You are on page 1of 888

PREFACE.

T HE publishers place this volume before


the public believing that they have
the publishers. With these exceptions all of
the general history is from the pen of Mr.
fulfilled every promise made at the beginning Everett. The same gentleman also prepared
of the enterprise and every reasonable the church history of Fremont and several
expectation. That there are faults of omission biographical sketches. One biography and
they are aware, but this has arisen from the commercial history of Fremont are the
inability to obtain the required information. contributions of Wilbur G. Zeigler.
That a volume of upwards of eight hundred It is impossible to make special ac-
quarto pages, containing ten thousand names, knowledgments to all to whom we are in-
should be free from error, no one will expect. debted for assistance. The people of the
A large part of the writing has been done county have received the writers and
by a citizen of the county, Homer Everett, collectors of information with uniform
Esq., whose personal knowledge of leading courtesy, and given them every facility for
events reaches back almost to the first white the prosecution of their work.
settlement. This important service could have Instead of being bound in cloth with
been entrusted to no better hands. The first leather backs, as were the samples shown to
five chapters and those relating to the Moral subscribers, the volume is bound in full
and Material Development of the county, and leather, while the form of the book renders
Civil History, have been prepared by a writer it much more convenient for use, and better
in the employ of adapted to the shelves of a library.
C O N T E N TS .

HISTORICAL.
GENERAL HISTORY. CHAPTER. PAGE.
CHAPTER. PAGE. XXI.—The Press . ................................................. 228
I.—Aboriginal Occupation................................... 9 XXII.—Military History......................................... 241
II.—Ownership of the Northwest ........................ 19 XXIII.—Court and Bar of Sandusky
III.—Advent of the White Man ............................ 24 County.................................................... 368
IV.—Lower Sandusky before Fort XXIV.—Fremont ...................................................... 397
Stephenson .............................................. 27 XXV.—Fremont Continued .................................... 413
V.—Early Ohio.................................................... 53 XXVI.— " Business Progress ...................... 419
VI.—Pre-historic Races ........................................ 66 XXVII.— " Medical....................................... 440
VII.—The Indians .................................................. 72 XXVIII.— " Improvements ............................. 463
VIII.—County Organization.................................... 94 XXIX.— " Public Schools............................ 473
VIII(a).—Fort Stephenson ........................................... 98 XXX.—Religious History....................................... 485
IX.—Civil History .............................................. 121 XXXI.—Social Societies ......................................... 507
X.—Development, Material, Moral, TOWNSHIPS.
Social ..................................................... 125 Sandusky .................................................................... 559
XI.—Improvements ............................................ 139 Rice............................................................................. 568
XII.—The Ohio Railroad ..................................... 154 Ballville ...................................................................... 578
XIII.—Plank Road ................................................. 159 Green Creek................................................................ 604
XIV.—Railroad ..................................................... 164 York............................................................................ 653
XV.—The Fremont and Indiana Rail- Townsend ................................................................... 703
road........................................................ 172 Riley ........................................................................... 726
XVI.—County Roads............................................. 177 Jackson ....................................................................... 741
XVII.—County Buildings and Institutions ............. 181 Washington................................................................. 761
XVIII.—Topography and Geology .......................... 194 Woodville ................................................................... 780
XIX.—Iron Bridges and Drainage......................... 200 Madison ...................................................................... 793
XX.—Sandusky County Agricultural Scott............................................................................ 807
Society ................................................... 208 Appendix .................................................................... 833

ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE. PAGE.
Map of Sandusky county .................................facing 9 Portrait of J. S. Van Ness, with biog-
Fort Stephenson ............................................... facing 101 raphy .......................................... facing 553
Portrait of Colonel Croghan ............................ facing 105 " " Mrs. H. Seager................................ facing 584
McPherson Monument..................................... facing 241 " " Rev. M. Long.................................. facing 601
Portrait of General C. G. Eaton....................... facing 348 " " Mrs. Cynthia McPherson................ facing 633
" " Major General James B. " " Alfred Hutchinson .......................... facing 639
McPherson ................................. facing 359 " " Hon. O. McIntyre ........................... facing 640
Portrait of Dr. L. Q. Rawson ........................... facing 446 " " James Cleveland ............................. facing 645
" " Mrs. Dr. L. Q. Rawson ................... facing 449 " " Rev. N. Young................................ facing 643
" " Rutherford B. Hayes ....................... facing 513 " " S. Baker .......................................... facing 646
" " Mrs. Lucy W. Hayes ....................... facing 521 " " S. W. Chapin .................................. facing 647
" " General R. P. Buckland .................. facing 522 " " J. L. Brown ..................................... facing 649
" " Mrs. R. P. Buckland ....................... facing 524 Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
" " Sardis Birchard ............................... facing 528 Clapp ......................................... facing 650
" " Homer Everett ................................ facing 544 Portrait of Nathan Birdseye between 684 and 685
6 CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE. PAGE.
Portrait of J. S. Van Ness, with biog-
Portrait of Mrs. Nathan Birdseye
raphy....................................... facing 553
between 684 and 685
" " Mrs. H. Seager .............................. facing 584
" " T. G. Amsden ................................. facing 686
" " Rev. M. Long ................................ facing 601
Portraits of Frederick Smith and wife ............. facing 688
" " Mrs. Cynthia McPherson .............. facing 633
" " Mr. and Mrs. John Mc-
" " Alfred Hutchinson......................... facing 639
Cauley ....................................................... facing 690
" " Hon. O. McIntyre .......................... facing 640
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. John Rife ................ facing 691
" " James Cleveland............................ facing 645
" " Mr. and Mrs. James
" " Rev. N. Young .............................. facing 643
Chapman.................................................... facing 692
" " S. Baker......................................... facing 646
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Seneca D.
" " S. W. Chapin ................................. facing 647
Hitt ............................................................ facing 693 " " J. L. Brown.................................... facing 649
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Gardner...................................................... facing 644 Clapp ...................................... facing 650
Portrait of Jeremiah Smith ............. between 694 and 695 Portrait of Nathan Birdseye between 684 and 685
" " Mrs. DeLora Smith ........ between 694 and 695
" " Mrs. Amanda Birds-
eye ................................ between 696 and 697

BIOGRAPHICAL.
PAGE. PAGE.
Aunesly, William........................................................ 391 Chapin Family ............................................................ 647
Ainger, William W. .................................................... 391 Clapp, Charles and family.......................................... 650
Amsden, Thomas G. ................................................... 686 Chapman, James ......................................................... 692
Adams, H. R. .............................................................. 697 Carver, Amos R. ......................................................... 829
Adams, Amy R. .......................................................... 699 Curtis, T. V. ............................................................... 830
Buckland, Chester Averill .......................................... 350 Drake, Benjamin F. .................................................... 378
Buckland, Ralph P. ............................................. 380–522 Dickinson, Rodolphus ................................................ 379
Baldwin, Marcus D..................................................... 387 Dewey, Thomas P....................................................... 388
Buckland, Horace S. ................................................... 393 Dudrow, Byron R. ...................................................... 388
Bell, Charles F............................................................ 395 Dickinson, Edward F. ................................................. 392
Bartlett, Joseph R. ...................................................... 395 Deal, David ................................................................ 558
Bartlett, Brice J. ......................................................... 396 Eaton, General Charles Grant .................................... 348
Brainard, Dr. Daniel ................................................... 444 Eddy, Nathaniel B. ..................................................... 384
Beaugrand, Dr. Peter .................................................. 451 Eckt, Dr. S. P.............................................................. 462
Brown & Anderson, Drs. ............................................ 451 Everett, Jeremiah and family ..................................... 540
Brinkerhoff, Dr, David H. .......................................... 461 Everett, Homer ........................................................... 544
Baker, Dr. H. F. .......................................................... 461 Finefrock, Henn R. ..................................................... 385
Bemis, Dr. J. D. .......................................................... 461 Fronizer, F. R. ............................................................ 387
Birchard, Sardis .......................................................... 528 Finefrock, Thomas P. ................................................. 389
Bell, General John ...................................................... 532 Fowler, James H. ........................................................ 390
Bushnell, Ebenezer, D.D. ........................................... 534 Failing, Dr. J. W......................................................... 459
Bauer, Seraphine ........................................................ 536 Fabing, John ............................................................... 528
Burgner, Jacob............................................................ 555 Fuller, William ........................................................... 717
Buckland, Stephen and family ................................... 557 Graves, Increase ......................................................... 379
Brown, Dr. J. L. .......................................................... 649 Greene, John L., Sr. ................................................... 382
Birdseye, Nathan P. and Mary A................................ 684 Garver, John T............................................................ 390
Birdseve, Joseph and Amanda B. ............................... 696 Glick, George W. and C. S......................................... 391
Beaugrand, Captain John B. ....................................... 828 Garver, Samuel C. ...................................................... 395
Canfield, Lieutenant Colonel Herman ....................... 354 Greene, John L., Jr. .................................................... 396
Cummings, J. W. ........................................................ 384 Gessner, Dr. Louis ..................................................... 452
Corey, Dr. John M. ..................................................... 459 Gessner, Dr. L. S. J. ................................................... 458
Caldwell, Dr. W. ........................................................ 462 Groat, John W. ........................................................... 461
Caldwell, William ...................................................... 537 Gallagher, David ........................................................ 547
Creager, Frank ............................................................ 539 Giebel, Francis J. W. .................................................. 548
Cleveland, James ........................................................ 641 Gardner, John S. and Ann .......................................... 694
CONTENTS. 7

BIOGRAPHICAL.
PAGE. PAGE.
Griswold, Stephen ...................................................... 830 Pettibone, Hiram P. .................................................... 380
Goodin, Dr. ................................................................. 443 Putnam, Alpheus P. .................................................... 392
Harmon, Harvey J....................................................... 378 Rawson, Major Eugene Allen .................................... 354
Heffner, D. A.............................................................. 390 Rhodes, John H. ......................................................... 385
Haynes, George R....................................................... 391 Richards, S. S. ............................................................ 390
Hord, John K. ............................................................. 392 Remsburg, Hezekiah .................................................. 394
Hastings, Dr................................................................ 444 Rawson, Dr. L. Q. ...................................................... 446
Holloway, Dr. ............................................................. 444 Rice, Dr. Robert S. ..................................................... 450
Hammer, Dr. A. J. ...................................................... 462 Rice, Dr. John B. ........................................................ 458
Hayes, Rutherford B. .................................................. 513 Rice, Dr. Robert H. .................................................... 459
Hayes, Lucy Webb ..................................................... 521 Rife family ................................................................. 691
Howland, Elisha W..................................................... 551 Richards, Franklin ...................................................... 722
Hutchinson, Alfred ..................................................... 639 Rozell, Charles, and family........................................ 759
Hitt, Seneca D. and Mahala E. ................................... 693 Rice, Alfred H. ........................................................... 825
Hirt, Casper ................................................................ 740 Snyder, Merritt L. ...................................................... 394
Johnson, John A. ........................................................ 383 Stilwell, Dr. Thomas .................................................. 454
Justice, James and family ........................................... 552 Smith, Dr. George E. .................................................. 460
Johnson, J. C. ............................................................. 831 Sharp, Isaac B. ........................................................... 528
Kessler and Belding ................................................... 358 Smith, Frederick, and family ..................................... 688
Keeler, Isaac M. ......................................................... 526 Smith, Jeremiah .......................................................... 695
Kridler, W. B. ............................................................. 529 Sanford, Carmi G.and Lydia ...................................... 715
Lemon, M. B............................................................... 386 Schultz, Christian ....................................................... 737
Loveland, John B........................................................ 388 Skinner, Samuel ......................................................... 776
Lemon, John M........................................................... 392 Tyler, Morris E........................................................... 393
Lee, Dr. George .......................................................... 461 Taylor, Dr. Sardis B. .................................................. 460
Long, Rev. Michael .................................................... 601 Tyler, John S. ............................................................. 535
Levisee family ............................................................ 719 Taylor, Austin B. ........................................................ 535
McPherson, Major General James B. ......................... 359 Thorp, Alonzo ............................................................ 724
Meek, Basil................................................................. 389 Wegstein, Michael...................................................... 353
Moore, John P. ........................................................... 547 Watson, Cooper K. ..................................................... 383
Millious, Jacob ........................................................... 552 Williams, Ernest B. .................................................... 391
McIntyre, Hon. O. ...................................................... 640 Winslow, Hiram W..................................................... 392
McCauley family ........................................................ 690 Williams, Dr. B. F. ..................................................... 451
McCulloch, C. R......................................................... 827 Wilson, Dr. James W. ................................................ 452
Norton, Faulkner I. ..................................................... 535 White, Dr. C. B. ......................................................... 462
Newman, John ............................................................ 538 Woodward, Gurdon .................................................... 701
Nyce, Jacob ................................................................ 825 Wood, Bourdett, and family ........... between 702 and 703
Otis, Lucius B............................................................. 381 Young, Noah .............................................................. 643
O'Farrell, P. ................................................................ 387 Zeigler, Wilbur G. ...................................................... 386
Olmsted, Jesse S. ........................................................ 549 Zeigler, John............................................................... 739
HISTORY
OF

SANDUSKY COUNTY, OHIO


CHAPTER I.
ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION.
The Sandusky Valley in Aboriginal History—The Ancient Eries—General Indian War—The Wyandots Driven from, their
Ancient Seats—The Eries Perish—Extent of the Conquest of the Six Nations—The Neutral Nation—Two Forts at Lower
Sandusky—Origin and Destruction of the Neutral Nation—Ohio Indians—Return of the Wyandots—Character of the
Wyandots—Brant Visits Lower Sandusky, and Forms a Confederacy—Upper Sandusky Becomes their Seat of
Government—The Wyandots are Given a Reservation in 1817—Their Final Removal from Ohio in 1842—Other Tribes and
Reservations.

T HE Sandusky country, in aboriginal


history, possesses a peculiar charm and
fascinating interest. During that period of
cil fire, around which painted warriors
planned campaigns and expeditions having
for their ultimate object the preservation of
years which fills western annals with the story the vast, beautiful forest, and the beloved
of intrigue and bloody conflict, the plains and hunting grounds , the return and welcome of
prairies of the lower Sandusky valley were the war parties and the terrifying and not always
home of the most powerful and most generous harmless treatment of prisoners.
of the savage nations. The border country of Tradition goes back a century farther, and
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky, and makes the locality of this city the seat of a
the first settlements of Ohio, saw the Indian at still more interesting people, a people who
war, and too often his character has been for a time preserved existence by neutrality,
estimated by his conduct when inspired to while war, which raged with shocking
cruelty by a natural desire for revenge. Here ferocity, effected the extinction of the
we see him at home, far removed from his neighboring tribes.
enemy, and perceive the softer side of his It will be necessary in these preliminary
untamed nature. The field brings us to a chapters, in which are traced the occupation
nation's capital, acquaints us with the manners and ownership of the territory included in
and customs of primitive life, and by Sandusky county, in order to an
affording a more accurate knowledge of the understanding of historical events common
treatment of white prisoners, softens harsh to a wide range of country, to frequently go
prejudices. Less than a century ago these beyond the small field of which this volume,
plains, now covered by a thriving city, by its title, professes to treat. At the risk of
presented all that interesting variety of scenes being tedious, we begin with the primitive
of Indian life, primitive agriculture, rude events of Western history.
cabins, canoe-building, amusements, and the Nothing is known of the aboriginal oc-
coun- cupation of Ohio previous to 1650, and

9
10 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

many statements of events during the name of Government.* About the middle of the
succeeding century rest upon traditional seventeenth century began a war which
authority. At the opening of the historical era, desolated the western forest of its inhabitants
the territory now constituting the State was a and changed the whole face of aboriginal
forest wilderness, inhabited mainly by the geography. The confederated tribes, grown
powerful but doomed Eries. Most of their arrogant by fifty years of power, made war upon
villages were located along the south shore of their western neighbors. The country of the
the Lake which bears their name. Good Indian Wyandots was first invaded. This war had
authority supports the theory that one of the already commenced where Champlain entered
strongholds of the tribe was the archipelago the St. Lawrence, and that enterprising officer
lying north of Sandusky Bay.* Brant, the accompanied one of the hostile parties against
distinguished Mohawk chief, speaks of them as their enemies. The Wyandots suffered
a powerful nation. But the doors of disastrously in that war. Driven from their
extermination awaited them. ancient home, they were pursued by the
The Indians of Northeastern North America victorious Iroquois to the northern shores of
have been classed in two generic divisions, the Lake Huron. Distance was no security against
Iroquois and the Algonquin. The Iroquois the relentless fury of their foes, who were
family, consisting of the Wyandots, Eries, encouraged by victory and maddened by
Andastes and the five Confederate tribes, were resistance. Famine and disease assisted war's
confined to the region south of Lakes Erie and devastation. The account of the suffering, told
Ontario and the peninsula east of Lake Huron. by missionaries, who witnessed and shared their
They formed as it were an island in the vast fate, excites our pity. Driven from their hiding
expanse of Algonquin population extending places, they fled farther westward until at last a
from Hudson's Bay on the north to the Carolinas feeble remnant found protection in the dominion
on the south ; from the Atlantic on the east to the of the Sioux. This helpless remnant of the most
Mississippi on the west. The Delawares were the proud and haughty of the Indian tribes in little
leading tribe, and, according to tradition, the more than a century, again became the most
parent stem of the Algonquins The Wyandots powerful of the Indian nations.
lived on the eastern shore of Lake Huron and During this fearful war the Eries remained
were in consequence named by the early French neutral, or, rather, were at the head of a
explorers, "Hurons." The western tribes of the confederation of neutral tribes, whose dominion
Iroquois family were more powerful than the extended into Canada, and was crossed by the
eastern until the great Confederacy of Five Iroquois confederacy in their campaign against
Nations, afterwards Six by the addition of the the Wyandots. $ The proud Iroquois next began
Tuscarawas, was formed early in the that cruel war which resulted in the extinction of
seventeenth century. The Six Nations had the the whole Neutral Nation. The Canada tribe fell
rude elements of a confederated republic, and first, and then the Eries of Ohio became victims
were the only power in this part of the continent, of savage butchery. Using their canoes as
deserving the scaling ladders,
*Schoolcraft. *James Albach's Annals.
+Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac. +North American Review, 1827.
$Schoolcraft .
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 11

the warriors of the eastern confederacy followed the arrival of the Europeans, in
stormed the Erie strongholds, leaped down which the Iroquois contended for victory, and
like tigers upon the defenders, and murdered their enemies for existence," says General
them without mercy. This general massacre Cass, "this little band preserved the integrity
was carried to the entire extinction of the of their tribe and the sacred character of
powerful nation which once held dominion peacemakers. All who met upon their
over the whole southern shore of Lake Erie. threshold met as friends, for the ground on
The Andastes next perished. The date of this which they stood was holy. It was a beautiful
event is placed, upon good authority, at institution, a calm and peaceful island,
1672. About the same time the Shawnees looking out upon the world of waves and
were driven from their ancient home far into tempests." Father Segard says this Neutral
the South. The proud Iroquois now Nation was in existence when the French
pretentiously claimed to be the conquerors missionaries first reached the Upper Lakes.
of the whole country from sea to sea, and The details of their history and of their
indeed they may have been masters of the character and privileges are meager and
vast expanse between the lakes and the Ohio unsatisfactory. "And this," continues General
as far west as the Mississippi. The Miamis, Cass, "is the more to be regretted, as such a
however, have no tradition of ever having sanctuary among the barbarous tribes is not
suffered defeat. Well accredited Indian only a singular institution, but altogether at
writers think, therefore, that the Miami River variance with the reckless spirit of cruelty
was the western boundary of the Iroquois with which their wars are usually prosecuted.
Conquest. The Wyandot tradition represents them as
The territory now embraced in the State having separated from the parent stock during
of Ohio, in consequence of this fatal war, the bloody wars with their own tribe and the
became a land sparsely inhabited. The upper Iroquois, and having fled to the Sandusky
Ohio Valley was without human habitation River for safety.” The tradition runs, that at
when explored by the early French the lower rapids two forts were erected, one
navigators. The western post of the Six for the Iroquois or Six Nations, the other for
Nations on the lake was a Seneca village on their enemies. In these, war parties might find
the Sandusky River, at the location of the security and hospitality when they entered the
present village bearing the same name. country. Tradition does not tell why so
But in the general narrative an item of unusual a proposition should be made or
local interest has been passed over. General acceded to. General Cass thinks it probable
Lewis Cass has preserved the tradition of the that superstition lent its aid to the institution,
Wyandots that, during the long and bloody and that it may have been indebted for its
wars between the eastern and western tribes, origin to the feasts and charms and juggling
there lived upon the Sandusky a neutral tribe ceremonies which constituted the religion of
of Wyandots called the Neutral Nation. They the natives. "No other motive was sufficient
occupied two villages which were cities of to restrain the hand of violence and to
refuge, where those who sought safety never counteract the threat of vengeance."
failed to find it. These villages stood near Major B. F. Stickney, for many years an
the lower rapids. "During the long and dis- Indian Agent in this part of Ohio, said in a
astrous contests which preceded and lecture delivered in Toledo in 1845:
12 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The remains of extensive works of defence are now to would be a natural place to settle, and ex-
be seen near Lower Sandusky. The Wyandots have given
me this account of them: At a period of two centuries
perience would dictate the propriety of
and a-half ago* all the Indians west of this point were at building works of defence. Experience, too,
war with those east. Two walled towns were built near would dictate the propriety of neutrality,
each other and each were inhabited by those of Wyandot when the Eries, among whom they had
origin. They assumed a neutral character and all the
Indians at war recognized that character. They might be settled, were compelled, at a later period, to
called two neutral cities. All of the west might enter the take up the weapons of war in defence of their
western city and all of the east the eastern. The country. These refugee Wyandots, if we
inhabitants of one city might inform those of the other
that war parties were there or had been there; but who
suppose the tradition to be true, had seen the
they were, or whence they came, or anything more must Neutral Nation of the northern side of the lake
not be mentioned. The war parties might remain there in escape the cruel invaders, on account of
security, taking their own time for departure. At the neutrality. A similar policy of neutrality
western town they suffered warriors to burn their
prisoners near it, but the eastern would not. (An old shielded them during the equally savage
Wyandot informed me that he recollected seeing, when a contest which resulted in the extinction of the
boy, the remains of a cedar post or stake at which they Eries. History and tradition authorize the
used to burn prisoners). The French historians tell us
that when they first came here these neutral cities were
belief that a neutral tribe once dwelt near the
inhabited and their neutral character preserved. At present city of Fremont, and also that they
length a quarrel arose between these two cities and one were destroyed; either in an internal
destroyed the inhabitants of the other. This put an end to dissension or by the hand of the invading
neutrality.
warriors of the Iroquois Confederacy. Gist
These traditions, handed down along the found, in 1750, on White-woman creek, a
generations for nearly two centuries, are Wyandot village containing about one
probably inaccurate in detail, but the general hundred families, named "Muskingum." This
fact of the existence of two such cities, is supposed to have been an isolated govern-
located near the headwaters of navigation on ment. There can be no doubt but that the
the Sandusky River, is entitled to as much Wyandot Nation was greatly scattered by the
consideration as any other fact of early general war of 1655.
Indian history. In view of the general We have now given the most trustworthy
historical events of the period the tradition is information, so far as our knowledge of
reasonable. A fierce and relentless attack aboriginal history goes, of the Indian
was made upon the Wyandot Nation by the occupation of the region in which Sandusky
Confederated Iroquois. In the bloody contest county is included, prior to the period which
which followed, the Wyandots were defeated historians have termed the second Indian
and driven from their native soil. While the occupation of Ohio. Previous to 1650, nothing
body of the defeated nation sought refuge in is known. The succeeding century may be
the high latitudes above Lake Huron, it is called the first period of Indian history. At the
not improbable that a tribe or company opening of this period the Eries were un-
crossed Lake Erie towards the south, found doubtedly masters of the Sandusky River
their way into Sandusky Bay and thence region. Accepting tradition as authority, a
ascended the river to where rapids and detached band of refugee Wyandots
shallow water prevented further progress. established themselves at the lower rapids,
Here, at the head of navigation, and probably became masters of the soil.
*This tradition places the time too early by more than Then followed the conquest of the Six
half a century. Nations, and a half century of quiet, per-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 13

haps undisturbed, preceded the second in the Tuscarawas Valley, thirty years later
Wyandot occupation. mainly occupied the county which. bears
The first authentic and accurate knowl- their name; and the Shawnees, who were
edge of Ohio Indians may be said to have found strongest on the Scioto, had, by the
had its beginning about 1750. About that time of St. Clair and Wayne 's wars, con-
time French and English traders sought out centrated upon the Little Miami. As the
the denizens of the Ohio forests, and from natives saw white settlements encroaching
their accounts some knowledge of the upon their hunting grounds, a bond of
strength and character of the Indian tribes sympathy and common danger united the
and their location, can be gleaned. The most nations. Tribal differences and jealousies
trustworthy and valuable accounts are to be were forgotten when they foresaw the des-
found in the narrative of the captivity of truction of their loved domain by the white
Colonel James Smith, who, as a prisoner, man's axe.
tramped the forest from the lakes to the The Delawares had their densest popu-
river, having been a captive from 1755 to lation on the Upper Muskingum and Tus-
1759, and in the reports made in 1764 by carawas. They were in possession of the
Colonel Boquet, as the result of his greater part of the eastern half of the present
observations while making a military territory of Ohio, their domain extending
expedition west of the Ohio. from the Ohio to Lake Erie. This tribe,
According to Boquet’s report, the prin- which claimed to be the elder branch of the
cipal Indian tribes in Ohio about the middle Lenni-Lenape, has, in tradition, in history,
of the last century were the Wyandots, the and in fiction, been accorded a high rank
Delawares, the Shawnees, the Mingos, the among the Indians of North America. The
Chippewas and the Tawas (or Ottawas). The best accredited Indian historians have testified
Delawares occupied the valleys of the to the superiority of the Delawares, and James
Muskingum and Tuscarawas; the Shawnees, Fennimore Cooper, in his charming romances,
the Scioto Valley; the Miamis, the valleys of has popularized the fame of the tribe. Long
the two rivers which bear their name; the before the advent of Europeans upon the
Wyandots occupied the country about the continent, according to tradition, the
Sandusky River; the Ottawas were located Delawares lived in the West, but separating
on the valleys of the Sandusky and Maumee, from the rest of the Lenni-Lenape, they
or Miami of the Lake; the Chippewas in- migrated slowly eastward. In alliance with the
habited the south shore of Lake Erie; and the Iroquois they conquered a race of giants, the
Mingos, an offshoot of the six Nations, were Allegewi, and finally settled on the Delaware
in greatest strength on the Ohio, below the River, where European navigators found
present city of Steubenville. All the tribes, them. After the Atlantic coast became settled
however, frequented the country outside by whites the Delawares again came West. A
their ascribed limits of territory, and at portion of the tribe having obtained
different periods, from the time when the permission from the Wyandots, then settled
first definite knowledge concerning them on the Muskingum. They called the Wyandots
was obtained, down to the era of white their uncles, thus acknowledging the
settlement, occupied different locations. superiority of that Nation. They settled on the
Thus the Delawares, whom Boquet found in Muskingum about 1745, and the fact that
1764 in greatest numbers permission was obtained
14 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

from the Wyandots is an evidence that that who burst into being from fire and ashes.
Nation succeeded the Iroquois to the domain The Shawnees said to the first whites who
of the conquered Eries. The most successful mingled with them, that once, when the wise
labors of the Moravian missionaries were men and chiefs were sitting around the
among the Delawares. smouldering embers of a council fire, they
The Shawnees are interesting to us, chiefly were all startled with a great puffing of fire
because of the nativity of the great war chief, and smoke, and suddenly from the ashes and
Tecumseh, through whose influence the tribes dying coals there arose before them a man of
of Ohio were drawn into an alliance with the splendid form and mien. He was named
British armies in 1812. The Shawnees were Piqua to signify the manner of his coming
the only Indians who had a tradition of into the world, that he was born of fire and
foreign origin, and for some time after the ashes. This legend of the origin of the tribe,
whites became acquainted with them they beautiful in its simplicity, has been made the
celebrated the arrival of their remote subject of much comment by several writers,
ancestors. Little is known of the early history as showing, in a marked degree, the romantic
of this tribe. It is generally conceded, susceptibility of the Indian character. The
however, that at an early period they were Shawnees have been designated "the
overcome and scattered, some being carried Bedouins of the American wilderness" by
by their conquerors into Pennsylvania, and some writers, and "the Spartan of the race"
others driven South into the Creek country. by others. They are justly entitled to the
Encouraged by the Wyandots and French they former title by their extensive and constant
returned, about 1740, and settled in the fertile wanderings; the latter title more properly
valley of the Scioto. It is said that Tecumseh's belongs to the Wyandots. The Shawnees
mother was a Creek woman whom his father were vigorous warriors. They made frequent
took for a wife during the southern residence incursions into the white settlements; were
of the tribe. The chief himself, who the active allies of the French, and
commanded the Indian forces during the afterwards of the British during the
attack on Fort Stephenson, was born in the Revolution; made constant war upon the
Mad River Valley after the return of his tribe. frontier settlements of Ohio and Kentucky,
Shawnee war parties frequently visited and participated actively in the war against
Lower Sandusky while this place was oc- St. Clair and Wayne; in the War of 1812 a
cupied by the Wyandots. Their captives were part of the Nation followed the celebrated
brought here on the way to Detroit, and their Tecumseh. It was during this long period of
friendly alliance with the Wyandots made the war that they frequently visited Lower
Indian power most formidable during the Sandusky with captives or for council.
early settlement of the Northwest. The four The Ottawas existed in the territory
tribes of the Shawnees were the Piqua, constituting the State of Ohio, in small
Kiskapocke, Mequachuke, and Chillicothe. numbers. They seem to have been inferior in
They were a highly imaginative people as is almost every respect to the other great
shown by the abundance of fanciful Indian nations of Ohio. The name of Pontiac
traditions. Their account of the origin of the alone renders them conspicuous in history.
Piqua is a good example. According to the le- The Miamis, so far as is known, were the
gend, the tribe began in a perfect man, original inhabitants of the valleys
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 15

bearing their name, and claimed to have canoes; some of us went up the river and
been created in it. The Mingos had a few others by land on horses, until we came to
small villages along the Ohio River and the the great meadows or prairies that lie
Lake basin. Drake mentions a Mingo village between the Sandusky and Scioto."
near Lower Sandusky. Logan has made the Colonel Smith describes the country from
name Mingo familiar to every reader of the mouth of the Sandusky to the falls as
western adventure. chiefly first-rate land, lying flat or level,
In our sketch of the first period of intermixed with large bodies of clear mead-
aboriginal history, we left the main stem of ows, where the grass is exceeding rank and
the Wyandot Nation, a weak band of refugees, in many places three or four feet high. "The
under the protection of the Sioux, in the timber is oak, hickory, walnut, cherry, black
country west of Lake Superior, where they ash, elm, sugar-tree, buckeye, locust, and
enjoyed safety and tranquility. But defeat and beech. In some places there is weft timber
overthrow did not kill the proud spirit native land the timber in these places is chiefly
to the tribe. A domain lost, left dominion to water-ash, sycamore, and buttonwood. From
be gained. In a few years the power of the the falls to the prairie the land lies well to
Iroquois Confederacy was crippled by their the sun; it is neither too flat or too hilly, but
wars with the French. The Wyandots de- is chiefly first-rate; the timber nearly the
scended Lake Superior and occupied the lands same as below the falls, excepting the water-
about old Michilimackinac. When the French ash."
fort at Detroit was established they were Colonel Smith's narrative gives negative
invited to settle in its vicinity and their evidence that the seat of government of the
services were important in resisting the Wyandots was yet at Detroit, and that there
hostile operations which the Foxes continued were no villages on Sandusky River above
against the infant colony. Their final the bay and below the prairies. The Nation,
migration was to the plains of Sandusky. Just however, was acknowledged to be at the
when they came to Sandusky is not known. head of the great Indian family.*
Colonel James Smith in the narrative of his How this preeminence was acquired none
captivity, claims to have visited, in 1757, a now can tell. They were the guardians of the
town on the "Little Lake" (which was the great council fire, and they alone had the
name given Sandusky Bay) named privilege of sending their messengers with
Sunyendeand, which was probably located the well-known credentials, wampum and
near the mouth of Cold creek,* in Erie tobacco, to summon other tribes to meet
county. This is spoken of as a village of their uncle, the Wyandot, when any
considerable size, but, although he ascended important subject required deliberation. In
the river, no mention is made of a village at the calamities occasioned by the victories of
the falls. "When we came to the fall of the Iroquois, the site of the council fire had
Sandusky," says the narrative, "we buried our often changed, but always with prescribed
birch bark canoes as usual, at a large burying ceremonial and with due notice to all.t This
place for that purpose, a little below the falls. fire was extinguished in blood at
At this place the river falls about eight feet Brownstown, at the mouth of the Detroit
over a rock, but not perpendicularly; with river in 1812 . The Wyandots were the
much difficulty we pushed up our wooden *Lewis Cass, in North American Review, 1827.
*Firelands Pioneer, tGeneral Lewis Cass.
16 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

keepers of the grand calumet and performed by these endeavors among our Western
that office in the unequal contest with brethren enabled them to defeat two
General Wayne in which the allied tribes American armies." In 1785, after the
were hopelessly defeated. formation of the confederacy, Brant went to
Lower Sandusky probably became the England.* These fragments indicate that the
principal war seat of the Wyandots, although present site of the city of Fremont is the
Upper Sandusky was the chief seat of ground on which the grand confederacy was
government. Half King, the great chief, lived formed, of which Brant was chief, and which
at Upper Sandusky, but Tarhe, the Crane, the enabled the Western tribes to defeat two
principal war chief, lived at Lower American armies.
Sandusky, at least until Wayne's victory and The government of the Wyandots was
the treaty of Greenville, after which the reposed in a council of seven chiefs, and the
office of Half King was abolished, and Nation was divided into seven tribes, over
Crane, the great war chief and chief of the each of which a chief presided. These were
Porcupine tribe, became the head chief of the three Turtle tribes, the Little Turtle, the
the Nation. Crane led his warriors from Water Turtle, and the Large Land Turtle; the
Lower Sandusky against Wayne, and he, Porcupine tribe, the Deer tribe, the Bear
himself, carried the grand calumet. He was tribe, and the Snake tribe. The office of chief
made custodian of the treaty of Greenville.* was hereditary in the female line. A chief
The first mention of an Indian village at was succeeded by his sister's son or by the
Lower Sandusky is made by Boquet, in his nearest male relative in that line. After the
report, made in 1764, where he speaks of the office of Half King was abolished, the chief
Wyandot village Junqueindundeh, near the of the Porcupine tribe was the acknowledged
falls of Sandusky. When missionaries first head of the Nation. This honor belonged to
visited this county the plains along the river Tarhe, or the Crane, as he was generally
were planted in corn and the Wyandots of known.
Upper Sandusky frequently sent down for We cannot dismiss this subject without
supplies. speaking of the character of this Nation,
An event of unusual consequence is which but little more than half a century ago
hinted at by Captain Brant, the famous half- possessed and inhabited our soil, but is now
breed chief of the Mohawks and war chief well nigh extinct. General Harrison gives to
of the Six Nations. In a council held at the Wyandots unquestioned preference
Buffalo Creek, in 1794, Brant, addressing among the Western Indians on the score of
General Chapin, the United States bravery. With other tribes, flight in battle,
Commissioner, said: "This idea (exerting when occasioned by unexpected resistance
ourselves to hold our territory,) we all and obstacles, brought with it no disgrace,
entertained at our council at Lower and was rather a part of their strategy, but
Sandusky, for the purpose of forming our otherwise with the Wyandots. In the battle of
confederacy and to adopt measures for the the Maumee Rapids, in which the
general good of our Indian nations and confederated tribes were broken by General
people of our color." On another occasion Wayne, of the thirteen Wyandot chiefs
Brant said: "For several years we were engaged, but one escaped, and he badly
engaged in getting a confederacy formed, wounded.
and the unanimity occasioned When General Wayne assumed his
* History of Fort Wayne. "Perkins's Annals of the West.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 17

position at Greenville, in 1795, he sent for on an Ohio river steamboat, but came among
Captain Wells, who commanded a company the Indians for purposes of speculation. He
of scouts, and told him that he wished him to married a half-blood squaw at Upper
go to Sandusky, and take a prisoner for the Sandusky, who was one of the most
purpose of obtaining information. Wells intelligent women on the reservation. Walker
(who, having been taken from Kentucky became quite wealthy. He had several boys
when a boy and brought up by the Indians, and girls whom he educated. One of the sons
was perfectly acquainted with Indian was William H. Walker, for some time
character,) answered that: he could take a Government interpreter. He had considerable
prisoner, but not from Sandusky." "And why poetical genius, as is shown by the following
not from Sandusky?" said the General. lines composed while at college:
"Because," answered Captain Wells, "there Oh, give me back my bended bow,
are only Wyandots living at Sandusky." My cap and feather, give them back,
To chase o'er hill the mountain roe,
"Well, why will not Wyandots do?" "For the
Or follow in the otter's track.
best of reasons," answered Wells; "because
Wyandots will not be taken alive." You took me from my native wild,
Upper Sandusky had been the main Where all was bright, and free and blest;
You said the Indian hunter's child
station of the Wyandots, and probably after In classic halls and bowers should rest.
the treaty of Greenville was their only seat
of government in Ohio. By the treaty of the Long have I dwelt within these walls
And pored o'er ancient pages long.
Maumee Rapids, in 1817, they relinquished
I hate these antiquated halls;
all claim to the Sandusky Valley, except a I hate the Grecian poet's song.
reservation twelve miles square in the
Just before departing for the West, young
county, which bears their name. The center
Walker wrote the following song in the
of this reservation was Fort Ferree, now the
Wyandot tongue, but translated it into
town of Upper Sandusky. An additional
English:
reservation, one mile square, was granted THE WYANDOT'S FAREWELL.
them for hunting purposes, on Broken Sword Farewell, ye tall oaks, in whose pleasant green shade
Creek. I've sported in childhood, in innocence played,
By the same treaty the Delawares re- My dog and my hatchet, my arrow and bow,
Are still in remembrance, alas! I must go.
ceived a reservation, three miles square, in
Adieu, ye dear scenes which bound me like chains,
Wyandot county. The Delawares ceded their As on my gay pony I pranced o'er the plains;
reservation to the United States in 1829, the The deer and the turkey I tracked in the snow,
Wyandots in 1842, they being at that time O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go.
the only Indians remaining in the State. They Sandusky, Tyamochtee, and Broken Sword streams,
departed for the West in July, 1843, their No more shall I see you except in my dreams.
Farewell to the marshes where cranberries grow,
number at that time being seven hundred O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go.
souls. Colonel John Johnson, the Indian
Dear scenes of my childhood, in memory blest,
Commissioner at that time, says many of the I must bid you farewell for the far distant West.
old chiefs cried, and all regretted to leave My heart swells with sorrow, my eyes overflow,
their native land. O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go.
During the later years of their residence in Let me go to the wildwood, my own native home. Where
the wild deer and elk and buffalo roam,
Ohio, William Walker was a leader among Where the tall cedars are and the bright waters flow,
the Wyandots. He had been clerk Far away from the paleface, oh, there let me go.
18 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

There were along the Sandusky River Like the Wyandots of Upper Sandusky,
scattered bands of other tribes—Mingos, they came to Lower Sandusky to trade,
Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas and Judge Olmstead being their favorite
Oneidas. Good Hunter, a leading Mingo chief, merchant.
said his band was a remnant of Logan's tribe. The principal chiefs of the Senecas were
By the treaty of Maumee Rapids in 1817, Coonstick, Small Cloud Spicer, Seneca
these scattered fragments of tribes, with a few Steel, Hard Hickory, Tall Chief; and Good
Wyandots, were grouped together upon a Hunter. Many interesting episodes in their
reservation consisting of thirty thousand acres history are narrated in the chapters relating
of land, which was increased to forty to Ballville and Green Creek townships.
thousand the following year. This reservation The Ottawas were a nation of hunters and
extended two miles and an eighth northward trappers, and were always subjects of shame
of the south county line, and from the among their warlike neighbors. This last
Sandusky River to Green Spring. The name residence in Ohio was on the Maumee River.
Senecas of Sandusky was applied, because of They never laid claim to any part of
the old Indian village of that name. Most of Sandusky county, but often followed both
the inhabitants of this reservation were the Portage and Sandusky Rivers on hunting
descendants of the six tribes composing the expeditions.
Iroquois confederacy of Six Nations. It should The Delawares, after being forced from
be remembered that the territory included their seats on the Muskingum, occupied the
within the limits of this reservation was, western and central part of the State. The
before the treaty of 1817, embraced in the Muncies, the most warlike of the tribes of
country of the Wyandots. By a treaty this Nation, established a village on the
concluded at Washington in 1831, these Sandusky River, about three miles below the
Indians relinquished their land, and removed Wyandot village at the rapids. Here
to the Neosho River. Tecumseh visited them in 1809.
CHAPTER II.
OWNERSHIP OF THE NORTHWEST.
The Claims of France, Founded on Discovery and Occupation—England's Claim Based Upon Discovery and Settlement of the
Atlantic Coast and Treaties of Purchase—Treaty of Paris in 1763—Ohio as a Part of France and Canada—The "Quebec
Bill"—Title Vested in the Confederated States by Treaty in 1783—Conflicting Claims of States—Virginia's Exercise of Civil
Authority—The Northwest Territory Erected as Botetourt County—Illinois County—New York Withdraws Claim—Virginia's
Deed of Cession Massachusetts Cedes Her Claim Without Reservation"—The Tardy and Reluctant Sacrifice of State
Pretensions to the Public Good," Made by Connecticut—A Serious Evil Averted—The States Urged to their Action by New
Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland—Extinguishment of the Indian Title—Difficulty of Making Satisfactory Provisions—A
Harsh and Unjust Policy—Washington's Influence Causes More Humane Treatment of the Indians—Treaty of Fort Stanwix—
Treaty of Fort McIntosh—George Rogers Clarke, General Butler, and S. H. Parsons Confer with Several Tribes at the Mouth
of the Miami—Measures of the Treaty Ineffectual to Preserve Peace—Great Improvement in the Attitude of the
Government—Indian Tribes Recognized as Rightful Owners—Appropriations Made to Purchase Title from Them.

F RANCE, resting her claim upon the dis-


covery and explorations of Robert Ca-
valier de la Salle and Marquette, upon the
the treaties of purchase from the Six Nations,
who; claiming to be conquerors of the whole
country and therefore its possessors, asserted
occupation of the country, and later, upon their right to dispose of it. A portion of the
the provisions of several European treaties land was obtained through grants from the Six
(those of Utrecht, Ryswick, Aix-la- Nations and by actual purchase made at
Chapelle), was the first nation to formally Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1744. France
lay claim to the soil of the territory now in- successfully resisted the claims of England,
cluded within the boundaries of the State of and maintained control of the territory
Ohio as an integral portion of the valley of between the Ohio and the takes by force of
the Mississippi and of the Northwest. Ohio arms until the Treaty of Paris was
was thus a part of New France. After the consummated, in 1763. By the provisions of
treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, it was a part of this treaty Great Britain came into possession
the French province of Louisiana, which of the disputed lands, and retained it until
extended from the gulf to the northern lakes. ownership was vested in the United States by
The English claims were based on the the treaty of peace made just twenty years
priority of their occupation of the Atlantic later. We have seen that Ohio was once a part
coast, in latitude corresponding to the of France and of the French province of
territory claimed; upon an opposite Louisiana, and as a curiosity it may be of
construction of the same treaties above interest to refer to an act of the British
named; and last but not least, upon the Parliament, which made it an integral part of
alleged cession of the rights of the Indians. Canada. This was what has been known in
England's charters to all of the original history as the "Quebec Bill," passed in 1794.
colonies expressly extended their grants By the provisions of this bill the Ohio River
from sea to sea. The principal ground of was made the southwestern, and the
claim by the English was by Mississippi

19
20 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

River the western boundary of Canada, thus Mississippi—this territory was organized by
placing the territory now constituting the the Virginia Legislature as the county of
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Illinois. Then, and not until then, did
and Wisconsin under the local jurisdiction of government have more than a nominal
the Province of Quebec. existence in this far extending but
Virginia had asserted claims to the whole undeveloped country, containing a few
territory northwest of the Ohio, and New towns and scattered population. The act,
York had claimed title to portions of the which was passed in October, contained the
same. These claims had been for the most part following provisions:
held in abeyance during the period when the All the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia who
general ownership was vested in Great are already settled, or shall hereafter settle on the
western side of the Ohio, shall be included in a distinct
Britain, but were afterwards the cause of county which shall be called Illinois; and the Governor
much embarrassment to the United States. of this Commonwealth, with the advice of the council,
Virginia, however, had not only claimed may appoint a County Lieutenant or Commandant-in-
Chief, during pleasure, who shall appoint and
ownership of the soil, but attempted the
commission so many Deputy-Commandants, Militia
exercise of civil authority in the disputed officers and Commissaries, as he shall think proper, in
territory as early as 1769. In that year the the different districts, during pleasure, all of whom,
Colonial House of Burgesses passed an act before they enter into office, shall take the oath of
fidelity to this Commonwealth, and the oath of office,
establishing the county of Botetourt, according to the form of their own religion. And all
including a large part of what is now West officers to whom the inhabitants have been accustomed,
Virginia and the whole territory northwest of necessary to the preservation of peace and the
administration of justice, shall be chosen by a majority
the Ohio, and having, of course, as its western
of citizens, in their respective districts, to be convened
boundary, the Mississippi River. This was a for that purpose by the County Lieutenant or
county of vast proportions– a fact of which the Commandant, or his deputy, and shall be commissioned
august authorities who ordered its by the said County Lieutenant or Commandant-in-Chief.
establishment seem to have been fully aware, John Todd was appointed as County
for they inserted the following among other Lieutenant and Civil Commandant of Illinois
provisions of the act, viz: county, and served until his, death (he was
WHEREAS, The people situated upon the Mississippi killed in the battle of Blue Lick, August 18,
in the said county of Botetourt will be very remote from 1782), being succeeded by Timothy de
the courthouse, and must necessarily become a separate
county as soon as their numbers are sufficient, which will Montbrun.
probably happen in a short time, be it therefore enacted by New York was the first of the several
the authority aforesaid that the inhabitants of that part of States claiming right and title in Western
the said county of Botetourt, which lies on the said waters,
shall be exempted from the payment of any levies to be
lands to withdraw the same in favor of the
laid by the said county for the purpose of building a United States. Her charter, obtained March
courthouse and prison for said county. 2, 1664, from Charles II., embraced territory
It was more in name than in fact, however, which had formerly been granted to
that Virginia had jurisdiction over this great Massachusetts and Connecticut. The cession
county of Botetourt through the act of 1769. of claim was made by James Duane, William
In 1778, after the splendid achievements of Floyd, and Alexander McDougall, on behalf
General George Rogers Clarke—his of the State, March 1, 1781.
subjugation of the British posts in the far Virginia, with a far more valid claim than
West, and conquest of the whole country from New York, was the next State to follow New
the Ohio to the York's example. Her claim was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 21

founded upon certain charters granted to the States, was productive of the best results both
colony by James I., and bearing date at home and abroad. The young Nation, born
respectively, April 10, 1606, May 23, 1609, in the terrible throes of the Revolution, went
and March 12, 1611; upon the conquest of through a trying ordeal, and one of which the
the country by General George Rogers full peril was not realized until it had been
Clarke; and upon the fact that she had also safely passed. Serious troubles threatened to
exercised civil authority over the territory. arise from the disputed ownership of the
The General Assembly of Virginia, at its Western lands, and there were many who had
session beginning October 20, 1783, passed grave fears that the wellbeing of the country
an act authorizing its delegates in Congress would be impaired or at least its progress
to convey to the United States in Congress impeded. The infant Republic was at that time
assembled, all the right of that closely and jealously watched by all the
Commonwealth to the territory northwest of governments of Europe, and nearly all of
the Ohio River. The act was consummated them would have rejoiced to witness the
on March 17, 1784. By one of the provisory failure of the American experiment, but they
clauses of this act was reserved the Virginia were not destined to be gratified at the
Military District, lying between the waters expense of the United States. As it was, the
of the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers. most palpable harm, caused by delay, was the
Massachusetts ceded her claims without retarding of settlement. The movement
reservation, the same year that Virginia did towards the complete cession of State claims
hers (1784), though the action was not was accelerated as much as possible by
formally consummated until the 18th of Congress. The National Legislature
April, 1785. The right. of her title had been strenuously urged the several States, in 1784,
rested upon her charter, granted less than a to cede their lands to the Confederacy to aid
quarter of a century from the arrival of the the payment of the debts incurred during the
Mayflower, and embracing territory Revolution, and to promote the harmony of
extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. the Union.*
Connecticut made what has been char- The States of New Jersey, Delaware, and
acterized as "the last tardy and reluctant Maryland had taken the initiative action and
sacrifice of State pretensions to the common been largely instrumental in bringing about
good" * on the 14th of September, 1786. She the cession of State claims. The fact that they
ceded to Congress all her "right, title, had no foundation for pretensions of
interest, jurisdiction, and claim to the lands ownership save that they had equally, in
northwest of the Ohio, excepting the proportion to their ability with the other
Connecticut Western Reserve," and of this States, assisted in wresting these lands from
tract jurisdictional claim was not ceded to Great Britain, led them to protest against an
the United States until May 30, 1801. unfair division of the territory– New Jersey
The happy, and, considering all had memorialized Congress in 1778, and
complications, speedy adjustment of the con- Delaware followed in the same spirit in Jan-
flicting claims of the States, and consolida- uary, 1779. Later in the same year Maryland
tion of all rights of title in the United virtually reiterated the principles
* Statutes of Ohio; Chief Justice Chase. * Albach's Annals of the West.
22 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

advanced by New Jersey and Maryland, of this policy that the treaty of Fort Stanwix
though more positively. Her representatives was made, October 22, 1784. By this treaty
in Congress emphatically and eloquently were extinguished the vague claims which the
expressed their views and those of their confederated tribes, the Mohawks,
constituents, in the form of instructions upon Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Tuscarawas,
the matter of confirming the articles of and Oneidas had for more than a century
Confederation. maintained to the Ohio Valley. The
The extinguishment of the Indian claims commissioners of Congress in this transaction
to the soil of the Northwest was another were Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, and
delicate and difficult duty which devolved Arthur Lee. The Six Nations were represented
upon the Government. In the treaty of peace, by two of their ablest chiefs, Cornplanter and
ratified by Congress in 1784, no provision Red Jacket, the former for peace and the latter
was made by Great Britain in behalf of the for war. La Fayette was present at this treaty
Indians–even their most faithful allies, the and importuned the Indians to preserve peace
Six Nations. Their lands were included in with the Americans.
the boundaries secured to the United States. By the treaty of Fort McIntosh, negotiated
They had suffered greatly during the war, on the 21st of January, 1785, by George
and the Mohawks had been dispossessed of Rogers Clarke, Richard Butler and Arthur
the whole of their beautiful valley. The only Lee, was secured the relinquishment of all
remuneration they received was a tract of claims to the Ohio Valley held by the
country in Canada, and all of the sovereignty Delawares, Ottawas, Wyandots, and
which great Britain had exercised over them Chippewas. The provisions of this treaty were
was transferred to the United States. The as follows:
relation of the new Government to these ARTICLE 1st—Three chiefs, one from the Wyandot
Indians was peculiar. In 1782 the British and two from the Delaware Nations, shall be delivered up
to the Commissioners of the United States, to be by them
principle, in brief that "might makes right" retained till all the prisoners taken by the said Nations or
that discovery was equivalent to conquest, any of them shall be restored.
and that therefore the nations retained only a ARTICLE 2d—The said Indian Nations and all of their
possessory claim to their lands, and could tribes do acknowledge themselves to be under the
only abdicate it to the government claiming protection of the United States and of no other sovereign
whatever.
sovereignty–was introduced into the general
policy of the United States. The Legislature ARTICLE 3d—The boundary line between the United
States and the Wyandot and Delaware Nations shall begin
of New York was determined to expel the at the mouth of the river Cuyahoga and run thence up the
Six Nations entirely, in retaliation for their said river to the portage between that and the Tuscarawas
hostility during the war. Through the just branch of the Muskingum; then down the said branch to
the forks at the crossing-place above Fort Laurens; then
and humane counsels of Washington and west-wardly to the portage of the Big Miami, which runs
Schuyler, however, a change was wrought in into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the fort stood
the Indian policy, and the Continental which was taken by the French in the year one thousand
Congress sought henceforward in its action seven hundred and fifty-two; then along the said portage
to the Great Miami or Owl River, and down the southeast
to condone the hostilities of the past and side of the same to its mouth; thence down the south shore
gradually to dispossess the Indians of their of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Cuyahoga where it began.
lands by purchase, as the growth of the ARTICLE 4th—The United States allot all the lands
settlements might render it necessary to do contained within the said lines to the Wyandot and
Delaware Nations, to live and to hunt on,
so. It was in pursuance
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 23

and to such of the Ottawa Nation as now live thereon; Commissioners of the United States. James
saving and reserving for the establishment of trading posts
six miles square at the mouth of the Miami or Owl River
Monroe, then a Member of Congress from
and the same at the portage of that branch of the Miami Virginia and afterwards President of the
which runs into the Ohio, and the same on the Cape of United States, accompanied General Butler,
Sandusky, where the fort formerly stood, and also two in the month of October preceding the treaty,
miles square on the lower rapids of Sandusky River;
which posts and the land annexed to them, shall be for the as far as Lirnestonet (now Maysville,
use and under the Government of the United States. Kentucky). The party, it is related, stopped
ARTICLE 5th—If any citizen of the United States, or at the mouth of the Muskingum and (in the
other person not being an Indian, shall attempt to settle on
any of the lands allotted to the Wyandot and Delaware
words of General Butler's journal,) "left
Nations in this treaty, except on the lands reserved to the fixed in a locust tree" a letter recommending
United States, in the preceding article, such person shall the building of a fort on the Ohio side. By
forfeit the protection of the United States, and the Indians the terms of this treaty the Shawnees were
may punish him as they please.
ARTICLE 6th—The Indians who sign this treaty, as confined to the lands west of the Great
well in behalf of all their tribes as of themselves, do Miami. Hostages were demanded from the
acknowledge the lands east, south and west of the lands Indians, to remain in the possession of the
described in the third article, so far as the said Indians
claimed the same, to belong to the United States, and none
United States until all prisoners should be
of the tribes shall presume to settle upon the same or any returned, and the Shawnees were compelled
part of it. to acknowledge the United States as the sole
ARTICLE 7th—The post of Detroit, with a district and absolute sovereign of all the territory
beginning at the mouth of the River Rosine on the west
side of Lake Erie and running west six miles up the ceded to them, in the treaty of peace, by
southern bank of the said river; thence northerly, and Great Britain. The clause embodying the
always six miles west of the strait, till it strikes Lake St. latter condition excited the jealousy of the
Clair, shall also be reserved to the sole use of the United
States.
Shawnees. They went away dissatisfied with
ARTICLE 8th—In the same manner the post of the treaty, though assenting to it. This fact,
Michilimackinac with its dependencies, and twelve and the difficulty that was experienced even
miles square about the same, shall be reserved to the use while the treaty was making, of preventing
of the United States.
ARTICLE 9th—If any Indian or Indians shall commit depredations by white borderers, argued
a robbery or murder on any citizen of the United States, unfavorably for the future. The treaty was
the tribe to which such offenders may belong shall be productive of no good results whatever.
bound to deliver them up at the nearest post, to be
punished according to the ordinance of the United
Hostilities were resumed in the spring of
States. 1786, and serious and widespread war was
ARTICLE 10th—The Commissioners of the United threatened. Congress had been acting upon
States, in pursuance of the humane and liberal views of the policy that the treaty of peace with Great
Congress, upon the treaty's being signed, will direct
goods to be distributed among the different tribes for Britain had invested the United States with
their use and comfort. the fee simple of all the Indian lands, but
The treaty of Fort Finney, at the mouth of urged now by the stress of circumstances the
the Great Miami, January 31, 1786, secured Government radically
the cession of whatever claim to the. Ohio and then as Chief Judge of the Northwest Territory He
Valley was held by the Shawnees. George was drowned in the Big Beaver River, November 17,
1789, while returning to his home in Marietta from the
Rogers Clarke, Richard Butler, and Samuel H. North, where he had been making the treaty which
Parsons* were the secured the aboriginal title to the soil of the Connecticut
*General Samuel H. Parsons, an eminent Revo- Western Reserve.
lutionary character, was one of the first band of Marietta +2 General Butler's Journal in Craig's "Olden Time,"
pioneers, and was appointed first as Associate October, 1847.
24 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

changed its policy, fully recognizing the treaties of Fort Harmar, held by General
Indians as the rightful proprietors of the soil, Arthur St. Clair, January 9, 1789, the treaty
and on the 2d of July, 1787, appropriated the of Greenville, negotiated by General
sum of twenty-six thousand dollars for the Anthony Wayne, August 3, 1795, and vari-
purpose of extinguishing Indian claims to ous other treaties made at divers times from
lands already ceded to the United States, and 1796 to 1818.* But of these it is beyond our
for extending a purchase beyond the limits province to speak in this chapter.
heretofore fixed by treaty. * It is a fact worthy of note, and one of which we may well be
Under this policy other relinquishments of proud, that the title to every foot of Ohio soil was honorably
Ohio territory were effected through the acquired from the Indians.

CHAPTER III.
ADVENT OF THE WHITE MAN.
La Salle Upon the Ohio Two Hundred Years Ago—Possibility of His Having Explored the Muskingum—The Griffin on Lake Erie—
French Trading Stations—Routes Through the Wilderness—The Sandusky River—The English Supersede the French—Interest
in the West Exhibited by Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, in 1710—The Transmontane Order Founded—Licenses Issued for
Trading with the Indians, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, in 1740—Systematic Exploration of the Ohio Valley by Celeron de
Bienville—Fort Sandusky Built by the French—Pickawillamy, the First Building Erected by the English in Ohio—Organization
of the Colonial Ohio Land Company, in Virginia, in 1748—Preparation Made to Establish a Colony—French Resistance—War
of Britain Against the French and Indians—Its Results—Franklin's Plans for Western Settlements—Pontiac's War—Fort
Sandusky Destroyed—Probable Effect of this Event Upon Lower Sandusky—Immense Schemes for Western Colonization—
Colonel Boquet Wins a Bloodless Victory on the Upper Muskingum—Hostility of the Shawnees—Logan—Lord Dunmore's
War—The Battle of Point Pleasant—An Event of Immeasurable Importance in the West—General George Roger Clarke's
Conquest of the Northwest—Value of His Foresight and Decisive Action—His Services Unappreciated—Miscellaneous
Military Invasions—The Establishment of the Moravian Missions on the Muskingum—The Massacre—Crawford's Campaign
Against Sandusky.

T HE adventurous La Salle, there is every him there, he retraced his way alone This,
reason to believe, was the first white man according to the best authorities, was in the
who trod the soil of the destined State of Ohio, winter of 1669-70, over two hundred years
and the first whose eyes beheld the beautiful ago. Indeed, there is some reason to believe
river. With a few followers and led by Indian that he made his way from Lake Erie to the
guides he penetrated the vast country of the Ohio by the Cuyahoga, the Tuscarawas and
powerful Iroquois until, as Parkman says, he Muskingum, though the preponderance of
reached "at a point six or seven leagues from evidence points to the Allegheny as the
Lake Erie, a branch of the Ohio, which he route followed. Ten years later La Salle
descended to the main stream," and so went unfurled the first sail ever set to the breeze
onward as far as the "falls," or the site of upon Lake Erie, and upon the Griffin, a
Louisville. His men abandoning schooner of forty-five tons burden, made
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 25

the voyage to Lake Huron. In 1682 he the importance of securing a foothold in the
reached the Mississippi, descended to its West before the French had gained too
mouth, and there solemnly proclaimed powerful an ascendancy. His suggestions
possession of the vast valley in the name of were not regarded, and many years later the
his king. British Government had cause to remember
It is known that the Sandusky was a water with regret the wise policy they had
route of travel for the early French traders neglected to act upon. Although no
and explorers from Canada to the systematic plan of exploration or settlement
Mississippi. They ascended the stream from was followed, individuals from time to time
the bay to the mouth of Little Sandusky, passed the great barrier and visited the
thence up that creek four miles to a portage, valley of the la belle riviere. There have
thence across the portage, about a quarter of been handed down certain vague traditions
a league to the Little Scioto, thence to the that the English had trading posts on the
Scioto and the Ohio. "Ascending the Ohio as early as 1730, and it is known
Sandusky," writes William Walter to Mr. positively that they had soon after that time.
Butterfield, "to the mouth of the west In 1744 the Governor of Pennsylvania issued
branch, known as Little Sandusky, with a licenses for trading with the Indians as far
bark or light wooden canoe, you could in a west as the Father of Waters. John Howard
good stage of water ascend that tributary four had descended the Ohio in 1742 and been
or five miles further; thence east across to the captured on the Mississippi by the French;
Little Scioto is about four miles further. This and six years later Conrad Weiser, acting in
was the portage." Colonel James Smith behalf of the English, visited the Shawnees
estimates the distance, when he crossed, to be at Logstown (below the site of Pittsburgh,)
one-half mile. This was in the spring of 1757. bearing gifts with which to win their favor.
The Sandusky and Scioto was the path of About the same time George Croghan and
travel of the northern Indians, when on Andrew Montour, the half-breed son of a
excursions south into Kentucky, and also the Seneca chief, bore liberal presents to the
highways of the Shawnees to Detroit. In early Miamis, in return for which the Indians
history the term Sandusky is applied to the allowed the whites to establish a trading post
whole region which casts its waters into the and build a stockade at the mouth of
bay. The origin of the name is given in Loramie Creek on the Great Miami (within
another chapter. the present county of Shelby). The fort, built
Governor Alexander Spotswood, of Vir- in 1751, which was called Pickawillamy, has
ginia, became interested in the Western been cited by some writers as the first
country early in the eighteenth century; English settlement in Ohio. The building,
engaged in exploring the Alleghenies in 1710; which was undoubtedly the first erected by
discovered a passage through them in 1714, the British on the soil of the State, was
and entered with great ardor upon the scheme destroyed in June, 1752, by a force of
of taking practical possession of the Ohio French and Indians.
Valley. He founded the Transmontane order, Prior to the middle of the century the
whose knights were decorated with a golden French strenuously reasserted their
horseshoe bearing the legend "Sac jurat ownership of the Northwest, and did actually
transcendere mantes," and urged upon the take possession of what is now the northern
British Sovereign part of Ohio, building a fort and
26 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

establishing a trading station at Sandusky. of the British Colonies, 1755, places the fort
This was probably the first trading station on the peninsula, between the bay and lake,
east of the Maumee (Miami of the lake). The and marks Fort Juandat (probably a
French looked upon the English traders with corruption of Wyandot) near the mouth of the
jealousy and made reprisals at every Sandusky River, on the south side of the bay.
opportunity. The Indians of the Lake basin This latter place is the same as the Indian
were loyal to the French while those of the village of Sunyendeand, visited by Colonel
South accepted the friendship of the English. James Smith in 1757. This village was at the
These events forecasted serious trouble and mouth of a small creek, but what creek is not
made the establishment of a military post on known. Evans' Chart would locate it in the
the lake a measure of expediency. Gist's territory now included in this county, but the
Diary fixes the time under date of December weight of evidence is against that conclusion.
7, 1750. At the village of Muskingum, on the There was another Wyandot village at the
Tuscarawas, he makes the following entry: source of Cold Creek. Celeron de Bienville
Two traders belonging to Mr. Croghan came into town made a systematic exploration of the Ohio
and informed us that two of his people had been taken Valley and formally declared by process verbal
by forty Frenchmen and twenty Indians who carried the ownership of the soil. On the 16th of
them, with seven horse-loads of skins, to a new fort the
French were building on one of the branches of Lake August, 1749, he was at the mouth of the
Erie. * Muskingum. This fact was revealed in 1798 by
The location of Fort Sandusky has been a the discovery of a leaden plate which had been
subject of much dispute. Taylor, in his buried by him and which set forth that the
excellent history of Ohio, concludes that the explorer sent out by the Marquis de la
exact locality cannot be ascertained, but the Gallissoniere, Captain General of New France,
probability is that the site was about three agreeably to the wishes of His Majesty, Louis
miles west of the city of Sandusky, near the XV, had deposited the plate as a monument of
village of Venice, on Sandusky Bay. The old the renewal of possession of la riviere Oyo,
trail from Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh) to otherwise la belle riviere, and all those which
Detroit, struck the bay near this point and empty into it, and of all the lands of both sides
the fort was probably near the trail. All the even to the sources of the said rivers, and
Revolutionary treaties with the Indians, and which had been obtained by force of arms and
the treaties of Fort Harmar and Greenville, by treaties, especially those of Ryswick,
reserve to the United States "six miles Utrecht, and Aix-la-Chapelle. A similar plate
square upon Sandusky Lake, where the fort was found in 1846 at the mouth of the
formerly stood." On a map of Ohio, Kanawha. They were doubtless deposited at the
published in 1803, this tract is delineated as mouths of all the principal tributaries of the
extending from the south shore of the bay, Ohio.
and includes the locality Taylor supposes to The French had a very just claim to the Ohio
have been the location of the fort. In this Valley, but it was destined that they should not
opinion Parkman, in his "Chart of Forts and hold it, and already events were shaping which
Settlements of America, A. D. 1763," agrees; eventually led to the overthrow of their
but Evans' map authority and the vesture of title and possession
in the English crown.
* Bancroft quotes Gist as saying the captives were The Colonial Ohio Land Company was
taken to a new French fort at Sandusky."
organized in Virginia in 1748, by twelve
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 27

associates, among whom were Thomas Lee, The peace concluded by the treaty of Paris in
and Lawrence and Augustine, brothers of February, 1763, was only a fancied
George Washington. Under their auspices settlement of difficulties in the Northwest.
Christopher Gist explored the Ohio as far as For a few months war clouds shifted from
the falls, travelling a portion of the time with the zenith and left a clear sky just long
Croghan and Montour. The company secured enough for the frontier farmer to plant his
a royal grant of half a million acres of land crop in the hope of harvesting in security;
in the Ohio Valley. In 1763 preparations and for the industrious trader to begin his
were made to establish a colony. The French journey from village to village. But a storm
exhibited an intention of resistance, and the of terrible fury was gathering on the horizon
royal Governor of Virginia sent George all around.
Washington, then a young man, to the The Northwestern Indians submitted sullenly
commander of the French forces to demand to the British arms. They remained jealous
their reason for invasion of British territory. of encroachments, and having been
Washington received an answer that was accustomed to receiving splendid presents
both haughty and defiant. Returning to from the French, they soon began to cherish
Virginia he made known the failure of his those bitter feelings of resentment which
mission. The project of making a settlement neglect always inspires. The organization of
was abandoned, and preparations were the Ohio Land Company, the multiplication
immediately made for the maintenance of the of grants to settlers by the Government of
British claim to the western valley by force Virginia, the outrages of the English soldiery
of arms. The result was the union of the which displaced the gay French garrisons in
colonies, the ultimate involvement of the Northwestern forts, all contributed to
England in the war that ensued, the defeat of bring on the war which is known in history
the French, and the vesture in the British as "Pontiac's Conspiracy." The Ottawa chief,
crown of the right and title to Canada and of Pontiac, was the soul of a formidable
all the territory east of the Mississippi and conspiracy which exploded in the spring of
south to the Spanish possessions, excepting 1763, spreading desolation and death
New Orleans and a small body of land sur- throughout the whole Northwest. He was a
rounding it. Benjamin Franklin had chief of great genius and possessing qualities
previously tried to effect a union of the unsurpassed by the most distinguished of his
colonies and had been unsuccessful. He had race.* There is something lofty in the proud
proposed a plan of settlement in 1754, and speech addressed to the English traders who
suggested that two colonies should be came to his camp for purposes of business:
located in the West—one upon the Cuyahoga Englishmen! Although you have conquered the French,
you have not yet conquered us. We are not your slaves.
and the other upon the Scioto, "on which," These lakes, these woods, these mountains were left to
he said, "for forty miles each side of it and us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, and we
quite up to its head is a body of all rich land, will part with them to none. Your Nation supposes that
the finest spot of its bigness in all North we, like the white people, cannot live without bread,
pork and beef, But you ought to know that the Great
America, and has the peculiar advantage of Spirit and Master of Life has provided food for us on
sea coal in plenty (even above ground in two these lakes and in these mountains. +
places) for fuel when the wood shall have *Taylor's History of Ohio.
been destroyed." +Writings of Perkins.
28 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Bancroft styles Pontiac the colossal chief, tacked, and on the 3d of the following
whose "name still hovers over the November it was still in danger. As late as
Northwest, as the hero who devised and March of the next year the inhabitants were
conducted a great but unavailing struggle still sleeping in their clothes, expecting an
with destiny for the independence of his alarm every night."*
race.” He had taken a conspicuous part in the The destruction of Fort Sandusky and the
French war, having been in command of the consequent destruction of the neighboring
Indian forces in the defence of Fort Wyandot village, come within our legitimate
Duquesne and at Braddock's defeat. By some field, for although the fort was beyond the
historians he is given the title of emperor. east line of this county, and the village
Like Tecumseh, a half century later, Pontiac probably was, the burning of both had the
appealed to superstition to reach the Indian effect of giving Lower Sandusky greater
heart. He aroused the tribes from the importance in Indian affairs. The destruction
Carolinas to Lake Michigan by interpreting of the fort left no foreign military station
the voice of the Great Spirit as saying to nearer than Detroit, which gave to the Indians
them: "Why do you suffer these dogs in the here confidence of greater security, for
red clothing to enter your country and take although in after years they received at the
the land I have given you? Drive them out! British headquarters pay for furs, bounty for
Drive them! When you are in distress I will scalps, and ransom for prisoners, they never
help you." ceased to entertain a lurking suspicion of the
By incessant work and unsurpassed white men. The destruction of the village on
genius, Pontiac secretly formed a league the bay had the effect of concentrating the
which was to environ and enfeeble the population about the headwaters of
garrisons, and by stratagem and force sim- navigation, a place more difficult for white
ultaneously to destroy them. The frontiers expeditions to approach, superior for
were then to be swept by a general massacre. agriculture, nearer the centre of tribal
"At last the day came; traders everywhere dominion, and in almost every respect better
were seized, their goods taken from them, adapted for an Indian stronghold than any
and more than one hundred put to death. other point in the lake basin. Colonel Smith's
Nine British forts yielded instantly, and the narrative speaks of visiting the "Little Lake,"
savages drank, ‘scooped up in the hollow of giving that locality considerable importance.
joined hands’ the blood of many a Briton. After its destruction it was never rebuilt, and
The border streams of Pennsylvania and Lower Sandusky is next described* as the
Virginia ran red again. ‘We hear,’ says a home of the great war chief Tarhe, the Crane,
letter from Fort Pitt, ‘of scalpings every From the report of Ensign Paully of the
hour.’ In western Virginia more than twenty garrison, there has been compiled by Parkman
thousand people were driven from their and Bancroft detailed accounts of the siege of
homes. Detroit was besieged by Pontiac the fort.
himself, after a vain effort to take it by On the 16th of May (1763), Fort Sandusky was
stratagem, and for many months that siege approached by a party of Indians, principally from the
Wyandot village. Ensign Paully was informed that seven
was continued in a manner and with a Indians were waiting at the gate to speak with him. They
perseverance unexampled among the proved to be four Hurons or Wyan-
Indians. It was the 8th of May when Detroit * Perkins's Annals of the West.
was first at- *By Heckewelder in 1782.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 29

dots, and three Chippewas, and as several of them were had it not been for Indian hostilities upon the
known to him he ordered them to be admitted without
hesitation. Arrived at his quarters two of the treacherous
border settlements already established, and
visitors seated themselves on each side of the the probability of a long continuance of the
commandant, while the rest were disposed in various perturbed condition of affairs generally.
parts of the room. The pipes were lighted and Colonel Henry Boquet, who had the year
conversation began, when an Indian who stood in the
door, made a signal by suddenly raising his head. Upon before rescued the garrison of Fort Duquesne
this the astonished officer was seized, disarmed, and and dispersed Pontiac's warriors, made a
tied by those near him, while at the same moment a military expedition into the Ohio country in
confused noise of shrieks and yells, firing of guns, and
the hurried tramp of feet sounded from the area without.
1764, his purpose being to punish and awe
It soon ceased, however, and as Paully was led from the the Indians and recover from them the
room he saw the dead body of his sentry, and the parade captives they had taken during the previous
ground was strewn with the corpses of the murdered years on the Pennsylvania and Virginia
garrison. The body of his sergeant lay in the garden
where he was planting at the time of the massacre. Some borders. He was successful in the
traders who were stationed within or near the pickets accomplishment of each one of his objects.
were also killed and their stores plundered. At nightfall The expedition was directed against the
Paully was conducted to the margin of the lake, where
several birch canoes lay in readiness, and as amid thick
Delawares upon the Muskingum and
darkness the party pushed out from shore, the captive Tuscarawas. No blood was shed, the Indians
saw the fort, lately under his command, bursting on all assenting to the terms of a treaty prepared by
sides into sheets of flame. Colonel Boquet, and delivering to him over
The tragedy at Sandusky did not remain unavenged.
On the 26th of July a detachment of two hundred and two hundred prisoners. Upon the 28th of
sixty men, under command of Captain Dalzell, arrived at November the army of about fifteen hundred
Sandusky on their coastwise route to Detroit. Thence returned to Fort Pitt, which point they had left
they marched inland to the Wyandot village, which they
burned to the ground, at the same time destroying the
on October 3d. This expedition for a time
adjacent fields of standing corn. After inflicting this tranquilized the Indians of the Ohio country,
inadequate retribution of the scene of May 16, Dalzell and the next ten years passed peacefully and
steered northward, and under cover of night effected a without the occurrence of any important
junction with the Detroit garrison.
event.
George Washington made a journey down But returning to the period from which we
the Ohio in 1770. He was accompanied by retrograded to speak of the Boquet expedition,
Dr. Crank, Captain (afterwards Colonel) we find in 1774 that the Shawnees have
William Crawford (who was burned to death become bitterly hostile, principally on
at the stake within the present limits of account of the prospect of losing their land
Wyandot county in 1782), and several other and because of the murder of the kindred of
white men, also by a party of Indians. Logan, the famous Mingo, who was now
Largely through Washington was the dwelling with them at the Old Chillicothe
interest in the West revived. Immense town on. the Scioto (where was afterward the
schemes for settlement and land speculation village of Westfall, Pickaway county). Logan
were projected. A huge company was had "fully glutted his vengeance" upon the
organized which included the Old Ohio white settlements of the Monongahela
Company and the Walpole scheme as well as country, and numerous atrocities had been
recognizing the bounties of the Virginia committed all along the border. To quell the
volunteers in the French war. Doubtless turbulence that prevailed Lord Dunmore, the
some of these plans for the development of then royal Governor of Virginia, organized an
the West would have succeeded army of invasion of the Indian country. He
30 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

had a desire for military renown and decided Revolution and American independence
to assume personal command of the large were exhibiting themselves, and soon the
division, while he entrusted the other, conflict was begun which riveted the atten-
consisting of about eleven hundred men tion of the world upon the colonies. The
raised west of the Blue Ridge, to General Revolutionary period was almost barren of
Andrew Lewis. The forces of the latter were events in the West. There was one event,
attacked by the Indians on the 10th of however, of immeasurable importance. The
October, south of the Ohio, and the ensuing time had come when the destiny of the Great
combat, known as the battle of Point West—of the Northwestern Territory—was
Pleasant, was one of the most desperate and to be decided. The man who was to shape its
bloody in the annals of the West. The destiny was, in 1774, an officer in Lord
contending forces were very nearly equal, it Dunmore's army, and in 1776 a pioneer
is claimed by most writers, but there is settler in Kentucky—George Rogers Clarke.
strong probability that the Indians were He was a realization of the ideal soldier—
much weaker in numbers than the army cool, courageous, and sagacious, and at once
which they assailed. The whites lost half of the most powerful man and the most
their officers and fifty-two men killed, while picturesque character in the whole West. It
the Indian loss was estimated at two hundred was his foresight and prompt, efficient
and thirty-three. Lord Dunmore's division action which at the close of the war made the
passed through a bloodless campaign. They Northwest Territory a portion of the United
descended the Ohio to the mouth of the States instead of leaving it in possession of
Hocking River, and there built Fort Gower. the British.* He foresaw that even if the
The Governor was here at the time of the bat- colonies should be victorious in the War for
tle of Point Pleasant, and had sent messengers Independence they would be confined to the
to Lewis ordering him to march toward the eastern side of the Alleghenies, unless the
Scioto towns. Dunmore marched through the West was a special field of conquest. After
territory included in Athens county and failing to interest the House of Burgesses he
onward to the Pickaway (originally Piqua) made an appeal to Patrick Henry, the
plains, below the site of Circleville. There he Governor of Virginia, and from him he
was met by Lewis’ decimated division, whom succeeded in obtaining the authority which
he could hardly keep from falling upon the he needed, viz.: commissions that
Indians to avenge the death of their comrades empowered him to raise seven companies of
at Point Pleasant. A treaty was held at Camp soldiers, and to seize the British posts in the
Charlotte, which was attended and acquiesced Northwest. In January, 1778, he was at
in by all of the leading chiefs of the villages Pittsburg securing provisions and
except Logan. Lord Dunmore dispatched John ammunition; in June he was marching
Gibson to confer with the haughty Mingo, and through the unbroken forest at the head of a
his visit elicited the famous speech, which small but valiant army, principally composed
Jefferson pronounced equal in eloquence to of his fellow
any ever made by the great orators of * " The cession of that great territory, under the treaty of
civilized nations. 1773, was due mainly to the foresight, the courage and
Already the premonitory signs of that endurance of one man, who never received from his
country an adequate recognition of his great
discontent which developed into the se rvi ce . " — H o n . James A . Garfield: Address, 1873.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 31

pioneers from Kentucky. His march was inadequate such claims may appear it must at
directed towards the Illinois country. His least be admitted that these "monks of
able generalship and courage soon placed the Protestantism"* presented to the Western
garrisons of Cahokia, Kaskaskia, and St. world a phase of civilization and religion
Vincent in his possession, and his equally which was both picturesque and inspiring.
great tact enabled him to win over the As early as 1761 the Delaware Indians on
French inhabitants to the American cause the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum
and make of them warm allies. Two other were visited by a Moravian missionary, the
expeditions were made by General Clarke Rev. Christian Frederick Post. In March of
both against the Indians upon the Miamis the following year John Heckewelder
one in 1780 and the other in 1782. Other became his companion and assistant. Only a
expeditions into or through Ohio territory few months, however, were spent in
were made as follows: by Colonel Bradstreet missionary labor, for in the fall the Indians
(simultaneously with Boquet's expedition— who had first welcomed them, became
1764) along Lake Erie to Detroit, suspicious that their sojourn there was only a
accompanied by Major Israel Putnam (the ruse through which a foothold was to be
Major-General of the Revolution); by gained leading to settlement, and Post and
Colonel Angus McDonald (just prior to Heckewelder were obliged to leave the
Dunmore's invasion); by General Lachlin country to save their lives. Not until ten
McIntosh in 1778 (to the Tuscarawas, where years had passed by was another attempt
he built the first English fort, with a parapet made by the zealous religionists to plant a
and stockade, intended as a permanent work, mission among the savages. In 1772 Rev.
in Ohio); by Colonel John Bowman in 1979; David Zeisberger founded Schoenbrunn
by General Daniel Broadhead in 1781; by (Beautiful Spring) on the west side of the
Colonel Archibald Lochry in the same year; river and near the site of New Philadelphia,
by Colonel Williamson in 1782; by Colonel Tuscarawas county, and twenty-eight
Benjamin Logan in 1786; and still others of persons located there. Gnadenhutten (Tents
less importance by Daniel Boone, Simon of Grace) was established the same year
Kenton, Colonel Edwards, and Colonel seven miles below Schoenbrunn. The Rev.
Todd, at various times during the decade George Jungman, Rev John Roth and Rev.
preceding the settlement of the territory. John Etwin, came out as missionaries from
Another topic to be touched upon briefly Pennsylvania the same year; and with the
in this chapter is of painful and peculiar last named, immigrated to Zeisberger's
interest. We have in mind the Moravian Station a large company of converted
missions on the Muskingum, and use the Indians, bringing with them the implements
word painful, as the horrible massacre of industry. Good log huts were built in the
perpetrated there—the blackest stain on Ohio regularly laid out village, a large chapel
history—comes to mind. We say also a reared in which to hold religious services,
peculiar interest, and that phrase is the ground tilled, and every measure taken
suggested by the fact that the Moravians had that was considered needful in the formation
better claims to be considered as settlers of a permanent settlement. The simple, quiet
than any other dwellers north of the Ohio, life went on very pleasantly, and all was
prior to the arrival of the New England peace and
colony, and however * Madame de Stael.
32 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

prosperity. Much did the Delaware chiefs than usually characterized their atrocities.
and the few traders who visited Schoenbrunn The early period at which the fatal visitation
marvel to see so many Indians living was made led to the conclusion that the
together after the manner of the whites, and murderers were either Moravians or that the
devoting themselves to agriculture rather warriors had their winter quarters at their
than the chase. They had abjured war and all towns on the Muskingum. In either case the
savage customs. New converts were made Moravians being at fault, the safety of the
almost daily, and the pious missionaries felt pioneer settlements required the destruction
well rewarded for their patient toil, and gave of their establishments at that place.* A
praise to Him whom they regarded as the force of eighty or ninety men was
prime author of their success. So many immediately organized, and led by Colonel
accessions were made by the Moravians that David Williamson set out for the
in 1776 Zeisberger formed another colony, Muskingum. On their arrival at
village or station, near the present town of Gnadenhutten they found the Indians in the
Coshocton, and gave it the name Lichtenan. fields gathering their corn and with their
In 1780 Salem was founded five miles below arms by them as was the common custom,
Gnadenhutten, and the Rev. John for the purpose of shooting game, and also to
Heckewelder became its regular preacher. guard against attack. The unsuspecting
All went well with the mission stations Indians hearing the whites' protestations of
until the British, fearing or pretending to peace and good will, and being informed that
fear, that they were performing various they had come to remove them to Fort Pitt
services for the Americans, forcibly removed and place them under the protection of the
them in September, 1781, to Upper Americans, gave up their arms and began
Sandusky. They were sorely distressed by with all speed to prepare food for the white
lack of provisions, and in the latter part of men and themselves for the proposed
the following winter obtained permission to journey. A party of men sent out for the
return to their old stations and gather the purpose soon brought in the Indians from
corn which they had planted the summer Salem, and with the Gnadenhutten Indians
before, and to secure if possible any of the they were placed in blockhouses and
valuables they had been obliged to leave confined under an armed guard. Colonel
behind them when they were hurried away. Williamson then coolly put the question to
They came down from Sandusky in his men, should the prisoners be taken to
February, and March 1 found them busily Pittsburg or dispatched. Sixteen or eighteen
engaged in plucking the corn which had been men only out of the eighty or ninety men
left standing during the winter, and packing leaned toward the side of mercy. The
it for transportation to their famishing majority were for murdering them and were
brethren. "The weather during the greater impatient to begin their hellish work. The
part of February," says Doddridge, "had Moravians had. foreseen their fate as soon as
been uncommonly fine, so that the war they had been placed in confinement, and in
parties from Sandusky visited the the hour of extremity exhibited the
settlements and began depredations earlier steadfastness of their simple faith by singing
than usual. One of the parties fell upon a the hymns and breathing the
family named Wallace and murdered all of
its members, exhibiting even greater *Notes on the Early Settlement and Indian Wars in
Western Virginia and Pennsylvania by Joseph
brutality Doddridge.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 33

prayers that Heckewelder and Zeisberger had It seems to be authoritatively established


taught them. Some of them appealed for that the murderers of the Wallace family
mercy when the murderers came among retreated by way of Gnadenhutten, and that
them to begin their work, but the greater one of them bartered with an unsuspecting
number, sustained by their acquired religious young woman there for food, and in payment
faith or natural stoicism, met death with gave her a garment which he had stripped
majestic composure. The executioners, with from Mrs. Wallace or one of the other
tomahawks, war-clubs, and knives, entering victims, and that this garment. was seen and
the crowded slaughter-pens struck down the recognized by some of the pursuing party as
defenceless and innocent captives until their one which had been familiar to them at their
arms grew tired, and then their places were homes. This fact may partly explain, but
taken by others of those white savages who cannot in the slightest measure justify, the
thirsted for blood; and the dreadful carnage murder of ninety-six persons. It is sufficient,
went on until ninety-six lives had been at any rate, to suggest the suspicion that to a
taken. Of these sixty-two were grown dark stratagem of the English emissaries in
persons, of whom one-third were women, the West, was attributed the foulest deed in
and the remaining thirty four were children the history of the border. The Indians,
of various ages, from those just entering wrought into frenzied passion, began that
manhood or womanhood down to babes on malignant, remorseless, and unceasing
their mothers' breasts. Neither the gray hairs raiding of the borders which terrorized the
of old age nor the mute, appealing innocence frontiers from Fort Pitt to the falls of the
of childhood were protection from the fury Ohio. Their evil deeds were more numerous
and the brutality of these fiends in the form than ever before, and their treatment of
of men. Of all these Indians gathered in the prisoners more severe. One of the first acts
blockhouses only two escaped. Those at of retaliation upon the Americans, strangely
Schoenbrunn fled before the approach of enough, was visited upon Colonel William
Williamson's men and none of them were Crawford, an intimate friend and companion
taken. This massacre occurred on the 7th of at arms of Colonel Williamson. But the
March, 1782, just six years and one month diabolical cruelty that was practiced upon
before the landing of the pioneer colony of him was only one of the many horrible deeds
Ohio at the mouth of the Muskingum. which were the outgrowth of the white man's
The wanton butchery of these inoffensive crime.
Moravians, more than any other event in Of Crawford's campaign we shall speak at
Western history, had the effect of making greater length, because of its relation to the
the Indians hostile to the Americans, and, legitimate field of this history. The object of
therefore, naturally inclining them to amity this fated expedition was to destroy the
with the British. This was an end which the Wyandot and Delaware towns on the Upper
latter people constantly sought to effect by Sandusky plains, and to punish these Indians
every method of intrigue. There is some for border depredations. The border had
reason, too, for the belief that Williamson's suffered seriously, and when the object was
men were led to the Moravian towns and announced volunteers were not found
incited to the commission of the stupendous wanting to engage in a work of punishment
massacre through the shrewd wiles of the and revenge. The War Department
British. encouraged the
34 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

movement in the hope of being able to strike the terrible and inhuman threat. Every
a blow which would silence hostility from patriotic, more than that, every generous
this quarter. feeling of the red man’s heart was aroused.
On the 20th of May, 1782, the volunteers More than their beautiful valley and loved
assembled at a deserted Mingo village on the hunting ground was now at stake; upon the
west bank of the Ohio, seventy-five miles issue of the battle hung the lives of their
below Pittsburgh, their number being about women and innocent children. We do not
four hundred and fifty. Here occurred the mean to imply that this threat was authorized
election of officers. The two candidates for by Colonel Crawford, or that in the event of
colonel were William Crawford and David success he would have permitted
Williamson. The latter's recommendation indiscriminate murder without mercy, as
was the murder of the Christian Indians two Williamson had at Gnadenhutten, but the
months before; the former was chosen Indians had both precedent and threat on
because of his experience as an Indian which to base premonitions of the terrors of
fighter in the French war and his activity as defeat, and their resolve to fight as long as a
a Revolutionary patriot. He was a friend of drop of blood remained to give them strength,
General Washington, whose acquaintance he is an evidence of real nobility of character.
made in the French war. It was unfortunate The northward course of the volunteers after
for Crawford, as the sequel shows, that Wil- crossing the Muskingum left no doubt as to
liamson, whom the Indians hated more than the destination of the expedition. The
any other white man, was chosen to the Shawnees of the Upper Scioto, the Delawares,
position of second in command. On May 25 and the Wyandots of the whole Sandusky
the army commenced the march in high Valley began to concentrate their forces on
spirits and sanguine of complete success. the plains. Meanwhile the mounted borderers
The Indians during this time were not were rapidly approaching, anxious for the
inactive. Williamson had taught them the fray. The sixth day the old Moravian village
necessity of wakefulness, and spies daily on one of the upper branches of the Sandusky
visited the border hills along the Ohio. Before was reached, but, as will be seen in a suc-
the organization of the volunteers on the Ohio ceeding chapter, the missionary band had been
side was complete, the whole Indian country, removed in March preceding, and the
from the falls of the Sandusky far into the congregation dispersed by order of Governor
Scioto and Miami Valleys was making DePeyster, commandant at Detroit. This was a
hurried preparations for war. The objective fortunate circumstance, for it was the purpose
point of the expedition the Indians did not of the invaders to destroy and plunder this
know, but the warriors of every tribe were in village first. In place of meeting with Indians
readiness, and swift spies promptly reported and plunder they found nothing but vestiges
the onward march of the mounted volunteers. of desolation.
They read on the trees the inscription left by The army next moved to where the town of
loungers of the advancing army, "No quarter Sandusky formerly stood, but from which the
is to be given to any Indian, whether man, Indians had lately moved to their new town
woman, or child." They saw prominently in eighteen miles below. Again disappointed at
command the hated Williamson and had no finding no Indians or plunder, the volunteers
reason to doubt became
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 35

anxious to return, giving as a reason that and the troops arranged in three parallel
only five days’ rations remained and that the lines with the wounded in the centre. At 9
horses were jaded; so a council was held and o'clock the retreat began in good order.
the officers decided to continue the march Scarcely a hundred paces had been traversed,
one day longer; but just as the council was when the report of several shots in the rear
breaking up a scout reported that the had the effect of a lightning shock upon the
advance guard had met the Indians in lines. The shrill voice of a man in front
considerable numbers. The main line crying out that the design was discovered,
resolutely advanced over the plain covered and the "savages" would soon be upon them,
with high grass, while the advance guard precipitated a panic. Uproar and confusion
slowly retired before the enemy. The red made the command unmanageable. The
warriors began to take shelter in an island of wounded were abandoned, and straggling
wood in the vast expanse of grassy plain. parties hurried in every direction. The
Crawford, seeing the advantage thus being Indians, abandoning the main body, pursued
gained by his enemy, ordered his men to the stragglers, and few of them escaped.
dismount, tie their horses and force the Less than three hundred reached the Ohio,
Indians from their position, which they did. thus making the number killed and captured
The Indians continued their fire from the more than one hundred and fifty, among
high grass in the prairie. From 4 o'clock whom was the commandant. The remnant of
until dark the contest was animated. Some of the army was conducted back to the frontier
the volunteers ascended into the thick tops by Colonel Williamson.
of the trees, and from these aimed mes- Colonel Crawford, when flight com-
sengers of death at the enemy sheltering in menced, tried to seek out from the panic-
the grass, while others from behind trees and stricken soldiers his son, son-in-law and two
logs fired at the red warriors when they nephews, and for this purpose remained till
raised to shoot. The presence of Girty, the the last straggler had passed. He met the
white savage, was noticed among the surgeon, Dr. Knight, but no trace of those for
Indians, and Elliott, a runaway Tory of whom he was searching was found. Presently
Pennsylvania, who was given a captain's a heavy fire was heard in the distance,
commission in the British army, was seen accompanied by yells, which indicated a
directing the battle. At night the enemy fierce attack. Crawford, out of heart and
withdrew, and Crawford's soldiers slept on anticipating the worst, set off with Dr. Knight
their arms expecting to resume battle the and two others in a northward direction. After
next morning. The attack was not resumed as travelling about an hour they turned east, thus
was expected, as the Indians seemed to be avoiding the enemy. They entered the forest
awaiting reinforcements. In large bodies and pushed their course eastward as fast as
they traversed the plains in every direction, their horses could travel until morning, when
apparently carrying off their dead. the exhausted animals were abandoned, and
It was evident to the volunteers that the the refugees hurried along on foot. Their
Indian forces were increasing rapidly and company was increased to six in the course of
that their position was one of great danger. the day, by casually meeting Captain Biggs
At nightfall a council was held and a retreat and Lieutenant Ashley, to whom he had given
decided upon. his horse, Ashley being wounded. On the
The outposts were silently withdrawn, second day they came to the path
36 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

which the expedition had followed on their long known and frequently drank punch
advance. Here Crawford insisted on with. The chief told him that nothing could
retracing the trail, and the other members of save him; that he had come with the
the party reluctantly followed. They had not cowardly Williamson to destroy the
travelled more than an hour, when a party of defenceless Christian Indians. Crawford
Delaware Indians sprang up within twenty tried to convince the chief that he was not
yards of Crawford and Knight, who were one responsible for the murder of the.
hundred and fifty yards in advance of their Moravians, and would have prevented a
comrades. The Indians presented their guns, repetition of that atrocity. We quote the
and in good English ordered the fugitives to chief's reply, which shows the intense
stop. Crawford and Knight surrendered; the feeling of the Indian nature:
other members of the party escaped, but two Had Williamson been taken with you, I and some of my
friends, by making use of what you have said, might,
of them, Biggs and Ashley, were captured perhaps, have saved you; but as the matter now stands
and killed the next day. no man would dare interfere in your behalf. The King of
It was an unfortunate circumstance for England himself, were he to come to this spot, with all
Crawford that he was captured by his wealth and treasure, could not effect this purpose.
The blood of the innocent Moravians, more than half of
Delawares, for the disposal of his case them women and children, cruelly and wantonly
thereby fell to Captain Pipe, at whose hands murdered, calls for revenge. The relatives of the slain
little mercy could be expected. He was taken who are among us, cry out and stand ready for revenge.
The nation to which they belonged will have revenge,
to Sandusky, where he was permitted an The Shawnees, our grandchildren, have asked for your
interview with Simon Girty, whom he had fellow prisoner (Dr. Knight). On him, they will take
known. Girty promised to do all he could to revenge. All nations connected with us cry out, revenge,
procure his ransom, and it is supposed revenge. The Moravians whom they came to destroy,
having fled instead of avenging their brethren, the
offered Captain Pipe three hundred and fifty offence is become national, and the nation itself is
dollars to release the prisoner. The proud bound to take revenge.
Delaware treated the proposition as an insult The chief then tried to reconcile
and threatened Girty with torture should it Crawford to his fate. When the crowd came
be renewed. to the pile he took an affectionate farewell of
On the morning of June 11, 1782, his old friend, and hid in the bushes. The
Crawford was taken to the old town, where fire was lighted, and no words can express
he joined his companions in captivity, whose the three hours of excruciating torture and
faces had been painted black by Captain pain which ended the ill-fated life. In vain
Pipe. Pipe, upon Crawford's arrival, painted the sufferer appealed to Girty for the mercy
him also, but was respectful and dignified in of a well aimed bullet, but that monster
his manner. The party now proceeded toward exulted at his writhing, and told Knight, the
Tyinochtee, Crawford and Knight in charge other prisoner, that a precisely similar fate
of Wingemand and Pipe, the other nine awaited him. After the last breath of life
prisoners being sent on ahead. The two in had passed away in the ascending smoke,
the rear had the horror of seeing the bodies Knight was placed in charge of a guide and
of four of the prisoners in the path, and of hurried toward the Shawnee towns on Mad
witnessing the slaughter of the other five. River. He made his escape, however, on the
Now anticipating the worst, Crawford took way, and returned to Virginia.
advantage of an opportunity to make an Thus ended the doomed expedition of
appeal to Wingemand, whom he had Crawford. The Wyandots returned to
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 37

their homes on the Sandusky with greater the Wyandots of Sandusky a superstition that
confidence in their own power and ability to it was to be the inviolable seat of the nation.
resist invasion. The failure of the expedition
also preserved to the territory of

CHAPTER IV.

L O W E R SANDUSKY BEFORE FORT STEPHENSON.


Sources of Information– Lower Sandusky Becomes a Trading Pos– Geographical Features of Ohio, Give the Place Its Importance in Indian
History– Captain Brady's Adventure– The Moravian Missionaries Prisoners at Lower Sandusky– Description of Running the
Gauntlet– Location of the Gauntlet Course– General Treatment of Prisoners– Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, Captives– A
Sentence to Torture Revoked– James Whittaker and Elizabeth Fulk, Captives; A Romantic Incident– Negro Captives– First
Appearance of Bees in the Indian Country– Captivity of Major Goodale and Daniel Convers– Sarah Vincent Made a Captive– Her
Marriage to Isaac Williams– The Williams Family– Tecumseh Visits Muncietown– His Plans of War Are Overheard– Expedition
of Five Hundred Warriors from Muncietown– Tecumseh Visits Isaac Williams– The Ottawas and Death of Captain Pumpkin–
Agriculture Along the Sandusky.

I N 1764 the village of Junquiindundeh


(Lower Sandusky), located at the falls of
the river, was on an Indian trail leading from
came here as a spy. About this time began
the general border war, which continued
until 1795, and in which the Wyandots took
Fort Pitt in a northwesterly direction.* This a conspicuous part. This period was
part of the State was then little known to the productive of the scenes which it is the
whites, till a score of years later, and then object of this chapter to delineate.
the information was derived froth ransomed In 1795 the Wyandot Nation passed the
Indian captives. Upon these same narratives summit of its power and glory. For more
we are compelled to rely for the greater part than a century the warriors of the tribes had
of our information relating to Lower gratified the vanity and avarice of the
Sandusky, and, by repeating a variety of nation, but one defeat turned the tide of
incidents, we hope to be able to present an fortune, and twenty-two years more grouped
intelligible picture of life in the fertile the survivors of a haughty dominion within
Sandusky Valley, before the advent of white the confines of a tract twelve miles square.
soldiers, in 1813. The disaster of Fallen Timbers extinguished
We have no satisfactory knowledge of the the council fire at Lower Sandusky. Crane,
Indian. village which occupied the hill rising the great war chief, became the head of the
toward the east from the headwaters of nation, and only peace councils called the
navigation, until about 1780, when the well- wise men together until the close of the
known borderer, Samuel Brady, at the period to which we have allotted this
instance of Washington, chapter.
shall frequently have occasion to mention,
* Hutchins's History of Boquet's Expedition
38 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The time of the advent of traders is not dangerous bottoms were, however, avenues
known. Arundel and Robbins, whom we were of travel but only with wooden canoes which
here in 1782. The Wyandot village, although were made by hollowing out the half of a
it had lost its importance, maintained its log. A short distance below the falls at the
existence until troops formally took side of the river, was a place for burying the
possession of the two miles square reserved bark canoes. * This was done, probably, for
for trading purposes by the treaty of Fort the purpose of keeping them from cracking.
McIntosh, and unconditionally reserved by War parties usually came to this point on
the treaty of Greenville. The language of the foot or on horses captured in the white
former treaty, which is given in a preceding settlements, and when captives were taken
chapter, indicates that the commercial further, as most of them were, canoes were
advantage of the place was fully appreciated used for transportation. Horses were
as early as 1785; the next ten years gave the considered great prizes, and horseracing
author of the treaty of Greenville a knowledge indulged in without mercy to the poor
of its military importance. animals. An interesting race is described by
The treaty of Greenville also had the effect Captain Samuel Brady, a man well known in
of concentrating into the Northwestern Indian the border history of Northern Ohio. He is
Reservation, of which this county was a part, celebrated chiefly for his wonderful leap
representatives of all the tribes of Ohio. The across Cuyahoga River. In 1780, Captain
Delawares, whose relations with the Brady was dispatched, by direction of
Wyandots had always been of the most General Washington, to Sandusky, to learn if
cordial character, came into the Sandusky possible the strength of the Indians in this
country in considerable numbers. They quarter and the geography of the country.
established a village about three miles below Brady, with a few choice soldiers and four
Lower Sandusky, on the east side of the river. Chickasaw Indians, set out from Fort Pitt
The white traders named this village and made a forced march through the
Muncietown, most of its inhabitants being of wilderness. Soon after entering the Wyandot
the Muncie tribe of Delawares. country, the Chickasaw guides deserted, and
Detroit, from the time the French estab- it was feared by the brave scout had gone
lished themselves at that point, was the over to the enemy. Knowing the penalty of
leading trading post of all the tribes of the detection, Brady proceeded with the greatest
Northwest Territory. After the outbreak of the caution. He approached the village adjacent
Revolution and during the whole period of to the rapids under cover of night, and
border war, the British Government at that fording the river, secreted himself on the
point encouraged hostility by paying a liberal island just below the falls. When morning
bounty for scalps and ransom for prisoners. dawned a fog rested over the valley, which
The northwestern part of the State being completely cut off from view the shore on
almost an impenetrable swamp, the Sandusky either side. About 11 o'clock a bright sun
River became the common thoroughfare of all quickly dispelled the mist, and the
the Ohio tribes. The favorite canoe of the celebrated borderer became the witness of an
Indians was made of birch bark. These were unusually interesting event. A war party had
only used in water free from obstructions. just returned from Kentucky with a number
Streams abounding in ripples and with *Colonel James Smith's Narrative, 1757
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 39

of fine horses, a trial of whose speed was the Moravian Indians. Levallie was kindhearted
feature of the day's amusement. The horses and well-disposed toward his prisoners,
were all drawn up in line on the west side of giving Zeisberger his own horse to ride,
the river a short distance above the head of insisting that the age and station of the
the island. One heat after another always missionary alike prompted the act.
brought a white Kentucky mare out ahead. Heckewelder, in his narrative says that
At first the Indians cheered heartily when after several days' travel through the wil-
the favorite pony reached the goal in derness and swampy grounds they arrived at
advance of all competitors; but no Lower Sandusky, where they were
amusement can last long without variety. hospitably received by two English traders—
The victorious mare was weighted down Arundel and Robbins. Arundel having a
with two riders but even under this burden spacious house took in those who had
distanced her competitors. Another rider was families, and Robbins took in the single men
added to the load, which accomplished the and the guide. Boats were sent for at Detroit,
purpose of defeating her, and seemed to give and before they arrived two events took
the congregated warriors, children and place, which are described by Heckewelder
squaws, great pleasure. All this time Brady in such a way as to throw much light on the
was concealed on the island, disturbed only character of Indian life here at that time.
by the fear of being seen and made the The houses of Arundel and Robbins were
Subject of an evening's barbarous sport, about a mile apart, and were located upon
around a stake of torture. That night he high elevations; between them was the
escaped and hastened rapidly toward the Indian village. During his stay, Heckewelder
fort, which he reached after a perilous tramp went to the house of Robbins to visit the
of several days. brethren, and while there the yelling of two
In the preceding chapter, the history of the parties of Indians returning from expeditions
Moravian missions is reverted to the labor of against the whites, was heard. One of the
the converts, their persecution, and the final parties had been in the neighborhood of Fort
murder of more than ninety persons. McIntosh, at the mouth of Beaver, and was
Simultaneously with this event, in bringing with them three white prisoners; the
consequence of the misrepresentations of the other party came from the opposite direction
dishonest British agent Elliott and the white and had scalps. From the elevation of
desperado Simon Girty, Captain Pipe and Robbins' house both parties could be seen,
Half King applied persecution with such but from the village, which lay between one
severity that in March, 1782, Governor De of the parties and the house, but one party
Peyster, fearing for the safety of the teachers, could be seen. The people of the village ran
directed Girty and Half King to remove them to meet the one band of returning warriors.
and their families as prisoners to Detroit; but Heckwelder, at the advice of Robbins, took
as these two had just planned an expedition to advantage of the occasion and returned to
the Ohio, a Canadian Frenchman, Francis Arundel's house through the village, while it
Levallie, was directed to accompany them. was thus deserted. He reached Arundel's
The company consisted of four families, two house before the people and the war party,
single men, "with a number of brethren and with their prisoners, reached the place for
sisters," children, and a number of running the gauntlet. Heckewelder
40 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

and his party saw this favorite treatment of goal is almost certain to be adopted into one
prisoners and has given a faithful account of of the families of the tribe and treated with
it. the greatest kindness. In many instances
A certain class of writers who depend youths left their adopted parents with regret,
upon a vivid imagination to supply defi- when peace procured them ransom, and we
ciencies of information, have made the In- have in our own county two notable
dian gauntlet an institution of the most instances of permanent adoption into the
shocking cruelty. It is true, severe tortures tribe, as we shall see further along.
were often inflicted upon prisoners, the But we have been digressing from the
degree depending much upon their fortitude course of our narrative. The missionaries
and presence of mind, for no people admired saw from Arundel's house the party of
bravely as the Indians did. But the gauntlet fourteen warriors, with their prisoners, ap-
was rather a place of amusement than proach from the east, having come from Fort
punishment, unless the offence has been one McIntosh. As soon' as they had crossed the
worthy of particular revenge. On entering the Sandusky River, to' which the village lay
village, the prisoner is shown a painted post at adjacent, they were told by the captain of the
a distance of from twenty to forty yards, and party to run as hard as they could to a
told to run to it and catch hold of it as quickly painted post, which was shown them. The
as possible. On each side of the course stand youngest of the three immediately started
men, women, and children, with axes, sticks, without a moment's hesitation, and reached
and other offensive weapons, ready to strike the post without a single blow; the second
him as he passes. If he should be so unlucky hesitated for a moment, but recollecting
as to fall or so frightened as to stop on the himself, he also ran as fast as he could and
way, he is in danger of being dispatched by reached the post unhurt; but the third,
some one anxious to avenge the death of a frightened at seeing so many men, women,
relative or friend slain in battle; but if he and children, with weapons in their hands
reaches the goal safely, he is protected from ready to strike him, kept begging the captain
further insult until his fate has been to spare his life, saying that he was a mason
determined by the war council.* and would build him a large stone house or
Heckewelder goes on to state that if a do any other work he should choose. "Run
prisoner in such a situation shows determined for your life," cried the chief to him, "and
courage, and when bid to run for the painted don 't talk now of building houses." But the
post, starts with all his might, and exerts all poor fellow still insisted, begging and
his strength and agility until he reaches it, he praying to the captain, who, at last, fearing
will most commonly escape without much the consequences, and finding his exhor-
harm, and sometimes without any injury tations vain, turned his back upon him and
whatever; and on reaching the designated would not hear him any longer. Our mason
point will have the satisfaction of hearing his now began to run, but received many a hard
courage and bravery applauded. The coward blow, one of which nearly brought him to
who hesitates or shows symptoms of fear does the ground, and which, if he had fallen,
well if he escapes with his life. A brave youth would have decided his fate. He, however,
who has succeeded in reaching the reached the goal, not without being sadly
bruised, and besides he was bitterly scoffed
*Heckewelder's Indian Nations. at and reproached as
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 41

a vile coward, while the others were hailed block now occupied by Wagner's store, to
as brave men, and received tokens of uni- the Kessler House corner. The council was
versal approbation. probably held on the site of the Buckland
Hon. Isaac Knapp, a pioneer of the block.
county, and for many years an honored In general the treatment of prisoners by the
citizen, has related an incident in this con- Indians was not so severe as is popularly
nection which locates the gauntlet track, and supposed. There were, of course, exceptions,
contrary to the impression given by among which the melancholy fate of Colonel
Heckewelder, indicates that having passed the Crawford is prominent. But few were
savage lines and reached the goal did not burned, and nearly all who acted bravely
insure to the prisoner absolute safety from were treated with kindness. We should not
injury until the disposition of his case by the forget that the events which are grouped
council. together in this chapter occurred during a
Some time before Wayne's campaign, state of active war, in which the Indians
three sisters and two brothers named Da- were fighting for the maintenance of the
vidson were captured by a war party in forest, and were encouraged by British
Kentucky and brought to Lower Sandusky as agents with British gold. Affairs at Lower
prisoners. All were ordered to run the Sandusky, during the long period of border
gauntlet. The brothers were stout, active men, war, extending from the opening of the
and both succeeded in getting through without Revolution to the celebrated victory of
a scratch. John, the elder brother, seemed to Wayne, possess a peculiar interest. This was
be a mark of particular hatred. When he had an important military centre, and every
reached the post exhausted and breathless, he narrative relating to the place is a glimpse
sat down upon a log, having passed, as he into the enemy's camp. For many years
supposed, the ordeal of his captivity. But an before the first settlement of Ohio, a war
old squaw, dissatisfied with his easy escape, both offensive and defensive was waged
walked up behind, struck a tomahawk into his between the Ohio tribes and the frontiersmen
shoulder, and left him. The sisters were then of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the
ordered to run, but they refused, begging to be Kentucky borders. When humanity is made
tomahawked where they sat. This conduct on an element of comparative consideration in
their part probably made the sentence upon the conduct of that war, the burden of shame
the whole family more severe. At a hangs over the graves of our own
consultation of the chiefs and warriors it was countrymen. The contest itself could but be
decided to hold the prisoners as slaves. They one of most barbarous cruelty on both sides,
were taken to Canada, where a British trader for the Indians were fully persuaded that it
paid their ransom. Mr. Knapp afterwards was the design of the whites to destroy their
became acquainted with these persons and hunting grounds and ultimately exterminate
knew them well. They settled in northern them, while the borderers looked upon the
Kentucky. He obtained from them a minute Indian as little better than a wild beast, and a
description of the bends of the river, the lay pest to be exterminated by any means
of the ground, and the surrounding hills, from whatever. They attributed to him no rights
which he was enabled to locate the gauntlet which civilization was bound to respect.
track. According to the description, the lines Some of the earlier outrages perpetrated
of the savages extended from the site of the against the Indian race by the white, were
42 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of the most perfidious character. While we of Indian character, cruel as some of these
are reading that cruel page of Ohio history occurrences might seem, did we not know
describing the tortures inflicted upon the subjects were prisoners of bloody and
Colonel Crawford at Upper Sandusky, let us relentless war.
not forget the treacherous blows by which, Among the notable characters who were
previously, the kindred of Logan's tribe fell brought to Lower Sandusky as captives were
at Yellow Creek, or the expedition of Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone. The
Captain Williamson, which culminated in the former having been captured in 1778, was
coldblooded murder of the Moravian taken first to Piqua, where he ran the
Christians and the burning of their bodies. gauntlet; from there he was taken to Old
The whites took few prisoners, but the rifle Chillicothe, where he spent several days
industriously, often treacherously used, with Logan. He was sentenced to the stake at
dispatched many brave warriors on both Wapitomika, but Logan, assisted by Girty
sides of the Ohio. Revenge is a part of the and a Canadian Frenchman, succeeded in
Indian nature, and the tribes were not slow having the decision of the council reversed.
to retaliate every wrong, and full-measured Kenton was then sent to Lower Sandusky
retaliation it was. It is estimated that on the and from here taken by water to Detroit.*
frontiers, south and west of the Ohio River, The fact that Daniel Boone was brought
during the seven years preceding the through Lower Sandusky while in captivity,
outbreak of the war on the Ohio colony at is a fact worthy of mention because of the
the mouth of the Muskingum, the Indians celebrity of that unequalled hero of border
killed and took prisoners fifteen hundred annals. The name of Boone is familiar and
people, stole two thousand horses and other dear to every boy, and his heroic adventures
property to the value of fifty thousand interest, even in the years of more prosy
dollars* After the general war began in manhood. In the proud old Commonwealth
1791, the annual destruction of life and of Kentucky the name of Boone and the
property was much greater, until its close in story of his life is more familiar than any
1795. Probably more captives were brought other character in American history. In the
to Lower Sandusky than to any other place winter of 1778 Captain Boone, while with a
in Ohio. This was a retreat where prisoners party of salt-makers on the Licking River,
were brought and disposed of, many being was captured by Shawnee warriors who took
sent to Detroit and Canada. So far as is him to Chillicothe and from there to Lower
known, not a solitary prisoner was tortured Sandusky on the way to Detroit, where
here at the stake, and in a majority of cases Governor Hamilton, the British commander,
captives who had passed the gauntlet safely was encouraging Indian depredations by
and bravely were treated kindly. It should be paying liberal premiums for scalps and
remembered that this was in the heart of the prisoners. The Governor took a great fancy
Indian country, and a point which had never to Boone, and offered liberally for his
been visited by a military expedition of ransom; he was an object of particular
whites. Under these circumstances the events interest among the officers at the garrison.
which we have narrated and are about to But the Shawnees had also taken a special
narrate can have no other effect than to liking to the old hunter and said he must
create charitable ideas become one of them,
*Colonel Barker's Reminiscences *McDonald's Western Sketches.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 43

and be a great chief. He returned with the and burned. Preparations for the dreadful
Indians to Chillicothe, and remained with the event were made near the village; warriors,
tribe several months. squaws, and children gathered from all
It will be seen from these incidents that directions to witness the terrible execution.
the Shawnees and other tribes made the It fortunately happened that the two traders,
Sandusky River a highway to Detroit, but Arundel and Robbins, were present, and,
probably none but the Wyandots brought shocked with the horror of the act about to
their prisoners to Lower Sandusky for sen- be perpetrated, resolved to make an effort to
tence and the infliction of penalties. prevent it. They offered the war chief a
Those of the captives whom the Indians liberal ransom for the prisoner's life, which
took a liking to, on account of bravery or he refused, saying that it was an established
other qualities which they particularly custom among them that when a prisoner had
admired, were the only ones adopted into the been offered as a present and was refused, he
tribe; other prisoners were either made was irrevocably doomed to the stake, and no
slaves, as in the instance of the Davidson one could save him. Besides, the chief
family above noted, or taken to Detroit. It further declared the numerous war captains
should be noted to the credit of the who were on the spot had it in charge to
Wyandots that they rarely burned prisoners carry out the execution. Failing to move the
at the stake. Colonel Crawford was captured great war chief by offers of money, they
by the Delawares and sentenced by a appealed to his vanity, which proved the
Delaware council, so that the Indians in vulnerable point of his character. "But,"
whom we are especially interested are free answered the generous but wily traders,
from the odium of that savage sentence. "among all these chiefs you have mentioned,
But Wyandot captives were not secure there is none equals you in greatness; you
against the liability of torture, as is shown are considered not only the greatest and
by the following incident, which also proves bravest, but at the same time the best man in
the kindheartedness of Arundel and Robbins, the nation." The chief looked up with an
the two English traders, and the expression of pride and gratification. "Do
susceptibility of Crane, the great war chief, you really believe what you say?" he
to flattery. queried. "Indeed we do," answered the
In the spring of 1782, a young man was traders. The object was accomplished.
brought captive from Fort McIntosh to Without another word the great war chief
Lower Sandusky, where he heroically passed blackened himself, and, taking knife and
the gauntlet ordeal. Crane admired his tomahawk in hand, forced his way through
bravery and sent him to Half King at Upper the crowd to the unhappy victim at the post.
Sandusky, to be adopted into his family in Crying with a loud voice, "What have you to
place of a son who had been killed the do with my prisoner?" he cut the cords with
preceding year while at war on the Ohio. The which the prisoner was tied. The chief took
prisoner having arrived at Upper Sandusky, him to his house, which was near Mr.
was presented to Half King's wife, who Arundel's, and from there sent him with a
refused to receive him, which, according to safeguard to the commander at Detroit, who
the unwritten law of the Wyandots, was a gave him his liberty.* This incident
sentence of death. The prisoner was returned
for the purpose of being tortured Hecke welder's Indian Nations.
44 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

clearly shows the supremacy of Crane captive, reached a village within the present
among the Wyandot chiefs. boundaries of Richland county, Ohio. Here
We have spoken more than once in the the lines were formed and Whittaker 's
preceding pages of the custom among the bravery and activity tested on the gauntlet
Indians of adopting into their families young course. The boy, wounded as he was,
men to whom they took particular liking. An deported himself with true heroism. The first
instance of this kind is recorded by Finley as half of the course was passed without a
having occurred in 1786. Robert Armstrong, single scratch, but as he was speeding on
a young lad of four years, was captured near toward the painted goal, an old squaw, who
Pittsburgh, and brought here through the cherished a feeling of deep revenge,
wilderness. He was adopted into an Indian mortified by the captive's successful
family and grew up a perfect Wyandot.* But progress, sprang forward and caught his arm
the most notable instances of this kind were near the shoulder, hoping to detain him long
the capture and adoption of the heads of two enough for the weapon of the next savage to
families, some of whose descendants are yet take effect. The prisoner instantly halted,
living in the county, and to whom were and with a violent kick sent the vicious
granted reservations in the treaty of Maumee squaw and the next Indian tumbling from the
Rapids, spoken of in a succeeding chapter. lines. His bold gallantry received wild shouts
The narrative of the Whittakers + is a story of applause along the lines. Attention being
possessing the elements of ideal romance. thus diverted, he sprang forward with
We give the outline, to which our quickened speed and reached the post without
imaginative reader can supply fictitious material injury. Not satisfied that this favorite
coloring to suit his own taste, and thus amusement should be so quickly ended, it was
complete the picture. In about the year 1780, decided that the prisoner should run again.
two brothers, Quill Whittaker and James The lines for the second trial were already
Whittaker, in company with another young formed when an elderly and dignified squaw
man, left Fort Pitt one morning on a hunting walked forward and took from her own
expedition. They wandered a considerable shoulders a blanket which she cast over the
distance from the fort, intent upon securing panting young prisoner, saying, "This is my
game with which to gratify their friends, but son; he is one of us; you must not kill him."
at an unexpected moment a volley of rifle Thus adopted, he was treated with all that
balls rattled among the trees. One took kindness and affection which the savage heart
mortal effect in the body of the young man; is capable of cherishing.
another passed through the hat of Quill It is a saying as old as the institution of
Whittaker, who saved himself by flight; a voluntary marriage itself, that "those who are
third ball shattered the arm of James, the born to go together will marry under any
younger brother, and in a few minutes he circumstances," which is but a particular-
was the prisoner of a band of painted ization of the general doctrine "that to live is
Wyandot warriors. After several days ' hard but to follow the path made by fate." Those
travelling, the Indians, with their philosophers who entertain this belief might
find in the second part of this narrative an
* History of Moravian Missions. applicable illustration in support of their
+From an interview of Hon. Homer Everett with Mrs. Scranton, theory.
daughter of James Whittaker. About two years after the capture of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 45

Whittaker, another party of warriors made an expended considerable sums of money. In


incursion into Pennsylvania and captured at 1808 a teacher was secured who came to the
Cross Roads, Elizabeth Fulks, a girl eleven residence, which was a short distance below
years old, whom they carried into captivity the falls on the west side of the river, and
and adopted into a family of the tribe. Both instructed the older children. The oldest
captives lived contentedly and happily, daughter was subsequently sent to school in
having adopted the manners and customs of Pittsburgh, at an expense of eight hundred
their wards. A few years after, somewhere in dollars a year, and there qualified to teach
the vast expanse of the Northwestern the younger children.
wilderness, probably here on the Sandusky Mr. Whittaker entered into mercantile
River, at a general council of their tribes, business, for which he was well fitted. He
these two adopted children of the forest established a store at his residence, one at
made each other ' s acquaintance. The brave Tymochtee, and one at Upper Sandusky. He
boy who ran the gauntlet had become a well accumulated wealth rapidly, having at the
proportioned man, and the sweet, timid time of his death his goods all paid for and
captive girl was now a blooming maiden two thousand pounds on deposit with the
whose native beauty had never been Canada house where he made his purchases.
destroyed by the torturing artifices of society At Upper Sandusky he had a partner, Hugh
dress. Perhaps this meeting occurred in the Patterson, with whom, in the year 1816, he
full light of an encouraging moon, while drank a glass of wine and died in a short time
savage warriors were deliberating cruel afterwards, his death being attributed to
expeditions around a bright council fire in poison in the wine. Patterson was largely
the distance. Who can think of the meeting indebted to him, and, it was discovered
being formal and reserved, or of a afterwards, had forged an order on
fashionable courtship? A marriage according McDonald, proprietor of the Canada house,
to the customs of civilized life was at once for the two thousand pounds on deposit.
arranged, and the couple, ardent in their love Mrs. Whittaker, to whom a reservation was
and happy in their expectations, set off for granted in the treaty of 1817, survived her
Detroit, where the Christian ritual was husband many years, but as to the time and
pronounced which made them man and wife. place of her death we are not informed.*
The Indians seemed well pleased by this A few prominent acts of kindhearted
conduct of their paleface children. They benevolence on the part of Mr. Whittaker
gave them a choice tract of farming land in can not be omitted. A short time before the
the river bottom, and here Rev. Joseph war of 1812, he went to the Maumee on
Badger visited the family in 1806, where he business, and found among the Indians a
found them living in perfect harmony with young white woman who bore a strong
their Indian neighbors, but practicing the resemblance to his own daughters. She was
forms of civilized life.* Mr. and Mrs. engaged at carrying wood and piling it up.
Whittaker reared a large family, for whose Mr. Whittaker, after talking with her a short
education they time, became convinced that she was
preparing her own funeral pile, though
*Whittaker's thorough adoption into the Wyan dot herself ignorant of the fact.
tribe is shown by the fact that he joined their war
parties. He was present at St. Clair's defeat and at the Later events relating to this family are narrated in the
battle of Fallen Timbers McClung's Western Adventures. sketch of Sandusky township.
46 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

He engaged to procure her freedom on thing of bees at home and conjectured what they were.
The idea of white people was instantly suggested, and
condition she would never expose him in a they talked with one another as to whether this might
lie. Having been informed of the probable not be a sign that white people would come soon. Their
fate which awaited her she readily assented. discovery was communicated to the Indians, who
At the dictation of her rescuer she sat upon a flocked to the tree in great numbers to see the wonderful
insects. The suggestion was made by George and
log while he went to the assembled Indians Elizabeth, that bees belonged to white people and stayed
and asked them what they were doing with with them, and that probably this was a sign that the
that young woman, to which they replied palefaces were coming, and would bye-and-bye have the
country. None of the tribes had ever seen the insect
that preparations were being made for a before, and their superstitious minds were affected to
dance that night, and that she was to be such a degree that, with the Wyandots especially, it
burned. He then told them that she was his became a settled conviction that the Indians would be
daughter, and the strong resemblance driven out and the whites would take their country.
between her and his family, with whom the The account continues:
Indians were slightly acquainted, convinced Henceforth this tribe, yielding to what they con-
them that the statement was true, and out of sidered inevitable fate, felt and said it was useless to
respect they gave her up. Whittaker brought contend against the palefaces, and became a peaceful
people. It is true they joined the other tribes to fight
her home and gave a guide sixty dollars to Wayne, but they refused to join the expedition until a
conduct her to her friends, who lived down confederation of all the other tribes of the Northwest
the Ohio river. plainly told them that if they did not send out warriors
to fight Wayne, they unitedly would exterminate the
Near the time of the capture of Whittaker, Wyandots. There was no other way to save themselves,
and probably later, a party of negroes were and they did send the best of their men to be slaughtered
captured in Virginia and brought to the by "Mad" Anthony at the battle of Fallen Timbers.
Sandusky River, where they were held as
slaves. They were placed in charge of a This latter statement is probably incorrect
peninsular tract several miles below the in fact, although there may have been such a
falls, which they cultivated for the Indians, local sentiment. In the open war, which was
no doubt to the great satisfaction of the commenced on the Ohio Company's
squaws, upon whom devolved all menial settlement in 1791, and terminated with
labor. The peninsula became known as Wayne's victory, the Wyandots took an
Negro Point, a name which it has retained active and conspicuous part, a part which
ever s i n c e a period of about a century. justifies assigning to them leadership from
There is a singular tradition relating to the the beginning to the end of that cruel
first appearance of the honeybee in the contest. The first attack on the Ohio settlers
Northwest, which places that event within at Big Bottom, in 1791, was made by the
the field of our history. The late Mrs. Rachel allied warriors of the Delawares and
Scranton, a daughter of . James and Wyandots.
Elizabeth Whittaker, is authority for the The Whittaker cabin and trading-house,
following statement, which was first which stood just above the head of the bay,
published in 1860: was a usual stopping point for war parties
when on their way from Lower Sandusky to
Previous to the time of Mrs. Whittaker's captivity,
the honeybee and the plantain were unknown to the Detroit with prisoners. The family always
Indians. While she and her brother George, who was treated captives with the greatest kindness
also a captive, were yet children, and menial servants to consistent with their situation. Major Nathan
the Wyandot tribe, they were hoeing corn in an Indian
field, when they discovered a swarm of bees in a tree Goodale, a prominent and valuable citizen of
near by. They remembered some Belpre, the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 47

second settlement in the Ohio Company's The Indians did not sleep much, but talked
purchase, was captured by a band of Wyandot until almost morning. At daybreak the
warriors in 1793, while at work on his farm a journey was resumed. An old Ottawa was in
short distance from the fort. They sprang out the party, who complained of being sick and
from the forest and seized him before he was gave his pack to the prisoner to carry, which
aware of their presence, or could make any greatly wearied him. After he had borne the
defence, threatening him with death if he made burden about three miles they came to a
a noise or resisted. After securing him with creek where all stopped to drink. The brave
thongs they made a hasty retreat, intending to lad threw the pack on the ground saying,
take him to Detroit and get a large ransom. "Me sick too." The Ottawa picked it up
They got along as far as Whittaker's house, without saying a word, and his master, or at
when he could go no further, in consequence of least the Indian who claimed him by right of
sickness. Mrs. Whittaker, in relating the capture, patted his young prisoner on the
account afterwards, testified that he had back exclaiming "Ho yee, " a token of
received no ill treatment while in captivity, and approval of the fearless act. The second
that he died at her house in a few days after he evening, being more than fifty miles from
had been left there, of a disease like pleurisy.* any white settlement, they halted before
The narrative of the captivity of Daniel night, killed a deer for supper and kindled a
Conyers* in 1793, throws considerable light on fire. They seasoned their venison with wild
affairs here at that time. Convers was a boy onions. That night they trimmed their bright
sixteen years old, who lived at the Waterford young captive 's hair in the Indian fashion,
garrison on the Muskingum River, twenty leaving a long lock on top which they
miles above Marietta. He afterwards became a braided into a queue. They also painted one
wealthy merchant of Zanesville, Ohio. He was of his eyelids.
captured by a party of Indians lurking about the On the third day a place of considerable
garrison, most of them being Wyandots. They interest was reached, where two trails
travelled singly through the woods so as to leading toward the north came together. A
leave no trail behind, until they struck the old hieroglyphic tree stood at the junction, on
Indian path leading from Lower Sandusky which was painted, in a rude manner, a war
through Upper Sandusky to Fort Harmar. This party, indicating their number and the
was a plain, beaten track, used by the Indians direction of their course. The warriors
for many years when going to Marietta to sell painted on the same tree their own number,
their peltry. The evening was rainy and the indicating the capture of one boy prisoner by
night very dark, but they did not stop until late, placing behind the warriors who bore arms a
fearing that the whites might be in pursuit. For smaller figure without arms.
the same reason, no fire was kindled. Before From here they hurried on rapidly to
going to sleep they tied leather thongs around Upper Sandusky, where the prisoner saw, for
their prisoner's wrist, stretching out the ends the first time, in a cabin, a number of scalps
upon the ground and passing them under the hung up to dry. This was the cabin of a
Indians who lay on each side of him, so as to crabbed old Indian, who welcomed the lad
awaken them if he attempted to escape. with a cuff on the head. From Upper
Sandusky the party
* Pioneer History of Ohio.
48 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

proceeded down the river, and in the course of to join him, a large Indian who was drunk,
the afternoon met a white trader and a negro. came to him and struck him over the eye,
The white man paid little attention to them, knocking him down. The eye instantly
but the negro took the prisoner kindly by the swelled so that he could not see with it. As
hand, and with evident interest inquired if any he repeated the blow, another Indian, who
of his friends had been killed, and where he was much smaller, ran to the rescue, and,
came from. This negro was probably one of seizing the drunken one by the hair, jerked
the slaves from Negro Point, and hoped to him to the ground and beat him severely. He
find out something about his old friends in then, in a very kind manner, took young
Virginia. That night they had nothing for Convers by the hand, calling him, in broker
supper except a woodchuck, which was English, his friend. At the same time two
divided among eight persons. Here the squaws came up and expressed their pity for
Indians gave their prisoner a blanket and the young prisoner. "They went away, but
moccasins, he having been barefoot and thinly directly returned, bringing him some hominy
clad at the time of the capture. The next night and meat to eat, thus showing that the female
they' passed in a vacant hut by the river. Here heart in the savage, as well as in the
Convers saw a cow which belonged to his civilized races, is readily moved at the sight
mother, and had been stolen three months of distress, and ever open to compassion and
before. The narrative declares: "She directly kindness. The party to which he belonged
knew her old friend Daniel; came up to him, encamped near this spot, and during the
and looked as if she felt sorry for his unhappy night some of the party who had been
condition." present at the attack on the garrison at
The prisoner on this occasion was a lad Waterford, hearing from their countrymen an
whose appearance commanded admiration account of this foray at the same place, and
and excited sympathy, as is shown by the the ill-treatment of their prisoner by the
conduct of two boys at a village on the drunken Indian, came into the camp and
prairie. They caught him, one by each hand, passed the night to protect him from any
and hurried through the town, thus shielding further abuse."
him from the ordeal of running the gauntlet. The next day the party, with their
"On the tenth day of his captivity," says the prisoners, proceeded on down the river on
narrative, "the party arrived at Lower their way to Detroit. They stopped at
Sandusky, where there was a large Indian Whittaker's cabin and there received from
village. Here they crossed the Sandusky River that kindhearted man a loaf of sugar which
in a canoe. As soon as they had landed, an the Indians divided, giving their prisoner a
Indian came up, took Daniel by the hand and share. The Indians were very fond of sugar,
bid him go with him. He hesitated for a mo- and the present was highly appreciated by
ment, when one of the warriors motioned him them, as well as by the captive. Whittaker
to go. He ran with him up the river bank dared say little to the prisoner, however, lest
about twenty rods and stopped, appearing he should excite the jealousy of the Indians.
very friendly, and no doubt took this course to At Detroit the prisoner was ransomed and
keep the prisoner out of the sight of the other sent with a party of horsemen to his friends
Indians living in the town. While waiting in Connecticut. Colonel Convers in after
there for his party years testified to the uniform humanity
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 49

of his treatment. “His treatment was not only Sarah Loveler near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
humane, but kind and gentlemanly." They settled on the tract which his mother
We have presented this incident to con- had occupied while a captive, located on the
siderable length, because it is the most river, at the Chestnut grove, on the present
faithfully detailed account of Indian cap- estate of Sidney Forguson. It was to the
tivity within our knowledge. Let those who widow of this Isaac Williams that a
have believed the Indian a beast in human reservation of one hundred and sixty acres,
form, whose only human element of on Negro Point, was granted. She died about
character was treachery, follow Convers 1830, leaving a family of five children—
from the scene of his captivity to the place Alexander, George, Joseph, Rachel, and
of ransom, and compare his treatment with James.
that of the war prisoners of any Christian George married a Tawa (Ottawa) squaw,
nation. and never claimed any share in the estate.
The treatment of prisoners was very much This woman, in 1808, overheard an in-
similar in all cases, except when special terview between the Shawnee, Tecumseh,
weakness of character was betrayed, or the and a Muncie, or Delaware chief, which, had
magnitude of a crime demanded severe it been properly communicated to the
punishment. We have chosen a variety of Federal authorities, would have furnished
such incidents as are best calculated to give important information concerning the
an idea of aboriginal life at Lower Sandusky, strange, mysterious movements of the wily
which was, during the period covered, the chief who organized the Indian rebellion of
military centre of the most warlike of the 1811, and consummated the British alliance
Indian nations. Another event more far of 1812.
reaching in its historical consequences next Tecumseh was neither a peace chief, nor a
demands our attention. war chief in his tribe, but he was a man of
The frontier posts of Kentucky suffered preeminent intellect, and attained to an
more from Indian incursions than the influence, throughout the whole Indian
settlements of any other locality. There were country, which was well nigh imperial. He
two reasons for this: being the most western commenced the great work which he had
settlements they were regarded as the most long contemplated, in 1805. His first object
dangerous intruders on the red man's was to unite the several nations, many of
domain; and second, nowhere did the which were hostile to each other, and had
"Longknives," as the Indians called the often been at war. He sought to reform their
whites, treat the savages with so much prejudices, and to reestablish original
cruelty. During one of these incursions, led manners and customs. To this end all
by Simon Girty against Boonesborough, intercourse with the whites was to be
Sarah Vincent, a little girl seven years old, suspended, and the use of ardent spirits
was made captive and settled on the abandoned. Professing to the American
Sandusky River, where she became a Government no other object than moral
Wyandot. reform, he was unceasing in his toil. Having a
Several years afterwards Isaac Williams, a wide reputation as a sagacious counselor and
trader at Upper Sandusky, made her warrior, he everywhere received considerate
acquaintance, and they were married. They attention. His general plan of union being
settled at Upper Sandusky, and reared one matured, he brought superstition to his aid.
son, Isaac Williams, who married His brother, the Prophet, now began to
50 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

dream dreams and see visions. The fame of and along the river (the Ohio river), and that
his divine commission spread from the the British would join them in the war. This
frozen North to the gulf on the South. While was the first information obtained by any
believing pilgrims were coming to the shrine white settler that the roving Shawnees
of the Prophet, Tecumseh's activity was contemplated war. Alexander Williams,* a
simply wonderful. He was pleading loyalty brother of George Williams, who lived in
to the Americans at Governor Harrison's Virginia, was at that time visiting his parents
office at Vincennes, and the same week on Negro Point. He started home the
arranging war plans on the Wabash and on following morning, going by way of
the plains of Sandusky. His canoe crossed Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, where he
the Mississippi, and before any were aware, announced what had been heard in the Indian
he was addressing Cherokee councils in country concerning Tecumseh's intentions.
Georgia and Alabama. The whole West was At Sweet Springs, Virginia, his fellow-
thus aroused to war, which begun openly at townsmen prepared for the conflict.
Tippecanoe in 1811. Until shortly before that The following summer five hundred
time the Government was ignorant of the warriors gathered in Muncietown, whence
real designs of Tecumseh and the power of they started on an expedition to plunder the
the league which he had formed. In view of frontiers of Virginia. After they had been
the consequences of the chieftain's move- gone two days, Mrs. Williams, who had
ments, the tradition of his visit to Lower heard the prediction of Tecumseh and knew
Sandusky will be of general interest. This the meaning of these hostile preparations,
brings us back again to the Williams called two white prisoners, who had been at
family.* Muncietown for a long time, to her house,
One afternoon in the autumn of 1809, the painted them as warriors, and sent them on
wife of George Williams, who lived on the trail of the war party with instructions to
Negro Point, made a visit to the Wyandot travel night and day and to pass around the
village, which was on the hill northeast of warriors, if possible, before they reached the
the present Fremont bridge. Her way home settlements, in order that. the white people
was through Muncietown, which she reached might prepare for an attack. The two young
about dark in the evening. By a light in a men, rejoiced to escape captivity, arrayed in
wigwam she saw Tecumseh in consultation the costume of the savages, with rifle,
with an Ottawa chief. Her path passed close ammunition, tomahawk and scalping knife,
the wigwam, in which she heard a hurried in the path as fast as possible. At a
conversation in the Ottawa language. Being place called Walker's Meadow, three miles
herself an Ottawa, she understood what was from the village of Union, the two brave
said; and the theme being war, curiosity messengers entered the Indian camp.
induced her to listen. Mrs. Williams, on Carelessly they passed through, unnoticed by
returning home, told her husband that the redskins, who supposed them a couple of
Tecumseh said, the next year when corn was their own number, engaged in the enterprise.
knee high, a war would commence by the About three miles from the encampment they
killing of all white people living on Indian came to the house of a settler, where they re-
territory mained quiet until morning. The first
* This tradition is written from the recollections of
Lorenzo Dow Williams, grandson of Isaac Williams. *Father of our informant.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 51

person seen was a man who came out of the Tecumseh, at one time, while endeavoring
house, mounted a horse, and rode away to effect a union of the tribes, visited the
without seeing the messengers. A negro next house of Isaac Williams, on Negro Point. The
came out and went to the barn. The two young visit, from Mr. Williams' standpoint, has an
men now entered the house where they found amusing feature, though, on part of the great
a woman and several children. The woman Indian statesman and general, it was probably
screamed terribly, supposing Indians with the no more than an accident. We give the
war paint on their faces were in possession of incident, as it has become traditional in the
her house, and that quick murder was sure to Williams family.
follow. The boys spoke to her in good The Wyandots had cornfields all along the
English, explaining who they were and what river bottoms, which were cultivated by the
they had come for. The woman's husband was squaws and boys, each family having a small
Judge Donelly, who was holding court two patch, and no fences between them. Isaac
miles distant. They informed him of the Williams owned a large number of hogs, and
danger to which the settlement was exposed. tried to enclose his premises with a brush
Judge Donelly was also colonel of militia, and fence, but they frequently found a way out
on receiving the information he adjourned and destroyed the corn, which greatly
court and collected the people of the provoked the squaws. They urged their dogs
settlement into the blockhouse, upon which an upon the hogs, and killed several of them.
unsuccessful attack was made, and the war- One day Williams, hearing the dogs barking
riors left with one prisoner. This was one of and the hogs squealing, grasped his gun, and,
the first acts of Indian hostility. Very few despite the importunities of his wife, rushed
Wyandots participated in it, their nation being to the corn field, where two dogs were tearing
averse to war. Tecumseh's visits were mostly to pieces one of the favorites of the herd,
to the villages of other tribes. The Wyandots while an old squaw and her boy were looking
generally entertained the opinions expressed on with amusement. Williams, still more
by Crane's confidential advisor, Walk-in-the- enraged by this, aimed so as to bring both
Water, in a council held at Brownstown in within the range of the shot, but the gun
1812. He said: "No, we will not take up the snapped and the squaw discovered her danger.
hatchet against our father the Longknife. Our She implored forgiveness, and promised that
two fathers are about to fight, but we have no the injury should never be repeated. The
concern in their quarrel; it is best for us to sit family were, however, greatly annoyed by the
still and remain neutral." fear that the event had. excited the wrath of
The Wyandots on the American side of the the Indians, who would seek revenge. This
lakes were not drawn into the war in any explains the uneasiness of Williams when, the
considerable numbers, although the British next day, Tecumseh appeared at his door.
Government exhausted intrigue to effect an This was during that chief's earlier visits to
alliance. Tarhe, the Crane, exerted his the towns along the river. The magnitude of
powerful influence in favor of neutrality, and the indignity of the day before increased in
those of the tribe who had taken hold of the Williams' mind a hundredfold, and his first
British hatchet deserted Proctor at the first thought was that the great Tecumseh had
opportunity* come to revenge the insult. Suppressing all
appearances of fear, the old trader asked his
*North American Review, 1827.
unwelcome
52 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

guest to come in and be seated, himself, with In that stoic courage which coolly meets death
without even the appearance of fe ar, the North
seeming carelessness, taking a chair in that American Indian never had a superior in any race of
corner of the cabin in which the gun was men on the earth. In illustration of this wonderful
standing. Both sat for some time without a characteristic, two instances, well known to my
word passing between them. The chief at informants, may be given.
Among the Ottawas who frequentl y visited our town
length took his tomahawk from his belt and to trade, was a warrior named Capt ain Punkin. He was
filled the end of it with tobacco. Stepping to by nature, as well as practi ce, a vi cious, treacherous,
the fire, he took a coal from the ashes, lighted cruel Indian; he was one of the company who captured
the Snow family, on Cold Creek, somewhere near
his pipe and began smoking, continuing silent. Castalia; and the identical individual who took away
Williams also sat quiet, every moment ex- Mrs. Snow's infant because it hindered her march. In
pecting to be reproved, or, perhaps, punished, spite of all her entreaties, cries and resistance, he
for attempting to shoot the squaw. The latter seized it by the feet and dashed its brains out against a
tree before the mother's e yes.
finally broke the spell by saying: "Tecumseh, Long years after this event, Punkin was found guilt y
what are you doing? I see the wampum is being of violating the laws of his tribe, and sen tenced to die,
carried from place to place and secret councils by a council. This decision was communicated to him,
and he was asked when and where he would die. He
are being held. What is this for? Are you informed them of the time and pl ace at whi ch he would
organizing war against the white people?" Te- choose to die and be buried; he went unguarded and at
cumseh could speak and understand. English liberty for some time alone in the forest. No human
well. He answered: "Maybe war with the white eye wat ched hi m; he was at libert y to flee if he chose.
The time fixed came, and his executioners repaired to
man. He is too saucy." Williams then informed the spot he had selected, and where his burial place
the chief, who was afterwards termed monarch had alre ady been prepared. The y found him ready,
of the North American Indians, that he had sitting at the verge of his own grave. Raising his
bowed head as the y approached, he said: You have
better not go to war; that he had travelled come; I am re ady. Strike sure !" Instantl y the
through the white man's country, and they were tomahawk described a glittering circle and descended
too numerous for the Indians; that they would deep into his brain. He expired without a groan, and
exterminate all the Indians in the country if a was buried there.
war should occur, and more such advice, to
which the chief paid no attention. He sat The extent of the cornfields along the
moody for a long time, then knocked the ashes river remains to be spoken of. The prairies
from his pipe and retired. Williams was bordering the bay were cultivated when
agreeably surprised at there having been no Colonel James Smith visited the country as
allusion made to the attempt to shoot the a captive, in 1757, but he mentions nothing
squaw. about agriculture along the river. But at a
The Ottawas are characterized by Indian writers as the later period the river prairies supplied the
hunters and trappers of the forest. They followed the Portage whole Wyandot country. This was, no
and Sandusky Rivers and came to Lower Sandusky to trade
as late as 1833, Judge Jesse Olmstead being the favorite doubt, owing to the exhaustless fertility of
merchant. The story of the execution of an Ottawa warrior the soil and the ease with which it was
was given in a lecture by Hon. Homer Everett, delivered in cultivated. The plains now covered by the
1860.
Wild, unlearned, and in many things repulsive as the Indians
lower part of the city of Fremont were
were, still, amongst them were found many noble specimens cleared land when first seen by white men,
of men and women, who cherished and displayed the and except the tract used for councils,
cardinal virtues of humanity: modesty, chastity, truth, gaming, racing, and the village
sincerity, honesty and courage.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 53

bore corn season after season. The squaws and extinguished in 1805, but the Indians
boys attended to agriculture, and all other about the neck of the bay were slow to
menial duties. To handle a hoe would have leave in obedience to the terms of the
disgraced the strong Indian, whose only treaty. Complaint was made to Ogontz,
business was war. to whom the commissioner put the
That Lower Sandusky was celebrated among question: "Why do you not raise your
the Indians for the fertility of soil, is proved by corn at Lower Sandusky?" "Ugh!"
an incident which, in 1807, occurred at Ogontz retorted Ogontz, "Big corn grow at
place, now Sandusky. The Indian title to the Lower Sandusky, but no papoose grow
Firelands was there."

CHAPTER V.
EARLY OHIO.
Five Characteristic Centres of Settlement—First Measures After the Revolution for Selling Western Lands—
Ordinance of 1785—Revolutionary Bounties—Organization of the Ohio Company—Ordinance of 1787 The
Ohio Company Land at the Mouth of the Muskingum—Formal Inauguration of Government—Growth of the
Massachusetts Colony—Settlement Between the Miamis—John Cleves Symmes' Purchase—Founding of
Cincinnati—French Settlement at Gallipolis—The Virginia Military District—Settlement of Manchester—
Founding of Chillicothe—Character of Population—The Western Reserve—Sale to the Connecticut Land
Company—Surveyed into Townships—Cleveland Founded—Slow Growth at First—Subsequent Rapid
Growth—The Northwestern Indian Reservation—Frontier Line of Settlements in 1812—Population in 1812—
Erection of Counties—Formation of State Government—Origin of the Northwest Boundary Difficulty—Open
Conflict Between Ohio and the Territory of Michigan—Opening Wedge to Settlement in Northwestern Ohio—
Causes of the War of 1812—Attitude of the Wyandots—Results of the War Forecasted—Hull's Surrender—
Ohio Exposed to the Enemy—Militia Volunteers Victories Follow Defeat and Disaster—Ohio's Part in the War.

T HE fading picture of Wyandot Lower


Sandusky calls to mind a more stirring
scene, Lower Sandusky of Fort Stephenson
The centres of early settlement, widely
separated from each other by bridgeless streams
and long reaches of untraversed forests,
fame. This period, brief but crowded with impressed the instincts and training brought
tragic events, dates the beginning of white from Eastern homes upon their localities. That
settlement in Sandusky county. What was impress is still discernible in the politics,
Ohio then? is a question which naturally religion, and culture of the native population.
suggests itself, and one which this chapter The clashing of opinion which has been a
is intended to answer. necessary result of grouping five discordant ele-
Historically Ohio is carved into seven ments into one State, has been potent in
distinct divisions, bearing five characteris- developing native intellect and producing
tic civilizations transplanted from occasions for its exercise. It is further a
different Eastern colonies, and tracing proposition, proved by the inevitable logic of
their ancestry to antagonistic races or history, that the mingling and fusion of people
social castes. Out of these five elements of different races, temperaments and training, is
has grown the Ohio of today justly proud productive of physical and mental strength. To
and sufficiently honored. these facts may be
54 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

attributed in great measure the high position hundred acres, lieutenant-colonel to four
which Ohio has taken in affairs. hundred and fifty acres, major to four
When the Revolution closed, the Congress hundred acres, captain to three hundred
of the Confederation found itself in acres, lieutenant to two hundred acres,
possession of a vast Western domain of ensign one hundred and fifty acres,
boundless fertility. Plans of emigration and noncommissioned officers and privates one
colonization again revived. Congress, in hundred acres each. As early as 1783
May, 1785, passed "an ordinance for General Rufus Putnam, of Massachusetts,
ascertaining the mode of disposing of the transmitted to Washington a memorial
Western lands, and Thomas Hutchins, the asking for an appropriation of Western lands
United States geographer, was instructed to to supply these claims. The measure was
lay off the territory into townships of six placed before Congress, but the question of
miles square, and each township into thirty- ownership not being settled action was
six lots, containing six hundred and forty postponed. In 1775 Colonel Benjamin
acres each. Congress had, in 1776, and by Tupper came West as a surveyor, but the
several succeeding acts, pledged bounties to survey being interrupted by Indian troubles
the Continental soldiers. One-seventh of the he returned to the East the following winter
land was to be reserved for this purpose. with such favorable impressions of the
Lots eight, eleven, twenty-six, and twenty- country beyond the Ohio that he united with
nine were to be reserved for future sale; the Putnam in forming a plan of association and
remainder was to be divided among the settlement. They prepared a publication
several States and sold by them at not less setting forth the project, and inviting all who
than one dollar per acre, with the additional desired to promote the scheme to send
cost of the survey and sale. This system delegates to a general convention to be held
operated against the colonization plan, for in Boston, March 1, 1786.
the townships were to be drawn by the An opportunity now seemed open to the
several States, making it impossible for a hardy and resolute soldiers who had carried
company to purchase a large tract in one the war to a successful issue, to retrieve their
body. This ordinance excepted an undefined ruined estates. The convention which met in
tract between the Scioto and the Little pursuance to this call, represented the best
Miami, which had been , reserved by Virginia elements of New England society. Articles
in her act of cession, for the use of her own of association were agreed upon, which
troops. Indian hostilities prevented made the capital of the company one million
individual settlement, and it was evident that dollars. Three directors Samuel H. Parsons,
Congress had placed too high an estimate on General Rufus Putnam, and Dr. Manasseh
the value of the unbroken forest. Cutler, were elected, with instructions to
From time to time, as circumstances purchase a private grant of lands. Major
suggested, this original ordinance was Winthrop Sargent (second Territorial
amended. The bounty claims of, Revo- Governor) was elected secretary.
lutionary soldiers were the strongest agency About the time of the organization of the
in the settlement of the Northwest. A major- Ohio Company another land company was
general were entitled to eleven hundred organized in New York, with William Duer
acres, a brigadier-general to eight hundred at its head. Dr. Cutler, to whom was
and fifty acres, colonel to five delegated the responsible office of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 55

making a contract with Congress, found that if deemed expedient by Congress, into two
body averse to the New England scheme, but districts. This fundamental law, enacted
by combining with the New York company, before a solitary freeholder raised his cabin
in which several members of Congress were on the territory it was intended to govern,
interested, there was hope of success. It had has been characterized as a fit consummation
been the hope of the Massachusetts company of the glorious labors of the Congress of the
to have General Parsons, one of their own old Confederation. It established in the
number, placed at the head of the new Northwest, the important principles of the
territorial government which colonization equal inheritance of intestine estates, and the
would make it necessary to establish; but his freedom of alineation by deed or will. After
plan of purchase could not succeed without prescribing a system of territorial civil
the support of General St. Clair, who was a government, it concludes with six articles of
representative from Pennsylvania and compact between the original States and the
President of Congress. Cutler was a good people of the States in the Territory, which
lobbyist and yielded the choice of his should forever remain unalterable unless by
associates in favor of St. Clair for the common consent.. The first declared that no
governorship. person demeaning himself in a peaceable and
A contract was finally agreed upon in orderly manner, should ever be molested on
July, 1787, and confirmed the following account of his mode of worship or religious
October. sentiments. The second prohibited legislative
The first ordinance directing the estab- interference with private contracts, and
lishment of a government for the Western secured to the inhabitants trial by jury, the
territory, was submitted by Mr. Jefferson in writ of habeas corpus, a proportionate
1784, and contained a clause against representation of the people in the
slavery. It also contemplated the division of Legislature, judicial proceedings according
the Territory into seventeen States. This to the course of common law, and those
ordinance, with the important omission of guarantees of personal freedom and property
the proviso against slavery, was passed by which are enumerated in the bill of rights of
Congress in April, 1784. This act, owing to most of the States.. The third provided for
the divisions it contemplated, was thought the encouragement of schools and for good
inexpedient, and another act, applying only faith, justice, and humanity toward the
to the territory acquired by the cession to Indian. The fourth secured to the new States
the United States by Massachusetts, New to be erected out of the Territory the same
York, Virginia, and Connecticut, all the privileges with the old ones; imposed upon
territory at that time owned by the United them the same burdens, including
States was submitted, which resulted in the responsibility for the Federal debt,
passage on July 13, of the celebrated prohibited the States from interfering with
ordinance of 1787, which is in fact the the primary disposal of the soil of the United
fundamental law of the States whose States, or taxing the public lands; from
territory was comprehended, Ohio, Indiana, taxing the lands of nonresidents higher than
Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. residents; and established the navigable
This enactment organized a single ter- waters leading into the Mississippi and St.
ritory northwest of the Ohio and eastward Lawrence, and the portages between them,
of the Mississippi, subject to future common highways for the use of all the
division, citizens of all the
56 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

United States. The fifth article related to the which had been created the fall before, was
formation of new States within the Territory, formally established upon Ohio soil, on the
the divisions to be not less than three nor 15th of July. The Governor and Judges had
more than five. By this article the west arrived at Fort Harmar several days before.
boundary of Ohio became a line running The ceremonies attending inauguration of
northward from the mouth of the Great government were highly impressive. The
Miami, until it intersected a line running Judges, Secretary, and inhabitants assembled
eastward from the southern bend of Lake on the site of Marietta, where the Governor
Michigan, the northern boundary. was welcomed by Judge Parsons. Under a
The sixth article provided that, bower of foliage contributed by the
There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary surrounding forest, the ordnance of 1787
servitude in the Territory, otherwise than in the was read, congratulations exchanged, and
punishment of crime whereof the party shall have been
convicted. three hearty cheers echoed and reechoed
This ordinance gave the greatest en- from the waters of two rivers, the high hills,
couragement to immigration, and offered the and thick forests.
fullest protection to those who became Marietta, the town founded by the
settlers, for "when they came into the Massachusetts colony, became an important
wilderness they found the law already there. centre of settlement. Conceived on the soil
It was impressed upon the soil while yet it of the loyal old Bay State, the story of its
bore up nothing but the forest." * birth was heralded throughout all New
The Ohio Company, before the close of England. Reinforcements came from the best
the summer, was rapidly formulating regu- homes and the best communities, not from
lations for the government of their affairs, Massachusetts alone, but of Connecticut and
and the associates making hasty preparations Rhode Island also. The course of emigration
for the anticipated removal to the beautiful from the impoverished States, once opened,
country of which they had formed most widened and deepened until temporarily
extravagant ideas. closed by an unfortunate conflict with the
In October Congress ordered seven red natives, a little less than three years after
hundred troops for the protection of the the arrival of the first company of pioneers.
frontiers, and on the 5th of the month Early in 1789 two colonies branched off
appointed the territorial officers: Arthur St. from Marietta, one settling on the Ohio,
Clair, Governor; Winthrop Sargent, opposite the mouth of the Little Kanawha,
Secretary; Samuel H. Parsons, James M. known as the Belpre Association; the other
Varnum, and John Armstrong, + Judges. on the Muskingum, twenty miles above its
On the 7th of April, 1788, a company of mouth, which still bears the name of
forty-eight men, with General Rufus Putnam Waterford. During the same summer a third
at their head, disembarked from their boat at colony branched off from the parent town,
the mouth of the Muskingum and planted the and located on Big Bottom, in Morgan
first American colony on the soil of Ohio. county. The attack on the Big Bottom
blockhouse, January 2, 1791, and the
The civil government of the Territory
indiscriminate slaughter of its inhabitants,
*S. P. Chase, Statutes of Ohio. was the opening of a general Indian war
+
Judge Armstrong declined the office and John Cleves Symmes
along the whole border.
was appointed to fill the vacancy. New England had little more than com-
menced to plant her civilization at the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 57

mouth of the Muskingum when a people of North Bend was the name given by Symmes
different stock cut into the forest, and to his town, Losantiville to the town in the
raised their cabins between the Miamis of amphitheater, which was soon changed to
the Ohio. In October, 1788, John Cleves Cincinnati, and the town at the mouth of the
Symmes, one of the judges of the Territory, Little Miami founded by Colonel Stiles, was
and a native of New Jersey, negotiated with named Columbia. The three villages were
Congress on behalf of himself and rivals for a short time, but the establishment
associates for the purchase of one million of Fort Washington in June, 1789, and its
acres extending northward from the Ohio, occupation by three hundred soldiers under
between the Great and Little Miamis, but in command of General Harmar probably turned
consequence of failure to make payment the the tide in favor of Cincinnati. The original
greater part of the purchase reverted to settlers of these villages were mostly from
Congress, the patent when issued covering New Jersey, and recruits for a number of
but about three hundred thousand acres. years came from the same place. Thus was
Judge Symmes sold the large, natural planted in the Miami Valleys the civilization,
amphitheater opposite the Licking Rive, to temperament and hereditary bias of the Red
Mathias Denman; of New Jersey, who Sand State, Hollander and English tinctured
entered into a contract with Colonel with Swedish blood.
Patterson and Mr. Filson, of Kentucky, for The third settlement* in Ohio, and the first
laying out a town. Mr. Filson was killed by foreign colonization, was made opposite the
the Indians, and his interest became the Big Kanawha in the summer of 1791. We
property of Israel Ludlow. Patterson and have mentioned the joint negotiations of
Ludlow, accompanied by a small party, William Duer of New York, and Mannasseh
arrived on the site of Cincinnati December Cutler, for the purchase of an extensive tract,
26, 1788. This may be considered the date bounded by the Ohio River on the south and
of the founding of Cincinnati. A few extending northward between the first seven
blockhouses had been erected the preceding ranges to the Scioto. A patent for the whole
month at the mouth of the Little Miami. In tract was issued to the Ohio Company; but
February following the arrival of two days afterward, all of the tract lying west
Patterson's party, Judge Symmes, with a of the seventeenth range was transferred to
party of citizens and soldiers, descended the Scioto Company, of which Duer was
the Ohio, and disembarked at the mouth of chief. The Scioto Company at once took
the Great Miami, where it was proposed to measures. for the disposition of its lands,
found a city destined to become the foreign colonization being the favorite and
metropolis of the West, but unfortunately novel scheme. Joel Barlow, the poet, was sent
the site was inundated by spring floods, to France, then in the days of its discontent
necessitating abandonment of the cherished and revolution. His roseate descriptions
project. Judge Symmes, determined to be pictured an Arcadia, of which Fair Haven was
the founder of a city, then laid out a town the destined capital. Attentive listeners saw
extending from the Ohio to the Miami. But noble forests, consisting of trees that
nature had formed another place for the spontaneously produce sugar, and a plant that
Western metropolis, which, unfortunately yields ready made
for the projector of the Miami settlement, * By the term "settlement" we mean the clusters of related posts
he had sold. and villages.
58 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

candles, gracefully rising from la belle riviere, in 1798, which set apart for them a tract of
a pure stream abounding in excellent fish of land known as the French Grant, east of the
vast size. To live in a land of plenty with no mouth of the Scioto. Many remained at the
taxes to pay and no military services to original place of settlement; others,
perform, was the fair vision of this disgusted with the imposition practiced upon
transcendent land which influenced a large them, found homes at other places –
company, composed chiefly of carvers and Vincennes, St. Louis, Kaskaskia, and St.
gilders, coach-makers, friseurs, and other Genevieve. We have not included Gallipolis
artistes. Less than a dozen heavy laborers as one of the centres of settlement because
embarked in the enterprise. Deeds for their the original colony, although it has left its
land, handsomely printed in high ,colors, impress upon its own locality has never
raised still higher the delusive anticipation asserted itself in affairs of the State.
that their journey was to a Fair Haven in fact The Virginia Military District is one of the
as well as in name. most interesting historical divisions of the
The Scioto Company employed General State. It became practically an extension of
Rufus Putnam, of the Ohio Company Virginia into Ohio, between the Scioto and
association, to locate a village and prepare the Little Miami, as far north as the centre of
homes for the immigrants. Fair Haven, located the State. As has been noticed in a preceding
opposite the mouth of the Kanawha, was found chapter, Virginia, of which Kentucky was a
to be below the high-watermark, which part, reserved in her act of cession of all
induced General Putnam to locate Gallipolis claims to lands northwest of the Ohio, this
(City of the French) four miles below upon a extensive tract to be appropriated as bounty
high bank. A detail of forty laborers, under to her own troops in the war of the
Major Burnham, cleared a small tract of land, Revolution. General Nathaniel Massie was
and built blockhouses and cabins, arranged in appointed by the State Government to make
four rows, twenty in each row. The Company a survey of the District, and for some time
had also contracted with the Ohio Company to carried on the work by making expeditions
furnish the colony with provisions, but having with his party through the present territory
failed to make payment for labor already of Kentucky. In the winter of 1790-91,
discharged, the French were left in a pitiful encouraged, no doubt, by the flourishing
condition. The disheartenment of progress of the settlements at the mouth of
disappointment on their arrival at the promised the Muskingum and at the Miamis, Massie
paradise became utter dejection when they determined to plant a colony on Virginia
learned that the Scioto Company had never soil. Such a settlement would afford his
paid for the land, and in consequence could party protection from danger and exposure
give no title. These deluded foreigners, inured while prosecuting the survey. The site of
to tender-handed employments, were thrown Manchester was chosen and a town laid off
into the pioneer battle under the greatest dis- in lots. The adjoining tracts were surveyed
advantages. In constant danger of an attack into an equal number of out-lots of larger
from Indians, suffering from sickness, and size. He gave general notice through
without money, they were unable to do for Kentucky of his intention to found a town,
themselves as settlers at the other openings and offered to the first twenty-five families
along the river were doing. They were one out-lot and one in-lot, and one hundred
provided for by an act of Congress, acres of land. His terms were quickly
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 59

accepted by upwards of thirty families. The political destinies of the State. The
company arrived in March, 1991, and went boundless possibilities of the West was no
to work with a will. In a short time each longer a speculation. Colonization and war
family had a cabin, and the whole village together had disseminated through the East a
was enclosed with a strong stockade, with knowledge of the fertility of the soil and
blockhouses at each angle. The Indian war transportation facilities. Peace opened the
was at its hottest when this colony crossed garrisons, and the valleys of every river
the river and built their fort, but "it suffered resounded with the woodman's axe. "Never
less from depredation and even interruption since the golden age of the poets," says an
by Indians than any settlement previously old writer, "did the `siren song of peace and
made on the Ohio River. This was, no doubt, harmony' reach so many ears or gladden so
due to the watchful band of brave spirits many hearts as after Wayne's treaty in
who guarded the placemen who were reared 1795." Never did a people, we may add,
in the midst of danger, and inured to peril, engage with such earnestness of purpose in
and as watchful as hawks."* the incalculable task of hewing a great State
This settlement was known as Massie's out of an unbroken forest.
Station for a few years. The name was The village of Cincinnati, which in 1792
changed to Manchester. had a population of about two hundred,
A general border war, which had been increased to upwards of six hundred souls
waged industriously on both sides between before the close of 1796. Population spread
the Ohio tribes and the Pennsylvania and northward from Cincinnati, and was
Virginia borderers for a long term of years, characteristically Jersey, but there was a
assumed more alarming proportions with the considerable mixture of people from other
opening of the year 1791. The first attack on Eastern States.
the north side of the Ohio was at Big Hamilton, Butler county, was laid out in
Bottom, on the ad of January. That bloody 1794, and settled soon afterward.
surprise, in which fourteen persons were Dayton, Montgomery county, and
slain and five taken captive, + marks the Franklin, Warren county, were settled in
opening of a period of distress and peril for 1796.
the pioneers of Ohio. Lower Sandusky's part An attempt was made by Massie, in 1795,
in the history of that period has been shown. to found a town in the heart of the Virginia
For four years immigration was almost at a Military District, but Indian hostilities
standstill, and at the settlements unceasing defeated his scheme. The following year the
danger from a clandestine enemy held in attempt was repeated with a more favorable
check material improvement. result. Chillicothe was laid out early in 1796,
The report of Wayne's decisive victory on and became by far the largest town in the
the Maumee was a joyful message to the District, and first capital of the State of
garrisoned settlers along the Ohio. That Ohio. The pioneers of the military tract came
event marks the beginning of the second through the passes of the Blue Ridge,
epoch of Ohio history, an epoch full of bringing with them the institutions of the
activity and one which moulded the Old Dominion, except slavery, which was
fortunately barred beyond the Ohio by the
* McDonald 's Western Sketches. ordinance of 1787. The contrast between the
+ One of the captives was the father of a highly re - Virginian of the Scioto and his Eastern
spected citizen of this county, Charles Choate.
neighbor,
60 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the New Englander of the Muskingum, was as The county of Jefferson was erected in 1797.
marked as the difference in the character of The Northwestern Indian Reservation, of
their native States. The Virginian proudly which Sandusky county is a part, drew
traced his ancestry to English nobility, and largely from the seven ranges and from the
claimed the blood of Norman and Cavalier; Military Reservation. These two divisions
his neighbor at Marietta turned to the New are coupled together as one centre of
England Register of Genealogy, and settlement, the character of the mixed
followed his line of descent to the Puritan population being about the same in each.
Nonconformist who came to America for The Connecticut Western Reserve is the
religious freedom. These two elements have largest tract in the State possessing a
been, since before the formation of the State homogeneous population. Extending
Constitution, opposing forces in State pol- westward from the Pennsylvania line to the
itics, at times on the floors of legislation, east line of Sandusky county, and from the
fighting each other as bitterly as the re- forty-first parallel to the lake, it contains an
spective States from which they sprung. area of more than three million three
We have now hurriedly sketched the hundred thousand acres, and is settled even
founding and growth of the three southern to this time almost wholly by people of
and oldest centres of settlement. The fourth Connecticut stock.
division in order of settlement„ but first In a previous chapter relating to the
entered by Federal surveyors, was the seven ownership of the Northwest, it was seen that
ranges. The survey of these ranges was the dispute between the States arising from
commenced in compliance with an ordinance indefinite colonial titles to Western lands,
of Congress passed in 1785. The seven was finally settled by the States ceding their
ranges extend seven townships west from the claims to the Federal Government. "The last
Pennsylvania line, and from the Ohio River tardy and reluctant sacrifice" was made by
to the fortieth parallel of latitude. Most of Connecticut, in 1786, with this extensive
the settlers came over the Alleghenies from reservation, which it was supposed by the
Eastern Pennsylvania. Many are of Quaker Legislature would eventually become a new
descent, but a larger proportion are of State New Connecticut almost
German origin. Some of the counties were commensurate with the parent
partially settled from other States. There is Commonwealth. Another dispute arose,
less homogeneity of race and training in this when, in 1788, Governor St. Clair, in
than in any other of the five centres of early obedience to the ordinance of 1787,
settlement. In this respect it is like the organized the Territory into counties,
United States Military Reservation lying just constituting all that part east of the Cuya-
west of it and extending to the Scioto. This hoga, the Tuscarawas and the Scioto,
tract was set apart to satisfy Revolutionary Washington county, with Marietta as the
bounties, and in consequence drew its county seat. This proclamation was deemed
population from all the States. Settlements by Connecticut an interference with territory
were made simultaneously in several parts of over which she had sole jurisdiction.
the seven ranges as soon as Indian hostilities The first tract of land disposed of by the
were suppressed. Steubenville, one of the State, was sold in 1786 to General Samuel
oldest of the towns which flourished, was Parsons. It consisted of twenty-four
founded in 1798. thousand acres, lying partly in each of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 61

the present counties of Mahoning and proved successful in the southern part of the
Trumbull. He had heard that there were Territory, was finally adopted by Con-
available saline springs on the tract, and necticut. In May, 1795, a committee was
made the purchase for speculative purposes. appointed to receive propositions for the
His expectations were never realized, and he purchase of all the unappropriated lands in
was drowned in the Beaver River, three the Reserve, and to make the best contract
years afterward. He never paid for the land possible for the State, the committee being
and it reverted to the State of Connecticut, empowered to give deeds to the purchasers.
the original grantee of the patent. One million dollars in specie was the
The Firehinds, embracing the present minimum price fixed by the Legislature, and
counties of Huron and Erie, was the next specie or specie notes only were to be
section carved off from her Western received as payment. The committee
possessions by the State. During the succeeded in making the sale in September,
Revolution, British invading parties were the 1795, to a company of thirty-five persons, at
special terror of Connecticut. Most of her the sum of one million two hundred
able-bodied men were in the army, leaving thousand dollars. This sum became the basis
the State with a feeble guard against hasty of the Connecticut school fund, which now
exploits from the royal headquarters at New amounts to about two million dollars. The
York. Nine towns were thus plundered and transfer was made to the Connecticut Land
laid waste, mostly by fire, and the Company, which was incorporated under the
inhabitants of one of them massacred. The laws of Connecticut. An act was also passed
sufferers, after the war appealed to the incorporating the proprietors of the
Legislature for relief, and, after several years Firelands. These acts granted political
discussion and delay, they were voted an jurisdiction over transferred lands, under
appropriation of five hundred thousand authority of the State of Connecticut. It will
acres, to be surveyed off from the western be seen that by this act practically a dual
part of the Reserve, and distributed in government was created in Northeastern
proportion to their losses. The settlement of Ohio. The Reserve, by the ordinance of
this district did not commence until about 1787, was made a part of the Northwest
1808, owing to Indian occupation and fear of Territory, the United States recognizing the
hostilities. reservation, by Connecticut, of a proprietary
The Legislature of Connecticut took the right to the soil, but claiming absolute
first measures towards the sale of the State's political jurisdiction. This intricate conflict
Western lands in October, 1786, when a of claims was finally settled in 1800, by
resolution was passed directing a survey of all Connecticut abandoning her pretensions and
that part of the Reserve east of the Cuyahoga recognizing the political authority of the
and the portage leading from the Cuyahoga to Territorial Government.
the Tuscarawas. The resolutions also directed The leading man in the Connecticut Land
the sale of the land at fifty cents an acre, in Company, and the heaviest stockholder, was
the public securities of that day. No sales Oliver Phelps. A deed was made by the State
were made, except to Parsons, under this reso- to each purchaser, giving him absolute title
lution, which was displaced by another to a number of acres proportional to the
resolution changing the method of sale, in amount of stock subscribed. The buyers, for
1795. The Company plan, which had convenience,
62 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

transferred the whole tract to three trustees. If the growth of the Reserve at first was
The company was enlarged to four hundred slow, the superiority of its soil finally
shares at three thousand dollars a share. The became known, and New Connecticut has
management of its affairs was entrusted to a grown within the last seventy years, with
board of eight directors. remarkable rapidity. Chillicothe, the
General Moses Cleaveland was appointed principal town of the far famed Scioto
surveyor of the Company, with instructions Valley, founded but a few months before
to lay off all that part of the Reserve east of Cleveland, became the first capital and
the Cuyahoga in townships of not less than second city of the State, while the Reserve
sixteen thousand square miles, and to lay out was yet scarcely a factor in politics. In 1880
a town at the mouth of the Cuyahoga. there were within the Reserve four cities out
Washington, Jefferson, and other statesmen rivaling in size and industry the Virginian
of the times, who took a live interest in city of the Scioto.
Western settlement, looked upon the mouth The seventh division into which patents,
of the Cuyahoga as destined to become an grants, and treaties carved the territory of
important commercial point. This prediction, Ohio, is the one including Sandusky county.
widely entertained, led to the selection of the It was almost without white habitation at the
site of the prospective capital of New opening of the period which closes this brief
Connecticut, for the authority of the outline of the growth of Ohio. It was upon
Northwest Territory had not yet been the native population of this Northwestern
accepted. The surveying party commenced Indian reservation that the British arms, in
early in July, 1796, and reached the mouth 1812, depended for their chief assistance.
of the Cuyahoga in October, where a town The frontier line of settlements, at the
was laid out in accordance with the direction opening of that struggle, extended from Lake
of the company, and named Cleaveland, in Erie at Huron, southward through Richland,
honor of the veteran chief of the corps. A Delaware, and Champaign counties, thence
small settlement was made that fall, but the westward to beyond the Miami and Indiana
growth of the village was slow, line.
discouragingly slow, in comparison with the The early settlers of Ohio, without
flourishing towns on the Ohio. At the end of exception, were superior men. The dangers
the first year the population was fifteen. of the frontier kept back all who were
Three years later there were but seven lacking in courage or incapable of enduring
residents, and in 1810 only fifty-seven. A physical hardships. Even in the lull of
feeble settlement was made at Conneaut the supposed peace there was constant danger of
next year after Cleaveland was founded, and an attack from red warriors, kindled to
several openings were made in the Mahoning vengeance by a real or supposed injury. In
Valley during the next few years. The 1810 the population of the State was
Mahoning country was more accessible, and 230,760; the vote for governor, in 1812, was
consequently grew faster than the northern 19,752, and at different times during the
part. Warren was the most important point war, then actually in progress, more than
on the Reserve for a number of years, and twenty thousand Ohio troops were in the
contained, in 1801, thirty-five families. field, more than the entire number of votes
Trumbull County was organized in 1800, cast at an important State election.
with Warren as the county seat. The first county proclaimed by the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 63

Governor was Washington, embracing State. The ordinance made the western
about half the present territory of Ohio, and boundary a line running due north from the
reaching from the mouth of the Cuyahoga mouth of the Miami River, and the northern
to the mouth of the Scioto. Hamilton county boundary a line running east from the
was proclaimed in 1790. Detroit was southern bend of Lake Michigan. This line
occupied by American troops in 1796, and was not yet surveyed in 1802, but the
made the seat of a new county W a y n e – convention, acting on the hypothesis that it
w h i c h embraced the whole territory of was the intent of the ordinance to include
Michigan, Northwestern Ohio and Northern Maumee Bay in the Eastern State, resolved
Indiana. The Virginia Military District was that the northern boundary should be a line
erected into a county in 1797. The same running from the most northerly cape of
year Washington county was divided, the Maumee Bay to the southern bend of Lake
northern half being set off as Jefferson Michigan.
county, with Steubenville as the county The Constitutional Convention finished
seat. Adams was divided by the erection of its labors in November, and the document
Ross in 1798, and Jefferson by the erection became the fundamental law of the State
of Trumbull in 1800. Trumbull was the first without being submitted to the people.
county of the Reserve. Several counties Congress recognized Ohio as a member of
were formed in the Reserve between 1800 the Federal Union in February, 1803.* It is
and 1809, when Huron was erected. The not the purpose of this chapter to trace the
treaty of Maumee Rapids, the inevitable civil history of the State, but only to
sequence of the issue of the War of 1812, present such a view as will show the
brought into market all Northwestern Ohio chronological and ethnological relations of
except the Indian reservations, and by an Sandusky county, and the events of a
act of the Legislature the tract thus fully general character which have affected its
acquired was carved into counties in 1820. history.
Indiana Territory was set off by an act of The Constitutional Convention's
Congress in 1800, and in 1802 an enabling definition of the northern boundary was for
act was passed authorizing the people of many years the subject of serious dispute
Ohio to elect delegates to a convention for and eventually threatened to involve the
the formation of a State constitution as a State in war; indeed more than threatened
preliminary step to admission into the w a r was actually begun. The convention
Union. The act admitted delegates only determined the line on the principles on
from that part of the Territory compre- which courts of chancery construe
hended by the ordinance of 1787, as the contracts. The map on file in the State De-
most eastern of the five States into which it partment, and used by the committee which
was proposed to divide the Northwest. This framed the ordinance of 1787, marked the
act cut off the northern county of the southern extreme of Lake Michigan far
Territory (now the eastern part of north of its real position, and a line was
Michigan), and brought upon Congress the drawn due east which intersected the
charge of endeavoring to erect the State for western coast of Lake Erie north of the
partisan purposes. Raisin River. This line was
One of the duties of the convention was *The date of admission is variously given as April, 1802, (the
to define the boundaries of the new date of the passage of the enabling act), November, 1802, and
February, 19, 1803. The latter date has the best claim.
64 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

manifestly intended to be the boundary of settlement, from the Sandusky Valley to the
the new State when formed. The ap- Maumee. Nearly all the able-bodied men of
prehension caused among the members by an Ohio were brought into the field, and the
old hunter's statement that a line drawn due expanse of forest inhabited only by rebellious
east would cut off Maumee Bay, which was Indians, which lay between the British
manifestly intended by Congress to belong western headquarters and the Ohio
to Ohio, induced the convention to change settlements, was an important part of that
the line prescribed by the language of the field. Men of sufficient sturdiness, self-
ordinance in order to make certain of saving respect and courage to volunteer in defense of
to the State the valuable harbor at the mouth their homes bivouacked in the heavy forests
of the Maumee.* of the Northwest, perceived the unbounded
The question of jurisdiction over the wealth of the soil and discussed around
territory lying between the line prescribed by cheerful camp fires the probable future of the
the Ohio Constitution and the line prescribed wilderness and advantages of early
by the ordinance, first came up in 1812, the settlement. Many even blazed on the trees the
population of the disputed tract at that time chosen locality of their future home. Forts and
being fifty families. Nearly all desired the permanent camps made openings in the
jurisdiction of Ohio, except a few officers wilderness, were the centres of army. trails,
serving under the government of Michigan, attracted traders and tradesmen, and thus
and determined to enforce the laws of that became incipient villages. The
Territory. + complementary local result of the war was its
Conflicting claims in 1835 caused an weakening and demoralizing effect upon the
open rupture in which Sandusky county Indians to whom this region had been
participated. This conflict is detailed in guaranteed a home inviolable as long as they
another chapter. Its origin was in the in- maintained peace with the United States.
terpretation and definition by the State In the previous chapter we called attention
Convention, of an act of the Federal Con- to the ambition of Tecumseh, and his
gress. operations looking toward the establishment
It remains to close this chapter with a of an Indian empire in the West. He was
summary of an episode in National history encouraged and aided in his scheme by agents
and an epoch of preeminent consequence in of the British Government, who desired to
local history. We say an episode in National have an organized force of braves ready to
history, for although the blood of America's follow the standard of the crown in the event
bravest citizens and England 's trained of probable conflict with the United States.
soldiers stained the hardly contested The European powers had, for a long time,
battlefields of three campaigns, although the been engaged in war, and successive military
Federal Treasury was depleted, private decrees involved serious commercial
estates bankrupted and the occupations of complications. England, as a war measure,
peace well nigh destroyed, the result in an claimed the right to search all neutral vessels,
international sense was negative. We have and under this pretense hundreds of American
called the war an epoch in local history seamen were impressed on board British
because it was the opening wedge to white ships. Congress threatened war, but the threat
*
Burnet's Notes. only made English agents more active in
}Burnet's Notes.
spreading the fire
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 65

brands of discontent and rebellion among The Northwestern army, composed of


the Western tribes. fourteen hundred brave men, were now
The attitude of the Wyandots has already prisoners of war; the British command of
been touched upon. Crane and his cabinet the lakes was absolute; the Territory of
of chiefs foresaw in the approaching Michigan was in the possession of foreign
conflict certain destruction for their nation, troops and their Indian allies, and nothing
and exercised their utmost efforts to prevent was left to prevent an invasion into Ohio.
the calamity by maintaining neutrality. The The militia of the Reserve, under General
disaster to Tecumseh's cause at Tippecanoe, Wadsworth, turned out almost to a man,
in 1811, further impressed them with the and in little more than two weeks from the
futility of war, and threatened to crush the first announcement of Hull's surrender at
confederacy before it had been completed. Cleveland, an army of raw farmers and
It was Tecumseh's plan to refrain from woodsmen were encamped on the Huron
attack upon the white settlements until the River.
conflict with Great Britain should be in Before the close of the summer British arms
actual progress, but the battle of Tippe- presided over the Upper Lakes, Fort
canoe was precipitated by the Prophet while Dearborn, the last American post, falling
Tecumseh was on a diplomatic mission victim to a most horrid Indian massacre.
among the Creeks, in the South. That battle During the winter of 181213 warlike
disclosed to the Americans the dangers of preparations were pushed in the Northwest
the situation, and the extent to which with the spirit of self-defence. Harrison, with
British influence had been exerted among an army of volunteers, occupied the northwest
the Indians. of Ohio, constructed forts and garrisoned
Interference with American trade, every strong point, so that at the opening of
enforced by the blockade system, the spring a greater feeling of security prevailed,
impressment of American sailors, and the and able-bodied men followed the army with
encouragement given the Indians supple- less apprehension concerning the safety of
mented by supplying them with arms, their homes. It is not within our province to
induced Congress in June, 1812, to declare follow this conflict, which opened with
war. Although this ultra measure had long defeat, disaster and disgrace, except one
been contemplated, our Government was desperate scene, which is fully treated in a
totally unprepared for the conflict, which separate chapter. Croghan's gallant and
accounts for the disgraceful series of successful defence of Fort Stephenson turned
blundering during the first year of its the tide in favor of the volunteer arms. Perry
progress. followed by making the flag of the Republic
To General Hull, Territorial Governor of master of Lake Erie, and Harrison
Michigan, with headquarters at Detroit, was complemented these achievements by totally
given the important commission to make an defeating Proctor and extinguishing the allied
invasion of Upper Canada; but, through the Indian force under Tecumseh on the Thames.
imbecility of that officer, the project was a The bullet which mortally wounded
total failure, and for the same reason Tecumseh killed British influence over the
Detroit fell into the hands of the British, Northwestern Indians, and secured the people
without a blow, on the 15th of August. This of Ohio perpetually against incursions from
disaster spread the greatest apprehension that source. Jackson, at New Orleans,
throughout Ohio. crowned the
66 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

series of brilliant victories, and gave perpetual and promptly paid her quota out of the
luster to American arms. State Treasury.* There was, at first, a
During the whole contest the conduct of the difference of opinion with regard to the
State Government was as patriotic and honorable expediency of war, but when a foreign
as the devoted bravery of her troops was eminent. army landed on our shores her citizens
When the necessities of the National Treasury cheerfully volunteered, and Ohio's blood
compelled Congress to resort to a direct tax, Ohio, stained every important battlefield in the
for successive years, cheerfully assumed Northwest.

*CHAPTER VI.
PR EH IS TO R IC RACES.

The Cave-Dwellers—Mound Builders—Their Fortifications and Works in the County—Description and Location of
the Works—The Stone Workers.

T HE C AVE– D WE L LE R S. cut a channel down the north side of the


dividing ridge between that river. and the
T HAT there was a race of men who dwelt
in caves made in the rocks, who inhabited
this continent, or parts of it, is now pretty
Tuscarawas. He found that in some places the
chasm was made deeper than the stream is
wide at its head, and on the sides were caves
well settled among those who search for
containing human bones and bones of
ancient traces of mankind. Much inquiry has
animals, showing that they were once
been made in this direction by earnest and
inhabited by human beings.
learned men, and the facts gathered furnish
General Bierce, who published a history of
strong circumstantial, if not positive evidence
Summit county, corroborates, from personal
that some of the Cave-dwellers inhabited
observation, the statements of Colonel
different parts of Ohio, and that they were the
Whittlesey as to the caves. General Bierce
first inhabitants. Among the proofs adduced
also shows that in Green township, formerly
to establish the existence of the Cave-
of Stark county, now of Summit, on the east
dwellers, we find that some time ago Colonel
side of the Tuscarawas River, great numbers
Whittlesey, who was President of the
of stones were found by the white settlers of
Northern Ohio Historical Society, made an
Stark county on an elevated plateau. These
exploration along the Cuyahoga River, from
stones varied from four to six feet in
its source to its mouth, and reported that he
circumference and were elevated a little
found artificial habitations made in the rocks
above the earth's surface, with a
forming the north side of the river, which,
comparatively even surface on top. On these
though narrow, has
stones it was supposed sacrifices of human
*The following chapters, up to and including parts of beings were made to appease the wrath or
the history of Fremont, were written by Hon. Homer propitiate
Everett.
* S. P. Chase.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 67

the favors of some ancient god or gods. destroyed the earthworks of their predeces-
Near by the place where these stones were sors, struck fire from flint, burned all they
found was the Indian trail used in passing could of the structures of the more ancient
from the Sandusky country to the Ohio races, using for themselves the bow and
River. The trail ran along the elevated ridge arrow and stone hatchets and stone arrow
on which these stones were found. But no heads, with bark canoes and thongs of the
evidence was found about these stone altars hides of animals for fishing and hunting
either of calcined bones of burnt prisoners, purposes, while the mounds of earth raised
or of charred wood, or of implements to by the more ancient races were left
indicate that the altars had been made use unharmed, as places for lookout, or of
of for any purpose by the modern Indians; burial for their chiefs and warriors. Thus
and in the absence of other evidence, the seems to read the inscriptions made by the
conclusion is that the altars were erected by ancient races on the surface of the earth, as
the ancient race domiciled in the caves, and far as they have been yet interpreted by
who were probably the first of mankind in observation, science and reason.
Ohio. Mr. Whittlesey, in passing down the WHENCE CAME THE CAVE-DWELLERS.
Cuyahoga, found earthworks and other evi- Where these most ancient of the inhab-
dences of a later race than the Cave- itants of our continent, the Cave-dwellers,
dwellers, and further on toward the lake he came from, is a question which perhaps
found what approaches to be regular may never be satisfactorily answered. But
fortifications, evincing a still higher civili- certain geological facts may help to con-
zation than the earthworks already men- jecture whence they came. First, it is said
tioned; but he leaves his readers to form by the most learned geologists of the time,
their own conclusion. that certain portions of this continent are
From the facts given here by Colonel the oldest portions of the earth's surface,
Whittlesey and General Bierce, taken in and contain its Eozoic crust without
connection with the better and the un- evidence of marine beds or other proofs of
doubted testimony which the Mound submergence by any floods since that day.
Builders have left of their existence, and Certain areas in northern New York,
interpreting the works each race has left on Canada, Labrador, and west of the
the earth, as they came and passed in Mississippi, in Missouri, Arkansas, Dakota,
successive ages, we may quite reasonably and Nebraska remain as in the Eozoic time,
conclude that first came the Cave-dwellers or time when there was no life. Second,
into this land to inhabit it. Second, there from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic
succeeded them at some time another race Ocean no sea has ever overflowed these
who had invented implements, and could parts of the continent since the close of the
erect earthworks for defences, and who carboniferous age or the age which
piled it up into great mounds for burial, produced the plants and forests out of
sacrificial, or military purposes. Thirdly, which coal was formed.* Third, at the time
came a race who worked stone and earth the carboniferous sea disappeared the
and with their improved implements, made watershed holding back the mass of waters
regular fortifications and places of abode or of the lake existed and on which dry land
worship. Fourthly came a race of red men first appeared in Ohio. This watershed
who afterwards kicked down the stone traversed the State from south
altars and
*See Dana's Geology, 135, 136, 137 and 138.
68 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

west to northeast, in the direction of the bass of perpetual thunder against the re-
Canadian highlands. verberating hills around, left the region of
Mr. Atwater, the antiquarian, in his work country called Northwestern Ohio, of which
on the antiquities of America, holds the Sandusky county is a part, a great plain
opinion that the people who put up stone slightly inclined from the south towards the
altars, earthworks, and fortifications, com- north, its northern termination but little
menced that work at the head of the northern elevated generally above the level of the
lakes, thence moved along their borders into lake which bounds it at the present time. The
what is now western New York, thence in a region was generally almost level, and,
southwestern direction, following the rivers though swampy, was chiefly covered with a
to the Ohio River and down the Ohio and dense growth of large forest trees of
Mississippi, thence to the city of Mexico, as considerable variety.
now known, where they had their central The singular absence of high hills, low
power, and from which locality they radiated valleys, high rocks, and intervening ravines,
colonies into what is known as South which made this country ineligible to the
America, and other countries. But whence Cave-dwellers, rendered it also a rather
came the Cave-dwellers is a question still uninviting location to the Mound and Fort
unsolved. Some speculations are found about Builders. The works of the successors to the
it, such as that at one time the islands in the Cave dwellers are therefore not as numerous
Atlantic, North or South were once so nor as striking to the beholder as they are in
approximate as to allow convenient transit many other localities. But, notwithstanding
from continent to continent, and that this unfavorable feature in the surface of the
afterwards upheavals in the ocean and the county, there are yet found within its limits
sinking of these islands left a greater sufficient of these works to prove that this
expanse of water. That crossing was once ancient race, or these ancient races of men,
effected by way of Greenland, and thereby a were once here.
race was planted on this continent – others There were, a few years ago, the remains
claiming that man was as indigenous to this of a line of earthen forts, supposed to be for
continent as to the Eastern hemisphere. defence, extending from Muskash Point, now
These speculations are of little value in in Erie county, along south and eastward on
settling the query, and leave the question the solid lands along the marshes of
still unanswered and surrounded with that Sandusky Bay to the Sandusky River,
mist and darkness which bounds the region striking the river in section twelve, township
of ascertained facts. There are as yet no five, range fifteen; thence up the river to
discovered traces of this race in Sandusky Negro Point, on the Williams Reserve, in
county; still, the nearness of them to us section fourteen, and along up the river on
makes the mention of them pertinent, while the high bank or hill along the river on the
the facts discovered are interesting to all. east side, up to near the north line of Seneca
county.
M OU N D BUI LDE RS AN D T HE I R WORKS. Mr. Michael Stull, an aged farmer now
The subsidence of the waters of the residing in section twelve, Riley township,
glacial period of the earth, which geologists says that in 1820 he came to Muskash and
say formed the great chain of lakes whose owned a piece of land there on which were
waters flow over the Falls of Niagara in such the remains of a considerable ancient fort.
awful grandeur, sending the lowest The walls were of earth,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 69

with openings or gates. The fort was in a further up the river, in section fourteen,
circular form and inclosing several acres of same township. This fort included five or six
ground. In this fort he found flint acres of land, and is situated partly on the
arrowheads, stone axes, and numerous land now owned by L. D. Williams, and
specimens in various forms of rude pottery partly on another tract. The five last
which appeared to have been made of burnt mentioned of these ancient forts are in the
clay, largely mixed with pounded shells of form of semicircles, the river forming the
clams or oysters. arc. The bank of the river where these
Another similar fort, with similar remains remains are found, is composed of earth
in and about it, was found in section one, which readily dissolves and washes away by
Riley township. Then another on the farm the action of the water, and these works are
now owned by Mr. Stull in section twelve in on the side of the river on which the current
the' same township. This fort or ancient and the motion given to the water by the
structure is now entirely obliterated, and winds spend their force, and where these
was, when the writer visited the place in forces have for a long time been encroaching
August, 1879, part of a beautiful clover upon the land, which, in times past, was
field, not revealing even a trace of its walls some distance away from the river. It is
or form. Mr. Stull leveled it himself. It was, quite plain, therefore, that these, like the one
according to his description of it, circular in at Muskash Point and the one on the Stull
form, with two gates or openings opposite farm, were originally circular in form, and
each other. The circle was about twenty rods some distance from the perpendicular, low
in diameter. A distinguishing feature of this bank of the river, for all the remains of the
fort was that a part of the wall on the west other forts in this chain, unaffected by the
side was made by piling soft lime stones, wash of a stream, are in that form complete.
which were found in plenty on the surface of There are evidences of another fort of the
the land a short distance from its structure. same kind above the Williams Reserve a
The walls of this fort, when first seen by Mr. short distance, on the high bank of the river,
Stull, were about four feet high. The ridge of in section thirteen, township five, range
soft limestone had been covered on the sides fifteen. This work is different in form from
and on top by earth to a considerable height; those heretofore mentioned, being nearly
the other portions of the wall were composed square, and is supposed to include about
of a ridge of earth only. three acres of land. It is situated at a place
Another ancient fort was found on the where there was once an Indian village
premises now or lately owned by Mr. J. called Muncietown, about three miles below
Longan, in section twelve, township five, the city of Fremont.
range fifteen. Another and larger ancient fort was found
Another on land owned by Charles Werth, a little down the river from the residence of
in the same section, and a little further up Mr. L. D. Williams, which, he says, was a
the river than that last mentioned. circle and enclosed about ten acres of land.
Another a little further up the river on the A MOUND.
land now owned by Jacob Thorn, in the same Near the fort next above the residence of
section. Mr. Williams, and not far from it, was found
Another on the Williams Reserve, still a mound about fifty feet in diameter,
70 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

which must originally have been raised to a the other plate were dark streaks and spots,
considerable altitude, and must have been of which the discoverers supposed might be
very ancient construction. Mr. Williams says characters or letters, understood at the time,
that about the year 1820 he assisted in cutting recording the name and rank of the man who
down a white-oak tree which stood on the had been buried, and the circumstances of
very summit of the mound, for the purpose of his death; but these inferences can only be
capturing a swarm of bees which had long entitled to the rank of conjectures.
been in the tree, and that this tree was then Following the river up about two miles
near three feet in diameter. At the time this from the location of the mound above
tree was cut the elevation of the mound was mentioned, the remains of another ancient
about eight feet above the general level of the fortification were found on the hill
surrounding land. The mound was afterwards overlooking the valley of the river of the
opened by Mr. John Shannon, of this county, opposite side below and both sides above. It
and his brother, about the year 1840. The included the block of lots once called the
mound had then attracted considerable Whyler property, on which he many years
observation and much speculation among the ago erected a brick cottage, which is still
observers as to what it was raised for, and standing. Here the hill or bluff trends quite
what might be in it. One night Mr. Shannon's sharply to the east for some distance, and
brother dreamed that there was a large wedge then curves southward, meeting the river
of gold buried under this mound, and again near where it is crossed by the Lake
communicated his dream as a profound Shore railroad in the southern portion of the
secret, and the two were so strongly city. No more advantageous point for a fort
impressed with the belief that the gold and lookout can be found along *the whole
wedge was there that they, being then young course of the Sandusky River than this one.
men, resolved to dig open the mound at all Our informant* saw this fort before
events, and see what was in or under it. The improvements had obliterated it. According
stump of the oak had then so far decayed to his description of the location of these
that it was removed without much difficulty. remains this fort was in the original plat of
On removing the earth from a considerable the town of Croghansville, on lots 649, 650,
space and a little below the general level of 667, 668, 669, 670, as now numbered on the
the surface around the mound, they found, present map of the city, and perhaps other
not the gold wedge dreamed of, but the teeth and parts of other lots.
of a human being in good preservation. Upon There were a few years ago the remains of
further carefully removing the earth they another fortification about two miles from
found, marked in a different colored earth the last mentioned, on the bluff commonly
from that surrounding it, the figure of a man known as the Blue Banks, in section ten,
of giant size, plainly to be seen. Where the township four, range fifteen, in Ballville
breast of the buried man had lain were found township.
two oval-shaped plates of white mica. One The remains of another ancient fort were
of these plates had been, or appeared to have discovered by our informant some distance
been, perforated, as there was a round hole from the .river, on Sugar Creek,
in it near the centre, such as might have been
*Mr. Julius Patterson .
made by a rifle ball. On
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 71

in the south part of Ballville township, on the great abundance of deer, bear, turkeys and
east side of the river.* wild fowl of the woods; and of waterfowl,
There was also found a considerable mound such as swan, geese, brant, and crane, and
on what is now out-lot thirty-three, a little to ducks of great variety; and such animals as
the left or east side of the road leading from beaver, otter, mink, etc., which the Indians
the south end of Front street in the city of and early white settlers describe as once
Fremont, to Ballville village. This mound was being here, and the immense quantity of
leveled and plowed over many years ago. In it excellent fish, show that no better point
were found some human bones, pottery, could be found for a race of men to locate
arrowheads, and stone axes, so common in who depended on the chase for food.
these tumuli, but the fact that human skulls THE STONE WORKERS.
and other bones were found indicated that the The evidence of the existence of a race of
human remains had been placed there at a men who worked stone into weapons and
later date than that of the age of the Mound clay into utensils, is abundant in the county.
Builders. There are also proofs showing the great
WHY DID THESE ANCIENT RACES COME antiquity of this race. Mr. Albert Cavalier,
AND FORTIFY HERE? residing on Mud Creek, in Rice township,
If any one is curious enough to inquire what this county, on section twenty-five, township
inducements existed to bring these ancient six, range fifteen, a few years ago cleared a
races to the region of country through which part of his land, which was level – no sign of
this line of ancient fortifications is found; mound or fort was perceptible. The trees
why they should settle and fortify themselves were of white oak, very large and fine; some
along the marshes bordering the Sandusky two and some as large as three feet in diame-
Bay, and the dry land along the banks of the ter. On plowing the land, his plow threw up
Sandusky River, the answer could rationally a great number of flint arrowheads, stone
be, that they were attracted hither by the axes, stone pipes, and pieces of pottery
health, beauty, or the grand scenery; or by composed of burnt clay mixed with pounded
advantageous localities for strong shells. These could not be seen on the
fortifications for defence or aggressive war. surface, but were covered nearly to the depth
The most rational and acceptable answer to of a furrow, and some were found under the
these questions may be found in the fact that stumps of the trees he had cut, when the
those races obtained their supplies of food by stumps were removed. Mr. Cavalier
capturing the game in the woods and prairies, deposited a variety of these articles with the
and in the waters in their vicinity. Credible Historical Society, and they are now in
accounts given by the early settlers of Birchard Library. Mr. Lewis Leppelman, of
countries where the remains of these this city, has been for some years gathering
fortifications were found, all tend to prove specimens of the same kind. He is entitled to
that in all the regions of the Northwest, there great credit for the time, energy, and money
could be no point found where the locality he has spent to collect the largest variety and
afforded such a superabundance of superior finest specimens of this kind of relics known
game and fish in close proximity, as this. The in Northwestern Ohio, and placing them also
In Birchard Library, where they can be seen
*Mr. L. Leppelman. by all visitors. A description of all
72 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the varieties of this interesting collection, and 1876, on page 356 and the four succeeding
where found, would alone make a volume. Mr. pages. This valuable work proves very
Leppelman would lay the public under still clearly that in Europe there were distinct
greater obligation by placing with them a periods marked by man 's use of different
descriptive catalogue, showing where each of material: first, the age of stone; second, the
the important pieces was found. This collection age of bronze; third, the age of iron. The age
contains not only stone arrowheads, axes, and of stone seems to have for a long time been
pipes in great variety, but a large number of coextensive with the races of men. The
specimens of other forms of stone, showing writer was lately informed by Mr. Samuel
equal or more skill in their make, of which it is Ickes, now residing at Deadwood, that some
difficult to conjecture the use. Many of the of the Western Indians still use the flint
specimens of Mr. Leppelman have the same arrow point for some purposes, such as
form, and are of like material as those found in killing small game with the arrow, and
the lakes of Switzerland, and described and skinning deer and preparing the skin for
lithographed in the Smithsonian Report of various uses with the stone axe.

