, Stephen, Clinton, Wauseon p. 6., an early settler in Clinton township, was born in Holmes county, in 1829, and was a son of James Wright and Elizabeth (Zeigler) Bayes. Eliz- abeth was born in Cumberland county and her husband in Somerset county, Penn. They were married in Holmes county in 1828, and with a family of five children settled in Clinton in 1844. They had eight children in all, six of whom are now living : Stephen, Harriet, Sarah S., Parker, Margaret and Philip. James died in 1886 at the age of seventy-nine years, and his wife, Ehza- beth, died the same year aged seventy-one years. James was township treasurer and also held other minor offices. He purchased his farm of 160 acres on settlement for $1.25 per acre, and Stephen now occupies 110 acres of the same, and which is one of the best farms in the county. Stephen was married in 1858 to Margaret Pocock who died in 1868 leaving a family of three children : James A., Cora and Carrie. He married his second wife, Mrs. Phebe (Cornell) Tead- row in 1867. They have had two children, Elizabeth M. and Eliza Jane. Phebe had by her first husband, Mr. Teadrow, two sons, Myron B. and Reasin I. The grandfather, John Bayes, died in Holmes county ; he was born in Somerset county, Penn. Bear, CUnton E., Ridgeville p. o., was born in Ridgeville, Henry county, in 1863, and was married in 1884, to Mary Graphius, who was born in Pindley, Hancock county. They have had Brief Personals. 647 one daughter, Estella. Clinton B. Bear, was a son of Joseph and Barbara (Barstow) Bear. Barbara was born in Germany, in 1824, and her husband, Joseph, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1815, and was a son of Henry and Susan Bear, of Pa. Joseph settled in Ohio, Stark county, in 1839, and came to Henry county, in 1844. They were married in 1845, and had a family of eight children: Henry, Susanna, Mary, Vianna, Eliza, John,! Clinton E., and Edward. Joseph was a carpenter, builder, and farmer, but has now retired. Clinton E., is engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and erected a steam saw-mill in connection with George Harmon, in 1884. He also owns and runs an improved steam thresher. Beard, Charles P., Napoleon, was born in Manchester, Eng., in 1837, and was married in 1863, to Hannah Edwards. They settled in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1864. His wife died in 1870, leaving two sons, Joseph H. and William A. Charles P. married his second wife, Hannah Walker, in 1873. She was a native of England. They had three sons and two daughters; two children are now living : George W. and Walter James. Mr. Beard is a machinist and inventor, and manufacturer of engines and boilers from three to ten horse power, circular and wood saw- ing machines, emery grinders, vises, steam heating fixtures, and does a general custom work. He purchased his business interest in 1878, and has been constantly increasing the business until now he has a splendid trade. Beaverson, Frederick, Pleasant, Holgate p. o., a pioneer resident of Holgate, was born in Stark county, in 1844, and was a son of Samuel and Maria (Weyber) Beaverson. Maria was born in France, and her husband, Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1814. They were mar- ried in Stark county, and settled in Fulton county, in 1850. They have twelve children : John, .Frederick, Samuel, jr., Andrew, Jacob, Henry, Eosanna, Rebecca, Maria, Susan, Elizabeth, Sa- rah. Fred enlisted in 1863, in Company G, 85th Ohio, served for three months, re-enlisted in the 86th Regiment in 1863, under Colonel Lemert, and was discharged at Cleveland, in 1864, being at that time third corporal. Fred settled in Holgate. in 1874, and became engaged in the grocery and saloon business. He was married in November, 1874, to Mary E. Sapp, a daugh- ter of Emanuel Sapp, of Flat Rock. They have had four children, three are now living : Walter, Samuel, and Ralph. Mr. Beaverson built his present residence in 1882. Beilharz, John H., Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1835, and was a son of Tobias and Agatha (Smith) Bielharz, who emigrated to America in 1846, and set- tled in Fulton county, which was then Williams. They had a family of seven children, six of whom are now living: Barbara, Margaret, Christina, John H., Eva and John H., was born in Fulton county. They buried two sons at sea. They were seventy-five days making the voy- age over on a sailing vessel, and nine deaths occurred on board. John H. was married in 1863, to Amanda Kingery, who was born in Indiana, in 1843. They have had a family of three children : James I., Ninia Eva, and William T. Amanda was a daughter of John H. Kingery. James I. graduated from the commercial college, and Ninia E. is a student at the Normal School. Tobias died in 1881, and his wife, Agatha, in 1882. John H. now resides on the old homestead farm of sixty acres, which was purchased in 1856, at which time they paid |5 per acre for it. Belding, Eugene A., Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born in Gorham township, in 1854, and was a son of William B. and Althea W. (Cottrell) Belding. She was born in Hampshire county, Mass., and settled with her parents in Gorham township, in 1835. She was a daughter of Gor- ham and Althea (Whitmarsh) Cottrell, who were married in 1810. They had a family of eight children. Wilham B. was born in Massachusetts, and was a son of Amos and Marion (Fuller) Belding, who were early settlers in Gorham, where Amos and his wife died. They had a family of eleven children, five of whom are now Uving : Charlotte, Arthur W., Decatur, Mortimer, Benjamin F. William B. was married in 1853 to Miss Cottrell, who died in 1857, leaving two children, Eugene A. and Florence I., now Mrs. Miller. William B. settled in Gorham, in 1846, and died in 1878, leaving a widow by a second marriage. Eugene A. was married in 1874, to Melissa M. Sweatland, who was born in 1854. They have had four children : Althea M., Leola E., Rial B., and Arlo V. Eugene A. now owns and occupies a part of the old homestead of 40 acres, which was purchased in 1864. They purchased a farm of thirty acres in 1846. Melissa was a daughter of Rial and Harriet Sweatland, early settlers. Biddle, Benjamin, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a general hardware merchant and dealer in farm tools and machinery; was born in Wayne county, 0., in 1840, and was a son 6f George and Nancy (Biddle) Lawrence, who were born in Pennsylvania, and married in Wayne county, 0. They settled in Fulton county, in 1861, and in 1865 went to Clinton township, where George died in 1877, leaving a widow and eight children : Henry, Benjamin, Jacob, John, George W., Nancy, Rachel and Mary B. Benjamin was married in 1863 to Hester A. Trobridge, of Delta. They had a family of three children, two of whom are now living : Cora and Harry. Mr. Bid- dle served two terms as councilman. He settled in Wauseon in 1879, and became engaged in the hardware business in 1881. He was engaged in the mercantile business in Cleveland, in 1867 and 1868, and in farming from 1869 to 1880. 648 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Bish, 0., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., was born in Fairfield county, O., in 1849, and when six years of age moved to Hancock county, where he remained until the winter of 1876, when he settled in Bartlow township. He was married in 1879 to Mary A. Lansing. They had a family of four children, three of whom are now living: William M. (deceased), Ida M., David S., and G-ro- ver S. Mr. Bish is now engaged in farming, and owns a finely cultivated farm of 120 acres. Benieu, John H., Okolona p. o., a general merchant, grain dealer and shipper and engaged in farming at Okolona, was born in Hanover, Germany in 184:2. He emigrated to America in 1860, and settled in Henry county, where he became engaged in teaching, having graduated in G-ermany. In 1869 he took charge of the Okolona post-office, also was appointed agent of the Wabash Railroad and the U. S. Express Company at the same place, in connection with a gene- ral store business. Complying with the demands of the citizens, he also built a steam elevator of 12,000 bushels capacity, which is as yet in full blast under his management. Bishop, Fletcher J., Chesterfield, Morenci, Mich. p. o., was born in Northumberland county Pa., in 1837, and was a son of Cornelius and Catharine (Jones) Bishop. They had a family of ten children, four of whom are now living: William, Jeanette (now Mrs. Mansfield), Fletcher J., Cordelia (Mrs. Baldwin). Catharine died January 3, 1851. Fletcher enhsted in Co. H, 3d Ohio Cavalry, in 1861, under Colonel Zan, and served three years and six months. He was married August 22, 1865, to Julia A. Smith, who was born in Suftolk county, N. Y., in 1842. They have had a family of seven children : Arthur C, William H., Charles F., Birton J., Blanch S., Ralph C, Ernest B. Juha A. was a daughter of Henry L. and Eunice W. Smith, of New Jersey. Henry L. died in 1865, leaving a widow and nine children. Mr. Bishop purchased his present homestead farm of 164 acres for which he paid $40 per acre, and has erected a fine resi- dence and farm buildings thereon. Blackman, Frank G., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Adrian, Mich., in 1847, and was ^ son of Demmon and Jane (Shepard) Blackman, of Connecticut, who settled in Michigan, where they died, leaving a family of six children : Luther, Mary, Electa, Wilbur, Emma and Frank G. Frank G. Blackman was married in 1881 to Mary Woodward, who was born in Liberty town- ship. They have had two children. Wave and June. Mr. Blackman acquired the photographer's art and became engaged in the business, settling in Wauseon in 1879, where he opened his art gallery. Blair, Alfred H., Washington, Texas p. o,, was bjrn in Portage county, O., in 1825, and set- tled in Henry county, in 1863, He was engaged in the stock business in 1845, frequently pass- ing through Henry county on his way to Indiana, he became familiar with the county at an early date. He was a son of Alfred and Julia (Miller) Blair. Julia was born in Vermont and her husband in Massachusetts, They were married in Portage county, in 1824, and had a family of six children, four of whom arenowhving: Alfred H,, Blston, Henry M., and Samantha, The father died in 1835, and the mother in February, 1882, at the age of eighty-three years. Alfred H, Blair, was married in 1853, to Clarissa Vaughn, of Vermont. She died in 1854, and he then married Jane Silvernail, in 1863. She was born in G-reene county, N. Y, They have had a family of three children, Mary, Carlos and John. Alfred H. Blair has been township trustee, assessor, and now resides on a homestead of 80 acres. Blake, Angelo W., Clinton, Wauseon p. o,, was born in Portage county, C, in 1836, and was a son of Orrin and Caroline (Thomas) Blake, who were , married in Connecticut, and settled in Portage county, in 1826. Orrin was born in 1802, and CaroUne was born in 18 — , and died in 1846, leaving a family of six children. Orrin on settlement here purchased a farm of 160 acres, and in 1859 Angelo W, Blake settled in Clinton township on 80 acres of the tract, and which is now one of the pleasant home farms in the county, being well improved and having fine farm buildings. He was married in 1861 to Esther Goodrich, who was born in Lenawee county, in 1840. They have had four children: Adah, Hudson, Alice and Ella. Bockelman, Lewis, Freedom, Napoleon p. o,, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1831, and was a son of Henry and Catharine Bockelman, who had a family of eight children, six of whom emigrated to America: they were Lewis, Mary, Fred, Frederick, Henry and August. August enlisted and died at the Fairfax Court-House. Catharine and William remained in G-ermany. Lewis emigrated to America in 1860, and settled in Adams, Defiance county, 0. He enlisted in August, 1862, ,in Co. IC, I07th Ohio Regiment, under Colonel Meyers, and served to the close of the war, after which he was discharged at Cleveland. He returned to Adams, and became en- gaged in the carpenter and builder trade. He was married in 1867 to Anna Eggers, who was born in 1849. She was a daughter of John H. and Mary (Shuette) Eggers. They have had a family of eight children, four of whom are now living : Emma, Anna, Mary and Charles. He purchased his first farm in 1866, and in 1876 came to Napoleon to reside, where he became en- gaged in the mercantile business. In 1880 he purchased and removed to his present fine farm ' of 120 acres, all of which he has improved, and on which he has erected some model farm build- ings. He has been trustee for four terms, and is secretary of the Farmers Insurance Company, which became a fully reliable institution under his able management. Brief Personals. 649 Borton, Arthur W., Franklin, Tedrow p. o., a farmer and brick and tile manufacturer, of Franklin, was born in Stark county in 1842 and was a son of Asa and Elizabeth (Hazen) Bor- ton. Asa was born in New Jersey in 1802 and settled with his parents, Samuel and Mary (Owen) Borton in Fulton county. Elizabeth was born in 1803. They were married in 1826 and had a family of ten children, nine of whom are now living: Debora, Ahimaz L., Luoinda, Mary A., Sarah, Ruth, Mercy, Roland, Arthur and Asa, jr. Mr. Borton settled, with his family, in 1848. Arthur W. was married in 1869 to Catharine Freldmeyer, who was born in Germany, in 1846. They have had a family of five children: Edward H., Allen, Henna, Cora, Frank. Arthur W. enlisted in Company A, 67th Ohio Volunteers, and served to the close of the war, being dis- charged in June, 1865, at Richmond. His brother, Asa jr., served in the 60th Ohio, to the close of the war. Mr. Borton erected his factory in 1880 and became engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick and now gives employment to six men. His homestead of eighty-five acres, he has under fine cultivation. Borton, Nathan, Franklin, Fayette p. o., was born in Burlington county, N. J., in 1810. and was a son of Bethuel and Rebecca (Clifton) Borton. He died in New Jersey in 1831, leaving a widow and nine children. Nathan W. with his mother and four of the children settled in G-er- man township, Ohio, in 1836 where his mother died. Of her nine children, five are now living. Nathan Borton was married November 22, 1839, to Mary T. Ayres, who was born in Richland oounty. She died April 17, 1850, leaving two children, Rebecca and Emily A. He married his second wife, Mary G. Butcher Borton, widow of Bethuel Borton, jr., December 21, 1850. She was born in 1816. They have had a family of three children : Hattie P., Mary L. and Prisoilla. Hattie married David Stoner in 1869. He died in 1885 leaving one son, Clarence B. Mary L. married N. Leonard andPriscilla married John Ely in 1881 ; Rebecca married L. Oonnaway and Emily A. married James Town. Mrs. Mary had by her first husband a family of four children : Charity, Samuel, Ruth and Rulon. Nathan Borton was the first justice of the peace in German township and settled in Franklin at an early day. He has been township treasurer and also held other township offices. He was the first justice of the peace. He settled in Frankhn in 1845 and purchased his present homestead of 100 acres, for which he paid $300. He now owns 200 acres. Samuel Borton was married to Sarah J. McLaughlin ; Chanty married Ely Stoner ; Ruth married David Carpenter ; and Rulon married Esther A. McFaul. Bowers, Samuel H., Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1837 and was a son of George and Catharine (Gantz) Bowers, who were married in Licking county in 1822. Catharine was born in Gettysburgh Pa., in March, 1805, aqd George, her husband, was born in Homer, Cortland county, N. T., in 1795. They settled in Liberty, Henry county, 0., in 1837 with a family of six children. After settling here five more children were born to them, they having in all a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now Uving : Titan H., George jr., David, Samuel H., Sarah, Margaret, Orpha and H. Jane. GeOrge died February 9, 1880, and his wife now resides with her son, Samuel H. Samuel H. Bowers was married in 1864 to Catharine Metzger, who was born in Seneca county, 0., in 1840. They had a family of four children, three of whom are now living : Homer L., Dallas D., Bertha May and Gracie, who died at an early age. Catharine was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Whitman) Metzger. Sam- uel now owns and occupies the old homestead of eighty acres, which was purchased on settle- ment, m 1837. Bowers, T. H., Liberty, Liberty p. o., a pioneer of Henry county, was born in Licking coun- ty, April 26, 1822, and was a son of George and Catharine (Gantz) Bowers. Catharine was born at Gettysburgh, Pa., in 1805 and her husband, George, in Homer, Cortland county, N. T., in 1795. They were married in Licking county, 0., in 1822, and settled in Liberty, in 1837. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Titan H., George, jr., Da- vid, Samuel, Sarah, Margaret, Orpha and Jane. George, sr., died February 9, 1880. T. H. Bowers was married September 15, 1849, to Mary Stokesbery. who was born m Ohio, January 28, 1827. They have six children living: George W., born in 1852; Lozetta, born in 1854; Hsittie, born in 1857; Artimelia, born in 1861; Delia, born in 1861, flitted for teaching and is now engaged in that occupation ; and Walter, born in 1869. T. H. Bowers has been super- visor for several terms and is a general farmer by occupation. He was engaged in teaching in eairly life, and purchased his homestead of 160 acres, in 1865. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of Joshua and BUzabeth Stokeshury, of Virginia, who settled in Licking County, 0., at an early day. Bowers, William B., Harrison, Napoleon p. o., was born in Liberty, Henry county, in 1830 aiid was liiarried m 1860, to Eunice H. Barnes, who was born in Licking county, 0., in 1835. They have had a family of eight children : Milo R., Lizzie J., Allen, John, Frank, Willis, Jacob arid Ada. William R. has held the following township offices : justice of the peace, supervisor, irilstee and' school director. His wife, Eunice, was a daughter of George A. and Rachael (Boddfldt) Barnes, who were early settlers in Henry county. William R. Bowers was a son 650 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hunter) Bowers. Elizabeth was born in mid-ocean in 1805. Her parents were natives of Ireland, who settled in Florida, Henry county, at the close of the war of 1812. Of several children Elizabeth is the only one now living. Samuel was born in Penn- sylvania, in 1796, and died in 1864. They had a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. Samuel "vvas the first sheriff of Henry county, and also served as county treasurer. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Samuel settled in Henry county about 1820 and his brother^ George m 1835, where he resided up to the time of his death. Bradfield, D. H., Dover, Tedrow p. o., a general dry goods and grocery merchant, of Spring Hill, was born in Sparta, Morrow county, m 1849. He was reared on a farm and at an early age learned the jeweller's business, and in 1868 became engaged in business for himself. He was married in 1867 to Sarah Long, of Fulton county. They have two children, Verner and Floy; one daughter, Maggie, died at the age of eight years. Verner has attended the graded schools and in now engaged in teaching. Mr. Bradfield has been an active business man. He was engaged in stock dealing and shipping for several years, and in 1881 became traveling agent for the Union Manufacturing Company, of Toledo, Ohio. In 1885 he purchased a store and stock in Sparta, and in 1887 purchased his store in Spring Hill, where he is now engaged in a general country business. His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of John and Margaret Long, who were early settlers in Fulton county, coming there about 1851 from Ashland county, where Sarah was born in 1849. Brigham, Joel, jr., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., the pioneer hardware dealer of Wauseon, was born in Dunkirk, Chautauqua county, N. T., January 10, 1818, and was a son of Joel and Polly Ann (Durkee) Brigham. Polly Ann was born in Litchfield, Conn., and Joel in Worcester coun- ty, Mass. They died in Medina county, 0. They had a family of seven children, two of whom are now living, Winfield and Joel, jr. Joel jr. was married in 1838 to Betsey Lyon, of Goshen, Mass. They have had ten children, five of whom are hving: Walter S., H. T., Clarence B.^ Hattie (Mrs. Sohn) and Celia (now Mrs. Dr. C. E. Bennett). Mr. Brigham settled in Wauseon as a merchant, in 1859. He settled in Clinton township in 1853 and became engaged in farm- ing and lumbering. He became engaged in the milling business in 1857 as a member of the firm of Brigham & Springer. He erected his present store in 1871 and has been engaged in the hardware business ever since. He has been justice of the peace for two terms, assessor two terms, trustee for fifteen years ; he was postmaster at Lena and Chatham, Medina county, un- der Zaoh. Taylor's administration. He has been mayor of Wauseon for two terms and also- county commissioner for two terms. He was appointed miUtary war committeeman by the gov- ernor and has also filled other minor offices. Brink, Byron, Chesterfield, Morenci, Mich. p. o., was born in Gorham in 1847, and was a son of Jacob J. and Phebe (Taylor) Brink. Jacob died in 1853. They had a family of four sons : Byron, Bartley Bainbridge and Bodley. The parents settled in Fulton county in 1847 where Phebe died in 1876. Jacob J. was a son of Cornehus and Hannah (Bodling) Brink who were born in Onondaga county, N. Y. They had a family of seven children : Levy B.. May, Jacob J., Susan W., Dinah W., Joseph W. and James M. Cornelius settled in Gorham in 1850 and died in 1863. But two of his family are now hving, Dinah and James. Byron was married in. 1870 to Sarah A. Powers, who died March 23, 1872, leaving one son, Georde Elnor, born March 1, 1871. He married his second wife, Barbara Elizabeth Eutledge, February 16, 1873. They have had a family of four children : Sarah J., Phebe A., Olive Bertha and Harry. Mr. Brink purchased his present homestead farm of sixty acres in 1872, for which he paid $2,000. In the same year he bought twenty acres more for which he paid $600, and in 1 882 bought eighty acres for $3,200^ making a homestead of 160 acres. His mother was a daughter of Henry and Charlotte Taylor. Mr. Taylor was born on Long Island. Brink, James, Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born near Plymouth, Eichland county, 0., May 15, 1836, and was a son of Cornelius and Hannah (Bodley) Brink, who were born at Skaneate- les, Onondaga county, N. Y., November 30, 1802, and his wife February 9, 1779. They had a, family of seven children : Levy B., Mary, Jacob, Susanna W., Dinah W., Joseph W. and James^ Cornehus settled in Gorham township May 31, 1850 and purchased his homestead farm of III acres in November, 1850, for which he paid $658. He died March 14, 1863, leaving a widow and two children, Dinah W., and James. James now owns and occupies 81 acres of the old homestead. He was married January 9, 1859, to Henrietta Saltzgaber, who was born July 24, 1833, in Lebanon county, Pa. They have had one son, Delbert Eugene, born Oct. 16, 1859, who was married August 22, 1880, to Elnora G. Eiley, at Wright, Hillsdale county, Mich. They have had three children : Mabel, Ernest R. and Levy Leroy. Elnora was born in Amboy, Mich., June 11, 1859. Henrietta was a daughter of John and Sophia Saltzgaber, who came from Pennsylvania to Gorham township in 1849. James at an early age chose farming as an occupation. He has been township trustee for five years. His mother died at his residence July 4, 1883. His parents were active and leading members of the Presbyterian church from, early age. Brief Personals. 