CHAPTER VII.
THE INDIANS.
Indian Wars—General Wayne's Campaign—Battle of Fallen Timbers—Treaties—Grants of Land.

T HERE is, of course, no written history


of the races of men who were here
previous to the red men, found here when
to be pretty well established. Hon. Lewis
Cass, who was early familiar with all the
Indian tribes of the Northwestern Territory,
the whites first came. There is a blank of and had great facilities for obtaining
untold ages in the history of this Continent, information from and about them, as Indian
and for many years after the country had agent of the United States, may be regarded
been visited by white men, all the as good authority. In a discourse before the
information concerning the race then Historical Society of Michigan, delivered
occupying the country rests upon traditions. September 18, 1829, he gives some
These traditions reach back to about the year interesting statements respecting a tribe
1790, or nearly one hundred years ago. They called the Neutral Nation. The following is
throw a dim light, but are sufficiently an extract from this interesting and valuable
definite to be interesting, and to give some paper:
idea of the manners and customs of the This Neutral Nation, so called by Father Sequard, was
people. still in existence two centuries ago, when the French
missionaries first reached the Upper Lakes. The details
NEUTRAL GROUND—THE TWO FORTS. of their history and of their character and privileges are
meager and unsatisfactory, and this is to be the more
That this locality was considered valuable regretted, as such a sanctuary among the barbarous is
and important by the Indians seems not only singular institu-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 73

tion, but altogether at variance with that spirit of cruelty town they suffered the warriors to burn their prisoners;
with which their wars were usually prosecuted. The but those at the eastern would not practice this cruelty.
Wyandot tradition represents them as having separated (An old Wyandot informed me that he recollected, when
from the parent stock during the bloody wars between a boy, the remains of a cedar post or stake at which they
their own tribe and the Iroquois, and having fled to the used to burn prisoners,) The French historians tell us
Sandusky River for safety; that they here erected two that these neutral cities were inhabited and their neutral
forts within a short distance of each other, and assigned character respected when they first came here. At length
one to the Iroquois and the other to the Wyandots and a quarrel arose between the two cities, and one
their allies, where their war parties might find security destroyed the inhabitants of the other. This put an end to
and hospitality whenever they entered their country. the neutrality? *
Why so unusual a proposition was made and acceded to, WHERE WERE THESE ANCIENT FORTS OR
tradition does not tell. It is probable, however, that CITIES?
superstition lent its aid to the institution, and that it may
have been indebted for its origin to the feasts and There is good reason to believe that one of
dreams and juggling ceremonies, which constituted the them was at Muncietown, and that if the
religion of the aborigines. No other motive was
sufficiently powerful to restrain the hand of violence
ancient fort, the remains of which were
and to counteract the threat of vengeance. An internal found there, was the work of a preceding
feud finally arose in this Neutral Nation, one party race, the Wyandots, or rather a portion of the
espousing the cause of the Iroquois and the other of Wyandots called the Neutral Nation, adopted
their enemies; and like most civil wars, this was
prosecuted with relentless fury. Our informant says that and used it as a defensive position and city
since his recollection the remains of a red cedar post of refuge as above suggested by Governor
were yet to be seen, where prisoners were tied previous Cass and Major Stickney. Where the western
to being burned.
fort or city of refuge was located is a matter
The informant above alluded to by Gov- not now so easily determined. Close inquiry
ernor Cass, we have reason to believe, was of the oldest inhabitants about Fremont at
Major B. F. Stickney, of Toledo, long an this time (1881) fails to obtain any tradition
Indian agent in this region. That there may or account of any remains of any ancient
have been such a tradition among the Indians fortification on the west bank of the river,
we are unable to gainsay, but of its truth we nor can any such remains be discovered at
have doubts. the present time.
Major Stickney, in a lecture (as yet un-
THE IROQUOIS OR SIX NATIONS.
published) delivered February 28, 1845,
before the Young Men's Association, of This name is used to designate a body of
Toledo, says: Indians, consisting at first of five, then of six
The remains of extensive works of defence are now to
and afterwards of eight nations, who planted
be seen near Lower Sandusky. The Wyan dots have given themselves in Western New York and on the
me this account of them : At a period of two centuries shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie. These
and a half or more since, all the Indians west of this nations formed a confederacy prior to 1722,
point were at war with all the Indians east. Two walled
towns were built near each other, and each was but the precise date of its formation is not
inhabited by those of Wyandot origin. They assumed a recorded. The confederacy consisted, when
neutral character, and the Indians at war recognized that first known, of the following Nations of red
character. They might be called two neutral cities. All of
the West might enter the western city, and all of the East
men Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas,
the eastern. The inhabitants of one city might inform Cayugas, and Senecas, to whom the Tus-
those of the other that war parties were there or had caroras were added as a sixth Nation in
been there; but who they were or whence they came, or 1722, and after that the organization was
anything more must not be mentioned. The war parties
might remain there in security, taking their own time for
* Howe's History of Ohio.
departure. At the western
74 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

called the Six Nations. In 1723 the Huron persuasion were highly cultivated. The
tribes were received; and as an eighth Nation Iroquois were celebrated for their eloquence;
the Algonquin Massassaguas, from Canada. in proof of this we need only mention the
This Confederation was remarkable in many Cayuga, Logan; the Seneca, Red Jacket; the
respects. It was the most permanent and Oneida, Skenandoah; and the Onandaga,
powerful of the savage governments found in Garangula. The famous Brandt was a half-
North America. breed Mohawk. The tradition of Hiawatha (a
Seeing the other tribes destroying person of very great wisdom), who advised
themselves by internal discords, the Iroquois the union of the Five Nations, is given in
formed themselves into a confederacy, in Schoolcraft's History of the Indian Tribes,
which the principles of military glory and Volume III.
tribal union were carried to the highest The Iroquois took part with Great Britain
Indian perfection. They pursued war and during the war of the Revolution, and greatly
hunting but returned to their fixed villages. annoyed the frontier settlements of New York
Each canton or tribe was independent, and and New Jersey. A powerful expedition was
each bound to the others of the confederacy sent against them in 1779, under command of
by ties of general interest and honor. Matters General Sullivan, and their country was
of a general interest were decided in a ravaged, and eighteen of their villages burned.
general meeting of the sachems of all the This movement effectually broke their power,
nations, commonly held at Onondaga, New though their incursions did not immediately
York. They followed the maxim used by the cease. After the war treaties were made with
ancient Romans, of encouraging other them, by which extensive cessions of land
nations to incorporate, and adopted captive were made to the United States. Other treaties
people into their confederacy. In this way followed until their title has been
they became so strong that in the early part extinguished to all, or nearly all the land in
of the seventeenth century they had the Northern, Eastern, Middle and Southern
conquered all the neighboring tribes. Their States. In the War of 1812 their few
sachems were chosen by the general voice, remaining warriors assisted the Americans
admitting their courage and wisdom; these against the British, and were organized for
chiefs, in a true Roman simplicity, accepting military service under the command of
no salary, disregarding profit, and giving General Porter. Repeated cessions of land
away their share of the plunder of war or the have reduced their territory from the
perquisites of peace, and thought themselves dimensions of an empire to that of a
fully rewarded by the love and respect of the plantation. At the time the French
people. The Iroquois Nation possessed missionaries found the Wyandots on the
conservative power in the State, being Georgian Bay, and, as Schoolcraft says, when
represented in the public councils and the Canadas were first settled, they were
exercising a veto influence in the declaration found on the Island of Montreal, and probably
of war. This was certainly very remarkable about the time the great confederacy was
in a government founded on military formed, numbered forty thousand. The
principles. Slavery was unknown among number of the Senecas is not given, but they
them. As in other republican confederations, were called "a powerful tribe occupying
where no single person has power to compel, western New York and a part of northwestern
the arts of Pennsylvania." Of course, the other nations
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 75

of the confederacy must have been quite famous speech, the word Mingo does not
numerous. In 1855 the total remaining signify his tribe or nation, but that he was of
population of all the tribes belonging to the the confederacy. In fact, he was of the blood
confederacy was only six thousand souls, of the Mohawks, a nation who joined the
scattered in New York, Wisconsin, Arkansas confederacy.
and Missouri.* EXTENT OF THE CONQUESTS OF THE
The historian says, after describing this SIX NATIONS.
powerful confederacy: Before 1680 the Six Nations had overrun
In this way their strength became such that in the the Western lands, and were dreaded from
early part of the seventeenth century they had conquered Lakes Erie and Michigan to the Ohio and
all the neighboring tribes, and doubtless, in a hundred
years, had the whites not colonized America, would west to the Mississippi. In 1673 Allouez and
have absorbed all the nations from Canada to the Gulf of Dablon found the Miamis upon Lake
Mexico. Michigan fearing a visit from the .Iroquois.
It is interesting to notice that in the It appears that in 1684, by treaty, and again
formation of the confederacy we find in this in 1701 the Six Nations conveyed this vast
organization of the red men of North domain to Great Britain, "in trust to be
America, the model of the confederation of defended by his Majesty the King, to and for
the subsequent colonies of white men to the use of the grantors and their heirs." The
resist the oppressions of Great Britain. This title to this vast domain, or so much of it as
great and powerful confederacy of the North lay west of the Alleghenies, was disputed by
American Indians is broken, and the people the French, who claimed it by discovery
are few and scattered. The confederation of made by their early voyagers and
the white men served well so long as a missionaries, who had traversed the great
common danger threatened the colonies, but chain of lakes and descended the Mississippi
our fathers saw its weakness, and met and many years before. This contest gave rise to
formed "a more perfect union," by which we the war between the two powers, in which
were made a Nation, one and indissoluble, hostilities were actually commenced early in
under a written constitution, securing the 1752. After much bloodshed the British took
right of the Nation, of the people and the by conquest this territory, and it was ceded
States; and neither the wild waves of civil by France to Great Britain in the treaty of
discord, nor the power of external force have Paris, in 1763.
been able to break it. It should be remembered that in treaties
THE NAME. and conveyances of the Great West by the
Indians to Great Britain they did not part
The different names by which men
with their title to the land. They themselves,
belonging to this Indian confederacy have
and their lands, were placed under the care
been designated in history, has given rise to
and protection of Britain ; the land was to be
much confusion and misunderstanding. It is
held "in trust for the Indians and their heirs."
therefore proper to state that the French
Hence the Indians were justified in
called them Iroquois; the Dutch, Maquas; by
contending for the possession of their
other Indians, Mengive, and thence by the
inheritance. Let us now briefly consider how
English, Mingoes or Mohawks, so that when
we obtained
we read the story about Logan, the Mingo
OUR TITLE TO THE LANDS IN OHIO.
chief, and his
At the close of the war of the Revolu-
*American Cyclopedia.
76 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tion this whole region was in the possession Sandusky county, a notice of it seems
of the Indians. It was no longer claimed or proper in this work.
occupied exclusively by the Six Nations; WAYNE'S VICTORY ON THE MAUMEE.
they had sided with Great Britain in that Before the defeat of Crawford at Upper
war and their power was broken. Other Sandusky, in 1782, the United States had
tribes had, during the war, settled on the acquired, by treaty with certain separate
territory and occupied it in common with tribes, a portion of the land north of. the
them. Ohio River. After this the Indians were
These red men claimed title to the land. induced by the notorious half-breed Mo-
True it is, they had no parchment or paper hawk, Brandt, and the white renegade,
title signed and sealed by man or any Simon Girty, to confederate together and
human authority, but they believed and felt insist that the Ohio River should be the
that the Great Spirit, the Lord of Lords and boundary line between the lands of the two
King of Kings, and Lord paramount of all races. They cunningly insisted that the
things, had in his goodness given these territory was the common property of all
happy hunting grounds to his red children. the tribes, and that no single tribe could
No wonder then, that when he saw the "pale give title to any portion of it. President
face" settling and building on his domain Washington, by commissioners appointed at
and killing the game which was given him different times, strenuously endeavored to
to live upon, he was roused to resistance. convince them of the wrong they were
He had no court to try his title but that insisting upon; that the lands ceded to the
court of last resort, the court of force, a United States were acquired in good faith,
trial by wager of battle. Their arguments and some of it sold to actual settlers; and
were not made by attorneys. In this court of that the Government had no right to deprive
force the red men argued with the rifle, these settlers of their land or remove the
tomahawk, and scalping-knife, and with owners from it. He offered to make peace
fire. His cruelty to his enemy knew no and to protect the Indians' occupancy of all
bounds; helpless infancy and non-resisting their land not ceded to the Government. But
woman appealed in vain. The recital of his the Indians had already destroyed two
cruelties curdle the blood with horror. The armies sent to punish them for their
burning of Colonel Crawford, near Upper murders of frontier settlers, and they felt
Sandusky, and the massacre of his men, in strong enough to resist any force that would
1782; the destruction of St. Clair's army, on follow them into the wilderness. To this
a branch of the Wabash, in 1791; the feeling may be added that love of war,
butchery of Harmar's men in 1790, were cruelty, and plunder so characteristic of the
attended with scenes and incidents of North American Indian.
indescribable cruelty in almost every form While these efforts for peace were being
in which cruelty could be inflicted. But made, President Washington, who so well
there came at last an end to those terrible understood the character of the natives,
conflicts about title to the land. The final made preparation for the other alternative
contest over the right to occupy the in case pacific overtures should fail. The
Northwest took place on the bank of the concluding paragraph of the answer of the
Maumee River, in 1794, in the battle of confederated Indians to the offers of peace
Fallen Timbers, and as it had a powerful and protection will show the reader how
influence to settle the title to the land in determined they were to have the Ohio
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 77

River for the southern boundary of their lands. The talented and wily Brandt no doubt
The extract is taken from "Annals of the West," knew whereof he spoke, and his testimony
by James H. Perkins, published at Cincinnati in puts a grave responsibility upon the
the year 1847, and is as follows: British Government for those terrible
Brothers, we shall be persuaded that you mean Indian wars.
to do us justice, if you agree that the Ohio shall President Washington knew the Indian
remain the boundary line between us. If you will character and his mode of warfare. Early
not consent thereto, our meeting will be in life he, as a surveyor, had seen the red
altogether unnecessary. This is the great point men in their homes, and knew their
which we hoped would have been explained domestic habits and propensities from
before you left your homes, as our message last actual observation. He had seen the defeat
fall was principally directed to obtain that of Braddock and the destruction of his
information. army at Pittsburgh, then called Fort
Done in general council at the foot of the Duquesne; as commander-in-chief of the
Maumee Rapids, the 13th day of August, 1793. American forces in the Revolutionary War
NATIONS: he had witnessed their cunning duplicity
WYANDOTS, MASSASSAGOES,
SEVEN NATIONS OF CAN- CHIPPEWAS,
and cruelty as exhibited under the
ADA, MUNCIES, employment of the British Government in
POTTAWATOMIES, MOHICANS, that war, and with his usual discernment
SENECAS OF THE GLAIZE, CONNOYS, and wisdom calculated all chances.
SHAWNESE, DELAWARES,
MIAMIS, NANTAKOKIES, Therefore, while he hoped for peace he
OTTAWAS, CREEKS. was busy preparing for war. Accordingly,
ENGLISH INFLUENCE TO PREVENT PEACE. after St. Clair's defeat on the Wabash, the
President allowed that general to withdraw
It was suspected at the time that the British
from the service without a court-martial,
emissaries, or some indirect influence from that
and appointed Anthony Wayne, who had
source, was employed to prevent the peace so
served so well in the war of the
much desired by the United States. The histories
Revolution, to the command of the army to
of the time inform us that Brandt said, in
conquer the allied tribes of Indians in the
speaking about efforts for peace:
That for several years we were engaged in getting a Northwest. He instructed Wayne to
confederacy formed, and the unanimity occasioned by these organize an army at Pittsburgh, with spe-
endeavors among our Western brethren enabled them to defeat cial reference to the subjugation of the
two American armies. The war continued without our
brothers, the English, giving any assistance, except a little
Indians. In June, 1792, Wayne moved
ammunition, and they seeming to desire that a peace might be westward to Pittsburgh, and proceeded to
concluded, we tried to bring it about at a time that the United organize the army which was to be the
States desired it very much, so that they sent commissioners ultimate argument of the Americans with
from among their first people to endeavor to make peace with
the hostile Indians. We assembled for that purpose at the the Indian Confederation. Through the
Miami River in the summer of 1793, intending to act as summer of 1792 the preparation of the
mediators in bringing about an honorable peace, and if that soldiers was steadily attended to. "Train
could not be obtained, we resolved to join our Western
brethren in trying the fortunes of war. But to our surprise,
and discipline them for the service they
when upon the point of entering upon a treaty with the are meant for," said Washington, "and do
commissioners, we found that it was opposed by those acting not spare powder and lead, so the men be
under the British Government, and hopes of further assistance made marksmen."
were given to our Western brethren, to encourage them to
insist on the Ohio as the boundary between them and the In December, 1792, the forces now re-
United States.* cruited and trained, were gathered at a
*Stone's Life of Brandt.
point twenty-two miles below Pittsburgh,
78 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

on the Ohio, called Legionville. The army GENERAL WAYNE EXPLAINS THE SITUATION.
itself having been christened The Legion of On the 5th of October, 1793, General
the United States, was divided into four sub- Wayne wrote from Cincinnati that he could
legions and provided with legionary and sub- not hope to have, deducting the sick and those
legionary officers. While these wise left in garrison, more than two thousand six
preparations were going on, the peace hundred regular troops, three hundred and
propositions above mentioned were offered sixty mounted volunteers, and thirty-six
and urged upon the savages, and resulted in guides and spies to go with him beyond Fort
their final reply above given that nothing Jefferson. He further said, in the same
short of an agreement that the Ohio River communication to the Secretary of War:
should be the boundary of the land to be This is not a pleasant picture, but something must be
occupied on the south by the whites and on done immediately to save the frontier from impending
the north by the Indian tribes. Freeman, who savage fury. I will therefore advance tomorrow with the
force I have, in order to gain strong position in front of
left Fort Washington April 7th, Truman, who Fort Jefferson, so as to keep the enemy in check (by
left on May 22d for Maumee, and Colonel exciting a jealousy and apprehension for the safety of their
Hardin, who on the same day started for own women and children) until some favorable
opportunity may present to strike with effect. The present
Sandusky with proposals for peace, were all apparent tranquility on the frontiers and at the head of the
murdered. The particulars of their deaths line is a convincing proof to me that the enemy ate
will be found in the Western Annals. collected or collecting in force to oppose the legion, either
The final reply to all these overtures for on its march or in some unfavorable position for the
cavalry to act in. Disappoint them in this favorite plan or
peace is contained in the last clause of the maneuver and they may probably be tempted to attack our
answer of the tribes, which is quoted above, lines. In this case I trust they will not have much reason to
and closed the attempts of the United States triumph from the encounter. They cannot continue long
embodied for want of provisions, and at their breaking up
to make peace. Some few further attempts they will most certainly make some desperate effort upon
were made to secure the Iroquois to the some quarter or other. Should the mounted volunteers
cause of America, but they ended in nothing; advance in force we might yet compel those haughty
and from the month of August the savages to sue for peace before. the next opening of the
leaves. Be that as it may, I pray you not to permit present
preparations for a decision by arms of the appearances to cause too much anxiety, either in the mind
pending questions between the white and the of the President or yourself, on account of the army.
red men, went forward constantly. Knowing the critical situation of our infant Nation, and
feeling for the honor and reputation of Government
Wayne's Legion moved from Legionville (which I will support with my latest breath) you may rest
about the last of April, 1793. It was taken assured that I will not commit the legion unnecessarily;
down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, where it and unless more powerfully supported than I at present
encamped near Fort Washington, and there it have reason to expect, will content myself by taking a
strong position advanced of Jefferson, and by exerting
continued until October, engaged merely in every power, endeavor to protect the frontiers, and to
drilling and preparation. Legionville was secure the posts and army during the winter, or until I am
situated on the Ohio River, about twenty-two honored with your further orders.
miles below Pittsburgh; Fort Washington This manly and patriotic letter, while it
was at Cincinnati; Fort Jefferson was located indicates the danger of the situation,
about six miles south of the town of expresses no fear, for Anthony Wayne never
Greenville, in Darke county. knew what fear was.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 79

On the 7th of October the legion left pied by the town of that name. This being
Cincinnati, and on the 13th of the same done, on the 23d of December a detachment
month, without any accidents, encamped on was sent forward to take possession of the
the strong position referred to in his letter, field of St. Clair's defeat, in the now county
afterwards called Fort Greenville. The town of Darke. On Christmas day this detachment
of Greenville now covers the site of the fort. reached the ground on which St. Clair's army
Here, on the 24th of October, 1793, he was was slaughtered November 4, 1791, or a little
joined by one thousand mounted Kentucky more than two years before. "Six hundred
volunteers under General Scott, to whom .he skulls," says one present, "were gathered up
had written pressing requests to hasten and buried. When we went to lay down we
'forward with all the men he could muster. had to scrape the bones together and carry
This request Scott had hastened to comply them out to make our beds." Here Fort
with, and upon the 28th of September, 1793, Recovery was built, properly garrisoned, and
the Governor, in addition to these volunteer placed in charge of Captain Alexander
forces, had ordered a draft of militia. The Gibson. Thus situated, during the early
Kentucky troops, however, were soon months of 1794 General Wayne was steadily
dismissed until spring, but their march had engaged in preparing everything for a sure
not been in vain, for they had seen enough of blow when the time to strike should come. By
Wayne's army to give them confidence in it means of Captain Gibson and his various
and in him, so that the full number of spies, he kept himself informed of the plans
volunteers was easily procured in the spring. and movements of the savages. All this
One attack had been made upon the troops information showed that the Indians were
previous to the 23d of October, and only relying on British assistance, and this reliance
one. A body consisting of two commissioned animated the doomed race of red men to resist
officers and ninety noncommissioned offers of peace, and stealthily prepare to fight.
officers and soldiers, convoying twenty On the 5th of June, 1794, Captain Gibson
wagons of supplies, was assaulted on the captured two Indians of the Pottawatomie
17th of that month, seven miles beyond Fort tribe, and had them examined, and their
St. Clair, which was built in 1791-92, about examination showed reports to them that the
one mile west of Eaton, now the county seat British were then at Roche de Boeuf, on the
of Preble county. In this attack by the Maumee River, on their way to war against
savages Lieutenant Lowry and Ensign Boyd, the Americans; that the number of British
With thirteen others, were killed. Although troops there was about four hundred, with two
so little opposition had thus far been encoun- pieces of artillery, exclusive of the Detroit
tered, General Wayne determined to stay militia, and that they had made fortifications
where he was during the winter, and having around McKee's house and store at that place,
seventy thousand rations on hand in October, in which they had deposited all their stores of
with the prospect of one hundred and twenty ammunition, arms, clothing, and provisions,
thousand more, while the Indians were sure with which they promised to supply the
to be short of provisions, he proceeded to hostile Indians in abundance. They further
fortify his position, which he named Fort reported that there were then collected there
Greenville, and which was situated on not less than two thousand warriors, and were
ground now occu- the Pot-
80 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tawatomies to join, the whole would amount they had been thrown into the creek, which
to upwards of three thousand hostile Indians; was then frozen over and so thickly covered
that the British troops and militia that will with snow that it was vain to look for them.
join the Indians to go to war would amount The next recorded notice is found in General
to fifteen hundred according to the promise Wayne's dispatch after the assault on Fort
of Governor Simcoe, of Canada. To the Recovery. After asserting that there were
question, "At what time and at what place do British officers and privates engaged with
the British and Indians mean to advance the Indians in the assault, the dispatch
against this army?" these prisoners an- continues:
swered, "About the last of this moon or the It would also appear that the British and savages
expected to find the artillery that was lost on the 4th of
beginning of next they intend to attack the November, 1791, and hid by the Indians, in beds of old
legion at this place" (Fort Trumbull). Two fallen timber or logs which they turned over and hid the
Shawnee warriors captured on the 22d of cannon in, and then turned the logs back into their
June, substantially corroborated the former places. It was in this artful manner that we
generally found them deposited. The hostile Indians
statements of the Pottawatomies. The turned over a great number of logs during the assault, in
conduct of the savages proved these reports search of these cannon and other plunder which they had
of the Indian prisoners not to be fables. probably hid in this manner after the action of the 4th of
November, 1791. I therefore have reason to believe that
On the 30th of June Fort Recovery, the the British and Indians depended much on this artillery
advanced American post, was assaulted by to assist in the reduction of the post; fortunately they
Little Turtle at the head of more than one served in its defence.
thousand warriors, and, although repelled, WAYNE MOVES HIS LEGION FORWARD.
the assailants rallied and returned to the On the 26th of July, 1794, Scott, with
charge and kept up the attack through the about one thousand six hundred men from
whole day and part of the day following. Nor Kentucky, joined Wayne at Greenville, and
was this assailing force composed entirely of on the 28th the legion moved forward. On
natives. White men, and some in scarlet the 8th of August the army was near the
coats were there advising and directing the junction of the Auglaize and Maumee
savages. Rivers, at Grand Glaize, and proceeded at
ST. CLAIR'S CANNON.
once to build Fort Defiance, where the rivers
When St. Clair was defeated in 1791 meet. At the place had been the Indian
(December 4), his guns were left on that headquarters, and Wayne expected to
field of slaughter. Some time afterwards surprise them there, but a deserter from his
General Wilkinson dispatched Captain army had informed them of his approach,
Bunting from Fort Washington to the field of and they were gone. It had been Wayne's
St. Clair's defeat. The captain, in his report, plan to reach the headquarters of the savages
says, among other things: "We found three undiscovered, and in order to do this he had
whole carriages; the other five were so much cut two roads, one towards the foot of the
damaged that they were rendered useless." rapids (Roche de Boeuf), the other to the
This indicates clearly that St. Clair had left junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph
eight pieces of artillery on the ground. It was Rivers, while he in fact pressed forward
winter when Bunting examined the between the two, and this stratagem General
battlefield. He did not believe the Indians Wayne believed would have succeeded but
had taken off the cannon, and it was his for the deserter above referred to, who was
opinion that in his quartermaster's department, when he
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 81

left and went to the Indian headquarters. nations lately settled in this place and on the margin of
the Miami and the Glaize Rivers - your late grounds and
While engaged upon Fort Defiance, the possessions, and to preserve you and your distressed and
American commander received full and hapless women and children from danger and famine
accurate accounts of the Indians and the aid during the present fall and ensuing winter.
they would receive from the volunteers of The army of the United States is strong and powerful,
but they love mercy and kindness more than war and
Detroit and elsewhere; he learned the nature desolation. And to remove any doubts or apprehension
of the ground and the circumstances favorable of danger to the persons of the deputies whom you may
and unfavorable; and upon the whole, appoint to meet this army, I hereby pledge my sacred
honor for their safety and return, and send Christopher
considering the spirit of his troops, officers Miller, an adopted Shawnee warrior, whom I took
and men, regulars and volunteers, he prisoner two days ago, as a flag, who will advance in
determined to march forward and settle their front to meet me.
matters at once. But still true to the spirit of Mr. Miller was taken prisoner by a party of my
warriors six moons since, and can testify to you the
compromise and peace so forcibly taught by kindness which I have shown to your people, my
Washington, on the 13th of August he sent prisoners; that is, five warriors and two women, who are
Christopher Miller, who had been naturalized now all safe at Greenville.
But should this invitation be disregarded, and my flag,
among the Shawnees, then taken prisoner by Mr. Miller, be detained or injured, I will immediately
Wayne's spies, as a special messenger, order all those prisoners to be put to death without
offering terms of friendship. To aid the reader distinction, and some of them are known to belong to
in forming a correct judgment upon Wayne's the first families of your nations.
Brothers, be no longer deceived or led astray by the
subsequent dealing with the savages and to false promises and language of the bad white men at the
vindicate the United States against any charge foot of the rapids ; they have neither the power nor
of deception or cruelty, it seems necessary to inclination to protect you. No longer shut your eyes to
your true interest and happiness, nor your ears to this
give in full the message sent by Miller on this overture of peace; but, in pity to your innocent women
occasion. It is found in Perkins' Annals of the and children, come and prevent the further effusion of
West, on page 404, and is as follows: your blood; let them experience the kindness and
To THE DELAWARES, SHAWNEES, MIAMIS, friendship of the United States of America, and the
AND WYANDOTS, AND TO EACH AND invaluable blessings of peace and tranquility.
ANTHONY WAYNE.
EVERY OF THEM, AND TO ALL OTHER Grand Glaize, August 13, 1794.
NATIONS OF INDIANS NORTHWEST OF THE
OHIO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: WAYNE'S QUALIFICATIONS TO FIGHT THE
I, Anthony Wayne, Major General and Commander-in- INDIANS.
Chief of the Federal Army, now at Grand Glaize, and Wayne had seen enough of the Indian
Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America, for settling the terms upon which a permanent character in the Revolutionary War in the
and lasting peace shall be made with each and every of the Northern colonies and in Georgia, .whither
hostile tribes or nations of Indians northwest of the Ohio, he had been sent to fight Indians almost
and of the United States, actuated by the purest principles
of humanity, and urged by pity for the errors into which
exclusively, to be a judge of them. Perhaps
bad and designing men have led you, from the head of my no man had a better understanding of the war
army now in possession of your abandoned villages and capacity and traits of the North American
settlements, do hereby once more extend the friendly hand Indian than he. If the Indians were silent he
of peace towards you, and invite each and every of the
hostile tribes of Indians to appoint deputies to meet me read unerringly their intent; in their' speech
and my army, without delay, between this place and he detected with great accuracy what was
Roche de Bceuf, in order to settle the preliminaries of a true and what was intended to deceive. He
lasting peace, which may eventually and soon restore to
you the Delawares, Miamis, Shawnees, and all other tribes
had no superior as a character reader of the
and red men he was contending with. Neither
82 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

their shams, feints or false pretenses ever mounted volunteers on the left, under
mislead him. Braddock at Fort Duquesne, Brigadier-General Todd, and the other in the
Crawford at Upper Sandusky, Harmar at the rear under Brigadier-General Barbee. A
Maumee, and St. Clair at the Wabash, all select battalion of mounted volunteers
failed for want of those high qualities which moved in front of the legion, commanded by
gave such great superiority and success to Major Price, who was directed to keep
Wayne. sufficiently advanced so as to give timely
NARRATIVE OF WAYNE'S CAMPAIGN notice for the troops to form in case of
RESUMED. action, it being yet undetermined whether
Let it be remembered that General Wayne the Indians would decide for peace or war.
dispatched Miller with his peace proposition After advancing about five miles Major
on the 13th of August, 1794, from Fort Price's corps received so severe a fire from
Defiance. No doubt intending that if either the enemy, who were secreted in the woods
party must be surprised it should be the and grass, as to compel him to retreat. The
Indians and not himself, Wayne moved his legion was immediately formed into two
troops forward on the 15th, and before he lines, principally in a close, thick wood
had received any report from Miller. On the which extended for miles on our left and for
16th he met Miller returning with the a very considerable distance in front; the
message that if the Americans would wait ground being covered with fallen timber,
ten days at Grand Glaize they, the Indians, probably occasioned by a tornado, and which
would decide for peace or war. Wayne was rendered it impracticable for the cavalry to
not to be deceived into giving the Indians act with effect and afforded the enemy the
their choice of the time and place when and most favorable covert for their mode of
where to strike. He understood this proffered warfare. The savages were formed in three
delay to mean that he should wait until the lines within supporting distance of each
Indians were more completely prepared for other, and extending near two miles at right
the decisive conflict, and he replied to their angles with the river.
wily answer to his message by marching I soon discovered (says General Wayne, in his report
of the battle), from the weight of the fire and extent of
straight on towards them. their lines, that the enemy were in full force in front,
On the 18th the legion had advanced and in possession of their favorite ground, and
forty-one miles from Grand Glaize, and endeavoring to turn our left flank. I therefore gave
orders for the second line to advance and support the
being now at Roche de Boeuf and near the first, and directed Major-General Scott to gain and turn
long looked for foe, began to throw up some the right flank of the savages with the whole of the
light works called Fort Deposit, wherein to mounted volunteers, by a circuitous route. At the same
place the heavy baggage during the expected time I ordered the front line to advance and charge with
trailed arms and rouse the Indians from their cover at the
battle. During the 19th the army still labored point of the bayonet, and when up to deliver a close and
on their works. well-directed fire on their backs, followed by a brisk
charge so as not to give them time to load again. I also
WAYNE'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE. ordered Captain Campbell, who commanded the
Legionary cavalry, to turn the left flank of the enemy
On the 20th, at 8 o'clock, all baggage next the river, and which afforded a favorable field for
having been left behind, the white forces that corps to act in. All these orders were obeyed with
spirit and promptitude; but such was the impetuosity of
moved down the north bank of the Maumee; the charge by the first line of infantry, that the Indians
the legion on the right, its flank covered by and Canada militia and volunteers were driven from all
the river; one brigade of their coverts in so short a time, that although
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 83

every possible exertion was used by the officers of the Wayne's troops had followed the retreating
second line of the legion, and by Generals Scott, Todd,
and Barbee, of the mounted volunteers, to gain their
Indians under the guns of this fort, and
proper positions, but part of each could get up in season to expected to see them take refuge in it, but
participate in the action; the enemy being driven in the the gates were shut against them and the fort
course of an hour more than two miles through the thick fired no gun. The day following the battle a
wood already mentioned, by less than one-half their
number. From every account the enemy amounted to two spicy correspondence took place between
thousand combatants. The troops actually engaged against Major Campbell, commander of the fort, and
them were short of nine hundred. This horde of savages, General Wayne, in which Major Campbell
with their allies, abandoned themselves to flight and
dispersed with terror and dismay, leaving our victorious
expressed his surprise that Wayne would
army in full and. quiet possession of the field of battle, deliberately insult his King and country by
which terminated under the influence of the guns of the approaching so near the fort in a hostile
British garrison. The bravery of every officer belonging to attitude. Wayne replied, in substance, that he
the army, from the generals down to the ensigns, merit my
highest approbation. There were, however, some whose was no less surprised to find Campbell
rank and situation placed their conduct in a very fortifying himself on American soil, and
conspicuous point of view, and which I observed with intimated that had the Indians taken refuge
pleasure and the most lively gratitude. Among these I
must beg leave to mention Brigadier-General Wilkinson
in the fort, or had a gun been fired from it,
and Colonel Hamtramck, the commandants of the right he could not have restrained his troops from
and left wings of the legion, whose brave example an assault which would have carried it. In
inspired the troops. To these I must add Lieutenant this sharp dispute both Wayne and Campbell
Harrison, who, with Adjutant-General Major Mills,
rendered the most essential service by communicating my seem to have been restrained from striking a
orders in every direction, and by their conduct and bravery blow which would have rekindled the war
exciting the troops to press for victory. between Great Britain and the United States,
The loss of the Americans in this action and the question was referred to diplomacy
was thirty-three killed and one hundred between the two governments.
wounded; that of the enemy was reported At the time Captain Campbell, under
much greater, but the number is not given. It Wayne, was endeavoring to turn the left
is said, however, the woods were strewn for flank of the enemy; three Indians, hemmed
a considerable distance with the dead bodies in by the cavalry and infantry, plunged into
of the Indians and their white auxiliaries, the the river and endeavored to swim to the
latter armed with British muskets and opposite side. Two negroes of the army on
bayonets. the opposite bank concealed themselves
INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. behind a log to intercept them. When within
Contrary to the articles of peace between shooting distance one of them shot the
Great Britain and the United States in 1783, foremost Indian through the head. The other
the British erected and garrisoned Fort two took hold of him to drag him to the
Miami, on the Maumee River, on the present shore, when the second negro fired and
site of South Toledo. This was done within killed another. The remaining Indian, being
the acknowledged boundaries and now in shoal water, endeavored to tow the
jurisdiction of the United States, and no two dead bodies to the bank. In the
solution of the motive for the act but a meantime the first negro had reloaded, and
determination on the part of the British to firing upon the survivor, mortally wounded
aid the Indians in their wars to drive the him. On approaching them, the negroes
whites south of the Ohio River. judged from their striking resemblance and
84 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

devotion that they were brothers. After obey his order to charge with the bayonet
scalping them they let their bodies float and shoot afterwards, the General, seeing the
down stream. promptness and effect with which his order
Another circumstance shows with what was obeyed, became so excited that he was
obstinacy the conflict was waged by in- about to dash personally into the conflict and
dividuals of both armies. A soldier who had do duty as a common soldier; his attendants,
become detached a short distance from the seeing a strange fire in his countenance, and
army, met a single Indian in the woods, that he reined up his horse for a dash, two
when they attacked each other, the soldier men seized his reins near the bridle bits, and
with his bayonet, and the Indian with his held the bounding, foaming horse, while
tomahawk. Two days after they were found Wayne, grinding his teeth and driving his
dead, the soldier with his bayonet in the spurs into the horse's flanks, frothing at the
body of the Indian – the Indian with his mouth with rage, hissed from between his
tomahawk in the head of the soldier. grinding teeth, "Let me go, d—n them; let
Several months after the battle of the me go! Give it to them, boys," etc., etc. This
Fallen Timbers a number of Pottawatomie incident gave him the appellation of "Mad"
Indians arrived at Fort Wayne, where they Anthony, a name which ever after struck
expressed a desire to see "The Wind" as they terror to the Indians, collectively and in-
called Wayne. On being asked for an dividually.
explanation of the name, they replied that at After the battle, an Indian being asked if
the battle of the 20th of August he was he did not think General Wayne a good
exactly like a hurricane, which drives and general and great man, replied, "He no man,
tears everything before it. he Devil." No doubt the Indians, after the
General Wayne was a man of most ardent battle of the Fallen Timbers, entertained a
impulses, and in the heat of action apt to superstitious dread of "Mad" Anthony,
forget that he was a general and not a private which exercised a powerful influence over
soldier. When the attack on the Indians who them in making treaties of peace and grants
were concealed behind the fallen timbers of land afterwards.
was commenced by ordering the regulars up, We quote further from General Wayne's
the late General Harrison, then being report of the battle. He says:
Lieutenant with the title of Major, We remained three days and nights on the banks of the
Maumee, in front of the field of battle, during which time
addressing his superior, said: all the houses and cornfields were consumed and
General Wayne, I am afraid you will go into the fight
destroyed for a considerable distance, both below and
yourself and forget to give me the necessary field above Fort Miami, as well as within pistol shot of the
orders. Perhaps I may, replied Wayne, and if I do,
garrison, who were compelled to remain tacit spectators to
recollect that the standing order for the day is, Charge this general devastation and conflagration, among which
the d—d rascals with the bayonet. were the houses, stores, and property of Colonel McKee,
As a further illustration of Wayne's im- the British Indian agent, and principal stimulator of the
petuosity in battle, which Harrison seemed war now (then) existing between the United States and the
to understand, the writer will give an inci- savages. The army returned to this place (Fort Defiance)
on the 27th of August, by easy marches, laying waste the
dent related to him by his father, who heard villages and cornfields for about fifty miles on each side
the circumstance from one who was in the of the Maumee. There remains (he says) yet a great
battle. The narrative was briefly, that when number of villages and a great quantity of corn to be
consumed or destroyed, upon Auglaize and Maumee,
General Wayne saw his regulars above this place, which will be effected in a few days.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 85

General Wayne, after strengthening his griefs would be laid before the King of
works at Fort Defiance, on the 14th of England, and, in connection with this, as
September established Fort Wayne, now in General Wayne learned from the friendly
Indiana, of which, on the 22d of October, Wyandots, Governor Simcoe insisted that the
1794, he placed in charge Colonel Indians should not listen to any terms of
Hamtramck, who so distinguished himself in peace from the Americans, but to propose a
the battle of the Fallen Timbers. Meantime, truce or suspension of hostilities until
the troops suffered greatly from sickness and spring; that a grand council would then be
want of provisions, such as flour, salt, and held of all the warriors and tribes of Indians
whiskey. Whiskey sold at eight dollars a for the purpose of compelling the Americans
gallon, and salt was held at six dollars a pint. to cross the Ohio. He also advised every
THE LEGION RETURNS TO GREENVILLE. nation to sign a deed or conveyance of all
their lands on the west side of the Ohio
The legion began to march back to
River to the King of Great Britain, in trust
Greenville on the 28th of October, 1794, the
for the Indians, so as to give the British a
volunteers, who had become dissatisfied and
pretext or color for assisting them in case the
troublesome, having been started for that
Americans refused to abandon all their posts
place on the 12th of that month for
and possessions on the west side of that
dismissal.
river, and which the Indians should
The Indians were terribly defeated and
immediately warn them to do after they, the
disorganized by the battle of Fallen Timbers.
Indians, had assembled in force in the
Their crops and provisions for the coming
spring, and then call upon the British to
winter were destroyed, and starvation was
guarantee the lands thus ceded in trust, and
before them and they would have promptly
to make a general attack upon the frontiers at
made sincere overtures for a treaty of peace
the same time; that the British would be
but for British influence, which was at once
prepared to attack the Americans also in
brought, to bear against such a movement.
every quarter, and would compel them to
BRITISH EFFORTS' TO PREVENT A cross the Ohio and give up the lands to the
TREATY. Indians.
Governor Simcoe, of Canada, Colonel The wily Captain Brant also told the
McKee and Captain Brant, met at Fort Indians to keep a good heart and, be strong
Miami September 30 of that year, and at to do as their father (Simcoe) had advised
once began plotting to prevent a treaty of them, and he would return home with his
peace. They invited the hostile chiefs Blue warriors and come again early in the spring
Jacket, Backongelies, the Little Turtle, with an additional number so as to have the
Captain Johnny, and other chiefs of the whole summer before them to fight, kill, and
Delawares, Miamis, Shawnees, Tawas, and pursue the Americans, who could not stand
Pottawatomies, to meet at the mouth of against such numbers as would be brought
Detroit River about the first of October, against them; that he had been always
1794, and together they set off for that place, successful and would ensure them victory.
about eighteen miles below Detroit. But he, would not attack the Americans at
It appears that about the 10th of October this time, as it would only put them upon
the Indians did meet the British at Big Rock, their guard and bring them upon the Indians
and were advised that their in this quarter during the winter; therefore
86 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

he advised them to amuse the Americans had fired a gun at Wayne's forces the act would
with a prospect of peace until they could have been cause for another war between the
collect in force, and fall upon them early in United States and Great Britain; or if he had
the spring and when least expected. That, opened his fort to protect the enemies of the
agreeably to this plan, the hostile tribes United States, the same result might have
would frequently send flags with followed. The responsibility for such an act
propositions of peace during the winter to was too grave to be hastily incurred, and beside
put the Americans off their guard. this, Wayne was at his gates with a victorious
The British then made large presents to army, which if once assailed by the British was
the Indians, and continued from that time to able to, and would have taken good care that
furnish them with provisions from Colonel that fort and those within would not again
McKee's new stores at the mouth of the make aggressive war on the United States.
Miami of Lake Erie (Maumee River), where These powerful reasons compelled him to an
all the Indians whose towns and property act of treachery to the Indians which finally
had been destroyed by Wayne's army were brought an end to the war.
located in tents and huts, and where those Another cause was, that while the Indians
who promised to sign away their lands and were suffering under the sore distress which
in all respects comply with the British before the fight Wayne plead with them to
proposition, were kept. avoid, by meeting and preparing for peace, he
again made and kept before them the same
WAYNE COUNTERACTS THE BRITISH
INFLUENCE. kind offer of peace and protection.
Another, and perhaps the most potent of all
Several causes operated to counteract the considerations which operated to destroy
British influence and finally to prevent the British influence over the Indians at this time,
execution of their plans. First, the fort at was a superstitious fear of "Mad" Anthony.
Maumee had been built and garrisoned by They had found his cunning superior to their
the British while at peace with the United own; they realized that he thoroughly
States, for the express purpose of aiding and understood their character and mode of
protecting the Indians in their war against warfare, that he could not be baffled or
the Americans. The Indians, in good faith, deceived by any of their devices; they
believed that if they should be compelled to witnessed his personal bravery and his awful
retreat before Wayne's army they would find fierceness and passion in battle; they were
shelter, and protection in Fort Miami; but starving and dying under the consequences of
when they did retreat and were pursued his wrath, and their superstitious minds clothed
under the guns of the fort, they found the him in many instances with supernatural
gates shut and not a gun fired for their powers.
protection. A large part of the Indians who The circumstances above mentioned so
saw this treacherous. act of Major Campbell, operated on the minds of the Indians that on
the British commander, lost faith in all the 28th and 29th days of December, 1794,
British promises of protection and proffers of peace were made by the chiefs of
assistance, and would not sincerely listen to several tribes. Messages were sent to Colonel
subsequent overtures. Thus the influence of Hamtramck at Fort Wayne, from the
the British over the Indians was broken by Chippewas, Ottawas, Sacs, Eel Rivers,
their own perfidy. If Major Campbell Kickapoos, Kaskaskias, Pottawatomies,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 87

and Miamis. The result of these overtures lines of that survey are now the boundary
was a meeting of the chiefs and sachems of lines of the city of Fremont.
the above named tribes, and three other In this treaty the United States engaged to
tribes, namely: the Delawares, Wyandots, protect the Indians against the aggressions
and Shawnees, with General Wayne at of other nations, and also in the enjoyment
Greenville, en the 24th of January, 1795. At of their other lands. The closing articles are
this meeting preliminary articles for a as follows:
treaty of peace were entered into. The basis ARTICLE 6. The Indians or United States may
remove and punish intruders on Indian lands.
of the intended treaty was that hostilities ARTICLE 7. Indians may hunt within ceded lands.
should cease and prisoners be exchanged. ARTICLE 8. Trade shall be opened in substance. as
by the provisions of the treaty of Fort Harmar.
TREATY OF GREENVILLE. ARTICLE 9. All injuries shall he referred to law, not
privately avenged, and all hostile plans known to either
About the 16th of June, 1795, the tribes shall be revealed to the other party.
began to gather at Greenville to make a ARTICLE 10. All previous treaties are annulled.
complete treaty of peace. They had become TITLE TO OTHER LANDS; TREATY OF
convinced that they could not successfully MAUMEE.
resist the American arms, and General
Wayne dictated the terms of the treaty, The title to the other lands in the
although there was much debate, and at Northwest, including Sandusky county, had
times the Indians manifested much angry first been claimed by France on the ground
excitement while talking of their wrongs. of discovery by the pioneer Jesuits sent by
But while General Wayne knew he had the the church of that Nation. But in the war
tribes in his power, and could compel them between England and France about the
to almost any terms, he was eminently just possessions, preceding the Revolutionary
and humane in his demands. The War, England had obtained all the title
conference lasted until the 3rd day of France had. The United States, by the treaty
August, when the treaty was engrossed and of Paris in 1783, after the Revolution, had
signed. obtained the British title to all the vast
By this treaty the Indians ceded to the Northwestern Territories. But the red men
United States small parcels of land, evi- were in possession, and each country
dently wisely selected by Wayne for military claimed subject to the Indian title, and each
posts, covering most of the advantageous in succession undertook to protect the
points for such purpose in various parts of Indians in the enjoyment of these great
the Northwestern Territory, and stretching hunting grounds. The United States held
with intervals from Lake Huron eastward to them, therefore, subject to the same
Lower Sandusky (now Fremont). "Two encumbrance. Wayne's treaty of Greenville,
miles square at the lower rapids of the August 3, 1795, recognized the rights of the
Sandusky River," is the language of the Indians as the rightful owners of the soil.
treaty as to this parcel of land. Excepting Therefore it was only by treaty or purchase
the Maumee and Western Reserve road that the United States could honorably
land, this two miles square was the first obtain title to the vast domain. To effect
land within the present limits of Sandusky this, many treaties and purchases have been
county ceded by the Indians to the United made at different times and places. To
States. The tract was afterwards surveyed mention all of these would be foreign to the
by the United States and the object of this
88 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

work. But in giving a history of our land To accomplish this a commission was
titles in Sandusky county, which shall be appointed on behalf of the United States,
satisfactory to the conscience of the present consisting of Lewis Cass and Duncan
enlightened occupants of the land, it seems McArthur, who met the chiefs and sachems of
proper here to state the following further the tribes occupying the Northwestern
facts in the chain of title. About seventeen Territory, at Maumee, and, after due
years after the treaty of Greenville above deliberation, a treaty was there signed on the
mentioned, the war commonly called the 29th day of September, 1817. By the
War of 1812, between the United States and agreement there made the United States
Great Britain was declared. purchased from the Indians all Northwestern
In this struggle for "free trade and sailors ' Ohio, except a few parcels reserved by some of
rights, " as Henry Clay denominated it in his the tribes. Among these reservations was one
great speech, the British hired and enlisted of the Seneca tribe, of forty thousand acres,
all the Indian tribes of the Northwest they located east of the Sandusky River, and on the
could induce to join them. Under the lead of south part of Sandusky and north part of
Tecumseh and the Prophet, his brother, a Seneca counties, as since surveyed and named.
powerful force of Indians joined the British The Senecas sold this reservation and
in that war, and made it, on the frontier moved West about the year 1832. This
settlements, most bloody and cruel. At the reservation was soon after surveyed and sold
battle of Fort Stephenson, August 2, 1813, by the United States, and is now a wealthy
there were, according to history, five portion of the counties in which the lands were
hundred British and eight hundred Indians. situated.
The Indians formed a large part of the forces The other lands were surveyed and put in
encountered at Fort Meigs, at Tippecanoe, market about 1820, and all have since been
and at the battle of the Thames, in Canada, sold to individuals, who directly or indirectly
where Tecumseh fell and General Harrison derive their titles from the United States, with
obtained a decisive victory, October 5, 1813. the exception of two parcels.
These two victories, with Perry's victory on THE WHITTAKER AND THE WILLIAMS RES-
Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, virtually ERVATIONS.
settled the War of 1812, which was closed These two reservations were located nearly
by General Jackson's victory at New three miles north of Fremont, the Whittaker on
Orleans, January 8, 1815, although virtually the west and the Williams on the east side of
settled before the last named battle. After the and both bounded by the Sandusky River. The
close of the War of 1812, which brought a persons who held these reserves in fee simple
cessation of Indian hostilities, the white were not to sell the land unless consent of the
settlers began to push for new homes in the President of the United States should be first
West, and it was difficult to keep the peace obtained.
between the white pioneers and the Indians, The Whittaker Reserve, originally con-
as the former often encroached upon the taining twelve hundred and eighty acres, long
lands of the latter. The necessity for since passed to purchasers, and is now owned
extinguishing the title of the Indians to by several persons in distinct and separate
Western lands became daily more urgent and parcels.
apparent to the United States Government. The Williams Reserve, of one hundred
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 89

and sixty acres, is still occupied by de- Washington and Jackson by James Worth-
scendants of the original owner. ington, and Madison and Scott townships by
There is an interesting narrative con- J. Glasgow.
nected with the last two reservations, which The reservation of the Seneca Indians forty
will be found in a sketch of the Whittaker thousand acres was surveyed into sections by
family in another part of this history. C. W. Christmas, in 1832. All these
Thus we have traced the general title to surveyors were employed by the United
the lands in Sandusky county from the States, and are official surveys. The lands,
aborigines to the United States, and from the excepting villages and the two miles square
United States the present owners have at the lower rapids of the Sandusky River,
derived their title, excepting the Williams were surveyed by ranges; townships of six
Reserve, and Maumee and Western Reserve miles square and sections of one mile square
Road, and the lands given for its divided into quarters. Trees were used to
construction, which latter will form the designate the corners of these surveys, and
subject of another chapter. the kind of timber, size of tree, and the
SURVEYS. distance and course 'of them from the corner,
accurately measured and recorded with the
The first surveying in this then wilderness plat. Perhaps no better plan for the
was done by William Ewing, Deputy convenient description of land has ever been
Surveyor, in 1807, who surveyed the reser- devised. Each township contained thirty-six
vation, or rather grant, by the Indians at sections, and each section contained six hun-
Greenville to the United States. The two dred and forty acres, which can readily be
miles Square was then by him divided into subdivided into any smaller quantities.
sections, as other lands were surveyed, but Sections on lakes and rivers were sometimes
afterwards, in 1816, the reservation was not complete; such are denominated
divided into tracts, running from the river fractional sections.
each way to the line of the two-miles square: SCHOOL LANDS.
This method of subdivision did not,
however, include , the whole square. The Let the fact be ever remembered with
northeast part was then surveyed into in-lots gratitude, that the wise men of the Republic
and out-lots for city purposes, and as such foresaw that our form of government rested
put on sale by the United States. This survey on the intelligence of the people. The desire
was called the town of Croghansville, to advance the intelligence of the common
(pronounced Crawnsville,) and now forms a people, and thereby better fit them for the
part of the city of Fremont. maintenance of liberty by perpetuation of a
THE OTHER GOVERNMENT LANDS republican form of government, induced our
statesmen of an early day to promote the
in the county were all surveyed in 1820, as education of the people. To this end, in
appears by the recorded surveys and plats, as surveying this part of the State they set apart
follows: every sixteenth section of land for the support
The lands composing the townships of of common schools. These school lands were
Ballville, Sandusky, Rice, Riley, and Green entrusted to the State for the purpose of ed-
Creek by Sylvanus Bourne; York and ucation. The State in an early day provided by
Townsend townships by P. F. Kellogg; law for the leasing of these lands
Woodville by Charles Roberts;
90 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

at an interest of six per cent. on the teen east, for the term of ninety-nine years–
appraisment value, the leases running renewable forever, and subject to be
ninety-nine years, renewable forever, with a reappraised every thirty-three years there,
provision for a reappraisment every thirty- after, and a stipulation to pay as rent six per
three years. The subdivision and leasing of cent. annually on the amount of such
these school lands (section sixteen in each reappraisement. The said Chaffin agreed to
surveyed township of thirty-six sections) pay as rent for the land yearly and every
was given by the State to the county year to the treasurer of the county and his
commissioners of counties respectively in successors in office "the sum of four
which the lands were situated. It is now a dollars." This land, if there is no mistake in
matter of interest, and will be still more the description, was located about twenty
interesting in the future, to place in this miles south of Fremont, and is now in
history a brief notice of the renting and final Seneca county, which was organized April 1,
disposition of these school lands. Such a 1824.
record will serve to show the increase in the A tract of one hundred and sixty acres,
value of lands in the county, and thus furnish being the southeast quarter of section sixteen
evidence of the general advancement in in township four, range seventeen, now York
wealth since the early settlements. township, was in like manner leased by
EARLY LEASING OF SCHOOL LANDS, PRICES, Jaques Hulburd as Auditor, to Jacob Dagget,
ETC. for the yearly rent of seven dollars and
In the book containing a record of the twenty cents for the whole tract. This lease
leasing of school lands in the county, on the bears date July 14, 1821, and the land is in
first page, appears the following entry: one of the richest townships in Sandusky
county, and is worth now A. D. 1881 not less
SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE,
COLUMBUS, OHIO, March 1, 1821. than one hundred dollars per acre, and each
acre of the one hundred and sixty would rent
I certify that Jaques Hulburd, esq., was, on the 3d for almost as much as the whole one hundred
day of February last, duly appointed by a resolution of and sixty acres rented for then.
the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Auditor of
the county of Sandusky, to continue in office according On the 21st day of July, 1821, a like lease
to law. was made by Auditor Hulburd to Morris A.
JEREMIAH MCLANE, Newman, for a part of section sixteen, in
Secretary of State.
Riley township, being a parcel of prairie
Under this authority. Auditor Hulburd land and a woodlot of twenty acres, together
proceeded in the performance of his duties. containing one hundred and ten acres, for the
On the next leaf of the same book appears annual rent of six dollars and eighteen and
the record of a lease of great length, made three-fourth cents for the whole tract.
and concluded on the 14th day of April, AN OUT-LOT IN CROGHANSVILLE LEASED.
1821, between Jaques Hulburd, Auditor of
When the reservation of two miles square
Sandusky county, Ohio, and his successors
at the lower rapids of the Sandusky River
in office, of the first part, and Joel Chaffin,
was last surveyed by authority of the United
of the same place, of ' the second part, etc.
States, as mentioned in a former chapter, the
This lease demised and let to the said
town of Croghansville was laid out and
Chaffin fifty-three acres of section sixteen in
surveyed into in-lots and
township No. 1, north of range fif-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 91

out-lots. Certain of these lots were set apart final payment on or before the expiration of
as school lands. Among. them were a the thirteen years.
number of in-lots and out-lots. Out-lot No. As the different townships came to be
11, containing four acres, was one of them. inhabited by people who appreciated the
On the 21st day of July, 1821, Auditor benefits of education, they desired the aid
Hulburd leased this out-lot, eleven, to of the fund to be derived from these lands
Josiah Rumery, by a lease similar to those to support their respective schools. The
above mentioned, for ninety-nine years, for law, be it remembered, provided that the
the yearly rent of one dollar and ninety-two fund arising from the sale of sections
cents. sixteen should be applicable only to the
This lot eleven, by the renumbering of support of schools in that particular
lots in Fremont, is now designated as lot surveyed township of thirty-six sections, or
No. 52 on the map of the city, and con- the fractional township in which it chanced
stitutes a part of the estate of the late James to be located.
Park, and is known as the Park tannery SALES OF SCHOOL LAND PRICES AND
property; and the lot, exclusive of DATES OF SALES.
improvements, is worth at least two
thousand dollars, the simple interest on We do not propose to give a full and
which sum would under the lease make one detailed account of all the sales of school
hundred and twenty dollars rental value of lands in the county, but sufficient speci-
the lot at this time, against one dollar and mens to enable the reader to judge fairly of
ninety-two cents in 1821, and for thirty- the whole, may prove interesting and
three years thereafter. perhaps valuable information.
We give the above facts about the leasing SALE OF BALLVILLE, SECTION SIXTEEN.
of the school lands in the county, to set
before our readers the rental value of lands The first sale of section sixteen was
in 1821. made in 1831, and disposed in fee simple of
Although Congress had set apart and part of section sixteen in surveyed township
reserved these lands for the purpose of No. 4, range 15, in what is now Ballville
supporting common schools, the General township.
Government conferred the trust of Lot fifty of that section, containing one
managing and disposing of them on the hundred and seven acres, was sold to Isaac
State. Prior, June 6, 1831, for one hundred and
LEGISLATION ABOUT SCHOOL LANDS AND
seven dollars.
THE SALES OF THEM. Lot fifty-two, containing one hundred
and one acres, to Joel Strawn, for one
After the law providing for leasing the hundred and twenty-six dollars, September
school lands was passed, various other laws 4, 1833.
were enacted, and, amongst other things, it Lot fifty-one, containing one hundred
was provided that when the lands were and thirty acres, to R. Dickinson and Sardis
appraised those not leased might be sold by Birchard, for one hundred and sixty-three
the auditors of the respective counties at dollars, October 3, 1833.
not less than the appraised value, and that
SANDUSKY.
the lessees had the option to either pay six
per cent. on the valuation, or pay the Section sixteen, township five, range
appraised value in thirteen annual fifteen, Sandusky township, was sold in
installments with annual interest, and 1846 for five dollars per acre, excepting
receive an absolute title from the State on
92 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

one lot of eighty acres which sold for six WOODVILLE.


dollars. Section sixteen, township six, range
TOWNSEND. thirteen, was sold in 1856 by lots, the prices
The school land, section sixteen, township ranging from five dollars to seven dollars
four, range seventeen, Townsend township, and fifty cents per acre.
was sold, chiefly in 1847, for five dollars per JACKSON.
acre. One lot was sold to Nelson Taylor in Section sixteen in township four, range
January, 1849. The lot contained eighty acres, fourteen, Jackson township, was' sold in
and was sold for three dollars and fifty cents September, 1837, for an average price of two
per acre. dollars and sixty cents per acre.
MADISON. THE SALE OF SCHOOL LOTS IN CROGHANSVILLE
Section sixteen, township five, range took place in 1850, and produced a fund
thirteen, Madison township, was sold, chiefly amounting to eleven hundred and twenty-six
in 1847, for prices ranging from five dollars dollars and seventy-five cents.
and thirty-seven cents to eight dollars and HOW PROCEEDS OF SALES ARE DISPOSED OF.
twenty-five cents per acre.
SCOTT. The proceeds of all these sales are paid
into the State Treasury and constitute an
The section sixteen in township four, range irreducible debt or fund on which the State
thirteen, Scott township, was sold in 1854 for pays six per cent. interest annually to ' the
prices per lot ranging from five dollars and fifty county; the interest is then credited to the
cents to seven dollars and forty-five cents per county school fund, and by the county
acre. auditor the amount arising from each section
RILEY. sixteen sold is credited to the township
The section sixteen in township five, range school fund of each surveyed township, and
sixteen, was sold in May, 1,862, at prices per lot then distributed to the sub-school districts
ranging from three to twelve dollars per acre. according to the respective enumerations of
The average price would be near ten dollars. the children entitled to the privileges of the
This section had all been under the ninety-nine common schools residing therein.
year leases from 1821, before it was sold to the The total amount of the proceeds arising
lessees for the appraised value. from the sale of school lands, now in the
GREEN CREEK. State Treasury to the . credit of Sandusky
Section sixteen, township four, range sixteen county, is thirty-three thousand two hundred
was sold in 1850 at prices ranging. from ten and fifteen dollars and fifty cents, producing
dollars and fifty cents to five dollars per acre– annually one thousand nine hundred and
averaging about eight dollars for the section. ninety-two dollars. and eighty-seven cents to
YORK.
be applied to the support of schools and
distributed as above mentioned.
Section sixteen, township four, range There is yet to be paid over to the State
seventeen, was sold in June, 1849, for an the further sum of three hundred and
average of eight dollars per acre, and had been seventy-five dollars and twenty-two cents,
in part previously under the ninety-nine years being amounts due from purchasers
lease.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 93

who are delinquent in payment for their one should feel inclined to charge impru-
lands. When this delinquency shall be paid dence on the pioneers and early settlers in
over to the State, as doubtless it soon will the disposition of the land, there are some
be, the total amount on which the county considerations in mitigation of any blame
can draw interest will be thirty-three to be charged, if indeed there be not a
thousand five hundred and eighty-nine complete justification.
dollars and twenty-two cents. The annual The early settlers were poor; they desired
interest then to be drawn from the State for to have their children educated, and needed
the support of schools, as long as the State the help which 'the interest on these sales
may exist, will be two thousand and fifteen afforded, in the support of schools. They
dollars and thirty-eight cents. This fund, were here making the roads, clearing away
under the law, is applied to the payment of the forests, and undergoing many hardships
teachers only, and as the 'law stands cannot not experienced by the present inhabitants.
be applied to any other purpose. The cost of These early inhabitants might be compared
building schoolhouses and all expenses of to a young man in possession of a little sum
public or common schools, excepting wages of money, which, if invested at good inter-
of teachers, are paid out of money raised by est, would make him an ample fortune in
taxation on the localities respectively. A old age, but he has no other means, and is
further mention of this subject will fall hungry; bread he must have even if it costs
properly under the chapter on schools, and all he has, and though he give all and save
may be mentioned there. himself, his money is well spent, even if his
If these school lands had remained anticipation as to a future fortune must be
undisposed of until the present time, and all dissipated. These pioneers did well to
were sold at present prices they would have begin as they did, to start the cause of
brought not less than an average price of education at an early day, though they
twenty dollars per acre, or an aggregate of sacrificed prospective pecuniary gain in
seventy thousand four hundred dollars, doing so. Another fact should be
yielding annually, at six per cent., the sum considered, which is, that with the
of four thousand two hundred and four obligation on the part of the State to pay
dollars. annual interest at six per cent, there is a
Whether the early selling of these lands time coming when, if summed up, the
was wise or unwise is a question useless to payments will overtake and far surpass any
discuss at this time, but if any value the land can ever attain.
CHAPTER VIII.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
The Name—The County Organized—First Court-House—How Built.

THE NAME. plied that it meant "at the cold water, and should

S ANDUSKY is derived from the lan-


guage of the Wyandot tribe of Indians,
who for a long time possessed the country
be sounded Sandoos-tee; that it carried with it
the force of a preposition." The Upper
Coldwater (Upper Sandusky) and Lower
along the Sandusky River to its source, and Coldwater (Lower Sandusky) then were
along Tymochtee Creek, one of its principal descriptive Indian names, given long before the
tributaries. The Wyandot pronunciation of presence of the trader Sowdousky.
the word was Saundustee; as spoken by the The word, then, taking these statements
English interpreters, it was compressed and together, seems to mean a river or
pronounced Sandusky, and thus the word watercourse, where cold water stands in
was changed from a word of four syllables pools. The name having this peculiar
to one of three. signification, in early times was used to
The signification of the word has been a designate the whole country along the
matter of some question and dispute. It is, Sandusky River and Bay. Hence, in order to
according to the best authority: "water give a more specific designation to different
within water pools." In the discussions about localities along the river and bay, we had in
the name, it seems to have been claimed that the earlier days of the white settlements of
it was derived from "Sowdousky," the name the region, Sandusky, now Sandusky City on
of an early Indian trader among the the bay; Lower Sandusky at the lower rapids
Wyandots. But the correctness of this claim of the Sandusky River, now Fremont; Upper
is put in great doubt, if not entirely Sandusky, Little Sandusky and Big
overcome, by the explanation of William Sandusky, located nearer the sources of the
Walker, the head chief of the Wyandots, and river, and on different branches of it. The
a man of learning and great intelligence, and county derives its name from the Sandusky
fully competent to give a correct definition River, which runs through it nearly from
of the word in both languages. In 1835 Mr. north to south, but inclining to the east as It
Walker was at Columbus, Ohio, and in that approaches the Sandusky Bay, into which it
year had a conversation with Mr. John H. empties its waters.
James on the precise question. In this ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
conversation Mr. James asked Mr. Walker The county was for a number of years
the meaning of the, word Sandusky. Mr. within the boundaries of Cuyahoga county,
Walker re-

94
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 95

which for some time extended over nearly all subject of this chapter that we incorporate in
the north part of the State, and Cleveland this collection the following extracts from it.
was the seat of justice. Afterwards Huron The title of the book is in large, coarse
county was organized, and Norwalk was for handwriting, entirely covering the first page,
a time the seat of justice for all the territory and reads as follows:
west of it. The sale of the lands in the COMMISSIONERS' BOOK.
reservation of two miles square at the lower The following documents of the Commissioners
rapids of the Sandusky River, which took Record are transcribed from the organization of
place in 1817, induced emigrants to settle at Sandusky county up to January the 5th, in the year 1822,
by Josiah Rumery„auditor of Sandusky county by order
the place, and soon sufficient settlements of the commissioners.
were made to require a county organization. Test by JOSIAH RUMERY, Auditor.
Accordingly, the county was formed by an
act of the General Assembly, dated April 1, Such is the title of this record, from the
1820 , and then included in its boundaries – not
first two pages of which we take the fol-
only the present county of Sandusky, but lowing entries:
At the first meeting of the Commissioners, held at the
also the territory which now forms the house of Morris A. Newman, in the town of
counties of Seneca and Ottawa. Croghansville, on Saturday, the 8th day of April, one
At this time (1820) a number of men thousand eight hundred and twenty.
associated for the purpose, called the No. 1. — Ordered that Jesse W. Newman be appointed
Clerk of the Commissioners.
Kentucky Company, had purchased that No. 2. — Ordered, that Nicholas Whiringer be ap-
portion of the Reserve, or nearly all of it, pointed Treasurer of Sandusky County.
west of the river, and had laid out a large No. 3. — Ordered, that there be two blank books
part into city lots. The plat denominates this purchased for the use of the County.
No. 4. — Ordered that Charles B. Fitch be appointed
survey as "the town of Sandusky." The collector for Sandusky County for the year 1820.
United States had before laid out the land No. 5. — Ordered that this meeting be and is hereby
upon the hill east of the river into city lots, adjourned until Monday, the 10th instant, at four o’clock
P. M., on said day, at the house of Israel Harrington, in
and called it Croghansville, in honor of Sandusky,
Colonel George Croghan, the hero of Fort No. 6. — Met in pursuant to adjournment at the house
Stephenson. of Israel Harrington, on Monday, the tenth day of April,
In the county auditor's office of this 1820, when Jesse W. Newman was qualified and took
the oath required by law, as Clerk of the
county is an old, rather small record book, Commissioners.
faded and worn but quaint and interesting in No. 7. — Be it remembered that this day personally
appearance as well as in the matter it came Jaques Hulburd, County Clerk pro-tem, Willis
contains. In a few years it may be lost Brown, Sheriff, Nicholas Whitinger Treasurer for the
County of Sandusky, and severally gave bonds
amongst the rubbish of the office, or con- conditioned for the faithful discharge of their several
sumed by fire, and all it contains pass be- duties as required by law.
yond the historian's reach, and all the facts No. 8. — Ordered that this meeting be and is hereby
adjourned until the 25th day of April, 1820, at 1 O'clock
recorded in it be forgotten. This old record is P. M., at the house of Morris A. Newman, in the town of
interesting, because it contains the names of Croghansville.
men who were pioneers indeed, and who No. 9. — Commissioners met in pursuance to ad-
journment at the house of Morris A. Newman, on
were active in organizing the county; it also
Tuesday, the 25th of April, in the year 182o, in the town
gives some idea of the poverty of the early of Broghansville.
settlers, and their method of transacting No. 10. — Ordered that Joseph Chafey be paid eleven
public business, and at the same time is so dollars for Blank Books to be paid out of the county
treasury.
pertinent to the
96 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

No. 11. — Organization of Thompson Township— All which is respectfully submitted March 4, 1823,
Ordered that a township be detached from the township B. F. DRAKE,
of Croghansville by the name of Thompson; boundaries Clerk C. P.
as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of the
Seneca Reservation, thence north from the Cinica The exhibit of receipts from March 5,
Reservation to the present trailed road from 1822, to June, 1823, on this record is as
Croghansville to Strong's settlement till it shall intersect follows:
the FireLands, thence South with said line to the Base Received for store, tavern and ferry licenses .........$152.59
Line, thence west along said line till a line due north “ from county collection of taxes ...............166.10
will strike the place of beginning. “ from fines of fishermen and fighting
Order to elect officers. — The qualified electors of the men..............................................................11.70
township of Thompson are ordered to meet on Saturday,
the 6th of May next, at the house of Joseph Parmeter, for $330.39
the purpose of electing their township officers, at 10 The record of expenditures for the year
O'clock A.M. on said day, and then and there proceed to 1823 shows the following items:
elect said officers as the law directs. Seth Cochran, for wolf scalps ..............................................$34.00
The foregoing extracts are a complete Henry Cochran, for wolf scalps.............................................. 12.00
J. Spanknoble, for wolf scalps..................................................3.00
transcript with figures, capital letters, and S. Baker, for wolf scalps ......................................................... 15.00
spelling found on the first two pages of the Caleb Rice, for wolf scalps .......................................................4.00
old record. D. Cochran, for wolf scalps .......................................................6.00
The county commissioners at the time, W. White, for wolf scalps ................................................. 3.00
S. Root, for wolf scalps .................................................... 3.00
April 8, 1820, were Moses Nichols, T. Wood, for wolf scalps .................................................. 3.00
Jeremiah Everett, and Morris A. Newman. J. Parrish, for wolf scalps ................................................ 3.00
They met, it seems, at different places, J. Guinale, for wolf scalps ............................................... 3.00
A. Switzer, for wolf scalps ............................................... 6.00
sometimes in Croghanville, on the east A. Courtright, for wolf scalps ..................................... 12.00
side, and at other times at Sandusky, on the Total.............................................................................$107.00
west side of the river.
In 1824 the statutes of the State required In 1824 horses and cattle over three years
merchants and tavern-keepers to pay a old were listed and taxed by the head. Seneca
license, and this old record shows the county had then been organized, but what is
revenue of the county from these sources to now Ottawa county was still a part of
have been as follows: Sandusky.
A list of treasurer’s receipts from tavern and store The record above mentioned gives the number
licenses and permits since March 1, 1882, in my office of horses and cattle over three years old in the
to wit:
To George Reynolds, permit to keep tavern .......$1.70 different townships as follows:
To Calvin Leezen, tavern license ........................10.00
HORSES. CATTLE.
To M. A. Newman, tavern license ........................5.00
Sandusky township.............................................33 83
To James McCollister, tavern license .................10.00
Croghan township...............................................21 46
To Samuel Baker, permit to keep tavern...............1.50
Portage township.................................................26 151
To Laurence Gynal, permit to keep tavern ...........4.00
Riley township ....................................................26 169
To Jacob Millions, permit to keep tavern .............1.00
Ballville township ...............................................35 122
Jacob Millions, permit to keep tavern ..................4.00
Green Creek township........................................28 165
To J. S. & G. G. Olmstead, store license ............15.00
Townsend township............................................10 123
To Richard Sears, store license ...........................15.00
York township .....................................................22 153
To Abram Courtright, tavern license ....................5.00
To Samuel Cochran, tavern license .......................5.00 Total in the county ............................ 201 1012
To Bartholomew Rossoms, tavern license ............5.00
To Israel Harrington, tavern license ...................10.00 The total amount of taxes charged on the
To Nicholas Whitinger, tavern license................10.00
To Speeks, permit to vend merchandise ...............1.00
tax duplicate for the year 1824 was two
hundred and ninety-five dollars and eighty-
Full amount .....................................................$103.20 two cents.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 97

HOW THE FIRST COURT HOUSE WAS BUILT. dusky, the same to be paid as follows, by the first day of
April, 1823.
October 27, 1817, the proprietors of land
on the west side of the river laid out and
recorded the plat of the town of Sandusky on
the west side of the river. The location of the
county seat became a question of hot contest
between Croghansville and the new town of
Sandusky. After much discussion,
commissioners to settle the question of
difference were appointed by the General
Assembly of the State. On viewing the
ground and hearing the arguments and
propositions of each party, these
commissioners finally decided in favor of
the west side. In platting the town of
Sandusky the proprietors had set apart on
their plat a square containing about half an
acre of land, and dedicated it to the county
for a court house, and another square of
equal size (marked B) for jail and offices.
Sandusky county not then having been
organized, the plat of this survey was
recorded in Huron county, of which
Sandusky then formed a part. The proprie-
tors who signed this plat of the town of
Sandusky were: Thomas L. Hawkins, for self
and Thomas E. Boswell; Morris A. Newman;
William Oliver, for self and company; Israel Now let the reader realize, if possible, the
Harrington, for self and E. P.; Josiah actual surroundings of the few people in it
Rumery, when the county was organized. To do this, it
The following extract, from the county must be remembered that at that time its
commissioners' record in the book above surface, like that of northwestern Ohio
referred to, is interesting for several reasons, generally, was an almost unbroken wilderness,
among which are: that it shows the manner and with the exception of a few small spots of
of doing public business in those days, and wet prairie, covered by a dense forest of tall
also the names of a number of the pioneers trees, here and there a lonely, tortuous footpath
who settled at Lower Sandusky and vicinity, or bridleway through the woods made by the
and who were leading men in public affairs Indians in travelling from stream to stream, no
in 1822: wagon-ways but those through the woods along
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS. the river, made for the movement of troops
We, the undersigned, citizens of the county of during the wars; no roadbeds on these but the
Sandusky, do hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, executors soft, wet, earth walled on each side and
and administrators, firmly, to pay unto the covered overhead by tall forest trees, among
commissioners of said county the following sums set
opposite our names respectively, for the purpose of
and around which the road was continually
building a courthouse, etc., provided the permanent seat winding. As to the means of subsistence, the
of justice shall be located in the village of San- cornfield
98 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and garden furnished bread and vegetables; rubbed until the corn was grated from the
fish were very abundant and conveniently cob. The other method was to dry the
procured from the rivers and creeks. Probably shelled corn until it was hard and brittle and
half the meat used by the inhabitants was then placing it In a wooden mortar pound it
obtained by the use of the rifle among the to meal with a wooden pestle.
deer and turkeys in the woods, and ducks and These brief statements may give some
geese along the streams. For a number of Idea of the condition of the country and of
years during the early settlement on the the people who launched Sandusky county
Sandusky River, corn bread made of meal of into civil life and power, and laid the
Indian corn, was the only bread, and the meal foundations of her prosperity, and the
was made in two ways: One was, by grating happiness of her people.
the corn before it entirely hardened, on a We place these statements on record here,
grater made by punching a sheet of tin full of so that when years shall have rolled past,
small holes, and taking the rough side for the and the county shall be thickly peopled and
grater. The tin was bent into an arch, rough all its resources fully developed, the curious
side out, and the sides nailed to a shingle or may be able to compare the county from the
piece of wood. On this rough surface the fresh beginning, and reckon the course and
ear of corn was distance of her progress.

CHAPTER VIII (a).


F O R T S T E P H E N S O N.
FREMONT, OHIO, August 22, 1877. by Oliver Oldschool, it is called Fort
Hon. Homer Everett:
DEAR SIR: You are hereby requested 'by the city
Sandusky. In late publications and histories
council of this city to furnish for publication an his- both names are used to designate the place,
torical account of the defence of Fort Stephenson, and as "Fort Stephenson or Lower Sandusky."
the purchase and dedication of the site of the fort for a [Western Annals, by James H. Parker, page
public park. Hoping this request will meet with your
approbation, we remain, 544; Historical Collections of Ohio, by
Yours, etc., Henry Howe, pages 448 and 449; History of
C. R. MCCULLOCH, the Maumee Valley, by H. S. Knapp, page
President of the Council.
W. W. STINE, City Clerk.
183.]
In compliance with the request in the foregoing The name of Fort Sandusky was naturally
resolution, I submit to the Mayor and council of the city derived from the river, near which it was
of Fremont the following memoranda of events situated. The other appellation of Fort
connected with Fort Stephenson (or Fort Sandusky).
Stephenson (or Stevenson, for it is spelled
THE NAME.
both ways in published histories,) was
The histories of the War of 1812 use two probably given to the place because Colonel
names to designate this fort. In an account Stevenson at one time commanded the post.
of the battle here, published in March, A. D. The following general order shows that he
1815, Volume V., of the Port-Folio, a was in command on and before the 14th of
monthly pamphlet published May, 1813:
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 99

GENERAL ORDERS. WHEN AND BY WHOM CONSTRUCTED.

HEADQUARTERS, LOWER SANDUSKY, I am unable to find any data by which to


14th May, 1813.
determine the exact time when the con-
The troops which now form the garrison at Lower
struction of the fort was begun. By the treaty
Sandusky will be relieved today by a detachment of Greenville, between the United States,
furnished by His Excellency, General Meigs, to the represented by Anthony Wayne, and the
senior officer of which Colonel Stevenson will deliver hostile tribes of Indians in the territory
the post and public property in his possession.
The militia belonging to General Wadsworth's northwest of the Ohio River, August 3, 1815,
division, now at this place, will, as soon as relieved, the United States obtained title to a number
commence their march for Cleveland, where they will of tracts of land, called afterwards
remain for the protection of that town.
Colonel Stevenson will furnish the senior officer of
reservations, in different parts of the
this detachment with a copy of this order, and the territory. Among those was a tract of land
quartermaster here will provide the means of a transport two miles square at the lower rapids of the
for them. By order, Sandusky River. They also obtained by the
R. GRAHAM, Adjutant.
same treaty the right of way to and from
The following report is the first instance I each of these several tracts. Wayne was an
have found where the name "Fort Steph- experienced Indian fighter, and had then
enson" was authentically used. It seems to be effectually subdued them; and knowing their
a report on the transportation to be furnished character, no doubt anticipated further
under the preceding order, but the spelling of hostilities. His wise foresight is remarkably
Stevenson, I notice, is changed: displayed in the selection of these parcels of
FORT STEPHENSON,
land for advantageous military posts and
May 22, 1813.
May it Please Your Excellency: forts.
SIR: Agreeably to your orders, sent by Mr. Bishop, I The next we know of military operation
have forwarded all the articles specified therein. The here was on the 18th of January, 1813, when
carriages on which they are to be mounted have not yet
arrived, but are daily expected, as teams have been sent General Harrison hastened here from Upper
from this place under an escort from the garrison. If you Sandusky, and on that morning sent forward
deem it necessary that one of the carriages should be a battalion of troops to the support of
forwarded to Cleveland, the same will he done, on your
order. Considerable manual labor has been done on the
Winchester in his march to Detroit.
garrison since you left this place, and improvements are The next mention of the place in military
daily making. history is found in a general report to United
The troops in general in the garrison are afflicted with States Secretary of War John Armstrong,
bad colds. No epidemic or contagious disorder prevails.
One person has been buried since you left this post. He under date of "Headquarters, foot of the
came from Fort Meigs with a part of the baggage of Miami Rapids, 11th February, 1813," in
Major Todd. which, while giving his intended disposition
No news, or any apprehension of danger.
By order of Major Commanding.
of his forces, he wrote: "A company will be
R. E. POST, Adjutant. placed at Upper Sandusky, and another at
R. J. MEIGS, Governor State of Ohio. Lower Sandusky."
He does not in this communication apply
My memory holds, clearly, events as early
the term "fort" in connection with either
as 1825, and events earlier. I have lived here
place. Hence, a fair inference that at the date
since the year 1815, and ever since my
of this report no fort had been constructed.
earliest recollection the fort has been known
I therefore conclude that the fort was built
in the locality as "Fort Stevenson."
between the 11th of February, 1813,
100 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and the 14th of May following, by Colonel bank of the ditch, thus increasing the depth
Stevenson, who was relieved at the date last from the top of the outer bank.
mentioned, by the order first above quoted. Our esteemed citizen, J. P. Moore, informed
That it was improved by the detachment the writer a few years since that he had a
sent to his relief, as shown by the foregoing conversation with one James Kirk, then of
report of Adjutant R. E. Post, under date of Michigan, but since deceased. Kirk was then
May 22, 1813, and was completed by Major on a visit to Fremont, and guest of Mr.
Croghan (pronounced Crohan) after he took Moore. He informed Mr. Moore that he (Kirk)
command of it, which was on or about the was here in the spring of 1813, and worked on
15th of July, 1813. [Portfolio, Vol. V., page the fort, and, being a blacksmith by trade, put
216, published March, 1815.] The same the hinges on the gate of an addition to the
communication to the Portfolio has the fol- fort; that an additional area was enclosed that
lowing: spring and fore part of the summer equal to
No doubt was entertained that the enemy would visit
the area of the original fort.
Sandusky. Accordingly Colonel Croghan labored day This fact accounts for what might otherwise
and night to place the fort (which had received no appear singular, viz: A blockhouse or bastion
advantages from nature or art) in a State of defence. The near the middle of the north ditch. Kirk also
necessity of cutting a ditch round the fort immediately
presented itself to him. This was done; but in order to mentioned a storehouse then erected, built of
render the enemy's plans abortive, should they succeed peeled logs, which, being higher than the
in passing the ditch (which was nine feet wide and six other buildings and not so strong, was
feet deep), he had large logs placed on top of the fort,
and so adjusted that an inconsiderable weight would
battered down by the enemy's cannon during
cause them to fall from their position, and crush to death the siege. In this house, Kirk said, was stored
all who might be situated below. a quantity of hard bread intended for the
support of the men in Perry's fleet, which was
The walls of the fort were made of logs,
expected up the lake about that time. Kirk was
some round and some flat on one side, being
sent to Fort Seneca shortly before the battle,
half of larger pieces of timber, averaging
and was, consequently, not present during the
about eighteen inches in thickness, set firmly
engagement. But he returned shortly after,
in the earth, perpendicularly, each picket
and for many years worked at his trade in this
crowded closely against the other and about
place. He was long known to the writer when
ten feet high, sharpened at the top. The walls
a boy, and was a good citizen and an
inclosed about one acre of ground on a bluff
honorable, truthful man.
formed by the hills, bounding the valley of
THE ATTACK AND DEFENCE OF THE FORT.
the river on the east of the fort, and a ravine
running in a northeasterly direction, cutting Having raised the siege of Camp Meigs,
through the bluff north of the fort. the British sailed around into Sandusky Bay,
After Croghan arrived at the fort he had a while a competent number of their savage
ditch six feet deep and nine feet wide, dug allies marched across through the swamps of
around it outside; throwing about half the Portage River, to cooperate in a combined
earth against the foot of the pickets, and attack on Lower Sandusky, expecting, no
grading it sharply down to the bottom of the doubt, that General Harrison's attention would
ditch. The other portion of earth was thrown be chiefly directed to forts Winchester and
on the outer Meigs. The General
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 101

however, had calculated on their taking this entertained no doubt but that an immediate
course, and had been careful to keep patrols attack was intended either on Sandusky or
down the bay, opposite the mouth of the Seneca. He therefore immediately called a
Portage, where he supposed their forces council of war, consisting of McArthur,
would debark. Cass, Ball, Paul, Wood, Hukill, Holmes and
Several days before the British had Graham, who were unanimously of' the
invested Fort Meigs, General Harrison, with opinion that Fort Stephenson was untenable
Major Croghan and some other officers, had against heavy artillery, and that as the enemy
examined the heights which surrounded Fort could bring with facility any quantity of
Stephenson; and as the hill on the opposite battering cannon against it, by which it must
or southeast side of the river was found to be inevitably fall, and as it was an unimportant
the most commanding eminence, the General post, containing nothing the loss of which
had some thoughts of removing the fort to would be felt by q s, that the garrison should
that place, and Major Croghan declared his therefore not be reinforced, but withdrawn,
readiness to undertake the work. But the and the place destroyed. In pursuance of this
General did not authorize him to do it, and decision, the General immediately dis-
he believed that if the enemy intended to patched the order to Major Croghan, di-
invade our territory again, they would do it recting him immediately to abandon Fort
before the removal could be completed. It Stephenson, to set it on fire and repair with
was then finally concluded that the fort, his command to headquarters across the river
which was calculated for a garrison of only and come up on the opposite side, and if he
two hundred men, could not be defended should find it impracticable to reach the
against the heavy artillery of the enemy; and General's quarters, to take the road to Huron,
that if the British should approach it by and pursue it with the utmost circumspection
water, which would cause a presumption that and dispatch. This order was sent by Mr.
they had brought their heavy artillery, the Conner and two Indians, who lost their way
fort must be abandoned and burnt, provided in the dark, and did not reach Fort
a retreat could be effected with safety. In the Stephenson until 11 o'clock the next day.
orders left with Major Croghan, it was When Major Croghan received it, he was of
stated: "Should the British troops approach the opinion that he could not then retreat
you in force with cannon, and you can with safety, as the Indians were ,hovering
discover them in time to effect a retreat, you round the fort in considerable force. He
will do so immediately, destroying all the called a council of his officers, a majority of
public stores." whom coincided with him in opinion that a
"You must be aware that the attempt to retreat would be unsafe, and that the post
retreat in the face of an Indian force would could be maintained against the enemy, at
be vain. Against such an enemy your least till further instructions could be
garrison would be safe, however great the received from headquarters. The Major,
number." therefore, immediately returned the
On the evening of the 29th General following answer:
Harrison received intelligence, by express, Sir: I have just received yours of yesterday, 10
from General Clay, that the enemy had p.m., ordering me to destroy this place and make good
my retreat, which was received too late to be carried
abandoned the siege of Fort Meigs; and as into execution. We have determined to maintain this
the Indians on that day had swarmed in the place, and, by heavens, we can.
woods round his camp, he
102 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

In writing this brief note Major Croghan They returned by the fort after 12 o'clock the
had a view to the probability of its falling next day, and had passed it but a few hours
into the hands of the enemy, and on that when the enemy made their appearance
account made use of stronger language than before it. The Indians showed themselves
would otherwise have been consistent with first on the hill over the river, and were
propriety. It reached the General on the same saluted by a six pounder, the only piece of
day, who did not fully understand the artillery in the fort, which soon caused them
circumstances and motives under which it to retire. In half an hour the British gunboats
had been dictated. The following order was came in sight, and the Indian forces
therefore immediately prepared and sent displayed themselves in every direction,
with Colonel Wells in the morning, escorted with a view to intercept the garrison, should
by Colonel Ball, with his corps of dragoons: a retreat be attempted. The six pounder was
July 30, 1813. fired a few times at the gunboats, which was
SIR: The General has just received your letter of this returned by the artillery of the enemy. A
date, informing him that you had thought proper to landing of their troops with a five and a half
disobey the order issued from this office, and delivered
to you this morning. It appears that the information
inch howitzer was effected about a mile
which dictated the order was incorrect; and as you did below the fort, and Major Chambers,
not receive it in the night, as was expected, it might accompanied by Dickson, was dispatched
have been proper that you should have reported the towards the fort with a flag, and was met on
circumstance and your situation, before you proceeded
to its execution. This might have been passed over; but I the part of Major Croghan by Ensign Shipp,
am directed to say to you, that an officer who presumes of the Seventeenth regiment. After the usual
to aver that he has made his resolution, and that he will ceremonies, Major Chambers observed to
act in direct opposition to the orders of the General, can
no longer be entrusted with a separate command.
Ensign Shipp that he was instructed by
Colonel Wells is sent to relieve you. You will deliver General Proctor to demand the surrender of
the command to him, and repair with Colonel Ball's the fort, as he was anxious to spare the
squadron to this place. By command, etc. effusion of human blood, which he could not
A. H. Holmes
Assistant Adjutant-General. do should he be under the necessity of
reducing it by the powerful force of artillery,
Colonel Wells being left in the command
regulars, and Indians under his command.
of Fort Stephenson, Major Croghan returned
Shipp replied that the commandant of the
with the squadron to headquarters. He there
fort and its garrison was determined to
explained his motive for writing such a note,
defend it to the last extremity; that no force,
which was deemed satisfactory; and having
however great, could induce them to
remained all night with the General, who
surrender, as they were resolved to maintain
treated him politely, he was permitted to
their post, or to bury themselves in its ruins.
return to his command in the morning, with
Dickson then said that their immense body
written orders similar to those he had
of Indians could not be restrained from
received before.
murdering the whole garrison in case of
A reconnoitering party which had been
success; of which we have no doubt,
sent from headquarters to the shore of the
rejoined Chambers; as we are amply
lake, about twenty miles distant from Fort
prepared. Dickson then proceeded to remark,
Stephenson, discovered the approach of the
that it was a great pity so fine a young man
enemy, by water, on the 31st of July.
should fall into the hands of the savages Sir,
for God's sake, surrender, and prevent the
dreadful massacre
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 103

that will be caused by your resistance. Mr. their fire from their howitzer and three
Shipp replied, that when the fort was taken sixpounders, which they had landed in the
there would be none to massacre. It will not night, and planted in a point of woods about
be given up while a man is able to resist. An two hundred and fifty yards from the fort. In
Indian at this moment came out of the the evening, about 4 o'clock, they
adjoining ravine, and advancing to the concentrated the fire of all their guns on the
ensign, took hold of his sword and attempted northwest angle, which convinced Major
to wrest it from him. Dickson interfered, and Croghan that they would endeavor to make a
having retained the Indian, affected great breach and storm the works at that point; he
anxiety to get him safe into the fort. therefore immediately had that place
The enemy now opened fire from their strengthened as much as possible with bags
sixpounder in the gunboats and the howitzer of flour and sand, which were so effectual
on shore, which they continued through the that the picketing in that place sustained no
night with but little intermission and with material injury. Sergeant Weaver, with five
very little effect. The forces of the enemy or six gentlemen of the Petersburg
consisted of five hundred regulars, and about volunteers and Pittsburgh Blues, who
eight hundred Indians commanded by happened to be in the fort, was entrusted
Dickson, the whole being commanded by with the management of the sixpounder.
General Proctor in person. Tecumseh was Late in the evening, when the smoke of the
stationed on the road to Fort Meigs with a firing had completely enveloped the fort, the
body of two thousand Indians, expecting to enemy proceeded to make the assault. Two
intercept a reinforcement on that route. feints were made toward the southern angle,
Major Croghan, through the evening, where Captain Hunter's lines were formed;
occasionally fired his sixpounder, at the and at the same time a column of three
same time changing its place, to in, duce a hundred and fifty men was discovered
belief that he had more than one piece. As it advancing through the smoke, within twenty
produced very little execution on the enemy, paces of the northwestern angle. A heavy,
and he was desirous of saving his galling fire of musketry was now opened
ammunition, he soon discontinued his fire. upon them from the fort, which threw them
The enemy had directed their fire against the into some confusion. Colonel Short, who
northwestern angle of the fort, which headed the principal column, soon rallied his
induced the commander to believe that an men, and led them with great bravery to the
attempt would be made to storm his works at brink of the ditch. After a momentary pause
that point. In the night Captain Hunter was he leaped into the ditch, calling to his men to
directed to remove the sixpounder to a follow him, and in a few minutes it was full.
blockhouse, from which it would rake that The masked porthole was now opened, and
angle. By great industry and personal ex- the sixpounder, at the distance of thirty feet,
ertion, Captain Hunter soon accomplished poured such destruction among them that but
this object in secrecy. The embrasure was few who had entered the ditch were fortunate
masked and the piece loaded with a enough to escape. A precipitate and confused
halfcharge of powder, and doublecharge of retreat was the immediate consequence,
slugs and grapeshot. Early in the morning of although some of the officers attempted to
the 2nd the enemy opened rally their men. The other
104 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

column, which was led by Colonel o'clock, the whole British and Indian force
Warburton and Major Chambers, was also commenced a disorderly retreat. So great
routed in confusion by a destructive fire was their precipitation that they left a
from the line commanded by Captain Hunter. sailboat containing some clothing and a
The whole of them fled into the adjoining considerable quantity of military stores; and
wood, beyond the reach of our firearms. on the next day, seventy stand of arms and
During the assault, which lasted half an some braces of pistols were picked up about
hour, the enemy kept up an incessant fire the fort. Their hurry and confusion was
from their howitzer and five sixpounders. caused by the apprehension of an attack from
They left Colonel Short,* a lieutenant and General Harrison, of whose position and
twenty-five privates dead in the ditch; and force they had probably received an
the total number of prisoners taken was exaggerated account.
twenty-six, most of them badly wounded. It was the intention of General Harrison,
Major Muir was knocked down in the ditch, should the enemy succeed against Fort
and lay among the dead till the darkness of Stephenson, or should they endeavor to turn
the night enabled him to escape in safety. his left and fall on Upper Sandusky, to leave
The loss of the garrison was one killed and his camp at Seneca and fall back for the
seven slightly wounded. The total loss of the protection of that place. But he discovered
enemy could not have been less than one by the firing on the evening of the 1st, that
hundred and sixty killed and wounded. the enemy had nothing but light artillery,
When night came on, which was soon which could make no impression on the fort;
after the assault, the wounded in the ditch and he knew that an attempt to storm it
were in a desperate situation. Complete without making a breach, could be
relief could not be brought to them by either successfully repelled by the garrison; he
side with any degree of safety. Major therefore determined to wait for the arrival
Croghan, however, relieved them as much as of two hundred and fifty mounted volunteers
possible he contrived to convey them water under Colonel Rennick, being the advance of
over the picketing in buckets, and a ditch seven hundred who were approaching by the
was opened under the pickets, through which way of Upper Sandusky, and then to march
those who were able and willing, were against the enemy and raise the siege, if their
encouraged to crawl into the fort. All who force was not still too great for his. On the
were able preferred, of course, to follow 2nd he sent several scouts to ascertain their
their defeated comrades, and many others situation and force; but the woods were so
were carried from the vicinity of the fort by infested with Indians that none of them
the Indians, particularly their own killed and could proceed sufficiently near the fort to
wounded; and in the night, about three make the necessary discoveries. In the night
the messenger arrived at headquarters with
*Colonel Short, who commanded the regulars the intelligence that the enemy were
composing the forlorn hope, was ordering his men to preparing to retreat. About nine o'clock
leap the ditch, cut down the pickets and give the
Americans no quarter, when he fell mortally wounded Major Croghan had ascertained, from their
into the ditch, hoisted his white handkerchief on the end collecting about their boats, that they were
of his sword, and begged for that mercy which he had a preparing to embark, and had immediately
moment before ordered to be denied to his enemy.
sent an express to the commander-in-chief
with this information. The General now
Major George Croghan
Hero of Fort Stephenson 2d Aug 1843
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 105

determined to wait no longer for the rein- under my command, for their gallantry and
forcements, and immediately set out with the good conduct during the siege."
dragoons, with which he reached the fort The brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel was
early in the morning, having ordered immediately conferred on Major Croghan,
Generals McArthur and Cass, who had by the President of the United States, for his
arrived at Seneca several days before, to gallant conduct on this occasion. The ladies
follow him with all the disposable infantry at of Chillicothe also presented him an elegant
that place, and which at this time was about sword, accompanied by a suitable address.
seven hundred men, after the numerous sick, The following sketches of Colonel George
and the force necessary to maintain the Croghan are taken from the Portfolio,
position, were left behind. Finding that the published in 1815:
enemy had fled entirely from the fort, so as FRANKFORT, July 22, 1814.
not to be reached by him, and learning that To the Editor of the Port-folio:
Tecumseh was somewhere in the direction of SIR: Upon receiving the letter which you did me the
Fort Meigs, with two thousand warriors, he honor to address to me by Mrs. B., I immediate took
such measures as were necessary to procure tie
immediately ordered the infantry to fall back information you requested. I now transmit to you the
to Seneca, lest Tecumseh should make an result of my inquiries, regretting that it was not in my
attack on that place, or intercept they small power to do it sooner.
At the time when Colonel Croghan and myself were
reinforcements advancing from Ohio.. inmates of the same house, he was in his fourteenth
In his official report of this affair, General year. No incident occurred during that early period
Harrison observes that: "It will not be among sufficiently interesting to find a place in his history;
the least of General Proctor's mortifications, yet, even then, his conduct exhibited a happy
combination of those talents and principles which have
that he has been baffled by a youth, who has already procured him the admiration and gratitude of his
just passed his twenty-first year. He is, country.
however, a hero worthy of his gallant uncle, Though ingenuous in his disposition and unassuming
and, conciliating in his manners, he was remarkable for
General George R. Clarke." discretion and steadiness. His opinions, when once
Captain Hunter, of the Seventeenth formed, were maintained with modest but persevering
regiment, the second in command, conducted firmness; and the propriety of his decisions generally
himself with great propriety; and never was satisfied the spirit with which they were defended. et,
though rigid to his adherence to principle, and in his
there a set of finer young fellows than the estimate of what was right or improper, in cases of
subalterns, viz:, Lieutenants Johnson and minor importance he was all compliance. I never met
Baylor of the Seventeenth, Meeks of the with a youth who would so cheerfully sacrifice every
personal gratification to the wishes or accommodation of
Seventh, and Ensigns Shipp and Duncan, of his friends. In sickness or disappointment he evinced a
the Seventeenth. degree of patience and fortitude which could not have
Lieutenant Anderson, of the Twenty- been exceeded by any veteran in the school of
fourth, was also noticed for his good misfortune or philosophy. Were I asked, what were the
most prominent features of his character? (or rather,
conduct. Being without a command, he what were the prevailing dispositions of his mind?) at
solicited Major Croghan for a musket and a the period of which I am speaking, I would answer,
post to fight at, which he did with the decision and urbanity; the former, resulting from the
uncommon and estimable qualities of his understanding
greatest bravery. the latter, from the concentration of all the sweet
"Too much praise," says Major Croghan, “charities of life,” in his heart. Thus far from my own
"can not be bestowed on the officers, observation. I have seldom seen Colonel Croghan for the
noncommissioned officers, and privates last eight years; but subjoin the testimony of those to
whose observation he has been exposed during the
whole of that period.
106 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

An intelligent young gentleman, who was his asso- to his oratorical powers. The ensuing autumn he
ciate in study and in alms, has given me a brief sketch of attended a course of lectures on law, and upon the
his military career, which I herewith transmit, together termination of the course returned to his father's where
with such corroborative and additional circumstances as he prosecuted the study of the same profession, and
I have collected from other sources, and which in occasionally indulged himself in miscellaneous reading.
substance amount to this: Biography and history have always occupied much of
Lieutenant-Colonel George Croghan was born at his attention. He is an enthusiastic admirer of the
Locust Grove, near the falls of Ohio, on the 15th of writings of Shakespeare, and can recite most of the
November, 1791. His father, Major William Croghan, noted passages of that great poet and philosopher. He
left Ireland at an early period of life ; was appointed an admires tragedy but not comedy. He is (as his
officer in our Revolutionary army, and discharged his countenance indicates) rather of a serious cast of mind;
duties as such, to the satisfaction of the commander-in- yet no one admires more a pleasant anecdote, or an
chief. His mother is the daughter of John Clarke, esq., of unaffected sally of wit. With his friends he is affable
Virginia, a gentleman of worth and respectability, who and free from reserve; his manners are prepossessing; he
exerted himself greatly, and contributed largely towards dislikes ostentation, and was never heard to utter a word
the support of our just and glorious contest. He had five in praise of himself.
sons, four of whom were officers in the Revolutionary In the autumn of 1811 was fought the battle of
army. General William Clarke, who, together with Tippecanoe. This was the first opportunity which
Captain Lewis, explored, and is at present the Governor offered for the display of his military talents. He
of Louisiana, was too young to participate with his embraced it with avidity - left his father's house in the
brothers in the achievement of our liberties; but his character of a volunteer, and was appointed aid to
conduct since is a sufficient demonstration of the part he General Harrison. On the 7th of November an attack was
would have taken, had he been riper in years. The made on the troops under the command of that officer;
military talents of General George R. Clarke have the enemy were repulsed with valor; and during the
obtained for him the flattering appellation of "the father engagement young Croghan evinced the greatest
of the western country." courage, activity, and military skill. His services were
Colonel Croghan has always been esteemed generous acknowledged by all; and he exhibited such proofs of a
and humane; and, when a boy, his manly appearance and genius for war that many of his companions in arms
independence of sentiment and action commanded the remarked that "he was born a soldier." A cant saying
attention and admiration of all who knew him. among the troops at Tippecanoe was "to do a main
The selection of his speeches for scholastic exercises business;" and during the battle he would ride from post
tended in some measure to mark his peculiar talent. to post, exciting the courage of the men by exclaiming,
They were of a nature entirely military. He read with "Now, my brave fellows, now is the time to do a main
delight whatever appertained to military affairs, and business." Upon the return of the troops from
would listen for hours to conversations respecting Tippecanoe, they were frequently met by persons
battles. His principal amusements were gunning and coming to ascertain the fate of their children or friends.
foxhunting. He would frequently rise at in o'clock at Among the number of these was a very poor and aged
night, and repair to the woods alone (or with no man, whose son was slain in the battle. Colonel
attendant but his little servant), either to give chase to Croghan, having ascertained the situation of the old
the fox, or battle to the wild cat and raccoon. man, and observing his inability to perform much bodily
Nothing offended him more than for any one, even in labor, regularly made his fires every morning, and
jest, to say a word disrespectful of General Washington. supplied him with provisions, clothes, and money. Many
While in the State of Kentucky his time was acts of this kind are related of him by the soldiers and
principally occupied by the study of his native tongue, officers of Tippecanoe.
geography, the elements of geometry, and the Latin and After the battle of Tippecanoe, his military ardor
Greek languages. In these different branches of greatly increased, and, upon the prospect of a speedy
literature he made a respectable progress. declaration of war, he expressed a desire to join the
In the year 1808 he left Locust Grove for the purpose army. Recommendatory letters of the most flattering
of prosecuting his studies in the University of William kind were written by Generals Harrison and Boyd to the
and Mary. In this institution he graduated as A. B. on Secretary of War; and upon the commencement of
the 4th of July, 1820; and delivered, on the day of his hostilities against Great Britain, he was appointed
graduation, an oration on the subject of expatriation. captain in the Seventeenth regiment of infantry. He was
This oration was deemed by the audience, concise, stationed some time at Clark Cantonment, near the Falls
ingenious, and argumentative, and was pronounced in a of Ohio, but had not been long in command there before
manner which did great credit he was ordered to march, with what regulars he had, to
the headquarters of the Northwestern Army, then at
Detroit.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 107

His countenance beamed with delight upon receiving the sick of the garrison, that I may be able to act without
this order. There were large bodies of militia and incumbrance. Be satisfied. I shall, I hope, do my duty.
volunteers on their march to Detroit, but before they had The example set me by my Revolutionary kindred is
proceeded far they heard of Hull's surrender. before me—let me die rather than prove unworthy of
Shortly after this the command of the Northwestern their name.
Army was given to General Harrison. Colonel Croghan
commanded a short time at Fort Defiance, on the Miami, The following extract of a letter, written
but upon the defeat of General Winchester he was by a fellow-student and fellow-soldier of
ordered to Fort Meigs. His conduct during that Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan, is here
memorable siege is handsomely noticed in General
Harrison's official report, and he was shortly afterwards
introduced as throwing additional light on
promoted to a majority, and stationed with his battalion the military character of that distinguished
at Upper Sandusky. While there he received young officer:
information, by express, of an attack upon Lower
Lieutenant-Colonel George Croghan is a native of
Sandusky. It was late in the afternoon when the
Kentucky, and the second son of Major William
intelligence reached him—the road between the two
Croghan, near Louisville. He is the nephew of the
places was intolerably bad—the distance thirty-six
gallant hero and accomplished general, George Rogers
miles, and the rain descending in torrents; yet he
Clarke, the father of the western country, and of General
proceeded at the head of his battalion to its relief, and
William Clarke, the present enterprising Governor of
continued his march until 12 o'clock at night, by which
Missouri. His father is a native of Ireland, and having
time he had advanced twenty miles. It then became so
early embarked his fortunes in America, was a
dark that he and his men were obliged to lie down in the
distinguished officer in the war of the Revolution.
road, and wait the return of light rather than run the risk
Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan was born on the 15th of
of losing their way.
November, 1791, and received all the advantages of
He arrived at Fort Ball (twelve miles distant) before
education the best grammar schools in Kentucky could
sunrise the next morning, having waded through mud
afford, until in his seventeenth year, when he
and mire frequently waist deep, and having been
commenced a scientific course in the ancient college of
exposed to a heavy rain during the whole night. He was
William and Mary, in Virginia. Both at school and at
there informed that the report of an attack upon Lower
college be was remarked for an open manliness of
Sandusky was unfounded, but after remaining a few
character, and elevation of sentiment, and a strength of
days at Fort Ball he proceeded thither, having received
intellect, connected with a high and persevering
orders to take the command at that post. He arrived there
ambition.
about the 15th of July. A few days after this Fort Meigs
In July, 1810, he graduated at William and Mary
was besieged by a large British and Indian force. No
college, and soon afterwards commenced the study of
doubt was entertained that the enemy would visit
law. With this view, he continued to visit that university
Sandusky. Accordingly, Colonel Croghan labored day
until the fall of 1811, when he volunteered his services
and night to place the fort (which had received no
as a private in the campaign up the Wabash. A short
advantages from nature or art) in a state of defence. The
time before the action of Tippecanoe, he was appointed
necessity of cutting a ditch round the fort, immediately
aid-decamp to General Boyd, the second in command:
presented itself to him. This was done; but in order to
and, although from his situation, he was not enabled to
render the enemy's plans abortive, should they even
evince that activity which has since so much
succeed in leaping the ditch (which was nine feet wide,
distinguished him, he exhibited a soul undaunted in one
and six deep), he had large logs placed on the top of the
of the most sanguinary conflicts of the present day, and
fort, and so adjusted that an inconsiderable weight
accordingly received the thanks of the commanding
would cause them to fall. from their position, and crush
general.
to death all who might be situated below. This im-
In consequence of his services on the Wabash ex-
provement in the art of fortification took place but a few
pedition, he was appointed a captain in the provisional
days before the attack. It is novel, and originated with
army directed to be raised and organized in the spring of
himself.
1812. In August he marched with the detachment from
A short time before the action, he wrote Kentucky, under General Winchester, destined to relieve
the following concise and impressive letter General Hull in Canada; and to those acquainted with
the movements of that gallant but unfortunate little
to a friend: army, the caution, zeal, and military capacity of Captain
The enemy are not far distant—I expect an attack—I Croghan was conspicuous. Upon visiting the various
will defend this post till the last extremity—I have just encampments of the army on its march along the Miami
sent away the women and children, with of the Lake, both before and after the attack on Fort
Wayne, the ground occupied by Captain Croghan
108 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was easily designated by the judicious fortifications defences of the Northwest, that George
erected for the night. On the movement of the army
towards the Rapids, he was entrusted with the command
Croghan, with this gallant record, was to be
of Fort Winchester, at the junction of the Auglaize and court-martialed on a charge of
Miami Rivers, where he manifested his usual military “intemperance in alcoholic drinks.” The old
arrangement. After the defeat at the River Raisin he General listened impatiently to the infor-
joined General Harrison at the Rapids, previous to the
erection of Fort Meigs. mation, but heard it through, and then he laid
It is creditable to the discernment of General down his paper, rose from his chair, smote
Harrison, that he relied with the utmost confidence on the table with his clenched fist, and, with his
the judicious arrangements of Captain Croghan, in the
trying, brilliant, and ever memorable siege of Fort
proverbial energy, declared: "Those
Meigs. In the sortie under that gallant soldier, Colonel proceedings of the court-martial shall be
Miller, on the 5th of May, to the companies led by stopped, sir! George Croghan shall get drunk
Captains Croghan, Langhan, and Bradford was confided every day of his life if he wants to, and by
the storming of the British batteries, defended by a
regular force and a body of Indians, either of them the Eternal, the United States shall pay for
superior in number to the assailants. Here Captain the whiskey."
Croghan’s gallantry was again noticed in general orders. PURCHASE OF THE GROUND BY THE CITY.
At a very critical period of the last campaign (that of
1853,) young Croghan, now promoted to a majority, was At an early day after the village of Lower
appointed to the command of Fort Sandusky, at Lower Sandusky was chartered a few men
Sandusky. On his conduct in the defence of that post,
the official documents of the time, and the applause of a
suggested and desired that the village should
grateful country, are the most honorable commentary. purchase and preserve the fort. The purchase
The character of the campaign was changed from was talked of from time to time. While it
defensive to offensive operations, and its issue very was owned by Chester Edgerton, esq., he
materially influenced by the achievement. For his valor
and good conduct on this occasion, Major Croghan was verbally agreed to sell it to the city for four
made, by brevet, a Lieutenant-Colonel. thousand dollars. General R. P. Buckland,
then representing this district in the Ohio
Colonel Croghan was made Inspector
Senate, about the year 1856 procured the
General of the army, with the rank of
passage of an act empowering the village to
Colonel, December 21, 1825, and in that
purchase at that price, on the majority vote
capacity served with General Taylor in
of the inhabitants. The vote was taken and
Mexico.
carried in favor of the purchase. But by this
Congress presented him with a gold medal
time Mr. Edgerton had changed his mind,
February 13, 1835, as a recognition of his
and declined, for some reason, to sell to the
gallant services in the defence of Fort
city, but afterwards sold to Mr. Lewis
Stephenson.
Leppelman.
I close this sketch with an incident which
Among those who were always desirous
pithily illustrates the character of President
the city should purchase, was Mr. Sardis
Jackson and the esteem in .which Colonel
Birchard, uncle of President Hayes. Fremont
Croghan was held.
in the meantime became a city of the second
Colonel Miller, the gallant "I'll try, sir,"
class. Mr. Birchard, while alive, determined
of the War of 1812, was the first to make
to found a public library in the city, where
known to President Jackson that George
he had resided and accumulated considerable
Croghan, the splendid hero of the Fort
wealth. He accordingly donated property
Stephenson fight in 1813, who, with a
valued at fifty thousand dollars for the
handful of men, maintained against a
purpose, and appointed as trustees of the
thousand British and Indians a position that
library and the fund : The Mayor of the city
involved all the communication and
of Fremont,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 109

the Superintendent of the city schools, R. B. that the identical gun was stored at
Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Rev. Ebenezer Pittsburgh.
Bushnell, James W. Wilson, Thomas Aided by other citizens, he procured the
Stilwell, William E. Haynes, and L. Q. passage of a resolution by Congress,
Rawson. On meeting, the Board of Trustees directing that the gun be forwarded to this
chose the following officers, who still hold place and given to the village authorities.
their respective positions: President, R. B.
Hayes; Vice-President, R. P. Buckland; It was forwarded, but by some misdi-
Secretary, W. W. Ross; Treasurer, James W. rection was carried to Sandusky City. The
authorities of that place desired to keep it,
Wilson.
It was the earnest wish of Mr. Birchard and when it was traced there and claimed by
that the library should be located on the site Mayor Bartlett, it was concealed by being
of the fort, and that the city should own that buried.
ground for a park. Hence, when the owner, He set a detective on the search, who, after
Lewis Leppleman, esq., offered four lots several days, succeeded in finding where it
embracing the fort ground property for was buried and informed Mayor Bartlett.
eighteen thousand dollars, and Mr. Claghan The Mayor sent a force of several men
and Dr. W. V. B. Ames, each a lot on the with a team, who found the gun and brought
south, which connect the ground from it away. There was much rejoicing over the
Croghan to Garrison streets, consented to arrival of the gun, and the people still hold it
sell for nine thousand, Mr. Birchard as a sacred relic of the past and a witness of
authorized the trustees of the library to the bravery of Colonel Croghan and his one
divert six thousand dollars of the library hundred and sixty brave Kentuckians.
fund to the purchase. This not being
This gun is now placed on the site of Fort
sufficient with the funds appropriated by the
Stephenson, to be there kept as a memento
city, General Hayes, to complete its
and a reminder to future generations, of the
purchase of the whole block, guaranteed
heroism and bravery of the fort's defenders.
three thousand dollars more out of the
library fund, and the whole was purchased, The following communication was written
and deeded to the city with condition that the by Clark Waggoner, who formerly edited the
library building should be erected therein. Lower Sandusky Whig, and was published in
THE GUN CALLED BETSEY CROGHAN.
the Fremont Journal of August, 1879. It
seems so pertinent to the history of the fort
The gun used by Colonel Croghan with and the people of Lower Sandusky, that we
such good effect, in defence of the fort, give it entire:
naturally became an object of inquiry with a
view to having it placed in the fort as a relic FORTY YEARS AGO—FORT STEPHENSON
CELEBRATION OF 1839
of the past.
Brice J. Bartlett, a citizen and prominent The history of Fremont and vicinity is especially rich in
lawyer of the place, father of Colonel J. R. events and associations, some of which have been
gathered for record, while many others remain unwritten
Bartlett, and then mayor of the village, was and liable to the oblivion which sooner or later
untiring in his efforts to find and preserve overtakes tradition. Most prominent of all now stands,
the gun. By correspondence with the War and must stand, the thrilling story of the heroic and
successful defence of Fort Stephenson by Major George
Department and inquiry through members of Croghan and his gallant little band of one hundred and
Congress, he ascertained sixty-nine men, August 1, 1813.
110 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

from the combined attack of five hundred British Twenty-one named, but three remain - General
regulars and eight hundred Indians, under command of Buckland, Dr. Rawson, and William Fields.
General Proctor. After a furious cannonading of twenty- The committee at once entered upon its duties, the
four hours, the assault was made, which resulted in discharge of which must be judged from results. Suffice
complete repulse, with a loss to the assailants of two it here to say that the undertaking committed to their
hundred men m killed and wounded, and to the brave hands was not then what it would be now. At that time
defenders of one man killed and seven slightly wounded. nearly everything of ways and means had to be
We need not stop here to repeat the many features and improvised for the occasion, while the population was
incidents of that notable event, so highly important in small, with resources limited. The design of the
staying the advance into Ohio of the confident leader of committee was of the most liberal kind, and included,
that mongrel command, our present object being rather besides the usual procession, music, orations, etc., a
to refer to the notable commemoration of that great grand barbecue dinner, something entirely new in this
victory, which took place here on the twenty-sixth section. The people cooperated zealously and liberally
anniversary of the same, August 2, 1839. This is made with the committees' plans in the supply of money and
the more fitting at this time by the occurrence tomorrow other assistance, while business was wholly given up to
of the sixty' sixth anniversary of that event. the festivities of the day. Special invitations were sent to
Since the celebration of 1839, forty years have a large number of distinguished men throughout the
passed. Forty years! Two score of the earth's cycles! country, from many of whom letters were received. A
How few, of the hundreds who participated in the splendid ox was neatly and admirably roasted whole,
exercises of that occasion, remain to have its pleasant after the best Kentucky style, and was supported by
memories revived by this reference thereto. Not one in a several smaller animals cooked in the same manner. The
hundred of the present population of Fremont and dinner was served under a capacious arbor especially
vicinity have any information of that event, except as prepared on the hill, in full sight and within a few rods
received from others. And yet there are some who have of the old fort.
all these long years of intervening time kept the matter A SUGGESTIVE INCIDENT.
in mind, and these will take special pleasure in a brief
review of some of the incidents of the occasion. It is In his letter to the committee, Hon. Elisha
proper here to state that in 1839 there still remained Whittlesey gives, upon the authority of the
some who were either here or in the immediate vicinity
at the time of the tragic scenes of 1813.
person named, for whom he vouches as "a
The celebration of 1839 was the first formal recog- gentleman of respectability and of strict
nition made of the anniversary of the battle, and was veracity," the following statement, which has
entered into by all classes of citizens with a Spirit and not otherwise been made public. Mr.
an energy which indicated the deepest interest in the
chief local event of the town. Action looking thereto Whittlesey wrote:
was inaugurated by a preliminary meeting of citizens, Aaron Norton, then a resident of Tallmadge, Portage
held at the court house on the evening of July 6, when county, on the ad of August, 1813, left Huron county to
Thomas L. Hawkins was called to the chair and Ralph E. visit Fort Stephenson on business. He had furnished
Buckland appointed secretary. On the motion of Dr. supplies for the Northwestern Army at different times
Frank Williams, it was resolved to take measures for the after Hull's surrender, and was very well acquainted
celebration of the then approaching anniversary, when a with the country east of the Maumee River. He arrived
committee of arrangements therefore was appointed, to in the vicinity of Fort Stephenson in the afternoon, and
consist of the following named citizens, to wit: General without knowing that the British and Indians had elected
John Bell, James Justice, N. B. Eddy, John R. Pease, a landing, he rode about halfway from the high bank to
Ralph P. Buckland, Dr. Frank Williams, Isaac Knapp, the place for fording the Sandusky River, when he
Andrew Morehouse, James Vallette, Dr. L. Q. Rawson, discovered the British on the left bank, and that the
William Fields, Dr. Daniel Brainard, Rodolphus Indians were on each side of him and in his front. The
Dickinson, General Samuel Treat, General John road descended from the high bank south of the present
Patterson, Captain Samuel Thompson, Major James A. turnpike, and followed the river bank to the ford, which,
Scranton, Jesse S. Olmsted, General Robert S. Rice, according to my recollection, was south of the present
Thomas L. Hawkins, and Jeremiah Everett. This list will bridge. To gain the fort was impossible, while a safe
call up many memories among the readers of the retreat was doubtful. The parties discovered each other
Journal. It embraces the names of most of the prominent at the same instant, and each were alike astonished. Mr.
citizens' of old Lower Sandusky then living, nearly all Norton wheeled his horse and pressed him to the top of
of whom, one by one, have passed from earth. Of the his speed. As soon as the Indians recovered from their
surprise and regained their rifles, they
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 111

shot at the fugitive, who reached the hill and the woods Thomas Ewing, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey,
without injury.
Immediately after this active preparations were made
John A. Bryan (Auditor of State), Hon.
to attack the fort. Mr. Norton supposed the enemy, John W. Allen, General James Allen, and
apprehending that reinforcements were marching to the Dr. John G. Miller, of Columbus. Besides
fort, made the attack sooner and with less caution than the regular, volunteer toasts were offered
they otherwise would. Without detracting in the least
from the brilliant merits of Major Croghan and his brave .by General John Patterson, B. J. Bartlett,
companions-in-arms, he looked upon the incident as William B. Craighill, Josiah Roop, Dr.
having, under the guidance of Providence, contributed to Niles, Henry Spohn, Sidney Smith
the signal defeat of the enemy. He claimed no merit, and
was thankful that he possessed the presence of mind that
(subsequently by special legislative act,
enabled him to make his escape. Sidney Sea), Colonel E. D. Bradley, Dr. A.
On reading this statement the mind cannot H. Brown, Clark Waggoner, Captain
wholly resist the view taken by Mr. Norton, Samuel Thompson, Pitt Cooke, and John N.
that his timely appearance may have Sloan, of Sandusky. One of the volunteer
operated to precipitate the attack on the fort, toasts was this:
which proved so disastrous to the assailants. By a citizen: Colonel Bradley, Assistant Marshal of
the Day, the dauntless hero and friend of liberty. When
With some readers the memories revived another victory like the one we celebrate is to be won,
by this reference will be of mingled pleasure his country will know on whom to call to achieve it.
and sadness. It is always gratifying to review "Another victory," and many of them,
the past in its pleasant aspects; but in have since been "won" for "liberty," and the
proportion to the lapse of time involved, we sentiment of the "citizen's" toast has been
associate thoughts of those who contributed met in the heroic part taken therein by
to such memories, but who no longer remain Colonel Bradley, the brave commander of
to share therein. But it is profitable at times the Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteers in the
to stop in life's activities, to give special Union army. That gentleman, still at
thought to departed sharers in our joys and Stryker, Williams county, Ohio, survives
sorrows, for thereby we are lifted out of, if the battles of Point au Pelee and of the
not above, the engrossing cares of everyday Rebellion.
life, which too often shut out thoughts which Of those from whom letters were re-
ennoble and elevate. ceived, only Hon. John W. Allen, of
After dinner the company adjourned to Cleveland, and ex-Governor Shannon (now
the old fort, a few relics of which still of Kansas), are living; while, of the
remain, where Hon. Eleutheros Cooke, of volunteer toasters named, only Colonel
Sandusky, from the steps of the residence of Bradley, Pitt Cooke, and Clark Waggoner
General John Patterson (which was the are known now to survive.
wooden building lately removed from the COLONEL CROGHAN'S LETTER.
centre of Fort Stephenson), delivered an The letter of Colonel Croghan was as
able, eloquent, and appropriate address, follows:
which was published at the time. Letters ST. Louis, Mo., 26th July, 1839
were received from a large number of GENTLEMEN: I have had the honor to receive your
persons invited, including Colonel Croghan, letter of the 8th inst., inviting me, on the part of the
citizens of Lower Sandusky, to be present with them in
General W. H. Harrison, Henry Clay, the coming anniversary of the defence of Fort
Colonel R. M. Johnson (then Vice- Stephenson.
President), Governor , Shannon, Hon, It is with regret that I am, on account of official
duties, unable to comply with your flattering invitation,
In communicating this, my reply, I cannot
112 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

forbear to acknowledge with deep gratitude, the honor very kindly furnished the writer, to be used
you confer. To have been with those gallant men who
served with me on the occasion alluded to, permitted by
in this history, and which are as follows:
a kind Providence to perform a public duty which has DEFENDERS OF FORT STEPHENSON.
been deemed worthy of a special notice by my fellow- Major George Croghan, Seventeenth United States
citizens, is a source of high gratification, brightened, Infantry, commanding.
too, by the reflection that the scene of conflict is now, Captain James Hunter, Seventeenth United States
by the enterprise and industry of your people, the home Infantry.
of a thriving and intelligent community. First Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, Seventeenth
I beg to offer to you, gentlemen, and through you to United States Infantry.
the citizens of Lower Sandusky, my warmest thanks for Second Lieutenant Cyrus A. Baylor, Seventeenth
the remembrance which you have so flatteringly United States Infantry.
expressed. Ensign Edmund Shipp, Seventeenth United States
With every feeling of respect and gratitude, Infantry.
I am yours, G. CROGHAN. Ensign Joseph Duncan, Seventeenth United States
Dr. Frank Williams and others, Committee. Infantry.
NAMES OF THE DEFENDERS OF FORT First Lieutenant Joseph Anthony, Twenty-fourth
STEPHENSON. United States Infantry.
Second Lieutenant John Meek, Seventh United States
Mr. Webb C. Hayes has expended much Infantry.
time and great care in his endeavors to Petersburg Volunteers.
obtain the names of the men who so bravely Pittsburg Blues.
Greensburg Riflemen.
defended Fort Stephenson. The results of his
labors have been a partial, but not a CAPTAIN JAMES HUNTER'S COMPANY,
complete success. By his correspondence SEVENTEENTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY.
and inquiry at different departments at Captain James Hunter, commanding. Sergeant Wayne
Washington and elsewhere, it appears that Case.
Sergeant James Huston.
the American force at Fort Stephenson, Sergeant Obadiah Norton.
August 2, 1813, consisted of detachments Corporal Matthew Burns.
from Captain James Hunter's company of the Corporal William Ewing.
Seventeenth regiment of United States Corporal John Maxwell.
Infantry; from Captain James Duncan's PRIVATES.
company of same regiment; also a Pleasant Bailey, Samuel Brown, Elisha Condiff,
Thomas Crickman, Ambrose Dean, Leonard George,
detachment from the Twenty-fourth United
Nathaniel Gill, John Harley, Jonathan Hartley, William
States Infantry, and from the Pittsburgh McDonald, Joseph McKey, Frederick Melts, Rice
Blues, Petersburgh Volunteers, and Millender, John Mumman, Samuel Pearsall, Daniel
Greensburg Riflemen, in all amounting to Perry, David Perry, William Ralph, John Rankin, Elisha
Rathburn, Aaron Ray, Robert Row, John Salley, John
one hundred and fifty men. Savage, John Smith, Thomas Striplin, William
Mr. Hayes' correspondence reveals the Sutherland, Martin Tanner, John Zett.
fact that there was not found in the Adjutant- CAPTAIN JAMES DUNCAN'S COMPANY,
General's office in Washington, any rolls of SEVENTEENTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY.
volunteers in the War of 1812, all of them First Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, commanding.
having been sent to the Third Auditor's Second Lieutenant Cyrus A. Baylor.
Sergeant Henry Lawell. Sergeant Thomas McCaul.
office many years before he made the Sergeant John M. Stotts. Sergeant Notley Williams.
inquiry. The Auditor's office failed to show PRIVATES.
the names of these detached volunteers. But
Henry L. Bethers, Cornelius S. Bevins, Joseph
there were records of the regulars, and from Blamer, Jonathan C. Bowling, Nicholas Bryant, Robert
these Mr. Hayes obtained the following lists, Campbell, Samuel Campbell, Joseph Klinkenbeard,
which he has Joseph Childers, Ambrose Dine, Jacob Downs, James
Harris, James Heartley, William
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 113

Johnson, Elisha Jones, Thomas Linchard, William make good my retreat, which was received too late to be
McClelland, Joseph McKee, John Martin, Ezekiel carried into execution. We have determined to maintain
Mitchell, William Rogers, David Sudderfield, Thomas this place, and by heavens we can.
Taylor, John Williams. July 30, 1813.
DETACHMENT TWENTY-FOURTH UNITED SIR: The General has just received your letter of this
STATES INFANTRY. date, informing him that you had thought proper to
disobey the order issued from this office, and delivered
First Lieutenant Joseph Anthony, commanding. to you this morning. It appears that the information
which dictated this order was incorrect; and as you did
PRIVATES. not receive it in the night, as was expected, it might
have been proper that you should have reported the
William Gaines, John Foster, Jones, Samuel Riggs, circumstances, and your situation, before you proceeded
Samuel Thurman. to its execution. This might have been passed over; but I
GREENSBURG RIFLEMEN. am directed to say to you, that an officer who presumes
to aver that he has made his resolution, and that he will
Sergeant Abraham Weaver. act in direct opposition to the orders of his General, can
no longer be entrusted with a separate command.
PETERSBURG VOLUNTEERS. Colonel Wells is sent to relieve you. You will deliver
the command to him, and repair with Colonel Ball's
Private Edmund Brown. squadron to this place.
PITTSBURG BLUES. By command, &c.,
A. H. HOLMES,
Mr. Hayes has also furnished us, for use, the Assistant Adjutant-General.
following correspondence relative to the battle and the LOWER SANDUSKY, 3d August, 1813.
proceedings of Congress on the subject, which we place GENERAL HARRISON.
before our readers, with thanks to Mr. Hayes: DEAR SIR: The enemy made an attempt to storm us
LOWER SANDUSKY, 25th July, 1813. last evening, but was repulsed with the loss of at least
GENERAL HARRISON: two hundred killed, wounded, and prisoners.
DEAR SIR: Mr. Connor has just arrived with the One lieutenant-colonel,* a major, and a lieutenant, with
Indians which were sent by you to Fort Meigs a few about forty privates, are dead in our ditch. I have lost
days since. To him I refer you for information from that but one in killed and but few wounded. Further
quarter. statements will be made you by the bearer.
I have unloaded the boats which were brought from GEORGE CROGHAN,
Cleveland, and shall sink them in the middle of the river Major Commanding Fort Sandusky.
(where it is ten feet deep) about one-half mile above the P.S.—Since writing the above, two soldiers of the
present landing. My men are engaged in making Forty-first regiment have gotten in, who state that the
cartridges, and will have, in a short time, more than enemy have retreated in fact, one of their gunboats is
sufficient to answer any ordinary call. I have collected within three hundred yards of our works, said to be
all the most valuable stores in one house. Should I be loaded with camp equipage, etc., which they in their
forced to evacuate the place, they will be blown up. hurry have left.
Yours with respect, GEORGE CROGHAN.
G. CROGHAN,
Major Commanding at Lower Sandusky. A true copy.
Major-General Harrison. JOHN O’FALLOW, Aid-de-Camp.
GENERAL HARRISON TO MAJOR CROGHAN. HEADQUARTERS, SENECA TOWN,
4th August, 1813.
July 29, 1813. SIR: In my letter of the first instant I did myself the
SIR: Immediately on receiving this letter, you will honor to inform you that one of my scouting parties had
abandon Fort Stephenson, set fire to it, and repair with just returned from the Lake Shore and had discovered,
your command this night to headquarters. Cross the the day before, the enemy in force near the mouth of the
river and come up on the opposite side. If you should Sandusky Bay. The party had not passed Lower
deem and find it impracticable to make good your march Sandusky two hours before the advance, consisting of
to this place, take the road to Huron, and pursue it with Indians, appeared before the fort, and in half an hour
the utmost circumspection and dispatch. after a large detachment of British troops; and in the
MAJOR CROGHAN TO GENERAL HARRISON. course of the night commenced a cannonading against
July 30, 1813. the fort
SIR; I have just received yours of yesterday, 10
o'clock P. M., ordering me to destroy this place and *(Lieutenant-Colonel Short.)
114 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

with three sixpounders and two howitzers, the latter apprehensive that Tecumseh might destroy the stores
from gunboats. The firing was partially answered by and small detachments in my rear, I sent orders to
Major Croghan, having a sixpounder, the only piece of General Cass, who commanded the reserve, to fall back
artillery. to this place, and to General McArthur, with the front
The fire of the enemy was continued at intervals line, to follow and support him.
during the second instant, until about half after five I remained at Sandusky until the parties that were sent
P.M., when finding that their cannons made little out in every direction, returned not an enemy was to be
impression upon the works, and having discovered my seen.
position here and apprehending an attack, an attempt I am sorry that I cannot transmit you Major Crogh an's
was made to carry the place by storm. Then troops were official report. He was to have sent it to me this
formed in two columns. Lieutenant-Colonel Short morning, but I have just heard that he was so much
headed the principal one, composed of the light and exhausted by thirty-six hours of continued exertion as to
battalion companies of the Forty-first regiment. This be unable to make it. It will not be amongst the least of
gallant officer conducted his men to the brink of the General Proctor's mortifications to find that he has been
ditch, under the most galling and destructive fire from baffled by a youth who has just passed his twenty-first
the garrison, and leaping into it was followed by a year. He is, however, a hero worthy of his gallant uncle,
considerable part of his own and the light company. At General G. R. Clarke, and I bless my good fortune in
this moment a masked porthole was suddenly opened having first introduced this promising shoot of a
and a sixpounder, with an half load of powder and a distinguished family to the notice of the Government.
double charge of leaden slugs, at the distance of thirty Captain Hunter, of the Seventeenth regiment, the
feet, poured destruction upon them and killed or second in command, conducted himself with great
wounded nearly every man who had entered the ditch. In propriety, and never were a set of finer young fellows
vain did the British officers exert themselves to lead on than the subalterns, viz: Lieutenants Johnson and
the balance of the column; it retired in disorder under a Baylor, of the Seventeenth, Anthony, of the Twenty-
shower of shot from the fort, and sought safety in the fourth, Meeks, of the Seventh, and Ensigns Shipp and
adjoining woods. The other column, headed by the Duncan, of the Seventeenth.
grenadiers, had also retired, after having suffered from The following account of the unworthy artifice and
the muskets of our men, to an adjacent ravine. In the conduct of the enemy will excite your indignation.
course of the night the enemy, with the aid of their Major Chambers was sent by General Proctor, ac-
Indians, drew off the greater part of the wounded and companied by Colonel Elliott, to demand the surrender
dead, and embarking them in boats, descended the river of the fort. They were met by Ensign Shipp. The Major
with the utmost precipitation. In the course of the ad observed that General Proctor had a number of cannon, a
instant, having heard the cannonading, I made several large body of regular troops, and so many Indians whom
attempts to ascertain the force and situation of the it was impossible to control, and if the fort was taken, as
enemy. Our scouts were unable to get near the fort from it must be, the whole of the garrison would be
the Indians which surrounded it. Finding, however, that massacred. Mr. Shipp answered that it was the
the enemy had only light artillery, and being well con- determination of Major Croghan, his officers and men,
vinced that it could make little impression upon the to defend the garrison, or be buried in it, and that they
works, and that any attempt to storm it would be resisted might do their best. Colonel Elliott then addressed Mr.
with effect, I waited for the arrival of two hundred and Shipp, and said. "You are a fine young man; I pity your
fifty mounted volunteers, which on the evening before situation; for God sake, surrender and prevent the
had left Upper Sandusky. But as soon as I was informed dreadful slaughter that must follow resistance." Shipp
that the enemy were retreating, I set out with the turned from him with indignation, and was immediately
dragoons to endeavor to overtake them, leaving Generals taken hold of by an Indian, who attempted to wrest his
McArthur and Cass to follow with all the infantry (about sword from him. Elliott pretended to exert himself to
seven hundred) that could be spared from the protection release him, and expressed great anxiety to get him safe
of the stores and sick at this place. I found it impossible in the fort.
to come up with them. Upon my arrival at Sandusky I In a former letter I informed you, sir, that the post of
was informed by the prisoners that the enemy's forces Lower Sandusky could not be defended against heavy
consisted of four hundred and ninety regular troops, and cannon, and that I had ordered the Commandant, if he
five hundred of Dixon's Indians, commanded by General could safely retire upon the advance of the enemy, to do
Proctor in person, and that Tecumseh, with about two so after having destroyed the fort, as there was nothing
thousand warriors, was somewhere in the swamps in it that could justify the risk of defending it,
between this and Fort Meigs, expecting my advance or commanded as it is, by a hill on the opposite side of the
that of a convoy of provisions. As there was no prospect river, within range of cannon, and having on that side
of doing anything in front, and being old and illy constructed block
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 115

houses and dry, friable pickets. The enemy, ascending Indians. It is impossible from the circumstances of the
the bay and river with a fine breeze, gave Major attack that they should have lost less than one hundred;
Croghan so little notice of their approach that he could some of the prisoners think that it amounted to two
not execute the order for retreating. Luckily they had no hundred. A young gentleman, a private in the Petersburg
artillery but sixpounders and five-and-a-half-inch volunteers, of the name of Brown, assisted by five or six
howitzers. of that company and the Pittsburgh Blues, who were
General Proctor left Malden with the determination of accidentally in the fort, managed the sixpounder which
storming Fort Meigs. His immense body of troops were produced such destruction in the ranks of the enemy.
divided into three commands, (and must have amounted I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir,
to at least five thousand); Dixon commanded the Your obedient servant,
Mackinaw and other Northern tribes; Tecumseh, those of WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
the Wabash, Illinois and St. Joseph; and Round Head, N. B. Of our few wounded men there is but one that will
Wyandot chief, the warriors of his own nation, and those not be well in less than six days.
of the Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawatomies of the HEADQUARTERS, SENECA TOWN,
Michigan Territory. Upon seeing the formidable 5th August, 1813, 6 o'clock A. M.
preparations to receive them at Fort Meigs, the idea of SIR: I have the honor to enclose you Major Crogh an's
storming was abandoned, and the plan adopted of report of the attack upon his post, which has this
decoying the garrison out, or inducing me to come to its moment come to hand. Fortunately the mail has not
relief with a force inadequate to repel the attack of his closed.
immense hordes of savages. Having waited several days With great respect, I have the honor to be, sir, Your
for the latter, and practicing ineffectually several humble servant,
stratagems to accomplish the former, provisions began WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
to be scarce, and the Indians to be dissatisfied. The P. S. —The new ship was launched at Malden on the
attack upon Sandusky was the dernier resort. The greater 17th ult. I have apprised Commodore Perry of it. Hon.
part of the Indians refused to accompany him, and General Armstrong,
returned to the River Raisin. Tecumseh, with his Secretary of War.
command, remained in the neighborhood of Fort Meigs, LOWER SANDUSKY, August 5, 1813.
sending parties to all the posts upon Hull's road, and DEAR SIR:—I have the honor to inform you that the
those upon the Auglaize to search for cattle. Five combined force of the enemy, amounting to at least five
hundred of the Northern Indians, under Dixon, attended hundred regulars and seven or eight hundred Indians,
Proctor. I have sent a party to the lake to ascertain the under the immediate command of General Proctor, made
direction that the enemy have taken. The scouts which its appearance before this place early on Sunday evening
have returned, saw no signs of Indians later than those last; and so soon as the General had made such
made in the night of the and inst., and a party has just disposition of his troops as would cut off my retreat,
arrived from Fort Meigs, who make the same report. I should I be disposed to make one, he sent Colonel
think it probable that they have all gone off. If so, this Elliott, accompanied by Major Chambers, with a flag, to
mighty armament, from which so much was expected by demand the surrender of the fort, as he was anxious to
the enemy, will return covered with disgrace and spare the effusion of blood, which he should probably
mortification. As Captain Perry was nearly ready to sail not have in his power to do, should he be reduced to the
from Erie when I last heard from him, I hope that the necessity of taking the place by storm. My answer to the
period will soon arrive when we shall transfer the summons was, that I was determined to defend the place
laboring oar of the enemy, and oblige him to encounter to the last extremity, and that no force, however large,
some of the labors and difficulties which we had should induce me to surrender it. So soon as the flag
undergone in waging a defensive warfare and protecting was returned a brisk fire was opened upon us from the
our extensive frontier against a superior force. I have the gunboats in the river, and from a five-and-one-half inch
honor to enclose you a copy of the first note received howitzer on shore, which was kept up with little
from Major Croghan. It was written before day. He was intermission throughout the night. At an early hour the
mistaken as to the number of the enemy that remained in next morning, three sixes (which had been placed during
the ditch; they amounted to one lieutenant-colonel (by the night within two hundred and fifty yards of the
brevet), one lieutenant and twenty-five privates; the pickets,) began to play upon us, but with little effect.
number of prisoners to one sergeant and twenty-five About 4 o'clock P.M., discovering that the fire from all
privates, fourteen of them badly wounded. Every care his guns was concentrated against the northwestern
has been taken of the latter, and the officers buried with angle of the fort, I became confident that his object was
the honors due to their rank and their bravery. All the to make a breach, and attempt to storm the works at that
dead that were not in the ditch, were taken off in the point. I therefore ordered out as many men as could be
night by the employed, for the purpose of strengthening that part,
which was so
116 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

effectually secured by means of bags of flour, sand, etc., public opinion has been lately misled respecting his late
that the picketing suffered little or no injury, conduct, it will require but a moment's cool, dis-
notwithstanding which the enemy, about five hundred, passionate reflection, to convince them of its propriety.
having formed in close column, advanced to assault our The measures recently adopted by him, so far from
works at the expected point, at the same time making deserving censure, are the clearest plods of his keen
two feints on the front of Captain Hunter's lines. The penetration and able generalship. It is true that I did not
column which advanced against the northwestern angle, proceed immediately to execute his order to evacuate
consisting of about three hundred and fifty men, was so this post, but this disobedience was not, as some would
completely enveloped in smoke as not to be discovered wish to believe, the result of a fixed determination to
until it had approached within fifteen or twenty paces of maintain the post contrary to his most positive orders, as
the lines, but the men being all at their posts and ready will appear from the following detail, which is given in
to receive it, commenced so heavy and galling a fire as explanation of my conduct:
to throw the columns into a little confusion. Being About 10 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ultimo, a
quickly rallied, it advanced to the centre works and letter from the Adjutant-General's office, dated Seneca
began to leap into the ditch. Just at that moment a fire of Town, July 29, 1813, was handed me by Mr. Connor,
grape was opened from our sixpounder (which had been ordering me to abandon this post, burn it, and retreat
previously arranged so as to rake in that direction,) that night to headquarters. On the reception of this order
which, together with the musketry, threw them into such of the General I called a council of officers, in which it
confusion that they were compelled to retire was determined not to abandon the place, at least until
precipitately to the woods. During the assault, which the further pleasure of the General should be known, as
lasted about half an hour, an incessant fire was kept up it was thought an attempt to retreat in the open day, in
by the enemy's artillery (which consisted of five sixes the face of a superior force of the enemy, would be more
and a howitzer), but without effect. My whole loss hazardous than to remain in the fort, under all its disad-
during the siege was one killed and seven wounded, vantages. I therefore wrote a letter to the General
slightly. The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and Council in such terms as I thought were calculated to
prisoners, must exceed one hundred and fifty. One deceive the enemy, should it fall into his hands, which I
lieutenant-colonel, a lieutenant, and fifty rank and file thought more than probable as well as to inform the
were found in and about the ditch, dead or wounded. General, should it be so fortunate as to reach him, that I
Those of the remainder who were not able to escape, would wait to hear from him before I should proceed to
were taken off during the night by the Indians. Seventy execute his order. This letter, contrary to my expec-
stand of arms and several brace of pistols have been tations, was received by the General, who, not knowing
collected near the works. About three in the morning the what reasons urged me to write in a tone. so decisive,
enemy sailed down the river, leaving behind them a boat concluded, very rationally, that the manner of it was
containing clothing and considerable military stores. demonstrative of the most positive determination to
Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the officers, disobey his order under any circumstances. I was
noncommissioned officers, and privates under my therefore suspended from the command of the fort, and
command for their gallantry and good conduct during ordered to headquarters. But on explaining to the
the siege. General my reason for not executing his orders, and my
Yours with respect, object in using the style I had done, he was so perfectly
[Signed.] G. CROGHAN, satisfied with the explanation that I was immediately
Major Seventeenth United States Infantry, Com- reinstated in the command.
manding Lower Sandusky. It will be recollected that the order above alluded to
Major General Harrison, Commanding Northwestern was written on the night previous to my receiving it.
Army. Had it been delivered to me, as was intended, that night,
LOWER SANDUSKY, August 27, 1813. I should have obeyed it without hesitation. Its not
I have, with much regret, seen in some of the public reaching me in time was the only reason which induced
prints such misrepresentations respecting my refusal to me to consult my officers on the propriety of waiting the
evacuate this post, as are calculated not only to injure General's further orders.
me in the estimation of military men, but also to excite It has been stated, also, that "upon my representations
unfavorable impressions as to the propriety of General of my ability to maintain the post, the General altered
Harrison's conduct relative to this affair. his determination to abandon it.” This is incorrect. No
His character as a military man is too well established such representation was ever made. And the last order I
to need my approbation or support, but his public received from the General was precisely the same as that
services entitle him at least to common justice. This first given, viz: That if I discovered the approach of a
affair does not furnish cause of reproach. If large British force by water (presuming that they would
bring heavy
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 117

artillery), time enough to effect a retreat, I was to do so; greatest strength and efficiency from a confidence in the
but if I could not effect a retreat with safety, to defend commanding general, and from those moral causes
the post to the last extremity." which accompany and give energy to public opinion. A
A day or two before the enemy appeared before Fort very erroneous idea respecting the number of the troops
Meigs, the General had reconnoitered the surrounding then at the disposal of the General, has doubtless been
ground, and being informed that the hill on the opposite the primary cause of those unfortunate and unfounded
side of Sandusky completely commanded the fort, I impressions. A sense of duty forbids us from giving a
offered to undertake, with the troops under my detailed view of our strength at that time. In that respect
command, to remove it to that side. The General, upon we have fortunately experienced a very favorable
reflection, thought it best not to attempt it, as he change. But we refer the public to the General's official
believed that if the enemy again ap peared on this side of report to the Secretary of War, of Major Croghan's
the lake it would be before the work could be finished. successful defence of Lower Sandusky. In that will be
It is useless to disguise the fact that this fort is found a statement of our whole disposable force; and he
commanded by the points of high ground around it; a who believes that, with such a force, and under the
single stroke of the eye made this clear to me the first circumstances which then occurred, General Harrison
time I had occasion to examine the neighborhood, with a ought to have advanced upon the enemy, must be left to
view of discovering the relative strength and weakness correct his opinion in the school of experience.
of the place. On a review of the course then adopted, we are de-
It would be insincere to say that I am not flattered by cidedly of the opinion that it was such as was dicta ted
the many handsome things which have been said about by military wisdom, and by a due regard to our own
the defence that was made by the troops under my circumstances and to the situation of the enemy. The
command; but I desire no plaudits which are bestowed reasons for this opinion it is evidently improper now to
upon me at the expense of General Harrison. give, but we hold ourselves ready at a future period, and
I have at all times enjoyed his confidence so far as my when other circumstances shall have intervened, to
rank in the army entitled me to it, and on proper satisfy every man of its correctness who is anxious to
occasions received his marked attention. I have felt the investigate and willing to receive the truth. And, with
warmest attachment for him as a man, and my ready acquiescence beyond the mere claims of military
confidence in him as an able commander remains duty, we are prepared to obey a general whose measures
unshaken. I feel every assurance that he will at all times meet our most deliberate approbation and merit that of
do me ample justice; and nothing could give me more his country.
pain than to see his enemies seize upon this occasion to LEWIS CASS,
deal out their unfriendly feelings and acrimonious Brigadier General, U. S. A.
dislikes; and as long as he continues (as in my humble SAMUEL WELLS,
opinion he has hitherto done,) to make the wisest Colonel Seventeenth R. U. S. I.
arrangements and most judicious disposition which the THOMAS D. OWINGS,
forces under his command will justify, I shall not Colonel Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I.
hesitate to unite with the army in bestowing upon him GEORGE PAUL,
that confidence which he so richly merits, and which has Colonel Seventeenth R. U. S. I.
on no occasion been withheld. J. C. BARTLETT,
Your friend, GEORGE CROGHAN, Colonel, Quartermaster-General.
Major 17th Infantry, Commanding Lower Sandusky. JAMES V. BALL,
LOWER SENECA TOWN, August 29, 1813. Lieutenant Colonel.
The undersigned, being the general, field and staff ROBERT MORRISON,
officers, with that portion of the Northwestern Army Lieutenant Colonel.
under the immediate command of General Harrison, GEORGE TODD,
have' observed with regret and surprise that charges, as, Major Nineteenth R. U. S. I.
improper in the form as in the substance, have been WILLIAM TRIGG,
made against the conduct of General Harrison during the Major Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I.
recent investment of Lower Sandusky. At another time, JAMES SMILEY,
and under ordinary circumstances, we should deem it Major Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I.
improper and unmilitary thus publicly to give an opinion R. GRAHAM,
respecting the movements of the army. . But public Major Seventh R. U. S. I.
confidence in the commanding general is essential to the GEORGE CROGHAN,
success of the campaign, and causelessly to withdraw or Major Seventeenth R. U. S. I.
to withhold that confidence is more than individual L. HUKILL,
injustice; it becomes a serious injury to the service. A Major and Assistant Inspector General.
part of the force of which the American Army consists E. D. WOOD,
will derive its Major Engineers.
118 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, might, without any dishonor, have preferred a course
8th February, 1815. safer, indeed, to himself, but disastrous to his country,
THE REWARD OF VALOR. by not persevering in a defence which appeared so
Mr. Troup, from the Committee on Military Affairs, difficult, nay, so impossible; that to have abandoned
reported the following resolutions, the adoption of the fort, to have left the West open to the enemy,
which is recommended by the said committee, viz: would have been deemed a necessary, a prudent, and
Resolved,................................................................. not a pusillanimous proceeding; yet, in the face of
(2) Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and every obstacle, under the weight of every
they are hereby presented to Major-General Harrison, discouragement, he, with a handful of brave men,
and to Governor Shelby, and through them to the presented a bold and undaunted front to the enemy,
officers and men under their command, for their arrested them on the threshold of the West, and saved
gallantry and good conduct in defeating the combined Ohio and the adjoining States from invasion, from
British and Indian forces under Major-General Proctor, desolation, from plunder, and from bloodshed. For such
on the Thames, in Upper Canada, the 5th of October, a noble and deserving exploit, for such an eminent
1813, capturing the entire British army, with their service, this bill provided a just, but a moderate
baggage, camp equipage, and artillery, and that the compensation. As far as regarded the value given, the
President of the United States be requested to cause gold bill was not of any great importance; but, sir, said Mr.
medals to be struck, emblematical of this triumph, and B. with great animation, as a tribute to deeds of noble
presented to General Harrison and Governor Shelby. daring, as a reward of services performed at the peril of
(3) Resolved, ........................................................ life, as an encouragement for soldiers who bared their
(4) Resolved, That Congress entertain a high sense of bosoms in defence of their country, and offered them as
the merit of Colonel Croghan, and the officers and men a shield to the defenceless homes of their fellow-
under his command, for the gallant defence of Fort citizens, in this point of view the provision is of the
Stephenson, on the Lower Sandusky, on the 1st and 2d first importance. He hoped, therefore, that no
of August, 1813, repelling with great slaughter the difficulties would be offered to the bill; it had already
assault of a British and Indian army much superior in undergone the closest examination, and the report of
number; and that the President be requested to present the committee establishing the goodness and propriety
an elegant sword to Colonel Croghan. of the bill was full and satisfactory.
(5) Resolved, ........................................................ Mr. Hill wished to know whether all the officers
(6) Resolved, ........................................................ were included in the bill.
(7) Resolved, ........................................................ Mr. Bibb replied that they were all, with one single
(8) Resolved, ........................................................ exception, in the case of an individual, whose name he
The resolutions were twice read, and referred to a should not mention, but who, he regretted to say, had
committee of the whole. not performed his duty on that memorable occasion.
Hon. George M. Troup, of Georgia, reported the Mr. Preston suggested the insertion of the words
above resolutions. "heirs and representatives," by which the benefit of the
[See Annals of Congress, Thirteenth Congress, bill might be extended to the children, in case of the
Volume III.] decease of the original grantees, which was acceded to;
No action was taken on the resolutions. and the bill, as amended, was read a second time.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
January 21, 1835. Tuesday, January 27th, 1835.
GOLD MEDAL TO COLONEL CROGHAN. GOLD MEDAL, ETC., TO COLONEL CROGHAN.
The joint resolution to present a gold medal to Mr. Speight, from the Committee on Military Af-
Colonel Croghan, for his gallantry in the defence of Fort fairs, reported a joint resolution, which had been
Stephenson, was taken up and considered as in referred to that committee, with an amendment,
committee of the whole. authorizing the President to present a gold medal to
Mr. Bibb observed that the brave and noble defence of Colonel Croghan, and swords to several officers under
this fort had been the cause of saving all the Western his command, for their gallant conduct in the defence
country from the hostile and destructive incursion of the of Fort Stephenson, during the late war.
British and Indians. To Colonel Croghan's valiant Mr. Speight said, as he believed that no opposition
defence of Fort Stephenson, this and other advantages would be offered to the resolution, he would move its
equally great and beneficial were owing. As a reward for third reading.
the gallant and dauntless spirit exhibited by our brave Mr. Parker, of New Jersey, said he had no doubt as
soldiers in time of imminent danger, he hoped this bill to the gallantry of these officers; not the least; but if
would pass. It should be borne in mind that Colonel they conferred these distinctions in the present case,
Croghan why not in others, it would be asked,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 119

which occurred during the last war? It was his im- came to Lower Sandusky from the Maumee,
pression also that some acknowledgment had been
already made to these officers.
in January, 1812, in an interview with
Mr. Mercer said such was not the case. Mr. Mercer Homer Everett on the 6th of September,
briefly explained the nature and importance of the 1878, amongst other things narrated some
services rendered by these officers. events connected with Fort Stephenson,
The joint resolution, as amended, was read a third
time, and passed. which seem proper in the history of the fort.
Mr. Cavalier said: "After arriving here, the
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES,
February 3, 1835.
families who came lived in the government
The amendments of the House to the bill making an barracks during the remainder of the winter.
appropriation for presenting a gold medal to Colonel In the spring the whole country about the
George Croghan, and swords to the officers who served fort was infested with Indians in small
under him at the defence of Fort Sandusky, during the
late war, were concurred in; and a further verbal bands, who were giving information to the
amendment having been made, on motion of Mr. British of the condition of the inhabitants,
Preston, the bill was sent to the House of and also of military preparations, and
Representatives for concurrence.
This debate was participated in by Senator George M. Bibb,
plundering, murdering, and scalping such
of Kentucky; Senator Isaac Hill, of New Hampshire, and inhabitants as they found in a defenceless
Senator William C. Preston, of South Carolina, in the Senate; condition. And it soon became evident that
and by Honorable Jesse Speight, of North Carolina; Honorable no family or person was safe from the
James Parker, of New Jersey, and Honorable Charles F. Mer-
cer, of Virginia, in the House of Representatives. scalping knife and tomahawk of the savages,
except those who were under cover of
[See Congressional. Debates, Vol. XI.
military protection. When the planting
Part I.]
season came, we lived in a log house near
RESOLUTIONS, TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS,
SECOND SESSION.
the fort, and planted some corn and potatoes
on the bottomland, within a short distance
No. 2A—RESOLUTION PRESENTING A GOLD
MEDAL TO GEORGE CROGHAN, AND A SWORD from the fort, ready to flee into it on the first
TO EACH OF THE OFFICERS UNDER HIS COM- alarm. A few other settlers or pioneers were
MAND, FOR THEIR GALLANTRY AND GOOD in like manner attempting to raise a living
CONDUCT IN THE DEFENCE OF FORT
STEPHENSON, IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND
from the soil. “Although but a boy at the
THIRTEEN. time” said Mr. Cavalier: “I recollect vividly
Resolved, etc., That the President of the United States one or two incidents which occurred that
be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, with summer.”
suitable emblems and devices, and presented to Colonel
Croghan, in testimony of the high sense entertained by “Mr. George Shannon, a son-in-law of
Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the Mrs. Elizabeth Whittaker, with a man named
defence of Fort Stephenson, and that he present a sword Pomroy, were at work on the flats below the
to each of the following officers engaged in that affair:
to Captain James Hunter, to the eldest male
fort, and near where the shops of the Lake
representative of Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, and to Erie & Louisville Railroad now stand. I
Lieutenant Cyrus A. Baylor, John Meek, Ensign Joseph think they were working in a field, or
Duncan, and the nearest male representative of Ensign gathering some vegetables. While they were
Edmund Shipp, deceased.
engaged, a third man, named Isaac Futy,
Approved, February 13, 1835.
INDIAN MURDERS IN THE VICINITY OF FORT
with rifle in hand, was on the lookout for
STEPHENSON PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE, WHICH Indians. They were startled by the crack of a
ILLUSTRATES THE DANGERS TO THE EARLY rifle in an adjoining cornfield, or of two
SETTLERS ALONG THE SANDUSKY RIVER, AT
rifles fired at the same instant. Both Shannon
THE TIME.
Albert Cavalier, esq., who is noticed in the and
history of Rice township, and who
120 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Pomroy were hit and wounded, but not the packs, and the bullets went through or
mortally. Futy instantly fired in the direction lodged in the packs. He also said they would
of the smoke, and then the three men made a find that the family had been murdered and
hasty run for the river bank, to conceal scalped.
themselves in the thick bushes which then "A detachment was at once sent from the
margined the river. The Indians, losing sight fort, and found Navarre's words true. There
of these men, then proceeded to a log cabin were the Indians' two packs and the bullets
near the place, where a family resided in them, but the bodies of their dead owners
consisting of two elderly people, a son and a had been carried away by other Indians
daughter. On hearing the firing on Shannon lurking near. The detachment also found the
and Pomroy, and the return fire of Futy not bodies of the family of four, and also the
far off, the son and daughter left the old bodies of two soldiers, all of whom had been
people and fled to a cornfield near by to murdered and scalped.
hide, but here they were met and "Shannon, Pomroy and Futy were dis-
tomahawked and scalped by the savages, covered in their hiding places under the river
who then followed the father and mother, bank. They and the dead bodies were all
who had fled to the river bank, and murdered brought to the fort."
and scalped them there as they were in the Mr. Cavalier says:
act of getting into a small boat or canoe to "I heard these facts from men and women
cross the river. at the time, and I saw the six dead bodies
"On hearing the crack of the rifles one when they were brought into the fort. The
Francis Navarre, a Frenchman, and a hunter alarm and the sight of these six bloody and
as well as an Indian fighter, also a dead shot mutilated bodies made an impression on me,
with his rifle, scaled the pickets of the fort, though young at the time, which I can never
rifle in hand, and ran down the river toward forget, nor express in words."
the scene of trouble. Navarre discovered two CHILLICOTHE’S TESTIMONIAL.
Indians chasing a soldier, who had ventured Eleven days after Croghan's splendid
from the fort and was now running toward it. victory, the ladies of Chillicothe, then the
Navarre quickly shot the foremost Indian, State capital, presented to the gallant
concealed himself by squatting in the high commandant a sword, accompanied by an
grass, reloaded his rifle while thus con- address, as a public acknowledgment of his
cealed, and then shot the remaining savage. bravery and military skill. The names
"Navarre was familiar with the habits of attached to the address show that the wives
the Indians, and though he knew he had of the most prominent men of the time
killed them both, on returning to the fort anxiously watched affairs, and were ready to
with the rescued soldier told the men that if reward and praise gallantry.
they would go where he shot they would not CHILLICOTHE, August 13, 1813.
find any dead Indians, but they each had a SIR:—In consequence of the gallant defence which, under the
pack on their back, and they would find the influence of Divine Providence, was effected by you and the
troops under your command, of Fort Stephenson, at Lower
packs there with the bullets in them or a Sandusky, on the evening of the second instant, the ladies of
bullet hole through each pack, for he had the town of Chillicothe, whose names are undersigned,
shot them in front through the breast right impressed with a high sense of your merit as a soldier and a
gentleman, and with great confidence in
opposite
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 121

your patriotism and valor, present you with a sword. To this letter Major Croghan made the
To Major George Croghan.
(Signed by)
following reply, dated at Lower
MARY FINLEY, CATHERINE FULLERTON, Sandusky, August 25:
MARY STERRET, REBECCA M. ORR,
ANN CRAIGHTON, SUSAN WALKE, LADIES OF CHILLICOTHE: I have received the
ELEANOR LAMB, ANN M. DUNN, sword which you have been pleased to present to me, as
NANCY WADDLE, MARGARET KEYS, a testimonial of your approbation of my conduct on the
ELIZA CARLISLE, CHARLOTTE JAMES, second instant. A mark of distinction so flattering and
MARY A. SOUTHARD, ESTHER DOOLITTLE, unexpected has excited feelings which I can not express.
SUSAN D. WHEATON, ELEANOR BUCHANNON, Yet while I return you thanks for the unmerited gift you
RUHAMMA IRWIN, MARGARET MCFARLAND, have bestowed, I feel well aware that my good fortune,
JUDITH DELANO, DEBORAH FERREE. which was bought by the activity of the brave soldiers
MARG’T MCLANBURGH, JANE M. EVANS, under my command, has raised in your expectations in
MARGARET MILLER, FRANCES BRUSH, my future efforts, which must, sooner or later, I fear, be
ELIZABETH MARTIN, MARY CURTES, disappointed. Still, I pledge myself, even though fortune
NANCY MCARTHUR, MARY P. BROWN, may not be again propitious, that my exertions shall be
JANE McCOY, JANE HEYLAN, such as never to cause you in the least to regret the
LAVINIA FULTON, NANCY KERR, honors you have been pleased to confer upon your
MARTHA SCOTT, CATHARINE HOUGH, "youthful soldier."
ELEANOR WORTHINGTON, SALLY MCLANE.

CHAPTER IX.
C I V IL H IS TO RY.
Erection of Townships—Names on Tax Duplicate of 1823—Civil Register—Representatives in Congress—Representatives in the Ohio
Senate and House—Common Pleas Judges—Associate Judges—Clerks Of Court—Sheriffs—Prosecuting Attorneys—Auditors—
Treasurers—Surveyors—Commissioners.

HE erection of Sandusky county out of At the first meeting of the county


T the territory to which the United States
acquired an undisputed title by the treaty of
commissioners, in 1820, Thompson township
was set off from Croghan, and soon after
1817, has already been noticed. Although Seneca township from Sandusky. Both these
Seneca county was erected by the same act divisions, as originally constituted, are now
(1820), local government was not organized mainly included in Seneca county. Portage
until four years later. During the interval, township was next set off from Sandusky.
Sandusky county's authority extended over The petition placed before the
Seneca. Sandusky county proper then commissioners by residents of the proposed
included all the territory between the town, is characteristic of official papers of
Firelands and Wood county, as far north as the early period of the county's history. It
Lake Erie. All this tract was originally reads:
divided into two townships Croghan (or to the Honorable Commissioners of Sandusky, Gr.
the inhabitants of the under Signed Residence of
Croghanville), east of the river; and Sandusky county humbly Shueth that they with the other
Sandusky, west of the river. Residence of saide county Leighbour under

Note—Prepared by direction of the publishers.


122 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

many seorious defficults and disadvantiages in con- Hopkins, L. Hulbard, Anny Ierey, Rural Loomis, Israel
ciquence of the distance they have to go to the place of Markham, Moses Nicholas, Joseph Parish, Joel Risdon,
holding their elections, in fact the Great Bounds of said S. Sutton, Aley Harris, Isaac Knapp, Boswell Lomice,
township and the distance we reside one from another M. A. Newman, W. & R. Ross, Philip Sutton, William
tends greatly to retard publick business in our quarter of Stull, Samuel P. Newman.
the township. under these conciderations your Total tax of Croghan township, $18.70.
pratitioners therefore pray that you may direct a new Portage; Pascal Bisnette, J. Ballard, Samuel Cochran,
town to be Laid off to be Cald portage. G. Cuture, Lewis Cuture, Benjamin Drake, B. Dishetter,
Lewis Deoo, Archibald Easter, George McFarland,
The township of Portage, as erected in Thomas & H. Forguson, A. Fuller, Joseph Phelps,
1820, included portions of the present Stephen Grissell, John Holmes, Thomas Herold, Thomas
townships of Sandusky, Washington, and Demas, A. Jerman, Gabriel Lepoint, S. M. Lockwood,
A. Mominna, Jasper Mitchell, Francis Mominna,
Woodville, all of Ottawa county, and a William Manor, Wilford Norris, G. S. Brinald, B.
corner of Lucas, and all of Rice township. Rossman, Valentine State, Almond Sands, Samuel
Townsend was established in 1820; Green Scribner.
Creek, York, and Ballville in 1822, and Total tax of Portage, $19.40.
Ballville: Samuel Bond, David Chambers, John
Riley in 1824. Other townships were Custard, David Cochran, James Chard, Jeremiah Everett,
organized from time to time in that part of Phineas Frary, Charles B. Fitch, William Chard, Asa B.
the county now included in Ottawa. The Gavitt, Lord P. Hastwell, Thatcher Lovejoy, Joseph
Moore, Moses Nicholas, Adam Nuff, George G.
Black Swamp region was organized into Olmstead, Isaac Prior, John Prior, John Preslet,
townships as follow: Jackson, 1829; Theodore A. Rexford, John Thompson, Giles Thompson,
Washington, 1830; Scott, 1833; Madison, Elizabeth Tindall, Sarah Woolcutt, William Wirt, Peter
1833; and Woodville, 1840. Bay township Wirt, David Chard. Total tax of Ballville, $17.20.
York: Allison Abby, Augustus Beebe, John Da-
was divided by the erection of Ottawa venport, Benjamin George, Zeby George, Joseph
county, in 1840, and that part remaining in George, H. Knox, Martin Knott, Abram Marks, Thesion
Sandusky county, together with several Moore, Rufus Nichols, Andrew Sluson, Simon Root,
Joseph Will, Peter Wallace, Lansford Wood, Martin
sections of Sandusky township, was con- Powell, Benjamin Follett.
stituted a new township named Rice, in Total tax of York, $8.20.
1840. Fremont was set apart as a separate Green Creek : Samuel Baker, Ephraim Bennett, Silas
township, in 1878. Bennett, Clark Cleveland, Thomas Emerson, Thomas J.
Emerson, Silas Dewey, Joshua Fairchild, Hugh Graham,
The following names appear on the tax Joseph George, Coonrad Hawks, Elisha Johns, William
duplicate for 1822: * Jinks, Jared H. Miner, Samuel McMillin, Andrew
Sandusky: Jacob Bowlus, jr.; Jacob Bowlus, sr.; McNutt, James Merrill, Daniel Mills, Sumuel Price,
George Boyles, Louis Couts, James McCollister, James Guinall, Jonathan Reterbrook, Josiah Rumery,
William Christie, Jacob Cline, William Dew, E. P. Jacob Right, T. F. Shep, Abraham Russell, Samuel
Disbro, Cyrus Hulbard, Peter Holbrook, Robert Harvey, Utley, David Underill, Eli Whitney, Thomas Will, A.
Thomas L. Hawkins, Israel Harrington, Nathaniel Widener, William Whitney.
Holbrook, George Kemp, James Kirk, Calvin Leezen, Total tax of Green Creek, $18.70.
Joseph Loveland, Alexander McIIroy, Sanford Marn, J. Townsend : William Caspell, Wilford Hall, Sam uel
& G. G. Olmstead, Reuben Patterson, George Shannon, Markham, Abner Perkham, Jesse H. Putnam, Solomon
John W. Tylor, Morris Tylor, Nicholas Whittinger, Right, Ebenezer Ransom, A. B. Thomas, William Yew,
Elizabeth Whittaker, Benjamin Wheat, Isaac Whittaker, William Wilson, Moses Wilson, Abram Townsend.
Isaac Ward. Total tax of Townsend, $8.80.
Total tax of Sandusky township, $19.20. CIVIL REGISTER.
Croghan: Jacob Ash, John Ash, Eldridge Bristol,
Seth Cochran, Peleg Cooley, Andrew Courtright, Under this head is included the names of
Richard Guinall, G. Davis, Josiah Gate, James those men who have represented Sandusky
NOTE. For boundaries see township histories. county in the House of Representatives of
* Townships properly belonging to Seneca county are the United States, in the Senate
omitted.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 123

of Ohio, and in the House of Representatives Parish, Erie; 1862, John Kelley, Ottawa; 1864, Frederick
Wickham, Huron; 1866, E. B. Sadler, Erie; 1868, Homer
of Ohio; also the Judicial Staff of Sandusky Everett, Sandusky; 1872, Welcome O. Parker, Huron;
county, under the old Constitution, and the 1874, James H. Hudson, Erie; 1878, James II. Hudson,
Common Pleas Judges elected from the Erie; 1880, H. E. O'Hagan, Erie.
Sandusky county bar, under the present REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE LEGISLATURE.
Constitution. The register concludes with a 1821, David Abbott, Huron. --Seat contested by and
complete list of county officials since 1820, given to Lyman Farwell, Huron; 1822, Eleutheros Cook,
Huron county; 1824, Jeremiah Everett, Sandusky; 1825,
except for the offices of coroner and Josiah Hedges, Seneca; 1826, Eber Baker, Huron; 1827,
infirmary director. Samuel M. Lockwood, Huron; 1830, Josiah Hedges,
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. Seneca; 1831, Harvey J. Harman, Sandusky; 1832,
Jeremiah Everett, Sandusky; 1834, Jaques Hulburd,
The congressional districts of Ohio, prior Sandusky; 1835, William B. Craighill, Sandusky; 1837,
to the apportionment of 1840, were very Samuel Treat, Sandusky; 1838, John Welch, Sandusky;
large, especially those including the counties 1840, Amos E. Wood, Sandusky; Moses McAuelly,
Crawford; 1841, Amos E. Wood, Sandusky; George W.
of the northwestern part of the State. The Baird, Seneca; 1842, George W. Baird, Seneca; Henry
northwestern Indian reservation, acquired by C. Brish, Seneca; 1843, William B. Craighill, Ottawa;
the treaty of 1817, was a small factor in Samuel Waggoner, Sandusky; 1844, John Bell,
Sandusky; 1846, Mathew M. Coe, Sandusky; 1848, Isaac
politics prior to the census of 1840 . The date VanDoren, Sandusky; 1849, Elber Wilson; 1852, Isaac
of election is given. Knapp, Sandusky; 1854, Abner J. Dickinson, Sandusky;
CONGRESSMEN. 1856, John L. Greene, sr., Sandusky; 1858, Thomas P.
Finefrock, Sandusky; 1860, Charles Powers, Sandusky;
1820, John Sloane, Wayne county; 1822, Mordecai 1862, Alonzo Thrope, Sandusky; 1864, Oliver McIntyre,
Bartley, Richmond; 1830, Eleutheros Cook, Huron; Sandusky; 1866, James Parks, Sandusky; 1870, Hiram
1832, William Patterson, Richland; 1836, William W. Winslow, Sandusky; 1872, Andrew Smith, Sandusky;
Hunter, Erie; 1838, George Sweeney, Crawford; 1842, 1874, Benjamin Inman, Sandusky; 1878, Almon
Henry St. John, Seneca; 1846, Rodolphus Dickinson, Dunham, Sandusky; 1880, Almon Dunham, Sandusky.
Sandusky; 1848, Rodolphus Dickinson,* Sandusky;
1849, Amos E. Wood,* Sandusky; 1850, John Bell,* JUDGES.
Sandusky; 1850, Fred W. Green, Seneca; 1854, Cooper The following served as judges under the
K. Watson, Seneca; 1856, L. B. Hall, Crawford; 1858,
John Carey, Wyandot; 1860, Warren P. Noble, Seneca; old Constitution:
1864, Ralph Pumeroy Buckland, Sandusky; 1868, 1820, George Todd, Trumbull county; 1824, Ebenezer
Edward F. Dickinson, Sandusky; 1870, Charles Foster, Lane, Huron county; 1831, David Higgins, Huron
Seneca; 1878, Frank Hurd, Toledo; 1880, John B. Rice, county; 1838, Ozias Bowen, Marion county; 1845,
Seneca. Myron H. Tilden, Lucas county; 1847, Ebenezer B.
REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE SENATE. Sadler, Erie county.
1821, Alfred Kelley, Frankland; 1823, Jabez Wright; The following Common Pleas judges,
1824, David H. Beardsley, Cuyahoga; 1826, James under the present Constitution, have been
Kooken; 1827, David Campbell, Huron; 1830, Samuel
M. Lockwood, Huron; 1832, Daniel Tilden; 1834,
elected from the Sandusky County Bar:
Joseph Howard, Delaware; 1837, David E. Owen, 1852, Lucius B. Otis, term expired in 1857; 1861,
Seneca; 1838, William B. Craighill, Sandusky; 1840, John L. Greene, sr., term expired; 1874, T. P. Finefrock,
John Goodin; 1842, Moses McAuelly; 1844, Amos E. term expired 1879.
Wood, Sandusky; 1846, Henry Crouise, Seneca; 1848, ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
James Myers; 1852, Elisha P. Hill; 1854, Albert G.
Sutton, Huron; 1856, Ralph P. Buckland, Sandusky; Under the old Constitution of Ohio, the
1860, F. D. following served as associate judges:
*Died March 20, 1849. Amos E. Wood elected to fill 1820, Israel Harington, David Harold, Alexander
vacancy, died August, 1850. John Bell elected at a Morrison; 1821, Israel Harington, Charles B. Fitch,
special election held December, 1850, to fill vacancy Jeremiah Everett; 1822, Israel Harington, Jeremiah
caused by the death of A. E. Wood. Everett, Jaques Hulburd; 1824, Israel Harington,
Elected at the regular election, October, 1850. Sworn
in as Bell's successor, December, 1851.
124 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Jeremiah Everett, Morris A. Newman; 1825, Israel Thomas Tuckerman, 1860-62; Oscar Ball,* 1862-65;
Harington, Joel Strawn, James Justice; 1827, Joel John Lynch, 1865-66; Edwin Hoff, 1866-70; George W.
Strawn, James Justice, Elisha W. Howland; 1832, James Gust, 1870-74; F. J. Geible, jr., 1874-78; Adam Hodes,
Justice, Elisha W. Howland, Luther Porter; 1834, James 1878.
Justice, Luther Porter, Jacob Nyce; 1839, Jacob Nyce, TREASURERS.
Isaac Knapp, George Overmyer, sr.; 1841, Isaac Knapp,
George Overmyer, Alpheus McIntyre; 1846, Alpheus N. Wittenger, 1820-26; Harvey J. Harman, 1826-28;
McIntyre, Jesse S. Olmstead, Frederick Chapman; 1850, Grant C. Forguson, 1828-30; Isaac Van Doren,† 1830-
Jesse S. Olmstead, Frederick Chapman, Samuel Hafford. 38; Jesse S. Olmstead, 1838-42: Isaac Glick, 1842-48;
CLERKS OF COURT. Oliver McIntyre, 1848-52; J. T. R. Sebring, 1852-56; A.
D. Downs, 1856-58; Wilson M. Stark, 1858-62; D. L.
J. Hubbard, 1821-25; J. O. Scranton, 1825-37; L. Q. June, 1862-64; Charles G. Green, 1864-66; John P.
Rawson, 1837-51; Daniel Copper, 1851-54; Charles H. Elderkin, 1866-70; J. P. Elderkin, jr., 1870-74; Henry
Green, 1854-57; James N. Smith, 1857-65; W. W. St. Baker, 1874-78; Elias B. Moore, 1878.
Clair, 1865-67; E. W. Cook, 1867-68; J. Gephart, 1868- SURVEYORS.
73; B. W. Winter, 1873-79; Basil Meek, 1879.
PROBATE JUDGES. Ezra Williams, 1820-28; David Camp, 1828-36; David
Reeves, 1836-46; W. B. Stevenson, 1846-47; Horace E.
John Bell, 1852-55; Lyman Gilpin, 1855-58; John Clark, 1847-52; T. W. Clapp, 1852-56; D. D. Ames,
Bell, 1858-63; W. S. Russel, 1863-66; E. F. Dickinson, 1856-58; T. W. Clapp, 1858-60; J. L. Rawson, 1860-62;
1866-69; * John L. Green, 1869-72; F. Wilmer, 1872;† Horace E. Clark, 1862-64; Jeremiah Evans, 1864-76;
Edward E. Dickinson, 1877-79;‡ C. Doncy, 1879. Michael Putman, jr., 1876.
SHERIFFS. RECORDERS.
Willis E. Brown, 1820-24; Josiah Rumery, 1824-27; Charles B. Fitch, 1822-25; James A. Scranton, 1825-
Giles Thompson, 1827-31; Samuel O. Crowell, 1831-33 34; James Robinson, 1834-40; N. S. Cook, 1840-46;
J. S. Olmstead, 1833-35; J. D. Beaugrand, 1835-39; Benjamin F. Fletcher, 1846-48; William E. Rearick,
Homer Everett, 1839-43; John Strohl, 1843-46; Daniel 1848-54; Jacob Snyder, 1854-60; A. F. Gallagher, 1860-
Burger, 1846-50; James Parks, 1850-52; Jonas Smith, 67; W. W. Stine, 1867-73; James Worst, 1873-79; J. R.
1852-54; George Engler, 1854-58; Michael Wegstein, Conklin, 1879.
1858-62; A. R. Forguson, 1862-66; R. H. Russel, 1866- COMMISSIONERS.
70; A. E. Young, 1870074; Henry Coonrad, 1874-78;
Charles F. Pohlman, 1878. Maurice A. Newman, Charles B. Fitch, Moses
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. Nichols, 1820; Maurice A. Newman, Moses Nichols,
Giles Thompson, 1821 ; Giles Thompson, Elisha W.
Jacob Parker, 1820-22; P. Latimore, 1822-24; Increase Howland, Thomas Emerson, 1824; Elisha W. Howland,
Graves, 1824-27; R. Dickerson, 1827-28; John Bush, David Camp, Jared H. Miner, 1825; Elisha W. Howland,
1828-31; R. Dickerson, 1831-35; W. W. Culver, 1835- David Camp, J. S. Olmstead, 1826; Samuel L.
36; Samuel Treat, 1836-38; W. W. Culver, 1838-44; L. Lockwood, L. G. Harkness, Jeremiah Everett, 1827; L.
B. Otis, 1844-50; J. L. Green, 1850-52; E. F. Dickerson, G. Harkness, Jesse S. Olmstead, Jeremiah Everett, 1828;
1852-56; T. P. Finefrock, 1856-60; A. B. Lindsay, 1860- Jesse S. Olmstead, Samuel Hollingshead, Oliver
64; W. W. Winslow, 1864-66; A. B. Lindsay, 1866-70; Comstock, 1830; Samuel Hollingshead, Oliver
A. B. Putman, 1870-74; H. Remsburg, 1874-77; J. T. Comstock, Casper Remsburg, 1834; Samuel
Garver, 1878. Hollingshead, Oliver Comstock, George Overmyer, sr.;,
1835; Samuel Hollingshead, George Overmyer, sr., Paul
AUDITORS. Tew, 1837; Samuel Hollingshead, Paul Tew, Ezekiel
Josiah Rumery, 1820-22; Thomas L. Hawkins, 1822- Rice, 1838; Paul Tew, Ezekiel Rice, Jonas Smith, 1839;
24; Ammi Williams, 1824-26; Jesse S. Olmstead, 1826- Paul Tew, Jonas Smith, John Bell, 1840; Paul Tew,
28; Ezra Williams, 1828-30; Samuel Treat, 1830-36; Jonas Smith, Wilson Teeters, 1841 ; Paul Tew, Jonas
Nathaniel B. Eddy, 1836-38; Ezra Williams, 1838-40; Smith, James Rose, 1844; Paul Tew, Jonas Rose, John S.
Nathaniel B. Eddy, 1840-42; A. Coles, 1842-48; Homer Gardner, 1845; Jonas Rose, John S. Gardner, Hiram
Everett, 1848-52; Horace E. Clark, 1852-56; William E. Hurd, 1846; John S. Gardner, Hiram Hurd, Eleazer
Haynes, 1856-60; Baldwin, 1847; John S. Gardner, Hiram Hurd, Martin
Wright, 1850; Hiram Hurd, Martin Wright, Michael
* Resigned in 1868, being elected to Congress. Reed, 1851 ; Martin
† Died July, 1897; J. L. Green appointed to fill vacancy.
‡ Elected to fill unexpired term of F. Wilmer. *Resigned 1865 to accept treasurer's office.
†Reelected. Died before beginning of second
term—Isaac Van Doren appointed to fill vacancy.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 125

Wright, Michael Reed, William Morgan, 1855; Michael man, Henry M. Reiling, Longanbach, 1872; M.
Reed, William Morgan, John Orwig, 1856; John Orwig, Longanbach, David Fuller, John Morrison, 1873; M.
Sanford G. Baker, Joseph R. Clark, 1858; John Orwig, Longanbach, John Morrison, F. William Sandwisch,
Joseph R. Clark, Benjamin Inman, 1860; Joseph R. 1874; John Morrison, F. W. Sandwisch,* Manuel
Clark, Benjamin Inman, John Beery, 1862; Benjamin Maurer, 1877; Manuel Maurer, N. G. Rathbun, Byron
Inman, John Beery, C. G. Sanford, 1864; Benjamin O'Connor, 1878, N. G. Rathbun, Byron O'Connor, D. S.
Inman, C. G. Sanford, S. E. Walters, 1865; Benjamin Tinney, 1880.
Inman, S. E. Walters, Henry Reiling, 1867; Benjamin
Inman, Henry Reiling, David Fuller, 1868; Benjamin In * Resigned November 18, 1878 ; Byron O'Connor
appointed to fill vacancy.

CHAPTER X.
DE VE LO PM EN T—M ATE R IAL —M O R AL —SO C IAL .

Sandusky County a Desolate Wilderness—Early Settlement—Suffering Prevails—Pioneer Hospitality—Raisings, Log-rollings and Dances—
Woman's Work—Early Schools and Establishment of the School System—Churches—Material Advancement—Comparison of Tax
Duplicates—Abstract of Census Since 1820 The County's Future.