651 Brinkman, Henry, Pleasant, Pleasant Bend p. o., a resident o£ Pleasant township, Henry county, 0., was born in Crawford county, 0., in 1832. He was married in 1857 to Elizabeth Reiter, who was born in Berks county. Pa., in 1838. They have had six children : Sarah 0., Henry P., John W., Mary B., AnnaC. and Harriet 0. Elizabeth was a daughter o£ John and Sarah Reiter, of Crawford ooanty, O.' John and Sarah Reiter were born in Schuylkill county. Pa. Henry Brinkman was a son of Christopher and Mary Heinlen, who were born in G-ermany and married in Crawford county, 0., where Christopher died leaving a widow and seven chil- dren : Henry, John, Christopher jr., Frederick, Daniel, Jacob and Mary. Henry held the office of trustee for one term. He purchased his farm in 1861 and settled in Henry county in 1862. Britton, Mason, Wauseon, Wauseon p. c, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., m 1835 and was a son of John and Betsey Britton. John was born in New Jersey. They settled in Ash- tabula county, 0., in 1837. They had a. family of eleven children. One son, Munson T., en- listed, was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville prison for several months. Mason Brit- ton has been twice married. By his first wife he had one daughter, Mrs. Jessie Williams. His second wife was Mrs. Henrietta (Rogers) Chapman, of Medina county. They were married in 1868. Mr. Britton settled in Wauseon in 1870, and became engaged in the manufacture of oars, of which at that time, he was the only one engaged in the manufacture of that article. He ■erected the buildings now owned by H. H. Williams & Co., in Wauseon, in 1872. and sold his interest in 1886. He completed a factory at Napoleon and established there his extensive oar business, and his numerous customers extend from Boston, Mass., to the sea island in Puget Sound. His brand of oars has become celebrated throughout all boating sections. Brinkman, John, Plat Rook, Florida p. o., was born in Crawford county, in 1833, and was a son of Christoper and Mary Brinkman, who were born in Germany and settled in Crawford oounty, 0., where they married. Christopher died on December 19, 1876. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are now living : Henry, John, Christopher jr., Fred, Daniel and Jacob. Four of the sons were drafted, but all furnished substitutes. John was married Febru- ary 26, 1857, to Harriet Shroll, of Crawford county. She was born in 1840. They have five children now living: Mary S., Amanda H., Eliza Ann, John A. and Charles Walter. Harriet was a daughter of Abraham and Sophia (Wise) Shroll, of Adams county. Pa. Mr. Brinkman settled in Plat Rock in 1864, and purchased his homestead farm of 137-^ acres. His wife also owns a farm of 160 acres in Flat Rock. Mr. Brinkman has been a trustee for ten years. Brown, James K., Harrison, Napoleon p. c, was born in Perry county, 0., December 8, 1827, and was a son of David and Mary (Oreger) Brown, who were born in Pennsylvania, and married in Muskingum county. They had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living : Joseph, Jacob, James K. and George, who enlisted from Wisconsin, and served for three years. The mother died in Morrow county, and her husband in Iowa. James K. Brown com- menced his business life at the early age of ten years, and at the age of twelve years ran a farm seUing his grain and oats at ten cents, and his corn at a shilling a bushel. In 1839 he settled in Henry county, with a cash capital of twenty-five dollars, then purchasing 40 acres of land for that amount. He then hired out and earned twenty-five dollars more, and purchased his second ■ forty acres. He now owns in all a fine farm of 340 acres. He was married in November, 1848, to Deborah Johns, who was born in Morrow county in 1824. She died in 1861, leaving a family of six children : Mary E. (Wilson), Daniel J. (born in 1852 and died in 1873), James Al- bert, Milly, George Washington, and James F., was married in 1866, to Rebecca MoCormick, who died in 1880. George W. enlisted in the 88th Ohio, and died at the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865 ; Daniel J., was a railroad man ; Wilson, married Jessie Randall ; J. Albert, mar- ried Lovinia Bales; Milly, married David Hoflfer. Brubaker, Alfred K.. Flat Rock, Florida p. o., a leading successful farmer of Henry county, was born in Stark county, 0., in 1846, and settled in Plat Rock township with his parents in 1847. He was a son of John and Sarah (Wyandt)' Brubaker. Alfred K. was married in 1878 to Florence Ice, who was born in 1862. They have a family of three children, living: Sherman R., Arthur A., Leroy, Cora (died at the age of two and one half years). John and Sarah i ave a family of eight children, now living : Mrs. Hannah Lowery, Mrs. Mary Lewis, Francis M., Chris W., A. K., Daniel E., and Mrs. Clarissa Dunham and Emanuel W. Brubaker, John, Flat Rock, Florida p. o., oldest son of David and Elizabeth (Barnes) Bru- baker, was born in Franklin county. Pa., April 18, 1812. With his parents he settled in Stark county, 0., in 1832. After a short stay there and in adjoining counties, working at his trade, that of carpenter, he married, June 16, 1836, Sarah Wyandt, of Sugar Creek township. Stark county, 0. Mrs. Brubaker is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Warner) Wyandt, and was born in Somerset county. Pa., February 21, 1814. The first eleven years of their married hfe was spent in Sugar Creek township where he worked at various vocations of life. In 1847 they moved to Henry county and purchased their homestead of 80 acres. Not only have they kept and improved this tract, but have added thereto 60 acres, all of which is as fine farming 652 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. ^and as is to be found in the Maumee Valley. To this couple have been born nine children : Han- nah, Mary, Francis M., Christian W., Alfred K., Daniel E., Jacob L., and Emanuel W., all living- except Jacob, who died in 1872, at the age of seventeen. Since 1875 they have been living in retirement. Mr. B. has been township trustee for over twenty years, and has also held other offices. This aged and venerable couple loved and respected by all who know them, live a quiet life upon their farm one mile north of Florida. Brubaker, Winfield S., Flat Rock, Florida p. o., was born in Flat Rock township, in 1852? was brought up as a farmer, but not contented with this life he learned the blacksmith businesSi and A\-as engaged in the same for twelve years. In 1880 he retired from this business, and be- came engaged in the mercantile business, having a butcher shop and market attached. He was married in March, 1885, to Mrs. Elizabeth Dixon Weaver. She had two sons by her first hus- band: Wilber and Harry. Winfield S. was a son of David and Margaret (Weyble) Brubaker. She was born in Westmoreland county Pa., in 1821, and her husband, David, was born in Franklin county. Pa., in 1818. They were married in 1839, and have had a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom are now living. Two died at an early age, and one son, Jeremiah, enlisted and died at Savannah. John H. and Levy H., enhsted and served during the war. Mary E., J. H., L. H., Martha, David, William H., Martha, W. S., Alice, Walter, <3-eorge, and Wesley are now living. David settled in Henry county, in 1850. He was a son of David and Elizabeth (Barnes) Brubaker. Bucklin, Osman, Damascus, Grelton p. o., one of the very early residents of Henry county^ was born in Damascus in 1822, and was a son of David and Plaina (Gunn) Bucklin, who were born in Vermont, and married in N. Y. State, and settled in Henry county about 1814. Plaina was a daughter of Elisha Gunn. They had nine children, but two of whom are now living, Os- man and Harriet. David died in Damascus, in 1834, and his wife in 1845. David was the first postmaster of Damascus, and was a carpenter by trade, but was largely engaged in farming, served in the War of 1812, and was at the city of Buffalo when it was burned. Osman enlisted in Co. I, 68th Ohio, in 1861, under Colonel Steadman, and was discharged in 1864, after three years' service. He was married in 1848, to Nancy M. Price, of Cuyahoga county, O., who died in 1856, leaving a family of three children : Walter, Charles and Mary. His second wife was Elizabeth Weaver, who was born in Pennsylvania, and married in 1860. They have had one son, Lincoln. Burns, William S., Gorham, Fayette p. o., one of the enterprising farmers of Fulton county, was born in Columbiana county in 1837, and was a son of Martin and Hope (Stratton) Burns, who were born in the same county. Martin was a son of Hugh and Sarah (Long) Burns. Mar- tin settled in Williams county with his family in L855, where he died in 1885, leaving a widow and seven children, five sons and two daughters. William S. was married in 1865, to Jennie McGrew. They have three children : Dora, Willard L., and Denver Scott. Mr. Burns settled in Franklin township in 1863, and came to Fayette in 1877, where he purchased 35 acres in the corporation, for which he paid $3,000, and on which he erected his fine brick residence. He has been assessor of the town two terms. His wife, Jennie, was a daughter of W. H. and Mary McGrew, of Williams county. They died in 1384. He was one of the early settlers in this county, and was born in 1796. His wife was born in 1807. He was a justice of the peace for over twenty years. Burke, James, Liberty, Napoleon p. o., one of the prominent and successful farmers of Henry county, was born in Ireland, in April, 1839, and was a son of James and Bridget Burke. The father died in Ireland, and the mother in England, leaving only one son, James, who emigrated to- and settled in Lorain county, 0., in 1855, and married Jane Fishburn, who was born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1861. They were married in Loraine county, and settled in Liberty, in 1863, purchas- ing their homestead of 80 acres. They now own 200 acres, 180 of which are cleared and im- proved. He gives most of his attention to the breeding and raising of blooded stock. His buildings and farm show well cultivated taste. Burr, Elijah, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., a farmer of Clinton, was born in Lyme, Huron county,, in 1836, and 'was a son of Charles T. and Zilpha (Bates) Burr, of Massachusetts, where they were married, and settled in Huron county, after which they came to Fulton in 1867. Charles T., died in 1869, leaving a widow and six children. Elijah Burr was married in 1863, to Sarah C. Ballard, who was born in Huron county. She died in 1877, leaving a family of two children, Guy and Cora. His second wife was Anna E. Brainard, to whom he was married in 1878. They have had two children, Gracie and Julia A. Anna E. was a daughter of Sereno and Elinor Brainard, who settled in Fulton county in 1865. Elijah Burr settled in Clinton in 1869, where he purchased his farm of 106-J- acres. Callin, Zimri G., Pleasant, Holgate p. o., a manufacturer and dealer in harness and trimmings, was born in Huron county, 0., in 1850, and was a son of William and Elizabeth Callin. Eliza- beth was born in Pennsylvania, and her husband in Virginia. They were married in Ashland Brief Personals. 653 county. William died in 1881, leaving a widow and nine children, iive of whom are now liv- ing: John. James, George and Zimri a., and Mrs. Harriet Sly, a son of Dr. Hugh, who was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College, died in 1881. Three of the sons served in the war: they were John, James and George. Zimri G. was married in 1874 to Ella Franklin, of Tonto- gany. Wood county. She died in 1875, leaving one son, Edward. He then married his second wife, Minnie Parker, in 1881. They have had two children, Delia and Oma. He settled in Holgate, Henry county, in 1881, and then became engaged in the harness business. Campbell, James K., Dover, Wauseon p. o., was born in Clinton township, Fulton county, in 1855, and was a son of Reasin and Temperance (Cornell) Campbell. Temperance was born in Wayne county, in 1829, and was a daughter of Joseph C. and Elizabeth Cornell. Reasin was born in Stark county, O., in 1820. and was a son of John and Margaret (Bell) Campbell. Reasin died in February, 1885, leaving his widow, Temperance, and a family of nine children : William H., Mary M., Elizabeth A., James K., Phebe J., Morgan C, Edward R. Emily C, and J. Fred. They settled in Clinton in 1846. James K. was married in 1875, to Melissa A. Bayes, who was born in 1855, in Clinton. They have had three children : one died in 1877, one in 1879, Zula B. was born October, 1885. Melissa was a daughter of William and Mary (Tedrow) Bayes. Mr. Campbell has been assessor two terms. He purchased his homestead of- forty acres in 1876, paying therefor .S 1,400; it now consists of 80 acres of finely cultivated land. Campbell, Reasin, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Stark county, in 1820, and was a son of John a,nd Margaret (Bell) Campbell. She was born in Washington county, Pa., and John was born in Ireland. John settled in Pennsylvania with his parents Reasin married Temper- ance Cornell, who was born in Wayne county, 0., in 1829, and was a daughter of Joseph Creig and Elizabeth (Morgan) Cornell. He wag born in Pennsylvania, and his wife in Virginia. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are now living : Alpha, Mercy (now Mrs. Lee), Phebe (now Mrs. S. Bays), and Temperance. Joseph and EUzabeth were married in 1819, and Joseph died in January, 1831. His widow died in Fulton county, February 3, 1875, aged sev- enty-seven years. Reasin and Temperance were married in 1846, and settled in Clinton, Ful- ton county, 0., in 1846. They had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are now living: William H., Mary M., Elizabeth A., James K., Phebe J., Morgan C, Edward R., Emily C. and J. Fred. Mr. Campbell died in February, 1885. Reasin purchased 160 acres on settlement in 1846, paying $600 for the same. His homestead farm now consists of 200 acres of well improved and finely cultivated land. Canfield, Heman A., Gorham, Tedrow p. o., a large farmer and land owner of Gorham town- ship, Fulton county, 0.; was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y., on the 25th day of January, 1816. He traces his ancestry back to Thomas Canfield, who came from England in 1646, and settled in Milford, Conn. Heman A. Canfield was the son of a farmer, in fact, all of his ancestors were farmers. At the age of twenty-one he felt that his father's small farm was too small for him, and although an only son, he came west in 1837, and purchased 240 acres of government land in sections 32 and 33, Chesterfield township, and in the spring of 1838 came to his land, which was '' Oak Openings," and in the fall sowed ten acres of wheat, which pro- duced ten bushels per acre. He continued to improve this land until he gathered his last crop of wheat in 1859, which was raised on the same field as his first crop, but which produced thirty bushels to the acre. He then sold bis farm and settled in Gorham, on the Tiffin River. This farm was heavily timbered, but by running a saw-mill and employing a large amount of hand work engaged in clearing, ditching and underdraining, he now in his old age can look over one of the best and most productive farms in the county. He was married in his native town on the 16th of October, 1838, to Amanda G. Brown, who still lives to enjoy the fruits of their early labors and pioneer trials. They have had six children, three sons and three daughters, all living and married. Mr. Canfield has always enjoyed the entire confidence and respect of the community in which he lives, and while he has always been a leader in all matters relating to the best interests of society, and has occasionally accepted both township and county offices, has always thought that office was too confining, to a man of his active nature. He has always by precept and example, been teaching his generation how to make the earth produce more of the blessings of life. He has always been a staunch and active Republican since the organization of that political party, and strange as it sounds to-day, he was the first person in his native town to advocate publicly the doctrine in that the Bible and the Constitution of the United States were both anti-slavery documents. He and his wife have both maintained and cultivated their literary tastes, as their large and well selected library will attest. Carpenter, Henry, Liberty, a general and successful farmer, of Henry county, was born in Fairfield county, in 1833 and was a son of George and Barbara (Wilson) Carpenter. Barbara was born in Virginia and her husband, George, was born in Pennsylvania. They were married in Fairfield county, 0. George served in the war is 1812 and his widow, after his death, which occured in 1861, was awarded a pension of ninety-six dollars per year, until her death, which €54 History of Henry and Kulton Counties. occurred id 1875. They settled in Liberty county in 1848, and had a family of eleven children, four of whom are now living : Mrs. Mary Heft, Mrs. Catharine Davis, David and Henry. Two of the grandsons, Solomon and G-eorge, followed the patriotism of their grandfather and enlisted in the army of the Rebellion. Henry Carpenter was married in 1861 to Rachel G-nthrie. They have had five children : Amanda T., Mary May, Robert Murphy, Cora Belle (was educated for, and is now engaged in teaching) and Robert. Murphy married Arsa Tremain. Mr. Carpenter settled on his homestead farm in 1848, paying $3,500 for the first forty acres. He now owns 200 acres in all. Cheadle, Gilman, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., an early pioneer farmer stock grower, but who has now retired from active business, was born in Morgan county, 0., in 1807, and was a son of John and Mary (White) Cheadle, of Windsor county, Vermont. They settled in Ohio in 1802. Gilman was married to Susanna Rockafellow, a daughter of William and Malinda Rockafeliow. William was born in Pennsylvania and his wife, Malinda, was a native of Maryland. They set- tled in Washington county, 0., where William died in 18 — and his wife, Malinda, in 1884, at the age of ninety-four years. G-ilman and Susanna were married on March 13, 1828, and had a family of ten children, five of whom are now living : Margaret, Aumend, Ingabee (now Mrs. Conklin), AthaUnda (Mrs. D. Sharp) and Kathan. Nathan and William enlisted and served in the late war. Mr. Cheadle settled in York township in 1836 and came to Wauseon in 1870. He served as a postmaster fourteen years, under President Jackson. Cheney, William T., Monroe, Malinta, p. o., was born in the State of Maryland, August 27, 1831, came to Perry county when an infant where he was raised and received a public school education, until he reached the age of fifteen years when he moved to Fairfield county with his parents, and came to Henry county in 1857 where he purchased his present farm of forty acres in Monroe township, where he has since resided. He was married in 1854 to LucindaE. Gron- ter, of Richland county, 0. They have four children now living : Lucinda A., (Mrs. Marion Smith) Lydia A., Mary R. (Mrs. Herbert Booth) and Frederick W. Mr. Cheney has held the oflice of assessor, constable and school director of the township for several years, and has also been a notary public. He was elected justice of the peace in 1876, which office he has held ■continually ever since, with the exception of two years. Chroninger, Benjamin Franklin, Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Stark county, 0., ■October 14, 1843, and settled in Liberty township in 1846, with his parents, George and Eliza- beth Ann (Hinkle) Chroninger. He was married July 7, 1870, to Asenath Louisa Babcock who was born August 8, 1851. They have had two children : Raleigh Royal, born April 22, 1871 ; Millie Belle, born November 8, 1872. Asenath L. was a daughter of Lorenzo and Sarah Ann (Patrick) Babcock. Mr. Chroninger, at the opening of the rebellion, offered his services but was rejected on account of impaired health. He is a man of rare intellectual tastes. He has made farming both a success and a pleasant occupation. He takes an interest m all pubhc enterprises. His parents have had a family of ten children, but four of whom are now living : B. F., Henry, Arminda and Elsie Dana. His father, George, was born in Stark county, September 12, 1817, and his mother in P ennsylvania, in 1820. They were married in Tuscarawas county, in 1841. George was a son of Henry and Sarah Chroninger natives of Westmoreland county, who were married in Stark county, 0., and died in Indiana county. Chroninger, George, Liberty, Liberty p. o., was born in Stark county, 0., September 12, 1817, and came to Henry county, 0., in 1840, and settled on his present homestead farm of 160 acres. He was married in 1841 to Elizabeth Ann Hinkle, of Tuscarawas county, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1820. They have had a family of ten children, four of whom are now liv- ing : Benjamin Franklin, Henry, Arminda and Elsie Dana. George, jr. died leaving one son, Othey ; Monroe died at the age of twenty years. They settled in Liberty in 1846, where they still reside, having one of the best cultivated farms in the county, having five miles of tile, fine fruit and buildings. He was a son of Henry and Sarah Chroninger. Henry was born in West- moreland county. Pa. They were married in Stark county. Elizabeth w£is the daughter of Henry and Mary Hinkle, who settled in Stark county in 1827, where they died. Mr. Chron- inger settled in Henry county with his family in 1846. The place was then a wood. He ■erected a log cabin, cleared his land, now having 130 acres free from stumps, on which he has his homestead. In addition to this he owns 400 acres in town. Clark, John A., Clinton, Pettisville p. o., a pioneer of Fulton county, was born in Maryland in 1829 and was a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Dye) Clark, who were born and married in Mary- land and settled in Holmes county, 0., in 1838, and in 1841 came to Fulton county and pur- chased his farm of eighty acres in 1843, for which he paid $200. Ebenezer was born in 1801, and his wife Mary, in 1809. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living: John A. (born m 1829), Daniel (born 1832), Ezekiel (born 1841), WiUiam (born 1849), Moses (born 1851), Nancy (now Mrs. Hayes), Melissa (now Mrs. Melius), Mary (now Mrs. Volentine). Aden enlisted and was killed in the battle near Petersburg, while serving in the Sixty-eighth Ohio Reg- Brief Personals. 655 iment. John A. Clark was married in 1854 to Elizabeth Krontz who was born in Holmes county in 1834. They have had a family of five children: James M., Noah M., Solomon J., William E. and Eliza Jane. Elizabeth was a daughter of Phillip and Susan S. Krontz. Mr. Clark now owns the eighty acre homestead, to which he has added 100 acres and now has a fine stock farm of 180 acres with 140 acres under cultivation on section nineteen. He is now engaged in the breeding of Norman horses and short horn cattle and general farming. Clapp, Russel K., Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., an early settler in Henry county, was born in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1823, and was a son of Russell and Lavina (Strong) Clapp, na- tives of Southampton, Mass., where they were married in 1811. He was born 1786 and his wife in 1788. He died in 1854 and his wife in 1855. They had eight children, two of whom are now living, Russel K. and Sarah. They settled in Huron county in 1839, and in 1S46 came to Henry county. Russell K. was married in 1851 to Amelia Clough, who was born in Perrys- burg. Wood county, in 1832. They had a family of three children, two of whom are now liv- ing: Theodore G., Jennie L., who married Ralph Redfield in 1874. Theodore G-. was married in 1881 to Mary Tanner. Amelia was a daughter of Salmon and Lucy (Whitman) Clough. Salmon was born in New York, where they were married, after which they settled in Wood county, 0., where Salmon died leaving a family of six children, two of whom are now living : Jonathan and Amelia. The widow, Lucy, came to Fulton in 1836, where she died April 9, 1872. Two of her sons, Jonathan and Ephraim, enlisted and served in the late War of the Rebellion, in the 14th and 67th Regiments. Russel K. Clapp now owns and occupies the old homestead which was purchased on settlement in 1846, was then a forest, now a well-improved farm. Clifton, John Lumby, Freedom, Wauseon p. o., was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1821, and was a son of John T. and Jane Lumby Clifton. John, in early life, was engaged in the butcher business, and was also butcher on an English mail steamer. He was married in 1841 to Mary Ann Rubin, who died in England leaving three children : John, Sarah Jane and Thomas. John emigrated to America in 1852 and settled in Sandusky county and there became engaged in the butcher business. He was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Burnham who was born in England in 1830. They have had a family of nine children, two of whom are dead : Clara A., Robert M., Rose E., George L., Alice M., Elizabeth H. and William D. Lizza H. and Clara are now en- gaged in teaching. Mrs. Clifton settled in Sandusky county with her father in 1849. She was a daughter of George Burnham. Mr. Clifton commenced his farming life with a cash capital of twenty dollars in Wood county, 0. He now has a farm of 260 acres in Freedom, which he purchased in 1877, on which he has made many improvements and erected some fine farm build- ings. Creager, Gideon G., Harrison, Napoleon p. o., - prominent early settler of Harrison town- ship, was born in Maryland in 1810 and was a son of Cornelius and Mary Creager, and a grand- son of Conrad CorneUus, who settled in Dayton, Montgomery county, 0., in September, 1812. The father died in Seneca county in 1841. He was born in 1798. His wife died in Henry county in 1866, at the age of seventy-seven years. They had a family of ten children, two of whom are now living: Mrs. Mary Lamberson and Gideon G., who married Christina Shonkwi- ler of Seneca county, 0., in 1838. They have had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are now livinW. and Emily Hopkins Patterson. They were born in New Hampshire, and married m Allegheny county, where Emily died in 1831. G. W. married his second wife, Jane Carter. Emily left three children, two of whom are now living : Edwin H., and Edward W. They all settled in Fulton county, 0., in 1838, where George W. died in 1869, leaving a widow and three children. Edwin H. attended the common schools when an opportunity favored him. He was reared on a farm. He chose farming for an occupation, and in 1844 became engaged in that pursuit. In 1847 he purchased his present homestead of 80 acres, paying therefor $240. He now owns a farm of 245 acres. He was married in 1860 to Clara Eldridge, who was born in Summit county, in 1835. They have had a family of two children : Cora E. and Willis E. Clara was a daughter of Harvey Bldredge and Eunice (Brown) Eldredge, who settled in Ches- terfield, in 1862. Patterson, William jr., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Tuscarawas county, 0., in No- vember, 1821, and was married in 1845 to Hannah Robinett, who was born in Wood county. She died in 1847, and he then married his second wife, Susanna Hay, who was born in Wayne county, 0., in 1837. They were married in October, 1854, and have had a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom are now living — Permelia, Clinton, Mary, Lorinda, Lawrence, Alice, Martha, Jane, Elias, Ira, George and Ross. Susanna was a daughter of Valentine and Chris- tiana Hay. Valentine settled in York township in 1849. They were born in 1800. Chris- tiana died in York township in July, 1886, leaving a family of six children, one daughter, Sus- anna, and five sons. William Patterson was a son of William and Catharine (Snyder) Patter- son. He was born in New Jersey, and his wife in Pennsylvania. They were married and died in Tuscarawas county, and had a family of twelve children, six of wliom are now living- John, Adam, William, Aaron, Edward and Elias. William settled in CUnton, Fulton county, coming there from Wood county in 1846, and purchased his present homestead of eighty acres in 1858 for which he paid $700. He now owns 159 acres. Mr. Patterson has contributed much toward the clearing and improving of the township, and now has a pleasant homestead. Patrick, George, Liberty, Napoleon p. o., a prominent and extensive farmer of Henry county, was born in this same county September 6, 1834, and was a son of John and Esther (Teft) Patrick. Esther was born in Rhode Island January 11, 1800, and was a daughter of George and Dorcas Teft. John was born in Columbia county, N. Y., October 23, 1795, and was a son of Ralph and Mary Patrick. John and Esther were married in Oneida county, N. Y., September 13, 1821. They had a family of eleven children— Sarah, Kenneth, Ralph, Mary B.' Asenath Jane, George, Hester, Almira, Mahala and an infant daughter. John Patrick set- 87 690 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. tied in what is now Liberty township, November 2, 1826, on the banks of the Maumee, and became a tavern keeper, and afterwards a large land owner. He died December 13, 1863, and his wife, Esther, January 1, 1879. Four of their children are now living. They are Mary E., born 1827; Jane, born 1831 ; G-eorge, born 1834, and Hester, born 1837. G-eorge Patrick now owns and occupies the old homestead which was purchased on settlement by his parents. He has chosen farming as his occupation for life, and has never taken to himself a partner. Pennock, Bdmond, Liberty, was born in Panama, Chautauqua county, N. T., in 1835, and was married in 1860 to Amanda Jones, who died in the same year. He was married in 1861 to Elmira L. Merritt, who died in 1873, leaving one daughter, Julia C. He then married his third wife, Esther Jones, in 1875. They had one son, George W. Mr. Pennock settled in Liberty in 1863, and became engaged in buying and selling large quantities of produce, and has also been engaged in the milling business. He was elected justice in 1864, and has held other minor offices smce. He was postmaster under President James Buchanan, in Wood county, and was appointed postmaster in June, 1885, of Liberty. He was a son of Benjamin W. and Christina A. (Lane) Pennock. B. W. was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1811, and his wife in New York State, where they were married in 1834,Jand settled in Chautauqua county, N. T., and in 1855 came to Wood county, O., and in 1863 settled in Henry county, where Christina died in 1875. B. W. was a justice of the peace for many years, and resigned that office in 1878 on account of poor health. He had a family of two sons and six daughters. Perry, E. S.. G-orham, Fayette p. o., a general hardware merchant of Fayette, and a member of the firm of Perry & Allen, which was formed in 1881, and which is now the only hardwai-e house of Grorham township. They are extensive dealers in hardware, stoves, farm implements, doors, sash, blinds, and paints, oils, glass, etc. Mr. Perry was born in HoUey, Orleans county, N. T.; was educated at the academy, and in 1863 settled in Bloomington, 111., as a salesman, and in 1878 settled in Fayette as manager and salesman in the hardware store, and in 1881 be- came a partner in the same with Arthur Allen. Mr. Perry was married in 1878 to Delle Wick- izer, of Bloomington, 111. They have had one child, Don S. Delle was a daughter of J. H. and Mary Wickizer. Mr. Perry was a son of Horace B. and Sarah (Stewart) Perry. She was born in Vermont, and was a sister of the renowned P. P. Stewart, the stove manufacturer of Troy, N. Y. He died in HoUey, N. Y., in 1861, leaving a widow and three children — Yirgil, E. S. and Harriette E. Pherson, Dr. Albert M., Flat Rock, Florida p. o., was born in Stark county, 0., in 1847, and was a son of Theophilus Pherson, A. M.; was fitted for and entered the university at Ann Ar- bor, Mich., in 1871, and was graduated from the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in 1876. He settled in Florida, Henry county, in that same year, and became engaged in the practice of his profession. He was married May 24, 1877, to Mary E. Moberly, of Shelby county, Ind. They have had a family of three children — Adella J., Albert 0. and Etta Hester. Albert M. enlisted on January 30, 1865, in Company C, 184th Regiment ; was discharged at the close of the war at Nashville. His parents were Theophilus and Eliza (Tate) Pherson. They had a family of seven children. Two sons, Dr. A. M. and William enlisted in 1861, and served to the close of the war. The parents died in Stark county. Pocock, Jesse, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Tuscarawas county, 0.,'in 1828, and was a son of Eli and Catharine (Kennestrick) jPooock, of Maryland, who were married in Ohio, and settled in Tuscarawas county in 1819, and in 1842 came to Clinton township, Fulton county, where they died. She in 1849, and her husband, Eli, in 1865, at the age of sixty-nine years. They settled on the northeast quarter of section 26, paying therefor ^3 per acre. They had a family of twelve children, seven of whom are now living. Three of the sons enlistee and served in the late War of the Rebellion. Jesse was married in 1849 to Susanna Robinett, of Holmes county. They have had a family of nine children — Melissa J., Isabella A., Melinda E., Lydia A., Ella M., Cora U., Mary Ethel, Abbie and Jesse Franklin. Mr. Pocock purchased his present homestead farm of eighty acres in 1850, paying ^3 per acre for the tract. His wife, ■Susan, was a daughter of George and Hannah Robinett, who settled m Holmes county, 0. She came to this, Fulton county, in 1844. Polilmann, Bros. (C. F. & H. F.), Napoleon, stock dealers and shippers of live hogs, sheep and cattle, also proprietors of the Pulton Market. They were born in Cuyahoga county and their parents were Christian and Caroline Pohlmann. Christian died in 1884. They settled in Henry county in 1879 and became engaged in the stock business and farming, and in 1881 came to Napoleon, and opened their present business. Poorman, Barnard, Liberty, was born in Perry county, 0., in 1831, and was a son of Will- iam and Nancy Poorman, who died in Sandusky county, 0. They had a family of seven sons, six of whom enlisted and served in the War of the Rebellion, and at the close five of them returned. They were Barnard, John, James, William, jr., Henry, Joseph, and Thomas, who died in Tennesee. Barnard enlisted in Company K, 57th Ohio, in 1851, and re-enlisted Brief Personals. 691 in 1863 in Company I, 12th G. V. C. as sergeant; served to the close of the war; was -wounded , for which he justly receives a pension, as a suffering soldier's reward. He was married m 1851 to Henrietta Parrot. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are Uving— Emma, Icy, Nancy and Minnie. Powers, Asel A., Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born in Chesterfield in 1847, and was a son of Peter and Julia (Kennedy) Powers. Peter was born in Genesee county, N. Y., and his wife in Massachusetts. They were married in Chesterfield, and have a family of eight children. Julia was a daughter of Asel and Mary Kennedy, who were early settlers of Chesterfield, where Asel died m 1887, aged seventy-eight years, leaving a widow and seven children. Asel A. Powers purchased his farm of eighty acres in Gorham township in 1871, for which he paid $800. He now owns 240 acres on sections 23 and 24. He was married in 1873 to Julia Sut- ton, who died in 1874. He niarried his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, in 1875. They had five children— Davis, JuKa Luella, Villa B„ Grade May and Leola. Elizabeth, by her first hus- band, had two daughters— Leonora and Mary Almina. Elizabeth was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith, who were born in Switzerland and emigrated to America. They were married in Columbiana county, 0., in 1840, and have had two sons and two daughters — Jacob P., Al- onzo, Elizabeth and Mary. They settled in Gorham in 1875. Powers, Peter, Chesterfield, Morenci, Mich. p. o., one of the early settlers and extensive farmers of Chesterfield, was born in Batavia, F. Y., in 1819, and was a son of Peter and Eurena (Clark) Powers. She was born in Elba, Genesee county, N. Y., and Peter was born in Seneca county, N. Y. He died in 1830 leaving a widow and five children, and two children by a former marriage. Eurena emigrated to Barry county, Mich., with her five children in 1844, where she died in 1851. Peter, jr., settled in Chesterfield, 0., 1844, and purchased first forty acres, for which he paid $200. He now owns 440 acres, and has 280 under cultivation. He was married in 1845 to Julia D. Kennedy, who was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in 1824, and have had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living — Asel A., James A., Mary U., John F., Clark C, WiUie L., Julia E., Frank B. Julia E. was married to Jacob B. Brink, Mary U., married Henry Russell ; Sarah married Byron, who died leaving one son, George B. Brink; one son, Henry, enlisted in the 3d Ohio 'Cavalry September, 1862, and died in Hillsdale county. Mich., in 1827. Price, Isaac D., Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1831, and was a son of David and Catharine (Hotner) Price, who settled in Seneca, county, 0., in 1849, where they resided until the time of their deaths. They had a family of twelve children, ten of whom are now living. Isaac D. Price was brought up to farming and chose that for his occu- pation through life. He settled in Liberty in 1860 and purchased his present homestead of 100 acres, paying therefor $5 per acre. He was married in 1860 to Lydia Ann Hoover, who was born in 1835. They have had a family of three children : John W., Amy and Celestia Catharine. Mrs. Isaac D. Price was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Sockrider) Hoover. Mary died leav- ing a family of eight children. Lydia Ann was one of a set of triplets.. Their names were Sus- anna, Jacob and Lydia Ann. Susanna died at the age of eleven years and Jacob at the age of two years. There was also one set of twins ; they were Anna and Elizabeth. The others now living, are Michael, Anna, Isaac and Lydia Ann. Prickitt, Daniel J., Franklin, West Unity p. o., a veteran soldier of the late war who served from August 20, 1861, to August 15, 1865, when he was discharged at Columbus; was born in Clinton county in 1840, and was a son of Phebe Prickitt. J. L. was born in New Jersey, and his wife, Phebe, in Clinton county. Daniel J. served in the 3d Cavalry, re-enlisted in January, 1864, and served under Colonel Holland. His brother, James, also enlisted and served. J. L. and Phebe had ^ family of six children : Daniel J., James H., John B., Abigail B., Mary B., and Jay C. T. Phebe and J. L. were married in 1839 and settled in Fulton county in 1845. Daniel J. was married in 1865 to Lydia G. Borton, who was born in New Jersey. They have a family of six children : Anna M., Jemimah B., L. Gertrude, Daniel J., Jessie E., and Mary B. Lydia G. was a daughter of Benjamin and Abigail W. Borton. He was born in 1809, and his wife died in 1861, leaving two children, Sarah C. and Lydia G. Benjamin then marrried for his second wife, Elizabeth Wright, in 1863. Mr. Borton settled in what is now Franklin township, in 1839, and purchased his homestead farm of 160 acres, for which he paid $1,800. They now own 245 acres, and Daniel J. Prickitt is now the manager of the estate. Punches, Henry, Gorham, Fayette p. o., one of the early settlers of Pulton county, was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1821, and was a son of WiUiam and Catharine (Miller) Punches. Catharine was born in Lehigh county. Pa., and William was born in Northumberland county. Pa. They settled in Seneca county, N. Y., where they died. They had a family of eleven chil- dren, eight of whom are now living : Mr. Punches had four children by a previous marriage, two of whom are now living. Catharine died in 1875. Henry Punches was married in 1846 to Elizabeth Deal, of Seneca county, N. Y. They settled in Gorham in 1850, when Mr. Punches ■692 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. purchased his present homestead of 80 acres, which is now finely improved, and in 1867 erected his present dwelling. They have had a family of nine children : Francis A., Edward, Lawrence, Sarah C, Mary M., Arthur, Nathaniel, Marion, and George W. Marion was educated for and and became a teacher. Mr. Punches has been town treasurer for nine years. His grandparents were Martin Punches and his wife, Anna Barbara (Emerick) Punches. Martin was a Revolu- tionary soldier, and Mr. Henry now has a $5 bill of Continental money issued January 14, 1779, number 104594, which was given to him by his grandfather. Pugh, John, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a county auctioneer and real estate agent, was born in Brooke county, West Va., July 27, 1838, and was a son of Bethel and Wealthy (Turner) Pugh, natives of Virginia, who settled in Brooke county. They had a family of eleven children, and settled in Shelby, Richland county, in 1833, and in 1856 came to Fulton county, where Bethel died in 1860, aged ninety-three years. His wife died in 1865. John Pugh was married in 1853 to Lovina Murphy, of Crawford county. They have had a family of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons. Lovina died in 1870. John settled here in 1856 and became engaged in farming and stock dealing, and also became a county licensed auctioneer, giving bonds to the amount of SI, 000. He is now doing an extensive business in real estate. Eandels, James, Franklin, one of the successful and leading farmers of the town, was born in Columbiana county in 1831, and settled in Franklin in 1858, and purchased his farm of 160 acres, for which he paifi $7.50 per acre. He has since erected his commodious dwelling and out- buildings in place of his log cabin. He was drafted in the war, but furnished a substitute for the term of three years. He was married in 1853 to Sarah E. Morfoot, of Columbiana county. They have had a family of six children : Ida M., Anna L., John C, Emma L., Bttie F., and Frank W. His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of Charles Morfoot, who was born in Virginia and moved to Columbiana county, where he married Rachel Hart, who was born in Redstone, Pa. They had three children: John W., Elizabeth J., and Sarah E. Charles died in 1831, and his wife, Rachel, in 1852. James was a sou of John and Lucinda (Yates) Randels, who died in Columbiana county ; he in 1870, and his wife, Lucinda, in 1875. They had a family of five children : James, John W., Elizabeth, Hannah, and Martha, John Randels was born in London county, Pa., and Lucinda in Virginia. Read, John A,, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., the druggist and prescriptionist of Wauseon, and an early settler in this township, was born in St. Lawrence county, N. T., in 1830, and settled in Fulton county, 0., in 1858, where in 1863 he became engaged in the drug and fancy goods business. He was married in 1853 to Emeline Brooker, of Litchfield, Medina county. They have a family of three children : Mary J., Merton B., and Mabel. John A. Read was a son of Daniel and Polly (Ayres) Reed, who settled in Medina county, in 1832, where Daniel died in 1847, leaving a widow and one son, John A. Daniel was born June 12, 17^*0, in Worcester county, Mass., and his wife, Polly, was born in Fulton county, N. Y., April 13, 1795. Reid, Thomas, Dama.scus, McClure p. o., a son of James and Jean (CJemmell) Reid,- was born in Kirkmichael, Ayrshire, Scotland, in June, 1813. He was one of a family of six children : Ag- nes, Matthew, Thomas, Margaret, James and Jane. He was married in 1836 to Marion Bone, who died December 4, 1841, leaving a family of three children: James, Janet, and Thomas. He emigrated to America in 1843 with his mother, two sisters, Agnes G-rassam and Jane Reid, and his three children. He settled at the mouth of Turkey Foot Creek, where his brother, Matthew, had located two years before. His sister, Margaret Rankin, came to America nine years before her brother, Thomas, and settled in Canandaigua, N. Y,, where she resided until her death. His brother, James, remained in Scotland, and has been dead about thirty years. Agnes G. Wilson is still living in Napoleon. Jane Crockett hves in Grand Rapids, Wood county, 0. His mother died October 23, 1851. In 1854 Thomas was married to Almira Crockett, a daughter of James and Mary (Haskell) Crockett, of Maine. They have had a family of nine children, six of whom are now living: Mary, Knott, William, Charles, Edwin, and Agnes. His son, Thomas, died July 14, 1862. Mr. Reid died at the old homestead,, January 14, 1878. His wife still resides on the homestead farm. Reiser, Matthias, Napoleon, Napoleon p. o., stock dealer and shipper, and boot and shoe merchant, was born in Wurtumburg, Germany, in 1832 and settled in Stark county, 0., in 1847 and in 1850 settled in Henry county where he became engaged in farming. He was married in 1859 to Rosina Meyer. They have had four sons: John, Matthew, jr., Charles and Jacob. In 1864 Mr. Reiser removed to Napoleon where he became engaged in the grocery and butcher business and in 1863 became a stock shipper and in 1886, in connection with his shipping busi- ness, engaged in the general boot and shoe trade and farming. Remow, Frederick, Clinton, Pettisville, p. o., was born in Plattsburg, Clinton county, N. Y in 1833 and was a son of Thomas and Amelia Remow. Amelia died in New York leaving on son, Frederick. Thomas married the second time and settled in German township, 0., in 1842 where he died in 1843 leaving his widow, Margaret, and five children in all, only one of whom Brief Personals. 