T HE Indians of Northwestern Ohio


battled firmly and bravely against
progressing civilization, but their conflict
decay, leaving a young and more vigorous
shoot to shade the spot it had darkened, and
so on in endless succession. In the forest to
was with destiny. At last, weakened, which the pioneers of this county came,
demoralized and discouraged, they sold foliaged branches crowded each other, and
their birthright for but little more than a enveloped poisonous gasses breathed from
"mess of pottage."* Reluctantly and sadly decomposing vegetation. Fallen trunks,
they abandoned their wigwams and crossing each other at every angle, closed
cornfields, and crowded upon the natural watercourses and made the
reservations, leaving a desolate wilderness, oversaturated soil a fulsome breeder of
oppressive in the gloom of its solitude. malaria. Armies of insects filled the woods
Beautiful words and roseate sentences with their hungry hum, and howling wolves
would be ill-chosen in a description of the made night melancholy. To such a
forest which baffled the energy of Sandusky wilderness, every feature of which shot
county’s pioneers. A loam soil of boundless arrows of despondency, brave men brought
fertility gave rapid growth to trees of nearly determined spirits and generous women
every variety, except where inundation or devoted hearts.
fires had left islands of prairie in the sea of It has been said that the white settlement
heavy forest. Vegetables as well as animals of Sandusky county began before Wayne's
are subject to a common law of nature, war, and that the first settlers were James
which requires the old to give place to the Whittaker and Isaac Williams, the former
new. A tree grows, matures, dies, and falls having been brought here a captive, and the
to latter the son of a trader
*About 8– 10 cents per acre. Treaty of 1817.
126 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

at Upper Sandusky and a captive. These two The first settlers of Sandusky county,
families were indisputably the first outside of the old military reservation now
permanent white settlers. Arundel and included in the city of Fremont, and ex-
Robbins, the English traders mentioned by cepting the French and captive settlers on
Heckwelder in the narrative of his captivity, the Sandusky prairies, penetrated the forest
can not properly be called settlers. They near the eastern border, and were mostly
were here for the purpose of speculating, and Eastern people, who had temporarily located
had no intention of remaining to assist in the in the Firelands. Land east of the Reserve
development of the country. The War of line was selling at prices ranging from two
1812 brought to the county a company of to four dollars. Preferable land on this side
French from Michigan, who made squatter was surveyed and platted, preliminary to
settlements on the river prairies as soon as being placed on the market at one dollar and
peace was established, a quarter per acre. Emigrants, when on the
In the earlier and poorer days of the ground, with their goods packed in large
Republic there was no public policy for the covered wagons, sought out a dry spot in the
encouragement of settlement. The public trackless wilderness, cut out a road just wide
domain was looked upon by Congress as an enough to pass through and erected a
important source of revenue, and laws were temporary cabin. Two or three families
passed from time to time making it a usually came together, and gave each other
criminal offence to settle upon public lands. such assistance as was needed in raising a
One dollar and a quarter an acre was the house, which was made by the first arrival,
unvarying price, and whoever paid it of poles. Notches were cut in on each side at
received a patent from the Government. the ends, so that the hastily built structure
Purchasers usually found on their land small might stand more firmly. Mud, plentifully
clearings and rude cabins lately deserted by mixed with leaves, was used to fill the
that nomadic class of people known as cracks, and a chimney of sticks was built
squatters. They are the link which in history outside. These cabins were little better than
connects the native hunters with the pioneer Indian huts, but the lone pioneer was unable
woodsmen. Partaking of the character of to erect a hewed log house, such as he had
both, they precede one and follow the other. heard his Eastern parents talk about. He was
There is another class of pioneers who almost a solitary adventurer in an
may be termed squatter settlers, for they inhospitable forest. Having provided a
came to stay, and awaited with patience the shelter for his family, this advance guard of
opportunity to purchase land. This class a the pioneer army next set to work to prepare
wholesome homestead law would have a spot of ground for corn, which in new
benefited. Industrious, but poor, they toiled settlements is the staff of life. He did not cut
amidst every difficulty of forest life, borne down all the trees, as is done in modern
up by the hope of securing an heritage for clearing, but only the underbrush and
their children. How discouraging it must saplings the larger trees were girdled to
have been, after two or three years of prevent them from leafing. These advance
ceaseless toil, to see the title of their Settlers often planted considerable corn,
prospective homes become the possessions without even clearing away the water-soaked
of another yet such was often the case. logs, which covered more than half the
surface.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 127

Skirmishers of the pioneer army made inured to rugged work, looked with favor
their appearance in Townsend in 1818, and upon this rejected tract which concealed its
about the same time in Green Creek and fertility beneath vegetation and water. Old
York. This year, also, the incipient village of men with their families abandoned the
Lower Sandusky extended up the river as far homes they had made, and young men bade
as the second rapids, and a few openings farewell to the firesides of their fathers, all
were made in the forest adjoining the seeking fortune in a new country.
bottoms below town. Farther west, in Scott and Madison
Sandusky county did not present the true townships, the pioneers came from the Seven
picture of pioneer life until after the public Ranges, many of them from Columbiana
lands were platted and placed upon the county, Ohio. They trace their genealogies
market. Huron county was by that time well back to New England. The complement of
advanced in settlement, and general settlement is made up of people of
improvement under rapid way. The fame of Pennsylvania German descent, who came to
the exhaustless fertility of Sandusky's fertile this county from Central Ohio Perry,
vegetable soil had reached New York, and a Guernsey, Columbiana, and Wayne counties
stream of emigration turned westward. Some have contributed more to the settlement of
came in large covered wagons all the way, the Black Swamp than any other part of the
but by far. a larger proportion utilized lake country. The pioneer community of
transportation from Buffalo to Huron, and Woodville was characteristically Yankee.
thence in wagons. Many Huron settlers Pioneer life, particularly in such a wil-
abandoned unfinished improvements, and derness as primitive Sandusky county, is a
began anew in the adjoining forest. York, most thorough test of strength of character, a
Townsend, and Green Creek townships test which only the fittest survive. Many
received their immigration mostly from New were induced to leave cultured homes and
York. A few years later .Central Ohio caught communities by the delusive hope of
the pioneer fever, and many people of Penn- accumulating a fortune amidst surroundings
sylvania stock joined axes with the New such as are pictured by romantic fiction; a
York Yankees in a general war against the few knew something of pioneer life in other
forest. places, where nature's wild beauty and a
Below the falls, on the Sandusky, the dry healthful air lightened the woodman's task.
river hills were entered early, and a French But Sandusky county's forest taxed not only
colony gathered about the head of the Bay, the spirit but the bodies of the pioneers. It is
where many of their descendants are yet estimated that less than two-thirds of all who
living. The Black Swamp west of the river joined the advanced settlers endured the
was for many years viewed with an eye of conflict. Some who had purchased land
despair and abandoned to wolves, frogs and sickened at the sight, and, if they were able,
mud hens. This dismal region was first either turned back to the homes of their
penetrated for purposes of settlement in childhood, or pushed westward to fairer
1826. Its rapid development did not begin lands. Others entered upon their task with
until neat . the close of 1830. The black spirit and resolution. A willing hand sank the
swamp was a subject for conversation in axe deep at every stroke, and a buzzing
nearly every country house in Perry county, wheel furnished music to
Ohio. The settlers, then nearly all sturdy of
Pennsylvania stock,
128 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the cabin. All went well till poverty came by building a cabin for him. Such a
poverty with every discouraging company was always in the. best of humor,
accompaniment. A crop almost ready for the for a raising was one of those holiday
harvest became the plunder of animals and occasions which break in on the dull monot-
birds. Reserved capital was soon exhausted, ony of life, dispelling doubt and gloom, and
and nothing remained to supply the leaving only jollity. After a general hand
necessities of life. The awful picture of shaking with their new neighbor, the
starvation impressed itself upon a troubled company organized for work by appointing
fancy. Disease and distressing sickness a captain, whose business it was to direct
completed the desolation of spirit, and often the work of the day. Then trees about the
grim death entered the loving family circle chosen site of the cabin were cut down, the
and wrecked every hope. All the past was large, straight-grained trunks being split
lost, and nothing in future seemed attainable. into puncheons for the floor and door. The
Prudence counseled desertion of an ground once cleared, the raising
undertaking whose only end seemed commenced. A skilled axe-man stood at
desolation and ruin. It is not to be wondered each corner, and when, with many a "heave,
at, therefore, that many of the early oh heave!" a log tumbled into position, it
immigrants deserted improvements was notched near the ends so that the next,
commenced and lands partially paid for. crossing at right-angles, would rest more
Only those excelling in bravery, sturdiness, firmly. Thus log by log the cabin was
and determination, continued the battle of raised, while another party of men, better
the wilderness to a successful issue. The skilled in woodcraft, was dressing
survivors of that trying period have a right to puncheons and splitting shakes or
recite the story of their hardships, and we of clapboards for the roof. The first houses
a younger generation would be ungrateful to were rarely more than one low story high,
refuse to listen. Their life was one of stern so that by means of skids, logs were easily
reality and work-disinterested work-having placed in position. The logs which built up
for its affectionate inspiration a desire to the gable were smaller and were secured by
leave their children the heritage of an estate. poles running the whole length of the
But pioneer life had its amusements and building, at intervals of about three feet. On
good cheer as well as toil, privation, and these, clapboards were laid in such a way as
sadness. A few outline sketches of early to make a tight roof. The roof was weighted
scenes may be of interest in this connection. down by poles laid over the rafter poles,
The most distinguishing characteristic of and held in position by blocks at the ends,
the pioneers, was their generous, social running from one to the other. A puncheon
disposition to give each other assistance in floor vindicates the axe-manship of our
every time of need. Sincere, welcoming pioneer fathers. Many of them were as
generosity shone from every fireplace, and smooth as plane dressed floors, yet no other
when a new corner into a community was tool was used than an axe. One side was
received with his family into a cabin, and hewn smooth, and the others notched so
entertained with the best its scanty that the sleepers brought them .exactly to
accommodations could furnish. The site of a the same height. A chimney, a window, and
house being selected, neighbors for miles a door completed the structure.
around welcomed their new neighbor The chimney was built of poles imbedded
in mud mortar, on a foundation of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 129

stone, and was usually placed outside of the eons long pins, for legs. The table was
house against one end; a large opening was generally the product of a cabinet shop, and
cut out to form a fireplace. A fire-chamber constituted part of the outfit purchased
was formed of stone to keep the poles of the before leaving home.
chimney from burning. One or two kettles and a spider consti-
An opening about five and one-half feet tuted the cooking furniture. The table fare
high and four feet wide was cut info the side consisted of corn bread, pork, and wild
for a doorway. The door was made of meats.
puncheons pinned to cleats at each end, and Articles of dress were largely of home
was hung on squeaking wooden hinges. A manufacture, and were made either of flax or
window was made by cutting out a piece of wool. Every pioneer in the more favored and
one or two logs, pinning bars at right-angles earlier settled part of the county, had a few
across the centre, and pasting over the sheep and a flax patch. The flax was pulled,
opening greased paper. Glass in the West bleached, and dressed. The tow was then
was a rare luxury, and sold at a price far cleanly carded with a hand card. The
beyond the reach of early settlers. spinning-wheel prepared it for the shuttle.
The cabin completed, the company Spinning was at one time the National
indulged in various amusements, such as employment of American women. It is
wrestling, running races, lifting, and particularly an occupation of pioneer life and
shooting at a mark. Whiskey, always free on the accompaniment of penury. There is real
such occasions, increased the general beauty in that picture representing virtue,
hilarity, and at times was the cause of a which figures a devoted wife and mother,
friendly fight. busily spinning with both hands; one foot is
Cabin furniture corresponded with the on the treadle which moves the whirling
simplicity of the building. A bedstead was wheel, while the other is rocking, in a cradle,
made by joining two poles, one into the end, her tender offspring, quieted by the rhythmic
the other into the side of the cabin near one hum to sweet, innocent sleep.
corner. The two other ends were tied The whirl of the wheel and thud of the
together with bark, and supported by a post loom, mingled with the echoing stroke of
resting upon the floor. Pins were driven into axes, the crash of falling trees, and roar of
a log of the side of the cabin, and into the clearing fires. The music of the wife's
pole opposite, to which was fastened strips industry did not cease at nightfall, but
of hark in such a way as to form a matting. wolves heard the sound and owls hooted its
Under the bed was a convenient place for melody. Shirts, trowsers, bed clothing and
packing articles not in everyday use. A white dresses were all the product of woman's busy
linen curtain concealed from view this hands. But upon the woman rested more than
useful, though suspicious looking corner. the burden of spinning and weaving and
Few cabins afforded more than two split sewing and cooking and rearing her family,
bottom chairs. These, however, were and hunting cows in a fenceless forest and
generally easy and comfortable, elegance milking and making butter. Mills, during the
being a secondary consideration. Benches first years of settlement, were inaccessible,
were in common use. They were made by and the preparation of corn for food involved
driving into wide punch great labor. As among the Indians, corn was
used considerably in the form of
130 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

hominy, ashes being used to take off the than enough money to bring them here. They
outside shell. Corn was prepared for depended for a start upon their own labor
"johnnycake" by cracking it with a hammer and the resources of the country, about
or wooden mallet, on a block hollowed out which so much had been said in the old
for the purpose. It took one woman an hour communities. The first season's planting,
to prepare in. this way sufficient meal to owing to the difficulty of preparing the soil,
supply the appetites of three men. It was not was small, but under favorable conditions
long, however, until mills with very simple would have been sufficient to furnish bread,
machinery were constructed where a creek of had the destroyer remained away. What must
sufficient size offered a favorable site. Most have been the hardworking farmer's
of these consisted simply of a buhr driven by disappointment and chagrin, to see his crop
an undershot or breast wheel. The bolting at ripening time become the feast of all the
was all done by hand. Corn was sifted before multitude of animals and birds, which filled
using, by the cook herself, while wheat flour the woods. Blackbirds, squirrels, raccoons,
was bolted through a web of cloth hung on and turkeys literally devoured the drooping
rollers and turned by hand. The customer ears of an entire field, upon which the hard
always had to turn the bolt for his own grist. pressed family placed sole dependence for
These mills, on account of their slowness, their winter's food.
were wholly inadequate even to the simple Another and prevalent cause of poverty
wants of the and want in pioneer Sandusky county, was
pioneers. People came long distances fever and ague, which visited almost every
through the woods to bring such grists as cabin. Scarcely a spring opened but the old,
they could carry on the back of a horse, and unwelcome visitor returned in its most
when once at the end of their tedious malignant form. At places clearing fires died
journey, were compelled to wait one, two, out for want of attention, and weeds
and sometimes even three days for their turn. smothered the growing corn. The spinning
The mills built by Chambers and Moore, on wheel, perchance, ceased its cheerful whirl,
Sandusky River, were more efficient. Being and the dismal prospect, amid desolate
centrally located, an extensive business surroundings, day by day, became more
made the best machinery of the time gloomy. All were not thus unhappily
profitable, and the water supply furnished all afflicted, but all had generous hearts and
the power, necessary. We say improved were willing to lend assistance in a day of
machinery for the time, for Moore's mill of need. As the forest gradually became more
sixty years ago would be an insignificant broken the years grew brighter and crops
establishment, compared with Moore's mill increased in fullness. Hewed log and frame
of the present. The pioneers, speaking of the houses took the place of the first rude
old mills, very appropriately termed them cabins; and when at evening the family
"corn crackers." But people who had cracked gathered round the great brick fireplace, the
grain got along very well; all were not so parents and older children told and retold to
fortunate as to have that. It is a significant the interested little ones, melancholy
fact that many of the early settlers of this experiences of sickness, want, and hardship.
county were poor, sometimes even to the Those experiences are, thanks to our hardy
point of physical want. and resolute ancestors, happily past. Events
Very few of the pioneers had more live only in imagination and history; very
few memories
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 131

yet retain impressions of the heroic conflict, though such a sad accident rarely happened,
and the number is monthly becoming for the nimble, though not tender feet, of
smaller. these pioneer lasses quickly rebounded from
To increase the acreage of tillable land the solid puncheon floor. One thing
was a main object of the well-to-do pioneer. commendable can be said of the pioneer
He first girdled the trees and cut out the "French Four" or quadrille; it was performed
underbrush and logs of a small patch, with hearty enthusiasm. The dancers were
probably ten acres, for the first season's lost in their amusement, and joy inspired
planting. The next season, if health every step. Beaux swung their partners with
permitted, he more than doubled the "girdle a generous hug, and the girls made no
clearing," and began to cut or burn down peevish objection. Joyfully the dance went
dead trees standing on the first opening. on till howling wolves grew hoarse, and
Those that were hollow or partially decayed candles melted to their sockets.
burned readily, but solid timber had (to be Stock was allowed to pasture in the
cut. Straight white oak, walnut, and poplar fenceless woods. Every cow was provided
was split into rails for fencing fields under with a bell, and every flock of sheep with
cultivation. Other trees were cut into, logs, several. Cattle often ate the poisonous
and when several acres had been thus grass, which caused that terrible disease,
reduced, a frolic was made, to which all the milk sickness, spoken of at greater length
neighborhood came. Log-rollings were the elsewhere in this history. Sheep were
joy of pioneer life. All work was turned into penned in a high enclosure every night, to
fun. Heavy lifts were made a contest of protect them from wolves, which often
strength, and the fatigues of the day were came to the cabin door. Hogs were marked
drowned by the contents of well filled jugs. and turned out to fatten on nuts and acorns.
These pleasant gatherings, after the logs had Hogs bred in the woods became wild, and
all been piled ready for the torch, often sometimes dangerous. It was unsafe to go
terminated in happy social occasions, in far from the clearing, accompanied by a
which the wives and sisters figured dog, for the sight of that animal arouses all
conspicuously. Dancing was a fashionable the savage nature of a hog. An old settler
amusement, encouraged by the mothers, and assures us that an infuriated boar was a
greatly enjoyed by all. When the men went more dangerous enemy than a bear or wolf.
to roll their neighbors' logs, their dames and Every farmer had his stock marked, which
lasses dropped in to help do the cooking, and the law required him to have recorded in a
perchance make a quilt between meals. The book of indentures kept for the purpose by
men concluded their labor by triumphantly the township clerk.
carrying the captain on their backs; the No market was accessible to the pioneers
women dedicated a quilt by enfolding it of Sandusky county, where farm products
around their hostess. The strains of a fiddle could be exchanged for cash, but furs
brought all together, when night's shadows always commanded the ready money. This
expelled the day. Round dancing was then circumstance made many of the pioneers
unknown, but all the variety of movements hunters, particularly those in the north part
may be described as a free and easy, go as of the county. Soda ash found a ready cash
you please affair. It was not expulsion from market, and several kilns in the east part of
the ballroom to step on a lady's toes, the county were
132 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

constructed for its manufacture. Fish filled a new law, authorizing the trustees to divide
the streams emptying into the bay and river. each township into districts, was passed, and
Nature thus afforded the otherwise was more effectual. Still, in the new
unfavored early settlers a bountiful supply of communities of Sandusky county, the tax of
nutritious meat. The woods also abounded in three-fourths of a mill on the dollar was
deer, squirrels, and turkeys. Nature lavished insufficient, and private subscription had to
her wealth too bountifully upon Sandusky be relied upon. The teachers boarded with
county; too much timber and too many the scholars, and many of them worked for
animals was the cause of much distress. two shillings a day. The public school
As the little spots of sunshine in the long system of Ohio was revised and established
reach of forest grew more numerous and on a solid basis in 1838, when local
larger, the pioneers began to avail authorities were given permission to levy
themselves of the advantages of churches taxes to the amount needed for the liberal
and schools. The first schools were kept in support of public instruction.
private houses, where all the children of the In 1852 the present school law was
neighborhood came, each contributing a passed, since which time educational facil-
share toward the support of the teachers, ities have steadily improved till there is no
which was very little, indeed, but, as a rule, longer the semblance of an excuse for
the teachers were as poor as the pay; there common ignorance. It is to be regretted that
were, however, many exceptions to this the public library system, once well
unfortunate rule. The first schoolhouses. established, fell to premature decay. It is a
were built by the voluntary efforts of the melancholy fact that but few people through
neighbors. A little council of residents the country have given any attention to the
determined on a location, and set a day for collection of books for the use of their
raising. All concerned came, and by night children. Libraries breed scholars, and
the house was under roof. Several holes were scholarship has become a necessity in almost
cut in the walls, over which greased paper every walk of life. The indifference of
was pasted, which served the purpose of a people in respect to furnishing their children
window, for light alone was needed; cracks proper reading matter, is shown by the
between logs admitted sufficient fresh air. inexcusably reckless management of the
The benches were made of puncheons, and a excellent library, which the State once
wide puncheon on each side of the room, furnished to every township. The only public
fastened to blocks about three feet high, libraries to which the people of the county
served as a desk. Reading, writing, and have access, are those at Fremont and
arithmetic were the only branches taught. Bellevue.
Until 1825 teachers were supported wholly A gratifying improvement in
by private subscription. The first school law schoolhouses is noticeable all over the
which gave each township at least one county. Log structures are no longer to be
school, supported entirely or in part by seen anywhere. Frame buildings took their
taxation and the proceeds of section sixteen, places, and these, in turn, are fast being
which the ordinance of 1787 set apart for the displaced by comfortable brick houses.
support of education, was passed in 1825, People have lately formed an idea of the
and went into effect soon after. In 1829 value of talent in the schoolroom, and are
paying better wages than formerly. It is
needless to say that the standard of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 133

common school education is steadily Long rides through a malarial forest, by


improving. The children of the pioneers, paths almost untraceable, ministering to the
now grown frosty with years, esteemed sick at almost every house, and preaching in
themselves fortunate if they learned to spell, every settlement, was the heaven-ordained
read, write, and cipher as far as the rule of calling of a United Brethren or Methodist
three. Now a common school course clergyman. Meetings were at first held in
prepares a student for any department of private houses, then schoolhouses, and
business, or for admission into the higher finally the little log church made its
seminaries of learning. The change in school appearance. The United Brethren and
government during the sixty years of Methodist were the pioneer churches of
Sandusky county’s history, is worthy of Sandusky county. Methodism was first
mention. Early teachers ruled with the rod established at Fremont (then Lower
rather than the head. Pupils were reduced to Sandusky), as will be seen by reference to
obedience by beating out of them their life the proper chapter. A preaching station was
and spirit. There were a few teachers who established in Green Creek township, in
practiced humane and sensible methods of 1822, the outgrowth of which is the Clyde
government. The names of such are held in Methodist Episcopal church. About 1825
grateful remembrance by the men and itinerant Methodists began to hold services
women fortunate enough to enjoy their in Townsend township. A class was
association and instruction. afterwards formed there, and in 1840 a
Nothing is so difficult to reduce to words church was built. It is not known just when
and express on paper as the moral condition Methodist evangelists carried the light of
of a pioneer community. This subject, as religious instruction into Riley. A class was
applied to Lower Sandusky, is referred to in formed there about 1850.* The Methodist
other chapters. Throughout the country there Episcopal church has made little progress in
were conflicting elements of human nature, the western townships. Washington was
but the moral life, taken as a whole, was made a preaching station as early as 1833,
healthful. Depravity is generally found probably earlier. A class was formed a few
among the idle and indifferent classes. A years afterwards. This was the only pioneer
few such there were, but the country association of that denomination in the
possessed little attraction for them. Black Swamp region. Recent classes have
Sandusky county's pioneers were not, been formed in Scott and at Gibsonburg.
generally speaking, an intellectual class of By far the largest church in the county,
people. They were hardworking people both in number of congregations and in
before they came, and had no time here for membership, is the United Brethren. There
anything but hard work. But they had due are two churches in York, one in Townsend,
appreciation of the value of education, and two in Riley, one at Clyde, one at Green
against all adversities of circumstance gave Springs, two in Ballville, four in Jackson,
attention to the instruction of their children. two in Washington, two in Rice, one in
Neither were they a Godless people, but Scott, one in Madison, and one in
heard with interest, and were refreshed by Woodville.+
the preaching of a devoted, self denying, *See township history.
itinerant clergy. +A general sketch of the United Brethren church in
The mission of early preachers was as this county, contributed by J. Burgner, will be found in
the chapter on Ballville township.
arduous as the early practice of medicine.
134 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Next to the United Brethren in numerical entire county, there are many individual
strength, in the country districts, is the churches. For further details the reader is
Evangelical Association, popularly known as referred to the accompanying sketches of
Albrights. This denomination has one church Fremont, Clyde, Bellevue, and the several
in Townsend, one in Riley, one in Ballville, townships.
two in Jackson, one in Fremont, two in Fifty years ago people esteemed
Washington, one in Scott, one in Madison, themselves fortunate to have the privilege of
and one in Woodville. The membership, like church service once a month; now a meeting
that of the United Brethren, is almost house is within walking distance of every
entirely of people of Pennsylvania Dutch house in the county.
descent. The clergy, as in the United The material advancement of any section
Brethren and Methodist, are itinerant, with of country depends, in a large degree, upon
licensed local preachers for assistants. its natural resources. In this respect
Reformed churches are of later Sandusky county is more than duly favored,
organization than those of any of the denom- although without mines of iron or coal. The
inations mentioned. Churches have been most substantial wealth is fertility of soil,
erected in Fremont, Washington, Jackson, and nowhere in Ohio is the soil better
and Woodville townships. There are several adapted to general agriculture. The rich
preaching stations besides. alluviums of the Scioto have long been
The first Catholic churches in the county celebrated, but a comparison of acreage
were in Fremont and Rice. There are at productions is in favor of the valley of
present two congregations in Fremont, one Sandusky Bay. From the time the asperities
in Rice, one in Clyde, one in Jackson, and of pioneer life began to soften, and, the real
one in Woodville. natural advantages of the county to stand out
The Evangelical Lutheran church came in public view, population and wealth have
into being in this county in 1836, Adolphus multiplied with surprising rapidity. In 1826,
Konrad being the pioneer preacher. He in York township, the total valuation
organized congregations in Fremont and at (including houses,) of real property was
Woodville. Rev. George Cronnenwett took $2,303. The names of fifty-two persons are
charge of the church at Woodville in 1841, entered on the duplicate, with personal
and Rev. Henry Lang of the church at property amounting to $4,668, of which
Fremont in 1843. Both have been $1,500 is on merchandising.
indefatigable in their labors ever since. Excepting Sandusky township, in which
There are six churches in the county, the village of Lower Sandusky was then
organized as follows: Fremont, Four-mile included, Ballville paid more taxes in 1826
Point (Sandusky township), Hessville, and than any other township in the county. The
Woodville, from 1836 to 1841; Rice, 1843; total valuation of real estate was $6,133, and
and Gibsonburg, 1876. A large proportion of personal property, assessed against thirty-
the church in Erie county, four miles north seven individuals to the amount of $2,632.
of Bellevue, live in this county. There are in The real estate of Sandusky township in
the county about three thousand Lutheran 1826 was valued at $19,095, merchandising
members. at $9,313, and other personal property at
Besides these congregations of the more $2,416.
leading and influential denominations having At that time no real estate in Riley
a membership distributed over the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 135

township was subject to taxation, but the ten years the influx was quite rapid. They
personal valuation was $3,480, $2,440 of settled chiefly on improved lands in Riley,
which was on cattle alone. The personal Rice, Washington, and Woodville
valuation of Townsend was $1,488; no real townships. A few scattering settlements are
estate was listed. also to be found in other parts of the
The valuation of real estate in Green county. Germans work hard for their
Creek was $819, and of personal property money, and when they have it they save it.
$3,480. The tax valuation of the county is higher by
At this time the west part of the county many thousand dollars than it would have
was a wilderness, untrodden by the assessor, been without a substantial German element
or scarcely any one else. in the settlement.
In York, in 1826, there were 26 horses It will be seen that there exists on the soil
and 266 cattle; in Townsend, 9 horses and of Sandusky County rather a remarkable
141 cattle; in Green Creek, 22 horses and mixture of blood—Yankees of almost every
175 cattle; in Ballville, 30 horses and 134 type; Pennsylvanians, with all the race
cattle; in Riley, 26 horses and 305 cattle. mixture in one individual that that term
One year later, in 1827, in York, 3,325 implies; Germans, and French. If the
acres were valued at $6,232, or less than two doctrine that crossbreeding is productive of
dollars an acre; merchandising at $1,200, superiority, surely much may be expected
and other chattels at $2,640. of the county in future generations.
Five hundred acres in Townsend were The following statistics show the real
valued at $900, and the personal valuation estate valuation of the several townships in
was $1,240. 1840. Sandusky includes the town of Lower
In Green Creek, 1,911 acres were valued Sandusky: Sandusky, $141,695; Ballville,
at $4,255; chattel valuation, $1,664. $81,883; Green Creek, $74,479;
One hundred and sixty acres in Riley were Washington, $69,579; York, $64,223;
valued at $240; personal property amounted Riley, $58,875; Jackson, $57,259;
to $2,800 more than any other township Townsend, $51,106; Scott, $49,881; Wood-
except Sandusky, showing the extent of the ville, $42,311; Madison, $27,446; Rice,
stock-raising industry on the prairies in the $23,754.
northern part. This shows the rapid development of the
In Ballville, in 1827, 3,510 acres were Black Swamp townships, which thirteen
subject to taxation, valued at $14,131; years before had a population of less than
valuation of personal property, $1,152. half a dozen families. Jackson, the
In Sandusky township, 5,249 acres were settlement of which did not really begin till
entered on the duplicate at $14,806. The 1828, takes rank over Townsend, where,
valuation of merchandising had increased to settlement was made more than ten years
$7,300, and other chattels to $1,112. before. Washington takes fourth place
The progress of improvement was most among the townships. The progress of
rapid between 1827 and 1840. During that settlement in Washington was greatly
period the Black Swamp was entered and accelerated by the improvement of the pike.
settled. An important element was also The following statistics give a comparative
added to the population. German emigration view of the number and value of horses and
to Ohio began about 1830. Sandusky county cattle in the several townships in 1840. The
began to receive these thrifty immigrants following showing makes
about 1835 and for
136 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

considerable change in the former order of the court docket forty-nine petitions for
arrangement: divorce. This number was exceeded in only
York—Number of horses 268, valuation $10,720; of fourteen other counties of the State, and in
cattle 600, valuation $4,880.
Sandusky—Number of horses 255, valuation $10,200;
proportion to the population, in not more
of cattle 417, valuation $3,336. than half a dozen other counties. Of these
Green Creek—Number of horses 198, valuation forty-nine petitions, twenty-six alleged as
$7,920; of cattle 511, valuation $4,088. the cause, cruelty; sixteen, neglect; six,
Ballville—Number of horses 170, valuation $6,800; of
cattle 449, valuation $3,892. adultery; and one, fraud.
Washington—Number of horses 141, valuation The following table shows the relative
$5,640; of cattle 442, valuation $3,536. growth and comparative population of the
Jackson—Number of horses 157, valuation $6,280; of
cattle 353, valuation $2,824.
several townships since 1850. In the last
Townsend—Number of horses 115, valuation $4,600; column is given the foreign-born population
of cattle 361, valuation $2,888. in 1870:
Scott—Number of horses 98, valuation $3,920; of
cattle 429, valuation $3,432.
Riley—Number of horses 79, valuation $3,120; of
cattle 306, valuation $2,528.
Rice—Number of horses 46, valuation $2,860; of
cattle 204, valuation $1,632.
Woodville—Number of horses 41, valuation $1,660;
of cattle 180, valuation $1,440.
Madison—Number of horses 31, valuation $1,240; of
cattle 134, valuation $1,072.
The following table shows the valuation as
appraised in 1880, including villages and
towns:

Excepting Sandusky township the above


table includes towns and villages. The
population of these, severally, as given by
the census of 1880, was as follows:
Fremont, 8,451; Clyde, 2,380; Bellevue,
2,169;* Green Spring, 720;+ Gibsonburg,
589; Lindsey, 409; Woodville, 406; Helena,
111; Burgoon, 110; Rollersville, 99;
Millersville, 52.
The future of any section of country is
always a subject of hazardous speculation.
The population of Sandusky county in
But that Sandusky county is not yet fully
1820 was 852; in 1830, 2,851; in 1840,
developed is apparent to every observer.
10,182; in 1850, 14,305; in 1856, 21,429; in
Some of the older townships outside of town
1870, 25,503, and in 1880, 32,063.
limits are not increasing, and will not
According to the census of 1880 Sandusky
increase in population with any great
county stands thirty-fifth with respect to
rapidity, for the tendency in settled com-
population among the counties of the State.
munities is for the farms to grow larger by
In one other respect the county stands
the natural law of concentration of capital;
somewhat higher when placed in comparison
but the towns are growing
with other counties. During the year 1879
*
there appeared on 737 in Sandusky county, 1,432 in Huron.
+
389 in Sandusky county, 331 in Seneca.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 137

larger, and land advancing in value. There 1844– David Tod (Democrat), 1198; Mordecai Bartley
are yet in the county large tracts of (Whig), 951; Leicester King, (Abolitionist), 00*
1846– David Tod (Democrat), 961; William Hebb
unimproved land which will in the near (Whig), 754; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist), 30.
future be developed and add largely to 1848 John W. Weller (Democrat), 1074; Seabury Ford
wealth and population. In fact, the day is not (Whig), 874.
far distant when the swamps, now only fit 1850– Reuben Wood (Democrat), 1215; William.
Johnston (Whig), 742.
for hunting, will be recovered by ditches and 1851– Reuben Wood (Democrat), 1293; Samuel F.
dykes, and golden harvests will decorate the Vinton (Whig), 687; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist) , 2.
fertile soil now despoiled by water. A 1853– William Medill (Democrat); 1417; Nelson
Barrere (Whig), 467; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist), 154.
beginning has already been made – the end is 1855– William Medill (Democrat), 1499; Allen
beyond human imagination to predict. Trimble (Know Nothing), 447; Salmon P. Chase
Railroads are plowing through the county (Republican), 1042.
in every direction. Towns are springing up in 1856– For Attorney General, C. P. Wolcott
(Republican), 1450; S. M. Hart (Democrat), 1443.: John
every township, making the products of the M. Bush (Know Nothing), 16.
soil and the rocks under the soil more 1857– Salmon P. Chase (Republican), 1315; Henry B.
valuable. Sandusky county and its towns are Payne (Democrat), 1699; Philip Van Trump, 67.
1858– For Attorney General, C. P. Wolcott
yet in their youth – every sign points to a (Republican), 1237; Durbin Ward (Democrat) , 1555.
healthy and full growth. 1859– William Dennison (Republican), 1473; Rufus P.
Ranney (Democrat), 1822.
*VOTE OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 1861– David Tod (Republican), 2160; Hugh J. Jewett
(Democrat), 1856.
The following shows the official vote of 1862– For Secretary of State, Wilson P. Kennon
Sandusky county since the first gubernatorial (Republican), 1474; William W. Armstrong (Democrat).
election in 1822, to 1880. The vote is for 1993.
1863– John Brough (Republican), 2571; C. L.
Governor, except when otherwise indicated: Vallandingham (Democrat), 2213.
1822– Allen Trimble, 118; William W. Irvin, 81
1864– For Secretary of State, William H. Smith
Jeremiah Morrow, 23.
(Republican), 2040; W. W. Armstrong (Democrat),
1826– Allen Trimble, 203, Alexander Campbell, 79;
1917.
John Bigger, 13.
1865– Jacob D. Cox (Republican), 2161; George W.
1828– Allen Trimble, 153; John W. Campbell. 64.
Morgan, (Democrat), 2355.
1830– Duncan McArthur (National Republican), 181;
1867– Rutherford B. Hayes, 2261; Allen G. Thurman,
Robert Lucas (Democrat), 141.
2834.
1832– Presidential election, Andrew Jackson
1868– Presidential election, U. S. Grant (Republican),
(Democrat), 279; Henry Clay (Whig), 294.
2443; Horatio Seymour, 2846.
1834– Robert Lucas (Democrat), 383; James Findlay
1869– R. B. Hayes (Republican), 2175; George H.
(Whig), 313.
Pendleton (Democrat), 2630.
1836– Presidential election, Martin Van Buren
1871– Edward F. Noyes (Republican), 2022; George
((Democrat), 799; William H. Harrison, (Whig), 642. W. McCook (Democrat), 2610.
1838– Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 834; Joseph 1872– Presidential election, U. S. Grant (Republican),
Vance, (Whig), 724. 2380; Horace Greeley (Democrat), 2729; blank, 31;
1840– Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 930; Thomas O'Conor, 5.
Corwin, (Whig), 841. 1873– Edward F. Noyes (Republican) 2025; William
1842– Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 957; Thomas Allen, 2740; G. T. Stewart, 122; Isaac Collins, 13.
Corwin (Whig), 738; Leicester King, (Abolitionist), 7.
1875– R. B. Hayes, 2609; William Allen, 3353; J.
*[Note. Compiled by the publishers from Secretary of Odell,
State's reports of 1875, 1876, 1879, and 1880].
*Sandusky, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Van Wert
were the only counties in the State in which no
Abolition votes were cast.
138 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The following shows the vote for Rep- Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican .............................................. 3,032
Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat ......................................................3,330
resentative in Congress from the Tenth Peter Cooper, National Greenback..............................................45
District, October, 1880: G. C. Smith..............................................................................................................2
1879—Charles Foster (Republican) 2643; Thomas Ewing
(Democrat) 3427; G. T. Stewart (Prohibition) 53; A. S. Piatt (National
Greenbacker) 287.

Presidential election; vote given by


precincts:

The vote for President in 1876 is given by


townships:
CHAPTER XI.
IMPROVEMEN TS.

Maumee and Western Reserve Road—Treaty Providing for Roads—Method of Making—Condition When
Completed—The Ohio and Michigan War—Road to Fort Ball.

IMPROVEMENTS. MAUMEE AND WESTERN RESERVE ROAD.

H AVING in the preceding chapters of


this history placed before the readers
some remarks touching upon the prehistoric
This road and the men connected with it
have a history. The men who projected it and
executed the design in building this road, did
races, the description of the remains of their a great and good work, not only for this
works as far as found in the county, a brief county but for all people east and west of the
notice of the Indians found here when the county, in all parts of the country, and they
white man first came upon the soil of the deserve honorable mention in the history of
county; also remarks to show how we the locality, although, in some measure, their
became entitled to the land the people of the labors of late are rendered perhaps less
county now live upon, and having given also important than they were, by improvements
something about the soil, surface, and then unknown and unthought of.
geology of the county, we might properly It will be remembered that the title to lands
proceed to next give an account of the early generally was not obtained from the Indians
settlement of the county by the white race. until the treaty made by Duncan McArthur
But by the arrangement of subjects best and Lewis Cass, with the Indian tribes, at
adapted to accomplish thoroughness. and Maumee, in 1817, September 29. But east
completeness in. the matter of individual and south the Indian title had been acquired;
history, the more particular history of early also in part of Michigan. On the 25th of
settlements and individual settlers will be November, 1808, at Brownstown, Michigan,
found in our township and city histories. Governor Hull, on behalf of the United
Pursuing, then, the general history of the States, concluded a treaty with the chiefs and
county, it seems not improper to give some warriors of the Chippewa, Ottawa,
history of the improvements of the county, Pottawatomie, Wyandot, and Shawnee
and some account also of the circumstances nations of Indians, which, after reciting that
and incidents which induced them, as well as the United States had acquired land north of
a notice of the men who were actively the Miami of Lake Erie, and lands east and
instrumental in bringing them about. south of that, but not adjoining, and that the
Slow, sleepy, and dull as it may look now, lands lying on the eastern side of the Miami
when viewed by the side of the thundering River, and between said river and the
locomotive and its immense train, the older boundary line established by the treaties of
inhabitants of the county will still realize the Greenville and Fort Industry, with the excep-
fact that there never has been an tions of a few small reservations to the
improvement which contributed more to United States, still belong to the Indian
invite attention to, and induce settlement in nations so that the United States cannot,
the county, than did the

139
140 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of right, open and maintain a convenient NE-ME-KAS, or Little Turtle, ┐


PUCK-E-NESE, or Spark of Fire, │
road from the settlements in the State of MACQUETEQUET, or Little Bear, │Chippewas.
Ohio to the settlements in the Territory of SHEMMANAQUETTE, │
Michigan, nor extend those settlements so as WAPE-ME-ME, or White Pigeon, │
to connect them. In order, therefore, to MA-CHE. ┘
promote this object, so desirable and KEWECHEWAN, ┐ Ottawas.
TONDAGANE. ┘
evidently beneficial to the Indian nations, as
MOGAN, Pottawatomies. ┐
well as the United States, the parties have MIERE, or Walk-in-the-Water., │
agreed to tile following articles which, when I-YO-NA-YO-TA-HA, or Joe, │Wyandots
ratified by the President of the United States, SKA-HO-MAT, or Black Chief, │
by and with the advice and consent of the ADAM BROWN. ┘
Senate, shall be perpetually binding. MA-KA-TE-WE-KA-SHA, or Black Hoof,┐ Shawanees.
KOI-TA-WAY-PIE, or Colonel Lewis. ┘
After the preamble, which is substantially It will be noticed that this Brownstown
given above, the treaty proceeds in the treaty, November 25, 1808, was the first step
following language: in the direction of procuring a road through
ART. 2. The several Nations of Indians aforesaid, in the Black Swamp and on east of the river to
order to promote the object mentioned in the preceding the west line of the Connecticut Western
article, and in consideration of the friendship they bear Reserve.
towards the United States, for the liberal and benevolent
policy which has been pursued towards them by the While the treaty did not in terms set a time
Government thereof, do hereby give, grant, and cede within which the United States should open
unto the United States a tract of land for a road of one this road for travel, and thus make it
hundred and twenty feet in width, from the foot of the
rapids of the Miami of Lake Erie to the western line of
available to emigrants, the Government ac-
the Connecticut Reserve, and all the land within one cepted the donation of valuable land for the
mile of the said road on each side thereof, for the purpose. This acceptance raised an implied
purpose of establishing settlements along the same; also obligation binding the Government, as the
a tract of land for a road, only one hundred and twenty
feet in width, to run southwardly from Lower Sandusky donee, to establish and open the road
to the boundary line established by the treaty of between the points indicated in the treaty
Greenville, with the privilege of taking at all times, such within some reasonable time.
timber and other materials from the adjacent lands as
may be necessary for making and keeping in repair the
This obligation was clearly and definitely
said road, with the bridges that may be required along recognized by the United States by an act of
the same. Congress, approved by the President,
ART. 3. It is agreed that the lines embracing the December 12, 1811. This act provided that
lands' given and ceded by the preceding article shall be the President should appoint three
run in such direction as may be thought most advisable commissioners to survey and mark the most
by the President of the United States for the purpose
aforesaid.
eligible course for the road, and return an
accurate plat of the survey to the President,
ART. 4. It is agreed that the said Indian Nations shall who, if he should approve the same, should
retain the privilege of hunting and fishing on the lands
given and ceded as above, so long as the same shall cause the plat and survey to be deposited
remain the property of the United States. with the Secretary of the Treasury of the
United States; and providing further, that
Done at Brownstown, in the Territory of Michigan,
this 25th day of November, in the year of our Lord one said road should be located, established and
thousand eight hundred and eight, and of the constructed pursuant to the treaty held at
Independence of the United States of America, the Brownstown on the 25th day of November,
thirty-third.
WILLIAM HULL, 1808. This act also provided that the
Commissioner. commissioners should be paid three dollars
and their assistants one dollar and fifty cents
per day while employed in the work.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 141

This act appropriated six thousand dollars ticular location of the road which had before
for the purpose of compensating the been made, but only gave the termini of the
commissioners and opening and making the road as given in the treaty of Brownstown.
roads. In the meantime, communication between
The act contemplated the survey and Fort Meigs, on the Maumee, and Fort
making of two roads provided for in the Stevenson, on the Sandusky River, was
treaty of Brownstown. One from the Miami carried on. by way of the Harrison trail, as it
of Lake Erie to the west line of the was called, which will be mentioned in
Connecticut Western Reserve, and the other another part of this work. About the year
from Lower Sandusky southward to the 1820, after this county was organized and
Greenville treaty line. the lands around Lower Sandusky were
It is difficult now to ascertain with cer- coming into market, and the country was
tainty whether the survey provided for by the attracting settlers, some unsuccessful efforts.
act of Congress of 1811 was made, or, if were made to have, Congress construct the
made, at what precise date it was done; or road. according to the obligations to do so,
the line which was reported for the roads, or by fair implication from the terms and spirit
who were the commissioners under the last of the treaty. These efforts were unavailing,
mentioned act. There is, however, little but finally Congress consented to transfer
doubt that a survey of a line for the Maumee the building of the road to the State of Ohio.
and Western Reserve Road was made some This was' done at the earnest solicitation, not
time between 1811 and 1816. We find in an only of the pioneers who had settled at and
old volume, entitled Land Laws for Ohio, about Lower Sandusky, but also the
published in 1825, another act of Congress, Kentucky Land Company, who Clad
approved April 16, 1816, which authorizes invested in lands in the reservation.
the President of the United States to cause to Thereupon, by an act of Congress, ap-
be made, in such manner as he may deem proved February 28, 1823, it was provided
most proper, an alteration in the road laid that the State of Ohio might lay out a road,
out under the authority of an act to authorize specifying termini and dimensions, the same
the surveying and making of certain roads in as specified in the treaty, and to. enable the
the State of Ohio, contemplated by the treaty State to make the road, Congress granted to
of Brownstown, so that said road may pass the State the same quantity of land given by
through the reservation at Lower Sandusky, the treaty. But in the meantime the United
or north thereof not exceeding three miles. States had been. selling land, regardless of
The act of 1816 provided that the nec- the strip two, miles wide for the road, and
essary expenses incurred in altering said many of the best tracts along the line . had
road should be paid out of moneys appro- been sold to individual purchasers. On the
priated for surveying the public lands of the east portion of the line, especially from the
United States. This expression, "altering," sand ridge and Clyde to Bellevue, a large.
clearly implies that a survey had before been part of the road land had been thus disposed
made. Probably the alteration was not, in of, and many of the best tracts west of the
fact, made, nor is the fact material, because Sandusky River were taken in like manner;
Congress, in 1823, in authorizing the State also much of the reserve of two miles square
to make the road, did not restrict the State to at Lower Sandusky. For
any survey or par-
142 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the lands thus sold which should have been Thomas L. Hawkins, Ammi Williams, Ezra
applied to making the road, the act provided Williams, Moses Nichols, Cyrus Hulburd,
that the Secretary of the Treasury of the Charles B. Fitch, Jeremiah Everett, Jacques
United States should pay the State, to be Hulburd, Elisha W. Howland, Morris A.
applied to the construction of the road, one Newman, Israel Harrington, and others, all
dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. The too shrewd, clear of apprehension, and too
United States also provided in the act that energetic, not to strive zealously for the
the Government would stop selling these contemplated great improvement. The zeal
lands as soon as the State reported a survey of these early settlers, aided, no doubt, by
and location of the road, and provided, also, the influence of the Kentucky Company,
that the road should be made by the State in who had purchased largely of the
four years from the date of the act, and that reservation, induced the General Assembly
the lands should not be sold by the State for of the State to accept the proposition made
less than one dollar and twenty-five cents by the United States, to assume the work of
per acre. The lands along the road were by selling the land and making the road.
this act to be so taken as to be bounded by SURVEY OF THE ROAD.
sectional lines as run by the United States. The General Assembly of the State
The money arising from the sales of these promptly took up the subject, and, by laws,
lands was, after building the road, to vest in provided for surveying the line and
the State to keep the road in repair. establishing the road, and also for surveying
The reader having traced the original these lands which were to be sold to raise
design of this road back to its source, in the the money necessary for its construction, and
treaty of Brownstown, November 25, 1808, also to contract for the making of the road.
should not fail to notice that we owe the In the year 1824 an office for the sale of
right to it to the liberality and kindness of a the lands was opened at Perrysburg, under
people we call savages. Having also seen the superintendence of Mr. McNight, who
that the United States transferred the work of began the sales and also contracted for the
making the road to the young and growing making of the road in 1824.
State of Ohio, February 28, 1823, it is easy Quintus F. Atkins was the surveyor of
to realize that a spirited set of pioneers the lands, and of the road also; but he had
would not long be barred, and the seekers under him a surveyor named Elijah Risdon,
after homes still further west, as in Michigan whose special duty it was to run the line of
and Indiana, barred in, too, by the Black the road and stake it out. The act authorizing
Swamp. They were wide awake and keenly this survey was passed January 27, 1823,
alive to the improvement of the county, and and the line was run in the summer and fall
country around them. They foresaw that if of that year. Our respected fellow-citizen,
Lower Sandusky was ever to he a place of Hezekiah. Remsburg, who resided near the
note and thrift, there must be a road line of the road, on the bank of Muskalonge
connecting the place with the East and West. Creek, remembers well, although then a boy,
The town of Lower Sandusky had in it in that Risdon and his surveying party, coming
1823-24-25, such men as Jesse S. Olmstead, through from the West, were attracted to his
Josiah Rumery, Nicholas Whittinger, father's by the light of an outdoor
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 143

brick oven, which his mother was heating cles, and done on time, that is, substantially
quite late in the evening, and called at for and to the acceptance of Congress, within
refreshments and lodging, which the party the four years’ limit prescribed by their act
received without charge, according to the of 28th February, 1823.
custom of the generous pioneers of that day. MENTION OF SOME OF THE CONTRACTORS AND
METHOD OF MAKING THE ROAD. COST OF CLEARING AND TURNPIKING THE
It should be remembered that the line of ROAD.
this road, from the Maumee (Miami) River
to Hamer's Corner, as it was then called, but Our much respected, fellow-citizen,
now Clyde, a distance of near forty miles, Nathan P. Birdseye, now of Fremont, in a
ran through an almost unbroken forest of recent interview with the writer, stated that
exceedingly dense and heavy growth. The his father, James Birdseye, was one of the
roadway was to be cleared one hundred and early contractors for work on the road. His
twenty feet wide thirteen feet next the outer contract was to make seven miles in all, and
lines of the one hundred and twenty feet also to build the bridge over the Sandusky
was, by the contract, to be cut with stumps River at Lower Sandusky. About two miles
as high as ordinary clearings; the next inner and a half of his job was west of the river,
seventeen feet was to be cut nearly or quite and the remainder east of it, a part being in
level with the surface of the earth, with a York township, and a part between the river
view to have it available for a side road; the and Green Creek. Our informant was then a
inner sixty feet was to be grubbed up clean, young man, and worked with his father in
and thrown up in the form of a turnpike. the performance of his contracts. He says the
This sixty for the pike was placed nearer to first work done on the road was in 1824,
the south side of the outer line, leaving (Mr. Birdseye "began his in September of
greater room for a side road on the north that year), and that the whole was cleared
side, where the sun might sometimes shine and piked up in the year 1827.
and make that dry sooner than the south side. Messrs. Fargo & Harmon had a large
Hence we find now that the side road is on contract to make this road between Green
the north side of the main or Macadamized Creek and Clyde.
pike. The timber from the clearing and Mr. James Birdseye finished the bridge
grubbing was piled on the outer thirteen feet. over the Sandusky River in January, 1828,
It was no child's play to cut down, grub for the contract price of three thousand
out, and roll away the immense trees which dollars. It was built of solid, heavy white
stood so thick in this one hundred and oak timber of the very best quality procured
twenty feet, especially when we consider the from land east of Lower Sandusky, about
fact that these courageous men had 'to two miles distant. There were no stone piers
contend, not only with the giant trees and or abutments, but instead, strong double
their roots, but also with tormenting flies bents were used. These bents were boarded
and mosquitoes, mud and water, and fever up with strong plank, and the space between
and ague; and yet the work was done in spite the two walls filled with stone to give weight
of all these obsta- and solidity to the structure, and to resist the
high waters of the river.
144 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

THIS BRIDGE CARRIED AWAY BY A FLOOD. in the weather froze this mass together, and
In February, 1833, occurred the greatest the bridge was for weeks, perhaps a month,
flood ever known on the Sandusky river. The used as a footbridge to cross the river on. A
ground was frozen and covered with a deep few boards used as an approach made it a
snow. Several successive days of heavy rain great convenience for the time. All this time
dissolved the snow, and the combined water a current of water was running quite swiftly
from the rain and snow, no part of which down Front street, and canoes and skiffs
was absorbed by the earth, was suddenly were used to go from one part of the town to
precipitated into the ice-covered river. The another for a period of about ten days, when
large bodies of ice in the upper portion of the water found an outlet below and the
the stream were soon raised and loosened by flood subsided. But the bridge remained in
the accumulating water, and brought against the place where the ice left it until the usual
the still firm ice a little below the city, spring freshet, which was comparatively
where it gorged and for a time prevented the moderate, carried it further down and broke
water passing; the gorge of broken ice it. The bridge was floored with two-inch oak
extended a long distance above the bridge. plank, sawed at Emmerson's sawmill, which
The water rose until in about twenty-four then stood on Green Creek, on the farm now
hours after the gorge was formed the ice owned by George T. Dana, and about half a
began to lift the bridge; the great pressure mile south of the line of the road. Mr.
forced a movement of the ice below, and the Birdseye says there were four double bents
whole body of ice at and above the bridge to support the bridge, besides those at each
moved down stream carrying on its surface end. That it was well put together, and of
the entire structure without parting it except good material, is shown by its tenacious
from the shore at each end. The bridge was resistance to the forces brought against it.
carried down stream about half way from But the engineer had not raised it high
where it stood and where the present iron enough for such a flood. The bridges built
bridge stands, and head of the island next after this one will be noticed in another
below the bridge. chapter of this work.
The movement thus far was slow, steady, COST OF ROAD AND PRICE OF LAND.
and majestic, growing slower and slower The average cost of clearing, grubbing,
until the river was again gorged with ice and throwing up this road was about dollars
below, and the movement ceased with the per mile, exclusive of the cost of bridges;
bridge intact, though a little curved, and and the contractors in many instances paid
nothing broken. After this second gorging of for land by the work they performed. The
the ice, the pent up waters turned from the road lands, Mr. Birdseye said, were sold at
channel above, flowed over the valley, and different prices, ranging from one dollar and
formed a strong current down Front street, twenty-five cents to two dollars and fifty
which brought and lodged there great cakes cents per acre, during the time of making the
of ice. It was then a river from hill to hill on road.
either side of the channel, and the whole CHARACTER OF THE ROAD WHEN COMPLETED.
covered with broken ice of more than a foot When the road was completed according
in thickness. Through the crevices in the to the original design, in 1827, it was simply
broken ice the water went gurgling and a strip one hundred and twenty
roaring for several days. A sudden change
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 145

feet wide cleared through the woods, with a sented almost an indistinguishable mass of
ridge of loose earth about forty feet in width slowly moving mud.
between the ditches along the sides. Meantime emigration to the West
The trees outside of the hundred and increased, and the more the road was trav-
twenty feet stood thick and towering on elled the worse it became. Some attempts
either side, giving at a little distance the were made now and then by the superin-
appearance of a huge wall about a hundred tendent to fill up an impassable mud-hole
feet high, and when in foliage almost with earth, but such work only made it
shutting out the rays of the sun except a little thicker and deeper. The condition of this
time in the forenoon. Still, this road was a road, traversed by emigrants from all
benefit. It was at least a guide through the sections of the east; the reported failures in
Black Swamp, which travelers could follow carrying the mails according to contract, by
without fear of losing their way, and during reason of its impassability, gave it a
the dry seasons of the year was a tolerable National reputation for being, perhaps, the
road for a few years. It soon became a stage worst road on the continent. The distance
route, and about 1830 a line of four-horse from Lower Sandusky to Perrysburgh was
post coaches was established on this road. thirty-one miles. Hauling stalled teams, out
The attempt, however, to run passenger of the worst mud-holes had become a regular
coaches with regularity was a failure, for the and well-established employment of the
road, then being much travelled through the settlers along the route, and in 1834, 1835,
swamp, was found impassable for coaches and 1836, there were thirty-one taverns
more than half the. year. Occasionally, in the between Lower Sandusky and Perrysburgh,
dry portions of the year, from July to the which would be a tavern averaging one to
equinoctial rains, the coaches would go every mile of road. These taverns had two
through with some regularity. The purposes; one was to give the traveler food
contractors, however, endeavored to carry and shelter for the night, and the other to
the mails through every day. As a con- pull their tired and stalled teams through the
veyance for the mails the hind wheels of a worst places with ox teams, and start them
wagon were furnished with a tongue, a large forward to the next impassable mud-hole,
dry goods box made fast to the cart thus where they would find another ready to
improvised, into which the mail pouches perform a like service. These taverns, be it
were stowed. To this four stout horses were remembered, were log huts in the woods, on
harnessed to plunge and flounder through the borders of the road. Our very worthy
thirty-one miles of mud and water. If a citizen, John P. Moore, says that one
passenger on this line would pay well for the Andrew Craig happened to locate on the
ride and take his chances to get through, he road in the vicinity of several of the worst
was permitted to mount this box and keep places in the track; that Andrew charged
his seat if he could, but there was no exorbitant prices for pulling out the. stalled
insurance against being splashed all over teams, and for the use of his cabin for
with mud, or plunged into it headforemost emigrants to rest in over night. That it was a
by being thrown from his seat. When this common occurrence for Andrew to work all
conveyance arrived at either end of the line day in getting the team through one or two
the cart, the driver, and the horses often pre- bad places, and then have the emigrants go
back to stay at his house for three successive
nights, until they got
146 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

within the jurisdiction of the next tavern. Michigan would intersect Lake Erie far east
Andrew's charges were never too low to of the mouth of the Maumee or Miami River.
afford him a good income. He was a Ohio, upon ascertaining this fact, solicited
representative tavern-keeper of the time, on Congress to assent to the establishment of
that road. her northern boundary according to the
There was little variation in the condition proviso contained in the seventh article of
and management of this road until an event the sixth section of her Constitution. The
happened which aroused public attention opinions of members of Congress differed on
throughout the State to the necessity of its the subject, some holding that the proviso
improvement, and that event was what is had already been assented to by the adoption
called of the Constitution; others believed that the
THE OHIO AND MICHIGAN WAR. assent of Congress was made necessary by
While this war, as it was called, was not the terms of the proviso, and that further
the direct result of any action of Sandusky action was necessary to establish the
county, still its influence and bearing upon boundary beyond all question. In 1815 the
the subsequent improvement of the road had Senate of the United States acted on the
such an importance in the advancement of subject, favoring the claim of Ohio, but the
the county that a brief allusion to it seems bill was rejected by the House of
proper. Beside this, the prominent part taken Representatives. Again, in December, 1834,
in that dispute by citizens of the county the Senate passed the same bill and it was
makes a notice of its causes and results again rejected by the House of
pertinent to this history. Representatives. Thus it appears that the
The convention of delegates which met at State of Ohio had, for a period of nearly
Chillicothe in September, 1802, formed a thirty years, solicited Congress from time to
Constitution for the purpose of presenting it time to establish beyond a doubt or cavil her
to Congress for acceptance, and for then northern boundary, without accomplishing
being admitted to the Union as a State. In the the purpose. In the meantime she had
seventh article of the sixth section of the exercised civil jurisdiction to the line
instrument as finally agreed upon and mentioned in the proviso, and had at great
accepted by Congress, the convention cost constructed the Miami canal, which
undertook to set out the boundaries of the connected with the Maumee River at
State. After minutely and clearly describing Manhattan, which place then, 1834,
the eastern, southern, and western boundary, promised to be what the city of Toledo now
the section continued in the following is, the chief commercial city of northwestern
words: Ohio. It should be mentioned here, in order
On the north by a line drawn east through the to properly understand the cause of dispute,
southern extreme of Lake Michigan until it shall in- that in 1805 Congress, in organizing the
tersect Lake Erie or the territorial line; thence with the territorial government for the Territory of
same through Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania line.
Provided that said line shall not intersect Lake Erie east Michigan, had bounded that Territory on the
of the mouth of the Maumee River; then and in that case south, unconditionally, by a line drawn east
it shall, by and with the consent of Congress, be from the southern extreme of Lake
bounded by a line drawn from the southern extreme of
Lake Michigan to the northern cape of the Maumee Bay.
Michigan. This line would leave Toledo,
Manhattan, and the mouth of the Maumee
It was soon ascertained that an east line River, to the territory of Michigan, and take
drawn from the southern extreme of Lake from Ohio a strip of land
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 147

about ten miles in width at the west line of territory included by this line, which was the
Ohio, and running to a point; then the line line mentioned in the proviso above noticed,
due east from the southern extreme of Lake Ohio had not up to that time exercised any
Michigan touched Lake Erie. specific jurisdiction. This act specifically
For many years the country was so wild required the public officers of the townships
and had so few settlers that there was no and counties bounded by this line to exercise
strife and no question about its occupancy or jurisdiction to it, thus enforcing the laws of
the civil jurisdiction over it, and Ohio in Ohio over a considerable territory, which for
good faith held possession and built the a number Of years had been tacitly subject
canal through it without hindrance or to the laws of the Territory of Michigan.
opposition. After the project for building the On the 12th of February, 1835, the
canal was formed and the work under way, legislative council of Michigan passed an
the then future commercial importance of the act, the second section of which reads as
mouth of the Maumee River and the Maumee follows:
Bay, and this ten miles of territory including And be it further enacted, that if any person residing
within this Territory shall accept any office or trust from
them, began to be appreciated. any State authority other than the government of the
The repeated failures of Congress to pass United States or the Territory of Michigan, every person
the necessary enactment or declaration, so offending shall be fined not exceeding one thousand
especially the last failure in 1834, served to dollars, or imprisoned five years at the discretion of the
court before which any conviction may be had.
attract attention to the subject and induce a
The act of the General Assembly of Ohio
discussion of the question whether Ohio or
above mentioned, also provided that the
Michigan owned this strip of valuable
Governor should appoint three commis-
territory. To Ohio this question had become
sioners to run the line and distinctly mark it
one of grave importance. She had spent large
on trees, and by monuments where trees
sums of money in improvements on it, and it
were not available for the purpose; that is,
was then clearly seen that in the future
mark the line which terminated at the
development of the Northwest a large
northernmost cape of the Maumee Bay.
commercial city must grow up somewhere
In the two acts above mentioned may be
near the mouth of the Maumee River. Wea-
seen the rising clouds which were soon to
ried of importuning Congress, the State itself
culminate in a storm of opposing authorities,
took action in the matter. February 6, 1835,
and the collision of hostile forces. The
the Governor of Ohio, Robert Lucas, sent a
acting governor of Michigan, Stevens T.
communication to the General Assembly of
Mason, seeing Ohio preparing to take from
the State, recommending the passage of a
Michigan a part of her territory, prepared to
law "declaring that all the counties bounded
execute the laws and defend what he
on the northern boundary of the State of
understood to be the rights of the people of
Ohio, shall extend to and be bounded by a
Michigan. To do this and to effectually drive
line running from the southern extreme of
off all hostile invaders from the soil in his
Lake Michigan to the northern cape of the
Territory, he ordered Brigadier-General
Maumee Bay." On the 23rd day of February,
Brown, under his command, to have in
1835, an act was passed by the General
readiness a military force to repel any
Assembly in accordance with the Governor's
encroachment upon their Territory, and
recommendation. Over a part of the
intimated to the authorities of
148 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Ohio in plain terms, that the first man who burgh on their way to run the line as directed
should attempt to run the line ordered by the by the law of Ohio.
authorities of the State of Ohio, would be General Bell, then in command of the
shot without hesitation or compunction. Seventeenth division of Ohio militia, the
The citizens of Toledo, then a small boundaries of which included the disputed
village situated on the disputed territory, territory, arrived about the same time with
manifested a disposition to yield to the near three hundred men, who went into camp
claims and jurisdiction of Ohio. This at Fort Miami to await orders. This force
disposition on their part raised a spirit of was the first to report, and was from the
jealousy against them in the minds of the vicinity of the expected conflict, being under
people of Michigan, which led the latter to the command of Colonel Mathias Van Fleet.
commit unwarrantable and odious dep- The Lucas Guards, an independent company
redations upon the citizens of that village. of Toledo, formed a part of this force. These
Numerous instances of violence and were soon after joined by part of a regiment
kidnapping resulted from the hostility engen- from Sandusky county, under command of
dered by the contest for civil jurisdiction by Colonel Lewis Jennings; also a part of a
Ohio over this disputed territory, and to regiment from Seneca and Hancock counties
prevent the survey of the line as required by under command of Colonel Henry C. Brish,
the law of the State. These outrages brought of Tiffin, numbering about three hundred
Governor Lucas to the conclusion that the more; all together numbering about six
commissioners he had appointed to make the hundred effective men. The last mentioned
survey would be arrested while performing three hundred men, and the Governor and
their duty, and the work prevented unless staff, as well as the surveying party,
protected by adequate force. Sincerely necessarily had to pass through the Black
believing that the claim of Ohio was legal Swamp, by the Maumee and Western
and just, and feeling it to be his solemn duty Reserve road, in the spring of the year.
to see the laws of the State faithfully And now we have arrived at the event
executed, though regretting the necessity for which makes the mention of this war perti-
force, he resolved to use force, if it must be nent in the history of the Maumee and
used, to execute the law and maintain the Western Reserve road, and that lies in the
rights of the State. fact that the contest over the north boundary
The Governor, for the purpose of pro- of the State, made it necessary for the troops
tecting the commissioners and maintaining and officers, the Governor and his staff, and
the peace, ordered General John Bell, then a the commissioners, to run the line, and many
brigadier-general of Ohio militia, to raise other distinguished and influential men of
five hundred men to rendezvous at Lower the State and from other States, to wallow
Sandusky on the aid of April, 1835, and through thirty-one miles of mud and water,
repair immediately to headquarters at Fort and to realize that it was for land travel the
Miami, on the Maumee River and there be in connecting and only way from the East to
readiness for service. the rapidly developing region of the
On the 31st of March of that year Northwest ; and to realize further, that the
Governor Lucas, with his staff and the condition of the road was a shame and a
boundary commissioners, arrived at Perrys- disgrace to the State.
But now that we have gone thus far in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 149

the mention of the war, let us briefly trace it less than three nor more than seven years; it
to the conclusion and then resume the more also passed an act to create the county of
direct history of the road. Lucas out of the north part of Wood county,
On Sunday, the 26th of April, the sur- including the disputed territory north of it,
veying party which had been engaged in and a portion of the northwest corner of
running the line, when resting about a mile Sandusky county. The General Assembly
south of the line, in what they consider a also provided ample means to enforce the
part of Henry county, in Ohio, at about 12 claims of Ohio. It appropropriated three
o'clock noon, were surprised by about fifty hundred thousand dollars to carry its laws
of Governor Mason's mounted men, well into effect, and authorized the Governor to
armed with muskets, under command of borrow the money.
General Brown. The commissioners who at It was ascertained by the Adjutant-General
the time, had only five armed men with of Ohio, Samuel C. Andrews, that not less
them, who had been employed as a lookout than twelve thousand men in the State were
and as hunters for the party, thought it ready to volunteer to sustain and enforce the
prudent to retire, and so advised the men. claims and laws of Ohio.
Several made good their escape, but nine of The partisans of Michigan continued,
the party did not leave the ground in time, during the summer of 1835, to arrest and
and, after being fired upon by the enemy, harass the people on the disputed territory,
were taken prisoners and carried away to the and the war cloud daily became more and
interior of Michigan. The names of those more portentous and threatening.
who were thus captured are, Colonels Scott, Before the forces under General Bell had
Hawkins, and Gould, Major Robert S. Rice, reached the scene of military operations, the
father of our Congressman-elect, and of our President of the United States had sent Hon.
other prominent citizens, William A., Robert Richard Rush, of Philadelphia, and Colonel
S., and A. H. Rice; Captain Samuel Howard, of Baltimore, as commissioners to
Biggerstaff, and Messrs. Ellsworth, Fletcher, use their influence to stop the warlike
Moale, and Reckets. These men were taken demonstrations. These eminent men were
by an armed force to Tecumseh, Michigan, accompanied by Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, one
brought before a magistrate there for of Ohio's most honored public men, and
examination, and, though they there denied these endeavored to persuade Governor
the jurisdiction of Michigan, six entered bail Mason to permit the line to be peaceably
for their appearance, two were released as surveyed and marked, and then let matters
not guilty, and one, Fletcher, refused to give rest as they had been before, until the next
bail and was retained in custody. session of Congress; but he refused compli-
Governor Lucas, finding it impracticable ance with the proposition, while Governor
to run the line without further Legislative Lucas assented because he considered the
aid, disbanded his forces and called an extra Governor of the Territory as a subaltern to
session of the General Assembly to meet on the President and subject to his (the
the 8th of June, which was held accordingly. President's) control. This reliance on the
That body passed an act to prevent the President's authority it was that induced
forcible abduction of citizens of Ohio, and Governor Lucas to believe he could run the
made the crime punishable by imprisonment line in peace, and hence he set
in the penitentiary, not
150 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the surveyors at work without a military large scope of mineral lands about Lake
guard, as above noticed. But no effort for Superior. Thus, by the liberality of Con-
peace was successful in modifying the gress, the contending parties were reconciled
warlike determination of the Governor of and made happy.
Michigan, and Ohio went on with her Having followed this digression to its
preparation, to meet force with superior termination, let us now go back to the
force. subject from which we diverged and return
The war cloud rose higher, became to the history of
darker, and spread wider until the authorities THE ROAD.
at Washington began to feel uneasy about The dispute with Michigan, which we
the peace of the country. President Jackson, have briefly mentioned, brought the condi-
to whom the proceedings and the preparation tion of the Maumee and Western Reserve
for hostilities were reported, became road, and its future importance, prominently
strongly impressed with the necessity of into notice. The militia from Lower
interposing a check to the tendency to Sandusky and the counties south of it; the
serious trouble. commissioners appointed to run the line of
Governor Lucas, perceiving the state of the State; and their assistants; the peace
mind at Washington, wisely chose the time commissioners sent by the President to the
to make an effort to induce the President to theater of impending conflict; high
interfere in behalf of peace. For this purpose functionaries of the State, including the
he sent a deputation to confer with the Governor and his staff; all were in the dis-
President on the subject. This deputation charge of public duties, compelled to plunge
consisted of Noah H. Swayne, William and wallow through thirty miles of mud and
Allen, and David T. Disney, all eminent and water in order to reach ,the objective point
very influential men, who procured from the of contest. Thus leading men in our own
President an urgent appeal that no State councils were by actual and
obstruction should be interposed to running disagreeable experience brought to a correct
the line; that all proceedings begun under the understanding of the condition of the road.
Ohio act of February 23rd be discontinued, True it is, that for some years before the
and that no prosecutions be commenced for contest with Michigan, the stage drivers, the
any violation of it, and that all prosecutions emigrants, and all others who were
then pending be discontinued. This ar- compelled to travel the road, out of their
rangement or appeal from the President was wallowings in the mud had sent up oaths and
obtained July 3, 1835. The authorities of imprecations sufficient to split the skies. But
Michigan, however, disregarded the the stage driver had little to do with moving
President's recommendation, and continued public opinion of the State, and the emigrant
their resistance to running the line, still passed on, and the imprecations never
claiming jurisdiction over the disputed reached the ears of the State authority but
ground; and thus matters stood until the 15th the road obtained a frightful reputation all
of June, 1836, when Michigan was admitted over the country. Now, however, our own
into the Union and her southern boundary people, and our Governor and many of his
fixed as Ohio had claimed it to be. To influential friends, had found to their own
console Michigan for what her people discomfort and the shame of the State, the
thought was wrongfully taken from them, the true condition of the road, and had realized
same act gave her a its future importance. In
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 151

1836 Rodolphus Dickinson, of Lower Soon after the appropriation of this forty
Sandusky, was, fortunately for the thousand dollars was made and the above
northwestern part of the State, and especially mentioned act of Congress passed, the Board
for the town in which he resided, chosen a of Public Works sent General John
member of the board of public works of the Patterson, one of the State engineers, to
State. The road was in his division of the survey and superintend the work of repairing
works, and thus came under his personal and macadamizing the road, and too much
direction and management. He at once put praise cannot be bestowed on General
his rare abilities, favored by his public Patterson, though he is now dead, for the
position, into the work of procuring the honesty and skill, and the fidelity with which
improvement of the road. In his efforts he he executed his duties. March 16, 1839, the
was, of course, warmly supported by the State appropriated one hundred thousand
localities to be benefited, and such progress dollars to forward the macadamizing of the
was made in moving public opinion in the road. The timber originally grubbed out and
right direction for the accomplishment of the cut off the road and piled on the sides, had
purpose, that on March 14, 1838, the General now become dry and was burned off. The
Assembly of the State passed an act roots and stumps had so much decayed that
providing for the repairing and they were easily removed, and the plowing
macadamizing the road, and appropriating of the ground and scraping up of a good road
forty thousand dollars to be expended in the bed was comparatively easy. Mr. Patterson
work. This act provided that the work should skillfully laid the grade with a view to the
begin at the western termination of the road, best possible drainage into all the rivers,
and progress eastwardly from that point creeks, and swails, by which the water could
through to the eastern termination. It also be carried away, and where necessary con-
provided that after a good roadbed had been structed large lateral ditches leading to the
made, and before the stone covering should north from the road. The new roadbed or
be put on, gates might be erected and tolls pike was sixty feet in width, located about
charged upon teams travelling over the ten feet nearer the south line than the north
repaired portion. Here it should be noticed line of the road. This location of the road
that the United States had not at the time this bed was adopted for the purpose of affording
act was passed, in any way given the State a an ample side road on the north side, which,
title to the one hundred and twenty feet in in dry periods, was preferred by teamsters to
width of land on which the road was made, the stoned road bed, and thus the wear of the
but only the land on each side of it, with stone was made much less than if it bore the
authority to make the road, and pay for the wear of all the travel – twenty feet in width of
making out of the proceeds of the sale of the the crown of the road bed was covered with
land. Therefore, before the State actually stone, well broken. A prominent feature in
began the expenditure of the appropriation, the work of General Patterson in designing
the act of Congress of July 7, 1838, was the improvement of the road, was the
passed, ceding the title to the road and land capacious, and, in some places, deep side
which it covered, that is the one hundred and ditches which he caused to be constructed
twenty feet in width between the termini of along the sides of the sixty feet road bed,
the road, to the State of Ohio; since then the with frequent culverts, by which water was
State has been the real owner of the road. conducted from one ditch
152 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

to the other, under the roadway. The water the misconduct of a few unfaithful officers
which had rendered this road such a terror to and agents aroused public opinion to a belief
travelers in very rainy or wet seasons, had a that our whole system of public im-
tendency to slowly soak away to the north provements, including our canals and roads,
with the general direction of the rivers and were managed to promote plunder and
creeks, and hence the ditch on the south side political party ascendancy. So thoroughly
of the road caught the water as it slowly disgusted and offended did the people
drained in from the south. The system of become at the revelations of an investigation
culverts and large ditches afforded a passage into their management, that it was
for the water along the road to the nearest determined to rid the State of the cause of so
point where a natural or artificial channel much expense and corruption. The General
would carry it towards the lake. Assembly, under the force of this public
At this day, and in future times, the reader opinion, on the 8th day of May, 1861, passed
may feel tempted to ask, Why were these an act which provided for
dry, commonplace details about the LEASING THE PUBLIC WORKS OF THE STATE.
construction of this road set out here as a This was accomplished, and the lease
matter of history? The answer is simple; included the transfer of the management of
when completed to some outlet, these the Maumee and Western Reserve road to
ditches almost instantly—though in some the lessees, who took charge of it in the year
instances the water would necessarily run 1861.
many miles along the road – relieved the lands The lessees, of course, managed the road
along them of surface water; especially was in a way to produce for them the greatest
this the case with lands south of the road. amount of net profit, and like tenants
This, however, is not the full answer. It was generally, became negligent in making the
thereby demonstrated that the Black Swamp repairs provided for in the lease. They
lands could be drained, and that dreadful collected the tolls with the utmost rigor, but
locality made one of the most productive failed to renew the road with a covering of
regions of Ohio, as it now, in fact, is. A new stone when the same was worn out, until the
spirit was given to the inhabitants; their land people along the line became so dissatisfied,
had become valuable, and they could that they demanded from the General
discern, through all their former Assembly a repair of the road by the lessees,
discouragements, that their part of the or a forfeiture of the lease. This
county would soon be filled with inhabitants dissatisfaction resulted in an act passed
and become rich and prosperous. The result March 30, 1868, withdrawing the road from
was to draw public attention to a realizing the charge of the lessees and offering the
sense of the great benefits to this country to care and management of it to the county
be derived from draining land, and in this commissioners of the counties respectively
view, the location, construction, and through which it passed; each county to have
improvement of the Maumee and Western jurisdiction over that portion within its own
Reserve road was not only the first, but the limits.
most important public improvement made in The county commissioners of Wood and
the county. The State, through the Board of Sandusky counties, after consultation,
Public Works, collected the tolls, repaired declined to take charge of the road, because
and managed the road, until the lessees had permitted it to become so
much out of repair. Much talk of suing the
lessees by the State for
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 153

breach of the lease, then ensued; finally, ardent advocate for the improvement of the
the matter was adjusted by the lessees road. When, however, he was made a
putting on about three thousand dollars in member of the board of public works in
repairs and giving up the road to the charge 1836, his influence became more potent on
of the State about June 1, 1870, and ever the public mind, and probably no one man
since the road has remained in charge of the did more to have the road improved, and to
board of public works of the State. induce the State to appropriate money for
The following is the mention of some of the purpose in a season of great financial
the men of the county prominently in- depression, than Mr. Dickinson.
strumental in procuring the construction McKnight, of Perrysburg, Wood County,
and maintenance of the road: was the first superintendent of the road, and
We have already mentioned the names of commissioner, in 1824, to sell the road
the settlers at Lower Sandusky, who, in lands. He officiated until his death, which
1821 and 1822 and ‘23 began to agitate the occurred January 11, 1831, by accidental
public mind on the subject of having the shooting. Mr. McKnight travelled on the ice
road constructed. Among these, Jeremiah in 1820, from what is now Sandusky City to
Everett was conspicuous, for, although the a place then called Orleans, afterwards
acts of Congress of 1823, giving the State called Fort Meigs, and now the town of
charge of the clearing and making the road, Perrysburg, on the Maumee River. He was
and the sale of land granted by the Indians clerk of the court in Wood county, an
for the purpose, and the act of the General active, well esteemed business man, and
Assembly of Ohio accepting the trust, had has descendants of much respectability now
been passed by the concurrent efforts of residing near Perrysburg.
Mr. Everett and other citizens of Lower John Bell, of Lower Sandusky, succeeded
Sandusky, Sandusky county did not have a Mr. McKnight, who continued to sell the
representative at Columbus to represent land until all was sold, and superintended
there the local interests of the vicinity until the road under the direction of the State
the year 1825. In this year Jeremiah Everett authorities, until the road was placed in
was elected to the House of Representatives charge of General Patterson, State engineer,
of the State, and took his seat as a member about the last of the year 1838. General
on the first Monday in December of that Bell, however, closed out the sale of the
year. Important legislative acts were passed road lands, and made an acceptable report
during that session, concerning the road and of his administration, settled his accounts
the sale of the road lands, and his exertions with the State, and the office was
and influence were highly serviceable in discontinued some time in 1840.
hastening on the work. He was elected THE ROAD TO FORT BALL.
again in 1835, and did much to produce that Although the treaty of Brownstown, A. D.
public sentiment which finally impelled the 1808, which provided for the construction
State to appropriate money to repair and of the Maumee and Western Reserve road,
macadamize the road as provided by the act provided also for a road, or rather ceded to
of 1838. the United States a tract of land for a "road
Rodolphus Dickinson, from the time the only," one hundred and twenty feet in
question was first agitated, was an width, to run southwardly from Lower
Sandusky to the boundary line established
by the treaty of Greenville, little attention
seems to have been
154 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

paid to the construction of this road, either increased the distance to Fort Ball, but
by the United States or the State of Ohio, for crossed a deep ravine at Old Fort Seneca, the
no legislation by either can be found upon steep hills on either side of which were a
searching the indexes of legislation of that terror to all teamsters who were compelled
time or since. But about the years 1827 and to travel that way. The new road was straight
1828, a road southward from Lower from Wolf Creek to a point above Fort
Sandusky was cleared through the woods, on Seneca, and was located so far west of it as
a straight line from Wolf Creek south until it to avoid the hills and shorten the distance
struck the bank of the river a few miles materially. From the best information now to
below Fort Ball, and then followed the river be had, it is believed that the expense of
to Fort Ball, which was at that time an im- clearing out and improving this road was
portant post next south of Lower Sandusky. borne, by the counties of Seneca and
Previous to opening this road the travelled Sandusky. Whether this information be
track meandered the river all the way accurate or not, the fact remains that the
between the two places. This old road, which opening of this road was the second and a
was traversed by portions of General very important improvement, in the way to
Harrison's army in the War of 1812, was not and from the country south of Lower
only crooked and greatly Sandusky, and greatly facilitated its trade.

CHAPTER XII.
THE OHIO R A I L R O A D .
Design of the Road—Manner of Building—The Plunder Law—Financial Management—Bankruptcy and
Failure.

A LTHOUGH it may at first appear to


the reader that a history of improve-
ments should not notice such as were
spirit of the time and the consequences of bad
legislation, that a brief record of the
enterprise may be of value to legislators as
never completed, still the design of well as to financiers, and thus justify the
building this road was so bold for the mention of it in this work.
time at which it originated, as well as for The Ohio canal, through the eastern portion
the then financial condition of the of the State, and the Miami canal in the west,
country, and it came so near being a bad developed an improved condition of
success, that some mention of it seems business and increased prices for farm
proper. Besides these reasons, the form of products along the lines. Thither capital and
the road, and the manner of constructing enterprise were attracted, and the business and
it, were novel and ingenious, and the chief markets were found along and near
financial methods for obtaining money to them. But the districts remote from the canals
pay the expenses, are all so well and not fa-
calculated to illustrate the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 155

vored with a navigable river in their vicinity, piny for the amount so paid. The provisions
were stuck in the mud, with a long haul for of this law as to turnpike companies were in
the marketable products of their farms and substance like those as to railroad
factories. The State had contracted millions companies, with this difference, that on
on millions of debt in the construction of showing the plan of the proposed work, the
these canals, and the people remote from amount of stock subscribed, and that one-
them must, of course, give their labor and fourth of the stock subscribed had been paid
sweat for tax money to pay the obligations. in cash to the treasurer of the company, the
Under these circumstances what was more Governor should subscribe to the stock of
natural than for the people to demand of the such company for an amount equal to that
State her help to make easy transportation to subscribed by private persons, which was to
the markets on these canals. Hence arose a be paid in installments out of the treasury of
clamor for roads, turnpikes, other canals, the State. In like manner the act provided
and railroads to enable the people located that the Governor should subscribe to the
away from the canals, to carry their products capital stock of canal and slack-water
away. The demand for a more extended and companies an amount equal to one-half that
more generally diffused system of internal subscribed by private persons.
improvements became imperative. Under A Solomon or a Solon might have sus-
this pressure the General Assembly, on the pected that such a law would soon exhaust
24th day of March, 1837, passed an "act to the treasury and seriously impair the credit
authorize a loan of the credit of the State of of the State; they might have suspected that
Ohio to railroad companies, and to authorize companies would soon be very numerous,
subscriptions by the State to the capital stock and that some utopian enterprise would be
of turnpike, canal, and slack-water navi- undertaken, and that sham subscriptions and
"
gation companies. This act provided as to false statements of stock paid in would be
railroad companies substantially as follows: resorted to in some instances for the purpose
That every railroad company that was then, or of drawing money from the State. But if
thereafter might be duly organized, and to the Solomon and Solon had been out in the
capital stock of which there shall be wilderness and stuck in the mud, where their
subscribed an amount equal to two-thirds of wisdom and glory could not be known of
its authorized capital, or an amount equal to men, and the laws promised them a way out
two-thirds of the estimated cost of the road into the world to bless it, they perhaps would
and fixtures, shall be entitled to a loan of not have cried their condemnation of the law
credit from the State equal to one-third of in a very loud voice. Whatever may be said
such authorized capital, or equal to one-third about the wisdom of such a law, practically
of the estimated cost of such road and it served one good purpose, and that was to
fixtures, to be delivered to the company in stimulate all over the State enterprises to
negotiable scrip or transferrable certificates improve the means of transportation of her
of stock of the State of Ohio, bearing an products, and facilitate travel and
annual interest not exceeding six per cent, intercourse among the people.
and redeemable at periods not exceeding The Ohio Railroad Company was one of
twenty years, and the State should then the enterprises brought into life by the
receive certificates of stock in the conr- patronage offered in this statute. It was
chartered by act of March 8, 1836, and
156 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

empowered to build a railroad with single or date of the organization of the company is
double track, from the east line of the State not conveniently ascertainable, and in fact is
at some suitable point in Ashtabula county, not deemed material to the purpose for
west-wardly through the counties of which this sketch is written. But, sure it is,
Ashtabula, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Nehemiah Allen was chosen president and
Huron, Sandusky, Wood, and Lucas, to the Samuel Wilson treasurer. It is also true that
Maumee River, and thence to some point on surveys had been made, the line of the road
the Wabash and Erie Canal. The act of established, and that rights of way were
incorporation carefully provided that if such secured as early as January 19, 1838,
road passed below the lower rapids of rivers perhaps earlier.
it crossed it should not obstruct navigation. FORM OF THE ROAD.
The capital stock of the company was four The form of this railroad is peculiar, and
million dollars, divided into shares of one deserves mention in this history, and
hundred dollars each, and the charter named whatever merits there may be in the plan,
influential men in each of the counties and whoever was the author of it (though
through which the road was to pass, as President Allen is by some supposed to be
commissioners to open books and receive that person), succeeding railroad engineers
subscriptions to the capital stock. The appear not to have adopted it as a general
commissioners named for Sandusky county form for the construction of railroads. The
were, Jesse S. Olmstead, Jacques Hulburd, base or foundation of this road was to be on
and Sardis Birchard, all of whom, at that piles, or sharpened trunks of white oak or
time, were prominent and leading citizens of bur-oak trees, about fifteen inches, more or
Lower Sandusky, especially in all matters of less, driven into the ground by a machine
finance and public improvement. called a pile-driver. This pile-driver was
The act of incorporation further provided worked by steam (a wag might here
that the money of the company should be interpose and say, so was the whole
paid out of the treasury thereof, on orders concern); this same pile-driver worked a
drawn on the treasurer, in such manner as horizontal buzz-saw which cut off the piles
should be pointed out by the bylaws of the when thoroughly pounded down, to
organization. The reader will see, as the correspond with the engineer's tine for the
progress of the work went on, that this very grade of the road. This pile-driver and
reasonable and innocent looking provision sawing-machine was trundled along on rails
for orders on the treasury was made to play a laid as occasion required, on the top of the
very important part in the financial piles as they were cut off. These pile-
management of the road. drivers were set to work, one somewhere
The commissioners to open books and near Cleveland, and another at the Maumee
receive subscriptions for stock were River opposite Manhattan, which place
empowered to call the stockholders together, being then the terminus of the Miami canal,
to elect directors, and the directors thus was to be the great future city of
elected to organize the company, by electing northwestern Ohio, which Toledo now is.
president, secretary, and treasurer, etc., so Timber was plenty and cheap in those
soon as one thousand shares, or one hundred forests through which the line of the road
thousand dollars, should be subscribed to the passed. The pile-drivers went merrily on,
capital stock. The exact booming, puffing, screaming, and pounding
through
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 157

the woods, leaving behind them a clear track company deserves particular notice. After
with two lines of piles cut level and ready the first hundred thousand dollars of stock
for cross ties. The ties were to be laid from was subscribed and the company organized,
pile to pile; on these cross ties were to be the State as bound by the act of March 24 ,
laid timbers about eight inches square, an 1837, issued in scrip or negotiable
auger hole two inches in diameter was then obligations to the company thirty-three and
bored through the square timbers or rails, one-third thousand dollars. This scrip could
down through the ties and into the pile; into be converted into ready cash, or
this hole was firmly driven a red cedar bolt hypothecated to local banks with the
or pin about two feet in length, to hold the agreement that the bank should redeem or
structure firmly together. On the square pay the orders of the company to an equal
timbers thus fastened, were to be laid and amount of the deposits. The orders of the
spiked down the strap rail of iron on which company on the treasury were nicely
the cars were to be propelled. engraved and printed in the similitude of
Riverius Bidwell, then owner of the water bank bills, in various denominations, and
power and mill site in the city, contracted to largely in fractions of a dollar. The
furnish the cedar pins. Machinery, with a contractors and laborers on the road were
turning lathe, was erected and attached to his paid off periodically with these orders,
water power; large contracts were made in which were promptly paid in currency at the
Canada and elsewhere for red cedar timber, treasury, or taken at bank as cash. Soon
and Mr. Bidwell manufactured and had ready merchants and traders of all kinds, finding
for delivery great piles of the fragrant cedar the Ohio Railroad money as good as any
pins to fasten the superstructure together. other currency then used, began to accept it
Meantime a superb trestle work of solid oak in payment of debts, or for any thing they
timber was erected across the valley of the had to sell. Thus the means were obtained to
Sandusky River, from hill top to hill top on start the building of the road. After the line
either side. Huge and substantial limestone was established and the work absolutely
abutments and piers rose out of the waters of begun, men along the line whose lands were
the river to receive the woodwork of the to be greatly benefited, began to subscribe,
bridge, which was located about half way quite liberally, believing the stock would be
between the Maumee. and Western Reserve worth its face, and that they would make
road bridge, and the southern extremity of great gains in the increased value of their
the island next below; being near one property. One man in Lower Sandusky
hundred rods below the present iron bridge. subscribed for twenty-five thousand dollars
The work of driving the piles was begun of the stock, although good judges thought at
at Brooklyn, on the west side of the the time his whole property of all kinds was
Cuyahoga River, to work toward the west; not worth twenty-five hundred dollars, but
also at the Maumee River, opposite Man- subscriptions drew one-third of this amount
hattan, now Northern Toledo, to work from the State treasury in an available form,
eastward. and this is but a single example of what was
THE FINANCIERING.
extensively practiced all along the line. Ohio
Railroad money became the general
The financial management of the circulating medium, and for a time was
considered as good as our local bank paper,
which at the time
158 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was our chief medium of exchange and probably issued to aid in building the Ohio
payment of debts. The Auditor of State, John Railroad. Judge Nehemiah Allen bore the
Brough, in his annual report to the General reputation of an honest and honorable man,
Assembly for the year 1839, gave the who was sincerely engaged in accomplishing
amount for which the State had subscribed what he considered a great work for the
and paid stock to turnpike, canal, and slack- State, and especially the north part of it, and
water navigation companies, but the amount the collapse left him poor in his old age.
of scrip or obligations of the State issued to Samuel Wilson, the treasurer, was said to be
aid in the construction of railroads, does not poor at the beginning of the work, but at the
appear in the report of that year. He, bursting up of the concern was rich, and had
however, informed the Assembly that the bought land and built a splendid mansion on
State debt was rapidly increasing, and that it, but the title to his property was found to
the revenues of the State were not sufficient be in his wife.
to pay the interest on her debt. This report, The amount of Ohio Railroad orders
doubtless, drew the attention of legislators to outstanding at the time they became
the financial condition of Ohio, and worthless, is not known, but almost every
awakened public attention to consider the man in this part of the State had some of it,
outcome and results of the then existing and many had large amounts.
policy. Here it should be said that, although Mr. Charles O. Tillotson, who left a
under this very liberal policy many useless charge on the Maumee and Western Reserve
schemes were organized, and, no doubt, Turnpike to assist in the construction of this
much swindling of the State treasury had railroad, and was in the employ of the
been accomplished in various ways under company when the failure occurred,
pretended compliance with the law, still remarked to the writer a few days ago, that if
many works were begun, and accomplished, this railroad had been completed, this county
which were of great value to the State, and would have. been fifty years in advance of
served to hasten the development of her what it now is in the development of its
resources. resources and in wealth.
The pile-drivers, meantime, were working About forty years have passed since this
towards each other. It was expected they enterprise closed in ruinous insolvency.
would meet somewhere near Huron. The one President Allen and Treasurer Wilson have
from the east had neared that place, and that passed away; all the bright anticipations of
from the west was somewhere between those who designed and gave their money in
Castalia and Venice, when the bubble burst, support of the work are vanished, and the
the machines stopped, and the people had the magnificent trestle was long ago taken
worthless Ohio Railroad money in their down, and the superb timbers were
pockets. This crash came about 1840. converted into the third bridge for the
Auditor Brough, in his report of 1840, Maumee and Western Reserve road, under
complained again that the State had been the engineer, Cyrus Williams. Even the solid
compelled to issue its obligations to raise stone piers and abutments have been taken
money to pay interest on her debt, and in one down. The ties and timbers prepared for he
brief line stated the amount of scrip issued to superstructure are gone, the more than three
railroad companies to be three hundred and hundred thousand dollars contributed by the
fifty-eight thousand dollars, most of which State are
was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 159

gone, the money paid by its stockholders is lief became so general that it resulted in the
gone, and the only visible remains of the repeal of the act, which had come to be
work are the broken lines of decaying piles, popularly designated as the plunder law, by
to be yet seen in sections where the march of repealing the act passed March 17, 1840.
improvement has not taken them away. And when the consequences of this plunder
These still stand, silent, but fast disappearing law became fully understood, so strong
witnesses of the great failure. became the feeling against the principle in
"The best laid schemes of mice and men
legislation, that in framing the new
Gang aft a glee." constitution such legislation is strictly
forbidden, in the plainest and most
The people, in 1839, had come to believe unmistakable language.
that the act of 1837 was ruining the State If "history is philosophy, teaching by
credit, and would soon result in bringing her example," then this mention of the Ohio
hopelessly in debt. This be- Railroad may not be in vain.

CHAPTER XIII.
PLANK – ROAD.
The Lower Sandusky Plank—Road Company—Stock Subscribed—Cost of Buildings—Benefit of the Road to the County.

F OR a period of about nine years after the


failure of the Ohio Railroad Company,
the spirit of enterprise seemed to slumber in
of an average diameter of about forty miles,
the products from which were brought to
Lower Sandusky for sale or exchange, and
the county, and enterprising business men for shipment by way of the river and lake to
talked of the dullness of our prospects, and Buffalo, and thence to New York. The
some even expressed a desire to leave and go people residing on this circle were chiefly
to where business was more promising. Still, supplied with dry goods, groceries, drugs,
Lower Sandusky was a good point for salt and leather, and fish by the retail stores
collecting produce and selling merchandise. in Lower Sandusky, and, in fact, a large
It was then the central trading point of a retail and barter business was carried on
tolerably improved country, extending notwithstanding the absence of all railroads.
southward more than half way to Tiffin, But the roads, excepting the Maumee and
eastward to a point at least half way to Western Reserve turnpike, were unimproved
Bellevue, north almost to Port Clinton, and earth roads, never good, and much of the
west half way or more to Perrysburg, and year impassable. Consequently the time and
southwest as far as Risdon and Rome (now expense of hauling heavy articles, such as
Fostoria), in the west part of Seneca County. wheat, corn, and pork, was very
Here was a circumference, then, considerable, and of course materially
reduced the
160 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

value of the products at the respective farms C. Edgarton, $500; James W. Wilson, $500; Daniel
Tindall, $1,800; L. B. Otis, $500; P. Brush, $500; C.
where raised. Notwithstanding the bad Betts, $500; F. I. Nortun, $200; Kendall & Nims,
condition of the roads, however, the farm $1,000; Morgan & Downs, $1,000; Doncyson & Engler,
products, in great quantities, were hauled to $200; J. Lesher, $200; John Joseph, $100; J. F. R.
Lower Sandusky and trade was lively at Sebring, $100; H. Everett, $200; H. E. Clark, $100; J.
Millious, $200; G. F. Grund, $50; A. A. Bensack, $50;
certain seasons. A very large proportion of L. M. Bidwell, $100; C. O. Tillotson, $100; J. Kridler &
the products brought to the place for Co., $100; I. VanDoren, jr., $100; E. Leppelman, $100;
transportation came by the roads leading to P. Door, $50; J. F, Hults, $50; S. Lansing, $200; J.
Sendelbach, $50; D. Capper, $50; H. R. Foster, $50; C.
Bettsville and Rome (Fostoria), and the trade Smith, $50; J. Emerson, $500; H. Bowman, $100; J.
was annually increasing, though the only Justice, $1,500; A. B. Taylor, $500; A. J. Dickinson,
transportation from Lower Sandusky was by $200; M. E. Pierce, Imo; P. Beaugrand, $300; H. Rems-
water, and this method was of course closed burg, $100; J. B. Smith, $500; D. Marten, $50; M, A.
Ritter, $200; C. J. Orton, $ 100; Samuel Thompson,
during a considerable portion of the year. $500; John Moore & Vallette, $5,500; Daniel Seaman,
While this state of affairs existed, the idea of $200; A. Coles, $200; Dean & Ballard, $250; L. E.
building plank roads came to be promulgated Marsh, $100; S. M. Steward, $100; John Hafford, $100;
John Simon, $50; S. N. Russell, $200; J. W. Davis,
and discussed, and indeed it appeared to he $100; G. Kisseberth, $50; John Houts, $100; A. Phillips,
precisely the system best adapted to the $50.
improvement of the roads through the The first fifty-three names in the above
county. The words "plank road" at once list were residents of Fremont at the time
awakened the spirit of enterprise which had they subscribed, 1849. They were all men,
slept so long, and the excepting two, Mariah E. Pierce and Lucy E.
LOWER SANDUSKY PLANK ROAD COMPANY Bidwell, both widows, but not of advanced
WAS CHARTERED, age. The men were in middle age or younger,
with a capital stock of one hundred thousand and were, at the time, active managing
dollars, in shares of fifty dollars each, to members in society and business. Thirty-two
build a plank road from the south years have passed, and of these fifty-three
termination of Front street, in Lower persons, thirty-one are known to be dead.
Sandusky, southward along the Sandusky Thirty-two years ago these stockholders
River to the south line of Edward Tindall's elected five directors, namely, James Justice,
land; thence southwesterly to Bettsville, and LaQ. Rawson, Charles W. Foster, John R.
thence to Rome, in Seneca county, with a Pease, and James Vallette.
branch starting from the south line of FIRST MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS—WORK
Tindall's land south to Tiffin. BEGUN IN 1849.
The stock subscription book of the At a meeting of the directors of the Lower
company, so safely and carefully preserved Sandusky Plank Road Company, held at the
by its president, James Justice, during his office of L. Q. Rawson, in Lower Sandusky,
life, and since his death, by his daughters, on the 11th day of April, A. D. 1849,
shows the names of the subscribers and the present, James Justice, James Vallette, John
amount of stock taken by each. The names of R. Pease, and LaQ. Rawson, the following
subscribers then living in the county and the proceedings were had, to wit:
amount of stock subscribed respectively are James Justice was elected president, L. Q. Rawson
as follows: Secretary, and John R. Pease Treasurer. It was ordered
R. Dickinson, $2,000; S. Birchard, $3,000; J. R. that the treasurer give bond with
Pease, $2,500; L. Q. Rawson, $2,000; R. P. Buckland,
$1,500; I. S. Tyler, $500; James Moore, $2,000;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 161

Sardis Birchard, his surety, in the penal sum of five It appears by the hooks that on September
thousand dollars.
Ordered also that the stockholders pay an installment
30, 1851, there had been paid into the
of ten per cent on their subscriptions, on or before the treasury of the company on stock, forty-two
15th day of June next. thousand five hundred dollars; donations
It was also ordered that the president be authorized made to the amount of two hundred and
to contract for materials for building the road from
Lower Sandusky to Rome and Swope's Corners. And the ninety-five dollars, and tolls collected from
board also ordered, at this meeting, that notice be given October 1, 1849 , to September 30, 1851, six
to the stockholders of the order for the payment of the thousand seven hundred and twenty-two
installment aforesaid, by publication in the Lower
Sandusky newspapers for thirty days. The record is
dollars, making a total of receipts of forty-
signed: "James Justice, President of the Lower Sandusky nine thousand five hundred and seventeen
Plank Road Company; L. Q. Rawson, John R. Pease, dollars.
James Vallette." The total expenditures from the com-
The president lost no time in entering mencement of the work to September 30,
upon the work of constructing the road as 1851, was forty-eight thousand eight hundred
directed by the board. Contracts for grading and forty-five dollars.
were promptly made and promptly executed, Tolls received in the month of May, 1850 $194.00
under the vigorous management of President “ “ “ 1851 498.00
Justice, assisted by Superintendent Daniel “ “ “ 1852 558.57
“ “ “ 1853 471.34
Tindall. The sawmills in the vicinity were at “ “ “ 1854 428.96
once engaged exclusively in sawing planks “ “ “ 1855 363.16
and stringers for the road, and at least one The amount for the corresponding month
steam sawmill was erected and operated by in 1856, 1857, and 1859, cannot be obtained,
Joshua B. Smith for special purpose of but the tolls declined, and the planks and
manufacturing lumber for the road. This mill timbers had so decayed that the income
was erected by the side of the road, in the would no longer meet the expenses and
woods, about three miles north of Swope's repairs, and it was surrendered up in 1860,
Corners, to which point the road was and the gates removed.
completed about the 1st of October, 1849, Many of the subscribers considered what
and tollgates erected. they paid on the stock a donation for the
The branch to Rome was also being public good, and when they had paid about
rapidly constructed. half the amount subscribed, or less, forfeited
On the parts constructed tolls were col- their stock; some few never paid anything.
lected before the 1st of January, 1850, to the Such forfeitures reduced the amount of
amount of three hundred and eighty-seven actually paid up stock, when the road was
dollars and twenty-six cents. completed, to thirty-nine thousand dollars,
The road was finished the following year on which amount several dividends were
(1850), from Swope's Corners to Tiffin. declared, amounting, in the aggregate, to
From Fremont to the south line of Edward about forty per cent., as appears by the
Tindall's land, where the two branches president's books. Although this enterprise
diverged, the distance was five miles, and was not a financial success for the
from there each branch was about thirteen stockholders, and although it demonstrated
miles long; total length of road built was that plank roads were not durable, and would
about thirty-one miles. need rebuilding once in about ten years, still
this, and one built about the same time from
Fremont to Green Spring, were greatly
162 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

beneficial to the county, and to the trade of with the people where he was. In con-
Fremont. versation with the writer only a few days
SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES AND INCIDENTS since, General Buckland (he has earned the
WHICH RESULTED FROM THE PLANK-ROAD title of General, as may be seen in his
ENTERPRISE.
biography in this work) said, in substance,
As was stated in the beginning of the that plank-road enterprise is the one thing
history of this plank road, the spirit of that induced him to remain in the place.
enterprise in Lower Sandusky seemed to "And," said he, "do you not remember, that
have departed from the people. True, it was the very summer while the plank-road was
a good point for retailing merchandise and being built, I built the first brick block ever
bartering for products of the land, but there erected in Fremont?" The interviewer did
was no faith in the future growth of the remember the fact. This block was erected
place, and little or no capital was invested in on lot number two hundred and forty-three,
real estate or in building, nor, in fact, in any on Front street, on what had been the
kind of improvement. So gloomy had the Western House property, and is now a
prospect of the future growth of the town central business place of great value. It was
become, that a number of the most ambitious fortunate for the then future of Fremont that
and enterprising inhabitants had, in fact, General Buckland was induced to remain, as
determined to remove to some more will appear by the more particular history of
enterprising locality, and where there were the city, and by General Buckland's
some better prospects for increase of biography.
business, and of increase in the value of real Mr. John England, now quite aged,
estate. residing in the village of Ballville, states that
Prominent among those who had become he was in the service of Charles W. Foster as
impatient with the slow progress Lower a teamster about seven years; four years of
Sandusky had been making for years past, this term of service was spent in hauling on
was Ralph P. Buckland, who, by laborious this plank-road between Rome and Lower
practice of the law, had accumulated some Sandusky. The reader must bear in mind that
money and a good reputation as an honest Rome is now Fostoria, and Lower Sandusky
and responsible lawyer. He had been for is now Fremont. Mr. England says that he
some time seriously contemplating removal hauled produce from Rome to Tiffin, and
from Lower Sandusky to either Cleveland or also from Rome to Lower Sandusky, on the
Toledo, where enterprise and the future earth roads, before the plank-road was made;
looked brighter and more encouraging to that then forty bushels of wheat, or twenty-
those ambitious of fame and fortune. But four hundred pounds, was a full average load
when he saw this plank-road enterprise for a wagon and one span of good horses;
started, he at once enlisted in it with means fifty bushels, or thirty hundred pounds, was
and enthusiasm, and seeing the project a large load and not often undertaken. After
supported by the able men of the place such the plank-road was completed, he says he
as Rodolphus Dickinson, John R. Pease, often hauled at one load one hundred and ten
Sardis Birchard, and James Justice, of Lower bushels of wheat, or a weight of six thousand
Sandusky, and Charles W. Foster and others six hundred pounds, with one span of horses.
of Rome, in Seneca county, he concluded to Thus it will be seen that the cost of
remain and cast his lot for "weal or woe " transportation was reduced
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 163

One-half, while the tall charged for such a receive from the farm wagons and store
load was forty-five cents. The time saved by away from ten to fourteen thousand bushels
hauling on the plank more than compensated in a day. The pork trade at Fremont during
for the toll charged. From that time (1850) to the period mentioned was also very large.
the early part of 1860, the salt, and all other The trade of the place then employed a large
articles of merchandise for Rome and the number of vessels to carry this produce to
western part of Seneca county, and also for Buffalo.
the whole country trading at Lower Though all this system of trade was
Sandusky, was transported by water to the destined to change; though the plank-road
head of navigation in the Sandusky river, was to decay and be abandoned on the
and thence distributed by wagons to the advent of a system of railroads through
various trading points. This merchandise northwestern Ohio; although the noble
furnished loads for many of the returning horses of flesh and blood, whose food was
teams which came in with wheat, corn, and oats and corn and hay, and which must have
pork, and encouraged and supported a lively rest, was, in the grand march of invention
business for about ten years, of which the and progress, soon to retire and leave this
plank-road was the main artery. The amount long and heavy hauling to be done by the
of farm products brought to Fremont in iron horse which lives on coal and water,
wagons during the period between 1850 and and never tires; still, these plank-roads
1860, and the display of wagons which encouraged our people to stay and strive on
brought these products for shipment, storage in the labor of developing the material
or sale, were such as to make casual visitors resources of the county, and at the same time
express surprise, and wonder at the amount widely advertised the town and county as
of business done in the place. Strangers good places for business, and our people as
passing through or stopping a time on active, enterprising and progressive. The
business in the place would see the streets completion of the Toledo, Norwalk &
crowded with loaded teams, waiting their Cleveland Railroad, in 1852, by which
turn to be unloaded, and the signs of active produce was carried East and West,
trade everywhere about them, and were often superseded in large part the carriage of
heard to remark at that period that Fremont produce by water from Fremont. The
was the liveliest town they had seen in their building of this railroad will be the next
travels. noticed. The finishing of the Fremont, Lima
Mr. Charles O. Tillotson was, during the & Union Railroad from Fremont to Fostoria
larger part of the period above mentioned, took the carrying of produce and
engaged in buying and shipping grain at merchandize away from the plank-road, and
Fremont. He said to the writer a few days the latter was abandoned early in 1860.
ago that it was not an uncommon thing to THE FORM OF THE ROAD, AND LINE
see four or five hundred two-horse wagons BUILT ON.
standing in the streets and along the way to The form of the plank-road, when finished,
the elevators, waiting their turn to unload was that of a turnpike well graded and
their wheat; that during the wheat buying ditched. The crown or flat surface of the top
season, although there were a number of of the pike was eighteen feet wide. The
other persons engaged in buying wheat and plank were eight feet in length and two
competing with him, it was usual for him to inches thick, of best white or bur oak, laid
crosswise on firm stringers
164 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

embedded in the earth, on one side of the where the side or earth road was so soft that
crown, leaving a good earth road for use in it would not do to turn off the plank, for if I
dry weather, and for the use of teams in all did, I could never pull out. The result was
weather which had to turn out for the team to that the team bound by the law of the road to
pass which was entitled to the plank track. turn out, would unload in part and then turn
"In several instances," said Mr. England out to let the other pass, then take the plank
whose name is above mentioned: "I met again, reload his wagon, and then go on. But
heavily loaded teams on this plank road such difficulty did not often occur.

CHAPTER XIV.
RAILROAD.
The Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad—Opposition Encountered—County Bonds Issued—Consolidated With the Junction
Road—Name Changed to Cleveland & Toledo Road, Afterwards to Lake Shore & Michigan Southern—Benefits of the Road.

T HE Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland


Railroad was the next improvement in
this county, and had such great influence in
Company, with perpetual succession and all
the usual powers granted to such companies,
under the general law regulating railroad
developing its resources and increasing the companies, passed February it, 1848. This
wealth and business of the people, that it last mentioned general law conferred the
should have a prominent place in this his- right to survey, locate, and appropriate lands
tory. The act incorporating this company necessary for any railroad which might be
was passed by the General Assembly of the organized in the State. The second section of
State of Ohio, March 7, 1850. The first the act of incorporation provided that the
section of the act provides that Timothy capital stock of the company should be two
Baker, Charles L. Boalt, John R. Osborn, millions of dollars, and that the company
George G. Baker, John Gardner, and James were empowered to construct a railroad from
Hamilton, jr., of the county of Huron; Toledo, in the county of Lucas, by way of
Frederick Chapman, L. Q. Rawson, L. B. Norwalk, in Huron county, so as to connect
Otis, H. Everett, A. B. Taylor, and R. P. with the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati
Buckland, of the county of Sandusky, and railroad at Wellington, in Lorain county, or
Hezekiah D. Mason, Edward Bissell, Daniel at some other point in said counties of Huron
O. Morton, J. W. Bradbury, and John Fitch, and Lorain to be determined by the directors
of the county of Lucas, and their associates, of said company.
successors and assigns be a body corporate The third section of the act of incorporation
and politic, by the name and style of the provided that the county commissioners of
Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad any county through which
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 165

the road would pass in whole or in part, meeting was called and Charles L. Boalt,
might subscribe to the capital stock of the president of the company, addressed a
company any sum of money not exceeding meeting at the courthouse, and endeavored,
one hundred thousand dollars, and to borrow by stating numerous facts about the effect of
money to pay the sum at any rate of interest railroads on towns and on the rural districts,
not exceeding seven per cent., payable particularly the beneficial effects of such
semiannually in advance; and for the final means of transportation to farmers and farm
payment of the principal and interest of the lands, and produce, to convince our people
sum so subscribed, the county that it would be to the interest of the whole
commissioners were empowered to make, county to have the road built, and that
execute and deliver such bonds, notes and sufficient private subscriptions were not
instruments of writing as may be necessary attainable. The subject was new to the mass
or proper to secure the payment of the of the voters a few years before the Ohio
money so borrowed or subscribed, and to Railroad had swindled a great number of
levy and collect annually such taxes as, them and they were suspicious that this
together with the profits, dividends or tolls enterprise was got up for another swindle.
arising from said stock, will pay at such time Some went so far as to express the belief
or times as shall be agreed upon, said money that if these sharp railroad men once got
so borrowed or subscribed, with the interest their hands on the county bonds they would
and incidental charges. The fourth section of be sold, the money arising from them would
the act of incorporation, however, provided go into the pockets of the railroad men, and
that no subscription should be made by the that would be the last we would hear about
county commissioners until a vote of the building the road. Arguments and suspicions
qualified voters of the county should be had like these rendered it difficult to move the
in favor of the subscription. The vote was to popular mind toward farming the county
be taken according to the provisions of the subscription. But, fortunately, there were a
act of February 28, 1846, which was then in few men in the county whose calmer
force, which provided that county judgment and better foresight led them to
commissioners should give at least twenty realize the importance of the road, not only
days' notice in one or more newspapers to the city of Fremont, but to the people of
printed and in general circulation in the the whole county.
county, to the qualified voters of the county, About this time a rival project, to build a
to vote at the next annual election to be held road from Cleveland to Sandusky City, and
in the several townships and wards in the thence to Lower Sandusky, on such a line as
county, for or against the subscription, and if would not necessarily touch Norwalk or
a majority of the electors voting at such Bellevue, was designed. The charter for this
election for or against such subscription latter road was passed March 12, 1846, and
shall be. in favor of the same, such was entitled an act to incorporate the
authorized subscription might be made, but "Junction Railroad Company." This company
not otherwise. was authorized to construct a railroad,
The company was organized and sub- commencing at such point on the Cleveland,
scriptions solicited from the commissioners Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad as the
of the several counties through which the directors might select, either in the county of
road would pass. In this county a public Cuyahoga or Lorain, and within thirty miles
from
166 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the city of Cleveland, thence to Elyria, in Ex-Supreme Judge Ebenezer Lane, of


Lorain county, unless the junction with the Sandusky City, assisted by the strong men of
Cleveland and Columbus road should be that place, became the financial manager of
made at Elyria, and from thence on the most the Junction road.
feasible route to intersect the Mad River & These two managers were brothers-in-law,
Lake Erie at Bellevue, or at such other point and each worked with untiring zeal for the
as the directors should choose, and thence to interests of his own locality. Both were able
Lower Sandusky (Fremont), and the power men. Boalt, however, was the younger man,
was also given to this company to construct and though not a large man, he was by
the railroad, or a branch of it, from Elyria to nature endowed with a remarkable capacity
Sandusky City, in Erie county, and from to endure mental and physical labor, and he
thence to Lower Sandusky. The act of certainly put them all into intense service in
incorporation of the Junction Railroad working his railroad through. At a meeting
Company also provided that if the directors addressed by him at the courthouse in
of said company and the directors of the Fremont, in the summer of 1850, about
Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad twenty-five thousand dollars was subscribed
Company could not agree upon the terms of on the spot by the citizens individually. The
junction, then, in that case, the Junction influential friends and advocates of the
Railroad should commence at the city of Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad then
Cleveland. set themselves about persuading the county
The agitation of the project to build a commissioners to give the requisite notice
road from Toledo to Cleveland by way of for a vote on the question of a county
Fremont and Norwalk, had the effect to put subscription. The application was so far
the Junction Company into active rivalry and successful that on the 11th day of
earnest opposition against the interests of September, 1850, two of the commissioners,
Norwalk. Fremont at that time would have namely, Martin Wright and John S. Gardner,
been satisfied if the Junction Company with Homer Everett, then county auditor,
would have pledged its faith and promised to met at the auditor 's office. (Hiram Hurd, the
construct a railroad from Sandusky City to other commissioner did not attend). The
that point. A delegation was sent, and a record opens in the following form :
consultation had with the authorities of the AUDITOR'S OFFICE, September 11, 1850. Be
Junction Company, but no satisfactory it remembered, that on this 11th day of September, in
arrangement was offered, and the the year 1850, the commissioners of Sandusky county,
consultation was without effect, except to upon application, met for the purpose of considering the
propriety of giving notice for a vote of the people of
satisfy the leading railroad advocates of said county in favor of or against subscription to the
Fremont that the Junction Company intended capital stock of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland
to ignore both Norwalk and Fremont, and Railroad Company.
build their road across the Sandusky Bay to The result of the meeting was that notice
Port Clinton, and thence direct to Toledo. was ordered to be given to the voters of the
Charles L. Boalt, of Norwalk, President of county to vote for or against subscription at
the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad the next annual election, to be held on the
Company, assisted by the strong men of 8th day of October, 1851.
Norwalk and Fremont, became the financial The notice specified that the voters
manager of his road, while
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 167

were to authorize the commissioners to be given to the voters of the county, ex-
subscribe one hundred thousand dollars. The cepting those in Woodville and Townsend
vote was taken, and there was a majority townships, to vote for or against a county
against the subscription, and the question subscription of fifty thousand dollars to the
was decided adversely to the subscription. capital stock of Toledo, Norwalk &
The line of the road was located, and did not Cleveland Railroad Company, at the then
pass through either Woodville or Townsend next ensuing annual April election.
township, the voters of which naturally felt The question of subscription now became
averse to being taxed for an improvement the absorbing topic in the public mind,
which would confer no special benefit on throughout that portion of the county on
them. Besides this, many of the people of which the responsibility was placed, by the
Townsend township did their trading at amended law of January 20, 1851. At that
Sandusky City, and were more interested in time the political parties were the
the advancement of that place than that of Democratic against the Whig party, and the
Fremont, and it was suspected at the time former was largely in the majority. R. P.
that Sandusky City influence and argument Buckland was then a practicing lawyer and a
had something to do in influencing the votes prominent and influential man, and was also
of. these townships, and both townships the acknowledged leader and champion of
voted heavily against the subscription. As to the Whig party. On the other side, Homer
procuring individual subscriptions sufficient Everett was also a lawyer and then held the
to do Sandusky county's fair proportion of office of county auditor by the suffrage of
the amount necessary to build the road, that the Democratic Party. Both were in favor of
had been tried and seemed to be an the proposition to subscribe the stock. The
impossibility. The success of the road by this county commissioners were all ardent Dem-
adverse vote was put under a cloud, and ocrats, and not very decided in their views
many of its friends were discouraged, while on the question at issue, but like wise pol-
others of the never-give-up sort, among iticians, expressed no convictions or opin-
whom the indefatigable president, Boalt, was ions on the measure. The friends of the
a leader, did not for a moment despair of measure very wisely concluded that it would
final success, nor abate their zeal and work not advance their cause to permit the
in behalf of building the road. The efforts of proposition to assume the form of a political
these persevering men resulted in the party issue, which some of the opposition
passage of an act by the General Assembly were striving to give it. It was finally
of the State, January 20, 1851, authorizing a determined to hold a series of meetings at
vote of the county on the question of schoolhouses in the different townships in
subscription, excepting the townships of which the people were to vote, and have
Woodville and Townsend, which townships addresses made to convince the voters,
should not be taxed to pay for the stock. especially the farmers, that the construction
At the next regular session of the com- of the road would benefit them in a
missioners, March 4, 1851, the board, then pecuniary point of view. An arrangement
consisting of Messrs. Martin Wright, Hiram was thereupon made that these meetings
Hurd, and Michael Reed (who succeeded Mr. should be attended and addressed by Ralph
Gardner), ordered that notice P. Buckland and Homer Everett jointly, and
that both should give assurance that the
question
168 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

had no relation to party politics, and the two railroad campaign was carried by those who
gentlemen very willingly volunteered in the opposed as well as those who worked for the
service without pay and at their own road. One was at Van Waggoner's
expense. Numerous meetings and schoolhouse, as it was called, a little north of
consultations were appointed and advertised, what is since called Winters' Station, in
at which the time was equally divided Jackson township. That township was not
between the two speakers, and various touched by the line of the road, and of
arguments were by them offered, such as the course not so directly benefited by its
increased price of wheat, pork, eggs, butter, construction as some other townships. Nord
etc., which would result from cheap and came to the friends of the road that
rapid transportation by the railroad, and the opposition to it had sprung up in that
resulting increase in the value of their lands. township and neighborhood, and that the
The speakers also offered to answer as well vote of the township would probably go
as they could any questions about the matter against the county subscription.
in discussion which anyone in the meeting Sardis Birchard, who had influence and
would ask. Some of the questions asked and many personal friends and acquaintances
some of the objections to building the road there, volunteered to go with the speakers to
were really curious, and if propounded today that meeting. In the evening Messrs.
would bring out only laughter from old and Birchard, Buckland, and Everett, and John
young in response. Some would ask how the R. Pease, started on horseback from
building of the road would operate on the Fremont, and reached the schoolhouse a
prices of horses and oats? Would not the little after eight o'clock. They found there
railroad destroy the occupation of teaming, from thirty to fifty voters. Addresses were
and thereby throw a great number of men made, and then a free consultation over the
and horses out of employment. Another subject took place, in which Mr. Birchard
objection was raised by certain hotelkeepers did effective work in telling the voters what
and land owners residing along the Maumee he had seen of the effect of railroads in other
and Western Reserve turnpike. These localities, and in answering questions. This
claimed that not only would the occupation consultation became so animated and
of hauling by wagon be destroyed, but that interesting that the meeting did not disperse
all the emigration which afforded these their until after twelve o'clock; and when Mr.
chief income, would be diverted; that it Birchard and the speakers reached Fremont,
would be very unjust to the State; that travel on their return, it was after two o'clock, A. M.
on the turnpike would cease, no tolls would Another meeting was appointed for the
be collected, and the road on which the State speakers at the schoolhouse at Gale Town, a
had spent such large sums of money would little hamlet about three miles southward
grow up to grass and be abandoned and so from Hamer's Corner, now Clyde.
the State be made a great loser by the The leading man of Gale Town was one
railroad. The speakers answered all these James Morrel. He was a justice of the peace,
questions in a friendly and respectful way, as an active man in all public affairs, and
well as they could, and pressed on in their withal the controlling member of the local
work. Particular mention of two meetings board of school directors. Mr. Morrel was
will serve to illustrate the spirit and the ardently opposed to having the county
persistence with which this subscribe for the stock, and had infused his
feelings and sentiments
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 169

into the minds of his neighbors, so that the blind about their own interest, the success of
locality was quite strongly anti-subscription. the road was very uncertain.
The speakers were there about eight o'clock, On the Saturday next before the election,
expecting to find the schoolhouse lighted there were more men in the city than usual
and the men assembled to hear what was to on that day. Mr. Birchard, and John R.
be said. But all was dark. One of the Pease, and other friends of the road had
residents was found, who at once set off to become alarmed about the result. These men
Mr. Morrel's residence for the key to the noticed the fact that there was, for some
schoolhouse, but returned with the word that reason, on that day, a large proportion of
the directors had consulted over the matter Democrats on the streets, and also a number
and concluded that the schoolhouse should of the active opponents of the road. Mr.
not be used to advocate a scheme to swindle Everett had been out speaking the night
the taxpayers of the county. However, a man before until quite late, and, after dinner,
was found, after some effort, who said, hoarse, tired, and thoroughly exhausted, had
though he was opposed to subscribing for sought the refreshment only to be found in
the road, he thought it wrong to treat men so sleep. He was awakened by a delegation,
who came to speak on the subject, and he be- sent by Mr. Birchard and others, with orders
lieved it was right to hear both sides. to go at once into the street and make an
This gentleman procured admission into a address on the railroad question. Worn and
small wagon-maker's shop, where the work hoarse, and unfit as he was, he obeyed the
man had left his tools and lumber in readi- orders under the impulse of his own zeal in
ness to commence the next day's work. He the work, and for about half an hour summed
also procured, a single tallow candle, which up the arguments pro and con to a large
he fastened to the wall back of the crowd of listeners on Front street, in the
workbench; and, after partially clearing the open air, and this ended his labors in that
bench, a few men besides the speakers campaign. Much discussion of the measure
gathered in to hear. The only way to get light between individuals was had that day, and
enough to read memoranda, or reckon great good for the work was no doubt
figures, was for the speakers to stand on the accomplished.
workbench and read, and from there deliver The election was held on the first Monday
their remarks and answer questions. They in April, 1851, and the following certificate
mounted the bench and undertook to set shows the result:
forth the benefits which that part of the STATE OF OHIO, SANDUSKY COUNTY, COURT OF
COMMON PLEAS.
county would derive from the railroad when I, La Q. Rawson; Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and
constructed. Hamer's Corners, since named for said county, hereby certify that, at the election held in the
Clyde, was indeed a promising place for several election districts in said county, except the townships
marketing farm produce, and the speakers of Townsend and Woodville, for the purpose of voting for or
against railroad subscription to the capital stock of the Toledo,
endeavored to convince the few hearers there Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad Company, the vote, as appears
of the fact. After talking about half an hour by the abstract and returns on file, stands as follows:
each, and answering various questions and For railroad subscription .......................................1,174
Against railroad subscription ...................................774
replying to sundry objections, the speakers Majority ....................................................................400
came home, quite well satisfied that if the D. CAPPER, Deputy Clerk,
people of Green Creek township were so April 10, 1851.
170 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

On the 16th .day of April, 1851, the county indemnity to sell and transfer the stock
commissioners, namely: Martin Wright, whenever the signers of the bond should
Michael Reed, and Hiram Hurd, met at the require them to do so. A bond was drawn,
auditor's office, and, as their journal shows, with the conditions clearly set out, and
found that the election had been had, and delivered to Sardis Birchard, who undertook
that a majority of the votes cast on the to return it, signed by men whose pecuniary
question was in favor of subscribing fifty circumstances would satisfy the
thousand dollars to the capital stock of the commissioners, that in no event could the
road, ordered the stock to be subscribed county be a loser by taking the stock and
accordingly, and that bonds to pay the same delivering the bonds. This undertaking was
be issued, bearing interest coupons at seven returned on the second day after, signed by
per cent. per annum, payable semiannually, about thirty of the solid men of the county.
in due form, and in two series; one series The bond is not now in existence, or at least
numbered from one to forty, inclusive, for cannot be found, but the writer of this sketch
one thousand dollars each, and the others thinks now it was for the penal sum of one
numbered from one to one hundred, hundred thousand dollars, and, though he
inclusive, for one hundred dollars each. The cannot remember the names of all the
order further provided that these bonds be signers, recalls now among them the names
delivered when there was executed a stipu- of Sardis Birchard, R. P. Buckland,
lation to abide the proposition of the Rodolphus Dickinson, Nathan P. Birdseye,
directors of the company against loss, and James Moore, John R. Pease, and La Q.
upon delivering the proper certificate of Rawson. He much regrets his inability to
stock equal to the amount of the bonds. place on record all the other signers, that the
The stipulation with the directors of the present and future inhabitants of the county
road alluded to in the order was, that the might know who is entitled to their gratitude
county should not suffer any loss by the for the great benefits the road has conferred
subscription for stock. The bonds were made and is still conferring, and will continually
ready for delivery, but the commissioners confer on all who reside or may reside in the
refused to deliver them until there was ample county. At the time this indemnity was
security given to indemnify against loss, demanded, it was plainly to be seen that, but
according to the verbal promise of the for the prompt action of these signers, the
directors. road would probably not have been built, or,
The undertaking of the directors if built, it would not have passed through
themselves did not satisfy the Fremont. But the indemnity was so ample
commissioners, and they then demanded a that there was no longer any excuse for the
bond, signed by residents of the county, of exercise of that vigilant, if not extreme
known ability, to pay any damage or loss the prudence, on the part of the commissioners,
county might suffer. which came so near to working a final defeat
Thereupon came a suspension of the of the enterprise.
delivery of the bonds for nearly two days. The bonds were delivered and the stock
The friends of the road finally agreed to taken, however, and the rapid construction
indemnify the county against all loss by of the road followed. A consolidation of the
reason of subscribing the stock and issuing Junction and the Toledo, Norwalk &
the bonds, on condition that the com- Cleveland roads was doubtless
missioners would stipulate in the bond of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 171

arranged for privately by the managers early build it, and at the same time illustrates the
in 1853. But the agreement to consolidate folly of opposing the march of improvement
was not publicly and certainly known until which had then (1852), reached this county
July 15, and then to take effect September 1, on its way to the Great West.
1853. In 1854 the county duplicate shows that
In this arrangement such terms were made the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad
as to raise the value of the stock of Toledo, Company paid into the county for taxes on
Norwalk & Cleveland considerably above its property the sum of three thousand three
par, and create a demand for it, in which hundred and sixty-four dollars and thirty-
condition of affairs the signers of the five cents. Ten years later, in 1864, it paid
indemnifying bond demanded a sale of the for taxes into the treasury, nine thousand
stock held by the county. The stock was sold four hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-
sometime in April, 1853, and the bonds five cents.
redeemed and burnt up July 1, 1853, by the This annual tax increased year by year
commissioners. In the transaction the county until, in 1876, it paid into the treasury for
gained by the rise of the stock over fifteen taxes the sum of seventeen thousand two
hundred dollars above all expenses. hundred and ninety-eight dollars.
The first through passenger train passed In the year 1877 the amount was a little
over the road on the 7th day of February, less, being sixteen thousand three hundred
1853. After the consolidation the road was and seventy-four dollars. In 1878 the amount
called the Cleveland & Toledo Railroad, and paid for taxes was twelve thousand two
passed by that name until it was consolidated hundred and thirty-four dollars. In 1880 the
with the Lake Shore road, April 6, 1869, sum paid was thirteen thousand and ninety-
since which date it has been denominated the nine dollars and thirty cents.
Southern Division of that road, and has The county auditors will show, that
formed a part of one of the great trunk lines during the twenty-eight years of its
of road from east to west. existence, and including the year 1880, the
THE BENEFITS OF THE ROAD CONSIDERED. road has paid into the treasury of this county
The reader will remember how, in the alone, an average yearly tax of not less than
history of this road, the project was opposed nine thousand dollars, or an aggregate sum
and was once voted down; how cautious the of two hundred and fifty-two thousand
county commissioners were in requiring a dollars. Now add to this large sum, which is
guarantee against loss by the county, in to be swelled year by year, the gain to our
consequence of subscribing fifty thousand farmers from the increased price of their
dollars to the capital stock, in order to insure products, and also the increased value of
the construction of the road, and how, farming and city real estate in the county,
afterwards, the stock was sold at a premium and surely the friends of the road who
of fifteen hundred dollars. Now let us glance resided in the county and struggled so hard
briefly at the further results which so to have it built, are justified in their views
completely justify the friends of the road in and opinions, and rewarded amply for all
their efforts to their labors for the public good.
CHAPTER XV.

THE FREMONT & INDIANA RAILROAD.


Organization of the Company—Building the Road—Its Financial Difficulties—Sales of Road—Reorganization of the Company—
Change of Name—Perseverance, Trials, and Pluck of the President and some of the Directors—How it came to be Part of a Great,
Important Line of Transportation, now called the Lake Erie & Western Railway.

T HE construction of the plank-roads had


given such impetus to business, and the
completion of the Toledo, Norwalk &
and Hancock counties to the town of
Findlay, in said county of Hancock; thence
through the counties of Hancock, Allen,
Cleveland Railroad had so clearly demon- Auglaize, Mercer, and Darke to the west line
strated that all, and more than all, the of the State of Ohio, in the county of Darke.
benefits promised by its advocates were The certificate of incorporation specified the
realized, that the town became ambitious for capital stock of the company to be two
further improvements, and under the hundred thousand dollars. This capital stock,
stimulus of this ambition the on the 17th of October, 1853, was increased
FREMONT AND INDIANA RAILROAD COM- by the proper certificate to one million two
PANY WAS INCORPORATED. hundred thousand dollars, and again
The General Assembly of the State of increased, July 23, 1855, to two millions of
Ohio had passed an act, May 1st, 1852, to dollars.
create and regulate railroad companies. The The law of May 1 , 1852, to create and
act provided that any persons, to the number regulate railroad companies, provided that,
of five, by certain proceedings might obtain so soon as ten per centum of the capital
from the Secretary of State a certificate of stock should be subscribed, and five dollars
incorporation, and thereby become a body on each share paid in, the corporators might
corporate, with all the powers necessary to notify the stockholders to meet and elect
build a railroad in Ohio. The Fremont & directors, and the directors should then meet
Indiana Railroad Company was incorporated and elect a president, secretary, and
under this law by certificate dated April 25, treasurer.
1853. The incorporators were L. Q. Rawson, These requirements of the statute were
Sardis Birchard, James Justice, John R. promptly complied with, and the company
Pease, and Charles W. Foster Mr. Foster organized, during the time that the capital
residing at that time at Rome, in Seneca stock was fixed at two hundred thousand
county, and the other corporators at dollars, as designated in the original cer-
Fremont, in Sandusky county. tificate of incorporation. The increase of
The corporators, their associates, suc- capital stock was authorized subsequently.
cessors, and assigns were empowered to The directors elected L. Q. Rawson,
build a railroad from Fremont, in Sandusky president; A. J. Hale, secretary, and Squire
county, thence through Sandusky and Seneca Carlin, treasurer of the company.
counties to the town of Rome, in Seneca The work of obtaining the right of way
county; thence through Seneca and contracting for the building of the road
was promptly begun. True it was, that the
completion of the Toledo, Nor-

172
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 173

walk & Cleveland Railroad, and advent of large sacrifices of their own private means,
the iron horse harnessed for regular business the road would not have been built, and
on the 7th of February, 1853, had Fremont might never have realized the
demonstrated the advantages of railroads to benefits of a southern and southwestern line
the county, and had overcome the prejudices of transportation:
which the advocates of that road were WHEN THE CARS FIRST RUN TO FOSTORIA.
compelled to meet and vanquish. But the By the pluck, perseverance, and pecuniary
friends of the Fremont & Indiana road sacrifices of these men the road was built,
encountered difficulties which, though of iron laid, and cars for carrying freight and
another kind, were no less formidable; these passengers put running from Fremont to
were an indifference on the part of a portion Fostoria, formerly Rome, on the 1st day of
of our people, resulting partly from the February, 1859.
unfavorable condition of our money market. During the summer and fall of 1859 the
These causes combined rendered the ob- work progressed, and. iron was laid to within
taining of money to carry on the work very about one mile of Findlay. The people of
difficult. But the president of the company, Findlay were very desirous of its
L. Q. Rawson, was determined to build the completion, but they did not come forward
road. In his indomitable will to accomplish with the money, and the resources of the
this he was supported by such men as James company were exhausted.
Moore, Charles W. Foster, David J. Corey, In this condition of affairs David J. Corey,
and Squire Carlin, the two latter named one of the directors above named, usually
being residents of Findlay, in Hancock called Judge Corey, went to New York early
county; Foster residing at Fostoria, formerly in the spring of 1860, and on his own private
Rome, in Seneca county, and Rawson and credit bought iron sufficient to complete the
Moore being residents of Sandusky county. track into the town of Findlay, thereby
How the road was bonded; how and at making a distance of thirty-seven miles from
what rates the bonds were sold and secured Fremont.
by mortgage on the road; how the While this was being done, the road had
obligations of the company were found been made ready for the iron nearly to Lima,
unavailable for the purchase of iron for the in Allen county. In this condition of the
road; how the five men above named, under company's affairs it was overtaken by
the influence of President Rawson's will and insolvency.
pluck, pledged their private fortunes to In the same year Joseph B. Varnum and
obtain the iron for the road, and what and Henry L. Mott, trustees named in the
how much these five brave men were mortgage given to secure the first mortgage
compelled to sacrifice for the completion of bonds of the road, commenced an action in
the road to Findlay, and how they labored to the Court of Common Pleas of Sandusky
extend the road further on, might form an county, to sell the road to pay arrearages of
interesting chapter in this history, if space principal and interest which had become due
permitted its insertion. But it is enough to to the holders of the bonds. This suit was
say briefly, that, but for the bravery and prosecuted by Messrs. Buckland and Everett,
pluck of these men, under great attorneys for the trustees, and resulted in a
discouragements, and their decree of foreclosure, and an order for the
sale of the road was entered October 14,
1861. The sale
174 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was made between the October and January holders of the Lake Erie and Pacific
terms of the court, the road franchises, Company on the 18th of the same month,
property, and fixtures being bid off by the and the road on that day took the new name
creditors. of "Lake Erie & Louisville Railroad
The sale was confirmed, and a deed or- Company," with a capital stock of six
dered January 6, 1862. million dollars, in fifty dollar shares. After
On the 21st of January, 1862, a new this organization was consummated, it
company was organized, and took the name became the settled purpose of the company
of the Fremont, Lima & Union Railroad to build a through line of railroad from
Company, to construct a road on the same Louisville to the head of navigation on the
route as that which had been adopted by the Sandusky River, so that heavy freight could
Fremont & Indiana Railroad Company. be carried by water, thence to Buffalo and
The corporators of the Fremont, Lima & New York, and passengers and light freight
Union Railroad Company were: Charles could pass east or west from Fremont on the
Congdon, of the city of New York; David J. southern division of the Lake Shore railroad.
Corey, and Squire Carlin, of the county of The Lake Erie and Louisville Railroad
Hancock, and L. Q. Rawson and James Company continued to operate and extend its
Moore, of the county of Sandusky, State of line beyond Findlay, and also, by contract
Ohio. with other companies, namely, the Columbus
L. Q. Rawson was made president, and R. & Indiana Central, and the Jeffersonville,
W. B. McLellan secretary, and also treasurer Madison & Indianapolis, constructed twenty
of the new company. and three-fourths miles of their line, and put
The Fremont & Indiana Railroad, at the it in operation between Cambridge City and
judicial sale, sold for twenty thousand dol- Rushville, in the State of Indiana.
lars; not sufficient to pay the bonds men- There remained unpaid bonds issued by
tioned in the mortgage, and the original the Fremont, Lima & Union Railroad
stock in that road was, of course, lost to the Company, and also bonds issued by the Lake
holders. Erie and Louisville Railroad Company. On
The capital stock of the Fremont, Lima & these bonds a large arrear of interest was
Union Railroad Company was increased by unpaid. These bonds were secured by
the proper certificate of the Secretary of mortgages to trustees for the benefit of the
State, under date of May 17, 1864, to two bondholders.
million five hundred thousand dollars. On the 29th day of March, 1871, the
On the 4th of February, 1865, the Fre- trustees commenced proceedings in the
mont, Lima & Union Railroad Company Circuit Court of the United States, to
entered into an agreement with the Lake Erie foreclose their mortgages and sell the road.
and Pacific. Railroad Company, of the State On the 4th day of April, 1871, L. Q. Rawson
of Indiana, by which it was agreed to was appointed receiver by the court, and
consolidate the two companies, and that the took charge of the road as such. The road
consolidated road should be called the Lake was sold under the decree of foreclosure, on
Erie & Louisville Railroad Company. The the 18th day of October, 1871, but the
agreement was ratified by the stockholders property remained in charge of the receiver,
of the Fremont, Lima & Union Railroad Rawson, until January 1, 1872. The road and
Company, on the 14th of January, 1865, and property
by the stock
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 175

of the company was sold to trustees for the and its property were placed in the hands of
bondholders. a receiver, and as such receiver Isadore H.
The part of the road located in Ohio, that Burgoon, of Fremont, took full charge of the
is from Fremont to Union City, was road, and managed it successfully, and to the
reorganized November 4, 1871, under the satisfaction of all concerned, until March,
name of the Fremont, Lima & Union 1877. The road was finally sold at judicial
Railway Company, and the trustees con- sale in two separate parts; that is, the part in
veyed the road property to the new company, Indiana being the subject of one, and the part
December 26, 1871. That part of the road in in Ohio the other. The sale of the part in
Indiana was reorganized November to, 1871, Ohio was confirmed February 24, and that in
under the name of the Lake Erie & Indiana March 8, 1877.
Louisville Railway Company, and these two This last purchase was made by the newly
companies were consolidated April 12, 1872, formed Lake Erie & Louisville Railroad
under the name last above given. Company, through Mr. James B. Hodgskin,
Bonds were issued by the road as follows: acting as trustee for the owners and holders
Five hundred thousand dollars on that part in of the first mortgage bonds of the Lake Erie
Ohio, and ninety thousand dollars for that & Louisville Railway Company. This sale
part in Indiana between Union and carried to the purchasers all property of the
Cambridge City, and mortgages given company, personal and real, and the
respectively. This company put the road in purchaser took it, of course, divested of all
operation to Lima, and then to St. Mary's, prior claims.
and graded the roadbed from Union City to On the confirmation of this sale to Mr.
Cambridge City, Indiana, a distance of Hodgskin, or soon after, Mr. Burgoon, the
thirty-four miles. receiver, filed in the Court of Common
But the bonds were not paid, and on suit Pleas, of Sandusky county, his final report
of trustees to foreclose the mortgage on the and the account of his doings and dealings in
property of the Lake Erie & Louisville the management of the road of which he had
Railway Company, the road was again full charge as receiver, under direction of the
placed in the hands of a receiver. From the court, for almost three years.
first organization of the Fremont & Indiana Isadore H. Burgoon is a son of one of the
Railroad Company, through all its ups and many worthy pioneers of Sandusky county,
downs, all its trials and tribulations, L. Q. Mr. Peter Burgoon, now deceased. After
Rawson had been president and chief attending the common school near his home,
manager. He adhered to the enterprise, was for a time sent by his father to Oberlin
through good and through evil report, and he College. After leaving Oberlin he went into
gave his time, his untiring energy and great the service of the Fremont & Indiana
executive ability, and largely of his Railroad Company as office and errand boy,
pecuniary store, to keep it up and carry it and from that station was advanced, step-by-
through. But President Rawson saw his step, in the service of the company, to that of
wishes accomplished so far that the road was general superintendent. We are pleased to
completed and cars running on it to St. record the fact that every step of this
Mary's, a distance of eighty-six miles, before advancement was earned by hard work,
the 25th day of April, 1874, when under
foreclosure proceedings the road
176 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

combined with unusual activity and integrity was signed by Charles Foster, as president,
exercised in behalf of his employers. under date of March 26, 1879. C. R.
Mr. Burgoon's final report and account as Cummings, of Chicago, succeeded Mr.
receiver was presented to the court and Hodgskin as president, and the directors
confirmed, not only without question, but by again chose Mr. Burgoon as superintendent
consent of the counsel on both sides, and he of the road.
was highly complimented for his The road was now scaled of all its debts,
management of the affairs of the road, as is and was represented by one million five
shown by the order of confirmation, which is hundred thousand dollars of stock. A
as follows: syndicate, it is said, was formed to purchase
And this court, having examined the said final in this stock, for good judges affirm that the
account and report, and found the same in all respects in road at this time was worth at least two
accordance with law and the order of the court, and that
millions of dollars. This syndicate probably
the said receiver has duly paid and delivered all money,
credits and property of every kind which came into his embraced the holders of large amounts of the
possession or control, by virtue of his appointment and stock, and the stock held by those outside
office in accordance with the order and direction of the this syndicate was quietly purchased at about
court, and has in all respects well and truly and
faithfully discharged all his duties as such receiver, it is twenty cents on the dollar, until all was
hereby ordered that the said final report and account be gathered in. Soon after the purchase of the
and the same is hereby approved and confirmed, and the stock had been accomplished, and probably
said Isadore H. Burgoon discharged from all further
in June 1879, the road seems to have been
accountability as such receiver. And he is especially
commended for the ability and faithfulness with which consolidated with other western lines, and
he has discharged the arduous duties of his office. became part of what has since been known
Approved. as the Lake Erie & Western Railway.
R. P. BUCKLAND AND CALVIN BRICE,
Attorneys for Lake Erie & Louisville Railway Company. The northern terminus of the Fremont &
OTIS, ADAMS & RUSSELL, Indiana Railroad, under all the different
Attorneys for Plaintiffs, the Trustees. names by which it was known, had been at
This account being confirmed, Mr. the head of navigation on the Sandusky
Burgoon's duties as receiver were ended. Yet River in Fremont, and all freight intended
he was to receive further manifestations of for transportation by water was carried down
approval for his energy and activity. The the river and through the Sandusky Bay, past
road was now under the management of Mr. Sandusky City, into Lake Erie, to any
Hodgskin as a representative of the desired port on the lakes.
purchasers. A new company was promptly However, after the first consolidation
formed after the purchase, in New York city, with an Indiana road, and the design was
of which Mr. Hodgskin was president. Mr. formed to make Louisville the southern
Hodgskin, from the time he purchased the terminus of the line, the intention was
road, seemed to appreciate Mr. Burgoon's entertained to extend the road to the lake at
ability and integrity, and kept him as some point, but this intention was never
superintendent of the road until the decease executed by that company. When the road
of President Hodgskin, which occurred was last transferred and took the name of
March, 20, 1879. Soon after the death of Mr. Lake Erie & Western Railway, the new
Hodgskin the annual report of the company company made proffers to the people of
was made showing, its condition for the year Sandusky to extend their road to that place if
ending December 31, 1878, and sixty thousand dollars were
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 177

raised in that city to donate towards the cost but a new company, called the Sandusky &
of the extension. Fremont Railway Company, was formed, and
Under an act of the General Assembly of proceeded to construct a road between the
the State, the voters of Sandusky authorized two cities named. Work was commenced on
the city to issue sixty thousand dollars of this road about July 1, 1880, and made ready
bonds, which were sold, and the sixty for trains about the last of February, 1881,
thousand dollars procured. The proceeds of and is practically an extension of the Lake
these bonds were not paid to the Lake Erie & Erie & Western Railway.
Western Railway Company,

CHAPTER XVI.
COUNTY ROADS.
Macadamized and Gravelled Roads in the County—Date of Building—Persons Prominently Connected
with their Construction, and their Cost and Benefits.

T HE man who, seated in a fine carriage,


with perhaps wife, or sweetheart, or
bride at his side, drives pleasantly along the
of the county, and some of the men
connected with the construction of them.
The law under and by virtue of which
good roads of today at the rate of from six to these roads were made, provided that on the
ten miles per hour, or the anxious one who application of a majority of land owners
has occasion to ride posthaste over the same whose land would be subjected to a charge
road for a surgeon or physician, is not very for the construction of the road, the county
likely to think of, nor thank the men who commissioners might appoint three viewers
devised, and toiled, gave their time and or commissioners, and a surveyor or
money, and contended for the building of the engineer, to view the route proposed for the
structure which saves him or them from road, and if the construction of the road
wallowing through the mud and mire which should, in their opinion, be required by the
used to be there. The same may be said of public convenience, they should also report
the farmer as he, comfortably seated on his an estimate of the cost of construction, and a
great load of produce or building material, description of the land which, in their
jogs comfortably along without stalling, judgment, should be taxed to pay for the
strain, or breakage. But history would not be work. They also reported the form of the
just without making some specific mention road and the materials to be used, whether
of such improvements and of the men who gravel or stone, and the width and thickness
contended for and executed them. Therefore to which the material should be laid on. On
we mention in our chapter on improvements, the filing of this report commissioners might
the macadamized roads made under the approve the same and order the construction
authorities of the road. The commissioners were also
178 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

empowered to issue bonds of the county found it was hard travelling over the rough
bearing interest, and sell them to raise the surface, cut into deep Tuts.
money necessary to carry on the work. To On the 6th of March, 1867, Martin Wright
pay the interest and principal of the bonds an and one hundred and twenty-eight others,
assessment was made on the land, to be paid owners of land along this road, filed their
in installments as taxes are paid, and these petition with the county commissioners,
assessments were charged against the lots asking them to take the necessary
and tracts respectively, on the tax duplicate proceedings to macadamize this road. The
of the county, and collected by the county county commissioners at the time were
treasurer and applied to the redemption of Benjamin Inman, Samuel E. Watters, and
the bonds. Henry Reiling. A bond to pay all expenses of
This brief outline of the statute governing view, survey, etc., in case the report should
the construction of free turnpikes in Ohio be against the request of the petitioners, was
will serve to help the reader to understand filed by Martin Wright and Lewis K. Wright,
better what follows on the subject. of Scott township. On filing the bond the
THE GREENSBURG MACADAMIZED ROAD.
commissioners appointed William E.
Haynes, Charles G. Green, and Hiram Haff,
Ever since about 1831 settlers had been viewers, and Beman Amsden surveyor.
locating in the southwestern part of the These men performed their respective duties,
county. Among the county roads laid out and on the fourth of June, 1867, reported
about that time was one from near James that in their opinion the prayer of the peti-
Moore's mill, in Ballville township, thence tioners ought to be granted. They also
due west on section lines, to near the viewed the land to be benefited by the road,
northwest corner of section ten in Jackson and recommended that the road be graded
township, where the road angled southward twenty-two feet wide on top, and that twelve
through sections, until it intersected the feet in width of the twenty-two, be covered
south line of section eight in the same with stone to the thickness of one foot. The
township, a little west of the southeast viewers' and engineer's estimate of the cost
corner of the section, and where the village of the road, was for grading, one thousand
of Millersville now stands. From there the nine hundred and thirty-six dollars, and for
line ran due west through Greensburg on macadamizing, twenty-three thousand four
section lines, to the west line of the county, hundred and sixty-three dollars and fifty
a distance of about fourteen miles and a half cents; making a total estimated cost of
from the starting point. To describe the twenty-five thousand three hundred and
difficulties of travelling and the still greater ninety-nine dollars and fifty cents. The last
difficulties of hauling heavy loads over this paragraph of this report is as follows:
road, is needless to those who have had We cannot conclude without commending to your
experience with roads in new, level, favorable consideration the prayers of the petitioners,
timbered countries. True, the inhabitants had who are intelligent, prudent men, many of them large
land owners and tax payers, and we respectfully, but
done much in mending and draining the road earnestly recommend that you order the improvement,
from time to time, but with all they could do, as provided by law.
more than half the way for about half the WILLIAM E. HAYNES, ┐
C. G. GREENE, │Viewers.
year, was mud, or if a dry surface was HIRAM HAFT, ┘
B. AMSDEN, Engineer.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 179

There was no remonstrance against the three hundred and twenty-one dollars and
proposed improvement, and no claim for ninety-one cents, being fourteen thousand
damages by reason of it, as is shown by the nine hundred and twenty-two dollars and
commissioners record. The work was forty-one cents more than the estimated cost
promptly begun, bonds for the payment of as returned by the viewers and engineer; the
the costs of construction were issued, and actual cost per mile being a fraction less
taxes, or rather assessments, levied upon the than two thousand eight hundred dollars.
land to be benefited to meet the payment of WILLIAM E. LAY ROAD MACADAMIZED.
the bonds, and Commissioner Inman gave
his special attention and much time to On the 4th day of December, 1867,
directing and superintending the work. There William E. Lay and forty others, constituting
was, as a matter of course, some contention a majority of the owners of land to be
among the land owners, in the apportionment affected, petitioned the commissioners of the
of the burden of assessment each tract county for the macadamizing or gravelling
should bear. Such contention is almost of the county road, on the following routes:
inseparable from the prosecution of every Beginning at the Lake Shore railroad, in
improvement in town, city or country where Clyde, thence south on the east line of
there is to be an apportionment of the section 23, 26, and 35. in Green Creek
expenses of the work. But these wranglings township, to the county line between
have an end, which usually terminates in the Sandusky and Seneca counties. Bond was
dissatisfaction of part of those who have to given by C. G. Eaton, J. M. Lemmon, and
pay out their money, for a perfectly William W. Wales.
satisfactory adjustment of such burden is The county commissioners, namely,
seldom, if ever, arrived at. So blinding is the Benjamin Inman, David Fuller, and Henry
effect of selfishness on the perceptions of Reiling, at their December session, 1867,
men that it is doubtful whether in such a appointed Andrew Smith, Hiram Haff, and
case all would be satisfied. if the most John Orwig viewers, and Jeremiah Evans,
perfect equity could be made to operate on surveyor. These viewers and the surveyor
such an apportionment. Mr. Inman being a met according to notice, at the store of
resident of Scott township, a land owner to Darwin E. Harkness, in the village of Clyde,
be benefited, as well as one of the county on the 15th day of January, 1868. They
commissioners, and as such, exercising a reported on the 3d day of March, 1868, that
kind of special supervision over the work, no claim for damage had been made, and
received the chief animadversions of the recommended that the improvements be
dissatisfied. But Benjamin Inman was an made as prayed for, by macadamizing or
honest man and bore the unfavorable gravelling the same; that the road be opened
comments of some of his esteemed sixty feet wide, top of roadway to be
neighbors with patience and silence, though eighteen feet wide and covered with broken
with pain and regret, until shame silenced stone or gravel. The viewers and surveyor
the dissatisfied ones, and time vindicated reported their estimate of the cost of the
and made clear his honesty of purpose, as work to be as follows: For grading, eight
well as sound judgment concerning the hundred dollars; for gravelling, three
work. thousand six hundred dollars; making a total
The road was finished during the year of estimated cost of four thousand four hun-
1870, at a total cost of forty thousand
180 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

dred dollars. The length of the road was four thousand nine hundred and seventy-
three miles and a-half. three dollars and ninety cents.
The road was constructed according to the The length of this improvement is three
recommendation of the viewers and miles and a half, with stone macadamized
engineer, and finished about the beginning track nine feet in width, at an actual cost of
of 1870, at a total cost of ten thousand seven four thousand four hundred and thirteen
hundred and thirty-even dollars and sixteen dollars per mile, paid for by the land owners
cents, or at the rate of two thousand nine benefited.
hundred and sixty-seven dollars per mile. THE FREMONT AND PORT CLINTON ROAD
This William E. Lay road improvement IMPROVEMENT.
was made under, regulations and proceed-
ings like those by which the Greensburg The macadamizing of that part of the road
improvement was made, and a repetition of leading from Fremont to Port Clinton which
them would be superfluous. lies between the north boundary of the city
of Fremont and the south line of Rice
THE FREMONT AND SOUTH CREEK township, was petitioned for by Andrew
MACADAMIZED ROAD.
Engler and others. On May 4, 1874, bond
On the petition of Charles H. Bell and was given, and Oscar Ball, Christian
others for the macadamizing of that part of Doncyson, and Barney Donahu were
the State road which lies between the east appointed viewers. Their report was
line of the city of Fremont and Bark Creek, favorable, and the work was executed at an
and on filing the proper bond signed by C. actual cost of six thousand and eighty-nine
H. Bell and J. H. McArdle, on the 9th of dollars and thirty-five cents. The estimated
December, 1868, the county commissioners, cost of this improvement was not found on
namely: Benjamin Inman, Henry Reiling, the record of the proceedings, and is
and David Fuller, appointed Platt Brush, A. therefore not given here, nor is it deemed
B. Putman, and Jonas Smith, viewers, and very material. The proceedings in the matter
Jeremiah Evans, surveyor. These were of this improvement were like those of the
ordered to meet at A. B. Putman's office, in others above mentioned. The improvement is
Fremont, on the 18th of February, 1869, an important one, especially on that part of
which they did, proceeded to the discharge the road through the Whittaker reserve,
of their duties, and reported to the where the road had been notoriously bad for
commissioners on the 6th day of March a great many years.
following. Their report was in favor of The reader may notice that in these works
making the improvement, and they reported the actual cost is far in excess of the amount
also that they estimated the cost of the work estimated by the viewers, in every instance,
at nine thousand eight hundred and fifty-two this excess being nearly fifty per cent above
dollars and eighty cents. Like proceedings the estimate. This shows that estimates are
were had as in the cases of the other im- as unreliable in these works as in the
provements, and the macadamizing of this estimates for building houses, or any other
road was completed to South Creek about work men undertake. The experience of
1872, at a total cost of fourteen thousand persons who have built a house or a barn
eight hundred and twenty-six dollars and will confirm the assertion that the only safe
seventy cents, exceeding the statement by way to proceed is to add about fifty per cent
to the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 181

estimate of the carpenter who was consulted property of the entire county, and the par-
as to the cost of the proposed structure. Why ticular locality thereby relieved from further
this is so we leave to the reader to find out. special assessments. The aggregate cost of
The history of these roads is perhaps the macadamized roads made by the county
neither exciting nor attractive to the reader, commissioners, at this writing (1881), is
but it will serve hereafter to mark the time seventy-one thousand nine hundred and
when the people of the county began to seventy-five dollars and twelve cents. There
realize that it does not pay to travel in deep have been portions of some of the other
mud when a little expense will give them a roads in the county macadamized by
firm, dry wagon way, and that by comfort in appropriations from time to time from the
travel, and cheapening the expense of county and township road funds, the cost of
transportation of produce and merchandise which cannot well be ascertained. The
over the road, the outlay is very soon people are now quite alive to improvement
balanced, and the well-improved road of roads, and ere long Sandusky county will
thereafter, by repairing only, will remain a be a delightful land to drive through, on
permanent source of economical saving to good roads, and not a tollgate on any of
the community. them, excepting the Maumee and Western
These roads are now repaired with money Reserve turnpike, which is controlled and
derived from taxes levied on the managed by the State.

CHAPTER XVII.
COUNTY BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS.
The First Court-House—How and When Built—Its Removal and What Became of It—Organization of the
County Infirmary—Subscription for Public Buildings.

THE COURTHOUSE ORDERED BUILT.


I N Chapter VIII of this history we made
some mention of the subscription for
building the first courthouse in the county
The county commissioners, viz: Giles
Thompson, Moses Nichols, and Morris A.
showing that it was built by subscription of Newman, met according to appointment on
individuals, signed under date of April 1, the 12th day of April, 1823, as the record
1823. The subscription showed obligations shows, for the purpose of "investigating the
to pay in cash two hundred and thirty-five propriety of immediately building a jail or
dollars; in labor, three hundred and five some other public building with the funds
dollars; in produce, five hundred and fifteen subscribed for said purpose, in and for the
dollars; in material, seven hundred and county of Sandusky." After transacting some
forty-five dollars – making an aggregate of other business, such as ordering the trustees
one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five of the different townships to direct the
dollars. supervisors to
182 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

open all county roads through the townships stairs to go up in the passage, and to be three and a half
feet wide, and not to rise more than seven inches to each
at least sixty feet wide, they made an order step; all the walls and ceilings to be lathed and
that there should be erected a building for plastered, except the two small rooms on the one end of
public purposes, out of the funds subscribed said building and a small closet under the stairs; floors
for that purpose, and a part thereof to be to be laid with tongue and groove joints; five windows
and two outside doors in the lower story, four inside
appropriated for a courthouse until other doors and a door to the stairway; eight windows in the
arrangements might be made, on the ground second story, which shall all be left in one room; all
selected and donated for public purposes, windows to be filled with twenty-four lights of eight by
ten glass; all doors to be panel work; all joiners' work of
and that the building should be of the every description to be finished off in neat but plain
following dimensions: A good and order; all rooms, fireplaces, stairs, passage, windows
substantial frame, thirty-six feet long, and doors to be situated agreeable to the underneath
twenty-four feet wide, twenty feet high, so plan. A subscription now in the hands of the com-
missioners, signed by thirty-four of the most creditable
as to furnish two full stories; a good and citizens of the town of Sandusky, amounting to eighteen
sufficient brick chimney at each end, with hundred dollars, will be given for the completion of said
four fireplaces below and two above; joint- building, or so far as it may go towards the same. The
subscription calls for two hundred and thirty-five dollars
shingle roof, floors well laid, four rooms and in cash, three hundred and five dollars in labor, five
a passage below, and one room above, etc. hundred and fifteen in produce, and seven hundred and
The following is a copy of the concluding forty-five in materials. All enterprising men and
order of the session: industrious mechanics will do well, considering the
depreciation of the times and scarcity of good jobs, by
Ordered that the Auditor be authorized and instructed making their terms known on said 17th day of July next.
to write sundry advertisements comprehending the above It is expressly understood that the seats such as is
order, for the purpose of letting said building to the customary is to be finished off in court room, and the
lowest bidder, on the 10th day of June next, and that one frame up and covered and underpinned with said stone
of said advertisements be filed in the office and wall, on or before the first day of December next.
recorded, and that a draft thereof be attached to each THOMAS L. HAWKINS, Auditor.
advertisement so published and recorded. The Sandusky County, April 26, 1823.
commissioners adjourned until their June meeting.
By order of the commissioners, To this notice was appended a front view
THOMAS L. HAWKINS,
Auditor and Clerk of said Board.
of the building, presenting seven windows,
four above and three below, and one door
County Auditor Hawkins issued the notices below; also a draft showing the plan of the
ordered by the commissioners, which is of courtroom in second story, and the offices,
record in the words and figures following: hall, stairway and fireplaces on the ground
PUBLIC NOTICE floor.
is hereby given to all who may feel interested in the Tradition says that when the letting of the
same, that the commissioners of Sandusky county will
sell to the lowest bidder who will give bond and
job of building the house took place, on the
approved security for faithful performance, the building 17th of July, 1823, Cyrus Hulburt's proposal
of a courthouse in and for the county aforesaid, on the was accepted, but on reflection he declined
17th day of July next, comprising the following to complete his contract, and on the 10th of
dimensions: A good and sufficient frame thirty-six feet
long and twenty-four feet wide, and twenty feet from the the same month Thomas L. Hawkins entered
ground sill to the top of the plate, so as to form two full into a contract to erect the building for two
stories high, and the frame to be elevated two feet above thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. The
the ground with a good, substantial stone wall ; joint-
shingle roof; two good and sufficient brick chimneys,
commissioners, in payment of this sum,
with four fireplaces below stairs and two above; the assigned to him the subscription list,
lower story to be divided into four rooms, two at each amounting, as they called it then, to eigh-
end, and a passage eight feet wide between them;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 183

teen hundred dollars, and also agreed to pay below the open space cut for the windows.
him six hundred and fifty dollars in orders This jail was completed about the year 1832.
on the county treasury. The courthouse was completed earlier,
The building was begun in the fall of probably about 1826.
1823; the frame was raised and the chimney THESE BUILDINGS
partly built, but the work progressed slowly. were used for their respective purposes the
The location proved unsatisfactory to the one for the administration of justice and the
subscribers, and the result was that the county offices, the other for the confinement
building, in its unfinished condition, was of criminals, until the year 1843, when
moved out of the woods to the brow of the another and better courthouse and a better
hill, a little north and west of where the city jail were built by the county.
hall now stands, and was placed on lands In the old jail above described, Sperry
now designated on the plat of the city as in- was incarcerated for the murder of his wife;
lots one hundred and three and one hundred in this old courthouse he was tried,
and four. The building was moved on rollers, condemned, and sentenced to be hung.
and was drawn from the old site to the new The same jail confined Thompson for the
by twenty-four yoke of oxen. The exact date murder of a young lady at Bellevue.
of this removal cannot now be ascertained; In this old jail Sperry committed suicide,
but the house was finished off and ready for in the presence of Thompson, to escape the
the holding of court as early as 1830 or gallows.
before. The commissioners procured the title The walls of this old courthouse echoed
to lot one hundred and three from Samuel the arguments of attorneys Hiram R.
Treat, by deed dated January 13, 1829, and Pettibone, Peter Yates, Asa Calkins,
the title to lot one hundred and four from Nathaniel B. Eddy, Homer Everett, L. B.
James Birdseye, by deed dated October 9, Otis, C. L. Boalt, E. B. Sadler, Brice J.
1830. There is no doubt, however, but there Bartlett, W. W. Culver, and fairly shook
were contracts for titles before these dates. with the crashing voice of Cooper K.
On the same premises the commissioners Watson, in his prime, when he prosecuted
shortly after built Sperry with wonderful powers of eloquence
THE FIRST JAIL and logic.
These buildings served their purposes
was erected about 1832, by Elisha W. well, until the increasing population and
Howland, under contract with the county legal business of the county required more
commissioners. The walls, and ceilings, and room and structures more secure from de-
floor of this building were composed of struction by fire.
hewn timbers eighteen inches square, laid Soon after the erection of the brick
one upon another and bolted through with courthouse the lots on which the old
iron bolts. The windows were secured by courthouse and jail were situated were sold
iron grating of perpendicular bars one inch by the commissioners.
square, about three inches apart, and passing The deed conveys the lots numbers one
through horizontal flat bars about one inch hundred and three and one hundred and four
thick, and with a space between them of to John Karshner for the sum of eight
about three inches. All these bars were hundred and ten dollars, and bears date
deeply inserted into the timbers at the sides, January 13, 1845, and the county
and above and commissioners who executed the conveyance
184 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

were: Paul Tew, John S. Gardner, and James proof shows that the parties have been about
Rose. equally cruel toward each other, and taking
On the 14th day of March, A. D. 1845, the evidence all into consideration, the Court
John Karshner conveyed the same lots, for is satisfied that in this case two people have
the same amount of consideration, to Daniel been joined in the holy bonds of wedlock
Schock, David Deal; John Stahl, John who are possessed of very unhappy tempers,
Heberling, and Frederick Grund, as trustees but if bad temper should be held to be
of "The United German Evangelical sufficient cause for divorce, we fear that few
Lutheran, and German Evangelical matrimonial contracts in Ohio would stand
Reformed St. John's Church, of Fremont." the test. The divorce is therefore refused."
Rev. Henry Lang, pastor of the church, took More such decisions are needed to preserve
possession of the buildings soon after the the sanctity of the marriage relation in more
sale. The jail was used for a stable, the court recent times.
room was converted into a place of worship, In this old courthouse Judge Ebenezer
while the room below served as a residence Lane sat and announced decisions as learned
for the worthy pastor and his family many and sound as any since his day. In the old
years. The two societies separated, and the court room Brice J. Bartlett, Nathaniel B.
property is now owned exclusively by the Eddy, Lucius B. Otis, and Homer Everett
Lutheran Church of Fremont, and the whole first appeared in the practice of the law. The
building is used as a parsonage of the old house has served for a time as the temple
church. of justice, then as a temple for illustrating
The jail was taken down several years God's mercy to man, and finally as the abode
ago, but the old first frame courthouse is still of a pious, peaceful, and happy family.
standing, with all its timbers strong and THE SECOND COURTHOUSE AND JAIL.
sound.
The county, in 1840, had so increased in
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE OLD COURTHOUSE.
inhabitants and business that the old
On the judge's seat in this old courthouse courthouse, twenty-four by thirty-six feet in
sat John C. Wright, and as one of the judges dimensions, no longer afforded room for the
of the Supreme Court of the State under the proper and convenient transaction of the
old constitution, heard and determined public business, nor a safe repository for the
causes with wonderful promptness and public records. Hence public opinion urged
marked ability. It was here that Judge the county commissioners to the
Wright heard a divorce case, the cause construction of a safer and more
alleged being cruel treatment of the wife by commodious building. It appears by the
the husband. The testimony showed a journal of the county commissioners, that the
chronic habit of indulging bad temper by public desire put them in motion towards
both parties, but the wife, who sought the this object in March or April, 1840. The first
divorce, was the greater and more talented recorded action of the commissioners is
scold of the two. Judge Wright patiently found in their journal under date of April 3,
heard the evidence and arguments in the 1840, when they met at the auditor's office
case. As soon as the arguments were closed, with Nathaniel B. Eddy, then county auditor.
the judge, in his sharp, ringing voice began, They met, as the journal entry shows, and
and said: "This is a petition for divorce, on not having completed their view and location
the ground of extreme cruelty. The of a
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 185

site for the courthouse, adjourned until the and the cells closed by doors made of strong
next morning. The next journal entry shows iron bars. The floor of the jail was of very
that on the 4th of April, 1840, the heavy limestone flagging, and the ceiling of
commissioners met pursuant to adjournment, the same material. Both floors, that is, first
and having completed the survey and and second floors above the jail, were of
location of a site for a courthouse, adjourned sandstone flagging laid in mortar, on heavy
without delay. The commissioners then timbers placed near together.
were: Paul Tew, of Townsend township; The height of the wall from the eaves
Jonas Smith, of Ballville township; and John trough to the ground was forty-five feet; the
Bell, of Sandusky township. roof, what mechanics denominate quarter-
The commissioners, at their meeting pitch, covered with pine shingles, with
under date of June 2, 1840, after having belfry a little east of the centre. The style
published for proposals, met, and opened was plain Grecian, with a porch on the front,
and examined offers filed, and after having or eastern gable end, supported by four
them under advisement accepted the pro- fluted columns of woodwork, about eight
posal of Isaac Knapp, to build the feet deep, floored with dressed limestone
courthouse and jail, for the sum of fourteen flagging. A flight of steps, extending north
thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. and south, and in front centre about thirty
On the 4th day of June, 1840, the county feet, led from the pavement to the porch,
commissioners ordered a levy on all taxable which was elevated about four feet above the
property of the county, of one mill and a half sidewalk.
on the dollar valuation, for courthouse and The exact time when the building was
jail purposes, to be held exclusively for completed, or when it was first used, is now,
those purposes and no other. after the lapse of forty years, rather difficult
PLAN OF THE HOUSE.
to find. But certain facts of record serve to
show a near approximation to the time the
The contract between the commissioners building was completed, so far as Mr.
and Mr. Knapp, and the plans and Knapp's contract had to do with it. For
specifications of the building, were not made instance, at a meeting of the commissioners,
matter of record, and cannot now be found, under date of December 5, 1843, they
but the following items respecting the ordered, as appears by their journal, that as
materials, form, and dimensions of the soon as the new courthouse should be
building as erected by Mr. Knapp, are finished, the auditor should let, to the lowest
gathered from those who are familiar with bidder, a contract for finishing and
the courthouse before any alteration was furnishing the inside of the clerk's office,
made. according to plans and specifications
The length of the building east and west, furnished by the clerk. This entry indicates
was fully sixty-seven feet; the breadth north very clearly that the courthouse was not
and south, was fully forty-five feet. completed at the date of the order, December
The basement was the jail, built of large 5, 1843. But under date of August 1, 1844,
blocks of cut limestone, with a wide hall we find an entry in the commissioners’
along the north basement wall, and the south journal, reciting that a large number of
side partitioned by thick walls of cut taxpayers, being convinced that Isaac Knapp
limestone into cells for prisoners. These had lost largely in building the courthouse
walls were all of unusual thickness, and
186 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

jail for the county, asked the commissioners After D. L. June & Son had finished the
to make him an extra allowance, to cover his extension of the courthouse, the com-
losses, and they then ordered an allowance missioners contracted with Jacob Myers for
of two thousand dollars, to be paid out of the doing the joiner work of the enlarged court
county treasury. This indicates that the job room, who completed the work in the fall of
had been completed before the time this' 1871, at a cost of about one thousand five
extra allowance had been made, and leads to hundred dollars. The court room was
the conclusion that the spring term of the completed and occupied by the court in the
court of common pleas, of the year 1844, fall of 1871. Hitherto the court room and
was held in the new courthouse. offices had been warmed by stoves in each
The building was intended to be safe of the separate rooms and apartments. About
against fire, but the stone floors were found this time two important ideas came over the
to be objectionable, especially for the court county authorities in the way of progressive
room, on account of the noise produced by means of economy and safety. One was the
walking on the stone flagging. The stone heating of the courthouse by steam, and the
floor in the court room, after a few years use other that of providing fireproof and
was removed, and a wooden floor, with burglarproof vaults for the preservation of
manila carpet, put down, which was a great the county records in the offices of the clerk,
improvement. Soon after, the stone floors in auditor, recorder, and probate judge; also a
the offices were removed, for reasons of capacious time-lock burglarproof safe for the
health, and wood floors substituted for them, county treasury.
but the stone floor in the hall is yet kept in STEAM HEATING APPARATUS.
use as it was originally laid. The jail, made
with so much care and cost, was, in a few On the 6th of September, 1871, the
years, found to be so damp and unhealthy commissioners contracted with Sales A.
that it was repeatedly reported by the grand June, of Fremont, to put into the court house
jury to be a nuisance, and finally the com- a boiler and furnace in the basement, with a
missioners built a jail on the rear of the tank and heater sufficient to furnish steam to
courthouse lot, above ground, with means of warm the courthouse; and with Davis &
ventilation, which is now occupied for the Shaw, of Toledo, to furnish pipe and coils
purpose. sufficient to warm the halls, offices, and the
court room in the house. They contracted to
COURTHOUSE ENLARGED.
pay Sales A. June, for his work, the sum of
On the 10th of September, 1870, the court six hundred dollars. The amount to be paid
room was again found too small for the Davis & Shaw, for their work and materials,
convenient transaction of business, and the was two thousand seven hundred dollars.
commissioners on that date contracted with The steam heating apparatus was completed
D. L. June & Son to extend the building and used for the purpose of warming early in
westward a distance of forty feet, with the winter of 1871-72 , and has ever since
dimensions of width and height, and style of worked satisfactorily, and is likely to be
work, to correspond with the main building. long continued in use.
The June contract was only for the mason From the completion of the courthouse to
work, and the agreed price was eight the year 1880, the county clerk's office had
thousand nine hundred dollars. been kept on the first or lower floor of the
courthouse, in the northeast room.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 187

This arrangement was inconvenient, philosopher simply and beautifully


especially during sessions of the court, for to amplifies what the Divine Master of
get access to the files and records of the humanity had tersely uttered centuries
office the clerk must leave the court room before the poet lived. The utterances are
and descend the stone stairway. After the both true, and both enunciate, not only what
election of the present efficient and was and still is true, but what is always to
experienced clerk, Basil Meek, he suggested be true. The word poor is applied to many
an improved arrangement of the clerk's objects, as our language is now framed, but
office, by removing it up stairs on the same no doubt in the quotations above given the
floor as the court room, and adjoining it in word was used to signify persons who were
the rear. This was done in 1880; and now the destitute of money and property, and
attorneys and all concerned feel gratified needed the assistance of others to obtain the
with the improvement. A new fireproof vault proper means of subsistence, and would
was constructed up stairs in the new office, seem to embrace all who are found in that
for the preservation of the court records, and condition, whether by loss or lack of
there is now a sense of convenience and property, or by the mental or physical
safety in the well-arranged clerk's office. inability to acquire their own proper
We have thus traced the building of the subsistence. When we consider the number
second courthouse in the county to its of imbecile, and deaf and dumb, and blind
present condition; and if the reader shall be from birth, born into this breathing world,
impressed that the account is tedious in how many men and women, once able to do
unimportant and uninteresting details, we their full share of productive labor, are
suggest that as time passes, and when the disabled by the lapse of time, and decay of
county in its multiplied wealth and their powers. When we observe how many
population shall, in the progress of events, who are well endowed with will, and brain,
build a more commodious and elegant and muscle, and who have worked well to
structure in which to transact the business of maintain, improve, and ornament the great
an advanced generation, the particulars we fabric of civilized society, are by fire and
have given will become more and more flood, cyclone and earthquake, and war, and
curious and interesting. all the minor accidents to which property,
The difference in cost, convenience, and life, and limb, and reason are subject,
safety, and elegance, between the first on sea and on land, society may well settle
simple framed courthouse, we have down to the conclusion that "the poor will
described, and this second one we have be always with us," and that Christ in this,
given an account of will not be a tithe of the as on all other subjects he spoke of, uttered
difference between the present building and a truth which will not fail. The same Christ
the next one the people will erect for the who uttered the truth referred to, also taught
same purposes. the universal brotherhood of man, with the
THE COUNTY INFIRMARY. sublime doctrine of love toward all. Under
Order is heaven's first law, and this confess'd, the influence of such teachings, the human
Some must be richer, greater than the rest. heart individually, as well as in the
Pope's Essay on Man. aggregate of communities and States, has
The Lord said when on earth in the flesh, For been moved up higher in the scale of
the poor always you have with you.
charity and good will towards men, Marked
In these utterances we see that the poet and wonderful as the present
188 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

age is, by its unparalleled progress in not having a poorhouse, should be satisfied
science, in explorations, in inventions for that any person having a legal settlement (a
travel and transportation, and in the march residence of one year) in such township,
of thought, the organized charities for the was suffering and ought to be relieved at
relief, maintenance, and comfort of the the expense of such township, they might
unfortunate, form the grandest, and at the afford such relief at the expense of the
same time the most beautiful work and township as in their opinion the necessities
proof of our progressive civilization. When of such person might require; and if more
one looks at the grand edifices raised by the than temporary relief was required, then the
people of the State, and given as homes for overseers of the poor should give seven
the deaf and dumb, and blind, and those days notice, by written or printed notices,
who by birth or accident are deprived of posted up in at least three public places in
reason, and the like, in the counties, for the the township, of the time and place at which
poor and infirm, and considers the tender they would attend and receive proposals for
care bestowed upon them, all by the maintenance of such pauper. The
kindhearted and Christian men and women, contract for maintenance was by the law
the contemplation fairly forces out the limited to one year. This provision,
exclamation: "Surely the spirit of Christ is therefore, required an annual advertising
abroad in the earth." and contracting for the support of each
SKETCH OF THE POOR LAWS OF OHIO. unfortunate. Whatever service the pauper
The early settlers of the State were of could reasonably perform was done for the
that class of people, few of whom needed benefit of the person supporting him or her.
more than temporary relief, which the BLACK AND MULATTO PERSONS EXCEPTED,
generous heart of the pioneer promptly In the act of March 14, 1831, the second
furnished, without resort to legal methods. section reads as follows:
In those communities so thinly populated SEC. 2. That nothing in this act shall be so
that the face of a man or woman is of itself construed as to enable any black or mulatto person to
a matter of cheer and pleasure whenever gain a legal settlement in this State.
met, neighborly kindness rendered poor We mention this provision of the statute
laws unnecessary. But as the population in a total absence of all admiration or
increased and inhabitants began to crowd approval of it, but for the purpose of
and cross each other in interest and design, exhibiting a fact in history and preserving it
that, free heartedness which prevailed as a point from which the progress of
among old pioneers subsided, or took civilization and humanity may be measured.
another form of manifestation. Fifty years ago the people of Ohio drew the
On the 5th of March, 1831, the General color line, and excluded the man "with
Assembly passed a law providing for the skins not colored like their own," from the
organization of townships, and for the pale of public charity, and turned him out to
election of officers thereof. Among the die like a dog in a fence-corner, or beg his
township officers, this law required the bread from the hand of some individual
election annually of two overseers of the whose heart had been touched by the spirit
poor. In another act, passed March 14, of Christ, or by the natural impulse of pity.
1831, and which took effect June 1, 1831, it While we remember that the white people
was provided that when the overseers of the of Ohio, by solemn legislative enactment,
poor of any township in any county denied
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 189

and withheld a crust of bread from a starving on the 9th day of June, 1848, the county
man on account of his color, in 1831, let the commissioners, namely, John S. Gardner,
people of Ohio be moderate in their Hiram Hurd, and Eleazer Baldwin, ordered
condemnation of other people who resist that there be levied on the taxable property
being governed and ruled by the same race of the county, to be collected by taxation on
of people in 1877. Until the angel of mercy the duplicate, the sum of one thousand five
has blotted our statute with his tears, as he is hundred dollars, for purchasing a site and
said to have blotted out Uncle Toby's oath, erecting a poorhouse. At this time Homer
let us have charity for a more justifiable sin. Everett was county auditor, and his advice
But God's great work is going forward and influence with the commissioners were
apace. earnestly used in favor of the measure, and
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, there was no dissenting voice on the board.
But his soul is marching on. The tax was placed upon the duplicate, as
On the 8th of March, 1831, an act was directed, and so far collected in the fall of
passed, authorizing the county 1848 that on the 16th day of January, 1849,
commissioners to purchase sites and erect a the commissioners purchased of John P.
county poorhouse in their respective Haynes, and partly paid for, the southwest
counties, and to levy and collect taxes to pay quarter of section number twenty-five in
for and maintain the same; but this did not township five, range fifteen, containing one
supersede the poor laws requiring townships hundred and sixty acres, and also the
to support the poor, nor was the law to erect southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of
poorhouses compulsory on the the same section, containing forty acres,
commissioners. making together a tract of two hundred acres
An act passed February 8, 1845, abolished of land, for the agreed price of three
the office of overseers of the poor, and thousand dollars. The object in purchasing
imposed their duties on the township this tract of land, which is situated about
trustees. Under these statutes the townships one-half mile east on a direct line outside of
of Sandusky county gave relief to the poor the city limits, was that those inmates of the
as from time to time they were required by institution who were able might till the land
circumstances, until the time when the and thus contribute to their own support,
commissioners resolved to according to their ability. The buildings on
BUILD A POORHOUSE. this land were fitted up and converted into a
poorhouse. From time to time the buildings
After considering the subject quite
were improved, as was also the farm.
earnestly for some time, and calculating the
Experiment and observation developed
cost of keeping the unfortunates by the
the fact that there were instances of not
township, and looking to the future increase
uncommon occurrence, where men who had
of that class of persons as the population of
some property were without friends who
the county should increase, the
would minister to them, and supply their
commissioners arrived at the conclusion
wants, and that public relief ought to be
that, all things considered, the establishment
afforded to such, as well as to those who
of a county poorhouse, with a farm
were destitute of property. Hence, an attempt
connected with it, would be for the interest
to soothe the feelings of those who might be
of the people, as well as the comfort of those
compelled to accept relief, by changing the
whose condition or misfortunes in life
name of the institution.
demanded help. Accordingly,
190 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The dreaded poorhouse was abolished by an although black and mulatto persons were
act of the General Assembly, passed March excluded from infirmaries, the law of
23, 1850, and thenceforth the name of exclusion should not be so construed as to
"county infirmary" was substituted. There prevent the directors of any infirmary, in
probably were some good reasons for this their discretion, from admitting any black or
change of name, but black is black whatever mulatto person into said infirmary.
name be given to it, even should the General SECOND PURCHASE OF LAND.
Assembly pass an act that it shall henceforth The farm, though good and commodious,
be called white. The rose would smell as was not large enough to afford full and
sweet by any other name and the odor of the profitable employment for all the inmates,
skunk would be as strong. and it was thought good economy, in 1870,
Still, it should be considered that in the to acquire more land. Therefore the
early history of the country, in some of the commissioners, on the 30th of January,
States, the inmates of the poorhouse were by 1870, purchased of F. S. White, and took a
law deprived of some of the civil rights conveyance in fee simple for the following
enjoyed by other inhabitants of the town, or described other tracts of land:
county, hence the charge of having been in The northeast quarter of the southeast
the poorhouse carried with it, in a popular quarter, and north part of the southeast
sense, a charge of degradation and disgrace. quarter of the southeast quarter of section
The change of name was, therefore, not only twenty-five, township five, range fifteen,
polite, but proper, for it cannot be truly said containing together seventy acres of land,
now that there is a man, woman, or child, and paid for it the price of four thousand five
kept in a poorhouse in Ohio, although many hundred and fifty dollars.
are relieved and maintained in our county This last purchased tract is about eighty
infirmaries. It should be recorded that the rods east of the main body of the tract first
State never, by law or decision of court, purchased by the commissioners for
deprived a man of any civil right for being poorhouse purposes.
poor. The infirmary farm now embraces two
Man’s inhumanity to man
Makes countless thousands mourn. hundred and seventy acres of excellent land
near the city limits. This land has cost the
We have already mentioned that the first
county an aggregate sum of seven thousand
legislation in Ohio making provision for the
five hundred and fifty dollars.
poor and unfortunate, denied all public relief
Improvements in clearing, fencing and
to black and mulatto persons. This fact
draining have, from time to time, been made
shows the deep prejudice entertained by the
on the property, which are so mingled with
white people of Ohio against the colored
the profits and products of the land, that it is
race, in 1831.
now impracticable to tell the exact cost, or
The flutter of some angel's wing must
the precise amount of the people's money
have moved the air over the stagnant sea of
from taxes which has been expended on the
mercy, and produced a little ripple of
farm. The commissioners have sold a small
humanity, which reached the heart of Ohio,
parcel of the land, and recently the
for, on the 14th of March, 1853, the General
continuation of the Lake Erie & Western
Assembly added a proviso to the then
Railway from
existing statute, whereby,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 191

Fremont to Sandusky, appropriated land for persons do not, by the report, appear to be
a track through the farm, leaving now about considered inmates, nor estimated in
two hundred and sixty-five acres of the land, calculating the average number of those
the title to which remains in the county. maintained at the institution.
Good judges estimate the land, without the The report for the year 1880 is the most
buildings, at one Hundred and thirty dollars complete and satisfactory of all on file, and
per acre. The buildings are estimated now to furnishes some facts of interest to those who
be worth twelve thousand dollars. The are engaged in works of charity. While the
infirmary, at the present time, is of sufficient average number of inmates for the year is
capacity to receive and accommodate given at 57, the total for the year is given at
continually sixty-five persons, with a 122; the number received was 39; born in the
separate building for the insane which has a infirmary, 3; deaths in the infirmary, 14;
capacity to keep from five to seven persons. removed to other counties, 5; removed to
NUMBER MAINTAINED IN THE INFIRMARY.
other institutions, 9; children under sixteen
years of age, 12; children placed in homes,
A statistical and detailed statement of the 3; hopelessly crippled when received, 1;
names, ages, and the particulars of birth, number of inmates at date of report,
nationality, and circumstances of the persons September 1, 1880, 53. Idiotic males, 7;
who have been received into the institution females, 3: total, 10. Taken together the
and cared for by the county, does not seem reports show that of the inmates there are
to be necessary in a work of this kind, nor only about half as many females as males.
would such matter be interesting to our But no doubt the proportion of females
readers. Unfortunately the early reports of assisted is much larger, for more outside
the directors do not afford the data for a assistance is given to the women at their
detailed statement of the infirmary affairs residences, then to men in like
and management, and some of the reports circumstances.
cannot now be readily found. We have, CARE OF THE POOR.
however, been able to find sufficient We cannot now state in detail the annual
documents on file, and books from which to expenses for each year which has elapsed
glean sufficient facts and figures to give since the purchase of the poorhouse farm.
some idea of the average number of persons
But it is well to place on record some facts
supported at the infirmary in certain years. and figures concerning the cost of
These facts will furnish some part of what administering relief, as data for reference
has been done by the county for the and comparison with the future. We find, by
unfortunate portion of men, women, and reference to the auditor's books, that for the
children. years 1858, 1859, and 1860, the average
Beginning with the year 1869, for expenditure of the poor fund for all
instance, we find the average number of purposes, was eighteen hundred and sixty-
inmates to be 35; 1870, 42; 1871, 40; 1874,
seven dollars per year.
40; 1875, 50; 1876, 56; 1880, 57. For the two years ending September 10,
The report for the year 1870 shows that 1874, the total for all purposes was seven
one hundred and thirty transient persons thousand five hundred and thirty-three
were furnished with temporary relief such as dollars and sixty-one cents, or at the rate of
a night's lodging, and supper and breakfast, three thousand seven hundred and sixty-six
and then sent on their way to some other dollars per year.
place they wished to reach. These For the single year ending September
192 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

21, 1865, the total expenses were five mills for the production of fabrics for
thousand and five dollars. clothing, were silent receiving-vaults for
For the year ending September 2, 1867, dead industry there. The great engines which
the total was four thousand two hundred and furnished the driving power for machine
thirty-two dollars. shops ceased to puff and pulsate, the fires
For the year ending September 2, 1872, went out, and the boiler and the driving-
eight thousand five hundred and ninety-six wheel stood cold and motionless; the mines
dollars. were closed, and the fires went out in the
For the year ending September 1, 1873, furnaces, and silence reigned in and around
seven thousand six hundred and forty three them. In short, the great manufacturing
dollars. industries, on the employment in which so
For the year ending March 1, 1877, five large a portion of our people depended for
thousand eight hundred and ninety-five bread, were suddenly paralyzed. The
dollars. workers in coal and wood, and cotton and
For the year ending March 1, 1878, seven brass, and iron and steel, had their bread and
thousand one hundred and thirty-three raiment, as it were, snatched from their
dollars. hands by the terrible revulsion. Hundreds of
For the year ending March 1, 1879, seven thousands of workingmen were thus
thousand six hundred and thirteen dollars. suddenly thrown out of employment, without
For the year ending March 1, 1880, the food, without money, without property or
total is about double that of the preceding other means to procure the necessaries of
year, and amounted to fourteen thousand and life. There were three things which they
sixty dollars. could do: starve, seek other and new
For the year ending March 1, 1881, the employment which they knew nothing about,
aggregate expenditures amounted to fourteen or appeal to the charity of their fellow men.
thousand two hundred and thirty-five Some were assisted to live by acquaint-
dollars. ances, neighbors, and relatives, and many by
Of this sum of expenditures for the year organized charitable institutions and
ending March 1, 1881, seven thousand two kindhearted strangers. Still, there was a vast
hundred and ninety-three dollars were spent army who took the road to find employment,
in giving relief to necessitous persons and beg for bread until they found it. Some
outside of the county infirmary. Thus we see time in the year 1877 these travelling
that more than half the total expenditures go seekers after employment became rather
for what is called in the report, outside numerous in Sandusky county. At first they
relief. were well treated, relieved by our
TRAMPS CAUSE INCREASED EXPENDITURE.
kindhearted people, and some found
employment among our farmers and in other
Following quickly after the financial pursuits. This wave of labor-seekers rolled
panic of 1873 came the suspension of from East to West, and touched every city,
business in almost all its various town, hamlet, and house in its course. In
departments, especially in the different time the really idle, vicious vagabonds of the
branches of manufacturing and their cities and towns, saw their opportunity to
dependent industries. The water was turned travel without expense, and plunder as they
from the wheels of the great factories, the went along by joining in the march and
spindle ceased to revolve, and the inside of adopting the
great
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 193

habits of the travelers. These vicious recruits upon such fine and costs at the rate of
tramped from place to place and house to seventy-five cents per day. This law was
house, and obtaining victuals and clothes never very effective, nor very rigidly
without work became a regular pursuit, and enforced.
the vagabonds had their systematic The city of Fremont, in 1878, built a
communications, with cabalistic signs and lodging house for tramps, and also an
ceremonies, by which they knew each other, enclosure where they could be put at work
and., one could tell by marks upon the door, breaking stone for the public. But the
fence or gatepost where another visited, and expenses of this establishment were borne by
whether the visit was successful, and also the infirmary directors, and this, with the
the character and circumstances of the temporary relief to such tramps as could not
occupants of the house. work, greatly increased the expenditures of
Although the men who first started out in the infirmary fund for the years ending
search of employment and bread were honest March 1, 1880, and March 1, 1881. Although
men and deserving of charity, and succeeded the additional expenses for the relief of
in obtaining it, when it became a regular tramps in part occurred before 1880, the
occupation, and the scoundrels and increased expenditures did not, in the regular
vagabonds who adopted it began to develop course of business, appear in the reports
their real characters by the commission of until the years mentioned.
thefts, outrages, and crimes, the name While the report of 1881 shows that the
became odious. The name formerly was average daily number of inmates in the
applied to all travelling workmen who went infirmary was only fifty-seven, the same
from one place to another seeking report shows that relief was given to one
employment, and was in no way disgraceful, hundred and thirty persons outside of it.
but the name in 1879 and 1880 became the COST OF SUSTAINING THE INFIRMARY.
synonym of all that was vile and criminal.
Numerous instances of theft, arson, and It is difficult to arrive at the exact cost of
outrages upon unprotected women maintaining each person in the infirmary, but
committed by tramps, were put before the it may be approximated by taking the report
public by telegraph and print, until the States of March 1, 1881, and estimating the present
were stirred to legislation for the value of the land and buildings devoted to
suppression of their business. The General the purpose, and stated thus:
Assembly. of Ohio passed an act on the 5th Total value of lands at forty six thousand three
hundred and forty dollars.
of May, 1877, to take effect July 1, 1877, to Interest on value of farm for the year ......... $2780.00
punish vagrancy, and therein declared that a Add total expense account for the year....... 14235.00
male person physically able to perform Total expenses .......................................... $17015.00
Deduct amount used for outside relief ......... 7293.00
manual labor, who had not made reasonable
effort to procure employment, or who had $9722.00
Deduct for furnace and other improve-
refused to labor at reasonable prices, who is ments, say ................................................. 500.00
found in a state of vagrancy, or practicing Cost of supporting average number of fifty-
common begging, shall be fined not more seven inmates ............................................. $9222.00
than fifty dollars, and be sentenced to hard The average cost is therefore within a few
labor in the jail of the county until the fine cents of one hundred and sixty-two dollars
and costs of prosecution are paid; and, for per year, or three dollars and seven cents per
his labor, such convict shall receive credit week for each inmate,
CHAPTER XVIII.

TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.

Soil—Surface—Timber.