693 Frederick, is now living. Frederick was reared on a farm and in 1851 purchased his iirst farm of forty acres. He was married in 1858 to Sarah Simmons, of Tuscarawas county, who was born m 1837. She was a daughter of James W. and Eve Simmons, who settled in Williams county, in 1853, where Eve died leaving a family of nine children, six of whom are now living : Benjamin, Sarah, James, Alonzo, Alvarado and Anna. Frederick settled on his present farm of 80 acres, in Clinton township in 1866, paying therefor |2,500. He now has sixty acres of well improved land, which is under fine cultivation. Mr. Remow enlisted in Company G, 68th Ohio Volunteers, under Colonel Steadman, in 1862 and served to the close of the war, being dis- charged at Cleveland, July 15, 1865. Rexroth, George J., Napoleon, the skilled general blacksmith, of Napoleon, was born in Craw- ford county, 0., in 1848 and was a son of John and Mary A. Rexroth. George learned his trade and commenced his business life in Illinois, in 1870. He was married in 1870 to MaryE. Moore, of Towanda, McLean county, 111. They have had three children : "William E., Charles M. and Gracie B. They settled in Napoleon in 1884 and Mr. Rexroth became engaged in his present business. Rhodes, Joshua, Napoleon, was born in York coanty. Pa., in 1808 and was a son of Jacob Rhodes. Joshua was married in 1837 to Maria Hall, of Frederick county, Md. They had a family of three children : William H., Mrs. Jennie Hogue, who is now in the employ of the gov- ernment at Washington, and Mrs. Fannie Ainger. Mr. Rhodes settled in Springfield, Clark •county, 0., in 1837 and became engaged in the mercantile business, where he remained until 1847, when he went to Edgar county. 111. In 1850 he went to Sandusky, where he became en- gaged in the drug business. He sold out and in 1855 settled in Dayton, 0., where he resided until 1857. He settled in Napoleon in 1863 and became engaged in the mercantile business, from which he retired in 1864, and in 1867 purchased his homestead of 133 acres where he set- tled in 1871. He is a very active man for his years and he has been a great hunter and is an «xpert marksman. His gun and rifle are greatly valued by him as health supporters. Riddle, Squire James S., Franklin, Tedrow p. 6., one of the representative men of his town, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., June 9, 1812, and was a son of John and Jane (Steel) Riddle. Jane was born in MifiSin county. Pa., and her husband, John, was born in county Donegal, par- ish of Caldaf, Ireland, in 1775 and came to Philadelphia in 1797. He was married in 1808 and they had a family of thirteen children, four of whom are now living : Nathaniel, James S., Sa- rah and Charles. The parents settled in Fulton county in 1856 where they died, Jane in 1856 and John in 1863. James S. was married in 1833 to Matilda Siddens, who was born in Wash- ington county, Pa., in 1811. They have had a family of six children: John Q., Charles C, Thomas H., Mary Jane, Louisa and Irvin. Thomas H. enlisted in the late war while a student •at Oberlin College, was taken prisoner and paroled. James settled in Franklin in 1845 and pur- chased his homestead of 80 acres, for which he paid $2.50 per acre. He has been a justice of the peace for fifteen years, trustee, infirmary director for three terms. He settled here first with a family of five children and a York shilling in his pocket, and as you may say, in a dense for- est which Franklin was almost at that time. Ritter, Elizabeth, Harrison township. Napoleon p. o., was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1820 and was a daughter of George and Barbara (Hoy) Shetterly. George was born in Ken- tucky in 1797 and died in 1882. His wife, Barbara, was born in 1800 and died in 1860. George died on the farm on which he had resided for eighty-two years, and on which he had settled with his parents, Andrew and EHzabeth Shetterly. Elizabeth was married in 1844 to John Rit- ter, who was born in Pickaway county in 1812 and died in Napoleon, Henry county, in Decem- ber, 1871, leaving a widow and six children, five of whom are now living : Joseph N., Levi T., Jerome G, Mrs. 0. A. Thompson, Mrs. Olive H. Hayes. John Ritter purchased the Napoleon City Mill in 1860, in partnership with his brother, Peter. In 1868 John became sole owner and in 1872 Mrs. Ritter sold the mill to its present owner, Mr. Kohler. In 1880 Mrs. Ritter re- turned from Napoleon to her present farm in Harrison township, Henry county, 0. Ritter, Jacob P., Gorham, Ritter's p. o., a leading and influential gentleman of Gorham town- ship, was born in Lycoming county. Pa., in 1824 and was a son of Valentine and Catharine (Lohr) Ritter. His father died in Northumberland county in 1875 leaving a widow and family of ten •children, eight of whom are now living. Jacob P. apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade and became a master builder and jobber. He was married in 1 846 to Caroline Hecker, who was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1827. They have had a family of four children, two of whom are now living : Warren L. and William H., and one daughter, Ella C, who married Ervin Baker. She died leaving one child, Minnie E., who married C. H. Wolcott. Mrs. Caro- line was a daughter of Henry and Susan (Frantz) Hicker, who was in the war of 1812 and who were early settlers in Seneca county, N. Y., and came to Fulton county in 1846. Mr. Ritter purchased his present residence, of 115 acres in 1861, for which he paid $3,000 and erected his buildings. He became active in the interest of the building of the Chicago and Canada 694 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Southern Railroad and was one in procuring the right of way and was tie inspector at the time of their suspension and he is still in the employ of the railroad, having been with them from a very early day. He is ticket and station agent of the L. S. & M. S. Railway, and established the post-office and was appointed postmaster at Ritter. He has been justice of the peace for two terms, town clerk, assessor, trustee, and in 1874 became engaged in the grocery business at Ritter's Station. Robinson, Anthony B., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., a retired teacher, farmer and county engi- neer was born September 28, 1825, in Wayne county, 0. In early life he attended the Edin- burgh Academy, at Wayne county 0., and fitted himself for teacher, and afterwards taught school for twenty-eight terms. He was married June 17, 1847, to Nancy Hutchinson, who was born in Wayne county in 1824. They have had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living: Amanda, Jimsey V., Sarah E., Rebecca J., Harriet E., James 0., Edward B. and Emma Etta. Willie died at the age of five years ; George C. died leaving one son, Caddie. All of Mr. Robinson's children that are living reside in this immediate vicinity. His wife, Nancy, was a daughter of Jimsey and Rebecca Hutchinson, of Pennsylvania. They were married and died in Wayne Co. Anthony B. Robinson was a son of George and Sarah (Fluhart) Robinson, of Pennsyl- vania, who were married in Wayne county, 0., in 1823, where George died in 1846 aged fifty- one years. His wife, Sarah, died in Fulton county in 1879. They had a family of ten children eight of whom are now living : Anthony B., Elizabeth, Deziah, Samuel, Thomas, Margaret, George and Nancy E. Samuel and George enlisted and served in the late war. Anthony B., at the age of twenty years was elected justice of the peace of Wayne county, was town clerk, and held other minor ofiices. He settled in Clinton, Fulton county, in 1862, where he has been county surveyor for twelve years, a justice of the county for eighteen years, was a delegate tO' the State convention in 1854, then the Fusion party, but has been a Republican since 1856. Rockwell, Samuel "K., Liberty, Wauseon p. o., was born in Jefierson county, N. Y., in 1815, and was a son of Samiiel and Polly (Knapp) Rockwell. The father, Samuel, was born in Con- necticut, and his wife, Polly, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y. They settled in Wyandotte county, 0., in 1829 and came to Henry county in February, 1833, where they remained until their deaths. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are now living : Mrs. Han- nah Tolen, Mrs. Elsie Roberts, David and Samuel K. Samuel K. Rockwell was married in 1849 to Sarah Skates, who was born in Hancock county. She died February, 1866 leaving four chil- dren : Angeline, Philo P., Linus K. and Myron S. Mr. Rockwell then married his second wife, Mrs. Susan Bidson, of Henry county, in 1867. They have had one son, Edward. Mr. Rock- well may well be termed a pioneer, as he settled in the wilderness several miles from any neigh- bor, and lent a hand and his counsel in early town and county organization, holding many of the town offices. He settled on his present homestead of eighty acres in 1852. His son, Linus K., was born in 1853, fitted himself for and became a minister and is now clergyman of the church of Disciples. Rogers, James F., German township, Archbald p. o., a pioneer and early, leading and influ- ential citizen, of German township, was born in Putnam county, N. Y., December 19, 1814, and was a son of Jonathan and Martha (Haviland) Rogers, who were born and married in Putnam county, N. Y. They settled in Seneca county, 0., in 1832 and had a family of ten children, six of whom are now living: James F., John A., Jackson S., Stephen, Eliza (Mrs. Baker), Laura (Mrs. Adam Andre). Mary (Mrs. Haviland), died in 1875. Amos died in 1868 and Haviland in 1844 and Ann (Mrs. McOatchen) died in 1878. Jonathan settled in in 1849 where he and his wife died. He was a carpenter, cooper and farmer. James P. in early life assisted his parents with the farm work, working by the month, and in 1839 went to German township, Fulton county, and purchased a farm of 80 acres paying $175. He erected his cabin, returned to his home and was married in April, 1842, to Ann Eliza Crosson, who was born in Steuben county, N. Y. In October, 1842 he returned to German and stayed in his log cabin, not hav- ing money enough to get out, but by his perseverance his financial condition has largely changed. He now owns a fine farm of 140 acres and has a pleasant home. His wife, Ann E., died leav- ing a family of five children : Elmer H., Frank, James 0., Martha J. and Marcus P. James F. married, for his second wife, Anna Sourbeck, who was born in Germany. They have had six children: Henry 0., John A., Thomas W., Charles O., Willie and Laura Pearl. Elmer H. en- listed in the 68th Ohio, in 1861 and served for three years. Marcus and John were engaged in teaching. Rogers, Leroy W., Ridgeville, Ridgeville Corners p. o., was born, in Locke, Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1821 and was a son of Enos and Mary Rogers, who came from New York to Huron county in 1831, where they died. They had seven children, three of whom are now living : Le- roy W., Gertrude and Zoradie. Leroy W. was married in 1844 to Elsie Slocum, who died Au- gust 9, 1872, at the age of fifty years. They had a family of five children, all of whom are novf deceased. He then married his second wife, Mrs. Jane (Johnson) Clark, of Lorain county, Jan- Brief Personals. 695 uary 11, 1874. They have had two children, Elizabeth and Elmer Clark. Leroy W. enlisted Eebruary 1, 1865, in the 184th Ohio Volunteers, and served to the close of the war. He was discharged at Nashville and received his pay at Columbus. He settled in Perry county in 1862. Eoessing, Ferdinand, Napoleon, Napoleon p. o., the brewer of Napoleon, settled in Henry county in 1871 and purchased his present brewery property in 1876. He has added many re- cent improvements in machinery and with his skilled ability is fully abl? to compete with the trade of some larger cities and receives a liberal patronage. Rozell, Andrew J., Liberty, owner and proprieter of the Liberty steam, shingle, planing and feed-mill, was born in Liberty township in 1859 and was a son of Andrew and Susan (KUng- man) Eozell. Susan was born in Stark county in 1822, and Andrew was born in December, 1808 at Clinton, Hunterdon county, N. J. They were married June 9, 1844, and Andrew died January 2, 1880, leaving two sons, John K. (born 1845) and Andrew J. (born in 1859). The father, Andrew, settled in Liberty in 1847, purchasing a farm of 240 acres. He was a wagon maker by trade but after settling here became ^ farmer. His parents were John and Jane Roz- ell, who settled in Seneca cnunty, where they died. John was born in France and his wife, Jane, in Ireland. Susan Rozell was a daughter of John and Sarah KUngman, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Seneca county, 0., in 1824, where they died leaving a family of eighteen chil- dren. Rowland, Robert, Barton, Custer p. o., son of Robert and EUzabeth Rowland, was born in Stark county, 0., in 1833 and settled in Henry county in 1835. He was married in 1833 to Catharine Lines, who was born in Connecticut. Mr. Rowland enlisted in 1861 in the 21st Ohio Infantry. He is now engaged in farming and owns a fine farm of 220 acres. Rupp, Christian, Clinton, Pettisville p. o., a successful farmer of Fulton county, was born in Candor Borton, Switzerland, in 1827 and was a son of Jacob and Magdalena (King) Rupp, who came to America and settled in German township in 1840. They had a family of eight chil- dren, four of whom are now living: Christian, Magdalena, Joseph and Mary. The mother died in German township and her husband, Jacob, died in Indiana, Allen county. Christian Rupp was married in German township in 1855 to Elizabeth Freyenberger who was born in France in 1838. They have had a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom are now living : Eli, John, Magdalena, Leah, Hannah, Catharine, Mary and Lydia, Louis, Christian and Elizabeth. Mr. Rupp settled on his present farm of 160 acres in 1855, which was then heavily timbered, pay- ing for the same |600. He now has one hundred acres cleared and under fine cultivation, and fine farm buildings erected thereon. Russell, Benjamin P., Gorham, Fayette p. o., one of the early settlers of Gorham township, coming there in 1844, was born in Rochester, Monroe county, N. T., in 1818, and was a son of Simon and Polly (Bailey) Russell, who were born- and married in Maine and set- tled in Monroe county N. T. They settled in Lake county, 0., from Buffalo, N. Y., in 1818, where Simon L. died about 1852, leaving a widow and eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Mrs. Rebecca Knight, James, Mrs. Mary Minkler, Benjamin F., Mrs. Abi- gal Chase, Joseph, Mrs. Elizabeth Blakly and Mrs. Caroline Cram. The widow, Polly, died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1855, aged years. Benjamin P. Russell be came en- gaged in the grocery and provision business at Maumee City, in 1841, and sold out and be- came a salesman in Seneca, Mich., in 1842. He was married in 1843 to Elmina Ford of Gorham. Elmina was born in Massachusetts and died in September, 1846. They had three children, all of whom died at an early age. Elmina was a daughter of his second wife, born March 3, 1852, died August 10, 1870, died from the poisonous effects of a potato bug bite. Rus- sell married, for his second wife, a sister of his first wife, Delia Ann Ford, who was born April 29, 1827, and married March 2, 1847. They have had a family of eight children, five of whom are now living: Amos L. (born January 13, 1848), L. Fremont (August 25, 1854), Flora May (May Id, 1857), Emily Virginia (October 7, 1860), Mary Ophelia (born September 12, 1862). Elmina and Delia Ann were daughters of Ansel andDebora (Tower) Foid who settled in Gor- ham township in 1841 coming there from Massachusetts. On settlement here Mr. Russell pur- chased a farm of thirty acres for which he paid $120. He now has two hundred acres on sec- tion twenty-eight, and in addition to this owns other farms of 240 acres. He has been an ac- tive and successful man and has now retired from active business life. Russell, Silas, B., Gorham^ Fayette p o., was born in Royalton, Niagara county, N. Y., April 16, 1828, and was a son of John and Catharine (Fogleman) Russell. John was born in Herki- mer county, N. Y., and his wife in Sunbury, Pa. They settled in Gorham township in 1853, on section 33. Silas B. Russell was married on August 25, 1855 to Catharine Hoffhian, who was born in 1836. They have had a family of five children, four sons now living : Charles H., William F., Willard Harvey and Albert Walter. Catharine was a daughter of Daniel and Chris- tina (Zettlemeyer) Hofiman of Pennsylvania, who settled in Gorham, in 1844, and had a family of seven children, two of whom died in Seneca county, N. Y., five are now living : Daniel, 696 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Charles, Samuel, Isaac and Catharine. Mr. and Mrs. Russell now own 140 acres purchased by Mr. Hoffman on settlement here. Mrs. Hoffman died at Mrs. Russell's, aged ninety-one years, in 1887. The father, Daniel, who was born in 1796 died in 1871.' John Russell was born January 1, 1800, and died December 1, 1878. His wife, Catharine, was born November 26, 1799, and died September 24, 1881. They had a family of nine children, three of whom are now liv- ing : George, Silas B. and Henry. Three of the brothers enlisted ; they were, Jeremiah, Ran- som and Rowland. Rychener, Jacob S., German, a teacher and farmer, was born in German township in 1859, and was a son of one of the first settlers of German township. His parents were Christian and Magdalena (Grieser) Rychener. She was born in France in 1817 and Christian was born in Switzerland in 1813. He came to America in 1833 and in "Wayne county followed the black- smith trade for a short time, then in 1835 came to German township, Fulton county (then Henry county) where he purchased forty acres of land for which he paid fifty dollars. They were mar- ried in 1841 in what was then known as Lucas county, and were the first couple married in Ger- man township. They have had eleven children : Soloma, Christian, Joseph, Mary, Daniel, Gideon, Magdalena, Barbara, Henry, Fannie and Jacob S. Jacob has acquired a liberal educa- tion and has taught for several years, and has now completed a full course in plain penmanship at the Pen Art Hall, Wauseon, 0. Sayles, Benjamin L., Gorham, Fayette, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1830, and settled in Fulton county with his parents, George W. and Sarah (Mace) Sayles. Sarah was born in Rockland county, N. Y., in 1811 and her husband, George, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1807. They were married in 1830 and settled in Gorham township in 1838. They had a family of six children, four of whom are now living : Benjamin L., Delia A., Alvira and George C. George purchased his present homstead in 1838. It consisted of 120 acres for which he paid $250. Sarah was a daughter of Wendell Mace, who settled in Fulton county in 1838, where he died. Benjamin L. settled in Gorham in 1838. He was brought up on a farm until 1861 when he became engaged in the carriage and general smithing business at Morenci, Mich. He sold out in 1863 and went into the livery business, and in 1866 purchased a hotel at Clayton, Lenawee county, Mich. In 1880 he rented the hotel and came to Fayette where he is engaged in the livery business. He was married in 1855 to Almira Holiday, of Onon- daga county, N-. Y. They were married in Michigan. Schaeffer, Dr. Augustus R., Ridgeville, Ridgeville Corners p. o., was born in Goshen, Elk- hart county, Ind., in 1859. He was a graduate of the Normal School at Goshen, in 1875, after which he learned the baker's trade ; not satisfied with this business, he read medicine with Drs. Wickham and Irvine, and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, in 1880, after which he settled in South Bend, Ind., and in 1883 came to Ridgeville, and now re- sides here in the practice of his profession, that of a physician and surgeon. He was married in 1882, to Grace E. Price. They have two children, Genevieve and Bessie. Grace E. was a daughter of John and Emma Price. Dr. A. R. Schaffer was a son of 0. N. Schaffer and Chris- tina (Gould) Schaffer, who emigrated from "Wurtemburg, Germany, and settled in Indiana, in 1847. They had two children. Dr. A. R. and Emma. C. H.'was a blacksmith by trade, but is now engaged in the mercantile business at Goshen. Schamp, George, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in York township, Fulton county, 0., January 8, 1858, and was a son of Henry and Catharine (Batdorf) Scharap, who were married in Wayne county, and settled in York, Fulton county, in 1854. They had a family of seven chil- dren, five of whom are now living : James, John, George, Mary, Lucy, and one died in infancy. David died in 1881, at the age of twenty-live years. George was married in 1880, to Hortansa Barnes. They have had two children, Stella and Dola. Hortansa was a daughter of Leonard P. and Annie Bay Barnes, who were married in Holmes county, and settled in Clinton, Fulton county, in 1847. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living : Catha- rine, William, Perry, Marian, Samantha Thornton, Winfield, Louisa, Hortansa, and two died in infancy. Sarah Ellen died at the age of thirty-five. Schnetzler, John B., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., druggist and prescriptionist of Archbold, 0., and is at present county treasurer of Fulton county. He was born in Switzerland, in 1836, apA was a son of Ulrich and Magdalena (Ruedi) Schnetzler. Mr. Ulrich died in Switzerland, in 1849, leaving a widow and two sons. Magdalena, with her two sons, H. Marcus and John B., emigrated to, and settled in Cleveland, in 1852, and in 1853, settled in Toledo. John B., and his mother settled in Archbold, in 1859, where Magdalena died in 1886. John B. was married in Toledo, in 1858, to Albertena Heupel, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany. They have had a family of seven children : Louisa M., Emil U., Emma H., Mary T., Albert M. C, Edwin J., and Julius A. John B. was appointed postmaster at Archbold, in 1861, and held that oflice until 1885. He was elected county treasurer in 1885, and was mayor of Archbold, remainmg in office from 1870 to 1879, a term of eight years. He became engaged in the drug, book, wall-paper and toy business in 1871, and in which he still continues. Brief Personals. 697 Schwartz, Charles W., Clinton, Wauseon, the general grocer, provision dealer, carrying a full line of fancy goods, was born in Findlay, Hancock county, 0., in 1859. He was a son of Henry and Margaret Schwartz. Henry was born in 1818, and settled in Hancock county in 1830, com- ing there from G-ermany. Charles W. settled in Wauseon, Pulton county, in 1882, and became engaged in the grocery and provision business. He was married in 1882 to Herma Benedict. They have had one son, Henry Benedict. Herma was a daughter of A. J. and Clara W. Bene- dict, of Wauseon. He was for a long time railroad agent and also ticket agent at Wauseon. Schletz, George, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1850, and was a son of Carl and Lena (Lipp) Schletz, who were married in Lenawee county in 1852. They had a family of three children: Philip, George, and Julius. Carl died in 1859. Julius died at the age of five years. His widow, Lena, with her two sons, Philip and George, settled in Wau- seon in 1865, where they reside. Lena was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and came to America in 1849 with her parents, George and Susan Lipp, and settled in Lenawee county, Mich., where they died. He in 1872, and she in 1881, leaving a family of six children. George was married in 1885 to Lottie Bandow, who was born in Prussia. They have one child, Mmnie Lena. Lot- tie came to America with her mother in 1865, and settled in Toledo, with her three daughters, in 1867. She moved to Napoleon, where she died in January 1880. George became engaged in the general flour and feed business in company with his mother, and in 1885 became sole pro- prietor of the business. He has added a steam feed mill, and has largely increased his business. Schletz, Philip, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., the owner and proprietor of the Wauseon machine and repair shop, engaged in general jobbing, engine building and repairing steam heating appa- ratuses, and owner and inventor of the self-adjusting roller, was born in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1854, and was a son of Carl and Lena (Lipp) Schletz. Philip was apprenticed to learn the machinist and foundry business, with a Mr. Andrews, of Wauseon, in 1869, and in 1877 became engaged in business for himself with a partner, and in 1879 sold out, and in 1879 started a new shop, which has steadily increased, being the only machine shop in Fulton county. Philip was married in 1884 to Lavina S. Shibler, of Fulton county, in 1884. They have had one daughter, Clara. Phillip was a son of Carl and Lena (Lipp) Schletz, of Heidelburg, Germany. Lena came with her parents, G-eorge and Susan Lipp, and settled in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1849, and in 1855 removed to Wauseon, where George died in 1872, and Susan in 1881, leaving a family of six children. Carl settled in Lenawee county in 1852, and died in 1859, leaving a widow and three children: Phili, George, and Julus. The 'mother settled ^n Wauseon with her family in 1865, where she now resides. Schuyler, Wilson S., Pleasant, Holgate p. o., a, general merchant, was boi-n in Hudson county in 1842, and was a son of John Van Rensselaer and Cynthia (Nichols) Schuyler. Cynthia was born in Ohio, and her husband, John, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1797, and died in 1868, leaving a widow and four children : Josiah, William, Wilson S., and Rachel Jane Wil- son S. enhsted from Harden county, in Co. D, 34th Ohio, in 1861, under Colonel S. Piette, served three years and eight months, was wounded and discharged from the hospital at Cumberland, Md. He was married in 1862 to Sarah Pickle, of Harden county. They have one adopted daughter, Bertha B., born in 1884. Sarah was a daughter of Tobias and Margaret Pickle. Wilson S. settled in Holgate, and became engaged in the ashery business, and in 1876 went into the grocery business ; has increased his stock and became a general dealer in all classes of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, staple and fancy goods. He is now proprietor of the leading store in town. Scott, Reason W., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Clinton township in 1854, and was a son of the early settlers, Henry and Hannah (Graham) Scott. Hannah was born in Holmes county, and was married in 1839. They had four children, three of whom are now living : Nancy, Mary Jane, and John. Hannah died in 1850. Henry married for his second wife, Nancy Barnes, who was born in Belmont county, in 1826. They were married in 1851, and had three children : Sarah Ann, Elizabeth Ellen, and Reason W. Nancy was a daughter of Richard and Sarah Barnes. Henry Scott was born in Columbiana county in 1817, and was a son of Matthew and Lucinda Scott. Lucinda was born in Virginia, and Matthew was born in Ireland, and died in Wayne county, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, Lucinda, died at the age of eighty-four years. Five of their children are now living: Henry, Reason, Seth, Nancy, and Catharine. Henry Scott settled in Clinton, Fulton county, in 1847, at which time he purchased his present home- stead which then consisted of 80 acres for $245. He has been a successful farmer, and has di- vided his interest liberally with his children. He has now retired from active life. Reason W. Scott now resides on the old homestead. He was married in September, 1875, to Susie C. Mur- phy who was born in Henry county in 1854. They have had two children, Luella and Blanche. Susie was a daughter of Cornelius and Eliza Murphy. Cornehus was born in Ireland, and his wife Eliza, was a native of Seneca county. 88 $9,8 History of Henry and F.ulton Counties. Scribner, Allen B., Napoleon, a general hardware dealer of Napoleon, 0., was born in Henry county, March 25, 1835, and was a son of Edwin and Lucinda (Bucklin) Scribner, who were married in October, 1831. Lucinda was born in Vermont, in February, 13, 1813, and Ed- win was born in Otsego county, N. T., in 1808. Edwin settled in Henry county with his par- ents, in 1818. He was a son of Blisha and Nancy Scribner. Elisha invested in land, and soon became one of the leading men of the northwest. He held many of the town and county offices, and was serving the office of side judge at the time of his death, which occurred in 1825. Elisha and Nancy left four sons and three daughters, of whom Edwin was the only surviving one of his family. He was termed the pioneer of Henry county, and the oldest resident of the county living at the time of his death, which occurred May 16, 1887. Scribner, David C, Washington, Liberty p. o., was born in Washington township, Henry county, in 1844, and was a son of the .early pioneers, Edward and Lucinda (Bucklin) Scribner. Edwin settled in Washington county with his parents in 1817. He was a son of Judge Elisha. and Nancy Scribner, who came to Ohio from Otsego county, N. T., where Edwin was born in 1808. Judge Misha died in Henry county in 1875, leaving four sons and three daughters, of whom Edwin is the only one Jnow living. Edwin was married in 1829 to Lucinda Buckling who was born in Vermont. David 0. Scribner was married in 1873 to Nellie May Austin, who was born in Belgrade, Kennebeck county. Me., in 1846. They have had a family of three sons : Frank L., Harry 0., and Ralph Clark. Nellie was a daughtar of Leonard and Charlotte Austin. Nellie was a teacher for several terms. David C. was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in Liberty, and also in Missouri, and settled on his farm in Washington township, in 1875. Senter, Harper, Harrison, Grelton p. o., one of the leading farmers of Henry county, was born in New Hampshire in 1812, and was a son of Leonard and Lucy (Palmer) Senter, who set- tled in Muskingum county in 1818, where Lucy died. Harper was bound out to Asa Crockett^ and at the age of twenty-one years, commenced his business life as a farmer. He was married in 1835 to Irene Emery, who was born in 1815. They have had two children : Caroline was mar- ried in 1858 to Alden C. Emery. They have had one son, Vernon J., and Asa C, who was married in 1878 to Ellen E. Emery. He enlisted in the 1st Brigade, 3d Division, 10th Army Corps, in 1864, and served to the end of his term of enlistment. He settled in Harrison in 1847, on his present homestead of 160 acres, which was then covered with a heavy growth of timber, put up a log house, and gave accommodations to a family of ten persons during the winter. He has now one of the finest improved farms in the county. Mrs. Senter was a daughter of Tristam and Lydia (Whitmarsh) Emery, who settled in Seneca county in 1833. Sergent, Seymour, Gorham, Hitters p. o., was born in Gorham in 1852, and was married in 1875 to L. Conrad, of Medina township. They have one child, Ernest, born November 3, 1878. Mrs. Sergent was born in Medina township, April 16, 1858, and was a daughter of John and Jane Conrad Seymour. He was the tenth child of a family of fourteen children, all of whom are now living. Thirteen are married. Seymour was a son of Ephraim and Belle Sergent, Phebe was born in Saratoga county, N. T. They were married in 1847, had a family of seven chil- dren: Alma Ann, born 1849; Martha, born in 1851 ; Seymour, born 1852; Mary, born in 1854; Helen, born 1857; Sarah, born 1859; and Ehzabeth, 1860. Ephraim's first wife was Huldah Collins, who was born in Elbridge, Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1808. They were married in 1829, and had a family of seven children : Charles, born 1829 ; Warren, 1831 ; Cynthia, born in 1833 ; Roxie, born 1836 ; Oscar, born in 1838 ; John born in 1840, and Cortlandt, born in 1843. Huldah died in 1845. Ephraim was born in Rutland county, Vt., in 1808, and was a son of Ephraim and Hannah (Wood) Sergent. Hannah died in 1818, in Pittsfield, N. Y., and Ephraim and his father settled in what is now Gorham township, but what was then Luca,s county in 1833. He purchased his homestead farm of 80 acres in 1836, for which he paid $250. He has cleared and improved his farm, and liberally educated his fourteen children. He has now four- teen grandchildren, Serriok, Effinger, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Limerick, Montgomery county, Pa., in 1830, and was a son of John and Mary (Miller) Serrick, who were born and married in Berks county, Pa. They came to Henry county, 0., and settled in Liberty township in 1836, where Mary died in 1838, leaving a family of seven children : Mary, Catharine, William, Levy, EfBn- ger, Augustus, and Franklin. John died in Michigan in 1866, at the age of seventy-one years, Ef&nger Serrick was married in 1870 to Nancy Ann Andrews, of Fulton county. They have had two children, Lillie and Jennie. Mr. Serriok is engaged in farrhing, of which he has made a success, and now owns a fine farm of 190 acres. He being an early settler, is quite famiUar with the changes that have taken place in the county in the past few years, and the youth of to-day could hardly credit his stories of the Indians and the abundance of game. Serrick, William, Chnton, Wauseon p. o., a retired farmer, was born in Berks county. Pa., in 1822 and was a son of John and Mary (Miller) Serrick, who were born and married in Penn- sylvania and settled in Marion county, 0., in 1834 and in 1836 settled in Liberty township where Brief Personals. 699 Mary died in 1838, leaving a family of six children : Mary, Catharine, William, Levy, Effinger, Augustus and Franklin. John died in Michigan in 1866 at the age of seventy-one years. Wil- liam Serrick was married in 1852 to Lucinda Edgar, who was born in Ireland, in 1824. They ■were married in 1852. Lucinda was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Edgar who came to Amer- ica from Ireland and settled in Henry county, 0., in 1853. They had a family of ten children, SIX of whom are now living. Mary and her brother came to Henry county in 1851. Mr. Ser- rick settled in Clinton, Pulton, county, in 1840. Shadle, Jacob, Dover township, Ottokee, p. o., one of the first settlers of this township, was born in Lebanon county. Pa., August 16, 1815, and was a son of Phillip and Mary Shadle, who had long been upon the soil of Pennsylvania. Joseph Shadle was married October 17, 1833, to Jane Burk, who was the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Burk and was born February 29, 1812. In 1836 himself and young wife left Lebanon county, Pa., and settled in Wayne county, 0. Here for several years he worked a farm upon shares and made a few doHars ahead. He then came to Fulton county and with his past few years earnings purchased 160 acres of land upon section two, town seven north, range six east, paying therefor the sum of $400, and the Novem- ber following, 13, 1845, himself and family came to Dover township, Fulton county, and settled upon his purchase and immediately erected a log cabin. He afterwards added to his first pur- chase several times, until at one time he was the owner of 600 acres of land, the major por- tion of which he has cleared-and built thereon and established his sons with homes to begin life. He has always been able to provide enough for his family to eat and wear since he has been here and occasionally a share to the more unfortunate. He has had a family of ten children, all of whom are now living : Hosea, Richard B., Rebecca, Wm. Allen, Mary A. Ferdinand, Luther, Emeline, Harvey and Florence. Himself and wife have lived to see all their children properly settled in the race for Ufe and he still retains a hold upon 120 acres of land for their declining years. He is one of the successful farmers of Dover township. He had four sons who enlisted in the volunteers and served the Union cause in the great rebellion. Hosea enhsted in the 67th Ohio Voluneter Infantry, Richard in the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Wm. Allen in the 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Ferdinand in the 10th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and all were honorably discharged. Joseph Shadle has many times been honored by his township with the ofiice of trustee and constable, and once with the office of land appraiser and later with the office of justice of the peace, but for this did not qualify. He has twice been honored with the office of county commissioner and served his people six years, and in this time was instrumental in establishing a county infirmary for Fulton county. Mr. Shadle has always, since 1845, been active in assisting in all the improvments in his township, including schools, churches and church societies, and the development of the county in every particular. He has given liberally of his means and donated bountifully of his labor for roads, etc. He has been promment as a great harmonizer among his towsnmen in the differences which have dis- turbed business life, and always a friend of the unfortnate in sickness, poverty and despair. He was originally a Democrat but later a strong and active Republican, but at present an untiring worker in the cause of temperance and a strong defender of the home against the saloon, and to-day he is thankful that he has lived to see his township grow from a wilderness to a garden, settled up with intelligent and worthy people, nearly all of whom are in comfortable circum- stances, the saloon banished and not a place in his township where it is permitted to be sold. :i Shafif, Joseph, Napoleon, was born at Nassau, G-ermany, in 1846 and settled in Crawford county, 0., in 1854, with his parents, Phillip and Appolina Shaffi His father died in 1859, after which his mother, with four children settled in Henry county. The mother died in 1882. Jo- seph was apprenticed to learn the carriage and wagon business and commenced his present busi- ness in 1870 as a manufacturer of carriages, wagons, sleds and cutters. He was married in 1876 to Kate Lenhard. Sharpe, Doctor J. W., Damascus, McOlure p. o., a physician and surgeon of McClure, Dam- ascus township, was born in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, in 1858. He read medicine and was grad- uated from the Toronto University in 1879 and settled in Ridgeville, and in 1870 came to Dam- ascus and settled here in the practice of his profession. He erected his office and stocked it with medicine and drugs for the especial use of his patients and his large practice. He is a son of William and Anna Sharpe, who have a family of four children : William James, Thomas, Hel- len M. and Doctor J. W. William James is a physician and surgeon at Toledo, O., was a grad- aute of McG-ill University at Montreal. Shaw, Nathan, Gorham, Fayette, p. o., a pioneer settler of Gorham township, 0., coming here in 1838, was born in Hampshire county, Mass., in 1820 and was a son of John and Polly (Whitmarsh) Shaw who died in Massahcusetts in 1826 leaving a family of three children : Sile- na M. Lyanda and Nathan. Lyanda came to Lenawee county, Mich., in 1832 and Silena M. and Nathan also removed to Michigan in 1833. Silena M., married N. D. Warner, and died leaving one son, Almon Warner. He enhsted and served through the war, was wounded at the 700 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. battle of G-ettysburg and died in 1886. Lyanda married Alonzo Mitchell in 1832 and moved to Michigan the same year. Nathan was fitted for and taught school for several terms. He was married in Gorham, Ohio, in 1844, to Anna B. Ford, who was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in 1824. She died in 1877. They had a family of live children, four of whom are now living: Charles A., John F., Ernest A. and L. A. 0. A. is deceased. Mr. Shaw has been one of the rep- resentative men of his town ; has been justice of the peace, township treasurer, town clerk and a member of the school board for over thirty years, was notary public in 1880, 83 and 86, and is still commissioner, expires 1890. He retired from his farm life in 1878. He purchased his farm in 1844 which consists of 80 acres, for $300. Afterwards, in 1854, he traded his farm tor the one on which he lives. He has lived to see the wilderness cleared and to bud and blos- som as the rose, a country inhabited by the red men when he first settled there and now settled by civilized men and dotted over with school houses and churches. Shepard, Daniel L., Damascus, McClure p. o., was born in York, Adams county, 0., in De- cember, 1822 and was a son of N. L. and Nancy (Nanna) Shephard, who were natives of Vir- ginia, and married in Adams county, 0., in 1821. Nancy died in Adams county in 1840 leav- ing a family of nine children, six of whom are now living. N. L. settled in Henry county in 1847 where he died in 1883 at the age of ninety-three years. In early life he was a carpenter, but later in life became engaged in farming, and located in section seventeen. David L., en- listed in the United States army in May, 1846, served under G-eperal fieorge W. Morgan, of Ohio in the Mexican war, as sergeant and was discharged at New Orleans in July, 1847, at the close of the war and the battle of victory. He entered a farm of eighty acres for his land war- rant, which he received from the government, and now owns a fine improved farm of 120 acres. From 1849 to 1852 he made some improvements on the farm and also built his log house, and in 1852 married Maria Hockman, who was born in Fairfield county, and was a daughter of Joseph and Polly Hockman who settled here in 1846. They had eleven children, nine of whom are now living : J. B., Mary E., P. N., Rebecca A., M. W., Florence B., Huldah J., Austin and Ed- ward. Mr. Shepard erected his present fine residence and farm buildings in 1883. Sherman, Joseph, Freedom, Napoleon p. o., a successful and leading farmer of his town, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1834, and was a son of Jacob and Mary (Waltz) Sherman. They had family of five children : Antona, Frederick, Joseph and Oarly. Joseph emigrated to America in May, 1854, and settled in Napoleon, 0., and became engaged in farming and lum- bering. He enUsted in Company C, 124th Volunteers, in August, 1863, under Colonel Payne, of Cleveland, and was promoted to second sergeant. He was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 9, 1865. He was married in August, 1865, to Christina Miller, who was born in Baden, Germany. January 2, 1841. They have had a family of seven children : John, Joseph, August, Charles, Olesius, Mary and Sophronia. Christina was a daughter of Lawrence and Jane B. Mill- er, who came from Baden to Henry county in 1854, with a family of'six children. Joseph pur- chased his present farm of 72 1-3 acres, in 1865. He now owns a farm of 160 acres of highly improved land. Shilling, John jr., Franklin, West Unity p. o., was born in Columbiana county in 1825 and was a son of John and Catharine Shilling, who were born in Wurtemburg, Germany and mar- ried in Mahoning county, O., about 1820. They died in Columbiana county at advanced ages. They have had a family of five children : George, John, Hannah (Mrs. Strawhecker), Caroline (Mrs. Deemer), Solomon S. John, jr., was married October 25, 1849, to Anna Hofimesteir, who was born July 17, 1831. They have had a family of ten children eight of whom are now living : Wilham H., Matilda, Curtis B., Leander S., Clara A., Rachel C, Mary E. and John Frank- lin. Mr. Shilling settled in Franklin, Fulton county, 0., in 1864, and purchased his homestead of 160 acres for which he paid $6,000. He now owns a farm of 178 acres. He and his sons erected a steam saw and feed-mill and became engaged in the manufacture of lumber and laths in 1883. Mr. Shilling has been an active man in all public afiairs. He was a trustee for sev- eral years and was active in organizing the Brady Farmers' Fire Insurance Company in 1875, and was president of the same for two years. He has held an oflBce in said company ever since. In early life he learned the miller's trade and became an expert in the business. For fourteen years he has been a successful agent for a large mower and reaper firm. Shoner, F. T., Napoleon, saddle and harness manufacturer of Napoleon, was born in Bavaria in 1841 and emigrated to America in 1856 and settled in Napoleon in 1861, where he became engaged in his present business. He now carries a full line of goods pertaining to the saddlery business and in connection carries on a large repair trade. Showman, Charles M., Washington, Liberty Centre p. o., was born in Fairfield county, July 5, 1854, and was married in 1881 to Delia Young, of Liberty. They have had a family of three children : Cloise M., Melville B., and Meme. Charles M. Showman is engaged in general farming. He was a son of John F. and Lavina (Hammond) Showman. Lavina was born in Washington county, Md., in 1816, and John F. was born in Kentucky in 1812. They were married in Mary- Brief Personals. 