L OOKING at the county as it appears


now, covered with fields and meadows,
orchards and woodland, yielding rich
mountain side into the deep waters when it
floated away to a southern shore, or shallow
water, where it grounded and dissolved,
support to vegetable and animal life, all leaving at the bottom its mass of debris. This
contributing to and culminating in the debris consisted not only of the loosed stone,
support of an intelligent and orderly pop- but also of the finely ground particles which
ulation of men, women, and children, in the had been worn from them, which were left to
full tide of plenty and prosperity, and the action of the waters, washed from place
enjoying all the delights of social life, it is to place to finally settle in the deeper and
difficult to realize that this region was once therefore calmer portions of the sea, and
the bottom of an ocean. Yet science says it formed the clay beds so frequently met with
was so, and spreads out before the mind in this part of the State. The coarser particles
many and convincing facts to prove the were not held in solution, but like the sand
assertion. The granite boulders which are we see on the shores of our present lakes,
found thickly scattered in various parts of were with pebbles washed to the shore lines
the county, testify that they have been and left as the water subsided.
transported from some granite shore, and Another proof of the assertion that this
rounded into the form we find them by some region was submerged is found in the rocks
of nature's forces. They bear no relation to of the period. When uncovered these rocks
any strata of rock found in the vicinity, but show stria, or grooves, in parallel directions,
correspond with rock found in the highlands which geologists trace directly to the action
in the Northern and Western mountains. The of glaciers, icebergs, and water.
best solution of the presence of the boulders, Still another proof may be seen in the sea
is that vast glaciers were formed in some shells (mollusca), which are found in the
remote period of unnumbered years, on the lime rock at the highest point on Kelley's
sides of the granite mountains North and Island, in Lake Erie.
West of this locality. That the action of frost By some process of nature the waters, as
and water had first detached large and small generally stated in Genesis, subsided, whether
pieces from the mountain side, and they had by upheaval of some part of the earth, or by the
tumbled down to where the action of the depression of another part, is matter of
waves rolled them against each other until speculation which does not properly form a part
the sharper angles were worn away. Then, in of this work. The subsidence of the water was
the colder seasons, these huge masses of slow, and the geological survey of Ohio,
stone were grappled by the frost, in icy especially the district including the Maumee
holdings, and when the glacier was full- Valley, reveals several distinct shore lines of the
formed the whole mass was by its own
gravity precipitated down the

194
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 195

ceding waters, one of which sweeps through On these soils when first plowed, es-
a part of Michigan and Indiana, as far west pecially the Black Swamp proper, corn,
as Fort Wayne, thence down through Van grass, and potatoes were produced in won-
Wert, Allen, and Hancock, and including derful abundance; but wheat and oats would
Sandusky county; another sweeping overgrow, fall down and blast, and
southward only as far as Defiance, but also sometimes rot before harvest time. It was
including Sandusky county. By this we see found, however, that after from five to ten
that the land in Sandusky county, and all years of tillage and drainage, this same land
north of it to the lake, was amongst the latest produced such crops of wheat as made the
to appear above the waters in this region of heart of the farmer glad, and now, this once
country. forbidding and often condemned Black
Finally, after the lapse of ages, the sea, Swamp, ranks as one of the most productive
which once covered this goodly land, portions of the State for all kinds of grain,
subsided into the confines of the Atlantic grass, roots, and fruit.
Ocean, and the trough of its bottom formed It was no holiday amusement, however, to
the chain of great lakes, with their tributary make a good farm in the Black Swamp. Real
rivers draining the fresh waters from the stalwarts were required to contend with
rains and snows of nearly half a continent. water and mud under foot, while leveling
FORMATION OF THE SOIL.
and burning great tall trees, which spread out
their branches overhead, almost entirely
As the water receded, the land, thrown excluding the rays of the sun from the earth.
under the direct influence of the rays of the The horse was little used in the clearing of
sun, produced vegetation, which decaying the Black Swamp; that animal was too fiery,
upon the surface of the clay, gravel and sand nervous and thin-skinned to endure the mud,
deposited by the water, formed our soils. brush, flies, and mosquitoes which hindered,
West and north of the sand ridge, called fretted, and tortured horses.
York North Ridge, north of Clyde, and The more patient, stolid, and thick-skinned
Butternut Ridge, south of it, so much of this ox was preferred, and almost always used to
vegetable deposit had accumulated that the drag the logs together for burning, and
land would not produce wheat for the first drawing the loaded cart or wagon through
white settlers. It was too rich for wheat the mud and water.
farming. This was the case especially with For many years of the early settlement the
that portion of the county lying in what has Black Swamp was the favorite locality for
been known as the Black Swamp, which us- the fever and ague and intermittent fever,
ually designated that level portion of the then so common in all parts of the West, and
county west of the Sandusky River and to was a bonanza for the physician. Now,
the Maumee. however, an ox team can hardly be found;
The soil in this part, now including the horses are universally used, and this once
townships of Scott, Madison, Woodville, sickly locality is as healthy as any other
Rice, and the west part of Sandusky, was of portion of the county. The first lands entered
this character. The township of Riley and a and settled upon in the Black Swamp were
part of Townsend was similar in formation those along the creeks and Portage River.
and soil to the Black Swamp proper. Between these streams lay level land and
shallow swails, where
196 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the water stood from the fall rains until July when first settled, unlike the western, was
or August annually. These were considered good wheat land from the first breaking up
of little value for some time afterward. and tillage of the soil, and by proper farming
Excepting the courage, industry and is still producing superior crops of wheat, in
perseverance of the settlers, nothing has both quantity to the acreage and quality of
contributed so much to the reclamation of grain. For fruit, no better region can be
the Black Swamp as the system of public found than the eastern portion of the county.
ditches, introduced into the county in 1859, There is, perhaps, less poor and waste
under an act of the General Assembly of that land in Sandusky county than in almost any
year. This act gave the county other county of like dimensions in the State.
commissioners of all the counties in the On the whole, then, it may be said, that for
State, on the petition of inhabitants, the right richness of soil, and capacity for agricultural
to locate and cause ditches to be constructed, and horticultural productions, the county
and have the expenses charged upon the land takes high standing among the best counties
according to the benefits conferred on the of the State.
several tracts. GENERAL INCLINATION OF THE SURFACE.
William Driftmire, of Madison township, The general inclination of the surface is
a native of Germany, has the distinction of from south to north, while the most authentic
first petitioning for a ditch under the law. measurements of altitude indicate also a
The system of ditching which followed this descent from west to east. Bellevue is stated
first experiment of Mr. Driftmeir may be to be one hundred and ninety-one feet above
noticed more in detail in this work under the the average level of Lake Erie, Clyde one
head of improvements. hundred and twenty-seven feet, and Fremont,
The eastern portion of the county, es- at the site of the courthouse, where it is
pecially that part lying south and east of the presumed the measurements were taken,
sand ridge on which Clyde is situated, only sixty-two feet above the surface level
presented to the earlier settler a more of the Lake. Notwithstanding this result of
inviting soil, not so heavily timbered, and measurements, which are probably correct,
most of it well drained by reason of its the Portage and the Sandusky River bear
undulating or rolling surface. The sandy soil strongly to the east or north as they flow, the
quickly absorbed the surface water, or former into the lake and the latter into
collected it into limited spaces, connected Sandusky Bay, and all the creeks have the
frequently with what were commonly called same general direction. This apparent
sink-holes, where the water was conducted difference between the altitude, ascertained
by a natural funnel down into the fissures of by measurement, in indicating the general
the lime-rock underlying that part of the inclination of the surface, can no doubt be
county for a considerable distance east of reconciled. Various causes may be assigned
Bellevue, which is situated on the east line for the direction of a creek or river differing
of Sandusky and west line of Huron county, somewhat from the general inclination of the
which divides that enterprising and wealthy surface as a ledge of rock, the tenacity of the
village. soil, and especially minor inclinations of the
These features of the eastern portion of surface in a direction opposite to that of the
the county account for the fact that that part general inclination.
was settled and developed much earlier than
the western part. This eastern portion
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 197

TIMBER. burned up or girdled in clearing the land. No


The county when first formed included doubt the walnut timber thus destroyed, if
nearly all of what now composes the county standing now, would buy the land and fence
of Ottawa, the territory of which was part many of the farms in that locality with costly
prairie land. Ottawa county was organized in iron fences. But the settler must have bread,
the year 1840, and left Sandusky with its bread must be raised by tilling the earth, and
present boundaries. The county, as now the land to be tilled must be cleared, and so
formed, was originally timbered land. In the the timber, whatever it was, gave way to the
south part of York township were found oak necessities of the time. But that necessity is
openings where the timber was not heavy, now past, and the now great value of timber,
but all the other parts, saving a little prairie if it was here again, admonishes the people
in Scott and Rice townships, were heavily to wisely care for what is left, and guard
timbered. Among the trees were found white, against future costliness of timber by
black, red, yellow, pin, and burr oak, white preserving what is left, had also looking to a
and red elm, shell-bark and smooth-bark judicious reproduction of it for future use.
hickory, black, white, and blue ash, poplar, The history of the county, without some
cottonwood, black walnut, butternut, some mention of its geological structure, would be
mulberry, maple, honey-locust, beech, iron- incomplete. This science, which has done so
wood, dogwood, and in two localities, one much within the half century last past to
about three miles north of Fremont, on the reveal and interpret to the present age the
east side of the river, the other on the ridge various forces engaged, and the different
south of Clyde, in Green Creek township, a periods occupied in the formations of the
few chestnut trees; occasionally was found a earth's present surface, presents some
tree of Pepperidge. Of all these kinds of subjects of interest in almost every locality.
timber the black walnut is now the most In fact, it may be said that the geological
sought for as well as the most valuable. The structure of the United States and that of
primitive forests along the streams, Canada also, was a sealed book until visited
especially along the Sandusky River and by Sir Charles Lyell, the British geologist, in
Green Creek; were largely made up of grand 1841, when he made many interesting
black walnut trees, On the river, in the observations which he published on his
vicinity of the mouth of Wolf Creek, in return to England. He again visited America
Ballville township, on quite a scope of land, in 1845, and made further investigations.
this was the only, or nearly the only, timber. The publication of Mr. Lyell's works
The farmers who first settled there used the awakened so much interest in the public
best and straightest of these grand trees for mind, especially those fond of that line of
rails with which to fence their farms. The study, that it stimulated investigation, and
timber split easily, and the rails were the investigations revealed the utility of the
durable, it is true, and there was then no science, not only in solving theories about
market in this region for either the logs or the earth's formation, but for practical pur-
the lumber made from them, and besides, at poses, in discovering the location of valu-
the time of the earlier settlement, there were able mineral deposits, wherever located.
no sawmills to make the logs into lumber. Especially has this science been of great
Therefore, what of this now valuable timber service to mankind in determining the
was not used for rails was
198 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

locality of coal deposits, so necessary for the in the southwestern part of Scott township
comfort and business of the people of the were formed by undulations in the surface of
present day. It is worthy of remark that since what is denominated the limestone, which
Sir Charles Lyell drew attention to this underlies the soil a little below the surface.
geology, in 1841, the efforts made under its This rock is called by geologists the Niagara
teaching and practical application have been limestone. A depression of this rock, with a
such that almost all our States and nearly all raised rim on the northern inclination, held
civilized nations have prosecuted the water in pools, so that vegetation grew
investigations under its teachings, with great and decayed until it became a wet prairie.
results to wealth and comfort for the world The prairies north of Fremont, beginning six
at large. At present no State is satisfied miles north on the road to Port Clinton, and
without a thorough geological survey, by on to the north line of the county below Big
which the people are almost as well and as Mud Creek, must have been of a different
certainly informed of what is hidden deep origin.
down in the earth, as they are of the The soil of these prairies is but little
geography or topography of their above the still waters of the mouth of the
surroundings on the surface. This grand river and Sandusky Bay, and no doubt
science has of late years been well and emerged from the water at a comparatively
thoroughly applied to every county in the late period; hence the soil, being a wet,
State with results which make Ohio proud tough, bluish-colored clay, was unfavorable
and rich in mineral resources. for the growth of timber. This prairie, as
So far as the geological survey of you travelled down the river, made its
Sandusky county is involved, it may be said appearance about the present residence of
that it presents not so many remarkable Grant Forguson, esq., on the north half of
features as some other parts of the State. But section two, township five, range fifteen. At
some particulars are interesting and worthy this point the traveler going north, as late as
of notice, among which are, that this survey 1825, perhaps later, emerged from the
and report convinces the careful reader that heavy timberland south of it into an open
the clays and gravels of our soil are what is prairie, with a few scattering trees of burr
called in geological phrase, drift, that is, the oak and elm, and occasionally a limited
matter brought first in the ice period by grove or single tree. The grass was thick
glaciers, and then afterwards supplemented and tall, much of it what was called blue-
with the deposits from icebergs, and the joint, rising above a horse's back, and
remainder of the soil is either vegetable almost walling in the narrow wagon way for
matter which grew upon and decayed on this the greater part of the distance from Lower
drift, or deposits by the succeeding waters Sandusky to the present site of Port Clinton.
which prevailed; that Lake Erie at one time The present county line of Sandusky, next
covered the lands of the county and from its to the south line of Ottawa County, crosses
waters came further deposit; that the sands this road now about half a mile below Mud
and gravel found in heaps and beds in the Creek bridge, and does not include a very
southeastern part of the county, in parts of large portion of this once prairie land.
York, Townsend and Green Creek OF THE ROCKS IN THE COUNTY.
townships, were washed and heaped there by It has often happened that persons
the action of the waters of the lake after the travelling through the western part of the
sea had subsided; that the prairies
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 199

county would find localities where in the Immense quantities of superior white lime
forest they would see water and rock on the and good building stone, especially for
surface, and the same surface covered with a foundation and cellar walls, also stone for
growth of trees whose roots seemed to draw paving and for macadamizing roads are
nourishment out of the crevices and conveniently distributed over the county.
depressions in the surface rock. This rock Mr. J. S. Newberry expresses the opinion
was coarse limestone, and the surface of it that quarries could be opened into this
rough and seamed by the action of the Niagara limestone, in the west part of the
elements and frost. Such persons would county, and stone taken out equal in value
generally remark that they never before saw for building purposes to the famous Dayton
such trees growing on rock which was stone. If this be so, the time may not be far
almost bare, nor such a formation of land. distant when the advancement in the
Several such spots were found in Woodville requirements of business and improvements,
township, some in Washington, Madison, and the increase of permanent structures at
and Jackson; but those most marked by the Toledo, Detroit, and other cities of the
characteristics mentioned were probably country around will demand the opening of
found in Woodville, where many were these quarries and show them to be beds of
deceived in the selection of their land when immense value.
there was snow on the ground. The timber, HARD-PAN.
often sugar and beech of good growth,
indicated a good soil, but in fact, the land This substance, the great dread of those
when cleared was of little value and could who dig wells, underlies deeply a large
not be tilled. portion of the county. People often wonder
Geology, though it does not make such what it is made of, and how it came where
land valuable for farming, explains how they find it. Geology answers by informing
these tracts came by this deceptive us that the finely ground particles of rock
peculiarity. First, there is limestone, called were pulverized and deposited by the
the Niagara group, which underlies a large glaciers and icebergs during the period when
portion of the county. Second, the drift the sea covered the land, a part of which
which had been deposited on this rock in time this latitude was subjected to an arctic
former ages by the sea, when it prevailed temperature. This debris was most probably
over the land and subsided, was eroded or brought from the highlands of the Canadas,
worn and eaten away by the action of the and being ground into extreme fineness
waters of Lake Erie, and in many places the settled to the bottom when the ice which
rock left bare. There are out cropping of this brought it melted away, leaving the fine
rock in the townships of Woodville, sediment to compact into a solid mass.
Madison, Washington, Ballville, and Excepting solid rock, we find no portion of
Jackson. The most conspicuous exhibition of the earth's element so impervious to water
this outcropping is at Moore's Mill, a little and so well adapted to resist the action of it
above the village of Ballville, at the southern as hard-pan. Over this lies the deposits of the
termination of the dam of Dean's woolen lake, which together form the drift.
factory in the village. These outcropping This drift, the geological survey informs
rocks, however they may, in some degree, us, covers the whole county with nearly a
impair a small portion of the land for tillage, uniform spreading, but thicker in the eastern
are not without a compensating benefit when than in the western part, because
fully considered.
200 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the rock in the western part was more of this drift, or these deposits, it is esti-
stripped or denuded by the action of the mated, would not be more than one hundred
waters of Lake Erie. The average depth feet,

CHAPTER XIX.
IRON BRIDGES AND DRAINAGE.
Bridges—When Built—Cost of Bridges—Ditching—Underground Draining and Tiling.

T HE preceding chapters give the reader to


understand that the early settlers of the
county, especially the western part of it,
soon as strong enough, began to bridge the
streams where the roads crossed them.
Sometimes the bridges were built by
travelled through mud, and crossed the voluntary labor, and contribution of
streams by ferry or fording. materials by those most deeply interested in
The first method resorted to for the improvement. At other times, in the early
overcoming the inconveniences resulting settlement, the supervisors of roads would
from a soft, wet soil, was the making of apply the two days' labor of each able-
corduroy road over the portions where the bodied resident of his district, which the law
swail or very deep mud made the passage of the State required him to perform, to the
most difficult. The corduroy road was made building, in whole or part, of a much needed
by laying round logs across the track, side bridge. The bridges thus built were of the
by side, in contact with each other. The simplest form and cheapest construction, but
wagon was trundled over these logs, and the they answered the purpose for a time. Then
motion was healthy for dyspeptics. That came the day of framed bridges, with stone
formed the purely primitive corduroy, but work for abutments, which was a long step
the highly finished road of this kind was in advance; but these would decay and
made by throwing a little earth or rotten require rebuilding every few years, often in
wood over the logs, to break the jolt, in consequence of flood, and if not by flood or
some measure. These corduroy roads fire, then from natural decay of the timber.
abounded in the west part of the county, and Meantime the increase in the manufacture of
in parts of Riley and Townsend townships, iron, and the uses to which it was found to
as late as 1840, or say forty years ago. At the be economically applicable, were going on,
date mentioned the Greensburg road, the while the price of iron was reduced by the
macadamizing of which we noticed in a development of the vast iron deposits in the
preceding section of this chapter, consisted, hills of Ohio; and iron bridges were one of
in great part, of the corduroy. the results of the consequent progress in the
But we were to give an account of the utilization of the wonderful substance. While
iron bridges in the county. As everyone the earth has stored away and preserved for
would naturally expect, the county, as unknown
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 201

ages, the evidence that a race of men in- the other part. The iron work alone cost
habited its surface who did not know the eight hundred and thirty-eight dollars and
uses of iron, and, although it was known to fifteen cents, of which amount each of the
men, and utilized to a limited extent in times above named counties paid one-half. John P.
of great antiquity, the knowledge of it Elderkin, sr., was the agent of the Wrought
antedating the composition of the Old Iron Bridge Company in the contracts with
Testament writings, still, the uses to which it that company.
is applied, the facility with which it is now The third iron bridge in the county was
found and produced, and the quantity used in built over Mud Creek, in Washington
the present age, entitles it to the just township, near the residence of Levi Fought.
appellation of the age of iron. Happily for This was also put up by the Wrought Iron
us, these advances in the manufacture and Bridge Company, of Canton, Ohio, at a cost
the uses of iron, evolved the iron bridge for of seven hundred and ninety-five dollars, for
common ways amongst the inhabitants of the superstructure alone, and was erected in
Sandusky county, and we record the erection the fall of 1874. The commissioners were
of the John Morrison, Martin Longenbach, and
FIRST IRON BRIDGE IN SANDUSKY COUNTY. William F. Sandwish.
The first iron bridge erected in the The same year, 1874, another iron bridge
county, was built over Mud Creek near the was put up over Mud Creek, in Scott
village of Millersville, in Jackson township, township, near the residence of James
in the year 1870, and on the macadamized Inman, at a cost of seven hundred and
road called the Greensburg road, described seventy-five dollars for the iron
in a former chapter. superstructure, contracted for between the
The stone work for this bridge cost about same commissioners last above named, and
four hundred dollars, and the iron Mr. Elderkin as agent for the Wrought Iron
superstructure cost precisely eight hundred Bridge Company, of Canton.
and seventy dollars. The bridge was put up In the fall of the year 1876 an iron bridge
by the King Bridge Company, of Cleveland. of the same make was erected over Mud
The length of this bridge is twenty-seven Creek, where it is crossed by the road from
feet span, and width about eighteen feet. Fremont to Oak Harbor, contracted for by
The county commissioners who are the same commissioners, namely: John
entitled to the honor of first introducing the Morrison, Martin Longenbach, and William
iron bridge into the county, were Benjamin F. Sandwish. The cost of the iron
Inman, Samuel E. Walters, and Henry superstructure for this bridge was eight
Reiling. hundred and sixty-two dollars and fifty
The next iron bridge in order of time, put cents.
up in the county, was over Wolf Creek, near Another iron bridge was built over Sugar
Bettsville, and on the line between Seneca Creek, in Woodville township, completed
and Sandusky counties, June 26, 1872. This and paid for January 3, 1876, at a cost of
bridge was erected under a joint contract eight hundred and fifty dollars. Contracted
between the commissioners of Seneca and for by same commissioners last above
Sandusky counties on one part, and the mentioned, with same bridge company.
Wrought Iron Bridge Company, of Canton, At the same time was completed and paid
Ohio, on for the iron bridge over Toussaint
202 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Creek, in Woodville township, at a cost of The exact cost of this bridge is not
seven hundred and eighty-one dollars and ascertained.
twenty-five cents, by the same commis- The foregoing mention of the date of the
sioners and company. introduction of iron bridges into the county,
The bridge over Mud Creek, near Frank will enable future observers to determine the
Fought's, was completed and paid for relative economy between building the
January 5, 1877, at a cost, for the iron su- superstructure of bridges on our county
perstructure, of six hundred and seventy-five roads of wood and of iron. The comparative
dollars. cost with comparative durability of the two
On the 30th of July, 1877, another iron materials, will in time, settle the question
bridge over Mud Creek, near the residence with mathematical certainty. The present
of Noah Snyder, in Washington township, outlook indicates that timber for such
was completed and paid for, at a cost, for the purposes will, a few years hence, be much
iron superstructure, of six hundred and five higher in price, and more difficult to obtain,
dollars. while on the other hand the rapidly
December 18, 1877, an iron bridge was extending discoveries of seemingly
erected over Mud Creek, near the residence exhaustless deposits of iron, and the daily
of Luther Winchell, in Scott Township, at a improvements for mining and manufacturing
cost, for the iron superstructure, of five it, indicate that not many years hence iron
hundred and fifty-two dollars. will be almost as cheap as wood, and with its
The Portage River bridge, on the Maumee far greater durability of the metal as a
and Western Reserve turnpike, in Woodville material for the superstructure of all our
Township, was finished in November, 1878, bridges, will settle the question in favor of
under a joint contract between the State and iron superstructures for the purpose.
county commissioners, on one part, and the IRON BRIDGE OVER SANDUSKY RIVER.
Bridge Company on the other part. The The bridge built over the Sandusky River,
county contributed over half the costs, and in Fremont, on the line of the Maumee and
paid towards the structure over two thousand Western Reserve Road, by Cyrus Williams,
dollars. as master mechanic, under the employment
The bridge over Green Creek, near Mr. of Rodolphus Dickinson, Member of the
Huber's residence, in Green Creek township, Board of Public Works, in 1841-42, was, as
was completed and paid for by the county has been mentioned, a wooden structure. The
alone, August 15, 1879, by Commissioners supporting trestle-work erected across the
John Morrison, Martin Longenbach, and Sandusky Valley, built by the Ohio Rail-
Herman Sandwish, under contract with the road Company, which failed in 1840, fur-
Smith Bridge Company, of Toledo, at a cost nished the timber for the bridge. This bridge
for the superstructure alone of eight hundred was of good material, and was well roofed
and sixteen dollars. with pine shingles. The roof was renewed
The bridge over Muskalunge Creek, in once during the time it stood, which was
Sandusky Township, on the Port Clinton near thirty-five years. At the end of this
road, is a combination of wood and iron, period it was pronounced unsafe by
constructed by the Smith Bridge Company, engineers, and the Board of Public Works
of Toledo, finished and paid for August 16, was importuned to construct a new bridge.
1879, and is thought to be a good and The board had not suffi-
durable structure for the place.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 203

cient money at its disposal to rebuild it, and On the 16th of March next after the
an appropriation by the State was petitioned passage of this act, the county commis-
for. But there were objections, and sioners, namely, Martin Longanbach,
consequent delay. Meanwhile the old bridge, William F. Sandwish, and John Morrison,
though condemned and much slandered, were in regular session, when, on motion of
continued to do duty while agitation for a Mr. Longanbach, it was resolved that the
new bridge continued. bond required by the above act be filed. To
STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE BRIDGE. this all the commissioners agreed, and
After being urged for two previous ses- recorded their votes in the affirmative. This
sions, the General Assembly, by the per- bond was so framed as to bind the county to
sistent and wise efforts of Hon. Benjamin complete the bridge after the expenditure of
Inman, then our representative, passed an act the nine thousand nine hundred dollars
on the 27th day of February, 1877, entitled appropriated by the act.
"An act to aid the Board of Public Works to The reader may notice that the act
build a bridge on the line of the Western appropriates nine thousand dollars of money
Reserve and Maumee road, over the paid into the State treasury by the lessees of
Sandusky River. the public works, and nine hundred dollars
The preamble to the act, in substance, set which the lessees had paid into the State
forth that the bridge over the Sandusky treasury, for the repair of the bridge. How
River, on the line of the Western Reserve this sum of nine hundred dollars came to be
and Maumee road, one of the public works thus separately mentioned in the
of the State, a wood structure built by the appropriation, perhaps ought to be ex-
State over thirty-five years ago, is now plained. The reader may remember that,
unsafe and so far decayed that the Board of prior to the date of this appropriation, the
Public Works say it will be an injudicious State had leased all her public works, which,
expenditure of money to repair the same; of course, included the Maumee and Western
therefore, Reserve road. The lessees paid an annual
SECTION 1.—Be it enacted by the General Assembly of rent into the State treasury for the use of the
the State of Ohio, That the sum of nine thousand works, and out of this fund the nine thousand
dollars be and hereby is appropriated out of any moneys dollars mentioned in the appropriation bill
paid into the State treasury by the lessees of the public
works, and also the sum of nine hundred dollars that the was to be paid. These lessees, like all other
lessees have paid into the State treasury for the repair of lessees, so managed the Maumee and
said bridge. Western Reserve road as to clear a nice little
SEC. 2.—That the sums thus appropriated shall be
expended by said Board of Public Works in erecting
sum from the tolls upon it; this saving,
such iron bridge of such plan and dimensions as they however, was made the greater by neglecting
may deem best for the interest of the State; and the fund to repair the road and permitting it to run
hereby appropriated by the State shall be drawn from the down. They were bound by the terms of the
treasury from time to time accor ding to law.
SEC. 3.—That there shall not be any money drawn out lease to keep the road in repair, and seeing
of the State treasury for the building of said bridge until this neglect, the people along the road began
the county commissioners of San-dusky county shall to clamor for the State to compel the lessees
enter into bond to complete said bridge, after the sums
above mentioned have been expended by the Board of
to repair the road. The State authorities were
Public Works. Said bond shall be made payable to the convinced finally that in the management of
State of Ohio, and deposited in the office of the the road the lessees had violated their
Secretary of State. contract, and
SEC. 4.—This act shall take effect and be in force
from and after its passage.
204 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

were about to force a forfeiture of the lease cents, of which the county paid ten thousand
and put the Board of Public Works in four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and
authority over it, and sue the lessees for seventy-six cents. The bridge is three
damages for breach of the conditions of the hundred and twenty and one-half feet in
lease. A compromise was, however, effected, length, resting on two abutments and three
by which the lessees agreed to put a piers. The width affords two tracks, or ways,
covering of stone on parts of the road most on each of which teams can pass each other.
worn, and to put a new roof on the old The structure is convenient, capacious and
bridge, or pay nine hundred dollars into the durable, at the same time presenting an
treasury in lieu of the roofing, as the State ornament to the city of Fremont which is a
should elect, and then surrender their lease monument testifying to the merit and
so far as this road was concerned, and let the enterprise of the people of the county, and
State take charge of it. When it was especially to Hon. Benjamin Inman and the
determined to build a new bridge, the county commissioners named.
authorities elected to have the nine hundred The passage of this bridge appropriation
dollars paid into the treasury, and apply the bill, through the persistent urgency of Mr.
amount towards the erection of the new Inman, was his last act in public life. In the
structure; this will explain how this election for representative in the county he
peculiarity in the appropriation act was was opposed by Daniel L. June, whose
induced. friends claimed for him greater ability to get
WORK BEGUN. the bill through, while Mr. Inman's friends
The filing of the bond by the commis- claimed equal ability for him, and the matter
sioners secured the immediate application of entered in this form largely into the canvass.
the nine thousand nine hundred dollars Therefore, Mr. Inman felt under special
appropriated by the State. A conference obligations to procure the passage of the
between the county commissioners and the law. During the session of 1877 his health
Board of Public Works soon resulted in a failed, but he remained in his seat and
plan of the bridge and an estimate of the worked and waited for his bill to pass, when
cost. The letting of the mason work took prudence would have bid him home for rest.
place June 22, 1877, and the contract was As soon as the bill was passed he hastened
awarded to John P. Elderkin, for four home, and soon after died amidst all the
thousand six hundred and fifty-one dollars tender cares and affectionate surroundings
and forty cents. The contract for the iron which a devoted wife and loving children
superstructure was awarded to the King could bestow. His death was much regretted
Bridge Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, for the by the people of the county.
sum of fourteen thousand nine hundred and REMARKS ON THE DRAINAGE OF THE WET
LANDS IN THE COUNTY, WHEN BEGUN, BY
seventy-five dollars and five cents. WHOM, AND THE RESULT.
The work was pushed rapidly during the And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be
summer and autumn of 1877, and the bridge gathered into one place and let the dry land appear, and
was formally opened for travel on the 25th it was so.-Genesis 1:9.
of December of the same year in which it This was commanded and was done on
was begun. The total cost, including the second day. Science, as illustrated by
engineering and all incidental expenses, was geologists and accepted by enlightened
twenty thousand three hundred and fifty-
seven dollars and seventy-six
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 205

theologians, gives us to understand that this of dry land, which, when cleared of the
second day was a very long one, that it was timber, could be tilled without artificial
in fact an indefinite period of time, so vast drainage. But the structure of the surface and
that the finite mind can neither count or nature of the soil were such, that generally a
comprehend the number of years. Hugh little way from the bank artificial drainage
Miller, in his Testimony of the Rocks, and necessarily preceded tillage. It must be
other geologists give us some idea of the confessed that the pioneer residents of the
progressive steps in the formation, and how, county were slow, indeed, to adopt the
in obedience to the command quoted at the system of draining even the surface of their
beginning of this subject, the dry land was by wheat fields in a proper manner to insure a
the process and forces of nature, slowly but good crop. When, however, a few German
surely made to appear, and was finally and English farmers located in the county,
prepared for the abode of man. Now, without they brought with them the habit of more
any feeling of irreverence or wish to express thorough drainage of their wheat fields, as
any such feeling, it may here be said in practiced in the countries from which they
support of the conclusions of geology as to came. The increase of the quantity and the
the slowness of the process, that certainty of the crop under this treatment
notwithstanding the great antiquity of the soon demonstrated to all observers that it
order quoted, it is a fact that the west part of paid, and paid well, to keep the surface water
Sandusky county, called in early times the from standing on their wheat fields. At first
Black Swamp, was not all dry land in the this was effected on the better class of land
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred by plowing into narrow lands with deep
and fifty-nine. Yet that there was such a furrows between, into which the water
command, and that it was executed as as- settled and was thence absorbed by the earth
serted at the close of the verse, "and it was without covering so much surface. This
so," must be true, for man could not fish arrangement, with a deep furrow entirely
from the banks of the waters nor construct around the field, connecting with the dead
floats to fish from without land, nor could he furrows between the plowed strips, was
capture his living in the forests. And as found to be a great help to the crop.
fishing and hunting are claimed to have been From these furrows, where sufficient fall
his earliest pursuits, we conclude that the could be found, sometimes you would see a
formation of land preceded the existence of deep furrow traced away from the field,
man. There need be no strife of argument forming an outlet for the whole field, but
about the when and the how of the matter much of the land was so level and so widely
under consideration. Let every man be fully surrounded with other level land, that this
persuaded in his own mind. Waiving all plan could not be put in operation without
argument and speculation, however, it is trespassing on a neighboring farm.
very clear that - the Black Swamp, or a great Neighbors could not always agree; in fact, in
part of it at least, could not be tilled so as to a mixed settlement of Germans, English, and
produce bread and meat, or at least the larger Yankees, they seldom would agree or
portion of it could not, without draining. sacrifice a jot or tittle of their own for
The first settlers in the western part of the another. But the water must be drained away
county selected their lands along the streams or the labor of the farmer would be lost. If
where the banks afforded a strip Mr. Mean owned a
206 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

quarter section, including the banks of a guarded the citizens of Ohio in their rights
creek into which the wet land back of him of property, by incorporating in it by clear
might all be drained, Mr. Poor, who had language," Private property shall ever be
taken second choice land in the rear of Mr. held inviolate, but subservient to the public
Mean, would ask in vain for the privilege of welfare."
cutting a small ditch across Means’ land that It appears, that in 1859 some statesman
he might raise his bread or get a reward for discovered that draining away stagnant pools
his labor. If some Jonathan Spikes, from the of water, and thus preventing malarial and
land of the terrible Yankees, had a piece of deadly diseases, would be subserving the
dry land through which, only, the waters public welfare, and justify the exercise of
could be taken off the land of Mr. the right of eminent domain; that is, take the
Vonslaughterlaugh, Mr. Spike would never land of a private citizen sufficient for a ditch
let a ditch be made through his land to or drain, to promote the public health. Hence
accommodate a foreigner, or if he could be the act of 1859 conferred upon county
brought to consent, he would demand four commissioners, the right to enter upon and
times what he should, even though the ditch appropriate the land of any person for a
would be a benefit to his own land. If Mr. ditch; drain, or water course, whenever, in
Johnson owned a piece of wet land near Mr. their opinion, the same would be conducive
Jones, and wanted to get the water off by to the public health, convenience, or welfare.
draining through Jones’ land, he could not With this law in force Mr. Jones could no
obtain it because, perhaps, Johnson, ten longer deny Mr. Johnson the right to have a
years before, threw a club at Jones’ yellow drain over his land, if Mr. Johnson's swail or
dog to drive him out of the road and keep pond could be found injurious to the public
himself from being bitten. Standing water, welfare. True, Mr. Jones had to be paid for
stagnant water, and stinking water were the land, but he could no longer refuse to
destroying crops and breeding disease and sell it, nor put on it a price so high as to
pestilence in the land, and yet such is the forbid the improvement. Three impartial
perversity of men’s nature, that they would landholders fixed the value of the land to be
not, even for their own benefit, abate the taken, also the amount of damages, if any, to
nuisance. Finally a remedy was given by his premises over and above the mere value
law. of the land taken. Ditching was by this law
On the 24th of March, 1859, the General made practicable, and judicious county
Assembly of the State of Ohio passed an act commissioners could make it effective in the
to provide for locating, establishing, and improvement of the county.
constructing ditches, drains, and water THE FIRST COUNTY DITCH CONSTRUCTED.
courses. This act authorized county According to the records in the office of
commissioners throughout the State to lo- the county auditor, which, no doubt, present
cate, establish, and construct ditches, drains, the truth, the first application for a ditch
and water courses in their respective under the first ditch law of the State was
counties, and it was the first law enacted in made by William Driftmire, an enterprising
Ohio. It is a little remarkable that such a law and determined German, who had settled on
was not put in force at an earlier period in wet land in Madison township.
the settlement of the State.
Our State Constitution of 1852, jealously
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 207

On the tenth day of September, 1859, straining the construction, very few ditches
William Driftmire, with a number of others, could be made. The natural tendency of all
he, however, being prime mover and draining and ditching is to increase the flow
principal petitioner, filed a petition, under of water in the natural channels, at least for a
the act above mentioned, in the county time.
auditor's office, praying for the es- The result of this litigation was a cost bill
tablishment and construction of a ditch on for the plaintiffs, Myers and Damschroeder
the following route: Commencing in to pay, of one hundred and eight dollars. The
Madison township eighty rods north from the total cost of constructing the ditch, aside
southeast corner of section twelve, thence from the cost of litigation, was one hundred
north along the township line road on the and eighty-six dollars. From this time on
west side of the centre of said road to a swail parties were rather careful how they entered
called Wolf Creek, about one mile and a into litigation against the construction of
half. ditches, although there were a few cases
This swail or creek, which was to be the where projects were started under the law, in
terminus of the ditch, entered the land of C. which perpetual injunctions were afterwards
H. Damschroeder, also of Eberhard Myers. granted for irregular proceedings, or where
These men claimed that Driftmire's ditch the object was simply to make some man's
would greatly increase the collection of land more convenient or valuable without
water in the swail, and subject their lands, any bearing or benefit to be conferred on the
now dry, to overflow and consequent injury. public welfare. The ditch law was modified
Litigation followed by Eberhard Myers and and amended from time to time, as practice
C. H. Damschroeder on one side, and the under it developed defects in its provisions,
county commissioners on the other. The case and under its improved provisions ditching
was taken to the probate c o u r t -J o h n Bell, in the county has gone steadily on without
judge; a jury of twelve good men was much litigation, although not without some
selected, who viewed the premises and heard controversy before the county
testimony and the arguments of counsel, and commissioners, to the present time. The
after due deliberation returned a verdict, and whole number of ditches established in the
finding that Eberhard Myers and C. H. county previous to July 1 8 , 1881, is two
Damschroeder would sustain no damage by hundred and seventy.
reason of the construction of the ditch. The A minute description of each ditch and its
case was taken on error to the Court of cost, and the contentions arising from the
Common Pleas, where it was decided that constructions, would swell our history
persons owning land below the terminus of beyond proper limits, without being
the ditch, could not, under the statute, claim interesting to the general reader.
damages, nor prevent the construction of a I NT ROD U CTI ON OF DIT CHI N G.
ditch. Probably, if the beneficial consequences be
This decision, whether right or wrong, made the criterion of decision, there has
had a salutary effect on the utility of the been no improvement introduced into the
ditch law, for, if it had been held that an county so beneficial and at the same time so
increase of the flow of water in any swail, remunerative in a pecuniary point of view as
creek, or outlet, in which a ditch should ditching and draining. The improved
terminate, would be good cause for re- statutory enactments provided
208 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

for not only ditching but also for clearing water from the surface of the land. This was
out obstructions to natural water courses, done, as has been said, to effect two
and thus facilitating the passage of the purposes, one of which was to promote the
surface water from the swamps and swails, public, health by removing the stagnant
to the rivers and thence to the bays and the waters by which malarial diseases were
lake into which they empty. The result of produced; another was to adapt the surface
this surface draining in the increased of the country to the more easy construction
productiveness of the soil, cannot now be of good roads. These are both matters of a
easily calculated or given in figures. But that public nature. In carrying out the plan to
there has been a vast increase, not only in serve these purposes, lands of many persons
the product of the land per acre in all kinds were incidentally drained and greatly
of cereal crops, but great addition to the benefited; but the ditches were laid out and
acreage of good farming land in the county, constructed with the single purpose of
is plain and undeniable. These added acres drawing off' the surface water. The county
of good land are not merely an addition of commissioners are now, however, pursuing a
the value of the reclaimed land to the wealth different plan. In a recent conversation with
of the county, but they are exhaustless mines Mr. Brian O'Connor, one of the
of wealth out of which skill and industry will commissioners, he informed us that the
bring perpetual supplies of food more board was now making their ditches much
valuable than gold or silver. deeper than formerly. The reason given by
IMPROVED SYSTEM OF DITCHING. Mr. O'Connor for this change of plan, is that
The object of the ditch law, so called, the old or first ditches were generally too
under which the system of ditching has shallow to admit of complete tiling or under
hitherto been prosecuted, was to drain the draining of the lands along and in the
vicinity of the ditches.

CHAPTER XX.

SAN D U SK Y COUNTY AGR I C U L T UR AL SOCIETY.

I T has been often said, and will bear


repeating to each generation of men, as
they succeed each other, that he who makes
the method of extracting from the earth six
heads of wheat where five grew before, or of
obtaining four pounds of meat from the same
two blades of grass grow where only one space of earth which before produced only
grew before, is a benefactor to mankind. The three, or from the area raises ten pounds of
enlightened mind readily consents to the wool, or cotton, or sugar where before only
truth of this assertion. But it is equally true eight pounds were produced, is equally a
that he who invents benefactor to the hu-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 209

man race. The same may be said of all those D. Adams, managers, which appointments
whose observations and reasonings result in and report, on motion, were adopted and
the improvement of our fruits and approved by the meeting. The meeting then
vegetables, and our domestic animals. adopted a constitution, which provides, in
Agriculture and horticulture of late years substance, as follows:
have made rapid advances toward the front First.—That the officers of the society should be a
rank of the sciences, but they still fail to president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and five
stand where their real importance demands managers, who together constituted a board of directors
for the general management of the affairs of the society,
them to be placed, in the social and scientific to be elected annually by the members of the society,
scale. Among the noblest works of the and hold their respective offices until their successors
earnest, thinking men of Sandusky county, is should be chosen.
Second.—That the members of the society should be
that to improve agriculture and bring the residents of the county, and pay the sum of one dollar
pursuit of it into a proper position in the annually to the treasurer.
opinions of high-minded and scientific men, Third.—That competitors for premiums must be
by the organization of the society named at members of the society.
Fourth.—That notice of the articles for which
the head this chapter. premiums would be awarded by the society should be .
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. published in a newspaper, or in hand-bills, at least one
month previous to the day of exhibition.
In the summer of 1852 Doctor La-Quinio Fifth.—That all articles offered for premiums must be
Rawson, who had become the owner of owned by the persons offering the same, or by members
valuable farming lands. within the city of their families, and products of the soil or
manufactured articles must be produced within the
limits, began to turn his attention to the county.
cultivation of the soil. He at once began to Sixth.—That awarding committees to examine the
call the attention of neighbors and friends to articles offered for premium, and award premiums
thereon, should be annually appointed by the directors.
the advantages which would be derived to Seventh.—That awarding committees should comply
the farmers of the county, and the people with the provisions of the law requiring competitors for
generally, by the formation of an agricultural premiums on crops and other improvements to furnish
society. His reasonings and persistent full and correct statements of the process and expense of
cultivation, or expense of manufacture or production,
urgency of the movement, soon brought etc.
others to his support, and resulted in a Eighth.—That competitors for the premiums on crops
meeting at the courthouse in Fremont, on the be required to have the ground and its produce
accurately measured by not less than two disinterested
31st day of August, 1852, at which the persons, whose statements must be verified by affidavit.
society was organized. Ninth.—That premiums on crops of grain and grass
At this meeting Hon. John Bell was should not be awarded on the crops of less than one acre
chosen chairman, and Daniel Capper of land, and those on root crops on not less than one -
fourth of an acre; the whole quantity produced and the
secretary pro tem. Sardis Birchard and Jonas amount of land specified shall be measured or weighed-
Smith were made a committee for the the root crops to be estimated by weight, divested of the
appointment of a board of directors for the tops, and sixty pounds to be considered a bushel; and
grain crops to be measured or weighed according to the
ensuing year. This committee, after usual standards; the rules in relation to other crops and
consultation, reported as directors for the productions to be agreed on by the directors of the
ensuing year the following names: LaQuinio society.
Rawson, president of said board; Samuel Tenth.—The tenth and last article of the constitution
provided that the annual exhibitions should be held at
Hafford, vice president; Stephen Buckland, some period between the first day of September And the
treasurer; Daniel Capper, secretary; and first day of November, the premiums on crops to be
James Vallette, Isaac Glick, Samuel Skinner, awarded if thought necessary.
Alvin Coles, and
210 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The foregoing is the substance of every they also then and there resolved to invite all
provision in the first constitution of the first the members of the society to exhibit at said
agricultural society in the county. fair horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry,
The names of the members of this society field crops, fruit, dairy products, and
when this constitution was adopted, are manufactured articles, and at the same time
recorded in this work as upon a roll of fixed the premiums on the various articles to
honor, to be hereafter remembered with be exhibited.
gratitude by the future patrons of husbandry Although it might be interesting in the
in the county. They are: future to publish a detailed statement of the
Matthew M. Coe, Samuel Hafford, James Parks,
premiums offered at this first county fair, we
Edward Leppelman, Daniel Capper, John Bell, F. I. omit the details, because we intend giving
Norton, James Vallette, Isaac Glick, Samuel Skinner, the premiums actually awarded, what for,
Jonas Smith, J. F. R. Sebring, L. E. Boren, Jacob Lesher, and the amounts, which will give all the
David Garvin, Jacob Bowlus, Peter Burgoon, LaQ.
Rawson, J. S. Olmsted, Alvin Coles, F. S. White, S. facts the reader will desire, and will avoid, at
Birchard, C. D. Hall, George R. Haynes, L. B. Otis, E. the same time, a repetition of matter in this
F. Dickinson, C. Edgarton, S. Buckland, J. P. Haynes, connection.
James Mitchell, J. L. Greene, William Kepler, Horace E.
Clark, F. Vandercook, R. P. Buckland, G. M. Tillotson, AWARD OF PREMIUMS.
B. J. Bartlett, A. J. Dickinson, C. O. Tillotson, George At the first annual fair of the Sandusky
Engler, J. R. Pease, D. Adams, J. S. Fouke, J. B. Downs,
John S. Tyler, Homer Everett, John Moore, Samuel
County Agricultural Society, held in 1852,
Thompson, Jesse Dorcas, Aaron Loveland, John premiums were awarded as follows:
Lefever, Daniel Tindall, Henry Nichols, J. C. Wales, J.
justice, Philip King, Paul Tew, Samuel Fennimore, C. J. Class A, Cattle.—Best yoke of working oxen over
Orton, Dean & Ballard, James Moore, William A. Hill, four years old, to Isaac Glick, of Ballville, $5. Best
W. M. Stark, Isaac Knapp, Daniel G. Shutts, Joseph R. bull over four years old, William Hill, of Scott
Clark, Christian Doncyson, H. Shiveley, James H. township, $3; second best bull, Otho Lease, of Jackson
Hafford, Jacob Kridler, Thomas L. Hawkins, W. B. township, $1. Best bull over three years old, D.
Stevenson, John Orwig, Seneca Hitt, J. F. Smith, N. P. Seaman, Ballville township, $3; second best over three
Birdseye, Adam Jordan, Norton Russell, F. Lake, years old, Lyman Miller, Green Creek township. Best
George Cogswell, A. B. Taylor, John Younkman, W. C. bull over one year old, James Vallette, of Ballville
Shutts, Hiram Haff, Miles W. Plain, Jesse Emerson, township; second. best bull, John Lefever, Green Creek
Martin Bruner, Sidney Forgerson, Lyman Miller, C. township, $1. Best milch cow, John Moore, of Ballville
King, Orlin Sylva, John Whitmore, Isaac Mowrer, Henry township, $3; second best milch cow, James Vallette,
Bowman, Hiram Miller, A. J. Henper, Edwin Doud, S. Ballville township, $2. Best fat ox, John Moore,
H. Tibbals, F. M. Clayton. Ballville township, $3. Best two year old heifer,
George Cogswell, Sandusky township, $2; second best
FIRST MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS. two year old heifer, Samuel Fennimore, of Ballville
The board of directors of the Sandusky township, $1. Best yearling heifer, William Kessler, of
Sandusky township, $2; second best yearling heifer, D.
County Agricultural Society, chosen as we Seaman, Ballville township, $ 1.
have mentioned above, met at the office of Class B, Horses.—Best stallion, S. H. Tibbals, York
the secretary on the 4th day of September, township, $3; second best stallion, John Colvin, York
township, $2. Best brood mare and colt, P. Burgoon,
1852; present, LaQuinio Rawson, Samuel Sandusky township, $3: second best brood mare and
Hafford, Stephen Buckland, colt, John Whitmore, Townsend township, $2. Best pair
Daniel Capper, James Vallette, Samuel matched horses, J. C. Wales, of York township, $3;
Skinner. second best pair matched horses, H. Haff, Townsend
township, $2. Best gelding over four years old, J. Hale,
The board, after due consultation and Sandusky township, $3; second best gelding over four
deliberation, resolved that the first fair of years old, B. J. Bartlett, Sandusky. Best work horse
said society should be held at Fremont, on over four years old, Otho Lease, of Jackson, $2; second
best work horse over four years old,
the 13th day of October, 1852; and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 211

E. Doud, York, $1. Best carriage horse, William Tew, $2. Best bacon, M. W. Plain, Green Creek township,
Townsend township, $2. Best three year old colt, C. G. $2. Best two-horse buggy harness, James Kridler,
Green, Ballville township, $3; second best three year old Sandusky township, $2. Best farm harness, M. W.
colt, N. Bowlus, Sandusky township, $2. Best two year Plain, Green Creek, $2. Best lot fruit trees, J. A.
old colt, W. Shutts, York township, $2; second best two Watrous, Green Creek, diploma. Best tin roof, Canfield
year old colt, Hiram Haff, Townsend township, $1. Best & Co., diploma. Best sofa, J. W. Stevenson, Sandusky,
yearling colt, John Whitmore, Townsend township, $2; $3; second do. same, $2. Best card table, same, $2.
second best yearling colt, John Whitmore, $1. Best three Best panel door, F. Luke, Sandusky, $2. Best domestic
year old stallion, J. Gibbs, Riley township, $3; second carpet, M. W. Plain, Green Creek, $2; second do, S. E.
best three year old stallion, William Shrader, $2. Best Edgerton, Sandusky, $1.
jack, Joseph R. Clark, Riley township, $2. Class K.—Best woollen stockings, Mrs. Tew
Class C, Sheep.—Best buck, Hiram Haff, Townsend Townsend, $2; second do. Mrs. Tyler, Sandusky, $1.
township, $2; second best buck, S. Hafford, Ballville Best comforter, Mrs. Norton, Sandusky, $1. Best made
township, $1. Best pen of five ewes, D. Capper, quilt, Mrs. Hyatt, Ballville, $2; second do, Mrs.
Sandusky township, $2; second best pen of five ewes, S. Zimmerman, Sandusky, $1. Embroidery, A. M.
Fennimore, Ballville township, $1. Olmsted, Sandusky, $2; do. Miss E. Knapp, $2; do.
Class D, Hogs.—Best boar over one year old, James Miss A. Kepler, $1; do. Mrs. Thorndyke, $1; do. Miss
Vallette, Ballville township, $2. Best breeding sow, E. Ball, $1. Needlework, Mrs. Thorndyke, $2; do. Mrs.
John Moore, Ballville township, $2; second best Parker, 2; do. Mrs. Boren, $1; do. Mrs. J. Nyce, $2; do.
breeding sow, James Vallette, $ 1. Best fat hog, S. Miss Taylor, $1; do. Mrs. Momeny, $2. Best coverlet,
Thompson, Sandusky township, $2. Best pen of pigs, Mrs. Younkman, $2; second do. Mrs. Treat.
William Kepler, Sandusky township, $2. Embroidery, Miss Justice, $1; do. Miss S. E. Ball, $1.
Class E, Fowls.—Best lot five domestic fowls, P. Drawing, Miss A. Norton, $1; do. Miss O. Dickinson.
Brush, Ballville township, $2; second, James F. Hults, $1; do. Miss S. Dickinson, $1. Best variety house
$1. plants, Mrs. J. W. Wilson; second do. Miss Olmsted.
Class F, Dairy and Kitchen—Best roll five pounds Best collection wax work flowers, Mrs. Orton, $1. Best
butter, Mrs. Treat, Ballville township, $2; second do. basket of flowers, Mrs. C. King, $1. Needlework, Mrs.
Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1. Best lot Wells, $1; do. Miss Montgomery, $1; do. Miss Ray-
cheese, Mrs. P. Tew, Townsend township, $2. Best mond.
bread, Mrs. P. Brush, Ballville township $2; second do. RECEIPTS.
Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1.
Class G, Fruit.—Best variety table fruit, Lyman From voluntary subscriptions and donations,
Miller, Green Creek township, $2; second do. A. and from fees ............................................ $236.54
Loveland, Sandusky township, $1. Best lot winter fruit, From the county treasury under the law to
H. Bowlus, Sandusky township, $1; second do. William encourage the formation of agricultural societies200.00
King, Ballville, $1. Best lot grapes, Mrs. L. B. Otis, For lumber sold after the fair ............................ 58.88
Sandusky township, $1. Best quinces, Mrs. Russell, Total .................................................... $495.42
Green Creek township, $1; second do. Mrs. S. Treat,
DISBURSEMENTS.
Ballville township, $1; third do. Mrs. R. P. Buckland,
Sandusky township, $1. For lumber............................................................................$105.00
Class H.—Best acres of corn, H. Haff, Townsend For laborers ...............................................................................88.00
township, $5; second do. William Hyatt, Ballville For printing................................................................................23.00
township $2. Best variety garden corn, Mrs. Dickinson, For brass band...........................................................................15.00
Sandusky township, $1. Best potatoes, George Brim, Premiums awarded................................................................ 205.00
Woodville township, $1. Best turnips, George Hyatt, Total expenses.........................................................$436.00
Ballville township, $1. Best squashes, Miles W. Plain,
Greek Creek township, $1. Best beets, Mrs. Vallette, Balance in the treasury on settlement ................................. $59.42
Ballville township, $1 Best honey, Mrs. S. A. Loveland, This detailed statement of premiums
Sandusky township, $1.
Class I.—Best faun wagon, J. C. Wade, York awarded, to whom and what for, and the
township, $3; second do, M. Halderman, Rice township, statement of the receipts and disbursements
$2. Best straw cutter, William Orr, Sandusky township, of the first agricultural fair in the county,
$1. Best dressed calf skin, Dickinson & Co., Sandusky
township, $1. Best side harness leather, same, $2;
may not now be of much interest to the
second do. M. Justice, $1. Best buggy, William reader. But the time is coming when, like
Raymond, Sandusky township, $3. Best barrel flour, the incidents of early pioneer
James Moore, Ballville township,
212 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

life, to the present age, all the particulars of side of the river, on an out-lot since sub-
the first fair will be deeply interesting to divided, and about where in-lots eleven
those who would watch the progress of the hundred and sixty-two and eleven hundred
society in all its phases, and more especially and sixty three now are in the third ward of
to that portion of the people of the county the city, as now bounded.
who would measure the progress of the The receipts for this year were as follows:
county in the most important of all the Balance in treasury, 1852 .......................................$59.42
industries pursued by man. Amount received by voluntary subscriptions
and fees imposed on members .......................................356.78
WHERE THE FIRST FAIR WAS HELD. Received from county........................................................... 200.00
From sale of lumber, etc..........................................................62.45
The society had acquired no land on From sale of bull.......................................................................41.76
which to hold the fair of 1852. However, it
$720.41
procured the right to sufficient room to EXPENDITURES.
begin. If the reader will take the map of
Fremont, find State Street, and follow it to Payment on premium list ...................................$188.00
Paid lumber, labor, printing, etc........................... 325.22
the east end of the bridge over the Sandusky Loss on county bull..................................................11.25
River, and find lots number four hundred Unpaid bills last year................................................55.67
and sixty-four and four hundred and sixty-
five, fronting that street on the south side of $583.71
it, and notice numbers four hundred and Balance in treasury............................................................. $136.67
thirty and four hundred and thirty-one in the At a meeting of the society held at the
rear of them, they will find the ground where courthouse in Fremont, on the 8th day of
the first agricultural fair was held, beginning July, 1854, the following officers for the
on the thirteenth day of October, 1852. ensuing year were chosen, to wit:
The memoranda of the finances of this Horatio Adams, president; W. H. Rey-
first fair are worth preserving in history, and nolds, vice-president; Hiram Hurd, treasurer;
the names of the men and women who A. Thorpe, secretary; C. G. Sanford, John
organized or patronized the society, are Moore, Lewis Wright, Stephen Buckland,
worthy of preservation, and will receive the and Jeremiah Gibbs, managers. At a meeting
honor due them for the starting of an held at the courthouse in Fremont, June 17,
institution which has been productive of so 1854, the next fair was appointed to be held
much good already and promises so more in in Clyde, Ohio, on the 26th and 27th days of
the future of the county. September, 1854. At a meeting in Clyde in
July, 1854, a premium list was made out and
FAIR OF 1853
published. The fair for that year was
A meeting of the board was held on the accordingly held at Clyde on the days
15th day of September, 1853, at which it was appointed, with the following results:
resolved that the second fair of said society Total receipts, including two hundred dollars
paid by the county and balance from the
be held at Fremont on the 12th and 13th days preceding year, amounted to..............................$483.45
of October, 1853; also a resolution fixing the Total disbursements ............................................................... 413.41
premiums for different articles, animals, and Balance in treasury ...............................................................$70.04
agricultural products, and works of art and
domestic industries. This fair was held on On the 25th day of April, 1855, the board
ground, the use of which, for the purpose, met in Fremont; present, LaQ. Rawson,
was donated by General John Bell, on the president; William Russell, vice-president;
east C. R. McCulloch, treasurer;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 213

D. Capper, secretary, and Paul Tew, Henry The society from this time had a local
Nichols, and Samuel Skinner, managers. habitation as well as a name.
On motion it was ordered that James At a meeting of the members of the
Vallette be and is appointed one of the society, held pursuant to notice at the office
managers of the society, in the place of of John Bell, in Fremont, on the 1st day of
Samuel Treat, deceased. March, A. D. 1856, the following officers
At this meeting the society took the first were elected for the ensuing year: LaQ.
step towards purchasing a suitable parcel of Rawson, president; William Russell, vice-
land on which to build proper structures, president; C. R. McCulloch, treasurer;
whereon to hold their future fairs, and LaQ. Daniel Capper, secretary; James Vallette,
Rawson, Daniel Capper, James Vallette, and Samuel Skinner, Martin Wright, Nathan P.
C. R. McCulloch, were appointed a Birdseye, Paul Tew, managers.
committee to negotiate for or purchase the On the 22d day of August, 1856, at a
ground, and also to make out and publish a meeting of the board, it was ordered that the
premium list for the next fair. annual fair for the year should be held on
THE FAIR OF 1855 the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October. A
The annual fair of the society for the year premium list was made out and published
1855, was held on the 2d, 3d and 4th days of soon after, and the annual fair held
October of that year, on the ground accordingly. The financial results of this
bargained for by the committee above fair were a total expenditure, including two
named, being what was then known as the hundred and twenty-three dollars and
east part of out-lot number one hundred and seventy-five cents for premiums, and two
sixteen, in the city of Fremont. The purchase hundred and eighteen dollars for fitting up
was made of Downs & Company, and the grounds, amounting to six hundred and
consisted of seven and two one-hundredths thirty-nine dollars and thirty cents.
acres, bounded by the river on the east, and Receipts, six hundred and thirty-eight dol-
situated east of their mill race. lars and forty-three cents. Being an excess
The result of the fair held in 1855, was of expenditures over receipts of eighty-
financially as follows : seven cents.
At a meeting of the members of the
Receipts from certificates of membership .... $366.82
society, held at the office of John Bell, on
From donations to purchase and improve
fair grounds ............................................... 646.00
the 28th day of February, 1857, John Bell
From county treasury ...................................... 489.08 chairman and B. Amsden secretary, the
From unpaid subscriptions .............................. 148.50 following officers were elected for the
J. C. Wales` note from former treasurer ............. 5.00 ensuing year: L. Q. Rawson president;
Donations from publishers of papers ................ 14.20
Jacob Winters, vice-president; J. F. R.
Total ................................................................... $1,669.60
Sebring, secretary; Daniel Capper, treas-
urer; H. R. Adams, James Vallette, James
EXPENDITURES.
Paid expenses of fair .......................$39.99
Parks, Daniel Smith, and Peter King,
Paid printing ......................................27.00 managers.
Paid premiums .................................162.80 FAIR OF 1857.
Paid silver cups .................................24.06
Paid improvement of fair grounds...564.53
The board met at the office of John Bell,
Paid Morgan & Downs on land .......691.89 in Fremont, Ohio, on the 18th day of April,
1857, and ordered that J. F. R. Sebring,
Total .................................................... $1,510.27 Daniel Capper, James Vallette,
Balance .......................................................... $159.33
214 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and L. Q. Rawson, be appointed an executive the society's grounds, in October, 1860, the
committee to prepare and publish a premium following officers were elected for the
list, and fix the day, and to prepare the ensuing year: Daniel Capper, president; John
grounds for the next fair. M. Smith, secretary; Theodore Clapp,
The journal of the society hitherto treasurer; John S. Gardner, vice-president;
recorded the premium list, the premiums Jesse Emerson, Benjamin Inman, Saxton S.
awarded, and the financial results of the Rathbun, Timothy Wilcox, and Alfred Black,
year’s transactions, but no such record is managers.
made for the fair of 1857, and therefore the On the 8th day of January, 1861, the
figures in these respects are omitted. But it society had paid for, and received a deed
is quite apparent that a fair was held in 1857, from Morgan & Downs, conveying to the
because the record shows that on the third society the east part of out-lot number one
day of the fair in that year, the society, at the hundred and sixteen, in Fremont, containing
office of the secretary, on the fair ground, seven and two-hundredths acres of land, for
pursuant to public notice, elected the a fair ground. For this ground the society
following officers for the ensuing year: L. Q. paid the sum of one thousand and fifty-three
Rawson, president; S. Buckland, treasurer; dollars. It was a very good location,
Daniel Capper, secretary; James Parks, affording shade and convenient access to the
Charles Powers, A. Thorp, J. Vallette, and Sandusky River for water. But time
Jacob Winters, managers. We have thus afterwards showed the ground was subject to
given the meetings, officers, and financial inundation by the river, and the fences and
results of the society and its fairs up to the other structures were sometimes swept off
year 1857, and the election of officers for by flood. For these reasons and also to
the ensuing year. accommodate the expansion of the society in
FAIR OF 1858. the future, this land was sold, and other
The fair of 1858 was successfully held on ground bought, as will be noticed further on.
their ground in Fremont, and on the last day On the 5th day of June, 1861, the board
of this fair, according to notice, the met at the store of Theodore Clapp, in
following officers were elected for the Fremont. At this meeting there were present,
ensuing year: James Vallette, president; D. Capper, president; Theodore Clapp,
James Parks, vice-president; S. Buckland, treasurer; and Platt Brush, Benjamin Inman,
treasurer; William E. Haynes, secretary; L. Saxton S. Rathbun, and Jesse Emerson,
Q. Rawson, U. B. Lemmon, and Charles directors. At this meeting John M. Smith
Powers, managers. was elected secretary, to fill the vacancy
Each year of the fair produced an enlarged caused by the absence of A. J. Hale, former
premium list, and increased premiums for secretary, and Amos R. Carver was elected
the various articles exhibited. vice-president, to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the death of John S. Gardner, former
THE FAIR OF 1859. vice-president, the persons so elected to
This fair was duly and successfully held serve in the respective offices for the
on the same ground purchased by the so- ensuing year, and until their successors
ciety, but the minutes of the proceedings do should be elected. At this meeting Theodore
not show who were elected officers and Clapp, Platt Brush, and John M. Smith, were
managers for the ensuing year. appointed a committee to make out a
premium list
FAIR OF 1860.
On the third day of the fair, held on
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 215

for the year, to be submitted to the board at J. W. Failing, O. W. Vallette, Henry Buckland, Willard
Norton, L. Morehouse, E. Simpkins, Mrs. G. Grant, Mrs.
their next meeting. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. G. Canfield, Mrs. Nat Haynes, Mrs.
On the 22d day of June, 1861, the board John Magee, Miss Eliza Simpkins, Miss Beckey
again met at the store of Theodore Clapp. At Simpkins, Miss Isabella Nyce, Miss M. Justice, Miss
this meeting those present were D. Capper, Martha Raymond, Miss Ellen Hafford, Miss Jennie
McLellan, Miss S. Botefur, Miss E. A. Morehouse, Miss
president; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; John Mary Canfield, Miss Amelia Norton, Miss Sarah Jane
M. Smith, secretary; and Platt Brush, Grant, Miss G. Thompson, Miss Myra Kepler, Miss L.
Benjamin Inman, Saxton S. Rathbun, Jesse Kepler, Miss Emma Downs, Miss A. Sharp, Miss Sarah
Wilson, Miss Mary Durand, Miss Eva Bartlett, and Miss
Emerson, and Timothy Wilcox, directors. Bell Maxwell.
The committee to make out a premium list To the resident of Fremont in the year
for the annual fair made their report which 1861, who was familiar with the social or-
was read and approved by the board. The fair ganization at that time, the names on this
was appointed to be held on Wednesday, committee will awake reminiscences of
Thursday, and Friday, the 2d, 3d and 4th intense interest. The list of young, and
days of October, 1861, and the meeting then beautiful, and cultured ladies, embraces what
ordered the premium list published. was, at that time, the cream of our collected
On the 26th day of August, 1861, the beauty of person, and culture of intellect,
board met and appointed Jeremiah Gibbs and, no doubt, those who resided in Fremont
director, in place of Timothy Wilcox, absent. in the fall of 1861, and witnessed how these
The premium list of this year was extensive earnest, and beautiful, and good women
and more elaborate than those of former labored to make the fair of the society for
years, and the fair was a success. But the 1861 interesting and profitable, will trace the
financial results are not given on the journal history of each gentleman and lady of this
of the society, and we therefore omit any committee through the checkered scenes of
statement of them. their after life with intense interest.
WHO FITTED UP FLORAL HALL IN 1861. On the third day of the fair held in 1861,
the members met according to notice, and
As a matter of history, already interesting elected officers for the ensuing year, as
in the county, and to become more and more follows: Daniel Capper, president; Hiram
interesting as time rolls on, we give the Haff, vice-president; O. W. Vallette,
names of the committee designated by the secretary; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; S. S.
board of the society, to fit up floral hall for Rathbun, C. G. Greene, Jeremiah Gibbs,
the fair of 1861. We record them here for Samuel Hafford, and Daniel Waggoner,
two reasons. First, because it gives some managers.
idea of the interest the people took in these A premium list for the next fair was
annual exhibitions. Secondly, because it prepared by Daniel Capper and O. W.
preserves for future mention the names of a Vallette, and submitted to the board, and
number of the men and women then approved at a meeting held on the 31st of
prominent in our social circles, for their taste May, 1862. At this meeting it was resolved
and devotion to the cause of improvement in that the next annual fair should be held on
all directions. The committee named by the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 1st,
board for fitting up floral hall, for the annual 2d, and 3d days of October, 1862.
fair of 1861, were as follows:
216 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

DURING THE WAR. ensuing year: J. L. Greene, sr., president;


John Moore, of Ballville, vice-president;
From the formation of the society in 1852,
John P. Moore, treasurer; O, W. Vallette,
to the year 1862, although the civil war
secretary; Daniel Waggoner, Jasper King,
broke out in 1861, the annual fairs had been
William E. Lay, Jason Gibbs, and Warren G.
held without a single failure in any year.
Hafford, managers.
True it is that in the year 1861 the war cloud
At a meeting of the officers of the society
hung heavy over all the land, but so remote
held on the 26th day of March, 1864, the
were the people of Sandusky county from
president, J. L. Greene, sr., and Secretary O.
the contending armies and the battlefields,
W. Vallette, were appointed a committee to
that our business was not seriously
prepare a premium list for the next fair.
interrupted until the summer of 1862. Then
On the 16th of April, 1864, the board met
the cloud, thicker and darker than before,
and appointed the fair to be held on
spread over the whole sky and enveloped us
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 12th,
in darkness, gloom, and fear.
13th, and 14th days of October.
After the premium list was published and
The financial results of the fair of 1864
the days for the fair selected, we find the
are not recorded, and therefore not pub-
following entry on the journal of the society,
lished.
in the handwriting of the secretary, Vallette:
On the 18th day of January, 1865, the
Owing to the unsettled state of the county on account
members of the society met at the office of
of the war, and the fact that the draft in our county came
on the days appointed for our fair, it was decided by the
John L. Greene, sr., and elected the
officers of the society to postpone the fair for this year. following officers to serve the ensuing year:
O. W. VALLETTE, Secretary. Theodore Clapp, president; William E.
Fremont, August, 1862. Haynes, vice-president; DeWitt Krebs,
Hence, the society held no fair in the year treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secretary; Edward
1862. Tindall, U. B. Lemmon, James N, Campbell,
At the meeting of the members of the B. Amsden, and Charles Powers, directors.
society held at the store of Theodore Clapp, On the 27th of March, 1865, the board
in Fremont, in January, 1863, the following met at the office of Theodore Clapp. At this
officers were elected to serve the ensuing meeting William E. Haynes, DeWitt Krebs,
year: Daniel Capper, president; Platt Brush, and O. W. Vallette, were appointed a
vice-president; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; committee to revise and prepare a premium
O. W. Vallette, secretary; S. S. Rathbun, U. list for the next fair and report the same to a
B. Lemmon, C. G. Greene, and Daniel future meeting of the board, The premium
Waggoner, managers. An extended premium list was approved and published, and the fair
list was made out and published, and the fair again successfully held on the 6th, 7th, and
was held successfully on the 7th, 8th, and 8th days of September, 1865, and the
9th days of October, 1863. The premiums premiums awarded and paid.
were regularly awarded and paid. On the 27th day of January, 1866, the
At a meeting of the members held on the society met at the office of Theodore Clapp,
16th of January, 1864, the following officers and elected the following officers for the
of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society ensuing year. Theodore Clapp, president;
were elected to serve the William E. Haynes, vice-presi-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 217

dent; D. W. Krebs, treasurer; O. W. Vallette, which a fine track was formed, on which the
secretary; Edward Tindall of Ballville, speed of trotting and running horses could be
James N. Campbell of Washington, B. tested and compared. Let no one think or
Amsden of Sandusky, Hiram Haff of York, suspect that anything like vulgar horse-
managers for one year; O. W. Vallette of racing was connected with this Driving Park
Ballville, D. W. Krebs of Sandusky, J. P. Association. The out-lots rented by this
Elderkin of Woodville, Benjamin Inman of association were very finely situated for a
Scott, S. S. Rathbun of Green Creek, and fair ground. Hence, at the meeting of the
David Betts of Sandusky township, board in March, 1867, on motion of Mr.
managers for two years. Rathbun, Platt Brush and Charles H. Bell
In May, 1866, the board met and ordered were appointed a committee to confer and
that Theodore Clapp superintend the make arrangements with a committee of the
building of a new fence around the fair Driving Park Association, to hold the county
grounds, and put the grounds in good fair upon their ground.
condition. On the 23d day of May, 1867, the board
On the 28th of September the board met met; present, P. Brush, George Beck, D.
and made the following entry on their Betts, B. Inman, E. Walters, and John V.
journal: Beery. The committee, C. H. Bell and P.
FREMONT, September 28, 1866. Brush, reported that they had rented the
Owing to the late floods, and the damage done on the fair
grounds, it has been decided to postpone the fair for this
driving park for nine years, at a yearly rent
year. of seventy-five dollars, for the purpose of
O. W. VALLETTE, Secretary. holding the fairs of the society. After the
Therefore no fair was held in the year adoption of this report, the president
1866, on account of a flood. Thus we see the appointed Charles H. Bell and Saxton S.
society was prevented from holding its fairs Rathbun, a committee to attend to the
twice in the first fourteen years of its removal of floral hall from the old fair
existence, first in 1862, by the war, and, ground to the driving park. At this same
second, in 1866, by a flood which meeting the premium list was arranged, and
overflowed and damaged its grounds. the next fair of the society appointed to be
On the 14th of February, 1867, the held on the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October,
members of the society met at the office of 1867, the days of the week being
Theodore Clapp, and elected the following Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The fair
officers to serve the ensuing year: Platt was held, accordingly, on the grounds of the
Brush, president; Charles H. Bell, vice- Driving Park Association, the premiums
president, E. Walters, Charles Powers, awarded and paid, and the fair was now
George W. Beck, and J. V. Beery, managers. established on the east side of the river, on
On the 7th of March following, the board the hill and above the reach of floods. But
met, and elected, J. V. Beery secretary, and the facilities for procuring a supply of water
J. P. Elderkin treasurer. were lacking, and there was no shade. Still
Let it be remarked that about this time the fair was well attended, and was
some enterprising gentlemen who were fond reasonably successful.
of cultivating speedy horse-flesh, had On the 1st day of February, 1868, the
organized the Fremont Driving Park Asso- society met at the office of Theodore Clapp
ciation, and had rented some out-lots on the and elected the following officers:
hill, on the east side of the river, on
218 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Charles H. Bell, president; Oscar Ball, vice- court house in Fremont, and that it should be
president; J. P. Elderkin, treasurer; J. V. sold to the highest bidder. After ordering the
Beery, secretary; B. Inman, John P. payment of certain sums out of the treasury,
Elderkin, jr., Samuel Skinner, Platt Brush, the meeting adjourned.
William McPherson, and David Fuller, On the 30th of January, 1869, the members
managers. of the society met pursuant to published
On the 6th of February the board met and notice, and elected the following officers for
appointed Samuel Skinner, Oscar Ball, the ensuing year: Benjamin Inman,
Benjamin Inman, Platt Brush, and William president; Charles H. Bell, vice-president;
McPherson a committee to prepare a Frederick Fabing, treasurer; James S.
premium list for the fair of 1868. Vanvalkenburg, secretary; Elijah Kellogg,
The fair was held on the 17th, 18th, and George Beck, James Parks, and John K.
19th days of September, 1868, and the Richards, managers. This meeting appointed
premiums were awarded and paid as usual. the time for holding the next fair to be on the
This fair was held on the Trotting Park Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 7th, 8th,
ground, east side of the river. and 9th days of October, 1869.
The officers and directors of the society for The old fair ground was sold at auction at 2
1868, met on the 13th day of January, 1869. o'clock P. M., January 29, 1869, to Canfield
P r e s e n t— C. H. Bell, Platt Brush, Benjamin & Co., for sixteen hundred and five dollars.
Inman, David Fuller, George Beck, J. P. Such is the mention of the record on the
Elderkin, jr., and John V. Beery. journal of the society. But the record of
The object of this meeting was to consider deeds shows that the old fair ground was
on the disposal of the old fair ground, and to conveyed to Downs & Co. (which is
arrange the distribution of the finances, and probably another name for Canfield & Co.),
pay out the funds on hand. It was, on motion by deed dated February 1 1 , 1869, for the
of Platt Brush, resolved that the old fair consideration of one thousand six hundred
ground be offered for sale, provided that and fifty-five dollars,
over fifteen hundred dollars should be On the 2d day of June, 1869, the board met
offered for it, and the motion was carried upon notice, and Charles H. Bell, George
unanimously. Beck, Benjamin Inman, and Frederick
Here crops out the intention of the society to Fabing were appointed to prepare a premium
abandon the old fair ground, purchased of list for the year 1869, which they did.
Morgan & Downs long before. The reasons For this year the results of the fair are
for this movement were sufficient summed up as follows:
justification for abandoning the location. Amount received from former treasurer ............. $1.32
First, all the fences and buildings the society Amount from State Board of Agriculture ......... 106.00
Amount from rents of ground and tickets sold.. 741.45
might erect there were subject to be annually
swept away by the floods in the river. ....................................................................... $848.77
EXPENDITURES.
Second, the quantity of ground was Paid expenses and repairs at fair ...... $219.47
insufficient to accommodate the growing Paid printing......................................... 66.00
demands of the society. Paid secretary’s salary.......................... 50.00
The secretary was ordered to advertise the Paid assistants ........................................ 9.00
ground in both the county papers, to be sold Paid treasurer's assistants ..................... 10.00
Paid premiums to date .......................... 54.55
on the 29th day of January, 1860, at 2
o' clock P. M., at the east door of the .................................................................................. $809.02
Cash balance on hand ............................................ $39.75
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 219

The foregoing exhibit of the financial fronting west on Elm street, and going near
transactions of the year was reported to a the brow of the hill overlooking the
meeting of the board, held on the 29th of Sandusky valley, but did not include the
January, 1870, and was then approved. side-hill. The society desired the hill, and
On the same day of the above mentioned hill-side, and on further negotiation relin-
meeting of the board, after the approval of quished a strip about fourteen rods wide on
the treasurer's report above given, the Elm street, and took about twenty-seven
members of the society proceeded to the acres covering the side-hill, for the sum of
election of officers for the ensuing year, about seven thousand dollars. By this
with the following result: President, purchase the society acquired one of the
Benjamin Inman; vice president, Beman most convenient and beautiful sites for a fair
Amsden; treasurer, Christian Doncyson; ground in the State.
secretary, William H. Andrews. The Pursuant to notice the members of the
directors were David Fuller, for one year; for society met at the courthouse, in Fremont, on
two years, W. W. Cooper, Green Creek; the 10th day of February, 1871, and elected
James Havens, Jackson, H. B. Hineline, the following officers for the ensuing year.
Rice; Peter Burgoon, Sandusky; and Samuel William E. Haynes, president; Oscar Ball,
Skinner, of Washington township. vice-president; William H. Andrews,
At this same meeting, held on the 29th secretary; John M. Smith, treasurer; David
January, 1870, James Parks, Samuel Skinner, Fuller, B. W. Lewis, Elijah Kellogg, Ben-
and George W. Beck were appointed a jamin Inman, Jacob Stetler, and James Parks,
committee to report on the purchase of fair directors.
grounds. At a meeting held March 11, 1871, Peter
PURCHASE OF NEW GROUNDS. Darr was added to the list of directors to fill
At a meeting of the bard of directors of the vacancy occasioned by the death of H. B.
the society, held at the county auditor's Hineline. The board at this meeting also
office, on the 17th day of March, 1870, the appointed Oscar Ball, B. Inman, David
board received the report of the committee Fuller, B. W. Lewis, Peter Burgoon, and
above named on the purchase of a William E. Haynes, an executive committee
fairground, and by a unanimous vote to transact all business of the society in the
selected the site proposed to be purchased of absence of the board, and this executive
LaQ. Rawson, and appointed B. Amsden to committee was instructed to prepare a
survey the same under the direction of a premium list for the next fair. At this
committee consisting of James Parks, Peter meeting, it should be noticed, the society
Burgoon, and Samuel Skinner. The board adopted a new constitution, the particular
then adjourned until the 23d day of April, changes in which from the former one it is
1870, to meet at the county auditor's office not deemed necessary to particularize, but it
at 10 o'clock A. M. A meeting was duly held made some changes which time and ex-
at the time and place appointed. The perience had proved necessary to the more
committee and surveyor made their report. successful management of the affairs of the
Without narrating tedious details, we may society.
state that the survey and report offered the At a meeting of the board, held May 13,
society twenty acres of land, 1871, it was ordered that the next fair be
held on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th days
220 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of October, 1871. Vigorous measures were ing to the rules of the society, that at the
adopted to prepare the new grounds, and harvest of 1872 he raised two hundred and
erect suitable buildings for the fair of 1871, twenty bushels of wheat on six and thirty-
the first held there. one-hundredth acres of his land. The land
The fair was held according to appoint- was measured by J. L. Rawson, surveyor, the
ment, and the popular verdict was that the wheat was measured and the quantity sworn
society had done a good thing in securing to by Mr. A. Mosier. Mr. Tindall was
such an admirable location. The results of awarded the premium.
this fair were reported to the next meeting, Pursuant to published notice the members
held February 3, 1872, and may be briefly of the society met at the courthouse in
stated as follows. The report was made by Fremont, on Saturday, February 1, 1873, and
the treasurer, Isaac M. Keeler, successor to elected the following officers: William B.
John M. Smith, and shows Sheldon, president; J. R. Gephart, vice-
RE CEIP TS. president; Z. Brush, B. W. Lewis, T. H.
Citizens' loan ........................................................... $2500.00 Bush, J. Fairbanks, and Frederick Smith,
County agricultural fund ......................................... 2745.00 managers. Mr. Sheldon refused to serve, and
Nineteenth annual fair and excursion ..................... 2465.66 on the 22d of February, 1873, Platt Brush
$7710.66 was elected president, and on the same day
D ISBU RSEM EN TS. F. J. Giebel, jr., was elected secretary, and
Improvement of new grounds .................................. $549.00 John P. Elderkin, jr., treasurer, for the
Old debts prior to 1871 ...............................................571.60 ensuing year. Mr. Brush declined serving as
Premiums to date .........................................................848.50 president, and, on the 3d of May, 1873, the
Expenses of nineteenth fair ........................................498.07 society elected John R. Gephart president.
Cash on hand ...............................................................302.49 By this election a vacancy was caused in the
$7710.66 office of vice-president, and T. H. Bush was
At a meeting held at the courthouse on the elected to that office, which left a vacancy in
3d day of February, 1872, the following the board of managers, which was filled by
officers were unanimously elected: William the election of Charles H. Norton. An
E. Haynes, president; Oscar Ball, vice- executive committee was chosen, and the
president; Joseph Waggoner, Peter Burgoon, time for holding the next fair fixed for the
William J. Havens, Peter Darr, W. W. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October, 1873,
Cooper, and R. P. Buckland, managers. and the fair was held accordingly.
On the 23d of April, 1872, William H. This fair was a financial failure, for an
Andrews was elected secretary, and Isaac M. entry on the journal shows that afterwards
Keeler treasurer for the year. At this meeting the executive committee met, and ascer-
it was resolved to hold the twentieth annual tained by the treasurer's report that the
fair of the society on the 25th, 26th, 27th, disbursements exceeded the receipts by the
and 28th days of September, 1872. The amount of seven hundred dollars, and that
following committee was then appointed to the treasurer had paid the excess of
arrange for the fair, namely: William E. expenditures out of his own private funds.
Haynes, Oscar Ball, B. W. Lewis, David The committee authorized a loan to be made
Fuller, and William H. Andrews. The fair by the society for the amount, to be paid,
was successfully held at the appointed time. with eight per cent. interest, on the 2d day of
Mr. Edward Tindall reported and proved to November, 1874.
the board, accord-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 221

On the 7th day of February, 1874, pursuant often uncomfortable rays of the sun.
to the provisions of the constitution of the The contract for this building was
society, and to printed notice, the society awarded to Mr. A. Foster, of the city of
met at the county auditor's office, in Fremont, at the price of one thousand two
Fremont, and received the treasurer's report, hundred and seventy-five dollars.
which shows the following receipts and It was also arranged and ordered by the
disbursements: board that there should be several new
RECEIPTS. features in the fair of 1874, such as a special
1873. premium for the best pair of draught horses,
March 22, cash on hand ................................................$23.63 and mules, also for single horse or mule. The
August 27, cash from excursion....................................... 208.75
October, cash receipts from fair .....................................2,687.00 first were offered a premium of twenty
Cash, city of Fremont ....................................................100.00 dollars, and the second ten dollars, to be
Cash, loans ................................................................... 689.50 tested on the ground by the dynamometer.
$3708.88 Premiums were also offered for plowing,
DISBURSEMENTS. dragging, and drilling contests, to be put
Paid interest on loan .....................................$200.00 under the charge of D. C. Richmond, of Erie
Paid premiums on class 17.............................. 617.00 county, then member of the State Board of
Paid improvements on grounds ....................... 538.56
Paid premiums .............................................. 818.00
Agriculture.
Paid expenses during fair ................................ 425.00 The fair of 1874 began September 30, and
Paid band for music..........................................50.00 continued four days, with the following
Paid sec'y salary and expenses...........................90.00
Paid L. Q. Rawson, on land............................. 561.06
financial result:
Paid printing, etc ........................................... 222.55 RECEIPTS.
Steamer and band for excursion....................... 185.00 Received from former treasurer.........................................................$179.96
Balance on hand ...................................................73 From loan of C. Norton.......................................................................3,000.00
$3,708.88 From loan of W. W. Stine..................................................350.00
From loan of Bank of Fremont...........................................175.00
From annual fair ............................................................ 4,291.40
On the 27th day of February, 1874, the From J. M. Raymond, pasture.................................................................24.00
society met at the county auditor's office and From State Board of Agriculture.........................................................227.52
elected the following officers, to serve the
$8,047.68
ensuing year, namely: R. P. Buckland, DISBURSEMENTS.
president; W. W. Stine, vice-president; Isaac Paid F. J. Geibel, secretary, 1873.......................................................$21.50
M. Keeler, secretary; W. H. Andrews, Paid F. S. White, trustee citizens’ loan...........................................2,500.00
treasurer. Paid F. S White, interest on citizens' loan.........................................200.00
The president was instructed to appoint an Paid C. A. Norton, interest on loan........................................................45.00
Paid L. Q. Rawson, on ground..........................................................1,088.00
executive committee, to consist of five Paid B. Donahue, for loan ....................................................................400.00
members. The committee was afterwards Paid B. Donahue, loan interest................................................................23.29
appointed, and consisted of the following Paid Bank of Fremont, loan and interest..........................................318.20
Paid W. W. Stine, interest ..........................................................................6.53
persons : C. A. Norton, W. W. Stine, B. W. Paid I. M. Keeler, expenses to Columbus...........................................15.00
Lewis, Joseph Waggoner, and E. W. Paid premiums to date .........................................................................1,682.00
Amsden. Paid fair expenses......................................................................................253.71
During the summer and autumn of the Paid permanent improvement on grounds......................................840.40
Paid Bank of Fremont on note.............................................................150.00
year 1874 an amphitheater or grand stand
was erected on the fair ground, which af- $8,042.68
forded visitors an excellent view of the Cash on hand February 5, 1875..............................................................$3.28
ground, and all the proceedings of the fair to Here it will be noticed that the fair of
be seen by the eye. It also afforded shelter 1874 shows a marked increase in the re-
from the rain and shade from the
222 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ceipts and disbursements of the society. Green Creek; and Fred Smith, of Rice
In an elaborate report made by the township.
secretary, Isaac M. Keeler, of the fair of On the 13th of February, 1875, the board
1874, to the State Board of Agriculture, held met and elected the following officers:
at Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1875, he says, William W. Stine, president; Charles A.
among other things: Norton, vice-president; Isaac M. Keeler,
The exercise of horses on the half mile track during a secretary; Henry Baker, treasurer.
portion of each day, attracted a large crowd, and some
excellent time was made.
A premium list was prepped and adopted
by the board at their meeting, May 1, 1875.
Further on the report says: The board of directors appointed the time
The results of the fair of 1873 were unfortunate to for holding the annual fair to be Wednesday,
the society, for instead of decreasing the sum of its
indebtedness, it added considerably thereto, and left a Thursday, and Friday, September 21, 22, and
bad feeling among former friends of the society. The 23.
officers of 1874, therefore, felt the greater necessity for An extended premium list was prepared
economy in expenditures, and at the same time to make
the exhibition so attractive as to induce the people from
and the fair was held according to ap-
all parts of the county to show their interest in the pointment. This year the fair was not as
society by being present at the annual fair. The total successful as the year before. The entries for
indebtedness of the society at this time cannot be far exhibition were about one hundred and fifty
from four thousand five hundred dollars.
less than at the fair of 1894. Another
On the whole, the fair of 1874 was a
injurious fact was the unfavorable weather
success, and awakened a new interest in its
of the first two days, which greatly reduced
support.
the entries, the attendance, and the amount
Pursuant to notice, the society met at the
received at the entrance gates.
county auditor's office, and, after hearing the
RECEIPTS.
treasurer's report, and ordering it referred to
a committee, a resolution was passed at this Cash received from treasurer .......................... $11.78
Cash received from city of Fremont ............... 100.00
meeting to amend the constitution, so that Cash received from annual fair .................... 3,438.14
thereafter there should be thirteen directors $3,549.92
of the society. One thereof should be chosen DISBURSEMENTS.
from each township, there being twelve
townships, and also one director at large. Paid interest on loans .................................. $ 182.67
Paid premiums on class 18 .............................. 417.00
Thereupon the following persons were Paid annual premium list................................. 818.25
unanimously chosen directors for the Paid L. Q. Rawson, on land ............................ 615.95
ensuing year: J. K. Richards, of York Paid permanent improvements ........................ 575.00
Paid printing and stationery ............................ 180.00
township; Levi Cowell, of Riley; W. G. Paid Light Guard Band, music .......................... 75.00
Hafford, of Ballville; Platt Brush, of Paid secretary, for services ............................... 50.00
Sandusky; Adam Bair, of Scott; John Paid Bank of Fremont, note, ........................... 101.75
Paid bills of 1873 and 1874 .............................. 72.00
Sandwish, of Woodville; Casper Stausmire,
Paid expenses of the fair ................................ 437.00
of Madison; David Fuller, of Townsend; R. Paid cash in treasury ......................................... 30.00
B. Hayes, Fremont, director at large.
$3,549.92
Of the preceding board the following
The wheat crop of 1875 was reported not
directors held over and were also part of the
to be as good nor as large as that of 1874,
board for 1875, namely: Henry Ludwig, of
but was, notwithstanding, above an average
Jackson township; Joseph Waggoner, of
crop.
Washington; S. S. Rathbun, of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 223

The fair was actually held four days, the The fair was held October 3, 4, 5, and 6,
last two of which brought fine weather and 1876. The number of entries for premiums
greatly increased the attendance and swelled was eleven hundred and seventy-five. The
the receipts, and also rescued the society membership tickets, at one dollar each, were
from the losses of the first two days. twelve hundred and seventy-eight. The total
SHADE TREES.
receipts of this fair amounted to three
thousand two hundred and seven dollars and
This year the board, to encourage the forty cents. The premiums paid, including
planting of shade trees along the highways in races, amounted to one thousand four
the county, offered premiums for their hundred and thirty-seven dollars and
planting. To the owner planting the best row seventy-five cents. The more particular
of not less than forty trees, twenty dollars. items of disbursement are not given, but the
For best row containing not less than twenty- fair was a success, as the receipts appear to
five trees, ten dollars. The trees were to be embrace no loans.
planted during the year ending June, 1876, On the 2d day of November, 1876, at
and the premiums to be awarded at the night, floral hall, the pride of the fair
annual fair, in 1876. grounds, was totally consumed by fire,
Pursuant to notice published, the members which was said to be no doubt the work of
of the society met at the auditor's office, on an incendiary. It was, however, fully
the 5th day of February, 1876. A committee insured.
was duly appointed to report the names of In the secretary's report to the State Board
seven directors, whose time had expired, and of Agriculture, on the fair of 1876, the
one director at large. This committee following showing is made:
consisted of Henry H. House, Joseph RE CEIPTS.
Amount received for tickets of membership, single tickets and
Waggoner, James Wickards William J. tickets to the grand stand....................................... $2,672.90
Smith, and Nehemiah Engler, who reported For booths, refreshments, stands and per-
the following names: W. B. Lewis, director mits ........................................................................357.0 0
at large for one year; W. D. Stine, one year; From other sources ..................................................437.25
On hand from 1875 ..................................................... 39.42
Casper Stausmire, William J. Smith, James
D. Benner, S. S. Rathbun, W. H. Hineline, $3526.64
and E. A. Beebe, each for two years. The D ISBU RSEM EN TS.
Paid premiums .............................................. $1,438 00
directors holding over were J. K. Richards, Paid permanent improvements ........................ 1,057 16
Levi Cowell, W. G. Hafford, P. J. Gossard, Paid fair expenses .............................................. 928.00
and John Sandwish. This board met on the Paid balance to new account............................... 103.48
12th of February, 1876, and. elected the $3526.64
following officers for the year: General R. P. This must have been a prosperous year for
Buckland, president; J. P . Elderkin, vice- the society, for the fair made by this
president; Henry Baker, treasurer; Isaac M. showing more than a thousand dollars' worth
Keeler, secretary. of permanent improvements, paid all
Afterward, Vice-President Elderkin being expenses and left a balance of one hundred
about to remove from the county, resigned and three dollars and forty-eight cents, in the
his office, and Henry Coonrod was elected to treasury. Besides the items of receipts given
fill the vacancy. The premium list was in the secretary's annual report to the State
agreed to and duly published. Board of Agriculture, the State Board had
paid
224 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the society one hundred and twenty-seven and being the only one who made an entry
dollars and fifty-one cents, and the insurance for premium on these crops, took a premium
on floral hall was paid into the treasury on of ten dollars on each. It is not improbable
the 3d day of February, 1877, amounting to that other farmers raised an equal and even
one thousand dollars, which amounts do not greater quantity per acre than Mr. Balsizer,
appear in the secretary’s report, and were no but did not see fit to make the entry for the
doubt standing to the credit of the society for premium.
the succeeding year, or promptly applied to We have mentioned that the property of the
the society’s indebtedness. These two items society was estimated at fifteen thousand
were probably received too late to be dollars at the close of the year 1876. On the
included in the financial report of 1876, 17th of February, 1877, the secretary, Mr.
though paid in before the annual election of Isaac M. Keeler, endeavored to ascertain
officers. accurately the entire indebtedness of the
This fair was remarkable for a better society, and after doing so stated it to be, on
exhibition of horses, cattle, and sheep than the 17th of February, 1877, one thousand
any preceding one, also for a better exhibit nine hundred and ninety-eight dollars and
of mechanic arts, and of machinery, among thirty-two cents. This showing indicates a
which latter the Hubbard mower and reaper, healthy financial condition, which promises
manufactured by the Fremont Harvester well for the future.
works, was prominent; also June & Assets in real property .................................$15,000.00
Debts............................................................... 1,900.00
Company's portable engine, manufactured in
Fremont, and invented here. Lehr Brothers, Net balance on real estate ................. $13,100.00
also of the city of Fremont, had on At a meeting of the members, held at .the
exhibition agricultural implements and other auditor's office, on the 17th of February,
articles, which did great credit to the 1877, the following directors were elected,
growing manufactures of the county. At this to wit: At large—Hiram Pool, Ballville
fair it was shown that the farm products of township. For two years—W. D. Stine,
grains, seeds, vegetables, butter, cheese, etc., Sandusky; Fred Smith, York; Joseph R.
were greater and better than ever before. Clark, Riley; James Wickard, Ballville; D. S.
Fruits, excepting peaches, were fine and in Tinney, Scott; Henry Herman, Woodville.
great variety. The hay crop was unusually For one year—T. D. Stevenson, Madison, to
abundant and good. Potatoes were what is fill vacancy.
commonly expressed as a short crop. The directors holding over were: William
In the report of 1876, the secretary es- J. Smith, Jackson; James D. Benner,
timates the value of the fair grounds and Washington; S. S. Rathbun, Green Creek; W.
improvements, the land being about twenty- H. Hineline, Rice; David Fuller, Townsend.
eight acres, at fifteen. thousand dollars, This board of directors met on the 3d day
which is generally thought to be a low of March, 1877, and elected the following
estimate. officers: L. Q. Rawson, president; W. W.
Lewis Balsizer, of Riley township, raised Stine, treasurer; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary.
on seven and one-eighth acres, two hundred The executive committee was then chosen,
and forty-eight bushels of wheat by weight, consisting of the following-named persons:
and on seven and one-eighth acres five C. H. Bell, W. W. Stine, W. H.
hundred and thirty bushels of corn,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 225

Hineline, James D. Benner, James Wickard, RECEIPTS.


Amount in treasury from 1876 ...............................$161.81
and Hiram Pool. Gate fees and entrance ...........................................2,714.84
The board, at their meeting April 25, 1877, Stand rents ..................................................................465.00
resolved to encourage the planting of Osage Permits .......................................................................... 75.25
orange hedge, and offered a premium of Pasturage, racing, etc.................................................455.55
twenty dollars for the best forty rods, and ten ................................................................................. $3,872.46
DISBURSEMENTS.
dollars for the best twenty rods. Amount of premiums paid .............$1,400.00
At the same meeting the president and Paid on real estate and improve-
vice-president were appointed a committee to ments........................................1,288.95
Current expenses other than pre-
select the place and decide upon a plan for a miums ...................................... 1,217.75 $3,872.46
new floral hall. The plan for the hall was
made by J. C. Johnson, architect, and the Funds in treasury December 14, 1877.....................$15.76
place chosen near the site of the one The society, at the date of this report, had
destroyed by fire. a membership of fifteen hundred and fifty
The contract for building the hall was persons, with an indebtedness of two
awarded to Henry Shively on the 2d day of thousand five hundred and seventy-one
June, 1879, at the price of one thousand six dollars and sixty cents.
hundred and fifty-nine dollars. Floral hall Directors were elected on the 2d day of
was insured while being built, and was ready February, 1878, for the ensuing year, as
in time for the fair. follows; Henry Filling, Madison township;
On the first day of the fair of 1879, being Joseph D. Benner, Washington township; W.
October 2, at 9 o'clock in the evening, fire H. Hineline, Rice township; W. J. Smith,
broke out at the northeast corner of the fair Jackson township: E. A. Beebe, Townsend
grounds, a locality occupied by trotting and township; Henry Herman, Woodville
running horses. In a very short time a block township, each for two years, and Henry
of stalls, twenty-two in number, were Coonrod, of Fremont, director at large.
consumed. The loss on the stalls was fully On the 16th of February, 1878, the board
insured. Mr. J. H. Harley, of Huron, lost a of directors met and elected the following
valuable mare, and some valuable harness, officers: L. Q. Rawson, president; Charles
and some saddles were also burned. H. Bell, vice-president; W. W. Stine,
This fire was said to have been caused by treasurer ; John Landgraff, jr., secretary.
fire communicated to straw in the halls from The president then appointed an executive
candles used by men who were sleeping in committee, as follows: L. Q. Rawson, C. H.
the stalls, and who went to sleep without Bell, Henry Coonrod, W. W. Stine, and
properly caring for the light they had used. William J. Smith. This committee, on the 5th
Perhaps the man fell asleep while reading. of March, arranged a premium list for the
The damage done to the property by this fire next fair.
was less than one hundred dollars, and was In this list, for the first Time, a premium
repaired by vigorous work the next day, was offered to encourage bee culture.
without interrupting the proceedings of the This year the board designed and com-
fair. pleted a building for the use of the officers
The receipts and disbursements of the of the society, on the grounds.
society, for the fair of 1877, were as follows: The fair was held on the 1 s t , 2d, 3d,
226 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and 4th days of October, 1878, and was ors. At this meeting, before proceeding to
attended by an estimated number of ten the election, the president, as a matter of
thousand persons. The weather was of the advice, wished an expression of the sense of
most favorable character for the exhibition. the members on the question of allowing the
The arrangement was good, the grounds in sale of beer on the fair grounds.
better order than ever before, and the fair a After considerable discussion, on motion
success in all respects. The Driving Park of L. W. Ward, a vote was taken to express
Association were permitted to use the race the opinion of the meeting on the question,
track for a consideration, which no doubt but not to be binding on the directors, nor to
contributed to swell the attendance. take away their control of the matter. The
The receipts and expenditures for the fair vote was taken by ballot. The whole number
of 1878 are as follows: of votes was forty-three; of this number
RECEIPTS.
thirty-two were in favor of allowing the sale,
and eleven against it.
Amount in treasury February, 1878 .................. $15.76 The members then proceeded to the
Received from State allowance for 1877 .......... 127.52
election of directors for the ensuing year,
Received from sale of tickets ......................... 2,888.40
Received from stands and permits .................... 852.00
with the following result: Sandusky
Received from county ....................................... 507.00 township, Manual Maurer, two years; York,
Received from other sources ............................. 402.66 T. E. Gardner, two years; Riley, Joseph R.
$4,793.34
Clark, two years; Ballville, James E.
DISBURSEMENTS. Wickert, two years; Scott, D. S. Tinney, two
years; Woodville, H. Herman, two years;
Premiums paid .............................................. $1,609.50
Paid for permanent improvements .................... 860.21
director at large, Joseph Waggoner, one
Paid on old indebtedness ................................ 1,325.82 year. Directors holding over one year were
Paid for current expenses .................................. 992.51 Joseph D. Benner, W. H. Hineline, William
Balance on hand December 19, 1878 .................... 5.30 J. Smith, E. A. Beebe, S. S, Rathbun, and
$4,793.34 Joseph Waggoner, the director at large,
The great financial success and the suc- On the 8th of February, 1879, the board
cess in other respects of this fair, encouraged met, and elected L. Q. Rawson, president;
the society to hope that in another year it John L. Greene, jr., vice-president; William
would free itself entirely from debt, and be B. Kridler, secretary, and E. B. Moore,
on the highway of advancement clear of all treasurer.
obstructions. The executive committee for 1879 con-
This year's statistics showed that there sisted of the following named gentlemen,
were forty thousand acres of wheat raised in who were appointed by the president,
the county, and that the average yield was namely: Manuel Maurer, John I.. Greene, jr.,
twenty-two bushels to the acre. and William J. Smith. At this meeting the
The exhibition of machinery exceeded rule of the State Board of Agriculture,
any thing done in that way on the ground at requiring the exhibitors of thoroughbred
any previous fair. The inventions for binding animals to furnish the secretary of the
grain were first exhibited at this fair, and society a pedigree of the animal at the time
attracted much interest and close attention. of making the entry, was adopted. At the
On the 1st of February, 1879, the same meeting the board resolved to hold the
members of the society met at the next annual
courthouse in Fremont, for the election of
direct-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 227

fair on the 30th of September and the 1 s t , The directors for the year 1880 were as
2d, and 3d days of the month of October, follows: For Fremont township, M. Maurer,
1879. one year; York, T. E. Gardner, one year;
The premium list was revised and pub- Riley, Joseph R. Clark, one year .
lished, and the fair was held at the appointed Ballville, James E. Wickert, one
time. The receipts and expenditures of this year; Scott, D. S. Tinney, one year;
fair, according to the treasurer's report, were Woodville, H. Herman, one year; Madison,
as follows: J. Marvin, two years, Jackson, Daniel
RECEIPTS . Sueckert, two years; Washington, N. Engler,
two years; Green Creek, Joseph Lutz, two
Balance in treasury, February, 1879 ............... $35.89
From sale of 4,500 tickets ............................1,127.75 years; Rice, Peter Darr, two years;
From sale of 251 half-tickets ............................ 25.10 Townsend, Frank Dirlam, two years;
From sale of 856 grand stand tickets ................ 58.60
From sale of 1,543 membership tickets ....... 1,543.00
Sandusky, Fred Smith, two years; director at
Received from other sources ............................ 81.80 large, William J. Smith, for one year.
$3,601.14
Amongst the proceedings at this meeting
was the passage of a resolution forbidding
DISBURSEMENTS. the sale of beer or any intoxicating liquors
For current expenses .................................... $1,157.15 on the grounds of the society, which was
For permanent improvements ........................... 958.96 passed by a unanimous vote of the members
For premiums paid ........................................ 1,997.10 of the society present at the meeting. At this
$4,093.21 meeting another resolution was unanimously
The total indebtedness of the society on passed, that the directors be requested to
the 1st day of January, 1880, as stated in obey the laws of the State of Ohio in the
the journal of its proceedings, was one matter of gambling, and that no wheel of
thousand three hundred and nineteen dollars fortune or gambling device of whatever kind
and eighty-three cents. While apparently the be permitted upon the society's grounds at
expenditures of the society for the fair of their annual fair.
1879 exceeded the receipts by the amount On the 14th day of February, 1880, the
of four hundred and ninety-two dollars and board of directors met at the city council
seven cents, it must be remembered that chamber, and elected the following officers,
nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars and namely: J. L. Greene, president; Joseph
ninety-six cents were invested in permanent Waggoner, vice-president; William B.
improvement of its property. This shows, in Kridler, secretary, and E. B. Moore,
fact, a net gain of four hundred and sixty- treasurer.
six dollars and eighty-nine cents, which is At this meeting, February 14, 1880, the
doing well. It should also be noticed that time for holding the next annual fair of the
the amount of premiums paid in 1879 is society was fixed for the 28th, 29th and 30th
much greater than that paid at any of September, and the 1st of October, 1880.
preceding fair. The fair was held according to appoint-
At a meeting of the society held at the ment, and was a success, as the treasurer's
courthouse on the 7th day of February, report to the board, made on the 1st of
1880, Joseph Waggoner was elected February, 1881, will show, and which is as
director at large, but declined to act as such, follows:
and William J. Smith was elected to the
office.
228 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

RECEIPTS. At the meeting on February 1, 1881, the


Balance in the treasury February 1, 1880 ........ $189.17
Received from sale of tickets ...................... 2,622.27
total indebtedness of the society was
Received from sale of stands and permits ..........347.00 ascertained, and stated to amount to six
Received from other sources .......................... 188.00 hundred and sixty dollars.
Received from pasturage ..................................95.50 This shows the society to be on a solid
Received from county .................................... 479.48
financial basis, with the good will of the
$3,921.42
DISBURSEMENTS. people to support it in the future, and in
Amount paid for premiums ........................ $1,861.17 possession of one of the most attractive
Amount paid for permanent improvements..... 813.11 county fair grounds in the State.
Amount paid for current expenses .................. 794.09
Amount paid for interest on certificates ...........63.00 NOTE.—The reader will find inaccuracies in the
Amount paid on principal of debt ..................... 72.62 figures forming the tables of receipts and disbursements,
Balance in treasury......................................... 316.86 but wherever they occur the publishers have followed the
$3921.42 manuscript exactly, and are not responsible for the errors
and discrepancies.

CHAPTER XXI.
THE PRESS.
History of Newspapers Published in Fremont, Clyde, Bellevue and Green Spring—Their Editors, Politics' Changes,
&c.—A Mistake and its Consequences.

HE first step toward a complete civil- tion of men, and will be as perpetual as
T ization of a people is to open a way by
which facts and ideas can be conveyed
humanity itself.
When education has opened the way to
to and deposited in the storehouse of each the hearts and understandings of the people,
one's heart and memory. This process may then next in importance comes
be likened to the removal from a highly THE PRESS,
productive region of country to other and which may be likened to the locomotive and
new regions, rich by nature but unimproved train attached, transporting rich cargoes of
and yielding nothing.. To clear the way and fact, science, thought, and information from
prepare the track to such new region of the old to the new region; and when the new
undeveloped hearts and minds of the people region is developed, the train returns with
is the peculiar office and result of common rich freights from the new to the old, thus
education. And here the simile ends, for the establishing a vast exchange of new thought
whole earth may, within some vast period of and facts to enrich the world.
time, be reached and subdued, and put in The later inventions of the telegraph and
direct or indirect communication with every telephone have not yet superseded the
other part. But new territory to be reached newspaper. The first is used for business
and developed in the cause of civilization chiefly, and beyond that is the hand-
will be found in every succeeding genera-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 229

maid of the press only; the second is too The editor and publisher, typesetter and press
limited in its capacity for communication man, all in one person, was a thin, pale, slip-
with the great masses of the people. shod specimen of humanity. He always wore
Notwithstanding the wonderful progress his shoes, or rather slippers, broken down at
of invention, the newspaper yet remains the the heels, and his socks were ragged. He was
great engine for the rapid diffusion and afflicted in the autumn of the year 1829,
transportation of facts and thoughts from soon after the commencement of his brave
mind to mind, and today stands the strongest enterprise, with fever and ague, which at that
helper in the great work of elevating time no person of fashion was without in the
mankind to a higher plane of sympathy and dread month of September, who resided at
civilization. Lower Sandusky. The editor and publisher's
It is probably true that the press has not woodpile was always out doors in front of
always raised those seed thoughts of his office, and the pieces were eight feet
progress which have produced so much long, to be chopped by himself into proper
good. These have in part come from the lengths of about four feet for the fireplace,
scientist 's laboratory, the advanced thinker's from which the whole office was to be
brain, or the pulpit. But the press has sown warmed in the winter. He would leave the
the good seeds of progress, from whatever care of the press whenever the temperature
source they came, further, wider, and more of his office fell near the freezing point, and
broadcast amongst the people than any other go out to chop wood to replenish his fire,
instrumentality among men. warm up the office, and then resume his
It is, therefore, fitting that, whatever has place at the press, or case, or the editorial
been done toward establishing and table, as the case might be. While, after a
supporting the press here should be made sudden, cold snap in the weather, Smith was
part of the county's history. Such a record cutting wood one winter in the snow, his
will furnish interesting matter for reference heels being bare, were frozen before he
and comparison in the future, and at the could cut sufficient wood for the night, and
same time be only an act of justice to those his feet remained sore for a long time,
who worked so hard, under financial during which kind friends volunteered to cut
discouragements, to establish this great and carry in his firewood.
medium of communication amongst the Smith found after a while that the paper
people of the county. would not pay, and being generally disgusted,
L OWE R S AN D U S KY G AZE T T E . left the country with his press, and the
The first printing press brought to Lower Lower Sandusky Gazette died of malaria and
Sandusky (now Fremont), was a small hand hard times at the age of about eighteen
press, introduced by David Smith. The first months. The future life and fate of Mr.
paper printed on it was called the Lower Smith is not obtainable at the present day,
Sandusky Gazette, edited, and published, but wherever he may be, whatever his fate,
and in fact printed by the proprietor himself, David Smith stands as the pioneer newspaper
alone, he being the only hand about the editor and publisher of the county, and we
office. The first number was issued in July, cheerfully give him the honor in return for
1 8 2 9 . The size of this paper when opened his daring and sufferings in the attempt to
and entirely spread out, was seventeen by establish a paper at that early day in Lower
twenty-one inches, by exact measurement. Sandusky.
230 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Mr. Reuben Rice, now deceased, late of of some leading politicians of the county
Ottawa county, near Elmore, in a communi- who were opposed to the administration of
cation to the Sandusky County Pioneer and Martin VanBuren. The first number was
Historical Society, on the 26th of August, issued in June or July, A. D. 1837. It was,
1875, said he was a practical printer, and under the management of Mr. White, a very
settled on Portage River in 1823, after useful medium for advertising, and in
spending some time at Lower Sandusky and advocating moral order in society. Mr. White
trading there. Mr. Rice, in this com- published the Lower Sandusky Times several
munication, further said: years, when ill health caused him to retire,
That in the year 18—year not recollected—there was and Peter Yates succeeded him in the
a man by the name of Smith started a paper at Lower
Sandusky, called, I think, the Lower Sandusky Gazette.
management and editing of the paper, Mr.
He was taken sick and he—no, he didn’t,—but his paper Yates was a bitter partisan and a most
drooped and died, not a natural death; but Sandusky acrimonious writer, and under his
being at that time a place infested with the effluvia management the paper lost ground in
arising from the marshes and stagnant waters,
jeopardized almost every thing that had life, and some popularity and patronage. The Democratic
things inanimate as well as animate, suffered from the party being in the ascendancy in the county,
malaria of a sickly place, so the printing of the paper it had no public patronage, and was printed
died out though the printing materials he removed. I had
the honor of printing said paper for a few weeks while
at a loss to those interested. Mr. Yates sharp,
the editor and proprietor was sick, but whether this had personal attacks on men, and the bitterness
a tendency to bring about a more speedy termination of in the treatment of the feelings and opinions
the malady with which said paper was afflicted, I know of the party opposed to him, finally resulted
not, but this I do know, that the paper was to no great
degree benefited by the operation, as the sequel goes to in a transfer of the management, and a
prove. change of the name of the paper, In 1839
It is not known now that the Lower Clark Waggoner, then a young printer, was
Sandusky Gazette was the organ or advocate placed in charge of the press and materials
of any political party, church, or sect. It was of the office, and commenced the publication
probably only a newspaper and advertising of the.
medium of no marked proclivities or objects LOWER SANDUSKY WHIG.
except to live, and in this primary object it At this time events were tending to a great
failed. From some time in 1831 to the month political excitement. Mr. Ogle, of
of June or July, 1837, a period of more than Pennsylvania, had made his remarkable
six years, no paper was printed in Lower expose, in Congress, of the extravagance of
Sandusky, and newspapers published in the administration of Martin VanBuren, His
other localities and townships, which, in a great speech about the gold spoons and other
small village is about equal to a daily paper, golden furniture of the White House, and the
fed the appetite for news. immense defalcations which had taken place
The next venture in the way of newspaper under his administration, amongst which was
publication in Lower Sandusky was the the notable defalcation of Swartwout,
publication of collector of customs in New York, were
THE LOWER SANDUSKY TIMES. being exposed, and party spirit was being
The press for this paper was brought here aroused under the cry of reform. The Lower
by Alvin G. White, who edited and Sandusky Whig, printed and published by
published it for a time, under the auspices Mr. Waggoner, was the organ of the Whig
party of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 231

the county, through the memorable campaign paper with fair success until March, 1849,
of 1840. It had the patronage and support of when it was purchased by James S. Fouke,
such men as Ralph P. Buckland, who was an who changed the name and edited and
active leader in the Whig party, with many published it under the title of the
other able and influential men, such as LOWER SANDUSKY FREEMAN.
Revirius Bidwell, John A. Johnson, Dr. L. G. When, at the October term of the Court of
Harkness, Barney Kline, Amos Fenn, Common Pleas, the name of the city was
Frederick Chapman, Alpheus McIntyre, changed from Lower Sandusky to Fremont,
William S. Russell, Norton Russell, Caleb H. of course the name of the paper was changed
Bidwell, Elisha W. Howland, Thomas L. accordingly. Mr. Fouke edited and published
Hawkins, Dr. Thomas Stillwell, and many the paper until November 6, 1852, when it
others, whose names do not now occur to the was transferred to Mr. J. M. Main, who
writer, who took an interest in the support of issued about six numbers, when he sold the
the paper, and many of whom became office.
contributors to its columns. Some of these On the 27th of January, 1853, Mr. I. W.
men still live, and will remember the Booth commenced, with the same press, the
political contest; but most of them have publication of
"passed to that bourne from whence no
THE FREMONT JOURNAL,
traveler returns," unless they return to
communicate with the Spiritualists. It was in and continued it until December 24, 1853,
the heated campaign of 1840 that the now when John Mastin, became the sole
veteran editor of the Fremont Journal, Isaac proprietor.
M. Keeler, took his first lessons in the art of On the 26th day of May, 1854, Isaac M.
printing. The paper became an effective one Keeler purchased a one-half interest in the
in the campaign of 1840, and was rewarded press and paper, and became the editor of it,
for its labors by the triumph of its party in and continued the publication under the firm
the election of William Henry Harrison to name of Mastin & Feeler.
the Presidency. On the 1st of December, 1854, Mr. Keeler
It is proper here to place on record a bought out Mr. Mastin's interest and became
description of the printing press on which editor and sole proprietor. Under Mr.
the Lower Sandusky Whig was printed. It Keeler's management the paper flourished,
was what was called a "Ramage," almost a and became not only a paying concern, but
facsimile of Benjamin Franklin's old press, the best record of passing events, local and
now so carefully preserved in the patent national, in the county. He managed it
office in Washington, and the same one on carefully and ably in the interest of the city
which, years before, the Albany Argus had and county, and was always stalwart and
been printed. With three pulls to print one able on the side of morality, law and order,
side of the paper, it was no small job to work and the right in politics, as he understood the
off an edition. right. The paper was born a Whig, and under
The Lower Sandusky Whig was, after a his management did good service to that
few years, transferred to John Shrenk and party, and also the Republican party since its
changed to the organization.
LOWER SANDUSKY TELEGRAPH.
Mr. Keeler continued to publish and edit
the journal until the 18th. of September,
Mr. Shrenk edited and published the
232 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

1865, when he sold the establishment to who is already a promising proficient in the
Redway Brothers, under whose management business, shall become the editor and
the paper was published until the 5th of manager of the journal, and the indications
October, 1866, when they sold out to are now quite plain that whenever the
Messrs. Wilcox and Greene. Fremont journal shall pas to the control and
On the 22d of May, 1868, Mr. Wilcox management of the son the paper will be
sold his interest in the paper to his partner, J. fully sustained in all those qualities which
H. Greene, who managed it some months, make it an able, and pure, and popular
when he sold the establishment to A. H. county newspaper.
Balsley. Mr. Balsley continued in the The Lower Sandusky Times, the Lower
management of the paper until November 12, Sandusky Whig, the Lower Sandusky
1875, when Messrs. Harford & Grove Telegraph, and the Lower Sandusky Freeman
became the proprietors and publishers, and were all staunch advocates of the Whig party
conducted the journal until December 12, and its principles, and the Fremont journal
1877, when Mr. Keeler again became the has always been an earnest Republican
owner of the journal office, and resumed paper, and has been consistent in urging the
control of the paper, after having been out of party to organize and contend for its
the publishing business for more than twelve principles. It opposed the election of
years. Buchanan, and supported the war for the
The frequent changes in the management Union with zeal and great effect.
of the paper had not improved it in either THE SANDUSKY COUNTY DEMOCRAT.
popularity or profit in the publication of it. It should be noticed that the Lower
Mr. Keeler says that in all the twelve Sandusky Times, which by sundry mutila-
years he was engaged in other business he tions and changes of name became the
had a yearning for the journal office, where, Fremont journal, was first issued in Lower
for a period of twenty-five years, he had Sandusky in June or July, 1837. It soon
labored almost continuously. appeared that A. G. White, the editor, was
Since Mr. Keeler resumed the manage- opposed to the Democratic party. After a few
ment of the Fremont journal, it has been months the political course became clearly
much improved in all respects. It is now on a apparent, as it grew more and more
sound financial basis. The journal is now pronounced in its political inclinations. This
printed on a Wells' cylinder power press, at once aroused the attention of the dominant
moved by steam power. It has in the job- Democracy, and they at once began to
room two steam power-presses, and has a counsel, and devise the ways and means of
full patronage. meeting the advantages which the opposition
Mr. Keeler, it is true, continues to edit had acquired by the establishment of a party
and manage the paper, but has associated organ in the county.
with him his son Samuel, who is local editor, About this time Adolphus Kreamer had
and who is now in well advanced training in purchased a tract of land at the head of
the newspaper business. The father now navigation of the Portage River, then in
regrets that he ever left the management of Sandusky, but now in Ottawa county, and
the journal. He intends, however, when the had laid off and platted a town there, which
course of human events shall disable him was named Hartford, and was to become a
from the proper discharge of editorial labors, great city. Among
that his son,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 233

other wise things, Mr. Kreamer, in order to iting was to be done by anyone who wished
make known the existence of the future city to write for the paper, the matter subject to
of Hartford, had determined to start a the admission or rejection of the committee.
newspaper there, and had obtained for that The first number of the paper, under the title
purpose a printing press and type for a of the Sandusky County Democrat, was
newspaper and moved them from Toledo to issued in the fall of 1837. The paper was
Hartford. It was an old and second-hand managed in this way for a year, perhaps a
press, as was also the material. Mr. Kreamer year and a half, when it was found not to pay
was a good Democrat, and Hartford was then expenses. The office was, during this time,
in the bounds of the county. The newspaper on the second floor of the old building on
material had lain there some time but the the southwest corner of Front and Croghan
paper did not make its appearance. A streets, where the First National Bank now
financial crisis occurred, and the sale of (1881) stands. The company afterward gave
town lots in a wilderness, as Hartford was at the publication of the paper entirely into the
that time, was cut off and the future hands of William Davis, the printer, on his
prospects of the embryo town were agreement to faithfully publish and edit the
shadowed by thick, dark clouds. paper, and to keep the stockholders from
In the fall of 1837, about three months further charges and expense.
after the advent of the Lower Sandusky Mr. Davis took charge of the paper on
Times, the leaders of the Democratic party these conditions, and managed it to some
were called together for consultation upon profit for himself until after the October
the question of establishing a Democratic election of 1838. At this election Homer
paper in Lower Sandusky. John Bell was Everett, then a young man not quite twenty-
perhaps foremost in this enterprise and was five years of age, was elected sheriff of the
chairman of the meeting. An association was county. Everett had written for the paper
formed to purchase a press and publish a during the campaign, and on his election to
Democratic paper. Stock was liberally the office, of course, became the dispenser
subscribed, and a committee appointed to of considerable advertising patronage. For,
visit Hartford and endeavor to negotiate with be it remembered that the financial crisis of
Mr. Kreamer for his press and printing ma- 1836 and 1837 produced more sheriff's sales
terial. In due time the committee reported, than any period before or since in the history
and the press and printing material were of the county.
finally purchased for twelve hundred dollars. The stockholders by this time had become
The press, etc., was hauled by wagon from willing to donate their subscription for the
Hartford up the Portage River to the benefit of the party, if the paper could be
Maumee and Western Reserve road, and by continued without further charge upon them.
that to Lower Sandusky: The paper was to be There was about four hundred dollars still
published by the joint stock company, not due from the committee who had given their
incorporated, and was to be under the notes for the press, and they offered it to Mr.
control of a committee, of which John Bell Davis if he would print the paper and pay
was chairman. A young printer by the name that sum, or keep the signers harmless from
of William Davis was employed to superin- the notes. On these conditions Everett and
tend the mechanical department, and the ed- Davis bought the paper in the fall of 1838, or
early in
234 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the year 1839. From this time Everett & cal enough, he did not understand the mental
Davis published the Sandusky County and moral condition, or tastes of those who
Democrat until 1842, when they dissolved, supported the Messenger, and it was thought
and at which time Everett was admitted to best for the party to put the paper in charge
the bar, and entered the practice of the law of men to the manor born, and Mr. Botefur
in partnership with Nathaniel B. Eddy. Mr. accordingly sold out and retired from the
Davis continued to publish the paper until editorial charge of the Messenger, and it
some time in the year 1842, when he sold it passed to the hands and control of John B. B.
to Charles J. Orton, who, for a time, had sole Dickinson. After managing the paper for
charge of it, after which Edward F. some time successfully, and with more talent
Dickinson bought an interest in the paper, than the paper before had shown, he was
and it was published a while by the firm of willing to retire from the charge of the
Orton & Dickinson, who transferred it to paper, and sold it to Messrs. John and Frank
John Flaugher. Mr. Flaugher was a high- Foulke brothers, and young men of some
minded, honorable man, and a true literary aptness, but of too romantic
Democrat, but his views on slavery and the proclivities to make a solid Democratic
war of the Rebellion were not satisfactory to paper. The Foulke Brothers, after a short
the anti-war and pro-slavery portion of the experiment, failed to please the Democracy,
Democratic party, who gave it a rather poor and failed financially.
support, and the paper lost patronage and This condition of things resulted in a
influence. In fact, as early as 1856, during transfer of the press and materials for the
the great discussion over the extension of printing of the Democratic Messenger to
slavery, the leaders of the extreme pro- Mordecai P. Bean, who assumed the edit-
slavery portion of the Democrats of the orship and publication of the paper. For a
county started another paper, which drew off time Mr. Bean conducted the paper and gave
a large part of the patronage formerly it considerable party popularity, but the
enjoyed by the Sandusky County Democrat, patronage declined and the party then placed
and it had a hard struggle for life until, the paper in charge of J. S, Van Valkenburg,
sometime in the spring of 1856, Mr. who conducted it until about the 1st day of
Flaugher sold the press and materials of the April, 1872, when the establishment passed
Democrat to Isaac M. Keeler, and the to the control of James M. Osborne, who had
publication of the paper caused the radical been a partner with Van Valkenburg about
pro-slavery Democrats of the county, who one year before, and who took charge as
were dissatisfied with the principles editor and publisher. Since Mr. Osborn took
advocated by the Democrat, to combine and charge of the paper it has been a well-
bring about the establishment, in 1856, of conducted political journal, thoroughly and
THE DEMOCRATIC MESSENGER. decidedly Democratic. It is well received as
This paper was started in 1856, under the the organ of the Democracy of the county.
editorial control of Jacob D. Botefur, who The Messenger office has a steam power-
came from Boston. Mr. Botefur successfully press, and a large job office attached, which
conducted the paper for several years, but he is doing a thriving business aside from the
had been reared where Democracy was patronage of the county officials, who are all
composed of men of different characteristics of the Messenger's political party.
from those of Sandusky county. Although
his Democracy was radi-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 235

THE FREMONT COURIER. memorable time. This can not better be done
This is a weekly paper published in than by a simple and brief narration of what
Fremont, in the German language, to supply followed Mr. Fabing's interpretation of the
the reading wants of a large, industrious, and Courier's article.
intelligent portion of the inhabitants of In thirty minutes after the nature of the
Sandusky county. The Courier was founded article was made known by Fabing, Front
and first published in Fremont, March 10, and Croghan streets, facing the Courier
1859, by Dr. Ferdinand Wilmer, a German office, were filled with men. There were men
physician by birth and education. Dr. with set teeth, and pale countenances, and
Wilmer was a man of much learning, a ready eyes that expressed unutterable indignation;
translator of the English and German in fact, the whole crowd, numbering from
languages, and became at once, through his five hundred to a thousand determined and
paper, the advocate of the most extreme angry men, had congregated under the
party measures of the Democratic windows of the office. One of the most
organization. Dr. Wilmer was not a practical pallid countenances in that crowd was our
printer, and Mr. George Homan was the cool, level-minded fellow-citizen, Stephen
printer of the Courier until the 14th of June, Buckland, as patriotic a man as the city
1860, when Mr. Homan withdrew from the contained, and it contained many good ones.
firm, and Dr. Wilmer assumed sole control As he saw the crowd swelling and every
of the paper until August 28, 1862, at which moment becoming more threatening, he
time Mr. Paul Knerr took charge of the secured a location on the northwest corner of
mechanical department of the office. Dr. Front and Croghan streets. Colonel R. P.
Wilmer, however, continued as editor until Buckland and Charles O. Tillotson took a
the 6th day of November, 1862, when he position about half way up the outside stair
sold the office to George Homan. leading to the Courier office.
It was during the day of the 18th of April, When the storm was about to burst, and a
1861, when the excitement produced by the movement of the crowd, and the utterances
Rebellion was kindling into flame, and many from below indicated a rush up stairs, with
patriotic Democrats were going into the threats looking to the destruction of the
service to fight for the Union, that one office, and to serious personal injury, if not
forenoon the Fremont Courier, printed that the life of the editor of the Courier, Stephen
day, fell into the hands of Frederick Fabing, Buckland mounted a railing running along
a prominent German citizen of Fremont and the street, near the northwest corner of Front
a thoroughly patriotic man at heart. Mr. and Croghan streets, and holding by an
Fabing read and translated an editorial awning post, called the meeting to order,
article to the bystanders. The Courier was, at saying, that if the paper had done wrong, as
the time spoken of, printed in the third story was claimed, he was in favor of doing all
of what is now known as White's block, cor- that was fair to suppress it. "True," said he
ner of Front and Croghan streets. "the paper can speak to thousands while by
The effect of this article in the Courier so our words we can speak to few. Now," said
well illustrates the temper of the times, that Mr. Buckland, "we must not do anything un-
we give it as a part of the history of the manly or rash. I move that judge John L.
Courier, as well as to show to future Green be chosen chairman of this meting,
generations the true state of feeling at that that we may deliberate in an
236 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

orderly manner." The crowd listened, and When the liberty-loving citizens of our
Mr. Green was chosen chairman. town and vicinity, without distinction of
This firm and manly stand by Mr. party, understood the above, their
Buckland had the desired effect. A com- indignation knew no bounds. They at once
mittee was chosen, consisting of William E. secured an American flag and took it to that
Haynes, Charles O. Tillotson, Doctor Robert office, and saw that it was flung to the
S. Rice, and Jacob Snyder, who were at once breeze from out of the window.
permitted to pass up the stairs to perform the The edition of the Courier, which had just
duty assigned them. been printed, was destroyed, and the editor
In less than five minutes after the com- requested to issue an extra, both in the
mittee passed Tillotson and R. P. Buckland English and German language, giving some
on the stairs, a window of the Courier office explanation of his treasonable and palpably
was raised, and the whole edition of the false article, which he did.
Courier, containing the offensive article, DOCTOR WILMER'S CARD.
came whirling down like leaves upon the A CARD TO THE PUBLIC.-An article which ap-
pavement. The papers were carefully piled peared in my paper of this morning, it seems, has
near the middle of the street, and every one created an immense excitement in our town. But few
papers have been circulated, the balance of the edition
burned to ashes. None of the edition had has been destroyed. I declare to the public, upon my
been sent beyond the city limits, and the honor as a man, that it never has been, and is not now,
angry multitude was satisfied when the my intention to write or publish a word, or to commit
any action, against the General or State Government, or
committee announced from the window that advise it to be done by others.
the whole edition was destroyed, and the F. WILMER.
type which printed the offensive article Isaac M. Keeler was, at the time spoken of,
distributed, and that the paper would print no
when this affair occurred, editor of the
more articles to prevent the enlistment of
Fremont journal, and appended to Dr.
men in the Union army. Wilmer's card in his paper, the following fair
The following is the translation of the and manly editorial comments:
offensive article, which appeared as editorial
The above explanation seems to have satisfied the
in the Courier of April 18, 1861: people. We do not think Mr. Wilmer is a secessionist, or
The Union in its past proportions is irrevocably lost. that he really had any intention of injuring the
The Republicans will be answerable at the judgment seat Government, but that he has permitted the partisan to
of history for the annihilation of the freest republic in get the upper hand of his patriotism. Let us all now
the world, and the curse of the oppressed, whom they throw aside party feeling, and unite in an endeavor to
have robbed of the last place of refuge, and last hope save the country at this serious crisis of its existence.
that could become their part. The Republicans are now Neither party, nativity, or sect, should now stand in the
everywhere calling meetings of all citizens, irrespective way of a hearty union of the people for putting down
of party, to devise means how to support the treason and rebellion, and of restoring peace and civil
Government. They succeed in their ruse to get some liberty to the whole country.
easily deceived Democrats into their trap. We caution all Mr. Homan continued the publication of
our Democratic friends to take no active part in such
meetings, for after the first heat of the excitement is
the Courier until July, 1865. He, however,
over, they will repent of having been caught in such a labored under some disadvantages, arising
dull way. from the war, and the position he had taken
on that question. He therefore concluded to
The next day, April 19, 1861, the Fremont
discontinue the publication of the paper, and
journal published the foregoing in-
its issue was suspended for a period of about
terpretation of the Courier's article, with the
eighteen months, when Messrs. Anthony
following comment:
Young and Paul Knerr bought the office, and
recommenced the Courier, which again
appeared. In 1867 Mr. Young sold his
interest in the paper to Mr. Knerr, who
remained the sole owner until
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 237

1870, in which year Dr. Wilmer, who all the the fall of the year 1868, George E.
time edited the paper, became a partner with Sweetland & Brothers bought the material
Mr. Knerr. Dr. Wilmer stood thus connected and resumed the publication of the paper. In
with the paper until his death, which took 1869 H. H. Sweetland became the sole
place on the 17th of July, 1879. Mr. Joseph owner, and for a time published the paper;
Zimmerman, an editor from Cleveland, at then L. D. Sweetland bought an interest in
once took charge of the editorial the business. The two Sweetland brothers
management of the paper. Mr. Knerr, last named carried on the paper until 1870,
meantime, bought of Dr. Wilmer's widow the when it was discontinued for want of
interest his estate held in the paper, and support.
continued to be sole proprietor of the THE CLYDE INDEPENDENT.
Courier until July 1, 1881, at which date Mr. This paper was started by W. W. White in
Zimmerman, by purchase, became sole 1870, who conducted it until 1874, when he
proprietor of the concern, and so remains sold the paper, and material for printing it, to
sole editor and proprietor of the paper. F. J. Tuttle, on whose hands the paper lost
The Courier is now doing well. Mr. patronage and died within a year. Mr. White
Zimmerman is a fine writer, as well as a emigrated to Canada, and, after his departure
gentleman of winning manners, whose it was revealed that he had so badly dealt
management and talents will make the with the patrons of the paper as to ruin it,
Courier welcome to the German reading hence the chief cause of its failure in the
citizens of the county and elsewhere. While hands of Mr. Tuttle.
thoroughly Democratic, Mr. Zimmerman is
THE CLYDE REVIEW.
not of that bitter partisan nature which will
make his paper odious to his opponents; on In 1873 Mr. George E. Sweetland returned
the other hand, he is a gentleman of such to Clyde and commenced the publication of
broad views and intelligence, that no doubt the Clyde Review, and carried it on until
the paper will prosper under his August, 1877, when he suddenly removed
management. the press and material, and himself also, to
THE CLYDE TIMES.
the State of Michigan, and the publication of
the Review was discontinued. In August,
Mr. Joseph C. Loveland has the honor of 1881, Mr. Sweetland came back to Clyde
making the first attempt to establish a and resumed the publication of the Review,
newspaper at Clyde. He issued the Clyde beginning where he left off in 1877. It is a
Times in April, 1866, sold it in 1867 to J. M. small sheet, printed in an amateur office
Lemmon and Mr. Notly, who continued the owned by William Frederick, publisher of an
publication about one year, and sold out to insurance paper, Mr. Sweetland having no
parties from Elmore, in Ottawa county, who office or printing material of his own.
moved the press and material away.
THE CLYDE SENTINEL.
THE CLYDE NEWS
In the winter of 1874-75 A. D. Ames, who
was the next paper printed in Clyde. It was was publishing a paper at Green Spring,
started by Clark Brothers, from Berea, in. came to Clyde and began the publication of
1868. Six months afterwards one of the the Clyde Sentinel. George J. Hulgate
brothers died and the printing of the paper afterwards became his partner, and, in
was for a time suspended. In company with his brother, R. P.
238 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Holgate, subsequently bought the paper and THE BELLEVUE GAZETTE,


material. The Sentinel was discontinued in with the still more pretentious title of Huron,
May, 1880, when it became merged in the Seneca, Erie, and Sandusky Advertiser,
having a spread eagle at its masthead,
CLYDE ENTERPRISE. bearing a scroll with "open to all"
emblazoned upon it. The paper was a five-
The Enterprise was established in March, column folio, in coarse type, devoted to
1878, by Mr. H. F. Paden, with whom H. N. current news and the ventilation of such
Lay was a partner until May, 1880, and A. ideas as contributors were ambitious to
D. Kinney from that date until July, 1881. In furnish. C. C. Cook, at present deputy
May, 1880, as above mentioned, the Clyde postmaster, served in the capacity of "devil,"
Sentinel was discontinued as a distinct thus being the first "printer's devil." His
publication, and its material and subscription most vivid remembrance is that of his duty
list transferred to the Enterprise. The to ink the forms on an old wooden Franklin
Enterprise, under the management of Mr. press—a duty with little sentiment and no
Paden, has become a public favorite. He poetry to allure him on to continued service.
wields a free, graceful, and fluent pen, and is The people felt disposed to give the paper a
a genial gentleman, of straight-out Republi- fair support, but its editor was a victim to
can principles, though courteous to oppo- that human bane-strong drink; so, after a
nents when duty will permit him to be so. brilliant but brief career of six months, the
The Enterprise under his editorial control fledgling perished.
has obtained a much larger circulation than In April of 1861, Mr. O. B. Chapman
any former paper of Clyde, and seems to rest opened a printing office in Squire's block,
on a solid foundation, not only financially, corner of Main and Sandusky streets, and
but in public favor. While we acknowledge issued
ourselves under obligation for much THE BELLEVUE INDEPENDENT,
information concerning the press at Clyde, a seven-column folio, devoted to general and
we must clear him of egotism by saying that local news. This was the first year of the
the favorable comments on Mr. Paden and great rebellion, and it would seem that the
his paper are made by the writer, and must stirring events of those times would furnish
not be attributed to himself. the necessary pabulum to make it a success.
But it continued only a short time, and then
THE PRESS OF BELLEVUE.
perished for reasons not now apparent.
We now come to consider the first suc-
Although the wealthy, pleasant village of cessful paper established in the village - one
Bellevue is not wholly within Sandusky to which the town is largely indebted for
county, it may be interesting to some of the many of its most valued improvements,
people of the county to have the history of being always intensely devoted to the
the whole press of that place put on record in welfare of the place and the advocacy of
this work, and we therefore do so. such public works and measures as would
The first venture was made by G. W. secure its greatest prosperity. We therefore
Hopkins, in the fall of 1851. He opened an think its editor worthy of more than a
office in the old Howard house—now passing notice. Mr. E. P. Brown says of
defunct on Monroe street, and issued himself that he was born at Oxford,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 239

Ohio, March 5, 1842, of distressingly poor office on his own responsibility, hence he
but outrageously honest parents, and claims entered upon it with fear and trembling,
that the laws of hereditary transmission have almost certain he would fail inside the first
not, therefore, allowed him a fair chance. six months. The outfit of type was purchased
His early life was one of toil, with little of the Franklin foundry, amounting to eight
advantage in the way of education, an old hundred and twenty-three dollars. A six-
darkey preacher being his best tutor, but was column Washington hand press and a half-
successful in obtaining a "sheepskin" in a medium Wells' jobber was purchased
public school and valedictory honors. He second-hand of other parties, for two
learned the trade of printer in the office of hundred and thirty-seven dollars. This
the Oxford Citizen at the age of fourteen, comprised the outfit. On Saturday, August
when he obtained employment in a 10, 1867, the first number of
Cincinnati job office. He enlisted in the THE BELLEVUE GAZETTE
Thirteenth Ohio volunteer infantry at
Urbana, Ohio, in 1861, and fought the saw the light. The interest taken by the
enemies of his country for two years, lacking business men in the success of the paper is
a week, serving in all the engagements of shown by the material aid they accorded it.
that regiment until the battle of Shiloh, when C. A. Willard, a leading business man,
a rebel bullet between the eyes placed him solicited all the subscriptions. Business men
hors du combat. He was left for dead, and pledged one thousand two hundred dollars,
was thus reported, and had the pleasure of deposited in Sinclair's bank, to be paid at the
reading his own obituary, containing much first issue, and taken in advertising during
of a laudatory nature, a privilege seldom the first year, which was conscientiously
accorded the human family; but subsequent done, and made the capital used by the
events show him to be an exceedingly lively energetic, intelligent, and careful
corpse. His wound gave him an honorable management of Mr. Brown, insuring success.
discharge from the Thirteenth, but he finally At the time the first number was printed,
reentered the army in the one hundred day's an all-absorbing interest gathered around the
service as substitute for a Dutchman, in the press. Indeed, the room was full, and as the
One Hundred and sixty-seventh regiment, re- clean, handsome twenty-four-column sheet
ceiving three hundred dollars therefor. After was taken off the press, Mr. Willard's
the close of the war Mr. Brown casually rhapsody was beyond expression. Peter
made the acquaintance of William L. Brady, present village mayor, was present,
Meyers, of the Tiffin Tribune, who proved a and as deeply interested as any until, in
fast, firm. friend, and proposed that, since looking over the church notices, the blunder
Bellevue was an excellent place to establish was discovered of dubbing him Rev. Peter
a paper, they embark together in the Brady, pastor of the Catholic church. This
enterprise. They did so, but at the end of the was too much, and any idea that the editor
first six weeks Mr. Meyers became may have had that Mr. Brady was a member
discouraged and sold his interest to his of the clerical profession was immediately
partner for four hundred and fifty dollars, on dispelled then and there. Proper correction
a year's time. Mr. Brown himself had had but being made, the printing of the edition
two years experience in editorial work, and proceeded.
never managed an
240 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Under Mr. Brown’s careful management tachment for an old friend was proof against
and the fulfillment of every anticipation the mismanagement of the former proprietors, as
citizens may have had as to the benefits the well as the machinations of enemies. In the
village would derive from the paper, it fall of 1879 Mr. Thompson retired from the
proved an unbounded success, and all fears paper, and C. D. Stoner conducted it until
on his part of a failure were dispelled like the following year, when he associated with
clouds before the morning sun. In the course himself Mr. C. R. Callighan, a promising
of the next three years Mr. Brown purchased young man, under the firm name of Stoner &
a Hoe cylinder railroad press at a bargain, Callighan, who continue the publication with
one which originally belonged to Dan Rice, a fair degree of success.
and was used to print his show bills. This At the time, Mr. K J. Hammer had started
enabled him to branch out in the business. the Chronicle, and therefore contemplated
He, therefore, engaged in furnishing ready- the sale of the Gazette, as well as removal to
prints for other offices, and introduced Norwalk, H. F. Baker, son of Hiram Baker,
steam. Business increased on his hands until one of the early pioneer settlers in Lyme
Mr. Aiken, the originator of the ready-print township, proposed to buy it, but, unable to
method of publishing newspapers, made him agree upon the price, he decided to purchase
a very advantageous offer to accept the new material and start another paper. He had
management of a new establishment in really no experience in the printing business,
Cincinnati, which he did, and ultimately but his son, H. L. Baker, had mastered some
became, as he is now, the sole proprietor- of the intricacies of the trade in the Gazette
only another example of what pluck, energy, office, and having a natural tact for it, they
and good management will do. together hoped to make their venture a
Mr. E. J. Hammer bought the Gazette success. This determination was acted upon;
when Mr. Brown went to Cincinnati, en- an office was opened in the new Union
tering upon its management July 1, 1874. block, and on Thursday, October 21, 1875,
Mr. Hammer was not a large man, but had the first number of
large ideas, aspiring to greater things than THE BELLEVUE LOCAL NEWS
the conduct of a one-horse country paper. was issued. The paper flourished from the
Although that was very well done, yet his start. Being managed with full average
more ambitious views led him to unite with ability, and by those brought up in the
George B. Pratt to start the Norwalk community, well versed in all its lore, it
Chronicle, which, being a county paper, was represents the local interests of the town
a step, at least, in the direction of excelsior. with greater intensity than any other has
He finally turned the Gazette over to his been able to do. In April, 1878, Mr. Baker
father, Rev. George Hammer, of Van Wert, purchased the old Burlington stone building,
Ohio. The old gentleman, though very kindly contiguous to the new city hall, and tearing
disposed, had little or no practical skill in down the old front, rebuilt of brick in the
the publishing business, hence found it an same style of the city hall, which together
elephant on his hands. In the spring of 1877, make as fine a block among the many fine
he sold it to Messrs. C. D. Stoner and S. C. business houses as the town can boast. The
Thompson, under whose care the paper proprietors put steam presses and engine
throve, finding a cordial, generous support info their new quarters and are conducting a
among the people of the community, whose flourishing business.
at
CHAPTER XXII.
MILITARY HISTORY.

The War of 1812—Mexican War—Volunteers of the War of the Rebellion, with Brief Histories of Regiments Recruited in whole or in
part in Sandusky County.

T HE war of the Revolution was history,


the Indian wars in which Wayne's
memorable campaign occurred, the mem-
first opportunity to display their zeal in the
military service of the country. In the spring
of 1847, a company of infantry was promptly
orable battles at sea, the battles of Tippe- recruited by Captain Samuel Thompson, a
canoe and the Thames under Harrison, the veteran who was wounded in the battle of
last gun fired by Jackson at New Orleans had Lundy's Lane, in the War of 1812. The
ceased to reverberate, Packenham had members of this company were:
surrendered, and the War of 1812 brought to COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
a glorious termination by American valor, Captain Samuel Thompson.
before Sandusky county, as a civil and First Lieutenant Isaac Knapp.
political organization, came into existence. Second Lieutenant George M. Tillotson.
Second Lieutenant Lewis Leppelman.
Although the county was not organized
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
until several years after the close of the War
Orderly Sergeant Isaac Swank.
of 1812, a number of the soldiers of that war Sergeant Thomas Pinkerton.
were pioneer settlers and aided in the Sergeant Michael Wegstein.
organization. Amongst these we are able to Sergeant James R. Francisco.
give the following names, not doubting that Corporal John Williams.
Corporal John M. Crowell.
there were others whose names cannot now Corporal Benjamin Myers.
be obtained. Among those soldiers of the Corporal Edward Leppelman.
war with England commonly designated as Musician Charles Everett.
Musician Grant Forgerson.
the War of 1812, who are known to have
been here when the county was organized, PRIVATES.
we give the following: David Gallagher, William Scothorne, David Beery, C. D. Bishop, David
Mowry, Joseph Stout, John Quinn, David Sane, David Beagel,
Jeremiah Everett, Thomas L. Hawkins, John Beagel, Charles Faught, Charles Dennis, Samuel Faught,
Charles B. Fitch, Captain Jonathan H. Timothy Wilcox, Franklin Dirlam, Frank Rathbun, Hosea
Jerome, Israel Harrington, Josiah Rumery, Maxham, Henry McMillen, George A. Wheeler, Byron
and James justice. Wheeler, David Westfall, Albert Stinson, W. L. Engst, George
Smith, Henry Swint, Sebastian Smith, John Deterly, Christian
The county, however, embraces ground Steblin, Jacob Gugle, Jacob Fuller, Alexander Hartdrink, G. F.
rendered memorable by the War of 1812, Wisner, L. D. Bunce, John Linebaugh, Darwin Clark, David
and such localities as Fort Stephenson, in the Morton, Martin Zeigler, George Newman, William Parrish,
Elias Shawl, Lewis Barkimer, Levi Hufford, Holly Newton,
present city of Fremont, and Ball's battle Elias Lowens, John McConnel, Samuel Hartly, John Stull,
ground, in Ballville township, are places of David Garret, Monroe Coffin, Erastus Honeywell, John G.
which our people are proud, and from which Bartow, John J. Clark, Henry Lovejoy, Evan Davis, George
they still inhale the inspiration of true Beem, Barzillia Inman, Holly Seeley, Theodore Fitzgerald,
Frank Robbins, Charles Michael, Jacob Yanny, John Davis,
patriotism. The war with Mexico offered the. John Fabing, James Van Pelt, Henry Fisher, Daniel Bender,
citizens of the county their George W. Kershner, Frederick Grider, Frederick

241
242 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Weiker, Jacob Sabley, Lewis Newcomer, Patrick Dougherty, United States artillery, under Captain
Richard Cowper, Thomas Mason, Charles Cook, Charles
Fitch.
George Taylor, also a battery of two pieces
After Captain Thompson had enlisted the from the Second artillery, under First
required number of men for his company, he Lieutenant Henry C. Pratt, Lewis's cavalry,
was ordered to report at Cincinnati. The Sinlon’s battalion, Fourth regiment Indiana
company travelled by wagons from Lower volunteer infantry, and Fourth regiment of
Sandusky, now Fremont, to Perrysburg, Ohio volunteer infantry, commanded by
where canal-boats were furnished for their Colonel Charles H. Brough. A part of the
further movement. Thence they were road between Vergara and Puentade Marino,
transported through the Miami Canal to lay through sand ridges almost destitute of
Cincinnati on the same boats. They arrived verdure, and the soldiers were obliged to
at Cincinnati in due time, and in June, 1847, push the artillery carriages up many of the
were mustered into service in the Fourth steep ascents, on account of the large, deep
regiment of Ohio Volunteers, then forming ruts which had been formed. General Lane
in that city. and his staff accompanied the brigade. About
The Fourth regiment of Ohio Volunteer night-fall the brigade halted for the night at a
Infantry, of which this company, C, now little hamlet called Santa Fe. Here were
formed a part, were: found signs of the ravages of war, in the
blacked and charred remains of the beautiful
Colonel Charles H. Brough.
Lieutenant-Colonel Augustus Moore. little hamlet. It had been the scene of a fight
Major William P. Young. on the 25th of March, 1847, between
Surgeon Oliver M. Langdon. Harney, with his dragoons, and a body of
Assistant Surgeon Henry E. Foote.
Mexicans. At this place the command
The regiment was transported by camped for the night.
steamboat down the Ohio and Mississippi The brigade marched thence with various
Rivers to a place called Carleton, eight miles interesting incidents, to the National fridge.
above New Orleans. From New Orleans the This bridge is an ancient structure, and a
regiment was transported by steamer to brief description of it will be interesting to
Brazos Santiago, Texas, thence it marched to the general reader, and especially so to those
the mouth of the Rio Grande River. From the who have an interest in what the volunteers
mouth of the Rio Grande the regiment from Sandusky saw on their march, as well
moved by water transportation to as where they went. The National bridge of
Matamoras; thence to Vera Cruz, where the Mexico is a magnificent structure, and
regiment was incorporated into, and became crosses the Rio Antaiqua, a swift stream
part of Brevet Major-General Joseph Lane's which rises near the base of Mount Orizaba,
brigade. and rests on a number of arches. The mason-
At Vera Cruz Captain Thompson returned ry is of the most durable character. It was
home, on account of age and disability, and finished in the year 1776, and at that date,
from that time the command of the company 1847, near three-quarters of a century after
devolved upon Lieutenant Knapp through the its completion, showed no sign of decay or
entire war. displacement. At the middle of the bridge is
The company, with the brigade, left Vera a monument giving the date of its
Cruz on the afternoon of Sunday, September commencement and its completion, and by it
19, 1847. At this time General Lane's are stone seats for weary
brigade consisted of a battery of five pieces
from the Third regiment
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 243

travelers. There is a strong wall on each side Although it would be interesting to


of the bridge, running the whole length of it, describe minutely the marches, incidents,
which is between three and four feet high. country, and scenery through which our
Midway between the east and west ends of Sandusky boys passed, still such narration
the bridge there is a high rocky eminence on would involve a portion of the history of the
which a fort was built by the Mexican Mexican War, and would hardly be pertinent
empire. The bridge was formerly called to our history of the county-still, to show the
Puente del Rey, or the Bridge of the King, true state of affairs, and why Lane's brigade
but after Mexico became a republic the name was urged on to Pueblo, it is proper to say,
was changed to Puenta Nacional, or National that when General Scott advanced upon the
Bridge, and was a point of great military city of Mexico, which is seventy miles from
importance during the revolutions in Pueblo, he left Colonel Childs, of the
Mexico. This bridge, with surrounding artillery, at Pueblo with a body of men to
scenery, travelers say without doubt forms guard the city, and protect the sick who were
one of the most sublime landscapes in in the hospitals to the number of eighteen
Mexico. The brigade of which the Sandusky hundred men. The force left under the
volunteers formed a part, arrived at the command of Colonel Childs numbered in all
National bridge about the 23d of September, three hundred and ninety-three men. The
1847. The bridge was then under the control cured from the hospitals afterward swelled
of the American forces, but the possession of this force to the number of fourteen hundred
it had cost several severe struggles and the effective men.
loss of more than a hundred brave men. Everything was quiet about Pueblo while
Finally Colonel Hughes, in command of a Scott was fighting at the city of Mexico, but
battalion of Maryland, District of Columbia as soon as the Mexicans there were
troops, after a hard struggle obtained overcome, they turned their attention toward
possession of the fort at the summit of the Pueblo. On the 24th of September a large
rocky elevation, and thenceforward there body of Mexicans came into Pueblo, and
was no more trouble from that fort. This commenced the siege of that place which
action took place on the 9th of September, lasted until the lath of October, when
and about two weeks before General Lane's General Lane arrived with his column.
brigade arrived at that point. On the 22d of September, 1847, Santa
The ascent of this eminence, which was Anna arrived at Pueblo from Mexico, with a
necessary to dislodge the Mexicans, was, if considerable force, and assumed command
possible, more difficult than that of Lookout of the Mexican forces, which at this time
Mountain. Historians say that the only way amounted to eight thousand men. Childs was
the men could get up, was to pull themselves summoned to surrender, but politely
up by clinging to the roots and branches of declined to do so, saying that Americans
the shrubs which covered the rocks on the were not inclined to do such things. And he
sides of the steep acclivity. did not surrender, but held the fort until the
The brigade pushed forward, passing the arrival of Lane with his brigade, which, after
battle ground of Cerro Gordo, and reaching a fight in the streets of Pueblo, drove the
the city of Jalapa on the afternoon of the Mexicans away, and relieved Colonel
30th of September, 1847. Childs.
The Fourteenth Ohio regiment re-
244 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

maimed at Pueblo until after the treaty with each sovereign, and had the right to secede,
Mexico was ratified. On the 2d of June, and to be the judge of their cause for
1848, the regiment left Pueblo on the return seceding, and when they might respectively
home. They reached Cincinnati in the latter exercise the right. Not only did this doctrine
part of July, where they were discharged, prevail in the South, but the Northern
and Company C, homeward bound, travelled Democracy, under the same, had for years
to Tiffin by railroad, thence to Fremont by given at least tacit assent to the teachings of
wagons, to be warmly and thankfully Calhoun as the true theory of our
received by their friends. Although the Government. The Republican party rejected
company lost few in battle, there were few this theory, and claimed that we were a
sound men in the ranks when they reached Nation, that for National purposes the
home. Nearly all were greatly enfeebled by Government of the United States must
the diseases incident to Mexico and army necessarily be supreme and the States
life, and chronic diarrhea carried off a subordinate.
number after reaching home, and enfeebled The right and wrong of slavery in the
many during the remainder of life. Southern States, and the question of its
Captains Amon C. Bradley and J. A. extension into the territories which were
Jones also recruited a number of men in soon to become States, had for years been
Sandusky county for the Mexican war. It has debated in Congress, by the press of the
been ascertained that the following named country, by orators on the stump, and by
were enlisted in the company of Captain lecturers on the platform, until the public
Jones, whose company, however, was mind had become profoundly agitated on the
chiefly composed of men from Huron subject, both North and South.
county, their headquarters being at Norwalk: The election of Abraham Lincoln dem-
Matthew H. Chance, John Stahl, George onstrated that the institution of slavery could
Momeny, John Griffin, Nathan Griffin. not be extended, and Southern statesmen
The following other named men were whose influence had dominated the
volunteers from Sandusky county, and went Government so long, saw plainly that
into service, but whether in Captain without an extension of their peculiar
Bradley's or Captain Jones' company, cannot institution, their power was destined to pass
be determined by the information within our away, and that the sentiment of freedom
reach, to wit: would dominate in all departments of the
Jesse Herbster, Ephraim Herbster, Amos Crain,
Government. They clearly foresaw that such
Frederick Noss, Michael Oberst, Amos Cumings, Aitkin a condition, coupled with the growing and
Morton, George Fafer, George Parrish, Joseph F. aggressive anti-slavery sentiment in the free
Francis, Henry S. Francisco, and Andrew Kline. States, would not only take from them the
THE WAR OF THE REBELLION ascendency in the Government and the
benefits of its patronage, but threatened the
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, very existence of their own peculiar
gave offense to the leading statesmen of the institution of slavery in the States where it
South. existed. Hence, we see, political convictions,
The baneful teachings of Calhoun had State pride,, love of power, and a
planted deeply and widely in the minds of tremendous force of self interest in the
the Southern people the political heresy that ownership of slaves, all converging to drive
the several States of the Union were them to the terrible resort of a conflict of
armed force.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 245

It is unnecessary here to recite all the bery of the Nation, or to punish treason to
steps taken by the enemies of the Union the Government.
anterior to the inauguration of Abraham There it no doubt but the naturally weak
Lincoln. President, by accepting the doctrines of
Fort Moultrie, when surrounded by Calhoun, and by pledges to administer the
scowling, deadly foes too numerous to be re- Government according to the requirements
sisted, had been wisely abandoned by Major of Southern statesmen, was fettered and
Anderson, who was compelled to transfer his bound hand and foot, and all his powers to
feeble force to Fort Sumter in the night of save the Union were paralyzed. Hence he
December 26, 1860. stood stupid, amazed, and helpless while
John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, had the Union was crumbling, betrayed, and
resigned his post on the 29th of the same robbed, and an opposing confederacy
month. formed with the purpose of overthrowing
Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Inte- the Constitution of the fathers, and
rior, had left his post with a heavy defalca- subjugating the North by armed force.
tion of eight hundred and seventy thousand While the later events above noticed were
dollars in his department. being enacted, and on the 11th of February,
The Star of the West, carrying rein- 1861, Abraham Lincoln left his home at
forcements and supplies to Major Anderson Springfield, Illinois, for Washington City.
at Fort Sumter, had been fired upon by the The story of his journey, how the people
rebels and compelled to turn back. honored him on the way, how at Harrisburg
General Twiggs, commanding the United his friends, having good ground to believe
States military forces in Texas, had, on the he would be assassinated at Baltimore if he
aid of February, 1860, treacherously, should pass through there at the appointed
traitorously, turned over to the State of time, started him on his journey through
rebellious Texas, all the forces under his that city twenty-four hours in advance of
command, being nearly half the then regular the contemplated time, that he should
army of the United States, with all the escape from the assassins lying in wait for
property and military stores in that State, their opportunity; how he arrived at
amounting to near two millions of dollars in Washington; how he was inaugurated, his
value. pleading with the rebels to desist and accept
The ship Star of the West, which, after its his most generous offers for peace
return from the abortive attempt to reinforce consistent with the existence of the Union,
and provision Fort Sumter, was dispatched, are all too familiar to the people to need
laden with supplies for the army of the particularizing here.
frontier, went into the harbor of Indianola On the 15th of April, 1861, President
unsuspicious of the extent of the rebellion, Lincoln issued his proclamation for
and became an easy prey to the exultant seventy-five thousand volunteer militia to
rebels., be furnished by the several States according
The defensive fortifications located to population. The apportionment to Ohio
within the seceded States, mounting over was thirteen regiments, of seven hundred
three thousand guns, and having cost more and eighty men each.
than twenty millions of dollars, had been The intelligent people of Sandusky county
seized and appropriated by the Confederates- had watched all the events preceding this
all under the eyes of President Buchanan, proclamation, with a burning, pat-
without a hand raised to prevent the rob-
246 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

riotic indignation. And now, when this Company H, Medina and Lorain; Company
proclamation came to them, they fairly I, Lorain, and Company K, Medina.
leaped into the service. The first opportunity Company F was organized in Sandusky
offered was to form two companies of the county. Captain George M. Tillotson died at
Eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve Fremont, Ohio, March 4, 1863; First
three months. Hundreds of able-bodied men Lieutenant Charles M. Fouke, resigned;
of Sandusky county offered to volunteer, but Second Lieutenant E. W. Cook, resigned;
the quota for Ohio was so suddenly filled First Lieutenant Henry Farnum, promoted
that they were denied the coveted privilege from sergeant, also promoted to captain,
of serving their country under this first call. wounded at Gettysburg; Second Lieutenant
The Eighth regiment Ohio volunteers was Thomas H. Thornburgh, promoted from
first organized as a three months’ regiment, sergeant, wounded at Mine Run.
at Camp Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, and sent Company G was organized in Sandusky
to Camp Dennison for equipment and drill, county. Captain William E. Haynes, pro-
April 28, 1861. It was subsequently moted to Lieutenant Colonel Tenth Ohio
reorganized for three years, and left camp volunteer cavalry; First Lieutenant Ed. ward
for West Virginia July 8, 1861, the following F. Dickinson, promoted to captain, served as
named officers and companies having been regimental quartermaster (since a member of
mustered into the service: Forty-first Congress from Ninth
FIELD AND STAFF.
Congressional district of Ohio); Second
Lieutenant Creighton Thompson, wounded at
Colonel Herman G. DePuy, Erie county. Antietam.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Park, Lorain county.
Major Franklin Sawyer, Huron county. The regiment left Camp Dennison for
Adjutant Joseph R. Swigout, Crawford county. Virginia, July 8, 1861, and served in the
Quartermaster Herman Reuss, Huron county. campaign against Garnett's force; was
Surgeon Benjamin Tappan, Jefferson county.
Assistant Surgeon Samuel Sexton, Hamilton county.
present at an attempt on Romney, under
Chaplain L. N. Freeman, Erie county. Colonel Cantwell of the Eighty-second Ohio,
Surgeons B. Tappan, resigned; Thomas McEbright, at its capture under General Kelley. It was
resigned; Joseph L. Bunton. also engaged in a skirmish at Blue Gap and
Assistant Surgeons-S. Sexton, resigned; T. Culver,
resigned; Freeman A. Tuttle and James S. Pollock. at Bloomey Gap. During the winter of 1861-
Chaplains—Rev. L. N. Freeman, resigned, and 62 it formed a part of General Lander's
Alexander Miller. force, on the Upper Potomac, Patterson's
Adjutants—Lieutenant Joseph R. Swigart, transferred
to General Kimball's staff; Lieutenant David Lewis,
Creek, and Paw Paw Tunnel.
promoted to captain, and Lieutenant John W. DePuy. In November, 1861, Colonel DePuy and
Quartermasters—Lieutenant Herman Ruess and Lieutenant-Colonel Park resigned and Cap-
Lieutenant E. F. Dickinson, promoted to captain. tain S. S. Carroll, of the United States Army,
The regiment was composed of ten was appointed colonel. Major Sawyer was
companies: Company A, from Seneca promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and Captain
county; Company B, Cleveland; Company C, A. H. Winslow to major. Colonel Carroll
Crawford county; Company D, Huron was a graduate of West Point, brave, active,
county; Company E, Erie county; Companies and devoted to his profession. During six
F and G, Sandusky county; weeks under his command, at Romney, the
regiment attained a high state of proficiency
in drill and tac-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 247

tics, and the esprit du cords for which it was brigade pushed out for the Chickahominy,
afterwards greatly celebrated., constantly skirmishing with the enemy for
In March, 1862, the regiment joined several days. On the 4th of July the Eighth
General Shields' division, in the Valley of drove in the enemy's pickets, losing seven
the Shenandoah, and took part in the men killed and wounded.
campaign against "Stonewall" Jackson; and, The regiment remained at Harrison's
on the 23d of March, in the battle of Landing until the line of the James River
Winchester, Colonel Carroll, with part of the was abandoned, August 16, 1862, when,
regiment, was at one time hotly engaged on being organized with French's division,
the left of the position, losing three men Sumner's corps, then and afterwards known
killed, and receiving several balls in his as Second Division, Second Corps, the
clothing. Colonel Sawyer, with companies C, regiment returned to Yorktown, thence to
D, E, and H, was on the right, and charged Newport News, whence, by transports, it
the enemy in flank, in conjunction with the arrived at Alexandria; thence marched to
Fifth and Sixty-second Ohio. The loss in Centreville, where the retreating army of
these four companies in killed and wounded Pope was met. Here the corps protected the
was more than one-fourth the number retreat of the army; supported Kearney at
engaged. Chantilly, and moved on the left flank,
After this battle Colonel Carroll was crossing the Potomac at the chain bridge.
placed in command of a brigade, and did not From this point the corps moved to the
again command the regiment, which was, Monocacy, having a brisk skirmish, thence
during the balance of its service, in to South Mountain, where the corps
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer, supported Burnside, and witnessed the battle
with brief exception. The regiment was at of the 15th September. The corps crossed the
this time assigned to General Kimball's mountain next morning, and took position on
brigade, consisting of the Fourth and Eighth the Antietam which it crossed early on the
Ohio, Fourteenth Indiana, and Seventh morning of the 17th, and attacked the enemy
Virginia. by divisions in front of Sharpsburg. The
Shields' division now moved to Fred- First division, under Sedgwick, had been
ericksburg, and left General Banks to his driven back, and our division, under French,
fate in the valley; and as soon as he had been was ordered forward, and finally carried an
driven back into Maryland, Shields marched important position at the point of the
back to the valley. Kimball's brigade retook bayonet. Kimball led his brigade gallantly to
Front Royal, the Eighth being in front, and the work; not a man faltered, but the position
Captain Haynes, of Company G, entered the was gained only at a loss of nearly one-half
town, capturing most of the force and his men. But few over three hundred, rank
supplies of the rebels, also capturing the and file, of the Eighth were present, and its
famous Belle Boyd. After Shields' failure at loss in the battle was one hundred and sixty-
Port Republic he was relieved, and Kimball, two killed and wounded. Lieutenants
with his brigade, sent to join McClellan, on Delany, Lantry, Bill, and Barnes were killed,
the James, where he arrived on the 2d of and Lieutenants Shilletto Smith, company A,
July, by steamer, and debarked at Harrison's and Thompson, company G, each losing an
Landing as McClellan was falling back from eye, were carried from the field supposed to
Malvern Hill. Immediately, under command be dead. Nine other officers
of General Ferry, the
248 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

were severely wounded. Colonel Sawyer's The next battle was Chancellorsville. The
and Adjutant Lewis' horses were both shot. Eighth regiment, though engaged in line of
Lieutenant Dickinson, then acting as battle during the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of
quartermaster, was on the field during the May, suffered but little, losing but one man
day acting as aid-de-camp to General killed and six wounded.
Kimball. The Fourteenth Indiana lost Next came the Gettysburg campaign. In
heavily, and in conjunction with the Eighth this battle the regiment showed conspicuous
made a partial change of position under fire. bravery. Midway between the two armies the
The Seventh Virginia lost heavily also, and turnpike is cut through a ridge, thus forming
Colonel Oakford, One Hundred and Twenty- a good rifle-pit. This the rebels held, and
sixth Pennsylvania, was killed. This from it their sharp-shooters were picking off
regiment—One Hundred and Twenty-sixth our officers and men. The Eighth was
Pennsylvania—replaced the Fourth Ohio, ordered to take and hold the place. Colonel
which was at the time in convalescent camp Sawyer led the charge, mounted, and drove
at some distance from the battlefield. out and captured the rebels in fine style.
General French honored the brigade with the They were soon reinforced and attempted to
title of "the Gibraltar brigade." retake it, but were driven back with great
From this place the brigade was pushed loss.
rapidly to Harper's Ferry, and thence to This was on the afternoon of July 2d. The
Leesburgh, on a tedious and fruitless ex- loss in the regiment had been severe, but the
pedition. From Harper's Ferry the regiment, order was to "hold the fort." At daylight on
with the army, marched to Falmouth, and the morning of the 3d the rebels again made
participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, a determined attack, but were repulsed.
December 12, 1862. In this battle the Eighth About noon a tremendous cannonade began,
and Fourth Ohio and First Delaware on the the shot from both armies passing overhead,
left, in command of Colonel Sawyer, formed and two of the men were killed. As soon as
a sort of forlorn hope, being ordered to drive the artillery duel had ceased the rebel
in the pickets and sharpshooters between the infantry began to move in force toward the
town and Marie's Hill, to cut and level the line, the main body moving to our right, but
fences, etc. This was gallantly done, and the three regiments confronting us. The whole
position designated taken by the troops, at a regiment now remaining was drawn up in
point beyond which no organization of line and made a desperate charge with the
troops passed during the terrible battle that bayonet as the rebel line approached, which
followed. broke and ran, leaving half its men and three
Captain Allen, company I, and Sergeant- battle-flags in our hands. One-half the
Major Henthorn were killed, and several regiment present were killed and wounded.
men were killed and wounded. Among the killed were Lieutenant Hayden,
Winter quarters were established at Fal- company H, Sergeant Kipko, company A,
mouth. General Kimball having been and Sergeant Peters, company G; among the
severely wounded was relieved from com- wounded were Lieutenants Farnam and
mand. On the 10th of January, 1863, Colonel Thornburgh, company F, and Captains
Carroll assumed command of the brigade, Pierce, Miller, Ried and Nickerson. The
which he retained until wounded at the battle regiment, with its corps, followed up the
of Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. rebels, skirmish-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 249

ing continually, to Harper's Ferry, and ville. Following the enemy to Spottsylvania
thence to Culpeper. At this point the the Eighth was engaged on the 9th, charging
regiment was relieved from the front, and the enemy's works, with the division, which
sent, with other troops, to New York city, by was repulsed. Lieutenant Huysung and
steamer, to suppress the draft riots. This trip Color-bearer James Conlan, were among the
was, to all, a most pleasant episode in army severely wounded.
life. At a little after midnight on the morning
Returning from New York the regiment of the 12th, the Second Corps drew out of its
joined its corps, still at Culpeper. General position, and, amid profound darkness,
Lee had turned the right wing of the army passed noiselessly to the left, with the design
and was forcing it back over the path of of attacking the enemy's right wing. By
Pope's retreat of the year before. During the daylight we were supposed to be in its
retreat the Eighth was engaged in a severe vicinity. The Eighth Ohio and First
skirmish at Auburn, and the brisk little battle Delaware, in command of Colonel Sawyer,
at Bristow Station. Colonel Carroll's horse were ordered forward to clear out what
was killed, our baggage horses captured, and appeared to be a few troops in an orchard
several men wounded. and some negro huts in front. This developed
Lee now fell back to Mine Run, and the picket line, and the whole corps was
Meade, commanding our army, followed. At soon in motion. The Eighth joined its
a skirmish near Robinson's Tavern Colonel brigade as it came up, and the whole
Sawyer's horse was killed, and several men division, moving forward at a quick-step,
killed and wounded. came upon a rebel brigade, which
The army now went into winter quarters. surrendered with hardly a shot, and soon
On the 8th of February the Eighth received the first volley from the real rebel
participated in the skirmish at Morton's line.
Ford, crossing the ford with the division The salient, as the rebel right was
under General Alexander Hayes. repulsed, had been struck, and the whole
On the 3d of May, 1864, the regiment, corps, pushing forward at a double-quick,
with its corps, the Second, still commanded was soon master of the rebel works. The
by General Hancock, crossed the Rapidan whole corps suffered fearfully, and the loss
for the final campaign. The corps struck the in the Eighth was terrible. Lieutenant
enemy on the afternoon of the 5th, and the Manahan, Company D, was killed; the color-
Eighth recaptured a gun just taken from bearer, Sergeant Gallagher, mortally
Sedgwick, in which skirmish Lieutenant wounded, with many others. Colonel Sawyer
McKisson was wounded. The next morning was severely wounded, at the time it was
the brigade was pushed forward, and the supposed mortally; Colonel Coons,
Eighth become hotly engaged in an almost Fourteenth Indiana, with other officers of his
hand to hand fight. Captain Craig, regiment, were killed; Colonel Lockwood,
commanding company F, was killed, and Seventh Virginia, terribly wounded; Colonel
Captain Lewis, commanding company G, Davis, Twelfth New Jersey, the captain
was dangerously wounded, his left thigh commanding the First Delaware, and several
bone being shot off. Several other losses officers of the Fourth Ohio, all from our
occurred. Two wounded men fell into the little brigade, lay dead around us as the
hands of the rebels, and were carried to smoke of the battle for a moment cleared
Anderson away. The enemy soon rallied, and the fight
went on. During
250 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the day Colonel Carroll was severely Sergeant William H. Kirk, wounded at Antietam and
discharged.
wounded and carried from the field. Sergeant Joseph A. Fry, discharged January 16, 1862,
Major Winslow now assumed command of for disability.
the regiment. On the 19th it participated in Corporal Alfred M. Brown, discharged February 4,
the battle of the North Anna, crossing the 1863, for disability.
Corporal Louis Mathews, killed at Antietam, Sep-
river under fire, and losing several men. On tember 17, 1862.
the 26th it was again engaged at Hanover Corporal Michael Halderman, killed at Antietam.
Court House, and on the 31st at Cold Corporal Richard Smithurst, killed at Antietam.
Corporal Joseph Fisher, killed at Antietam. Corporal
Harbor, in which battle the loss in the Edward S. Cooper.
regiment was twenty-four killed and several Corporal Charles A. Klegin, wounded at Chancel-
wounded. lorsville.
The regiment was not again seriously Corporal William H. Myers.
engaged, but followed the fortunes of the PRIVATES.
Second Corps to the front of Petersburg, Charles D. Atkinson, discharged for disability; Zenus
Nye, wounded at Antietam; Michael Moore, killed at
from which place it was relieved, and Gettysburg; Philip Andrews, wounded at Gettysburg;
returned home, its term of enlistment having Rudolph Arman; Noah Alspah; John Ashnell; Jonas
expired. It arrived in Cleveland on the Bosler, killed at Antietam; William Burton, died
morning of the 3d of July, 1864, and was September 21, 1872; Bernard Bondeli, discharged; John
A. Bonnell, wounded at Winchester, discharged (since
mustered out on the 13th, numbering less has been county treasurer of Wood county, Ohio);
than one hundred rank and file fit for duty. William W. Crandal, wounded at Antietam; Frank C.
The regiment had been engaged in forty- Culley, discharged for disability; Anthony C. Culver,
discharged for disability; Isaac C. Chamberlain,
eight battles and skirmishes. It had never wounded at Antietam; Vincent Dungheet, wounded at
wavered in its duty, never had lost its Chancellorsville, May 6, 1863; John B. Davis,
position in battle, had lost, all told, but six discharged for disability; Benjamin D. Evans,
prisoners, and they were wounded and discharged for disability; Josiah Fitzgerald; Joseph
Fitzgerald; John S.(Fields, killed at Antietam; Matthew
unable to be removed from the field. It had Freek, discharged for disability; Theodore Foster,
taken four rebel battle flags and twice its wounded before Richmond; John D. Francis, discharged
own number of prisoners. It had frequently, for disability; Henry Fairbanks, discharged for
disability; Thomas W. Gordon, discharged for disability;
as a regiment, been commended by Charles S. Grant; George Grisshaber, discharged for
commanding generals for its bravery, and disability; Charles Guss, discharged for disability;
was complimented by Governor Brough as Henry Graback, wounded in battle; Simon Gobble,
one of the best of Ohio's brave regiments. wounded in battle; John Heller; Morris Hill, wounded at
Antietam and discharged; William Jones, promoted to
COMPANY F. sergeant; Christian Jacobs; Joseph Kihm, discharged for
disability; Josiah Linton, discharged for disability; John
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. E. Lemon, died November 21, 1862; Balsar Leblo,
Captain George M. Tillotson died March 4, 1863, at wounded at Gettysburg; Emelius J. Leppleman,
Fremont, Ohio. discharged for disability; Devit C. Lloyd, discharged for
First Lieutenant Charles M. Fouke, resigned. disability; John C. Mason, discharged for disability;
Second Lieutenant Edward W. Cook, resigned. William McBride; William Mullen, killed at
Fredericksburg, December, 1862; William Miller;
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. George W. Myers, wounded at Winchester; Anthony
Sergeant Henry A. Farnum, promoted to first Magram, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; Sophery
lieutenant and captain, wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, Mayram; Jacob H. Milburn; Rufus M. Norton, wounded
1863. at Wilderness and Spottsylvania; James Olds, killed at
Sergeant Thomas H. Thornburgh, promoted to second Antietam; Samuel Paden, wounded at Cold Harbor; John
lieutenant, wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, and at Pepfer, discharged; W. S. Palmeter, killed at Antietam;
Mine Run, December 4, 1863. Eurotus A. Pelton, discharged; Francis B. Reynolds,
Sergeant James Daugherty, jr. killed at Antietam; Julius Reynolds, killed at Antietam;
James
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 251

Richmond, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; at Antietam; Bartholomew Conner, George W. Crosley,
George Saur, wounded at Gettysburg; Martin A. Shrenk, Richard Clark, Tobias M. Edwards, killed at Winchester;
promoted to ordnance sergeant; Eli Stanley, discharged; Nathaniel G. Foster, wounded at Gettysburg; John
Emanuel Smith, wounded at Antietam and discharged; Guither, wounded at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg;
John Teel, wounded in Wilderness; Charles Taylor John Gazin; John M. Hite, wounded at Antietam and
wounded at Fredericksburg and discharged; William A. discharged; Henry Herman; Eugene A. Hodges,
Wilson, wounded at Gettys burg; Louis Zimmerman, wounded at Gettysburg; Thos. M. Heffner, Peter
wounded at Antietam and discharged; Simon Louis, Heidelman, Adam Innes, Jason J. Jack, John W. James;
discharged; Andrew J. Beith; Myron Watts, wounded at Professor James, wounded at Antietam; William Jacobs,
Chancellorsville and died; George Meyers, wounded at wounded at Fredericksburg; Matthias Knobble, killed at
Winchester and discharged; Joseph Gullant, died at Fredericksburg; John Keran, killed at Antietam; John M.
Grafton, Virginia, August 27, 1861; George Douglass, Roch; Samuel Kepfer, killed at Spottsylvania; Henry
died at Grafton, Virginia, August 31, 1861; David A. Kaettz, John Keefer; Jacob Saemstell, died March 12,
Lemon, killed at Mine Run, November 27, 1863; John 1862, at Cumberland, Maryland; Daniel Sarg, Cornelius
Fisher, wounded at Antietam; C. Shoemaker, died in Mulachi; Philip Michael, wounded at Antietam and
Andersonville prison. discharged; Samuel Metzker, died at Cumberland,
Maryland; Homer Millious, wounded at Gettysburg;
COMPANY G. James McKeefer, died in Andersonville prison; Anthony
Moier, wounded at Antietam and discharged; Austin J.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Moore, died at Falmouth, Virginia, April 17, 1863; John
Captain William E. Haynes, promoted to lieutenant- Miller, Henry Nahliz, Joseph Orr, Henry Pulaski; John
colonel Tenth Regiment Ohio cavalry. G. Peters, promoted to sergeant, and killed at Gettysburg
First Lieutenant Edward F. Dickinson, promoted to July 3, 1863; George Reinhard, wounded at Antietam
captain, and served as regimental quartermaster, and Gettysburg; Francis M. Rivets, wounded at Gettys-
Second Lieutenant Creighton Thompson, wounded at burg; Patrick Roch, wounded at Antietam; William
Antietam, and resigned. Shuher; Jefferson Taylor, died at Grafton, Virginia,
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. September 6, 1861; John M. Vail, Isadore Wentling;
Lewis Winegardner, died at Fortress Monroe; Hiram
Sergeant Harrison Hoffman. Wing, wounded at Gettysburg and Antietam; John A.
Sergeant Morris Morrison, died December 9, 1862, at Williams, died at Fremont, Ohio, in November, 1862;
Cumberland, Maryland. John Walker, Morris Yates; Absalom Zeducer, wounded
Sergeant Daniel Miller, wounded at Winchester and at Spottsylvania; Milton Miers, James M. Johnson;
the Wilderness. Myron Watts, wounded at Chancellorsville; Samuel
Sergeant Philip Tracy, wounded at Gettysburg, and Nafe.
died July 6, 1863.
Sergeant Cyrus P. Taylor, wounded at Antietam. THE TWENTY-FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER
Corporal Charles W. Arlin. INFANTRY.
Corporal John A. Bevington, wounded at Winchester
and Gettysburg. Sandusky contributed a company, or nearly
Corporal Virgil J. Crowel, wounded at Antietam. a company, to the Twenty-fifth Ohio
Corporal Manville Moore, wounded at Gettysburg,
and died at Baltimore.
Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was
Corporal William Luckey. organized at Camp Chase in June, 1861, and
Corporal Samuel S. Thirwictor. contained men from various localities in all
Corporal Rodolphus Dickinson, wounded at Antietam. quarters of the State. On the 29th day of
Corporal James Hagarty, wounded at Gettysburg.
Bugler Edward Sheetinzer. July, 1861, it went into service in West
PRIVATES. Virginia, and was stationed along the
Henry Hone, Charles H. Culp, Charles G. Aldrich,
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, from Oakland to
Lewis S. Baker, Nicholas Frunkhouser, Wilbur G. Finch, the Ohio River. While there the regiment
Peter Grover, John Gbense, Michael Gassin; Charles paid attention to bushwhackers which
Baker, George J. Bixler, John D. Bradv, Charles F. infested the vicinity and broke up several
Clark, Albert Fayo, Alvin R. Gossard, Anthony George,
Peter J. Hershey, John 1. Haynes, James Lordand, David gangs of them, to the great relief of the
Nighswander, John W. Stone, discharged for disability; forces, as well as the loyal inhabitants. The
David Biddle, died February 13, 1863; Christian regiment went through a long course
Binkley, Peter Bohler, wounded at Fredericksburg;
Orville B. Cole, killed
252 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of suffering and arduous service. It was in Corporal John Wise.


Corporal Edward J. Teeple.
the battles of Cheat Mountain, Greenbriar, Corporal Richard Kenny.
Camp Baldwin, Monterey; the engagements Corporal Daniel Potter.
and marches in the Shenandoah Valley; in Corporal Frederick Holderman.
General Pope's campaign along the Corporal Byron Hutchins.
Wagoner Joseph Hess.
Rappahannock, in the second battle of Bull Musician Bryan Carrigan.
Run, at Gettysburg, and a great many battles, Musician Andrew J. Lake.
and many trying marches. PRIVATES.
It re-enlisted on the 15th of January,
1864, and started for home, on veteran Obediah A. Bidgely, Gephard Rush, P. Duffey
Thomas J. Overman, Joseph Vallance, Samuel Black,
furlough, reaching Camp Chase on the 5th of George W. Algyer, John Bigley, James Bacon, Frederick
March, 1864. While there, many recruits T. Bigler, James W. Barnes, Charles Cimmerer, Ethridge
were added to the regiment, and were Comstock, Frederick Cannell, Charles Caul, George W.
Clelland, Thomas C. Coalwell, Samuel H. Deselms,
organized, and called Company B. Andrew J. Davis, George Dagan, Samuel Edgar, John
On the 16th of February, 1864, the reg- Everingham, Isaiah Eastick, George C. Edgerton, Josiah
imental flags, which had passed through Fought, Samuel Frantz, August Frech, John Ferrell,
twenty battles, and under which eighteen Monta Heath, Harvey N. Hall, Thomas C. Hemminger,
William S. Hutton, Thomas Howell, John Q. Hutchins,
color-bearers had been killed or wounded, Frederick Halderman, Oliver P. Hershey, Virgil Jacobs,
were presented to Governor Brough, to be John Jell, George Kessler, John Knappenberger, Jesse
placed in the archives of the State, and the Little, John Leary, John Lose, Lawson Marsh, Joseph
Mitchell, William Meuser, Linnus Marsh, Darius I.
regiment received a beautiful new stand of Minnier, William Mackey, John Morris, Lewis Moore,
colors. Michael Mulgrove, Blando L. Mills, Harrison I. Meyers,
It served well in the Carolinas, and, in Peter Miller, Isaac Nye, Hiram Odell, Hiram Ostrander,
fact, all through the war; and on the 18th of Richard D. Phelps, Alexander Pemberton, John E.
Rearick, Joseph Riddle, Lewis Robber, Frederick Shultz,
June, 1866, when it held its last parade at William R. Stump, Abednego Stephens, Norton G.
Columbus, Ohio, surrendered again its sec- Skinner, Joel Spohn, Levi S. Stewart, Henry Smuch,
ond set of colors to Governor Cox, and was Florian Smith, Alexander Scott, Benjamin Staley,
Charles Slaughterbeck, Edward Teeple, Christopher
then mustered out, and discharged, having Thayer, John Tweedle, Decatur Whiting, George D.
been in active service over five years. Wormwood, Joseph C. Wright, Lewis Zeigler, Volney
The following are the men of Sandusky A. Dubel.
county who enlisted in the Twenty-fifth THE FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT, OHIO
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who are VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
entitled to a share of its glory, and the thanks
of the country: This regiment, which did such conspicuous
service in the war for the suppression of the
COMPANY E.
Rebellion, was organized at Tiffin, in the
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. county of Seneca. It left Camp Noble, near
Captain Moses H. Crowell, resigned. Tiffin, on the 10th of September, 1861, for
Captain Michael Murray. Camp Dennison, where it received its
First Lieutenant Hezekiah Thomas.
Second Lieutenant George W. Iden. equipments on the 21st of the same month,
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
and moved for Louisville, Kentucky. The
next day it reported to Brigadier General
Sergeant Peter Molyett.
Sergeant Samuel Hoffman. Robert Anderson, then in command at that
Sergeant Henry Barnup. place, and was the first organized Union
Sergeant Christian Joseph. regiment to enter Kentucky, where it met a
Corporal Henry Overmeyer.
Corporal Frederick Gilyer.
most cordial re-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 253

ception on its arrival at Louisville. Two Green River, were attacked by Hinman's
boats lashed together, conveying the regi- Arkansas Brigade and Terry's Texas Ran-
ment, approached the wharf at Louisville, gers. In sending troops to the relief of the
while the regimental band was playing pickets, the Forty-ninth Ohio was the first to
National airs. Its arrival was a surprise to cross the river, followed by the Thirty-ninth
military headquarters, and as the regiment Indiana. The enemy was met and repulsed,
debarked, the people received them with Colonel Terry, one of the rebel commanders,
great enthusiasm. As they marched from the being killed.
landing, the citizens formed in the rear and The regiment remained at Camp Wood
marched with them through the principal perfecting itself in discipline and drill until
streets to the headquarters of General the lath of February, 1862, when it left the
Anderson. The General appeared on the camp for Bowling Green, Kentucky. It
balcony of the hotel, and welcomed the marched thence towards Nashville,
regiment in a short address. To this address Tennessee, which place it reached on the 3d
General Gibson responded, and tradition of March, 1862, and established there Camp
says that his response was full of that soul- Andrew Johnson. From this camp it moved
stirring, heart-warming eloquence in behalf on the 16th of March with Buell's army, to
of the Union cause for which he is so join General Grant's forces at Pittsburg
celebrated wherever he speaks on the great Landing, and arrived there on the 6th of
theme of Union and liberty. April. Here Colonel Gibson took command
A magnificent dinner for the regiment of the brigade, leaving the Forty-ninth
was given at the Louisville hotel by the regiment under the command of Lieutenant-
citizens, and the men of the regiment were Colonel A. M. Blackman. The regiment went
magnificently entertained. In the evening of into the fight at 11 o'clock in the morning,
the same day the regiment started from occupying the left of the brigade, and next to
Louisville by railroad for Lebanon junction, Crittenden's division. This position was
to report to General W. T. Sherman, then at maintained under a terrible fire from the
that point. The next morning it crossed the enemy until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when,
Rolling Fork, wading the river, and marched with the enemy in full retreat, the regiment
to Elizabethtown and went into camp at stacked arms and lay down to rest. In this
Muldsdraugh's Hill. Here the regiment re- battle the regiment twice successfully
mained until the 10th of October, when it performed the hazardous feat of changing
moved to Nolan Creek, and went into Camp front under fire.
Nevin. The Forty-ninth then moved towards
The Forty-ninth regiment was soon after Corinth. The other portions of the army had
assigned to the Sixth Brigade under com- some severe fighting at Bredges's Creek, and
mand of General R. W. Johnson, of the at other points on the way, and entered
Second Division of the Army of Ohio. On Corinth with the army on the 30th of May,
the 10th of December, 1861, the Second 1862. From Corinth it was sent in pursuit of
Division moved to Mumfordsville, on the the enemy, passing through Jericho, Iuka,
Green River, and drove the rebels to the and other points to Tuscumbia, Alabama,
opposite side of the river, and established and Florence, crossing the river at Florence.
Camp Wood. On the 17th of December the Thence it marched to Battle Creek,
National pickets from the Thirty-second Tennessee. At this time
Indiana Infantry, on the south side of
254 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Bragg's army was found to be threatening command of the Army of the Cumberland,
Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, and commenced his movement on Murfreesboro.
the Forty-ninth was put in pursuit of him. On The Forty-ninth moved out of Nashville, on
the march from Battle Creek, Tennessee, the Nelsonville turnpike, with the right wing,
Union forces were urged forward with all the under Major General McCook, and after
speed the men could endure, and they constant skirmishing found itself in line of
suffered terribly from exhaustion, intense battle on the extreme right of the Union
heat of the weather and from want of water army before Murfreesboro, on the evening of
and rations. These sufferings were, however, the 30th of December, 1862. At six o'clock
born with fortitude by the men, and the the next morning Kirk's brigade was
apprehension that their own Ohio might be furiously assaulted by the enemy, and giving
invaded by rebels nerved them to most way was pressed back on the Forty-ninth,
extraordinary endurance and hard marches. which at once became engaged, and was in
The regiment reached Louisville on the 29th its turn borne back by overwhelming
of September, where, after a few clays rest, numbers to the Nashville turnpike, a distance
the march in pursuit of the enemy was of a mile and a half from the point of
resumed. Moving out on the Frankfort encounter. In this resistance to the rebel
turnpike, through Shelbyville, driving the forces the Forty-ninth sustained an incessant
enemy before them, Frankfort was reached conflict of nine hours' duration.
on the 5th of October in time to disperse the The following morning the regiment was
rebel troops gathered there to guard the sent to reconnoiter on the right and rear of
inauguration of Captain Dick Hawes as rebel the main army. Returning from this duty, it
Governor of Kentucky. The march was rejoined its brigade, and that day was more
resumed on the morning of the 7th of or less engaged, operating on the extreme
October, under orders to join the main army, right of the army, in connection with
the junction being made the day following Stanley's cavalry. On Friday, January 2, it
the battle of Perryville. During the whole of occupied a position in reserve to the centre
the march from Louisville to Perryville, until late in the afternoon, when, upon the
there was daily skirmishing. At Lawrence repulse of Van Cleve's division on the left, it
and Dog Walk brisk engagements were was ordered, with its brigade, to retrieve the
fought, in each of which the Forty-ninth fortunes of the day on that part of the field.
Ohio was conspicuously engaged, under It joined in a magnificent bayonet charge,
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Levi Drake. which resulted in recovering the lost ground,
Pursuing the enemy to Crab Orchard the and a severe defeat of the enemy.
regiment, with its brigade and division, The Forty-ninth went into this battle with
marched to Bowling Green. Thence it the entire field and staff officers present. At
marched toward Nashville, and on the 5th of its close it was under command of junior
November was with the advance that raised Captain S. F. Gray. The capture of General
the siege of that city. The regiment then Willich placed Colonel Gibson, of the Forty-
went into camp at Mill Creek, where it ninth, in command of the brigade. Lieutenant
remained until the 26th day of December. On Colonel Drake was killed while bravely
the 26th of December, 1862, General cheering on his men. Major Porter was
Rosecrans then, in wounded, and all the senior captains present
were either
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 255

killed or wounded. It should be noted here the Forty-ninth did great service, and dis-
that, before this battle, Captain J. R. Bartlett played the fighting qualities of veterans. It
had been promoted to the office of major, made a charge on the right of the enemy,
and was not in the immediate command of drove him out of a dense wood, and captured
Company F, but served during the fight. two pieces of artillery.
For a time after this battle the Forty-ninth The next day the Forty-ninth was con-
was engaged in various foraging expeditions, stantly engaged in various parts of the field,
wherein it had frequent encounters with the and accomplished a brilliant exploit in
enemy, and lost a number of men. connection with Goodspeed's Battery, the
From Murfreesboro, the regiment Fifteenth Ohio, and other troops, which, it is
marched, on the 24th of June, 1863, and claimed, saved Thomas' Corps from being
found the enemy strongly posted at Liberty swept from the field.
Gap, to dispute the further advance of the In the battle of Mission Ridge the Forty-
Union forces. The Forty-ninth was attached ninth shone with conspicuous gallantry, and
to the First brigade, which was at once was amongst the first to plant its colors on
formed in line of battle, and, after some hard the summit of the ridge. It next moved with
fighting, the Forty-ninth assaulted the Granger's Corps to the relief of Burnside's
enemy's works on a high hill, advanced upon forces at Knoxville. This march was of the
him, scaled the heights in the face of severe most severely trying nature upon the troops.
fire, and drove the enemy from that position, The weather was intensely cold, and snow
and compelled him to fall back upon another was on the ground. The men were almost
equally strong position about a mile in the naked, and without shoes, and the rations
rear. were exhausted. Like the march from Valley
On the following day the National forces Forge in the Revolutionary War, the army
attacked the enemy again in the new po- could be tracked by the bloody foot marks of
sition. The Forty-ninth was brought into the indomitable patriots who went out to
action about 3 o'clock p. m., after other save the Union. And yet these brave men did
troops had been engaged several hours. The not complain, but were eager to be led
regiment was selected to attack the enemy's against the foes of their country who were
centre, which rested in a valley, while the also the foes of liberty. At Strawberry Plain
flanks rested upon the hill, on both sides. they heard that Burnside had repulsed
Here the Forty-ninth adopted a new method Longstreet, and as he was no longer in need
of attack, which had then lately been of relief the National troops returned to
introduced, by the formation of four ranks, Chattanooga. At the heel of all this
and to advance while firing. This method of suffering, the men of the Forty-ninth were
attack proved efficient in this case, and the called upon the re-enlist for the war. To this
enemy's centre was soon .broken, and the call a prompt response was given in the
position occupied by the Union army. affirmative. The regiment returned to Ohio
Without further fighting, the brigade, with to enjoy its veteran furlough of thirty days.
the Forth-ninth, reached Tullahoma July 1, At Tiffin, its place of organization, the
and the regiment then went into camp. regiment was received with every possible
At the bloody battle of Chickamauga manifestation of respect and honor. Judge
John K. Hord, now of the Cleveland Bar, but
formerly a citizen of Tiffin,
256 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

welcomed the brave men in an eloquent skirmishes and displayed great courage and
speech in their praise, which was responded efficiency in the battles of Franklin and
to by Colonel Gibson and other officers of Nashville. The battle of Nashville occurred
the regiment. in December, 1864, and on the 15th and 16th
Thirty days, oh! how brief to the soldier of that month the regiment made several
who returns after three years absence, to see brilliant charges and suffered severely in
his father, mother, wife, children and killed and wounded.
friends, and meantime hear the plaudits, and After this battle and after returning from
enjoy the feastings and manifestations of the pursuit of Hood's army, the regiment
honor from a grateful people, for whom he went into camp at Huntsville, Alabama,
has encountered danger and toiled and where it remained until the middle of March,
suffered. Still true to country, with the 1865. It then moved by rail into East
instinctive patriotism of the Union soldier, Tennessee and went into camp at Greenville.
the Forty-ninth in due time reported at the On its return from the expedition to
headquarters of the Fourth Army Corps at Nashville the regiment was, on the 16th of
Cleveland, Tennessee. June, 1864, taken by transports to Texas, by
At this time the National forces were way of New Orleans. Reaching Texas in
concentrating and reorganizing at Cleveland, July, the regiment landed at Victoria, and
Tennessee, and making all things ready for moved to the interior as far as San Antonio,
the campaign against Atlanta, Georgia. Here passing by way of Green Lake and Gonzales.
the Forty-ninth was incorporated into the After suffering great hardships in this ser-
Fourth Army Corps, and the history of that vice for four months the regiment returned to
corps is the history of the Forty-ninth Victoria, where it was mustered out of
regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The service on the 30th day of November, 1865.
regiment participated in the engagements at The whole number of names on the rolls
Dalton, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, of the regiment was fifteen hundred and
Chattahoochie River, and Atlanta, suffering fifty-two. Nineteen were born in Europe,
severely in the loss of men killed and seven hundred and sixty in Ohio, of whom
wounded in all these battles. The regiment four hundred and forty were from Seneca
pushed on with the army beyond Atlanta, county. Eight officers were killed in battle,
and participated in the battles at and twenty wounded (six of them mortally).
Jonesborough, and at Lovejoy's Station, and Of the privates, one hundred and twenty-
after abandoning the pursuit of the enemy, seven were killed in battle, seventy-one were
returned to camp at Atlanta. The Forty-ninth mortally wounded, one hundred and sixty-
from five died from hardships or disease, and
this time was assigned with the Army of the seven perished in rebel prisons at
Cumberland to the command of General Andersonville and Danville. Six hundred and
Thomas who was left to look after the rebel sixteen were discharged on account of
forces under General Hood, who was moving wounds or other disability, five survived
toward Nashville. with the loss of an arm, and two with the
In the movements of Thomas' forces the loss of a leg. The killed and mortally
Forty-ninth Ohio, under command of wounded of the enlisted men were as one to
Lieutenant-Colonel Strong, fully sustained seven and four-fifths, and the entire deaths
its reputation for bravery and military skill, as one to
and bore a prominent part in many
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 257

five and one-sixth. The men of the regiment to leave the ranks, coming at full speed back
suffered nine hundred and forty-two gunshot to the flag. As soon as the men of the Forty-
wounds. During two-thirds of his term of ninth realized the object of the desperate
service, Colonel Gibson commanded a attempt to rescue the flag, struck by the
brigade by virtue of his rank. bravery and daring of the act, and
Although the Forty-ninth Regiment of the recognizing his qualities as a soldier devoted
Ohio Volunteer infantry, engaged in the war to his colors, they instinctively ceased firing
for the suppression of the Southern and spared the life of the brave fellow while
Rebellion, was organized in the adjoining he took the flag and carried it back to his
county of Seneca, and drew largely and command, without harm. Had they not
chiefly from the patriotic and able-bodied ceased firing as they did, the man would
citizens of that county, Sandusky county, in have been cut to pieces by their volleys.
her exuberance of patriotism, contributed-a ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY F.
company to the regiment, consisting of some Captain Joseph R. Bartlett began re-
of her best and bravest men. The -history of cruiting, or rather enlisting men for Com-
Company F cannot be fully and fairly pany F, in July, 1861. After obtaining about
written without giving an account of its forty men recruiting became dull and it
organization, marches, battles, victories, seemed impossible to obtain a full company
achievements, sufferings and losses of the in any reasonable time. Charles A. Norton
regiment, of which it formed an important had assisted actively so far in procuring
part. men, and expected to be first lieutenant of
We would here acknowledge that for many the company. Meantime Timothy H. Wilcox
of the facts regarding this regiment we are had enlisted about forty men to form a
indebted to Colonel J. R. Bartlett, also to company of Home Guards, who were willing
Ohio in the War, by Whitelaw Reid, as well to join Captain Bartlett's company, and go
as from records kindly submitted for into the service, on condition that Mr.
inspection by the Adjutant-General of Ohio. Wilcox should have the position of first
INCIDENTS AND PERSONAL MENTION. lieutenant. Mr. Norton generously gave way
The following incident, which occurred in to Mr. Wilcox, and the men enlisted by the
the battle of Shiloh, in front of the Forty- latter entered, and this, with little further
ninth regiment, illustrates the appreciation effort, soon completed the company, and it
which true soldiers entertain for bravery and went to Camp Noble, near Tiffin, Seneca
desperate daring, when displayed by an county, for equipment and drill.
enemy. The Forty-ninth made a dashing and The generosity of Mr. Norton soon met
sudden charge on the enemy in front of it, with reward in his appointment to the office
and drove them with great precipitation from of adjutant of the regiment, in which
their position. So sudden was the onset and capacity he proved a good soldier and
the retreat, that the rebels forgot their colors, efficient officer during the service.
leaving them standing on the ground from About the middle of November, 1862,
which they retired. A storm of bullets were Captain Bartlett's soldierly qualities at-
flying after the retreating foe, when the ene- tracted the attention of General I. W. Sill,
my discovered their forsaken flag, then but a who appointed him Inspector-General of the
little way in advance of the Forty-ninth. Second Division of the Army of the
Suddenly a rebel on a white horse was seen Cumberland, of which General Sill
258 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was then in command. In December, 1862, Sergeant Israel C. Totten.