701 land in 1836, and settled from Fairfield county in Henry, in 1837, with a family of eight chil- dren. They first settled on the Judge Corey farm of 285 acres, which they purchased in 1875. John died in 1877. The children are Robert "W". (born in 1836), John H., Annie L., William R., Vardimque, Frank M., Charles M., Sarah E., and two who died in infancy. David P., Joseph B., Robert W., and William B., enlisted and served in the War of the Rebellion. Showman, F. W,, Washington, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Fairfield county in 1850, and was a son of John and Lovina (Hammond) Showman. She was born in Washington county, Md., in 1816, and her husband, John, was born in Kentucky, in 1812. They were married in Washington county, Maryland in 1886, and had a family of ten children, seven of whom are now hvmg: Robert W., John H., Annie L., William B., Frank M., Charles M., and Sarah C. Robert W., enlisted in Co. D, 14th Ohio, John H. and William B. in the 128th Regiment. Will- iam B. now receives a pension. John Showman settled in Henry county in 1857, on the Judge Corey farm of 285 acres and purchased the same in 1865. John died in 1877, leaving a widow and eight children. F. M. Showman now resides on the old homestead. Showman, Robert W., Washington, Texas p. o., was born in Washington county, Md., near Harpers Ferry, in 1836, and was married in December, 1866, to Martha Edwards, who was born in Washington township, 0., in 1836. They have had four children : Blair C, born in 1867 ; Cynthia C, born 1869; Lilhe M., born 1872; Fanny F., born 1874; Robert W., enhsted in Au- gust, 1861, in Co. D., 14th Ohio Regiment, commanded by Colonel Steadman, and which was attached to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 14th Corps. He was discharged at Atlanta, September 12, 1864. His wife, Martha, was a daughter of David and Cynthia Ann (Meek) Edwards. Cyn- thia was born in Clark county, 0., in 1804, and her husband, David, was born in Virginia, in 1797. They were married in 1824, and settled in 1834 in Henry county, on the Maumee River, on his farm which he had purchased in 1832. They had a family of nine children. David died in 1873, and his wife in 1858. Mrs. Martha Showman is the only one of the family now hving. Robert W., was a son of John F. and Lavina (Hammond) Showman. Shudel, Ulrich, Frankhn, Fayette p. o., brick and tile manufacturer, was born in Switzerland in 1821, and emigrated to America, and settled in Frankhn township in 1865. He was married in 1846 to Anna Weaver. They have six children now living. He became engaged in the manufacture of brick on settlement here, and in 1872 added to this enterprise the production of tile, which is considered of superior quahty. Smith, Abraham, Liberty Centre, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1816, and was a son of Henry Smith. Abraham was married in January, 1838, to Rebecca Bergstresa, of Yates county, N. T. They have had eleven sons and one daughter ; seven are now living as follows : Catharine, Henry, George, William, Charles, Albert and Edward. One son, Isaac, enlisted in Co. G-, Ohio Vols., on February 15, 1864, and died July 13, 1864, from wounds received while in service. Nelson died leaving a widow and one son, Werdna. Mr. Smith settled in Seneca county in 1840, coming there from New York, and in 1863 settled in Henry county, and then became en- gaged in farming. Smith, Conrad, Clinton, Pettisville p. o., an early pioneer of Fulton county. 0., was born in Bronswick, Germany, September 25, 1825, and was a son of Henry Smith. He emigrated to America and settled in Jefferson county, 0., in 1851, and in 1855 came to Clinton township Fulton county, 0., where he purchased his present homestead of 80 acres, at |3 per acre. He cleared a space and erected his first log cabin. He was married in 1853 to Hannah Feltman, of Germany. They had a family of four children. His wife, Hannah, died in 1882 at the age of forty-nine years, leaving three children : Albert, Minnie and Henry. Minnie married Anthony Fluhart; Albert married Miss Hattie Horton, and Henry was married in 1883 to Lizzie Linin- ger. They have had two children. Mr. Smith had one brother, who died in Germany. Smith, Francis W., Washington, Liberty p. o., was born in Wayne county 0., in 1833, and was a son of Daniel C, and Elizabeth (McLaren) Smith, who were born and married in Penn- sylvania. They settled in Wayne county, 0., in 1820, and in 1833 came to Damascus, Henry county, where they died ; he in 1840, and his wife in 1842. They had a family of eleven chil- dren, but two of whom are now living : James M. and Francis W. Francis W. enlisted in Co. D., 68th Ohio Volunteers, on November 11, 1861, under Colonel R. K. Scott, was mustered out at Savannah, December 19, 1864, as corporal. He was married in 1865 to Lavonia Buchanan. They have had a family of five children : LiUie, Carrie, Scott, Gertrude, and Frank. Lavonia was a daughter of Matthew and Rachel M. (Scott) Buchanan, who were married January 28, 1830. Rachel was born in 1816, and died in 1850. Her husband was born in 1806, and died June 25, 1887. They had a family of three children : Joanna J., Elizabeth M., and Lavonia. Matthew- settled in Henry county in 1854, where he now resides. He retired from business and has trav- elled for some years. Smith, John, Flat Rock, Holgate p. o., one of the extensive and successful farmers of Henry county, was born in Marion county, 0., in 1836. He was a son of Philip and Nancy Smith. 702 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. John was married in 1859 to Susan Ourren, of Marion county. They have had a family of seven children : William M., Mary E., Martha A., James E., Philip Sheridan, Nancy E., and Rosetta. The father, Philip, was born in Prance, in 1800, and his wife, Nancy, was born in Pennsylvania in 1810. They were married in Pennsylvania, and settled in Marion county in 1832. They have had a family of twelve children, seven of whom are now living : John, Phihp, Mary, Eliza, Magdalena, Eebecca, Hannah, and Catharine. Susan was a daughter of John and Margaret Curren. Mr. Smith settled in Flat Rook in 1861, and purchased his homestead of 40 acres in 1863, and now owns a farm of 260 acres. He is engaged largely in the buying and selling of stock. Smith, John, jr., Q-orham, Payette p. o., an early settler in Chesterfield, who came there in 1849, was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 1815, and was a son of John and Rosine (Broker) Smith, who emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Detroit, Mich., and became engaged in farming. They had four sons and three daughters. John, jr., was married in 1840 to Eliza- beth Peiren. She was born in Berne, Switzerland. They have a family of four children : Ja- cob P., Alonzo, Elizabeth and Mary. John, jr., settled in Chesterfield township, Pulton county, in 1849, and purchased a farm which he sold in 1875, and settled in G-orham township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, for which he paid $8,800. He retired from active life in 1884, and now resides with his son at Handy Corners. One of his sons, John, enlisted in December, 1861, in Co. A, 67th Ohio Regiment, and lost his life at Port Waggoner, with others of his com- pany. SmeUie, Gavin, jr., Dover, Tedrow p. o., was born in Cuyahoga county, O., in 1833, and was a son of Gavin and Amanda (Norris) SmeUie. Amanda was born in New Jersey, and Gavin was born near Glasgow, in Scotland, in 1801. They were married at Cleveland, 0., and had a family of ten children, four of whom are now living : John, Gavin, Susan and W. R. (the pub- lisher of the at Cleveland). Five of the sons, John, Gavin, jr., Charles, Emerson and William enlisted. Two were kiUed while in the service, Emerson and Charles. Gavin, jr., en- listed in Co. K, 30th Illinois, September, 1861, under Colonel Fouk, served three years, and was discharged at Springfield, 111., in 1864. He was married in 1857 to Julia A. Whittecar, of Madi- son county, 0. They have had five children: Alice A., Charles H., Harry B., Emma J., and Herman G. They settled in Pulton county, on their present homestead farm of 74 acres in 1869. Mr. Smellie was trustee for two years, and is at present treasurer of the township. Sohn, W. H., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., the manufacturer and dealer in marble and granite monuments of Wauseon, settled here in August, 1877, where he has established a fine business by square and honorable dealing. He was married in 1880 to Harriet A. Brigham. They have one child, Howard B., born March 29, 1886. Harriet was a daughter of pioneer Joel and Bet- sey (Lyon) Brigham, of Fulton county, born February 28, 1854. W . H. Sohn, was a son of Will- iam and Caroline (Swauder) Sohn, who were natives of Pennsylvania. But emigrated to Tiffin, Seneca county, 0., in 1833, where he was born June 29, 1851. Was elected a concUman of Wauseon, in the spring of 1886. Spafibrd, Americus M., Harrison, Napoleon p. o., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 181 9, and was a son of Abner and Betsey CLeach) Spaflford. Abner was born in Jefirey, N. H. They settled in Tecumseh, Mich., in 1824, where Betsey died leaving a family of eight children, three of whom are now living : Mrs. H. M. Webster, Cynthia M. Tilton, and Americus. Abner died in Wisconsin. Americus M. purchased his time from his father, paying .therefor by a note of $50. At the age of nineteen years he became engaged in driving stage, and in 1844 settled in Ohio, and became an employee of the Toledo and Walfash packet. He settled in Napoleon in 1845, and in 1847 married Maria Glass, a sister of Jeremiah Glass. She was born in Trumbull county, in 1829. They had a family of five children, three of whom are now living : Francis C, born 1853, married Alice Omwake in 1877, had two children, one living ; Harriet L., born 1855, and Lester V., born 1863. Harriet married William C. Nibel in 1876. They have had four children. Mr. SpafFord has been treasurer, trustee and supervisor of his town. He purchased his present homestead of sixty acres in 1858. The Spaffords are descendants of one of the oldest families of England, and were early settlers in America. First settled in George- town, Mass., in 1638. Spangler, Daniel W., Freedom, Napoleon p. o., was born in Fairfield county in 1827, and was married in 1860 to Mary Meyers, who was born in Wells county, Ind., and came to Ohio with her parents at the age of twelve years. They settled in Freedom, Henry county, in No- vember, 1862, and have had a family of three children : Mary, Elizabeth (who died at the age of six years), and Daniel. Mr. Spangler purchased his present farm in 1860. He was engaged in teaching in 1865, after which he became a farmer, erected his buildings, and cleared his farm. He has taken an interest in all town and county affairs, holding several of the township offices. He was sheriff of the county in 1877 and 1878, but owing to impaired health, was obliged to re- tire from active public life in 1880. He was a son of John and Christina Spangler. John died Brief Personals. 703 in Fairfield county, in 1834, leaving a widow and four children : Catharine, Mary, Christopher, and Daniel W. His widow, Christina, died in Henry county in August, 1876, at the age of sev- enty-six years. Mary was a daughter of Jacob and Caroline Meyers, natives of Hanover, Ger^ many. Spongier, John, Q-erman, Blmira p. o., the merchant and postmaster of Elmira, was born in Switzerland, in May, 1823, and was a son of G-eorge and Margaret Spengler, of Switzerland, who with a family of two sons, John and Harmon, emigrated to America in 1847. The parents settled in Franklin township, where they died. George, who was born in 1779, died in 1884. His wife died in 1872. John learned the stone-cutter's and carver's trade, and executed a large amount of fine work in this country, in New York, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Chicago, and San Fran- cisco, as well as on the capitol at Washington. He was married in Switzerland in 1848, and came to America and settled in New York, where he became engaged at his trade. That same year he came to Fulton county and became engaged in farming, but soon tiring of this, he moved to Toledo, then to Buffalo, and from thence back to New York, and in 1854 went to Washington. For five years he was engaged in mining, and did much of the work on the Corn- stock Silver Mill, after which he worked at his trade in Sacramento City and Nevada. In 1864 he visited his native land, and in 1866 he returned to New York city. In 1868 he came to Bloomington, 111., then went to Chicago, and in 1875 went to St. Louis, where he remained until 1876, when he again came to Fulton county and settled in German township, and became en- gaged in the marble and granite business. In 1885 he purchased his store and dwelling. He was appointed postmaster in 1885 at Elmira where he resides. Spring, Cornelius M., Dover, Spring Hill p. o., is a general farmer and cheese manufacturer, and was born in Edinburgh, Portage county, 0., in December, 1842. He was a son of Milton and Eunice (Hall) Spring. Eunice was born in Portage county, and Milton was born in Massa- chusetts, in 1806. They were married in 1834, and settled in Spring Hill, Dover township, in 1853. They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living. Three sons enlisted. Cornelius- M. enlisted in Co. H, 86th Ohio Regiment, under Colonel R. C. Lemert, in 1862, and was discharged at Columbus, at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He re-enlisted in the 130th National Guards, in 1864, at the one hundred days call. Nial C. and Sylvester I. served in the 67th Ohio ; the other children were Ellen M. and Sarah E. CorneUus M. was married in 1869 to Sarah Bldridge of Fulton county. They have had a family of two children, Ada Flor- ence and Everett E. CorneUus purchased the Spring Hill cheese factory in 1879. Stebbins, Stephen R., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a retired farmer of Wauseon, was born in Middlesex county, Conn., March 80, 1808, and was a son of Amasa and Sally Stebbins, who set- tled in Cuyahoga county, 0., in 1817, moving there with two ox teams, a distance of 650 miles, with a family of six children. They had eight children, two being born after settling here. Six are now deceased, two living, Stephen R. and Allen R. Stephen R. settled in Liberty town^ ship in 1844, and became engaged in farming. He was married in Cuyahoga county, January 27, 1840, to Sarah Abbott, who was born in Vermont. They had a family of six children, two of whom are now hving, Martha Jane and Augusta S. Martha J. married Elias Dapdorf. They have had one child. Pearl. Augusta married Mr. Borland ; they have had one daughter, Stella. Mrs. Stebbins died October 9, 1885. Mr. Stebbins was elected justice of the peace, and has also held other minor offices in York township. He returned to and settled in Wauseon, m 1883. Stephens, Captain Charles L., Franklin, Tedrow p. o., was born in Knox county, 0., in 1835, and in early fife learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. He also taught school for several years. He was married in 1860 to Hannah Masters, who was born in 1840. They have had a family of seven children, six of whom are now Uving : Mary A., Florence B., Waldo B., Alice G., Leroy C. and George M. Charles L. purchased his present homestead in 1856, of 80 acres, for which he paid $800. He now owns 100 acres on sections 1 and 2. He was elected town clerk two terms, justice of the peace for one term, assessor for three terms. In August, 1862, he enhsted in the 67th Ohio Volunteers, and in September received the commission of first lieu- tenant. Went out under Colonel A. C. Voorhees, and served for three years and five months. He was promoted to captain' in March, 1864, was wounded at the attack of Fort Wagoner, S. G, and now receives a pension of $8.50 per month. He was discharged at Columbus, 0. His par- ents were William H. and Armenia E. (Morrison) Stevens, who settled m Fulton county m 1850. They had a family of six sons and one daughter. All of the sons served in the late war. Stevens, Royal C, FrankKn, Tedrow p. o., was born in Richland county, in 1834, and was the son of William H. and Armenia (Morrison) Stevens. Armenia was born m Richland county in 1812 and William H. was bom in Pennsylvania in 1809. They had six sons and one daugh- ter- Royal C, Charies L., Daniel L., Sylvanus M., William H., John S., and Sarah 0. All six sons enhsted and served during the late war. Three in the 67th 0. V. Inf., and three m the 44th Illinois. Royal C. was wounded in the left side; Charies L. in the thigh, and Daniel L. died while in service from disease caused by exposure in 1863, while William H. lost his left arm 704 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. while serving his country. Armenia died in 1845 and her husband December 21, 1876. He settled in Franklin township irf 1850, and purchased 160 acres of land for $1.25 per acre. He was trustee of Franklin township for several terms. Royal C. enlisted in Co. A, Ohio Regi- ment under Colonel Voorhes, of Akron, in August, 1862, and was discharged ai the hospital at Hampton, Va., on account of wounds received in June, 1865. He was married August 13, 1855, to Sarah J. Borton, who died June 16, 1862, leaving three sons : Charlie B., Frank M., and Har- vey M. He was married the second time March 7, 1866, to Alice A. Poorman, a daughter of Adam and Julia Poorman. She was the first white child born in Franklin township, after its organization. Royal C. has one son by his last wife, Wilbert H. Charles B., the oldest son had his left arm taken off in a threshing machine ; John S. is now a banker in Missouri. His only sister married J. H. Masters, and is now living in Kansas. Stephens, Sylvanus M., Franklin Tedrow p. o., a veteran soldier, serving from July, 1861; until May, 1865, was born in Richland county, 0., in 1839, and was a son of William H. and Ar- menia (Morrison) Stevens. Sylvanus M. was married in 1868 to Sarah Bstella G-ilbert, who was born in Fulton county in 1851. They have had a family of four children, three of whom are now living : Daniel Lament, Ettie Blanche, and Sylvanus Walter. Mr. Stevens chose farming for his occupation. He has held the office of trustee for several terms, and also other minor offices. Sylvanus M. enlisted in Co. D, 44th Illinois, under Colonel Nobles Dorph, in July, 1861, and was discharged at Springfield, 111., in May, 1865. He was taken prisoner and held at An- dersonville for nine months, where he suffered greatly, from six to eight dying in his ward daily. He was removed for dead, but fortunately for him life was still in his body, and he was re- turned. The number dying daily at AndersonvlUe was estimated to be about 100. Mr. Stevens is now receiving a pension. .His father's family consisted of six boys and one girl: Royal C, Charles L., Daniel L., Sylvanus M., William. H., John S., and Sarah C. All the boys enlisted and served in the late war. Steward, Squire Frederick, Liberty, Liberty Centre p. o., was born in Huron county, 0., in 1845, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Jerry) Steward, who were born and married in Eng- land, near Lynn. They emigrated to and settled in Huron county in 1837, with a family of four children. They came to Liberty in 1852. They had ten children in all, eight of whom are now living : John, Robert, Thomas, Ann, Richard, Joseph, Frederick and Matthew. Three sons enlisted, Frederick, in Co. D, 124th Ohio Vols., on February 24, 1864 ; Joseph enlisted in the 124th in October, 1862, and Richard in the 68th in 1861. Joseph was wounded, but at the close of the war all the boys returned home, and all on the same day. Frederick S. is at present jus- tice, having held that office for three successive terms. He was married in 1870 to Emeline Hoover, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Hoover. They had two children. Squire Frederick Steward purchased his homestead in 1874. It consists of 100 acres, 90 of which have been im- proved and are under cultivation. Stough, Joshua J., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., one of the leading successful farmers of Clinton township, was born in Wayne county, 0., in 1824, and was a son of John and Anna C. E. (De Bolt) Stough, who were born and married in Fayette county. Pa. They settled in Wayne county, 0., and in 1854, came to Clinton, Fulton county, where they purchased a farm of 160 acres, pay- ing therefor $1,150. John died in 1857, aged seventy-seven years, leaving a widow and seven children, three of whom are now living Joshua J., G-eorge, and Mrs. Lavina T. Eddington. Joshua J. Stough was married in 1848 to Sarah Harbaugh, who was born in Wayne county. She died in 1860, leaving a family of seven children: John A., Catharine I., Daniel W., Robert C, Paulina J., and Mary 0. Joshua then married for his second wife, Mrs. Rhoda Tibbitts, who was born in Rome, N. Y., in 1829. She had one son by her first husband, J. S. Tibbitts. J. J. Stough now owns the old homestead of 160 acres, and also 180 acres in addition, which he has had highly improved, and now occupies a beautiful home. Stout, Doctor J. M., Pleasant, Holgate p. o., was born in Knox county, 0., in 1839, and was a son of WiUiam and Ellen Stout, who settled near Napoleon in 1866, and in 1871 settled in Missouri. They had a family of six sons, and four of them enlisted and served in the late war. The sons were Felix D., Benjamin F., Brad W., J. M., Stephen H., Isaac N. Doctor J. M. Stout fitted himself for and became a teacher. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. H, 3d Ohio Vols., under Col- onel I. M. Morrow, and wag discharged July, 1862, on account of disability. He read medicine in St. Louisville, Licking county, 0., after which he settled in Knox county, in the practice of his profession. He settled in Florida, Henry county, 0., in 1872, afterward m Holgate in 1882, where he has been engaged as a physician and surgeon ever since. He was married in 1866 to Sophia B. Q-ilson, who died in 1878, leaving one son, William B. Dr. J. M. then married for his second wife, Christina Stout, in 1880. She had one child by her first husband. Sutton, William, Q-orham, Morenci, Mich., p. o., was born May 2, 1808, in Seneca county, N. Y., and was a son of John and Rebecca (Barnett) Sutton. John was born in New Jersey and served during the Revolutionary War, under General Green. Rebecca was born June 27, Brief Personals. 705 1812, and was married to John Sutton, June 29, 1829, after which they resided in Ontario county, N. Y., until 1835, when they went to Morenci, Mich., where Mr. Sutton became engaged in the hotel business. He purchased a farm of 320 acres in Pulton county, and in 1838 removed to this farm, where he resided until 1868, when he bought 120 acres in Medina, Mich., where he resided until 1878, when he sold out and purchased 120 acres, about three miles from there, which place he now owns. His wife, Rebecca, died May 31, 1886. Mr. Sutton's general busi- ness was farming, but he was a first-class carpenter. When he first came West he was engaged as agent for selling lands by different companies, and was employed by John D. Patterson, of Chautauqua county, N. Y., as agent for his fine wool sheep. He has travelled all through the northern and western States. He was the father of fourteen children. His son, Harvey was a veteran of the late war. He enlisted August 11, 1861, in Co. P, 11th Michigan Inf., in which he served for three years. He re-enlisted in Co. A, 30th Michigan Inf., and served to the close of the war, being discharged June 30, 1865. He was born in G-orham, December, 7, 1842, and was married in Waldron, Mich., November 10, 1874, to Catharine Demay, who was born in Hol- land, in 1853. They have had three children : Leroy, Verna, and Verta. Catharine was a daughter of John and Malinda Demay, who emigrated to America in 1868, and settled in Hills- dale county, Mich., with a family of four children : Abraham, Catharine, Johnny, and Mary. Mr. Sutton purchased his homestead of 80 acres in 1874. Tate, Joseph, Liberty, Napoleon p. o., a general farmer of Liberty, was born in Warren county, 0., in 1820, and was a son of John and Susan (Whitehill) Tate, who were born in Vir- ginia, and married in Ohio, where they died. They had nine sons and one daughter: Thomas, Joseph, John, William, James, Andrew K., David M., Robert and Susan, and also one son who died at an early age. Seven of their sons enlisted and served in the War of the Rebellion, one was wounded, but recovered and all are now living. Joseph was married in 1850 to Martha White, who was born in 1825. They have had a family of six children : Ada, James, Anna E., John, Susan, and Joseph W. They settled in Henry county in 1875. Thieson, John, Napoleon, Napoleon p. o., present mayor of Napoleon, and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, and mouldings, and dealing in laths, builder's supplies, and lumber. A member of the firm of Theison, Hildred & Co., was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1834, and settled in Toledo, 0., in 1853, and became engaged in the lumber business. In 1859 went to Dayton, 0.. and in 1864 came to Napoleon, where he commenced his present successful business. He was elected mayor of Napoleon in 1886. He has also held several other town- ship offices. Thomas, Calvin W., Gorham, Morenci, Mich., p. o., one of the pioneers of Fulton county, 0., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., on January 10, 1822, and was a son of Marshall and Han- nah (Wheaton) Thomas, who were born and married in Connecticut, and settled in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1832, after which they came to Pierpont, O., where they died. They had a family of three children : Eoxana A., Calvin W., and Rebecca, who married Hira Harvey, and Roxana married Richard Harcourt. 0. W. Thomas was married in January, 1844, to Re- becca Harvey, who was born in Richland in 1825. She died in 1873. They had a family of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living: Minerva, Alice A., George, BUza, Harriet, Martha, Laura A., Francis, Marshall, Orlan and Harvey. Mr. Thomas settled in Gorham in 1859. He came from N. Y. State to Ashtabula county in 1843, and in 1855 to Pike township, Fulton county. He was an early merchant, and in 1857-58 was engaged in manufacturing lumber in Pike township. He purchased his present homestead of fifty acres in 1859. He was a member of the school board for twenty-two years. Thrapp, William, Napolean, of Napoleon, was born in Licking county, 0., in 1829, and mar- ried in 1847 to Martha Painter, of Licking county. They have had two children, Isaac I. and Alice, who married Dr. T. M. Gehrett. Isaac L. was married in 1872 to Mary Ellen Gibson, who died December 12, 1881, leaving three children: Earl H., J. Raymond, Carrie Alice. He then married his second wife, Nellie Jackway, February 1, 1882. They have had one child. Wilham was a son of Rev. John and Jane (Van Derburgh) Thrapp. He was born in Virginia, and his wife in New Jersey. They settled in Henry county in 1854. They were married Decem- ber 1, 1814. Four of their children are now living. Rev. John was a Methodist minister, and died i'n 1880 at the age of 86 years. William Thrapp enlisted in Co. B, 100th Ohio Regiment, in August, 1862, and served to the close of the war, being discharged July 5, 1865. He went out under Colonel Groom. Todd Martha, Gorham, Ritter p. o., was born in <3-orham in 1851, and married in 1870 to Elmer Todd, who died January 22, 1883, leaving three children: Jessie L., Charles and Estelle L Mr. Elmer was born in Adrian, Mich., February 21, 1849, and was a son of Ransom and Sarah (Waid) Todd. Ransom died in 1883, leaving a widow and eight children. Martha was a daughter of Bphraim, jr., and Phebe (Ball) Sergent, who were married in 1847, and had a family of seven children : Ahna Ann, Martha, Seymour, Mary, Helen, Sarah and Ehzabeth. Ephraim, 7o6 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. jr., had by his first wife, Huldah Collins, a family of seven children. She died in 1841. They were married in 1829. Their children were Charles, Warren, Cynthia, Roxey, Oscar, John and Corlandt. Of the family of fourteen children, thirteen are now living. Ephraim was born in Rutland county, Vt., in 1808, and was a son of Ephraim and Hannah (Wood) Sergent. They settled in Q-orham in 1833. In 1836 they purchased the Sergent homestead of 80 acres, for which they paid $250, and where Mr. Sergent now resides, aged 79 years. Touvelle, W. W., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a counselor and attorney at law, was born at Steubenville, Jefferson county, 0., in 1847, and received a liberal education. He was appointed to a position in a naval academy at Annapolis, Md., in 1864, by Hon. P. C. Leblon, which he re- signed in 1866, and began to read law. He was admitted to the bar in 1868, and continued his law studies until 1869, when on June 10th he settled in Wauseon, (coming there from Celina), and began the practice of law. He was prosecuting attorney from 1872 to 1876. He was also a delegate to the convention at Chicago, at the nomination of President Garfield. He has been city collector for three terms. He was married in 1876 to Mama E. Read, a daughter of John and Emeline Read. They have had one son, Arthur B. W. W. Touvelle was a son of George W. and Mary Touvelle. Tubbs, William B., Ridgeville, Tubbsville p. o., was born in Adams township, Henry county, 0., November 6, 1837. He was married March 21, 1862, to Hannah Comstock. They have had four children : Mary C, Charles H., Alfred S., and Arba B., (twins). William B. has held the office of justice of the peace two terms, trustee, township clerk, assessor of the township, and real estate assessor, and was school director for nineteen years, and was appointed postmaster, January 14, 1887. He was drafted October 2, 1862, into the TJnion army for nine months, but furnished a substitute who served to the close of the war, a term of three years. He was a son of Charles and Lucy M. (Stow) Tubbs, of N. Y. State Charles was born in Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y., in 1810. They settled in Adams township, Henry county, 0., in 1836, and Lucy died in August, 1870, leaving two children : William B. and Arba P. Charles married for his second wife Mrs. Lottie (Newel) Robinson. They have had one daughter, Alice. William B's. brother, Alfred S., enlisted in Co. E, 111th Ohio Vols, in 1862, and died at the hospital at DanviUe, Ky., November 19, 1862, aged twenty-two years. Tuttle, Andrew, Flat Rock, Ploridap. o., a merchant of the firm.of Messrs. Long and Tuttle, which firm was formed in 1882. Mr. Tuttle was born in Defiance county, in 1845, and was brought up in the mercantile business. In 1863 he enlisted in the 47th Ohio Regiment, under Colonel Perry, and was discharged at the close of the war, at Port Dennison. He was married in 1870 to Elizabeth Long. They have had a family of three children. He became engaged in the mercantile business in 1882, and formed his present partnership. They also do a large busi- ness in the buying, shipping of grain and produce, in connection with their mercantile trade. Van Hyning, Julius, Napoleon, one of the early and prominent settlers of Henry county, was born in Summit county, 0., in 1822, and in 1848 came to Napoleon and purchased his pres- ent farm of 160 acres of canal land at two dollars and a half cent per acre, and received his title from the State. He was married in 1843 to Sarah Williard of Summit county, and settled on his farm, cutting a wagon road from there to Napoleon, and erected his log house, where they com- menced their home life. They have had a family of six children : Henry, OUie, Henrietta, Charles, Clara, and Lillie. Mr. Van Hyning enlisted in Co. A, 68th Regiment, in October, 1861, and was discharged at Columbus, on account of disability. He now receives a pension. He erected a steam saw-mill in 1866. He was a grandson of the Revolutionary soldier. Van Hyning, of Sara- toga county, N. Y. His parents settled in Ohio in 1802. Van Ostrand, Charles H., Gorham, Payette p. o., one of the representative citizens of his town, was born in Huron county, 0., in 1837, and was a son of Jacob and Parmeha (Merritt) Van Ostrand. Jacob was born in Half Moon, Saratoga county, N. Y., and his wife was born in Ulster county, N. Y. They were married and settled in Huron county, O., in 1834, and in 1860 came to Gorham, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres, for which he paid $25 per acre. Ja- cob died in 1876, aged seventy years. He left a widow and family of three children, two of whom are now living : Charles H. and Prances L. Mayette married C. B. Herrick, and died leaving one son, Floyd. Charles H. was married in Huron county, in May, 1860, to Mary C. Hitchcock. They have a family of three children : Carrie E., Carl J., and Nina. Charles H. was drafted, and responded, but on account of the advanced age of his father, furnished a sub- stitute for three years. He was elected county commissioner for one term (1883), and appointed one term (1881). His wife was a daughter of Asa and Ursula Hitchcock. Van Rensselaer, WiUiam D., Napoleon, Wauseon p. o., a general furniture dealer, of Wau- seon, was born in Port Clinton, Ottawa county, , in 1852 and was a son of P. S. and Jane (De Pew) Van Rensselaer, and a grandson of Phillip M. Van Rensselaer. . William D. learned the carpentering business and became engaged in the manufacture of board and timber in St. Louis, and later became an engineer on the lake. In 1886 he settled in Wauseon and became Brief Personals. 707 engaged in the general furniture business. He was married in January, 1879, to Clara Ransom of Fremont. They have two children : Sanders H. and Hazel P. Van Scoyoc, Isaac B., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., a son of Jonathan and Mary Van Scoyoo, of Pennsylvania, was born in Richland county, 0., January 25, 1841, and was married in Putnam county, in 1867, to Martha McBride, who was born in Richland county, October 31, 1844. They had a family of eight children : John W., born October 26, 1867 ; Malinda May, born March 13 1869; Clara E., (deceased, died October 7, 1875 aged four years) ; Emmet, born September 28, 1875 Perry E., born March 16, 1879 ; Charles L. born February 14, 1881 ; Coral B., born August 14, 1883 Blanche Dora, born May 7, 1886. Mrs. Van Scoyoc was a daughter of Samuel and Abigal Mc- Bride. Samuel was born in Virginia and his wife in Ohio. Isaac B. Van Scoyoc was in the service of his country for two years and seven months, in the War of the Rebellion. He had one brother who also served in that war. Van Valke'nburg, Smith A., Q-orham, Payette p. c, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., December 26, 1846, and was a son of Abraham and Nancy (Hale) Van Valkenburg. Abraham was born in Kinderhook, N'. Y.. in 1820, and Nancy was born in 1822 in Otsego county, N. Y. She was a daughter of Gardnerand Rhoda (Perry) Hale. Abraham and Nancy were married in 1843 and have had a family of six children : Hannah A., Smith A., Mary B., Abraham, jr., Adrian and Will. They settled in G-orham township in 1847, where he purchased his home- stead farm, in 1845, of eighty acres for which he paid $500. Smith A. was married in 1 873 to Ortensia Salsbury, of De Kalb, Indiana. They have had two children, one of whom. Lulu, died at an early age. Ai is now living. Ortensia was a daughter of Daniel and Fannie Isabel Sals- bury. Smith A. chose farming for his occupation and purchased his homestead farm of forty acres in 1870. Verrier, Frank, Gorham, Fayette p. o., a general grocer and provision dealer, was born at Haute Rinhear, Bellfore, France, July 29, 1836, and was a son of Lauren Verrier who received a liberal education. His parents died and soon after, at the age of fifteen years, Frank came to America and settled in Utica, Oneida county, N. Y., where he attended school, learning the Bn^ glish language. In 1853 he learned the carriage and wagon-makmg business. He was married in 1859 to Mary A. Stoul. They have had two children, William L. and Fannie, who married Fred Lewis in 1881. Mr. Verrier settled in Chesterfield, Fulton count?, 0., in June, 1859, where he became engaged in the carriage trade. In 1870 he settled in Fayette and in 1872 became engaged in the livery business and mercantile trade. He was burned out by the big fire in 1880 but rebuilt his store with some changes in business and purchased his stock of general gro- ceries, fancy and staple goods, in 1887. He has been a member of the corporation council and is now one of the active business men of the borough and town. Voigt, Frederick H., Pleasant, Holgate p.o., the general druggist and prescriptionist, of Holgate, was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, in 1850, and was a son John and Elizabeth Voigt. Frederick H. came to America in 1869 and settled in Napoleon, 0., and there attended school. In 1870 he became engaged in the drug business at Logansport. He went to Toledo in 1873 and in 1874 visited his home in Europe, and in the fall of 1874 returned to America and settled in Holgate, Henry county. He became engaged in a general mercantile business in 1882, sold his stock and became a general druggist. He was married in 1876 to Mary Vogle, of Holgate. They have had five children : Frederick, Gustus, Eugene, Winna and Anna. Frederick H. has been town treasurer, clerk and also held other corporation offices. His parents died in Germany leaving six children. Frederick H. and his brother, Henry, are the only ones who settled in Holgate. Vogt, jr., John, Bartlow, Deshler p. o., was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1853, and was a son of John and Catharine (Berg) Vogt, who emigrated to Toledo, 0., in 1857 with a family of two sons, Conrad and John. Catharine died in 1864 leaving four children : Conrad, John, Amelia and Henry. John, jr., settled in Deshler in 1871 and in 1874 John and his brother, Conrad, became engaged in the general mercantile business, in which they continued until the death of Conrad in 1879, when John became the sole proprietor. He was married in October, 1879 to Lizzie G. Kannen, of Richland county. They have had two children, Bessie and Gene- vieve. Mr. Vogt has been township treasurer and corporation treasurer, each for a term of five years', and president of the school board. He was also the pioneer merchant of Deshler. Waffle, Joseph J., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., dealer in pianos and organs at Wauseon, was born in Medina' county, 0., in 1843 and was a son of William and Clarissa Waffle. Clarissa was born in Genesee county, N. Y., and her husband, William, was born in Rochester, N. Y. They settled in Medina county and came to Pike township, Fulton county, in 1851. They have one son, 'Josiah J. Josiah enlisted in Company F, 86th Ohio Regiment under Colonel Lemert and re- enlisted in Company E, 6th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, serving to the close of the war as chief bugler. He was discharged August 17, 1865. While in service he received two wounds. He was mar- ried in 1875 to Clara Crane, of Bryon. They have had one son, Leroy Augustus. Mr. Waffle 7o8 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. became engaged in the piano and organ business in 1869 and has continued in the same ever since. Wahl, Frederick, Flat Rock, Holgate p. o., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1846 and was a son of George and Eve Wahl, who emigrated to and settled in Medina county, 0., in 1850 and in 1 855 settled in Pleasant, Henry county. They had a family of six children : Jacob, Me- na. Catharine (born in America) and Frederick, Christopher and Rosa, born in Germany. Fred- erick enlisted in December, 1864, in Company B, 100th Ohio, under Colonel Slevens. He was transferred to 183d regiment and discharged July 17, 1865. He was married in 1869 to Chris- tina Frantz, who was born in Germany. They have had a family of five children : Charles A., Julia C, Henry A., Minnie and William. Frederick purchased his homestead farm of eighty acres in 1S65, a part of which was a four mile tract of timber adjoining Holgate. He erected his farm buildings in 1882 and 1884. Waid, Wm., Dover, Emery, p. o , was born in Crawford county. Pa., April 18, 1818, and settled in Dover township in September, 1845, on the farm which he improved and lived upon until his death, April 25, 1880. He was widely known as an enterprising, industrious, honest farmer. His wife, Orpha G. Candfield, was born in Bloomfield, N. T., March 8, 1824 and came west with him immediately after their marriage. They had a family of four children : Minnie, Charles, Emma and Lemuel. Their mother died April 2, 1864. Wm. married for his second wife, Hannah E. Bartlett in 1865, who died in February, 1872. He then married his third wife Maria Kipp, of Wayne county, N. T., in 1872. They have had one son, Clarence W. Maria was a daughter of Peter and Prudence Kipp. Peter was born in New York city in 1789 and died in 1854. Prudence was born on Long Island in 1797 and died 1879. Minnie M. Waid married F. L. S. Darby, of Fulton county. Charles H. Waid married Lizzie Hack, of Delaware, 0. Emma L. Waid married W. 0. Knapp, of Wauseon, 0. Lemuel F. Waid married Ida E. Kipp, of Shortsville, N. Y. Wait, Leroy, Flat Rock, Napoleon p. o., a pioneer settler of Flat Rock, was born in Scioto county, 0., June 23, 1820 and was a son of Reuben and Mary Wait, of Chenango county, N. Y., who settled in Flat Rock, Heniy county, in 1833, where they died. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are now living : Julia, Silas, William, Louisa, Leroy, Carrie and Henry. Louisa married Jefferson MoCrackin of Batavia, N. Y. They have had a family of five children. Renben Wait was a prominent man of the county and was appointed associate judge on the or- ganization of the county, which oflftoe he filled to the satisfaction of his many friends. He was also justice of Scioto county, being appointed by the governor. He served in the war of 1812 by sending a substitute. Mr. Leroy Wait is a gentleman of large personal qualities and has for several years been in poor health, books and papers being his constant companions. Walters, George W., Dover, Tedrow p. o., the hardware merchant and farm machinery dealer, of Spring Hill, was born in York township in 1855 and was a son of Joseph and Susanna (Dull) Walters. Joseph settled in Pike, in 1837 and his wife died in 1881, after moving to Do- ver township. They had nine children, five of whom are now living : Malinda, Orlando, Henry D., George W. and Elizabeth. Two sons, Samuel and Jacob, enlisted and died while in service. Samuel died in the hospital at St. Louis, from disease contracted in the Mississippi campaign; Jacob died in the hospital at Nashville from wounds received in an engagement at Murfreesboro, Tenn. The father settled in Dover, in 1864. George W. was reared on a farm and followed that occupation until 1883, when he became engaged in the general mercantile business at Spring Hill. He now deals in all kinds of hardware, mowers, reapers, and all kinds of farm imple- ments. He was married in 1877 to Gertrude Fieldraire of Fulton. They have had a family of three children : Chloe, Edna and Zulah. Jlr. Walters has been trustee for two terms, treas- urer for two terms, justice of the peace one term, and was postmaster from 1884 to July 1, 1886. He has held many of the village minor oSioes. Ward, E. M., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., was born in Putnam county, 0., in 1842. He enlisted in 1862 in the 86th Ohio Infantry and was married in 1865 to Frances Keller, of Crawford county. They have had seven children : George M., Alvah J., Thomas, Rebecca M., Guy, Clif- ford and one who died in infancy. B. M. Ward was a son of Joseph Ward who was born in 1809 and was a pioneer settler in Wood county, 0. Warden, E. P., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., attorney and counsellor of law, was born in Lorain county, in 1859. He fitted himself for and entered Oberlin College in 1876 and was graduated from there in December. He read law at Cleveland, 0., and was admitted to the bar at Colum- bus in 1883. He settled in Norwalk in the practice of his profession and in October, 1883, set- tled in Deshler. He was married December 10, 1884, to Agnes L. Noble. Mr. Warden in early life was engaged in teaching and is now active in all the affairs of his town. Weaver, Henry S., Flat Rook, Florida p. o., one of the leading farmers of Henry county, was born in Butler county in 1833 and was a son of John and Esther (Clark) Weaver. She was born in New Jersey and John was born in Pennsylvania. They settled in Wayne township, Brief Personals. 709 Butler county, where they died. Henry S. Weaver was married in 1853 to Catharine Jane Wolverton, of Butler county. They have had a family of four children, Eugene and David are the only two now Uving. Henry S. settled in Flat Rock in 1854 and purchased his homestead ■of 150 acres from the State, and now owns in all 230 acres of highly cultivated land, 130 acres of which are highly cultivated and tiled. His farm was heavily timbered with black walnut, poplar and maple. David, his son, married Elizabeth Elkins and Eugene married Emma Osborn. Weber, Michael, German, Elmira p. o., is one of the successful settlers from Switzerland, where he was born in 1839. He came to America in 1858 and settled in Archbald and became engaged at his trade, that of blacksmithing and wagon making. He was married in 1861 to Catharine Roth who was born in 1844. They have had three children: Mary A., Jacob J. and Louisa F. Catharine was a daughter of Jacob and Fanny rKlopfenstein) Roth, who were mar- ried in Wayne county in Decomber, 1842, and had a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living, seven sons and one daughter. Jacob Roth settled in G-erman township in 1834 and purchased his farm in 1835. He was born in Alsace, Prance, in 1811 and with three broth- ers came to Fulton county. They were Henry, Jacob, Christian and Nicholas. His wife, Fanny, was born in 1824 and died January 28, 1875. Fanny was a daughter of Christian KIop- fenstein, who settled in Wayne county at an early date. Michael Weber visited his native land in 18G4 and returned to his home in Ohio the year following with a colony of sixty-four per- sons of his early friends who came and settled here with him. Michael was a son of Jacoband Margaret (Meister) Weber who had a family of eleven children. Ten of the children came to America and in 1873 the parents came with the eleventh child, Eliza. The father, Jacob, died in April, 1883 and his wife in September, 1883, aged eighty years. One brother, Martin, died in 1866. Michael retired from his smithing business in 1875 and purchased his farm of eighty acres which was taken up on settlement by Jacob Roth and is now erecting thereon a fine brick residence. Whiteman, John P., Liberty, Liberty Centre, p. o., a manufacturer of brick and tile and en- gaged in general farming, was born in 1836 and was a son of Jesse and Nancy (Myers) White- man, who were born in Virginia and settled in Ohio where they died. Mr. Whiteman was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. They settled in Ohio where they resided until the time of their deaths. They had a family of eight children, three of whom are now living: Wil- liam, John P. and Matilda. One brother, G-eorge, enliste'd and served through the late war in the 68th Illinois regiment. John P. Whiteman was married in 1861 to Martha Petticord, of Seneca county. They have had seven children : Herbert S., Estella, Charles C, Milton, Bertha, Fred and Bessie. Estella married C. Graffioe. Mr. Whiteman settled in Liberty township in 1877, and purchased his present residence of 120 acres, and then became engaged in the manu- facture of brick and tile by steam power, and now gives employment to several men. Wickenhiser, John, Marion, Hamler p. o., was born in Seneca county, July 31, 1856 and moved to Wood county, O., when a child where he was brought up and educated at the public schools of that county. He came to Henry county and located in Deshler where he was en- gaged for two years in the mercantile business. He removed to Hamler in 1 882 and became engaged in the mercantile business, and at the present time is the representative merchant of this township. He was married in 1885 to Ada Winter, of Detroit. Williams, Henry B., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., now a retired resident, was born in Lindley, Steuben county, N. T., in September, 1816 and was a son of Cornelius WiUiams. Henry B. spent his early life in Geneva, N. Y., and in early life was thrown on his own resources and ■compelled to take care of himself. He settled in Geauga county in 1833 and in 1837 came to Medina county where he was married in 1838 to Mary Lyon, who died in 1849. They had a family of three children ; only one is now Hving, Henry Holmes, born in 1840. One son, George, ■enlisted and served in the late war. Henry Holmes also served, enlisted in a Wisconsin regi- ment. Mr. Williams married for his second wife Phebe L. Bond, who was born in Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1822. They were married in March, 1852, and have had two children, one now living, Phebe (Mrs. S. J. Clark). Henry B. settled in Lena, Fulton county, in 1853 and in April, 1866, came to Wauseon where he became engaged in the saw and planing-miU business with his son, Henry Holmes. He retired from active business in 1880 and his son now carries on the business under the firm name of H. H. Williams & Co. Williams, Henry Holmes, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., manufacturer of oars and proprietor of 3, planing and saw-mill at Wauseon, 0., was born in September, 1840, and was a son Henry B. and Mary (Lyon) Williams. Mary died in 1849 leaving a family of three children, of which Henry Holmes is the only surviving one. His brother, William, enlisted and died while in serv- ice. Henry Holmes enlisted August 12, 1862, in the 23d Wisconsin, under Captain Schlick and Colonel Dupuy, and was discharged July 4, 1865. He was married in 1869 to Mary Welsh of Michigan, who died in 1871. He then married his second wife. Miss Phebe Munn, Julv 22, 1877. Mr. Williams was elected county commissioner in 1886. His company are largely en- gao'ed in the manufacture of oars, butter tubs, and largely engaged in the lumber business. 7IO History of Henry and Fulton Counties. Willet, Garner, Chesterfield, Morenci, Michigan p. o., one of the few pioneer settlers of Ches- terfield, whom we now find living, came to this township in 1835 and purchased a farm of forty acres in 1837 for which he paid $120, and in 1856 purchased his present farm of 160 acres for which he;-paid $4.50 per acre. He was born in Somerset county, N. J.,, in 1816 and was a son of David and Rachel (Smalley) Willet, who were born and married in New Jersey and settled in Seneca county, N. T., in 1819. The parents settled in Chesterfield in 1839. They had a family of fifteen children, five of whom are now living : G-arner, John, Charles, Mary and Warren. The parents died in Chesterfield township. Garner was married in 1845 to Harriet H. Parsons, who was born in Cuyahoga county, 0., in 1823. They have had two daughters and four sons, three are now hving : Clay, Clara, now Mrs. Goodale and George Washington. Clay married Katie Newville in 1877. She was born in Wood county in 1858. They have had a family of five children : Vernon, Bertie M., Florence, Ernest and Scott. Mrs. Harriet was a daughter of Nathaniel and Experience (Herring) Parsons. They settled in Pulton county in 1835. Three of their children are now living : Esther, Harriet and Mary. Wilson, John B., Flat Rock, Black Ash p. o., a promment pioneer of Southwest Plat Rock was born in Harrison county, 0., in 1824 and settled in the woods on his present homestead farm of 160 acres in 1851, for which he paid one hundred dollars, sixty-two and half cents per acre. He was married in 1849 to Isabella Karr, who was born in Coshocton county, C, in 1830. They had a family of nine children ; James A. (born 1849), Thomas M. (born 1851), Maria J. (born 1853), Martha E., (born 1855), Robert W. (born 1862) and RosaB. (born 1868). John B. was a son of Andrew and Jane Reed) Wilson who were born in Pennsylvania and married in Harrison county, 0., and settledin Plat Rook in 1851, and died in Defiance county in 1875 and his wife in 1876. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are now living: John B., Andrew, Margaret J., William., Martha E. and Sarah E. J. B. Wilson owns one of the finest cultivated farms in the county. Windisch, William, Dover, Tedrow p. o., the tanner and currier of Dover, was born in Ce- lasia, Prussia, Germany, in 1831, and was a son of Charles and Johanna Windisch. William came to America in 1854 and at once found work at his trade. He was married in April, 1862, to Mrs. Frederica Vanner in Toledo. She was born in Erford, Germany, Oct. 14, 1835. They have had a family of five daughters and three sons : Amelia, Bertha, Caroline, Ida, Zada, Willie, Ed- ward and George. Frederica had by her first husband, Frederick Hayes, two children, Henry and Mena. Mr. Windisch purchased his property in Dover township in 1865 where he has since resided and been engaged in the tanning business. Winzeler, J. W., German, Archbald p. o., the enterpising manufacturer of tile and brick, and engaged in general farming was born in Williamsville, Erie county, N. Y., on November 8, 1846 and was a son of Michael and Anna Winzeler. They were born and married in Germany and emigated to America in 1844 and settled in Franklin township, Williamsville, Brie county, N. Y., in 1855. They had a famity of ten children, six of whom are now living : Mary, J. W., Jacob, Gideon, Eli and Sarah. Mr. Winzeler opened his business life as a farmer in 1850 and in 1878 added to it the manufrcture of brick and tile. He was burned out sustaining heavy loss in 1882 after which he purchased his present location and erected his factory in which he now uses steam power, giving employment to from eight to ten men. He purchased his pres- ent homestead of eighty acres in 1873 for which he paid $7,000. He was appointed postmatser in April, 1887. He was married in 1869 to Magdalena Lauber, a daughter of Christian Lauber, who was one of the first settlers in the town of German. They have had a family of six chil- dren : Daniel, Samuel, Ella, Henry, Charles and Louie. Whipple, Isaac, Franklin, Tedrow p. o., a veteran soldier, enlisted in Company C, 47th Ohio- Regiment under Colonel Perry in 1861, and re-enlisted in 1863, was discharged in 1864 on ac- count of wounds received at Atlanta, for which he now receives a merited pension. He set- tled in Gorham township in 1856. He was born in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1839 and was a son of Abraham and Catharine (Smith) Whipple, who were born in Delaware county where Abraham died leaving a widow and eleven children, seven of whom are now hving. Abraham enhsted and served during the war in the Van Buren regiment. He was discharged on account of disability and advanced age, after one and a half years service. His two sons, Isaac and Richard, enlisted. Isaac was married in October, 1863, to Margaret Faulkner, who was born in Germany. They have had a family of nine children. In early life Mr. Whipple was engaged in general jobbing, but later in life became engaged in farming. Woodward, Ward, Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Cayuga county, N. T., in 1818» and was married in 1843 to Phydelia Young, who was born "in Cortland county in 1822. They have had a family of five daughters now living : Malina, Mary, Amelia, Helen, and Samantha. They settled in Seneca county, 0., in April, 1845, and came to Liberty in 1846, where he be- came engaged as a carpenter and contract builder. He entered claim for his farm of eighty acres in 1845 and erected a steam saw-mill in 1860. Phydelia was a daughter of Daniel and Brief Personals. 711 Hannah (Young) Woodward, who settled in Henry county in 1849, coming there from Cortland county, N. Y. They had two daughters and two sons. Ward was a son of Eleazer and Henri- etta (Ingraham) Woodward, who had a family of seven sons and two daughters. Bleazer was born in Connecticut and died in Cayuga county, N. Y. The mother and seven sona. settled in Henry county. They were Ward, Jason, Timothy, Francis, Clement, Orestes, and Perry. MaUna married J. F. Brown ; Mary married W. H. Purchase ; Amelia married John Dunovan ; Helen married A. D. Matthews ; Samantha married D. C. Brown. Wolverton, Daniel F., Germany, Blmira p. o., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1840, and was a son of John A. and Maria (Fleet) Wolverton. Maria W£is born in Steuben county, N. Y., and her husband in New Jersey. They came to Fulton county, 0., with two children and settled in German township. They had a family of three children : Adelia, Daniel F., and Ehzabeth. The mother died in December, 1877, and the father on May 17, 1882. John A. Wolverton enlisted in Company G, 68th Ohio as a drummer in 1861, and served for three years, being discharged in November, 1864. He was a trustee of his township. Daniel F. was mar- ried in February, 1865, to Catharine Haynes, who was born in Sandusky county in 1840. They have had one son, John F. Mr. Wolverton now owns and occupies the old homestead of eighty acres. He is engaged in farming and steam power threshing. Woodward, John Kendal, Liberty, Liberty Center p. o. is a general blacksmith, making horse- shoeing a specialty. He was born in Monroe county, N. Y., in 1836, and was married in 1859 to Hannah E. Thompson, who was born in Williamson, Wayne county, N. Y., and was a daugh- ter of Anthony and Elizabeth (Miller) Thompson. John K. and Hannah have had a family of eight children, six of whom are now living : Ella and Delia (twins), Hattie, Frank, Mary, Edwin, Kittie, and Willie. Frank died at the age of eight years, and Kittie when ten months old, in 1871. Mr. Woodward came west and settled in the village of Clayton, Mich., November 18, 1862, and on September 18, 1868, moved into the State of Ohio and settled in Fulton county. In 1883 he removed from Fulton county to Texas, Henry county, and in 1885 settled in Lib- erty Center, where he purchased his present residence and commenced business with his son, Edwin, as his assistant. Mr. Woodward was a son of Levi and Catherine (Johnson) Woodward, of Webster, Monroe county, N. Y. WooUace, Amos, Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1853, and was married in 1876 to Amanda Gambee, who was born in Seneca county, N. Y. They have had a family of two sons, William Dayton and Earl Gambee. Amanda was a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Schafifer) Gambee, of Seneca county, N. Y. Amos was a son of William and Mary (Schlotman) WooUace, who were born in Berks county. Pa., and married at Seneca county, N. Y., in 1840. William was born in 1816, and his wife in 1816. They have six sons living: Franklin, Perry, James, William A., Amos, and John E. One daughter, Lovina E., died August 16, 1864, aged fifteen years. They settled in Gorham township in 1857 where Mr. WooUace purchased his first farm of eighty acres, for which he paid $1,700. He now owns two hundred acres, and in 1883 purchased his homestead in Fayette, where he retired from farm labor, his sons becoming his successors. In early Ufe he was engaged in stone cutting, which was his trade, but later in life became engaged in farming. Mary (Schlotman) WooUace died at their home in Fayette on the 3d day of October, 1887, after a brief iUness. Wulfi', Hermann, Washington, Texas p. o., was born in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, in 1841, and was a son of John and Anna B. Wulfil Hermann emigrated to America in 1859, and settled in Henry county, 0., in 1862. He returned to Germany and married Anna CorneUus in 1865, and in 1866 again returned to Henry county, and in September of that year purchased a homestead of eighty acres, paying therefor two thousand dollars. He now has seventy acres cleared. His wife died in 1880, leaving a famUy of five children : Henry, Her- mann, CorneUus, Ann, and Sophia. He then married his second wife, Mrs. Ann Stueve, in 1883, who had by her first husband four sons : WiUiam, Otto, Henry, and Fred. Mr. Wulff has held the office of supervisor for two terms, trustee for two terms, and also several other of the district offices. YameU, PhiUp, Freedom, Napoleon p. o., was born in Napoleon in 1858, and was married in 1880 to Elma Sworden, who was born in 1860. They have had two chUdren : Bertha and Lela. Elma was a daughter of George and Susan (Baboock) Sworden. He was born in Marion county, and his wife in Seneca county. George died February 15, 1887, at the age of fifty years, leav- ing a widow and a family of eight children: Elma, Jennie, Olive, Evert, Charlotte, Mary, Charles, and Dolly B. George was a son of Zenas and Polly (Bowen) Sworden, who were early settlers in Henry county. Philip was a son of Daniel and Barbara YarneU. Barbara died in 1871. They had ten children, eight of whom are now living : Byron, Charles, Sarah J. Philip, Celia, Harry, Daniel jr., and Leora. YarneU, Daniel, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a retired farmer and representative man of Henry county 0., was born in Wayne county April 20, 1820, and in early Ufe was engaged in farming. 712 History of Henry and Fulton Counties. He was a son of Philip and Ruth Yarnell. Ruth died leaving a family of eight children, two of whom are now living, Daniel and Nancy. Daniel settled in Napoleon in 1845, and became pro- prietor of the Craig Hotel. He sold it in 1848 and became engaged in the general grocery and provision business. In 1851 he was elected sheriff of the county, and at that time sold his stock of goods. He was elected treasurer 1854 and 1856, and was engaged in the general job- bing business from 1858 to 1863. In 1863 he settled on his farm, which consisted of one hun- dred and twenty acres, and now owns about two hundred acres in Liberty and Freedom. He was elected county commissioner in 1875, and again was elected to that office in 1878. He returned to his farm in 1881, and became a resident of Wauseon in the fall of 1885. He was married in 1848 to Barbara Funk, who was born in Wayne county. She died September 20, 1872. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living : Byron, Charles, Sarah J., Philip, Harry, Daniel jr., Celia, and Leora. Mr. Yarnell married for his second wife Cath- erine Gehrett, of Fairfield county, in September, 1875. By an accident in 1841 Mr. YarneU lost his left arm. His father died in Napoleon in 1858. Yetter, Jacob, Pleasant, New Bavaria p. o., was born in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Ger" many, in 1826, and was a son of Louis and Catharine (Rich) Yetter, who emigrated to America and settled in Madison county, C, in 1831. They had a family of four children: Maria, Bar- bara, Jacob, and Catharine. The parents died in Madison county; the mother in 1837, and the father in 1851. Jacob Yetter was married February 15, 1849, to Mary D. Harmenn, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1826, and died June 4, 1880, leaving a family of seven chil- dren, five of whom are now living: Mary, George, John, Caroline, and Henry. Those deceased are William, who died in 1877, aged twenty years, and Julia, born in 1867 and died in 1880. Mr. Yetter married his second wife, Caroline Hoffman, who was born in Bavaria. They were married on July 29, 1880. She was a daughter of Philip Hoffman, who settled here in 1845. Mr. Yetter has been justice of peace for one term, trustee for several term.