Sergeant Charles W. England.
General Sill was assigned to another Sergeant Levi Laughlin.
command, and on leaving the division Sergeant Myron Sweet.
addressed to Inspector Bartlett the following Corporal James Maxwell.
complimentary and friendly letter: Corporal Edward Haff.
Corporal Eli Lewman.
CAMP ON MILL CREEK, December 10, 1862. Corporal William H. H. Wadsworth.
Captain Bartlett, Acting Division Inspector, Division Corporal David J. Wilson.
Aid-de-Camp: Corporal William Whittaker.
SIR: In parting with you I beg to express my thanks Corporal John W. Heason.
for the zeal and fidelity with which you have performed Corporal Josiah Terry.
your duties, and to assure you that if associated in future Drummer James Michael.
it will be a source of much gratification, as it is now a Fifer Thomas P. Folton.
source of regret, that I am obliged to separate from you.
PRIVATES.
Whatever be your course hereafter, I doubt not it will be
creditable in the highest degree, and I tender you my (All of Fremont.)
best wishes for your success and promotion. Isaac N. Anderson, David Armstrong, James M
Very respectfully, your friend, Dennison, John Wesley Ash, Lewis Baker, Austin O.
I. W. SILL, Bolton, Gustavus Boesh, David H. Barber, George H.
Brigadier-General. Bearss, Thomas Bovill, Charles S. Bon, James N.
General R. W. Johnson then took command Campbell, Eli Chaney, Thomas Clarke, George Davis,
Albert Dodge, Jonathan Durfee, Wilson S. Flaugher,
of the division, and continued Captain LaQuino Fletcher, Benjamin S. Frank, John Frees.
Bartlett in the same position on his staff that Richard Gallagher, George W. Gurst, Charles E.
he had held under General Sill, and, until Haskins, Joseph Huntsinger, George W. Heberling,
Oscar June, Daniel Jackson, Edward D. Kintz, Cyrus C.
after the battle of Liberty Gap, he acted as Laughlin, Henry O. Marsh, John D. Maine, Henry
chief of staff and Adjutant-General of the Markwalter, George Mears, Wesley Miller, Lewis
division, in addition to the duties of Michael, John L. McAfee, Daniel McSorley, John W.
Inspector-General. Captain Bartlett has Maxwell, John A. Nash, CharlesA Norton, Jasper
Palmer, John Charles Parrish, George H. Phillip, Joshua
numerous testimonials of faithful service, Powell, James Ragan, James Ramsey, Jeremiah Reed,
and also recommendations for promotion. Phillip Reiling, Moses Rogers, Josiah Rollins, Josiah T.
Amongst these are found commendations Russell, William B. Richards, George Skinner, Josiah
and recommendations from Colonel Keufler, Stocking, Charles Stull, Daniel Sweet, Albert Sweet,
Joel G. Sbiats, Jeremiah Smith, John H. Stoner, George
commanding Third Brigade, Third Division, J. Ferry, Luther White, George W. Yencer, William J.
Fourth Army Corps; Major-General D. S. Yencer.
Stanley, commanding Fourth Army Corps; THE FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OF OHIO
Major-General O. O. Howard, formerly com- VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
mander of the same corps; Brigadier-General This regiment went into camp at Norwalk,
Thomas J. Wood, commander Third Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1861. On the
Division, same corps; also Colonel William 25th of January, 1862, it left Norwalk for
H. Gibson, afterwards Brigadier-General Grafton, West Virginia, and after a short
commanding First Brigade, Third Division. stay there it moved to New Creek. It moved
COMPANY F.
by hard marches thence through Romney to
Moorefield, where it participated in some
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. skirmishing. It was raised chiefly by the
Captain Joseph R. Bartlett. exertions of Colonel John C. Lee, who
First Lieutenant Morris E. Tyler.
Second Lieutenant Timothy Wilcox.
afterwards became Lieutenant Governor of
Ohio. Colonel Lee resigned May 8, 1863,
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
and the command of the regiment devolved
Sergeant John J. Kessler.
on Lieutenant Colo-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 259

nel Charles Gambee, of Bellevue. Colonel COMPANY A.


Gambee was killed at the battle of Resaca, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
on the 15th of May, 1864. On the 1st of Captain Charles B. Gambee.
January, 1864, three hundred and nineteen of First Lieutenant Benjamin F. Eldridge.
Second Lieutenant William H. Long.
the men of the Fifty-fifth had re-enlisted and
returned to Ohio, arriving at Norwalk on the NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
10th of the same month. On the 4th of Sergeant Henry H. Moore.
Sergeant John E. Kunkel.
March, 1864, it was again encamped in Sergeant Charles M. Smith.
Lookout Valley. It marched through Atlanta Sergeant Albert J. Demick.
with the Twentieth Army Corps, toward the Sergeant William H. Harringer.
Corporal Lyman Ford.
sea coast, and entered Savannah, Georgia, on Corporal Martin O. Smith. Corporal John Stevens.
the 21st of December and camped near that Corporal John Ryan.
city. After much hard service and suffering, Corporal James W. Saunders. Corporal George H.
having passed through Goldsboro and Stillson.
Corporal Sidney F. Sinclair.
Raleigh, on the 30th of April, 1865, it Corporal Oren J. Stark.
commenced its march to Washington, Musician Daniel Herring.
reaching Richmond on the 11th of May, and Musician George W. Goodell, Wagoner William H.
Cryder.
on the 18th camped in the vicinity of PRIVATES.
Alexandria. On the 24th of May, 1865, it
Horace B. Adams, Horace A. Bartlett, Nelson Barber,
crossed the long bridge and participated in Philip Beckley, Thomas Beckley, Stephen Beckley,
the grand review and went into camp near James Boughton, Lewis S. Bergstrener, Joseph Ball,
Washington. On the 11th of July, 1865, the James Carrer, John Chenrock, Howard M. Coleman,
Albert Chapman, Albert P. Curry William Charrill,
Fifty-fifth was mustered out of service, was Nelson Crockett, Elliot A. Cobb, Alonzo Corser, Henry
paid off at Cleveland, Ohio, and discharged R. Carrer, Levi Close, Miles Duesler, John J. Duesler,
on the 19th day of July, 1865. Francis Davis, George G. Deitrich, Uriah M. Eckhart,
The fighting qualities of this regiment are Martin J. Ford, Benjamin F. Fulkerson, Arthur Franklin,
John Grubb William H. Goodson, Francis Gale, Henry
displayed in a brief statement. During its Gale, John Gleason, Henry Gerring, George H. Gale,
term of service it enrolled one thousand Charles Gale, Charles Haler, Henry J. Hayward Henry
three hundred and fifty men, and of these Hanney, Theopholis P. Howard, William Hartman,
Samuel Henney, William J. Hanson, William Hyde,
about seven hundred and fifty were either Dexter R. Jones, Rollin Jacoy, Henry C. James, Thomas
killed or wounded in battle. A. Kunkel, Jesse Kline, William E. Miller, John Moyer,
A number of good men for this regiment Charles Mathis, Mandus Mohr, Aretas Miller, James G.
were recruited in Sandusky county in the Millen, David McCormick, James C. Moon, George W
Orning, John Peightle, Silas P. Riley, Elias Smith,
vicinity of Bellevue. The memoranda William Stegman, Samuel Smith, Elias Stephens, Dewalt
furnished the writer gives the names of men J. Swander, James Slinker, Jonas Shoemaker, William E.
of certain companies of the regiment, but Sheffield, James Sowards, William Sowards, Ashael P.
Smith, Ross C. Treamain, Amaziah Thorp, George W.
does not designate those of Sandusky county Todd, Charles H. Welch, Eli C. Wright, George O.
from those enlisted from other counties. We Winters, Jefferson Wright, Moses P. Wilt, Russell S.
therefore give the list as furnished, as the Williams. Benjamin Zimmerman, Martin Kinney,
time allowed the writer to finish his work Samuel Hoofnagle, Francis A. Pixlev, Moses H. Smith,
James H. Bitting, Sylvester Hevelone, Martin Lauden-
will not permit of further search or schlager, William M. Giles, James J. Null, Milton
investigation into the places of enlistment. Crockett, Edward Farnsworth, John Norris, Robert Otis,
John Ryan.
260 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

COMPANY E. and went to Pittsburg Landing, where they


PRIVATES. arrived on the 16th of March. Here the Fifth
William Clinton, Joseph Hewitt. Division was employed in reconnoitering
COMPANY A. towards Pea Ridge, and also towards
Private Francis Pixley.
Corinth. On the 19th it went into camp at
Shiloh Chapel, three miles south of the
COMPANY E. Landing. On the 1st of April the regiment in
Private William Clinton. company with other troops and two
COMPANY D.
gunboats, went to Eastport, Mississippi,
Private William Upton.
about thirty miles from the Landing. The
Fifty-seventh was on the foremost transport.
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER The boats shelled the woods and towns along
INFANTRY.
the way, but elicited no reply. Passing up as
The Fifty-seventh regiment Ohio Vol- far as Chickasaw, Alabama, they there
unteer Infantry was organized at Camp shelled the town and the rebel works, but the
Vance, near Findlay, in Hancock county, enemy had left, and the Fifty-seventh was
Ohio, under authority of Governor Dennison, ordered to debark and scout the surrounding
given September 14, 1861. Before its hills and villages. In this scouting the
organization was completed the regiment, on regiment captured a few prisoners, men and
the 22d of January, 1862, moved to Camp boys, and then returned to camp.
Chase, where its organization was So much had the regiment suffered from
completed, on February 10, 1862. It sickness, that on the morning of the 6th of
numbered, when mustered in, nine hundred April there were but four hundred and fifty
and fifty six men, and thirty-eight men for duty. Being posted with the right
commissioned officers. resting on the Corinth road immediately
Sandusky county furnished a number of south of the church, it was among the first to
men for different companies of the Fifty- meet the advance of the rebel forces. About
seventh, whose services cannot be properly six o'clock A. M., of the 6th of April, 1862,
known and appreciated without a brief the Fifty-seventh formed and advanced until
sketch of the services of the whole regiment. it reached the little eminence upon which
On the 18th of February, 1862, the Fifty- Shiloh church stood. It held this position
seventh was ordered to report at Fort until ten o'clock, and successfully withstood
Donelson, On its way, and while at the attack of the Mississippi Rifles, Crescent
Smithland, Kentucky, the order was Guards from New Orleans, and the
changed, and it consequently reported at Fourteenth Tennessee, from Memphis. It was
Paducah, Kentucky. Here it was assigned to then ordered to fall back upon the Purdy and
the Third Brigade, Fifth Division of the Hamburg road, which it did in good order.
Army of the Tennessee. Thence it was The Union line was pressed back three-
moved, by the steamer Continental to Fort quarters of a mile further. In three days
Henry, arriving there on the 9th of March, fighting in and around Shiloh, the Fifty-
1862. From Fort Henry it moved to seventh lost twenty-seven killed and one
Savannah, Tennessee, arriving there on the hundred and fifty were wounded (sixteen
11th of March. After participating in an mortally), and ten captured. The regiment
ineffectual attempt to strike the Memphis remained in
and Charleston railroad at Iuka, Mississippi,
they returned
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 261

camp at Shiloh Church until the 29th of moved down the Yazoo to the Mississippi,
April, and was engaged in drilling and and up the Mississippi to White River, and
preparing for the coming campaign. On the up the latter river to the cut-off, and through
29th the regiment started for Corinth, and the cut-off into the Arkansas, and up the
did good service until the rebels evacuated Arkansas to Arkansas Post, disembarking
that place. It did good fighting at camps Six there on the 10th of January, 1863.
and Seven, and at the Russell House was The Fifty-seventh led the brigade in the
warmly engaged. While advancing on charge and assault of Fort Henderson, where,
Corinth the Fifty-seventh was assigned to after three days hard fighting, the enemy
the First brigade of the Fifth division. After surrendered. In this action the regiment lost
various services in repairing roads and in killed and wounded, thirty-seven men.
guarding bridges, the regiment, on the 12th The regiment then moved back towards
of November, was assigned to the First Vicksburg, disembarking at Young's Point
brigade of the First, division of the Fifteenth on the 21st of January, 1863, and went to
Army Corps. During the stay at Memphis the work on the canal. The regiment advanced
regiment was drilled thoroughly in the upon Vicksburg, participating in the battles
skirmish drill and bayonet exercise. of Raymond, Champion Hill, and Black
The Fifty-seventh was part of a con- River, and reached the works around
siderable force sent against General Price on Vicksburg on the 18th of May, and partic-
the Tallahatchie River near Wyatt, in ipated in the general assault on the 19th, and
Mississippi, which place it reached on the 2d after considerable hard fighting, was within
of December, and finding the place seventy yards of the rebel line when, at 2
evacuated the march was continued towards o'clock of the morning of the 10th, the entire
Grenada. brigade was withdrawn to a position three
On the 9th of December the Fifteenth hundred yards in the rear of the line of
Corps returned to Memphis, where it arrived fortifications. Excepting a short time spent
on the 13th. Here the Fifty-seventh was in reconnoitering between the Big Black and
strengthened by receiving one hundred and Yazoo Rivers, the regiment was in service in
eighteen volunteers and two hundred and the trenches or on picket duty, until the sur-
five drafted men, which made the aggregate render of Vicksburg.
force six hundred and fifty men. Thence the After much hard service, on the 1st of
regiment next moved, with the Fifteenth January, 1864, it reenlisted in the Fifteenth
Army Corps, down the Mississippi, and Army Corps. After spending a furlough of
reached Young's Point on the 26th of thirty days at home among friends, the
December. The corps next moved up the regiment rendezvoused at Camp Chase with
Yazoo River and disembarked at Sidney two hundred and seven recruits. On the 29th
Johnson's plantation; marched thence to of March, 1864, it arrived at Nashville, and
Chickasaw Bayou, where the corps, in trying was there detained until the 4th of April
to effect a crossing, was for five days when it marched to Larkinsville, Alabama,
engaged with the enemy. In this action the where, on the 17th of April, it rejoined its
Fifty-seventh lost thirty-seven killed and brigade. On the 1st of May it moved with the
wounded. corps in the Atlanta campaign, arriving
On the 2d of January, 1863, the corps
262 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

in the vicinity of Chattanooga on the 6th, Sergeant David W. Baker.


Sergeant David C. Edmiston.
and advanced through Snake Creek Gap to Sergeant Anthony Bentler.
Resaca, where it participated in the battle at Corporal Hamilton Granville.
that place, on the 13th and 14th of May, Corporal Israel W. Giberson.
1864. This was one of the most severe Corporal Franklin Burden.
Corporal Henry Bruntuter.
contests in which the regiment was engaged, Corporal David Clenger.
and its loss was fifty-seven killed and Corporal Francis Ganther.
wounded. It joined in the pursuit of the Corporal William H. Kellison.
Corporal John Schlegel.
enemy, who made a stand at Dallas, where Musician John M. Lanning.
fighting continued for three days. The Musician John T. Schawn.
regiment here lost fifteen men. After several Teamster Andrew L. Donnelly.
days skirmishing, the regiment, on the 27th PRIVATES.
of June,, participated in an assault on the George Casanova, Jacob Frank, Anthony Frees,
enemy's lines at Kennesaw. In this Frederick Heltwein, Joseph Haberstock, Henry Link,
Andrew Martine, John Malliet, Henry Winnes, Griffith
engagement it lost fifty-seven men in killed F. Wilson, George Shriner, Anthony Rendlez, David
and wounded. Ohlinger, William P. Ayres.
From Atlanta the regiment was with COMPANY F.
Sherman's army, doing good service and COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
enduring much hardship, until it reached
Captain Alva S. Skilton.
Richmond byway of Petersburg. Thence it First Lieutenant George T. Blystone.
passed to Washington city and was in the Second Lieutenant Edward E. Root.
grand review there on the 24th of May, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
1865; was ordered thence to Louisville, Sergeant Marcellus B. Dickey.
Kentucky, where it arrived on the 7th of Sergeant Henry H. Swisher.
June. On the 14th of June it was mustered Sergeant Alexander K. Sipes.
Sergeant Peter N. Gaberel.
out and paid at Camp Chase and finally Sergeant William Berwick.
discharged from the service. Corporal Lewis Winemiller.
When the Fifty-seventh was first organ- Corporal William H. Pelton.
Corporal Alonzo Blackson.
ized the regimental officers were: Colonel Corporal William H. Green.
William Mungen, Lieutenant Colonel Corporal David T. Bull.
William Mungen, Major Silas B. Walker, Corporal James Hathaway.
Surgeon John P. Haggett. There were many Corporal Charles Hathaway.
Corporal John Byers.
promotions and changes in rank and date of Musician Sidney D. Briggs.
rank of these officers which are here PRIVATES.
omitted. William Brown, Daniel Bover, Peter Boyer, Moses
The following list shows the men of Courchune, Thomas Current, John Current, John P.
Sandusky county who volunteered and Franks, William King, John Matthews, John Mallett,
served with the Fifty-seventh regiment and Patrick Madigan, Frederick Picker, Lewis Peter, Edgar
Peter, Frank Snope, Adam Sorg, Levi Smith, John W.
the companies to which they belonged. Smith.
COMPANY C. COMPANY H.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Captain Samuel R. Mott. Captain Daniel N. Strayer.


First Lieutenant John W. Underwood. First Lieutenant John A. Smith.
Second Lieutenant John Doncyson. Second Lieutenant Lucius Call.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Sergeant George Bush. Sergeant William M. Newell.


Sergeant Thomas B. McCormick.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 263

Sergeant Stephen H. Carey. fices offered to save the country's flag from
Sergeant George M. Berger.
Sergeant James R. Wilson.
disgrace and to rescue the Constitution from
Corporal Robert J. Hemden. the hands of traitors. These grave
Corporal Jesse Meranda. apprehensions for the Nation's existence
Corporal William B. Carl. brought out that state of feeling which in-
Corporal James R. McCormick.
Corporal Bernard Poorman. duced the organization of the
Corporal Philip Hank. SEVENTY-SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Corporal Henry Whitney.
Corporal Henry Schultz. The first formal public notice of such an
Musician Josephus Dodd. undertaking appeared in the Fremont Journal
Musician John Botkin. of October 4, 1861. It was an editorial
PRIVATES. mention that Hon. R. P. Buckland, of
Levi Binkley, Melancthon Binkley, Eugene A. Fremont, had received orders from Governor
Chapman, Ernst Dippman, James Hearl, Emanuel Dennison, dated October 2, 1861, to raise
Lyburger, Daniel McMahon, James McMahon, Jacob
Miniries, Michael Norton, Albert Overmier, William regiment number seventy-two, and establish
Poorman, Thomas Poorman, George S. Royce, Samuel Camp Croghan in Fremont, of which he had
Shannon, Samuel A. Shroud. been commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel.
COMPANY I. Isaac M. Keeler, then editor of the journal,
PRIVATES. made an appeal to the people to come
Edgar Peter, Levi Smith, Perry Russell, John Molliett, forward and help to fill and organize the
William O'Neil, Tarleton Schultz, Frank Swope, Daniel proposed regiment, and send it forward
Boyer, Peter Boyer, Thomas Current, John P. Franks, promptly to sustain the Constitution and the
John Matthews.
Union.
COMPANY K.
The next issue of the paper, October 11,
PRIVATES. 1861, contained a call over the signature of
Henry E. Charrs, Edwin Wrenn, George Wagerman, Colonel Buckland. He reminded the men of
Philip Harck. Sandusky county that Kentuckians fought for
THE SEVENTY-SECOND REGIMENT OF OHIO us at Fort Stephenson, and that Kentucky
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
was now appealing for help from us to drive
Although Sandusky county had furnished back the invading enemies of the
quite liberally of her brave and patriotic men Constitution and of liberty; of the
to the Eighth, the Twenty-fifth, Forty-ninth, obligations we owed them and to the cause
and Fifty-seventh regiments of volunteer of constitutional liberty, and urged men to
infantry, all of which were organized in enlist and fill up the regiment as soon as
other counties, and also to the naval, possible, and march to the aid of brothers
artillery and cavalry service, and although and fathers who had preceded them to the
these different organizations attracted those scenes of conflict and danger, and assist in
most ready and eager to go, there remained rescuing them from impending danger and
in the county many patriotic men whose destruction.
business, family ties, or some particular On the 6th of December it was announced
temporary reasons held them back. But as through the press that recruiting for the
the progress of events developed the dangers Seventy-second was progressing
which environed the Nation and threatened satisfactorily. At that date company A,
more alarmingly the existence of the Union, Captain C. G. Eaton, of Clyde, Ohio, had
it became evident that another appeal must eighty-four men; Company B, Captain
be made to the men of the county, and more George Raymond, First Lieutenant Henry
sacri-
264 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

W. Buckland, Second Lieutenant William T. COMPANY E.


Fisher—had eighty-three men; company F,— (Eighty-two men.)
Captain S. A. J. Snyder, First Lieutenant COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Jacob Snyder, Second Lieutenant Daniel Captain J. H. Blinn.
Huffman—had eighty-four men; that two First Lieutenant C. D. Dennis.
hundred Enfield rifles for the flanking Second Lieutenant W. A. Strong.
companies, A and B, had been received at
camp. COMPANY F.
On the 19th of December, 1861, the cit- (Eighty-five men.)
izens of Fremont presented Colonel R. P. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Buckland with a beautiful and trusty sword, Captain Leroy Moore.
which he still retains and treasures with First Lieutenant A. H. Rice.
great care. Second Lieutenant J. B. Gilmore.
On the 10th of December, 1861, the COMPANY G.
citizens of Clyde presented a sword to (One hundred men.)
Captain C. G. Eaton, with an appropriate COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
address, to which Captain Eaton responded Captain T. C. Fernald.
in a short address, full of patriotism and First Lieutenant J. Fernald.
Second Lieutenant J. Poyer.
eliciting hearty applause.
On Friday, the 17th day of January, 1862, COMPANY H.
it was announced that the Seventy-second (Eighty-four men.)
regiment was full and formed, and that the COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
captains and lieutenants were as follows: Captain Michael Weigstein.
First Lieutenant A. Young.
COMPANY A.
Second Lieutenant A. Kline.
(One hundred men.)
COMPANY I.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
(Eighty-five men.)
Captain G. C. Eaton.
First Lieutenant W. H. Gifford. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Second Lieutenant S. Russell. Captain Jacob Fickes.
First Lieutenant A. Bates.
COMPANY B.
Second Lieutenant J. W. Donnell.
(Eighty-six men.)
COMPANY K.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
(Eighty-one men.)
Captain George Raymond,
First Lieutenant Henry W. Buckland. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Second Lieutenant W. J. Fisher. Captain S. A. Barron.
First Lieutenant W. C. Biddle.
COMPANY C.
Second Lieutenant T. W. Egbert.
(Ninety men.)
It was at the same time also announced that
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
the regiment would be armed with Minnie
Captain S. A. J. Snyder.
First Lieutenant Jacob Snyder.
rifles, which were then daily expected at
Second Lieutenant D. W. Huffman. camp.
COMPANY D. REGIMENTAL COLOR PRESENTATION.
(Eighty-six men.) On Friday, January 17, 1862, it was
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. announced that the next day, Saturday the
Captain Andrew Nuhfer. 18th, would be a lively day at Camp
First Lieutenant M. A. Fowler. Croghan. A picnic for the soldiers had been
Second Lieutenant Jesse J. Cook. prepared by the ladies of Fremont and
vicinity, to be served out to them at 12
o'clock of that day. There was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 265

also notice that on the same day at 2 o'clock a report of which, as well as the other addresses which
follow, we are indebted to Mr. J. Burgner, teacher of the
P. M., a beautiful regimental color, worked Fremont high school:
by the ladies, would be presented to the MR. EVERETT'S ADDRESS.
regiment by Homer Everett, on behalf of the
"COLONEL BUCKLAND:—The ladies of Fremont
ladies, and to Captain Weigstein's company have observed your untiring energy and labor, and your
(German) through the Rev. Henry Lang, a exertions in enlisting and organizing the Seventy-second
beautiful National silk flag, thus completing regiment—the Fort Stephenson regiment. They are
always patriotic, always quick to observe merit; and
the stand of colors for the regiment. they have observed, sir, how you have proved yourself
The picnic and flag presentation took place willing to give up, for a time at least, the enjoyments of
according to announcement, and the an ample competence, a pleasant home, a dear family,
following extracts from the Sandusky and all the enjoyments of social life amongst us, and
exchange them for the labors, the trials, and the dangers
County Democrat, published on Friday, the of a command like yours. They have observed, sir, how,
24th day of January, 1862, will show what when our county had sent to the service Captains
was done and the manner of the ceremonies Tillotson, Haynes, Crowell, Bartlett, and Amsden,
furnished with men for the service, and had furnished
on that occasion. These extracts will also many to other commands to fight the battles of this
awaken in the minds of the surviving country, that when more help was called for, you came
soldiers of the Seventy-second regiment, and forward, and by the exertion of your widely extended
of the men and women who participated in personal influence, your personal efforts, your zeal, your
stirring appeal to the hearts and patriotism of the people,
the ceremonies, many pleasing and many sad which touched in them a deeper chord than bad been
thoughts of persons and events connected touched before, you impelled them to come forward and
with the regiment and the men who went out enroll themselves under your command, and they have
observed that, under difficulties which would have
with it. prevented others from succeeding, by your perseverance
PRESENTATION OF COLORS TO THE SEVENTY- the Seventy-second regiment is formed, and now ready
SECOND REGIMENT. for the field of action. Observing all these merits in you,
The presentation of a stand of colors to the Seventy- they have determined to give proof of their appreciation
second Regiment took place at Camp Croghan on and approval of these virtues, and to that end they have
Saturday last, and was witnessed by a large number of determined to present you with such proof as may be
citizens from town and country. The day was very ever present to you and your command, reminding you,
favorable, and the occasion was one of deep and heart- and stimulating you to high and noble action; and, sir, as
felt interest to all, but more especially to the soldiers, a means of this expression on their part, have bid me
their families, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, and present to you this beautiful regimental banner.
sweethearts, who there greeted each other with words of "You will see, sir, upon its azure field, that beautiful,
counsel, encouragement, and affection, while their rich likeness of the soaring eagle, and that motto, 'The
hearts were stirred by those feelings and anxieties which Seventy-second, Fort Stephenson regiment; and, sir, it is
none but they can know. an apt and beautiful inscription. Let the one be ever
Through the enterprising liberality of the ladies of suggestive to you and to the noble men under your
Fremont, a picnic dinner was served up at 12 o'clock, of command, of fearless and lofty sentiments; while the
which the soldiers partook with a hearty relish. They other, by its historic recollections and associations, will
will never forget the kindness of the ladies, as evinced inspire you to emulate, in deeds of valor and daring, the.
in this as well as other acts intended to promote their cherished hero of Fort Stephenson. Sir, the ladies, in
comfort. presenting this to you, would have me say: 'Men of the
After dinner, the chaplain of the regiment, Rev. Mr. Seventy-second regiment, of Fort Stephenson, officers,
Poe, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Bushnell, Lang, and privates, and all: The ladies of Fremont have not been
Phelps, distributed to each officer and private in the inattentive to your merits. They know well that every
regiment, a copy of the Testament and Psalms. Prayer one of you has sacrificed much and will suffer much in
was then offered by Rev. Mr. Bushnell. Horner Everett, the cause of our country; and they wish me to assure
Esq., on behalf of the ladies, then presented the you, each and all, that these sacrifices, these labors on
regimental flag—a splendid one—prefacing the the altar of the country, are seen and appreciated by
presentation by the following address, for them, and will be remembered, too.'
266 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

"Colonel Buckland, in your regiment are those of the regiment by Rev. H. Lang, who spoke as follows:
extended relations amongst us. Fathers and brothers, "COLONEL BUCKLAND: It has fallen to my lot to
sisters, wives, and lovers, who refused and could not present you this day, this standard, bearing the National
consent that their dear ones should go forward under any colors. It was in the first instance the gift of the German
other commander, relying upon your justice, your ladies of Fremont to the German company of your
courage, your kindness, and your reputation for all the regiment. In behalf of those ladies, and also of that
qualities that fit you for the command, have consented German company, I bequeath it to you and your
that under you they may go and fight for the restoration regiment, the noble band of patriots whom you have
of the Government that our fathers gave us, over the gathered around you to assist in fighting the battles of
rebellious territory. your country. You will perceive, sir, that it is a true
"Sir, what higher expression of approbation of your pattern of the old noble ensign of '76; and I believe that
character could we give? What greater responsibility, the patriotism of those who bequeath it, as well as those
sir, could you receive? Your regiment, sir, is composed who receive it, is of the old stamp of '76. The German
of those who, by the ties of kindred, acquaintance- company of your regiment, Colonel, will take care that
father, brother, sister, wife-extends to every heart and not a leaf of the laurels of the German revolutionary
hearthstone throughout our county. Not only so, but heroes shall be disgraced by their cowardice, their
many of the other counties adjoining, and in distant treachery, or their want of bravery. I am proud, sir, of
portions of the State. More than this, your regiment my German countrymen, who have, al lover the land,
embraces men who have come from Germany, from rushed to the rescue. You will remember Sigel,
France, from Ireland, and perhaps from other foreign Blencker, Willich, and other noble German patriots. You
lands, whose connections and sympathies stretch across will expect bravery from this company as well as from
the wide Atlantic itself. And, sir, the happiness of all the rest of your regiment, and be assured, sir, you may
this connection, by this voluntary act on the part of our depend upon them as long as you lead them to battle for
people, is, for a great measure, committed to your the Constitution and the Union. The officers of the
hands; and these sympathies and sentiments on the part German company of your regiment have seen severe
of the ladies, permit me to assure you, are entertained by military service in Mexico. They have smelt Southern
all the people as far as the Seventy-second regiment is powder once before, and they are going to try it again.
known. They will stand by your side in every contest. Give them
"Take, then, that beautiful banner; and the ladies bid an opportunity, sir, and they will show themselves
me say that it is presented to you and to all the members worthy of your trust.
of the Seventy-second regiment; and when you go "Accept then, this Star Spangled Banner; bear it on to
hence, if it shall be your fortune to do service, remember victory and triumph; and be assured, sir, that my prayers
that the sympathies of all this people will follow you, and the prayers of this whole community shall follow
and let that banner always be speaking to you of their you to the field of danger and honor; and, if called into
happiness and your responsibilities. Let it be a beacon actual service, see to it that not one star of this glorious
light, an assurance of the affection, respect, and constellation shall fall under the feet of those that have
confidence of the people who have given all these dear forgotten that they who take the sword shall perish with
ones into your hands with such implicit confidence and the sword. May. you return with this flag after glorious
trust. And when you are brought upon the soil of the deeds of military honor, and may history inscribe upon
enemies of this Government, whether upon the march, or its broad stripes: 'The Ohio Seventy-second was as true
in camp, or in the front of battle, remember, whenever as the patriots of '76.' God speed you, sir, and let this be
that banner is unfurled, that the cords of affection in the war cry in your regiment: ' The sword of God and
your regiment reach back to us; and that every heart in our country."
Sandusky county will thrill with the fortune of the Sev-
enty-second regiment; and if it be its fate to be injured On account of the throng it was impossible to
and to fall, every household in Sandusky county will obtain a verbatim report of
shed a tear over its loss.
"Colonel Buckland, take this banner, and remember COLONEL BUCKLAND'S RESPONSE.
that the prayers of this extended connection will follow "I tender my heartfelt thanks to you, the noble donors
you through every trial, every day and every moment of these flags, and also the thanks of the Seventy-second
while you are in the service of the country, for your own regiment, which I have the honor to represent; and I
welfare, and the welfare, safety, and honor of the know that I express not only my own feeling, but the
Seventy-second, Fort Stephenson Regiment." feelings of the officers and men under my command,
REV. MR. LANG'S ADDRESS. when I say to you that, so far as bravery and courage
will do it, we have pledged ourselves here today to
The flag of the German company, the gift of the sustain the honor of the flags which you have done us
German ladies of Fremont, was next presented to the honor to present to us.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 267

I heartily concur in the remarks made by my friend, ful donors, and be encouraged to acts of heroism by the
Lang, in behalf of my German fellow-soldiers. It is true recollection that they are fighting not only for
that incidents are recorded everywhere in the history of themselves and the regiment, but for the honor of the
this country, in every war, proving that the Germans ladies who have presented these banners to them.
have been among the bravest, most loyal, and patriotic Therefore, ladies, I say I have no fear but that when
of our countrymen. They were such during the these banners are returned to you, which I hope they will
Revolution, and in the present war we have a Sigel, a be, they will be returned covered with honor, and that
Blencker, and a host of German patriots; and wherever there will be no spot of dishonor anywhere within their
the fight has been the hottest, there have been our folds.
German fellow-countrymen; and nobly have they "Mr. Everett has referred particularly to the part I
sustained the German character by their courage and have taken in getting tip this regiment. I wish in reply to
patriotism. They are friends of liberty the world over, that barely to remark that I owe very much to the
and when they are fighting under the stars and stripes, officers and men who have taken hold with me and
they are fighting under the emblem of liberty known worked so faithfully and energetically in this cause. I do
wherever civilization has made any headway. They are not wish to assume to myself the whole honor of getting
here now, and we rely upon those in our regiment, as up the Seventy-second regiment; it does not belong to
well as in others, to help sustain the honor of the me. I only say I have done what I could, and I will give
regiment and the honor of the colors you have this day honor to those who have done what they could. We have
presented to us. I am well aware of the great responsi- raised a regiment where it was thought none could be
bility I myself have assumed as colonel of this regiment; raised. It has been well remarked that many of these men
and I feel that I am not competent to the task; not so have left families and kindred at home. They have made
well qualified for the position as I wish I were. But all I greater sacrifices than I have made. Some can not well
can say in reply to that is, that I consented to supply that leave their families; and I wish now on this occasion to
place, and that I will devote all my energies and ask you to look well to the families of the men who have
abilities, whatever they may be, to advance the interests, assembled here to do battle for our country and for your
the comforts, and the glories of the Seventy-second benefit. In our absence let them not suffer for want of
regiment. It is perhaps the greatest undertaking of my the necessaries of life. I will not detain you longer, but
life, and I have pledged myself and my all to sustain the will return you the heartfelt thanks of the whole
honor of this regiment. More than this I cannot do. I regiment for these beautiful flags.
know it is one thing to propose what we will do, and "And now, fellow soldiers! Attention battalion! I
another thing to accomplish that promise when the day propose that the whole battalion give the donors three
of trial comes; and it would be useless for me to detain hearty cheers. " (Cheers by the regiment.)
you here today with any promises. All I have to say is,
look to these praying men who are surrounding me, and In the afternoon of Friday, the 24th of January,
ask yourselves if you have any fears of the result. I say 1862, the Seventy-second left Camp Croghan,
no! you cannot. I believe, yes I have full confidence,
that we shall some day return marching under these
and travelled by railroad to Clyde, Ohio, and
glorious banners; and when you come to examine them thence by the same conveyance to Camp Chase.
you will not find anywhere on them a single stain of The soldiers were apparently in good
dishonor. However much they may be shattered and spirits and cheerful. But the very heartstrings
torn, they will be untarnished so far as honor is
concerned. If I shall be mistaken, then I shall consider of social life and love throughout the county
that my efforts have been in vain; but I have no fears, so quivered with suppressed anguish while the
far as the officers and men under me are concerned. men cheered, and the women waved them on
When they bear in mind by whose influence these
banners have been conferred today, they will be
to duty. The Infinite God alone can ever
prompted to deeds of bravery, and the presence of these know and measure the secret anguish that
flags will have an influence on every act and every duty found relief in tears shed in secret, and the
which shall be performed by the Seventy-second reg- inarticulate prayers which followed the
iment. Whenever they go into the battlefield and behold
these banners, the glorious stars and stripes under which march of the brave boys of the regiment, as
our fathers gained their independence, and under which they took their departure for three years to
our men are now in the field fighting for the honor and expose their lives to all the chances of war.
glory of this country-1 say whenever they go into battle
under these banners, they will go in with a shout,
Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, H, and I
remembering the beauti-
268 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

were formed almost entirely of citizens of greatly in health, and the Seventy-second
Sandusky county; company G, with a small was weakened and greatly reduced in
portion of companies H and A, were numbers. On the 3d of April Buckland's
recruited in Erie county, and company K was brigade was engaged in a reconnaissance, in
mostly recruited in Medina county, while a which the Seventy-second met the rebel
few men in companies C and E were of pickets, and exchanged shots. On the next
Wood county, Ohio. day (the 4th of April) companies B and H
As the regiment did not, when it left were ordered to reconnoiter the front of the
Fremont, contain the maximum number of picket line. These companies became
men, company K was broken up, and separately engaged, and Major Crockett and
distributed among the other companies, and two or three men of company H were
the officers of that company discharged. A captured, and several were wounded.
company originally recruited for the Fifty- Company B was surrounded, but it fought
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was for an hour against great odds, and was
assigned to the Seventy-second at Camp saved by the fortunate arrival of companies
Chase, and denominated company K, which A, D and F, which were sent forward to their
made the regiment full. relief. Company B lost four men wounded.
*The regiment was fully equipped in All this time the rebels were massing near
February, and was ordered to report to Shiloh, and preparing to sweep away the
General Sherman at Paducah. Here it was Union forces there, by an unexpected attack
assigned to a brigade composed of the Forty- in force. But General Buckland, by
eighth, Seventieth, and Seventy-second Ohio reconnoitering, had felt the enemy, and was
regiments, and Colonel Buckland placed in too vigilant to be prepared for an attack at
command. The Seventy-second proceeded any moment, so far as he was concerned.
with Sherman's division to Fort Henry on the Whatever has been said, or may be said
steamer Baltic, by way of the Tennessee about our forces being surprised at Shiloh,
River. This movement was early in March, sure it is that General Buckland was not
1862. From Fort Henry the main army surprised. His brigade was ready, from the
proceeded to Savannah, but Sherman's time of Crockett's capture, and all that
division was ordered up to Eastport, prudence and bravery could do, General
Mississippi, for the purpose of cutting the Buckland did to be ready for the enemy at
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and thus any and every moment. He felt sure from the
prevent General J. S. Johnson from 3d of April, that the rebels intended an
reinforcing Beauregard. Heavy rains and attack in force on the army at Pittsburg
consequent high water defeated the plan, and Landing, and acted accordingly. And when,
after a detention of sixteen days on board of on the morning of the 6th of April, 1862, the
the boats Buckland's brigade disembarked at onset came, he was up and ready. His
Pittsburg Landing, and encamped near brigade met the enemy on that memorable
Shiloh Church. morning, and withstood the furious onset of
From the long confinement on the three successive lines; and notwithstanding
transports and bad water at Shiloh, the the defection of the brigade on his left, he
troops under General Buckland suffered held his position for two hours, when
General Sherman ordered his brigade to
*For the following account of the services of the
Seventy-second regiment we are indebted to Reid's Ohio
retire. The rebels had advanced
in the War.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 269

on the left, and threatened to cut off the vision was placed under the command of
retreat, but Buckland's brigade made a rapid General Lanman, while Colonel Buckland
detour to the right through a dense wood, command d the brigade under the new
and at 11 o'clock was in position to the right organization.
of the National line. The regiment was On the 26th day of November the reg-
constantly at the front, and acted with great iment marched toward Wyatt, on the Tal-
bravery and coolness throughout the day, lahatchie. The rebels retreated, and
and on the 7th effectively participated in the Sherman's forces were ordered back to Mem-
charge which finally swept the enemy from phis. When the Memphis & Charleston
the field, and that night rested in the camp Railroad was reached, the regiment was
from which it had been ordered to retire the ordered to Moscow, to hold the bridge over
day before. In this action the regiment lost Wolf River. Here the regiment fell in with -
Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield mortally Richardson's guerillas, but experienced no
wounded, and two company officers killed, loss. It remained at Moscow about two
one of them being the brave captain of the weeks, in the performance of picket duty
German company, H, and one officer there, until the 9th of January, 1863, when it
missing. Thirteen men were killed, seventy was ordered to Corinth. The march to
were wounded, and forty-five were missing. Corinth was made by way of Bolivar and
The Seventy-second participated in the Purdy. In the night next after arriving at
pursuit of the enemy as far as Monterey. Corinth, the weather became intensely cold,
At the siege of Corinth the Seventy- from which the men suffered severely. Here
second bore a conspicuous part, and Buckland's brigade was assigned to the
although its losses in the action were not Sixteenth Corps, and was concentrated near
great, it suffered great loss by disease and Memphis.
consequent disability. During the siege The Seventy-second reached White's
General J. W. Denver assumed command of Station, nine miles east of Memphis, on the
Buckland's brigade, and Colonel Buckland 31st of January, 1863, and was engaged in
returned to the command of his regiment. picket duty, and in work on the
After the evacuation of Corinth, fortifications. It moved to Memphis on the
Sherman's division moved along the 13th of March, embarked on the steamer
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, in a Champion, and on the 14th proceeded down
westerly direction, and on the 21st of July, the stream.
1863, entered Memphis. When the regiment The regiment had been reinforced by
arrived at Memphis it presented a dilapida- about forty nine-months recruits, which,
ted condition; the men were worn, sick, with returning convalescents, somewhat
weary, and ragged, having drawn no clothing increased its effective strength. On the 2d of
since the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Here April the regiment went into camp four
the Seventy-second was brigaded with the miles above Young's Point. Here. it was for
Thirty-second Wisconsin, Ninety-third a time engaged in working on the canal, and
Indiana, Ninety-third Illinois, and the One in preparations for the coming campaign. It
Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois. This commenced its march for a position in the
brigade was designated the First brigade of rear of Vicksburg on the 2d of May, 1863,
the Third division. The di- moved seventy miles southward, through
Louisiana, and reached the Mississippi
opposite Grand Gulf. It crossed the river on
the
270 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

7th of May, and on the 8th moved toward the expedition under Colonel McMillen, to
Jackson, Mississippi, and was in the battle the Tallahatchie River, to create a diversion
there on the 14th of May. The next day the in favor of General W. S. Smith's cavalry
regiment continued the march toward expedition, all being part of General
Vicksburg, and arrived there on the 18th. Sherman's Meridian expedition. This lasted
The regiment took a part in the assault on thirteen days, and the regiment marched one
the rebel works at Vicksburg, on the 19th hundred and fifty. miles.
and 22d days of May, and then began the VETERAN FURLOUGH.
labors of the siege. The position of the On the aid of February, at Memphis, it
regiment was on the right of Tuttle's received a veteran furlough and proceeded
division, and within a half mile of the North. And it is the pleasing duty of the
Mississippi River, and north of Vicksburg. historian to follow the gallant veterans of the
On the 22d of June the Seventy-second Seventy-second regiment, who had re-
formed part of the force ordered to Big enlisted, from the scenes of their labors and
Black River to intercept Joe Johnson, who suffering, their marches, sieges, and battles,
was attempting the relief of Vicksburg. After back to their homes and friends and dear
this the Seventy-second was thrown out on ones, from whom they parted more than two
the advance picket-line, and continued to years before.
hold that hazardous position until the On Friday, the 26th day of February,
surrender of Vicksburg. 1864, a telegram to Fremont announced that
The regiment then moved against General the regiment was at Cairo the day previous,
Johnson at Jackson, and after the battle on its way home. This good news soon put
pursued the rebels to Brandon, where it had the public mind in the city and county in
an engagement. After destroying a portion of motion. The brave men we had sent out more
the railroad it returned to Big Black to rest than two years before, and who had toiled
and refit. and suffered, and marched and fought at the
In the latter part of the summer the front so many weary days, were now coming
regiment moved to Oak Ridge, twenty-one home to greet those whom they left behind
miles distant from Vicksburg and near the shadowed with anxiety and tears at their de-
Yazoo River, and in September it parture. It may truly be said that the hearts
participated in a four days' scout to of the whole county thrilled and throbbed
Mechanicsville, in which it experienced with joyous anticipations at the meeting, and
some very hard marching, and lively with a desire to honor the veterans on their
skirmishing. On the 15th of October, 1863, it arrival. The mayor of Fremont at once gave
took part in General McPherson's expedition notice of a public meeting of the citizens to
to Canton, Mississippi, and on its return make arrangements for a proper reception of
went into camp eight miles in the rear of the regiment. A large meeting was held, over
Vicksburg. About the middle of November which the mayor, Captain John M. Kline,
the regiment was ordered with its division to was called to preside, and D. W. Krebs was
Memphis, to guard the Mississippi and chosen secretary. On motion the mayor and
Charleston railroad, and was stationed at common council of the city appointed a
Germantown, fourteen miles east of Mem- committee of arrangements, with power to
phis. appoint such subcommittees as they might
On the 2d of January, 1864, the regiment think proper. The sub-
re-enlisted and soon after moved to
Memphis. In February it took part in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 271

committees were then promptly announced through the town and vicinity for provisions
as follows: The committee on arrangements to be sent in. The Ladies' Aid Society at
and refreshments were: H. R. Shomo, Isaac once began work with an energy only known
E. Amsden, John Flaugher, Captain A. to the women of Fremont, who know no such
Young, C. H. Burdick, and Isaac M. Keeler. word as faint or fail. Their efforts soon put
The committee on reception were: Homer the question of ample provision for the
Everett, J. L. Greene, sr., John Bell, David patriots beyond all doubt. Had there been
Betts, James Justice, Dr. Thomas Stilwell, twenty-four hours more time there would
William N. Morgan, Isaac Knapp, Nathaniel have been sufficient to feed five times the
Haynes, and William S. Russell. Dispatches number.
were then sent to Columbus, Ohio, inquiring Eight tables were set, each containing forty
what time the regiment might be expected in plates, besides, in the anteroom adjoining,
Fremont, and also to Governor Brough, about fifty more plates were set. Tables were
asking that the regiment might be ordered to never more tastefully arranged, nor more
come here in a body, and be furloughed at bountifully supplied. There were oysters,
Fremont instead of at Columbus. To this the stewed and raw, hot coffee, turkeys,
Governor gave his assent, and the chickens, ham, beef, sliced tongue, slaw,
information came that it was expected to pickled cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes,
arrive in Columbus Saturday afternoon, and peaches, cherries, bread, biscuit, cakes in
would leave that night at 10 o'clock, and quantity, pies, apples, canned peaches,
reach Fremont at Io o'clock A. M., Sunday strawberries, cherries, currants, with all
morning. This left but a few hours to make other varieties of fruits. No such sumptuous
arrangements to receive the brave men in a tables were ever before spread in Fremont;
proper manner. The great Daniel Webster they were, in short, loaded with the best that
once proclaimed at Philadelphia during a could be provided. At half past eight o'clock
great financial crisis, that "there are no Sunday morning a telegram announced that
Sabbaths in revolutionary times." All our the train conveying the Seventy-second had
statutes on the observation of the Sabbath, passed Oberlin at 8 o'clock that morning, on
have an exception from the prohibition of its way to Fremont. At Wakeman this train
labor on the Sabbath, which says works of lay on the side track an hour and a half,
necessity and charity excepted. Here, in the waiting for a freight train to pass. After this
reception of the brave boys in blue, our delay the train bearing our brave boys came
people found a work of necessity and charity thundering into the depot at Fremont, a few
combined, and notwithstanding the fact that minutes after 12 o'clock, Sunday, February
our people loved the Sabbath, and the 28, 1864. Acres of people were assembled at
common, quiet duties of that sacred day as the depot, and welcomed them with well
well as any other people, on this occasion rendered music from the Fremont band, and
they made it a holy duty to feed the hungry cheers and shouts from the glad multitude.
and thank the brave defenders of, our flag. The soldiers quickly left the cars and
Our people at once took hold of the promptly took position in the regiment for
preparations with a will. Union hall was the march. The reception committee
procured in which to set the tables for re- conducted them down in good order, through
freshments. Word was immediately sent Croghan street to Main, on Main street down
to State, down State to Front, and up Front
272 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

street to Union hall, on the corner of Front devotion to the great cause by re-enlisting, by volun-
tarily promising to fight the battle through. This noble
and Garrison streets. Here the regiment act crowns your merit, proves you worthy of the
standing amidst a throng of men, women, country's confidence and excites our admiration to the
and children, were welcomed on behalf of highest point. We thank you! We are proud of you! You
the citizens by Homer Everett, esq., in a are weary and hungry; fathers, mothers, wives and
sisters, and other dear ones, are yearning to embrace
brief speech, which was as follows: you; your hearts are bounding to embrace them. It is not
the time to hold you here to recount all, all you have
BRAVE MEN, PATRIOTS AND SOLDIERS OF THE
done for us.
ARMY OF THE UNION:—The people of Fremont and
Brave men, veteran soldiers of the Grand Army of
vicinity, by the mayor and common council of Fremont,
the Union! The people with open arms gratefully,
desire me to say that during your absence in the field of
thankfully welcome you to our hearts, our homes, and
active military duty for more than two years, they have
the best cheer we can give.
watched your conduct with intense interest. We have all
observed your sacrifices, hardships, suffering, and
sympathized in them all. Our best wishes and prayers
After heartily cheering the welcome, the
have been constantly offered in your behalf. We feel regiment marched in order into the hall for
that the honor and glory you won on the bloody field of refreshments. The men had eaten nothing
Shiloh, and at the laborious and trying siege of since 8 o'clock the Saturday night previous
Vicksburg, is in a measure reflected back on us, and we
rejoice to share it with you. We thought and believed to their arrival. They were, as may be
when we parted with the Seventy-second, that we were properly supposed, in a condition to
sending into the field as fine, intelligent and brave a appreciate the repast prepared for them.
regiment as ever adorned the service of any State or
Nation. Now we know it to be so. You left as volunteer
Never did men eat with a better relish, or
citizens unused to war; you return soldiers, veteran with more earnest, heartfelt thankfulness
soldiers, with banners soiled and tattered in the storms take a feast of good things amidst smiling
of battle. It is the Sabbath day ; we hope we do not and grateful faces of beautiful and good
violate it in discharging our solemn duty to thank you on
the only occasion we can have to do so. We remember women than did the veterans of the Seventy-
that on the Sabbath of the 6th of April, 1862, you beat second on that memorable day. Such
back the assailing foe, that we might enjoy this day in expressions of gratitude by both the
peace. Hence today you see this great assemblage of
men, women and children here to thank you. You went
entertained and the entertainers were never
away a thousand strong, you return with less than half heard before in the county. The hearts of all
that number. Battles and disease have thinned your the soldiers, and all the citizens, were never
ranks. Many dear and once familiar faces no longer before so manifestly sympathetic and tender.
answer to the roll call. Many cheering voices, once
animating your ranks, are heard no more. To all those It was a scene and a time long to be
who fell or died of wounds received in battle, as remembered in Fremont, and in fact
Canfield, Weigstem, Witmer, Wonders, Glass, and many throughout the county of Sandusky.
others ; to all those who died of disease in the service,
as Crocket, Caldwell, and many others of the Seventy-
In two hours after the men had surfeited
second, as well as to all who have perished in this gre at on the good things, all but forty or fifty had
war, we here pay our grateful tribute of dear left town for their homes in the country. The
remembrance, holding them as priceless offerings on the remaining ones took sup per at the hall, and
altar of Freedom and Union. They have not died in vain.
Your brave and beloved Colonel Buckland, so devoted about thirty were present at breakfast on
to the honor and welfare of the Seventy-second, though Monday morning. There were three hundred
not present on this occasion, we rejoice to know still and fifteen men who re-enlisted. About one
lives to serve the country in another and advanced
sphere of service.
hundred were left behind who had not
Brave men, notwithstanding your sufferings and reenlisted, and were, of course, not entitled
services, with a full knowledge of all the privations and to the veteran furlough. No accident
dangers of war, you have further proved your occurred to mar the joys of the occasion, and
no impropriety was manifested during the
day.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 273

As the men marched along their way from AGAIN TO THE FRONT.
the depot to the front of the hall, between On the 5th of April, 1864, the regiment
lines of cheering citizens, they appeared reassembled at Fremont and moved to
grave, silent, and almost sad. In fact, they Cleveland, Ohio. During the furlough
were travel-worn, weary, and hungry. Their considerable recruiting was done, and the
march was not a holiday parade; they moved regiment returned to the front with nearly five
steadily and slowly along, without noise or hundred men. It next moved, April 8th, to Cairo,
demonstration of emotion whatever. As they by railroad, and arrived there on the 10th of the
took position in front of the hall, and same month; and while there, awaiting river
listened to the words of welcome, some transportation, it was ordered to Paducah,
countenances in the ranks were momentarily Kentucky, to assist in the defence of that place
lighted by an expression of satisfaction. against Forrest, whose forces made a slight
There was a total absence of everything gay, attack on the place, which was repulsed. It re-
or gaudy, or frivolous about them. But mained at Paducah until the 22d of April, 1864,
behind those bronzed faces could be seen the when it embarked for Memphis, and arrived
deep determination of brave, patriotic men, there the next day. The regiment here remained
who had tasted war and knew its perils, and quietly in camp, drilling the new recruits, until
were still determined to endure more for the the 30th of April, when it joined an expedition
flag and the Union. Beneath the soiled and under General Sturgis, against Forrest. They
battered caps on their heads there were moved by rail nearly to Wolf River, thirty-eight
brains sufficient to organize and conduct the miles from Memphis, and from there marched to
affairs of a State; underneath the ragged Bolivar, arriving just in time to see the place
blouses were big, brave, noble hearts, ready evacuated. From there the regiment marched
to dare and to do for their country. And, with the expedition southward, toward Ripley,
although the external appearance of the men Mississippi, but finding no enemy, turned back,
as they stood plainly indicated that they and on the 9th of May reached Memphis. The
were in want of the bath, the barber, and the regiment formed part of an expedition which
tailor to fit them for parlor entertainments in started June 1, 1864, against Forrest. The forces
the lives they had lea in the homes they had sent on this expedition consisted of twelve
left for the tented field, there were thousands regiments of infantry and a division of cavalry.
present who knew that each man was a The force encountered Forrest's men at Brice's
precious jewel, whether placed in the storm Cross Roads, Mississippi, and the cavalry began
of battle for his country, or in the discharge skirmishing. The enemy was in a well chosen
of civic duties in social or political life. position at and behind Tishomingo Creek. The
"God bless the boys," was the heartfelt utter- infantry was brought up on the double-quick for
ance of thousands on that day. several miles, and at once went into action. No
No doubt equal merit should be awarded to attempt was made to establish a line, and the
hundreds of thousands of our volunteers regiments were hurled against the enemy one at
from other localities, but as we are writing a time, and thus each regiment was subjected to
the history of Sandusky county, of course it great odds, and was badly cut up. To make
is our special duty to mention our own matters worse, an attempt
soldiers.
274 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was made to advance the wagon train across death or rebel prison lay in reaching
the creek, directly under the enemy's fire. Memphis, and to do this the men on foot
This attempt brought great confusion; a must outmarch the rebel cavalry. Incredible
retreat was ordered, and the retreat became a as it may seem, nine officers and one
panic. A portion of the train was destroyed, hundred and forty men of the Seventy-
and the remainder fell into the hands of the second, reached Germantown on the morning
enemy, and the National troops were left of the 12th; thus marching at the close of a
without ammunition and without rations. No battle without a morsel of food, one hundred
attempt was made to cover the rear or to miles in forty-one hours. Eleven officers and
secure an orderly retreat. It was a regular two hundred and thirty-seven men of the
stampede, and on the same day of the fight Seventy-second were killed, wounded, or
the expedition fell back twenty-three miles, captured. The greater portion were captured,
to Ripley. Here an attempt was made to and of these very few returned to the
reorganize, but to no purpose: The Seventy- regiment. Many of those who reached
second was the last to retreat from the fight Germantown were broken down completely,
at Guntown or Tishomingo Creek, and the and on reaching Memphis, where the
last to reach Ripley. Whitelaw Reid's History regiment was transported by rail, many of
of Ohio in the War, says the officer in the men were utterly helpless and could
command of the expedition surrounded neither walk nor stand.
himself with cavalry and started for On the 15th day of June, 1864, five days
Memphis, leaving the infantry, as he after the sad affair, Captain Leroy Moore, of
expressively said, "to go to the devil." Why Company F, wrote from Meridian,
any historian could suppress the name of the Mississippi, to the Fremont journal, as
wretch who would so imprudently lead-no, follows:
not lead, but order-his men to certain MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, June 15, 1864.
MR. KEELER, SIR:-The following is a list of
destruction, and coward-like ride away and prisoners from the Seventy-second regiment Ohio
leave them to their fate, seems to be an Veteran Volunteer Infantry, now at this place. We
emphatic omission. The name of the arrived here this (Wednesday) morning, June 15. The
miserable mismanager of this expedition was greater number of these men were taken on the 11th and.
12th of June. Quite a number have undoubtedly been
General Sturgis, and his name should always since taken, and perhaps some have been killed and
be connected with that terrible disaster, to wounded, but I have no account of any but the above
shut out all chance for inference that some named. The health of the men is good and they are in
excellent spirits, but are very hard up for clothing about
worthy man who was there might be charged one-half being without shoes, and a less number without
with the slaughter and terrible imprisonment blankets or coats.
of the brave men who were there sacrificed. Knowing the anxiety which our friends feel for our
In this expedition General Buckland took no welfare, I have concluded to send this to you for
publication.
part, but was at the time post commander in Very respectfully,
Memphis, and faithfully doing duty as such, LEROY MOORE,
while the immediate command of the Captain Company F, Seventy-second Ohio Veteran
Volunteer Infantry.
Seventy-second devolved on Lieutenant-
A more complete list was furnished a few
Colonel Charles G. Eaton, a brave man and
days later by Captain J. M. Lemmon, which
noble commander.
is published below:
The only safety to the infantry from
On the 18th of June, 1864, Lieutenant
Colonel C. G. Eaton, who commanded
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 275

the Seventy-second regiment in this ex- kept up a little skirmishing with the enemy for about an
hour and a half, when Colonel Wilkins, commanding
pedition, made the following report to his brigade, ordered me to withdraw my regiment from the
superior officer. Of course military dis- position on the left of the line, and to form it in line, so
cipline would not allow him to criticize that the left would rest about one hundred yards to the
General Sturgis' conduct, but the facts stated right of Miller's battery. Colonel Wilkins informed me
that the object of this movement was to protect the
in the report are sufficient for the purpose. cavalry while they should retreat across the bridge to the
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-SECOND REGIMENT, rear. Accordingly, I withdrew my regiment, with the
OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, exception of the five companies which had previously
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, June 18, 1864. been deployed as skirmishers, but had not arrived at the
LIEUTENANT O. H. ABLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- position where I was ordered to establish my regiment,
General First Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army before the five companies deployed as skirmishers were
Corps: heavily engaged with the skirmishers of the enemy. I
SIR:—In compliance with special order NO. 39, suggested to Colonel Wilkins the propriety of moving
headquarters First Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth my regiment back to its former position, for the reason
Army Corps, dated Memphis, Tennessee, May 31st, that, if the enemy should drive back my five skirmish
1864, this regiment, as part of the infantry force com- companies, it would enable him to pass up the road to
manded by Colonel W. L. McMillen, reported at the our rear, thereby cutting us off from retreat in case of
Memphis & Charleston depot, at 6 o'clock A. M., June disaster, and also enable him to destroy the large train of
1st, 1864. From the depot we were transported by rail to ammunition and commissary stores. Colonel Wilkins,
a point about three miles east of Colliers-Ville, from seeing how much damage the enemy could do by forcing
whence we proceeded, by slow and easy marches, to our back the left of our line, consented to my returning to
camp on the side-hill, about four miles north of the my first position.
Hatchie bottom, where we arrived the evening of June 9. As soon as my regiment arrived at the first position, a
The march of the command of which the Seventy-second heavy line of the enemy's skirmishers, which extended
Ohio formed a part, from Colliersville to this camp, was quite a distance beyond the left of my skirmish line, was
slow, on account of rainy weather, muddy roads, and seen advancing across the open field. I formed my
being encumbered with a train of some two hundred and command so as to give my men a good range of that part
fifty wagons. At 6 A. M., June 10, we moved from this of the enemy's line of skirmishers which extended
camp, marching at a good pace for about nine miles, beyond the left of my line of skirmishers. A few volleys
when I was notified by Captain Buckland, of Colonel fired by my command caused the enemy to withdraw.
McMillen's staff, that the cavalry command was engaged Just at this moment I discovered that the whole infantry
with the enemy in front, and that it would be necessary command, with the exception of my regiment, was
for me to hurry up my regiment. Accordingly, I moved retreating. In a very few minutes, Colonel McMillen, in
my regiment at a very rapid pace, some three miles, to person, ordered me to hold my position until all of the
the battlefield, where we arrived between z and 3 r. M. other regiments should have crossed a creek and swamp
The day being extremely hot and sultry, quite a number to our rear, to the end that they might have time to form
of my men fell out before we arrived there, being a new line of battle about half a mile in the rear. By the
overcome with heat and fatigue. Upon arriving at the time the last regiment had crossed, the enemy was
battlefield, by order of Colonel W. L. McMillen, advancing from the right, left, and front of my position,
commanding infantry division, the Seventy-second and it was almost by chance that my regiment escaped
regiment was stationed on the left of the line, to support being captured. After crossing the creek and swamp,
Miller's battery-which was immediately on its right-and Colonel McMillen ordered me to march my regiment
cover the road to the rear. The battery was stationed on a along with the train, keeping the right hand side of the
hill in front of a log house, the right of the Seventy- road, This I did until I arrived at a house on a ridge
second resting near the battery, and the regiment about half a mile to the rear of the battlefield, where
extending to the left nearly to the foot of the hill. In General Grierson suggested that I should station my
front of the Seventy-second, about two hundred and fifty regiment behind a rail fence, to protect the train until it
yards, was another hill, on top of which were stationed should all have passed this point. This suggestion I con-
n. few rebels, concealed by bushes and a rail fence. The sidered a good one, and immediately formed my
space between the Seventy-second and the rebel line was regiment in line on the right hand side of the road,
an open field, giving us a good opportunity to see any where I remained until the last wagon passed. Again I
advance on the part of the enemy. I had five companies moved my command to the rear, keeping the right hand
deploy as skirmishers to the front, and to the right. They side of the road, as directed. We had gone
276 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

but a few rods when the teamsters near the middle of the front as possible. After marching about two miles
train began to destroy their wagons by setting them on further, the Fourth Missouri cavalry, which was acting
fire, thus blockading the road so that all the wagons in as. rear guard to the whole command, suddenly made a
the rear of those destroyed had to be abandoned. Seeing rush to the front, riding through the ranks of my
that no new line of battle was established, and that all regiment, causing the men to scatter in all directions to
the rest of the command were continuing to retreat, and avoid being ridden over; at the same time the enemy
receiving no order from my superiors in command, I made an attack on the rear. My men, being wholly out of
continued to march to the rear, until I arrived on the hill ammunition, and seeing that it was absolutely necessary
on the north side of the Hatchie bottoms, where I to rid themselves of all encumbrances in order to avoid
ordered my regiment to halt, intending to allow the men being captured, broke their guns and destroyed their
a rest of about an hour, as they were getting very much accoutrements by cutting them in pieces. They then
fatigued, having marched about eight miles from the pressed rapidly forward, with the intention of keeping
battlefield without rest. The regiment had hardly halted up with the cavalry and saving themselves if possible;
when an aide to General Sturgis, in the name of the but the majority of them being overcome by the
General, ordered me to keep up the retreat still further to excessive heat of the day and the long and rapid march,
the rear. were compelled to leave the road and seek safety in the
In obedience to these orders I again moved my woods. However, one hundred and forty-three of my
command to the rear until I arrived on the ground where command kept pace with the cavalry, and arrived at
my regiment had bivouacked the night previous. My Colliersville about 8 o'clock the following morning,
men, overcome by fatigue, having marched some twelve having marched a distance of nearly ninety miles in
miles from the battlefield, without rest, I ordered a halt forty-eight hours. After resting part of the. day at
intending to remain until I should receive orders from Colliersville, these men became so stiffened as to
some of my superiors in command. About half an hour require assistance to enable them to walk, some of them,
afterward Colonel Warren's brigade of cavalry came up too foot-sore to stand upon their feet, crawled upon their
and the commanding officer ordered to move my hands and knees to the cars.
command to Ripley. I enquired by what authority he When I left Ripley in the morning my command had
gave me such orders. He replied, "By order of General three hundred and twenty guns, and averaged about
Sturgis." Again I moved my command to the rear, and eight rounds of ammunition to the man. Eleven officers
came up with General Sturgis and Colonel McMillen at and two hundred and thirty-five enlisted men have not
a bridge crossing a creek about six miles south of yet returned to Memphis. They are most of them
Ripley. Colonel McMillen ordered me to continue the undoubtedly prisoners of war in the hands of the enemy.
retreat to Ripley, which I did, arriving there at 5 o'clock Of the officers and men under my command, I have just
the following morning having in twenty-three hours, reasons for feeling proud. Not an officer or man did I
marched a distance of thirty-eight miles, and engaged see who failed to do his whole duty, and none of them
the enemy two hours. At a little before 7 o'clock Colonel surely are responsible for any part of the disaster.
McMillen sent an aid (Lieutenant Livings), ordering me C. G. EATON,
as the senior officer of the brigade then present, to Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Seventy-second
immediately move the brigade on the Salem road regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
following the cavalry, with instructions to have the
armed men organized so as to be available at a moment's On the 19th of June, 1864, Captain J.
warning. Only three regiments were in motion before Mack Lemmon sent the following letter,
Colonel D. C. Thomas, Ninety-third Indiana infantry, which was published in the Fremont journal
came up and assumed command. After marching about
of the following week:
two miles Captain Fernald, of Colonel McMillen's staff,
ordered me to keep well closed up on the cavalry, which MEMPHIS, TENN., June 19, 1864.
was the last order I received that day from any of my EDITOR JOURNAL: Enclosed I send you a complete
superior officers. list of names of missing officers and men of the
About eight miles from Ripley the enemy tired into Seventy-second Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, in the
the centre of the regiment from the left hand side of the retreat from Guntown, June 10 and 11, 1864. It is
road, which caused a slight delay of the left companies, hoped-though hardly possible-that some may yet come
thereby forming quite a gap between the fourth and fifth in. Prisoners who made their escape from the rebels
companies. The cavalry in advance began to march at report that our men were well treated when they fell into
such a rapid pace that it became utterly impossible for rebel hands. The loss of the expedition will amount to
infantry to keep closed up with them-but the very nearly two thousand killed, wounded, and missing;
organization of my regiment was still kept up, keeping besides, we have lost one hundred and eighty wagons,
as close to the cavalry in sixteen pieces of artil-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 277

lery, about thirty ambulances, and two thousand Sergeant John Collins.
animals. Major General A. J. Smith has been placed in Corporal Christ Bower.
command of the active forces here, and we may now Corporal G. W. Camp.
look for better results. PRIVATES.
Respectfully,
J. MACK LEMMON, J. F. Adams, D. Bruner, C. H. Bennett, H. Bischoff,
Captain Seventy-second Ohio Infantry. M. Cowell, John Dardis, F. M. Engler, A. T. Fisher, T.
H. Fisher, J. F. Faust, Peter Gurst, F. Hollager, Thomas
The following is a list of the officers and Hearly, P. Mulrain, B. E. McIntyre, S. P. Obermier, H.
men of the Seventy-second Ohio, who were Overmyer, A. Polley, Sol Stage, H. B. Whitaker, M.
missing: Rubels.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. COMPANY C.


Captain Andrew Nupher, commanding Company D. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Leroy Moore, commanding Company F. Corporal A. Brackley.
Captain Charles L. Dirlam, commanding Company K. Corporal Jacob Huffman.
First Lieutenant John B. Gillmore, Company F. Corporal Jeremiah Heath.
First Lieutenant Lorenzo Dick, commanding Corporal Hiram Edgar.
Company H. Corporal J. P. Heritage.
Second Lieutenant Edward McMahon, Company F. PRIVATES.
Second Lieutenant Zelotus Perrin, Company K.
Second Lieutenant Jay Winters, Company B. J. C. Beery, John L. Cook, Emanuel Smith, John
Second Lieutenant Morris Rees, Company D. Whitcome, Daniel Shoe, Ed Chapman, J. Hutchinson,
Second Lieutenant David Van Doren, Company G. Lewis Edgar, W. C. Tearn, David Henline, John P. King,
Second Lieutenant Josiah Fairbanks, Company I. R. Kelvington, M. Lattig, S. Overmyer, Fred Smith,
Henry Martin, H. E. Hassenplug, Owen Hudnell, Jacob
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. Bunket, George Lowe.
Hospital Steward G. A. Gessner.
Principal Musician James Drinkwater.
COMPANY D.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
COMPANY A.
Sergeant John Carbaugh.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Sergeant Perry Chance.
Sergeant S. K. Dwight. Sergeant William Duke.
Sergeant H. N. Lay, Corporal George Albert.
Sergeant J. N. Wadams. Corporal Solomon Cook.
Sergeant W. Woolverton. Corporal Franklin Grove.
Sergeant C. N. Davis. Corporal Elijah Neible.
Corporal W. G. Miller. Musician J. Sherwood.
Corporal A. L. Bush. PRIVATES.
Corporal A. Bradbury.
Corporal Charles Boyd. Henry Basor, Joseph Beam, Orson Bower, M.
Corporal S. Chadwick. Cuthbertson, H. Ewing, James Findley, George Grove,
Musician William Fega. James Hales, Jacob Ludwig, J. McDaniel, Charles Piper,
John Purcell, John Reese, Conrad Sheller, Fred Visher,
PRIVATES. John Walter.
A. Almond, T. Babcock, F. Babcock, G. Burkett,
Andrew German, Jacob Helsel, Augustus Harris, Z.
COMPANY E.
Hutchinson, William Hinton, Jesse Hemp, Frank Lay, A. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Murry, L. McCarty, N. B. Mason, Henry Miller, Sergeant L. A. Jackson.
Valentine Ott, Morris Pilgrim, Noble Perrin, Almon Sergeant J. P. Elderkin.
Rodgers, E. Rorebach, William Ross, A. Simmerson, W. Sergeant Jacob Snyder.
Sturtivant, L. Wentworth, Eli Whitaker, John Whitaker. Sergeant D. J. Hagarty.
COMPANY B. Sergeant Jacob Baker.
Corporal Fred Stattler.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Corporal William Furry.
Sergeant W. Millious. Corporal M. S. Haines.
Sergeant W. F. McEntyre. Corporal R. W. Medkirk.
Corporal George Eslibe.
PRIVATES.
B. C. Beach, J. Gullenbeck, C. J. McGurnsey, Henry
Innus, Martin Lochner, Hetiry Potter, M.
278 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Stateler, A. Shoemaker, William Stewart, A. J COMPANY K.


Zink. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
COMPANY F. Sergeant H. B. Turrill.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Sergeant J. W. Prickett.
Sergeant W. Baumgartner.
Sergeant E. B. Moore. Sergeant L. Albershardt.
Sergeant T. N. Russell. Sergeant Michael Burns.
Corporal I. A. Entsminger. Sergeant George W. Cox.
Corporal A. Brunthaver. Sergeant Thomas Cavanaugh.
PRIVATES. Sergeant William Chrisman.
Andrew Barto, A. R. Ballard, Chris Beck, William Sergeant Pat Donoughe.
Craft, Ira Crane, H. W. Chamberlain, J. S. Duerler, J. M. Sergeant Patrick Handley.
Gillmore, George Hawk, Louis Hawk, John Johnson, PRIVATES.
Thomas Jackson, William H. Kirk, Hiram Neff, James A. E. Inloes, Philip King, Henry McCabe, John
Nesbit, Sardis Patterson, Chaun Reynolds, William Ollendick, Elijah Purdy, Joseph Service, J. A. Woerner,
Repp, Orrin Russell, Henry Shook, Jerry Scanlon,, R. WEbster, E. Williamson.
Martin Saner, William Scrimeger, T. Whittington.
Enlisted men missing ........................................... 237
COMPANY G. Officers missing ..................................................... 11
Total ..................................................................... 248
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Sergeant Joseph L. Turner.
Corporal John Warner. These communications present a sad view of
Corporal Charles Kramb. the terrible consequence of a military
Musician C. Engle. blunder in the officer—Sturgis—in
PRIVATES. command of the expedition. The indignation
S. Blackman, W. S. Crain, F. Eslewooder, W. H. of the returned men was such that General
French, E. Frankenburg, Charles Harley, A. Mulchey, Sturgis found it prudent to keep out of sight
Philip Moses, John Mowery, W. H. McEnally, William
Seitt, Platt Soper, C. Thompson, DeWitt C. Vance. and out of reach of their fury. And, although
more than seventeen years have elapsed
COMPANY H.
since this terrible scene was enacted, such is
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. the indignation of the surviving men of the
Sergeant Charles Hobert. Seventy-second, that any insurance policy on
Sergeant J. S. Welch. General Sturgis' life would be collectable
Corporal Christ Molter.
Corporal G. Everhardt. soon after any of them should find him in the
Corporal Fred Bimmick. county.
Musician J. H. Rose. Soon after the sad affair General Buckland
PRIVATES. heard that Sturgis had tried to screen himself
Morris Aubrey, C. Benedict, Jacob Fessler, William from accountability by reporting that the
Frank, Fred Frank, Chris Gardner, Martin Killian, men would not fight. General Buckland lost
Theobald Kirsch, Louis Muth, John Michael, Michael
Nice, Joseph Orth, Andrew Spaeth, Henry Stoll, Marcus no time in writing a letter to General
Wolf, Fred Wermer, Michael Weaver. Sherman, indignantly denying the truth of
COMPANY I. any such charge as to the men of the
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Seventy-second, or of the brigade he had
Sergeant Chaun Walters.
commanded, asserting boldly that he had
Sergeant Lewis Monroe. often witnessed their patient endurance of
PRIVATES. the hardships of the service; had often led
Dan Brienman, Charles Caldwell, William Eckert, them in battle, and knew that truer, braver;
Thomas Flinn, D. A. Goodrich, H. K. Hurlbut, A. or better soldiers never went into action—
Hoilman, P. C. Miller, Perry Walters, Michael Walters. and that if properly
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 279

commanded no men would do better subsequent history of the Seventy-second,


anywhere than the men of the Seventy- which happily was not destined to any more
second. such reverses, but soon entered on a brighter
In an interview with the writer in Sep- career, in which the conduct of the regiment
tember, 1881, Archibald Purcell, who was proved that the assertion of General
color-bearer for the Seventy-second in the Buckland was true, and the base insinuation
Guntown fight, related the following inci- of Sturgis was false.
dent: After a little rest, the Seventy-second
He said that the Seventy-second regiment regiment was assigned to the First brigade,
was the last to cross the bridge over under command of General McMillen, and
Tishomingo Creek on the retreat. They became a part of General Mower's division
arrived in a body and in order at Ripley of the Sixteenth Army Corps.
about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 12th of On the 22d of June it was ordered on an
June. Colonel Watterhouse's Board of Trade expedition, moving in the direction of
Battery, of Chicago, lost their battery about Tupelo, Mississippi.
half a mile from Ripley, the guns being stuck On the 11th of July the rebels were found
in the mud and abandoned. near Pontotoc. The corps made a feint
Purcell had brought away the flag and staff against the enemy and then moved rapidly
safely as far as Ripley, but when the men left eastward toward the Mobile & Ohio Railroad
there, after daylight, he found that he, with at Tupelo. In this movement McMillen's
the flag in view, was a conspicuous target brigade, only nine hundred strong, was in the
for the shots of the pursuing rebels. rear of the infantry column, and just in
Concealing himself as well as he could he advance of the wagon train. When about two
took. the flag off the staff and wrapped it miles west of Tupelo, Bell's brigade of N. B.
around his body, under his shirt, so that it Forrest's command, which was in ambush,
could not he seen. "I thought," said he, "if I attacked the column. This attack fell mainly
got killed the flag might be undiscovered, or upon the Seventy-second. They at once
buried with me, and that if I escaped I would charged the enemy. The remainder of the
save it for the regiment, and prevent the brigade was brought into action, and within
rebels from getting it." He escaped, and after twenty minutes the rebels were driven from
entering the depot at Memphis General the field utterly routed. On the return march
Buckland asked him, with a sad counte- McMillen’s brigade again marched in the
nance, what had become of the flag. Not rear of the infantry column, and just as it
seeing it in Purcell's possession, he seemed was about to bivouac for the night at
to fear it was lost. Purcell finally told him it Tishomingo Creek, Bell's rebel brigade fell
was safe, and pulling open his shirt he drew upon the cavalry rear and drove it into camp.
it forth, when the General's countenance McMillen's brigade formed rapidly and
brightened as he took it, and the men and advanced. A volley checked the enemy, and
women in the depot cheered and shouted as a charge drove the rebels from the field.
they realized the fact that the sacred emblem It was in this charge that the brave,
had been safely brought away. gallant, and much loved Major Eugene Allen
Having thus given the sad results of the Rawson, of Fremont, Ohio, lost his life
disaster at Guntown, we resume the while bravely leading his men in a charge
upon the enemy.
280 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-SECOND RESUMED. troops took transports for St. Louis, and from
Although the charge at Tishomingo Creek there moved to Jefferson City, from which
was fatal to the brave Major Rawson, the point the division moved against Price. The
rebels were driven from the field. Color- troops made extraordinary marches, from early
bearer Archibald Purcell says that some morning until late at night, making from thirty
rebels, when they made the attack, were to forty-five miles each day. But Price's
imprudent enough to shout, "Give them division was well mounted, and it proved. vain
Guntown." This so exasperated our boys that to attempt to overtake him. The pursuit,
in the charge and pursuit there was a spirit of however, continued to Little Santa Fe, on the
vengeance and retaliation manifested which, Kansas lint, where the infantry turned back to
under other circumstances, would have been St. Louis. The weather during this march
unbecoming a cool soldier, but the became intensely cold, and the men had only
provocation was great, and the men felt the clothing which was on their backs and a
keenly, even to madness, the taunting rubber blanket. No wood was to be found, and
mention of Guntown, and he could pardon snow fell twelve inches deep. After enduring
them for the cruelties they committed. After many hardships the Seventy-second reached St.
the charge in which Major Rawson fell, and Louis on the 16th of November, 1864. The
after the rebels were driven from the field, division was next ordered up the Cumberland,
the expedition returned to Memphis without and on the 30th of November it joined the
again encountering the enemy. The Seventy- forces under General Thomas, at Nashville,
second had, however, lost nineteen men and and was posted on the right of the line there.
two officers wounded, one officer, Major The command of the division now devolved on
Rawson, and four men, mortally. General J. A. McArthur, General Mower
The regiment next moved, about the 27th having been ordered to General Sherman. On
of July, 1864, from Memphis in the direction the 7th of December the Seventy-second was
of Oxford, Mississippi, but the Third on a reconnaissance, and was warmly engaged
division of the corps was ordered to Atlanta, and lost eleven men killed and wounded.
and the troops returned to Memphis. During the first day of the battle of Nashville,
Mower's division was ordered to Arkansas the regiment participated in a charge, in which
on the 1st of September to resist General three hundred and fifty prisoners and six pieces
Price. The regiment embarked on the 2d on a of artillery were captured from the enemy.
steamer for Duvall's Bluff, but did not reach This, among many other brave acts, proved that
its destination until Price had passed north, the men of the Seventy-second would fight
and therefore failed to intercept him. From when properly commanded, General good-for-
Duvall's Bluff the division moved nothing Sturgis to the contrary
northward. The march lasted eighteen days, notwithstanding. At night the Seventy-second
and in that time the troops travelled three was sent to Nashville with prisoners, but it
hundred and fifty miles, forded four rivers, returned in time to take part in the fight of the
and reached the Mississippi River at Cape 16th of November, 1864, and engaged in the
Girardeau, Missouri. During this march the charge on Walnut Hills. In this battle
weather was hot and the troops on half McMillen's brigade, numbering less than
rations. At Cape Girardeau the twelve hun-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 281

dred men, captured two thousand prisoners Corinth, but was soon ordered to Vicksburg,
and thirteen pieces of artillery, while its total where it was mustered out on the 11th of
loss was only one hundred and sixty men. September, 1865. It then at once embarked
Here the Seventy-second proved again it for Ohio, and was paid off at Camp Chase.
would fight when properly commanded, as, AN ERROR CORRECTED.
General Buckland asserted, and that the The hasty correspondents who sent to the
assertion of the miserable sham of the press an account of the battle of Shiloh were
regular army, Sturgis, that they would not inaccurate, and did injustice to the Seventy-
fight, was a base falsehood. second regiment. This correspondence was
The division then moved to Eastport, hastily compiled, and thus the errors were
Mississippi, and went into camp, where incorporated into some early histories of that
supplies were very scarce, and there the battle. These errors were a source not only
brave men of the Seventy-second, as well as of injustice to the brave men of the regiment,
the other soldiers of the division, subsisted but caused much mortification to all the
for days on parched corn and water officers and privates. No one, perhaps, felt
In February, 1865, the regiment moved so keenly the mortification of the mistake as
with the division to New Orleans, and there General Buckland himself, who always
camped. February 28, it embarked on the afterward labored to correct the error. Fi-
ocean steamer Empire City, and on the 3d of nally a most fitting opportunity to set the
March landed at Fort Gaines, on Dauphin history right occurred.
Island. On the 19th it crossed the east side of At a meeting of the Army of the Ten-
Mobile Bay, and moved up Fish River and' nessee, at Cincinnati, on the 6th of April,
landed about thirty miles east of Spanish 1881, a paper was read on the battle of
Fort. Here a short time was allowed for Shiloh by General Sherman. The statements
bringing up supplies, and on the 27th in this paper were such as to call from
Spanish Fort was invested. The siege lasted General Buckland a full and true statement
until the 8th of April, when the rebels of his part, and of the part of the Seventy-
evacuated the fort. In these operations the second regiment in that battle. General
Seventy-second lost one man killed and Buckland's statement was published in the
three wounded. On the 9th of April it Toledo Blade of June 9, 1881, and copied
marched for Montgomery, Alabama, and into many other papers in different parts of
after a toilsome march of thirteen days the United States. The principal error which
reached its destination. On the 10th of May appeared in the correspondence first
the division moved toward Selma, and published giving an account of the battle,
arrived there on the 14th. On the following was in stating that the troops under General
day McMillen's brigade was ordered to Me- Buckland's command were surprised.
ridian, Mississippi. Here the regiment re- General Buckland's communication refutes
mained on garrison duty until June, when it this statement successfully. It has been
was placed along the line of the railroad submitted to General Sherman and many
west of Meridian. About this time orders others, and has been adopted by the Society
were received to muster out all men in the of the Army of the Tennessee as the true
regiment whose term of service would expire statement, and printed by it as the correct
before October 1, 1865. Under this order history of the battle of Shiloh. Therefore, as
forty-one men were discharged. In a mat-
September the Seventy-second moved to
282 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ter of justice to General Buckland and the reason to the contrary--and were taken at almost every
possible disadvantage.
men under his command, and especially "The first wild cries from the pickets rushing in, and
the brave men of the Seventy-second regi- the few scattering shots that preceded their arrival,
ment, we give his statement in full in this aroused the regiments to a sense of their peril. An
history. instant afterward shells were hurtling through the tents,
THE BATTLE OF SHILOH.* while before there was time for thought of preparation,
there came rushing through the wood, with lines of
At the Reunion of the Society of the Army of the
Tennessee in Cincinnati, April 6, 1881, General battle sweeping the whole front of the division camp,
and bearing down on either flank, the fine, dashing,
Sherman read a paper on the battle of Shiloh, and
submitted a map (made by himself) of the battlefield and compact columns of the enemy.
"Into the just aroused camps thronged the rebel
the location of the Union troops on Sunday morning, and
at the close of the fighting at night. This map he sent to regiments, firing sharp volleys as they came, and
springing toward our laggards with the bayonet. Some
my seat, and requested my opinion as to its correctness.
From a cursory examination I expressed the opinion that were shot down as they were running, without weapons,
it was substantially correct. At the same time I said that hatless, coatless, toward the river. The searching bullets
the commencement of the battle of Shiloh had been found other poor unfortunates in their tents, and there,
grossly misrepresented, and the truth about it had never all unheeding now, they still slumbered, while the
unseen foe rushed on. Others fell as they were
been properly understood by the public; that the first
accounts published in the Northern papers from their disentangling themselves from the flaps that formed the
doors of their tents; a few, it was even said, as they were
correspondents, particularly the account of "Agate,"
(Whitelaw Reid) correspondent of the Cincinnati vainly trying to impress on the cruelly exultant enemy
their, readiness to surrender.
Gazette, stated that officers and men of my brigade,
among others, were surprised in their tents, etc., and "Officers were wounded in their beds, and left for
dead, who, through the whole two days' fearful struggle,
these accounts had been adopted by historians, whereas
there was not one word of truth in such statement. I then lay in their agony, and on Monday were found in their
gore, inside their tents, and still able to tell the tale.
made a brief statement of the events which occurred
within my own knowledge in front of Sherman's division "Such were the fearful disasters that opened the rebel
during the three days preceding the battle, and the onset on the line of Prentiss's division. Similar were the
circumstances of the commencement of the battle on fates of Hildebrand’s brigade in Sherman's division.
Sunday morning, and the position of my brigade at the "Meantime what they could our shattered regiments
did. Falling rapidly back through the heavy woods till
close of the fighting at night. My remarks were very
imperfectly reported in the papers,. and have been they gained a protecting ridge, firing as they ran, and
making what resistance men thus situated might,
criticized by the Gazette's correspondent, "H. V. B." I
had not read Agate's account for several years. Upon Sherman's men succeeded in partially checking the rush
of the enemy long enough to form their hasty line of
examination of it as published in The Record of the
Rebellion, by Frank Morse, I find that he does not say battle. Meantime the other two brigades of the division
(to the right) sprang hastily to their arms, and had barely
that my brigade was surprised in their tents, but as this
account of "Agate" has been quoted for history, I will done so when the enemy's lines came sweeping up
against their fronts too, and the battle thus opened
give here the following extract:
"About dawn Prentiss's pickets were driven in; a fiercely along Sherman's whole line on the right."
very little later Hildebrand’s (in Sherman's division) This is certainly a most sickening and, if true, would
were; and the enemy were in the camps almost as soon be a disgraceful picture of a great army surprised and
as were the pickets, themselves. slaughtered by its enemy, but I aver that as to the three
brigades of Sherman's division camped near Shiloh
"Here began scenes which, let us hope, will have no
parallel in our remaining annals of war. Some, Church, there is not a particle of truth in this story of
surprise on Sunday morning. I have no personal
particularly among our officers, were not out of bed;
others were dressing, others washing, others cooking, a knowledge as to Prentiss's division; but I have good
reason to believe that the story as to that division is
few eating their breakfasts. Many guns were unloaded,
accoutrements lying pell-mell, ammunition was ill- equally false.
Again "Agate " writes to the Cincinnati Gazette, under
supplied-in short, the camps were virtually surprised,
disgracefully, it might be added, unless some one can the date of April 15, 1862, and after saying that other
troops besides Ohio's run on Sunday, says: "The amount
hereafter give some yet undiscovered
of that 'disgraceful' running of Ohio troops" on Sunday
* By General R. P. Buckland, morning is substantially this:
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 283

the men were completely surprised; some of their being in chief command. I reported to General Smith,
officers were bayoneted in their beds, others were shot who ordered me to remain there until further orders.
in their tents while sleeping; all were under heavy fire After some delay we steamed up to Savannah, then up to
from an enemy fairly in their camps before they had an the mouth of Yellow Creek, above Pittsburg Landing,
instant for seeking and grasping their weapons. There for the purpose of cutting the Memphis & Charleston
may have been Spartan veterans, who under such Railroad, but the extreme high water prevented the
circumstances would have stood to be shot down rather accomplishment of that purpose, and we came back to
than `disgracefully run,' but I suspect that modern Pittsburg Landing. On the 18th of March we commenced
armies do not contain many of them." disembarking at that point, and on the 10th we took our
In Headley's History of the Great Rebellion, among position at Shiloh Church, fronting towards Corinth. The
other equally absurd and false statements about the road leading from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth passes
surprise of Shiloh, I find this : along close to, and on the left of the church. The right of
"The on-pouring thousands swept the camps of the Hildebrand's brigade rested on the road, and the left of
front division like an inundation, and the dreadful mine at the church, there being only a few rods between
spectacle of a vast army in disorderly flight, before it the two brigades. The Seventieth Ohio on the left,
bad time to form a line for battle, was presented. So Seventy-second Ohio on the right, and Forty-eighth
swift was the onset on Buckland's brigade, of Sherman's Ohio in the centre. Mc-Dowell's brigade was some thirty
division, that between the long roll of the drum and the rods to the right of mine, there being a considerable
actual presence of the shouting foe in the camp, the ravine or valley between the two. Stewart's brigade was
officers were not yet up and had not time to dress, and located, as I understood, about one mile to the left of
the troops seizing their muskets as they could, fled like Hildebrand's, and to the left of Prentiss's division, to
a herd of sheep towards the rest of the division." guard an important crossing of Lick Creek. In front of
Such are the first reports of the commencement of the our line was Owl Creek, which is a crooked stream and
battle of Shiloh, given by newspaper correspondents, ran nearer our line at the church than at any other point.
who must have obtained their information from the According to my recollection the creek was about thirty
cowards who sneaked away to the rear on the first rods from the left of my brigade and about twice that
appearance of danger. These widely published distance from the right. The space between my color line
newspaper reports have been adopted by several his- and the creek was covered with woods and underbrush,
torians as true, and are still believed by some people. but not very thickly. Along the creek and beyond it was
The facts which I shall give will show how utterly false densely wooded. There was a bridge across the creek on
and groundless are all such stories to these brigades of the Corinth road, and we built a bridge about in front of
Sherman's division encamped near Shiloh Church. the centre and another to the front and right of the
Sherman's division was organized at Paducah, brigade. It seems to me that this latter brigade was near
Kentucky, about the 1st of March, 1862, and contained half a mile from the right of my brigade. Something like
four brigades, each of three regiments of infantry, as a mile in front of our line were large, open fields,
follows: beyond which our picket line was established, and
First-Sixth Iowa, Colonel McDowell commanding beyond these fields were dense woods for several. miles.
brigade; Forty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Worthington, and I don't know whether any regular cavalry pickets were
Tenth Illinois, Colonel Hicks. established in front of our picket line or not, but the
Second-Fifty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Stewart com- Fifth Ohio cavalry were out in front of us and
manding brigade; Fifty-fourth Ohio, Colonel Smith, and consequently had frequent skirmishes with rebel cavalry
Seventy-first Ohio, Colonel Mason. for ten days or two weeks before the battle.
Third-Seventy-seventh Ohio, Colonel Hildebrand On Thursday, April 3, General Sherman ordered me to
commanding brigade; Fifty-third Ohio, Colonel Appler, take my brigade to the front on the Corinth road four or
and Fifty-seventh Ohio, Colonel Mungen. five miles, send out scouting parties and see what I
Fourth-Seventy-second Ohio, Colonel Buckland could discover; but cautioned me not to be drawn into a
commanding brigade; Forty-eighth Ohio, Colonel fight with any considerable force of the enemy. I
Sullivan, and Seventieth Ohio, Colonel Cockerill. marched my brigade to the forks of the road about five
Most of these regiments were new and reported at miles from our line, where I halted and formed the
Paducah, mostly unarmed. My brigade embarked on the brigade in line between the two roads facing towards
steamers on the 6th of March, and our arms were sent on Corinth. Both roads, as I understood, led to Monterey,
board in boxes and were distributed to the men on the about two miles further toward Corinth. I then sent two
boats after we left Paducah. We left Paducah on the companies of the Seventieth Ohio, under Major
morning of the 7th of March, in advance of General McFarran, forward on the left hand, and two companies
Sherman, with orders to report to General C. F. Smith, of the Seventy-second
near Fort Henry, he then
284 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Ohio, under Major Crocket, on the right hand road. They thick underbrush that I was nearer a line of rebel cavalry
both encountered rebel cavalry pickets within less than faced from me than I was to my own line, and the rebels
half a mile, and commenced skirmishing with them. just at that moment gave a cheer, evidently preparatory
Major Crocket soon after sent word to me that there was to charging on company B. I waived my hand to my
a large force of cavalry in sight, and that he would need men, indicating that I desired them to hurry tip. As they
reinforcements. In accordance with my instructions not came in sight of the rebel line, distant only a few rods,
to be drawn into a fight, I ordered Major Crocket and they opened a destructive fire, taking the enemy
Major McFarran to return to the brigade. While there completely by surprise, and threw them into such
several of the soldiers reported to me that they distinctly confusion that they made but a short stand. My men
heard the long roll in the direction of Monterey. I did charged upon them and drove them from the field,
not. Soon after the scouting companies returned, we killing a considerable number of horses and men, and
commenced our march back to camp, where we arrived a capturing several prisoners, and company B was saved. I
little before dark, and I reported immediately to General soon discovered that the enemy were reforming in great
Sherman. force, with the evident intention of charging back upon
The next day, April 4, about 2 o’clock P. M., a us ; and whilst I was getting my men in position to meet
considerable force of rebel cavalry attacked the left of the charge, Major Ricker came up with his Fifth Ohio
my picket line, capturing a lieutenant and seven men of cavalry, and enquired where the enemy were. I pointed
the Seventieth Ohio. Happening at the time to be near them out to him, and he immediately charged them,
the right of the line, where the Seventy-second Ohio was dispersing them and capturing several prisoners. I
drilling under Major Crocket, I rode in the direction of followed him as rapidly as I could. We pursued about a
the firing, directing Major Crocket to follow with his mile when the enemy commenced firing artillery at us.
regiment. On ascertaining what had occurred I sent Some of Major Ricker's men charged right into a rebel
Lieutenant Gear, of the Forty-eighth Ohio, acting as my battery, and one of his men was killed at the battery. We
aid, to inform General Sherman, who soon returned with discovered that the enemy had a large force of infantry
word that General Sherman would send one hundred and and artillery in line. We thereupon deemed it prudent to
fifty cavalry to pursue the enemy. In the meantime, on retire to our own lines with as little delay as possible.
learning from Major Crocket that he had sent company When we reached our picket line General Sherman was
B of the Seventy-second to scout outside the picket line, there with several regiments in line of battle. When I
I told him that was wrong ; the officers and men being rode up to him at the head of my column, with about
inexperienced, I feared they would get into trouble, and fifteen prisoners close behind me the General asked me
directed him to take company H, find company B and what I had been doing. His manner indicated that he was
return with them to the regiment as soon as possible. not pleased. I replied that I had accidentally got into a
Soon after we began to hear musketry firing in front. little fight, and there was some of the fruits of it,
Colonel Cockerill arrived on the picket line with several pointing to the prisoners. He answered that I might have
companies of the Seventieth Ohio. The firing in front drawn the whole army into a fight before they were
became constant and more regular. We therefore ready, and directed me to take my men to camp. 1 knew
concluded that our men were intercepted and unable to enough to know that my proceedings were irregular, but
return as ordered. I took three companies of the consoled myself that I had saved one of my companies
Seventy-second, A, D, and I, and started into the woods from annihilation, whatever might be the consequences
in the direction of the firing, directing Colonel Cockerill to myself. Soon after reaching camp one of General
to come to my aid if he heard heavy firing. We had not Sherman's aids came and said, "The General desires you
gone far when we met some of Major Crocket's men, and to send him a written statement of what you have done
learned that they had been intercepted and attacked and seen today," which I did the same evening. General
before reaching company B, the Major either killed or Sherman afterward informed me that he sent my
captured, and that company B was surrounded by a large statement to General Grant the same night.
force of rebel cavalry. About the same time there came I was along the picket line several times during the
upon us one of the severest rain and thunderstorms I day, and saw rebel cavalry at different points in front of
ever witnessed. My boots, worn outside of my pants, the line. The pickets reported seeing infantry and
filled full of water and ran over the tops. The storm artillery. I saw Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield,
stopped us and the firing for a time, but as soon as the commanding the Seventy-second regiment, Colonel
storm was over the firing commenced again, and we Hildebrand, and several other officers of the division, on
pushed on with as much speed as possible, my men the picket line watching the movements of the enemy in
being deployed in line, and I riding eight or ten rods in our front. I talked with Colonel Hildebrand and other
front. About two miles from the picket line, on reaching officers about the situation, and it was believed by all
near the top of something of a hill, I discovered through that the enemy intended to at-
the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 285

tack us, either during the night or early in the morning, ready. I rode to General Sherman's headquarters, eighty
and I talked with Colonel Hildebrand particularly about to one hundred rods to the left and rear of my camp, and
the measures we ought to take to prevent a surprise. about in the rear of the right of Hildebrand's brigade. I
Colonel Hildebrand went with me to General Sherman's informed General Sherman that I had been to the front
headquarters, and we told him what we had seen and and found the enemy advancing in strong force, and my
that we apprehended an attack. I saw General Sherman pickets falling back; that my brigade was in line, ready
several times during the day, and talked with him about for orders. He answered, "You must reinforce' the
the matter. He said we must strengthen our pickets, and pickets. Send a regiment forward and keep them back." I
instruct them to be vigilant, and keep our commands in returned, and met Colonel Sullivan and Lieutenant-
readiness for an attack at any time. He said he was Colonel Parker on their horses in rear of the Forty-
embarrassed for the want of cavalry, that his cavalry had eighth Ohio. I told them what General Sherman's orders
been ordered away that morning, and that the cavalry he were. They both requested me to send their regiment,
was to have in their place had not arrived, and that, as which I designed to do, it being the centre regiment. I
soon as his cavalry returned, he would send them to the ordered Colonel Sullivan to take his regiment, as
front and find out what was there. My understanding speedily as possible, across the bridge in his front, take
was that by order of General Grant there had been a position in the woods beyond with the pickets, and keep
reassignment of both cavalry and artillery, which was the enemy back as long as possible. When the head of
being carried into effect on Saturday. his column reached the bridge he discovered that the
Late in the afternoon I had a consultation with the enemy was forming line of battle under the bank, on our
commanders of my regiments and it was agreed that side of the creek, to the right. He fell back a short
several additional companies should be sent forward to distance, and reported the fact to me. I first ordered
strengthen and sustain the pickets, which was done companies A and B, of the Seventy-second, forward as
accordingly. I also established a line of sentinels from skirmishers, and in a few minutes after ordered the
my camp to the reserve of the pickets under command of Seventy-second and the Seventieth to advance, and the
an officer, with instructions to notify me instantly of any Forty-eighth to form on the advanced line. We advanced
alarm on the picket line. Officers and men of my brigade from thirty to forty rods, to within full view, and short
were well aware of the near approach of the enemy; all musket range of the enemy's line, and the fight com-
were expecting an attack; and such precautions were menced simultaneously on both sides. The right of the
taken that a surprise was impossible. The same must brigade was considerably in advance of the left, to take
have been true as to McDowell's and Hildebrand's advantage of the formation of the ground, the creek
brigades, for there could hardly have been an officer or being much nearer the left than the right of the brigade
soldier in the three brigades ignorant of the fight on color line.
Friday, or of the presence of the enemy in our front on Up to this time there had been no artillery firing, or
Saturday. Officers of my brigade were instructed on heavy musketry, on any part of the line. My brigade had
Saturday evening to be prepared for a night attack, and been in line awaiting orders full one hour before it
to have their men up and at breakfast as soon as daylight advanced, and before any fighting anywhere within our
or before. As may well be imagined, I was very uneasy hearing, except skirmishing by the pickets, and the
during the night, and slept very little. I was up before brigade fought, with great bravery, in this position more
daylight and ordered my horse fed and saddled. Soon than two hours, driving the enemy back under the bank
after daylight, before I had quite finished my breakfast, of the creek as often as they attempted to advance; and
word was brought that the enemy was advancing in the right of the brigade was advanced considerably
strong force. I immediately ordered the long roll, forward during the fighting to obtain a better position,
mounted my horse and rode toward the picket line. I which widened the space between my right and the left
found the reserve of the picket's had fallen back across of Colonel McDowell's brigade. I sent an officer to say
the bridge in front of the right of my brigade, and the to Colonel McDowell that I feared the enemy would turn
pickets were skirmishing with the enemy's advance, and my right and get in between the brigades, and asked him
slowly falling back. I instructed the reserve of the to look to it. Colonel McDowell sent Colonel Hicks,
pickets to make a stand at the bridge, take to the trees with the Fortieth Illinois, who took a position to the
and keep the enemy back as long as they could. I then right and rear of my right flank, where he remained at
returned and found my brigade formed on the color line, least one hour. I remember riding up to Colonel Hicks
awaiting orders. I rode through and along the line, and and speaking to him twice during the time he was there.
spoke to Colonels Sullivan and Cockerill, and to The first time I asked if he did not think my men were
Colonel Canfield and others in passing, telling them that fighting bravely. He replied: "Yes, they are doing
the rebels were coming, and that we should soon have a splendidly." The second time was after we had been
big fight, and cautioning them to be fighting about two hours, and I found the
286 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Seventy-second was getting out of ammunition., I asked vaned into line again, and were about ready to renew the
Colonel Hicks if he would hold my position until the fight, when I received an order from General Sherman to
Seventy-second could replenish their ammunition. He fall back to the Purdy road. The Seventy-second
replied that he was ordered not to engage in the fight marched by the right of companies to the rear through
unless attacked in his position. After we had been their camp. In the meantime, Hildebrand's brigade had
fighting about one hour one of General Sherman's aids been fiercely attacked and given way, so that my left
came to me and said: "The General desires to know flank was completely turned, and Colonel Cockerill was
whether you can hold your position." I replied: "Tell compelled to face his regiment to the left. We fell back
General Sherman that my men are fighting bravely, and in good order to the Purdy road, followed closely by the
I will hold my position." At that time, I had not the least enemy in front and on the left. We had formed our line
idea that we would be compelled to go back, although on the Purdy road, and were ready to renew the fight,
Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield, commanding the Seventy- when we were shoved out of the road and thrown into
second, had been mortally wounded and carried from the confusion by Berk's battery of artillery, which came
field, leaving the Seventy-second without a field officer, rushing along the road at full speed from the right, and a
and many company officers and men had been killed and mass of flying men from Hildebrand's brigade on the
wounded. During the remainder of the battle the Seventy left. The enemy were so close upon us that it was
second was commanded by myself, with the efficient aid impossible to form again along the Purdy road. Back of
of Adjutant Eugene Rawson, who displayed great the road was all woods and thick underbrush, and I
courage from the beginning to the end of the battle. My found great difficulty in riding through it. Farther back-
adjutant's horse was killed, and my own horse wounded some forty rods-it was more open, and I succeeded in
just in front of the saddle, and was bleeding profusely. forming a new line, but in the confusion the Seventieth
As I rode along the line, speaking to officers and men, I Ohio became separated from the rest of the brigade, but
found them everywhere standing up to the work bravely, was constantly engaged in the fight farther to the left,
and when I saw that my brigade was making a glorious and rejoined me later in the day. Soon after leaving the
fight and beating back every attempted advance of the Purdy road I received an order from General Sherman to
enemy, I felt highly gratified and full of confidence. As go to the left, and as soon as I had succeeded in rallying
the Seventy-second was without a field officer to and reforming my men, I attempted to obey the order,
command, the senior captains of companies A and B, but encountered a superior force of the enemy and was
were both sick and unable to command their companies, compelled to fall back again. We were all day
Captain Wegstein, of company H, was killed early in the contending against superior numbers, and resisting their
fight, and other company officers had been wounded, I advance at every point as long as we could.
spent most of my time on the right of the line, the Forty- Late in the afternoon, after the last repulse of the right
eighth and Seventieth having all their field officers. of our line, my brigade was near a bridge across Snake
Consequently, I did. not know what was going on in Creek, which, I was informed by some staff officer
Hildebrand's brigade on my left. I discovered, however, whom I did not know, it was very important to protect,
that the enemy were bringing up heavy reinforcements as General Wallace would have to cross his division
in my front, and, after we had been fighting about one over it in coming from Crump's Landing. I placed my
hour and a half, I sent word to General Sherman that the brigade in position to defend the bridge, but after
enemy were being heavily reinforced, and that I would remaining there some time and no enemy appearing, I
need help. He returned for answer that he could not send was not satisfied that 1 was where I ought to be, and
me any reinforcements, and that I must do the best I rode to the left to find General Sherman and get his
could. This answer convinced me that matters were orders. I had not gone far when I found a new line being
going wrong somewhere, and that sooner or later I formed, and not finding General Sherman I said to the
would be compelled to fall back, and so informed my officer in command that if desired I would form my
quartermaster, Lieutenant D. M. Harkness, and my brigade on the right of his line, which he said he would
surgeon, Dr. J. B. Rice, and directed them to make be glad to have me do.
arrangements to take the sick and wounded to the rear as When I returned to my brigade, to my surprise, I
speedily as possible. We maintained our position, learned that the Forty-eighth Ohio had marched away
however, along the whole line for more than two hours, toward the landing. I immediately formed the Seventieth
when the Seventy-second was compelled to fall back for and Seventy-second on the right of the new line, about
ammunition, finding it impossible to distribute it along one mile and a half from the landing. Soon after my line
the line under the fire of the enemy; but the enemy did was formed, General Sherman came along our front and
not advance at that point. The Seventy-second quickly said to me, "You are just where I want you. Remain
filled their cartridge boxes, and were ad- where you are until further orders."
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 287

About dark General Wallace's division commenced enemy in so small a space, asked what troops did that.
arriving, and formed to the right of my brigade. About When told that it was the Seventy-second Ohio, he said,
10 o'clock my quartermaster, Lieutenant Harkness, came "That was the best fighting on the field." The number of
to us from the landing. I learned from him that the the wounded in that Sunday morning fight with my
Forty-eighth Ohio was at the landing, and had been brigade must have been very great, as the number of the
ordered by General Grant in position to defend his wounded is always much greater than of the killed. The
batteries, and that the regiment .had done good service underbrush between the two lines was literally mowed
there. I sent orders by Lieu-tenant Harkness to Colonel down by musket balls. Not a twig could be found that
Sullivan to join me with his regiment forthwith, but was not bit; and every tree from the ground ten or
owing to the rain and darkness he did not arrive until fifteen feet up was literally peppered with bullets. I
just after day light. Colonels Cockerrill and Hildebrand think more of the enemy's fire was too high than of ours,
and myself tied our horses to trees and lay down and, for that reason, more of the enemy were killed. The
together for the night, in rear of and close to my brigade enemy in that fight greatly outnumbered my brigade, but
line. The rebels' line was only a short distance from us our men, though inexperienced in war, were many of
on the other side of a ravine. them used to the rifle at home, and took good aim.
General Wallace opened his batteries on the enemy I have detailed incidents of small importance in
early Monday morning, and the three regiments of my themselves, perhaps, in order that the reader may better
brigade were formed in line of battle, with all their field judge how much truth there is in the charge that my
officers present except Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield and brigade was surprised, in any sense, on Sunday morning.
Major Crockett, of the Seventy-second, the one having Instead of being surprised we were all expecting an
been mortally wounded on Sunday morning, and the attack early in the morning, if not attacked during the
other captured on Friday. Sherman 's division during the night, and we took every precaution and made every
day occupied a position on the left of Wallace's division, preparation that one knew how to make to be ready for
and we kept steadily up with his left, frequently under the attack when-ever it should come, and we were ready
very severe fire from the enemy. General Wallace in his when it did come, as the result abundantly proves. I feel
report says that at one time "the right of Sherman's perfectly justified in saying that no troops ever went
division fell hastily back." I think General Wallace is into battle more deliberately or with more coolness, and
mistaken. I know that my brigade was not driven back none ever fought more bravely or effectively than did
one rod on Monday. On one occasion when General my brigade on Sunday morning.
Sherman ordered an advance under heavy fire of On the question of surprise I give the following
musketry and artillery from the enemy, I gave the order; extract from a recent letter to me from General M. T.
but at the moment the men seemed to hesitate. I im- Williamson, now United States marshal at Memphis,
mediately rode to the color-bearer of the Seventy-second Tennessee, who was First Lieutenant of company C,
Ohio, took hold of the flag staff, and conducted the Seventy-second Ohio, and in command of the company
bearer to the point indicated. The whole brigade quickly at the commencement of the battle. General Williamson
advanced and was on the desired advanced line as soon says:
as I was. Colonel Sullivan was wounded and taken to the "On the morning of the 5th of April, company C
rear. furnished a portion of the pickets for the Seventy-
Our forces drove the enemy back over the same second, under Lieutenant Hoffman, and company E the
ground that they drove us the day before. The fighting remainder, under Captain Blinn. In the afternoon I went
was severe but not so destructive, at least to our troops, out to the picket line and could distinctly see some
as on Sunday. We drove them back more rapidly than suspicious movements on the Confederate side. We were
they drove us. About 4 P. M. the enemy were in full confident they were preparing for an attack, and I knew
retreat, and about 5 P. m. my brigade took possession of this was our conviction. We expected it before morning,
its camp at Shiloh Church. The rebels took such articles and had arranged a line of communication from the
as they could on their hasty retreat, but my tent and bed pickets to the camp, so as to know when the forward
I found in good condition, and I enjoyed a good sleep in movement began. I have forgotten the name of Captain
them Monday night. Snyder's company clerk at that time, but he
Early Tuesday morning I, with others, visited the communicated with me during the night. I was up early
ground of our fight on Sunday morning. In a small space Sunday morning, and had breakfasted, as had the men of
on the line of the enemy in front of the Seventy-second, the regiment, before the long roll was ordered, and I do
were found eighty-five dead bodies, and the dead of the not believe there was a man in the regiment but expected
enemy were found thickly strewn all along the line in the long roll before it came, and every man was ready to
front of the brigade. General Wallace also visited that fall in when it did come."
battle ground, and when he saw the number of dead Since writing the foregoing I have read, with great
bodies of the
288 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

interest, the article on the battle of Shiloh, by General -on through camps swept together pursuers and pur-
B. W. Duke, published in the Cincinnati Gazette of the sued."
28th of May. The article evinces candor, and was I wish General Duke had pointed out which camps
evidently prepared with care and consideration. He fully were thus surprised. They were certainly not the camps
sustains all I have said in regard to the fight my brigade of McDowell, Hildebrand, or Buckland's brigades.
made on Sunday morning, but he is mistaken about Captain Skelton, of the Fifty-seventh Ohio, one of
McDowell's brigade participating in that fight, and as to Hildebrand's regiments, informs me that the first alarm
some other matters. He says: he heard was the long roll in my camp, which was
" While McDowell's and Buckland's brigades of immediately followed by the long roll in the camps of
Sherman's division had not been fiercely assailed at the Hildebrand's brigade, and that the brigade was in line of
inception of the Confederate advance, they soon battle very soon after. I saw the brigade in line when I
received their full share of attention. The ground which was returning from General Sherman's headquarters with
they occupied, however, was, perhaps, the strongest orders to send a regi ment forward to sustain the pickets.
position on the line. Every demonstration against it was General Sherman says he rode to the front of
repulsed; artillery was used in vain against it; some of Hildebrand's brigade into the woods, where his orderly,
the best brigades of the army moved on it, only to be Holliday, was killed. He then went to Colonel Appler, of
hurled back and strew the morass in its front with their the Fifty-third Ohio, and ordered hint to hold his posi-
dead. The Confederate loss at this point was frightful. tion. It cannot be, therefore, that any of Hildebrand's
At last, after having held the position from 7 or 7:30 brigade were surprised, bayoneted, or shot in their tents.
A.M. until after 10 A.M., everything upon its right (left) It is a well-established fact, I think, that General
having been driven back, and the Confederate artillery Prentiss was well aware of the presence of the enemy in
having reached a point where the guns could play upon considerable force in his front. His cavalry had
its rear, it was abandoned as no longer tenable. The skirmished with them on Saturday, and at 4 o'clock in
tenacious defence of this positron, and the fact that, by the morning of the 6th he sent to the front one of his
massing on his own right, General Johnson turned it, regiments to look for the enemy.
when it proved impregnable to direct assault, ought to General Prentiss has made his statement, in which he
be of itself a sufficient explanation of the correctness of says: "My division was in line of battle near one-fourth
his plan of battle. Sherman falling back, formed on of a mile in advance of the color line, and received the
McClernand's right, the same relative position he had assault of the enemy at an early hour of the morning of
previously held." April 6, 1862, and held them in check for hours, until
Now, the fact is, that McDowell's brigade was not the enemy appeared in our right rear, and, as I learned
attacked at all on the front line, and did no fighting until afterwards, aided by the misconduct of a regiment not of
after we had fallen back to the Purdy road. As I have my division." He further states that his division fought
stated above, the Fortieth Illinois, Colonel Hicks, at my gallantly during the day, and "at 5:30, completely
request, came and took position at the right and rear of surrounded by numbers so numerous, the gallant officers
my right flank, and remained there without firing a gun, and soldiers, with myself, were compelled to surrender."
until the Seventy-second went back for ammunition, It is quite probable that some sick and wounded men
when the Fortieth Illinois marched back to its own were left in the camps, but I cannot believe the enemy
brigade ; and this was after my brigade had been would have shot and bayoneted such, or any unarmed or
fighting more than two hours, and only a few moments helpless men. Private - Smith, of company I, Seventy-
before the whole line was ordered back to the Purdy second Ohio, was shot through the breast and left in
road. What General Duke says about the fighting at that camp, or near it, as too badly wounded to be moved,
point is all true, and his is the first account I have seen When we returned to camp on Monday evening, we
that does full justice to my brigade. My brigade found him alive in one of the tents. The enemy had
advanced to the front and commenced the fight before taken good care of him, and he is now an inmate of the
Hildebrand's brigade was attacked, and remained until Soldiers' Home at Dayton. Therefore, I am compelled to
ordered back to the Purdy road, after Hildebrand's believe that all these horrible stories about our officers
brigade had been driven back and the enemy had and men being surprised, shot, and bayoneted in their
completely turned my left flank. tents are false.
General Duke, in another part of his article, says: There has been a persistent effort on the part of
"Hardee's line carried all before it. At the first newspaper correspondents and others, ever since the
encampment it was not the semblance of a check. battle, to make it appear that Sherman's and Prentiss's
Following close and eager after the fleeing pickets, it divisions were asleep on the morning of the 6th,
burst upon the startled inmates as they emerged, half ignorant of the approach of the enemy, and surprised
clad, from the tents, giving them no time to form, and thrown into almost utter confusion by the first
driving them in rapid panic, bayoneting the dilatory
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 289

onset of the enemy. I think the facts I have given ought We are indebted to Dr. G. A. Gessner for
to convince every candid person that such was not the
case. It is true that Colonel Appler of the Fifty-third
a record of the officers and men of the
Ohio, of Hildebrand's brigade, after his regiment had regiment.
fired a few rounds, ordered a retreat, and then OFFICERS OF SEVENTY-SECOND OHIO
abandoned his regiment to its fate. This was no fault of VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
the regiment. Such conduct of a commanding officer
would demoralize any troops. This gave the enemy such Colonel Ralph P. Buckland, appointed lieutenant-colonel
advantage over Hildebrand’s brigade that, although October 2, 1861; appointed colonel October 30, 1861,
Hildebrand heroically strove to maintain his position, he mustered into service January 10, 1862; commission dated
was unable to withstand the overpowering onslaught, January 11, 1862; appointed brigadier-general November 29,
and his brigade was forced back and irretrievably broken 1862.
to pieces. Yet a large portion of his officers and men Lieutenant-Colonel Herman Canfield, appointed
rallied by companies and squads, joined other commands lieutenant-colonel October 30, 1861; mustered into service
and fought bravely during the day. But for this January To, 1862; commission dated January 11, 1862;
unfortunate conduct of Colonel Appler, of the Fifty- mortally wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862; died April 7,
third, which is the regiment where bad conduct is 1862.
referred to in the statement of General Prentiss, I have Major Leroy Crockett, mustered into service December
no doubt but Hildebrand's brigade would have 10, 1861; commission dated January 11, 1862; taken prisoner
maintained its position as did mine, and we would have April 4, 1862; promoted to lieutenant-colonel April 6, 1862;
held the enemy in check on the front line much longer date of commission June 20; 1862; paroled at Richmond,
and given McClernand's and other troops ample time to Virginia, October 12, 1862; exchanged November, 1862;
come to its support or place themselves in positions found regiment January 17, 1863, in obedience to Special
where they could best meet the enemy. The stubborn Order No. 1, Headquarters Paroled Forces, Columbus, Ohio,
resistance of my brigade alone saved our army from January 5, 1863; died at home of disease December 10, 1863.
greater disaster. The splendid fighting of our troops Adjutant Eugene A. Rawson, appointed December 4,
during the entire day is a Sufficient answer to the charge 1861; mustered into service December 12, 1861, commission
that any considerable portion of them were demoralized dated January 11, 1862; promoted to major July 23, 1863;
by being surprised in their camps, or otherwise. The died of wounds received at the, battle of Tupelo, Mississippi,
number that disgracefully fled to the rear was not much July 15, 1864.
greater, if any, than in other great battles. Sutlers, Quartermaster Daniel M. Harkness, appointed October 8,
teamsters, and all other non-combatants and hangers on 1861; mustered into service October 8, 1861; commission
of the army were concentrated into a small space at the dated January 11, 1862; resignation accepted January 16,
landing, and mixed with the sick, the wounded, and 1863; Special Order No. 10, Headquarters Department,
runaways, and altogether they made a great, panic- Memphis, Tennessee, January 16, 1863.
stricken mob. No wonder Buell's men, if passing Surgeon John B. Rice, mustered into service November
through such a mob, supposed the Army of the 25, 1861; commission dated January 11, 1862; detailed
Tennessee was demoralized, but if they had been in surgeon-in-chief District of Memphis, Tennessee, Special
front at any time during the bloody day, they would Order No. 89, Headquarters District of Memphis, Tennessee,
have come to a different conclusion. April 28, 1864.
If General Lewis Wallace, with his division of eight Chaplain Abraham B. Poe, mustered into service January
thousand men, had continued on the road he started 11, 1862; commission dated January 11, 1862; resignation
upon, which I think he ought to have 'done, and struck accepted January 15, 1863, Special Orders No. 115,
the enemy on the left flank and rear by two or three Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, by order of
o'clock P. M., the tide of victory would have been Major-General U. S. Grant.
turned against the enemy. It would have saved the Assistant Surgeon William M. Kaull, mustered into
disaster to Prentiss's division, and I think we would have service November 6, 1861; commission dated January 11,
driven the enemy from the field the first day. I will not 1862; resignation accepted June 4, 1863, Special Order No.
undertake to say who was in fault for the course General 150, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, near
Wallace took. It is not the purpose of this article to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
defend Generals Halleck, Grant, or Sherman, but to state Assistant Surgeon John W. Goodson, mustered into
facts within my own knowledge and observation, and service August 21, 1862; commission dated Au-gust 21,
such as I believe to be true, taken from other reliable 1862; deserted November 20, 1862, from Memphis,
sources, and leave to the reader to determine in his own Tennessee; dismissed the service of the United States of
mind, from the facts, where blame or credit should be America March 30, 1863; Special Order No. 205, War
awarded. Department Adjutant-General’s
290 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Office, Washington, District of Columbia, May 7, 1863. 198 Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Vicksburg,
Steward William Caldwell, appointed steward Mississippi, July 22, 1863.
February 6, 1862; mustered into service February 6,
COMPANY C.
1862; appointed assistant surgeon April 17, 1863;
mustered into service April 27, 1863; resigned on Captain Samuel A. J. Snyder was mustered into service as
account of disability January 7, 1865, Special Order No. second lieutenant October 16, 1861; appointed captain
8, Par. 5, Headquarters Department of Mississippi, December 8, 1861, commission dated January 11, 1862;
Memphis, Tennessee. appointed major April 9, 1864; mustered as major July 27,
Principal Musician Nicholas B. Caldwell, died at 1864.
Keokuk, Iowa, in general hospital, June 5, 1862, of First Lieutenant Milton T. Williamson was mustered into
disease. service as second lieutenant October 29, 1861; appointed first
lieutenant February 13, 1862, commission dated April 24,
COMPANY A . 1861; aid-de-camp to General Denver, General Orders No. 4,
Captain Charles G. Eaton, appointed and mustered Headquarters, Third brigade, Fifth division, Camp No. 8, June
into service as second lieutenant October 9, 1861; 2, 1862; mustered out by reason of expiration of term,
appointed captain November 30, 1861; commission Memphis, Tennessee, November 4, 1864.
dated January 11, 1862; promoted to major April 6, Second Lieutenant Daniel W. Hoffman was mustered into
1862; date of commission June 20, 1862; appointed service as private November 19, 1861; appointed second
lieutenant-colonel July 23, 1863; mustered as lieutenant- lieutenant December 8, 1861, commission dated January 11,
colonel December 24, 1863, at Memphis, Tennessee. 1862; appointed first lieutenant February 18, 1864; mustered
First Lieutenant H. W. Gifford, appointed first March 1, 1864; wounded severely at the battle of Tupelo,
lieutenant November 30, 1861; mustered into service as Mississippi, July 13, 1864; left at Tupelo, Mississippi, in
private October 10, 1861, date of commission as first hospital, prisoner of war.
lieutenant January 11, 1862; promoted to captain April
COMPANY D.
6, 1862; commission dated June 20, 1862; died at
Cincinnati, Ohio, July 27, 1862, of wounds received in Captain Andrew Nuhfer was mustered into service as
the battle of Shiloh April 6 and 9, 1862. second lieutenant; appointed captain December 12, 1861,
Second lieutenant Spencer Russell, appointed second commission dated January 11, 1862; wounded severely at
lieutenant November 30, 1861, commission dated Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6, 1862; taken prisoner at the battle
January 11, 1862; mustered into service as private of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, July 11, 1864.
October 10, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant April 6, First Lieutenant Manning A. Fowler was mustered into
1862; date of commission June 20, 1862; promoted to service as private October 18, 1861; appointed first lieutenant
captain May 17, 1862; resignation accepted August 21, December 12, 1861, commission dated January 11, 1862;
1863; Special Order No. 228, Headquarters Department appointed captain January 15,1868; mustered into service as
of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi, August 21, captain March 8, 1863; resigned July 23, 1863, Special Order
1863. No. 199, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 23, 1863.
COMPANY B. Second Lieutenant Jesse J. Cook was mustered into service
Captain George Raymond, mustered into service as as private; appointed second lieutenant December 12, 1861,
private October 9, 1861; appointed captain December 2, commission dated January 11, 1862; resigned June 6, 1862,
1861, commission dated January 11, 1862; resigned May Special Field Orders No. 90, Headquarters Department of the
23, 1862; Special Field orders No. 71, Headquarters Mississippi, Corinth, Mississippi, June 6, 1862.
Department of the Mississippi, camp in Corinth road,
COMPANY E.
Mississippi, May 28, 1862.
First Lieutenant Henry W. Buckland, mustered into Captain John H. Blinn was mustered into service as second
service as second lieutenant October 8, 1861; mustered lieutenant; appointed captain December 28, 1861, commission
into service as first lieutenant December 2, 1861; dated January 11, 1862; resignation accepted January 15,
commission dated January i1, 1862; promoted to captain 1863, Special Orders No. 15, Headquarters Department of the
May 23, 1862, date of commission June 20, 1862; Tennessee, Mississippi, General U. S. Grant.
mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service, First Lieutenant Charles D. Dennis was mustered into
Memphis, Tennessee, November 23, 1864. service as private October 12, 1861; appointed first lieutenant
Second Lieutenant William T. Fisher, mustered into December 28, 1861, commission dated January 10, 1862;
service as private October 23, 1861; appointed second appointed captain January 15, 1863; mustered into service as
lieutenant December 2, 1861, commission dated January captain March 1, 1863,
12, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant May 23, 1862,
date of commission June 20, 1862; resignation accepted
July 27, 1863; Special order No.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 291

Special Orders No. 210, Headquarters Department of the First Lieutenant Anthony Young was mustered into
Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi, August 3, 1863. service as second lieutenant October 12, 1861;
Second Lieutenant William A. Strong was mustered appointed first lieutenant January 10, 1862, commission
into service as private November 10, 1861; appointed dated January 11, 1862; promoted to captain April 6,
second lieutenant December 28, 1861, commission dated 1862, date of commission June 20, 1862; resignation
January 11, 1862; appointed first lieutenant January 15, accepted July 23, 1863, Special Order No. 199,
1863; mustered into service March 1, 1863; resigned, on Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Vicksburg,
account of disability, August 1, 1864, Special Orders Mississippi.
No, 172, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Second Lieutenant Andrew Kline was mustered into
Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 1, 1864. service as private; appointed second lieutenant January
10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 1862;
COMPANY F.
discharged at Washington, September 11, 1862, by order
Captain Leroy Moore was mustered into service as of Secretary of War, for disability, Special Orders No.
second lieutenant October 8, 1861; appointed captain 234.
January 4, 1862, commission dated January 11, 1862;
taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, COMPANY I.
Mississippi, June 11, 1864; mustered out of service, by Captain Jacob Fikes was mustered into service as
reason of expiration of term, March 12, 1865, second lieutenant October 12, 1861; appointed captain
Washington, District of Columbia. January 10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 1862;
First Lieutenant Alfred H. Rice was mustered into resignation accepted February 4, 1863, Special Orders
service as private November 2, 1861; appointed first No. 35, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
lieutenant January 4, 1862, date of commission January Young's Point, Louisiana.
11, 1862; discharged at Washington August 18, 1863, by First Lieutenant Albert Bates was mustered into service
order of Secretary of War, for disability. as private, October 11, 1861; appointed first lieutenant
Second Lieutenant John B. Gillmore was mustered January 10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 1862;
into service as private October 9, 1861; appointed resignation accepted August 9, 1863, Special Orders No.
second lieutenant January 4, 11862, commission dated 215, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
January 11, 1862; appointed first lieutenant February 18, Vicksburgh, Mississippi.
1864; mustered as first lieutenant April 24, 1864; taken Second Lieutenant James Donnell was mustered into
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, service as private; appointed second lieutenant January
Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died in prison, October 9, 10, 1862; commission dated January 11, 1862; resigned
1864, at Charleston, South Carolina. September 3, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, Special
Orders No. 316, Headquarters Department of the
Mississippi.
COMPANY G.
Captain James Fernald was mustered into service as COMPANY K.
second lieutenant October 9, 1861; appointed first Captain Thes M. Thompson was mustered into. service
lieutenant January 10, 1862; appointed captain February as second lieutenant, October 5, 1861; appointed captain
13, 1862, commission dated February 13, 1862; January 11, 1862, commission dated March 13, 1862;
reenlisted 1865. mustered out by reason of expiration of term, October 4,
First Lieutenant William C. Bidle was mustered into 1864, Memphis, Tennessee
service as second lieutenant November 12, 1861; First Lieutenant W. H. Skerrett was mustered into
appointed first lieutenant January 10, 1862, commission service as private, November 2, 1861; appointed first
dated January 11, 1862; appointed captain April 9, 1864; lieutenant January 11, 1862; detailed as division
mustered as captain April 23, 1864; mustered out, by quartermaster April 15, 1862, Special Orders No. 22,
reason of expiration of term, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, Headquarters Fifth division; mustered out by reason of
February 15, 1865. expiration of term of service, January 11, 1865.
Second Lieutenant John H. Poyer was mustered into Second Lieutenant Caleb T. Goshom was appointed
service as second lieutenant October 19, 1861, second lieutenant February 13, 1862; mustered into
commission dated January 11, 1862; resigned December service as second lieutenant February 19, 1862;
10, 1862, Special Orders No. 43, Headquarters resignation accepted January 15, 1863, Special Orders
Thirteenth Army Corps, Department of the Tennessee. No. 15, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
Mississippi, General U. S. Grant.
COMPANY H. COMPANY A .
Captain Michael Wegstein was mustered into service Second Lieutenant Charles Dirlam, mustered into
as private October 14, 1861; appointed cap tain January service as private October 10, 1861; appointed second
10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 1862; killed at lieutenant April 23, 1862, commission dated June 20,
Shiloh April 6, 1862. 1862; promoted to first lieutenant December
292 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

30, 1863; mustered as first lieutenant March 1, 1863; Captain Charles L. Hudson, appointed second
appointed captain April 9, 1864; mustered as captain lieutenant November 16, 1864; mustered into the service
April 28, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's as a private November 8, 1861; mustered as second
Cross Roads June 11, 1864. lieutenant November 22, 1864; wounded severely at the
battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 15, 1864; appointed
COMPANY B.
first lieutenant and adjutant March 18, 1865; mustered
Second Lieutenant John M. Lemmon, mustered into as first lieutenant and adjutant April 11, 1865; appointed
service as private October 9, 1861; appointed second captain September 4, 1865; never mustered into service.
lieutenant April 23, 1862, commission dated June 20, Second Lieutenant Joy Winters, appointed April 9,
1862; appointed captain July 23, 1863; mustered into 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 29, 1864;
service as captain January 29, 1864. taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads June
Second Lieutenant Alfred Putman, mustered into 11, 1864.
service as private October 12, 11861; appointed second First Lieutenant Jacob Snyder, appointed December 8,
lieutenant September 1, 1862, commission dated 1861; appointment revoked by Governor Dennison, of
September 116, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant Ohio, February 18, 1862; mustered into service as
February 18, 1864; mustered into service as first private October 25, 1861.
lieutenant March 2, 1864. Charles McCleary, second lieutenant, appointed April
COMPANY A. 9, 1864; mustered into the service as sergeant October
12, 1861; mustered as second lieutenant April 29, 1864;
Second Lieutenant Jonathan F. Harrington, mustered appointed first lieutenant November 16., 1864; mustered
into service as private October 15, 1861; appointed as first lieutenant November 20, 1864; promoted to
second lieutenant January 1, 1863; mustered as second captain April 14, 1865; mustered as captain June 14,
lieutenant March 1, 1863; appointed first lieutenant 1865.
April 9, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant April 9, 1864; Rollin A. Edgerton, mustered into service as quar-
promoted to captain May 2, 1865; mustered as captain, termaster-sergeant November 14, 1861; appointed
May 25, 1865. second lieutenant February 26, 1863; mustered as
Second Lieutenant Morris Leese, appointed second second lieutenant April 24, 1863; resigned on account of
lieutenant September 5, 1862; mustered into service as disability September 28, 1864, Special Orders No. 220
second lieutenant March 1, 1863; taken prisoner at the Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Eastport,
battle of Brice's Cross Roads June 11, 1864. Georgia.
Second Lieutenant Merritt Sexton mustered into Andrew Unckle, second lieutenant, appointed April 9,
service as private November 7, 1861; appointed second 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864;
lieutenant November 1, 1862; mustered as second mustered out of service by reason of expiration of term
lieutenant April 24, 1863; appointed first lieutenant of service, December 10, 1864, Nashville, Tennessee.
April 9, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant April 28, Edward McMahon, second lieutenant, appointed April
1864; promoted to captain March 18, 1865; mustered as 9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant May 14, 1864;
captain April 11, 1865. appointed first lieutenant March 18, 1865; mustered as
Second Lieutenant Lorenzo Dick mustered into the first lieutenant April 11, 1865; taken prisoner at the
service as private October 15, 1861; appointed second battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11,
lieutenant April 6, 1862 ; appointed first lieutenant 1864.
February 26, 1863; mustered as first lieutenant March 1, David Van Dorn, second lieutenant, appointed April
1863; taken prisoner at the battle of Brices's Cross 9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864;
Roads June 11, 1864. taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads,
Joseph Seaford appointed second lieutenant February Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
26, 1863: appointed first lieutenant November 20, 1864; Josiah Fairbanks, mustered into service as a private
mustered as first lieutenant January 3, 1865, at Clifton; October 3, 1861; appointed second lieutenant April 9,
promoted to captain May 2, 1865; mustered as captain 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864;
May 25, 1865. taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads,
Second Lieutenant James H. Stewart, appointed Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
second lieutenant January 15, 1863; mustered as second Zelotus Perrin, mustered into service as private
lieutenant March 5, 1863; resignation accepted May 3, October 10, 1861; appointed second lieutenant April 9,
1863, Special Orders No. 123, Headquarters of the 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864;
Department of the Tennessee, Milliken's Bend, taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads,
Louisiana, May 3, 1863. Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
Adjutant Alonzo C. Johnson, July 23, 1863; mustered John G. Nuhfer, mustered into service as a private
as first lieutenant and adjutant August 11, 1863; October 16, 1861; appointed first lieutenant March
resignation accepted August 1, 1864, Special Orders No.
172, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee,
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 293

18, 1865; re-enlisted; mustered as first lieutenant April George W. Brace, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
12, 1865. Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 24, term
three years; discharged September 3, 1862, at Camp
PRIVATES.
Dennison, Ohio, for disability.
John P. Aldrick, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at Thomas Bartlett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age Ohio, March 21, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 21, term three
20, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran December 1; years; died of chronic diarrhea in hospital at Memphis,
1863, at Germantown, Tennessee. Tennessee, October 24, 1864.
Spencer Ames, native of Connecticut, enlisted at Andrew Bradbury, native of Maine, enlisted at Clyde,
Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 16, term
term three years; died in Cincinnati, April 20, 1862. three years; promoted to corporal February 26, 1863;
Alexander Almond, native of Ohio, enlisted at taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads,
Sandusky, Ohio, February 26, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age Mississippi, June 11, 1864; mustered out by reason of
20, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of expiration of term of service; killed in railroad accident,
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at December 2, 1878.
Andersonville, July 23, 1864. Samuel Berger, native of Switzerland, enlisted at
Thomas Babcock, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Tuckertown, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 37,
Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, term term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 9,
three years; taken prisoner April 6, 1862, at Shiloh, 1862, of fever.
Tennessee, paroled during guard duty at Columbus, George Burkett, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Ohio; re-enlisted as a veteran at Germantown, Fremont, Ohio, February 20, 1864, by Captain Strong;
Tennessee, December 22, 1864; taken prisoner at the age 25, term three years; enlisted as veteran February
battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 29, 1864; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross
1864. Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
William Blanchard, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Charles Boyd, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio,
Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term October 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 19, term three
three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term years; promoted to corporal February 26, 1863; taken
of service at Nashville, Tennessee, December 14, 1864. prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, June 11,
Frank Babcock, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 1864; mustered out by reason of expiration of term of
Ohio, March 7, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 18, term three service, March 20, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio.
years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, George Bolander, native of Ohio, enlisted at Attica,
Mississippi, June 11, 1864, exchanged and returned to November 8, 1861, by P. Bolinger; age 40, term three
company for duty June 20, 1865, years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, Tennessee,
Huway W. Brown, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, December 22, 1863.
Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term Robert Barron, native of Ohio, enlisted at Lowell,
three years; discharged at Columbus, February 20, 1862, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Lieutenant W. Egbert; age
by order of supreme court, cause under age. 18, term three years; discharged August 9, 1862, at
Jacob Brant, native of Germany, enlisted at Clyde, Columbus, Ohio, for disability,
Ohio, March 18, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 27, term three William E. Colwell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
years; taken prisoner at the battle of Tupelo, Ohio, December 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 19, term
Mississippi, July 15, 1864. three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 21, 1862, of
Albert L. Bush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, fever.
Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, term Williard Chapin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
three years; appointed third corporal December 2, 1861; Ohio, May 7, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 18, term three
taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, June years; died of typhoid fever at Memphis, Tennessee,
11, 1864; mustered out by reason of expiration of term September 14, 1864.
of service, January 13, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. David Collver, native of New Jersey, enlisted at Clyde,
Charles Barber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term
Ohio, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 17, term three years; discharged March 10, 1863, at Memphis,
three years; re-enlisted as a veteran at Germantown, Tennessee, for disability.
Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted to eighth William Chamberlain, age 19, term three years;
corporal, December 14, 1864. deserted January 1, 1862, from Camp Croghan, Ohio.
Nelson Barber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Samuel Chadwick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
Ohio, November 15, 1861, by C. G: Eaton; age 18, term Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 34, term
three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
December 1, 1863. January 1, 1864; promoted to corporal February 28,
1864; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads,
Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
294 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Seth Cloud. Ohio, August 13, 1862, by order of the Secretary of


James A. Drown, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at War, cause disability.
Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 22, William Yeaga, native of Maryland, enlisted at
term three years; discharged October 24, 1862, at Seneca, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by L. W. Egbert; age
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 25, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown,
William Dennis, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Tennessee, December 22, 1863; taken prisoner at the
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11,
30, term three years. 1864.
Reuben Drinkwater, native of Ohio, enlisted in Adams George Black, native of Ohio, enlisted at Homer,
township, November 8, 1861, by L. W. Egbert; age 21, December 28, 1861, by Lieutenant Bidle; age 35, term
term three years; discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio, three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term
January 28, 1863, by General Order 65. of service.
John Davis, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Albert Fry, native of Switzerland, enlisted at
Sandusky, Ohio, March 1, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; Sandusky, Ohio, March 1, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin;
age 44, term three years; deserted at Clyde, Ohio, March age 26, term three years; died at home March 25, 1864.
5, 1864. Martin Golden, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
James Drinkwater, native of Ohio, enlisted in Adams Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton, age 18, term
township, by L. W. Egbert; age 16, term three years; re - three years; discharged, place and date unknown.
enlisted as veteran at Germantown, Tennessee; Andrew German, native of New York, enlisted at
transferred to field and staff as chief musician, January Sandusky, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant
2, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Perrin; age 18, term three years; taken prisoner at
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. Brice's Cross Roads, June 11, 1864.
Sidney Dwight, native of New York, enlisted at James Gessinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Medina,
Clyde, Ohio, January 1, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 26, January 5, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 17, term three
term three years; promoted to sergeant January 15, 1863. years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, January 1,
Charles Durham, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at 1864; deserted near Sedalia, Missouri, October 19,
Clyde, Ohio; October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 30, 1864.
term three years; appointed first sergeant December 2, Freedom S. Gates, native of New York, enlisted at
1861; promoted to second lieutenant April 6, 1862, Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 23,
commission dated June 20, 1862. See officers. term three years; died at Clyde, Ohio, May 5, 1862, of
Richard Dalton, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee,
12, 1861; term three years; deserted January 1, 1862, at April 6, 1862; appointed second sergeant December 2,
Camp Croghan, Ohio. 1861.
John H. Downs, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Thomas Genanan, native of New York, enlisted at
Ohio, November 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 31, term Clyde, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 17,
three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term term three years; discharged, date unknown.
of service, December 14, 1864. George H. Godfrey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Nelson Dennis, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, February 10, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 23,
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 29, term three years; term three years; died of disease in general hospital,
discharged November 13, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, March 15, 1865.
for disability. James Gorden, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
David Doing, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde, Fremont, Ohio, August 22, 1862, by A. B. Rutman; age
Ohio, October 11, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 42, term 22, term three years; deserted September 11, 1862,
three years; discharged at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee.
March 24, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice, Andrew German, native of New York, enlisted at
cause disability. Clyde, Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 15,
David Denison, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 17, term three years; discharged, date unknown; re-enlisted
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, term three years deserted as veteran February 29, 1864; taken prisoner at the
January 1, 1862, Camp Croghan, Ohio. battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11,
Edward L.oudenslager, native of Ohio, enlisted at 1864.,
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age William Gorden, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November
26, term three years; mustered out by reason of 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, term three years;
expiration of term of service, December 13, 1864, at deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont.
Columbus, Ohio. Augustus Harris, native of New York, enlisted at
Peter Ernst, native of Germany, enlisted at Columbus, Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age
Ohio, January 30, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 45, term 39, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of
three years; discharged at Columbus, Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 295

Emmons Harkness, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, James Hastings, native of Ireland, enlisted at Clyde,
Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 16, term Ohio, November 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 49;
three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee;
of service, November 10, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio. deserted November 26, 1864, Cairo, Illinois.
George Gearhout, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at John Hastings, native of Ireland, enlisted at Clyde,
Clyde, Ohio, March, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 39, Ohio, February 5, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 17, term
term three years. three years; deserted March 19, 1862, Pittsburg Landing,
Charles L. Hudson, native of Canada, enlisted at Tennessee.
Clyde, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, Jesse H. Kemp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio,
term three years; mustered out by reason of appointment March 12, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 31, term
as second lieutenant (see commissioned officers' list). three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross
Benjamin F. Hannin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864.
Clyde, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 23, Charles Hartman, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 23,
term three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of 1861, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 23; term three years;
term of service, December 4, 1864. deserted June 1, 1862, Fremont.
Zemira Hutchinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, James Helsel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Adams
Ohio, February 25, 1864, by C. G. Eaton; age 19, term township, November 8, 1861, by Lieutenant Egbert; age
three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 19, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864;
Andersonville, October, 1864. mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service
William Hassingtinger, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, March 20, 1865, Columbus, Ohio.
October 17, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 20, term three Henry Jax, deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont, Ohio.
years; deserted January x, 1862, Fremont. David Jones, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde,
Oslin Harrison, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 15, term
November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 18, term three three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 5,
years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 5, 1862, 1862, by order of Secretary of War; cause disability.
by order of the Secretary of War; cause disability. Frank M. Lay, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio,
William Hinton, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at February 25, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 18, term
Clyde, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross
age 33, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Savannah,
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Georgia.
Andersonville, October 5, 1864. Joseph L. Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
David Hackett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1864, by C. G. Eaton; age 29, term
Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 25, term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, May 31,
three years; discharged at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, 1864, by reason of wounds received during the siege of
March 24, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice; Vicksburg, Mississippi.
cause disability. Jacob D. Lafever, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Enoch F. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, March 28, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 25,
Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 21, term three years; wounded in the foot while on picket in
term three years; promoted to corporal December 14, front of Nashville, Tennessee, December 6, 1864,
1864. accidentally.
McFall Harkness, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Martin L. Jordan, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 19, term Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age
three years; promoted to commissary sergeant January 29, term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee,
17, 1864; discharged for disability June 1, 1864. on surgeon's certificate, date unknown.
Jacob Heath, native of Maryland, enlisted at Clyde, Rodolphus Lagore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 53; term Ohio, December 31, 1864, by J. Winters; age
three years; deserted Camp No. 5, before Corinth, 22, term three years; discharged on surgeon's certificate at
Mississippi; unfit for service. Memphis, Tennessee, April 29, 1865. William Miller, native
Henry W. Kunsman, native of Pennsylvania, en-listed of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by
at Clyde, Ohio, March 23, 1864, age 40. Harkness Lay, C. G. Eaton; age 23, term three years; deserted January, 1862,
native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 10, at Fremont, Ohio; returned from desertion May 1, 1863; died
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 25, term three years; in Fifteenth Army Corps hospital, Vicksburg, Mississippi, July
appointed fifth corporal December 2, 1861; appointed 29, 1863.
second sergeant April 6, 1862. William S. Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at
296 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 25, Clyde, Ohio, February 25, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin;
term three years; appointed first corporal December 2, age 37, term three years.
1861; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Edwin O'Connor, native of Ireland, enlisted at Clyde,
June 11, 1864. Ohio, December 6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 15, term
William Murray, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, three years; deserted at Camp Chase February 25, 1862.
Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton. Zelotus Perrin, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde,
Charles H. McCleary, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 36, term
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age three years; appointed sergeant; appointed second
18, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant December lieutenant April 9, 1864.
2, 1861; appointed sergeant-major February 15, 1863; Henry Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde Ohio,
appointed second lieutenant April 9, 1864. (See officers January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 27, term
list.) three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross
George Maltby, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and
23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term three years; returned to company for duty, May 14, 1864,
deserted January 1, 1862, at Fremont Nathaniel Pittenger, native of New York, enlisted at
Nathan Mason, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde, Clyde, Ohio, November 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age
Ohio, October 14, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 24, term 24, term three years; appointed fourth corporal
three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross December 2, 1861; mustered out by reason of expiration
Roads, June 11, 1864. of term of service, December 14, 1864, Nashville,
Israel Mer, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 22, Tennessee.
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 40, term three years; deserted James H. P. Martin, native of Ohio, enlisted at
January 1, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. Sandusky, Ohio, March 23, 1864; by Captain Steiner;
Lafayette McCarty, native of Vermont, enlisted at age 30, term three years; wounded at Oldtown Creek,
Clyde, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 37, July 15, 1864.
term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, Elihor Parker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio,
Tennessee, December 20, 1863; taken prisoner at the December 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 16, term three
battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, years; discharged October 25, 1862, Columbus, Ohio,
1864. Julius W. Parmeter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
James Miller, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Ohio, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 24, term three years.
Homer, Medina county, December 28, 1861, by E. George Pittenger, native of New York, enlisted at
Miller; age 43, term three years; discharged at Clyde, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 23,
Columbus, Ohio, July, 1862, by order of the Secretary term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
of War; cause disability. as veteran, December 31, 1863.
Morgan Morse, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 22, Hiram Plain, native of Maryland, enlisted at Clyde,
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 56, term three years; deserted Ohio, November 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 41, term
January 1, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Ezra Moe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, Peolo Coy, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, term three Ohio, May 25, 1864, by Captain Steiner; age 30, term
years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, Tennessee, three years; substitute.
December 1, 1864; appointed corporal May 1, 1865. Charles Reminger enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November
Ludwig G. Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; term three years; deserted
Ohio, January 7, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 21, term January 1, 1862, Fremont.
three years; died at Shiloh, Tennessee, March 31, 1862. Almon Rogers, native of New York, enlisted at
Sherman Nivoman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Sandusky, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age
Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 29, term 24, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of
three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864;
of service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. exchanged; mustered out of service by reason of
Jacob Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, expiration of term, June 13, 1865, Columbus, Ohio.
March 4, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 26, term three Jeremiah Stage, native of New York, enlisted at
years. Clyde, Ohio, October 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 22,
Christopher Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, term three years; deserted, May 5, 1862, camp Number
Ohio, November 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 22, term Five before Cenewth.
three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, December 22, Samuel L. Shuck, native of Ohio, enlisted at Republic,
1863; drowned in White River, Arkansas, September 5, November 20, 1861, by P. Bollinger; age 25,
1864.
Samuel B. Mason, native of Ohio, enlisted at
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 297

term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, Ohio, January 1, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 21, term
1862. three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 9, 1862, of
Noble Perrin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mansfield, fever.
Ohio, November 18, 1862, age 42, term three years; George A. Stilson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Ohio, March 30, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 21,
Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Andersonville, term three years; veteran.
August 12, 1864. Abraham R. Whiteman, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Adam Stoner, native of Germany, enlisted at Sharon, Clyde, Ohio, December 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age
January 9, 1862, by Captain Barron; age 45; term three 23, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio,
years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 2, 1862, of July 24, 1862, by order of the Secretary of War, cause
fever. disability.
Emil Roschach, native of Switzerland, enlisted at Harmon Wright, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term
27, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 5,
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 1862, by order of Secretary of War, cause disability.
Solmian Stage, native of Ohio, enlisted at Medina, George Collom, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
November 20, 1861, by Lieutenant Bidle; age 23, term Clyde, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age term
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 24, three years; deserted January 7, 1862, camp No. 8,
1862, by orders of Secretary of War; cause disability. before Corinth, Mississippi.
Henry J. Roush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, David Suggitt, native of England, enlisted at Clyde,
Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 27, Ohio, January 5, 1862, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 44,
term three years. term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee,
Alonzo Simerson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, March 30, 1862, of typhoid fever.
Ohio, January 1, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term Jacob W. Duesler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Columbus, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term
Tennessee, January 1, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. William S. Tuck, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Elisha Taylor, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age term
Ohio, January 1, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 27, term three years.
three years; sent to general hospital unfit for service. James S. Burroughs, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre-
William Ross, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, mont, Ohio, September 15, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age
Ohio, March 16, 1,864, by Captain Steiner; age 40, term 22, term three years; died of disease at Young's Point,
three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross Louisiana, June 27, 1863.
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. Luther Wentworth, native of New York, enlisted at
Jerome Wentassel, native of Massachusetts, enlisted Clyde, Ohio, March 3, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age
at Clyde, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 34, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's
19, term three years; deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont, Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at
Ohio. Andersonville, September 2, 1864.
John Vantessell, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at Robert M. Bercan, native of New York, enlisted at
Clyde, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age Fremont, Ohio, August 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age
21, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 34, term three years.
15, 1862, of fever; appointed seventh corporal Seth R. Cloud, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
December 2, 1861. Ohio, September 10, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18,
Russell Z. Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted at term three years; discharged in rear of Vicksburg,
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age Mississippi, September 7, 1863, on surgeon's certificate.
43, term three years; died. Allen J. Wentworth, native of Ohio, enlisted at
William Weeks, native of New York, enlisted at Sandusky, Ohio, March 22, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin;
Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 43, age 18, term three years.
term three years; appointed fourth sergeant December 2, Ephraim F. Dwight, native of New York, enlisted at
1861. Fremont, Ohio, by A. B. Putman, August 22, 1862; age
Warren Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted at 41, term three years; discharged at general hospital, St.
Clyde, Ohio, by Lieutenant Perrin, February 29, 1864; Louis, Missouri, January 25, 1862.
age 18, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of James Gorden, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Fremont, Ohio, August 22, 1862, by A B. Putman; age
Andersonville, September 8, 1864. A. J. Whiteman, 22, term three years; deserted October 21, 1862,
native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Memphis, Tennessee.
298 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Eli Whitaker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, dusky, Ohio, February 13, 1865, by Captain Steiner; age
January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 24, term 29, term one year.
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, Sebastian Nice, deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont,
Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Andersonville rebel Ohio.
prison, February 4, 1865. Leslie E. Sparks, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 21,
John Whitaker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term three years; deserted
Ohio, February 22, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 18, term January 1, 1862, Fremont, Ohio.
three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross Seth Lovingood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde,
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 23, term
returned to company for duty February, 1865. three years; deserted May 5, 1862, Shiloh, Tennessee.
Valentine Ott, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre - Nathan Sewell, native of Tennessee, enlisted at
mont, Ohio, September 12, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age Germantown, January 2, 1864, by Lieutenant
26, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice 's Harrington; age 18, term three years; undercook, A. F.
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and D.
returned to company for duty May 14, 1865. Dick Richards, native of Mississippi, enlisted at
Samuel Persing, native of New York, enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, January 2, 1864, by Lieutenant
Fremont, Ohio, August 12, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age Harrington; age 18, term three years; under cook, A. F.
25, term three years; appointed corporal February 29, D.
1864. Stephen C. Aiken, native of New York, enlisted at
Joshua Watterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 26, term age 28, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee,
three years; appointed commissary sergeant November June 4, 1862, of typhoid fever; appointed sergeant
24, 1861; appointed first lieutenant and regimental December 2, 1861.
quartermaster January 17, 1863. Anderson Anderson, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
Reuben W. Hess, native of New Jersey, enlisted at October 19, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 30, term
Sandusky, Ohio, by Captain Steiner, February 28, 1865; three years; deserted December 24, 1861, Fremont,
age 44, term one year. Ohio.
J. F. Harrington, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Henry C. Barney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ohio, October 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, term Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19,
three years; appointed second corporal December 2, term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April
1861; appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862; appointed 7, 1862; died at Louisville April 18, 1862; appointed
second lieutenant January 15, 1863. sergeant December 25, 1861.
Lymon Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted at George J. Bixler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Sandusky, Ohio, February 24, 1865, by Captain Steiner; Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 45, term
age 32, term one year. three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 23, 1862,
T. W. Egbert, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, of chronic diarrhea.
February 19, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 39, term three Charles H. Bennet, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
years; appointed third sergeant February 20, 1862; Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland,
discharged at Memphis, February, 1863, age 38, term three years; discharged September 21,
John A. Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, 1863, Columbus, Ohio, for disability; wounded in a
Ohio, February 28, 1865, by Captain Steiner; age 37, skirmish at Shiloh April 7, 1862.
term one year. Samuel Burr, native of New York, enlisted at Fre-
John Waclams, native of New York, enlisted at Clyde, mont, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 45,
Ohio, November 6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, term term three years; died at Muscon, Tennessee, July 13,
three years; appointed eighth corporal December 2, 1862, of chronic diarrhea.
1861. David Bumer, native of Ohio; enlisted at Fremont,
Stephen Rogers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 24, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 31,
Ohio, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 24, term term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's
three years; appointed eighth corporal December 2, Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; re-enlisted at
1862; mustered out by reason of expiration of term of Germantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863; died in
service. prison Millen, Georgia, October 27, 1864.
Fredrick Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, Chester A. Buckland, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ohio, February 24, 1865, by Captain Steiner; age 30, Fremont, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
term one year. age 20, term three years; wounded at the battle of
Harrison Whiteman, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October, Shiloh, April 6, 1862; died on the boat near Cincinnati,
17, 1861, by C. G. Eaton, age 20, term three years; April 18, 1862.
deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont, Ohio. John Fritz, Christopher Bower, native of Prussia, enlisted at
native of Germany, enlisted at San-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 299

Fremont, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age Fremont, Ohio, October 13, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
24, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's age 20, term three years; appointed corporal February 1,
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; re-enlisted at 1863; mustered out by reason of expiration of term of
Germantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee.
from corporal to sergeant January 1, 1865; died at Orrin England, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Andersonville. Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 21, term
William Burr, native of Ohio; enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, three years; appointed sergeant major December 2,
December 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 23, term three 1861; appointed first lieutenant January 1, 1863.
years; discharged November 22, 1862, Columbus, Ohio, for Francis Engler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
disability. Ohio, November 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 20,
Joseph B. Brush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
Ohio, December 28, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 17, term December 23, 1863; taken prisoner at the battle of
three years; discharged from service at Fremont, January 24, Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1863.
1862, by order of Judge Green; cause under age. Zooth S. Farrand, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
John Collins, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 22,
October 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 21, term three term three years; discharged December 1, 1862, at
years; appointed sergeant December 25, 1861; wounded at Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862; taken prisoner at the John Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; Ohio, November e, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 23,
exchanged and mustered out by reason of expiration of term term three years; died in hospital boat, on. Mississippi
of service, January 21, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. River, between Memphis and Cairo, in the fall of 1863.
Thomas H. Caffery, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont, Arthur C. Fitch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
Ohio, October 12, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 40, term Ohio, December 5, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 25,
three years; appointed corporal December 25, 1861; term three years; appointed chief musician December
discharged March, 1863; cause disability. 25, 1861; mustered out by reason of expiration of term
Martin Cowel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, of service, December 9, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio.
October 17, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 32, term three Samuel Frazier, native of New York, enlisted at
years; appointed corporal December 25, 1861; appointed Fremont, Ohio, October 18, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
sergeant July 1, 1862; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's age 34, term three years; deserted from Jefferson
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and Barracks, October 28, 1863.
mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service, Peter P. Fussleman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted
January 13, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. at Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
Nathan Cochrane, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at age 45, term three years; discharged March 12, 1863, at
Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age Memphis, Tennessee, for disability.
20, term three, years; mustered out by reason of expiration Joseph Fry, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
of term of service December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Fremont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buck.
Tennessee. land; age 36, term three years; discharged November 11,
John C. Colloph, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 44, term James Gunning, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont,
three years; discharged March 13, 1863, at Memphis, Ohio, November 4, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 33,
Tennessee. term three years; deserted May 28, 1862, at Camp
George W. Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Number Six, before Corinth, Tennessee.
Ohio, November 2, 1861; age 18, term three years; deserted Peter Gurst, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre mont,
April 10, 1863. Ohio, November 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 40,
Lawrence P. Cunnady; native of New York, enlisted at term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's
Fremont, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; Cross Roads, Mississippi, Tune 11, 1864.
age 39, term three years; discharged September 6, 1862, at Henry Hopwood, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October
Columbus, Ohio, for disability; wounded in a skirmish at 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19, term three years;
Shiloh, Tennessee, April 4, 1862. deserted December 5, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio.
John Dardis, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Thomas Hearly, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont,
December 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 35, term three Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19,
years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's
Mississippi, June 11, 1864. Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864;
Thomas Donahoe, native of Ireland, enlisted at
300 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

exchanged and discharged by reason of expiration of Marcellus Mellious enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
term of service, April 24, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19, term three
William H. Hackenberry, native of Pennsylvania, years; appointed corporal January 1, 1863; re-enlisted at
enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 22, 1861; age 19, Germantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted
term three years; died at St. Louis, Missouri, April 20, to sergeant April, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle of
1862, of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, April 6 Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864;
and 7, 1862. escaped from prison September 19, 1864; returned to
Zachina Hendrickson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre - regiment October 17, 1864.
mont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age James McDaniels enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October
22, term three years; discharged October 11, 1862, at 14, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 36, term three years;
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. deserted November 21, 1861, Fremont, Ohio.
Michael Hearly, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- David H. McIntyre, native of Ohio, enlisted at
mont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age Fremont, Ohio, October 24, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
18, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, age 24, term three years; died September 2, 1862, at
Tennessee, December 23, 1864; promoted to corporal Memphis, Tennessee, of disease; appointed corporal
January 1, 1865. December 2, 1862.
Levi Hollinger, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 21, Peter Mulraim, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont,
1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 18, term three years; Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 39,
deserted November 15, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio. term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's
William H. Hawkins, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and
Fremont, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; mustered out, by reason of expiration of term of service,
age 20, term three years; wounded at the battle of March 2, 1864, Columbus, Ohio.
Shiloh, April 6, 1862; died at St. Louis, April 20, 1862. William F. McIntyre, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Martin Hoofnazel, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
Fremont, Ohio, November 11, 1861; age 21, term three age 25, term three years; appointed corporal January 1,
years; appointed corporal March r, 1863; re-enlisted at 1863; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross Roads,
Germantown, Tennessee, December 28, 1863; promoted June 11, 1864; blown up in Sultana, near Memphis,
to sergeant April, 1864. 1865.
Henry Hunsinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont, Frederick Martin, native of Germany, enlisted at
Ohio, November 30, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 17; Fremont, Ohio, October 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
discharged without pay or allowance, April to, 1863, for age 20, term three years; missing in action at Shiloh,
absence without leave. April 6, 1862, reported killed.
Allen L. Halcomb, native of Ohio, enlisted at Jacob Myers, native of Virginia, enlisted at Fremont,
Fremont, Ohio, December 11, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 29,
age 19, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, term three years; died January 2, 1862, at Memphis,
Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted to corporal Tennessee, of disease.
January 1, 1865. Thomas Michaels, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
Joseph Hunsinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre - Ohio, November 12, 1861, by H. W. Buck land; age 20,
mont, Ohio, January 14, 1862, by H. W. Buckland; age term three years; died at Cincinnati July 21, 1862, of
23, term three years; re-enlisted, as veteran, at chronic diarrhea.
Germantown, Tennessee, January 21, 1864. Peter Mapus enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 23,
Samuel Jackson, native of New York, enlisted at 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 23, term three years;
Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; mustered as deserter April 10, 1863; returned; re-
age 32, term three years; mustered out by reason of enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863;
expiration of term of service. deserted August, 1864, Clyde, Ohio.
Jacob Klusman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Samuel Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Fremont, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; Ohio, December 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 30,
age 22, term three years; died at Quincy, Illinois, July term three years; discharged December 15, 1862, for
19, 1862, of typhoid fever. disability.
Peter Kline, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont, Simeon Obermier, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ohio, November 5, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 25, Ohio, October 13, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 36,
term three years; died in Sandusky county, Ohio, May term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's
18, 1862, of typhoid fever. Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; discharged at
John M. Lemmon, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Columbus, Ohio, March 22, 1865, by reason of
Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 21, term expiration of terns of service.
three years; promoted to second lieutenant May 23, Henry H. Olds, native of New York, enlisted at
1862. Fremont, Ohio, January 14, 1862, by H. W. Buckland;
age 21, term three years; appointed corporal January 14,
1862, sergeant January 1, 1862.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 301

Hiram Overmier, native of Pennsylvania, taken Ohio, November q, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 22,
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads June ; 11, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, by
1864; discharged and mustered out, by reason of order of A. B. Dod, for disability.
expiration of term of service, March 22, 1865, Colum- Lemuel Sparks, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
bus, Ohio. Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 25,
Archibald Purcell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre - term three years; died at Camp No. 6, Tennessee, of
mont, Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; typhoid fever.
age 19, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Elisha Sprague, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted to corporal Ohio, December to, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19,
January 1, 1864. term three years; died at Montery, Tennessee, June,
Thomas Pirson, native of England, enlisted at 1862, of typhoid fever.
Fremont, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; John P. Thompson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
age 47, term three years; discharged September 2, 1862, Fremont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. age 19, term three years; discharged at Columbus,
George E. Ryan, native of New York, enlisted at Ohio, July 14, 1862, by order of A. B. Dod, for
Fremont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; disability.
age 36, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, Edmond J. Thompson, native of Scotland, enlisted at
January 25, 1862, by order of A. B. Dod, for disability. Fremont, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by H. W.
Alonzo Rhine, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, December Buckland; age 43, term three years; discharged at
15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 30, term three years; Sandusky, March 1, 1862, by order of surgeon; cause
mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service, drunkenness.
December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. Aaron Thierwechter, native of Ohio, enlisted at
John Rady, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 2, Fremont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 21, term three years; age 17, term three years; discharged December 24,
deserted November 12, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio. 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge.
James Ritchey, native of New York, enlisted at Douglass Tucker, native of New York, enlisted at
Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W.
age 27, term three years; discharged December 13, 1862, Buckland; age 30, term three years; discharged at
at Columbus, Ohio, for disability; appointed sergeant Columbus, Ohio, September 2, 1862, by order of A. B.
December 2, 1861; wounded at battle of Shiloh April 6, Dod, for disability.
1862. James Titswood, native of New York, enlisted at
Emanuel D. Smith, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W.
Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; Buckland; age 26, term three years; died at Cincinnati
age 25, term three years; appointed corporal December April 29, 1862; wounded at the battle of Shiloh April 6,
25, 1861; wounded at battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862; 1862.
discharged January 21, 1863, for wounds. Joy Winter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
Samuel H. Shutts, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 22, term
Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 24, three years; appointed first sergeant December 2, 1861;
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh April promoted to second lieutenant April 9, 1864.
7, 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing. Clarence Williams, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
Matthias Swartzbauder, native of Pennsylvania, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 18; term
enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6,
Buckland; age 19, term three years; appointed corporal 1862; discharged for disability.
March 1, 1865; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, Matthias Waber, native of France, enlisted at
December 23, 1863; promoted to sergeant April, 1864. Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
Henry M. Sargeant, native of New York, enlisted at age 20, term three years; mustered out by reason of
Fremont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; expiration of term of service.
age 22, term three years; discharged January, 1863, at Asaph P. Webster, native of New York, enlisted at
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. Fremont, Ohio, October 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland;
Aaron Spohn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, age 20, term three years; died at Covington, Kentucky,
Ohio, October 29, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 18, April 20, 1862, of typhoid fever.
term three years, died in Sandusky county, Ohio, June Jacob Worst, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
12, 1862, of consumption. Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W.
Jacob Shoalts, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Buckland; age 55, term three years; killed at the battle
of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
George W. Vincent, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
October 12, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 42, term
three years; deserted December 29, 1861, Fremont.
302 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Josiah Williams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont, George W. Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 37, Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 26, term
term three years; died at Memphis, Tennessee, August nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of term
21, 1862, of consumption. of service.
Jeremiah Yeagle, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Aaron Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleveland,
Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861; age 21, term three October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 19, term nine
years; deserted April 10, 1863. months; discharged by reason of expiration of term of
George W. Camp, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at service.
Fremont, Ohio, January 21, 1862, by H. W. Buckland; Charles Lautner, native of Germany, enlisted at
age 27, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Cleveland, October 10, 1862, by drafted man; age 18,
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. term nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of
Martin Palk, native of Ohio, enlisted at Columbus, term of service.
Ohio, February 10, 1862, by H. W. Buckland; age 18, Henry Amsboch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
term three years; deserted May 26, 1862, Camp No. 5, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, term
before Corinth, Tennessee. three years; died at Camp No. 5, Tennessee, May 12,
William Herrigan, native of Ohio, enlisted at 1862.
Columbus, Ohio, February 15, 1862, by H. W. Allen Amsboch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Buckland; age 17, term three years. Ohio, November 6, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18,
Milliam Whimer, discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June term three years; discharged September 2, 1862, at
24, 1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod, cause Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
disability. Harrison Anderson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Austin Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder.;
Ohio, August 29, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 22, term age 21, term three years; discharged December 25, 1862,
three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability.
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at Fremont, Weems P. Acton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
September, 1865. November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 20, term
George W. Hufford, native of Ohio, enlisted at three years; discharged September 4, 1862, at Columbus,
Fremont, Ohio, August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age Ohio, for disability.
24, term three years; died of disease, at Memphis, Henry Algnyre native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
Tennessee, November 13, 1862. December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, term
Christian Brinkley, native of Ohio, enlisted at three years; discharged at Fremont, Ohio, January 15,
Cleveland, October 10, 1862, by drafted man; age 30, 1862, by probate judge.
term nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of August Affel, native of Kentucky, enlisted at Cin-
term of service. cinnati, December 16, 1861, by M. F. Williamson; age
Roger Casmody, native of England, enlisted by 19, term three years; died at Pittsburg Landing, April 8,
drafted man, October 10, 1862; age 19, term nine 1862, of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, April
months; discharged by reason of expiration of term of 6, 1862.
service. John Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
David Mooney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleveland, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, term three
October l0, 1862, by drafted man; age 29, term nine years; deserted May 12, 1862, at Camp No. 5, before
months; discharged by reason of expiration of term of Corinth; killed by rebel pickets before Corinth.
service. Samuel Busket, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Henry Rich, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, October 26 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, term
October 10o, 1862; drafted man; age 21, term nine three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
months; discharged by reason of expiration of term of December 22, 1863.
service. Jacob Busket, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
John H. H. Caster, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 34, term
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 21, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of term December 22, 1863.
of service. Ezra Brayton, native of Vermont, enlisted at Fremont,
Michael Lynch, native of New York, enlisted at Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 46, term
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 23, term three years; died at Camp Dennison, April 30, 1862, of
nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of term wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
of service. Calvin Boardner, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
Jacob Seagur, native of Germany, enlisted at Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19,
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 32, term term three years; died at Fort Pickering, Memphis,
nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of term Tennessee, July 29, 1862.
of service.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 303

Alfred Buchtle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, cinnati, December 9, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age
Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 24, 19, term three years; discharged February 3, 1863, at
term three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of Memphis, Tennessee, for disability.
term of service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, John Dume, native of Indiana, enlisted at Cincinnati,
Tennessee. December 31, 1861, by M. T. Williamson, age 21, term
Anthony Brackley, native of Ohio, enlisted at three years, mustered out by reason of expiration of term
Freeport, Ohio, December ., 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; of service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee.
age 23, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown; Henry Deal, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted to corporal Ohio, October 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term
January 2, 1864; promoted to sergeant December 31, three years; deserted January 5, 1862, at Camp Croghan,
1864. Ohio.
Elias Burkett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, William Duglass, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, term Freeport, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term age 38, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown,
of service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee, December 22, 1863.
William Ball, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati, Amandis Derhamma, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ohio, February 3, 1862, by M. T. Williams, age 41, term Fremont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
three years; discharged December 25, 1862, at Memphis, age 18, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown,
Tennessee, for disability. Tennessee, December 2, 1863.
Joshua Books, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Charles H. Davis, native of Indiana, enlisted at
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 38, term Cincinnati, Ohio, December 16, 1861, by M. T. Wil-
three years; discharged February 22, 1862, at Fremont, liamson; age 19, term three years; transferred to invalid
Ohio, by probate judge. corps February 15, 1864, by General Order No. 57, War
William T. Cludy, native of Ohio, enlisted at Department.
Freeport, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Nathaniel Ebersole, native of Ohio, enlisted at
age 18, term three years; discharged July 25, 1862, by Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
General Order No. 36. age 20, term three years; mustered out by reason of
John L. Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864,
Ohio, November 26; 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19, Nashville, Tennessee.
term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, Corwin Ensmunger, native of Ohio, enlisted at
December 22, 1863. Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
John Currigan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, age 19, term three years; appointed fourth sergeant.
Ohio, December 10, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, December 8, 1861; re-enlisted at Germantown,
term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, Tennessee, as veteran, December 22, 1863; promoted to
December 22, 1863. first sergeant March 29, 1864, to quartermaster-sergeant
Lawrence Christ, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, April 12, 1865.
Ohio, November 27, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19, Hiram Edgar, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
term three years; discharged August 2, 1861, at Ohio, November 19, 186t, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19,
Columbus, Ohio. term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown,
Joseph Christ, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted to corporal
Ohio, November 27, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, February 24, 1864.
term three years; appointed fourth corporal De cember 8, Gotlieb Fisher, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre-
1861; discharged September 8, 1862, at Columbus, mont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age
Ohio, for disability. 18, term three years; mustered out by reason of
William Crossman, native of Ohio, enlisted at expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864,
Freeport, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Nashville, Tennessee.
age 35, term three years; mustered out by reason of the Solomon Peterman, native of Ohio, enlisted at
expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864, at Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Nashville, Tennessee. age 20, term three years; discharged July 23, 1862,
Duncan Carter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 23, term Joseph Furgerson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, Ohio, December 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;. age 38,
December 22, 1863. term three years; discharged December 25, 1862,
George Crafford, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, De- Memphis, Tennessee.
cember 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, term three Milton Gilmore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
years; deserted at Camp Croghan, Ohio, December 31, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term
1861. three years; discharged February 3, 1862, in Fremont, by
Dennis Debany, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- probate judge.
304 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Michael F. Fredrick, native of Spain, enlisted at port, Ohio, November 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 10, 1861, by S. A. J. 29, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at
Snyder; age 25, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; taken
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; wounded prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, June 11, 1864; died in
severely at the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 13, rebel prison.
1861. Jacob Hutchinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Reuben Gager, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Freeport, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 24, term age 24, term three years.
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July, 1862, Jeremiah Heath, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
by order of Secretary of War, cause disability. Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21,
Charles Gumsey, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee,
November, 23, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, term December 22, 1863; promoted to corporal.
three years. John Hetrick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
William Garber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, term
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 23, term three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term
three years; appointed first corporal December 8, 1861, of service, December 14, 1864, Nashville, Tennessee.
promoted to sergeant; re-enlisted at Germantown, John Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
Tennessee, as veteran, December 22, 1863; promoted to Ohio, November 22, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 27,
first sergeant April 12, 1865. term three years; appointed fifth sergeant December 8,
David Grant, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 1861; died at Fort Pickering, near Memphis, August 18,
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 31, term 1862.
three years; appointed fifth corporal December 8, 1861; Charles Jeffreys, native of Canada, enlisted at
discharged July 8, 1862, Columbus, Ohio, for disability. Fremont, Ohio, November 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Robert L. Handy, native of Indiana, enlisted at age 48, term three years; deserted at Camp Croghan,
Cincinnati, Ohio, February 1, 1862, by M. T. Ohio, October 10, 1861.
Williamson; age 44, term three years; died at St. Louis, A. P. Johnson, native of New Hampshire, enlisted at
May 2, 1862, of chronic diarrhea. Fremont, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Lawrence Higgins, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, age 25, term three years; appointed first sergeant
December 22, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 24, term December 8, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant July
three years; deserted February 22, 1862, at Cincinnati, 23, 1862.
Ohio. Christian Kiser, native of Germany, enlisted at
Jerry P. Heritage, native of Kentucky, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 16, 1861, by M. T. age 19, term three years; mustered out by reason of
Williamson; age 19, term three years; appointed expiration of term of service, Nashville, Tennessee,
corporal September 15, 1862; re-enlisted as veteran at December 14, 1864.
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted William H. King, native of Ohio, enlisted at Port
to sergeant May 1, 1864. Clinton, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 46,
Thomas Hemminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at term three years; discharged December 25, 1863,
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 27, Memphis, Tennessee, for disability.
term three years; missing in action near Brownsville, Joseph Kibby, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 17,
Mississippi, while on the Canton scout; is supposed to 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 30, term three years;
have been killed. discharged February 2, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio, by
Martin Homen, native of Germany, enlisted at probate judge.
Fremont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Robert Kelrington, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
age 27, term three years; discharged July 30, 1862, for Cincinnati, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by M. T.
disability. Williamson; age 27, term three years; reenlisted as
Harrison Hemminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at veteran at Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863.
Fremont, Ohio, November 25 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Washington Lewis, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
age 27, term three years; deserted May 23, 1862, Clyde, Cincinnati, December 26, 1861, by M. T. Williamson;
Ohio. age 26, term three years; deserted August 7, 1862, at
Jacob Huffman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free-port, Memphis, Tennessee.
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 28, Michael Latty, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
term three years; re-enlisted as veteran, at Germantown, Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted to corporal; age 20, tern three years; mustered out by reason of
promoted to sergeant April 12, 1865. expiration of term of service.
David Henline, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- William Myres, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 305

mont, Ohio, December 5, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age William Pierce, native of Maine, enlisted at Fremont,
22, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 32, term
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted three years; appointed third sergeant December, 8, 1861;
to corporal February 24, 1864. discharged for promotion March, 18645.
James Monaghan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Demitrius Rood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 20, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, term
term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, as
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. veteran, December 22, 1863; died at Eastport,
William H. G. Meng, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mississippi, January 31, 1865.
Fremont, Ohio, November 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; George Rock, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
age 18, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 28, term
June, 1862, of fever. three years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term
James Madden, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, December of service December 14, 1864, Nashville, Tennessee.
12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term three years. Emanuel Reed, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
William Naylor, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18,
Ohio, December 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, term three years; discharged January 31, 1862, at
term three years; discharged November 5, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge.
Columbus, Ohio, for disability; wounded in the thigh at Valentine Ran, native of Germany, enlisted at
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Fremont, Ohio, December 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Joseph Myres, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at age 23, term three years.
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Peter Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati,
age 25, term three years; appointed third corporal Ohio, November 11, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 20,
December 8, 1861; died at Evansville, Indiana, May 24, term three years; deserted August 7, 1862, at Fort
1862, of fever. Pickering, Tennessee.
Devault W. Miller, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Jacob Snyder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, term
age 32, term three years; appointed second sergeant three years.
December 8, 1862; killed May 20, 1863, in action at Nathaniel Sanderson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Vicksburg, Mississippi. Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
Benjamin Olinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- age 18, term three years.
mont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age Daniel Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
18, term three years; promoted and transferred to field Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18,
and staff as commissary sergeant November 23, 1864. term three years.
Samuel Obermier, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Emamuel Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport,
Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19, term Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 20,
three years; died in prison. term three years; in prison.
Henry Orindorf, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Columbus St. Clair, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ohio, November 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 78, Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder;
term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, May 6, 1862. age 18, term three years; discharged September 18,
John Parish, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Ohio, November 7, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 30, Martin Smith, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, November
term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee; June, 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term three years;
1862, of fever. discharged January 31, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by
Mahlon Penn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, probate judge.
Ohio, December 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, Emanuel Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
term three years; died at Fort Pickering, Memphis, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 30,
Tennessee, August 17, 1862. term three years.
Ezekiel Penn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, William H. Sharp, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio,
Ohio, November 30, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 24, January 18, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 20, term
term three years; appointed sixth corporal December 8, three years; deserted August 10, 1862, Columbus, Ohio,
1861; discharged September 14, 1862, at Columbus, John Sevits, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ohio, for disability. Ohio, November 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22,
Joseph Reed, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, term 3 years; died at Camp No. 6, May 29, 1862, of
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 29, term smallpox.
three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Gepantown, James St. Clair, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, November
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, term, three-
306 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

years; deserted January 15, 1862, at Cincinnati. William Wallace enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October
Frederick Smith, native of Ohio, wounded at Vicksburg. 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 32, term three years;
Reuben Stephens, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at discharged July 31, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for
Freeport, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; disability.
age 20, term three years; discharged September 2, 1862, John Witcolmb, native of England, enlisted at
at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. Cincinnati, Ohio, January 16, 1861, by M. T. Wil-
William Stanton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, liamson; age 42, term three years.
Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, John P. King, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
term three years; discharged December 6, 1862, at Ohio, August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 26, tern
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross
Charles Stanton, native of New York, enlisted at Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died while enroute
Freeport, Ohio, December 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; for our lines from rebel prison.
age 21, term three years; appointed second corporal William Camnity was appointed fifth sergeant August
December 8, 1861. 17, 1862.
Edward Shorb, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, Andrew Abel, native of Germany, enlisted at Fostoria,
Ohio, December 1, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 28, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18,
term three years; appointed eighth corporal December 8, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio,
1861. September 6, 1862, surgeon's certificate.
Solomon Snyder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, George Albert, native of Germany, enlisted at
Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 41, Woodville, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew
three years; appointed seventh corporal December 8, Nuhfer; age 19, term three years; wounded in the battle
1861. of Shiloh.
William Stockhouse enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, William Allen, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville,
October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 25, term three Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 19,
years, deserted November 18, 1861, at Camp Croghan, term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh April
Ohio. 6, 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing April 9, 1862.
Emanuel Shretfler enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, Henry Basor, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pemberville,
November 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 24. term Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 24, term three years;
three years; deserted December 31, 1861, at Fremont, deserted from general hospital May 5, 1862; returned;
Ohio. re-enlisted.
Thomas Smith enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, November Joseph Beem, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
xi, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 22, term three years; Fostoria, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
died in Memphis, Tennessee; shot by provost guard July age 37, term three years.
22, 1862. Michael Beckly, native of Germany, enlisted at
John Underwood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, Fostoria, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
Ohio, November 30, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, age 19, term three years.
term three years; killed at Vicksburg May 19, 1863; shot Hyman Billings, native of New York, enlisted at
through abdomen. Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 41, term three
James Underwood, native of Ohio, enlisted at years.
Freeport, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; Nelson Bowen, native of Ohio, enlisted at Marseilles,
age 18, term three years; died on hospital-boat City of Ohio, December 30, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 27,
Memphis. term three years.
Charles W. Seame, native of England, enlisted at Orson Bowers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Marseilles,
Cincinnati December 16, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; Ohio, December 30, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18,
age 16, term three years; deserted August 7, 1862, at term three years.
Memphis, Tennessee. Thomas G. Campbell, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted
John Vandercook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, at Arcadia, Ohio, November 13, 1861, by Andrew
Ohio, December 2, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 19, Nuhfer; age 28, term three years.
term three years. John Carbaugh, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
John Wise enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, November 26, Fostoria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, term three years. age 28, term three years; appointed third corporal
Reuben Wood, native of Virginia, enlisted at Cin- January 28, 1862; appointed fourth sergeant June r,
cinnati, Ohio, November 17, 1861, by M. T. Wil- 1862; died in Andersonville prison.
liamson; age 24, term three years. Perry Chance, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria,
George Worley, native of Germany, enlisted at Ohio, November 5, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21,
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 26, 1861, by M. T. Wil- term three years; appointed eighth corporal January 28,
liamson; age 22, term three years. 1862; appointed fifth sergeant July 1, 1862.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 307

Solomon Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Marseilles, Woodville, Ohio, December 12, 1862, by Andrew
Ohio, December 20, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, Nuhfer; age 24, term three years.
term three years. Cornelius F. Groner, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Jesse J. Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood Ville, Fostoria, Ohio, December 10, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 39, age 18, term three years; wounded at the battle of
term three years. Tupelo, Mississippi, July 18, 1864.
Samuel Crais, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, George W. Grove, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria,
November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, term Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20,
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, October 15, term three years.
1862, for disability. Franklin H. Grove, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria,
John W. Dale, age 25. Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18,
Charles R. Davis, native of Vermont, enlisted at term three years.
Fostoria, Ohio, November 17, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Charles Grove, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
age 30, term three years, appointed third corporal July 1, Fostoria, Ohio, February 8, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
1862; discharged at Memphis. age 44, term three years; deserted from general hospital
Matthew Degroft, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at April 11, 1862.
Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21, term three John Horstman, native of Germany, enlisted at
years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 14, 1862, Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, term three
for disability. years.
Theodore Dern, native of Maryland, enlisted at James P. Hale, native of Ohio, enlisted at Arcadia,
Fostoria, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Ohio, December 7, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 24,
age 30, term three years. term three years; deserted from general hospital
Thomas Divine, native of New York, enlisted at February 11, 1862.
Pemberville, November 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Moses M. Hartsock, native of Ohio, enlisted at
age 18, term three years. Fostoria, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
Thomas Drumheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at age 22, term three years; died in the rear of Vicksburg,
Pemberville, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by Andrew 1863, probably at Bear Creek, Mississippi.
Nuhfer; age 19, term three years; died at Overton Henry Holtnomp, native of Germany, enlisted at
hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, 1863. Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
William Duke, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, age 18, term three years; died at Covington, Kentucky,
by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, term three years; appointed May 18, 1862, of typhoid fever.
sixth corporal July 1, 1862. Arthur Householder, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Henry A. Ernst, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Woodville, Ohio, November 28, 1861, by Andrew
Fostoria, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Nuhfer; age 24, term three years; discharged at
age 20, tern three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh Columbus, Ohio, August 20, 1862, for disability.
April 6, 1862. David Huff, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Ohio,
Samuel Eriom, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, November 13, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, term
Ohio, November to, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, three years; discharged at Cincinnati August 28, 1862,
term three years; discharged at Fort Pickering, for disability.
September 14, 1862, by surgeon's certificate. Lafayette Halcomb, native of Ohio, enlisted at Nelson,
Joseph Finley, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pemberville, Ohio, March 1, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 19, term
Ohio, November 24, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 23,
term three years; killed at the battle of Guntown, 1862, on surgeon's certificate, for disability.
Mississippi, June is, 1864. William Hutson, age 18; discharged at Fremont, Ohio,
Manning A. Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at December 27, 1861, by John Bell; cause under age.
Fostoria, October 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 31, Frederick 1. Jaeger, enlisted at Woodville, Ohio,
term three years December 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 25, term
Ezra Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Nelson, Ohio, three years.
February 8, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21, term three Morris Jones, native of Ohio; age 18; term three years;
years. discharged at Camp Shiloh by order of R. P. Buckland,
Franklin Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Nelson, colonel of the Seventy-second regiment, March 22,
Ohio, March 1, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, term 1862, cause disability.
three years. Benjamin Jones, native of Wales, enlisted at
Levi Gramling, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, Woodville, Ohio, December 30, 1861, by Andrew
Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 24, Nuhfer; age 38, term three years.
term three years; discharged at Fort Pickering, Charles A. Johnsmyer, native of Germany, enlisted
Tennessee, September 14, 1862, on surgeon's certificate.
William Grotie, native of Germany, enlisted at
308 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

at Woodville, Ohio, December 14, 1861, by Andrew Archibald Ried, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pem-
Nuhfer; age 26, term three years; appointed fifth berville, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
corporal January 27, 1862. age 20, term three years; appointed fourth corporal
William Reil, native of Germany, enlisted at January 28, 1862; died after return home in 1865.
Woodville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Even Rees, native of Ohio, age 42, term three years;
age 23, term three years; appointed seventh corporal discharged at Camp Shiloh by order of Colonel R. P.
January 28, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, Buckland, March 22, 1862, cause disability.
September 15, 1862, by surgeon's certificate. John W. Reinhardt, native of Germany, enlisted at
Jacob J. Ludwig, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 35, term three
Ohio, November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 17, 1861, on
term three years; wantonly murdered by being shot surgeon's certificate of disability.
through the breast by a rebel prison guard, at Meridian, George H. Rice, native of New York, enlisted at
Mississippi, June 14, 1864. He had been captured near Woodville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
Guntown, June 10. age 24, term three years; appointed third sergeant
Charles H. Lightner, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted January 28, 1862; died at Vicksburg in 1865.
at Woodville, Ohio, October 30, 1861, by Andrew William Richards, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Nuhfer; age 34, tern three years. Fostoria, Ohio, December 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
John Logan, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at age 33, term three years.
Woodville, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by Andrew Lewis Ruppert, native of Germany, enlisted at
Nuhfer, age 30, term three years. Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer;
Oren Levisee, native of New York, enlisted at age 22, term three years; appointed second corporal
Woodville, Ohio, December 31, 1861, by Andrew January 28, 1862.
Nuhfer, age 28, term three years. Jerome A. Roytt, deserted from Camp Croghan,
Isaac Mincks, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Fremont, Ohio.
Ohio, January 7, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer, age 21, term Charles H. Rood died at Camp Shiloh, April 10 1862,
three years. of typhoid fever.
John G. Nachtierb, native of Germany, enlisted at Conrad Sheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria,
Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 26,
age 25, term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, term three years; died in Andersonville prison in 1864.
Tennessee, May 2, 1862, of typhoid fever. Henry Sheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria,
Elijah Neibel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 28,
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, term three years; discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, by
term three years. order of Major Granger, July 19, 1862, cause disability.
John G. Nuhfer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, John Stadle, native of Germany, enlisted at Wood-
Ohio, October 16, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, ville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age
term three years. 33, term three years; wounded at Shiloh in 1862; died
Alexander J. Ogle, native of Ohio, enlisted at soon after the siege of Vicksburg in 1865.
Woodville, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew Henry Stinkamp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood-
Nuhfer; age 18, term three years. ville, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 19, term
Charles Piper, native of Germany, enlisted at three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6,
Woodville, Ohio, December 14, 1861, by Andrew 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing, April 10, 1862.
Nuhfer; age 30, term three years; died at Andersonville William Lains, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville,
prison, 1864. Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 28, term three years;
Morris Rees, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, discharged at Fort Pickering, Tennessee, September 23,
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer, age 23, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
term three years. Emery M. Sanders, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Edward C. Owens, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pemberville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 23, tern
Woodville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; three years.
age 18, term three years. Hugh Vanelten, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville,
Jackson Peoples, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21,
ville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age term three years; appointed second sergeant January 28,
36, term three years. 1862; died after the siege of Vicksburg, while at home
Frank Percell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pemberville, on a furlough.
Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, term three years; died
in 1862.
Alexander Perkey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos-
toria, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age
20, term three years; died on board steamer Empress,
June 17, 1862, cause rheumatism.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 309

Charles Sanders, age 18. John Rees, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio,
Jacob Vanelten, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 20, term three years; taken
Ohio, December 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 45, prisoner at the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, 1864;
term three years. paroled at Goldsboro February or March, 1865; died at
Christian Whitmer, native of Switzerland, enlisted at Grant's general hospital, Willett's Point, New York,
Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; April 3 or 4, 1865.
age 44, term three years; appointed first corporal Anthony Branard, native of Michigan, enlisted at
January 28, 1862; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 7, Elmore, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age
1862. 32, term three years.
Uriah J. Whitmer, native of Ohio, enlisted at George Buffington, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Woodville, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Elmore, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
age 18, term three years; appointed sixth corporal age 45, term three years.
January 28, 1862; died at New Albany, Indiana, May 17, Benjamin C. Beach, native of New York, enlisted at
1862, of typhoid fever. Elmore, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
Rans Whiteman, native of Michigan, enlisted at age 25, term three years.
Woodville, Ohio, November 4, 1861, by Andrew Charles H. Baird, native of Ohio, enlisted at Per-
Nuhfer; age 20, term three years; died at Camp rysburg November 20, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 30,
Dennison, Ohio, April 25, 1862, of camp fever. term three years; appointed fourth sergeant February 25,
Ami Whiteman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Woodville, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 18, 1862, for
Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 28, disability.
term three years; died at Camp Dennison, Ohio, April Jacob H. Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone
25, 1862, of camp fever. Bridge October 21, 1862, by John H. Blinn; age 21, term
John Walter, native of Virginia, enlisted at Woodville, three years; appointed fifth corporal January 28, 1862,
Ohio, November 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, John Clauser, native of Switzerland, enlisted at Stone
term three years; died after the siege of Vicksburg, Ridge October 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 24, term
1863. three years; deserted from Memphis, Tennessee, August
Andrew J. Wenner, native of Germany, enlisted at 7, 1862.
Woodville, Ohio, December 5, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; John Clapper, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
age 28, term three years; died about the time of the Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1862, by John H. Blinn;
Beige of Vicksburg, 1863. age 27, term three years.
George W. Warner, native of Maryland, enlisted at George Cramer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone
Fostoria, Ohio, November 15, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Ridge, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 19,
age 28, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant term three years.
January 28, 1862; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 17, John Croft, native of Ohio; age 18; discharged July 5,
1862, of typhoid fever. 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Simon Wiseman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Henry Cook, native of Germany, enlisted at Co-
Ohio, November 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 31 lumbus, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by H. W. Chidsey;
years, term three years; appointed fourth sergeant age 44, term three years.
January 28, 1862; died on board steamer Superior May Lawrence Cremernig.
10, 1862, of typhoid fever. David G. Dean, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone
Samuel Wiseman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Ridge November to, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22,
Ohio, November 11, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 37, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July
term three years; died at Fostoria, Ohio, May 12, 1862. 28, 1862, for disability.
David Wineland, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Benjamin Davison, native of Vermont, enlisted at
Fostoria, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; Elmore, Ohio, December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age
age 36, term three years; deserted from general hospital 30, term three years.
May 15, 1862. Gideon F. Draper, native of New York, enlisted at
John Wininger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, Elmore, Ohio, December 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
Ohio, December 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, age 39, term three years; died July 15, 1862, at New
term three years; died. Albany, Indiana, of disease.
Abram Sams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, John P. Elderkin, jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ohio, September 12, 11862, by A. B. Putman; age 21, Woodville, Ohio, October 2, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
term three years; living near Wauseon, Ohio. William age 19, term three years; appointed third sergeant
Buffington, native of Ohio,. enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, December 28, 1862.
November 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, term Morman Easterly, native of New York, enlisted at
three years; died at Louisville, Kentucky, April l9, 1862, Elmore, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, age 18, term three years; discharged at Memphis,
April 5, 1862. Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability.
310 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

John P. Daily. Richard Hays, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at


Richard Elder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Ridge Elmore, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age
December 1, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18, term three 39, term three years; died July 15, 1862, at New Albany,
years. Indiana, of disease.
Simeon Eversole, native of Ohio, enlisted at Elmore, Henry Hyde, native of New York, enlisted at Elmore,
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 39, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 41,
term three years. term three years; died June 8, 1862, at New Albany,
Emanuel Fink, enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, October 20, Indiana, of disease.
1861, by John H. Blinn; age -- , term three years; Levi Heberling, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
appointed first corporal January 28, 1862; died at Ohio, January 20, 1862, by John H. Blinn; age 24, term
Louisville, Kentucky, April 20, 1862, of wounds re- three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee,
ceived at battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. September 16, 1862, for disability.
John Furry, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys burg, Orin S. Harris, native of New York, enlisted at
Ohio, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 24, term Elmore, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age
three years. 26, term three years; appointed eighth corporal January
Jacob H. Furry, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 28, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 22, 1862,
Stone Ridge October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age for disability.
30, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant February William Johnson, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
25, 1862; wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862; discharged Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
at Columbus, Ohio, August 21, 1862, for disability. age 40, term three years; discharged at Memphis,
William Furry, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys burg, Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability.
Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 20, Jerrit Johnson, native of Germany, enlisted at Stone
term three years. Ridge December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 21, term
John Furgurson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys- three years.
burg, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age John M. Jeffreys, native of New York, enlisted at
23, term three years. Elmore, Ohio, November 20, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
Harmon G. Fortress, native of Ohio, enlisted at age 37, term three years; appointed first sergeant
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; December 28, 1861; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee,
age 20, term three years. August 18, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice,
Christopher Finkbinder, native of Germany, enlisted cause disability.
at Perrysburg November 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age Sherman A. Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone
18, term three years. Ridge, November 10, 1862, by John H. Blinn; age 29,
Francis Gagin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Ridge term three years; appointed fourth corporal January 28,
November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, term 1862.
three years; died at Stone Ridge, Ohio, April 20, 1862, Frederick Kepler, native of Germany, enlisted at
of rheumatism. Stone Ridge, October 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age
Alexis T. Garril, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 21, term three years; discharged at Columbus,
Ridge December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 19, term September 19, 1862, for disability.
three years. David Kinney, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Charles T. M. Gunsey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
Elmore, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 30, term three years; deserted from Paducah,
age 21, term three years. Kentucky, March 6, 1862.
Mathias Garnhart, native of Germany, enlisted at Harrison Kinney, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
age 42, term three years. age 24, term three years; died July 4, 1862, at
George Gossman, native of Germany, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, of disease.
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; John Krais, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore,
age 28, term three years; deserted from Memphis, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18,
Tennessee, August 4, 1862. term three years; died June 13, 1862, New Albany,
John Gullingbuck, native of Germany, enlisted at Indiana, of disease.
Columbus, Ohio, December 26, 1861, by John H. Blinn; Isaac Kaufman, native of Germany, enlisted at
age 31, term three years. Cincinnati, Ohio, January 9, 1862, by John H. Blinn; age
George Hazel, native of Prussia, enlisted at Stone 30, term three years.
Ridge, October 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 21, term John Lodge, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore,
three years. Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 39,
George Icelep, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore, term three years; appointed third corporal January 28,
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 39, 1862; died May 20, 1862, at St. Louis, Missouri, of
term three years. wounds received at Shiloh.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 311

Barnard H. Krampleber, native of Germany, enlisted Ferdinand Stoller, native of Germany, enlisted at
at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 31, 1862, by John H. Blinn; Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
age 40, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, age 27, term three years.
October 1, 1862, for disability. Jacob Stall, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore,
Samuel Loosher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Ohio, November, 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 36,
Ridge, October 27, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 20, term term three years.
three years. Michael Shimer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone
Augustus Lodge, native of Germany, enlisted at Ridge, October 18, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 19, term
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John. H. Blinn; three years; died at New Albany, Indiana, May 15, 1862,
age 39, term three years; died September 17, 1862, at of disease.
Elmore, Ohio, of disease. Jacob Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Ridge,
Martin S. Luchman, native of France, enlisted at' October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 36, term three
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 13, 1861, by John H. Blinn; years.
age 42, term three years. George Scott, native of England, enlisted at Stone
Henry Lohi, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore, Ridge, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 25, term
Ohio, December 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 28, three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, October 15,
term three years. 1862, for disability.
Wallace Maine, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Jacob Snider, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ridge, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, term Ohio, October 12, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, term
three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, May 1, three years; appointed sixth corporal, January 28, 1862.
1862, of typhoid fever. Mathand Tryand, native of Connecticut, enlisted at
Jacob Mayer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone Ridge, Elmore, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, term age 45, term three years.
three years. Miles Treat, native of New York, enlisted at Stone
Henry Maas, native of Prussia, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ridge, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18, term
Ohio, December 26, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 39, three years; died November 26, 1862, at Memphis,
term three years. Tennessee, of disease.
Robert W. Medkirk, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at William Trimer, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 1, 1861, by M. T. Elmore, January 6, 1862, by John H. Blinn; age 25, term
Williamson, age 29; term three years. three years.
John March, native of England, enlisted at Stone John J.. Thornton, native of New York, enlisted at
Ridge, December 25, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 21, Perrysburg, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 27,
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, term three years.
September 12, 1862, for disability. Franklin Tucker, native of New York, enlisted at
Lewis Otto, native of Poland, enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, Woodville, October 30, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 30,
November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 39, term term three years; appointed seventh corporal January 28,
three years. 1862; died at Corinth, Mississippi, January 1, 1863, of
Edward Otto, native of Poland, enlisted at Elmore, disease.
November 29, 1861, by J. H. Blinn; age 20, term three Francis Yarger, native of Switzerland, enlisted at
years. Cincinnati, December 14, 1861, by M. T. Williamson;
Frederick Snider, native of Switzerland, enlisted at age 23, term three years; discharged at Memphis,
Stone Ridge, October 22, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability.
21, term three years; deserted from Memphis, Louidus Whitmore, native of New York, enlisted at
Tennessee, August 7, 1862. Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
Alexander Shoemacker, native of Ohio, enlisted at age 33, term three years; appointed second corporal
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; January 28, 1862; appointed first sergeant September 1,
age 19, term three years. 1862.
John G. Suffert, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore, Edgar H. Bowen, native of New York, enlisted at
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 34, Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn;
term three years; deserted from Memphis, Tennessee, age 35, term three years; appointed second sergeant
July 21, 1863. December 28, 1862.
Michael Statler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Elmore, James M. Madden, native of Massachusetts, enlisted
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18, at Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862, by drafted man; age
term three years. 18, term nine months.
Francis M. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Elmore, George Sminer, native of Germany, enlisted at
Ohio, December 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18, Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862; drafted man; age 43,
term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, term nine months.
August 13, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice, Martin Willeck, native of Germany, enlisted at
cause disability.
312 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862; drafted man; age 39, Ohio, December 16, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term
term nine months. three years.
Jacob Springer, native of Germany, enlisted at Shellock Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Norwalk, Ohio; drafted man; age 27, term nine months. Ohio, December 16, 1861, by L. More; age 19, term
Henry Wapse, native of Germany, enlisted at three years; died at home.
Norwalk, Ohio; drafted man; age 20, term nine months. Ira Crain, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek,
Alfred Marshall, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Ohio, November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 15, term three
Fremont, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by L. More; age 39, years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June 10,
term three months; appointed fourth sergeant January to, 1864; blown up on the Sultana in 1865.
1862; died at Fremont, Ohio, April 19, 1862, of fever. Joel Crain, native of Ohio, enlisted November 11,
John Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek, 1861, age 29; discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, July go,
Ohio, November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term three 1862, by order of surgeon; cause disability.
years; discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 29, 1862, N. B. Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek,
by order of surgeon for disability. Ohio, November 6, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three
David Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek, years.
Ohio, November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three Abraham Durfee, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
years; discharged October 9, 1862, Camp Chase, Ohio, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term
for disability. three years; deserted from general hospital May, 1862.
Abraham Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Isaac Etsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Creek, Ohio, December 6, 1861, by L. More; age 22, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by L. More; age 27, term three
term three years. years; appointed second corporal January 10, 1862;
Robert Bowland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June 10, 1864;
Ohio, November 4, 1861, by L. More; age 44, term three died at Andersonville.
years; appointed third corporal January 10, 1862. William Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Adam Brunthara, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 31,
Ohio, November 15, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term term three years; discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, July
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June 25, 1862, by order of surgeon, cause disability.
10, 1864; died at home. David Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Andrew Broto, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greencreek, Fremont, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by L. More; age 29,
October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term three years; term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 8,
taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June 10, 1864. 1862, of fever.
William Croft, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted Lewis Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at
October 9, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by L. More; age 22, Fremont, Ohio, January 28, 1861, by L. More; age 21,
term three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads term three years; died in hospital in 1862.
June to, 1864. Rollia A. Egerton, native of Vermont, enlisted at
Edgar Carnell, native of Ohio, enlisted October 26, Fremont, Ohio, November 14, 1861, by L. More; age 21,
186t, by L. More; age 25, term three years; died in term three years; appointed quartermaster sergeant
Camp at Oak Ridge, rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi. November 15, 1861.
Lafayette Carnell, dative of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, John England.
Ohio, November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 19, term three Christopher Esminger, native of Germany, enlisted at
years; wounded at Guntown June to, 1864. Fremont, Ohio, December 19, 1861, by L. More; age 19,
N. B. Cadwell died at Keokuk, Iowa, April 27, 1862, term three years; discharged, October 24, 1862, at
of fever. Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Harvey M. Chamberlain, native of Ohio, enlisted at Andrew Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Fremont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by L. More; age 18, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 23, term three
term three years; killed on the retreat from Guntown years.
June, 1864. W. A. Frances, native of France, enlisted at Fremont,
C. Hubbard Cross, native of Canada, enlisted at Ohio, November 18, 1861, by L. More; age 23, term
Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by L. More; age 45, three years.
term three years; deserted from general hospital July, James Frances, native of France, enlisted at Fre mont,
1862. Ohio, December 7, 1861, by L. More; age 23, term three
Leandet Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, years; wounded at siege of Vicksburg, May, 1863, died
at Chicago.
John Fitzgerald, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
Ohio, November 23, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term
three years.
Henry Grant, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 313

Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More, age 23, term three David Kaull, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
years. Fremont, Ohio, January 23, 1862, by L. More; age 18,
John B. Gillmore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, term three years; wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 23, term three John Lary, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont,
years. Ohio, October 29, 1861, by L. More; age 19, term three
Peter A. Glass, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ballville, years.
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 24, term three Cyrus Lockwood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green
years; appointed second sergeant January 10, 1862; Creek; age 18, term three years; died at New Albany,
killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. Indiana, May 23, 1862, of fever.
Christopher Glos, native of Germany, enlisted at James Logan, native of England, enlisted at Fremont,
Fremont, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by L. More; age 32, Ohio, December 14, 1861, by L. More; age 33, term
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio,. three years; discharged October 31, 1862, Memphis,
September 16, 1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod, Tennessee, for disability.
pause disability. Daniel McIntosh, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
Marcellus Gray, native of New York, enlisted at Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 25; term three
Fremont, Ohio, November 20, 1,861, by L. More; age years; discharged.
18, term three years. W. G. McIntyre, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green
James Gilmore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Creek, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 18,
Ohio, December 18, 1861. by L. More; term three years; term three years; appointed fifth corporal January 10,
discharged at Columbus, Ohio, September 19, 1862, by 1862; appointed fourth sergeant April 12, 1862;
order of Captain A. B. Dod, for disability. discharged August 28, 1862, for disability, at Memphis,
M. K. Hite, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Tennessee.
October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three years. John Miller, a native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont,
No B. Huss, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term three
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L, More; age 21, term three years; appointed third sergeant January 10, 1862; died of
years; appointed sixth corporal January 10, 1862; fever at Cincinnati, May 14, 1862.
discharged December 4, 1864; deserted July 20, from Elias B. Moore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
general hospital. Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three
Michael Huffman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont, years; appointed fifth sergeant January 10, 1862.
Ohio, November 16, 1861, by L. More; age 24, term Ezekiel Mott, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
three years. Ohio, December 31, 1861, by L. More; age 56, term
Jesse Harpster, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, three years.
Ohio, November 26, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term William E. Neason, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
three years; severely wounded in the assault at Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 25,
Vicksburg May 11, 1863. term three years; appointed first sergeant January 10,
George Hawk, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek 1862; died in 1864.
November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term three Hyram Neff, native of Ohio, enlisted in Ballville,
years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, June 10, November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term three
1864. years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, June 10,
John A. Harris, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont, 1864.
Ohio, December 3, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term three Sardis Patterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
years; deserted from general hospital, June, 1862. Ohio, October 11, 1861, by L. More; age 19, term three
Jasper Johnson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ballville, years; captured at Guntown; died at Andersonville rebel
Ohio, October 30, 1861, by L. More, age 20, term three prison.
years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. George Patterson, native of Fremont, Ohio, enlisted
Daniel Johnson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ballville, November 12, 1861, by L. More; age 25, term three
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term three years; deserted from general hospital, July, 1862.
years; sent to general hospital at Shiloh, discharged John Purney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
December 14, 1861. Ohio, November 30, 1861, by L. More; age 23, term
Albert Jones. three years; died at Whitestone, Tennessee, November
Charles Jones. or December, 1863.
William W. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- Danforth Patterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
mont, Ohio, January 21, 1862, by L. More; age 25, term Fremont, Ohio, November 30, 1861, by L. More; age 23,
three years; discharged October 31, 1862, Memphis, term three years; deserted February x, 1861, at Fremont,
Tennessee, for disability. Ohio.
Chauncy Reynolds, native of Ohio, enlisted at
314 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Fremont, October 19, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term James Tillotson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont,
three years. Ohio, November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term three
Enos Reynolds, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, years.
Ohio, October 26. 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three Joseph M. Tillotson, enlisted November 5, 1861;
years; died October 12, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee. appointed fourth corporal January in, 1862; sent to
Jefferson Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ballville, general hospital April 13, 1862; deserted.
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term three Thomas M. Withington, native of Pennsylvania,
years; appointed first corporal January 10, 1862, taken enlisted at Harrisonville by E. Miller, January g, 1862;
prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads. age 44, term three years.
T. M. Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Reuben Westman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
November 15, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term three Harrisonville, December 27, 1861, by E. Miller; age 43,
years; appointed eighth corporal January lo, 1862. term three years; died at Harrisonville.
A. H. Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Andrew J. Culp, native of New York, enlisted at
November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term three Fremont February 5, 1861, by A. H. Rice; age 19, term
years. three years; deserted June in, 1862, at Chuwalla,
Burton Rathbun, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, Tennessee.
November 15, 1861, by L. More, age 18, term three David Vandoren, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont
years. February 7, 1861, by L. More; age 27, term three years;
Wilson Robinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, appointed second sergeant April 10, 1862.
by L. More, December 19, 1861; age 18, term three Orin Russell, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
years. Fremont February 5, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term
Henry Shook, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June
Fremont October 11, 1861, by L. More; age 27, term 10, 1861.
three years; died at Andersonville prison of gangrene. William Henry Signs, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Ezra Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont Fremont February 7, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term
November 6, 1861, by L. More; age 28, term three three years.
years; died at St. Louis, Missouri, June 16, 1862, of William Rapp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harri-
fever. sonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 21, term
William Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont three years.
November 16, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term three Edwin Miller, native of New York, enlisted at
years; died at Louisville, Kentucky, May 28, 1862, of Harrisonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 28,
fever. term three years.
Augustus H. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Francis Mansin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harri-
Fremont November 20, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term sonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 29, term
three years. three years; died at Harrisonville, of fever.
Peter Smith, enlisted October 24, 1861, died at Peter Mates, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Cincinnati May 15, 1962, of fever. Harrisonville December 13, 1861, by E. Miller; age 41,
Absolom Shell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont term three years; discharged November 20, 1862, for
November 19, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term three disability.
years; appointed seventh corporal January 10, 1862, Joseph Vandermark, native of Indiana, enlisted at
discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 17, 1862, by Harrisonville December 31, 1861, by E. Miller; age 19,
order of surgeon, cause disability. term three years.
Alrymen Stine, native of Ohio. enlisted at Fremont, Benjamin Vandermaker, native of New Jersey,
Ohio, November 22, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term enlisted at Harrisonville December 16, 1861, by E.
three years; discharged November 11, 1862, at Camp Miller; age 58, term three years; died at Harrisonville
Chase, Ohio, for disability. May 25, 1862, of fever.
David Stiges, enlisted December 18, 1861. David Alonzo L. Trapp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Har-
Stager, enlisted November 7, 1861. risonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 29, term
Wesley Tillotson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee,
Creek, Ohio, November 1, 1861, by L. More; age 18, September 14, 1852, by order of surgeon, with
term three years. certificate of disability.
David Werner, enlisted November 7, 1861. George Park, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harrisonville
Lewis D. Williams, native of Ohio, enlisted at December 30, 1861, by E. Miller; age 20, term three
Fremont, November 12, 1861, by L. More; age 34, term years.
three years; died July 30, 1862, at Fremont, of disease. Harlow Underhill, discharged.
Martin Stann, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads,
June 10, 1864; died at Andersonville, of gan grene.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 315

Jeremiah Scantlan, enlisted November 16, 1861. George Jackson, mortally wounded at battle of Tupelo,
William S. Rhodes. Mississippi, July 13, 1864; taken prisoner, died in rebel
James Gilmore, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads; hospital in 1864, one arm and one leg shattered by
died at Annapolis, Maryland; in the winter of 1864, musket balls.
shortly after being paroled. Charles Joseph, discharged with regiment September
George Loveland, term nine months, died in the 19, 1865.
vicinity of Vicksburg in 1863. Daniel Lary, discharged with regiment September 19,
James H. Morrell, discharged with regiment Sep- 1865.
tember 19, 1865. Sidney Adams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence,
Lewis Hawk died in Monterey in 1862. October 26, 1861, by J. H. Poyer, age 43, term three
James Peudy, discharged with regiment September 9, years.
1865. John R. Akins died May 14, 1862, at general hospital.
John Deusler, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, Erasmus H. Andrews, native of Ohio, enlisted at
June 10, 1864. Florence December 23. 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 38,
Thomas Purcell, discharged with regiment September term three years; discharged at Columbus, by order of
19, 1865. post-surgeon, June 28, 1862; cause disability.
James Necbit, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, Ebenezer G. Allen deserted February 17, 1862, at
June 10, 1864. Camp Chase.
H. H. Rozell, discharged with regiment September 19, John Ammon, native of Germany, enlisted at Florence
1865. December 2, 1861, by W. C. Bider; age 20, term three
Christian Beck, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh April 7, 1862.
June 10, 1864. Burrell Butman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence
William H. Sheets, discharged with regiment Sep- October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term three
tember 19, 1865. years; discharged at Columbus, by order of Captain A.
Edward Scanlan, discharged with regiment September B. Dod; cause disability.
19, 1865. Peter Burns, deserted at Camp Chase January 20, 1862.
Rollin Ames, died at Memphis, Tennessee, in general David Brownell, native of New York, enlisted at
hospital, July 4, 1864, cause chronic diarrhea. Timothy Sandusky November 1, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age' 26,
Sullivan, sent to general hospital June 9, 1865; term three years.
discharged from hospital. Jacob M. Bucher, native of Michigan, enlisted at
Peter Andrew, mortally wounded near Tupelo, Sandusky November 11, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 20,
Mississippi, July 12, 1864. teen three years.
Chesney Van Dyke, died at Fremont, February 10, Lewis Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky
1865. November 18, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 20, term three
Bensinger Joseph, mortally wounded at battle of years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Tupelo, Mississippi, July 13, 1864; taken prisoner and John Coon, deserted January 20, 1862, at Camp Chase.
died in rebel hospital Mobile, Alabama, 1864; one arm Nelson S. Crum, native of Ohio. enlisted at Florence
and one leg mangled. October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 24, term three
John C. Yonkman, discharged with regiment Sep- years.
tember 19, 1865. John Call, deserted January 8, 1862, at Camp Chase.
Louis Bolack, wounded at Tupelo, Mississippi, July Samuel Dailey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky
13, 1864; discharged September 9, 1865. Marion Spohn October 28, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 18, term three
died at Jefferson general hospital, near St. Louis, years.
Missouri, September 17, 1864. Robert Dalzell, native of Michigan, enlisted at
Peter Byers, discharged at Columbus, September 19, Sandusky October 28, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 18,
1865. term three years.
Henry England, discharged at Columbus, September Edward Daniels, native of Michigan, enlisted at
19, 1865. Sandusky November 10, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 26,
Gill Jacob, sent to general hospital at Memphis, term three years.
Tennessee, September 2, 1864. Willard Dike, native of Vermont, enlisted at Florence
Archibald Grubb, discharged at Columbus, September November 14, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 33, term three
19, 1865. years.
J. M. Hite, discharged at Columbus, September 19,
1865.
David M. Hite, sent to general hospital at Nashville,
Tennessee, December 3, 1864; discharged. Samuel
Hague, taken prisoner at Tupelo, Mississippi, July 12,
1864; blown up on steamer Sultana, 1865.
316 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Cornelius Dunivon, native of Ohio, enlisted at Charles Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence
Florence November 21, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term November 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term three
three years. years.
William Davie, native of England, enlisted at John Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence
Sandusky December 14, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 34, November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 21, term three
term three years. years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Henry W. Dakin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sharon Alfred Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence
December 12, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 21, term three November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 42, term three
years. years; died at Moscow, Tennessee, July 14, 1862; cause
George Downing, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at fever.
Sandusky October 21, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 23, term Solomon Hower, deserted February 7, 1862, Camp
three years. Chase.
Christian Engle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky Charles Harley, native of England, enlisted at
December 12, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 15, term three Florence November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; term three
years. years.
Lewis A. Ervine, deserted February 7, 1862, at Camp James Hagely, deserted January 20, 1862, Camp
Chase. Chase.
Erastus Erskine, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence Wesley Howard, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool
October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term three November 27, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three years;
years. deserted April 8, 1862, Shiloh, Tennessee.
W. M. McEnally, enlisted at Sandusky October 23, W. B. Halsey, native of New York, enlisted at Liv-
1861, by J. Fernald; age 23, term three years; wounded erpool November 27, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 32, term
at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. three years.
Christopher Edwards, native of New York, enlisted at Francis Higgens, discharged February 1, 1862,
Sandusky October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 28, term Columbus, for disability.
three years. Charles Hawes, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky
Henry Ewing, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 23, term three
October 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 21, term three years.
years. Joseph Imhof, native of Germany, enlisted at
Henry French, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence Sandusky November 8, 1861, by J. Fernald; term three
October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 21, term three years; discharged at Columbus, by order of Captain A.
years. B. Dod; cause disability.
Eugene Franklin, deserted December 12, 1862, at John Jefferson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence
Camp Chase. November 11, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term three
Hiram B. French, native of Maine, enlisted at years; discharged at Columbus September 11, 1862, by
Florence, October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 44, term order of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability.
three years; missing since the battle of Shiloh, April 6, David H. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky
1862. October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, term three
Edward B. Fuller, deserted February 1, 1862, Camp years; discharged from Memphis, Tennessee, by order of
Chase. Captain A. P. Dod, August 18, 1862; cause disability.
Elihu Fernald, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky Charles Kromb, native of Germany, enlisted at
November 8, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term three Sandusky October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, term
years. three years.
Norman Foster, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence Frantz Kramer, native of Germany, enlisted at
November 11, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 27, term three Sandusky January 10, 1862, by J. Fernald; age 43, term
years, three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6,
John Flanigan, native of Ireland, enlisted at Florence 1862.
November 19, 1861, by J. H. Pover; age 35, term three John Ladd, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky
years; missing since the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, October 20, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 27, term three
1862. years.
Wickeler Groves, deserted February 5, 1862, Camp Andrew Laughlin, deserted February 7, 1862, Camp
Chase. Chase.
Edward Gibbs, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky George Lewis, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence,
December 2, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, term three November 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term three
years. years.
Joshua Geiger, native of Germany, enlisted at
Liverpool November 18, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term
three years; deserted from camp before Corinth,
Tennessee, and died near Corinth, Tennessee.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 317

Comfort Lewis, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence Albert Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
November 4, 1861, by J. H. Pover; age 18, term three November 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term three
years; discharged at Columbus by order of Captain A. B. years.
Dod; cause disability. Augustus Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
Charles Lanson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence, January 4, 1862, by J. Fernald; age 18, term three years.
November 22, 1861, by J. H. Payer; age 22, term three George W. Reed, deserted February 7, Camp Chase.
years; wounded at battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862; died William Rood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence,
on board hospital boat April 28, 1862, of wounds December 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term three
received at the battle of Shiloh. years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 8, 1862, of
Dennis Lawler, native of Ireland, enlisted at typhoid fever.
Sandusky, December 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 34, J. Y. Right, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
term three years. December 5, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, term three
Rufus W. Lawrence, native of Ohio, enlisted at years.
Florence, October 26, 1862, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term George Sutherland, native of New York, enlisted at
three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, Florence, October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 43, tern
1862. three years.
Joseph L. Lumer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence, James M. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
October 21, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 26, term three October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 28, term three
years. years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, by order of
Dennis Mack, native of Ireland, enlisted at Sandusky, Colonel R. P. Buckland, August 18, 1862; cause
October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 48, term three disability.
years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, September John C. Stewart, deserted December 1, 1862, at Camp
14, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice; cause Chase.
disability. Frederick Shafer, native of Germany, enlisted at
Augustus Mulchy, native of New York, enlisted at Sandusky, October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 26, term
Sandusky, October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; ago 18, term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6,
three years, wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
1862. William Seitt, native of Germany, enlisted at
Michael McCarty, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, October 31, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 34, term
Sandusky, November 17, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, three years.
term three years; discharged at Columbus, by order of Morris Sweet, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. December 10, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, term three
Phillip Moss, native of Germany, enlisted at years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, by order of
Sandusky, November 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 22, Captain A. B. Dod, cause disability.
term three years. Ephraim Squire, discharged January 25, 1862, at
John Melery, deserted January 18, 1862, Camp Chase. Columbus, Ohio, for disability.
Robert Meek, native of Ohio, enlisted at Copley, Henry Sprow, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky,
December 31, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, term three December 9, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term three
years; discharged at Columbus July 24, 1862, by order years.
of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. John Shoddock, enlisted at Sandusky, December 25,
George Metcalf, deserted December 20, 1862, Camp 1861, by J. Fernald; age 30, term three years. Merrill
Chase. Sexton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence, November
Calvin Porter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sharon, 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 24, term three years;
December 28, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 34, term three wounded at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862.
years. Jonas Stanbury, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
James Porter, deserted February 7, 1862, Camp Chase. November 4, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, term three
William Perry, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, years.
December 25, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, term three W. P. Sheik, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence,
years; deserted June 3, 1862, general hospital. October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, tern three
John Plumb, discharged at Columbus July 24, 1862, years.
by order of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. George Taylor, native of Germany, enlisted at
William L. Robertson, discharged February 1, 1862, Florence, October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term
Columbus, for disability. three years.
Jacob Rath, deserted November 25, 1863, Liverpool, John D. Turner, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
Ohio. November 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, term three
years.
318 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Michael Tashner, native of Hungary, enlisted at Fremont October 29, 1861, by A. Young; term three
Sandusky, December 4, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
term three years; promoted to principal musician; died Michael Bauman, native of Germany, enlisted at York
in hospital train, near Lunieda, Kentucky, of wounds December 4, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three years;
received December 6, 1864; buried from Clay United discharged August 1, 1862, at Columbus, for disability.
States hospital, Louisville, Kentucky. John Buider, enlisted at Fremont November 15, 1861,
Jonathan Taylor, enlisted at Sandusky, December 25, by A. Young; term three years; deserted January 16,
1861, by J. Fernald; term three dears; wounded at the 1862, Fremont.
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Simon Cable, enlisted at Fremont November 23, 1861,
Dewitt C. Vance, native of Ohio, enlisted at by A. Young; term three years.
Sandusky, December 4, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 36, Lorenzo Dick, native of New York, enlisted at
term three years; wounded in the thigh at the battle of Fremont October 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 22, term
Guntown, Mississippi, June 10, 1864, captured, and died three years; appointed first sergeant January 10, 1862;
in a rebel prison. promoted to second lieutenant April 6, 1862; died of
William M. Walker, native of Tennessee, enlisted at consumption June 20, 1862.
Sandusky, December 16, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 37, Rudolph Dilger, native of Germany, enlisted at
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April Sandusky December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 37,
6, 1862. term three years; died October 12, 1862, at Memphis,
Eri Warner, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool, Tennessee, of disease.
January 11, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 48, term three Louis Durr, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
years. November 1, 1861, by A. Young; age 35, term three
John Wamer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool, years; died September 7, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee,
December 2, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 19, term three of disease.
years. Henry Dickman, native of Germany, enlisted at
Henry Will, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky, Sandusky January 5, 1862, by A. Young; age 21, term
October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, term three three years; died June 23, 1862, at 'Lafayette,
years; died April 10, 1862, on board boat on the Tennessee, of disease.
Tennessee River, of wounds received at the battle of Martin Engle, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. January 16, 1862, by A. Young; age 22, term three
Harrison Warner, native of Ohio, enlisted at years; killed at siege of Vicksburg.
Sandusky, December 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, John Engle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont
term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, April November 21, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term three
11, 1862, of diarrhea. years.
John R. Akens, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence, Clemans Eckhorn, native of Germany, enlisted at
October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 19; term three Fremont December 14, 1861, by A. Young; term three
years; died on board boat near Madison, Indiana, of years.
typhoid fever, May 14, 1862. Gotthelf Eberhard, native of Germany, enlisted at
Benjamin Thurlby, native of Ohio, enlisted at Akron December 31, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three
Florence, October 29, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term years.
three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Jacob Pessler, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Lucian Abel, died January 2, 1862, at Camp Number Fremont October 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term
Five, before Corinth, of disease. three years; died in Andersonville prison 1864.
John Buchman, native of Germany, enlisted at John Fileman, native of Germany, enlisted December
Fremont, November 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 22, 28, by A. Young; age 28, term three years.
term three years; appointed second sergeant January 10, Philip Fertig, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
1862; killed during reconnaissance, December 6, 1864, October 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 24, term three years;
on Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. appointed fourth sergeant January 10, 1862.
John Burger, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre mont Frederick Frank, native of Liverpool, enlisted at
November 20, 1861, by A. Young; age 45, term three Liverpool November 25, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term
years. three years; discharged September 3, 1862, at Columbus,
Christian Benedict, native of Germany, enlisted at because of wound received at Shiloh.
Fremont December 4, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, term George Frideritzi, native of France, enlisted at
three years. Fremont October 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 35, term
Bernard Brost, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont three years; died April 28, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee,
December 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 26, term three of disease; wounded at Shiloh in April.
years; deserted June 14, 1862, Moscow, Tennessee. Gustavus A. Gessner, native of New York, enlisted at
Jackson Benter, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Fremont December 9, 1861, by A. Young; term
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 319

three years; appointed fourth sergeant January in, 1862; years; died May 9, 1862, in general hospital, of disease.
appointed third sergeant April 6, 1862. Jacob Lang, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky
George Grumbauer, native of Germany, enlisted at December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 28, term three
Wadsworth December 20, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term years; appointed sergeant January 10, 1862; died of
three years. wounds received May 20, 1863.
Joseph Griner, deserted January 6, 1862, Fremont. Abel Lucan, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
John Glohr, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont October 19, 1861, by A. Young; term three years.
October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 44, term three Rochus Link, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky
years; died May 10, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee, of December 14, 1861, by A. Young, age 18, term three
wounds received at Shiloh. years.
John Gerstenberger, native of Germany, enlisted at Francis Mittler, native of Germany, enlisted at
Medina November 16, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 28, Sandusky November 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 21,
term three years; appointed fifth sergeant January 10, term three years; deserted June 11, 1862, at Moscow,
1862; appointed fourth sergeant April 6, 1862. Tennessee.
Christopher Gardner, native of Germany, enlisted at Frederick Mittler, native of Germany, enlisted at
Fremont November 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 33, term Sandusky November 16, 1861, by A. Young; age 18,
three years. term three years; murdered Nichlaus Huber November
Simon Gieble, discharged April 2, 1862, at Shiloh, 13,1862; was arrested, escaped from prison and
Tennessee, for disability. deserted.
William Holderman, native of Germany, enlisted at Henry Markwalder, native of Germany, enlisted at
Fremont December 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term Fremont January 11, 1861, by A. Young; age 27, term
three years; died June 17, 1861, at Paducah, Kentucky, three years; killed accidentally by discharge of his gun,
of disease. July 25, 1862, near Memphis, Tennessee.
George Holderman, native of Germany, enlisted at Lorenzo Miller, native of Germany, enlisted at
Fremont October 23, 1861, by A. Young; age 20, term Republic November 25, 1861, by Egbert; age 36, term
three years; discharged October 11, 1862, at Columbus, three years.
Ohio, for disability. John Malled, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool
George Hobart, deserted December 15, 1862, at November 25, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, term three
Fremont, Ohio. years.
Fridolin Haid, native of Germany, enlisted at Jacob Mohler, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
Sandusky December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 44, November 16, 1861, by A. Young; term three years.
term three years; discharged September 14, 1862, at Fred. Moerder, native of Germany, enlisted at
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. Fremont November 20, 1861, by A. Young; term three
Charles Hobart, native of Germany, enlisted at years.
Columbus January 8, 1862, by Able Dod; age 23, term George Moll, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
three years. December 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term three
Nichlaus Huber, native of Germany, enlisted at years; killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1 862.
Fremont October 30, 1861, by A. Young; term three Adam Michal, enlisted at Fremont November 1, 1861,
years; killed by a comrade at Memphis, Tennessee, by A. Young; term three years; deserted January 24,
November 13, 1862. 1862, at Fremont.
George Hubbard, enlisted at Sandusky January 5, Andrew Mollock, enlisted at Liverpool November 30,
1862, by A. Young; term three years. 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three years; discharged April
Christian Hauer, enlisted at Sandusky January 8, 2, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee, for disability.
1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted January Jacob Naas, native of France, enlisted at Fremont
13, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. October 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 35, term three
Lucas Haas, enlisted at Fremont November 20, 1861, years; appointed first corporal January 10, 1862:
by A. Young; term three years; discharged April 2, deserted August 10, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee.
1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee, for disability. Lewis Mouth, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
John Carley, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont October 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 40, term three
October 30, 1861, by A. Young; term three years. years.
Andrew Kline, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont John Momany deserted December 17, 1862, at
October 24, 1861, by A. Young; term three years. Fremont.
Frederick Lamnus, enlisted. at Sandusky November Sebastian Nice, native of France, enlisted at Fremont
14, 1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term
January 25, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio.
Lewis Lehr, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont
November 16, 1861, by A. Young; term three
320 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

three years; died July 27, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, Medina, December 10, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 40,
of disease. term three years; discharged November 15, 1862, at
Michael Nice, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre mont Memphis, Tennessee, for disability.
October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 19, term three Frederick Shuler, native of Germany, enlisted at
years. Fremont, October 15, 1861, by A. Young; term three
Anthony Ottne, native of Germany, enlisted October years; appointed fifth sergeant January 10, 1862; died at
26, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three years. Macon rebel prison, date unknown.
Joseph Orth, native of France, enlisted October 26, Jacob Stirtz, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont,
1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three years. John December 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 49, term three
Oblinger, native of Germany, enlisted at Fremont years; died November 15, 1862, in Southern hospital, of
December 2, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term three wounds received at the battle of Shiloh.
years; died of wounds received at Shiloh May 14, 1862. Henry Stoll, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky,
Christian Ostermerir enlisted at Fremont December December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three
25. 1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted years.
January 16, 1862, at Fremont. Jacob Stoll, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont,
John Rertzenger deserted December 9, 1861, Fremont. November 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 24, term three
Louis Rapp, native of Germany, enlisted at Harrisville years; died April 30, in general hospital, of disease.
December 30, 1861, by W. C. Bidle, age 41, term three John Shatymann, enlisted at Fremont, October 31,
years; appointed eighth corporal January 10, 1862; 1861, by A. Young; term three years; discharged
discharged September 16, 1862, Columbus, for December 20, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge.
disability. Charles Smith, enlisted at Sandusky, January 6, 1862,
Charles Ruemele, enlisted at Fremont, January 10, by A. Young; term three years; deserted December 15,
1862, by A. Young; term three years; deserted February 1862, at Fremont, Ohio.
2, 1862, Camp Chase. Andrew Shoemaker, enlisted at Sandusky, December
John Row, enlisted at Sandusky, January 6, 1862, by 29, 1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted
A. Young; term three years; deserted December February 9, 1862, at Camp Chase, Ohio.
14, 1862, Fremont. George Unkart, native of Germany, enlisted at
William Roos, enlisted at Sandusky, January 5, 1862, Fremont, October 17, 1861, by A. Young; age 19, term
by A. Young; term three years. three years.
John Ritz, native of Germany, enlisted at Liverpool, John Urich, native of Germany, enlisted November
December, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, term three years. 25, 1862, by A. Young; age 31, term three years;
Louis Ran, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky, wounded at Vicksburg May 19, 1863.
December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term three Andrew Unkel, native of Germany, enlisted at
years. Sandusky November 17, 1861, by A. Young; term three
Joseph Remele, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, years; appointed third sergeant January 10, 1862;
November 21, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term three appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862.
years. John S. Welch, native of France, enlisted at Fremont
Joseph Seiffert, native of France, enlisted at Fremont, November 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three
October 23, 1861, by A. Young; age 24, term three years.
years; appointed second sergeant January 10, 1862; Frederick Werner, native of Germany, enlisted at
appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862. Fremont December 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term
Jacob Shreiber, native of Bavaria, enlisted at Fre mont, three years.
October 26, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term three Markus Wolfe, native of Germany, enlisted at
years; appointed fifth sergeant April 6, 1862. Fremont November to, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term
Charles Smith, native of Germany, enlisted at three years.
Fremont, October 13, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term M. Wegstine, native of Germany; enlisted at Fremont
three years; deserted June 14, 1862, Moscow, October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 43, term three
Tennessee. years; killed at battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862,
Andrew Spaith, native of Germany, enlisted at Joseph Willi, native of Germany, enlisted at Sandusky
Fremont, December 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 20, December 9, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three
term three years. years.
Martin Swartzen, native of Germany, enlisted at G. E. Young, native of France, enlisted at Columbus
Fremont, November z, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, term February 7, 1862, by A. Dod; age 37, term three years;
three years. deserted May 22, 1862, at Camp No. 5, before Corinth,
Nicholas Stimert, native of Germany, enlisted at Tennessee.
George Yeaerger, native of Germany, enlisted at
Fremont, October 16, 1861, by A. Young; age 41,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 321

term three years; died April to, 1862, in general hospital December 20, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 20, term three
of disease. years.
Joseph Youngel, native of Germany, enlisted at Joel Bungeret, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Fremont November 6, 1861, by A. Young; age 25, term Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31,
three years; died of wounds received at Shiloh, term three years.
Tennessee, in hospital at Cincinnati. Jeremiah Baker, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
George Vangauzte, enlisted at Fremont October 14, Greensburg January 3, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 18, term
1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted October three years.
17, 1862, at Fremont. Jefferson Baker, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Anthony Young, native of France, enlisted at Greensburg December 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 20,
Columbus October 12, 1861, by John Eddie; age 34, term three years.
term three years. Jackson Brawn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg
Lucian Greihch, native of Germany, enlisted at January 2, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years;
Fremont December 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 34, term deserted.
three years. Albert Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg
Martin Kilian, native of Germany, enlisted at October 11, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 19, term three years.
Sandusky December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 28, Abel H. Campbell, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
term three years. Greensburg November 1, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18,
Leonard Keller, native of Germany, enlisted at term three years.
Fremont November 20, 1861, by A. Young; age 36, term Levi Clinge, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg
three years. November 1, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three
Louis Snyder, deserted January 14, 1862, Memphis, years.
Tennessee. Charles Cadwell, native of Ohio, enlisted at
John Denning, drafted man, term nine months. John Greensburg November 1, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 20,
Hine, drafted man, term nine months. Frederick term three years.
Hogrif, drafted man, term nine months. Julius Luders, Hobart Cole, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
drafted man, term nine months. George Stolts, drafted Liverpool December 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 36, term
man, term nine months. Henry Schloman, drafted three years.
man, term nine months. George Gemaka, drafted man, William Donnell, native of Ohio, enlisted at
term nine months. George Kiseling, drafted man, term Greensburg October 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term
nine months. Wisefield S. Ache, native of three years.
Pennsylvania, enlisted Christian Dater, native of Germany, enlisted at
at Greensburg December 16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 19, Greensburg November 11, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 19,
term three years. term three years.
Otis Atwell, native of New York, enlisted at Jerry W. Doubt, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Greensburg December 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 34, Greensburg December 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 19,
term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, term three years.
August 13, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Uriah A. Dunkes, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Samuel Aldstadt, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Greensburg December 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 27,
Greensburg October 15, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 23, term term three years.
three years. Henry Dickson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Columbus
Samuel Boar, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at January 24, 1862, by A. B. Dod; age 18, term three
Greensburg October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 24, term years; died at Paducah, Kentucky, April 2, 1862, of
three years. fever.
Norman Brean, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at James Donnel, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Greensburg October 29, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 19, term Greensburg October 22, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 32, term
three years. three years.
William Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Martin Eckhart, native of New York, enlisted at
Greensburgh November 5, 1861, by J. Fikes; age 18, Greensburg November 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22,
term three years. term three years; discharged at Paducah, Kentucky,
Daniel Breneman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at March 22, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice,
Greensburg December 5, 11861, by J. Fickes; age 23, cause disability.
term three years. Abraham Eldridge, enlisted at Greensburg November
John Berile, native of France. enlisted at Greensburg 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; term three years. Henry Friar,
December 19, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 40, term three enlisted at Greensburg October 16, 1861, by J. Fickes;
years; died on the march between Corinth, Mississippi, age 18, term three years; discharged at Columbus by
and Grand Junction, June 15, 1862. order of Secretary of War July 12, 1862, cause
F. Bowers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greenburg, disability.
322 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Jacob Fickes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at reduced to ranks September 1, 1862; deserted at
Columbus October 11, 1861, by J. R. Eddie; age S9, Moscow, January 9, 1863.
term three years. Solomon B. Heberling, native of Ohio, enlisted at
William C. Fancey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21,
Greensburg October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23, term term three years; appointed seventh corporal January 10,
three years; appointed eighth corporal January 10, 1862; 1862; discharged at Columbus July 20, 1862, by order of
died at Cincinnati May 14, 1862, of typhoid fever. the Secretary of War; cause disability.
Jesarah Frantz, enlisted at Greensburg December Henry Jokes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years. Thomas Greensburg November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 35,
Flinn, enlisted at Groton December 9, 1861, by W. C. term three years; appointed first corporal January 10,
Bidle; age 34, term three years. Alexander Garnes, 1862.
native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg October 15, 1861, William Koutz, native of Ohio, enlisted at
by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years; died at general Greensburg, November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31,
hospital October term three years; died.
23, 1862, of disease. Edward Kermerling, native of Ohio, enlisted at
William Graves, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; aged 18,
Greensburg November 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years.
term three years. John Kemmerling, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
Martin V. Garn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, October 10, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23,
Greensburg November 24, 1861, by J. Fickes; age term three years; appointed sixth corporal January 10,
22, term three years; discharged at Columbus August 5, 1862; discharged at Indianapolis September 10, 1862,
1862, for disability. for disability.
William Gilger, native of Ohio, enlisted at John T. Koontz, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Greensburg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, Greensburg, November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 25,
term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, May 3, 1862, of term three years; appointed fourth corporal January 10,
typhoid fever. 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 11, 1862, by
Jackson Gossard, native of Ohio, enlisted at order of A. B. Dod; cause disability.
Greensburg, February 12, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22, Christian Monarchy, native of Germany, enlisted at
term three years. Greensburg, October 12, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 44,
D. L. Goodrich, native of Connecticut, enlisted at term three years; died at Fremont, Ohio, of fever.
Medina, November 21, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age John Moses, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
24, term three years; appointed first sergeant, January Greensburg, October 16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18,
10, 1862. term three years.
Henry K. Hulbert, native of Ohio, enlisted at Jacob Martyr, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg,
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, October 29, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22, term three years.
term three years. Eli Metcalf, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg,
John Holland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, December 28, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three
October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years; years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, October 5, 1862,
died at Cincinnati, April 12, 1862, of typhoid fever. for disability.
Isaiah Huff, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Louis Monroe, native of New York, enlisted at
Greensburg, December 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 43, Medina, January 8, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 36, term
term three years; discharged at Columbus, July 21, three years.
1862, by order of the Secretary of War, cause disability. James Mansfield, native of Ohio, enlisted at Chip-
John W. Hoils, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, pewa, January 8, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, term
November 13, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 38, term three three years; arrested for murdering a negro woman in
years. June, 1864; escaped and deserted to enemy.
Minniah Hyatt, enlisted at Harrisville, December 18, Ephraim Metcalf, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 42, term three years. Greensburg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 20,
William A. Hill, jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at term three years; appointed second corporal January 10,
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, September 12,
term three years; appointed second sergeant January 10, 1862, by order of A. B. Dod; cause wounded received at
1862; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, August 13, the battle of Shiloh April 6 and 7, 1862.
1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability. Emanuel Plains, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Milton Hazzer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, Greensburg, November 14, 1861, by J. Fickes;
October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years;
appointed fifth sergeant, January 10, 1862;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 323

age 21, term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh burg December 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term
April 6, 1862; died April 7, 1862. three years; died at Fremont March 7, 1862, of fever.
Franklin Plants, native of Ohio, enlisted at Henry Spangler, native of Germany, enlisted at Homer
Greensburg November 20, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, January 14, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 42, term three
term three years. years; discharged at Paducah, March 22, 1862, by order
James Park, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted of Surgeon John B. Rice, for disability.
December 15, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 52, term three Andrew Wanders, enlisted at Greensburg October 22,
years; discharged at Columbus September 24, 1862, for 1861, by J. Fickes; age 28, term three years; killed at the
disability. battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862.
A. B. Putman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg Jacob Whitmore, enlisted at Greensburg November 22,
October 12, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23, term three years; 1861, by J. Fickes; age 25, term three years. John
appointed fourth sergeant January 10, 1862; promoted to Whitmore, enlisted at Greensburg October 22, 1861, by
second lieutenant September 1, 1862: date of J. Fickes; age 22, term three years.
commission September 16, 1862. Charles Woodrough, enlisted at Greensburg November
William Ream, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, 11, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years.
October 19, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years. Chauncey Walters, native of Ohio, enlisted at
Samuel Raush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, Greensburg November 13, 1861, by J. Fisher; age 19,
October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 19, term years. tern three years.
Charles Robinson, enlisted at Greensburg, October 15, Cyrus F. Wing, enlisted at Greensburg, November 18,
1861, by J. Fisher; age 22, term three years. John C. 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years; mortally
Rhodes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Greensburg wounded at the battle of Spanish Fort, near Mobile, in
January 4, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 44, term three years. April, 1865.
John M. Reinhart, enlisted at Greensburg November Michael Welch, enlisted at Greensburg December 17,
16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23, term three years; died at 1861, by J. Fickes; age 40, term three years. Joel
Memphis. Woodruff, enlisted at Paducah February 14, 1862, by J.
Joseph Shell, enlisted at Greensburg October 25, Fickes; age 19, term three years; discharged at
1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years. Columbus, Ohio, June 28, 1862, for disability.
Daniel D. Snyder, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Josiah Fairbanks, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
Greensburg, November 16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 27, Greensburg October 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31, term
term three years: three years; appointed third sergeant January 10, 1862;
Edwin Smus, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg, appointed first sergeant September 1, 1862.
November 1, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22, term three John O'Brian, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at
years. Greensburg October 25, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 28, term
William Scott, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greensburg three years; appointed third sergeant January 10, 1862.
October 21, 1861, by J. Fisher; age 36, term three years. Jacob Wagner, native of Germany, enlisted at
Godfrey Stahl, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Greensburg October 26, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 30, term
Greensburg November 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 44, three years; appointed fifth corporal January 10, 1862;
term three years; died in camp near Corinth, Mississippi, appointed fifth sergeant September 1, 1862.
May 29, 1862. Andrew Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont
John Stahl, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at August 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, term three
Greensburg October 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 26, term years.
three years. Solomon Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont
Joseph Smith, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at August 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 21, term three
Greensburg November 25, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 33, years.
term three years; discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, Samuel Frazier, native of New Jersey, enlisted at
June 28, 1862, by order of Major Granger, for disability Fremont August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 31,
caused by wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, term three years.
'Tennessee, April 6 and 7, 1862. Solomon J. Munsell, native of New York, enlisted at
George Shafer, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at Fremont August 29, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 30,
Homer December 23, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 50, term term three years.
three years. Jacob Putman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont
Charles D. Trego, enlisted at Greensburg, November August 28, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, term three
14, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31, term three years. years; killed in the assault on Vicksburg May 19, 1863.
Henry Unger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens-
324 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Hiram Philipps, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre mont, William Dutton, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin-
August 29, 1862, by A. B. Putman, age 21, term three cinnati November 7, by W. H. Skarrett; age 37, term
years. three years.
John Riley, native of England, enlisted at Fremont John J. Dugans, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati
September 13, 1862, by A, B. Putman; age 18, term January 25, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 37, term
three years. three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, August
Charles Riegler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 20, 1862, by order of John B. Rice; cause disability, by
September 6, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 24, term three account of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, April
years. 6 and 7, 1862.
David F. Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont Patrick Donahue, native of Ireland, enlisted at
August 28, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 22, term three Cincinnati December 10, 1861, by M. T. Williamson;
years. age 19, term three years.
Joseph Strause, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont Peter Eagan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati
August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, tern three December 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term
years. three years.
Louis Albershazdt, native of Germany, enlisted at Thomas Erles, died June 9, 1862, at Evansville,
Cincinnati December 11, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age Indiana.
18, term three years. William Emasing, native of Prussia, enlisted at
Michael Bardin, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- Cincinnati November 29, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
cinnati, Ohio, December 19, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 40, term three years; appointed sixth corporal January
age 29, term three years; appointed fourth sergeant April 11, 1862.
30, 1862. John B. Emerking, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin-
Edwin R. Beach, native of Ohio, enlisted at Medina cinnati December 17, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 20,
November 4, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 23, term three term three years; appointed third corporal January 11,
years; appointed first sergeant February 12, 1862. 1862.
Henry Bookshon, native of Kentucky, enlisted at Isaac Finley, enlisted at Chillicothe November 5,
Cincinnati December 14, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 50, term three years;
age 19, term three years; deserted November 26, 1862, discharged January 14, 1862, at Camp Dennison, for
at Memphis, Tennessee. disability.
William Baumgartner, native of Kentucky, enlisted at Patrick Faman, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin-
Cincinnati December 5, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age cinnati Decembers, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 26,
16, term three years; murdered by rebel prison guard for term three years; deserted July 21, 1862, at Memphis,
picking up a small piece of wood for fuel on entering the Tennessee.
rebel stockade prison at Millen, Georgia, in September Henry F. Frank, native of Germany, enlisted at
or October, 1864. Cincinnati December 6, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
Michael Byrns, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 36, term three years.
cinnati November 20, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age Jesse Flinn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati
23, term three years. December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 53, term
Henry Cook, native of Germany, enlisted at Cin- three years; discharged September 20, 1861, at
cinnati, by L. M. Thompson; age 45, term three years; Memphis, Tennessee, from wounds received at Shiloh.
became insane and wandered away. James Farrell, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincinnati
Edward Costello, enlisted at Cincinnati December 9, December 7, 1861, by L. M. Thompson, age 36, term
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term three years; three years.
died in hospital prison at Camp Chase. James Foley, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincinnati,
John Carlisle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati January 20, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 20, term
December 9, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 44, term three three years.
years. Leopert Goldsmith, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio,
George W. Cox, native of Ohio, enlisted at Miami December 17, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term
December 25, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 19, term three years; discharged December 20, 1861, by probate
three years. judge.
Jackson Cox enlisted at Miami December 25, 1861, by Patrick Gallagher, native of Ireland, enlisted at
W. H. Skarrett; age 17, term three years. Thomas Chillicothe, November 13, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age
Cavanaugh, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincinnati 33, term three years; taken prisoner April 6, 1862, at the
January 9, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 32, term battle of Shiloh, Tennessee.
three years. John Graham, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, December
Andrew H. Crawford, native of Kentucky, age 45, 30, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 33, term three years;
term three years; discharged March 22, 1862, at Shiloh, deserted January 9, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio.
Tennessee, for disability.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 325

Ephraim Grant, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, January Philip King, native of Germany, enlisted at Hamilton
21, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 23, term three years; November 25, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 30, term
deserted January 30, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio. three years.
Peter F. Glardin, native of France, enlisted at William Kelley, deserted February 19, 1862, Camp
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by L. M. Chase, Ohio.
Thompson; age 43, term three years. John Miller, enlisted at Cincinnati November t9, 186t,
Samuel Green, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- by L. M. Thompson; age 29, term three years; deserted
cinnati, Ohio, January 28, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; February 7, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio.
age 52, term three years; died at Moscow, Tennessee, Peter Michels, native of Prussia, enlisted at Wil-
July 16, 1862. liamstown November 20, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
John Harley, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincinnati, 17, term three years.
Ohio, December 3, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 45, Joseph Maier, native of Germany, enlisted at Power
term three years; deserted at Cincinnati, February 19, Station December 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 26,
1862. term three years.
John Henry, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 7, Joseph McMakin, enlisted at Cincinnati December to,
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, term three years; 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term three years;
deserted January 25. 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio. deserted January 11, 1862, Camp Dennison.
Isaac B. Holman, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at Alexander Mathews, native of Louisiana, enlisted at
Chillicothe, November 8, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age Cincinnati December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
45, term three years; appointed seventh corporal January 18, term three years.
11, 1862; deserted April 14, 1862, Cincinnati. William McMillen, enlisted at Cincinnati December 7,
John Hinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Chillicothe 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term three years;
December to, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 56, term discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, August 20, 1862, by
three years. order of Surgeon John B. Rice, cause disability.
Patrick Handly, native of Ireland, enlisted at James McNeal, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by L. M. Cincinnati, October 22, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
Thompson; age 24, term three years. 18, term three years; discharged March 22, 1862, Shiloh,
Henry Hokkman, native of Germany, enlisted at Tennessee, for disability.
Cincinnati December 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age Henry McCabe, native of New York, enlisted at
39, term three years. Cincinnati December 25, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
Thomas D. Homer, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 18, term three years.
Cincinnati December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age Alleck Moore, native of England, enlisted at Cin-
36, term three years; taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, cinnati November 26, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 49,
1862. term three years; taken prisoner April 6, 1862, at Shiloh,
George W. Howell, native of Maryland, enlisted at Tennessee.
Cincinnati November 30, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age Edward McMahn, native of Ireland, enlisted at
41, term three years. Cincinnati, November 16, 1861, by M. T. Williamson;
William Isdell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati, age 25, term three years; appointed second sergeant
January 16, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term April 30, 1862.
three years. Theodore Murray, deserted July 10, 1862, at Moscow,
Edward Ireland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati Tennessee.
November 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age James Musser, native of Maryland, enlisted at
18, term three years. Cincinnati December 8, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age
Alexander Inloes, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 30, term three years; appointed eighth corporal April 30,
cinnati October 17, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 1862; deserted August 4, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee.
19, term three years. Thomas Neville, native of Ireland, enlisted at
Charles Johnston, enlisted at Cincinnati November 6, Cincinnati November 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, term three years, 33, term three years.
deserted January 15, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio. Patrick Norton, native of Ireland, enlisted at
John W. Jeffries, native of New York, enlisted at Chillicothe, November 26, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age
Cincinnati December 7, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 43, term three years.
25, term three years; appointed fifth corporal January John P. O'Connell, native of Massachusetts, enlisted
11, 1862; deserted August 4, 1862, Memphis, at Cincinnati October 28, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
Tennessee. 25, term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee,
Daniel Lucas, native of Pennsylvania, age 23, August 22, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice,
cause disability.
Dennis L. O'Connor, enlisted at Chillicothe, No-
326 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

vember 16, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 45, term three John Sullivan, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincinnati
years; deserted February 7, 1862, at Camp Dennison, December 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 45.
Ohio. Henrick Siefert, native of Germany, enlisted at
John O'Connor, native of Lower Canada, enlisted at Cincinnati January 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 31,
Chillicothe, December 9, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age term three years.
16, term three years; discharged August 20, 1862, at George M. Schlundts, native of Germany, enlisted at
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. Cincinnati October 14, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
William O'Donnell, enlisted at Cincinnati, December 27, term three years.
26, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 26, term three years; John Stapleton, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin-
deserted February 1, 1862, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. cinnati January 6, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 46,
David O'Connor, killed at the battle of Shiloh, term three years.
Tennessee, April 6, 1862. Henry Shefer enlisted at Cincinnati January 2, 1862,
Jeremiah O'Donnell, native of Ireland, enlisted at by L. M. Thompson; age 39, term three years.
Chillicothe, December 6, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age Isaac Stem, enlisted at Cincinnati, November 30,
23, term three years. 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term three years;
Dennis O'Connor, jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at discharged December 28, 1862, Cincinnati, probate
Cincinnati, December 5, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age judge.
18, term three years. William H. Skarrett, native of Ohio, enlisted at
John Ollendick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati Cincinnati November 2, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age
January 6, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 19, term 26, term three years.
three years. James H. Stewart, native of Virginia, enlisted at
Orlando P. Pierce, native of New York, enlisted at Cincinnati, September 28, 1861, by L. M. Thompson;
Cincinnati by L. M. Thompson, October 29, 1862; age age 37, term three years; appointed first sergeant
43, term three years. October 5, 1861.
Henry Pulse, native of Indiana, enlisted at Miamitown Michael Lerry, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin-
January 3, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term three cinnati November 29, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 29,
years; discharged August 15, 1862, at Cincinnati, Ohio, term three years; discharged October 6, 1862,
for disability. Cincinnati, of wounds received at Shiloh.
William Payne, native of Indiana, enlisted at Cin- Granville Log, enlisted at Cincinnati December 13,
cinnati November 25, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term three years;
term three years; discharged October 1862, at deserted February 5, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio.
Louisville, Kentucky, for disability. Theodore M. Thompson, native of Ohio, enlisted at
James Palton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati Columbus October 5, 1861, by J. R. Eddie; age 34, term
December 14, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 22, term three years.
three years; deserted November 26, 1862, at Memphis, Horatio B. Lurrill, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin-
Tennessee. cinnati October 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 26,
William Rooten, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati term three years; appointed third sergeant October 31,
December 5, [861, by L. M. Thompson; age 35, term 1861.
three years; appointed first corporal December 13, 1861; John Loy, native of New Jersey, enlisted at Cincinnati
died September 27, 1862, at Cincinnati, of disease. December 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 53, term
William F. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- three years; appointed eighth corporal January 11, 1862;
cinnati October 24, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 24, died at Cincinnati, May 7, 1862.
term three years. Peter Hernick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati
Edward St. Helens, native of Ireland, enlisted at December 11, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term
Cincinnati November 5, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age three years.
41, term three years; discharged November 13, 1862, David S. Vallette, native of New York, enlisted at
Memphis, Tennessee. Chillicothe December 15, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age
Joseph G. Service, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 50, term three years.
cinnati November 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, James Wright, native of Vermont, enlisted at New
1861, term three years; sent to general hospital June 3, Haven November 23, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 44,
1862. term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 3,
John Shifflett, enlisted at Chillicothe December 6, 1862.
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 49 term three years; died James Thomas Wickershany, enlisted at Cincinnati,
at Camp Dennison, January 7, 1862. November 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; term three
Alonzo Stewart, enlisted at Xenia December 16, 1861; years; deserted January 10, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio,
discharged July 20, 1862, at Cincinnati, for disability. unfit for service on account of disease contracted before
enlistment.
John Warner, native of Germany, enlisted at
Cincinnati, December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 327

age 22, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant the 4th of September, and the men sent to
December 26, 1861.
W. C. Wright, enlisted at Cincinnati December 21,
Richmond, Virginia. This regiment
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, term three years; participated in the defence of Knoxville, and
appointed first sergeant January 11, 1862. was on active duty during its stay in East
Francis Whilter, native of Maine, enlisted at Cin- Tennessee. In the spring of 1864 the
cinnati, December 25, by L. M. Thompson; age 53, term
three years. regiment marched in the Twenty-third Army
Richard Webster, native of Ireland, enlisted at Corps to join General Sherman, then at
Cincinnati, November 16, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; Trumbull Hill, in Georgia. Thence it moved
age 25; term three years.
on in the Atlanta campaign, and was present
THE ONE HUNDREDTH OHIO VOLUNTEER
INFANTRY.
at almost every battle, from Rocky Face
Ridge to Atlanta.
Sandusky county contributed a company to On the 6th of August, 1864, it was
the One Hundredth regiment of Ohio engaged in an assault on the rebel works in
Volunteer Infantry, and to record the ser- front of Atlanta, with a loss of one hundred
vices performed by these men it is necessary and three men out of three hundred taken
to give some account. of the services of the into the fight. Thirty-six men were killed on
entire regiment. the field, and eight more died from wounds
It was organized at Toledo in July and within the next thirty days. The colonel was
August, 1862, and was mustered into service disabled for life. After the evacuation of
in September of that year, and moved to Atlanta the regiment joined in the pursuit of
Cincinnati on the 8th of the same month for Hood, and participated in the battles of
the purpose of defending that city. The next Franklin and Nashville. With the Twenty-
day it was put in position on Covington third Army Corps it then went to
Heights, near Fort Mitchell. It marched Wilmington, North Carolina, and was there
thence for Lexington, Kentucky, on the 8th actively engaged. Then it marched into the
of October, where it remained for drill and interior and from Goldsborough to Raleigh
took a thorough course of instruction in the with Sherman's army. Next it moved to
science of war until the 1st of December of Greensborough, and from there to Cleveland,
that year. It then moved to Danville, and on Ohio, where it was mustered out of the
the 3d of January, 1863, moved to Frankfort. service on the 1st day of July, 1865, having
About the last of February, 1863, the served two years and ten months from the
regiment marched to Lexington to intercept a time it was mustered into the service.
rebel raid, and from that point it marched to LOSSES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH.
Crab Orchard, Mount Vernon, Somerset, and
to various other points where the presence of This regiment lost during its term of
the enemy seemed to require. On the 13th service: Sixty-five men killed in action, one
day of August, 1863, it went into camp at hundred and forty-two wounded; twenty-
Danville, Kentucky, to be ready for a march seven died of wounds; one hundred and eight
into East Tennessee. Upon reaching died of disease; three hundred and twenty-
Knoxville a portion of the regiment was sent five were captured by the enemy, and eighty-
up to the Virginia State line to guard the five died in rebel prisons. It gloriously
railroad. The portion so detached, being two participated in the battles of Lenoir Station,
hundred and forty in number, were captured Knoxville, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca,
by the enemy on Dallas, Etowah Creek, Atlanta, Columbus,
Franklin, Nashville,
328 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Town Creek, and Wilmington. At the or- Mott, McCreary, Hiram May, Thomas McKillips, John
McKillips, William Midcup, Hezediah McDowell, Judge
ganization of the regiment the following T. Metcalf, Carlol Nash, Joseph M. Parish, William
were the officers: John C. Groom, colonel; Parish, George Pierson, Joseph Pierson, Sylvester
Patrick Slevin, lieutenant colonel; Edwin L. Peasley, Lyman G. Richards, Silas L. Richards,
Haves, major; George A. Collamore, Alexander Reigurt, William Rogers, Michael Stull,
Alexander Scrymger, John A. Shively, Frederick Shahl,
surgeon; Henry McHenry, assistant surgeon. Henry T. Smith, John F. Schwartz, Henry Shultz, John
There were a number of changes by Sevibeck, Benjamin Smith, Reuben Stine, John W.
resignation and promotion of these officers, Stone, Joseph Sharp, John M. Steward, Joseph Wentting,
Sheldon Westover, Samuel Whitehead, Nathan Warring,
which are not necessary to be stated in this Hiram Stull, William H. Havice, William Young.
history.
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH OHIO
The officers and privates of company K, VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
of this regiment, were from Sandusky FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
county, and were as follows: Colonel John R. Bond, honorably discharged October
COMPANY K. 18, 1864, and succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac R.
Sherwood, February 2, 1864.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Lieutenant-Colonel B. W. Johnson, resigned Feb-
Captain Nathaniel Haynes. ruary 6, 1862.
First Lieutenant Sanford Haff. Lieutenant-Colonel Moses R. Brailey.
Second Lieutenant William Taylor. Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac R. Sherwood.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas C. Norris, mustered
out as Major.
Sergeant Joshua H. Green. Major Moses R. Brailey.
Sergeant Zeno T. Brush. Major Isaac R. Sherwood.
Sergeant William Ferguson. Major Benjamin F. Southworth.
Sergeant Ephraim Wheeler. Major Henry J. McCord.
Sergeant Frank W. Russell. Surgeon Lyman Brewer.
Corporal Horatio W. Allen. Chaplain A. Hollington.
Corporal William Harris.
Corporal John Elliott. The following will show the men of this
Corporal Henry Donneyson. regiment from Sandusky, and a history of the
Corporal William Wolcott.
Corporal Henry B. Nichols. services they performed with the regiment
Corporal Edward Heath. during the war for the suppression of the
Corporal William G. Parks. Southern Rebellion. The sketch is prepared
Musician Richard Moore. from information furnished by Captain J. V.
Musician William Young.
Wagoner Frederick Brown. Beery, and the diary of Corporal Joseph
PRIVATES. Schwartz, kept by him while in the service,
Cornelius Abbott, William H. Anderson, George
and also from information given by private
Ames, George L. Bixler, John Berkley, Charles Bennett, Robert Long, of company A, of the regiment,
Henry Adams, William H. Batesole, Bliss Baker, Samuel and was compiled by H. Everett, esq., as a
Binkley, Cyrus T. Call, Corto Call, Daniel Carnicomb, part of his intended history of Sandusky
P. Carnicomb, Evander Dunning, Edwin R. Dunning,
John Donmire, John Dillon, James Dymond, John A. county, in the year 1876, and published by
Ensperger, Taylor Fuller, James H. Fowler, John Fowler, him in February, 1877.
Peter Fleagle, John Fleagle, William Gambere, Jonathan Sandusky county furnished one full
Herbster, Norman Hill, George J. Hill, Charles Hardy,
Hiram L. Hines, James E. Hislet, Christian Hoopnail,
company, A, for this regiments and also a
Abraham Hoopnail, Charles F. Hiseman, Lyman K. major part of company G. Company A,
Jones, William H. Jackson, Cyrus W. Jones, Eliphalet usually designated as Captain Beery's
Jackson, Rodolphus Kepfer, Reuben Klose, Barney company-because its enlistment and or-
Kline, Joseph A. Loveland, Henry Lance, Philip Lutes,
William Mowrer, Daniel Munger, Orin
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 329

ganization were accomplished chiefly by his Speaker, John Scomlon, Joseph Stephenson, A. Smart, Charles E.
Sheffer, Richard Smith, Jacob Smith, John Stoll, Joseph Swartz,
zealous labors was organized at Fremont, George W. VanSickle, Martin Vanhorn, John White, Jacob Parker.
August 11, 1862, mustered into the United
States service at Camp Toledo, Ohio, For the organization of company G, of the
September 5, 1862, and moved thence to the One Hundred and Eleventh regiment Ohio
front with the regiment, September 11, 1862. Volunteer Infantry, this county furnished the
The following named officers and privates following named officers and privates:
constituted this company: COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

COMPANY A. Captain H. J. McCord.


First Lieutenant M. P. Bean.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Second Lieutenant George W. Moore.
Captain John V. Beery. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Lieutenant Joseph H. Jennings.
First Sergeant Robert Lattimore.
Second Lieutenant Orin B. Frome.
Second Sergeant G. B. McCord.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Third Sergeant P. F. Dalton.
Sergeant William Beery. Fourth Sergeant Moses P. Boose.
Sergeant Charles Ables. PRIVATES.
Sergeant Charles Baker.
R. B. Alexander, James H. Boore, Eli Brough, Daniel Beekley,
Sergeant David Fausey.
Coonrod Cramer, Jacob A. Crawn, Jackson Cuisno, George N.
Sergeant Merrit Holcomb.
Crowell, Henry Disler, R. K. Dalton, Silas B. Dymond, Isaac Down,
Corporal Zemira G. Burton.
Addison Fulton, David Gemberliz, Bradley Gould, John Geshart,
Corporal Charles F. Edwards.
William Groves, Cyrus Hoff, Mathias House, William Vadersoll,
Corporal Christopher C. Wonders.
William Winters, David Warner, Erastus Alexander, Philip Mathia,
Corporal James L. Tindall.
A. Hineline, Jack Shepler, Robert W. Parks, Isaac M. Garn, Herman
Corporal George D. Evans.
Ickes, William Fought, Thomas H, Meek, James L. Miller, Henry
Corporal John P. Walker.
Oswalt, John Payne, James Park, Peter Rickle, Perry Ritter, Isaac
Corporal. Henry VanBuskirk.
Shole, John A. Siler, Lewis Smith, John Shepler, John Schuster,
Corporal John R. Ramsey.
Orison Smith, Daniel I. Ickes, Josiah Jones, James Keeran, Jonas L.
Musician James Current.
Klure, William Kime, Absalom Mowry, William Gain, Jeremiah
Musician Isadore Shell.
Sherer, William H. Stokes, Frederick Wilbur, A. T. Hineline,
Wagoner John A. Grant.
Nicholas Dewyer, Jeremiah Everett, Allen McKillop, Frank O'Rork,
PRIVATES. Porter B. Woods, Henry Weston, Jacob Disler.
William H. Arlen, David A. Andrews, James Bennett, John Boyer, The foregoing list is furnished by Captain
John Buchold, George W. Beery, Henry H. Baker, William S.
Baldwin, Isaac Baughman, Elias Babine, Eli Bruner, Martin J. V. Beery, and is doubtless correct.
Bumthaver, John Burns, James C. Carpenter, William Craig, George Corporal Joseph Schwarts and Private
Charter, George Dillon, Linden Donalds, Jacob Decker, John D. Robert Long, both of this city, gave the
Evans, Nelson R. Forster, John K. Farver, Charles F. Flowers,
Frederick Geisicker, John Gillard, James B. Garter, Mannington
following incidents relative to this regiment
Garten, George Grace, Louis Hemminger, John Hailer, Harmon and the men from this county, which are
Hazleton, Sylvanus Hathaway, William H. Huffman, Charles A. worthy of mention:
Hamshur, Elias Holenbaugh, Herbert L. Hathaway, Anson L. Hariff, In the winter of 1863 and 1864, while
Charles A. Hariff, Samuel Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Joseph C. King,
Nicholas Kihn, Jared M. Lern, Robert Long, Franklin Lance, George retreating from Strawberry Plains, Ten-
W. 'Long, William Little, Henry Leflar, Edward Myers, John Mosier, nessee, and at the siege of Knoxville, the
Henry C. Munson, John Madden, George Myers, Herman regiment was often on short rations. In ten
McDaniels, Jahn H. McNutt, Anthony Nonnemaker, Jonas Neff, Orin
Overmyer, Theodore Ogle, John R. Parker, Joseph. A. Porter Elisha
successive days rations were drawn only
Prior, Emanuel Roush, Samuel Ridley, John K. Rickard, Edward four times and these rations
Sibrell, David H.
330 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

consisted of, one day, half a pint of corn counties. It took the field at Covington, Kentucky, on
the 11th of September, 1862.
meal; one day about two pounds of fresh The regiment remained in front of Covington until the
pork; another day half a pint of corn meal 18th of September, when, in company with four
again, and another day about half a pint of regiments and a battery, it made a reconnaissance to
wheat and on duty all the time, and part of Crittenden, Kentucky. After driving out the cavalry of
Kirby Smith from that place, the regiment returned to
the time on the march. These supplies were Covington. It remained at Covington until the 25th,
obtained by foraging, supplies from Union when it took transports for Louisville, where it was
sources being cut off by the position of the assigned to General Buell's army, being in the Thirty-
eighth Brigade, Twelfth Division, under command of
enemy. General Dumont. The regiment moved on Shelbyville
Eli Babied, Ballville, was wounded at October 3. On the 8th of October it took the advance in
Strawberry Corners. the movement on Frankfort, where a slight skirmish took
At Resaca, May 14, 1864, John D. Evans, place. It moved on Lawrenceburg October 11, and
camped at Crab Orchard, where it joined with General
Madison township, was killed, and Edward Buell's whole army. After General Bragg's army had
Myers, Hessville, wounded. escaped through Cumberland Gap the One Hundred and
Charles T. Flowers, of Green Creek, was Eleventh moved by rapid marches to Bowling Green,
Kentucky, where it remained garrisoning forts and
wounded by bushwhackers on the train to guarding the railroad from that place to Nashville. On
Chattanooga, where he was sent for injuries the 29th of May, 1863, the regiment was ordered to
received at Burnt Hickory. Glasgow, Kentucky. At this place the One Hundred and
Charles Smith (Scott), wounded at Burnt Eleventh was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second
Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and remained in
Hickory May 27, 1864. Joseph Schwartz this brigade, division, and corps until mustered out of
also wounded at the same place, and John the service. From Glasgow it took part in the movement
Scanlon and John Tarver, wounded near on Scottsville and Tompkinsville.
About this lime John Morgan's cavalry made a raid
Dallas, Georgia, June 3, 1864. Scanlon lost into Indiana and Ohio. The regiment took part in the
the use of his arm. pursuit. On the 4th of July, 1863, it marched from
James Jackson (Ballville), killed at Tompkinsville to Glasgow, a distance of thirty-two
Franklin. Charles Baker (Clyde), wounded miles, in one day, carrying guns, equipments, and forty
rounds of ammunition. On the 6th of July the regiment
at Franklin, December, 1864. David Plants marched to Mumfordsville, and remaining three days, it
(Scott), wounded shortly before the battle took the cars for Louisville. Morgan having crossed the
of Franklin. Ohio River, the One Hundred and Eleventh was ordered
to New Albany, Indiana. It then marched to
At Nashville, Lewis Hominger was Jeffersonville and took transports to Cincinnati.
wounded. On an island ten miles above Louisville the regi ment
Of this company, A, the following died in was landed, and a detachment of Morgan's command
the service: Franklin Lantz, at Bowling was captured. It arrived at Cincinnati on the 13th. From
this city it proceeded to Portsmouth, arriving at that
Green, Kentucky; David Carpenter and J. C. place on the 18th.
Carpenter, of Washington township; Joseph After the capture of Morgan the regiment returned to
Stevenson and James Current, of Riley. Kentucky. Arriving at Lebanon. Kentucky, it marched to
New Market, where the Second division, Twenty-third
The following extract from Reid's Ohio In Army Corps, rendezvoused preparatory to the march to
the War will show the marches of this East Tennessee. On the 19th of August this movement
regiment and the battles in which these men commenced. The command arrived at Jamestown,
were engaged: Tennessee, on the Cumberland Mountains, eighty-five
This regiment was organized in the month of August, miles distant from Knoxville, on the 26th. From this
point the command moved, by rapid marches, through
1862, and was mustered into the service on the 5th and
6th of September. It was a Northwestern Ohio Yannan's Gap, and arrived on the 30th of August at
regiment, having been raised in Sandusky, Lucas, Montgomery. On the 2d of September it forded
Wood, Fulton, Williams, and Defiance
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 331

the Big Emery River, and arrived at Loudon, Tennessee, of Knoxville, occupying the fort on College Hill, and
on the Tennessee River, on the 4th. The regiment lost six men killed and wounded. After General
remained at Loudon until November 14, and took part in Longstreet's retreat it took part in the skirmishes at
the movement north of New Market to check the rebel Blain's Cross Roads, Danville, and Strawberry Plains,
advance from Virginia. It also took part in several and occupied an outpost six miles in front of the city
forced marches, scouts, and skirmishes along the when General Schofield fell back the second time on
Tennessee and Holston Rivers. Knoxville.
The advance of General Longstreet's army appeared in It protected the crossing of the Second division at
front of Loudon on the zed of October, and considerable Strawberry Plains on the 21st of January, 1864, losing
skirmishing was kept up between the two armies. On the one man killed. On the 9th of February, General
14th of October the command marched to Lenoir, but Schofield arrived at Knoxville and took command of the
meeting reinforcements here a counter-march was department. On the 24th of February the Second division
ordered, and the Second brigade was ordered to march to marched to Strawberry Plains; on the 27th crossed the
Huff's Ferry, three miles below Loudon, and prevent the Holston River, and marching some distance, counter-
crossing of General Longstreet's troops. Owing to the marched at night as far back as Mossy Creek. On the
almost impassable condition of the roads it was nearly 14th of March the regiment moved to Morristown, East
dark before arriving at the ferry. On a high bluff, about Tennessee. On the following day it was on the picket-
half a mile from the river, a brigade of rebels was line, and had a brisk skirmish with the rebel cavalry.
encountered. The Second brigade was immediately The One Hundred and Eleventh was moved back to
formed in single line and ordered to charge. The charge Mossy Creek, where it remained until the 26th of April,
was successful. In it the One Hundred and Eleventh only when it marched to Charleston, on the Hiwassee River, a
lost a few wounded, as it was on the right flank of the distance of one hundred miles. This it accomplished in
brigade, and partly under cover of dense woods. The four days, arriving at Charleston on the 30th. From this
brigade stood to arms all night in the pelting rain, point it marched to Red Clay, Georgia, arriving on the
without food or shelter. At daylight the entire division 6th of May. At this place the army of the Ohio united
fell back, and the One Hundred and Eleventh covered with the left wing of General Sherman's army to
the retreat. At Loudon Creek a brisk skirmish took place participate in the Atlanta campaign. It marched to
between the regiment and the Sixth South Carolina Tunnel Hill on the 7th of May, and on the following day
Sharpshooters, composing General Longstreet's advance. skirmished into a position in front of Buzzard's Roost.
The stand was made to enable Henshaw's Illinois battery On the 9th, in the advance on Rocky Face Mountain, the
to get its caissons up a hill above the creek. In this regiment was assigned the front line of the skirmishers,
engagement the One Hundred and Eleventh lost four and during an advance of three-quarters of a mile lost
killed and twelve wounded. After this skirmish the nine men killed and wounded.
command marched rapidly to Lenoir unmolested, On On the 12th of May the One Hundred and Eleventh
this night all camp and garrison equipage and marched through Snake Creek Gap, and arrived in front
transportation were destroyed, and on the morning of the of Resaca on the evening of the 15th. The brigade made
16th, at 3 A. M., it moved out for Knoxville, Tennessee. a charge on the enemy's works on the following day.
At daylight on this morning Lieutenant O. P. Norris Being unsupported by artillery, the charge was
and fifty-two men of company B of the regiment were unsuccessful, and the loss heavy. The One Hundred and
captured by the rebels while on picket. Of these fifty- Eleventh had but seven companies engaged, three
two stalwart men' thirty-six died of starvation and companies being in the rear guarding transportation. Out
exposure at Andersonville prison. Campbell's Station of the number engaged, seven men were killed and thirty
was selected by General Burnside as the point at which wounded. The regiment took part in the second day's
to give battle to General Long-street. In this engagement fight at Resaca, but being in the supporting column, it
the One Hundred and Eleventh occupied the front line, sustained no losses. After an unsuccessful assault at
directly in front of two batteries of rebel artillery, and midnight upon the National lines, the rebels evacuated.
was for six hours exposed to the shells of the enemy's On the 16th of May the regiment participated in the
concentrated fire.. The loss in killed and wounded was pursuit; had a skirmish with the rebel cavalry, the 20th,
only eight, as the enemy used percussion shells, which and captured six prisoners. On the 27th a brigade of
mostly fell in the rear of the first line. The regiment rebels made an advance on the National lines. The One
marched with the command into Knoxville, a distance of Hundred and Eleventh was ordered out on the double-
six miles, having been three nights without sleep, food, quick, made a charge, and broke the rebel lines. In this
or rest, and having participated in three separate engagement the regiment lost fifteen men killed and
engagements. it passed through the siege wounded.
It took part in the entire campaign against Atlanta. It
actively engaged in the siege of Kenesaw,
332 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the battles at Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Dallas, on Hundred and Eleventh marched back to Nashville, where
the Chattahoochee River near Nicojack Creek, Decatur, it was assigned a position on the line of defenses on the
Peachtree Creek, and in the siege of Atlanta, and the left. It was severely engaged during both days of
skirmishes at Rough-and-Ready, Love-joy's Station, and fighting in front of Nashville. In a charge on the second
Utoy Creek. It started on the Atlanta campaign with day it captured three rebel battle flags and a large
three hundred and eighty men, and of this number lost, number of prisoners. The loss was seven killed and
in killed and wounded, two hundred and twelve. On the fifteen wounded. The regiment took part in the pursuit
8th of September the regiment went into camp at after General Hood. It was marched to Clifton,
Decatur, Georgia, and remained until the morning of the Tennessee, where, on the 17th of January, 1865, it took
4th of October, when the movement against General transports to make the campaign of North Carolina. It
Hood's forces commenced During the stay at Decatur the passed through Cincinnati January 23, and arrived at
regiment made a reconnaissance to Stone Mountain, Washington, District of Columbia, on the 31st. From
where it encountered rebel cavalry, and lost a few of its Alexandria the regiment took an ocean steamer for Fort
men. The One Hundred and Eleventh marched rapidly to Fisher, where it joined the army under General Terry,
Allatoona Pass, and to within eighteen miles of and took an active part in the capture of Fort Anderson,
Chattanooga, where the corps was ordered into Alabama and in the skirmishes at Moseby Hall and Goldsborough.
in pursuit of General Hood's army. It marched south as After the surrender of General Johnston the regiment
far as Cedar Bluffs, on the Coosa River, where, in a was moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, where it
skirmish with rebel cavalry, one officer and three men remained on garrison duty until ordered home for muster
of the One Hundred and Eleventh were captured on out. It arrived at Cleveland on the 5th of July, 1865, and
picket. From this point the regiment marched to Rome, was mustered out on the 12th.
Georgia, where a brisk skirmish took place. From thence The One Hundred and Eleventh re-enlisted as veterans
it moved to Resaca, where it arrived on the 1st of No- in February, 1864, in East Tennessee; but, owing to the
vember, 1864. demand for troops in the field, the veteran furlough
At Resaca the regiment tools the cars and was moved could not be granted. Again (in October, 1864), after the
to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River, eighty-five Atlanta campaign, more than two-thirds of the regiment
miles west of Nashville, to protect that place against a re-enlisted as veterans; but, after General Hood's
rebel raid. It remained at Johnsonville until the 10th of campaign to the rear, the order to furlough it was
November, when it was again moved by rail to revoked. The One Hundred and Eleventh numbered one
Columbia, Tennessee, to assist in checking General thousand and fifty men when it entered the service, and
Hood's advance. It participated in the skirmishes at received eighty-five recruits. Of these men two hundred
Columbia, and was detailed to remain in the rear to and thirty-four were discharged for disability, disease,
guard the fords of Duck River while General Thomas' and wounds; two hundred died of disease contracted
army fell back on Franklin. The regiment guarded a while in the service; two hundred and fifty-two were
wagon train to Franklin, and was twice attacked. Each killed in battle or died of wounds, and four hundred and
time it repulsed the enemy. The regiment at night one were mustered out.
marched by the outpost of General Hood's army in
bringing up the rear. It arrived at Franklin on the The regiment was on a steamer being
morning of the 30th of November, and was immediately transported from Alexandria to Fort Fisher,
assigned to the front line of works, on the left flank of
the Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, to the
January or February, 1865. The boat, in a
right of the Franklin turnpike. In the fight of that day the violent storm lay rolling in the troughs of the
regiment, out of one hundred and eighty men engaged, immense waves, while rounding Cape
lost twenty-two men killed on the field and forty Hatteras. The stoves in the upper cabin upset
wounded. Many were killed by rebel bayonets. The
contest was so close that once the flag of the regiment and fired the boat. Captain McCord, while
was snatched from the hands of the color sergeant, but others left the cabin, remained and with
the bold rebel was instantly killed. The troops on the great coolness and activity collected
immediate left of the One Hundred and Eleventh fell
back during the charge, and the rebels, holding this part
blankets, overcoats, and other woolen gar-
of the line for an hour, poured an enfilading fire along ments at hand, and by great efforts smoth-
the line of the whole brigade. Owing to the large losses ered the fire and saved the boat. "But for this
of officers in this and previous engagements, a detail act," says company Commissary Robert
from other regiments was necessary to command the
companies. Long, "the boat would have perished."
On the morning of the 1st of December the One At the battle of Franklin the One Hun
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 333

dred and Eleventh was complimented for at the courthouse in Fremont, to elect
gallant conduct, in holding the right of the officers and transact other business. Na-
turnpike, while other regiments gave way. thaniel Haynes was elected colonel; C. G.
Here the One Hundred and Eleventh saved Sanford, lieutenant-colonel; Jacob Fickes,
the important position by its firmness and major; W. B. Dimick, quartermaster; J. L.
pluck. Greene, adjutant; I. H. Burgoon, sergeant-
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT OHIO major; Peter Beaugrand, surgeon; S. B.
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. Taylor, assistant surgeon; Wesley
To this regiment of Ohio volunteers, Vandercook, hospital steward; Theodore
Hoffman's battalion, Sandusky county fur- England, quartermaster-sergeant; Ferguson
nished the following named soldiers: Greene, commissary sergeant.
COMPANY C. A general meeting for parade and drill was
held in Fremont the same fall. The regiment
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. was ordered into camp at Camp Lucas,
Captain Philetus W. Norris. Toledo, Ohio. Transportation was obtained
First Lieutenant Amon C. Bradley.
Second Lieutenant George Carner.
by railroad to Toledo, where they arrived on
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
the 18th of September, 1863, remaining
about one week.
Sergeant Lewis D. Booth.
Sergeant George W. Hollenback. Early in the spring of 1864 the regiment
Sergeant James L. Camp. was called into service by John Brough,
Sergeant Shelly A. Gish. Governor of Ohio, to serve for the term of
Sergeant Styles Rich.
Corporal Nathan Tefft.
one hundred days unless sooner discharged.
Corporal Jonathan L. Smith. The time named in the proclamation was the
Corporal Charles N. Mallery. 2d of May, 1864, and so anxious were the
Corporal Emery Bercaw. boys to be on hand at the appointed time that
Corporal Samuel M. Alexander.
Corporal Meron M. Starr. by 12 o' clock noon, of the 2d, every
PRIVATES. company was reported for duty. They were
Israel H. Bittner, Josephus Gaver, Rodolphus Lagore, James
camped on the old fair ground, where they
Williamson. remained until the 7th of the month, drilling
THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINTH during the day, and at night they were
OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.* quartered in the courthouse, engine-house
That we may more fully understand the and the different halls of the town. Marching
history of the One Hundred and Sixty ninth orders were received on the evening of the
Ohio National Guard, it will be necessary to 6th, and at 10 o'clock on the morning of the
commence this narrative with the formation 7th the regiment was in line ready to start for
of the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from the depot, which they did at 11 o 'clock, and
which the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth was after waiting, finally started at 2 :30 P. M.
formed. The Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. Sanford
was recruited in Sandusky county in the fall commanding, the colonel having been left
of 1863, under the militia law of Ohio, the behind on account of an accident, which
object being the protection of the borders of befell him while riding down Front street.
the State from raids and invasion. The The destination was Sandusky City. Further
regiment held its first meeting than that no one knew. This suited the boys
so far as rations were taken into account,
*To Sergeant-Major I. H. Burgoon we are indebted for many of
the facts in the history of this regiment. they having
334 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

foraged there during the fall of 1863. Most was also relieved, which the men regretted
of them, however, were anxious to get into very much, as he was a genial gentleman,
active service, and see more of the country. and they had become very much attached to
They arrived at Sandusky at 5 P. M., via him. After so many changes the newly
Clyde. The several companies were fledged regiment was named the One
distributed in various places about the town, Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio National
A and F in the courthouse, D and I in Guard, and as finally organized, was
Massey's block, C and H in the armory, K officered as follows:
and G in council-room, B in a lumber-room. FIELD AND STAFF.
Company E did not go with the command. It Colonel Nathaniel Haynes.
was disbanded at Fremont on account of Lieutenant-Colonel I. H. Carr.
being composed mostly of minors. May 8 Adjutant J. L. Greene, jr.
Quartermaster H. J. Kauffman.
was Sunday, and the boys put in the, time Surgeon Peter Beaugrand.
going to church and seeing the sights. The Assistant Surgeon S. B. Taylor.
citizens provided them with supper which Sergeant-Major I. H. Burgoon.
was received and relished with thanks. As no Quartermaster Sergeant Ferguson Greene.
Commissary Sergeant Theodore England.
particular provision had been made for
COMPANY A.
rations the men were getting short, and stood COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
very much in need of a warm meal, On
Captain A. Beideer.
Monday, May 9, the Eighty-second battalion, First Lieutenant David W. Hardy.
from Van Wert, Ohio, the Seventy-first Second Lieutenant Jesse W. Fleckinger.
battalion from Ottawa, and the Ninety-fifth COMPANY B.
from Defiance were consolidated with it, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
[Waking the regiment over one thousand Captain M. J. Tichenor.
strong. It received orders to report at Camp First Lieutenant W. M. Bacon.
Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, but on account of Second Lieutenant Emanuel Sanders.
not getting transportation did not get started COMPANY C.
until 10 A. M., on the 11th. The regiment COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
was mustered into the service of the United Captain Harry C. Shirk.
States on May 15 and 16, and on the 17th the First Lieutenant Thomas I. Robinson.
Second Lieutenant Samuel B. Hughs.
organization was completed. The battalion
COMPANY D.
from Van Wert was thrown out, and four COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
companies from Wayne county assigned in
Captain Abram Gift.
their stead. These four companies were First Lieutenant Henry McGill.
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel I. Second Lieutenant David Hoitzer.
Robinson, from Wooster, who, for some COMPANY E.
reason not known to the writer, was relieved, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
and J. H. Carr, his adjutant, placed in charge Captain W. K. Boone.
by the consolidation at Cleveland. First Lieutenant W. H. Fleck.
Companies I and K were disbanded, their Second Lieutenant Benjamin F. Baltzley.
officers either given command in other COMPANY F.
companies, or sent home. The men were COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
distributed and attached to other companies. Captain Charles Thompson.
First Lieutenant Charles Baldwin.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sanford
Second Lieutenant George J. Krebs.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 335

COMPANY G. In justice to the men it ought to be


COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. mentioned here that the regiment was
Captain 1. H. Jennings. applauded and congratulated frequently
First Lieutenant John Lichty. Second Lieutenant C. S. while in transit, as being one of the most
Long.
orderly and civil which had passed through.
COMPANY H.
On inspecting the location it was found that
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Jacob Thomas.
they were posted in one of the largest and
First Lieutenant W. T. Havens. strongest among the forts on the line of
Second Lieutenant Solomon Warner. defence around Washington.
COMPANY I. The ordnance consisted of forty cannon, a
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
dozen or more mortars, some large enough to
throw a twenty-two inch shell, a large store
Captain A. C. Anderson. of small arms, magazines filled with
First Lieutenant W. H. Goodson. Second Lieutenant
Sidney Sinclair. ammunition, and a garrison of two thousand
COMPANY K. men, seated on the highest hill which could
Captain Hanson R. Bowlus. be found in the vicinity, with a commanding
First Lieutenant Jonathan Loveberry. Second view of the surrounding country. From the
Lieutenant Philip Overmyer.
top of the parapet encircling the fort could
On the 18th marching orders were re- be counted a dozen or more flags floating in
ceived, but owing to a lack of arms suffi- the breeze, from the top of so many flag
cient to equip the whole regiment they were staffs, showing the location of so many forts,
detained and did not get away from camp and each in supporting distance from the
until 2 P. M., of the 19th. They left the other. A nice brook of clear water on either
Cleveland depot at 5 P. M., via Cleveland & side wended its way down among the ravines
Pittsburg and Pennsylvania roads to toward the Potomac, with innumerable
Harrisburg, and from there via Northern springs in the valleys, several in close
Central to Washington, where they arrived at proximity to the fort. The 23d, 24th, 25th,
12 o'clock Saturday night, May 21. They 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, were spent in
were marched to some old army barracks getting settled and putting things to rights in
near the depot, where they were quartered the fort and on and about the parade ground.
until 2 P. M., Sunday, when they took up May 30th Grant Holcomb, a member of
their line of march down Pennsylvania company G, died. This was the first death in
avenue and over Long Bridge to Arlington the regiment. He was taken sick while in
Heights, in Virginia, but owing to some Washington, but bore up until his arrival
misunderstanding they were marched over here, when he was sent to the hospital and
Aqueduct Bridge to Georgetown, then up the died, having been sick one week. His
Potomac on the Maryland side, several miles remains were forwarded to his home near
to Chain Bridge, where they recrossed to the Fremont, Ohio. The writer cannot refrain
Virginia side to Fort Ethan Allen, the place from inserting a few lines written by one of
which was designated as the home of the his comrades on the occasion.
regiment for the coming three months. They
Then weep not, friends, though he is gone,
arrived at the fort at 10 o'clock Sunday A righteous cause has called him hence;
night, and turned into quarters on the bare He died as heroes die--alone;
ground in an open lot, after a march of some He died in freedom's just defence.
dozen or more miles pretty. good for the
first march,
336 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

On fame’s eternal camping ground June, July, and August; and, with the early
He occupies a tent of glory;
Though now he is lost, he will be found
and unseasonable hour at which the regiment
When every thing shall pass away. was called out (usually at 3 A. M.), and the
miasms arising from the Potomac, caused a
Then sleep, brave soldier, take thy rest great deal of sickness. On June 23 they
Til God shall call thee from the tomb;
Then, with the saints and martyrs blest, recorded the second death, Jacob Schuster, of
Arise to thy celestial home. company H, whose remains were sent home to
Green Spring, Ohio. On the 30th they were
From the 1st day of June until the 10th, mustered for pay, which the boys were very
the time was pissed in the usual routine of
anxious to get, but did not have the pleasure
camp life. About this time the regiment of seeing until after being mustered out at
began the practice of artillery drill on the Cleveland, Ohio, several months later. On
guns and mortars in the fort, in which they July 3 Silas Bowlus, a member of company K,
became proficient in a very short time, so died. His remains were sent home, several
much so that the regiment was complimented miles from Fremont, Ohio.
very highly by General DeRussey, the On the 4th Charles Risley died. He was a
commandant of this department, and, by member of company G. His remains were
him, placed on record as the best drilled
buried near Fort Ethan Allen.
regiment on the line of the defenses. The This being the glorious Fourth of July, it
writer will relate an exercise of drilling was decided to celebrate it in some ap-
which he witnessed one afternoon by a squad propriate manner, as they had been taught
of Fremont boys among which he remembers from childhood, even if no better way than to
our genial friend Captain Charley steal away and go swimming in some creek or
Thompson, and Lieutenant Baldwin. They stream running by the homestead. After
fired six shots from a thirty-two pound getting permission from headquarters,
Parrot, at a target stationed at a distance
companies A, C, D, E, F and K marched down
from' the fort of one and one-third miles, to Colonel Lee's headquarters, a distance of.
cutting off the tree against which the target three or four miles, where several other Ohio
rested, at the second fire, and dropping four regiments joined in an old-fashioned
balls out of six within twenty feet of the celebration, consisting of music, speeches,
target. This would be hard to beat by the etc., after which the boys tramped back over a
oldest and most experienced of gunners. dusty road, hungry and tired, feeling that the
On the morning of the 11th the boys were fewer celebrations the better humor they could
called out in double-quick, in anticipation of be kept in, and the better they could enjoy
a raid from rebel cavalry, but luckily for the
them.
cavalry they did not put in an appearance. On the 5th they recorded the death of
One hundred men were detailed daily to David Marion, of Ottawa county. His remains
work on the bomb-proofs of the fort, and the were sent home, near Port Clinton, Ohio.
rifle pits surrounding it. This was. not very July 6th, George Karbler, of company G,
desirable for the boys, as the sun's rays died. His remains were buried at Fort Ethan
would dart down on them day after day, Allen.
making them long for the cool, shady breeze Early on the morning of the 8th the camp
of some friendly and familiar shade tree in
was thrown into considerable excitement by a
the corner of the hay or wheat field at home. report from the outer picket
This work continued through the months of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 337

posts that the enemy were concentrating Can it be that death so soon
Has called away our brave Jerome?
their forces near Brownsville, which turned Yes, it has, his brow is cold;
out, as do a great many reports in the army, Hushed the music of his voice.
as unreliable. However, it had a tendency to Never more with songs to make
show the efficiency of the men, and the Every heart that thrills rejoice; Yet
his songs in Heaven will be From
promptness with which they could be got all earthly passions free.
ready for action in case of necessity. Four Father, mother, sister, brother,
companies were quickly detached from our Mourn not for your Jerrie dear, But
remember God released him From
command and dispatched to Fort Marcy to the cares and trials here. Peacefully
strengthen that garrison and give them a in the Saviour's arms Jerrie rests
helping hand in case of an assault. But from war's alarms.
happily once more for the rebels, they did Never more shall bugle's call Rouse
him from his soldier's bed, Till the
not come. trumpet that summons all Wake the
On July 9 Joseph Field died and his nation of the dead. Sweetly sleep-thy
remains were sent home. He was a member work is done, And thy Father calls
thee home.
of company B. Oh, it was hard to give him up. None but
On the night of July 11th and morning of loving hearts can know How you
the 12th, the long looked for enemy made its wrestled with your grief, How you
appearance on the Maryland side of the stuggled with your woe. But the Saviour
hears your prayer, Gives you strength
Potomac, and in front of forts Stevens and your grief to bear.
Slocum. Early on the 12th the One Hundred
and Thirty-fourth regiment, from the July 20 John Stahl died. He had been
garrison, was dispatched across the river to detailed to go to Arlington with a corps of
strengthen those forts, while the One engineers, for the purpose of surveying an
Hundred and Sixty-ninth was left to take addition to the National Cemetery, which
care of matters at home, and as no enemy now contains eighteen thousand Union dead,
ventured in reach of their guns, all they had and covers the famous Arlington property,
to do was to keep quiet, and look on. which was General Fee's home before the
On the morning of the 18th, at 1 o’clock, rebellion, and an inheritance from the
Jerome Seibert died. He was a very worthy Washington family. While there he was
young man. His father came and took his taken sick, and returned to the fort and
remains home, to be buried near West hospital to die. The writer met him on the
Fremont. Here the writer wishes to afternoon of the 18th, on his return, at the
introduce, by way of quotation, a beautiful captain's headquarters near the parade
poem written to his memory by a lady ground, and again at the hospital on the
friend: morning of the 19th. He conversed
pleasantly and freely of home and friends,
Carefully fold his cold arms
O'er his heart, forever stilled.
not thinking that his sickness was anything
Gently close his loving eyes, serious. But alas! on the morning of the 10th
Never vet with anguish filled. he was reported with the dead.
O, gently speak and softly tread, For On the 21st the color sergeant, Edward
Jerome, our noble boy, is dead.
Only three short months ago He Holcombe, died. He was as generous and
went at his country's call; And, oh whole-souled a fellow as ever lived. His
how little we realized That our sickness and death were similar to
Jerome, too, could fall.
338 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

that of Stahl's. The writer met him only a hospital three hundred or more pick, two-
few hours before he passed away. His voice thirds of whom were as bad off as Mr.
was clear, and his grip strong, and, in answer Downing, men who, apparently not able to
to the question, "How do you do this help themselves, on being told we were to
morning, Sergeant?" he said: "I am all right start for home on the morrow, at once
this morning, Sergeant-Major." The reader seemed to be miraculously cured, or much
can imagine the writer's surprise when, improved, and, like the sick mentioned in
within a few short hours, he, too, was Holy Writ, could get up and walk without
reported among the dead. any assistance and get about, packing their
From this time forward, until we were knapsacks, with a cheer, and saying: "Count
relieved and ordered from the fort, on the me in; I'll be ready at 8 A. M. sharp." That
21st day of August, the death list increased was the time set to leave the gate of the
daily. Death seemed to lurk in every part of hospital, where the sick were all to assemble
the fort and barracks, and none knew what preparatory to leaving for the depot.
the morrow would bring forth. On some days The regiment was all in readiness to
scarcely a well man could be found in the march from the fort at an early hour on the
regiment. It was said at the time 'that only morning of the 22d of August, 1864, which
one man of the one thousand strong and all seemed to do without any regret. They
able-bodied men could say, on his departure, got under way at 9 A. M., via Baltimore,
that he had not been sick a single day while Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, arriving at
at the fort. Owing to an attack of malarial Cleveland on the 25th at 9 P. M., having
fever at this time, the memoranda of the been on the road eighty-four hours, and a
writer became lost, and we are, therefore, tedious ride it was, with over five hundred
unable to give the names and date of death sick men to feed and take care of on the
of the remainder of the forty-three men who route. A great many accidents occurred
died, and were daily carried by the tent door, which would be worthy of note. One of a
to be sent to their several homes, where ludicrous nature transpired while waiting on
many sad hearts were waiting to receive a siding for a down train. Some of the boys
them. Among the many sad deaths which spied an old oil well near the track, and,
occurred was that of John Downey, a clever, being inquisitive, had the audacity to apply a
good-natured fellow, a member of company lighted match, when the flames, like a flash,
H, whose home was near Fremont. On the shot high in the air. Just then the train
departure of the regiment, when the sick started, to the great relief of the thoroughly
were taken from their respective hospitals, frightened men.
preparatory to starting for home, he was The regiment was finally mustered out of
accidentally left behind, at Mount Pleasant the service on Sunday, the 4th day of
hospital, near Washington. There is no doubt September, 1864, and left Cleveland for
but that he received the best of treatment home on Monday, the 5th, where they
from good nurses, but as soon as he found arrived at 4 P. M., having been absent one
out that the regiment had departed for home, hundred and twenty-six days. They received
he probably became homesick, and died. The pay for one hundred and twenty-five days'
writer is of opinion that, had he started home service.
with his comrades, he would have recovered, The following is the list of names of
We took out of the same privates furnished by Sandusky county to
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 339

the several companies of the One Hundred Wesley Vandercook, Hixton Vansickles, Alexander
Walters, John Washburn, Austin Whittaker, Gilbert
and Sixty-ninth regiment of Ohio Volunteer Williams, David Younkman, Washington Younkman.
Infantry: COMPANY G.
COMPANY B.
PRIVATES.
PRIVATES.
Jacob H. Anderson, Isaac Anderson, Henry W. Angus,
Alonzo Aldrich, Murray Brown, Franklin Bowersox, John W. Angus, Francis H. Boor, Canfords Buckland,
William H. Bowersox, Nathaniel Bush, Samuel Boyd, Thomas Bracy, John L. Cook, Haman Carr, Tateman
James Clark, George Carleton, Reuben Chapman, Robert Clary, William Cook, Joshua Cook, William B.
Clapp, Jacob Close, Martin W. Cemple, George W. Callihan, Harrison Cobb, Henry Clink, Matthew Duke,
Colver, Edward D. Curtis, William Dymond, Theodore Isaac Duke, Thomas Dunlap, Demce Drain, Charles
Dirlam, Nathaniel Everhart, George Ellis, Alva Fenn, Dawley, Frank Decker, George W. Davis, Everett
James Fields, David Felty, Isadore Gilbert, Charles Evans, Joseph Evans, Charles Entsminger, Martin
Hess, Henry Hatfield, Enos Hoofnale, Kneeland Eckhart, Henry Frear, Richard Fickas, Joseph I. Garn,
Hamden, John Hardin, Orlin W. Harrison, Rudolph B. David Garn, Tobias Garn, Orin Greesman, George
Hineline, Peter Hutson, John Heffner, Josiah Jackson, Grivel, Rodney Gardener, Rodney Golden, Jacob
William Jackson, Ambrose Kernahan, William Geiger, John W. Hutchinson, Victor J. Hoffman,
Loudenslager, Burton Lemmon, Byron O. Leslie, George Samuel Hoff, Jerome Herrick, George Hedrick, Samuel
Mugg, Josiah Miller, Hiram Monger, Oscar Miller, Harley, Isaac Harley, Oliver P. Hoffman, Stanton
Philip Michael, Henry Parker, William L. Richards, Hoffman, Henry C. Holbrook, Grant Holcomb,
Charles G. Rising, George Supner, Albert Stark, Solomon Immel, John W. Jomes, James Jotnes, Samuel
William Scott, Lyman Sturtevant, Edward Streetor, Klute, Andrew J. Keller, George Karbler, Samuel S.
Theodore Strickland, D. R. Sutton, Joseph Sparks, John Long, William H. Lemmon, William H. Layman,
Stull, John Thorp, Bradford Tuttle, Theodore Thomas, William Lemmon, John W. Manning, Calvin Miller,
Scott Thomas, Sandford Terry, Samuel H. Tibbells, Thomas Madden, Adam Miller, Peter Plantz, Jonathan
Milton Weeks, Elijah West, Edgar Woodworth, Edward Reams, Charles Risley, Robert Ruthford, Theodore
Waltz, Asaph Walters, Samuel D. Wykoff, William Rinehart, Philander H. Smith, Isaac Sanders, Solomon
Wise, Tobias Watson, William Whitehead, Robert Tuel. Shusly, Henry W. Sentz, William Sting, Alexander H.
COMPANY F. Thorn, Charles T. Thompson, Adam W. Taylor, Herbert
Thomas, William Totten, Jacob Yeasling, Philip
PRIVATES. Zimmerman, Milton Garn, Daniel Garn.
Harvey Arling, Selah E. Anderson, Henry Alexander, COMPANY H.
Forest Bixler, George Barlheimer, James Briggs, John
PRIVATES.
Burg, Lewis Bolan, Hiram W. Blood, Isadore H.
Burgoon, Harrison Clayhorn, Henry Cochran, Darwin Pierson Abel, Abraham Bruner, Martin Bruner, Isaac
Clark, Thomas Durfee, Flavel W. Downs, John P. Deal, Bruner, Henry Beckman, William C. Boor, William C.
Theodore England, Henry Ernst, Calvin Freeman, James Brerman, Daniel F. Babb, William Bowlus, Christian
Fowler, John Garvin, Stephen Green, Thomas E. Batesole, Joseph Burkett, Jacob Burgner, Dwight
Gilmore, Daniel Gulden, William Helt, Frederick Hilt, Bement, Philip Cole, Jacob Cherrier,, James Campbell,
Abraham R. Hall, Benjamin I. Hall, Otto Hecke, David Alfred Cobb, John L. Daniels, John Doll, Samuel Doll,
Halter, Burr Huss, William I. Hughes, E. Holbrook, Darius Drake, George Daniels, Franklin Durlem,
Edwin Holcomb, Henry Imler, William Ice, Samuel Ice, Thomas J. Eldridge, John Fabings, Lewis Freese, James
John Ice, Oliver P. Jenks, Isaac Joseph, Peter Kessler, Fuller, Phineas Gilmore, Marcellus Gray, Lester L.
David Leppleman, John* B. Lott, Sardis B. Lockwood, Holcomb, David Harley, Hugh Harries, Hubbard Hill,
Joseph H. Mourer, William C. Meek, Hiram Mock, Emmett Hubbert, Lucian Hull, Chaplain R. Husse,
Wilbur F. Manning, Benjamin Mooney, Eli Maurer, James Jones, Isaac W. Krotzer, John Kemmerley,
Joseph Myers, Leander Myers, Joshua E. Mellen, Joseph Thomas J. Kenan, Peter Kenan, William D. Lee, Henry
Maggrum, William Ott, John Patterson, John Pease, Lance, William Lightner, Amos Ladd, William Lute,
Sylvanus P. Parker, Eugene Pelton, Joseph Parkhurst, Newton Long, Henry A. Mowry, Irvin Michael, Joseph
John Quinn, James Russell, Chap Rathburn, J. Ridley, T. Myers, Jacob E. Moary, William Miller, John
Daniel Rice, William Rowe, Henry C. Stacy, Joseph L. Miller, Jackson McDonald, James A. Mills, Winfield
Shueereman, A. Stuller, George Shriner, E. Shields, G. McIntire, Martin Mowry, Samuel Myers, John Ira
Tilghman Siegfreid, Charles B. Stillwell, Russell Smith, Overmire, Thomas Price, Joseph Putas, John Bozell,
Andrew J. Sanford, Samuel Shannon, Darling Trail, Jacob Sampsel, Adam Strout, Rariah Shasteen, Pete r C.
John Treat, Smith,
340 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Daniel Spoon, Valentine Shale, Jacob Shale, Leonard Virginia; Joseph Sparks, August 20, 1864, at For Ethan
Smith, Steward F. Shoup, John M. Stall, John Shutts, Allen, Virginia; Elijah West, August 31, 1864, at.
Isaiah VanDersole, Daniel Warner, Taylor G. Clyde, Ohio; William Whitehead, July 18, 1864, at Fort
Wickersham, Samuel Warner, Andrew Whitmore, Levi Ethan Allen, Virginia.
Wall, Francis M. Winters, Cyrus Wise, Henry Walters, COMPANY C.
Joseph Whitehead, Nelson Winters, Lafayette Wright,
Benjamin Wright, Gustavus Young. E. C. Beistle, July 21, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
Virginia; John, Smith, August 1, 1864, at Fort Ethan
COMPANY I. Allen, Virginia.
PRIVATES. COMPANY D.
John R. Bulger, Samuel Lutz, James M. Lindsey, John Isaac N. Bricker, August 7, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
T. Meek, Samuel McCormick, Pierson Milan Parson, Virginia; David Lichty, August q, 1864, at Fort Ethan
Charles M. Richards, Sylvester Robinson, Jacob Allen, Virginia; James Y. Orr, August q, 1864, at Fort
Remelshosher, Edwin Stone, Abel Willis, Edwin Van Ethan Allen, Virginia; George H. Snyder, July 29, 1864,
Doren, Abram Van Doren. at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia.
COMPANY K. COMPANY E.
PRIVATES. Samuel Joyce, July 12, 1864, at Fort' Ethan Allen,
Melancthon Albert, John Q. Andrews, William Virginia; Elias D. Martin, July 12, 1864, at Fort Ethan
Benner, James Benner, Silas Bowlus, Edward Bowersox, Allen, Virginia; Allen K. Rohrer, August y, 1864, at
Levi Bowersox, William Boyer, Amos Boyer, Simon Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia
Bowersox, Romanus Binkley, Emanuel Bowersox, John COMPANY F.
Cochran, Amos Cornicorn, George Cross, William
Deemer, David Davis, Joseph,Druckenmiller, John David Halter, July 25, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
Downing, Noah Eversole, Frederick Friar, Solomon Virginia; Edwin Holcum, July 21, 1864, at Fort Ethan
Fetterman, Peter Fisher, Sardis Fisher, Daniel Garin, Allen, Virginia; Daniel Rice, July 14, 1864, at Fort
David Geesman, Ernest Greeper, Wesley Hullinger, Ethan Allen, Virginia; Gilbert Williams, August 6,
James Hartgrove, Zacheus Hendricks, Charles Haccum, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia.
Adam Ickes, Charles June, John Koons, Samuel Sinton, COMPANY I.
William Leomalia, Joseph Mapes, Harrison Mowrey,
S. W. Hollingshead, August 12, 1864, at Fort Ethan
Daniel Miller, Solomon Manch, Aaron Mowrey, John
Allen, Virginia; David Marion, July 5, 1864, at Fort
Moyer, Edward Overmeyer, Henry Overmeyer, Michael
Ethan Allen, Virginia.
Overmeyer, Amos Overmeyer, Isaac Overmeyer, Homer
Overmeyer, George Oliger, Lafayette Ridout, Franklin COMPANY K.
Ridout, George Rearick, Joseph Rearick, William .Silas Bowlus, July 3, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
Reckerd, Daniel Reed, Samuel Reed, Park Rickele, John Virginia; Jacob Hausborger, July 21, 1864, at Fort Ethan
Remsburg, Jerome Seibert, Daniel Stutts, Levi Smith, Allen, Virginia; John Karnes, August 12, 1864, at
George Skinner, Gustavus Schert, Aaron Stufler, Henry Defiance, Ohio; Harrison Mowery, August 23, 1864, at
Shively, Monroe H. Seibert, Moses Ulch, Israel Washington, District of Columbia; Lafayette Ridout,
Walborn, Emanuel Walter, Joshua Walter, Josiah Wolf, July 25, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia; William
Peter Woolcot, Andrew J. Wolf, Ferdinand Wilson, Reckerd, August ., 1864, ,at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia;
Charles Zichraft. Jerome Seibert, July U, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
The following named men, members of the Virginia; Ferdinand Wilson, August 5, 1864, at Fort.
Ethan Allen, Virginia.
One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, died during their term of Of the sad accidents which occurred none
service,. as shown by the records of the was more regretted than the over-looking of
Adjutant General's office: John Downey (or Downing), a private of
company K. He was accidentally left in the
COMPANY A.
hospital at the Soldiers' Home, near
Peter Eberly, July 17, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen,
Virginia; Ross Myers, July 27, 1864, at Fort Ethan Washington, and died September 6, 1864,
Allen, Virginia; Walter M. Myers, July 30, 1864, at Fort and is buried in the National cemetery at
Ethan Allen, Virginia. Arlington, Virginia, in grove eight thousand
COMPANY B. three hundred and forty-six. He rests in a
James Field, July g, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, beautiful spot, beneath the foliage of an
over-hanging oak tree,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 341

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT helm disciplined the men to such proficiency
OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
that the regiment became the best drilled of
This regiment was one of those raised the command.
under the last call of the President, to serve On the 10th of July the One Hundred and
for one year, and was composed of men Eighty-sixth was ordered to Nashville. This
gathered from all parts of Ohio, the great consequently returned General Wildes to the
majority of them having already seen ar- command of his regiment. September 13,
duous service of the regimental officers, all orders were received to prepare the rolls for
but two had seen service. At 12 o'clock on the muster out of the regiment. On the 25th
the 2d day of March, 1865, the last company of September they were mustered out, and
to complete the regiment was mustered in at paid, at Columbus, Ohio. The regiment
Camp Chase, and placed under the command faithfully and earnestly performed every
of Colonel Thomas F. Wildes, who on the duty required of it, and bore all its privations
11th of the same month was made a brevet without a whisper of complaint, and, if the
brigadier-general. Its rendezvous was Camp continuance of the war had required, they
Chase. It moved in boats to Louisville, and would have been found equal to the best and
there, taking the cars, was soon at Nashville. bravest of the defenders of the Union.
On the 8th of March it left Nashville for To this regiment Sandusky county fur-
Murfreesborough, arriving there on the 10th nished the following named men, most of
of March, 1865. The march of the night of whom as has been said, had seen service
the 9th of March was one which will long be before:
remembered by the men of the One Hundred COMPANY E.
and Eighty-sixth. There was not a tent in the
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
command the regimental quartermaster had
not yet been mustered in and could not Captain John L. Greene.
First Lieutenant Edward Cook.
legally draw them, if they were to be had. Second Lieutenant James Daugherty.
There was rain and snow during the day, and PRIVATES.
at night the weather turned very cold. In all Alonzo Aldrich, Edmund R. Ash, John Applegate,
their three years' previous service the men Austin Applegate, Seldon Arnold, Peter H. Baker, Henry
had never experienced such a night. The cold Baker, Isaac Carl, Harrison G. Claghorn, Edward S.
was intense, but not a murmur of complaint Cooper, John M. Davis, Henry Dyer, Isaac M. Dickens,
Jacob Doll, Edward P. Daharsh, George Drew, Henry
was heard. The destination of the regiment Delling, George Endsley, Martin Eckhart, Henry W.
was Cleveland, Tennessee, where it went Ernst, Thomas Fowler, Nathan Foster, Orin M. Geisman,
into camp, and, following the example of the George W. Greener, Orville R. Hine, William S.
Hammond, Henry Hunsinger, Eugene A. Hodges, Isaac
old soldiers, soon erected comfortable H. Hughes, Isaiah Hague, Henry W. Imler, Francis N.
quarters. Kinney, Henry Lopp, William McCraw, John G.
On the 2d of May, 1865, the regiment Michael, George Miller, Philip Michael, Adam Miller,
moved from Cleveland to Dalton, and re- Calvin F. Miller, Henry Oberbouse, George B..
Overmyer, Calvin Pratt, William Pike, Barnard
mained there a few days. General Wildes, Poorman, Gilbert Perna, John O. Quince, George W.
meantime, had been assigned to the com- Roush, George Ryan, Frederick Riser, Conrad Sennert,
mand of a brigade at Chattanooga, and, on Joseph Strasbaugh, Henry Spade, Jacob Snyder,
Benjamin F. Sprout, Philip Shafer, Jacob Steinard,
his request, the One Hundred and Eighty- Martin Shroily, Henry 'Tucker, Luke Tuttle, Ezra B.
sixth was transferred to his brigade. At Tuckerman, Charles I. Tyler, John W. Tyler, James
Chattanooga Lieutenant. Colonel Wil- Walden, William A. Wilson, George Wir-
342 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

mess, George Wright, Rufus Lybarger, Joseph Kiln. qualities which reflect honor to every
THE THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. individual, whether officer or private, who
was so fortunate as to be on its rolls. To give
The Third Ohio Cavalry was organized a detailed account of the marches, charges
in September, 1861, at Monroeville, in and services of the brave and gallant body of
Huron county, Ohio. men, would need a whole book. It fought,
Captain William B. Amsden recruited a and marched, and charged with unflinching
company designated company D, in obedience to orders. It suffered without
Sandusky, Colonel Lewis Zahm being the complaining all through the war. It finished
moving spirit of the organization of the its long career of arduous service at Macon,
regiment. It moved from Camp Worcester, Georgia. It was, during the latter part of its
near Monroeville, to Camp Deanison on the service, under command of Captain E. M.
14th of January, 1862. From there it went Colver, and under him did some glorious
to Jeffersonville, Indiana, opposite work. Under orders from General Thomas
Louisville, Kentucky, in the following the Third turned over its horses and arms at
February. Then it moved on the 2d of Macon, and was ordered to report at
March, 1862, to Nashville, Tennessee, and Nashville, Tennessee, for muster out.
arrived there March 18. On the 10th of Proceeding to Louisville, Kentucky, and
March it left Nashville for Pittsburg thence to Camp Chase, Ohio, the regiment
Landing. On the 4th of April, 1862, General was there paid off and discharged on the
Buell detached the first battalion and sent it 14th day August, 1865, having served four
to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to oppose years lacking twenty days.
Biffle's rebel cavalry there. The rebels were The following is the roster and roll of the
met and driven out of Lawrenceburg. men furnished to this grand regiment from
Several rebels were wounded and one man Sandusky county:
killed and six horses captured. Another COMPANY D.
detachment, under Major John H. Foster, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
was sent to Mount Pleasant on the 6th of
Captain William B. Amsden.
April to seize a quantity of bacon, which First Lieutenant Richard B. Wood.
was duly captured and turned over to, the Second Lieutenant George F. Williams.
quarter-master. It then joined the regiment NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
at Savannah, whither the Third had moved Quartermaster Sergeant Henry H. Sears.
in advance of Buell's army. On the 25th of Sergeant Edward Haines.
April it marched up to Pittsburg Landing Sergeant Joseph A. Hill.
Sergeant Paul Deal.
and went into camp four miles from the Sergeant George W. Butler. Sergeant
river. William L. Stackhouse. Corporal
During the first year of its service the John Linebaugh.
Third Ohio Cavalry was attached to General Corporal Jacob Stahls.
Corporal Charles S. Kelsey.
T. J. Wood's division, and most of the time Corporal William Meredith.
was under his immediate command; and the Corporal Michael Farmer.
history of Wood's division is referred to for Corporal George Walcott.
Corporal Dennis D. Glass.
the gallant acts the regiment performed. Corporal William A. Blanden.
From this time on the regiment did faithful Blacksmith Oliver Mallerne.
service. It fought many hard battles and Blacksmith Gabriel Burrough.
displayed those Teamster John L. Dickinson.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 343

PRIVATES. COMPANY K.
George Abel, Hezekiah Albee, William Albee, PRIVATES.
Stephen Bice, Edward Cavil, John Clary, Joseph Henry W. Baker, Winfield S. Ballard, Benjamin F. Bolus,
Deitrich, John A. Deitz, Hezekiah Edwards, Wheeler Henry C. Dicken, Curtis S. Elder, William Fisher, Elias
Ferguson, Aaron Fought, Peter Grigwire, Lewis Howard, Valentine Lybarger, Samuel G. Martin, Daniel S.
Grigwire, Alanson Grover, Henry Grayback, Levi Hair, Moses, John Momyshaffer, Alexander J. Ogle, Francis
Marion Hawk, Philip C. Huffman, Allen Holcomb, Jacob Overmyer, Benjamin Philips, Joel G. Woodruff, James R.
Helmkee, Benjamin F. Hill, Thomas Jackson, Milo Wilson, William M. Wyant, Jacob Yourts.
James, James Kelsey, Richard Lemmon, Daniel H.
Lentz, Sardis B. Lockwood, David O. Lucas, Jacob TENTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Miller, Abel Miller, Reuben Miller, Marion Minkley, The following is a list of men who volun-
George W. Muney, Samuel Heff, George Heff, Thomas
Odell, Joseph Parrish, Jefferson Peck, Obid C. Russell, teered from Sandusky county and enlisted in
Henry Stahl, Isaiah Stout% Joseph G. M. Stackhouse, the Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. For the
David West, George D. Walker, James White, Henry services performed by this regiment the
Yeasting, Julius Beck, John R. P. Foster, William A.
Gregg, Hiram Arlin, Hiram Aldridge, Silas C. Boor,
reader is referred to Ohio in the War, by
James S. Donnell, William Eno, William H. Fawsy, Reid.
Augustus Graback, Dennis Gem, Samuel Games, COMPANY G.
Thomas M. Hill, Gilbert W. Hill, Philip Hathaway,
Barzillai Inman, William L. Long, George Michael, John NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER.
Sweet, Emanuel D. Smith, George W. Smith, Solomon Corporal Jehial Halliday.
Shively, John Temons, John Buck, John C. Curry,
Harvey Kerns, Henry P. Pope, Franklin Ream, Charles PRIVATES.
Ferguson. Francis Howell, Uriah Mitchell, Andrew Powers.
COMPANY F. This list is defective because it fails to
PRIVATES. mention Lieutenant James H. Hafford, who
Samuel Riggs, Martin Rowe, James Watson, John was afterwards promoted to captain, was
Young, Barkdall Arnott, James Arnott, James H. Green, taken prisoner, his horse being killed and so
John Wall.
falling on his legs as to prevent his escape
COMPANY K.
from the enemy; a brave soldier and worthy
PRIVATES.
commander of his company.
William Jones, James McCormick. Sandusky county also contributed patri-
THE NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. otic and brave men to other military or-
ganizations as follows:
This regiment was recruited in the fall and
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIXTH OHIO
winter of 1862. The nucleus of the regiment VOLUNTEER INFANTRY-COMPANY F.
was raised in the central and southern COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
portion of the State, with rendezvous at
Captain Martin Edgar.
Zanesville. It did faithful service, for the First Lieutenant Samuel W. Curtis.
particulars of which the reader may consult Second Lieutenant Sterry H. Cole.
the history of Ohio in the War. PRIVATES.
The following is the list of names given David Acker, Larry Arnold, William H. Ames, Jacob
the writer from records as men from Burden, Simon DeGraff, Peter R. Draper, Isaac N.
Sandusky county: Degraff, Peter D. Norris, Edmund J. Husted, Abbot
Jones, William M. Jenkins, Joseph W. Lee, Marshall
COMPANY I. Lester, Robert Lester, Marshall W. Lowe, Thomas
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. Millman, John Tenney, John B. Perkins, Walter Pitayo,
David M. Pelton, William Rice, Dwight Ruggles, Henry
Sergeant Tames Turner. Sayers, John Sly, Lyman J. Swift, Van Renssalear Swift,
PRIVATES. Wilber Waldron, Giles Yapel, Andrew J. Lockwood,
Thomas W. Miller, Horace Draper, Allen D. Owens,
Francis H. Bartlett, Ferdinand Bates, Jefferson Henry C. Owens, William S. Smith, Sperry Green,
Baker, Oscar T. Lefever, William H. Nortrip, Henry D. Cornelius S. Plue, George W. Steele.
VanFleet.
344 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH OHIO Drummer William K. Thomas.


VOLUNTEER INFANTRY-COMPANY H. PRIVATES.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Job Runnion, George Weaver.
Captain L. W. Davis.
First Lieutenant L. B. Shafer. Second Lieutenant
FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO
George A. Hall. VOLUNTEERS. COMPANY B.
PRIVATES. Private Andrew J. Bitle.
John Barr, James Bradshaw, Clark Daniels, Jeremiah SEVENTH COMPANY OHIO VOLUNTEER
Daniels, Henry Garvin, William N. Golden, Christian
Heisy. SHARPSHOOTERS.
COMPANY I. Corporal Benton Deyo.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Private Andrew Hush.

Captain Thomas J. Davis. SECOND REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER


First Lieutenant Samuel H. Eckelburg. Second HEAVY ARILLERY-COMPANY L.
Lieutenant Abraham Balyeat.
PRIVATES.
PRIVATES. Jacob Hoover, Byron Holly, Albert E. Ingham, Jacob
William Adams, George Bashaw, James Babcock, Smith, Nelson R. Forester.
Matthias Earney, Joseph Ellis, Hessy Edwards, George
Fitzgerald, George Higley, John Lance, James Pearson, Sandusky county gave to the Naval
William Pearson.
Service in United States Mississippi
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOURTH OHIO
squadron, Lysander C. Ball, Charles E.
NATIONAL GUARD-COMPANY H. Everett and Peter Parker.
PRIVATES.
OUR WOMEN AS “HELPMEET” IN THE WAR OF
William J. Raymond, Merritt C. Beymer. THE REBELLION.
SEVENTEENTH BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY No fair or true history of the war to
Private Edwin Snyder. suppress the Southern rebellion, and to save
the Constitution and the Government, can be
TWENTY-SECOND BATTERY.
written without placing on record, by the
PRIVATES.
side of the heroic deeds of the men, the
Andrew J. Culp, William H. Deal, John W. Knapp,
Charles Neff, Andrew J. Paden, Daniel M. Shiveley,
noble acts and the uncomplaining endurance
Clarence Williams, Thomas M. Hill, Joseph C. Knapp. of suffering and privation patiently borne by
TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. the patriotic women of Sandusky county, as
well as everywhere in the country.
COMMISSIONED OFFICER.
In the autumn of 1861, President Lincoln
Major Rutherford B. Hayes. and General Scott became convinced that the
THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, OHIO war would be prolonged through the
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY-COMPANY B. approaching. winter, and convinced also
Corporal Nicholas Messer. Private Jacob Kopp. that, with all the efforts Government could
COMPANY G. make with the resources then in its hands,
PRIVATES.
there must be much suffering in the army
necessarily to be kept in the field, for want
Henrich Boesinger, Frederick Emseh, Carl
Heimburger, Jacob Loesch, Philip Loesch, John W. of clothing and other supplies, made an
Loesch, Jacob Mueller, Valentine Oetzel, John BueBer, appeal to the mothers and daughters of the
Ernst Saupe, Joseph Twaerenbold, Samuel Zimmerman. republic for help. They were requested to
SIXTIETH REGIMENT make an effort to furnish shirts, drawers,
socks, mittens, etc., to the soldiers in the
COMPANY I.
field, and also such
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Corporal George Runnion,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 345

articles as the sick and wounded might need. called together, and on the 19th day of
And now we pause to consider and ask: October, 1861, about one hundred of the
What could a whole volume upon the then best and most influential women of the city
alarming condition of the country say or met at Birchard Hall to consider the matter,
prove better than an appeal of this kind, and organized a society, adopted a
made by the commander-in-chief of the army constitution, and elected officers, as fol-
and navy of the United States, and his lows:
venerable, war-worn lieutenant-general, to Mrs. R. P. Buckland, president; Mrs.
the women of the country? Alarm and fear, James Vallette, vice-president; Mrs. Geo.
and want of resources to carry on the war C. Canfield, treasurer; Mrs. A. Phelps,
successfully, are all implied in this appeal to secretary.
the women. The wisdom and experience of Mrs. S. Buckland, Mrs. Isaac E. Amsden,
the men who made this appeal are obvious. Mrs. Dr. St. Clair, Mrs. James W. Wilson,
They knew well the organism of the two Mrs. James Graham, Mrs. A. Norton, Miss
sexes that man is strongest in intellect and M. Raymond, and Miss Eveline Ball,
reasoning, while woman is more affectionate directors.
and intuitive than man; that her intuition The visiting committee was as follows:
often leads her to safer conclusions in the Mrs. F. I. Norton, Mrs. L. Canfield, Mrs.
practical affairs of life, than the slow William B. Sheldon, Mrs. Oscar Ball, Mrs.
judgment and reasoning of man. They knew Platt Brush, Mrs. M. W. St. Clair, and Miss
also that, while love is the controlling Bell Nyce.
influence in woman, when the object of her The receiving and distributing committee
love was placed in a position of danger and was composed of Mrs. J. B. G. Downs, Mrs.
suffering, her labor to rescue and relieve was George Raymond, and Mrs. Lewis Canfield.
intense, sleepless, and knew no bound but The object of the society was to collect
the limit of life itself. These wise ones knew and forward to the Union soldiers clothing,
also the power of woman in the domestic and medicine, and food fit for the sick soldiers,
social circles of life to stimulate man to lint, bandages, and every other article
action. This wise and timely appeal to available to relieve our soldiers from the
mothers and daughters was well made and sufferings incident to the war.
most nobly responded to, especially by the The society at once made its organization
women of Sandusky county. and objects known through the press of the
On the 14th of October, 1861, at a meet- county, and gave notice that any donations
ing held in Buckeye Hall, in Fremont, for the to the soldiers might be deposited with
purpose of recruiting for the Seventy-second Stephen Buckland, or R. C. McCulloch, of
regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, among Fremont.
other proceedings resolutions were passed At a meeting of the Soldiers' Aid So-
noticing this appeal to the mothers and ciety, held January 30, 1862, the following
daughters of the country, and requesting that officers were elected for the ensuing year:
they organize a society for the purpose Mrs. A. H. Miller, president; Mrs. J. L.
indicated. Greene, vice-president; Miss M. Raymond,
SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY. secretary; Mrs. George C. Canfield,
treasurer.
Promptly after publication of the reso-
The board of directors was as follows:
lutions, the women of the vicinity were
346 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Mrs. S. Grant, Mrs. Isaac Sharp, Mrs. A. B. most every week, and sometimes often
Taylor, Mrs. Henry Lesher, Mrs. William B. shipments were made of articles needed. One
Sheldon, Mrs. P C. Dean, Mrs. I. Camfield, or two would capture a horse and spring
Mrs. Theodore Clapp, Mrs. Oscar Ball, and wagon, drive through the country, calling on
Miss Alvira Ball. every one they met for donations. They
Mrs. F. I. Norton, Mrs. Platt Brush, and would enter a well-to-do farmer's residence.
Mrs. Benjamin Flint, composed the receiving The good wife on being informed of their
and distributing committee. object, would at once throw open closet,
To give a detailed account of all that our larder, and cellar, and whatever the callers
women did for the safety and comfort of our wanted they took, and the donor was happy
soldiers in the service, whether in the field in the giving. Her store of preserves, jellies,
or hospital, or in prison, would fill a book, pickles, blankets, old sheets, in fact anything
but is not necessary to a fair appreciation of they wanted was at their disposal, and the
their works. From the day the society was wagon would soon return loaded with good
organized, they worked for the comfort and and comforting things for the boys in the
health of the men in the army. They worked war. These collections and the donations
as only women can work for country, and for from those nearer the head of the
loved ones away, and in danger. Their minds organization were packed in boxes, and
and hands were busy in contriving and promptly sent by railroad to where they were
executing plans for the most good, and how most needed.
much good they accomplished the Infinite We here append the quarterly report of
alone can ever know and measure. Women the Soldiers' Aid Society of Fremont, made
whose hands had before been strangers to February 4, 1864, to give a sample of the
work, and whose circumstances in life then articles collected and forwarded, also a
were such as to free them from toil at home, report of a similar organization at Clyde, in
cheerfully met and mingled with those who September, 1864, which are as follows :
had known toil all their lives, on a common
level in their great work, and toiled together During the quarter, one box, containing 8 woolen
shirts, 26 pairs socks, 7 pairs drawers, 3 sheets, 6
and earnestly for the soldiers of the Union towels, 8 cotton shirts, 9 double gowns, 29
army. And the soldier in prison, or in handkerchiefs, 3 pounds compresses, 5 cans peaches,
hospital, or in camp on duty, received the 28 pounds dried apples, 5 pounds dried cherries, 4
letters from the noble women at home, pounds peaches (dried), 1 pair mittens, 2 pounds sugar,
4 pounds soap, 3 cans of apple-butter, 1 can of
bearing messages of recollection, kindness tomatoes.
and encouragement, accompanied with the This box contained also the Woodville donations,
free offerings of things needed for their viz: 17 shirts, 4 pairs socks, 8 pillows, 6 pillow slips, 4
pounds old cotton, and 9 pounds of dried fruit.
comfort, the soldier was not only relieved Also two other boxes, containing 14 flannel shirts,
and comforted, but was inspired with fresh 11 cotton shirts, 13 pairs drawers, 10 pillow slips, 7
and higher courage to fight and suffer on to sheets, 7 towels, 21 handkerchiefs, 12 pairs socks, 7
a glorious close of the war. jars apple butter, 16 pounds dried apples, 6 pounds
dried peaches, 5 pounds soap, 2 rolls cotton, 3 jars
The records of the society are not at hand, cherries; 2 boxes, 3 cans, and 2 bottles tomatoes; 1
but we have gathered sufficient facts to give bottle wine, 1 jar cherries, 1 jar peaches, 1 jar quinces,
future generations the kind of work they 1 jar raspberries, and 1 gallon boiled cider.
MRS. DOUGHERTY, President.
performed all through the war after the MRS. B. AMSDEN, Secretary.
society was first organized. Al-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 347

CLYDE AID SOCIETY. done, and by no means indicate the extent


CLYDE, September 23, 1864. The of shipments made during the four years of
second financial year of our society has come, and we the war after the women's movement was
still find ourselves in a cruel war. Though at present we inaugurated.
rejoice over our victories, and were it not for Northern
rebels we might think the work almost done; but they
The women of Fremont did not limit their
will meet a fall one day that will tell them and their work to sending good things forward for the
children the doom of traitors. In casting up our soldiers. As the hardships, exposure, and
proceedings we find as follows : the bloody work on the fields of battle went
Money received during the year ................... $266.00 on, during 1863, 1864, and part of 1865,
Paid out ........................................................... 258.91
Leaving in treasury .......................................... $ 7.10
thousands of men were discharged for
disability and sent home. Such women as
We return our thanks to Mr. H. Adams for his Mrs. John R. Pease, Mrs. R. P. Buckland,
donations--four hundred and fifty dollars,--also for the
melons; thanks to Mr. Hatfield for money received from Mrs. Dr. Stillwell, Mrs. Grant, and probably
taking pictures on Thursdays. All who want a good others in concert with them, discovered
picture call on Mr. Hatfield on Thursdays, and you will these soldiers making their way homeward
not only have a good picture but will help the Aid, as
half of the proceeds of that day go to the society. To
in destitute circumstances. They at once
Messrs. Lemon, Mook, Streeter, Russell, Nichols, seized the opportunity for doing good, and
Tichnor, Birdsey, and Steward for fleeces of wool, our rented a house and furnished it with
thanks. And to all who have so kindly donated during comforts for needy, returning invalid sol-
the year, we say keep on, as we shall need all the help
we can have in these times of high prices. We have diers. They watched for these needy patriots
shipped to the Commission at Cincinnati during the year and when one was found he was at once
the following: Two coats, 4 pair mittens, 2 sheets, 74 taken to their impromptu home for needy
shirts, 54 pair drawers, 9 comforts, 215 handkerchiefs,
45 double gowns, 33 pillows, 35 pillowcases, 64 pairs
soldiers. They would place him there and,
socks, 77 towels, 293 pads, 1,492 yards bandages, 1,967 furnish him with medicine if needed, and
compresses, 19 rolls linen, cotton and flannel, 9 food and lodging until he was refreshed and
napkins, 6 armslings, 24 rolls wide bandages, 3 vests, 6 able to go on his journey; and if he had no
pair slippers, 4 packages hops, 3 of sage, 374 magazines
and papers, 3 dozen buttons, 1 ounce linen thread, 17 means to travel with, the means also were
quires letter-paper, 13 packages envelopes, 56 combs, furnished him through their efforts, and the
47 cakes of soap, 4 dozen lead-pencils, one dozen pens thankful soldier, sick, wounded, or needy,
and holders, bunch toothpicks, 2 fans, 1 can sugar, 1
package beans, 163 pounds apples, 80 pounds small
was sent towards his home rejoicing. Such
fruits, 3 pounds canned beef, 1 keg pickled cabbage, 3 ¾ women need no words of praise; their acts
bushel potatoes, 1 box blackberry root, 29 quarts cucum- praise them better, before God and man,
ber catsup, r quart wine, 8 quarts canned blackberries, 1 than language can.
quart candy, r quart crabapple, 1 quart currant jelly, 1
quart canned gooseberries, 2 quarts canned raspberries,
8 of peaches, 12 of cherries, a boxes mustard, 4 pounds
corn starch, 1 can fruit, kind not known.
At a reorganization meeting September 22, the
following officers were elected: Mrs. Nathan P.
Birdseye, re-elected president; Mrs. Dr. Weaver, vice-
president; Mrs. Colonel Faton, secretary; Mrs. Dr.
Seeley, treasurer; Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Jackson,
directors.
MRS. NATHAN BIRDSEYE, President.
MRS. BRADLEY TUTTLE, Secretary.
These are mere specimens of what was
348 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

BIOG RAP HIC AL SKE T C HE S, the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry,


then being formed mainly through the efforts
of General Buckland. Dr. Eaton was
GENERAL CHARLES GRANT complimented for his activity with the
EATON. captaincy of company A, composed mostly
As a soldier, physician, and citizen, Col- of citizens of the east part of the county.
onel Eaton is alike favorably and honorably The biography of Dr. Eaton from now
remembered. He was one of those peculiar until the close of the war is closely
men whose ability commanded respect, and interwoven with the history of the noble
whose qualities ingratiated him into the Seventy-second Although his commissioned
affections of his companions. .Since people rank in the service did not obtain higher than
are naturally interested in .what is said of the lieutenant-colonelcy, he was in command
their friends, this sketch is sure to receive a of the regiment during many of its most
general reading. perilous expeditions. The regiment, soon
Charles Grant Eaton was a son of Abel after enlistment, was ordered up the
and Julia Eaton, and was born at Lowell, Tennessee River. At Shiloh Captain Eaton
Massachusetts, September 27, 1825. His was quite sick, and in consequence was
parents removed to Ohio in 1828, and settled unable to participate actively in this
in Licking county. Charles worked on a farm engagement, in which the lieutenant-colonel
and attended the common schools of that was killed and the major captured.. The
community until young manhood, when he command then devolved upon Colonel
began the study of medicine in Granville,. Eaton, until the regiment reached Camp No.
under the tutorage of Dr. Austin. He 6, in front of Corinth, when Colonel
attended lectures at Cincinnati College of Buckland, Who had been in command of the
Medicine, where he graduated in the class of brigade, reassumed command of the
1847. regiment.
Dr. Eaton began practice at Savannah, Captain Eaton was promoted to major
Athens county, Ohio. He married, May 15, July 23, 1862. In November, 1862, Colonel
1.849, Mary H. Conant, who was born in, Buckland being again called to the command
Worcester county, Massachusetts, July 8, of a brigade, Major Eaton was given
1825, Her parents, Lot and Mary Conant, command of the regiment on Grant's
settled in West Virginia in 1830. Mississippi campaign, and several
In 1853 Dr. Eaton began the practice of independent expeditions, until the return of
his profession in Clyde. His tact and skill Lieutenant-Colonel Crockett in January,
soon found favor, and a full share of the 1863. He served with credit through the
practice of the eastern part of the county Vicksburg campaign, and was soon after
came under his care. His professional career commissioned lieutenant-colonel. In the
was uninterrupted until the opening of the absence of the colonel he commanded the,
Rebellion. The political storm had not been regiment until it was mustered out,
raging without his notice. He felt that September 11, 1865.
patriotism demanded political activity, and Colonel Eaton commanded his regiment
responded heartily to the call. on McPherson's expedition to Canton,
When the country was aroused by the Mississippi, and in Sturgis' fight with
sound of battle, Dr. Eaton abandoned his Forrest near Tupelo, Mississippi, where his
practice and began recruiting troops for bravery and devotion saved many men
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 349

from capture. In General A. J, Smith's fights promised his order, and saved the regiment
with Forrest; on, Mower's raid through from foolish destruction.
Arkansas into Missouri after the rebel Colonel Eaton, as it is popularly expressed,
General Price; at the battle of Nashville, was "one of the boys"; always ready to join
December, 1864, where the Seventy-second in their amusements, exert himself to relieve
won distinguished honor; in the attacks upon their suffering, and make the burdens of
the forts around Mobile in the spring of army life as light as possible. No body of
1865, he bore himself like a true soldier. men could help but, be attached to such an
When hostilities had finally ceased, lie officer. Friendship, heightened into love,
marched with his command, by way of which has not yet been forgotten by
Montgomery and Selma, to Vicksburg, comrades in arms. On one occasion, at a
where the regiment was mustered out. reunion, a veteran caught his old colonel by
He came out of the service," says the the hand, and, as he remembered the
memorial of the Army of the Tennessee, multiplied kindnesses shown the rank and
"without a blemish on his military record, file on the field, his eyes filled and tears
and at the close of the war was brevetted drowned the words with which he wanted to
brigadier-general for gallant and meritorious express himself. A similar feeling of
services." affection is cherished by his entire
Colonel Eaton was firmly attached to his command.
regiment. He was a man of heart as well as. After the war Dr. Eaton resumed the
courage. While he was ambitious to honor: practice of his profession in Clyde. He died
his regiment, he at the same time protected October 13, 1895. In his profession, General
them so far as possible from rash and Eaton was not bound by any school of
hazardous undertakings. An incident practice. He was practical in the treatment of
illustrating his character as a military cases, never wanting in resources, and
commander occurred on the field of always prompt in their application. While his
Nashville. The lines were drawn up in front knowledge of the science of medicine
of the enemy's position, the Seventy-second covered a wide range, he relied more upon
being placed before a strong point. his own judgment and experience . than
Brigadier-General McMillen sent his aide to upon books and rules. He perceived quickly
Colonel Eaton, ordering hint to lead the and accurately, and discriminated finely. A
advance. Eaton saw at once that the retentive memory was his faithful servant,
execution of this order would be the certain and trade a diversified experience valuable.
destruction of the regiment: He told the As a citizen, General Eaton was
officer to present General McMillen his enterprising and influential. He was
compliments, and to tell him that he was not freehanded with his money, and loved
going to advance. The aide communicated association. His affable manner, generosity,
Eaton's reply to McMillen, who rode in and interesting conversation caused his
person to the front and repeated the order. companionship- to be sought and
Eaton, in his characteristic way, said, in appreciated. Although without early training,
effect: General, you can't see the situation. I and never a hard student, he was a well-
am here in front where I can, and I tell you informed man. His was one of those peculiar
this regiment is not going to advance on that minds which absorb the acquirements of
position." General McMillen com- minds with which they come in contact.
Having engaged in a consulta-
350 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tion of physicians, or social conversation, he appeals to his mother by writing to her from
came away possessed of all the information Hudson, asking her to consent to his
called out. enlistment. The letters he wrote are so full of
Dr. Eaton was buried with Masonic expressions of filial obedience, and yet so
honors, having been connected with that earnest, that they honor both parents and
fraternity from the age of twenty-one years. their child. They are given here, not
He was also a member of the Odd Fellows specially to praise young Buckland, but to
lodge. show the spirit of a representative young
Mrs. Eaton is yet a citizen of Clyde. The man of our county:
family consisted of three children-Charles HUDSON, November 10, 1861.
Henry, born March 14, 1850, lives in DEAR PARENTS: I write home, at the present
Colorado; Mary Julia, born October 31, time, for your permission to enter the army.
1851, married August 6, 1875, to John H. Notwithstanding my great and burning desire to go and
help overturn the rebels, I have held back by your
King, lives in Michigan; Frederick C., born advice, and in accordance with your wishes. You do
January 13, 1861, died March 14, 1862. not know how many times I have regretted I was not in
the army, and often I think I seem a coward that I have
not gone. But I gave my promise that I should not go
without your consent, and I do not wish to break it. A
great many of my friends have gone, and to me it
seems as if I should be with them. You think me unable
CHESTER AVERILL BUCKLAND, to undergo the life of a soldier. I, as well as others,
son of Stephen and Lucy Buckland, was have sound and unblemished limbs, fine-textured
muscles, capable of great development, and which can
born January 6, 1841, at Edinburg, then in be taught to bear fatigue. To be sure, I am small in
Portage, but now in Summit county. He stature, but it has been proved that small men make the
came with his parents, while quite young, to best soldiers, capable of enduring more fatigue,
excitement, hunger, thirst, and danger than large men,
Fremont, and at an early period determined being sounder, and more compactly made. I have calcu-
to learn a trade, and be independent. He lated the costs, the danger, toil, and privation I will
accordingly served an apprenticeship at the have to undergo, and with your consent, I will most
printing business in the Fremont journal gladly endure them all. Do not refuse me. I know it
will cause you many an anxious hour, but you will love
office, under the instruction of Isaac M. to boast of me, as well as of my brother. I would, of
Keeler, the then editor and publisher of the course, want to go with Henry. Besides, I should no
paper. He evinced so much manliness and longer be a burden to you, but could let you have the
most of my money which I would draw from the
intelligence that his parents determined to Government, instead of drawing from you, which you
give him an education, and for that purpose can scarcely spare. Do not think this is a sudden streak
sent him to Hudson College. Here young in me, for it is not. It has long been forming, and every
Buckland made rapid progress in his day becomes stronger and more powerful, and many
times I have almost said I would go. You well know
studies, and developed qualities which that long since I should have gone had you not
promised a high and noble manhood. From restrained me, and now it requires but one word, and I
the time the war of the Rebellion first broke will go. Do not withhold it. The more I see of the
hardship, pain, and suffering in this war, the more I
out, he had a burning desire to enter the want to go and help punish the causes of it. I have
Union army, but could not obtain the delayed long enough, and I feel that I can not do so
consent of his loved and loving mother. very long. I think it my duty to go. There are none who
When his older brother, Henry W. are dependent on me, and I can afford, as well as
others, to leave my home and all I love for my
Buckland, enlisted, and became lieutenant country's welfare. Now that I have gone thus far, do not
of Company B, of the Seventy-second refuse me. There are many men who have left their
regiment, Chester made further wives and children
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 351

to go. I have neither, and there are none who would He who led His chosen people, in their efforts to be
suffer should I fall, Besides, I should be in far better free
health after I got used to it. I bad a letter from From the tyranny of Egypt, will be merciful to me;
Lieutenant Tyler yesterday. He said all were well. I had Will protect me by His power, whate'er I undertake,
a letter from Fred Collins during the week; he sends Will return me home in safety, dearest mother, for your
love. I had one from Pollie Stratton Wednesday. I must sake;
close now. So good-bye, and soon return a favorable Or should this, my bleeding country, need a victim
reply to your son, such as me,
CHESTER A. BUCKLAND. I am nothing more than others who have perished to be
free.
MOTHER, CAN I GO? On her bosom let me slumber; on her altar let me lie;
I am not afraid, dear mother, in so good a cause to die.
I am writing to you, mother, knowing well what you will
say, There will come a day of gladness, when the people of
When you read with tearful fondness, all I write to you the Lord
today; Shall look proudly on their banner which His mercy
Knowing well the flame of ardor, on a loyal mother's has restored,
part, When the stars, in perfect number, on their azure field
That will kindle with each impulse, with each throbbing of blue,
of your heart. Shall be clustered in a union, then and ever firm and
I have heard my country calling for her sons that still true.
are true; I may live to see it, mother, when the patriot's work is
I have loved that country, mother, only next to God and done,
you, And your heart, so full of kindness, will beat proudly
And my soul is springing forward to resist her bitter for your son;
foes; Or through tears your eyes may see it, with a sadly
Can I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, can 1 go? thoughtful view,
And may love it still more dearly for the cost it won
From the battered walls of Sumter, from the wild waves from you.
of the sea, I have written to you, mother, with a consciousness of
I have heard her cry for succor, as the voice of God to right;
me; I am thinking of you fondly, with a loyal heart, tonight.
In prosperity I loved her, in her days of dark distress; When I have your noble bidding, which shall bid me to
With your spirit in me, mother, could I love that country press on,
less? I will come and see you, mother, come and see you and
They have pierced her heart with treason; they have be gone-
caused her sons to bleed; In the sacred name of freedom and my country as her
They have robbed her in her kindness; they have tri- due;
umphed in her need; In the name of law and justice, I have written this to
They have trampled on her standard, and she calls me in you.
her woe. I am eager, anxious, longing, to resist my country's foe.
Can I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, can I go? Shall I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, shall I
go?
I am young and slender, mother; they would call me yet -Chester A. Buckland.
a boy;
But I know the land I live in, and the blessings I enjoy. CAMP SHILOH, WEST TENNESSEE.
I am old enough, dear mother, to be loyal; proud, and Saturday April 5, 1862.
true DEAREST MOTHER:,
To the faithful sense of duty I have ever learned from You may glory in us now.
you. Yesterday, while drilling. about a mile from here, our
We must conquer this rebellion; let the doubting heart pickets were fired upon. In a very few moments the
be still; Seventy-second was on its way to battle at a double
We must conquer it or perish; we must conquer, and we quick-step, company B in the rear. When we arrived at
will. a convenient place, we were deployed as skirmishers,
But the faithful must not falter; and shall I be wanting? and were to try and surround the rebels. We wandered
No! along a couple of miles. I and Henry were near the end
Bid me go, my dearest mother. Tell me, mother, can I of the company. The
go?
352 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

company was in groups of four, each group twenty paces wounded ones. Our Enfields . make wicked holes. The
apart. An order was given to rally on first group, when first was a young boy about eighteen. He was afraid of
the front commenced to fire, but ceased before we could us, and wanted to know what we would do with him. We
get up. We wandered in a body for near an hour, making promised to take care of him, as we would of our own
frequent halts. Every ear was listening and every eye men. He was assured of this, for one wanted to kill him,,
watching eagerly for sound or sight of the enemy. but we raked him so" the boy was encouraged. The
Nearly an hour from the first fire we got sight of them other was a man about twenty-five. We carried them as
again, and nearly all got a chance to fire. We think one far as the pickets, where we had to leave them, for we
was killed or badly wounded. Here we found there were could carry them no farther. Each one said there were
more than we thought, and so we retreated to a kind of a four or five hundred of them. They were from Alabama,
pen built of rails, and then to a big tree on the brow of a were well dressed and pretty well armed. These two men
ravine. In a little time the rebel cavalry rude up in sight, died last night. The rebels had carried all their wounded
and then the fight began. I could hear the balls go and dead away, but our cavalry say they saw about
"whip" through the air, and hear them strike the trees twenty dead rebels in the woods, and there must have
around us. There were a hundred, and fifty rebels been many wounded. I saw four dead horse.
against forty-four of us! Once in a while one would drop Company A passed over the ground where our
from his horse or a horse would fall dead or wounded. heaviest fire was aimed, and found a great many, sabres,
We would load, run up where we could see, drop on our pistols, guns, blankets, and everything they couldn't take
knees, take aim and fire, and then run back to load. In away. They had a battery not far from where we were,
this manner we made them believe there were a good and the cavalry followed them nearly into it. I have
many more than there were of us. heard our men took two pieces of artillery, but am not
In this part of the fight two of our men were wounded, certain if it be true. None on our side were killed, but
Charles H. Bennet, in the right leg and James Titsword Major Crockett, I fear, is a prisoner. The last seen of
through the left breast above the heart. When we had him, he was riding like a flash through the woods, fol-
fought about three-fourths of an hour, it commenced to lowed by a dozen rebel horsemen. He had no arms with
rain and hail, which made it difficult to load without him, and couldn't fight them. A sergeant and a corporal
wetting the power. Then the rebels retreated. In a very were taken prisoner from company H. Company H had
little time it rained so hard we could not see more than a four wounded, one the color-sergeant, old Dr. Gessner's
couple of rods, which was just exactly the time for them son. He was taken prisoner and told to climb behind one
to ride on to us and cut us in pieces. We threw out of the rebels, which he would not do. The rebel drew a
guards to watch for them. I never knew it to rain so revolver and snapped it at him, but it missed fire. He ran
hard. When the rain had ceased, we saw them forming while the rebel was cocking it again, when the fellow
on a sort of prairie beyond the reach of our Enfields. Ina shot and hit him in the shoulder.. Our men took nine or
short time they gave a great shout and advanced on us. ten prisoners, who said they hadn't thought we could
As soon as they were within good reach, we commenced shoot so well. We must have killed about as many as
to drop them again. They had been reinforced to about there were of us, for every man took aim, and there are
four or five hundred, beside what may have been in some who don't miss often. Orin England and Eugene
reserve. We fought here about a quarter of an hour more, Rawson were with our company, and neither one of
during which three more were wounded, and several had them had even a pistol; but as soon as Titswood was
holes shot in their clothes, one having a thumb broke, wounded, Orin took his gun and cartridge box and
two shots in his arm, one through his clothes and one in fought well, while Eugene stood up with the boys and
his boot. Now was the desperate time. The rebels fired a talked and laughed, and told them to keep cool and take
volley, drew sabres and began to advance. They were on good aim. It was no light matter to stand up unarmed,
three sides of us. Our hearts began to sink. We rallied and a lot of fellows shooting at one. While we were
round the old white oak, each one firmly grasping his bringing in the wounded there was a heavy battle not far
gun with its powder-stained bayonet, and determined to from where we fought. Our fight will not probably
give as good as we got. How fierce we felt. Our last appear in the papers, but we had a hard struggle, and
chance seemed gone, when a volley sounded in the rear against most fearful odds. Ten to one is a great
of the rebels. It was the Seventy-second! How loud the disadvantage. Two minutes more and company B,
hurrahs sounded then! It was the sweetest music I ever Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, would have
heard! The rebels turned and fled. We were saved. We been no more. We would have all been killed, for each
fired as long as we could reach them and then took one would have died fighting. It would have been a
Titsword in care, and then we went over to where part of barren victory, for there would have been a dead rebel or
the rebels had been. We found two mortally two for everyone of us. Our bayonets were
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 353

fixed, and they are sorry things to run upon. We were Chester A. Buckland, who gave to it a dearer
willing to stop fighting. How soon we will have another
fight I don't know, but any minute the long roll may
offering than did his father and mother?
sound for the battle. We may fight and die; but, mother,
your sons will never quail.
It is getting too dark to write, so I must close. Good-
bye, dear mother, and remember if I die it is for my MICHAEL WEGSTEIN.
country.
The first man of the Seventy-second
Your son,
CHESTER A. BUCKLAND. regiment to give his life on the field of battle
for our Union and liberty, was Captain
That these appeals were successful the
Michael Wegstein, of company H. He was
above letter shows. The patriotic mother
born in Baden, Germany, in the year 1818.
could no longer withhold her consent. On the
He emigrated to the United States in 1834,
22d day of November he enlisted in
and as soon as time allowed became an
company B, of the Seventy-second regiment,
American citizen by naturalization. He was
at the age of twenty years. He went with the
an industrious and useful citizen, and in
regiment to Shiloh, and there, early in the
1859 was elected sheriff of Sandusky
day of the 6th of April, he was wounded in
county. In the year 1861 Doctor A. R.
the knee by a rifle shot from the enemy.
Ferguson was elected his successor, whose
The news of his being wounded reached
term of service began on the 1st of January,
home. Lists of the wounded who had been
1862. After the October election of 1861,
sent homeward were published in the papers.
Mr. Wegstein, being defeated in the election
The anxious parents watched eagerly the list
by Dr. Ferguson, at once set himself about
of those sent to Ohio, but Chester's name
recruiting a company of Germans, to form a
was not found. It appeared subsequently that
part of the Seventy-second regiment. He
by mistake his name was in the list of those
succeeded, notwithstanding a portion of his
sent to Indiana, which the friends here did
party, the Democratic, was much opposed to
not search with so much interest.
the war at that time. Captain Wegstein was a
Our people at once, after the battle of
brave, honest, and patriotic man. He ably
Shiloh, sent a committee there and another
and faithfully commanded company H, of
to Cincinnati, to look after the returning
the Seventy-second regiment, and was with
wounded. Dr. L. Q. Rawson, while at
it in all its movements until the morning of
Cincinnati, found that young Buckland had
the memorable 6th of April, 1862. At the
died of his wound on a steamboat which was
first onset of the rebels in that battle he was
bringing him to that city from Cairo. Dr.
found ready and at the head of his company.
Rawson at once placed the body in a metallic
As he was forming them into line for a
case, and sent the remains homeward, and
charge upon the enemy, a mini rifle ball
informed the parents by telegraph what had
from the enemy's ranks struck him in the
happened.
throat, a little above the breast bone, and he
The remains arrived in due time, and,
fell dead upon the field of battle. He was
after solemn services, were deposited by a
certainly the first man of the Seventy-second
large collection of mourning, patriotic
killed in battle, and probably the first life
citizens in Oakwood cemetery, where he
offered up by the patriots of Sandusky in the
rests.
great struggle for the Nation's life. Michael
Who did more for the country than
Wegstein was an honest
354 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

man, faithful in the discharge of all the the cost of the sacrifice he was about to
social duties of life-a good citizen in all make, joined the Twelfth New York regi-
respects. He was always a brave man, and a ment as a private. In that capacity he took a
patriot who gave his life for his adopted noble part in the battle of Bull Run, evincing
country. great coolness and bravery. When the
If Sandusky county shall ever perform her fortunes of the day went against General
sacred duty in honoring her soldiers with a McDowell's army, and when, in the
monument to them, the name of Michael confusion that followed, regiments were
Wegstein should have a prominent place, thrown into disorder and scattered, he and a
and justly and truly record the fact that of all tried companion sought the protection of a
the men the county gave to the Seventy- tree, from behind which they loaded and
second regiment, he, an honest, brave, and fired until his friend fell dead by his side.
patriotic man, was the first to die in battle. In December, 1861, he was appointed
adjutant of the Seventy-second Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry by the Governor of Ohio, and
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HERMAN was accordingly transferred to it by the War
CANFIELD, Department. He could have received no
of Medina county, was the next offering of transfer more agreeable to his feelings, and
life on the field of battle from the Seventy- none more complimentary. The Seventy-
second regiment. He was a scholar, a second was chiefly raised in his own county,
graduate, a lawyer, and left a good and lu- and was composed in a great measure of
crative practice to enter the service. By his those who had been the companions of his
efforts a company was enlisted in the eastern boyhood. Entering upon the duties of his
portion of the State. A few minutes after new field, he at once exhibited a peculiar
Captain Weigstein fell, Lieutenant-Colonel fitness for the position to which he had been
Canfield was shot through the breast while called, and, from his previous experience in
riding in front of his command, on the the service, was of great advantage in the
morning of the 6th of April, 1862, in the early training of the regiment. He left
battle of Shiloh, and died on the 7th of the Fremont with the regiment in January, 1862,
same month. when it moved to Camp Chase, preparatory,
to setting out to its final destination,
Paducah and the Southwest. When, joined to
the Army of the Tennessee, the Seventy-
MAJOR EUGENE ALLEN RAWSON. second disembarked at Pittsburg Landing,
Among the noble men who have earned the men composing the command were
the gratitude of a Nation, by giving their mostly sick, suffering terribly from the
strength and their lives to its defence, few effect of their transit and with the disease
there are whose memory deserves to be more peculiar to that Southern climate, to which
warmly cherished than he whose name they were unused. Major Rawson's natural
stands at the head of this article. While at buoyancy of spirit, and cheerful, sprightly
school at Homer, New York, and just about manner could not otherwise than revive the
finishing his academic course, preparatory to drooping spirits of the boys, amongst whom,
entering Yale College, the President's first in their hour of calamity, he went about
call came for volunteers, and young Rawson, "doing good." On Friday preceding the
not stopping to count
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 355

battle of Shiloh, Major Crockett, with hastened to their rescue at a double quick,
company A and company B, was sent and arrived just in time to defeat a charge
forward by Colonel Buckland on a the rebels had drawn sabre to make.
reconnaissance to ascertain the reason of the Although Major Rawson was not in
unusual firing heard in the direction of the command of the detachment, yet owing to
picket line. Advancing some distance and the feeble health of Captain Raymond, the
failing to discover the cause, Major Crockett conduct of the 'defence devolved principally
separated his little command, moving upon him. Under his direction a volley of
himself with one company to the left, while only ten guns was fired at one time, so that a
he sent company B, accompanied by sufficient reserve should remain to mete out
Adjutant Rawson, to the right. Major with steady aim another and still another
Crockett's company, after proceeding but a volley, if the dashing chivalry should choose
little way, was met by a superior force of to follow up their advance after receiving the
rebel cavalry. The Major and some of leis first round.
men were captured, while the balance barely After the fight was over, the enemy's dead
made good their retreat. Company B, of men and horses counted, and the few
continuing its course to the right, wounded prisoners cared for, all, both
unconscious of the fate of their gallant officers and men, were lavish of the praise
Major and his men, were confronted at a they bestowed upon their young adjutant.
distance of a mile or two farther by the same Without a musket himself, he picked up that
cavalry which had so summarily disposed of of a wounded comrade, and fired his rounds
their companions, now largely reinforced. with a composure that did no discredit to his
Comprehending at a glance their situation, exploit at Bull Run.
they discovered at once that retreat was When the battle opened on the 6th of
impossible, and that the alternative remained April, two days afterwards, and the rebels
to surrender or attempt to hold the enemy at came like an avalanche upon our unsus-
bay until reinforcements should arrive. The pecting troops at Shiloh, Buckland's brigade
latter course was unhesitatingly adopted. responded to the beat of the long-roll with
Choosing an elevated piece of ground, such alacrity that they stood in the very front
covered sparsely by trees, they prepared for of Sherman's division, ready to meet the
the attack. corning shock before the enemy had gained
Their position placed the enemy in front, rifle distance of their position. Colonel
the ground being unfavorable for a flank Buckland being in command of the brigade,
movement. Making a fallen tree their the command devolved upon Lieutenant-
breastwork, those forty men, who had never Colonel Canfield. Major Crockett, the only
before stood face to face with an enemy, other field officer of the regiment, being a
who, for the first time were required to point prisoner, by common consent Adjutant
a gun or pull a trigger-held in check, for Rawson assumed his position for the
hours, six hundred rebel cavalry, by occasion. At the first or second fire
emptying the saddles of the advance until, to Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield fell mortally
their great relief, a volley in the rear of their wounded, and he alone remained to
enemy announced the arrival of part of the command and cheer the undaunted boys who
Seventy-second regiment, led by Colonel stood steadfast amid the storm of leaden hail
Buckland, who, becoming alarmed at their that mowed through their ranks, until Col-
long absence,
356 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

onel Buckland, seeing the disaster that had or eight thousand strong. So well did they
befallen his own brave regiment, put himself play their part that they kept the enemy
at their head, and led them through the fight. beguiled and at rest until time enough had
The horse of our young adjutant was shot elapsed for General Smith to cross the river
from under him, and another that had been above, at the point chosen, without
sent forward for him being captured before it interference. The object of the expedition
reached him, his duties were no less bravely attained, they were ordered to return to
or efficiently performed on foot. Memphis. But they were in the enemy's
The history of the Seventy-second; of the country, out of reach of reinforcements,
part it bore in the three days' fight at numbering less than sixteen hundred, with
Pittsburg Landing; in the siege of Corinth; the rebels in strong force on the opposite
in. the pursuit of Forrest through Tennessee; side of the river. To render less hazardous
of its marches, skirmishes and battles from their retreat it became necessary to burn two
Memphis to Vicksburg; of its pursuit of bridges. Colonel Eaton received the order
Johnson, under Sherman, to Jackson; of its from the general in command to execute the
return to Memphis, and of the part it enacted task. Dividing his regiment, he marched
in the great expedition of General Sherman before morning with the main body to the
into Mississippi—is the history of Major one supposed to be the most strongly
Rawson. After the Seventy-second had re- guarded, assigning to Major Rawson two
enlisted as veterans, and after the main body, small companies with which to proceed to
composing Sherman's expedition, had moved the other, where it was thought but few
southward, a small force, consisting of not would be found to offer resistance. The
over sixteen hundred men, was sent out on reverse proved to be the case. The Major it
the venturesome expedition of making a was who encountered the largest force.
feint into the enemy's country, who were Having arrived at the bridge Major Rawson
holding a position on the bank of the sent his pickets across to reconnoiter. No
Tallahatchie, to intercept and defeat the sooner had they gained the opposite side
crossing of the reinforcements moving to the than from a point out of sight, came dashing
support of General Sherman. Of this up a large body of rebel cavalry, who
comparatively small force the Seventy- commenced firing on the pickets. Veterans
second formed a part under the command of as they were, they knew too much to run
Lieutenant-Colonel Eaton and Major across the bridge, where they would be sure
Rawson, Adjutant Rawson having been to receive the raking fire of the rebel
promoted to the rank of Major by the carbines. So they jumped over the sides into
unanimous recommendation of the officers, the water. This gave them the protection of
and in accordance with the known feeling of the bank, as they well knew the trusty rifles
the regiment, although he stood not in the of their companions would make a near ap-
regular line of promotion. proach to the bank a place where a rebel
Arriving at the Tallahatchie River in the would hardly venture to "make ready, take
evening, and finding the enemy encamped in aim, fire," even at the command of a major-
large force on the opposite bank, they lit up general himself. A brisk little fight ensued-
their camp fires in such profusion as to the bridge was destroyed without the loss of
deceive the rebels into the belief that they a man on Major Rawson's side, while more
were a body of some six than one rebel grave marks the site where
the old bridge
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 357

stood—the commanding rebel general's own concourse of his friends and fellow-citi-
son being one of the slain. zens, who loved the boy, and mourned the
From the badly managed expedition, of death of the young hero and patriot.
which the Seventy-second formed a part, At a meeting of the officers and soldiers
sent out from Memphis under General of the Seventy. second Ohio Veteran
Sturgis, which ended so sadly at Guntown Volunteer Infantry, held at Memphis,
and Ripley, in Mississippi, Major Rawson Tennessee, the 28th day of July, 1864, for
reached Memphis with such of the officers the purpose of expressing their feelings in
and men of his regiment as were saved from regard to the death of Major Eugene A.
the general disaster, marching over eighty Rawson, Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. Eaton
miles, without food or rest, in less than was elected chairman, and Lieutenant J.
forty-eight hours. The Seventy-second, Wells Watterson, regimental quartermaster,
acting as a rear guard of the fleeing troops, secretary. The meeting was called to order
valiantly beat back the pursuing foe until out and the following members appointed a
of ammunition, and their supply train committee on resolutions: Lieutenant A. B.
destroyed by the rebels, they were forced to Putman, company A; Lieutenant J. F.
make good their escape by flight, which they Harrington, company A; Sergeant Corwin
did, but two hundred and fifty of the Ensminger, company C; Sergeant Abraham
regiment being captured. Scarcely rested Eldridge, company I; Corporal Samuel
from the terrible scenes and suffering Persing, company A. The following
through which they had passed, the resolutions were presented and'
regiment, now over half reduced in number, unanimously adopted by the meeting:
in command of Major Rawson, started again, WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove
under General A. J. Smith, to encounter the from us our brother officer and soldier, Major Eugene
same foe. Coming up to the enemy at A. Rawson, by death on the zed of July inst., of
wounds received on the 15th inst., while bravely
Tupelo, Mississippi, Major Rawson was
leading his regiment in a charge against the enemy's
mortally wounded at Oldtown Creek, six lines at the battle of Oldtown Creek; and
miles beyond, while gallantly leading a WHEREAS, We, the officers and soldiers of the
charge against the rebel lines. Borne from Seventy-second Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry,
desire to express in a suitable manner our respect for
the field he was conveyed back to Memphis. the noble dead, and our deep regret for his untimely
Major Rawson was the son of Dr. La- fall, therefore
Quinio and Sophia Rawson. He was born at Resolved, That in the death of Major Eugene A.
Fremont on the 14th of March, 1840; was Rawson our regiment has lost a brave, heroic, and
devoted officer and soldier, the nation one of her most
married to Miss Jennie Snyder, an amiable ardent patriots and defenders, his family a dis-
and accomplished young lady of Courtland tinguished member, his friends and brothers in arms a
county, New York, on the 31st of August, dear and valued companion.
Resolved, That we declare our conviction that the
1863, while absent from his regiment on a life of the deceased, while connected with the Seventy-
short furlough. He died at Memphis, second Ohio, has been one of unwearied devotion to
Tennessee, on the 22d of July, seven days duty and to the service of his country, and whether in
after he received the fatal wound, aged the quiet camp or the toilsome march, or in the blaze
and fury of battle, he alike ably, patiently, and
twenty-four years. Embalmed, his remains heroically performed with untiring energy all that fell
were sent to his home-Fremont-and with to his lot; and when struck by the fatal ball, was found
appropriate funeral services were interred in at his post fearlessly offering his life that his country
might live.
Oakwood cemetery, followed thither by a Resolved, That we tender the family and friends of
very large the deceased, and especially the young wife who has
thus early been called to mourn the death of her
358 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

husband, our deepest sympathy and condolence in this, came up, to whom he surrendered the
their sad bereavement.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be fur-
horse. Captain Belding was then in a very
nished the friends of the deceased; also a copy to the unsafe position, where the enemy's fire
Fremont Journal and Sentinel and the Courtland County from the front was cutting down wounded
Journal, of Homer, New York. men who were under orders retiring to the
C. G. EATON, Chairman. J.
rear for safety and surgical aid. He started
WELLS WATTERSON Secretary.
to the rear to find a surgeon. When the
shock of the wound gave way to reaction,
he found himself weak from pain and loss
KESSLER AND BELDING. of blood, but he continued walking, and
And yet 'tis true sitting down occasionally to rest. He
Sweet romance follows after
Grim visaged, bloody war.
finally concluded that he could not hold
out and sat down upon a log, faint and
John J. Kessler was a promising young with the desperate conclusion that he could
man of Fremont, Ohio, who volunteered in not move any farther, and would there
company F (Captain Bartlett). He became a await his fate.
second lieutenant, was promoted to first Captain Kessler fortunately discovered
lieutenant and then to captain. He was then hits in this condition, rode up to him, dis-
chosen aide on General Rosecrans' staff, in mounted, placed Belding on the horse and
which capacity he did good service in the took him back to a ravine where a surgeon
battle of Chickamauga. was at work among the wounded. Here
Captain E. B. Belding, of Medina county, Captain Belding's wounds were hastily
Ohio, volunteered in battery A, First light bandaged, and soon after he obtained an
artillery, and was on duty in the same battle. ambulance which took him back and into
The two men had become acquainted, the hospital.
although in different branches of the service. This incident produced a friendship
Belding was that day on horseback doing between the two men, for Belding believed
duty, when his horse was wounded in one he owed his life to Kessler's kindness.
hind leg by a ball from the enemy, and Kessler had two sisters at home, whose
became frantic and almost unmanageable. pictures Belding happened to see although
While struggling with his horse Captain he was ignorant of their relationship to the
Belding found it necessary to put both hands Major. One of them struck his fancy and
to the bridle, which movement brought his he told the Major if he could find that girl
hands and wrists close together. While the he would marry her. "I don't know about
horse was struggling and turning round, a that," replied the Major; "that is a picture
rifle ball struck the upper part of his hand of my sister Louise, now in Fremont. She
and passed through both wrists. Notwith- may have something to say about that."
standing this wound the Captain managed to "We shall see," said the Captain. About a
use one thumb and finger on the rein to keep year after, Captain Belding, while on a
the horse in a circle, for if he had dashed off furlough, found Fremont, accidentally, of
straight in his then condition, the rider course, and found the Kessler House, then
would have been thrown or dashed against a the leading hotel in the city. Of course
tree. While the horse was circling Belding Captain Belding recognized the girl whose
freed himself from the stirrups but still held picture he had seen and fancied. When the
one rein of the bridle when assistance, in the war was over, as was very natural, Captain
form of a single man, Belding must
Gen’l McPherson
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 359

see his brave friend who had saved his life. fact, however, is significant. He gained, in
Major Kessler told his sister the story of an unprecedentedly short time, the con-
their acquaintance, and, Captain Belding was fidence of commanders justly celebrated for
warmly welcomed by Major Kessler and by their accurate estimates of men. With the
his family. meager field experience of one campaign, he
Well, what next? married, of course. A was given command of as noble an army as
fine, bright youth, the exact miniature of ever marched to defend the Union. Every
Captain Belding, called Willie, with father man in that army admired him for his superb
and mother, make a most happy trio for a gallantry, and for his open, generous heart.
family. A more thoroughly devoted, trustful, The feeling of friendly affection and
and affectionate husband cannot be found admiration was not confined to the tented
than Captain Belding, and himself and wife field. Those here, who knew him from
are as happy as human faith and affection childhood, and called him "Jimmie," those
can render roan and women, and this forms who had been his play-fellows and knew his
what Bob Ingersoll says is the best heaven boyish fancies, watched his career and
he has ever found. applauded his triumphs with affectionate
But what of Major Kessler? The ex- interest. The Army of the Tennessee and his
posures and hardships of the war hurried friends at Time have fittingly shown their
consumption upon him, and, like hundreds of appreciation of a noble friend and, gallant
thousands of other brave men, he came home general, by seeking to preserve in moulds of
to linger and hope a little while. He sleeps in imperishable bronze, the features of his
our beautiful Oakwood cemetery, where a handsome body. He is idolized by his old
fine and well deserved monument marks the neighbors at Clyde. The story of his life,
spot where the brave and good man is at rest. from childhood to the gallant but fatal
Often you may see fond friends lingering exploit on the field before Atlanta, is a
there, and every returning annual decoration familiar topic of conversation.
day sweet, beautiful flowers are seen, giving James Birdseye McPherson was born at
fragrance to the last resting place of the Hamer's Corners (now Clyde), November
remains of John J. Kessler. Captain Belding 14, 1828. His father was of Scotch-Irish
and his noble wife are among the first to descent, and married, in New York, Cynthia
visit Major Kessler's grave, and there drop Russell, a native of Massachusetts, and
the sweetest flowers, and bedew them with came to Ohio, the first time, in 1822, on
the tears of gratitude and affection. foot, his travelling companions being
Norton Russell and James Birdseye, whose
name was given to the first-born as a mark
of friendship. Mr. McPherson entered land
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES B. and built a cabin. A year later his wife
McPHERSON. joined him and the pair began
The only Federal major-general who housekeeping. He was a blacksmith, but
perished on the field of battle was James B. found it difficult to earn a livelihood on
McPherson. His ability as a commanding account of the sparse settlement of the
officer has been variously estimated. His country and scarcity of money. He was
career, brilliant and crowded as it was, was constitutionally nervous and excitable, but
prematurely cut off before his capacity had had the reputation of being a skilled
been fully tested. One tradesman, until overthrown by the nervous
dis-
360 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

order which eventually terminated his life. school, his time was employed on the farm.
James was known among the mothers of But at the age of thirteen there came a crisis;
the backwoods settlement, as a "good baby," his father was no longer able to work, and
happy, good-natured, healthy. He seemed to James felt called upon not only to earn his own
enjoy being petted, but was not peevish living, but also to give assistance to his mother,
when neglected. Tall Chief once visited the struggling against poverty. He obtained a
homely McPherson residence, during one of situation as store boy in the establishment of
his strolls from the Seneca reservation, four Robert Smith, at Green Spring, five miles
miles south. After fondling the babe, then south of his home. He has himself described
just beginning to prattle, the Indian was this first farewell to his home and mother. "The
asked by the proud mother what he thought whole family were in tears when he bade them
of her boy. "Fine boy, fine boy," was the good-bye; and taking up his little bundle,
prophetic reply of the red-skin. "Be big commenced his journey of five miles, afoot
man." This remark, which only amused the and alone. After walking boldly forward for
mother at the time, was recalled after the fall some distance, he looked back and saw them
of Vicksburg. The child grew into a healthy all at the door, watching and weeping. To shut
and strong boy, full of spirit and never idle. out the painful sight he clutched his bundle
He delighted in, and always sought the tighter and ran as fast as his young feet would
praise of his parents and neighbors. An carry him, until he reached the woods, when he
incident is told which shows that that sat down and wept abundantly. Then he took
caution which, in after life, characterized all up his bundle again and came on to Green
his actions, was the product of maturer Spring."
years. When seven or eight years old, he Here is exhibited that tender sympathy and
visited his uncle, Norton Russell, whom he affection which were such important elements
found in the field cutting corn. The boy was of his character. Even in the blaze of military
anxious to help, and was finally permitted triumph, home and mother occupied his first
to, but cautioned to be careful and not try to thoughts.
cut more than one stalk at a time. The future Young McPherson worked faithfully, and
general soon became impatient. He raised seemed contented while under the employ of
the heavy knife high over his head and said: Mr. Smith at Green Spring, but his ambition
"Uncle, I am going to cut like men do." A never permitted him to settle upon
half-dozen stalks of corn tumbled to the merchandizing as an employment. He devoured
ground, but a severe wound of the knee the contents of the well filled little bookcase of
punished the lad's rash- disobedience. his employer, and received with heartfelt
It was the father's desire that his son thankfulness the promise of an appointment to
should have a good education, but financial West Point. He had for a long time desired to
embarrassment prevented sending him away. make more out of himself than a country
James, however, attended district school, storekeeper, and a way was now open to the
which was held in a log house occupying realization of his aspirations. Two seasons
almost exactly the same spot now occupied were spent in the academy at Norwalk, prepar-
by the base of his statue. Here he mastered, ing for the dreaded entrance examination,
by the age of thirteen, the common branches which he passed with credit. He entered the
taught at that time, and became a good famous class of '53, composed of fifty-
writer. While not in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 361

two members, among whom were Sheridan, the city, which, private letters show,
Sill, Schofield, Bell, Tyler, Chandler, engrossed a fair share of his attention. A
Vincent and others, who achieved renown promising young officer, handsome, ac-
daring the Rebellion; also his antagonist at complished, and cordial in his bearing,
Atlanta, James B. Hood. At the end of the there was no reason why he should not be a
first year McPherson stood second, and from welcome guest in any home. He at length
then till the end of the course was always at found his "pearl of great price" in the
the head of the class. He was not only a fine person of a Baltimore lady, whom he was to
scholar, but a popular, kindhearted, generous have married early in 1864, but the plan of
cadet. He was familiarly called "Mac" by his the Atlanta campaign rendered it impossible
classmates, who never asked of him a to spare time from the army long enough to
reasonable favor in vain. His principal meet the engagement. Sherman, in a letter
offence while at the institution had for its to the betrothed lady, explained affairs, and
cause a desire to relieve a part of the class of the marriage was postponed. We naturally
unnecessary burdens. He had been promoted, have an interest in the woman whom a man
on the ground of merit, to the Cadet of McPherson's culture and character would
Captaincy, but his rank was reduced to the select for a wife. In a letter, written from
lieutenancy for the grave offence of California to his mother, he pictures in one
permitting a part of his class to ride in an sentence his idea of feminine loveliness. He
omnibus to engineering drill. Eighteen other says: "You will love her as I do, when you
marks of delinquency stand against him at know her. She is intelligent, refined,
West Point, showing that, although a perfect generous-hearted and a Christian; this will
student, he, like others, was sometimes suit you as it does me, for it lies at the
derelict according to the strict rule of West foundation of every pure and elevated
Point conduct. But his promotions at the character."
academy followed each other in almost as The spirit of West Point during the period
quick succession as, a decade later, his when the Abolition sentiment was
promotions in the army. organizing into an active movement, is well
Graduating at the head of his class, remembered. McPherson, like so many
McPherson, according to the rules of the young officers of his day, imbibed the
academy, was appointed to the engineering prejudices of the institution, and his
corps. He was retained the first year at the opinions during the formative period of the
academy as assistant instructor of practical Abolition movement are expressed in
engineering-an honor never before conferred unmistakable language. In 1853 he writes to
upon so young an officer. From a private a friend in Ohio: "I believe, if I were to
letter we learn that McPherson felt, keenly, meddle with politics, I would be a Know
this splendid compliment, although the Nothing." A year later he openly rejoiced in
duties of the position did not suit his tastes. an Abolition defeat. He writes:
For the next three years he was engaged on Not a few are highly gratified at the result of the
engineering duty on the Atlantic coast; for recent elections in Massachusetts and in this State,
three and a half years at Alcatraz Island, one which have been such a signal rebuke to Seward and
his Abolition supporters. It is very seldom that military
of the defences of San Francisco harbor. men meddle with politics, except when broad national
Then came the war. While in New York he principles are assailed; and then they feel it a duty to
came in contact with the finest society in place themselves in the van and rally to the support of
the Union. I have felt a good
362 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

deal of interest in politics since I have seen the efforts Kentucky will not furnish, Ohio will." Now that the fires
which have been made to form a sectional party, a party are kindled, I hope they will not be permitted to die out
with but one idea, and that one calculated to awaken a until Jeff. Davis and his fellow-conspirators are in
feeling of animosity from one extremity of the Union to Washington to be tried for treason, or, in the language
the other, the fatal effects of which neither you nor I can of old Putnam, "tried, condemned and executed."
predict. When I see men, endowed with superior powers
of mind and occupying high stations, putting forward After such a letter, there is no mistaking the
their utmost energies to excite dissension, and not only position of McPherson. He was ready to devote
dissension but absolute hatred between the different his energies and talent to the preservation of
sections of our country, I feel that it is time they should
be shorn of their strength and rendered powerless to
the Union. He became a martyr on the field of
commit evil. Could I believe in their sincerity or battle.
patriotism, and that motives of humanity actuate them, I At the opening of the rebellion McPherson's
might be a little more charitable. But when such men as talent did not receive proper recognition. He
Salmon P. Chase, whose position gives him influence,
gets up before a public assembly in Maine, or any other was a capable engineer, but little known.
State, and declares that there is a deep feeling of hatred Incompetent drill masters were receiving
between the North and the South, that the Allies do not promotion, while he was compelled to solicit a
hate the Russians or the Russians the Allies any more
than the people of the North hate the people of the South
transfer to the service in the East. There he was
or the people of the South hate the people of the North, given but a junior captaincy of engineers, and
it is time all candid men should unite to defeat the assigned to duty at Boston harbor. He was
schemes and machinations of such demagogues. I do not always modest, and refrained from actually
hesitate to say that I am gratified at the result of the
elections; and I believe every Union Whig—Henry Clay seeking appointment, but we have information
and Daniel Webster Whig—can say the same. from private sources that he was ambitious to
The young engineer, it will be noticed, enter upon field duty. The time came when his
emphasized his devotion to the Union. It was well trained faculties were to have a broad
not until the first overt acts of rebellion that scope and severe test. The result subsequent
McPherson saw his mistake as to who the events show. In November, 1861, he was ap-
real assailants of the Union were. A manly pointed aide-de-camp to General Halleck, with
letter, written shortly after the beginning of the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Promotions
secession, to his mother (published first in followed rapidly. From assistant engineer of
Hours at Home) shows that West Point the Department of Missouri, he became chief
training, although it had affected his engineer of the Army of the Tennessee in the
prejudices, had not sullied his ardent expedition against Forts Henry and Donelson.
patriotism. He says: He engineered the expedition against Corinth,
However men may have differed in politics, there is
with the rank of colonel. On the 15th of May,
but one course now. Since the traitors have initiated 1862, he was appointed brigadier general of
hostilities and threatened to seize the National capital, volunteers, and the following June was
give them blow for blow, and shot for shot until they are
effectually humbled. I do not know whether I shall be
assigned to the general superintendency of
kept here, or ordered East; but one thing I do know, and military roads in East Tennessee. On his return
that is, that I am ready and willing to go where I can be from Corinth after the battle he was given a
of the most service in upholding the honor of the commission as major general of volunteers, to
Government and assisting in crushing out rebellion; and
I have faith to believe that you will see the day when the date from October 8, 1862 a position to which
glorious old flag will wave more triumphantly than ever. he had risen in little more than a year, from
I wish I were at home now to join the Ohio Volunteers. I junior captaincy of engineers. His first
swung my cap more than once on reading the telegraphic
message of Governor Dennison: "What
experience as a com-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 363

mander was at Corinth. His subsequent show, he having the lead in the advance, and the rear
retiring. In the campaign and siege terminating in the
operations were under the direction of Grant, fall of Vicksburg, General McPherson has filled a
in the campaign which terminated in the conspicuous part. At the battle of Port Gibson it was
capture of Vicksburg. under his direction that the enemy was driven late in the
McPherson in this campaign bore a afternoon from a position they had succeeded in holding
all day against an obstinate attack. His corps, the
conspicuous part. Port Gibson, Clinton, advance always, under his immediate eye were the
Jackson, and Champion Hill, first brought pioneers from Port Gibson to Hankinson's Ferry. From
him into public notice and favor. After the the north fork of Bayou Pierre to the Black River it was
a constant skirmish, the whole skillfully managed. The
fall of Vicksburg he was generally credited enemy was so closely pursued as to be unable to destroy
at the South with the planning of the whole their bridges of boats after them. From Hankinson's
campaign. This was certainly a mistake, but Ferry to Jackson the Seventeenth Army Corps marched
Grant owed a large measure of his success to on roads not travelled by other troops, fighting the entire
battle of Raymond alone, and the bulls of Johnston's
McPherson's care, bravery, and ability in army was fought by his corps, entirely under the man-
executing commands. While his private agement of General McPherson. At Champion Hills the
letters show that he was not insensible to the Seventeenth Corps and General McPherson were
conspicuous. All that could be termed a battle there was
honor which promotion implied, yet he never fought by the divisions of General McPherson's Corps
permitted his ambition to lead him into and General Hovey's division of the Seventeenth Corps.
expressing official reports in any other than In the assault of the 22d of May on the fortifications of
the most simple and matter-of-fact terms. At Vicksburg and during the entire siege, General
McPherson and his corps took unfading laurels. He is
Raymond, just as the issue of the battle one of the ablest engineers and skilful generals. I would
seemed plain, his adjutant approached him respectfully but urgently recommend his promotion to
with a dispatch to Grant, ready for the the position of brigadier-general of the regular army.
signature. It said that "he had met the enemy The request was granted and he was
in immensely superior force, and had confirmed as such in December, 1863.
defeated him most disastrously, and was now McPherson was given command of the
in full pursuit." McPherson quietly tore up district of Vicksburg, a well-earned com-
the paper and wrote: "We met the enemy pliment. During the winter his old chiefs,
about 3 P. M. today; have had a hard fight, Grant and Sherman, were advanced, and in
and tip to this time have the advantage." order of merit the command of the Army of
Grant generously acknowledged the Tennessee fell to McPherson. He
McPherson's services in a letter recommend- assumed the duties of his new position
ing him for promotion to the rank*of brig- March 26, 1864. He repaired at once to
adier-general in the regular army. The letter Nashville and was present when the Georgia
reviews his record thus far and will be of campaign was planned, before the glorious
interest at this time: results of which were realized he was
He has been with me in every battle since the com-
sleeping in an honored grave. The Army of
mencement of the Rebellion, except Belmont; at Forts the Tennessee was at this time widely
Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, and the siege of Corinth, scattered. The Seventeenth Corps was absent
as a staff officer and engineer his services were conspic-
uous and highly meritorious. At the second battle of
on veteran furlough; the Fifteenth and
Corinth his skill as a soldier was displayed in suc- Sixteenth Corps were stationed from
cessfully carrying reinforcements to the besieged gar- Huntsville to Memphis, while a portion was
rison when the enemy was between him and the point to reinforcing Banks in the Red River
be reached. In the advance to Central Mississippi,
General McPherson commanded one wing of the army campaign. McPherson at once concentrated
with all the ability possible to these scattered forces and
364 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

by the 5th of May had his columns in hand at day, although on the afternoon of the 10th
Ringgold, Georgia. Two days later he Hooker, after a severely contested battle,
commenced his march on Resaca, making repulsed an attempt of Hood to force through
the first flank movement of the celebrated a gap between the armies of Schofield and
Atlanta campaign. Thomas. On the 21st Leggett's division of
We can not detail this whole campaign in the Seventeenth Corps, under McPherson,
which the Army of the Tennessee took so carried a strong point commanding the city
conspicuous a part. Nowhere in the , and the two main roads leading north and
Rebellion was finer generalship displayed south. This was a strongly fortified hill
than by Johnston in blocking the progress of which the rebels made two desperate but
Sherman's superior army. But Johnston was unsuccessful attempts to recover.
succeeded' at a critical point by Hood- On the morning of the 22d the advance
McPherson's classmate at West Point. On the lines of the enemy were found abandoned,
17th of July, after a long series of which led Sherman to believe that Hood
engagements, generally successful, we find meant to evacuate the city. He ordered a
Sherman's army thus disposed before general advance, but McPherson was more
Atlanta, ready to move on the defences of prudent. He well knew the character of his
the city: The Army of the Cumberland, under old classmate and antagonist. Orders had
Thomas, occupied the right and the right been received from Sherman to employ the
centre, resting on the river northwest of the Sixteenth Corps, under Dodge, to break up
city; the Army of the Ohio, under Schofield, the railroad, and with the rest of his
occupied the left centre, and the Army of the command to move rapidly upon the city.
Tennessee took a position on the left, thus Skirmish lines were advanced and
throwing Thomas and Schofield in front of McPherson, in company with Logan, made a
the enemy's main line of fortifications. On personal examination of the fortifications
the 18th McPherson, by a rapid swing, from the crest of the hill overlooking the
struck the Georgia railroad about fifteen works and the city. Few persons could be
miles northeast of the city, at Stone Moun- seen either behind the fortifications or in the
tain, and broke up four miles of road which streets. Suspecting Hood's design to
brought supplies to the besieged city from suddenly fall upon the advancing columns
the east. Schofield occupied Decatur, six from the side and rear, McPherson, after
miles east of Atlanta, and Thomas moved his giving some general directions to Logan and
forces toward Peach Tree Creek, north of Dodge to maintain their positions, hastened
Atlanta. On the 19th McPherson and to Sherman's headquarters to the right. His
Schofield passed eastward of Decatur, while explanation to Sherman of the situation was
Thomas, though meeting strong opposition, interrupted by the sound of battle at the
crossed from the north of Peach Tree Creek, extreme left, which confirmed his suspicions.
in front of the enemy's entrenched lines. The At full speed he rushed toward the sound. He
Federal forces on the morning of the 20th found the Sixteenth Corps facing the left
then lay in a curved line from the railroad flank and struggling firmly against an as of
running northwest across the Chattahoochee, terrible fierceness. The Seventeenth Corps
to beyond the Georgia railroad east of was maintaining their fortified eminence, but
Atlanta. The position of the armies changed between the two was a gap through which it
little during this or the following was feared
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 365

the enemy would force his way and cut off bitter, terrible revenge their only aim. There was no
such thought that day of stopping short of victory or
the Seventeenth Corps. Behind this gap lay a death. The firm, spontaneous resolve was to win the
wood, through which a narrow road led to day or perish with the slain leader on the bloody field.
the eminence occupied by the Seventeenth Fearfully was his death avenged that day. His army,
Corps. McPherson, after sending his staff on maddened by his death and utterly reckless of life,
rushed with savage delight into the fiercest onslaughts,
various errands, accompanied by a single and fearlessly plunged into the very jaws of death. As
orderly, dashed along this road to the wood. wave after wave of Hood's daring troops dashed with
He was met by a staff officer and informed terrible fury upon our lines, they were hurled back with
a fearful shock, breaking their columns into fragments,
that the Seventeenth Corps was being as the granite headland breaks into foam the ocean
severely pressed by an overwhelming force. billows. Across the narrow line of works raged the
After a moment's hesitation the staff officer, fierce storm of battle, the hissing shot and bursting
John T. Raymond, was hurried back with shell raining death on every hand. Over dead and
dying, friends and foes, rushed the swaying hosts, the
orders to General Leggett to form his lines shout of rebels confident of victory only drowned by
with all possible speed, parallel to the road. the battle cry " McPherson " which went up from the
McPherson then, at full speed, hurried along Army of the Tennessee.
Many thousand rebels bit the dust ere the night
the fated road, but already the enemy was closed in, and the defeated and baffled enemy, after
crowding down into the gap. A shrill "halt!" failing in their repeated and desperate assaults upon
rang out from behind the trees. The faithful our lines, were compelled to give up the hopeless
steed, quickly obeying his master's bidding, contest. Though compelled to fight in front and rear,
victory crowned our arms.
dashed into the thick wood, followed by a A detail bf Union troops recovered the body, which
volley from the skirmish line in gray. A was taken to the headquarters of the commanding
minute later the riderless horse, with two General, and the following day was sent to its final
resting place, in the beautiful cemetery at Clyde.
wounds, came out of the thicket, while the Sherman wept bitterly, and Grant assured the broken-
brave, loved General of the Army of the hearted, devoted mother, and affectionate grandmother,
Tennessee lay dying with lacerated lung and that their sorrow could not exceed his. But weeping
shattered spine. The subsequent battle is best was not confined to generals and friends at home. The
rank and file of the Army of the Tennessee felt that
described by Logan, who succeeded to the they had lost a devoted personal friend. Their
command; acquaintance was short, it is true, but so kind-hearted,
The news of his death spread like lightning speed so devoted to their comfort and safety had he been, that
along the lines, sending a pang of keenest sorrow to their admiration of his gentle manhood and splendid
every heart as it reached the ear. But especially terrible gallantry amounted to nothing less than love. Sherman,
was the effect upon the Army of the Tennessee. It in his feeling official' announcement said: "General
seemed as though a burning, fiery dart had pierced every McPherson fell in battle, booted and spurred as the
breast, tearing asunder the flood gates of grief; but at gallant knight and gentleman should wish."
the same time heaving to their very depths the fountains Not his the loss; but the country and the army will
of revenge, the clenched hands seemed to sink into the mourn his death and cherish his memory as that of one
weapons they held, and from the eyes gleamed forth who, though comparatively young, had risen by his
flashes terrible as lightning. The cry, "McPherson! merit and ability to the command of one of the best
McPherson!" rose above the din of battle, and as it ran armies which the Nation had called into existence to
along the lines swelled in power, until the roll of vindicate its honor and integrity.
musketry and booming of cannon seemed drowned by its History tells us of but few who so blended the grace
echoes. and gentleness of the friend, with the dignity, courage,
McPherson again seemed to lead his troops, and faith, and manliness of the soldier.
where he leads, victory is sure; each officer and soldier, But most deeply affecting was the funeral
from the succeeding commander to the lowest private,
beheld, as it were, the form of their bleeding chieftain
scene at Clyde a week later. The pure grief
leading them on in battle. " McPherson," and "onward to of a tender, devoted mother, and of a doting
victory," were the only thoughts; grandmother, was uncontrollable.
366 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The hundreds of strong men who had known see, in Cincinnati, 1866. Reports were
the martyr hero from innocent boyhood, who received, showing that three thousand nine
remembered the friendly grasp of his tender hundred and fifty-six dollars had been
hand which had always been extended to his received for the fund toward erecting a
old neighbors and friends during his annual monument to General McPherson. The
visits home, these wiped with brawny hands minutes of that meeting also show that a
from tanned faces, tears of profound sorrow. strong effort was made to have the
Mothers, friends of the grief-stricken parent, McPherson monument located at West Point
who had never known the young soldier by instead of Clyde. General Hickenlooper
any other name than "Jimmie," dampened strongly opposed the proposed change of
with weeping the sweet flowers with which location. In a letter to General Hazen he
fair hands had covered the sad but honorable said:
tomb. The subscriptions thus far received have been almost
THE M’PHERSON MONUMENT. entirely from the rank and file of the army which
McPherson commanded—probably two-thirds from his
General McPherson fell July 22, 1864. One own corps—with the distinct understanding that the
year later the following circular was issued monument would be erected over his remains at Clyde.
The feeling which prompted this action on the part of
by General Logan: his officers and men was not such as usually actuates
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, men to subscribe to such an object; it was not so much
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, July 7, 1865 for the purpose of perpetuating his military success and
Many officers and soldiers of the Army of the renown, but as a testimonial of their love and affection
Tennessee, having expressed a desire to pay some fitting for the man. The feelings of the mother, who gave such
tribute the memory of their late gallant commander, the a son to her country, together with the remaining
noble McPherson, who fell in the front of battle, booted members of the family, should be consulted, and they
and spurred, on the bloody day of the 22d of July, I are decidedly opposed to the removal of his remains to
submit to the several corps and other commanding the Point, if a monument can be erected at Clyde. It
officers for their consideration the following plan of appears very absurd to erect a monument at West Point,
action : and leave the place where he was born and raised, and
I would suggest that each regimental commander have where his remains now lie, unmarked and uncared for.
lists prepared for subscription, and that those soldiers of
the army who may desire to subscribe register their The matter of location was discussed at
names thereon; as soon as the lists have been completed, some length during the first regular meeting
that they, with the funds raised, be forwarded to the of the society, and finally a resolution was
brigade commander, and by him transmitted for the
purchase and erection of a suitable monument at the
adopted:
grave of that gallant soldier. As soon as the monument That we, the members of the Society of the Army of
has been erected these lists should be deposited at the the Tennessee, pledge ourselves to the erection of a
grave. monument to the memory of Major General James B.
I would further suggest as a member of the executive McPherson, to be placed over his remains at Clyde,
committee, Major General William B. Hazen, Brevet Ohio.
Major General M. D. Leggett and Brevet-Brigadier- CLYDE M’PHERSON MONUMENT SOCIETY.
General A. Hickenlooper, citizens of McPherson's native
State, and in every way fitted to discharge the duty of On the 3d of August, 1866, McPherson
their position. Monument Society of Clyde was organized.
Corps commanders will please take such steps in the
matter as will insure the result desired. Its officers were General R. P. Buckland, of
JOHN A. LOGAN, Major Fremont, president, and Captain John M.
General. Lemmon, of Clyde, secretary. The whole
These circulars were distributed, as cost of the monument was to be eleven
directed, among the soldiers of the various thousand dollars and the Clyde society
corps, at the first regular meeting of the pledged itself to raise three thousand dollars
Society of the Army of the Tennes- of the amount. This
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 367

money was all subscribed and most of it paid commander in full military uniform, with
in. Besides supplying three thousand dollars sword, belt, and hat. The left hand holds a
of the monument fund, the Clyde society has field-glass, while the right hand and arm are
greatly beautified the cemetery wherein lie extended, as if pointing to where the battle
the remains of the fallen hero. Through the rages fiercest.
efforts of General Buckland and Captain The piece is from the Cincinnati art
John M. Lemmon, Congress had been foundry of Rebisso, Mundhenk & Co., who
induced to grant an appropriation of four are also the designers and sculptors of the
iron cannon, four bronze cannon, one equestrian statue of McPherson erected at
thousand muskets and twenty-five cannon Washington three years ago. The statue
balls, which have been placed in the occupies a high knoll, the most commanding
cemetery by the side of the monument. point in the beautiful little cemetery, just at
General James B. McPherson was born in a the edge of the city, where it forms a most
small frame house in the extreme imposing central figure.
northeastern limits of the city, and the The unveiling ceremonies, July 22, 1881,
cemetery wherein he now lies, with his were attended by about fifteen thousand
father and two brothers, once formed a people, a large number of military societies
portion of the homestead of the McPherson and distinguished military men. A procession
family. His mother's neat, white cottage now more than a mile long was formed at 1
stands just at the edge of the graveyard, and o’clock, and at 2 o’clock marched to the
through a latticed window she gazes with cemetery, where the assemblage was called to
tearful eyes upon the stately monument order by the president of the day, General R.
erected to the memory of her hero son. B. Hayes. The statue was unveiled by General
The statue of General J. B. McPherson is W. T. Sherman; General M. F. Force
pronounced a perfect piece of art. The. delivered the dedicatory oration. Formal
pedestal is of granite, nine feet in height and addresses were delivered by General W. E.
six and one-half feet at the base. The figure, Strong and General W. T. Sherman, followed
which is also nine feet in height, and by short addresses by Generals Gibson, Ha-
composed of bronze, represents the zen, Leggett, Belknapp, and Keifer.
CHAPTER XXIII.

COURT AND BAR OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.


Notice of the First Court in the County—The First Grand Jury-Some of the Early Judges—Organization of the
Court—The Lawyers of Early Times—Their Characteristics, Habits, Talents, etc.—Also, Notice of the Present
and Former Members of the Bar.
the first grand jury, was the granting of a license to
I N the county clerk's office, carefully
preserved, is a little book, six inches wide
and about nine inches long, bound in
Israel Harrington to keep a tavern at his dwelling house
in Sandusky township, for one year, and fixing the price
of the license at fifteen dollars.
pasteboard covering, without ruling for line The court then, on application, ordered the election
or margin. It is, in fact, a very plain book, of two justices of the peace in the township of
Thompson. The election was to be held on the first
without any numerical paging. On the top of Monday in June, 1820, at the house of Joseph Parmeter.
the first page written upon are the following
This Mr. Joseph Parmeter then resided in
words, in a fine handwriting: "May Term,
what is now Green Creek township, on the
1820." The record in this book then goes on
east side of Green Creek, where the road
to state:
from Fremont to Green Spring now crosses
SANDUSKY COUNTY, May 8, 1820. the creek. He afterwards erected-a mill there,
In pursuance of a law passed by the Legislature of and his son,. Julius W. Parmeter, occupied
the State of Ohio, the 12th day of February, one
thousand eight hundred and twenty, organizing the the premises for many years after the father
County of Sandusky, the court was opened by the died.
sheriff. Present, the Honorable George Tod, president. Upon application, David Gallagher was then ap-
Willis E. Brown produced his commission as sheriff, pointed county inspector. Mr. Gallagher then entered
and was sworn to office. Israel Harrington, David into bond, according to law, and assumed the duties,
Harold, and Alexander Morrison produced their which were to see that barrels and packages of pork,
commissions as associate judges of the court of common whiskey, fish, flour, etc., were of proper quality and of
pleas of the county of Sandusky, which were read by the prescribed weight.
clerk, and the said Israel Harrington, David Harold, and Then the court appointed Philip R. Hopkins clerk of
Alexander Morrison having taken the oaths required by the court for the time being, who entered into bond, as
law, took their seats as associate judges of said court. required, and was sworn into office after taking the oath
James Williams was appointed clerk pro tem. of office in open court.
Whereupon the sheriff returned the venire for the grand This completed the first day's work of the
jurors, and upon it appearing that the venire did not
issue thirty days before the return, the array being first common pleas court ever held in
challenged, the panel was quashed. Whereupon the Sandusky county.
sheriff was ordered to select a new jury from the TUESDAY, May 9, 1820.
bystanders, and the following, being legally called, The court convened, and there were present the same
appeared, to wit: Joshua Davis, Elijah W. Howland, judges as on the day previous. Letters of administration
Jonathan H. Jerome, William Morrison, Josiah Rumery, were then granted as follows:
Nicholas Whitinger, William Andrews, Ruel Loomis, To West Barney, on the estate of John Orr. The
James Montgomery, Caleb Rice, Robert Harvey, Thomas sureties for Barney were David Gallagher and George
Webb, Elijah Brayton, Charles B. Fitch, and Reuben Halloway; bond, two hundred dollars; appraisers, Caleb
Bristol ; whereupon Charles B. Fitch was appointed Rice, Anson Gray, and John Eaton.
foreman and took the oath prescribed by law, and his To Josette Vellard, on the estate of Gabriel Vellard;
fellow jurors, after having taken the same oath, received bond, five hundred dollars; sureties, Joseph Mominy and
a solemn charge from the court and retired. Charles Bibo; appraisers, Asa B. Gavit, Halsey
The next business of the court, after sending out Forgerson, and Thomas Forgerson.

368
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 369

To Moses Nichols, on the estate of Aaron T. Kerr; ians. The untutored child of the forest loved
bond, two hundred dollars; sureties, David Gallagher
and Jeremiah Everett.
whiskey as well as the white man, and every
License was, on this second day of the court, May 9, licensed tavern keeper could, at that time,
1820, granted to Morris A. Newman to keep a tavern at sell intoxicating liquor to the white man by
his dwelling in Croghansville, for one year, for the price the drink or larger quantity, but he was
of fifteen dollars.
The court on the same day ordered two justices of the prohibited from selling to the Indian. True,
peace to be elected in the township of Seneca, on the the white man then, as now, was more likely
first Monday in June, 1820, the election to be held at the to fight when under the influence of liquor,
dwelling house of West Barney, in said township.
License to William Andrews to keep a tavern at his
but he was not so free in the use of deadly
dwelling house in Sandusky township, for one year, for weapons when in that condition as the
the price of fifteen dollars. Indian, who always carried his butcher-knife
License also to Samuel Cochran to keep a tavern for and tomahawk about his person, hence the
one year at his dwelling house in Sandusky township,
for six dollars. discrimination in the law in the penalty
Thereupon the grand jury came into and presented a between selling whiskey to the white man
bill of indictment against Almeron Sands, for assault and the red.
and battery on the body of Calvin Leezen.
Whiskey plenty for the white man, Not
To lawyers and to others who are fond of a drop for the red.
old-fashioned things, the record of the plea The Indian must keep sober
While the whites lay drunk in bed.
of Sands and the disposition made of it, will
be interesting, not only for the matter of the On the second day of the term, May 9,
record and the terms used, but as the first 1820, the grand jury returned six more in-
judgment of a court in the county. We give dictments, three of which were for selling
the proceeding, therefore, verbatim as found intoxicating liquor to Indians. One against
in the record, the indictment being indorsed, Calvin Leezen, a tavern keeper, one against
"A True Bill, by Charles B. Pitch, foreman George G. Olmsted, a merchant, and one
of the Grand Jury:" against Ora Bellows, a trader; one for
Almeron Sands being arraigned at the Bar, and it nuisance against John Kirkendale and Guy
being demanded of him how he would acquit himself of Dudley, and one for same offence against
the charge in the Indictment contained and set forth, Augustus Fexier; and one for riot against
Pleads and says he is guilty thereof and puts himself
upon the mercy of the court. There-upon it is considered
John Holbrook and others. The court then
ordered and adjudged by the court that the said Almeron adjourned until May 10, 1820, at 10 o'clock
Sands be fined in the sum of fifteen dollars, to be paid A. M.
into the treasury of Sandusky county, and also all the The court journal for each of these two
costs of this prosecution, and that execution issue
therefore. days is regularly signed by the presiding
judge, George Tod. Judge Tod doubtless left
The Indians at that time, 1820, were quite the place after signing the journal of that
numerous in and about Lower Sandusky day, for on the next morning court was
(now Fremont), as well as in other parts of opened and conducted by Associate Judges
Ohio. The red man, as well as the white, was Morrison, Harrington, and Harold, who
almost sure to have his fighting proclivities transacted the business of the day and
waked into action by whiskey. After many adjourned the court without day. Amongst
sad tragedies resulting from the drunkenness other things done by the associate judges,
of the aborigines, the State Legislature made after judge Tod left, was the order fixing the
it a penal offence to sell intoxicating liquors charges for ferrying across the Sandusky
to Ind- River:
370 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

For a footman ...................................... 6 ¼ cents. was living on Portage River in 1818, and
For a man and a horse ....................... 12 ½ cents. may have been there before that time. His
For a wagon and one horse .................... 25 cents. cabin was near the east end of the bridge
For a wagon and two horses ............. 37 ½ cents.
across the river at Elmore, and he was then
For a wagon and four horses ................ 50 cents.
the only settler between Lower Sandusky
Thus we see that at that early day, and Fort Meigs or Perrysburg, and
although at the usual stage of water the trav- travellers were entertained as at a tavern.
ellers forded the river above the mill at the Elsey Harris was the daughter of Morris A.
rapids, ferrying was resorted to in order to Newman, an early settler in Lower
cross when the river was high. This ferry Sandusky. She, after the decease of Harris,
was located where the new iron bridge now married Isaac Knapp, who is mentioned in
crosses the stream. this history.
Philip R. Hopkins, at the above term, on The next term commenced on the 7th day
the last day appointed Dennis L. Rathbone of May, 1821. George Tod, Israel
deputy clerk, and he was duly approved and Harrington, Charles B. Fitch, and Jeremiah
sworn into office as such. And thus closed Everett were the judges composing the
the first term of the court held in Sandusky court. Picket Lattimer was appointed
county. prosecuting attorney for the county, to hold
The record does not show whether this the office during the pleasure of the court.
first term was held on the east or west side Mr. Lattimer was a resident of Huron
of the river, nor at what house it was held. county. The court also at this term
Tradition, however, places it at the house of appointed “McKinzey Murray inspector of
Morris A. Newman, who then kept a tavern flour, meals, biscuit, pot and pearl ashes,
in Croghansville. beef, pork, butter, lard and fish.”
THE OCTOBER TERM, 1820. At this May term, 1821, the grand jurors,
The record of the next term, however, George Shannon, Daniel Brainard, Silas
which was held October 9, 1820, does show Dewey, Ebenezer Ransom, John G. Thayer,
that the court was held in Croghanville, on Seth Cochran, Joseph Keeler, and Ezra
the east side of the river. The same judges Williams, were regularly summoned, but
were then present as at the May term next not being a full panel the court ordered the
preceding. sheriff to fill it up to the number of fifteen,
Charles B. Fitch and Jeremiah Everett, at which he did by bringing into court the
a special term, held on the 17th of February, following talesmen, to wit: Josiah Rumery,
1821, were severally sworn into office and Hugh Knox, Nicholas Whitinger, David
took their seats, with Israel Harrington, as Gallagher, Asa B. Gavit, Caleb Rice, and
associate judges. Judge Tod was not present Abraham Townsend. Josiah Rumery was
at this term. The law then authorized the appointed foreman, and the grand jury
three associate judges to hold court and charged and sent.
transact business. These names and proceedings are noted
At this special term Philip R. Hopkins and placed in our history for two reasons:
resigned the office of clerk and the judges first, to show that at that early day the
appointed Alexander Morrison to fill the forms of law were well observed, second, to
office. show that the men named were residing in
At this special term Elsey Harris was the county at the time, and active par-
appointed administratrix of the estate of ticipants in the affairs of society.
Joseph Harris, deceased. Joseph Harris
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 371

Judge George Tod was father of David judicial department of the State government
Tod, who was elected Governor of Ohio in consisted of a supreme court, with three
1859, and who proved to be a true patriot. supreme judges for the whole State. These
judge George Tod regularly presided over supreme judges held a circuit, at which one
the court until the close of the October term, judge heard and decided causes. This circuit
1823. court was held once a year in each county.
Judge Ebenezer Lane first presided in the They also held a court at Columbus, at
county at the May term, 1824, which term which all three were present, and heard and
commenced on the third day of the month. decided causes reserved from the circuit
Judge Lane was afterwards advanced to the court and cases in error.
bench of the supreme court of the State, and Next in order came the court of common
is admitted to have been a pure, honest man, pleas, presided over by one common pleas
and a superior jurist. It was a decision judge assisted by three associate judges, in
announced by judge Lane, from the supreme each county. This court had jurisdiction over
bench of the State, which first established all settlements of the estates of deceased
the rights of the owners of property bounded persons and all guardianships. Under the
by navigable rivers in Ohio, and which constitution of 1802 there was no separate
declared as the laws of the State that such probate court.
ownership extended to the centre of the The associate judges, or a majority of
stream, subject to the right of the public to them, could be called together at any time to
pass and repass. This decision may be found hear the proof of the execution of wills, or
in the Thirteenth Ohio Report, in the case of grant letters of administration or
the administrators of Gavit vs. David guardianship, and to settle the accounts of
Chambers. The principle declared by judge such and order sales of real estate when
Lane in this case has been since contended necessary, in the settlement of estates, and
against, but the court, as late as 1880, has the records of their proceedings became part
held the decision sound, and enforced it as a of the records of the court of common pleas.
rule of property. There were also justices of the peace, one, at
After the advancement of Judge Lane to least, sometimes three, in each township.
the supreme court, there was a succession of The forms of pleading and practice, with a
able common pleas judges who presided at few exceptions where varied by statute law,
the court of the county with the associate were according to the English or common
judges until 1851, when the new constitution law, and this system of pleading and practice
changed the organization of the court of continued in all our courts of record until the
common pleas, abolished the office of the enactment of the code of civil procedure, in
associate judges, and left a single man to 1853.
adjudicate and administer the law in the The new Constitution of 1851, and the
court of common pleas. code of civil procedure of 1853, reorganized
The successors to the first two common the judicial department of the State
pleas judges of the court above named will government, and made very marked changes
be found in our chapter on the civil history in the system of pleading and practice.
of the county. However, under the new, as well As the
From the time the State was admitted into old Constitution, crimes and offenses
the Union, in 1802, until the present
Constitution was adopted, in 1851, the
372 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

were defined and punished by legislative one of the prominent young men in that vicinity. Mrs.
Sperry, the farmer's wife, was very industrious, and also
enactment and not according to the common a good-looking woman. In March, 1842, certain rumors
law. with regard to criminal intercourse between Mrs. Sperry
The Constitution of 1851 organized a and this young carpenter gained considerable publicity,
probate court for each county, and took away and finally reached the ears of Mr. Sperry. At that time,
the young carpenter had begun the work on Sperry's new
from the court of common pleas jurisdiction house, and from casual observations, Sperry mistrusted
over guardians, wills, and all testamentary that there might be good cause for these rumors; from
matters, and conferred them exclusively on doubting his wife, he began to suspect her, and this led
to very frequent family quarrels, which from that time
the probate court, except that petitions to sell on became an almost daily occurrence. These quarrels,
real estate of deceased persons may be filed inspired by the ominous poison of jealousy and
either in the common pleas or probate court, misplaced confidence, reached their climax on the 9th of
and appeals are provided for from the April, 1842, when Sperry took up a flatiron, with which
he inflicted a fearful wound about two inches long and
decisions of the probate, in some instances, one inch deep upon the head of Mrs. Sperry, near the
to the court of common pleas. temple, from which she died almost instantly. This
NOTEWORTHY TRIALS. bloody deed took place in the kitchen of the old house,
near an old-fashioned fireplace; near by stood a ladder,
There have been many interesting scenes leading up to the garret. Gazing upon the dead body of
and trials in the courts of the county, and his wife, and casting his eyes upon that fireplace and the
ladder close by, this picture must have become
many displays of logical power and transfixed in his mind like a flash of lightning, for it was
eloquence, as is the case in almost every in that moment in which he formed the combination of
county in the State. But our readers will not what afterward proved the entire basis of his defense.
expect all these to be placed in history. We He ran at once for a neighbor, informing him of a fearful
accident that had befallen his wife, and which had
select, however, two remarkable trials which resulted in her death. His story was, that she had fallen
took place in the county, and the incidents off the ladder, and struck her head against the corner
attending them, which are rather stone of the fireplace, and had died from the effects. The
news of Sperry's wife's death spread like wildfire
extraordinary and interesting. through the vicinity, and the next day the coroner of
The accounts of these murders were Sandusky county, who then lived in Lower Sandusky,
published in the Fremont Courier (German) convened a jury and held an inquest.
and translated by Mr. L. von Schloenbach Among the jurymen (all residents of Fremont) we find
Mr. Charles O. Tillotson and Judge Olmsted. The
for publication in the Fremont journal, from verdict of this jury was, that Mrs. Sperry came to her
which they are compiled: death by a wound caused by her husband, who had
THE MURDER OF MRS. SPERRY. struck her with a flat-iron. Upon this Sperry was
indicted for murder in the first degree, but the
The year was 1842; the place was the farm of Joseph prosecuting attorney, Mr. W. W. Culver, effected
Sperry, an Englishman by birth, and it was situated Sperry's release upon a bail of two thousand dollars for
between Green Spring and Clyde, Sandusky county, his appearance at the next term of court. Sperry's
about one and one-half miles northeast of Green Spring, counsel, the Messrs. Homer Everett and Bishop Eddy,
on the road leading to Clyde. Here Joseph Sperry lived, tried their utmost to circulate the belief that there had
together with his wife, Catharine Sperry, and two small been no murder committed at all, and that Mrs. Sperry
children (a boy and a girl), seemingly in the best kind of had been the victim of a most unfortunate and terrible
harmony and happiness. Sperry always had been a hard- accident. Prosecuting Attorney W. W. Culver and his
working, industrious man, and in course of time had assistant, Mr. Cooper K. Watson (afterwards judge of
succeeded in gaining a comfortable home for himself Common-Pleas for the counties of Erie and Ottawa)
and family. In the fall of 1841 he concluded to build were satisfied that it was a cool-blooded murder, and
himself a better and more comfortable dwellinghouse, left nothing undone to have Sperry convicted. The
for which purpose he entered into a contract with a defence persistently kept up the theory of accident just
certain young and skilful carpenter, who, aside front as it had come from the lips of the accused at first. The
having a rather prepossessing appearance, and being a cor-
captain of a militia company, was also counted. as
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 373

oner's jury had neglected to give an exact and detailed made several attempts to take his own life, but was
description of the wound, and the prosecuting attorney, frustrated in this by the constant vigilance of Sheriff
in order to avoid any doubt whatever, caused the body of Strohl and Deputy Sheriff Burgoon, but it was destined
Mrs. Sperry to be taken from the grave and brought to that he should succeed after all. It was on Sunday,
Fremont, where it was subjected to a medical October 30, (he was to be hung on, the following
examination by Drs, Rawson and Anderson. Dr. Wednesday) when Sperry's children,: Jefferson and
Rawson's office at that time was near the old Dickinson Mary Ann (a boy seven years, and a girl eight years
dwelling (northwest corner Arch and State streets). Said old), were brought into his cell to take a final parting of
physicians made a thorough examination and returns to their father. The children were too young to comprehend
the prosecuting attorney, who could now explain and the situation, and, their father was too reluctant and
satisfy the jury of the utter impossibility of an accident. hardened to give way to any emotional feelings
The grand jury, which at that time was composed of the whatever, and so of course their conversation was turned
following gentlemen, to wit: Messrs. Warren H. Stevens, entirely upon minor affairs. Sperry, who had noticed a
John Houts, Hugh Overmeier, Hugh Bowland, Michael small pen knife in the boy's hands, asked to look at it,
Fought, Joshua B. Chapel, David Engler, Stephen Teary, and then returned it again with apart of the blade broken
Orson Bement, Peter McNit, John Reed, George off, but which was not noticed by the boy at that time.
Donaldson, John Betts, Charles Lindsey, and Thomas Alter taking leave of their father, the children were then
Ogle, on the 14th day of September, 1842, found an taken to what is now called the Kessler House, where for
indictment against Sperry for murder in the first degree, the first time the boy noticed the broken blade. This
and on the next day the trial commenced before judge soon became known, and the sheriff made a most
Ozias Bowen and his assistants, Alpheus McIntire, Isaac thorough search for the missing part of the blade, but all
Knapp, and George Overmeier. Dr. L. Q. Rawson at that in vain, since Sperry had concealed it in the lining of his
time held the position of clerk, with B. .F. Fletcher as coat. This broken off blade it was which cheated the
his assistant. Mr. John Strohl was sheriff, and Peter gallows of its prey, for that very night Sperry cut open
Burgoon deputy sheriff. A jury, composed of the some main arteries, and was found dead in his cell the
Messrs. John Bell, Michael Reed, Henry Havens, Daniel. next morning. But we are told that his death was a
Tindall, Samuel Rose, David Chambers, Michael dreadful one, and in the presence of such a fiend as
Overmeier, sr., William McGonnley, Joseph Kelley, George Thompson, whom he had begged repeatedly to
Lewis E. Marsh, Levi Marsh, and Samuel Skinner, was kill him, so as to end the agony of his sufferings, but
duly sworn, and upon the defendant's plea of "Not which Thompson refused to do, and answered only with
guilty" the trial commenced. The prosecution had no mocking laughter. When Thompson was asked why he
direct proofs, but the very strongest kind of had not tried to prevent Sperry from killing himself,
circumstantial evidence, proving by their witnesses Thompson (who also was an Englishman) answered,
(especially the Drs. D. Tilden, L. Q. Rawson, and with the air of a bravado, "I rather see a countryman of
Anderson) that the theory of accident had absolutely no mine kill himself than see him hung." Thus ended the
foundation whatever, and came not even within the life of a once good and industrious man, and it goes to
reach of possibility. The defence had substantially show that the terrible fangs of jealousy will sometimes
nothing else to counterbalance this testimony but the nettle around the best of human kind, and drag them
defendant's good character; and, strange as it may down to the lowest degradation.
appear, . the question of jealousy was raised on neither THOMPSON MURDER IN BELLEVUE, 1842.
side. Certain, however, is the fact that the young Adonis
of a carpenter left the vicinity shortly after the trial. The Almost daily we read accounts of some brutal murder,
trial lasted five days, and on the 20th day of September, when the motive was nothing else but an, unhappy love
18A2, the jury returned a verdict of guilty in the first affair. Thirty-eight years have rolled by since this
degree. A motion on the part of the defence for a new murder took place at Bellevue. We have undertaken to
trial was overruled by judge Bowen, who *thereupon acquaint the public with the facts of these two murders,
sentenced Sperry to be hung on Wednesday, November that appear like two dark and ominous spots in the
2, 1842. Sperry received his sentence with perfect history of our county. It was on the 30th day of May,
calmness, and Sheriff Strohl took him to jail, into a cell 1842, when the inhabitants of Bellevue were thrown into
already occupied by George Thompson, also a murderer. a fearful state of excitement by the news-that a murder
The jail at that time was where now stands Rev, Mr. had been committed right in their midst.
Lang's house, and here Sperry was given ample time to The victim was a Pennsylvania German girl, by the
brood over his crime and repent, but all to no good, name of Catharine Hamler, and the murderer was an
since he rejected all religious consolation, and remained Englishman by the name of George Thompson. Both
the hard-hearted man he was-up to the time of his death. parties were in the employ of Robert O. Pier, who at that
Sperry had time kept the Exchange Hotel in Bellevue (built by
Chapman & Amsden). This
374 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Thompson, who had paid considerable attention to the of Woodville, who at that time was a boarder at
girl (who at that time was but eighteen years old); had Elderkin's. Thompson then told Mr. Brown that he. was
finally approached her with a proposal of marriage, but hungry, and would like to get something to eat, and then
was refused by the girl, who emphatically told him that disclosed the fact that he was Thompson,. the murderer,
she entertained nothing but friendship toward him. and at the same time expressing himself as lacking in
Instead of taking this hint, Thompson kept up his love hope in the prospect of making good his escape; in
proposals in a still more persistent manner, until finally, consequence of which he requested Brown to be
seeing all his efforts crushed to pieces, the thought of instrumental in returning him to jail, telling him at the
murdering this girl entered his mind. The Both day of same time that a reward, without doubt, would be
May, 1842 was destined to become reddened with the offered for his arrest, and therefore he might as well
blood of his victim. On this day. he took a gun, loaded it obtain the same as anybody else. After listening to this
properly, and so armed, he proceeded to execute his conversation, Brown remarked that he was only a
terrible deed. In order to get up the proper courage and boarder at said house, (Elderkin being absent at the
strengthen his nerves, he took several drinks of whiskey, time,) therefore he had no rightful authority to give him
and then went to the hotel, into a back room, close to the anything to eat; 'but,' said he, 'I will accompany you to
stairway leading to the cellar kitchen. Catherine Hamler, Woodville, and there you can obtain eatables, and the
who was in this very room, busy with ironing, upon matter of your return to jail can be settled also. This
noticing Thompson. with a gun in his hand, became proposition was accepted and carried out, and it was
frightened at once, ran out of the room and down the arranged, when at the village, to have Mr. Wood return
stairway. She was followed by Thompson, and before the prisoner to jail, which he accordingly did. From the
she had arrived at the last step of the stairs she received [reported] fact of Wood having expected a reward for
the unlucky discharge of Thompson's gun into her back, the return, and failing in this, he was so chagrined that
in the upper part of the shoulder blade, killing her he told Thompson, upon separating from him in
instantly. The hotel keeper's wife, who had been busy in Fremont, that if he succeeded in escaping again, he
the cellar kitchen, hearing some one coming down stairs desired him to make for his (Wood's) home, and, if he
in such a hurry, ran out to learn the cause of it, and reached it in safety, he would use his endeavor to further
arrived just in time to catch the girl, who exclaiming: his escape by letting him have one of his horses in order
“I’m shot!” expired in her arms. The medical to accelerate the same. The two individuals then bade
examination proved that the wound was half an inch each other good-bye, Thompson at the same time telling
wide and ten inches deep. We may well imagine what Wood that he might expect him with him again just one
kind of an uproar and general consternation this foul week from that date, and this he fulfilled to the very
murder created. Thompson was immediately arrested day. o much for Mr. Stephen Brown's information, and
and brought to Fremont, where he was taken to jail and now the thread of this story is followed still further by
locked in the same cell where Sperry was then awaiting what I elicited from a conversation with Captain Andrew
his trial. This was in the summer of 1842, and in Nuhfer, of Woodville, who says that Thompson, when
September of the same year the grand jury, whose making his second escape, arrived in Woodville in the
foreman was Mr. Charles Lindsey, found an indictment night and entered a blacksmith shop belong to said
against Thompson for murder. in the first degree. Nuhfer, and there cut the fetters from his wrists by
Shortly afterward Thompson made his escape from jail, means of tools in the shop. Nuhfer plainly discovered
but was retaken in Woodville township and brought back traces of some one having used his forge and tools when
to jail. he entered his shop next morning. It seems that the
He remained in jail until shortly after Sperry's suicide, prisoner, after having rid himself of his fetters, carried
when he and several other prisoners again made good the same; with the connecting chain, and threw them
their escape. Before we proceed any further, we will behind a barn belonging to Wood, and soon after, having
give our readers a detailed account of Thompson's procured a horse from Mr. Wood, he set out on
escape which was furnished us by Mr. Michael McBride, horseback to make good his escape. The horse, upon
of Woodville, to whom, and also to Mr. Stephen Brown, proving to lack endurance, was soon abandoned, and the
of Woodville, we feel greatly indebted. Mr. McBride's escape continued, otherwise successfully, until the stage
letter to us reads as follows: driver informed on him. The chain and handcuffs, lying
"On the first occasion of Thompson's breaking jail, in behind Wood's barn, were subsequently appropriated as
his journeying to escape, he reached a house about a the property of Mr. Wood, and Nuhfer says that Mr.
half-mite to the westward of my place, then owned and Wood conceived the idea of putting the same to some
occupied by John P. Elderkin, sr., now a resident of use he had in view, by, in the first place, having, the
Fremont, and, in knocking for admission, he was met at same remodeled into a complete chain by the
the door by Mr. Stephen Brown, blacksmith, This idea was carried out and Nuhfer did the
work of remodeling."
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 375

Mr. I. K. Seaman's information upon this subject had made, immediately sent this information to Sheriff
coincides in the main with that of Mr. McBride. Mr. Strohl, who, after receiving the same communicated it to
Seaman was, during the years of 1842 and 1843, toll- Prosecuting Attorney W. W. Culver. In consequence of
gate keeper near Woodville, and remembers distinctly this, the county commissioners, Messrs. Paul Tew, Jones
that Thompson had been seen close to an old oak tree, Smith and James Rose, (A. Coles was auditor at that
about half a mile north of Woodville. Seaman says that time,) on the 8th day of December, 1843, ordered the
he and Amos E. Wood had taken the prisoner to the jail sum of one hundred dollars paid to Sheriff Strohl to
in Fremont. A week later Thompson again came back to enable him to go and get Thompson. In the meantime the
Woodville, where he met Wood and Seaman, whom he necessary papers of requisition had been made out by
begged to stick to the promise they had made to him and Governor Thomas W. Bartley, whereupon Thompson
further his escape. Mr. Wood told Thompson that his had been imprisoned in Ottawa until the arrival of
promise should be kept, whereupon he and Seaman went Sheriff Strohl, who finally returned with his prisoner in
with Thompson to Nuhfer’s blacksmith shop, where the fore part of March, 1844. His trial commenced in
Thompson got rid of his fetters. Thompson staid at June before a jury composed of the following persons, to
Seaman's house over night, and the next morning, wit: Joseph Reed, James P: Berry, Benjamin Inman,
sufficiently provided for with eatables and other Archibald Rice, James A. Fisher, William Boyles,
necessaries, he went on his journey. A part of the Abraham Gems, Washington Noble, Michael McBride,
distance from Woodville to Perrys burg he made in a Stephen Lee, John Weeks, and Amos K. Hammond.
sleigh. From Perrysburg, he travelled west until he Thompson was defended by Brice J. Bartlett (father of
reached Ottawa, Illinois. Mr. Seaman is of the opinion Colonel Joseph R. Bartlett) and Cooper K. Watson. The
that the name of the stage-driver who finally discovered State was represented by W. W. Culver and L. B. Otis.
Thompson, was Jackson. He also says that Thompson The presiding judge was Ozias Bowen, assisted by the
after this last capture never attempted another escape. Messrs. Isaac Knapp, Alpheus McIntyre, and George
He had free access to Sheriff Strohl's yard, where he Overmeier. During the trial the counsel for the
split wood and made himself generally useful, and that defendant tried their best to show that Thompson, at the
Thompson, had he chosen to do so, could have escaped committal of the murder, was not in his own mind and
very easily, especially where nearly all the farmers in not capable of distinguishing right from wrong. This
the neighborhood rather sympathized and pitied him and was corroborated by the testimony of a young Irishman,
would have furthered his escape; but Thompson was who said that he and Thompson had once been employed
prepared to die, and continually thought of his victim, together as sailors upon the same ship, and upon landing
poor Catharine Hamler, whom he never could forget and on a British isle in the West Indies, Thompson there had
whom he professed to love up to his death. had a severe case of sunstroke, the effects of which, in
We now proceed to acquaint our readers with the final his opinion, Thompson never could have overcome. The
capture of George Thompson. It was in the fall of 1843 theory of temporary insanity was prepared and skillfully
when a certain stage-driver left this vicinity in order to worked upon by the able counsel for the defense. The
take mail matter to the far West. In the fore part of State, on the contrary, proved by sufficient testimony,
October this stage-driver came to Ottawa, county seat of that during his stay in Bellevue Thompson never had
La Salle county, Illinois, and stopped, with some of his shown the least signs of insanity, and had not only
passengers, at the same hotel where at that time George talked good common sense but had proved himself an
Thompson was employed as hostler, As chance would upright and industrious man. Mr. Robert O. Pier, the
have It, one of the passengers had a conversation with keeper of the Exchange Hotel in Bellevue, testified that
the stage-driver about what time they intended to go while in his employ Thompson had behaved admirably,
back home. George Thompson, who happened to stand and had fulfilled promptly all duties required of him,
near by, became an attentive listener to their and that in his opinion Thompson knew perfectly well to
conversation from the fact that he heard the names of tell right from wrong. After the arguments on both sides
Bellevue and Lower Sandusky mentioned. The stage- were concluded judge Bowen instructed the jury, who
driver, although acquainted in Ottawa, still did not know then retired about noon. They remained out about four
Thompson personally, and when he noticed the sudden hours, and at their first ballot the jury stood ten for
change in Thompson's face from a living red to a deathly guilty in the first degree; one, William Boyles, for
pallor, he exclaimed, "Well! what is the matter with acquittal, and Michael McBride for guilty in the second
you?" Thompson, finding it hard to control his emotion, degree. Boyles kept hanging back for several hours but
begged the stage-driver not to betray him, telling him at finally consented, and shortly after three o'clock on the
the same time that he was the murderer of Catharine 10th day of June, the jury brought in their verdict of
Hamler. The stage-driver, astonished over the discovery guilty in the first degree, The defense filed a mo-
he
376 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tion for a new trial, but the judges overruled said Protestant minister and demanded a Catholic priest. His
motion; whereupon the accused was asked to arise, and wish was complied with and he received occasional
when questioned whether he had anything to say why visits from a French priest. by the name of Josephus
judgment should not be passed upon him, Thompson Projectus Macheboeuf, the present apostolic vicar at
answered that he had nothing more to say. Then Judge Denver, Colorado, and also from Father McNamee, of
Bowen addressed the prisoner as follows: “George Tiffin. Rev. Macheboeuf at that time had charge of
Thompson, you have been accused, tried, and found several parishes, as Peru, Sandusky, and several other
guilty of the greatest crime known in the annals of the places. At the beginning of the year 1880 he was in
law in this State. You have been tried by a jury of Rome, where he had an interview with Pope Leo XIII,
twelve men, chosen by yourself; you have had a who, according to the London Tablet, is said to have
decidedly impartial trial; you have been defended by the expressed very favorable comments on the ministerial
most able counsel, who have tried the utmost on their efforts of this Rev. Macheboeuf. The day of execution
part to withhold a verdict of guilty; you have tried to drew near, and Sheriff Strohl made the necessary
show that you were afflicted with temporary insanity, preparations for the same. Mr. John Sendelbach took the
but for the sake of humanity, it has been clearly proven measure and made the coffin, and Mrs. Sarah Barkimer,
that on the 30th day of May, 1842, you willfully, nee Parish; who still resides here in Fremont on Elliott
maliciously and knowingly killed Catharine Hamler. The Street, on the east side of the river, made a white
laws of this State for the crime of which you have been shroud, to which a white cap was attached. Thompson
found guilty punish with a dishonorable death on the was hung in this very shroud. Sheriff Strohl, who
scaffold; but the law in this is more merciful than you himself was a carpenter by trade, erected the gallows,
have been toward your victim, and gives you ample time enclosing the space (twenty by, thirty feet) with a board
to repent of your terrible crime. Do not resort to any fence, twelve feet high.
vain hopes of pardon but use your short time for The day before the execution Rev. Macheboeuf held
repenting, for which purpose you may have the religious holy mass in the prisoner's cell; on which occasion Mr.
consolation of a minister of your own free choice. And Ambrose Ochs assisted, who at that time was learning
now there remains nothing else for me to do but to the wagonmaker's trade with Mr. Balt. Keefer.
pronounce sentence upon you according to the laws of Thompson expressed great fear that after the execution
our commonwealth. Thus reads-the sentence: 'That you his body might come under the eager hands and knives
George Thompson, prisoner before the bar, be taken of science-hungry physicians, and he therefore begged
back to jail, whence you came, and there remain under of Rev. T. McNamee, who lived at Tiffin, to see to it
close confinement until Friday, the 12th day of July, that his body was laid in consecrated earth, which was
1844, on which day, between the hours of 10 o'clock A. solemnly pledged to him. The 12th day of July, 1844,
M. and 2 o'clock P. M., you shall be taken to the place the day set for the execution, had finally come. The
of execution, and there hung by your neck until you are prisoner awoke early and after partaking of a light
dead, and may God have mercy upon your soul.” breakfast was visited by Rev. J. McNamee, who
Thompson, who was quite overcome with emotion by administered the holy sacrament, after which Thompson
the reading of his death warrant, was then taken back to put on the white shroud, of which we have spoken
jail. What a change had taken place in this man, for it already.
was but two years previous, that this very George In the mean time a great crowd of people had
Thompson had shown and proved himself such a perfect congregated around the outside enclosure (the very place
brute, deprived of all human affection, at the time of where now stands the new addition of the courthouse)
John Sperry's suicide, and henceforth he became an and some desperate fellows, eager to become
entirely changed and repentant man. There were many eyewitnesses of this sad spectacle, tried their best to
persons who visited him during his last confinement, to break down the enclosure. Sheriff Strohl, after having
whom he talked and conversed freely about the murder become aware of these facts, concluded to have the
and its victim, poor Catharine Hamler, who, he said, was prisoner executed in the morning instead of in the
constantly before his eyes and troubled his mind afternoon, as had been his first intention. Shortly after
considerably. Once upon being asked by Mr. David 11 o'clock he led Thompson, accompanied by the priest,
Betts whether he sincerely repented of his terrible deed, out of his cell to the fatal platform of the gallows. All at
he answered: “I have loved this Catharine Hamler more once some one cried: "He is coming!" and at that
than any other person in the world, and since she moment, Mr. J. R. Francisco, from Ballville, who was
rejected my love I concluded to make certain that no stationed inside the enclosure as a custodian and armed
other person should have her.” with a gun, observed that some one was trying to cut a
Thompson was a member of the English Protestant hole through the board fence, and before he could
Episcopal church, but he refused to see any prevent it, one of the boards had been torn off, and in
less than no
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 377

time at all, other boards followed until finally the whole could not refer to authorities on many
fence had disappeared, thereby exposing the sad
spectacle to the entire public. After prayer by Rev.
questions which arose. But attorneys from
McNamee, he was asked by Sheriff Strohl whether he older towns and cities had access to law
had anything more to say, to which Thompson simply books and could therefore make a better
shook his head. His arms and legs were then tied, the display in arguing cases to court or jury;
fatal noose laid around his neck, the white cap drawn
over his face, and upon a given signal the trap was hence they were preferred by litigants in the
sprung and Thompson dangled in the air between heaven early times of the jurisprudence of the
and earth. Thompson's neck was not broken but he died county. For such reasons, at every term of
of strangulation, the knot of the noose having slipped
under the chin. He still breathed after a lapse of fifteen
the earlier courts there came to attend court
minutes, and the moving of the muscles of the different such men as Picket Lattimer, Ebenezer Lane,
parts of the body gave sufficient proof of the dreadful Phillip R. Hopkins, Ebenezer Andrews, of
death agony that was taking place in that man. In twenty Huron county, and later, Charles L. Boalt,
minutes Thompson was pronounced dead by Drs. L. Q.
Rawson and Peter Beaugrand, and fifteen minutes before and Samuel T. Worcester, Cortland Lattimer,
12 o'clock the body was taken from the gallows, put into Thaddeus B. Sturges, Francis D. Parrish,
the coffin, and given in charge of Rev. J. McNamee, John R. Osborn, E. B.. Saddler, and Joseph
who had it taken to Tiffin and buried in the Catholic
cemetery, thus keeping the solemn pledge he had given
M. Root, of the same county. Though F. D.
to Thompson. It is said that after the crowd had Parrish and E. B. Saddler were residents of
dispersed certain rumors went afloat that Thompson had Sandusky and placed outside of Huron
not been dead at the time he was cut down, and that on county by the erection of Erie county, they
the way to Tiffin Father McNamee had made successful
attempts at bringing Thompson back to life again. These were, at the time spoken of, within the limits
rumors found their culminative point in the statement of Huron county. There were, at every term
that Thompson had been seen near Fort Seneca. Of of the court, John M. May, of Mansfield,
course these were only rumors, based upon the stupidity
and sickly imagination of some foolish people, and
Richland county, Orris Parrish, of
certainly must have added greatly to the amusement of Columbus, Ohio, Andrew Coffinberry and
the above-named and certainly well-learned and skilful John C. Spink, of Wood county, Ohio, and
physicians. occasionally such then as Thomas Ewing and
In the early history of the practitioners at Willis Silliman were found in the courtroom,
the bar we find a peculiar class of men, of though not often in this, to them, remote part
which the present day does not furnish a of the State. Excepting Ewing and Silliman,
correct likeness. From the date of the or- in their early practice here, all travelled on
ganization of the county in the year 1820 horseback with the common pleas judge
until as late as 1840, or thereabouts, the from county seat to county seat, and during
larger portion of the litigated cases in the their stay made a home at the best tavern at
courts of the county were conducted by law- the county seat. They all travelled in
yers from other and sometimes remote lo- company on horseback and carried copies of
calities. They were chiefly men who had at- pleadings, briefs, and a change of shirts in
tained a wide reputation for talent and ability saddlebags or valise. When on the road or
in the profession, and whenever plaintiff or off duty at the tavern they were a social,
defendant retained one of such a reputation often a convivial collection of talented men
the other side was sure to employ another of away from home. In court they were as
similar acquirements and ability to match earnest and talented on behalf of their clients
him. The early local lawyers were poor, and as any lawyers of the present day can be.
there were in fact no law libraries worth Cards, whiskey, story telling, and dancing
noticing, and they of course and
378 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

singing songs were the alternate amuse- short terms was an absolute necessity.
ments, and the whole tavern was kept happy EARLY RESIDENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
where they stopped. BENJAMIN F. DRAKE was the first lawyer
After charging and sending out the grand who settled in Lower Sandusky. He came
jury, the presiding judge would next take the there in 1817, and was for a time clerk of the
docket and call the cases for trial in the same court of common pleas, but resigned his
order as they stood upon the docket, and office and removed to Delaware county,
every case was disposed of, for that time at probably in 1823. Nothing further of his
least. The cases were continued, tried or history or fate can now be obtained for
dismissed when called. This practice record.
compelled attorneys and clients to be ready HARVEY J. HARMON was the second law-
for trial at all times during the term. yer who settled in Lower Sandusky. Mr.
Therefore all clients and witnesses attended Harmon was a well educated man and a good
constantly until their cases were disposed of. lawyer, and at one time had considerable
The attendance upon court, therefore, was practice. He loved political discussion,
much greater than at present. In fact, for a however, and during the latter years of his
few days after opening court there was life gave most of his time and efforts in that
usually a large gathering of country people, direction. He was an ardent Jackson
something like what we now see when a Democrat in the election of 1828, and
menagerie or circus is on exhibition. Woe to afterward received the appointment of
the attorney who was not prepared to try his postmaster at Lower Sandusky. Mr. Harmon
case. He usually found no indulgence from was father of one daughter, now living, who
the court. There was in the earlier courts far is the wife of our esteemed citizen, Colonel
more prompt and rapid disposal of cases William E. Haynes. This daughter was a
than there is at present by the court. small child when her father died. He died in
In looking for the causes for this change August, 1834, of Asiatic cholera, in Lower
in the transaction of business, two facts Sandusky. The way he contracted the
appear: First, under the Constitution of 1802 contagious and fatal disease reflects much
all the judges were elected in joint ballot of credit on his character as a man and a
the General Assembly, and not by popular Mason. There had been no case of cholera in
vote of the same people to whom he must Lower Sandusky, and no thought that it
administer justice. The popular and widely would stray from the great thoroughfare to
influential attorney had no terrors for him, attack the people of as small a village as
because he looked to the General Assembly Lower Sandusky. A small steamboat then
for his reelection if he desired it. Second, plying between Sandusky City and Lower
under the common law system of pleading Sandusky, about the 4th of August, 1834,
almost every case was narrowed down to a brought a number of passengers and landed
single issue of fact or law, and the scope of them about three-quarters of a mile north of
the jury's enquiry was much less than the where the courthouse now stands. Among
scope under the present system. Another the passengers were two or three families of
cause may have had some influence. Then German emigrants, who had recently arrived
there were fewer judges to do the work, and in the United States. These people camped
a rapid dispatch of the business in each out near the landing and did not enter the
county in town. A very respectable stranger in
appearance
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 379

came from the landing in the evening and ing attorney of that county at the first term
took lodgings in the Western House, then the of the court of common pleas held. In 1826
best hotel in the country and kept by a Mr. he removed to Lower Sandusky (now
Marsh. In the early part of the night this Fremont) and in the following year was
stranger was taken sick, and was in need of married to Miss Margaret Beaugrand,
help; he inquired of the landlord if there daughter of John B. Beaugrand, one of the
were any Free Masons in the place, and was early settlers in Lower Sandusky. He was
told that Mr. Harmon was reputed to be a for a time prosecuting attorney for
member of the order. A messenger was sent Sandusky, and soon gathered a profitable
to give word and returned with Mr. Harmon, practice. He continued in practice for
who recognized the stranger as a brother in several years, but like many other lawyers
the order. Mr. Harmon stayed with and was eventually called into the arena of
ministered to him through the night, and political and party contention. Here Mr.
until the stranger died early the next day. Dickinson displayed all the qualities neces-
Harmon was taken with the dread disease the sary to a politician without the sacrifice of
following day and died in about twenty-four integrity. In the schemes for the early
hours after the attack. public works and finances of the State he
INCREASE GRAVES came to Lower became, and was for several years, the
Sandusky and began the practice of the law master mind. The Wabash & Erie Canal and
as early as 1821, if not before. He married the Maumee & Western Reserve road are
the daughter of Israel Harring, an early monuments of his ability and energy. He
settler, and died after about three years of was a member of the Board of Public Works
married life, leaving a widow and one child. of the State from the year 1836 to the year
RODOLPHUS DICKINSON was in order of 1845, which dates include an era of
time probably the fourth resident lawyer who financial embarrassment the most severe
settled in Lower Sandusky. There are better ever known in the State. Mr. Dickinson's in-
means at hand to furnish a history of Mr. fluence with the Board of Fund Commis-
Dickinson than of those who preceded him. sioners of the State and with the State
From these sources of information we gather Legislature was generally potential, and
and place in this work the following facts during a series of years when the credit of
concerning him and his career: the State was so prostrated that the bonds
Rodolphus Dickinson was born in the State sold as low as fifty cents on the dollar (the
of Massachusetts, December 28, 1797. He proceeds of sale being realized in the paper
graduated at Williams College and soon of suspended banks, which was depreciated
thereafter repaired to Columbus, Ohio, ten or twelve per cent.), his prudent
where he taught school for a time. He then counsels contributed largely to save the
entered upon the study of the law with prosecution of the public works from
Gustavus Swan, of that city. After indefinite suspension. In 1846 Mr.
completing his studies and after being Dickinson was elected to Congress, and re-
admitted to the bar, Mr. Dickinson removed elected in 1848. He died in Washington city
to Tiffin, the county seat of the then new soon after his re-election, and on the 10th
county of Seneca. Here he c ommenced the of March, 184.
practice of the legal profession, and was Mr. Dickinson, for his private virtues
appointed prosecut- and his public services, is still held in
380 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

grateful remembrance by the people not only Chauncy, an active and successful merchant
of Sandusky county but throughout at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Northwestern Ohio. After or about the time Mr. Pettibone
HIRAM R. PETTIBONE was born in Gran- settled in the practice of the law at Lower
ville, Connecticut, on the 20th of May, 1795. Sandusky, came Asa Calkins, Peter Yates,
In 1830 he served one term in the W. W. Culver, and William W. Ainger.
Legislature of his native State. He studied Little of they history of these then can now
law with judge Fouscey, of great repute in be gathered. They are either long ago dead,
that State as a jurist. He came to Lower or in other States, and in unknown locations,
Sandusky and entered the practice of the law excepting William W. Culver, who, at last
in the year 1835, and was a popular and accounts, was still living and resides at Penn
successful practitioner until 1849, when he Yan, New York. But the means of giving his
removed to Wisconsin, where he still resides birthplace, where he was educated, and
with his son Chauncy. While residing here where he studied his profession, are not at
Mr. Pettibone enjoyed the high esteem of the hand. Mr. Culver was prosecuting attorney
moral and intellectual portion of our people. for the county, being appointed first in 1839,
In practice he was faithful to his clients, and and continued four successive years. In his
was engaged in many of the important cases addresses to a popular assembly, or to a jury,
tried in the county. While practicing law in Mr. Culver exhibited wonderful brilliancy
Lower Sandusky Mr. Pettibone and his wife and acumen and always commanded the
reared and fitted for useful lives a family, close attention of the jury and the court, and
consisting of Mr. Chauncy Pettibone, who if not always right in his views of the law, or
was an accomplished business man at an his deductions from facts in the testimony of
early age, and was at one time a partner in a cause, he was always listened to with in-
the mercantile business at Lower Sandusky terest and pleasure by all who heard him.
with Mr. James Vallette. His eldest daughter, Mr. Culver left the practice about 1847, and
Delia, married Austin B. Taylor, one of our afterwards went to California where he
early and successful merchants, and a man of taught school. He accumulated considerable
ability in business circles. His second property, and finally settled with a sister in
daughter, Harriet, was married to C. G. Penn Yan, New York.
McCulloch, an early druggist of Lower RALPH P. BUCKLAND ’S history is so
Sandusky, but now of Chicago. A son, Milo, fully written in other parts of this work that
and son William, were next in order of age. our notice of him as a lawyer may be made
Then a daughter, Jane, who married Dr. brief without doing him injustice. We will
Kramer, of Sandusky City; a son, Alfred, therefore but briefly sketch the life of this
now residing in Ripon, Wisconsin. Dr. distinguished citizen in its connection with
Sardis B. Taylor, now practicing medicine in the practice of the law. He came to Lower
Fremont, is a grandson of Lower Sandusky's Sandusky in the summer of 1837, and
early and able lawyer, Hiram R. Pettibone. commenced the practice of the law. He has
This venerable member of the Bar of frequently told the writer that when he
Sandusky county is now eighty-six years of arrived at Lower Sandusky to commence the
age, and comfortably enjoying the sunset of practice of his profession he was without
life with his oldest son, means, and his only monetary resources
were seventy-five cents, which
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 381

he brought with him in his pockets. His and the three youngest living with their
subsequent success, and the eminent char- parents at the family home, No. 2011
acter he achieved, stands as a monument to Michigan avenue, Chicago. At the close of
his industry and integrity, as well as an his term of office as judge of the court of
enduring encouragement to all young common pleas in Ohio, in December, 1856,
members of the profession that by imitating he removed to Chicago, Illinois, which is
his noble and virtuous example they may still his residence. He has never practiced his
succeed in life. We commend the life of profession since he took his seat upon the
General Buckland, as given in another bench as judge in Ohio, in February, 1852.
chapter, to the reading and consideration of When he located in Lower Sandusky, in
all into whose hands this work may come. September, 1841, Mack Bump kept the old
General Buckland is now engaged in practice historic corner tavern, at which he boarded
in partnership with his son, Horace S. for a long time at two dollars and a half per
Buckland, and Wilbur Zeigler, and is the week. It was a well kept hotel. He recalls the
only lawyer now in practice who practiced in following names as fellow boarders at that
Fremont before 1840, and is also the oldest time: Elisha W. Howland, Charles O.
member of the bar in the county, both in Tillotson, Dr. Thomas Stilwell, Clark
years and in practice. Waggoner, C. G. McCulloch, John A.
LUCIOUS B. OTIS was born March 11, Johnson. That so many are still living after
1820, at Montville, Connecticut, and was nearly for years have elapsed is quite
educated in Ohio at common schools in remarkable.
Berlin, Erie county; at Huron Institute, To show how judge Otis succeeded in life
Milan, Ohio; the Norwalk Seminary, after he left Fremont, we give the following
Norwalk, Ohio, and at Granville College, from a correspondent of the Sandusky
Granville, Ohio. He commenced the study of Register in Chicago, under date of January
law at Norwalk, Ohio, in August, 1839, in 11, 1881, which details his life with more
the law office of Hon. Thaddeus B. Sturgis particularity:
and John Whitbeck, and during the fall and Judge Lucius B. Otis is a typical Ohioan in physical
proportions and mental acquirement. It is often said that
winter of 1840 and 1841 attended the law sons of Ohio, particularly Northern Ohio, are men of
school of the Cincinnati College, at large frame and fine physique; whether this is true or not
Cincinnati, Ohio, front which he graduated I cannot say, but it certainly is true in this instance, and
in April, 1841. At the August term of the is true of the family, a numerous one. While L. B. Otis
was born in Connecticut, he is essentially an Ohio man,
Supreme Court, held in Huron county in having come to the State when two years of age. He
1841, he was duly admitted to the Bar as a comes of rare old New England stock, his father and
practicing attorney. On September 1, 1841, mother possessing fine native abilities, rare attainments,
force of character, integrity and many Christian virtues,
he took up his residence in Lower Sandusky, which qualities were inherited by the subject of this
Sandusky county, Ohio. For the first year or mention in a marked degree. He was born in 1820, and
two he practiced law in partnership with the his parents moved to Berlin, Erie county, Ohio, in 1822,
late Brice J. Bartlett, and subsequently for which has been the home of the family since. Lucius
attended the common schools of that place, dividing his
several years with Hon. Homer Everett. He time between study and farming, until eighteen years of
was married to Miss Lydia Ann Arnold, of age, when he attended the Huron Institute at Milan, later
East Greenwich, Rhode Island, in January, the Norwalk Institute and Granville College., when he
commenced the study of law in Norwalk, with Sturgis &
1844, and has seven children living, four Whitbeck, and attended the law school at Cincinnati,
married and well settled in life, returning to Norwalk in
382 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

1841, where he was admitted to the Bar by the supreme best corners, as to property, and our best institutions of
court. Soon after this he established himself in practice all descriptions.
at Lower Sandusky, now Fremont; was elected He is one of our most prominent citizens, and his
prosecuting attorney in 1842, and re-elected each two fine and varied literary attainments and refined social
years and served until 1850. In 1851, under the new qualities make him a most agreeable and edifying
Constitution, he was elected judge of the court of member of the social circle. He has a large library, filled
common pleas, his circuit comprising the counties of with a choice collection of books. He is a lawyer of the
Huron, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Lucas, and involved highest standing in the profession; has not been an
a vast amount of work, often holding court ten months office seeker, though office has often sought him, but,
of the year, besides sitting as one of the district judges. being a Democrat, his friends have been unable to put
In 1850, with Sardis Birchard, he established the him in high State positions (for which he was fitted) in
banking house of Birchard & Otis, at Fremont, which this Republican stronghold. He supported Lincoln both
enterprise proved a decided success, and in 1864 terms, but has returned to his first love, no doubt being
developed into the First National. Bank of Fremont. At conscientious in his views and belief. In religion he is
the expiration of his judgeship, in 1856, having an Episcopalian, and a noble layman in the matter of
accumulated considerable means and believing Chicago expounding the laws and canons of that church.
was destined to become the great metropolis of the In 1893 and 1894, with a portion of his family, he
West, he moved here in December of the same year, and visited Great Britain and the Continent, making an
at once began operating in real estate, buying, building, extensive tour. He was married in 1844, and has had
and renting; exercising that tact, sagacity, and judgment eight children, seven of whom are now living. His wife
which had previously characterized his course, and have is an estimable lady. His sons are among our prominent
to this day, and he has become one of our largest real business men, engaged in banking and other business.
estate owners and among our most enterprising and suc- Ohio, and Erie county in particular, may point with
cessful business men. One of the finest and most pride to judge L. B. Otis as one of her sons.
conspicuous marble front blocks, known as the "Otis
Block," is owned by him and his brother James. JOHN L. GREENE, SR., was born in St.
He was a large property owner before the fire, and Lawrence county, New York, July 16, 1806.
being in the burnt district, his property was nearly all In August, 1815, he moved with his father's
destroyed, but, being well insured in responsible
companies, he was not as heavy a loser as many, and
family to Ohio, and located at Newburg, on
was able to rebuild and almost wholly replace his the Western Reserve. He shortly after went
buildings with new ones of a much better class. He was to Plattsburg, New York, where he spent two
president of the Grand Pacific Hotel Company, and years, and there began the study of the law,
superintended the finances when it was rebuilt after the
fire, and had a general supervision of its building. under the instruction of his uncle, John
Among the many responsible positions he has been Lynde. He spent some time in the University
called upon to fill, financial and otherwise, is that of of Burlington, Vermont, but was compelled
receiver of the insolvent State Savings Institution, which
had a deposit account at the time of failure of over four
to relinquish his course on account of ill
million dollars, to the credit of poor people almost health.
wholly. The court sought to protect this vast interest and Returning to Ohio he was soon invited to
save as large a per cent. as possible to the depositors, take charge of an academy at Cleveland,
and to accomplish this object selected judge L. B. Otis
for receiver, knowing his eminent fitness for such duty. which position he accepted for a short time.
He has more than met the expectations of both court and While engaged in teaching he still pursued
depositors. He has realized on the real estate assets a the study of the law, under the tuition of
full quarter of a million dollars more than almost any
other man could have done, and will be able to pay over
Leonard Case.
forty per cent., in place of fifteen or twenty, which was After the termination of his engagement
only looked for, hardly expected. This is the result of his in the academy, he gave himself more ex-
sagacious management of the assets. His bond is two clusively to the study of law, and while
million dollars, signed by ten of the best men in the city.
I instance this fact to indicate to his former friends and giving his days to that purpose, employed
neighbors the kind of man Erie county has furnished his evenings in keeping the books of the
Chicago. His name is identified with some of our mercantile house of Irad Kelley.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 383

On the 16th of July, 1828, he was married of the judicial district in which he resided,
to Miss Julia L. Castle, of Cleveland. In this folly certifies his ability and standing as a
year he also engaged in various speculations, lawyer and a man.
by which he accumulated a handsome COOPER K. WATSON came to Lower
property. Sandusky to attend court occasionally as
In 1833 he came to Sandusky county and early as 1841. He had studied law in Marion,
purchased some fourteen hundred acres of Ohio, and recently been admitted to the Bar.
land, and in the spring of the following year At that time he was a man of unusually clear
moved with his family here. After a failure and quick perception of legal principles and
in mercantile business at Greensburg, a with great argumentative power. He assisted
village named after him, in Scott township, in the prosecution of Sperry for the murder
which failure was caused by the financial of his wife, and his management of the case,
crisis of 1836-37, Mr. Greene, in 1840, came and especially his argument to the jury, at
to Lower Sandusky and commenced the once placed him in a high position in his
practice of the law. profession, which he maintained through
His earnings for the first year were forty- life. Of his birthplace, parentage, and early
five dollars. He had a wife and six children life, we are not informed.
to provide for. At this juncture he received Mr. Watson served two successive terms
aid from an old Samaritan named Riverius in the House of Representatives in Congress,
Bidwell. The next year his earnings being first elected in 1856, and after he had
amounted to sixteen hundred and fifty become a resident of Tiffin, in Seneca
dollars. From this time he had a successful county, having changed his residence about
practice until 1855, when he was elected the year 1850. Subsequently he located and
Representative in the General Assembly, by practiced his profession in Sandusky. After
the people. In 1861 he was elected judge of the death of judge Lane, of Sandusky, he
the court of common pleas, to fill a vacancy was appointed to fill the vacancy in the
occasioned by the resignation of Hon. judgeship of the court of common pleas, and
Samuel T. Worcester, which position he held was twice elected to the office, in which he
until February, 1864, at which time he continued until his death, in 1880. He was
resumed the practice of the law. He buried in the cemetery at Sandusky, and his
afterwards formed a partnership with his funeral was attended by a large concourse of
son, John L. Greene, jr., in which relation he people, including judges and lawyers from
continued until the time of his death. various distant parts of the State, also a large
He was the father of eight sons and four concourse of Knights Templar, of which
daughters. One of his peculiarities was a order he was a prominent member.
fondness for horses, and, at the bar, JOHN A. JOHNSON was born in Canfield,
wherever he practiced, he was king of all Trumbull county at that time, but now in the
attorneys where the value, or quality, or county of Mahoning. After receiving a fair
disease of horses were drawn into litigation. academic education he studied law in the
In social life, and as a citizen of good office of judge Newton, in Canfield. He
example, public spirit, and liberality, judge came to Lower Sandusky and commenced
Greene had few superiors in Fremont. The the practice of the law in the latter part of
fact that Mr. Greene was chosen as a judge the year 1839. In 1842 he formed a
and elected to that position by the people of partnership in practice with
the subdivision
384 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Cooper K. Watson, under the name of ination, found qualified, and admitted to
Watson & Johnson. This firm had the benefit practice in all the courts of the State. After
of Mr. Watson’s growing reputation, and for returning from Columbus he at once resigned
a time did a large legal business. the office of sheriff, which had some months
In 1842 Mr. Johnson married Almira B. to run, and entered into partnership, under
Hafford. In 1849 he left his practice and his the firm name of Eddy & Everett. This firm
family, in Fremont, and, with several other continued a prosperous business until some
citizens of the place, went, to hunt gold in time in 1844 or 1845, when Mr. Eddy was
California, and was absent about fifteen seized with a desire to become suddenly
months. A few months after his return he rich, and entered into mercantile business
sold his farm and residence near the town, with Frederick Wilkes, his brother-in-law.
and moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, The firm of Eddy & Wilkes occupied a store
where he died many years ago. His wife and near the law office used by Eddy & Everett.
four children-three sons and one daughter, On the retirement of Mr. Eddy from practice,
are still living. Lucas B. Otis and Homer Everett formed a
Mr. Johnson was in every way an exem- partnership, and did a successful business as
plary man. While residing in Lower lawyers until the close of the year 1847,
Sandusky he was a member of the Presbyte- when Mr. Everett retired from practice and
rian church, and acted as its trustee in settled on his farm on the Sandusky River,
building the first brick house of worship for about five miles below town.
the society. Mr. Eddy closed up his business a few
NATHANIEL B. EDDY , a native of the years after, and moved to Madison, Wis-
State of New York, came to Lower Sandusky consin. There he was chosen county judge,
and commenced the practice of the law and held the office many years, and died in
sometime about the year 1839. Mr. Eddy was the capital of his last adopted State.
well educated and had thoroughly studied his Thus far we have mentioned only the
profession. His brother, Azariah, had settled lawyers who practiced in Lower Sandusky
in Lower Sandusky previously, and at the prior to the year 1842, who with the ex-
time mentioned was, perhaps, the leading ception of General Buckland, are all dead or
merchant of the town. His influence at once have removed from the State. However,
helped his young lawyer brother into while the ranks of the practicing lawyers of
practice and into social standing in the the olden time have been thinned by death
community. Mr. Eddy practiced successfully and removal, the recruits have been
alone for about two years. Homer Everett abundant since, and the force not only kept
had for some years been studying law at leis- up but largely increased from time to time
ure times, and was then sheriff of the county. by the settlement in the county from abroad,
In December, 1842, Mr. Eddy persuaded and by admissions to the Bar of those who
Everett that ho was qualified to be admitted lived and studied within its limits. Of those
to the Bar, and proposed that if he would do who came into practice in 1842, and since
so, he would accept him as a partner in the that time, we have to mention the follow-
business on equal terms. Mr. Everett at once ing:
travelled to Columbus and was there, after J. W. CUMMINGS is now a resident of
due exam
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 385

Green Spring. He was born in Richland February, 1836, in Westfield township, then
county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 1838 removed Delaware, but now Morrow county, Ohio. He
with his parents to Lagrange county, was educated at Wesleyan University,
Indiana, where he resided until 1864. He was Delaware, Ohio.
educated at Ontario Academy, Indiana, and Mr. Rhodes commenced the study of the
Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, law in the year 1860, with O. D. Morrison, at
Michigan. Mr. Cummings studied law at Cardington, Ohio, and completed his study
Lagrange, Indiana, and was admitted to the under the teaching of Homer Everett, of
Bar there in the year 1860. He was elected Fremont, Ohio, in the year 1870. At the April
to, and held the office of district prosecuting term of the district court of Sandusky county,
attorney for the five northeastern counties of he was admitted to practice and at once
the State; was afterwards a candidate for opened an office at Clyde, Ohio, where he has
circuit prosecuting attorney for the circuit since done, and still is doing a good business.
composed of the ten counties in the Mr. Rhodes was married on the 28th day of
northwestern part of the State. This can- December, 1867, in Brooklyn, New York, to
didacy was in 1864, and Mr. Cummings was Miss May Antoinette Brown, also a graduate
not elected. In 1864 he went to Washington, of the Ohio Wesleyan University. They now
and there held a position in the land office have a happy family of three children.
until 1866, when he left Washington and Mr. Rhodes served a term as Repre-
located at Toledo, Ohio, and resumed there sentative of Morrow county in the General
the practice of the law. Here Mr. Cummings' Assembly of Ohio. He had also served in the
merits and talents soon gave him Union army in the War of the Rebellion,
prominence, and he held public office having volunteered.
several terms. He in the meantime married a In purity of life, in gentlemanly conduct
daughter of the late Robert Smith, of Green. and courtesy, and in pleasing manners,
Spring, and in 1876 retired from the practice Colonel Rhodes has no superior in the
of the law and engaged in other business. Sandusky county bar. As a lawyer, he ranks
While Mr. Cummings was engaged in well and is a good and faithful attorney.
practice at Toledo he was frequently seen Mr. Rhodes enlisted as a private in
attending to business in the courts of company B, of the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer
Sandusky county. He always commanded the Infantry, in 1861. He served with his regiment
close attention of Court and Bar wherever he through the entire war, being mustered out as
appeared. He was made administrator of his lieutenant-colonel. He was promoted in
father-in-law's estate, and the large amount obedience to the desire of the officers and
of property and the widely extended business men of his own regiment. After returning
thus thrown on Mr. Cummings' care and from his honorable service in the army, the
management, together with the fact that he people of Morrow county elected him to
has a large share of this world's goods, will represent them in the General Assembly for
probably prevent a good lawyer and the sessions of 1866-67. He filled the office
admirable man from returning to the with satisfaction to the people and credit to
drudgery of practice. himself.
JOHN H. RHODES, now in practice in our HENRY R. FINEFROCK, now an esteemed
courts, and residing in Clyde, in the eastern member of the Bar of Sandusky county,
part of the county, was born in
386 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

was born at Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, country a little before coming to the age of
on the 16th day of October, 1837. He was eighteen years. He enlisted as a private in
educated in the common schools and high company B of the One Hundred and Sixty-
school in. Lancaster, Ohio. He became an ninth regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He
approved and efficient school teacher, and served with this regiment until it was finally
spent some years in that profession in Marion mustered out. On his return young Lemmon
county, Ohio, and perhaps in other counties. determined to obtain a better education and
His brother Thomas P. Finefrock, had been in to that end promptly entered Hillsdale
successful practice for a number of years at college at Hillsdale, Michigan, which he
Fremont, and while he was a partner with. John attended one year. After leaving Hillsdale,
L. Greene, sr., Mr. Henry R. Finefrock studied he taught school several terms, after which
law with them. he began service as a railroad engineer,
In 1862, Henry R. Finefrock was admitted which he followed for a time, and then began
to the Bar at Fremont, Ohio, at the April term reading law. He commenced the study with
of the district court. He, however, did not Stephen A. Powers, esq., at Fremont, in the
really commence practice as a lawyer until State of Indiana, and was admitted to the Bar
1867, when he located in the city of Fremont, September 5, 1876, at Angola, Indiana, and
for the purpose at once went into practice. In March, 1877,
of entering into practice. Mr. Finefrock is he entered into partnership with his brother,
highly esteemed among the members of the John M. Lemmon, of Clyde, and remains an
Bar, as an upright, moral man, and an attorney active member of the firm.
with excellent business qualifications. He has He was married October 11, 1871, to Miss
rendered good service to the county, and Emma T. Stewart, of Fremont, Indiana, and
helped much to improve our schools, while is now the happy father of three children.
acting as a member of the board of examiners WILBUR G. ZEIGLER is the son of Henry
of school teachers. For this position his Zeigler, formerly a prominent merchant and
accurate learning and his experience as a business man of Fremont, who, after the war,
teacher, gave him good qualifications, and he located in the South with his family, and
exercised them happily in advancing the returned a few years ago, bringing his son
qualifications of our teachers. Mr. Finefrock is Wilbur with him to Fremont.
still in active practice at Fremont, in Wilbur G. was born at Fremont, Ohio.
partnership with Colonel Joseph R. Bartlett. While in the South, he, though compara-
M. B. LEMMON, now an active member of tively a young man, displayed unusual
the Sandusky county Bar, located at Clyde, literary ability in his correspondence with
Ohio, was born August 7, 1847, in Townsend various newspapers, which marked him for a
township, Sandusky county, and therefore "to literary career. For some time he read law
the manor born." He is the youngest son of with Henry McKinney, now judge, in
Uriah B. Lemmon, one of the pioneers of the Cleveland, Ohio. However, he came back to
county. The subject of this sketch was educated Fremont, and finished his legal studies in the
in early life in our common schools, and office of Ralph P. & Horace S. Buckland. He
attended quite regularly until 1864, when he was admitted to practice under the lately
volunteered in the military service of his established rules, in the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 387

supreme court at Columbus, in March, 1881. cates an aptness to acquire learning which is
Mr. Zeigler was educated in the public quite unusual. He continued to teach in the
schools of Fremont, graduating in the high winter, and attend school in the summer
school in the class of 1876. On his admission until he commenced the study of the law,
to the Bar, Mr. Zeigler at once entered upon which was in the summer of 1876. He,
the practice of his profession and was however, taught the Hessville graded schools
received into partnership with the when studying, and there closed his career as
Bucklands, with whom he had finished his a school teacher in April, 1880.
studies. He is unmarried, but his future In June, 1880, Mr. O'Farrell passed
career is full of promise whether he shall examination under the new rules of the
devote himself exclusively to his profession, supreme court at Columbus, Ohio, and was
or strike off into a literary career. there admitted to practice. He was elected a
F. R. FRONIZER was born October 15, justice of the peace for Sandusky township
1852, at the city of Buffalo, New York, and in the spring of 1879, but resigned the office
emigrated to Ohio with his parents in the on the 16th of August, 1881. He was
spring of 1853. He was educated in the appointed a member of the board of county
common schools of Ohio. For some time Mr. school examiners on the 3d day of July,
Fronizer was a school teacher, and while so 1881, which office he still creditably fills.
engaged, taught the high school at On the 24th day of May, 1881, Mr.
Woodville, Ohio. O'Farrell married Miss Catharine O'Connor,
He commenced reading law in the law daughter of Bryan O'Connor, who is now
office of John T. Garver in Fremont, in the one of our most popular county
fall of 1874, and was admitted to the Bar in commissioners.
Sandusky county in the fall of the year 1877. Mr. O'Farrell has fine, natural gifts of
He has since been elected a justice of the perception, memory and language, which, if
peace for Ballville township, which he properly used, will make him a good
resigned, and is now engaged in practice at advocate and lawyer.
Fremont. MARCUS D. BALDWIN was born at Fre-
P. O'FARRELL was born at Sandusky City, mont, Ohio, on the 25th day of September,
Erie county, Ohio, May 24, 1856. In the 1851. He received his early education at
spring of 1860 he moved with his parents, Toledo, Ohio, finishing a course at Oberlin,
and settled in Scott township, Sandusky attending the latter institution about four
county, Ohio. Here young O'Farrell worked years. He commenced reading law at Toledo,
on the farm of his father, attending a district Ohio, borrowing the books he read from
school in the winters until the spring of Messrs. Dunlap and M. K. Waite. He
1871, when he went to the Northwestern subsequently was located at Green Spring,
Normal School, then located at Republic, Ohio, and while there read law under the
Seneca county, Ohio, to prepare himself for tuition of Hon. T. P. Finefrock, of Fremont,
teaching. The ensuing winter he taught his Ohio. He was admitted to practice at
first school for a term of four months in Fremont by the district court on the 1st day
Montgomery township, Wood county, Ohio. of March, 1874, and began practice at Green
At this time Mr. O'Farrell was not sixteen Spring, May 1, 1874. He subsequently
years old, yet lie taught with good success, removed to Fremont and opened a law
which indi- office. He
388 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was chosen city solicitor for the city of ever, at once enter into active practice. He
Fremont soon after settling in the city; and served as deputy county clerk from the time
satisfactorily discharged the duties of that of his admission to the Bar. until April 26,
office for several years. At this writing (May 1880, at which time he commenced practice
1, 1881,) Mr. Baldwin is still in practice, in Fremont. On the 22d day of November,
doing quite a successful business as an 1878, he was married to Miss Mary E. Meek,
attorney, and dealing in real estate, but daughter of Basil Meek, who is now the
contemplates a removal to Shelby, Ohio. At popular clerk of Sandusky county. Mr.
one period Mr. Baldwin resided and taught Dudrow is a promising young member of the
school at Mitchell, Indiana. On the 31st day Bar, and with his excellent habits and genial
of October, 1874, he was married at Shelby, good manners will probably attain a high
Ohio, to Sarah S. Rogers, by whom he has professional standing. He is now, by
two living children, having lost one. election, the city solicitor of the city of
THOMAS P. DEWEY , now residing at Fremont, and is to all appearance on. the
Clyde, Ohio, was born on the 27th day of road to prosperity in his profession.
December, 1852, in Crawford county, State JOHN B. LOVELAND was born in New
of Pennsylvania., and was educated at the Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on the
common schools, mainly at Kelloggsville, 10th day of February, 1827. At the age of
Ashtabula county, Ohio. He commenced nineteen years he left his father's farm for
reading law at Painesville, Ohio, with Tinker Oberlin College to supplement the education
& Alvord in the spring of 1876, came to picked up in a pioneer district school on the
Clyde in the spring of 1877, and finished his classic Huron River. On the 22d day of
course of legal study in the office of August, 1850, he was married to Miss
Lemmon, Finch & Lemmon at that place, Martha Jane Watts, of New Haven, by whom
reading there until 1879. He was admitted to he has had three children. In 1854 he
the Bar April 27, 1879, and commenced removed to Fremont, Sandusky county,
practice in Tiffin, Ohio, in September Ohio, to take a position as teacher in the
following. He, however, returned to Clyde, Fremont graded schools. This position he
and is now practicing. Mr. Dewey was held with credit to himself and to the entire
married on the 9th day of September, 1879, satisfaction of all concerned for the term of
to Miss Jennie Stilwell. He is a young man ten years. From his position in the schools of
of good faculties, and no doubt will in time Fremont he was called to the
make a successful lawyer. superintendency of the schools at Bellevue
BYRON R. DUDKOW was born in Adams and Green Spring respectively, in which
township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 1st position he spent eight years. All this time
day of March, 1855. He was educated at he was one of the reliable members of the
Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, from board of county school examiners, in which
which institution he received the degree of position he well and faithfully discharged
Master of Arts. He commenced the study of the duties of the office for the term of
law in the office of Basil Meek, at Clyde, fourteen years. He commenced the study of
Ohio, on the 18th day of June, 1877. On the the law while superintending the schools of
26th day of April, 1879, he was admitted to Green Spring, with Marcus D. Baldwin, esq.,
the Bar by the district court of the county. and was admitted to the Bar by the district
He did not, how- court of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 389

Sandusky county at Fremont, Ohio, on the he entered the clerk's office of Sandusky
20th of March, 1876, where he commenced county, February 10, 1879, to which office
the practice of law, and has continued to he was elected in October, 1878. He is at
practice until the present time. Although a this time serving as such clerk, and was, at
member of the legal profession Mr. the October election, 1881, re-elected to said
Loveland does not make the practice of the office.
law a specialty, preferring the retirement of THOMAS P. FINEFROCK was born at
his farm, situated one and a half miles Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 9,
southwest of the city. In solid scientific 1826. He came to Ohio and settled in
attainments, and in that practical common Lancaster, where he studied law with Medill
sense which is the result of learning and & Whitman. He was admitted to the Bar in
original thought, Mr. Loveland has few August, 1851, and came to Fremont and
superiors. His father, Mr. John Loveland, began practice with Brice J. Bartlett in the
one of the oldest pioneers of Huron county, following September. He soon be-came well
is still in good health at the advanced age of known as a lawyer, and the firm became
eighty-three years. prominent in the legal business of the
BASIL MEEK was born at New Castle, county. Mr. Finefrock was chosen to the
Henry county, Indiana, April 20, 1829, In position of prosecuting attorney in 1853, and
1832 he removed with his parents to Wayne served two successive terms. In 1857 he was
county, Indiana. In August, 1841, with his the Democratic candidate for representative
parents, he went to Owen county, Indiana, in the General Assembly, his Republican
and there resided until September, 1864, opponent being Ozias L. Nims, a prominent
when he came to Ohio and settled at Clyde. merchant of Fremont. After a closely
His school education was that of the contested campaign, Mr. Finefrock was
common schools. He was married to Cynthia elected by a small majority. During the war
A. Brown, in December, 1849, who died he took an active interest in politics, being a
August 14, 1861, at Spencer, Owen county, leader of the ultra-Democratic party. In 1866
Indiana. By this marriage he had four he received the Democratic nomination for
children, viz.: Minerva B., Mary E., Lenore Congress in the Tenth District, but was
Belle, and Flora B. Mary E., who is the wife defeated by General R. P. Buckland, the
of B. R. Dudrow, esq., and Lenore .Belle, Republican candidate. His practice from the
only, are now living. He was married to time he located in. the county was large and
Martha E. Anderson, September 30, 1862, by remunerative. In 1874 he was elected judge
whom he has had two children, both living, of the court of common pleas, on the
viz.: Clara C. and Robert C. He served as Democratic ticket, and served for the full
clerk of the courts of Owen county, Indiana, term of five years, when he again re-turned
continuously from February 20, 1854, to to the practice of law, entering into
February 20, 1862. At the November term, partnership with Charles H. Bell, under the
1861, of the Owen county circuit court, he firm name of Finefrock & Bell. The firm is
was admitted to the Bar, and formed a law now in full practice. He has always
partnership with Hon. Samuel H. Buskirk, maintained the reputation of a good jury
practicing at Spencer till his removal to lawyer. Mr. Finefrock was married in May,
Ohio. In 1871, at Clyde, he resumed the 1854, to Miss Emma E. Carter. They have
practice of law, continuing in the practice raised a family, of children, and reside east
until of the city.
390 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

S. S. RICHARDS is a native of Townsend Hon. H. G. Blake, at Medina, Ohio, where he


township, this county, and was born Au-gust remained until September, 1869, when he
8, 1857. He was educated in Clyde, and entered the Ohio State and Union Law college
graduated from the high school of that place at Cleveland, where he took a regular course,
in 1875. Just after graduating he went to and from which institution he was graduated on
California, where he spent about one year. June 29, 1870, receiving the degree of
Re-turning, he began the study of law in the Bachelor of Laws; was admitted to the Bar by
office of Basil Meek, at Clyde, in the fall of the supreme court of Ohio at Columbus, on
1876. He was admitted to the Bar by the March 17, 1870, and in June of the same year
supreme court at Columbus in the spring of he was admitted to practice in the West Salem
1879, and immediately opened an office at district and circuit courts at Cleveland. He
Clyde. In June, 1879, he formed a commenced the law practice at West Salem,
partnership with D. A. Heffner for the Ohio, in July, 1870, where he remained until
practice of the profession, which partnership May, 1871, when he re-moved to Fremont,
still continues. Mr. Richards is a promising where he has ever since been engaged in the
young member of the Bar. active practice of his profession. In politics a
D. A. HEFFNER came to Sandusky county Democrat, he was elected to the office of solic-
with his parents, who settled in York itor for Fremont in April, 1873 and re-elected
township in 1856. He was born in Union to the same office in April, 1876, holding that
county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1849. He was position four years. In October, 1877, he was
educated in the common schools and in elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of
Hillsdale college, Michigan, where he spent Sandusky county, and reelected in October,
one year-1869--7o. From 1870 to 1875 he 1879, which position he now holds. He has
taught school in the winter and farmed in the been a member of the board of teachers'
summer. In the spring of 1875 he entered the examiners of this county since August 5, 1876,
Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he of which board he is now president; was
received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in married, in February, 1878, to Miss Sarah E.
1877. He then entered the office of J. H. Gilbert, of Medina county; and is the father of
Rhodes and continued two years, teaching two children. Mr. Garver has built up a good
school each winter. In April, 1879, he was practice, and is now in partnership with his
admitted to the Bar by the district court at brother, S. C. Garver.
Fremont. He began to practice in partnership JAMES H. FOWLER is a native of Fremont,
with S. S. Richards in June, 1879. He was Ohio, and was born January 5, 1846. His father
married May 27, 1879, to Miss Belle Haff, was, by birth, an Englishman, and his mother a
daughter of Hiram Haff, of Townsend town- Pennsylvania German. He attended common
ship. He is an honorable and worthy member school and desired more extensive school
of the Bar. privileges, but the financial circumstances of
JOHN T. GARVER was born in Congress, his father seemed to forbid. James, however,
Wayne county, Ohio, July 26, 1848; was met these circumstances honorably, by amply
educated in the common school and at the remunerating his father for the loss of his
academy at Smithville, Ohio; taught school services, from the time of leaving home-
six terms. He commenced reading law in eighteen-to the time of his majority. He
March, 1846, in the office of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 391

taught school for several terms and then among members of the Bar of the county.
learned the printer's trade in the office of the ERNEST B. WILLIAMS is a native of Salem,
Sandusky County Democrat. He enlisted as a Oregon, and was born February 15, 1853;
private in the One Hundredth Ohio was educated at Willamette University,
Volunteer Infantry April 24, 1861. He was Oregon; studied law at Portland, Oregon,
advanced from the ranks to the first with W. W. Thayer, now Governor, and was
lieutenancy. At Limestone Station he was admitted to practice by the supreme court of
taken prisoner, with many others of his the State, in August, 1874. He began practice
regiment. For four months he suffered the at Salem immediately after his admission,
hardships of prison life at Salisbury and and came to Fremont, Ohio, in May, 1880.
Libby, the greater part of the time at Libby. He shortly after entered into partnership with
While in prison he fell into association with M. D. Bald-win, who has since removed
a well-educated Frenchman, who was also a from the county, and Mr. Williams is now
prisoner. Mr. Fowler indicated a desire to practicing alone.
learn the French language, and was GEORGE W. GLICK and CHARLES S.
instructed by his fellow prisoner. He was an GLICK for some time practiced law at Fre-
apt student, and advanced rapidly until the mont. Both removed to Kansas, and
time of his escape, which was really a practiced there for some time. Charles S.
romantic episode of prison life. The died there several years ago. George W. is
suffering in-mates of Libby were detailed still living at Atchison, Kansas. He has been
each day to gather wood to supply the a member of the State legislature, was a
prison. One damp day, while on this dreary centennial commissioner, and is a man of
mission, a companion and Mr. Fowler made considerable local influence.
a daring and successful attempt to escape. GEORGE R. HAYNES practiced in San-
As soon as they reached the woods they dusky county during the early part of his life.
speed on their way northward, being aided He removed to Toledo where he enjoyed a
and guided by negroes. They slept during high reputation as a lawyer and citizen.
daylight and travelled at night. Pursuing WILLIAM AUNESLY was a graduate of
blood hounds were evaded by travel-ling the Oberlin College; studied law many years ago
rocky beds of streams. At last they safely with Buckland & Everett and was admitted
reached the Union lines at Knoxville, and re- to the Bar in Sandusky county, and after a
entered the service. At the close of the war short term of practice here he re-moved to
he was mustered out with his regiment as Port Clinton, Ottawa county. He was elected
first lieutenant, and returned to Fremont. He prosecuting attorney of that county, and after
at once began the study of law in the office acquiring considerable reputation and a
of Homer Everett, and was admitted to remunerative practice he died in the prime of
practice August 15, 1876. After a short time manhood.
of practice, he formed a partnership with Mr. WILLIAM W. AINGER located in San-dusky
Everett, and the firm has been continued county for the practice of law about 1837,
without change since that time. Mr. Fowler having come from the Western Re-serve. He
has a fair knowledge of the French and married, in Fremont, the daughter of Dr.
German languages, has a large fund of Daniel Brainard. After-practicing for a few
general information, and by his own in- years he removed to Chagrin Falls, where he
dividual efforts has earned a good standing died years ago.
392 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

JOHN K. HORD came from Tiffin to tinued in practice with the assistance of a
Fremont about 1856 or 1857 and began the guide. His health finally failed, and after a
practice of law. He practiced here protracted sickness he died. Mr. Wins-low
successfully a few years, when, on account never married, nor had he any relatives in
of ill health, he was induced to remove to this vicinity. During his last sickness,
Louisiana, and engaged in the management however, he was kindly cared for by
of a sugar plantation. When rebellion was personal and professional friends.
threatened he came North and settled in JOHN MCINTYRE LEMMON was born in
Buffalo. After a short time he removed to Townsend township, Sandusky county,
Cleveland, where he has attained a standing Ohio, July 25, 1839, his father being Uriah
in his profession. He is still in practice in Blake Lemmon, and his mother Emily A.
Cleveland. McIntyre Lemmon. John McIntyre
EDWARD F. DICKINSON , son of Rodolphus remained with his parents until eighteen
Dickinson, was educated at Cincinnati and years old, and received a common school
was admitted to the Bar at an early age. He education. He taught a district school in the
was a bright scholar and well qualified for winter of 1857-58; attended school at
the profession. He is a man of talent, but has Oberlin college in the summer of 1858;
never devoted himself arduously to the taught again the following winter, and in
profession. He was prosecuting attorney for the spring of 1859 went to Missouri, and
two terms, beginning in 1852. He was began the study of law in the office of
elected probate judge in 1866 and served Knoll & McIntyre. In November, 1859, he
three years. While in this office he was went to Jefferson City, Missouri, and
elected to Congress in 1868. He represented studied with Mr. Knoll, who had been
this district in Congress one term. He has appointed attorney general of the State. In
also been mayor of the city. April, 1860, Mr. Lemmon was admitted to
ALPHEUS P. PUTNAM was born in Wy- the Bar by the supreme court of Missouri,
andot county, Ohio, in 1837. At the or- and soon after returned to his home.
ganization of the Seventy-second he en- July 12, 1860, his mother died, after a
listed, and was wounded at the battle of lingering illness. In the winter of 1860-61
Shiloh. He rose in rank from private to Mr. Lemmon again taught a district school.
captain. After the war he studied law in the April 24, 1861, he enlisted in company F,
office of T. P. Finefrock and was admitted to Eighth Ohio, in the three months' service,
the Bar in April, 1867, and practiced in and was discharged August 18, 1861.
Fremont till the time of his death. He was October 9, 1861, Mr. Lemmon again
prosecuting attorney four years. enlisted in company B, Seventy-second
HIRAM W. WINSLOW began practice in Ohio Volunteer infantry, and continued in
Bellevue, but afterwards removed to Fre- the service until the close of the war; was
mont about 1860. He was a good advocate promoted to second lieutenant May 23,
and ranked well as an attorney. He was 1862, and to captain July 23, 1863, and was
elected prosecuting attorney in 1864, and mustered out at Selma, Alabama, June 21,
served two years. He afterwards rep-resented 1865. During part of the war he was on
the county in the legislature. He was for a detached duty as judge advocate of a
time the law partner of Judge J. L. Green, sr. military commission at Memphis,
While in the General Assembly his eyesight Tennessee.
failed entirely, but he con- March 29, 1864, Mr. Lemmon was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 393

married to Miss Annie Covell, of Perkins, pany F, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer
Erie county, Ohio. In December, 1865, he Infantry, and was made first lieutenant.
settled in Clyde, and began the practice of Afterwards Lieutenant Tyler was promoted
his profession. He has met with good success and commissioned as captain of company I,
in his practice and has for many years past of the same regiment. Captain Tyler is
enjoyed an extensive practice in the State naturally a brave man and soon after
and Federal courts. He has one child living, entering the service became a good soldier.
named Mack, born April 8, 1870. One child, On the 24th day of July, 1864, while fighting
Frank, born October 8, 1865, died November in front of Atlanta, Georgia, he received a
9, 1867. severe wound from a rifle ball, which struck
When the village of Clyde was incor- him in the mouth, knocking out some of his
porated, in May, 1866, Mr. Lemmon was front teeth, and passing into the roof of his
chosen its first mayor, and was re-elected in mouth passed on and out behind his left ear.
April, 1867. He has never held any other This wound was received, it will be noticed,
civil office. just two days after General McPherson fell,
Mr. Lemmon is one of the most studious, he being killed on the 22d day of July, 1864.
active, and industrious members of the Bar Captain Tyler, on the 24th day of November,
now in practice in the county. He has 1864, was honorably mustered out of the
accumulated money and property by his service on account of the disability resulting
practice. His library at Clyde consists of from this wound. On returning to Fremont he
fifteen hundred well selected, volumes. Mr. was for some time engaged as assistant
Lemmon's energy and industry have brought editor of the Democratic Messenger. Captain
him into such prominence in the northwest Tyler was elected justice of the peace soon
portion of Ohio, that a bright career is after he began practice in 1859, and has
opening before him. His practice already since held that office, with the exception of
extends into Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Seneca, the time spent in the military service of the
and other counties in northwestern Ohio. He country, and as a civil officer is as good and
also practices in the circuit, district, and true as he was faithful and brave in the army
supreme courts of the United States, as well of the Union.
as the supreme court of Ohio. HORACE STEPHEN BUCKLAND was born
MORRIS ELBERT TYLER was born No- in Fremont on the 21st day of April, 1851.
vember 16, 1836, at Lower Sandusky. His He is the son of R. P. and Charlotte
father was Captain Morris Tyler, and his (Boughton) Buckland. In early boyhood he
mother Sophia (Bristol) Tyler. He attended attended the common schools of Fremont.
the common schools of his native place until For a time he attended the preparatory
qualified to enter Kenyon college, at school at Gambier, Ohio, and afterwards a
Gambier, Ohio, where he graduated. He like school at East Hampton, Massachusetts.
began the study of law in the winter of 1853- He then entered Cornell college, New York,
54, in the office of Buckland & Everett, at and after remaining there about one year
Fremont, and was admitted to the Bar in returned to Fremont and studied law in the
1857. He at once opened an office in what is office of Buckland & Everett about one year
known as Buckland's old block, in Fremont. and a half. He then attended the law
In the summer of 1862 he volunteered in department of Harvard college about a year,
corn- when he re-
394 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

turned to Fremont and read law for a short with. Thus he passed his time, and also
time with Everett & Fowler. In September, began the study of law in 1849, under the
1875, he was admitted to the Bar after a tuition of Judge John L. Green, sr., now
close examination by a committee appointed deceased. He was admitted to the Bar at
by the district court at Elyria, Ohio. Upon Fremont in the year 1851, and has ever since
his admission Mr. Buckland at once formed practiced law, and is now so engaged. He
a partnership with his father, General Ralph was elected prosecuting attorney for
P. Buckland, in the practice of law, in which Sandusky county, and performed the duties
he is still engaged. of that office four successive years with
Horace Buckland is a promising young ability and diligence. Mr. Remsburg has
member of the Bar, of peculiarly exemplary been married, and has raised to man-hood
life and conduct, and already begins to four sons now living, and has now been a
develop those qualities of mind and habits of widower for over ten years. He is a well
industry which will surely place him high in preserved man, of good habits, and bids fair
his profession. to be strong and active for many years to
Mr. Buckland was married to Eliza C. come.
Bowman, on the 10th day of June, 1878, MERRITT L. SNYDER was born at the farm
with whom he is still living in Fremont. of his father, George N. Snyder, esq., in
HEZEKIAH REMSBURG was born in Ha- Scott township, Sandusky county, Ohio, on
gerstown, Maryland, February 2, 1812; the 8th day of January, 1838. He was
emigrated with his father to Lower San- educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at
dusky, arriving at the latter place on the 11th Delaware, Ohio, where he remained three
day of March, 1822. His education was in years, having previously attended the
the common school after he came to Ohio, common school of his township. After
and began in the first school house built leaving Delaware he became a school
between the Sandusky River and the teacher and taught twelve terms, and was a
Maumee. The house was a rude log structure faithful and efficient teacher. In 1860 he
which stood on the east bank of Muskellunge began the study of the law in the law office
Creek and north of the Maumee and Western of Hon. Judge T. P. Fine-frock, at Fremont,
Reserve turnpike, and was probably erected Ohio. He then went to Fort Wayne, in the
about the year 1825. Mr. Remsburg helped State of Indiana, where he was a fitted to the
his father to clear off a fine farm on Bar in May, 1864. After his admission he
Muskellunge Creek, south of the turnpike returned to Fremont, Ohio, and shortly after
above mentioned and adjoining it. The father that, in May, 1864, removed west and
of Mr. Remsburg was a mechanic, whose located at Holton, Jackson county, Kansas,
services were in much demand as a where he at once commenced the practice of
millwright, and the son learned the trade by his profession. While in Kansas Mr. Snyder
working with his father in the preparation of acquired a good standing as a lawyer, and
the mills which were built in an early period for three consecutive years was chosen
in different parts of the county. Young prosecutor for Jackson county, and also held
Remsburg inherited his father's mechanical the office of clerk of the courts. He left
talent, and afterwards worked at various Kansas on the 12th of November, 1894, on
mechanical jobs when his services on the his return to his former home, arriving at
farm could be dispensed Fremont, Ohio, on the 18th of the same
month, and at
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 395

once entered upon the practice of the law in standing in the profession he has chosen. He
the same city where he had received his remains unmarried, but his brothers in the
instruction in the science of the law, where order of "Haugastols" are in great fear that
he has ever since and still is engaged in the he will soon forsake them for a life of
practice of his profession. He was married to double blessedness.
Miss Susan Boland, of Sandusky county, on CHARLES F. BELL was born at Milwaukee,
the 14th day of June, 1866, who has proved Wisconsin, on the 15th day of November,
a faithful and devoted wife, and with whom 1856. He came to Fremont with his parents
he still lives, having three children living to about 1864, and attended common schools
cheer and beautify their home. Mr. Snyder is for a time, then took a course of study at
a fair lawyer, an ingenious advocate, and a Hellmouth college, in London, Province of
kind-hearted and courteous gentleman in his Ontario. Besides these opportunities for
intercourse with men and in his practice at acquiring an education, Mr. Bell was placed
the Bar. under the private tuition of the Rev. Richard
SAMUEL C. GARVER is a native of Wayne L. Chittenden, pastor of St. Paul's church,
county, Ohio, where he was born on the 14th Fremont, Ohio, who faithfully and suc-
day of May, 1855. Mr. Garver in his early cessfully taught him in Latin, mathematics,
life attended the common schools of his and in fact, all the branches generally taught
native county, and obtained such instruction in institutions of learning in this country. He
as they afforded. After leaving these schools studied law with Everett & Fowler two
he attended Smithville academy, where he years, and was admitted to the Bar by the
made considerable advancement in the district court of San-dusky county, on the
various branches taught in that institution. 19th day of March, 1878. After his
After leaving the academy Mr. Garver taught admission young Bell continued to read in
school two terms. He commenced the study the office of Bartlett & Finefrock until Judge
of the law in the office of Winslow & Thomas P. Fine-frock left the bench and
Garver, at Fremont, Ohio, in the year 1874. returned to practice. Mr. Bell then formed a
After reading two years he took a regular partnership with the judge, and is still in
course of study and lectures at the Ohio practice with him at Fremont, with
State and Union Law College at Cleveland, influential friends to help him on. No doubt
from which he graduated on the 25th day of Mr. Bell, with time and experience, will
May, 1876, receiving the degree of LL. D. develop into a popular and successful practi-
Mr. Garver was admitted to practice in the tioner. A few years ago he married the
several courts of the United States on the daughter of one of Fremont's prominent
24th day of May, 1876, and about the same citizens, H. R. Shomo, esq.
time admitted to practice in the courts of the JOSEPH R. BARTLETT , one of the most
State of Ohio. He has been a member of the popular attorneys at the Bar of Sandusky
law firm of Garver & Garver since his county, was born in the county of Seneca on
admission, and is still engaged as such in the 16th day of July, 1830, and came to
active practice. Mr. Garver is a young man Lower Sandusky with his father, Brice J.
of much energy, and his present Bartlett, in the fall of 1833. Young Bartlett
developments indicate that he will become a received his education in the public schools
practitioner of good of Lower Sandusky and Fremont. He studied
law with his father
396 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and was admitted to practice in 1853. He moved his family to Seneca county, and
began practice with his father. Joseph R. at returned himself and rendered assistance.
first rather discouraged his father by a want Upon moving to Lower Sandusky he for a
of enthusiasm in the practice of his time followed the business of painting, and
profession, but as time passed and he awoke afterwards watch repairing, and then
to the responsibilities of life which were engaged as clerk for Andrew Monhuse, in
thrown upon him by his father's death, he the grocery business. He commenced reading
devoted himself intently to study and law in April, 1838, and in July, 1840, was
practice. He has steadily advanced in admitted to practice. In September, 1841; he
practice and knowledge of the law, until formed a partnership with Hon. L. B. Otis,
there are few, if any, superior to him now in afterwards judge of common pleas, which
the management and trial of causes at the partnership was dissolved in May, 1842, In
Bar of the county. Mr. Bartlett has 1843 he formed a partnership with Hon. J. L.
continuously, practiced law since his Green, afterwards judge of common pleas,
admission to the Bar, excepting the time and continued to October, 1845, when he
spent in the service of his country in the war formed a partnership with Charles Edylin,
for the suppression of the Southern which was dissolved in August, 1846. In
Rebellion, in which he was distinguished for 1848 he formed a partnership with S. N.
bravery and efficiency in connection with Wilcox, and afterward, in August, 1851,
the Forty-ninth regiment, and for a more with Hon. T. P. Finefrock, afterwards judge.
complete notice of the military services of In 1853 he formed a partnership with his
Colonel Bartlett the reader is referred to the son, and his health failing he retired from
history of the Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio practice in July, 1854. His health afterwards
Volunteer Infantry in another part of this improved, and in July, 1855, he resumed
history. Mr. Bartlett was married many years practice in partnership with his son, Joseph
ago to Miss Rachel Mitchner, but has no R. Bartlett, under the firm name of B. J.
children living,. having lost by death a few Bartlett & Son, and continued in practice
years ago a daughter who was one of the until March 23, 1859, at which time he died
brightest and most promising young ladies in from pneumonia, resulting from a cold
Fremont. contracted at the March term of Sandusky
BRICE J. BARTLETT, son of Samuel and common pleas.
Elizabeth Bartlett, was born in the county of JOHN L. GREEN JR., was horn July 7, 1838,
Lincoln, State of Maine, on the 21st day of and was educated in the common schools of
September, 1808. His father, Samuel, with Sandusky county. He learned the printer's
his family, emigrated to Ohio in 1824, and trade in the offices of the Fremont Journal
settled in Hamilton county, near Cincinnati, and Cleveland Plain Dealer. He studied law
where he resided until November, 1824, under his father and was admitted by the
when he moved and settled in Seneca supreme court of Ohio in January, 1861. He
county. Young Bartlett was in early life enlisted in company G, Eighth Ohio
apprenticed to the trade of cabinet-making. Volunteer Infantry, three months service,
He was married in 1829 to Phebe Ellis, and April, 1861. He enlisted in company D, One
moved to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, in Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer
the fall of 1833. The next year, upon the Infantry in March, 1862, and was discharged
breaking out of the cholera, he
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 397

for disability, in January, 1863. He was September 25, 1865. He was appointed
appointed adjutant of the One hundred and probate judge by Governor Hayes in Jan-
Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in uary, 1869; elected probate judge in Oc-
May, 1864, and discharged in September tober, 1869; served nearly six years on
1866. He raised company E, One Hundred appointment and election. He married Emma
and Eighty-sixth, in December, 1864, and Shaw, October 10, 1867, and has four
January, 1865; was discharged children-three boys and one girl.

CHAPTER XXIV.

FREMONT.
The Village and Village Life.

NTEREST clings around the old fort; soldiery and improved instruments of de-
I memory carries us back to the scene of
fast filling ditches, leaning pickets and de-
struction disturbed the Sandusky's still
waters? What fearful apprehension must
serted block-houses. Imagination, assisted have- been added to anxiety when Tecumseh
by history and tradition, goes farther back, came at the head of a band of red warriors,
and the events of more than a century, wrought to rage by the memory of past
which filled this little square with action grievances? The battle terminated most
and activity, rush upon a bewildered fancy. gloriously, yet sadly; for under what
Going backwards in chronological order circumstances can we think of destruction
from the close of the war, here and there is and death without sadness ? Follow back the
seen a small cabin adjoining to which is a clear pathway of history to before the
field of corn cultivated by men who were existence of Fort Stephen-son, when
accustomed to keep one eye on their work Wyandots made this their own home, seeing
while the other was watchful of the forest white men only as traders or agents. Canoes
inhabited by savage men and wild animals. glided over the still water's surface, where,
A commissary merchant lazily attended his on several occasions, might be seen the
easy duties, and a few soldiers day after thoughtful, plotting face of Tecumseh.
day amused themselves with their guns, Indian cabins dotted the beautiful hill west
pipes, and bottles, and re-.counting past of the river. Council fires lighted the
experiences. Cannon balls here and there evening sky, and night often resounded with
washed from the embankments, and the war-dance and revelry.
scarred pickets are the souvenirs of battle. Go back a quarter of a century further.
The scene of an heroic conflict fills the When the Wyandots made the valley of the
mind. What must have been the anxiety of Sandusky the tribal seat of empire. What
Croghan and his brave little band, when meeting within our corporation
vessels laden with trained
398 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

in the importance of its deliberations equaled This historic reservation already had an
that assembled around a council fire in 1785, inhabitance of as many as twenty families
where the eloquent and masterly Brant and a few squatters were encroaching upon
formed the league and union which defeated the Indian domain. Negotiations were early
two American armies and retarded nearly a set on foot looking toward the
decade the settlement of the Northwest. extinguishment of Indian titles, and there
White captives and their treatment appear, as being no further apparent use of a military
the picture is fast fading in the distance. post in this quarter, Congress made pro-
That dream of fact or fancy, as may be, vision for the sale of lands reserved for that
paints two neutral forts upon the river's purpose. The reservation was surveyed into
bank-peaceful resting places amidst the lots facing upon the river on both sides and
fright and blood of exterminating war. The running back to the limits of the tract. On
fancied picture has at last faded, and, as we the east side of the river Mr. Wormley, the
come back to our own time, we seek a reason United States surveyor, laid out, in 1816, a
why this one small tract has figured so regular town, which he called
conspicuously in history. "Croghanville," in honor of the hero the
We have an answer, at least partially scene of whose triumph lay within sight of
satisfactory, in the geographical conforma- the prospective metropolis of the Northwest.
tion of Northern Ohio. Much has been said The city of Croghanville, when this survey
of the pathless and almost impenetrable was made, commanded scenery of rare
forests. Even Indians made streams their beauty which the settler's axe and the growth
highways, and the line of communication of a city have destroyed. There was nothing
between Ohio and Detroit, a trading centre of the grand or sublime in the surroundings,
from the first exploration of the country. The but a rare variety of simple beauty, which
Sandusky River, a friendly arm of the lake, interests the imagination and satisfies
stretched across flats and swamps to a range aesthetic longings. High above the
of sandy bluffs, admitting of navigation surrounding country a green gulf of waving
further south than any other point within the forest stretches far in the distance to where it
lake system. This reservation was therefore a meets the descending blue horizon. Below,
beautiful inland harbor-a commercial and the Sandusky's sleeping water fills a tortuous
military port of two races of men. After the bed, fringed with alternating prairie and
treaty of 1815 had brought joy to every underbrush, with here and there a cluster of
home in America, and every foreign troop plum or locust trees filling the air with the
had left our shores, men resumed peaceful sweet perfume of their white, blossoms. But
occupations, Western emigration revived, a perfume yet sweeter was brought by
and every Eastern high-way presented the northwestern breezes; and the eye, following
spectacle of long trains of covered wagons, the direction of its coming, found a
conveying families from cultured fascinating resting place. The hill rising
communities to pioneer homes Indian power, from a green sward, within the river's bend,
which had long held sway over northwestern was thickly covered by crab and plum trees
Ohio, was broken, and the white settlements mingling their branches, and in spring-time
and improvement of this fertile region was appeared like a mountain of flowers. Toward
the irresistible course of destiny. the west could be seen something of life and
human activity, and smoke curling
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 399

from the wooden chimneys of isolated William Andrews, David Gallagher, Aaron
cabins. The plowman's song was heard in the Forgerson, Randall Jerome, Thomas. E.
valley below, and toward the south and west, Boswell, John Drury, Joseph Mominne,
skirting cornfields, the sparkling river hurried Joseph Rumery, John A. de La Cost, John
over a bed of rock. Beyond, a steep, at some Baptiste Mominne, and John Anderson. All
places, precipitous bluff intercepted the became residents of the town they founded
view. Such were the surroundings of the site except Boswell and Anderson, the former
chosen for a city. being a Kentucky gentleman of means, who
That the location was deemed one of was afterwards associated in business with
promise is indicated by the fact that a Thomas L. Hawkins, but never became a
reservation was made by Congress of one lot citizen.
for a ship-yard. At the time of the survey a The reservation was originally surveyed
boat was being built on the west side of the into lots forty rods wide, facing upon the
river, by the firm of Wilson & Disbrow. river, and numbered from north to south.
Surrounded by excellent inland timber, and The Kentucky Company appointed, in June,
the facilities for floating vessels to the lake 1817, Israel Harrington, Thomas L.
being remarkably good, there was no reason Hawkins, and Ephraim Johnson, agents of
why ship building should not become an the company to attend to the land sales at
important enterprise. War experience had Delaware and purchase lots (or ranges, as
taught the Government the necessity of they are known in the old records) eight and
having in the West secure facilities for nine, which include all that part of the
recruiting an inland navy. present city lying west of the river between
Excepting the ship-yard the town of parallels intersecting the river near the
Croghanville was held for sale by in- and turnpike bridge and Lake Shore & Michigan
out-lots, under the direction of the land Southern railroad bridge. The conditions of
commissioner. It was expected that a city, in the sale provided that a percentage should be
fact, would soon cover this picturesque paid down and the balance in annual
elevation, regularly laid off in streets. and payments; that, in case of failure to pay, the
squares. But a rival, almost within a stone's land should revert to the United States. It
throw, changed the expected course of was the policy of the Kentucky Company to
affairs and left Croghanville for many years divide their lands proportionately to the
with an existence only on paper. stock subscribed, and to give to each
THE KENTUCKY COMPANY. member a separate title of ownership, thus
making each individual responsible for
Among the inhabitants of the reservation
future payments. This was a wise
in 1817 were a number of men of good
arrangement, for subsequent records show
business capacity and keen foresight, who
that much of the purchased tract reverted in
were able to command a limited amount of
consequence of non-payment. The causes of
capital. Who they were and their
this are hinted at in a poem written by one of
characteristics as citizens and men, will be
the associates, from which we shall presently
told subsequently. The Kentucky Company
quote. The tract was looked upon as
was formed June 9, 1817, and was composed
especially eligible for a town, and it seems
of the following members: Israel Harrington,
there were many bidders, each determined to
Thomas L. Hawkins, Ephraim Johnson,
have a piece. Mr. Thomas L. Hawkins, in his
Morris A. Newman,
poetical reminiscence, says:
400 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Where now Sandusky rolls her lovely tide The lots were appraised by commissioners
Few years since no human footsteps glide;
One dark, dense forest for the bounding roe
for the purpose of distribution among the
From Lake Erie to the pleasant Ohio; proprietors. They considered the land, even
Where silence reigned with her old magic spell, though it was in a state of nature, very
Broken only by the wolf's or savage yell; valuable. For instance, the mill lot
One spot was marked for Virtue's soft retreat,
Where Proctor's legions met a sore defeat; containing one acre was appraised at three
Where the young Croghan won a deathless fame, hundred dollars. We will now cross the river
Implanted honors on Sandusky's name. to
And oh' ye warriors, venerate the dead,
Nor fear in danger's path to take the lead; CROGHANVILLE.
Shrink not, I say, at threats of Mexico,
But for your country's glory go meet them, go.
This great achievement rang throughout the land,
The original village was laid off in out-
For this favored spot Congress took a stand; lots and in-lots, after the manner so suc-
In their wise council ventured to declare cessfully adopted in the founding of towns
That in '17 should be sold two miles square; during the early settlement of Ohio. One lot
That in war's event they on arms relied,
A conspicuous place should be fortified. in each block of sixteen lots and two out-
Now what rushing to the public sale! lots, containing about sixteen acres, were set
All emulous, tract too small, some must fail; apart for the support of public instruction;
Great speculators, ready to cut a dash,
O'erbid each other, and felt the want of cash.
one large lot lying on the east bank .of the
Yet, keeping in view their first great intent, river in the north part of the survey was
Each got a piece, advancing small per cent. reserved for a ship-yard. A large number of
Blessed their stars! weather superbly fine! the village lots were purchased by Alexander
Per acre a hundred and fifty dollars for lot number nine!
Oh! do you doubt your simple, plain narrator, Morrison, a very respectable citizen who
And say no man would buy thus in a state of nature? lived on that side of the river for many
Yet so it was, and they so deemed them blessed, years, and who filled with honor various
Establishing emporium of the West.
Did they misjudge? Do they stand convicted?
local and county offices. Morris A. Newman,
Or is Sandusky what they then predicted? one of the proprietors of Sandusky,
purchased a tract of lots in Croghanville, and
This poem from which we have extracted erected a frame house in which he kept
was written in 1845. It is not probable that tavern. A school-house was erected on that
Mr. Hawkins foresaw the completion of a side, in which also the first courts were held.
grand trunk line of railroad and other great After the seat of justice was removed to the
public enterprises which have built a city of west side of the river, Newman closed his
the second class from the small village tavern, but for many years resided in the
which he knew and of which he wrote. But house. With the exception of these and a few
we return to the Kentucky Company. The other scattering houses, Croghanville
purchased tract, lots eight and nine, was remained a common, without fences, and
carved into town lots and equitably divided even the stakes which marked the streets and
among the shareholders. The first town plat lots of the prospective city rotted away. In
of "Sandusky" was made, and recorded at 1830, when Lower Sandusky which had
Norwalk in December, 1817, attested by the become a flourishing village, was
following names: Thomas L. Hawkins, for incorporated, it included with-in its limits
self and Thomas E. Boswell; Morris A. the platted village. Thus Croghanville, which
Newman; William Oliver, for self and had never existed in fact, passed out of
company; Israel Harrington, for self and L. existence even in name.
E. P.; Josiah Rumery.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 401

LOWER SANDUSKY SIXTY YEARS AGO. of this building the Masonic lodge met.
We mean by this heading, Lower San- The fifth frame building is yet standing,
dusky in the days of its incipiency. The town and is one of the two oldest structures in the
was always peculiar in its character, made so city, now known as the Peach House. It was
not only by being an emporium of trade, but built about 1821 by Nicholas Whittinger. In
a number of eccentric and brainy men gave the upper story was a hall in which Hawkins'
interest to every street meeting and bar room theater gave entertainments.
gathering. The oldest house yet standing was also the
The first frame house was erected by first brick house in the town. For half a
Israel Harrington in the year 1815. It stood century it has been the Beaugrand residence.
near the corner of Croghan and Front streets, It was built about 1819 by a man named
on the ground now occupied by the stores of Williamson, who never be-came a citizen,
Lewis Leppelman and Philip Dorr. The nor paid his building bills.
building, when first erected, was unique in The next brick building was erected by
appearance. There were no saw-mills, and Josiah Rumery about 1820, on the hill just
the builder brought by water lumber only for south of the old Catholic church. It was
the frame. The weather-boarding was, there- removed in 1857.
fore, made of split white oak shingles, or Besides these frame and brick houses,
clapboards. These were afterwards re-moved there were about thirty cabins scattered over
and sawed boards took their place. Mr. the tract now covered by substantial blocks
Everett, in a lecture delivered many years and handsome dwellings.
ago, remarks: "A frame house at that time The buildings of the fort were sold in
was a great curiosity in this part of the 1818. These block-houses had been useful
country, and Harrington's tavern was for resorts and stopping places for emigrants
some time the centre of attraction." The bar until houses could be built. One block-house
was handy and whisky cheap. The villagers was occupied by three families for a short
made the tavern a frequent place of resort. time just after the war closed.
The travelling public had to be depended One of the families who stopped in the fort
upon for news, and loquacious emigrants and before making permanent settlement was the
traders de-tailed events and at times most Braytons. The capture and life of the eldest
astonishing stories. In this tavern took place son, Matthew, is an episode in the early
many events of revelry and joy, not un- history of this region. The following is
mingled with the inspiration of spirits. Doctor Daniel Brainard's account:
The second frame house was the store Mr. Brayton, who lived in this village, moved to the
building of J. S. and G. G. Olmstead, fully country some time during the year 1824 or 1825, for the
purpose of farming more largely. On the 10th of
described in another chapter. September, 1825, his eldest son, a boy of about fifteen
The third frame building was built by years, and a younger one of about seven years named
Cyrus and Jaques Hulburd, on Front street, Matthew, started at evening when the sun was half an
hour high, to hunt the cows. Not finding them in their
and was used for a store. This building was usual range, the oldest told his brother Matthew he had
erected in 1817. better return to the house, as they might be some
William Andrews built the fourth frame distance off, and he himself would find them. On getting
house in 1818 or 1819. It was three stories in upon a log they both thought they could see the opening
on their father's farm, and Matthew cheerfully left his
height, and stood on the present site of brother to return. Some short time after dark the oldest
June's foundry. In the third story brother
402 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

drove home the cows, when he was asked by his mother comments need be made on the unhappy affair, or the
"Where is Matthew?" He told the facts, which much affliction of the parents, brothers, and sisters; they can
alarmed and disturbed the parents. A communication better be conceived than told. However, with regard to
was immediately made to several of their nearest Matthew's fate, I am myself of the opinion that if the
neighbors who turned out and helped to hunt for the boy wolves had killed him, some part of his clothing and
till morning without effect. A general alarm was then some portion of his body would have been found. My
given along the river for forty miles, and to all the conclusion is that he wandered till life was nearly spent
settlements on the west side, for it was on the west by want of food and excessive fatigue; that in this
Brayton lived. The whole people, or all who could leave exhausted state he laid him-self down in some secret
home, became at once anxious about the fate of the boy, place and perished-though his death has been more
and showed their sympathy for the parents by joining in generally ascribed to the wolves.
the task of hunting him. The weather was quite mild, Such is the account of the late Dr.
and high hopes were entertained of their being able to
find him alive. On the first morning after his absence,
Brainard, of the loss of Matthew Brayton,
the place where the brothers had parted was carefully and the extensive search made for him by his
examined. He was barefooted and could be tracked a friends and neighbors. It was not the
short distance towards home, then in a more westerly Doctor's lot to live to see Matthew, after
direction till the hardness of the ground admitted no
further impression. It was now the third day when the thirty-four years captivity among the In-
grand turnout took place. The neighboring Indian dians, return to his parents, and thus to clear
villages had been looked to. Many of them in a very up all doubts as to his fate. None would have
kind manner joined in the hunt. As it was thought that
all persons, and more especially children, would soon
rejoiced more with the family than he, for,
become wild or partially deranged, and would hide or undoubtedly, he had often seen Matthew,
flee on hearing their name called, or the sound of a horn and dandled him upon his knee, for he was
or voice, they thought it advisable to form two extensive born in this town.
wings at some distance apart, to penetrate the wilderness
in perfect order, and meet at some given point, then The Sandusky River was, in the early
circling in smaller and smaller compass till they would history of Lower Sandusky, of great
all come together in the centre, that if he was encircled commercial and economic value. The settlers
he could not escape. This, no doubt, was a rational plan,
but unsuccessful. Many persons in the hunt imagined
produced a surplus of corn and pork, but
they had seen under logs, or in thickets, where the child these articles of food were at first not
might have bedded in leaves, etc., yet no certain trace exchangeable for groceries and wearing
could be found. The pursuit was continued daily and apparel. Flour was also a scarce article, and
unremittingly till the 10th of December, when some
gave out from fatigue, and their places were supplied by salt was almost impossible to obtain, except
others. Such was the anxiety of all to afford some relief occasionally when a schooner ascended the
to the almost distracted parents. If they could find the river from Portland (now Sandusky). But in
dead body, or some part of his clothing. it would
mitigate their grief, even if they had proof he had been
the village there was a man of enterprise and
devoured by wolves, and that his sufferings were at an remarkable inventive genius, whose name
end. But no such consolation; not a foot trace could be we have mentioned and shall frequently have
discovered; the whole wilderness and settlement had occasion to mention again. Lieutenant
been thoroughly searched from the Sandusky to the
Maumee in width, and as much as fifty miles in length, Thomas L. Hawkins was ever alive to the
and principally in the manner described, when further interests of the settlement, and his ingenious
pursuit was abandoned in despair. method for facilitating trade with Port-land,
From that day to this, the fine, active, promising little
Matthew Brayton has never been heard of. The mystery
for the accommodation of immigrants, is
will never be solved in this world. Two or three journeys worthy of minute description.
have been made to the far distant tribes of Indians to the The boat constructed by Mr. Hawkins
West and beyond the Mississippi for the purpose of consisted of two large canoes placed at a
discovery, believing it possible that some straggling
Indians might have come across him, and taken him to proper distance apart, on which were placed
some remote tribe. No a platform sufficiently large to carry the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 403

superstructure of machinery, a large amount a man of sincere truthfulness, it might be


of freight, and several passengers. The accredited to Munchausonism. The tes-
machinery consisted of a four-horse power, timony of many others confirms the state-
by which was turned wheels or paddles at ment. Such was the trade in fish that every
each side of the boat. When freights were spring many of the villagers became fishers
light only two horses were used. The boat and fish packers. From the middle of March
was propelled in this way with facility, till early in June other business was
making trips when-ever the demands of trade practically laid aside. Shanties were built on
or travel required. This craft was built in the river bank, and as often as they cast their
1819, and during the following three or four nets they drew forth fish in abundance. Early
years made many rounds trips without any in spring time suckers were drawn forth;
serious accident, though occasionally an in- next came red horse. Pickerel was the choice
cident relieved the monotony of tedious quality, which came third during the season;
journeys. On one occasion a refractory horse and last, but in greatest numbers, were
made a successful attempt to escape his brought up out of the water white bass. The
dreary work. He broke his halter and leaped sight of these fishers at work was really an
over the railing, plunging head first into the interesting one. A law required that all the
water, and in that precarious situation hung offal should be buried. For violation of this
until cut loose. He then swam triumphantly law criminal proceedings were frequently
to the shore, "to the great delight and brought. At the first term of court, held in
satisfaction of the whole crew."* May, 1820, three indictments were found on
Hawkins' boat was built the same year the the charge of causing nuisance. Fines for this
first steamer navigated Lake Erie. The horse offence were from one to twenty dollars. In
power boat brought goods, groceries, and the board shanties those in the business kept
salt, and carried away furs, flour and pork. salt, barrels and salted fish. Outside was a
Lower Sandusky being the most southern long scaffold or table of convenient height,
market of the lake, be-came the trading on one side of which the men engaged at
emporium of a large part of Northern Ohio. dressing stood, and on the other was a long
Fish, which at times literally filled the river, trench in which the offal dropped and was
gave Lower Sandusky a prestige in the trade buried. Fish-dressing was a trade which
with, southern farmers. They brought their required a quick hand and accurate eye to
flour and pork here in exchange for fish, learn. By the side of the dresser stood a
which cost practically nothing, for, as an old barrel in which live fish were poured from
manuscript remarks, "every spring the the seine. They were seldom given time to
pickerel and white bass were found in such die a natural death, but while yet fluttering
multitudes lying (apparently waiting to be were caught in the left hand of the dresser,
caught) all along the rapids, that it was often thrown upon the board, when one cut of the
found quite impossible to ride a horse across knife severed the head and sent it flying into
the ford till much exertion was made to drive the trench. One more cut opened the back,
them away to make room for his feet."* Did and a single scrape sent the entrails into the
we not know the author of this statement to trench. A barrel for the purpose received the
be dressed fish, and the operation, which
*Dr. Brainard's Manuscript. required but a few seconds, was repeated.
404 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Barrels of fish were in this way dressed an old-time hotel amusement to test each
and salted down. Some men became other's teamstership by snuffing with a whip-
notorious for their expertness. David Grant lash a tallow candle, at a distance of twenty
and John S. Tyler were known as leaders and feet; the driver who outened the flame or
masters of their trade. missed the candle altogether was ruled out.
As soon as roads became passable in We have heard tell of teamsters able to pick
spring time, the scattered little village filled off with a whip-lash a horse-fly without
with teams from southern counties. Till long hurting the animal on which it was sitting.
into the autumn the road from Urbana, The full-freighted wagon, arched over with
Dayton, and Franklinton was thronged by canvas, was the driver's dwelling place as
great covered wagons, drawn by four, six, well as store-house. The typical teamster
and sometimes eight horses. Coming down was jolly and full of good nature. Nothing
they were weighted with flour, linsey cloth, would ruffle his cheerful temper except
dried fruit, bacon, and other articles such as inability to procure feed for his horses. He
in older settled communities were produced. was willing to endure hardship for himself,
Here they bartered their commodities for but that the horses in which he took an
fish, salt, and leather, often leaving much affectionate pride should suffer from hunger,
cash, occasionally their tavern and whiskey was more than his manly heart could stand.
bills. It is said that a marching army is These traders "made our roads, bad as they
greatly supported by display of uniform and were, vocal and cheerful, and presented an
music. Even horses catch the inspiration of animating spectacle." During the early life of
display and are enabled to bear extra- the village the arrivals and departures of
ordinary fatigue. On the same principle the these teams, -sometimes one alone, but
old-time teamster surrounded his business frequently consisting of a train of five or six-
with attractive paraphernalia and glittering was of daily occurrence, and the tavern
pretension. There was something animating nightly rang with the merry laugh of self-
in a street scene, as we picture it on the contented, fun-loving teamsters.
imagination from a description be-fore us. Such was the beginning of trade in Lower
The horses were large and well trained. No Sandusky, and such were daily village
elaboration was spared to make their strong scenes during the summer for a great many
gearing handsome. Broad straps and fancy years. A decade later wheat and stave
housings, and an arch of small bells jingling wagons crowded homely Front street, and
at every step, gave the animal a proud oftentimes blockaded the way. Indians, from
consciousness of being an object of the beginning, made Lower Sandusky their
attention. The teamster, almost always a principal trading point. The Senecas, and
jolly fellow, occupied a saddle on the near kindred tribes from the neighboring
wheel horse. In one hand he swung a long reservation, traded here exclusively, and the
whip, which cracked with pistol shrillness Wyandots of Upper Sandusky often visited
whenever a horse was indisposed to pull his and traded with the white man at this ancient
share. The other hand held a single line, seat of their tribe. What change a quarter of
guiding six horses over roads which, to our a century had made in the condition of this
untrained eyes, would seem impassable for heroic tribe, whose dominion for more than a
two. The accuracy attained by the teamster century had been acknowledged by all the
in whip craft is remarkable. It was West. Wayne's expedition was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 405

the arrow which struck deep into the body of hind. We believe, however, that purer
Indian power, and its deadly effect pen- promptings made these pagans honest. The
etrated the heart. Did the Wyandots who Socratic death of Seneca John, told
came here to trade ever picture the village elsewhere, shows that he, at least, was a man
home and corn-fields, the gauntlet track and of lofty character and capable of high moral
the council fire of their heroic ancestors? We convictions. The Senecas and Ottawas traded
know that they were familiar with the history here till 1832. The Wyandots made
of their tribe, and we have a right to suppose occasional visits till they . moved away in
that, as they sat upon store benches or 1842. Of Seneca John, who was murdered by
reclined upon the smooth sod of the his brothers, Coon-stick and Steele, an
common, drawing from homely pipes dense account of which is given in the chapter
mouthfuls of smoke, consciousness of relating to Ballville township, Mr. Everett,
humiliation and degeneracy oppressed them. who knew him well, says:
Little more than a quarter of a century He was a man of remarkable power of mind, and head
before, their tribe headed a confederacy chief of the Senecas. When any difficult matter was
which defeated two American armies; but presented in council Seneca John was looked to by all as
the right man to solve and explain it; and, as the Indians
the spot lighted by the council fire, around said, he always made crooked things straight. At the age
which these great campaigns were planned, of about forty-five years his remarkable mind, with a
was now the scene of busy traffic and trade. brave heart, fine person and manly demeanor, had given
him unbounded influence over his tribe.
It is a pleasure to record the fact that the
Indians who came to Lower Sandusky were A VILLAGE NIGHT.
treated with becoming courtesy. Scarcely a While Lower Sandusky sixty years ago
day passed without the appearance of some was a spot busy with enterprise and traffic, a
of them, bringing furs, venison or sugar to forest oppressive in its shade, and deep
exchange for tobacco, pork, ammunition, gloom extended on all sides, wild beasts
blankets and calico. A balance was usually made night hideous and dangerous, and at
due the merchants, which was paid from the times in their midnight prowlings ran
annuities. Once a quarter the head chiefs of through the village. Wolves were the boldest
the Senecas came to Lower Sandusky to of all wild animals, and were often alarming
transact tribal business and draw their to the settlers. They in-habit almost all
annuity. The Olmsted firm transacted their unsettled districts; climate has little effect
business, and it is remembered that Hard upon them. From Mexico to Hudson's Bay
Hickory, Coonstick, Tall Chief, Crow, the primitive forest echoed with their howls.
Seneca John, and others, being detained late Like the Indians they receded before white
by business, often remained in the store all settlement, but kept up a prolonged and an-
night. They slept on blankets with their feet noying border war.
towards the fire, the thought of theft or The primitive village of Lower San-dusky
dishonesty never entering their honest heads. was especially troubled with these
The chiefs of the Senecas were singularly obnoxious animals. The packs driven from
honest and honorable in their business eastern and southern counties took refuge in
transactions. They were abiding in their faith Northwestern Ohio, adding greatly to the
that no Indian could enter the happy hunting number already here. To the Indian wolves
ground who left debts be- could do little injury,
406 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and were of no value. They consequently enemy, seeing they would be overpowered
escaped the primitive hunters, being left to by numbers, fled, and all again was quiet,
roam the woods at will and multiply rapidly. except their distant howls, which still
The bear was a choice mark, and in sounded upon the ear. This is one of many
consequence they were more numerous similar attacks that occurred in our village
around this Indian camping ground, and soon during the hours of night. The only serious
disappeared after white settlers broke the consequence of this was the husband being
stretch of forest. Wolves are naturally told by his affectionate wife that, sick or
thievish. Neither in town nor in country, well, he would there-after feed his own
during the period under consideration, were horse for all her.
young cattle, hogs, or sheep safe outside of THE FIRST THEATRE.
secure stables. Dr. Brainard, an old resident
Thomas L. Hawkins, the village miller,
of the village, remarks in his manuscripts
was one of those useful men in a small
that their hunger and rapacity knew no
community to whom we apply the phrase
bounds, and fearing their ferocity„ and
"universal genius." He was a mechanic and a
knowing their peculiar and exquisite taste
landscape painter, a poet and a philosopher,
for sheep, for many years settlers did not
a preacher and a stage actor. As master of
attempt to keep this useful animal. They
the village theatre, three of his many
would very often prowl through the village
faculties were called into exercise. He
after night, to secure some more delicious
painted the scenery for the stage, wrote the
repast. This is shown by an incident. A man
prologue, and performed difficult and
living on the first street from the main one,
important parts. The Lower Sandusky theatre
one evening being in a paroxysm of chill and
was formally opened in 1819, by
fever, recollecting that his horse, in the
Goldsmith's play, "She Stoops to Conquer,"
stable across the street nearly opposite, had
acted by the young men of the village. Mr.
not been fed his grain, requested his wife to
Hawkins wrote a prologue, in which he
carry his accustomed allowance to him. She
predicted the introduction of railroads,
being an accommodating partner in hard
steamboats, and telegraphs. He also hints at
times, readily consented. She had proceeded
the town's general bad reputation for
about half way when a gang of wolves made
wickedness, and then proceeds to preach a
an assault. Being yet young and active, you
sermon in verse. Here is the prologue in full:
may conclude she was not long in retracing Sandusky Theatre, of tender age,
her steps; fear lent wings to her speed, the Now makes its first appearance on the stage.
wolves close to her heels when she shut the Lord! what a crowd! I blush for what? These are but
men,
door against them. They being thus foiled And fellow mortals every soul within.
and disappointed, appeared to be in great Then, first, my friends,—for friends you surely are,
rage, set unrepeated and tremendous howls, As foes and critics have no business here,
and seemed unwilling to depart. In a few Yet, should they come, their astonished sense shall burn
To find how youths in Lower Sandusky learn.
minutes, however, as the people had not yet But you, my friends, on your good sense
retired to rest, nearly all the male part I call, Oh, pray excuse our imperfections all.
assembled at the scene of this wild Your uneasy seats—on poles and wooden pins
May try your patience ere the play begins.
confusion, armed with such weapons as they Our paper scenes, and flimsy curtains new,
in the moment could most easily grasp. The May make you think our actors flimsy too.
common Not so. I hope, and hope you'll hope with me;
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 407

'Tis all I crave,-the exhibition's free. While o'er its tide sail after sail shall bend,
"That's false! I paid before I entered here!" And with proud cars of fire and steam contend.
You did? But 'twas to pay the music, sir. Rivers that have rolled since time itself began
What, free?" says one. "Upon my soul I thought Shall lend their aid to bear adventurous man;
These painted scenes, these candles bought!" While through the groves, uncultivated plains,
They truly were, and dearly paid for, too; They extend their arms, and meet with arms again.
Yet we live in hopes to get that pay from you. To unite their forks, oh! wonderful to tell!
For, if our youths should now be blessed with skill, The upthrown earth bespeaks the proud canal!
We'll force you here, though much against your will. With spreading sail, then merchantmen may go
Our time and talents we will devote to you; From Hudson's mouth through States to Mexico.
You cannot wish to take our money too? The fluted railroad, with bars above, below,
"Oh!" cries the foe, "I see your whole intent; Thus man may speed a hundred miles a day,
I've long wished to know what the deuce you meant. And leave the bird a lingering on the way.
You think, by painting, pasting, rhyming, jokes, The speaking-tube, concealed beneath the ground,
E'en to make money from us poor folks!" All news convey to distant seats around.
Not so, good sirs; let me begin again; These, fathers, these might cause e'en stones to speak,
Lend but your patience, I'll not long detain. And thoughts like these might entertain a week;
Long has our place with crimson dies been stained, But I too long have trespassed on your time,
And counterfeiters' residences gained; Strove to explain, in disconnected rhyme,
Both far and near our character been lost, Why we those scenes and exhibitions plan;
In the life of Spicer and death of poor La Coste. Instruct the youth to thoughts and acts of man.
But now, thank God! a happy change succeeds; Perhaps from these, to fill us with surprise,
(With painful hearts we face those wicked deeds.) Some Newton, Milton, Washington may rise.
'Tis time, good sirs, those actions to despise, I here would close, but, mixed among you all,
Since all around our tender offspring rise. The old bachelor sits, on whom I'm forced to call.
In their blest lives let us re-live again In joys like those which sires anticipate,
A life of virtue, freed from conscious pain. You have no share, nor can you,-'tis too late;
Those are the pillars of expected state; But if youthful strength there still remains in one,
As life declines, they will our souls elate. Who wishes to live immortal in a son,
In future days, when snug on yonder rise Rouse from your stupor! awake your torpid brain!
Their once loved parents, freed from toil, lies, And quick the heart of some fair maid obtain!
In senates they, as statesmen bright, will stand, A bright example for you we set to-night;
While arts and science roll at their command; Four happy souls we shortly will unite.
Thy sons shall then in fond remembrance tell, To prepare for these, good-night, I won't intrude,
And bless the sires that tutored them to spell. But soon return in woman's attitude.
Blessed be the mart, that friend, who taught me first
From science's page, undaunted, to rehearse Such was the prologue recited before the
To stand, regardless of the critic's sneer, play opened. In a literary sense it is, of
And boldly speak, nor mortal face to fear. course, crude, but it has the high merit of
With thoughts like these, we anticipate delight;
'Tis this alone which brings us here to-night.
being suited to the occasion.
Dear fathers, mothers, guardians, tutors too, The play, considering conditions, was very
Oh, what a task, good heavens! devolves on you. well produced, and its reproduction on
Look forward then, anticipate with joy, several occasions, and the presentation of
What prospects burst upon your infant boy!
Behold yon wide, uncultivated plain, other plays from time to time, gave a
From ocean's wave to ocean's wave again; wholesome spice to village life. The hint at
Where silence reigns, nor human face is found the slab benches, with pins protruding
All nature sleeps secure from human sound;
Where bounds the deer, pursued by savage cries,
through them, and at the paper scenes and
Shall adventurous man with villages arise. flimsy curtains, gives an interior view of the
Town after town and State on State unfurled, hall, which was the first place of public
'Tit the proud Pacific hails a new-born world. entertainment in the village.
When solitude sits with time and age grown gray,
The arts shall flourish, e'en like the blaze of day. LAW AND ORDER.
Hammers shall ring, and the anvil's lab'ring peal
Shall cheer the maid that hums the spinning-wheel.
This is a delicate topic. It would be
Those hidden ores that line Superior Bay perverting the truth of history to represent
Shall quit their beds and shine in upland day; the village from which this city has grown
408 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

as a moral paradise, and at the same time years ago, is full of interest, for it reflects
we are inclined to think there was no more not only the moral status of the village at
depravity here than at other frontier trading that time, but also the impolitic method of
posts. The leading citizens were not of the the preacher in his hasty zeal to reform the
class lauded for piety, yet they were good place in which he was a very new resident.
people who, by example and executive People then, as now, became indignant at
action, endeavored to support law and order interference with their private affairs,
in society. But, being the leading village of especially so when interference touched their
Northwestern Ohio, it is not strange that a method of living. Mr. Bowlus, in his address
full share of knaves and villains made their in 1878, said:
temporary home here. There were petty I was with father when he came here in 1822. The
first Sabbath after our arrival he thought it was his duty
thieves, common swindlers, and a few of as a minister of the Gospel to use his influence to have
that class, one of whom, on a certain the Sabbath properly observed. He went around town
occasion, declared that he be-longed to a and told the people what he came here for-to live among
society "for the transportation of horses and them and have them live as Christian people. He went
from house to house and from store to store, and
improving the currency." How much induced the people to close their places of business and
_counterfeiting was done here no man knows observe the Sabbath. Previous to that, Sunday had been
nor ever will know; the expeditious method to them like any other day. They did probably more
business on Sunday than on other days. It is true,
"for transporting horses" made the town however, that some permitted smuggling goods through
somewhat celebrated. Evil report went out the back doors. Father noticed this, and talked to them
from here more than from other frontier about it frequently, but did not succeed in preventing the
posts because Lower Sandusky was made a practice altogether.
Several families were considered pretty rough folks.
well-known place by its precedence in trade. Among them, some of you remember old Mr. Dew and
Very few of the village's were close family. A man lived with this old man Dew named
Sabbath observers. This is almost uni- Sanford Maines. Father met him down in the village
after Sabbath was over, and said to him: "Is your name
versally the rule of pioneer settlements. Sanford Maines?" He told him it was. "They tell me,"
Those people who have persuaded them- said father, "you are a set of horse thieves, and I warn
selves that the commandment setting apart a you to take care.'' "What!" exclaimed Maines,
day of rest has been downtrodden by apparently surprised. Father repeated the same words
and passed on. The next night father's buggy was hauled
constant violation in these latter years, and back of where the court-house now stands, where there
that the world is daily becoming more was a thicket of hazel bushes. A chip fire was started
Godless, will find in the history of Ohio and the vehicle burned up. Many such instances
occurred in those days. It was a wild country indeed.
communities, with hut few exceptions, a
The forefathers of our city occasionally
refutation of their opinions. In Lower
inflicted summary punishment upon those
Sandusky, sixty years ago, a few of the
who trespassed upon the laws of society.
residents observed the Sabbath, but a weekly
One characteristic instance is remembered:
day of rest, and worship, and thanksgiving
A man by the name of Avery, some time
was not on the calendar of the business men
during the year 1820, stole an axe. He was
or an influential proportion of the citizens.
arrested, and, there being no jail to confine
Now, as a rule, the Sabbath is observed;
him in till he could be tried, the citizens
disregard is the exception. When Rev. Jacob
decided to take him down to a locust tree
Bowlus, an ardent Methodist, came here in
about where the Fremont & Indiana railroad
1822, he was very unpopular. The account
engine house now stands, and give him a
given by his son, at a pioneer meeting a few
sound thrashing. They
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 409

tied him up to the tree and gave him one Frenchy came, and laid in a counterclaim to
hundred lashes, well laid on. After being same amount, in about this style: "Mr.
released he swam the river, and never came Hawkin owe me for shoot my gun one time
back. for noting, fifteen dollars." The justice
The practice of stealing firewood is shown suggested that that was a pretty high charge
by the records of the village justice, to be a for one load of powder and shot. "Sacre,"
very old one. An eccentric old man by the said the Frenchman, "suppose he sharge me
name of Hawkins, father of the miller, poet, ver' high, I sharge him ver' high, too, aha !
preacher and actor, spent a portion of the dat not right, sare."
time from 1816 to 1820 in Lower Sandusky. Whatever may have been the reputation
He was interested in the mill with his son, inflicted upon the town by a coterie of rakes,
Thomas L. Hawkins, and occasionally outlaws and swindlers who were not citizens
missed slabs from the log yard. Being but only transient sojourners, there was
convinced that they went for firewood, he much virtue here. People were generally
prepared some slabs by boring, and then hospitable and generous, honest in dealing
loading them with tremendous charges of with each other, and united heartily in the
powder. The next morning there was such an amenities, and sympathized with each other
explosion, in a log-cabin near the mill, as to in the asperities of border life.
take the gable end and a part of the end wall POSTAL FACILITIES.
out of it, besides frightening and somewhat
We are unable to say just when postal
injuring the inmates. This was considered
facilities were provided for Lower San-
dangerous, and although the man owned up
dusky, but it is altogether probable that
to stealing the slabs, Hawkins was arrested
military routes were established in the winter
for an attempt upon his life. The old man,
of 1812-13 when the stockade was built.
when arraigned before the justice, told all he
After the war a post office was established,
had done, and, in justification, said his slabs
and according to our best in-formation
were green, and wouldn't burn without some
Morris A. Newman was commissioned
powder to help them, and he prepared his
postmaster. Three mail routes were
own slabs just as he pleased, and if they
established—one up the river through Fort
didn't quit stealing, he blow them all to
Seneca to Delaware, another east to
_____.
Norwalk, and a third west to Fort Meigs.
Hawkins was a party to another novel
During the war mail-carriers were in great
lawsuit of the period. He kept a canoe in the
personal danger. Some of the Indians were
mill pond. A Frenchman one day took the
hostile, and the mail-bag was a tempting
canoe to hunt ducks, and after landing it on
object of plunder. The first mail-carrier of
the other side, left his gun in the canoe; and
whom we have any personal knowledge, was
went after plums. The old man waded the
a man named Munger, whose route was from
river, and took the canoe, fired off the
here to Fort Meigs. One mile from the fort
Frenchman's gun, and paddled for the other
he was attacked by a party of Indians, but
shore. Fastening his canoe, he hastened to
made his escape with but slight wounds,
Esquire Harrington, a justice of the peace,
leaving the mail-bag and his horse to the red
and had the Frenchman summoned, to the
robbers. The thick woods and swamp
tune of fifteen dollars damages for taking
sheltered him while he travelled four days,
one canoe. But the old man found his match,
as he supposed toward Fort Stephenson.
410 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

At the termini of his route he was supposed progress extremely difficult. It .needed the
to be dead, or taken captive, but on the fifth Knapp sort of spirit to travel this lonely path
day he made his appearance at Lower during that dangerous period. One day, just
Sandusky, having wandered as far north as before leaving Fort Meigs, Isaac Knapp saw
Port Clinton on the lake shore. from the fort two men who had just, started
During the early stages of the war it was, out, waylaid and murdered by a, party of
sometimes necessary to give the mail- Indians. With this terrible scene fresh on his
carriers a military escort. This was the mind, he, a few hours afterward, shouldered
mission of Colonel Ball's detail when the mail-bag, and set off into the forest. By a
attacked by a party of Indians about one mile devious route he evaded the watching red-
south of Fort Stephenson, in 1813, a full skins, and safely performed the journey.
account of which is given elsewhere. The Knapps had hearts for any fate. Isaac
It is difficult to realize the perils and became a highly esteemed citizen of the
hardships of the early mail-carriers. The town, and an associate judge of the county.
most difficult and dangerous route was from Walter also located here in later years, where
here to Perrysburg (Fort Meigs). There was he raised a, family and died. These two
no road, and the carrier was guided by blazes brothers were the, heroes of a romantic
or scars made on the trees. The route was adventure which illustrates. their character,
from Lower Sandusky down the river and proves their fitness for the public service
through the Whittaker farm, to where two performed during times which tried men's
large white oaks were blazed. These two souls:
trees were solid guides pointing to the thick, Shortly after the War of 1812 closed, Walter Knapp,
swampy forest westward. Muskellunge was for speaking disrespectfully of the British Government,
forded some distance from the mouth, and was arrested and imprisoned in Sandwich, Upper
from there to the site of Elmore was a Canada, a town opposite Detroit. The crime charged to
him was punishable by fine, and his brothers James and
tortuous path, at places scarcely wide Isaac prepared to pay the fine, and went to Detroit to
enough for a horse to pass through. From the await the trial of Walter; pay his fine for him and bring
Portage River at Elmore, a crooked path led him away. The court sat at Sandwich at this time, but,
contrary to usage, the trial of Walter was not brought
to Fort Meigs. After leaving Mrs. Whit- on, and the court adjourned leaving him in jail where he
taker's, there was not an inhabitant on the might stay another year. The brothers, James and Isaac,
whole route. After Munger had been robbed, therefore resolved on rescuing him, for he was badly
it was difficult to get any one to travel this treated, and might die before trial day. They found
friends enough in Detroit who were willing to go over
route. In spring or winter time, when the ice and assist in the enterprise, but upon consultation-it was
was breaking, the journey could be thought best for only two to go over, as that number
performed only on foot. Isaac Knapp, a would not excite suspicion. At about 10 o'clock at night
Isaac applied to the ferryman for the use of his canoe for
young man of distinguished bravery, who three hours to go to Spring Wells, a place on the
had located here in 1814, undertook the American side, but the suspicious Frenchman refused to
perilous contract. He associated with himself let him have it until he promised three dollars for its
his lion-hearted brother Walter, who carried use, and left ninety dollars as a pledge for its safe return
inside of three hours. It was a good-sized pine canoe,
it some of the time, Walter being selected light, and easily propelled.
chiefly on account of his lightness of body, At a little after to o'clock that night Isaac Knapp left
and consequent ability to walk lightly over the American shore at Detroit. They selected a landing
place on the Canada side under a high bank near a
their ice or frozen crust, which would break church, whose steeple towered up visible in
through with a heavy man or horse, and
make
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 411

the gloomy sky. After landing and securing their canoe pickets, bounding almost at the same time into- the
the brothers proceeded a, mile through the streets to the alley. Walter was weak from confinement, and illness,
jail, which they intended to enter, with the aid of saws, and the brothers seized each arm, emerged from the
through a window. All was dark and quiet. - The work at alley into the main road or street, which led to the
the window was commenced but a little while when the church steeple, under which they knew their canoe was,
saw broke. They then tried the front door of the jail, and a mile distant. By this time the alarm became loud, and
found it locked and immovable, and impregnable. They the inhabitants were hurrying to the jail from every
then proceeded to the rear of the jail yard, which was quarter. They met many, but when out of sight made
enclosed with pickets twelve feet high, set in the such speed as permitted Walter to touch ground only
ground. A strip of scantling was spiked to the pickets once in a while. They reached the canoe, but Walter was
about ten feet from the ground to hold them parallel at exhausted, and they laid him in the bottom of it and
the top. By a run and a leap they found they could reach shoved off. The canoe was furnished with oars and
and hold to the scantling. After throwing over a sledge- rowlocks. James and Isaac took their seats at the oars
hammer, which they anticipated would be necessary for with their backs towards the Detroit shore, struck in the
their purpose, they leaped the pickets and went to the oars as strong and active men would in such a case, till
back door of the jail hall. This door was not locked. they supposed they were in the middle of the river, and
They had learned from one McDonald, a tavern keeper out of sight and hearing from the Canadian shore. At
in Detroit, the plan of the jail, and where the jailor hung this point Walter, who had been rendered breathless and
the keys. The prison was on one side of the hall, and the fainted hi the race, carne to, and told them to give him a
room right opposite the jail door was occupied by the paddle, as he was able to steer. The Judge, in narrating
jailor and his family, and behind the door of the jailor's this adventure, said that it seemed to him as if the canoe
room hung the prison keys. Walter was awake, and leaped out of the water at every stroke of the oars. At
James went to the prison door and whispered to his the middle of the river they slacked their exertions to
brother, who informed him where the keys hung, and rest a little and take observations. They soon gained
that the largest key was the one to his door. James breath and found their direction, and then pulled
entered the jailor's apartment into perfect darkness, and leisurely to the landing from which they had started.
began feeling for the keys, but was some time in finding Isaac's ninety dollars would be forfeited if he kept the
the largest one. Isaac stood in the door of the room. canoe over three hours, and he found the Frenchman,
James, in fumbling for the keys, unfortunately knocked who hoped for the forfeit, 10th to wake, but finally suc-
a large bunch of heavy keys from their suspension, ceeded to make him acknowledge that he was awake,
which fell rattling like a log-chain upon the floor, receive the canoe, and refund the ninety dollars, less
rousing the jailor, who instantly sprang to his feet and three, the agreed pride for the use of the craft. After half
exclaimed: "What in the name of God is that? Who's an hour spent at this place and in reaching John
here?" Isaac Knapp, guided by the sound, sprang Halmer's tavern, they found it lacked five minutes of
directly in front of the jailor as he stood at the bedside, two hours from the time they left the landing on the
and said, in a low, determined voice, "Not a word, sir. American side.
We have come for a prisoner; we must have him; and if With the Judge himself, and others who knew the
you utter one word of alarm I will dispatch you in a mo- facts, it is still a mystery how Isaac got Walter over the
ment!" At this the jailor's wife and children were pickets of that jail yard; and this rescue was considered
terrified, but the same command, backed by the one of the most daring and successful of Northern
command of the jailor himself, to save his life, soon adventures. The Judge said: "I was in Major Holmes'
quieted them. Meantime the key was found, and James command on the Thames when we were one hundred and
and Walter were at the door of the jailor's apartment fifty surrounded by about five thousand British, and yet
saying: "We are here." Isaac followed the sound and entering that jail in the dark was more trying to my
reached the door, joined his brothers, and proceeded to nerves than that battle. But as soon as the jailor waked
scale the pickets at a different point and over into an and spoke, and I had something to do, my courage and
alley. As they were going through the yard, which was coolness came to me at once. I was cool and determined.
planted with potatoes, Walter lost his bundle of clothes, I did not wish to injure the jailor, but I had determined
and began to search for them. Just then the jailor gave to save my brother, and we did."*
the shout for alarm, and they heard numerous voices at
the front door of the jail. There was no time for hunting In 1818 Jeremiah Everett was appointed
old clothes in the dark, and James whispered "come," mail-carrier on this route, which was
and instantly they scaled the pickets. Isaac seized Walter
by the collar, and with a bound threw him over to James,
somewhat changed, but reached the
and with another scaled the
* Judge Knapp himself communicated this adventure,
substantially as detailed, to Hon. Homer Everett.
412 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Portage River as formerly, at Elmore, where the creek during times of high water.
there was now a solitary cabin, occupied by The route from the east, opened soon after
the family of a Mr. Harris, who kept the the war closed, came from Norwalk across
mail-carriers over night. Hon. Homer Everett Strong's ridge to Amsden's corners
gives the following account of his father's (Bellevue); from thence by a crooked path
experience while in the service: through the southern part of Green Creek
From two to three days, often four, were required to township to the old Rumery place and thence
perform the trip. I have heard my father frequently to Lower Sandusky. A fourth route was
mention his disagreeable experiences in this service,
being often compelled to camp out between Maumee and established during the period which we are
Portage River at night and alone. He told of a fallen describing, from Lower Sandusky to Venice
hollow sycamore tree which he used as a protection on on the bay shore.
these occasions, when the state of the roads, or accident
prevented him from reaching Portage River on his return
After the Maumee road was completed a
trip, which frequently happened. If on foot, the mail, stage line was established, which carried
and a blanket made into a pack, were slung upon his east and west mails. Mails from the south
shoulders, with bread and meat for the journey,-and with were brought down the river on horse-back
a hatchet and knife in his belt, he would set out. If on
horse-back, which the roads permitted only a part of the for a number of years afterward.
year, a more ample outfit was carried, and grain for the Harvey J. Harman succeeded Newman as
animal. At the sycamore tree the axe, steel and flint postmaster, and alter his death in 1834, the
aided to build him a good fire in front, which kept off
cold and wolves. The wolf's howl near by was familiar
office was placed in charge of Grant F.
music then, and he was waked in the morning, and found Forgerson. Jesse S. Olmsted succeeded.
a path beaten in the snow around him by the feet of Homer Everett, who had charge of the office
these prowlers. He was always anxious to have a good during Olmsted's administration, was
road from Lower Sandusky to Fort Meigs, and lived to
be eminently useful and influential in having one made. commissioned postmaster in 1839. His
One of the old mail-carriers on the route successors have been Benjamin F. Meeker,
up the river to Delaware was named Brush. Wilson M. Stark, Isaac M. Keeler, L. E.
Samuel Cochran was stationed near the Boren. We are unable to conclude the list, no
mouth of Wolf Creek, in Ballville township, record having been kept. George Krebs is the
to ferry the mail-carriers over present efficient incumbent.
CHAPTER XXV.
FREMONT CONTINUED.
Civil Government.

T HE first organization of local government


on the soil of Sandusky county followed
in consequence of an order directing the
Nathaniel Camp, Samuel Avery, Peter
Menare, Lewis de Leonard.
There seemed to be great unanimity at this
erection of the township of Sandusky, in election. None of the candidates voted for or
August, 1815. The first page of the record has received less than twenty-six votes, and four
been torn out of the musty old book and is of them received the full twenty-eight.
destroyed. On the cover of the book is written Partisan bitterness was not yet born and an
in a large, clear hand: election was much like a council of friends.
This book was presented by Israel Harrington, esquire, to It seems, too, that it was a council in which
the township of Sandusky for the purpose of keeping the
records of said township.
all were pretty much of one mind.
August 15, 1815. The first appraisment of property was
For seventeen years this book, containing made by Charles B. Fitch and Daniel Hill,
less than two hundred pages, is the only record May 23, 1816. Only eight houses were
of the township. appraised, as follows: Morris A. Newman,
Israel Harrington was the first justice of the one, $250; Muses Nichols, one, $l00; Israel
peace. The other officers elected August 15 Harrington, one, $300; Aaron Forgerson,
were: Isaac Lee, clerk; Isaac Lee and William one, $200; Randall Jerome, three, $450;
Ford, fence viewers; Jeremiah Everett, Randall Thomas Brown, one, $150.
Jerome, and Israel Harrington, trustees; At the October election of 1816 thirty-
William Andrews and Morris A. Newman, three votes were cast. Since very few of the
overseers of the poor; David Gallagher, citizens whose names are given lived beyond
treasurer; Henry Disbrow and Charles B. Fitch, the present corporate limits of the present
appraisers of property; Thoda A. Rexford and city of Fremont, we give the poll as a census
William Hoddy, constables. of the cluster of homes about old Fort
At the succeeding election, held October 10, Stephenson, just beginning to assume the
1815, twenty-eight votes were cast. The appearance of a village:
following was the poll: Joseph Harris, William Andrews, T. A.
William Andrews, Thoda A. Rexford, Daniel Rexford, Obediah Norton, William Avery,
McFarland, Asa Stodard, William Ford, Israel Moses Nichols, Almeron Sands, Daniel
Harrington, Elisha Harrington, Randall Jerome, McFarland, Samuel Avery, Jonathan Jerome,
Jeremiah Everett, Moses Nichols, Anthony W. S. Drake, Charles B. Fitch, Jeremiah
Arndt, Joseph Done, Obediah Morton, Everett, Daniel Hill, Thomas D. Knapp,
Jonathan Jerome, Joel Thomas, Thomas D. Israel Harrington, William Downs, David
Knapp, Peleg Cooley, Antoine Laurent, Isaac Gallagher, Hugh B. McKner, Thomas
Lee, Joseph Mominne, Charles B. Fitch, John Brown, Aaron Forgerson, Joshua Davies,
M. Clung, Henry Disbrow, James Whittaker, Ruel Louis, John Payne, Morris

413
414 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

A. Newman, Peleg Cooley, John Robinson, of Lower Sandusky. Sandusky township had
John Cooley, Thomas L. Hawkins, Thomas exercised exclusive jurisdiction over the
Forgerson, Holsey Forgerson, Aaron Willis, village. By special act of the Legislature,
and John W. Tyler. passed February 11, 1830, so much of the
We give one more list of elections of reservation as is included in the surveyed
Sandusky township, taken from the records township number five, range fifteen, was set
of the October election of the year 1826: apart and granted the powers and privileges
Samuel Treat, James A. Scranton, John of a corporate town, under the statutes of the
Downs, Esbon Husted, Thomas Gallagher, State. The complement of the two miles
Richard Sears, Asa Bliss, Giles Thompson, square reservation, being a strip about three-
Jacob Bowlus, Jesse S. Olmsted, James quarters of a mile wide off the south side,
Fuller, Casper Remsberg, Francis Call, continued under the jurisdiction of Ballville
Mahlon Thomas, Jonathan Holcomb, Jacob township exclusively. In 1856 the corporate
Nyce, Ammi Williams, Phineas Ball, David limits were so ex-tended as to include this
Bowlus, Jacob Melius; William McClelland, strip, making the town of Fremont co-
Elisha B. Johnson, Francis A. Wally, Merrit extensive with the ancient and historic
Scott, John Wolcott, Cyrus Hulburd, Thomas reservation. John Bell was elected first
Hawkins, William Dew, Rodolphus Dickin- mayor.
son, George Shannon, Abram Bark, Harvery CIVIL ROSTER.
J. Harman, George Jackson, George J.
Previous to 1843 the records of the town
Whitaker, Moses Wilson, John W. Tyler,
are lost. The mayors of Lower Sandusky,
William Knapp, Jacob Bowlus, jr., Charles
elected in the spring of each year, were:
Cole, John McLaughlin, Thomas Bonner,
John Bell, 1830; R. P. Buckland, 1843;*
Michael Egan, Leonard Kider, Charles
John Bell, 1844; Cornelius Letscher, 1845
Runnels, Warren Waterman, William
and 1846; Chester Edgerton, 1847; L. C.
Suthorn, Peter Bellow, Eldridge A. Bristol,
Ball, 1848; J. G. B. Downs, 1849. That year
John Culbertson, John Andrews, Joel Van
the name of the town was changed to
Doren, James P. Stephenson, Ferdinand
Fremont. At the expense of repetition we
Wilson, Joseph Mominne, David Grant,
give the full council for each year:
Abram Van Doren, Andrew Baker, Joseph
1850—Brice J. Bartlet, mayor; C. R.
Hall, Thomas Ware, William Ware,
McCulloch, recorder; LaQ., Rawson, John R.
Benjamin Bailey, L. C. Ball, Joseph Connel,
Pease, C. O. Tillotson, James Hufford,
John Woods, Ezra Williams, Elisha W.
Samuel Wilson, trustees.
Howland, Calvin Seager, David Gallagher,
1851—B. J. Bartlett, mayor; Alvin Coles,
William Baker, Elisha Thompson, Daniel
recorder; James Parks, Thomas Pinkerton,
Brainard, Daniel Brainard, jr., Thomas
Frank Bell, Christian Doncyson, John P.
Holcomb, Aaron Love-land, McKinsey
Haynes, trustees.
Mowery, Abner Loveland, and Thomas
1852—B. J. Bartlett, mayor; Thomas P.
White.
Finefrock, recorder; William Herbster,
By 1831 the number of votes in the township
Christian Doncyson, Isaac Sharp, O. L.
had increased to one hundred and forty-six.
Nims, J. F. R. Sebring, trustees.
Previous to 1830 there was no corporate
1853—A. B. Taylor, mayor; T. P.
government for the village, which had now
Finefrock, recorder; Christian Doncyson,
changed the name Sandusky for that
*From- 1830 to 1843 unknown.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 415

O. L. Nims, Isaac Sharp, J. F. R. Sebring, M. Koons, Isaac Dryfoos, J. S. Van Ness, Charles
Wegsson, trustees. Thompson, trustees.
1854—A. J. Hale, mayor; Charles L. Glick, 1865—Homer Everett, mayor; D. W. Krebs,
recorder; Thomas Pinkerton, J. F. R. recorder; Fred Fabing, A. J. Harris, Oscar Ball,
Sebring, George C. Canfield, R. C. Charles Thompson, George Williams, trustees.
McCulloch, William E. Haynes, trustees. 1866—John Bell, mayor; E. F. Dickinson,
1855—B. J. Bartlett, mayor; Charles L. recorder; Ambrose Ochs; J. Stierwalt, William
Glick, recorder; Thomas Pinkerton, J. F. R. E. Haynes, Thomas Kelly, F. G. Geibel,
Sebring, G. C. Canfield, C. R. McCulloch, trustees.
William E. Haynes, trustees. The number of trustees in 1867 was increased
1856—B. J. Bartlett, mayor; E. M. to six, and one of their own number was
Hulburd, recorder; R. P. Buckland, S. chosen president. Previous to 1867 it was the
Thompson, Jesse S. Van Ness, J. F. R. duty of the mayor to act as president of the
Sebring, Ira Smith, trustees. council. We give below the names of members
1857—John R. Pease, mayor; Nat Haynes, of the council as they appear on the roll; the
recorder; H. Cleland, C. Doncyson, Casper president always being named first:
Smith, W. Beaugrand, John Joseph, trustees. 1867—John Bell, mayor; F. Wilmer, recorder;
1858—John L. Green, mayor; Oscar Ball, Jacob D. Botefur, Betts, Brush, Ochs, Quilter,
recorder; S. M. Ellenwood, C. Doncyson, and Keller, trustees.
Casper Smith, Joseph Stuber, Daniel Capper, 1868—John Bell, mayor; F. Wilmer, recorder;
trustees. C. H. Bell; Betts, Botefur, Brush, Engler, and
1859—Stephen Buckland, mayor; J. R. Quilter, trustees.
Bartlett, recorder; W. N. Morgan, Andrew 1869—Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor: J. S. Van
Morehouse, Theodore Clapp, Detleff Valhenburgh, recorder; Charles H. Bell, Betts,
Thompson, Samuel Thompson, trustees. Gores, Haynes, Horn, and Sheldon, trustees.
1860—James Justice, mayor; Joseph R. 1870—J. S. Van Ness, mayor; J. S. Van
Bartlett, recorder; Thomas Kelly, F. J. Valhenburgh, recorder; Paul Gores, Botefur;
Geibel, Nat Haynes, Philip Dorr, Thomas Kridler, McArdle, Haynes, and Sheldon,
Pinkerton, trustees. trustees.
1861—Daniel L. June, mayor; D. W. 1871—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; George J.
Krebs, recorder; G. M. Tillotson, O. A. Krebs, recorder; James Kridler, Sheldon,
Roberts, Ira Smith, Joseph Chapman, Haynes, Thompson, McArdle, and Botefur,
Creighton Thompson, trustees. trustees.
1862—John M. Kline, mayor; D. W. 1872—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; George J.
Krebs, recorder; O. A. Roberts, D. Capper, Krebs, recorder; James Kridler, Haynes,
Bryan O'Connor, C. Hodes, A. Bennett, Sheldon, Thompson, Stuber and Geibel,
trustees. trustees.
1863—John M. Kline, mayor; D. W. 1873—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; F. J. Geibel,
Krebs, recorder; O. A. Roberts, Bryan 0. jr., recorder; F. J. Geibel, Stuber, Kridler;
Connor, D. Capper, Casper Hodes, Aaron Greiner, Fabing, and Bauman, trustees.
Bennett, trustees. 1874—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; F. J. Geibel,
1864—LaQuinio Rawson, mayor; D. W. jr., recorder, resigned, F. J. Smith
Krebs, recorder; D. Garvin, John
416 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

appointed to fill vacancy; George W. Gurst, Sandusky. The post office was entered as
Fabing, Greiner, Elderkin, Heider, and Lower Sandusky, and by 1830, when the
Bauman, trustees. incorporating act was passed, Lower San-
1875—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; H. B. Smith, dusky had become the commonly accepted
recorder; J. P. Elderkin, jr., Fabing, Greiner, name. There was, however, endless con-
Bauman, Gurst, and Heider, trustees. fusion in the mail service and among bus-
1876—E. F. Dickinson, mayor; W. W. Stine, iness men, caused by the number of pests
recorder; A. Young, Bauman, Fabing, along the river bearing the same name with
Greiner, Dickinson, and McCulloch, but slight modifications. There were Upper
trustees. Sandusky, Little Sandusky, Middle
1877—Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor; W. W. Sandusky, Lower Sandusky, and Sandusky
Stine, recorder; C. K. McCulloch, City. It was felt, therefore, not only
Dickinson, Young, Sheldon, Haynes, and expedient, but a business necessity, that the
Parks, trustees. name should be changed. The town was
1878—Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor; W. B. already giving promise of that rapid growth
Kridler, recorder; James Parks, Haynes, which has since been fulfilled. What the new
Sheldon, Kridler, Reinick, West, Meng, and name should be was a matter, therefore, of
Thompson, trustees. no little interest and discussion.
1879—C. H. Bell, mayor; W. B. Kridler, Croghanville was the natural choice of a
recorder; S. P. Meng, Butman, Geibel, certain class of citizens who delight to recall
Johnson, Kridler, Parks, Thompson, and the past and memorialize great deeds and
West, trustees. heroic characters. This, too, was the name of
1880—Charles H. Bell, mayor; W. B. the original village surveyed under authority
Kridler, recorder; F. J. Geibel, West, Baker, of the United States as early as 1816.
Loudensleger, Johnson, Bauman, Moos, and But there were practical business men who
Butman, trustees. foresaw the difficulties which would follow
1881—Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor, (de-ceased the adoption of the historic name.
in July, E. Loudensleger appointed to fill Croghanville was a hard name to spell, and,
vacancy); W. B. Kridler, recorder; E. should it be adopted, was almost certain to
Loudensleger,* J. V. Beery (vice president), be the cause of many orthographical
Geibel, West, Baker, Price, Moos, and blunders.
French, trustees. Discussion materialized into action in 1849.
One more change of local government A name, at that time, in every newspaper, in
remains to be spoken of. The township almost every mouth, was John Charles
jurisdiction of Sandusky township extended Fremont. Our interest in events of local
over the city until 1878, when, by act of the history and admiration of heroic conduct
county commissioners, a new town-ship, to compels us to regret that the town did not
be called Fremont, was erected. The receive the name of the officer who made the
boundaries of the township are co-extensive ground over which it has spread, a place of
with those of the city. National interest. In the firmament of
NAME OF THE CITY.
history, brightened by many lustrous names,
As has already been seen, the first name Colonel Fremont appears not as a brilliant
of the capital city of the county was star, but as a permanent light. His useful
explorations and discoveries in the far West,
*Appointed mayor in place of J. S. Van Ness,
were valua-
deceased.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 417

ble contributions to geographical science, and he bought an estate in California, on which


gave a powerful impetus to the settlement and he determined to settle. In 1849 the State
development of California. was admitted to the Union, and as a mark of
John Charles Fremont was born in Georgia, appreciation of his services as an explorer,
entered Charleston college at the age of fifteen, and for having secured the annexation of the
and was noted for mathematical genius. Before Territory to the United States, Colonel
the completion of his course he became Fremont was elected by his State to
infatuated with a West India girl, whose raven represent her in the United States Senate. A
locks and soft, black eyes interfered sadly with cast of lots gave Fremont the short term of
his studies. He was expelled from college. His three years, While he occupied a seat in the
first employment was as private teacher of Senate, California interests received his
mathematics, and in 1833 the situation of close attention. He was author of the most
instructor in mathematics on a United States important legislation relating to her early
sloop of war was given him. He was interests. He took a decided stand against the
subsequently given a professorship of ex-tension of slavery, which lost him a re-
mathematics in the navy, and a few years later election to the Senate. His ideas concerning
was employed in the survey of several the "peculiar institution" conformed to the
Southern railroads. In 1838 he was principles upon which the Republican party
commissioned second lieutenant and placed on was established, and he became the party's
the corps of topographical engineers. While first Presidential candidate. In a letter to the
compiling a series of re-ports in Washington, convention he said:
in 1840, he made the acquaintance of Miss I heartily concur in all movements having for their
object to repair the mischiefs arising from violation of
Jesse Benton, daughter of Colonel Thomas H.. good faith in the repeal of the Missouri compromise. I
Benton, then a leader of his party in the United am opposed to slavery in the abstract and upon
States Senate. The lady was only fifteen years principle, sustained and made habitual by long settled
old, but youth is no barrier to love. Colonel convictions. While I feel inflexible in the belief that it
ought not to be interfered with where it exists, under the
Benton, taking advantage of his influence, had shield of State sovereignty, I am as inflexibly opposed
the young officer peremptorily ordered on an to its extension on this continent beyond its present
exploring expedition to the Des Moines River. limits.
Returning the following year, Fremont claimed This was the platform on which the
his betrothed, whom he secretly married. spirited campaign of 1856 was fought.
Fremont made the first systematic exploration Buchanan received one hundred and seventy-
of the Rocky mountains, one of the highest four votes from nineteen Slates, while
peaks of which bears his name. His reports Fremont received one hundred and fourteen
were of great value, as furnishing information votes from eleven States.
about overland routes to California, and setting Colonel Fremont, in 1858, removed to
forth the mineral resources of that region. California, where he became identified with
During the troubles with Mexico, Colonel important measures of public improvement,
Fremont's services were of great value, in but suffered financial misfortune. In
protecting American settlers in California, and recognition of the high political station to
ultimately in expelling Mexican authority from which he attained, he was appointed to the
the Territory. In 1847 Governorship of Arizona Territory, in which
office he served one term.
418 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

We have now sketched briefly the career of soon be built on that elevated and beautiful
the man in honor of whom the county seat site.
was named—a man who enjoyed immense Second. Sandusky, the first survey on the
popularity while in the zenith of his career, east side of the river, made, or dedicated and
and a man, too, who left the impress of his acknowledged, December 6, 1817, by
life upon an important section of our country. Thomas L. Hawkins, Thomas E. Boswell,
About the only opposition to changing the Morris A. Newman, Israel Harlington, and
name of the town was made by Judge Josiah Rumery.
Howland, who was always odd. While the Third. The survey made by Quintius F.
subject was under discussion he wrote the Atkins, in 1825. This was a survey of the
following poem: unsold and reverted tracts and lots in two
There is a prayer now going round, miles square, into in- and out-lots, to be sold
Which I dislike to hear,
To change the name of this old town,
for the purpose of constructing the Western
Which I hold very dear. Reserve and Maumee Road. At this time the
They pray the court to alter it, east side of the river, along the turnpike,
I pray to God they won't; called East-town; the lots along the river
But let it stand Sandusky yet, above and about the warehouses, North-
And not J. C. Fremont.
town; and the lots about the shipyard and
Sandusky is a pleasant name,
"Tis short and easy spoken,
around the late residence of Dr. M. E.
Descending to us by a chain Rawson, called Middle-town; a number of
That never should be broken. lots in the vicinity of McArdale's new
Then let us hand it down the stream planing mill and sash factory, called the
Of time, to after ages, Triangular Survey, were made.
And Lower Sandusky be the theme
Of future bards and sages.
Fourth. The Brush survey, including that
part of town where the court-house and the
Won't the old honest sachems rise
And say to us pale faces: Episcopal Church now stand, dedicated by
"Do you our ancient name despise, Platt Brush, Platt Brush, jr., Samuel Brush,
And change our resting places?" and John T. Brush, April 4, 1840.
"Our father’s fathers slumber here Fifth. Dickinson and Birchard's addition to
Their spirits cry: 'Oh don't
Alter the name to us so dear,
the town of Lower Sandusky, including the
And substitute Fremont.' " lots along the turnpike, on the hill, on the
Therefore my prayer shall still remain west side of the river, dedicated September
Until my voice grows husky- 6, 1840, by Rodolphus Dickinson, Sardis
Oh change the people, not the name, Birchard, and Richard Sears.
Of my old home, Sandusky.
These are the chief surveys made in the
SURVEYS. town, though a number of others have since
Fremont now embraces several different been made. To mention them all would be
surveys or plats; tedious. These several surveys made it
First. Croghanville, laid out and surveyed expedient to re-number the whole city,
by Lieutenant Wormley, United States which has been done, and each added plat
surveyor, in 1816, and held for sale by in-and has been numbered in the same series. The
out-bits, the title still being in the General whole of two miles square is platted and
Government. Then it was expected that a city, numbered, either in in- or out lots.
fort, and ship-yard would
CHAPTER XXVI.
FREMONT—BUSINESS PROGRESS.
Mercantile, Manufacturing, and Banking—Business Directory.

T HE mercantile history proper of Fremont


begins in 1817 with the arrival here of a
large stock of dry goods, groceries,
duce received in barter for the necessary
household wares and luxuries for the
pioneers and villagers. The dimensions of
hardware, crockery, liquors and wines, the structure were thirty by sixty feet. It was
shipped from Albany, New York, to J. S. & considered a mammoth building, and the
G. G. Olmsted. This miscellaneous stock of merchandise, which soon piled high
assortment was one of no small proportions the counters and shelves, was greater than
for a country store, the invoice amounting to any other between Detroit and Cleveland,
no less than twenty-seven thousand dollars, and Urbana and the lake. For a number of
and the transportation on the same being years the store was in truth a commercial
four thousand four hundred dollars. Even in emporium. The following prices, at that time
those days it required men with something demanded for goods, which, in comparison,
besides heavy bones and brawn, elements of now bring but a pittance, may be read with
endurance, strengthened by hardships, and a interest: Brown sheeting, three-fourths of a
spirit of enterprise to build up towns and yard wide, fifty cents per yard; calico, from
populate the surrounding wilderness. fifty to seventy-five cents per yard; satinet at
Capital, then as now, was the principal two dollars and a half per yard. In articles of
motive power. The firm also brought with consumption there is not so much difference
them a number of carpenters to erect a store in the figures, for coffee sold at thirty-eight
building, and several coopers to make cents, tea for one dollar and one dollar and a
barrels to be used in the river fisheries. Pine half, and tobacco at fifty cents. Ponder sold
lumber for building material was brought for one dollar, and lead for twenty-five cents
here from Buffalo by water. Immediately on per pound respectively. Under such
the arrival of men and material, the circumstances, to make it pay, every shot
construction of a commodious frame had to count. In contrast to these prices, but
building was commenced on tract number still to our own advantage, whiskey, which
six, as it was called, about on the present site of like quality would now cost from two to
of I. E. Amsden's saw-mill office. It was two four dollars per gallon, then was easily
stories in height, and presented a front of purchased at seventy-five cents. It is curious
sixty feet towards the Sandusky River. what changes are brought about by the
Dormer windows jutted out above, and under advance of civilization. Refined loaf sugar
them were projecting beams with pulley- was the only article of that nature imported,
blocks and tackle for raising goods. The as .the sugar maple forests well supplied the
lower story was divided into two inhabitants with this staple article, and also
departments, one used for a general took the place of molasses and syrups.
salesroom and the other for a warehouse in Probably the first manufacturing
which to store away the pro-

419
420 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

done by the Indians was the converting of traders. Before the war of 1812, Mr. James
the sap of the maple into a portable pro- Whittaker had traded to some extent with the
duction—sugar. They exchanged this for the Indians, bartering with them a few goods for
storekeeper’s gew-gaws. It was put up in their own peculiar use. Hugh Patterson, a
boxes made of birch bark, holding from Scotchman, who had been a partner in these
thirty to fifty pounds, and the package transactions with Mr. Whittaker, soon after
called, in the musical language of the noble the date last mentioned kept a store at
red man, a "mocock." These "mococks" Muncietown, on the east side of the river and
formed a prime article of exportation, as about two miles from this city. There was
well as for local consumption. Foreign one other trader, by name Augustus Texier,
brown sugar, or that made from the cane, who kept a small stock of cheap goods in the
was not sold in the village until 1828 or village, and managed to gain a livelihood
1829. At this early time (1817) the rivers thereby. David Gallagher, another of the
and woods abounded in valuable fur-bearing early merchants, came here before the war of
animals, and it would seem from the 1812, and was employed for a number of
following figures that the occupation of a years as an assistant commissary at Fort
trapper and hunter might then have been Stephenson. He was afterwards connected
followed to exceeding great ad-vantage. with the Olmsteds, both as a clerk and a
Soon after opening business the Olmsted partner.
firm received in trade and shipped during In 1823 Dr. L. Brown was selling general
one season, twenty thousand muskrat pelts, merchandise in a frame building where Mrs.
worth twenty-five cents each; eight thousand Tyler's block now stands. Richard Sears, a
coon skins, worth fifty cents each; one young man and accredited as having been
hundred and fifty otter skins, worth five one of the beaux of the village, was a
dollars each; and two hundred bear skins, merchant at the same date, and afterwards on
worth five dollars each. the same site. In 1831, removing his stock
The first wheat shipped East from this city, from a frame structure on the present site of
then the village of Lower Sandusky, was a the Heffner block, he formed a co-
lot of six hundred bushels, sent forward by J. partnership with J. S. Olmsted, who in the
S. Olmsted in the year 1830. It was bought at meantime had dissolved partnership with his
the vice of forty cents per bushel, and sold in brother, and having left his original store
Buffalo at sixty cents per bushel. The high house on the river bank below, was selling
rates of transportation consumed all the general merchandise on the northwest corner
profits. In 1820 the lust cargo of pork, to the of Front and State streets. The firm name
amount of one hundred and fifty barrels, was was Olmsted & Sears. Four years the
shipped to Montreal by the firm of J. S. & G. partnership continued, dissolving on Mr.
G. Olmsted, where it was sold at a Sears engaging in business by himself. Mr.
considerable loss. These latter statements of Olmsted, soon after this dissolution,
shipments and prices of goods will give removed to the old Harrington block, and
some idea of the mercantile business at an from thence, in 1840, to a building standing
early day in Sandusky county. on a portion of the lot now occupied by the
While the Olmsteds, as related, were the Fabing & Hime block.
first merchants here, in the true sense of the John W. Tyler was another of the taller
teem, they were not the earliest storekeepers, and Esbon Rusted,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 421

between 1820 and 1825, kept a general store, of a lot of six hundred bushels. Mr.
with drugs, on the southeast corner of Front Olmsted's first venture in wheat was little
and State streets. Isadore Beaugrand and more successful than the pork speculation of
George Grant were his clerks. Rodolphus ten years previous. Forty cents per bushel
Dickinson, Sardis Birchard, and Esbon was paid at the warehouse here and sixty
Husted, in 1831, began the dry goods cents the price received in Buffalo.
business on the same site, under the firm Transportation was then so high that the
name of R. Dickinson & Co. From 1841 to margin of twenty cents per bushel was con-
1844 the firm of Cutter & Heywood sold dry sumed. But the trade in pork and wheat from
goods and bought grain there. Among the 1830 to 1850 was enormous. Every day the
other pioneer trades-men, still well streets were filled with teams of four and six
remembered by the older citizens, was Judge horses drawing great wagons with high
Knapp, who sold groceries in the old Knapp wheels, making it almost impossible to pass
building, on the present site of White's through town. About 1840 staves were in
block. In 1836 or 1837, John M. Smith general demand, and stave wagons with high
commenced selling dry goods where Dryfoos racks crowded among the produce wagons,
Brothers & Bach now hold forth. Eddy & altogether presenting a bewildering spectacle
Wilkes succeeded him. Where the First of busy life and business activity. Those
National Bank is at present, John Bell and scenes will never be repeated in this country.
Merritt L. Harman kept a general store of A vast network of railroads gives to every
dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc., community the means of rapid transporta-
between the years 1830 and 1840. John P. tion, and consequently a steady market for
Haynes, J. K. Glen, and Austin B. Taylor all productions. Lower Sandusky and Milan
were three more of the old merchants com- were the main produce markets west of
mencing here early in the thirties. Cleveland. Both at the time were small
Richard Sears opened a store on the corner villages. One is now a deserted town, the
.of Front and Croghan streets shortly after other a prosperous. city, made prosperous
dissolving with the Olmsteds. He made a chiefly by the good, fortune of securing
fortune trading with the Indians, and in 1827 early railroad facilities.
sold out to Sardis Birchard and left for The largest store (one for general mer-
Buffalo. Mr. Birchard's long and successful chandise of all descriptions,) that ever
business life is traced in a biography existed in Fremont, was started in 1846, by
elsewhere in this volume. Like his two enterprising merchants from Elyria, H.
predecessor, he had a large trade with the K. Kendall, and O. L. Nims. The former, the
Indians. elder member of the firm, never resided
The first pork was shipped from this place here, the business being carried on by Mr.
in 1820 by the Olmsteds, and was marketed Nims, then a young man twenty-six years of
at Montreal. It consisted of one hundred and age. Possessing remarkable business
fifty barrels. The cost here was two thousand qualifications, an exemplary character, and a
dollars for the lot. The venture cost the firm winning disposition, he soon built up a trade
considerable loss, but pork afterwards that extended around for a radius of fifty
became an important and profitable miles into the counties of Erie, Huron,
commodity of trade. The first wheat was Wyandot, Seneca, Hancock, Ottawa, Lucas
shipped from here in 1830, by J. S. Olmsted, and Wood. The building occupied by this
and consisted
422 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

firm was then owned by F. I. Norton. It was Garvin and Zeigler continued partners until
a frame structure of two stories in height, 1875. At that date David Wagner, of
and faced on Front street. The salesroom Ottawa, Ohio, purchased Garvin's interest,
covered the space now occupied by Rice's and until 1878 business was transacted
dry goods store and Strong's clothing under the style of Wagner & Zeigler, when
establishment, being forty feet in width and the latter sold out and Wagner be-came sole
extended back into the warehouse that was owner. Besides those already mentioned, a
soon afterwards added. This warehouse, at number of others, at present business men
right angles from the original main building, of Fremont, were clerks in the old
extended in the rear of the old Lesher bakery "Headquarters," that is, S. P. Meng, H. R.
building and Betts' corner store, and opened Shomo, William A. Rice, and Daniel
on Croghan street. It was user for produce, Altaffer, who are mentioned under their
wool, and pork. The largest number of clerks respective business heads.
employed, and the largest number ever In 1847 David Betts, who had clerked for
employed by a single mercantile firm in J. K. Glen for six or seven years, rented the
Fremont, was twenty-one. Mr. Kendall died room formerly occupied by his employer on
a few years after starting in business, and Shomo's corner, and moving in a stock of
Mr. Nims remained sole proprietor until goods, continued doing business on that site
1853, when Henry Zeigler and C. B. King until June 7, 1849, when the building was
removed their stock of goods from Findlay, destroyed by fire. The following month Mr.
where they had been in business a short Betts purchased of Frederick Wilks, the
time, and entered into partnership with corner lot now occupied by the Dryfoos
Nims, under the firm name of O. L. Nims & block, and refitting the old building, made a
Co. In March, 1854, this store, known as new start that fall. The large fire of March,
"Headquarters," together with Lesher's 1854, that destroyed the headquarters
bakery and Betts' store, was entirely establishment and Lesher's bakery also
destroyed by fire. Mr. Nims immediately burned out Mr. Betts. He rebuilt the same
purchased the ground on the northeast corner year, and, with D. W. Krebs as a partner,
of Front and Croghan streets, and removing engaged again in business under the firm
the shaky frame tenements that covered it, he name of D. Betts & Co. In 1856 the stock
erected the brick building now owned by F. was sold to Edgerron & Wilcox, who
S. White. In the corner storeroom the old discontinued the year after; when I). Betts
"Head-quarters" store was opened anew by & Co. repurchased the whole interest. The
Henry Zeigler, David Garvin, and Michael next change was made in 1862, by Mr.
Zeigler, under the firm name of Zeigler, Betts, who sold his interest to Krebs,
Garvin & Zeigler, in the fall of 1854. Sargent & Price. Krebs & Boardman were
Michael Zeigler died the same autumn, and the successors a year after.
soon after C. B. King resumed a partnership The dry goods store of William A. & C.
interest, the style being C. B. King & Co. F. Rice was started at its present site some
Several changes were made from that time time in the fifties by P. C. Dean. In 1859
on to 1866, the firm name being successively Dean sold out to William A. Rice. Alfred
as follows: King, Zeigler & Co.; D. Garvin Rice, who was a partner for several years,
& Co.; Clark & Zeigler; D. Gatlin & Co. closed out his interest in 1877.
Under the latter style Condit Bros. was the firm title of the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 423

original proprietors of the dry goods Wooster retired, and Buckland's sons entered
establishment of their present successors, into partnership with their father.
William W. Brandt & Co. In 1867 William The Thomas & Grund drug house was
Brandt went into business with the first established by Dr. E. Dillon & Son in 1860.
company, the Co. icing added. Brandt & Lantnan & Thomas purchased the business
Condit, succeeded William W. Brandt, in 1868, and in 1872 Thomas, Grund & Long
following as stile proprietor, and continuing succeeded. On the death of the latter member
as such until the present co-partners were of the firm some few years since, the title
admitted. was changed to Thomas & Grund.
The present extensive clothing-house of Dr. L. B. Myers entered into the drug
Dryfoos, Bro. & Bach, consisting of Isaac business in this city in 1876. His son, Kelley
and S. Dryfoos and S. Bach, was started by Myer?, was a partner during a portion of the
Isaac & M. Dryfoos, in 1852, on Front street time. Previous to the above date, Dr. Myers
near the corner of Garrison street. After a was engaged with Strausmeyer and Kelley in
few years they removed to a room in the grocery business on Front street.
Birchard block, where they continued doing The cigar and tobacco store of Charles
business till 1873, when the block, now Barth was started by his predecessor in the
partly occupied by them, was purchased, and business, P. Poss, in 1856, who commenced
the stock transferred to the corner sales- the manufacture and sale of cigars in a small
room. M. Dryfoos sold out his interest in frame building, where Burley's restaurant
1880. now stands. No changes were made in the
The merchant tailoring establishment of firm until 1877, when Mr. Poss removed to
Philip Gottron and Charles Augustus, Chattanooga and the present proprietor took
located on Croghan street, was started three possession. The store was moved to where it
years since. The firm name is Gottron & now is, on the block being opened for
Augustus. occupancy,
The first exclusive drug and book store, an Where White & Haynes' office now stands
offshoot from the general country store for the shop of the first harness-maker for
dry goods, boots and shoes, drugs, hardware Fremont, H. R. Foster, was started. J. C.
and jewelry, was started in a room of the old Montgomery succeeded him, and in 1845
headquarters building on the present site of John Kridle, became a partner. In 1847
Lesher's grocery, in 1840, by C. G. James Kridler, the present leading harness
McCulloch. In 1847 C. R. McCulloch dealer and manufacturer, purchased the
succeeded his brother and two years after interest of Montgomery, and with his brother
removed his stock to the site of the store continued in business under the firm name of
room now occupied by him, where he was J. & J. Kridler, in the old frame building
ever since remained in business. Stephen covering the land now occupied by the
Buckland was a partner for a few years. Thompson & Corn-'my hardware store.
On the dissolution of the partnership of C. When the frame structure was moved further
R. McCulloch & Stephen Buckland, the south on the street they removed their
latter, in 1856, went into rival drug business business with it. Mr. McNeal was a partner
in the room now occupied by him and his for a few years. In 1859 James Kridler
son, Ralph P. Buckland, jr. The firm, until bought in all the interest. For five years he
1859, was Wooster & Buckland, when carried on his
424 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

business in the low brick building formerly Brother & Company succeeded this firm, and
occupied by the First National Bank, and on the successive deaths of the two senior
then moved, in the early part of September, partners, George and Lewis Camfield, the
1881, to the post office building. company has changed to the title of Hedrick
In 1835, when the country closely sur- & Bristol (Fred Hedrick and E. A. Bristol).
rounding the village of Lower Sandusky was The corporation of Thompson & Co.
still the veritable "howling wilderness" hardware dealers, was formed in March,
spoken of in the Indian and early settler 1877, the being composed of Charles
romances, Edward Leppelman located in an Thompson, John T. Thompson, John P. Bell,
old, yellow frame building that stood on the Robert Lucas, and Edward C. Gast. The
present site of Mrs. Heifer's block on Front original house, of which this firm has been
street, and opened out a scanty stock of the outgrowth, was started by Oliver
clocks, jewelry and groceries. As a watch- Fusselman, on the east side of the river, in
maker he also repaired the stationary and 1859. In 1860, Fusselman having in the
portable time-pieces of the worthy villagers mean time removed to the present location,
and backwoodsmen. Business in the three Charles Thompson purchased the business,
branches increased, and in the course of a taking in as partners Orin England and John
few years he removed to a one-story frame T. Thompson, in 1865. Charles A. Norton
structure, standing on the site of John Horn's was a partner a few years. England and he
grocery. The next removal, was to the first retired in order, the latter in 1876.
frame building erected in Fremont, and Philip Dort is the oldest of the boot and
occupied before the removal first as a hotel shoe merchants in Fremont. He commenced
by Harrington, and immediately preceding in 1841, on the east side of the river, and
Leppelman's advent by J. K. Glenn. Edward continued there a number of years, until he
Leppelman here remained in the jewelry removed his stock and the tools of his trade
business until he was succeeded by his son, to a store-room on the northeast corner of
Lewis Leppelman, the present proprietor. Front and Garrison streets. The present store
The old frame building was entirely is on Front street, just south of the First
destroyed by fire in February, 1857, and on a National Bank. His sons, Fred, Lewis, and
brick block being erected in its place, the Henry, are partners.
business was resumed. It is now the largest In 1867 H. R. Shomo, immediately after
jewelry house in the county; business, both the expiration of his term as post-master,
wholesale and retail, being carried on, and opened a boot and shoe store and has
an organ and sewing machine store con- continued in the business since that date,
nected with the main salesroom. occupying for the last twelve years his
The first regular hardware store started in present site.
Fremont was opened on the pike by George The boot and shoe store owned and
Camfield and James Mitchell in the year conducted by S. P. Meng, and now located
1850. After several changes they removed to on the northeast corner of Croghan and Front
the store-room occupied by the present streets, was started in 1862, under the firm
successors of the old firm. The first change name of S. P. Meng & Co. A. Hoot was his
in the firm was occasioned by the partner until 1868. The original firm having
withdrawal of Mitchell, and Lewis Camfield dissolved, in
taking his interest. Camfield,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 425

1870 Mr. Meng again opened up a boot and erected a great hewn-log building on the old
shoe store under the style of Meng, Altaffer Glenn farm, between the spring that still
& Co. This continued for two years, when wells up there and the Edgerton property. He
Mr. Meng bought out the en-tire interest. carried on quite an extensive distilling
A. Hoot, the early partner of S. P. Meng, is business, keeping two sets of hands at work,
at this date engaged in the boot and shoe one for the day, and one for the night. The
business in Buckland's new block, on Front whiskey was barreled and shipped by boats
street. to eastern markets. It was not the pure,
Perry Close is the oldest representative unadulterated article; the proprietor was
grocer of the city, having followed that intent on making money, and used a good
business entirely since 1850, when he deal of water to dilute, then drugs to
commenced with a stock in the room at strengthen the weakened extract. Coates,
present occupied by John Horn. Mr. Close when he came here, was considered very
has had no partners, with the exception of well off financially, and was coining money
his son, Clarence Close, which partnership with the distillery, but he became entangled
was dissolved a year ago. A glassware in a series of lawsuits in relation to his mill
department is connected with the grocery property above Ballville, which consider-
proper. ably embarrassed him, and he at length
Pork packing, as a regular business, was discontinued distilling, and left the country.
commenced by Andrew Morehouse, in 1846 Weed & Wilder afterwards occupied the
or 1847. For a number of years he carried on vacated buildings, but after a few years the
the trade on the southeast corner of Front business ceased altogether, and the buildings
and Garrison streets. He then removed to were left to gradually rot and crumble away.
some buildings erected on Front street, near Ammi and Ezra Williams began op-
the railroad bridge, and continued there for l erations in 1825, in a log building standing
en or twelve years. where Ammi Williams, jr., now resides.
In 1859 Mr. A. Gusdorf entered into the Nothing now remains of the structure or the
pork packing business in the ware-houses apparatus of the still, the last vestige—a
where Rice & Co., and Strong are at present. great, heavy, black-walnut trough, into
Two years after he removed to the building which the still swill was poured—having
still occupied by the firm, just north of the been chopped for firewood only two years
gas factory. The firm members are M. since. Ammi Williams, sr., died suddenly in
Gusdorf, A. Gusdorf, and S. M. Gusdorf, 1826. In the following year Ezra Williams,
under the style of Gusdorf Brothers. having completed a building at the foot of
Jacob Bauman is extensively engaged in the east side-hill on the south side of State
the same business. street, moved his still therein, and continued
ARDENT SPIRITS. operations.
The building was a substantial, unpainted
The business of whiskey distillation,
frame one, of two stories in height. It was
commenced at a very early date in Fremont,
close to the foot of the hill, and afforded a
was entirely discontinued before the year
fine basement in which the high-wines and
1838, and has never since been revived. The
whiskey were stored. The furnace and steam
earliest distiller was William R. Coates, who
tubs were also below, On the main floor was
came here from New Orleans, and about the
year 1820
426 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

located the mash tubs and worm, and the tion, and this was introduced to give it the
second story was used as a grain floor. This rich, yellow color, indicative of mellow old
structure was afterwards torn down in 1839. age.
Ezra Williams was a very conscientious A treadmill, to do the grinding, was
man. The whiskey he manufactured was connected with the establishment. Williams
absolutely pure, and although even preachers also occupied himself with farming, and was
drank in those days, no cases of delirium necessarily a butcher, as he raised large
tremens were ever known to result from even numbers of hogs and kine on the refuse
an over-load of this early-day liquor. The matter of the still.
whiskey jug had its place with more It seems that the subject of temperance was
necessary articles of consumption in the little discussed, at least not openly, in those
cabin of the settler, and at meal time helped days, and no demonstrations of a crusade
set off the table. The Indians were great nature ever disturbed the serenity of these
imbibers of "fire-water," and bought it at the primitive distillers; but about 1830 a
distillery by the pint, quart or gallon. They temperance society, known under the name
were generally very much excited under its of the Washingtonians, began to exert some
influence, and Williams avoided selling to influence in the county. Religious revivals
them as much as possible, this course being were held here in ensuing years, and with
agreeable to the old chief, Hard Hickory, this movement the temperance organization
who was desirous to altogether prevent the grew stronger. In 1837 Ezra Williams joined
sale to them. the church, and the same year, deeming that
The article manufactured was distilled spiritual and spirituous matters (in spite of
from corn and rye-two-thirds of the former the seeming paradox), could not consistently
to one-third of the latter. Copper boilers blend together, he, in keeping with his recent
were not used, but to render it better it was profession of faith, abandoned a pursuit
distilled by steam in air-tight wooden tubs or which was opening to him a sure road to
casks. Joseph Edwards was the head wealth.
distiller, and under his experienced The manufacture of whiskey was of con-
management one bushel of grain produced siderable benefit, in a commercial light, to
from eleven to thirteen and one-half quarts the county. It was the chief source of
of whiskey. From twelve to thirty-three revenue to the farmers. Corn was then the
bushels of grain was distilled per day, the principal production, and the rates of
distillery running generally all the year transportation were so high that any under-
round, with from two to three men in taking to convey it to the markets of the East
attendance. In those days corn was worth assured financial failure on the part of the
from twenty-five to fifty cents per bushel, operator. The distillery acted as a medium.
and rye from sixty to ninety cents. The The corn was sold to the distillers; the
whiskey retailed at from thirty-five to fifty whiskey was exchanged for goods with the
cents per gallon, and from twenty-eight to traders and merchants, and then easily
forty cents per gallon by wholesale. It was of shipped to the metropolis.
the color of purest spring water, and held a BREWING INTERESTS.
good bead for the length of a minute. Burnt The first Fremont brewer was Sarius
sugar was the only foreign material used in Young, who, in 1851, built a frame brewery
its composi- on the east side of Ohio avenue, below the
brow of the hill. In the fall of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 427

1853 Anthony Young went into partnership was obliged to discontinue the livery busi-
with him. One year later the original ness. In the old stables vacated in 1847 by
proprietor sold out his interest in the William Gould, Ira Smith and Henry Sweet
business to Lawrence Romer, who continued carried on the livery and horse-trading
with A. Young until the spring of 1855, business for a number of years. About this
when the latter sold out. During 1856 and a time Reuben Wood kept a rival
portion of 1857, the Youngs, who still establishment on Arch street, below the old
owned the building and property, rented it to Dickinson property that faces on the pike.
Charles F. Giesin and C. Doncyson. After The most prominent livery proprietor of
the withdrawal of the latter firm, Fred Iler Fremont is Timothy H. Bush, who came to
purchased the property, who, after this city in 1840. In 1855 he purchased John
continuing brewing for a few years, sold it to Pitman's entire interest in the business, at
John Paulus, who built the present brick that time located on the river bank and
building. For several years it has not been in facing on Front street, below the former
operation, and at a sheriff's sale some time Kessler House. William Bush became a
since, It was purchased by the Fremont partner in 1862. The death of the latter
Brewing Company. occurred six or seven years later, and Daniel
In 1857, Charles Giesin purchased the old Bunnell was taken in as an equal partner,.
packing house below the gas works, and under the firm name of Bush & Bunnell.
fitted it into a brewery. A few years after he Their business was carried on in the original
sold the building to the Gusdorf Brothers, stables until in 1875, when they removed to
and in 1862 he built the brick brewery now the brick building in the rear of the former
occupied by the Fremont Brewing Company. Cooper House. These stables were built for
In 1876 he sold out to Felix Stienley, the livery business in 1855, by Charles W.
William Mefort, Frank Hiem, Joseph Stuber, Moore, and run by him until his death, when
and Barney Casper. Mr. Casper has since Frank Gurney carried on the business In
died. The company is known under the style connection with his hotel. Charles Close
of the Fremont Brewing Company. They are purchased Bush & Bunnell's interest in 1879
making many improvements, and doing a and has continued there since. Mr. Bush is
considerable business. the only extensive horse dealer in the
THE LIVERY BUSINESS. county, and also the only one who has made
a comfortable fortune in that line.
The first livery stable in the village was
Besides Close's the present stables are:
opened by David W. Gould in 1842. The
Doncyson's, located on State street, near the
primitive stables of this first proprietor were
bridge, and Bunnell's; in the rear of the Ball
located on Water street close to the bank of
House. Dr. G. O'Harlan is the proprietor of
the river, and at the foot of the alley between
the Fremont hack line.
Croghan and Garrison streets. In 1847 Mr.
Gould removed his horses, carriages, and MANUFACTURING.
provender to a frame building on the site of The manufacturing interests of this city, as
the brick building now occupied by Charles well as that of the county, like those of all
Close. Three years after he commenced other communities in a new and unsettled
carrying the mail between Toledo and country, commenced with the erection of
Cleveland, and, using his stock for that grist-mills and saw-mills
purpose, he
428 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

on the banks of the streams. These mills, looking men gathered around the bench, and
necessary to supply food first, and then dealing cards in an exciting game of "old
convenient shelter, were, very naturally, sledge" on the white top of a pine board
succeeded by the factories for the making of coffin. One could hear the roar of the mill
cloths, then by the foundries for race below—a dead, ceaseless voice, and
manufacturing articles needed in an well imagined the spiritual form of the
agricultural section of country, and so on, as destined inmate of the coffin, standing in
the increase of population and variety of silence and grave clothes in one of the
pursuits gave rise to different and more cobwebbed corners of the room. Whiskey
varied wants, or the peculiar situation and was cheap in those days, and it required but
facilities for a certain branch of man- little money to brace the nerves.
ufacturing induced enterprising men to Some time in 1830 Revirius Bidwell
engage to it. purchased the mill property, and tearing
In 1818; the same year that the Olmsteds down the primitive structure, he erected a
brought on their large stock of merchandise substantial frame building in its place. The
and erected their frame store-house, Thomas property has since that date gone through
L. Hawkins and Thomas E. Boswell, full of various hands, and been greatly enlarged in
the spirit of the early pioneers, and with an room, and its facilities increased. Morgan &
eye to business, dug the race that at. the Downs succeeded Bidwell at an early date,
present day runs the water flouring mill, and in 1857 or 1858, the business was
built the dam, and erected, where the mill carried on by J. B. G. Downs, F. S. White,
now stands, a diminutive, well ventilated and George Canfield. Depp & Ensminger
grist-mill, which in every way merited the were afterwards sole proprietors, and Koons
appellation of a primitive "corn-cracker." Brothers, who afterwards succeeded them,
Here came the settlers for miles around, and are now conducting the business. A saw-mill
patiently waited from sunrise till evening was, during the first years of its existence,
twilight for the slow-running mill-stones to connected with the mill.
empty the hopper and grind out their bushel About the same year that Hawkins and
of meal. In the course of time Boswell sold Boswell commenced grinding corn in the
out to Elisha W. Howland. Here, as it is told valley by water-power, Ruel Loomis built a
in a happy manner by the oldest inhabitants, horse and ox grist-mill on Ohio avenue,
Howland, who was a cabinet-maker and upon the brow of the hill, on the east side of
joiner, a man of good humor and made the the river. This was not the nucleus of any
best of all things, manufactured coffins, and lasting or extensive business enterprise, and
often of evenings, with boon companions, but few of the citizens of Fremont will
played cards on these last receptacles for the remember the fact of a mill being in
dead. Some ghastly pictures might well be operation there, and still less recall the tread
.drawn with graphic pencil, either of artist or of the yoked oxen as they prepared the grain
writer, of the rude interior of a primitive for backwoods consumption.
mill. A work-bench in one corner, the rafters The first saw-mill in Ballville was built in
overhead, the rough, white-coated mill- 1822, by David Moore, a wealthy land
stones, all lighted up by a flickering, owner, who came there in 1821, and im-
unsnuffed candle, and the light of this candle mediately made his preparations and
flaming in the faces of a group of good- commenced
natured
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 429

building, at the head of the race that now tinned in the woolen-mill business until his
runs Dean's Woolen Mills, and on the space death some few years since, when his two
of ground now occupied by the old red sons succeeded under the firm name of Dean
tannery. While he actively employed his Brothers. A year ago they dissolved
laborers in the mill, his wife, who came soon partnership, Philip Dean closing out his
after his arrival, boarded them in a rough interest to W. Dean. The mill on the present
slab shanty near by. site of the one erected by Mr. Choate, was
In 1827 John Bell commenced the carding built only a few years since upon the
of wool, giving an opportunity for destruction by fire of the first one.
woodsmen to purchase, at a reduced price, The manufacture of pottery was com-
the goods for their clothes, and enabling menced in 1822 by Elijah Drury, in a rude
them to discard the skin-tight breeches and log house that reared its unpretentious front
coats made of hides. He run his carding on the corner of Front and Garrison streets,
machine in a part of the water-power on the ground now occupied by Tchumy's
flouring-mill in this city. His machinery was block. Here Drury moulded his clay and
carried away by a disastrous spring flood a baked his crocks and jugs for ten or more
few years after. years, until succeeded in due course by
In 1831 Charles Choate, a practical carder, Robert S. Rice. Rice continued in the
came to this county from Milan, Ohio, where business until he was elected .justice of the
he had learned his trade in his brother's mill. peace.
He brought with him a double carding- The earliest tanner was Moses Nichols,
machine and picker, and located it in a whose tannery was located by the lower road
portion of the frame grist-mill belonging to to Ballville, on the little stream that courses
David Chambers, which stood on the river's through the low lands adjacent to the
west bank, about one-half mile above where property owned by the heirs of Jacob H.
Moore's stone mill, in Ballville, now stands. Hultz.
During the first year he carded a little over George S. Brainard was probably the first
eight thou-sand pounds of wool. Business tinner in Fremont. He started in business
kept increasing, and in eight years he was here about 1837. John R. Pease bought him
running four double carding-machines, and out in 1840. The shop in which they did
carded that year forty thousand pounds of business was on the site where Pease,
wool. At that date (1839) he closed out to a Perrine & Co. now carry on the manufacture
Mr. Otis. The first two years George Moore of carriages. After continuing here a few
was a partner on shares with him. In the years Mr. Pease removed to the east side of
summer of 1834 Mr. Choate erected a large the river, and erecting a brick block on Front
frame building close by the old yellow mill street, moved in his stock. In 1848 O. A.
owned by James Moore, and occupied it for Roberts went into partnership with Mr.
carding for one summer. About 1845 he sold Pease. In 1853 Mr. Pease sold out to Roberts
out his interest in the business to P. C. Dean. & Sheldon, who continued in business to-
In the early days Mr. Choate commanded for gether until 1869, when they sold out their
his business an extent of country from Interest to Charles Dillon. The brick block,
Bellevue to the head of the rapids on the on the site of the old Pease building, and
Maumee River, and from the Peninsula to now owned by Roberts & Sheldon, was built
Upper Sandusky. P. C. Dean con- in 1863.
430 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

In 1840 F. I. Norton and Cornelius style of D. June & Co. The changes in
Letcher, recognizing the fact that they were buildings and great increase in business
in the centre of a rich farming country, that speak well for the energy and business and
the inhabitants depended mainly for their financial qualifications of David June and
existence upon the product of the soil, and his partners. In 1861 the old brick and frame
that agricultural implements were the chief structures of the original firm of Norton &
want of the community, decided to engage in Letcher were razed and a permanent block
the manufacture of plows, and with this end erected on the former's site. An addition of
in view, entered into a co-partnership under seventy-six feet front has since been added,
the firm name of Norton & Letcher. Their and in 1877 a boiler shop proper and
first foundry, a small frame structure, was erecting shop were built on the opposite side
erected in the rear of the brick block now of Garrison street. When D. June and partner
occupied by William A. and C. F. Rice, on purchased the concern from Norton &
Front street. Here they remained for two Letcher the business yearly amounted to five
years, increasing their business until it was thousand dollars. At the present time it
found necessary to secure more space and amounts to one hundred thousand dollars,
enlarge their buildings. To meet these and from sixty to seventy-five men are
requirements they purchased the property constantly employed. Their work consists in
close to the river's bank and cornering on the building of portable, stationary, and mill
River and Garrison streets, where stands the engines, the Champion engine being their
present foundry of D. June & Co. A brick principal manufacture. This latter engine
foundry and frame shop was built on this was patented in 1875, 1876, and 1899. At
land by them in 1842, and a four-horse the time of the Centennial Exposition the
power engine purchased and put in place for attention of Russian manufacturers was
blowing the blast. On the death of Mr. called to the Champion, and shortly after
Letcher Mr. Norton became sole owner and they visited the works in this city and
proprietor, and continued running the examined models for the purpose of
business until in 1853, when he sold out to introducing it in Russia.
David June and Mr. Curtis. Curtis remained Francis Lake, of Milan, Ohio, came here in
a member of the firm only six months, 1852 and commenced the manufacture of
closing out his interest to D. L. June, a sash and blinds on the east side of the river,
brother of his partner, the firm name being in a large frame building where the carriage
changed to June & June, continuing until shop of Pease, Perrine & Co. now stands.
1856, when Lyman Gilpin bought out D. L. The manufacture was steadily continued for
June. June and Gilpin remained together as a number of years, McClellan, McGee, Nat.
partners until November 1, 1859. At that Haynes, N. C. West, George T. Dana, and
time the firm consolidated in D. June, the William Haynes forming the successive
present proprietor, who, .immediately after firms until the business was discontinued. In
the dissolution, took again into partnership, 1859 J. H. McArdle and Chester E. Ed-
with him Curtis. Seven years elapsed, when gerton, under the firm name of J. H. Mc-
Curtis retired, and three years after the Ardle & Co. built the brick sash factory next
present firm, composed of David June, to the Fremont gas company's works on
Robert Brayton, and O. S. French, formed a Front street. In 1864 Chester E. Edgerton
partnership under the bought out McArdle's interest and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 431

the same year G. G. Edgerton became a in as partners and business resumed under
partner. the title of Pease, Perrine & Co.
Ambrose Ochs is the oldest wagon and The Star City flouring mill was built by
carriage manufacturer in Fremont. In 1847, David June for D. L. June in 1858. Curtis &
four years after his arrival here from Camfield succeeded and remained partners
Germany, Mr. Ochs and B. Keefe started a till 1861, when Curtis sold out his interest to
wagon shop in a two-story frame building on John Geeseman. Koons Brothers were the
the present site of the brick block now next partners, Bowlus & Beery succeeding,
occupied by the former. For five years this the former selling to Quale. The present firm
partnership continued under the firm name is VanEpps & Cox.
of Keefe & Ochs: then Ochs bought out the The elevator destroyed by fire in the
business, and in 1863 started a blacksmith summer of 1881, standing one mile south of
shop in connection with the factory. The the city, at the head of navigation on the
brick building was erected in 1872. Sandusky River, was built by I. E. Amsden
J. P. Moore is one of the most successful in 1859. A half interest in it was owned by
carriage and wagon manufacturers in the Dr. L. Q. Rawson and James Moore. The
county. From where he first started into grain business trans-acted by means of the
blacksmithing, on the pike west of Fremont, elevator was one of great profit until the
he removed to the site of his present years of the great Rebellion. when the
extensive works in 1851, where. a small production of grain be-came less with the
frame shop was erected and business done years of the struggle, and dwindled down to
under the firm name of Samuel & John P. an inconsiderable amount, in comparison to
Moore. In 1854 Samuel sold out to John P. what it had formerly been. The elevator went
who soon after formed a partnership with his through successive hands, and when burned
brother William. This latter firm was be-longed to the Lake Erie & Western Rail-
dissolved in 1854, the present owner road company.
remaining in charge. The brick block now Immediately after the sale of his interest in
used as blacksmith shop, paint shop, and the elevator Mr. I. E. Amsden, in 1857, went
salesroom, was built in 1863. The addition into the lumber business. His first saw-mill
occupied by the wagon and carriage was built near where the elevator stood, but
manufacturing departments was erected in about two years after he re-moved to the
1869. north end of Front street, where he is now
In 1873 the old, dilapidated frame building engaged in an extensive trade. The amount
on the east side of the river that had been of lumber produced yearly at his mill
used as a sash factory, was razed and a averages one million five hundred thousand
frame structure erected in its place. In this feet, and besides this he purchases largely to
building Ed. Pease, John Pease and Frank H. meet the demand.
Rummell, under the firm name of Pease, N. C. West is the other large lumber dealer
Rummell & Co., commenced the in this city. He commenced business here in
manufacture of carriages and wagons and 1863 with George T. Dana as his partner,
blacksmithing, The partner-ship dissolved in and doing business under the title of West &
1876, and Ed. Pease became the sole owner Dana. Their saw-mill was located three or
and proprietor, running the business till four miles from town; at the present, and for
1879, when G. A. Perrine and Jacob many years past, it
Harbrond were taken
432 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

has been located a short distance west of the resin and bitter of hops, tanin, diastase,
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern depot. Mr. phosphates of lime and alkaline salts. It is
West purchased Mr. Dana's interest in 1876. considered by eminent practitioners to be a
In 1861 F. I. Norton began the manu- valuable agent in pulmonary consumption,
facture of spokes in the sash factory built by dyspepsia, etc. Experiments were made for
Francis Lake on the east side of the river. In some time by Drs. J. B. Rice and Gessner,
1863 he built the brick building on Arch before they succeeded in making a
street, between Croghan and Garrison streets satisfactory article. They have built up an
(which has since been enlarged by the immense trade, extending through all the
Trommer Extract of Malt Co.), and United States, and into Mexico, Central
continued the manufacture of spokes until America, South America, England, Japan,
1874, when he sold the building to Edward Sandwich Islands, West India Islands, and
Underhill. Williard Norton, his son, was his Canada. This has been done by extensive
only partner. advertising in all medical journals, and
The first gas company formed for the employing physicians as agents.
manufacture of that article for this city, was The Fremont Cultivator Company was
organized in 1860, by a Mr. Stephenson, incorporated in September, 1881. The
who remained here but two years after officers and stockholders are H. C. Stahl,
securing stockholders and erecting works. At president; Samuel Brinkerhoff, secretary; A.
the end of that time a sheriff's sale became E. Rice, treasurer; and Henry Fine-frock and
necessary to settle up the claims of creditors, J. S. Bower. Their works are located just
and the business and works were purchased south of the Lake Shore and Michigan
by Morris Gusdorf; interests taken by C. Southern Railroad, in the valley.
Doncyson, C. O. Tillotson, Fred Fabing, and The largest branch of industry in San-
D. June. For five years the company dusky county is the manufacture of the
conducted business under the firm name of Hubbard mowers and self raking reapers, by
Gusdorf & Co., when it was changed to the the Fremont Harvester Company. Their
Fremont Gas Co. D. June sold out his extensive works occupy a large tract of land
interest ten years since. on State street, in the west out-skirts of the
One of the largest branches of industry in city of Fremont, and on the line of the Lake
the city is the manufacture of Trommer's Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. The
Extract of Malt. The company occupy for buildings are substantial brick structures and
their works the large brick block and its fully furnished with machinery and great
adjoining buildings on Arch street, between engine power. One hundred and fifty men
Croghan and Garrison streets. The company are the average number employed in the
was originally formed in 1874, between Hon. works. The business is increasing and the
John B. Rice, Dr. Robert H. Rice, Dr. stock bids fair to soon being a rich paying
Gustavus A. Gessner, Stephen Buckland, and investment. Movements were first made
Ralph P. Buckland, jr. The two latter early in 1872, by William B. Sheldon, for
gentlemen withdrew from the firm in 1877. the organization of an incorporated company
The article manufactured by them is an for the manufacture and repairing of cars.
inspissated extract of malt, with a small An interest was soon manifested by the
proportion of hops, and consists of malt citizens, and on the 15th of February, 1872,
sugar, dextrine, articles of incorporation, signed by
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 433

R. P. Buckland, L. Q. Rawson, F. S. White, its tributaries. Hence the ship-building at


James W. Wilson, and A. H. Miller, were this, as well as all other points, has been of
granted, the company to be known under the no magnitude for some years past, and ship-
title of the Fremont Car Co. The capital building at Fremont may probably be called
stock was placed at two hundred thousand one of the past industries of the place. Still,
dollars; the shares at one hundred dollars as time and change go on, it may he
each. William B. Sheldon was elected interesting, as in fact it is already, to know
president of the organization; F. S. White, that ship-building was once carried on, and
treasurer; and J. M. Smith, secretary. The to obtain some idea of the extent to which
board of directors were William B. Sheldon, the business was prosecuted. Hence, we
F. S. White, James W. Wilson, R. P. place in this history such information on the
Buckland, and LaQ. Rawson. No changes subject as can now be obtained.
have been made in the officers or board, THE NAUTILUS.
with the exception of the resignation of F. S.
In 1816 a small sloop was built on the west
,White from the position of treasurer, and
bank of the river, nearly opposite the lower
the election of John M. Smith to fill this
end of the island, and launched about where
vacancy. The buildings were erected soon
the dock of the elevator lately burned now
after the incorporation, and fitted up with all
stands. The Nautilus was of twenty tons
necessary machinery for the manufacture of
burden, and was built by Wilson & Disbrow.
railroad cars, in accordance with the original
Little information can now be gathered about
intention of the organization; but about this
the vessel. No doubt, judging from her size,
time the panic of 1873 began, and with it fell
she was built for the bay and river trade,
off the demand for cars. The works were
probably between Venice, now in Erie
never put in operation for their manufacture,
county, and Lower Sandusky.
but in June, 1875, the name of the company
We are under obligations to Charles B.
was changed to its present one of the
Tyler, esq., son of Captain Morris Tyler,
Fremont Harvester Company, and the
deceased, for the following additional facts
manufacture commenced of mowers and
relative to the building of vessels at Lower
reapers.
Sandusky:
SHIP-BUILDING ON THE SANDUSKY RIVER. Next after the Nautilus came the Horse
While the Sandusky River and the country Boat, built by Thomas L. Hawkins, which
along its banks bearing forests of grand oak was a platform resting upon two large pi-
trees were in a state of nature, few places rogues or canoes, with a shaft across which
afforded such facilities for ship-building as worked a paddle-wheel on each side. Over
Lower Sandusky. In fact, ship-building the shaft was a circular platform with
began at an early day and was continued perpendicular cogs on the rim of the circle,
many years. But the timber in time was matching into cogs on the shaft on each side.
cleared away from the banks, and each year Horses were placed on this circular platform
made ship-building less profitable by reason and cog-wheel, hitched to stationary posts,
of the lengthened haul of the timber. Then and by pulling moved the circle and turned
again, the advent of the iron horse, careering the main shaft to which the paddle-wheels
along the lake shore, has seriously dwarfed were attached, thus propelling the boat. This
the commerce on the waters of Lake Erie and boat could, in good weather, run from
434 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Lower Sandusky to Venice in one day and built on the river. She was built by Captain
return the next. There was no covering over Morris Tyler in the year 1843, and placed in
the platform and no hold in the boat. It was charge of Captain Sacket. She was launched
merely a floating platform propelled by a little below where the steamer Ohio was,
horse-power. But this simple contrivance and near where John Pero's coal office now
was quite useful, and per-formed the stands. Our fellow-citizen Charles B. Tyler
carrying trade up and down the river for remembers working on this vessel, in the
several years. building of it, at the rate of seventy-five
The next vessel after the horse boat was cents per day, when quite young. The
the schooner Cincinnati, built by Captain master-builder was William Redfield. The
Morris Tyler, in 1825 or 1826, and was a Home, after being in the carrying trade from
fair-sized vessel for that period. A Mr. Jones Lower Sandusky to Buffalo and intermediate
was the master-builder, and the vessel was ports, and sometimes in the upper lake trade,
built and launched about where the wagon- for a period of about six years, was sold to
shop of Mr. Baltas Keefer now stands, on the parties residing in Sandusky City, and was
bank of the river, perhaps fifty or sixty rods chiefly engaged afterwards in trade between
below the bridge on the Maumee and that port and Buffalo and Detroit, although
Western Reserve road, over the river. This she occasionally came back to Lower
vessel, under the command of Captain Sandusky, her native place, with freights,
Morris Tyler in person, was a profitable after she was sold. Her carrying capacity
investment, and plied for a number of years was probably about eight or ten thousand
between Lower Sandusky and intermediate bushels of wheat.
ports. Her tonnage was equal to about five The schooner Almina Meeker was the next
thousand bushels of wheat. vessel built on the Sandusky River. The
The steamboat Ohio was the next vessel enterprise of building this vessel was
built on the river. She was built by a joint undertaken by Benjamin F. Meeker, after
stock company, and launched near the same whose wife the vessel was named. After
place where the schooner Cincinnati was, in commencing the building of this schooner
the year 1828. Captain Morris Tyler was Mr. Meeker became financially embarrassed,
placed in charge of this steamer, and and before the vessel was finished she was
remained in charge of her until 1833 or transferred on the stocks to the Messrs.
1834, when she was sold to persons Moss, of Sandusky City. She was built on
interested in the commerce of Toledo. She the river bank and near the south bank of the
afterwards became old and unseaworthy, and mouth of Muskellunge Creek, and launched
was laid up as useless, and her remains were there in the year 1846 Her carrying capacity
covered up when the middle-ground was was eight thousand bushels of wheat or
filled, and are buried under the Island House thereabouts.
in Toledo. The next craft built on the Sandusky River
The schooner Wyandot was next built, and was the Ben Flint, and received her name
launched near the mouth of Muskellunge from her intended captain of that name, who
Creek. Captain John L. Cole, now a well-to- afterwards was her captain in fact for several
do farmer residing about one mile north of years. The proprietors were Nims &
Fremont, was master of this vessel. Tillotson, and Captain Williams was master-
The schooner Home was the next vessel builder. She was built and launched near
where the bridge of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 435

the Lake Erie & Western Railway now The N. C. West was built for the Fremont
strikes the west bank of the river. The trade. Having been begun by Messrs.
carrying capacity of this schooner was equal Skinner & Donaldson, who failed
to about sixteen thousand bushels of wheat. financially, she was transferred to Charles
Captain Benjamin Flint sailed her for a Foster, George T. Dana, and Charles O.
number of years with great regularity and Tillotson, who finished and launched her
financial success. about half a mile below the Lake Erie &
The next vessel built on the river was the Western Railroad bridge on the west bank of
schooner Dan Tindall. She was built by the river. Her carrying capacity is equal to
Captain William Totten, an experienced about nine thousand bushels of wheat. She
ship-carpenter and builder, who came from was launched in 1867, and is still in the
Staten Island, New York, and settled in Fremont trade. The N. C. West is the last
Fremont, he choosing the place as an ad- vessel built in Fremont, and should railroad
vantageous point for business. She was built building go on it may be doubted whether
and launched at about the same point on the there will be any further ship-building at this
river where the Ben Flint had been once admirable point for that industry.
previously built. The Tindall was built and A railway leading to Sandusky City now
launched in the years 1861 and 1862. Her crosses the river at a point where some of
carrying capacity was equal to twenty the above-mentioned vessels were built, and
thousand bushels of wheat. Her first captain gives a cheap and rapid transit for freight
was Gordon Wilson, then Captain James and passengers to that city, thus establishing
Hone commanded. her, and Captain George a competing line which has superseded
M. Tyler was her master for several years. transportation by the waters of the river and
The Tindall proved to be a vessel of superior Sandusky Bay.
sailing qualities and was very successful And a fact worthy of note, and which
while he commanded her, clearing net by her palpably illustrates the changes of time and
earnings thirty-five thousand dollars in the progress of the day, is that at this very time
three years the vessel was under his control the Wheeling & Lake Erie Rail-way is
The Cornelia Amsden was modeled built, engaged in procuring the right of way along
and owned by Captain William Totten, and the bank of the river, and appropriating for a
was another success of his skill in building railroad track the very ground on which most
and designing water craft. She was launched of the vessels above-mentioned were built.
in 1863, from the west bank of the river, BANKS AND BANKING.
about one-fourth of a mile below the bridge
The first banking house in Fremont was a
of the Lake Erie & Western Railway. Her
private bank started by Sardis Birchard, esq.,
carrying capacity was one hundred and
and Judge Lucius B. Otis, and was opened
eighty-four tons. She was named after the
for general business on the 1st day of
wife of Isaac E. Amsden, then and now one
January, 1851. Mr. Birchard, who was at that
of the esteemed citizens and prominent
time about fifty years of age, had for many
business men of Fremont. After being in the
years been one of the leading merchants of
Fremont trade about two years she was sold
the place. He was one of the early settlers,
to Messrs. Hubbard, of Sandusky City, and,
greatly interested in the town, and always
thereafter, visited Fremont occasionally, but
active and earnest in his efforts for its
not regularly.
prosperity. Judge Otis,
436 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

his partner, was a lawyer about thirty-three was employed as cashier in the bank for Birchard &
Otis. He had long been a popular county officer in the
years of age, and was about that time elected court-house, a man of sterling worth. His name and face
judge of the court of common pleas, which in the bank contributed considerably to make it popular.
position he filled with ability. In 1856 he For a few months after the business was opened, and the
moved to Chicago, where he still resides, a word "Bank" was put up over the door, it was a common
occurrence for clusters of Sandusky and Ottawa county
gentleman of wealth and prominence. farmers to form in the street, looking at the sign and
Starting with two such men as its founders, discussing the subject. Few of them had ever seen or
the banking house of Birchard & Otis knew anything about a bank. It was a common thing to
hear some of them say: "Well, Birchard has land
commenced at once doing a prosperous adjoining my farm, and I know the bank is safe. I'll
business. Mr. Jacob Lesher, who is still a deposit my money there."
worthy business man of Fremont, was the Yours truly,
first depositor. L. B. OTIS.
The following letter from Judge Otis, in The building in which Birchard & Otis
response to one from A. H. Miller, gives an commenced banking is still standing, and is
interesting account of the beginning of the small, one-story brick on the east side of
banking business in Fremont: Front street, between State and Croghan
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, October 3, 1881. streets. Mr. F. S. White, a gentleman well
DEAR SIR:—On the 1st day of January, 1851, Sardis
Birchard, in partnership with Lucius B. Otis, established
known among bankers, was cashier in the
the first banking house in Fremont, under the name of banking-house of Birchard & Otis for about
Birchard & Otis. The firm continued without change, two years previous to the summer of 1854, at
doing business in the same bank building (the first one which time he re-signed to establish with
erected in the town), until January 1, 1856, when I
commenced making my arrangements for a removal to Mr. O. L. Nims and Mr. C. O. Tillotson,
Chicago. Birchard and Otis were equal partners. I another banking. house, which for many
withdrew from the firm January 1, 1856, and then Anson years did a highly successful business. The
H. Miller, and one year later Dr. James W. Wilson, came
into the bank as partners with Mr. Birchard, under the
position made vacant by the resignation of
firm name of Birchard, Miller & Co. I removed to Mr. White was offered to Mr. Anson H.
Chicago from Fremont December 9, 1856. Miller, who at the time was bookkeeper for
For twenty years previous to the starting of the first Dr. William F. Kittredge, treasurer of the
bank in Sandusky county, merchants and others doing
business with banks had been compelled to send to Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad
Norwalk or Sandusky, where the nearest banks were to company. He accepted, and came to Fremont
be found. One was established, how ever, in Tiffin about on the 2d day of August, 1854.
1849. It was the custom for some one to go from
Fremont, about once a week to one of these places
At the time referred to in Judge Otis' letter,
where banks could he found, and do up the whole from 1851 to 1856, and for some years later,
banking business for all the business men of Fremont. the customary rate for money was one per
Mr. Birchard, General Buckland, and myself frequently cent. a month, and for New York exchange
made these trips, purchasing New York drafts for
several merchants, getting certificates of deposit, paying one per cent. premium was charged. The
notes, etc., at banks. The well-known wealth of Sardis paper money in those days was a queer
Birchard, and his high standing and character as an old mixture of various and uncertain values. The
merchant, gave the banking house of Birchard & Otis
first-rate standing and credit from the day of its opening.
sorting of this money was one of the
It never had a run upon it, and never failed to pay on important duties of the bank clerk. The New
demand, and I am rejoiced to say that such has been the York city, New England, and some of the
standing of its successors to the present time. When the Ohio bank notes, being carefully selected to
bank was first opened, January 1, 1851, Dr. Alvin Coles,
now living at Ottawa, Illinois, at the advanced age of be sent home, or to some broker for the
seventy-six, purpose
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 437

of getting in return New York exchange, that Martin Bruner, Robert Smith, Augustus W.
being one of the cheapest and most available Luckey, Anson H. Miller.
ways of obtaining it. The first directors' meeting was held on the
On the first day of January, 1857, Dr. same day, at which Sardis Birchard was
James W. Wilson became a partner in the elected president; James W. Wilson, vice-
bank of Birchard, Miller & Co., the firm president, and Anson H. Miller, cashier.
name remaining unchanged. Dr. Wilson had The certificate of authority from the
been, since 1838, one of the leading and Comptroller of the Currency, at Washing-
most successful physicians in the town, was ton, was dated June 22, 1863. The bank
well known in Sandusky and the adjoining commenced business September 1, 1863, and
counties, and his wealth and careful business soon thereafter was designated by the
habits gave to the bank still another element Government as a depository of the public
of strength and safety. The bank continued money. The first report of its condition was
to prosper with Sardis Birchard, Dr. James made April 1, 1864, which shows among its
W. Wilson, and Anson H. Miller as partners, resources, of loans, $121,305.29; total
and without further change until the year resources, $347,703.05; and among its
1863, when it was merged into the First liabilities, due depositors, $ 133,620.56; due
National Bank of Fremont, which succeeded United States as Government depository,
the private banking-house of Birchard, $64,450. In its last published re-port, dated
Miller & Co., and was organized in 1863, October 1, 1851, the bank makes the
with a paid up capital of one hundred following showing under the same heads:
thousand dollars, and with an authorized Loans, $417,443.91; total resources,
capital of two hundred thousand dollars. $694,112.32; due depositors, $414,216.91,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. which only partially shows the increase in
the bank's business. At the time the bank was
The first preliminary certificate was dated
merged into the First National, Mr. Miller,
April 24, 1863, but in consequence of a
with the help of a young clerk, did all the
change in the regulations of the department
routine work of the bank; now six
at Washington, this was afterwards
experienced men are constantly employed.
cancelled, and another dated May 23, 1863,
The bank came near being the first one
was adopted; the articles of association were
organized in the United States, being only
dated May 23, 1863. Both the preliminary
number five on the official list.
certificate and articles of association were
On the 21st day of January, 1874, Mr.
signed by the following named persons:
Birchard deceased, and the vacancy there-by
Sardis Birchard, James W. Wilson, Anson H.
caused in the presidency, was filled January
Miller, James Justice, Robert W. B.
27, 1874, by the election of Dr. James W.
McLellan, Jane E. Phelps, LaQuinio
Wilson to the place.
Rawson, Martin Bruner, Robert Smith,
The bank has lost by death four directors,
Abraham Neff, Augustus W. Luckey.
viz: James Justice, who died May 28, 1873;
The first stockholders' meeting was held
Sardis Birchard, who died January 21, 1874;
May 27, 1863, at which James Justice was
Robert Smith, who died April 2, 1878;
chairman and Robert W. B. McLellan
Augustus W. Luckey, who died March 20,
secretary. At this meeting the following first
1881.
board of directors was elected: Sardis
There have been no changes in the offi-
Birchard, James W. Wilson, James Justice,
438 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

cers or directors, only such as were caused was torn down and the same year the. bank
by death, except in the case of Martin erected on the spot a new and elegant three-story
Bruner, who, in consequence of having Amherst stone front bank building into which it
disposed of his stock in the bank, had ceased moved January 1, 1879, and in which it still
to be a director several years before his does its business.
death. He died September 24, 1876. The bank was one of the few that continued to
The bank never made a practice of paying pay its depositors during the panic of 1873 in
interest on deposits-neither did its full on demand. The condition of the bank on
predecessors after the 1st of April, 1859 At the 1st of October, 1881, is shown in the
that time both Birchard, Miller & Co. and following report:
the banking house of Nims, Tillotson & RESOURCES.
Loans .........................................................$417,443.91
White, discontinued the custom, satisfied Over drafts .......................................................1,275.31
that for the future it would be an unwise one. United States bonds......................................150,000.00
This bank has been fortunate not only in its Due from other banks ....................................41,647.15
officers, but also in its employees. Mr. Real estate ......................................................15,618.27
Expense account ...............................................4,425.58
Augustus E. Rice, one of the directors and Checks and cash items .......................................106.42
the present assistant cashier, came into the Cash on hand .................................................59,195.68
bank in March, 1865, and was at that time a Due from United States Treasury.....................4,500.00
mere boy. His industry, integrity, and good Total ...............................................$694,112.32
habits have well entitled him to the LIABILITIES.
important place he now occupies, not only in
Capital stock ....................... $100,000.00
the bank, but as an influential citizen. Mr. Surplus fund ........................... 60,000.00
William E. Lang, teller; John G. Nuhfer, Undrawn profits ...................... 18,384.58
individual bookkeeper; James W. Wilson, Bank notes out ......................... 90,000.00
collection clerk; and John W. Pero, general Deposits ................................. 414,216.91
Due other banks ...................... 10,389.03
bookkeeper, have all been in the bank for Tax account .............................. 1,121.80
years, and are young men well qualified for
$694,112.32
the positions they hold.
The present officers of the hank are: James Anson H. Miller, who has been so
W. Wilson, president; Anson H. Miller, prominently connected with this bank, and
cashier; Augustus E. Rice, assist-ant cashier. consequently with the business interests of the
The present directors are: James W. Wilson, city, is a native of Hinsdale, New Hampshire,
LaQuinio Rawson, Rutherford B. Hayes, and was born May 2, 1824. His father, John
Anson H. Miller, Augustus E. Rice. Miller, was a descendant of Nathan Doyles, who
Until the first of January, 1877, the-busi- was a sufferer by the burning of New London,
ness of the bank was carried on in the Connecticut, during the Revolution, and to
building occupied by Birchard & Otis, whose heirs was granted a large tract in the
previously mentioned. About the 1st of Firelands near New London, in Huron county.
January, 1876, the bank purchased of Mr. P. By inheritance and purchase Mr. Miller came
Close the lot owned and occupied by him on into possession of the whole tract. He removed
the southwest corner of Front and Croghan with his family to Norwalk in 1825 and in 1839
streets. The two-story brick building, in settled on the farm near New London. Anson H.,
which he had been doing business, during the family's residence in Nor-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 439

walk, attended the seminary, and during the extensive firms mentioned in the above
year 1845 continued his studies at Milan pages, the following business houses and
academy. In 1847 Mr. Miller entered the factories are located in Fremont:
employ of Prague & Sherman, lumber Agricultural implements—Treat & Corl.
dealers, at New Orleans. He was there about Architect—J. C. Johnson.
fourteen months, during the yellow fever Attorneys-at-law—Bartlett & Finefrock, H.
epidemic, and was himself a sufferer from P. and H. S. Buckland & Zeigler, Samuel
the disease. In 1852 he attended Commercial Brinkerhoff, Everett & Fowler, Byron
college at Cleveland, and soon after was Dudrow, F. R. Fronizer, Finefrock & Bell,
employed as bookkeeper in the office of the Garver Bros., J. L. Green, Lemmon, Wilson
treasurer of the Toledo, Norwalk & & Rice, Frank O'Farrell, Smith & Kinney,
Cleveland Railroad, which position he held M. L. Snyder, L. E. Stetler, M. E. Tyler, E.
until entering the bank in 1854. Since 1856 Williams.
the burden of management has mainly been Baggage, express and hack line—Dr. G. O.
borne by the cashier. The exceptionally Harlan, J. H. Stewart.
successful career of the bank, both as a Bakers—D. Hock, H. Lesher, A. Voght.
partnership and a corporation, is the best Barbers-J. Berling, O. E. Curtis, F. E.
commentary on Mr. Miller's worth as a Gerber, F. J. Rheinegger, F. Schoeffel, S.
banker. His management has always been Wolf.
honorable to himself and profitable to the Billiard halls—C. P. DePuyster, George
stockholders. Nighswaner, W. D. Sherwood, C. Grett.
BANK OF FREMONT. Blacksmiths—G. A. Berger, D. S. Blue, J.
Cookson, John Fend, G. Greiner, William
The partnership of Nims, Tillotson &
Groves, W. Hund, Peter Nolf, D. Rooney.
White was formed in 1854, and conducted a
Bottling works—A. Hauck.
general banking business under that name
Cabinet-makers—S. Doer, Casper Smith.
for about four years. The name was then
Carpenters—S. E. Anderson, A. Foster,
changed to Bank of Fremont, and business
Anthony Kiser, Rich & Richards, J. B.
conducted to the entire satisfaction of its
Schraff.
patrons until 1878, when every depositor
Carriage-manufacturers—D. Consedine &
was paid in full and a successful career
Son, John Keefer.
closed by a dissolution of the partnership.
Cigar manufacturers—A. Good, J. L.
THE BANK OF FREMONT. Rafferty, John Stober.
In October, 1880, a partnership under the Clothing—Charles Strong, B. Youngman,
above style began a general banking W. Dean & Co.
business with L. Wideman, president; C. M. Coal dealers—E. P. Underhill & Co.
Spitzer, cashier, and J. C. Wideman, Cooper shop-John A. Grant.
assistant cashier. The business has been in Dentists—A. F. Price, F. T. Creager.
charge of the two last named gentlemen. In Druggist-G. W. Petty.
addition to general banking an exchange and Dry goods—Hermon & Wilson, Jenkins &
brokerage business is transacted. McElroy, John Ryan, J. Joseph.
FREMONT BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Elevator—E. H. Underhill & Co.
Besides the long-established and more Fancy goods—D. H. Altaffer, S. P.
Hansom & Co., E. Sympkins, W. H. Hart
440 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Flour and feed—Chan. Norton. Justices of the peace—Samuel Brinkerhoff,


Grain dealers—George Engler, Gusdorf M. E. Tyler, F. R. Fronizer.
Bros., D. Wagner. Lime manufacturers—Gottron Bros., A. D.
Grocers—Baker & Stine, G. F. Buchman, & F. L. Noble, Quilter Bros.
P. Dillane, H. F. Dwelle, Ernst Bros., T. F. Marble works—Gurst & Son, Purdy &
Heffner, Frank Bauman, D. Hock, J. Horn, Williams.
Kelly & Hauck, Lynch, A. Miller, J. C. Meat markets—Henry Adler, J. Bauman &
Street, Robert Hidber, S. P. Wottring, Co., S. Cohn.
Lawrence Dick. Merchant tailors—N. Barendt, S. Ballau,
Gun manufacturers—George Thompson, F. Brady.
Harry Thompson. Organs and pianos—Heberling & Darst.
Hotels—Ball House, John Ford, proprietor; Photographers—Charles Pascoe, H. Post, R.
Peach House, Richard Peach, proprietor; Groben.
American House, J. Paulus, proprietor; Tell Pump manufacturers—C. Baker, Barney
House, William Hocke, proprietor; Germania Meyers.
House, J. B. Weber, proprietor. Saddle and harness manufacturer—
Ice dealer—A. Hodes. William Schroder.
Insurance agents—L. B. Ward; J. K. Sign painter—George Dole.
Elderkin, William B. Kridler, jr., D. F. Stoves and tinware—Winter Bros.
Thomson, Z. Ross. Tile works—Fremont Brick and Tile Co.,
Jewelers—E. L. Cross & Bro., William William Parker.
Gasser, A. V. Hamilton. Undertakers—E. Swartz, C. W. Tschumy.

CHAPTER XXVII.
FREMONT—MEDICAL

*Sanitary History and the Medical Profession.

T HOSE who have travelled over San-


dusky county within the past ten or
twenty years can form but an imperfect idea
be found elsewhere a richer or more durable
soil. The farms are now mostly well
improved, and their owners occupy
of this region, then known as the Black commodious dwellings, constructed not
Swamp, between twenty-five and forty years merely with reference to furnishing com-
ago. There can not probably fortable homes for their occupants, but with
*Note.—We are under obligations to all the due regard to appearances. The barns and
physicians who have furnished information for this other out-buildings are large and pleasing to
chapter, but especially to Dr. John B. Rice and Dr. the eye, and afford ample room for storing
Thomas Stillwell, for interesting contributions, and to
Dr. James W. Wilson for the special interest he has and sheltering the immense crops and
taken in having the subject fully presented. improved stock that now reward
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 441

the farmer's toil and intelligent enterprise. places, where they were otherwise impass-
The land is adequately drained, for the able, causeways were made of logs, often of
numerous creeks that help to swell the San- unequal size, placed side by side. This
dusky, the Portage, and the Maumee, afford constituted the now obsolete "corduroy
every desirable facility toward this end. road," which, serving a useful purpose in its
Thorough ditching, and in many instances time, one can not now contemplate without a
tile under-drainage, and the removal of dead shudder, remembering the horrible jolting of
timber from the small streams, have the springless vehicles that passed over
accomplished the rest. them, and the almost unfathomable mud-hole
The roads are generally well improved, with which they commenced and ended.
many of them macadamized, and the bridges There were few bridges, and these of very
safe and of good construction. primitive construction, and often unsafe. The
How remarkable is the change! Formerly, prudent horseman often went round them, or
where now are large farms, there were only dismounted in crossing.
small clearings of a few acres each, fairly The swales and small creeks were so
covered with stumps and "girdled" or obstructed by fallen trees, that had ac-
deadened trees. The small log cabin, with its cumulated as driftwood, that the flow of
chimney of sticks and clay, puncheon floors water was greatly hindered, and when there
and clapboard roof, and the little log stable, was much rain it overflowed the adjacent
were the means of protection from wind and land. A large part of the rainfall disappeared
weather erected by the hardy pioneers, by evaporation, and slow percolation
generally with their own hands, assisted by through the soil. The well water, especially
willing neighbors on the day of "raising." where the land was particularly wet, was
The small pro-duce of the soil and the stock colored and flavored by decaying vegetation.
were generally kept without shelter. The un- The prevailing diseases during this period,
threshed grain, hay, and fodder were in Sandusky county, were the same as were
systematically stacked to favor shedding the encountered during a similar era in all
rain. Potatoes and other vegetables were Northwestern Ohio, and in Indiana and
covered in "pits," in the absence of cellars. Michigan, as well as elsewhere. They were
The pigs ran at large, and fattened well on of miasmatic origin, and most prevalent in
hickory nuts and acorns. A little corn was the autumnal months. Some sea-sons hardly
fed for a brief period before butchering, to an inhabitant escaped. Occasionally the
"harden the fat." The grain saved from the fevers were especially malignant. The
ravages of blackbirds and raccoons was remittent form of fever was generally,
required for bread, and for the work-horses however, amenable to treatment, but still
and oxen that richly earned their share for always regarded as a serious malady. When
the hard work performed among the logs and not of the pernicious or congestive type, the
stumps. The driver was often noisy, and by cases of intermittent fever were usually
no means choice in his expressions. promptly relieved by remedies. This was,
In those days there were few roads worthy however, by no means so with the chronic
of the name, and the best of these were intermittent, or ague, which was also most
mostly thickly set with stumps and dead prevalent in the fall, and yet had a fashion of
trees, and scarcely passable for teams during staying around during the rest of the year.
the spring and fall. In the worst Whether the
442 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

attack occurred daily, or every second or few exceptions, those who could not get
third day, its coming on was seldom a sur- away closed their houses and admitted no
prise. Its pale and sallow victims were often one. The Olmsteds went into the country,
discouraged by the recurrence of the disease leaving their store and the post office in
upon the slightest exposure. They wearied of charge of Mr. Everett. Dr. Anderson - would
the doctors' monotonously bitter doses, and see no one, and Dr. Brainard was himself
themselves scoured the woods plucking and attacked but recovered. At the beginning of
digging after indigenous "sure cures." It was the scourge death followed attack quickly.
an open question among the people whether An old bachelor—Billy Stripe—who lived
it were better to try any cure at all, or to east of the town, came in one day and was
bravely "wear it out." seized on the street. He found refuge on a
As prevalent as miasmatic fevers were in pile of shavings in a new building being
those days, the improvement of the county erected on the corner of Croghan and Front
gradually effected a decided change for the streets, and in a few hours was dead. The
better, until now Sandusky county is as free emigrants' camp down by the landing was a
from this class of disease as any part of place of indescribable suffering. Many of
Northwestern Ohio. It is doubtful, indeed, them died without attendance, and the living
whether any part of Ohio is now more could scarce bury the dead. Joel Everett was
salubrious. Within recent years this region one day passing this encampment on his way
has enjoyed a fair degree of exemption from home from Lower Sandusky. He had not
epidemic diseases. The year 1834 was gone far before the dread disease compelled
probably the most dreadful in the history of him to stop. The neighbors dared not take
this locality, made so by a terrible cholera him into their houses, but built a tent over
scourge. In August of that year a boat load him by the roadside and provided a bed, on
of emigrants came from Buffalo, among which he died on the following day. He was
whom was a travelling man. The traveler, buried near his lonely death-bed.
upon the arrival of the boat at our landing, The scourge lasted about three weeks, and
came up to the Western House, then the the percentage of mortality was large.
leading hotel of Northwestern Ohio. A man During the whole time Mr. Brown, Mr.
named Marsh was the landlord. The Birchard, Judge Hulburd, and Dr. Rawson
emigrants encamped on the bottom near the made themselves eminently useful in caring
landing. During the night after his arrival the for the sick and burying the dead. Homer
stranger in the hotel was taken sick. He Everett acted as general commissary, having
requested the presence of a Free Mason, if the keys of nearly all the stores, with
there were any in the village, and Harvey J. instructions to take out whatever was
Harman was sent for. Mr. Harman attended needed. Most of the merchants cleared the
the stranger during the night and until he town. About one month elapsed before the
died in the morning. Drs. Brainard and disease was wholly eradicated.
Rawson pronounced cholera the cause of In 1849, when cholera visited Sandusky
death. The village was panic-stricken. city with such frightful mortality, there were
Harman, in a couple of days, died, and then one or two deaths among those who had
Marsh, the land-lord of the Western House, taken refuge here, but it did not spread.
and his wife. All who could get away left Almost every family forsook the town.
town, and with
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 443

There were also one or two deaths in 1854, but the disease has never spread among our
and two cases, both fatal, in 1866. An people.
epidemic of cerebro spinal meningitis, not The pioneers of Sandusky county who
affecting large numbers, but character- endured, with almost matchless fortitude,
istically fatal, occurred in 1847-48 in great privations, were, by the force of
Fremont and vicinity. This disease has circumstances, unable to avoid those
reappeared two or three times since, and was diseases which inevitably result where, in
the cause of several deaths during the such a climate as this, the virgin soil with its
present year. rank vegetation is first exposed to the rays of
During the latter part of the winter of the sun by work done with the axe and the
1848-49 an exceedingly malignant type of plow. No human foresight or skill is able to
erysipelas prevailed throughout the town and prevent the development of the peculiar
county. It attacked many and was very fatal. miasma or germ thus brought into activity,
Among those who fell victims were two and which, though unperceived by the
physicians, Drs. A. H. Brown and B. F. senses, is still the undoubted source of
Williams. In 1856 dysentery prevailed and miasmatic fevers. Prolonged cultivation,
caused many deaths. Fremont has enjoyed a however, diminishes, if it does not finally
remarkable exemption from diphtheria, for entirely remove the conditions favorable to
although since about 1857-58 this dreadful the causation of diseases of this class. The
malady has carried off a small number case is far different with many of the
during several and even the present year, the diseases with which we are now called upon
disease never at any time prevailed to contend, and which are produced by
extensively in the town. It has, however, decaying matter supplied by living beings. In
been in some seasons very destructive in our cities, villages, and country places little
various neighborhoods in different parts of attention is paid to the prevention of con-
the county. As miasmatic fevers grew less tamination of wells and springs supplying
and less prevalent, typhoid fever seemed in water used for drinking by filthy accumu-
some sense to take their place, and appears lations. In many situations, if not in most,
now to be firmly implanted. This fever is the water thus used is manifestly rendered
fully as prevalent, if not indeed more so, in noxious by such sources of contamination,
the country than in the town, and appears, in and not until the importance of this
both instances, to be clearly traceable to condition of affairs is fully realized in its
local causes within the reach of practicable relation to the production of disease, and
means of prevention, when intelligence intelligent and effective measures, in
respecting the causes of its development and accordance with modern sanitary science,
diffusion becomes more general. The first are faithfully carried out, can we hope to
appearance of scarlet fever is believed to wipe out those diseases, which are now
have been about the year 1852, when it looked upon by the medical faculty as
occurred in a malignant form, and since that practically preventable.
year, although it has occurred on several DR. GOODIN was probably the first
occasions, the disease has been confined to a physician to locate in the village of Lower
few families, and has not been remarkably Sandusky. He came soon after the garrison
fatal. Cases of smallpox have now and then was removed. His very meager income was
been witnessed, increased somewhat by teaching school. He
was somewhat eccentric, and
444 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was particularly noticeable on account of his by an occasional habitation. The practice of


frontier dress, which he continued to wear medicine was especially arduous, be-cause it
for several years. He always wore a coat and required almost constant travel. Dr. Brainard
pantaloons of deerskin, which looked very was not only sound in the science of physic,
well in fair weather, but in rainy times his but was a descriptive writer of force and
clothes stretched and drew to disagreeable interest. He was himself the hero of an ad-
shapes. He left here after about ten years. venture worthy of being preserved. The
DR. HASTINGS came to Lower Sandusky world has little enough romance without any
about 1816. He was a man of refined being lost. Prosy detail is the bane of
manners and general scholarship. In his history. Romantic episodes are necessary to
profession he was successful, and had con- destroy the drudgery of life, and make
siderable practice, but it was of a laborious history interesting. The scene of Dr.
and unprofitable character, not differing in Brainard's experience is laid between twenty
this respect from the practice of all the and thirty miles southwest of his office at
pioneer physicians. He left here in 1828. Lower Sandusky, in a dense forest. On a
March morning, while a blustering snow
DR. HOLLOWAY was another of the storm was closing every path; and a cold
pioneer doctors, but we are unable to learn
northwester was whistling among the trees,
anything about him. He remained but a short this faithful servant of a suffering pioneer
time. community started to see a patient thirty
DR. DANIEL BRAINARD, a native of miles distant. The last twelve miles of the
New York, began the practice of medicine journey was through a forest which fallen
in Lower Sandusky in 1819, and continued snow had made path-less. The Doctor, of
for a period of about forty years. He ranked course, did not reach this forest till late in
among the first practitioners in Northwestern the day. Snow-laden saplings bent across
Ohio, and for many years his practice what seemed the woodland road, and made it
embraced the settlements included by a line necessary to seek openings around. This
running east of Bellevue, south as far as Fort circumstance not only retarded his progress,
Seneca, west to Portage River and north to but bewildered him in his course. He finally
the lake. Perhaps no man ever lived in the lost the road altogether, and was compelled
county who had a more varied experience of to rely upon his judgment to direct the horse
pioneer life. He was here when the county the remaining miles of the journey. The
east and west was a roadless expanse of weary horse and anxious rider both became
dark, damp forest, cut into two parts by a impatient with their uncertain, zig-zag
tortuous stream over whose rapid current in progress. Slowly, and with a consciousness
its upper course skirting trees joined their of his rider's bewilderment, the horse
outstretching branches, and bordering the stumbled through snow-heaps, seemingly
still waters in its lower course were grassy multiplying every hour. At last a plain road
prairies. Lower Sandusky was an expansion was reached, but where it was and whither it
of this forest path, which Indian romance led was more than the Doctor or the horse
and military history had already celebrated. knew. In the hope of soon reaching a house,
When Dr. Brainard came here, a village was the horse, whose load was made doubly
already showing signs of life and growth, burdensome by discouragement, (for an
but all around was dark wilderness, the animal is not
gloom of which was broken only
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 445

slow to detect the thoughts of his master,) horse to the appetites of his pursuers, and
was urged on. Night drove light from the indeed hints that he would have done so had
inhospitable wilderness. The fatigued horse not such an undertaking been too hazardous.
lagged slowly through the deep snow, while He therefore, as the safer alternative,
hope kept up the rider's confidence, but resolved to stick "to his wearied horse as
hunger and cold sadly afflicted both. Dr. long as it could walk, and trust to
Brainard notes that melancholy began to Providence for the event." The pack gathered
send strange fancies across his troubled so near that their horrid grin was
brain. Cold, hungry, lost, with a horse discernable. They seemed to be gathering
shaking with fatigue, what if some wild resolution to make an attack. Fearing that his
animal should. attack him while in such a fatigued horse might give way, the doctor
situation? While revolving these prepared to climb. He took off his overcoat,
uncomfortable anticipations, the cold, snow- released his feet from the stirrups, and chose
burdened breeze brought the well-know howl his tree at every point of the slowly-
of a distant wolf. The lash clashed oftener traversed road. In this way a distance of at
and louder upon the poor horse, but. the least four miles was passed over. At length a
faithful animal, exhausted by long travelling bright spot appeared in the not far distant
without food, reeled under the smarting cuts darkness. It was the star which hope had
of his frightened rider. The terrible howl seen during more than four hours of peril.
grew in volume, and fast came closer. No The sight of that cabin window brought joy
cabin light was within sight. The horse inexpressible. Even the way-worn horse
staggered in his exertions to hurry. Cold, recovered his spirits and quickened his step.
hunger, exhaustion—fear had displaced them Maddened animals, fierce winds, and beating
all when the red-tongued pack dashed into snow were all forgotten at the glimpse of a
the road but a few rods behind. Now others log hearth, caught through a paper window.
crossed the road in front, and, circling near The horse, a moment before on the point of
and nearer, their hideous howl became more falling, pricked up his ears and neighed
terrible. The poor horse was too weak to aloud. The hospitable inhabitants of that
frighten at the situation, which increased the lonely forest home had heard the coming of
danger. If he should fall from exhaustion, the weary traveler and his unwelcome train.
the issue was not doubtful. While Dr. They were at the door, ready to receive their
Brainard was debating his ability to escape guest and serve his wants. The emboldened
by climbing a tree, the thought occurred to beasts pressed near, but the heavy sound of a
him that a loud voice would frighten them. musket, the bark of a faithful dog, and the
He lifted his chest to "his lungs' fullest light of several torches sent them howling to
capacity, and sent a strong shout at his the wilderness. It was now 2 o'clock in the
unwelcome companions, but his voice was morning. The Doctor's wants were
like a musket amidst the roar of artillery. abundantly provided for, and the horse given
The howling of the circling wolves became the best of corn. Upon inquiry, he found that
more threatening. Desperately they snapped he was ten miles south of the point of his
their jaws in the horse's face, and dreadfully destination.
their red eyes gleamed from the snow- Dr. Brainard had the respect and confi-
covered surface. The Doctor seriously dence of the people, whom he served for
contemplated sacrificing his forty years. He was one of the first
446 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Free Masons in Lower Sandusky, and a 1791. The family consisted of six sons and
member of Fort Stephenson lodge after the three daughters. Five of the sons came to
revival of Masonry. Brainard lodge was Ohio; four of them were successful
named in his honor. His funeral was practitioners of medicine, and the other
conducted with Masonic honors. Dr. attained a high place in the legal profession
Brainard died in 1859, just forty years after of Northern Ohio. Secretary Rawson, oldest
beginning his useful career in this county. of the five brothers, practiced. medicine in
DR. LAQUINIO RAWSON.—A biography Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, forty-two
of Dr. Rawson is part of the legitimate years. Success followed him through his
history of Sandusky county. He came here in professional life.
an early year of its settlement, and has since Abel Rawson, second of the five Ohio
devoted his strong energies and very brothers, was well-known in this county. He
respectable talent to the service of his was one, of the pioneer lawyers at Tiffin,
fellow-citizens, both as a physician and in Ohio, and his presence was familiar in every
business enterprises of a public and useful courtroom in this part of the State. He
character. studied law in Massachusetts, and when
Dr. Rawson’s descent is traced from the admitted to the Bar was over four hundred
age of English chivalry, the coat of arms dollars in debt. He came to Ohio in 1824;
descending from family to family, until and taught school at Norwalk. In 1826, he
finally inherited by Edward Rawson, who opened a law office at Tiffin, and at once
came. to America in 1636, or 1637, and was took high rank in his profession,
chosen to the secretaryship of the Colony of Dr. Bass Rawson first learned the trade of
Massachusetts Bay. He several times a hatter but in a few years began the study of
represented his town of Newbury in the medicine in New Hampshire. In 1829 he
General Court of the colony, and was a man located, in Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio,
of mote and influence in the early history of where he earned a reputation as a skillful
New England. Of the fifth generation from physician, and was very successful.
Secretary Edward Rawson, was Lemuel Dr. Alonzo Rawson, youngest of the
Rawson, father of the subject of this brothers who came to Ohio, first learned the
biography. He was born in 1767. He was trade of printing. He established, in Tiffin, in
occupied as a tanner at Warwick, 1834, the Independent Chronicle. After two
Massachusetts, until about 1812. He then years experience he discontinued editorial
turned his attention to agriculture, residing work to engage in mercantile enterprises, but
in each of the following named places: finally studied medicine, and was a
Orange, New Salem, and Irving Grant, all in successful practitioner.
Massachusetts, until 1836, when he came to Few families have honored the memory of
Ohio, and located at Bath, Summit county, a worthy ancestor by successful and useful
where he remained until September 20, lives as have the members of this branch of
1844, when his wife died, after which he the Rawson family. Depending wholly upon
lived with his children in Northern Ohio. He their own exertions, each has left the impress
died December 2, 1851, at Dr. Rawson’s of his life and character upon the history of
residence in Fremont. His wife was Sarah the com-
Barrus, whom he married at Warwick,
Massachusetts, in
L. Q. Rawson
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 447

munity in which he lived and labored. We soon as they were given the opportunity of
have spoken of these members of the Rawson scientific treatment. The honesty of these
family partly to show the character of the weak descendants of a powerful and noble
family, and partly because they are nation is illustrated by a incident in the
remembered by a large number of people practice of Dr. Rawson. He was asked to
living within the proper scope of this history. visit a very sick Indian at Upper Sandusky,
We now turn to the subject of this biography. and while there an old chief came to him and
LaQuino Rawson was born at Irving, said: "Mr. Doctor, this sick Indian very poor;
Franklin county, Massachusetts, September he no money; not pay you now; but you cure
14, 1804. His earlier boyhood was spent on him all same and when we get our pay
his father's farm, and in the common schools [annuity] I pay you." The sick Indian got
of his neighborhood. At the age of sixteen, well, and soon after pay day the old chief
being ambitious to acquire an education, and came to the Doctor's office and left the
being wholly dependent upon himself for the amount of the bill in shining half dollars.
means of pursuing his cherished purpose, he The Indians were afflicted by the same
left home and entered the academy at New diseases which prevailed among their white
Salem, where he attended instruction for neighbors—fevers, ague, and other malarial
some time, except during the intervals spent complaints. The Doctor says about one-
at common labor and teaching school, by fourth of his practice at Tyamochtee was
which means he earned money to pay his ex- among the Indians.
penses at the academy. In 1824, being then In 1827 Dr. Rawson began the practice of
nineteen years old, he came to Ohio and his profession in Lower Sandusky, where his
entered upon the study of medicine, and at life has since been spent, except during an
the same time taught school to meet his interval of about three years. From 1831 to
expenses. In 1826 he was granted license to 1833 he practiced in Findlay, Ohio, and
practice by the Ohio Medical Society, and during the winter of 1833-34 attended
entered upon the duties of his profession at lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and
Tyamochtee, Crawford county. At that time received the M. D. degree in the spring of
the Wyandot Indians occupied a large 1834. He afterwards attended a course at the
reservation in the county, and he had University of Pennsylvania, and was the
frequent calls to attend their sick. The recipient from that institution of the ad
Indians received the intelligent services of eundem degree of M. D. After completing
their white physician very gratefully, and this thorough course of study and
paid their bills much more promptly than the preparation, he again opened an office in
white people. The Indians generally en- Lower Sandusky, and was in constant
tertained an idea that they could not enter practice until 1855. During this time Dr.
the happy hunting ground without every Rawson's standing as a physician was
obligation having been discharged, and recognized by complimentary diplomas of
consequently cheerfully handed over to their membership in the Cincinnati Medical
doctor the shining half dollars received as Society, the Philadelphia Medical Society,
annuity from the Government. The Indian and the Ohio Medical Lyceum of Cincinnati.
doctors and their herb remedies were in most All through this volume are paragraphs
cases abandoned as descriptive of the county in its early history.
No class of men suffered more
448 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

than the early doctors. The statement has Rawson's practice was west to the Portage
been made, and indeed needs little River, from the source of that stream to its
modification, that sickness was a constant entrance into the bay at Port Clinton; on the
unwelcome guest of every cabin. Houses east Hamar's tavern (now Clyde); and on the
were far apart and forest paths and primitive south Fort Seneca. None of the streams
roads forbid description. The profession had within this tract, embracing a large part of
in it very little to remunerate all these dismal the present counties of San-dusky, Ottawa,
and sometimes dangerous rides. People were Wood, and Seneca, were bridged, except the
all poor and some of them destitute. They Sandusky River, at Lower Sandusky.
were without money and without a market The year 1834 was an epoch in the medical
where agricultural products could be history of this county. The cholera scourge
exchanged for money. As a consequence the prevailed, and many of the frightened people
physician saw little hard cash for the hard of Lower Sandusky locked their doors and
times he experienced. Dr. Rawson says: refused to leave their houses or to admit
When I located at Lower Sandusky, there were two visitors. The village population at that time
physicians here—Dr. Hastings and Dr. Daniel Brainard. amounted to about three hundred, a large per
They were both well educated and skilful in their cent. of whom were afflicted with the fatal
profession, and now, when looking back to those times,
when Sandusky county was a wilderness and disease, and the mortality was large. Four
uncultivated swamp, and many of the settlements men,—it is a delight to record their names
composed of rough pioneers, I wonder why educated and and preserve the memory of their
accomplished men, such as the two physicians I have
mentioned were, should have come to this desolate place disinterested charity—Dr. Rawson, Mr.
to spend their lives. But such is the history of the human Brown, Mr. Birchard, and Judge Hulburd,
race. went from house to house of the afflicted,
This is a generous compliment to his early performing the tender offices of physician
contemporaries. Whatever opinions we may and nurse, and, when sad necessity required,
entertain of providential dispensations, here attended the rites of burial. This was the first
we have a peculiarly striking picture visitation of the cholera on the Sandusky. It
illustrating the eternal fitness of things. The subsequently appeared several times, but
spectacle of men of intelligence and science never with such fatal results.
devoting themselves, body and soul, to their As the country developed, Dr. Rawson's
lofty calling, often without hope of reward, practice grew more extensive and
always amidst the most discouraging remunerative. His practice was laborious,
surroundings, is worthy of a better pen. but a physique capable of almost any
We have given in the preceding sketch of endurance was his best inheritance. The
Dr. Brainard, who came here in 1819, some rugged labor of his early life was a fit
idea of Lower Sandusky's wild surroundings. preparation for the toils of his professional
When Dr. Rawson located here, eight years career. In his case vigor of body was happily
later, the east part of the county had been equaled by vigor of mind. To a close and
opened and clearing fires blazed in every extensive knowledge of medical science he
direction. Dr. Harkness had established brought the aid of practical judgment.
himself near Bellevue, and considerable Many were the regrets, in 1855, when he
territory, formerly embraced within Dr. announced his intention to withdraw from
Brainard's circuit on the east, was cut off. professional life. His patients
The general limit of Dr.
Sophia Rawson
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 449

cherished toward him more than professional demnify the county commissioners, who,
affection. He had been to them a prompt without ample personal guarantee, refused to
friend in every hour of physical distress and issue the bonds, as authorized by vote of the
anxiety. Aside from his skill and sincere people of the county. When stock books
honesty in the treatment of diseases, Dr. were opened, Dr. Rawson was among the
Rawson had one characteristic as a heaviest subscribers. For the history of the
practitioner worthy of imitation by members Lake Erie & Western Railroad, with which
of his profession. He never failed to meet an the name of Dr. Rawson is so closely
engagement. Every summon to a bed of associated, we again refer to a preceding
sickness was promptly answered by his chapter. To the united energy of the
cheerful presence, regardless of financial incorporators—L. Q. Rawson, Sardis
condition, or prospect of remuneration. He Birchard, James Justice, Charles W. Foster,
thus endeared himself to the people whom he and John R. Pease-the country benefited by
served. this road is indebted. The leading spirit and
He was successively appointed to, the advocate from the beginning was Dr.
office of county clerk from 1836 to 1851, Rawson, who, at the first organization of the
inclusive. His laborious professional company in 1853, was elected president and
business made it necessary that the charge of director, and served in that capacity until
the office should be confided to a deputy. 1875. For about twenty years he had the
We have now briefly traced the career of general management of all the interests of
Dr. Rawson as a practitioner of medicine the road. His connection with the county
during a period of nearly thirty years. But agricultural society is duly mentioned under
his career of usefulness by no means ended the proper head.
with his retirement from professional life. Dr. Rawson married, July 8, 1829, Sophia.
He had accumulated considerable property, Beaugrand, daughter of John B. Beaugrand,
and had for years been alive to every who was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1768.
enterprise which promised to become a He was married in St. Anne's church,
public benefit. In previous chapters of this Detroit, in 1802, to Margaret Chabert,
volume are detailed the history of three of daughter of Colonel Chabert de Joucaire, of
the most important public improvements in the French army. Mr. Beaugrand was a
the history of the county, the plank-road merchant at Maumee from 1802 till 1812. He
from Tiffin to Fremont and Fostoria, the then went back to Detroit, where the
Cleveland, Toledo & Norwalk Railroad, and remained till 1823, then came to-Lower
the Fremont & Indiana Railroad. In the Sandusky.
plank-road enterprise Dr. Rawson worked "Mrs. Rawson was born October 20, 1810.
actively and vigorously, and when money The family of Dr. and Mrs. Raw-son
was wanted his hand went deep into his consisted of seven children, four of whom
treasury. survived childhood—Dr. Milton E., Joseph
To detail Dr. Rawson's connection with the L., Eugene A., and Estelle S., two of whom
other two enterprises would be to re-peat are living, Joseph and Estelle.
what has already been said by one familiar We have in this sketch touched upon only
with all the circumstances. Dr. Rawson and the leading features of the life of a worthy
others, when the Cleveland, Toledo & man and citizen, who from early youth was
Norwalk Railroad was first inaugurated, busy, and who in old age has not wholly laid
obligated themselves to in- aside the cares of business. His life has been
one of real worth, which
450 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

we have but feebly reflected. Mrs. Rawson is preached. He was colonel of the first reg-
a woman of quiet temperament and refined iment of cavalry militia organized in the
taste. She is a consistent member of her county, and also general of the first brigade.
church, and possessed of the virtues which He assisted in running the line between Ohio
only Christian convictions can give a and Michigan, the dispute in regard to which
woman. led to the bloodless "Michigan war." He also
DR. ROBERT S. RICE was born in Ohio served one term as mayor of Lower
county, Virginia, May 28, 1805, and died in Sandusky, and several terms as justice of
Fremont, Ohio, August 5, 1875. At the age the- peace. He was married to Miss Eliza
of ten he came with his father's family to Ann Caldwell, in Marion, Ohio, December
Ohio and located in Chillicothe, Ross 30, 1824. They had seven sons and two
county. From that place, in 1818, the family daughters. The first two were boys, and died
removed to Marion county, and in 1827 he in infancy. William A. was born in Fremont,
settled in Lower Sandusky. He worked at his July 31, 1829; John B., June 23, 1832; Sarah
trade, a potter, until about the year 1847, Jane, February 20, 1835; Robert H., De-
when, having long employed his leisure cember 20, 1837; Albert H., September 23,
hours in the study of medicine, he began the 1840; Charles F., July 23, 1843; Emeline E.,
practice; and al-though he labored under the January 14, 1847. Sarah Jane died June 20,
disadvantages of limited educational 1841; Emeline died September 19, 1859.
opportunities in his youth, and of not having The name of Mrs. Eliza Ann Rice de-
received a regular course of medical serves more than bare mention in connection
instruction, his career as a physician was with the record of the family whose chief
quite successful. He numbered as his patrons ornament she was, and to whose intelligence,
many among the most respectable families in affection, and example they owe whatever of
his town and county. good they have, or shall accomplish in the
Dr. Rice was a man of sound judgment, world. This amiable and Christian lady, and
quick wit, fond of a joke, and seldom loving and devoted wife and mother, was
equaled as a mimic and story teller. He was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, March 19, 1807.
a keen observer, and found amusement and She died on January 17, 1873, in her sixty-
instruction in his daily intercourse with men sixth year. She belonged to the older class of
by perceiving many things that commonly the community, and occupied a high place in
pass unnoticed. His sympathies were the affection of a large circle of friends. She
constantly extended to all manner of was a devoted mother, and in return was
suffering and oppressed people. He loved and revered by her family. The
denounced human slavery, and from an early following is an extract from a notice in the
period acted politically with the opponents Fremont Journal of January 24, 1873-one
of the hated institution. During a period also week after her death. It is from the pen of
when the most brutal corporal punishment Dr. Thomas Stilwell:
was the fashion and practice in families and It was not for her to shine in the fashionable as-
sembly, or the more ostentatious circles of social life,
schools, his voice and example were given in but wherever "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit"
favor of the humane treatment of children. was the passport to recognition, she was eminently
He was of a deeply religious turn of mind. In entitled to receive it. But it was within the sacred
early years, when preachers were few in this precincts of home, the true woman's grandest
new country, he often exhorted and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 451

field of display, that she exhibited the virtues that win Rawson, and when Dr. L. Q. Rawson re-
the heart and add a charm to the sacred name of mother. moved to Lower Sandusky, Mr. Beaugrand
From early life a member of the church, came with him. In the winter of 1835-36 he
the Protestant Methodist, her heart was ever attended a course of lectures at the College
in unison with the teachings of the Divine of Physicians and Surgeons, at Fair-field,
Master, and she died prepared, by a life of Herkimer county, New York, and afterwards,
faith, "to pass through the valley of the in 1845, graduated at Ohio Medical college,
shadow of death, and to fear no evil." Wise Cincinnati. Dr. Beaugrand began practicing
in counsel, devoted in her love for her in Lower Sandusky in 1834. Between 1837
children, her sons, who rank as prominent and 1840 he was a partner of Dr. Rawson. At
and respected professional business men of the dissolution of the partnership he went to
our city, honor themselves by the rec- Michigan and practiced at Monroe City three
ognition they give that sainted mother's years. He returned to Fremont in 1843, and
teachings, for much of what they have at- has since been in practice here except while
tained in the walks of life. serving as surgeon of the One Hundred and
Her father, William Caldwell, was the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
third of the ten children of Robert Caldwell DRS. BROWN and ANDERSON are two
and Mary Stephenson, and was born in York physicians of the earlier period. Both were at
county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of June, different times partners of Dr. Rawson. Dr.
1779. His parents emigrated to Bourbon Anderson was a partner of Dr. Rawson
county, Kentucky, in 1782. William during the cholera scourge of 1834, but gave
Caldwell was married to Miss Polly Park, no assistance to the suffering. Dr. Brown
August 2, 1804, in Kentucky. She was born was a merchant at that time, and made
in the State of Virginia, in a block-house to himself conspicuously useful. He afterwards
which her mother had fled for refuge from practiced medicine with a fair degree of
an Indian massacre which threatened the success, but was all the time more or less
settlement where she lived. Mr. and Mrs. interested in mercantile pursuits. He died
Caldwell settled near Chillicothe soon after during the epidemic of 1848-49.
their marriage, but afterwards removed to DR. B. F. WILLIAMS was born in Pom-
Marion, and finally made their home in fret, Chautauqua county, New York, June 27,
Lower Sandusky. The former died June 29, 1811, and came to Lower Sandusky in
1835, the latter in 1861. He was a gun-smith October, 1822. He attended school at the
by trade; served in the War of 1812, under academy in Sangersfield, New York, after
General Hull, at whose surrender he was which he returned to Fremont in 1829. About
made a prisoner of war. They also had two two years later he began the study of
sons: Robert A., who died in California, and medicine with Dr. Anderson, with whom he
Judge William Caldwell, of Elmore. remained three years. He then went to
PETER BEAUGRAND, a son of John B. Cincinnati, where he became a student of Dr.
Beaugrand, came to Lower Sandusky with Drake, and attended lectures. He graduated
his father's family in 1823. He was born in in 1835 or 1836. During his stay in
Detroit, in August, 1814. In March, 1833, he Cincinnati he became acquainted with and
began the study of medicine at Findlay, married Miss Sarah Addison, a descendant
Ohio, in the office of B. and. L. Q. of the English
452 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

author, Joseph Addison. He then returned to among the early German settlers in San-
Lower Sandusky and began the practice of dusky county. As a physician, Dr. Gessner
medicine, in which he continued until the won the confidence of the public, and his
time of his death, which occurred February standing among his brethren of the medical
9, 1849. Dr. Williams' untimely death profession was always high. He purchased a
terminated what would have been an house and lot of Thomas L. Hawkins in
honorable and successful career. His mental 1841, and his present residence in the
powers were good, and he applied himself country in 1848.
closely to study. He was exceedingly fond of The offspring consisted of eleven children,
scientific pursuits, and possessed excellent three of whom-Karl, Louis, and Louise-were
literary taste. His manners were cultivated born in Thun, Switzerland. Karl, the eldest,
and agreeable, and his character pure and died during the voyage to America, and was
above reproach. buried at sea. Frederick and Emily were born
His widow, a son and a daughter reside in in Buffalo, and Matilda, Caroline, Gustavus
Brooklyn, New York, and another son in A., Randolph, and two others who died in
Minnesota. early infancy, in Fremont.
DR. LOUIS GESSNER was born April 6, Mrs. Elizabeth Frederika Gessner was, on
1804, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. His the maternal side, of Italian descent. Her
father died in 1809, leaving a widow and mother's father was a physician of the name
four children. Although in moderate cir- of Rubini. Her great-grandfather, of the
cumstances, she succeeded, through true same name, was the author of a treatise on
motherly sacrifice and devotion, in securing materia medica, written in 1688, a copy of
for them a good education. Louis left home which is still preserved. Mrs. Gessner died
at the age of fifteen, and travelled on foot to in 1864. She was a lady of excellent
the Danube, and thence went to Vienna, education and great refinement of feeling,
where he had relatives, who kindly rendered tender and sympathetic. Amidst the constant
him assistance in the completion of his and exacting duties of wife and mother, from
education. After finishing his course of which she never shrank, and which she never
study in medicine, he left Vienna, travelling slighted, her moments of leisure were given
on foot to Switzerland. Arriving at the to books and music, her passion for which
Canton of Berne in 1828, he commenced the ended only with her life. She delighted most
practice of medicine, and in the same year of all in the songs and traditions of the land
was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Schwartz, of her birth, and dwelt on them and kindred
daughter of a prominent physician of Thun. topics with a pathos often tinged with
In 1833, with his family, he emigrated to melancholy, that impressed those with whom
America, and located first near Tonawanda, her memory is sacred forever that her lot
but soon afterwards in Buffalo, New York. should have been so cast that the land of her
In 1837 he removed to Williamsville, Erie birth had been also the land of her life and
county. Leaving his family in that place, he death, surrounded only by familiar scenes,
returned to Switzerland, and coming back in and gentle and loving friends.
1838, decided to move West. He accordingly DR. JAMES W. WILSON was born in
settled in Lower Sandusky in that year. He New Berlin, Union county, Pennsylvania,
soon enjoyed a good practice, largely, but by February 1, 1816.
no means exclusively,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 453

His grandfather, James Wilson, emigrated posure, while attending to this large practice,
from Connecticut to Eastern Pennsylvania Dr. Wilson was attacked, January 9, 1858,
about 1791. His father, Samuel Wilson, the with a severe pneumonia, from the effects of
only son of James Wilson, was born in which he has never completely recovered;
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November nor has he since devoted himself to the
25, 1793. He married Miss Sarah Mauck, a practice of medicine. He has, however,
native of Pennsylvania, at New Berlin, and retained a lively interest in whatever pertains
resided there, a much esteemed and to the profession of his choice. He is
successful merchant, until his death, president of the San-dusky County Medical
November 3, 1855. His wife, the mother of Society, and a member of the Ohio State
Dr. Wilson, died May 31, 1872, aged eighty- Medical Society. During the war of the
four years. Rebel-lion he was appointed by Governor
Dr. Wilson studied medicine with Dr. Tod (August, 1862), surgeon for Sandusky
Joseph R. Lotz in New Berlin, and after- county, to examine applicants for exemption
wards attended lectures at Jefferson Medical from draft.
College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in On the 25th of May, 1841, he was married
March, 1837. He commenced the practice of to Miss Nancy E. Justice, daughter of Jude
medicine in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in James Justice, of Lower Sandusky. They
November of the same year. He emigrated to have four children—two sons and two
Ohio in June, 1839, in company with Dr. daughters. Charles G., the eldest son, a
Thomas Stilwell, and settled in Lower graduate of Kenyon College and Harvard
Sandusky (now Fremont), July 24, 1829, Law School, now of the law firm of Pratt &
where they opened an office, and continued Wilson, of Toledo, married Nellie, daughter
to practice as partners most of the time until of J. E. Amsden, of Fremont. The younger
1862. son, James W., is collection clerk in the First
During the years that Dr. Wilson was National Bank. The eldest daughter is the
engaged in the practice of his profession, he wife of Dr. John B. Rice, of this city. Mary,
ranked among the most successful the younger daughter, is married to Charles
physicians in this section of the State. He F. Rice, of New York City.
was distinguished for promptitude, and In 1857 Dr. Wilson became a partner in the
faithful punctuality in fulfilling banking house of Birchard, Miller & Co. In
engagements. The urbanity of- his manners September, 1863, the bank was merged into
made him ever welcome to the bed-side of the First National Bank of Fremont, with Dr.
the sufferer. His intelligence and manly Wilson as vice-president. January 27, 1874,
deportment won the confidence of the after the death of Mr. Birchard, Dr. Wilson
public. His acknowledged skill, and the was elected president, which position he
painstaking care with which he investigated now holds.
the cases submitted to his judgment, To the various enterprises tending to
commanded the respect and regard of his promote the business interests and growth of
fellow-practitioners. It is probable that no Fremont, the doctor has been a liberal
physician outside the large cities of Ohio has contributor.
ever enjoyed a larger practice, or performed Dr. Wilson is a man of conservative views,
more arduous labor in meeting its but still not wanting in the liberality which
requirements. accords to others the same
In consequence of extraordinary ex-
454 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

rights and privileges he desires for himself. At the close of forty-one years of pro-
He is a man of firm religious convictions, fessional life he still continues in the prac-
and has always been consistent with his tice of medicine.
professions. For thirty years he has been a Dr. Stilwell's place in the profession has
member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, always been with those in front. For the past
and a regular attendant upon its services. Dr. two years he has been vice-president of the
Wilson holds the church to be the Sandusky County Medical Society, and for
mainspring of law and order in society, and many years a member of the State Medical
contributes liberally for the support of its Society. He was among the first appointed
charities. pension examining surgeons (February,
THOMAS STILWELL, M. D., was born in 1863), which position he held until he
Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pennsylvania, resigned in 1879. To his letter of resignation
five or six miles west of Lewisburg, in the Commissioner of Pensions replied in
January, 1815. His father, Joseph Stilwell, very complimentary terms, expressing regret
for more than half a century an honored for its having been tendered. He has recently
citizen of that county, died in 1851, aged been elected one of the censors of the
seventy-four years. His mother, Anna medical department of the Western Reserve
Stilwell, died eleven years later aged eighty- University at Cleveland, having held the
four years. same position in Charity Hospital Medical
While a child his parents removed to New College, afterwards known as the Medical
Berlin, the county seat of Union county, Department of Wooster University. Dr.
where he continued to reside, with the Stilwell has been a member of the
exception of such time as he was absent at Presbyterian church during the whole of his
school, until he left to make the West his mature life, and has for many years been an
future home. elder.
After a full academic course at Milton, Dr. Stilwell, at our request, has furnished
Pennsylvania, under the tuition of Rev. the following account of some of the
David Kirkpatrick, a distinguished teacher in experiences of himself and Dr. Wilson
that section of the State, and a brief course connected with their practice:
of selected studies at Lafayette college, Drs. Wilson and Stilwell-who grew up
Easton, Pennsylvania, he entered upon the together in close companionship in their
study of medicine with Dr. Joseph R. Lotz, Pennsylvania town, and were fellow-students
at New Berlin, and graduated at Jefferson in Dr. Lotz's office, graduating at the same
Medical College, Philadelphia, college-formed the purpose, while yet office
Pennsylvania, in March, 1839, and located students, to emigrate to the West together.
the same year at Fremont. Accordingly, on the 13th of June, 1839, in a
He was married to Miss Jerusha A. two-horse covered carriage, purposely
Boughton, of Canfield, Mahoning (then constructed with ample room for themselves
Trumbull) county, in 1842. Their children, and baggage, which included a small stock
five in number, are: Charles B., who resides of books and instruments, they left their
at Watertown, New York; Thomas J., at St. home for a Western prospecting tour, with
Louis, Missouri; Charlotte E., married to the design, if no location to their liking
John T. Lanman, at New London, offered sooner, to go on to Illinois, at that
Connecticut; Mary, married to W. T. Jordan, day the "Far West." Travelling leisurely,
Louisville, Kentucky; and Anna M., at home they stopped long enough at each important
with her parents. town on
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 455

the way to ascertain what inducement it that day, still conspicuous, a few of the
could offer two adventurous young men who decayed palisades yet to be seen.
were in the pursuit of bread and fame. Within a few days after their arrival both
Calling on their professional brethren, both were taken sick with fever. Occupying beds
as a matter of courtesy and interest, the at the hotel in the same out-of-the-way room,
pleasure of their journey was much increased they were left pretty much to themselves, to
thereby. In this way they reached Lower acquire experience as patient, nurse, and
Sandusky (Fremont). Spending a few days doctor, all at the same time and at their
visiting friends—who a few years before, on leisure. A new settler had a good deal to
coming West, settled in the neighborhood of learn about sickness, and but few lacked
Lower Sandusky—t h e y continued on to opportunities for acquiring knowledge by
Perrysburg and Maumee. Here they saw personal experience.
what had often been the exciting theme of A notable fact connected with the history
their childhood—a tribe of In d i a n s — t h e of the hotel that season is remembered by
Ottawas, who were encamped on the flats living participants, namely: That at one time,
opposite Maumee, preparatory to their being for a few days, not a woman remained in the
removed to their new hunting-grounds west house, filled as it was with guests and
of the Mississippi, assigned them by the boarders, of whom many were sick, except
Government. the landlord's wife, and she, too, down with
Finding the roads impassable for their the fever. The women help had all gone
carriage the travelers returned to Lower home sick. It was very hard to obtain others.
Sandusky, and turned south. At Tiffin they A colored man—a steamboat cook—with
met with Dr. Dreslaach—of lasting man help for general housework, supplied
reputation in that locality for his genial their place.
manner, and his ability as a physician and The sickness that season being very
surgeon. Advised by him, they decided to general all over the town and country, before
remain at Lower Sandusky, to which they either had so far recovered as to be able to
returned, and "put up" at Corbin's, the do more than leave their room they were
Kessler House of today, it being the 24th of importuned to visit the sick and were
July. A week subsequently occurred the 2d compelled to comply long before they were
of August, whereon the citizens of Sandusky fit for the service.
and neighboring counties celebrated the They secured for an office a little one-
anniversary of Croghan's victory by story frame structure, which stood where
barbecuing an ox on the commons—now the Buckland's block now stands, at the corner
courthouse park, Eleutheros Cook, of of Front and State streets. It was an
Sandusky City, delivering an oration from unpretentious building, belonging to Captain
the porch of the low frame dwelling-house Morris Tyler. Their neighbors on the south
erected a few years before by Jacques were Morris & John Tyler, merchants, whose
Hulburd, standing in the middle of Fort store occupied one-half of a low two-story
Stephenson, and which, three or four years frame house of very moderate dimensions,
ago, was removed from the grounds when but for size and appearance one of the noted
they became the property of the city and mercantile establishments of the town. To
Birchard library by purchase. the north they were in close proximity to
The breastworks of the fort were, at General R. P. Buckland's law office, of
456 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

about the same size as their own, and in no day, for the State may be challenged to
way superior to theirs, excepting it was a name, within its bounds, a county healthier
shade whiter from having probably had two now than this same Sandusky. The change
coats of paint, while theirs had but one, and has been wrought partly by clearing up the
that one almost washed off by the land, but mostly by constructing ditches to
northeasters which swept its front, carry of the water that over-spread the
unobstructed by three-story blocks on the surface.
opposite side of the street. During the sickly season the pressure on
And just here a digression may be their time was such as to enable them to
pardonable to relate how nearly this office, make the round only once in two days.
with that of General Buckland, came to be Oftentimes each passed over the other's
put out of sight, or left standing only in route before they met in their office-not
ruins—a testimonial of the patriotism that seeing each other for days-the necessary
periodically continued to display itself upon communications being made on a large slate
these historic grounds. A cannon fired at the kept in the office for that purpose.
intersection of State and Front streets, on the The story of the daily ride, extending far
occasion of a jollification in 1842 over the into the night, oftentimes with fog above and
election of Wilson Shan-non as Governor of mud below, the weariness of body and limb,
Ohio, burst, sending its butt-end through the the loss of sleep, the burden of thought-all
north side of General Buckland's office, and this now sounds like exaggeration, but to
but for its wise discrimination in the interest them who underwent it all it is a well
of humanity, it would have gone through the remembered and now wondered at reality.
north side of the doctors' office as well. Their contemporary physicians were equally
The "doctor's ride" in that day meant hard pressed.
twelve or fifteen miles in all directions, and In the season of which this is written, in
on horseback, mostly through woods on new the cabins visited, which meant some-times
cut-out roads, often oaths for some part of every cabin on the road travelled, it was very
the way. He found his patients in the exceptional to find but one of a family sick.
scattered cabins in which the farmers of To find two, three and-four was commonly
Sandusky county then lived. the case. Not infrequently the whole family
During the continuance of their part- were patients, and this with no outside help,
nership, and until Doctor Wilson's health sometimes not procurable even in times of
became impaired by a severe attack of dire necessity.
sickness by exposure, as noted in his per- While extreme cases could not be given
sonal biography on a preceding page, they so fairly, as the general experience, yet this
arranged their business that their attendance class, after all, constituted a large proportion
upon patients was by alternate visits, making of the whole. An enumeration would include
thus an equal division of the labor. He who cases of scanty house-room; of lack of
went on the eastern round today would go on supplies; of distance from neighbors; of
the western tomorrow. remoteness from physicians; of absence of
The "sickly season"—meaning from about help; of the number down in a family; of
the middle of July to the middle of neglected ones; of work undone; of fields,
October—was a phrase very familiar in those such as they were, unprepared for seed.
times, happily not applicable to this These, in their varied
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 457

forms, composed a large list. In making their they were often fatal; many times for want
rounds one day, he whose circuit included a of care at the critical period.
cabin to be visited, which had recently been But more marked was the condition which
erected in a small clearing-a half acre or so- attended the latter stage of bilious remittent
in a dense woods south of where Hessville fever, the other form of miasmatic fever
now stands, and reached by passing through generally prevalent in the latter part summer
David Beery's lane and then along a path, and in the autumn months. Whether it run a
which led to the opening, found upon en- short or long course, whether of a high or
tering the man of the house lying upon a bed low grade, it usually terminated with a sweat
in one corner of the room in a burning fever; and extreme exhaustion. A "sinking spell,"
the woman in another part of the room as it was commonly called, was frequently
sitting upon the edge of an ex-temporized its dreaded sequence, and the danger to life
bed, with a face flushed with fever, and wild at the time imminent. A failure on the part of
with excitement, leaning over a cradle in the attendants then to keep up the circulation
which lay their little child in spasms, it too by rubbing the surface, by applying warmth
having the fever. Quickly enquiring of the to the extremities, by spreading plenty of
woman for the water-bucket, he was told it cover over the bed, and by administering
was empty, that their well had just been dug, stimulants freely, with liberal doses of
and was unwalled and uncovered; the only quinine—was sure to seal the fate of the
way they had to get water was to climb down patient.
a ladder that stood in the well and dip it up, Many died in this way. A representative
which neither had been able to do that day, case occurred in a small frame house of two
and no one coming to the house, they had rooms, which stood on what was then open
had no water. Procuring water from the well, common, but now the corner of Croghan and
he remained until the child was relieved of Wood streets, occupied by a man and his
the spasms, when, having dispensed the family of the name of Tyler, strangers-no
medicines necessary, he departed, telling relatives of the Tyler family resident here.
them to expect some one in soon, as the He was a stone-mason, and came to work on
result of his effort to send somebody, if the courthouse, the building of which had
possible, from the first house he reached on just been commenced. He and his wife were
his way. taken sick with the fever. No one could be
The fevers of the country had peculiarities found to take the constant charge of them.
which for years have ceased to be observed, The neighbors, sparsely settled then in that
and which were conditions ex-citing anxiety part of the town, as they could be spared
in the mind of the doctor as well in the from home, went in, one now and another
friends of the sick. then, and did what they could, but withal the
Intermittent fever, one of the forms very case was far from what their condition
common, was sometimes with chills, required. The fever of the husband yielded
sometimes without, as now, and was first-instructions having been left as to what
manageable enough unless, as not was to be done when the crisis came, which
infrequently was the case, it assumed a during the day gave signs of its near
malignant type, known in the books as approach. The doctors both having reached
congestive chill, or pernicious intermittent. their office on their return from the country
With the best that could be done, at the same time
458 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

-about 12 o'clock at night-upon being this regiment over three years in the im-
informed that a messenger had just been portant campaigns in which it took part.
down for them from the Tylers, went to the During the war Dr. Rice was on different
house to find the patient cold and pulseless- occasions assigned to duty as surgeon-in-
no appliances, no stimulants having been chief of Lauman's and Tuttle's divisions of
used as directed-and he died. They had the the Fifteenth Army Corps, and of the District
wife removed to a neighbor's house. When of Memphis, when commanded by General
the crisis came to her-the breaking up of the Buckland.
fever in the manner described,-she had the Dr. Rice was married, December 12, 1861,
necessary care, and lived. to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Dr. J. W.
And here it should be remarked that Willson, of Fremont. They have two
whatever allusions may have been made in children-Lizzie, born September 28, 1865,
this or any other sketch of years ago, to and Willie, born July 2, 1875.
hardship suffered for want of help in times Since the close of the war Dr. Rice has
of sickness it was never refused, when it been associated with his brother, Dr. Robert
could be given. To the extent of their ability H. Rice. He has had a large surgical practice,
to give it, no neighbor ever withheld it. The and there are few capital operations in
brotherly spirit displayed at such times made surgery that he has not performed many
itself proverbial, and could the deeds to times. His consultation practice extends to
which it prompted be written, they would adjoining counties. He is a member of the
form a grand chapter in the history of Sandusky County and Ohio State medical
Sandusky county. societies. For several years he delivered
DR. JOHN B. RICE was born in Lower courses of lectures in the Charity Hospital
Sandusky, June 23, 1832. He enjoyed such Medical College, and medical department of
educational advantages as the village the University of Wooster, at Cleveland. His
afforded during his boyhood. He entered the topics were military surgery, obstetrics, etc.
office of the Sandusky County Democrat, In July, 1880, Dr. Rice received, with-out
and worked at the printing trade three years, solicitation, the nomination for Congress, by
after which he spent two years at school. He the Republican party of the Tenth District.
studied medicine, graduating at Ann Arbor The most gratifying incident attending his
in the spring of 1857, and soon after election the following October, was the
associated himself with his father, Dr. circumstance that he received a majority of
Robert S. Rice, and made a beginning in votes in Sandusky county, although the
practice. In 1859 he further prosecuted his opposite political party is largely in the
medical studies at Jefferson Medical ascendency. He had, however, never
College, Philadelphia, and Bellevue engaged actively in politics, and does not
Hospital, New York. On returning home he expect to be again a candidate.
resumed practice. On the breaking out of the DR. LOUIS S. J. GESSNER was born
rebellion he was appointed assistant surgeon September 25, 1830, in Thun, Switzerland,
of the Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and and emigrated to America with his parents
served with his regiment, under the gallant during childhood. He studied medicine with
Colonel Lytle, in Virginia. November 25, his father, and returning to Europe graduated
1861, he was promoted to surgeon, and in Heidelberg, in 1858. He
assigned to the Seventy-second Ohio, and
served with
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 459

has practiced in Fremont since 1858. He of surgeons, he was assigned to the position
served as assistant surgeon of the Thirty- of acting assistant surgeon in the United
seventh regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in States army. After serving in several
Virginia, and as a contract surgeon at Brown hospitals in the South, he returned to
hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, and hospital Fremont, in September, 1864. In the winter
number two, Nashville, Tennessee. of 1864-65 he attended lectures at the
DR. J. W. FAILING is a native of Wayne Charity Hospital Medical College, at
county, New York, and was born in 1833. He Cleveland. At the end of the course he was
was educated in the common schools of New awarded the Salisbury prize (a gold medal),
York, and at an early age was employed in a for the best examination and observations in
drug store where he be-came proficient in physiology. He was also awarded, by G. C.
pharmacy. After six years experience Weber, as a prize for the best Latin
handling and compounding drugs, Mr. prescription, Piper's Illustrated Treatise on
Failing began the study of medicine in Surgery. After completing this course he
Norwalk, Ohio. He graduated at the again entered the army service, being made
Cleveland Homeopathic college and came to assistant surgeon at Camp Chase, and
Fremont to practice in 1854, being then but afterwards at Cincinnati, and was finally
twenty-two years old. appointed major-surgeon of volunteers, with
Dr. Failing was for many years well re- headquarters at Sandusky.
ceived and had the foundation of a suc- Dr. Corey was mustered out of the army
cessful professional career. A great many service in September, 1865, and at once
people felt self-interested regret when he returned to Fremont. He was in
became practically disabled for active uninterrupted practice from this time until
practice. 1873, when he attended a course of lectures
JOHN M. COREY was born at Austin- at Bellevue Medical College, New York,
town, Trumbull county, Ohio, January 21, receiving from that institution, in 1874, the
1837. He was reared on a farm and at-tended ad eundem degree of M. D. Since that time
the district school. He completed his he has been in regular practice in Fremont.
preliminary course at Western Reserve Dr. Corey's practice is of a general character,
seminary, at West Farmington, Trumbull but his liking is for surgery, which he has
county, passing through the junior year. He made a special study.
began to read medicine in Warren, in 1854, DR. ROBERT H. RICE was born in Lower
in the office of Daniel B. Woods. He Sandusky, December 20, 1837. In his
attended medical lectures at the University boyhood he was for several years employed
of Pennsylvania, from which institution he as a clerk in the store of O. L. Nims. He
received the degree of M. D. in the spring of afterwards attended school at Oberlin
1859. He entered the office of H. A. Ackey, college about two years, then began the
in Warren, but remained there only three study of medicine with his father and brother
months. He came to Fremont in December, John; attended medical lectures at the
1859, and began the practice of his Medical Department of the University of
profession here. When the Forty-ninth Ohio Michigan, and graduated from that
Volunteer Infantry was organized, in institution in March, 1863. He then returned
August, 1861, Dr. Corey enlisted as hospital to Fremont and began the practice of
steward. In April, 186z, after passing an medicine with his father, Dr.
examination before a board
460 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Robert S. Rice, Dr. John being at that time in mont, March 19, 1843, was educated in our
the army. public schools with the exception of nine
May 14, 1865, he married Miss Cynthia J. months at Hudson, Ohio, Western Reserve
Fry, a daughter of Henry Fry, of Ballville College. He commenced the practice of
township. They have. three children: Henry medicine in, 1864, at Fremont, Ohio. He
C., born July 11, 1867; Anna, born served as volunteer assistant surgeon of the
November 30, 1869; and Ada, born May 6, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio
1874. National Guards, at Washington, District of
Dr. Rice soon acquired a very extensive Columbia, summer of 1865. Graduated at
practice, which (associated with his brother, Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio,
Dr. John B. Rice;) he has ever since February 22, 1875. He is the oldest son of
prosecuted with untiring zeal and in which Austin B. Taylor, and is now in active
he has been eminently successful. practice. His standing as a physician has
In 1872-73 Dr. Rice spent a year in always been creditable.
Europe, during which time he travelled DR. GEORGE E. SMITH, born June
extensively over the continent and Great 27, 1832, at Lyme, Huron county, Ohio,
Britain and Ireland, devoting some time in prepared for college at Lyme and Milan, and
the medical schools of Paris and Berlin to graduated from Western Reserve College in
the study of his profession. His knowledge 1855. He taught school in Tennessee from
of the German and French languages, which 1855 to 1857; and as principal of Western
he acquired by his own efforts, and for Reserve Teachers' Seminary from 1857 to
which he has a great fondness, enabled him 1860. Received the degree of A. M. from
to derive unusual pleasure and advantage Western Reserve College in 1858. Attended
from his travels abroad. medical lectures at Cleveland Medical
The Doctor has many excellent qualities of College in the winter of 1858-59, and at Ann
head and heart, which peculiarly fit him for Arbor, Michigan, in the winter of 1859-6o.
the practice of his profession, being of a Taught as principal of a boys' grammar
kind, sympathetic and generous nature, school, at Circleville, Ohio, from September,
agreeable and affable in his manners, 1860, until the spring of 1862. Attended a
bestowing on all alike the same respectful course of lectures at Ohio Medical College
consideration, he has won a high place in the in the spring of 1862, and graduated with the
esteem of those with whom his professional degree of M. D., at the close of the session.
relations have brought him in contact. He He was married to Sarah Brinkerhoff in
aided in the organization of the Sandusky September, 1862, and commenced the
County Medical society, was chosen its practice of medicine at Willoughby, Lake
secretary, and still holds that office. county, Ohio, in the fall of the same year. He
For some years past Dr. Rice has taken was appointed assistant-surgeon of the
considerable interest in agricultural pursuits, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
having a large farm near Fremont which he December 23, 1862, and joined the regiment
has greatly improved. Few things at present January 14, 1863, at Arkansas Post,
afford him more pleasure than regarding his Arkansas. Resigned on ac-count of sickness,
growing stock and waving fields. June 4, 1863. Went to Hillsdale, Michigan,
SARDIS B. TAYLOR, M. D., born in Fre July, 1863; was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 461

surgeon of the post and to examine recruits, lectures at Cleveland Medical College. He
from January, 1864, until April of the same began practice at Port Clinton, from which
year. Left Hillsdale in the spring of 1875, place he removed to Fremont in 1866. In
and came to Fremont, Ohio, where he has 1877 he went to Illinois, and is now
been engaged in the practice of medicine practicing in Aurora. Dr. Groat was
since that time. possessed of remarkable mechanical abil-
DAVID EL BINKERHOFF, M. D., was ities. The attention he bestowed upon
born December 5, 1823, in the township of mechanical science somewhat impaired his
Owasea, Cayuga county, New York. In the usefulness as a practitioner. He is, how-ever,
year 1837 his father, Henry R. Binkerhoff, a man of good mind and training.
removed to New Haven, Huron county, DR. H. F. BAKER, present editor and
Ohio, and the son attended school at Aurora proprietor of the Bellevue Local News,
academy, New York, and at Auburn practiced in this city from 1865 until 1868.
academy, in the same State, during the years He had previously been located in Fulton
1839, 1840, and 1841. He commenced the county, and removed from here to Bellevue.
reading of medicine with Drs. Benschoter DR. GEORGE LEE practiced in Fremont
and Bevier, at Plymouth, Ohio, in the year about three years, removing to Washing-ton,
1843. During the years 1844, 1845, and 1846 District of Columbia, in 1880, where he is
he continued the reading of medicine in the now in practice. He is a graduate of Western
office of Dr. Thomas Johnson, at New Reserve College, and of Lane Theological
Haven. He attended the medical department Seminary. He edited a paper for some time
of the Willoughby University of Lake Erie, in Minneapolis, and then studied medicine
at Willoughby, Ohio, during the session of and graduated at Cleve-land Homeopathic
1846-47, and again attended medical lectures Medical College in 1877. His first location
at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and was in Fremont.
Surgery, at Cincinnati, graduating therefrom DR. J. D. BEMIS is a native of Lorain
at the session of 1856-57. He entered the county, Ohio. At an early age he was re-
service of the United States in the year 1862 ceived into the office and family of his
as assistant surgeon, and was promoted to uncle, Dr. L. D. Griswold, of Elyria. While
surgeon-major in 1864. He served on the attending the public schools of the city, he
staff of General Schofield from the time of devoted considerable time in his uncle's
the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, until the medical library. After about three years
close of the Rebellion. He was mustered out spent in this way, Dr. Griswold was
with his regiment, the One Hundred and appointed superintendent of the Soldiers' and
Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1865, at Sailors' Orphans' Home, at Xenia. Mr.
Raleigh, North Carolina. He has been Bemus continued his residence in the family,
engaged in the general practice of medicine and completed the full course of instruction
and surgery since the year 1847, and for the of the schools of the Home. The study of
past twelve years at Fremont, Ohio. He has a medicine, as when at Elyria, consumed the
large practice. odd hours of his time. In 1871 Mr. Bemus
DR. JOHN W. GROAT studied medicine was appointed bill-room messenger for the
in the office of Dr. Sampsell, of Elyria, and Ohio Senate by Lieutenant-Governor J. C.
graduated at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Lee, and served in that capacity two years.
College; he afterwards attended During the State Constitutional
462 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

convention of 1873-74 he served as first graduated at Pulte Medical College, of


assistant sergeant-at-arms, having been ap- Cincinnati, in the class of 1880, and com-
pointed to that position by M. R. Waite, menced practice at Fremont in September
president of the convention, now chief following.
justice of the United States. During the DR. S. P. ECKI was born in Holmes
school year 1874-75 Mr. Bemus attended county, Ohio, in 1854. After attending the
Baldwin University. In January, 1876, he common schools of his neighborhood he
resumed the study of medicine in the office pursued a course in Northwestern college,
of E. C. Perry, of Elyria. His winters were Illinois. He studied medicine in Mansfield
spent in attendance upon lectures and under J. C. Anderson, and at-tended lectures
summers in the office at Elyria, until 1 at the New York Homeopathic Medical
February, 1879, when he graduated at college, from which institution he graduated
Cincinnati. He opened an office in Fremont in 1881. He selected Fremont as the field of
in June, 1879, and now has a full and his practice, and opened an office there in
successful practice. June.
DR. W. CALDWELL, son of Judge SANDUSKY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
William Caldwell, of Ottawa county, a short As an auxiliary to the State Medical so-
sketch of whom will be found elsewhere, ciety, the Sandusky County Medical society
attended the public schools of his was organized November 6, 1879, with the
neighborhood and Oberlin College. During following members: James W. Wilson,
the winter of 1860-61 he attended medical Thomas Stilwell, Robert H. Rice, Lewis S.
lectures at Ann Arbor, and in 1861 enlisted T. Gessner, Sardis B. Taylor, John B. Rice,
as hospital steward in the Seventy-second John M. Corey, George E. Smith, M. Stamm,
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted Gustavus A. Gessner.
to assistant surgeon in April, 1863, and mus- James W. Wilson was chosen president;
tered out of service January 4, 1865, After Thomas Stilwell, vice-president; Robert H.
the war he located in Michigan for the Rice, secretary; L. S. T. Gessner, treasurer;
practice of his profession. He graduated and Sardis B. Taylor, librarian. The officers
from Cleveland Medical College in the class have been annually re-elected, and have
of 1869. During the winter of 1879-8o he served without change to the present time.
took a special course in New York. In June, Members have been added since the time
1880, he located at Fremont, where he has of organization as follows: Cyrus E.
since been meeting with flattering success. Harnden, Clyde; John C. Tomson, Rol-
DR. C. B. WHITE received his preliminary lersville; R. S. Hittell, Gibsonburg; D. G.
education in West Virginia, in which State Hart, Gibsonburg; W. T. Gillette,
he also studied medicine. He at-tended Millersville; William C. Caldwell, Fremont;
lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of A. D. Shipley, Helena; R. S. Shipley,
Cincinnati, and was graduated from that Lindsey; LaQ. Rawson, Fremont; George
institution in 1878. He had previously Lanterman, Bellevue, and U. B. Irwin,
practiced several years in West Virginia and Gibsonburg. The membership of this society
Ohio. He began practice in" West Virginia in embraces physicians only of the regular
1871. Dr. White located in Fremont in 1879. school of practice. Meetings are held once a
DR. A. J. HAMMER was born in Bedford month, or oftener, at which there is a free
county, Pennsylvania, Tune 1, 1853. He interchange of experiences and opinions.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 463

The society is accumulating a fine library, bers and by donations, Space in Birchard
and already has a valuable collection of library has been allotted to the society where
books and periodicals, which are pro-cured this collection is kept for the convenience of
by annual subscriptions of the mem- its members.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
FREMONT—IMPROVEMENTS.

Building of the City Hall—Laying of the Cornerstone-Birchard Library—City Parks—Fire Department—Street Paving.

T HE stranger is given a favorable im-


pression of this city's public spirit and
enterprise while passing from the depot to
thing like chronological arrangement. The
subject which naturally comes first to mind
is public buildings.
the centre of business. He rides over a THE CITY HALL.
Medina paved street, thickly shaded on both
It is rather a remarkable fact that prior to
sides by thrifty maples. He passes between a
1878 this city did not own a public hall.
quiet park and large, substantial public
Union hall, Birchard hall, and Opera hall had
school buildings and a moment later is in
all been open to the public for meetings,
presence of another park on which is located
entertainments, etc., but were and are
a very fine library building, and an elegant
controlled by individuals. The pressing need
stone front three-story structure for public
of a building for the accommodation of the
uses. An old cannon mounted in the centre
fire department, city officers, and public
of this park is a reminder of historic
meetings of a general character was long
associations. Front street, the main business
felt, but no action looking towards the
thoroughfare, presents the appearance of
consummation of such an improvement was
activity and thrift. The good opinion formed
taken until in 1877, when the city purchased
is slightly marred, however, by the very
of its individual owners the square formerly
noticeable absence of plate-glass store-
included in the old fort. The terms of this
fronts. Commercial blocks are generally
purchase are given elsewhere. On June 7,
large and in other respects present a good
1877, the city council, consisting of Colonel
appearance. But it is the mission of history
William E. Haynes, W. B. Sheldon, C. R.
not to comment on what is nor to suggest
McCulloch, James Park, jr., J. B. Dickinson,
what ought to be, but only to narrate what
and A. Young; Mayor J. S. VanNess, and
has been and to reproduce the story of the
Clerk W. W. Stine, unanimously
growth of what is.
This chapter comprehends so many distinct Resolved, That the city of Fremont build the first
story of a city hall building, and that it be ready for the
topics that it is not convenient, nor would it fire department as soon as practicable.
be desirable to preserve any-
464 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

In accordance with their resolution work At least twenty thousand people thronged
was immediately commenced and by the streets by ten o'clock, and many of the
September the foundation was ready for the most distinguished men of the Nation
corner-stone. The occasion of laying the participated in the ceremonies. Nine bands
corner-stone, September 14, 1877, was made of music entertained the crowds, and the
the most memorable in the history of brilliant uniforms of Knights Templar added
Fremont. In obedience to common custom, impressiveness to the day's scenes. Ten
the ceremonies proper were under charge of o'clock was the hour appointed for laying the
the Masonic fraternity. The same day was corner-stone. Masons began to assemble at
appointed for the reunion of the Twenty- half-past eight, and at half-past nine the
third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and a home Grand Lodge of Ohio was in session in
visit of the esteemed colonel of that Brainard lodge-room. At the same time war
regiment, and President of the United States. veterans and members of the Twenty-third
Elaborate preparations had been made by the Ohio Volunteer Infantry were holding a
citizens for the accommodation of reception in Birchard Hall, where, at to
distinguished guests and great crowds of o'clock, President R. B. Hayes, General Phil.
people, who came from every direction. The Sheridan, Senator Stanley Matthews,
day is well remembered. A National salute General J. D. Cox, Secretary McCrary, and
roused people from their slumbers, and a General E. P. Scammon arrived, and from
cloudless sky gave promise of a perfect day. there walked to the City Hall foundations
Morning light revealed a brilliancy and while the Masonic procession was parading
elaboration of decoration never before the streets in the following order:
equaled in our history.. Flags fluttered in Light Guard Band.
Walbridge Light Guard.
every direction, and artistic banners bearing Masonic Commanderies.
patriotic sentiments, added beauty to pro- Erie of Sandusky.
fusion. Most noticeable was a splendid arch Shawnee of Lima.
thrown over Croghan street, with the DeMolay of Tiffin.
Grand Lodge of Ohio.
inscription, "Welcome to the Twenty-third Mayor and City Council.
O. V. I.." On the keystone was painted Other Guests.
Masonic symbols and over this was an After marching through the principal
immense gilt eagle, measuring eight feet streets they halted at the City Hall foun-
from tip to tip. To the right of this central dations; where President Hayes, General
arch was a representation of a camp scene, Sheridan and a number of other distin-
and to the left Ohio's coat of arms. Over the guished men and a dense crowd of spectators
entrance at each corner of Fort Stephenson had already assembled. It was with difficulty
park was an arch, that at the southwest that the marshals succeeded in forcing back
corner bearing the inscription, "Colonel the crowd to get sufficient standing-room for
Hayes, the Soldier and Statesman;" at the the Masons. Their efforts were watched by
southeast corner, "Colonel Rosecrans: He General Sheridan with a merry twinkle in his
Came at His Country's Call;" at the eye. Not only the adjacent streets and a large
northwest corner, "Colonel Scammon, Ever pile of bricks lying near, but the high bank
at His Post;'' at the northeast corner, along the park and even the roofs of build-
"Colonel Comly: Honor to the Brave." ings were crowded with eager spectators.
The heavy corner-stone lay ready and in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 465

its foundation was the usual box of me- Masonic Calendar City of Fremont, 1877.
mentoes. Masonic Circular of Invitations to Lodges.
The corner-stone is inscribed as follows, The city programme of the day, and report
on the east side: of the meetings held on Wednesday and
A. D. 5877, A. D. 1877. SEPT. 14. Thursday.
G. A. WOODWARD,
Grand Master of Masons of Ohio.
The ceremony was conducted by C. W.
J. C. JOHNSON, Woodward, of Cleveland, G. M. of Ohio, in
Architect. accordance with the ritual of the order,
D. L. JUNE & SON, assisted by A. T. Brinsmade, D. G. M.; R. E.
Builders.
Richards, D. G. S. W.; R. H. Rice, D. G. J.
The following is the inscription on the north
W.; O. Bale, P. M.; G. H. Bell, P. M.; C.
side:
FORT STEPHENSON. Doncyson, P. M.; W. W. Ross, P. M.; O. E.
1813. Col. GEORGE CROGHAN. Phillips, P. M.; J. C. John-son, P. A.; Rev.
1877. R. B. HAYES, G. W. Collier, D. G. C.; I. M. Keeler, D. G.
President of the U. S.
J. S. VANNESS, Mayor.
T.; W. H. Andrews, D. G. S.; S. P. Meng, D.
G. S. W.; E. S. Thomas, D. G. J. W.; J. F.
CITY COUNCIL.
Heffner, D. G. S.; W. G. Hafford, D. G. S.;
C. R. MCCULLOCH, J. W. PARK, JR.,
WM. E. HAYNES, WM. B. SHELDON, T. F. Heffner, D. G. T.
A. YOUNG. J. B. DICKINSON. There was no speech-making, but at the
The following articles are deposited in the close of the ceremony President Hayes
corner-stone: mounted the stone and said:
Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow-citizens: For the
Silver coins of 1877, programme of the
purposes of the city of Fremont we erect here on
day, copies of the Democratic Messenger, this ground made illustrious by the victory of Col-
Fremont Journal, and Fremont Courier, onel Croghan in his gallant combat with the
School Report for 1877, photograph of British, a City Hall. The corner-stone has now
Colonel Croghan, list of notables present, been laid. The ceremonies in connection with it
population of the city, list of churches and are now ended and I am requested to announce
pastors, photograph of City Hall, picture of that the further public exercises of the day will
Fort Stephenson, copy of invitation to take place immediately after dinner, at the park in
front of the court-house.
promenade concert and programme, copy of
At the close of Hayes' announcement loud
premium list of Sandusky County
calls were made for Sheridan, but he quietly
Agricultural Society for 1877.
Time of the organization of the Masonic slipped away without making any public
bodies of the city of Fremont, Ohio. response.
Fort Stephenson Lodge, No. 225, Free and The ladies of Fremont distinguished
Accepted Masons. themselves on this occasion by spreading a
Brainard Lodge, No. 336, Free and magnificent dinner. We append the Journal's
comments:
Accepted Masons. The members of the regiment then proceeded to Opera
Fremont Chapter, No. 54, Royal Arch Hall, where they partook of an elegant dinner provided
Masons. for them by the ladies of Fremont.
Fremont Council, No. 64, Royal and Select The hall was grandly and tastefully decorated, and the
long tables were loaded with the very best the season
Masters. afforded, and which the skill, and the pains, and the
Address of Isaac M. Keeler, delivered money of the citizens of Fremont
before Brainard Lodge, February 22, 1876.
466 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

could procure, and the whole was arranged in such President and Mrs. Hayes, Secretary
excellent taste that it looked like a banquet good enough
for a feast of the gods.
McCrary and wife, Chief Justice Waite,
Upon the wall on the left hung a large portrait of General Phil Sheridan, General W. S.
President Hayes in the centre of a waving scroll in- Rosecrans, General J. D. Cox, General S. S.
scribed "Union Forever," and immediately below, in one Carroll, General J. H. Duvall, Generals F. H.
grand group, were the names of all the States of the
Union, each on a separate shield, the whole creating an Devol, Scammon, Barnett, Kennedy,
impression at once pleasing and gratifying to the friends Swayne, Buckland, and Gibson, Senator
of the President. Matthews and Major McKinley.
At the further end of the hall, in addition to the fine
landscape painting in the centre, there was on either
The public square was soon packed full by
side, in beautiful lettering, a list of the battles fought by a dense crowd of spectators, and thou-sands
the Twenty-third and associated regiments. Among them were unable to get within hearing distance. It
were the following: Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, is estimated that about fifteen thousand were
Kearnstown, Cloyd Mountain, Clark's Hollow,
Lynchburg, Opequan, Antietam, South Mountain and present in and around the square during the
Giles' Court House. afternoon exercises, and the crowds down
The proceedings of the afternoon were town did not seem sensibly diminished;
devoted exclusively to the veterans. The As soon as the Twenty-third regiment, the
occasion was the subject of so much several bands, speakers and others were as
newspaper comment at the time, and the comfortably seated as the circumstances
unreserved efforts of our citizens resulted in would permit, and the crowd had partly
such triumphant success, that a partial record quieted, General R. P. Buckland, same
of the day deserves a place in this volume. forward and said:
At 1 o'clock P. M. the Twenty-third LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:—YOU will now please
come to order. The exercises of the afternoon will
regiment, preceded by the Light Guard band, commence by the introduction of Chaplain Collier to
of Toledo, were conducted to the city park whom you will listen for a few moments.
by the committee of arrangements, the Chaplain Collier then stepped forward and
mayor and city council, followed by other said:
bands and a vast concourse of people. It seems to me that these exercises could be com-
President Hayes marched with them. In the menced appropriately by taking off our hats, rising, and
joining in singing:
line behind him was led his old war-horse, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
twenty-seven years of age, and enjoying the Praise Him all creatures here below,
so well-earned ease and rest on the farm of Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,"
his former rider.
The speaker's stand was tastefully dec- Let every one that can sing, sing this song of praise to
the giver of all good.
orated, and not far from it stood a beautiful
evergreen monument surmounted by a cross, The vast multitude then stood and sang
in honor of the gallant dead. those solemn words with more than usual
The platform was soon reached and filled. interest, after which they were led in prayer
General Sheridan escorted Mrs. Hayes, and by Chaplain Collier.
that lady was assigned a prominent position. After prayer General Buckland introduced
It is seldom that so many men whose Hon. Homer Everett, who delivered the
names are familiar to the people are gathered welcoming address on behalf of the home
upon one platform as were to be seen on the committee of arrangements.
speakers' stand: The orator of the day was Hon. William
McKinley, whose polished address, was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 467

City Hall building. There is another occasion for


highly eulogized by the daily press of the congratulatory pride, in that the architect who conceived
State. and designed it is one of our own citizens, with a
We now come back to the City Hall reputation, however, fast becoming State and general.
To him our thanks are due for the tasteful conception
building. The first story was completed at an and successful completion of his design. [ ought,
expense of two thousand eight hundred however, in justice to him, to say that his ideal was
dollars, and paid for from receipts from necessarily qualified by the expenditure it was thought
wisdom to ask at the hands of the people. For the first
rents, and without special taxation. Under time in the history of our city we have a city hall, with
authority of a special legislative enactment, good acoustic properties, commodious and attractive,
the council resolved to submit to a vote of and whose free use is guaranteed to our citizens on all
the people the proposition of issuing bonds appropriate occasions, for meetings, lectures, festivals,
and entertainments under the auspices of home
to the amount of twelve thousand dollars, organizations. For years our city officials and our fire
bearing seven per cent. interest, for the department have been without suitable accommodations.
purpose of completing the building. The vote Hereafter they will be occupants of the most beautiful
structure in our city.
was taken on the 18th of March, 1878, and The uses to which this building this evening is
almost unanimously carried, and the bonds dedicated are among the most vital to the interests of
issued accordingly. our city, both moral and material. The City Hall building
The following were the municipal officers is to the city what the Capitol building is to the State
and the Nation. We have in our country three forms of
under whose management the building was government, National, State, and municipal, all of them
brought to completion: Council -William E. possessed to some extent of legislative, executive, and
Haynes, James Kridler, S. P. Meng, James judicial powers. The vast growth of American cities
occasioned by the influx of population both from the
Park, jr., D. Reinick, William B. Sheldon, J. country and foreign lands, is rapidly throwing upon our
P. Thompson, and C. N. West; J. S. Van city governments a responsibility even greater and more
Ness, mayor; William Kridler, jr., clerk; M. delicate than that devolving upon the State government
D. Baldwin, solicitor; J. W. Moore,- itself.
marshal; J. S. Rawson, engineer; E. The first floor of the building is used by
Underhill, chief of fire department; and J. C. the fire department and for a city prison. On
Johnson, architect. the second floor are offices for the city
The building was completed in February, clerk, mayor, city engineer, city solicitor,
1879, and dedicated on the 21st of that and a council chamber. The third story is a
month to the use of the public. The occasion commodious, well seated hall, for public
was one of general enjoyment. The fire meetings, entertainments, etc. The front is of
company had charge of the ceremonies, and Amherst stone, tastefully ornamented. This
Chief Underhill presided at the dedicatory building excels in architectural beauty any
meeting. Professor W. W. Ross delivered an other structure in the city.
address, and Hon. Homer Everett recited the BIRCHARD LIBRARY.*
growth of the fire department.
Birchard Library derives its name from the
Professor Ross, in his address, said: late Sardis Birchard, of Fremont, who was
The total cost of the building, including steam heating
apparatus and furniture, is fourteen thousand one its founder. Early in the year 1873 Mr.
hundred and seventy-eight dollars, and inclusive of the Birchard indicated to several citizens that he
city stables adjoining, about sixteen thousand dollars, was about to set apart, in property and
the bonded indebtedness incurred being twelve thousand
dollars. No one, I think, who surveys this structure can money, the sum of fifty thousand dollars for
question that every dollar of this money has been the purpose of establishing a free library for
judiciously and economically expended, that for the cost the benefit of the city of
we have an admirable
* By E. Bushnell, D. D.
468 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Fremont and the county of Sandusky. He Mr. Birchard having deceased in January,
designated the following gentlemen to act as 1874, his executors at sundry times
a board of trustees, viz: The Hon. R. B. transferred money and property to the
Hayes, L. L. D., General R. P. Buckland, L. possession of the treasurer of the board to
Q. Rawson, M.D., Rev. E. Bushnell, D.D., the amount of the bequest. The library was
James W. Wilson, M. D., Col. William E. opened June 2, 1874, with one thousand six
Haynes, Thomas Stilwell, M.D., Hon. E. F. hundred and eighty-three volumes. By June
Dickinson, ex-officio, being mayor of the 2, 1875, there were four thousand two
city of Fremont, and William W. Ross, A. hundred and five volumes.
M., ex-officio, being superintendent of the In order to secure a permanent site for a
public schools of Fremont. library building, and also to aid the city of
These gentlemen held their first meeting at Fremont in securing the historic site of Fort
the office of the mayor on the evening of Stephenson as a park, the library board paid
July, 1873. At this meeting measures were nine thousand dollars towards the purchase
taken to secure a fitting room in which to of the square now occupied by the Library
open a library, to procure a suitable Building and the City Hall, and known as
librarian, and to effect a corporate Fort Stephenson Park. The board became
organization. part owners of the same, and have erected
February 13, 1874, the board of trustees their building on a portion mutually agreed
met, and adopted articles of association, upon.
forming themselves into a literary and In January, 1878, a communication was
benevolent association under the name and received from the president of the board (at
style of "The Birchard Library." All the that time President of the United, States),
trustees affixed their names and seals to the suggesting the propriety of erecting a library
articles, and ex-Governor R. B. Hayes was building during the ensuing summer. After
elected president; Dr. J. W. Wilson, full consideration of the matter at several
treasurer, and W. W. Ross, secretary. meetings, on the 14th of April, 1878, a
By the articles of association, and ac- building committee was appointed,
cording to the wish of Mr. Birchard, the consisting of E. Bushnell, R. P. Buckland
mayor of Fremont and the superintendent of and William E. Haynes. Under their
public schools of the same are ex-officio direction the building was erected during the
trustees of the library. Any vacancy which summer and autumn, at a cost of six
may occur among the other trustees, is to be thousand three hundred and sixty-nine
filled by appointment of the Court of dollars and thirty-one cents. Early in the
Common Pleas of Sandusky county. Or, if year 1879 the library was re-moved from
the court shall fail to appoint, a majority of Birchard Hall to the new building.
the trustees present at a regular meeting may The building is provided with a spacious
do so. gallery, which is used as a museum, and now
Birchard Hall was selected as a fitting contains many articles of interest secured
place to locate the library for the present. through the kindness of ex-President Hayes,
Jessie E. McCulloch was chosen librarian, Hon. Mahlon Chance, Rev. A. Phelps, of
and Governor Hayes, Rev. Dr. Bushnell and Painesville, Mrs. Judge Ferris, of
W. W. Ross were appointed a committee to Washington, District of Columbia, and
select and purchase books. others. Room is devoted to
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 469

such articles as may belong to the Pioneer ted and most interesting of Fremont's four
Association of Sandusky county. parks, occupies the ground included in the
To the present writing (October, 1881) no old stockade. The history of its purchase has
changes have taken place in the board of been given in a previous chapter. The site is
directors, except such as have resulted from naturally elevated, and the improvement of
changes in the mayoralty of the city. The surrounding streets has made it necessary to
position has been occupied by J. S. Van construct an abutting wall on all four sides.
Ness, Charles H. Bell and E. Loudensleger. This improvement was completed in 1881 at
The librarians have been Jessie E. a large outlay of money. The library building
McCulloch, Miss F. G. McCulloch, and Mrs. stands near the western side, the city hall at
Hattie Ross, the present incumbent (October, the northeast corner, and heavy stone
1881). stairways at each of the other corners
The number of books in the library in June, leading to circling walks. In the centre
1880, including public documents, was six stands mounted "Old Bess," an enduring
thousand and seventy-five. The number monument of an heroic day. This old cannon
drawn during the year preceding June 1, has often spoken
1880, was sixteen thousand four hundred and What bloody carnage then befell
eighty-five. The foes of great Ohio.
The whole square of Fort Stephenson Park She was returned to Fremont in 1852,
is in process of improvement under the through the efforts of B. J. Bartlett. At the
direction of the city's board of park 2d of August celebration of that year a local
commissioners. The library building is poet apostrophised as follows:
heated by steam conveyed through under- Perhaps like Hamlet's ghost you've come
ground pipes from the boiler of the city Hall This day, to celebrate the fame
building. Of Croghan's honored, worthy name—
The financial condition of the library is The hero of Ohio.
such that current expenses can hereafter be Court-House Park occupies the square
met, and additions of from three to five opposite the court-house. This space was set
hundred volumes can be annually made. apart for a park mainly by Platt Brush, and is
so recorded in the Brush addition to the town
CITY PARKS. of Lower Sandusky, made in 1840. Two
small or fractional lots have since been
Towns, like individuals, during the period
added to the original reservation, making the
of early growth, should prepare for the
park co-extensive with the square. The tract
contingencies of full maturity. Villages,
is enclosed by a substantial fence, and is
surrounded by or rather scattered over
well shaded by thrifty maples. A band stand
spacious commons, do not need places of
and speakers' stand for public meetings have
outdoor resort and amusement. But far
been placed near the centre.
different is it with a city whose inhabitants
Two other parks are the gifts of Sardis
are compelled to spend the day in close
Birchard. One is a small three-cornered tract
rooms or dusty shops. It is highly important
at the corner of Buckland and Birchard
that for such attractive resorts should be
avenues, and named Diamond Park. The
provided where an occasional hour can be
other is an important addition to the public
spent in health-giving exercise and the
property of the city. The tract is large
indulgence of aesthetic appetite. enough for any public gathering, and is
Fort Stephenson, the most finely situa-
highly favored
470 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

in respect to topography. It is well shaded by and beauty as well shaded streets. A fertile
native forest trees, and already possesses soil has contributed to the rapid growth of
many of the elements of an attractive, quiet trees in all parts of the city. Almost every
resort. Its location is in the extreme western street and avenue is fringed with an
part of the city, far removed from the unbroken line of maples on both sides. Much
annoying bustle of business, but within easy credit is due in this connection to General R.
walking distance from any of the upper P. Buckland, who set a worthy example and
avenues. followed it with influential' precept.
These parks are annually growing in value Croghan street is travelled more by heavy
as the city grows up around them. All except vehicles than any other highway in the city.
one have been donations of liberal spirited It was found necessary, a few years ago, to
citizens for the public good. The other was substitute for ordinary lime-stone
fortunately purchased at a low sum, macadamizing more substantial paving
considering its commanding location and material. In 1874 the council resolved to
proximity to the business centre of the city. pave this street with Medina (New York)
stone, and provide for effectual sewerage.
STREETS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
The paving was completed at a cost of
The city in general is laid out in squares, twenty-four thousand dollars.
with streets of convenient width. It was, of
FIRE DEPARTMENT.*
course, impossible to adhere to rigid
regularity in this particular, on account of The first effort in this direction was an
the turnpike angling through the center in ordinance passed by the town council May
one direction, and the river in another. Few 12, 1843, when R. P. Buckland was mayor,
of the streets are numbered. Nearly all bear and David E. Field recorder. It was en-titled
historic names. The names of the two chief "An ordinance relating to fire buckets." By
commanders on Fort Stephenson day are this ordinance owners and occupants were
perpetuated in the names of the streets required to procure for each house a leather
passing the two points of attack, Croghan on bucket, holding not less than two and a half
the north and Garrison on the south. The gallons; and to keep it at or near the front
most beautiful avenue leading westward door of the house, for the use of the
bears the name of a man who spent fifty inhabitants in case of fire, and to be used for
years of his life here, and who proved his no other purpose. The initials of the owner's
town love by bequeathing to the city's name were required to be painted on the
interests, and for the use of her citizens, outside of the bucket, in plain letters. This
more than seventy thousand dollars' worth of ordinance was promptly obeyed, and for a
property. One of the branches of Birchard time these black leather buckets formed a
avenue is Buckland avenue, named in honor conspicuous appendage to every house.
of a man yet living, the story of whose life is March 13, 1844, under the administration
told elsewhere. of the same mayor and recorder, an
On the opposite side of the city are Justice ordinance was passed "To organize the fire
street and Rawson avenue. Many other department;" that is, a hook and ladder
streets and avenues are named in honor of company.
historical characters or honored citizens. On the 26th of the same month, the same
Nothing gives a town so much freshness mayor, recorder, and trustees ap-
* Written by Hon. Homer Everett.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 471

pointed Stephen C. Smith chief engineer, dollars. This engine was almost destroyed
Robert Caldwell first assistant, Michael when the engine house burned, but was
Huffman second assistant. repaired or made over and is now in service.
Under this ordinance a hook and ladder January 6, 1874, the city council bought
company was organized, which did service what is now known as steam fire engine
until 1853, a period of about ten years. number one, manufactured by Clapp &
An engine to be worked by hand was Jones, for four thousand dollars.
contracted for in January, 1851, and on the The council, at this time, consisted of
3d of March, 1853, an ordinance was passed Jacob Bauman, Fred Fabing, George
to organize engine company number one, Greiner, James Kridler, Joseph Stuber, and
and hook and ladder company number one. F. J. Geibel; E. F. Dickinson, mayor. ' The
The old organization gave place to the hand engine has for several years been on
new. the east side of the river. Until 1870 each
During the time of this purchase and the engine was managed by a separate company,
organization of these companies, Brice J. and all were volunteers.
Bartlett was mayor, and T. P. Finefrock was In the year 1870 the department was
recorder of the village, and Mayor Bartlett reorganized and all the engines and com-
was zealous and efficient in bringing about panies were placed in the charge of a chief
the organization. engineer, E. H. Underhill, who has since
After the great fire of 1835 in New York, remained in charge, except a short time
premiums were offered by insurance com- when Peter Stine was chief, and an-other
panies for plans of steam fire engines. In when Captain M. E. Tyler was chief
1841 one was built from plans by Mr. engineer.
Hodges, but it was too heavy and was finally In 1872 the east side company was
abandoned. The honor of a successful merged. It consisted of about thirty men who
invention was reserved (as many other great had been paid one dollar and a-half each, for
affairs are) for an Ohio man. every fire they attended.
Early in 1853, and probably about the time The present organization consists of
we purchased our hand engine, A. B. Latta, twenty men, including officers-one chief,
of Cincinnati, introduced his steam fire and one first, and one second assistant chief.
engine into successful operation in the The men are paid five dollars per month, and
Queen City. the chief one hundred dollars a year.
July 5, 1865, the city council, namely, A. The total cost to the city .for maintaining
J. Harris, George Williams, Oscar Ball, the fire department now, after deducting
Charles Thompson, and Frederick Fabing; D. earnings of the horses at outside service, is
W. Krebs, recorder; H: Everett, mayor, about one thousand five hundred dollars a
passed an ordinance authorizing F. I. Norton year.
to buy a steam fire engine, subject to the The steam engines are kept together, well
approval of the council. stored and cared for in the basement of the
This movement resulted in the purchase of City Hall building.
the steamer which was named McPherson, Insurance agents and firemen from abroad
and a quantity of hose which was de-livered, say this is the cheapest and most efficient
tested, and accepted about the 1st of October organization in the State. These excellencies
following. The cost of engine and hose are largely to be accredited to
amounted to about six thousand
472 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the tact, steadiness, and energy of the to a pressure of from five to ten pounds to
present worthy chief, E. H. Underhill. the square inch. There is no hose-tower in
This brief outline enables us at once to see which to dry the hose of this department, and
the progress made in means to resist the for a long time, especially in winter and
destroying element, and prevent the rainy weather, much difficulty was
destruction of life and property. We have encountered in keeping the hose in order and
progressed from the leather bucket to-the preserving the sections ready at all times for
steam fire engine in thirty-five years. use.
Though we may be so fortunate as to have Dr. Charles F. Reiff, the present efficient
no fires, still it will be wise to maintain the chief of the department, has obviated the
organization, for no one can tell how soon it difficulty in drying and preserving the hose
may be needed. Again, the expense is fully by an ingenious invention of his own. The
compensated in easier and cheaper insurance apparatus consists of a small boiler, which
on our property, resulting from our ability to generates steam, heats an air chamber, and
cope with fire if it does occur. forces the hot air through the hose when it is
The duties of a fireman are akin to those of screwed on to an attachment tube the size of
the soldier. He encounters privation, hard the hose. With this contrivance, the hose are
labor, and danger, for the benefit of others kept in good order, and are well preserved,
for little pay. His service is in a degree ready for use at all times. The same chief has
patriotic, and he seeks his reward in the invented an ingenious method of kindling
sense of doing good and hoping to be fire under the boiler the moment it moves,
honored by those he serves. without the aid of a hand to look after it.
The foregoing is a brief history of the fire This is done by two small vials of chemicals
department as it stood in 1879. On the 25th inserted in an auger-hole in a block of wood
day of October, 1881, we find many and placed under the kindling and coal. The
improvements and additions which greatly vials are surrounded by a cord, which is
facilitate the working of the department, and attached to a chain fastened to the floor by a
improve its promptness on call. There are staple or rivet in the rear of the steamer. The
now two steam fire engines in the town, one moment the steamer is moved forward the
manufactured by Clapp & Jones, and the cord breaks the vials, and a powerful
other made by Button & Son. Two thousand combustion is caused by the mingling of the
feet of hose are constantly kept dry and in chemicals within them, and the fire is
good order. Four hose carts are always strongly burning in an instant. These
ready, as is also a fine hook and ladder inventions, with many conveniences
truck, well furnished with excellent introduced by Chief Reiff, have greatly
extension ladders. There are four sets of improved the fire department of Fremont.
swinging harness, so arranged and hung on The department now keeps and uses four
each side of the tongue of the carriages and black horses, which are well kept in a room
engines to be moved, that when the horse adjoining that in which the engines are
takes his place the harness drops upon him, stored, and always ready.
and he is buckled in and hitched in a At the present time the force of men
moment. engaged in the fire department of the city,
The steam fire engines are constantly, day and their pay, is as follows: Charles F. Rieff,
and night, kept heated with steam up chief of department, salary one hun-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 473

dred. dollars per year; A. M. June, engineer, prompt and efficient under the present or-
salary one hundred dollars per year; John ganization.
Fend (who is also assistant chief), William The alarm bell over the city hall is so
Lang (stoker), George Fend, Robert F. arranged that it can be rung by cords on both
Hidber, Frank Myers, George Grable, the inside and outside of the engine-room.
Stephen Cook, Ed Schwartz, Charles Miller, The engine-room has also connection by
John Donaho, William Burgess, Charles telephone with every part of the city. These,
Bump, and Philip Dutt, the whole force with a published and posted signal for
consisting of seventeen men. These minute- alarms, enables the people and the
men are paid one dollar and fifty cents for department to act with great promptness and
each fire they attend, and thus far have efficiency whenever the devouring element
proved makes its appearance.

CHAPTER XXIX.

FREMONT—PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Village Schools and Teachers—Graded Schools and School Officers.

TEACHERS.*
T HE first school-house in Fremont was
erected about the year 1816, on the site
of the present High School building, a few
In recording the names of such of the early
teachers of our common schools as we have
rods west of Fort Stephenson (then been able to find, we may mention Mr.
standing) and within three years after the Jocelyn, Dr. Gooding, Miss Beebe, Mr.
heroic defence of that fort by Colonel Bradley, Dr. Brainard, and Ezra and Justus
Croghan. Williams; but we cannot name them in
It was constructed of rough, unhewn logs, regular order from 1819 to 1828, except E.
cut from the surrounding trees and hastily B. Johnson and Mr. Simms, who taught in
put together by the joint efforts of the early 1824 and 1825.
settlers. Oiled paper took the place of glass During the winter of 1818-19 a select
in the windows, and the seats were of the school was taught by Mrs. Lysander C. Ball,
most primitive construction. It was replaced in one of the rooms of old Fort Stephenson,
in 1817 by a more substantial structure, and she says that one of her pupils was an
erected on the same site, fronting east, and Indian boy, whose capacity for learning was
built of hewn logs, with some such quite equal to that of her brightest scholars,
improvements as glass windows, a row of and he was so considered by the rest, and
desks around the walls, and a blazing fire- respected accordingly. Mrs. Ball was born
place at the eastern extremity. February 15, 1800, and is still living (1881)
*Contributed to the Centennial Educational Volume
in her
published by the State authorities. * What is said under this head is the contribution of
Dr. Thomas McCune.
474 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

old home near Fremont; a well-preserved old touching the life and death of Rev. John W.
lady, cheerful, kind-hearted, and highly Case as follows:
respected by the whole community. WHEREAS, Death has visited our conference during
Samuel Crowell, from Virginia, was the past year and removed from our midst one of our
engaged in the common schools in 1828 and pioneers, as well as a revered father of the church; and
1829; he was a fine teacher and a very WHEREAS, We believe that the name and services of
worthy man. He was afterwards twice such a minister of Christ should not be forgotten,
elected sheriff of Sandusky county. therefore,
Edson Goit came next, who taught in 1830 Resolved, That we, as a conference, join in recording
and 1831; he then studied law, was admitted the following facts in regard to the deceased: Rev. John
W. Case was born in October, 18o8, in Orange county,
to the Bar in 1833, and died at Bowling New York. He was converted and united with the Baptist
Green in 1879. He was a man of superior church in his sixteenth year. He was married in August,
ability and leaves an honorable record. 1829, to Miss Rachel M. Bylia of New York city. He
taught school in Georgia, New York city, Rochester,
Wilson M. Stark was engaged in teaching Adams' Basin, and Lower Sandusky. When he moved to
from 1836 to 1839 inclusive; he was then Ohio, he united with the Methodist Protestant church. In
appointed postmaster, and afterwards elected 1839 he was licensed to preach; and in 1841 he was
county treasurer for four years, and then admitted into the itineracy. He preached and labored on
the following circuits and stations: Bellevue, Bucyrus,
county superintendent of schools; he was Coshocton, Pleasant Hill, Steubenville, Vienna, Mount
highly respected as a fine scholar and Pleasant, Belmont, Zanesville, Pennsville, Wellsville,
teacher, a thorough business man, a Cambridge, Pisgah, Otsego, Huntingdon, Richwood, and
Lewistown. On all these fields of labor Brother Case
gentleman of strict integrity, and thoroughly was highly esteemed, and he still lives in the memories
qualified for every position he was called to and hearts of these people. His dear companion was a
fill; he died, in 1864, honored and loved by true wife, a loving mother, and a sympathizing co-
all. laborer; she died August 24, 1874, in great peace. He
was again married to Mrs. Mary Conning, of York,
Horace E. Clark, after teaching a number Medina county, Ohio, June, 1876, with whom he lived in
of years, was elected county surveyor seven harmony until March, 1899, the day of his death. He was
years, and county auditor four years; he died buried at Hartwood, Tuscarawas county, by the side of
his first wife. Thus rests a veteran of the cross.
at Lower Sandusky, and is remembered as a
very worthy citizen. To which we append the following poetic
One of the most prominent and efficient address delivered by Dr. Thomas McCune,
pioneer teachers of Sandusky county was of Fremont, Ohio, at the r& union of the
John W. Case, who came to Lower Sandusky John W. Case association held at the court-
about the year 1834, and served the people house during the annual pioneer meeting,
as teacher for about ten years with eminent September 6, 1881.
success, and he has always stood so high in REMINISCENCES OF LOWER SANDUSKY.
the estimation of this community, as a
scholar, teacher, and Christian gentleman, Dear schoolmates, do I dream once more,
Or am I as in the days of yore,
that we feel assured our readers will justify Again in Lower Sandusky?
us in presenting to them an epitome of his It's now past forty years, you know,
history, which we clip from a report of the Since 'round these streets we used to go
proceedings of the Muskingum Methodist With youthful feelings all aglow,
In that old Lower Sandusky.
Protestant conference in 1877. Those times were grand, those girls and boys
The committee on obituaries reported Were happy in their youthful joys,
In good old Lower Sandusky.
Our minds were free from anxious care,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 475

Our sports and pastimes all might share, Miss Sylvia Roberts, Shannon Jim,
And roguish mischief was not rare, The boys and girls respected him;
In that old Lower Sandusky. And Mary Hafford, neat and trim,
All there in Lower Sandusky.
That old brick school-house where we met
Is sacred in our memories yet, Miss Hannah Bates and Delia Ann,
In good old Lower Sandusky. Nett Shepardson and Hafford Sam,
The log, and stone-house on the hill, Were there in Lower Sandusky;
Come back in memory sacred still Orland Smith and Thomas Nyce,
To all our hearts with vivid thrill, With Eveline and William Rice,
From that old Lower Sandusky, With other girls and boys as nice,
Were here in Lower Sandusky.
There we were wont from day to day
To con our lessons, laugh and play, Almira Hafford, Frances Case
In that old Lower Sandusky; Were often foremost in the race
And when at last our school was out To spell in Lower Sandusky;
We bounded homeward with a shout, But Charles B. Tyler, Herbster Bill,
And people knew we were about Would manage with consummate skill
That good old Lower Sandusky. To come out best and beat them still,
In jolly old Sandusky.
John W. Case, upon the hill,
Our youthful memories tried to fill Lodusky Everett, now on high,
In that old Lower Sandusky, Maria Bell, above the sky,
With Webster, Daboll, Kirkham's rules, Look back to Lower Sandusky.
To wisely shun the fate of fools, Miss Nancy Tracy, Ami, too,
And learn the truths then taught in schools, Who sealed their friendship firm and true,
In good old Lower Sandusky. With love of deep indellible hue,
Down there in Lower Sandusky.
A generation's passed away,
Since we were happy in our play Nor is this list complete at all
In that old Lower Sandusky; Without Thad and Alvira Ball,
But we are spared to meet once more, In good old Lower Sandusky;
And greet each other as before, Dick Beaugrand and Orland C.,
E're we go hence forever more, Belle Nyce and Sweet Alvira P.,
From dear old Lower Sandusky. With Betsey Maynard, full of glee,
In that old Lower Sandusky.
Then let us now recall once more,
The names and friends we knew of yore Lucinda Cowden, Hawkins Jane,
In that old Lower Sandusky, Beery and Moore, of Hessville fame,
Miranda, Orrin, Joe and Sam, Not far from Lower Sandusky;
Miss Emily Hunt and Sally Ann, Clarissa Meeker, John McNath,
And Casper Smith, the furniture man, Ann Olmsted, often full of laugh,
All lived in Lower Sandusky. Is now on Governor Foster's staff,
Short distance from Sandusky.
Miss Nancy Justice, Minerva, too,
With Chauncey Roberts, a jolly crew, Our much-respected Homer E.
Lived then in Lower Sandusky. Still honors this society,
Miss Sarah Bell and Williams Joe, That comes from Lower Sandusky.
With Mary Case and Catharine-O., Jim Hadley, seldom out of tune,
And Kridler Jim, now white as snow, Miss Harrington, and Tom McCune
Belonged to Lower Sandusky. Who got the mitten one night in June
In naughty old Sandusky.
George Momenne and Tristam Hull,
With Capper Tom, of mischief full, Almira Brainard, Charley Bell,
In that old Lower Sandusky. And more my memory could tell,
George Loveland, always on the wing, Who lived in Lower Sandusky,
Ed. Hawkins, of the genuine ring, But time forbids; I must be brief,
And Leppelman the jewelry king, For fear I bring you all to grief,
All boys of Lower Sandusky. And sleep should come to your relief,
To dream of Lower Sandusky.
Pierre Beaugrand and Betsey Brainard;
Nancy, too, and Washington Maynard, How many things. we think of yet,
Were here in Lower Sandusky; Those spelling schools we can't forget.
476 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

In good old Lower Sandusky; also the church and court-house. In it the
For, after we'd spelled down, you know,
The girls were glad to take a beau,
teacher taught, the missionary preached, and
And walk with only two in a row, the judge expounded the law and
Down there in Lower Sandusky. administered justice.
And this suggests more winter sports, The studies pursued in the earlier schools
According to our old reports, were reading, writing, arithmetic, a little
In good old Lower Sandusky.
The sleigh ride with its jolly whoa! grammar, and very little or no geography,
The laugh and light fantastic toe, Among the text books were Pike's Arith-
Till near the morning home we'd go, metic, Murray's Grammar, the introduction
To jolly old Sandusky.
to the English Reader, the English Reader,
And by the way, we'd sing our song, and the sequel to the same, together with
And never thought the road too long
To jolly old Sandusky. Webster's Spelling Book.
And as we went they'd hear us sing, The schools were supported entirely by
Until we made the welkin ring, subscription.
For we were happy as a king,
Sleighing to Lower Sandusky.
The old log school-house stood until the
fall of 1834, when it was burned down, as it
But joys of youth with us are pass'd,
For youthful pleasures could not last was considered unsafe for school purposes, a
In that old Lower Sandusky; cholera patient having died in it the previous
But we will not begrudge them to August. In its stead a rough stone building
Our children, and their children who
Have lived and loved as we used to,
was erected, containing at first one room,
In good old Lower Sandusky. and eventually two. This remained until after
But Lower Sandusky's pass'd away, the organization of the schools on the graded
And with it, too, our joyous days, or union school plan, and the erection of the
That good old Lower Sandusky. new brick building in 1852-53. The same
And nearly all our school-mates, too,
Have bid that good old town adieu, year a brick school-house was erected on the
And gone to realms of brighter hue east side of the river, on Howland street,
We trust, than Lower Sandusky. which continued to be used for school
Our teacher, too, has gone to rest, purposes for nearly thirty years, when it was
Among the mansions of the blest, sold to the city council for an engine house.
Far from old Lower Sandusky.
At last may we, who linger here, The stone school-house on the west side of
In that bright realm of Heaven appear; the river and the brick on the east side
But while we live, we'll still revere supplied the school wants for many years,
Our old home, Lower Sandusky.
although before 1850 additional buildings
Those who were pupils of the old log were rented on both sides of the river.
school-house remember very distinctly the During these years many select schools
deep ravine that used to run just south of the were taught in rented buildings.
present High School building, in whose Dr. Dio Lewis, who has since obtained a
waters, swollen by recent rains, they used to National notoriety, taught school in 1843-44,
play; also the graves of the British officers in the old Exchange building, north of the
near by, and a mound which marked the Kessler hotel. The school was incorporated
common burial place of the British soldiers as the Diocletian Institute. Mr. Lewis not
that fell in the battle of Fort Stephenson, meeting with sufficient encouragement,
over and among which they were abandoned the project after about two years'
accustomed to ramble in their school-day trial.
sports. This school-house was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 477

Horace E. Clark taught for several years in Olmsted, Rev. H. Lang, Homer Everett, J. B.
the public schools. G. Downs, D. Capper, and J. H. Hafford.
GRADED SCHOOLS. Mr. Olmsted had been an active and even
violent opponent of the new departure in the
In January, 1850, a public meeting of the
school organization, and had done what he
citizens of Fremont was held at the court-
could to defeat the measure. The friends of
house, for the purpose of taking preliminary
new organization, as a stroke of policy,
steps toward the organization of the schools
determined to elect him a member of the
on the graded or union-school plan, under
board, of which he was chosen president. He
the State law of 1849. Akron had led the way
gracefully accepted the situation, and
in the establishment of graded schools, under
became a warm supporter of the schools.
a special law passed at the instance of that
The first board of education proceeded to
town. Fremont was not slow to improve the
take measures for the erection of a new
opportunity afforded by the general law of
building for the better accommodation of the
1849, whose passage by the Legislature had
schools. There were, at this time, five
been induced by the favorable reception of
schools-two in the stone school-house, one
the Akron experiment. Among the active
in the brick on the east side, one in the frame
supporters of such reorganization of the
building, still standing just east of the
schools were Dr. L. Q. Rawson, Rev. H.
bridge, known in the records as the Bridge
Lang, General Buckland, Hon. Homer
school-house, and another in the basement of
Everett, Judge James Justice, Sardis
the old Methodist Episcopal church, the
Birchard, and Horace E. Clark. The question
latter two being rented for school purposes.
was submitted to a vote of the people
The new school building, containing four
February 2, 1850. The measure met with
rooms, and costing between six and eight
active opposition, and the election was,
thousand dollars, was not completed so as to
perhaps, the most exciting local election in
be ready, for the schools until the fall of
the history of the city, electioneering
1853. Three different appropriations were
carriages being brought out to gather in
made for the erection of this building, the
voters as on great political occasions. The
first being carried with scarcely any
measure of reorganization on the graded
opposition, and the last by a small majority
school plan was carried by a majority of
only.
forty-four in a total poll of two hundred and
It does not appear that any attempt was
eighteen votes.
made to grade or classify the schools for two
The school record from this date, 1850, for
or three years subsequent to the organization
a period of twelve years, is unfortunately
under the law of 1849, probably from the
lost, and we are therefore obliged to depend
want of suitable accommodations.
for information relative to the early
The following amounts were paid for
organization of the schools very largely
tuition for the fall term of three months in
upon the memory of men, together with such
1851: Rev. F. S. White, one hundred and
documents as poll books and the occasional
twenty dollars; Horace E. Clark, ninety
reports of treasurers and teachers found
dollars; Miss R. P. Mitchener, Sarah G.
among the papers preserved.
Downs and Elizabeth Ryder,
On the 14th of February, 1850, the fol-
lowing gentlemen were elected members of
the first board of education: Jesse
478 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

forty-five dollars each. F. S. White, before three hundred and twelve, or fifty-three per
his removal to Fremont, had been a teacher cent. of the entire enrollment. The salaries
in Cleveland, and an active and warm paid were forty dollars per month for the
supporter of Superintendent Frieze in the high school, thirty-five dollars in the
organization of the schools of that place, grammar schools, and twenty dollars per
contributing articles to the Cleveland Plain month for the lady teachers in the primary
Dealer in furtherance of their interests and and secondary grades.
the interests of the public schools in general. There were at this time six schools, re-
His salary of forty dollars per month was spectively styled the high school, the west
considered by many as extravagant in its side and east side grammar schools, the west
character. It was the largest amount that had side secondary, and the west side and the
ever been paid. He only taught one term. east side primary schools, four of which
In a report of one of the male teachers, in occupied the new school building.
1853, we find the statement that three- The studies pursued in addition to the
fourths of the pupils lose, at least, one-sixth common branches were, according to the
of their time, or one hour every day, in reports, philosophy, physiology and
consequence of tardiness. Teachers of today, chemistry. In the fall of 1855 George A.
who rightly enough feel that they have cause Starkweather was employed as
to complain of the tardiness of their pupils, superintendent, and his wife as grammar
can gather consolation from this statement of school teacher, at a joint salary of one
twenty-three years ago. thousand dollars.
The schools were first graded when the J. B. Loveland taught in the east side
new school building was occupied, in the grammar school. Mr. Loveland continued an
fall of 1853. Horace E. Clark, a former efficient teacher in the grammar and high
teacher in the schools, and at that time a schools from this time until the year 1864.
member of the board of education, and Mr. Starkweather remained in charge of the
county auditor, exercised a general super- school for two years. History, algebra and
vision over the schools during this school Latin are reported among the additional
year. B. W. Lewis taught in the high school, studies pursued.
S. Treat in the west, and J. W. Hiett in the C. C. Woolard, the present principal of one
east side grammar schools. There is no of the Cincinnati schools, succeeded Mr.
report for this year. Starkweather as superintendent in the fall of
The following year, 1854-55, J. W. Hiett 1857, holding the position two years, at a
acted as principal of the high school, and salary of eight hundred dollars per year.
Superintendent B. W. Lewis and S. Treat From their correspondence the board seemed
having charge of the grammar schools, and anxious to obtain all the information
Julia Kridler, Helen Morgan and Mary possible from other towns of the State
Tichneor being teachers in the primary and relative to the management of graded
secondary schools. schools. At this time there were eight
The report of this year, the first general schools, four in the central building, one on
report ever made, shows a total enumeration Wood street, two on Howland street, and one
of eight hundred and sixty-four, a total on Croghanville hill, three new one-story
enrollment of five hundred and ninety-two, buildings having been erected about this
and an average daily attendance of time. In 1858 it became necessary to rent the
Presbyterian session room for the use of the
high school.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 479

The superintendent complains to the board remained connected with the schools, an
of the irregular attendance of teachers upon efficient and acceptable grammar school
the teachers' meetings. This is the first teacher, until the year 1870, when he be-
reference we find, in the history of the came superintendent of the schools of Clyde,
schools, to teachers' meetings for Ohio. In the fall of 1862 G. C. Woolard
professional instruction. They were held on returned to the schools as principal of the
Saturday, and attendance upon them had high school, at a salary of five hundred
been rendered obligatory by action of the dollars a year; J. B. Loveland continuing in
board. the grammar school at a salary of four
That this period was not one of perfectly hundred and fifty dollars, F. M. Ginn, at
harmonious action and good feeling is three hundred and fifty dollars, and the lady
evident from the tone of the letter of Don. A. teachers generally receiving two hundred
Pease, in which he speaks of the excited dollars a year. The Presbyterian session
state of the public mind in school matters, room was occupied by the high school, and
and rather reluctantly, in consequence the basement of the Methodist Episcopal
thereof, accepts the position of church was rented for a primary school. This
superintendent for the year 1859-60, at a was the last year of Mr. Bushnell's superin-
salary of seven hundred dollars. tendency. He was endeavoring, we learn, to
Mr. Pease discharged the duties of su- bring the schools to a course of study which
perintendent for one year only. No general he had marked out for his own guidance,
annual report seems to have been made something that had not heretofore been done.
during all these years, since Superintendent His superintendency closed, however, before
Hiett's report, nor for the three following the work had been thoroughly accomplished.
years, or if made they took no permanent The following year, 1863-64, Mr. Woolard
shape and have been lost. was first elected principal of the high school,
In 1860 the Rev. Dr. Bushnell, resident and then clothed with the powers of
pastor of the Presbyterian. church, was superintendent, and an assist-ant teacher for
elected to the position of superintendent of the first time employed in the high school.
schools at a salary of three hundred dollars Hitherto the superintendent, with the
per year. Mr. Bushnell was a fine classical exception of the Rev. Mr. Bushnell, had
and mathematical scholar. His work was been sole principal of the high school, and
exclusively of a supervisory character. He supervision under such circumstances must
did not teach, and in connection with his necessarily have been of a nominal
school work continued to discharge his character. There seems to have been
ministerial duties. He held the position of considerable friction during this school year,
superintendent, and ably discharged its in the working of the school machinery in
duties for a period of three years. During the the teachers corps, and, as a. natural
first year of Mr. Bushnell's administration J. consequence, between board and teachers.
B. Loveland taught in the high .school, Mr. Toward the close of the year the powers of
Sowers in the west side grammar school, and supervision over the schools on the east side
J. Burgner in the east side grammar or mixed of the river were conferred temporarily on
school. In the following year J. Burgner Mr. Ginn.
taught in the high school, J. B Loveland in Two new school buildings were erected
the grammar school, and F. M. Ginn was
employed on the east side. Mr. Ginn
480 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

this year, one on John street and one on ical geography, philosophy, history, book-
Hickory street. It seem to have been the keeping, botany, chemistry, rhetoric, science
policy of the board, after the erection of the of government, natural history, astronomy,
central building, to build one-story geology, logic, mental and moral
structures, with a view almost solely to local philosophy, and Latin, the latter being
accommodations. optional.
This year terminated Mr. Woolard's During the first year the superintendent's
connection with the schools of Fremont. We time was wholly occupied in teaching, the
are disposed to regard him as a gentle-man work of supervision being effected chiefly
of good ability, and possessed of a large through teachers' meetings, which were held
fund of valuable information in the theory weekly. During the second and third year
and practice of teaching, especially in the about one hour each day was given to the
lower departments. work of supervision. The last term of the
SUPERINTENDENCY OF W. W. ROSS. year 1864-65, Zachary Ross having resigned,
Mr. Ginn was transferred to the west side, as
In 1864 W. W. Ross was elected super-
principal of the grammar school, and the east
intendent, his brother Zachary Ross being
side school became one of secondary and
employed in the grammar school, both at a
intermediate grade.
joint salary of one thousand one hundred
At the beginning of this school year, 1865-
dollars, which was increased to one thousand
66, Miss E. L. Otis, an intermediate teacher,
two hundred dollars at the close of the first
was transferred to the high school, a position
term. Miss Kate Patrick was assistant in the
she has continued to fill, either as assistant
high school.
or principal, with marked fidelity and
At this time there were ten schools, re-
success to the present time.
spectively styled high, grammar, inter-
In June, 1867, Eliza Bushnell graduated
mediate, secondary, and primary. Two of
from the high school. She was the first
these schools occupied rented rooms,
graduate.
entirely unsuited to school purposes. There
In May, 1866, the question of appro-
was no printed course of study, and in fact
priating sixteen thousand dollars for the
no definite course of study of any kind,
erection of new school buildings, one on the
especially in the high school, that was
east and one on the west side of the river,
considered as of a binding character.
was submitted to the vote of the people. It
A course of study was marked out during
was carried by a vote of two hundred and
the first term, covering a period of eleven or
seven to one hundred and twenty one. These
twelve years, four years being given to the
buildings, one a two-story and the other a
high school. It received the sanction of the
three-story structure, were built the
board, and was published for the guidance of
following year, and first occupied about
teachers and the information of parents.
January 1, 1868.
The high school studies hitherto pursued
An additional teacher was first employed
were, according to the reports, algebra,
in the high school at the beginning of the
philosophy, physiology, and history, a very
school year of 1867-68. This arrangement,
few pupils having occasionally studied
which thenceforward gave, the su-
geometry, chemistry, and Latin.
perintendent two-thirds of his time for
The new course of study embraced, in
supervision, together with the new school
addition to the common branches, algebra,
geometry, trigonometry, physiology, phys-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 481

buildings, enabled the schools to start on a from grammar, intermediate, secondary, and
new and more successful career. primary to grammar and primary, four years
A German-English school was first es- being given to each department, the grades
tablished in 1868-69, covering the five lower being respectively styled A, B, C, and D.
grades. It has been maintained ever since, Shortly after, the number of grades in each
having for several years been in charge of room was reduced from two to one, as far as
Miss E. Augspurber, a teacher of twenty-five the scattered state of the school buildings
years' experience. made it practicable. These changes, which
None but lady teachers have been em- more definitely marked out the work of the
ployed in the English schools since 1870. lower grades, and determined their
Miss G. A. Lawton, the first lady principal boundaries, resulted in immediate
of the grammar school, filled the position improvement in the work of the first six
with rare ability for one year. Her successor, years, and a more general advancement in
Miss M. E. Wood, has continued to the annual promotions.
discharge the onerous and responsible duties More recently these single-grade schools
of grammar school principal from that time have been subdivided into two sections, with
to the present, with such ability, energy, and a view ultimately to have one five months in
success as few gentlemen could excel. She advance of the other, both to be promoted
has been assisted most of the time by Mary annually, and the advanced section of the A
Fanning, a faithful and competent teacher. grammar grade, when promoted to the high
There has as yet been no conscious loss of school, to have the privilege of completing
power in the schools, either in discipline or the course in three years, or of taking up
in other respects, from the exclusive additional studies.
employment of lady teachers. ATTENDANCE, ETC.
In 1873 a new and beautiful two-story 1855 1865 1875
primary school building was erected on John Number of pupils enrolled ............ 592 917 950
street, at a cost of five thousand dollars, and Average daily attendance ............... 312 482 643
Number of teachers ........................ 6 12 18
a one-story school-house on John street, and Number of school-rooms................ 6 10 14
another on Hickory street, were sold by the Number of weeks in session ........... 36 36 40
board. This was a move in the direction of
EXPENDITURES.
centralization of the schools, rather than 1855 1865 1875
their isolation. Amount paid teachers.......$1,530 $3,500 $9,385
In this year, 1873, the schools prepared Total expenditures ............ 5,000 13,000
Value of school property.. 8,000 20,000 50,000
work for the Vienna Exposition, illustrative
of the work of all the grades, for which they The apparently small increase in the en-
received a diploma of merit. rollment of 1875 over 1865 was occasioned
This same year the board of education, for by the withdrawal of pupils from the public
the first time, gave the annual report of the schools to attend the new denominational
schools a more permanent form, by the schools in the city. The per cent of the total
publication of a neat little volume of sixty enrollment in average daily attendance has
pages, containing the regulations, course of increased from fifty-three per cent in 1855
study, and report of the superintendent. and 1865 to sixty-eight per cent in 1875.
In this report the grades were slightly The management of the schools has grown
modified, and their nomenclature changed constantly easier, with exceptional periods,
in different schools. There is
482 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

not one case of corporal punishment now boys promoted to the high school the
where there were five eight years ago. privilege of completing the course in three
Suspensions have been rarely resorted to, years. This plan has operated admirably,
too rarely, perhaps, for the interests of the such pupils often proving the very best in the
schools. The policy has been one of extreme classes to which they have been advanced.
caution in setting a boy adrift, even when The privilege has. not been given to the
there was small prospect of amendment. It is girls.
believed there is a general willingness in the The high school has never met with any
community to sustain the teacher's authority, opposition in this city. No larger audiences
the cases being exceptional where parents assemble than on commencement occasions.
seem to regard that the tardiness and It is believed no school is more highly
irregular attendance of their children is no appreciated, or more thoroughly fortified in
one’s concern but their own, and that their the affections of the people. Its efficient
misconduct forfeits none of their school principal, Miss E. L. Otis, has been
rights. continuously connected with the school for a
The recent regulation which puts children period of ten years. She was assisted for
or parents to the inconvenience of reporting three years by Estelle S. Rawson, a former
to the superintendent or board, in case of graduate of the schools, and for the last three
repeated delinquencies in the matter of years by Miss M. L. Smith, of Mount
regular and punctual attendance, is helping Holyoke, Massachusetts,. both competent
to lessen these evils. teachers.
The high school course of study, from the Some attention is now paid to the elements
time it was adopted in 1864, has been a four of natural history in the D grammar grade,
years' course. It has been slightly modified the elements of botany in the C, of
by giving two less terms to algebra in the physiology in the B, and of physics in the A
second year, and substituting arithmetic in grammar grade. United States history is also
its place, and by substituting English studied in the A grammar grade, and takes
literature for moral science in the last year of the place of geography. Practical language
the course. lessons form a more important feature than
The present course is: First year, gram- formerly in the work of the C and D
mar, algebra, physiology and physical grammar and primary grades. Writing is
geography; second year, algebra, arithmetic, commenced with the first day of school life,
philosophy, history, botany, bookkeeping; and an effort is made to give the pupil
third year, geometry, chemistry, rhetoric, constant daily practice in the use of writ-ten
zoology and science of government; fourth language.
year, trigonometry, astronomy, English Mental arithmetic, formerly pursued as a
literature, geology, logic and mental science. separate study, is now taught in combination
Latin may be selected in the place of with written arithmetic. Effort is made to
grammar and history in the first and second give its analytical processes merited
years; zoology and mental science in the attention, and to use them as a key to the
third and fourth years, or pursued conjointly operations in written arithmetic. Number
with all the studies of the last two years. lessons commence with the lowest grade.
Two years ago the plan was adopted of Music and drawing have, at different
giving to the best scholars among the times, received consideration, with varying
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 483

success. Two years ago L. S. Thompson, of 1866—C. Doncyson, H. Lesher.


Sandusky, was employed as a special teacher 1867—H. Lang, J. M. Smith.
in drawing, to visit the schools once a 1868—John McArdle, J. S. Van Ness.
month, and give instruction to teachers as 1869—C. Doncyson, J. P. Elderkin.
well as pupils, and S. C. Collins, of the same 1870—W. W. Stine, J. Elwell.
place, as a special teacher of music, to visit 1871—J. S. Van Ness, H. Lang.
the schools twice a month. Under their 1872—C. Doncyson, A. J. Hale.
efficient supervision the schools are making From 1872 to 1876 the board was constituted
commendable progress in these branches. as follows: J. S. Van Ness, presdent; William
One new feature has been introduced into Stine, treasurer; A. J. Hale, secretary; J. Elwell,
the schools, worthy of mention. Practical H. Lang, and C. Doncyson.
drill in music and literature has been made a The board for 1880-81 were: H. R. Finefrock,
daily exercise, with excellent results. A president; A. J. Hale, secretary; J. P. Thompson,
series of concerts was given at the close of treasurer: Jesse S. Van Ness, E. A. Bristol, J.
the school year 1880 and 1881, which Stierwalt.
showed gratifying proficiency. Burns' and Hon. Homer Everett was secretary of the first
Moore's songs were sung with enthusiasm. A board of education, and has served as secretary
regular course of reading is being and president many terms since, contributing
encouraged this year as a special feature. efficient and judicious service to the schools.
The following is a list of members of the The Rev. H. Lang, to whose research we are
board with the dates of their election, indebted for many of the facts of this review,
beginning with the year following the or- was a member of the first board, and C.
ganization, and continuing up to 1872: Doncyson was elected in 1853. Both have
1851—H. Lang, Homer Everett. served from twelve to fifteen years, and been
1852—Samuel Wilson, Jacob Kridler. active, earnest, working members. J. S. Van
1853—Dr. L. Q. Rawson, H. E. Clark, C. Ness has been a member of the board for ten
Doncyson. years, and most of the time president, without
1854—John Younkman, Aaron Loveland. remuneration, giving careful attention to the
1855—Dr. Brainard, H. Lang. school property and interests of the city. Mr.
1856—L. Q. Rawson, John Bell. Stine has been an active member and treasurer
1857—James Justice, R. W. B. McClellan. for six years. Under his able management of the
1858—Thomas Stilwell, Thomas Kelley. finances, the board are able to report themselves
1859—Isaac Glick, D. L. June. free from debt.
1860—James Justice, R. W. B. McClellan. Mr. Elwell served efficiently for three years as
1861—H. Everett, H. E. Clark. secretary. Mr. Hale, the present secretary, is in
1862—Ammi Williams, John Flaugher. his third term, and has proven himself a liberal
1863—Colonel Nat Haynes, James Justice. and efficient member of the board.
1864—H. Everett, J. S. Van Ness. Very much of the efficiency of the schools is
1865—H. R. Shomo, Charles Thompson. due to the hearty co-operation the present board
has extended to the teachers, and the liberal and
yet judicious
484 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

manner they have responded to the school in the office of Noble & Palmer, Cleve-land,
wants. Ohio; also in the office of Lieutenant-
The following gentlemen have served as Colonel Canfield, of the Seventy-second
superintendents since the grading of the Ohio regiment, Medina, Ohio, and with the
schools in 1853, in the order mentioned: H. Hon. J. C. Johnson, Seville, Ohio.
E. Clark, one year; J. W. Hiett, one year; G. He was admitted to the Medina county Bar
A. Starkweather, two years; G. C. Woolard, in 1861. In consequence of indifferent
two years; Don A. Pease, one year; Rev. E. health, he did not commence practice.
Bushnell, three years; G. C. Woolard, one His first experience in connection with
year; and W. W. Ross, who is in the graded schools was at Clyde. He was
eighteenth year of his superintendency. superintendent of the schools of that place
The schools completed, with much labor from 1862 to 1864. In the latter year he was
and pains on the part of the teachers, elected superintendent of the public schools
fourteen volumes of school work for the at Fremont, a position he has filled for
Centennial Exposition. seventeen years, and still occupies.
THE PRESENT SUPERINTENDENT . Formerly quite active as a political orator,
he has always taken a lively interest in
W. W. Ross was born at Seville, Medina
political matters, and was the candidate of
county, Ohio, December 24, 1834. He
his party for State school commissioner in
attended the village school until he was
the year 1871.
eleven years old, and then, for a few years,
He has filled the position of State school
enjoyed the advantages of instruction in a
examiner for two terms; has served as
private or academic school, common in those
president of the Tri-State Teachers'
days on the Western Reserve, taught by
Association, and of the Northwestern Ohio
Charles Foster, a graduate of Dartmouth
State Teachers' Association; has been an
college, and a very successful teacher, who
active institute worker, and a frequent
died during the war of the Rebellion.
contributor to educational journals.
At the age of fourteen he had completed a
From earliest childhood more or. less
very good course of study, including algebra
familiar with legal proceedings in the office
and geometry.
of his father, who served as justice of the
He attended school little after he was
peace almost uninterruptedly for a period of
sixteen years old, and none after he was
thirty years, he early elected the law for his
seventeen, and but nine weeks outside his
chosen profession, and although
native village. He taught his first school at
circumstances have led him into another
the age of sixteen, at fourteen dollars per
field, he has never, perhaps, entirely
month.
abandoned the thought of ultimately entering
He built up a flourishing private or
upon the practice of the law.
academic school, at Spencer, Medina county,
This thought, however has never pre-
Ohio. He took charge of this school for four
vented his giving his best activities and
or five years, and subsequently, for a like
energies to the educational work in which,
period, had charge of the academy in his
by the judgment of his peers, he has met
native village.
with eminent success.
He devoted the summer vacation of these
years to the law, pursuing the study
CHAPTER XXX.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY.

T HE Rev. Joseph Badger was an early


missionary on the Western Reserve.
After laboring there for a time he connected
horses and help them plow and draw logs
and rails for building. In this work he was
opposed by some traders and government
himself with the Synod of Pittsburgh, and in officers, but by persuading the Indians to
1805 made a tour as far west as Michigan. avoid the use of strong drink he broke up the
June 14, he crossed the Sandusky River, traders and they went off.
swimming his horse by the side of a canoe. In September, 1809, there were rumors of
Here he speaks of meeting the Rev. James a war with England. Mr. Badger appointed a
Hughes, and conferring with the Indian meeting for the Indians in Lower Sandusky,
chief about preaching. He found a temporary at which he made an address dissuading
home with Mrs. Whittaker, about three them from taking any part in the war if it
miles below Lower Sandusky. On his way should come.
back from Michigan he was at Lower The labors of this missionary were of
Sandusky July 26, and preached to the varied character. He speaks of making his
Indians. own boat, of making a plow for Mrs.
In 18o6, May 13, he ran into Sandusky Whittaker, to replace one that had been
Bay in a boat of three tons burthen, which broken, and the following are characteristic
he had himself built. That night, he quaintly extracts from his journal:
says, "there being no fuel on shore, we had Spent part of the week hoeing in the garden, digging
patience for supper." Next day he arrived at for water, writing letters, and administering to the sick.
Mrs. Whittaker's. Friday: rode to the upper town, and preached a short
At Lower Sandusky he found the Indians lecture to the black people. Bled three women.
Monday: returned home and spent most of the week
gathered together attending to their prophet, in administering to the sick; made a last and a pair of
who was pointing out several of their shoes.
women to be killed as witches. He got
Crane, the chief, to stop the prophet and Mr. Badger died in 1847, at Perrysburg, in
wait for an interpreter. His diary is not very the ninetieth year of his age. A few years
full, but the impression left on the reader's ago the members of the Presbyterian synod
mind is that he succeeded in saving the made a contribution of money to place a
women from death. Here an Indian named stone at his grave.
Eunouqu, but called by the whites Barnett, Mr. Badger's labors were largely for the
was converted. Mr. Badger often afterward benefit of the Indians. It was only after a
speaks of him as a steadfast and honest long interval that a Presbyterian church was
Christian. organized here. Before this took place
At Lower Sandusky Mr. Badger and Mr. religious worship had been occasion-ally
Hughes not only preached to the Indians, had here after the forms of this church. This
but they used to take their own worship had been conducted, and the Lord's
Supper administered,
* Rev. Doctor E. Bushnell.

485
486 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

by the Rev. James Robinson, a clergyman for some time, used a small building which
from Southern Ohio. These services were stood on Front street, a few rods north of the
held in a log school-house, which stood upon post office, which has given place to
or near the site now occupied by the high business edifices.
school building. No organization was The church was incorporated by act of the
effected until Saturday, November 30, 1833, Legislature of Ohio, under date of March 4,
when Rev. Messrs. Enoch Conger, 1836. But no meetings of the body as thus
Xenophon Betts, and Ellery Bas-com met incorporated are recorded until January 7,
with those interested to form a church. This 1841. From that time the annual meeting in
meeting was held in the court-house, the January has never failed. The annual meeting
building which, remodeled, is now the of January 1, 1842, is recorded as held "in
dwelling of the pastor of the Lutheran their meeting-house." At this meeting the
church. trustees were directed to complete a lease
Twenty-two persons joined in constituting with Isaac Prior for his house, as a place of
the church. All but two had been members of public worship. That house was erected by
churches in other places, and most of them Mr. Prior on purpose for the use of the
had regular letters of dismission. church, and the church continued to use it
The ministers who formed the church were rent free, till the completion of an edifice. It
all members of the Presbytery of Huron. At is still standing, used as a dwelling, on the
the next stated meeting of the Presbytery, south side of State street, next door to the
April 8, 1834, the formation of the church marble shop, east of the bridge.
was reported, and it was received under the At. a meeting held in April, 1844, it was
care of the body. resolved expedient to make an effort to build
One of these ministers, Rev. E. Bascom, a house of worship. The trustees were
became the first ministerial servant of the directed to immediately purchase, a lot on
church. He was graduated at Western the northwest corner of Main and Garrison
Reserve College, 1830, a member of its first streets. This was done, and the location has
class. He had studied theology at Princeton, ever since been occupied. In May (1844) a
and was ordained by the Huron Presbytery, building committee was appointed. The
October 8, 1833. At last accounts he was house was erected, and was dedicated
still living in Wisconsin. January 1o, 1847. It was forty-five by sixty
David Camp and William C. Otis were feet, was the first house built by the
chosen elders, and were ordained in the congregation, and was used until the last
evening after the organization. Mr. Camp Sabbath of March, 1869. In January, 1852, it
was the father of Mrs. Jacob Stahl. was resolved to undertake the building of a
For some time the Sunday services were lecture room. Such room was- built in the
held in the court-house, or in a stone school- rear of the church, and was used as long as
house near the present high school building. the church itself.
Prayer meetings were held at the house of In January, 1869, the trustees were in-
the minister. His house has been enlarged, structed to raise, if possible, a subscription
and is now the residence of Dr. Failing, on of twenty-five thousand dollars, and if suc-
Justice street, between the park and State cessful to proceed to the erection of a more
street. After leaving the court-house the commodious edifice, having first re-moved
congregation, both the old edifices. The effort
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 487

succeeded, and the house now occupied was seven stated supplies. Messrs. E. Bascom, E.
built, the congregation meanwhile Conger, H. A. Reed, and John McCutchen
worshiping ten months in Birchard hall. The preceded the pastorate of Mr. Fitch. Between
basement rooms were first occupied January Mr. Fitch and Mr. White, was Rev. F. T.
30, 1870. The completed edifice was Backus. After Mr. White came Rev. H. A.
dedicated on Sunday, the 28th day of April, Rossiter and Rev. F, Hendricks.
1870, without debt, having cost nearly forty The records give no clue to the date of the
thousand dollars. The congregation has organization of the Sunday-school. The most
occupied this location nearly thirty years. prominent name among the earlier
The church has elected seventeen elders, superintendents is that of C. J. Pettibone, though
two of whom declined to serve. The first he alternated with J. B. G. Downs, Dr. B. F.
two, as already stated, were David Camp and Williams, and C. R. McCulloch. For about
William C. Otis. March 31, 1838, Ezra twenty-five years C. R. McCulloch has been
Williams and John Tindall were elected. The superintendent.
latter appears never to have been ordained hr Many of the members of this church have
to have served. In November, 1841, Samuel joined it by letter from other churches, and many
Hafford was elected. In November, 1833, others have come in on profession of their faith.
Samuel Clark, Samuel Crowell, and Dr. There have been times of unusual accessions. In
Franklin Williams were elected. Mr. Crowell July, 1837, five persons were received by letter,
declined to serve, and Chauncey J. Pettibone and forty on profession. Of these, some
was chosen. In January, 1848, George Wall afterwards became prominent members and
was elected. In April, 1849, J. B. G. Downs; officers. In April, 1843, eight were received on
in January, 1852-53 Joseph T. Moss and profession. Between January, 1845, and July 4.
Thomas Gilimon; and in February, 1856, Dr. of the same year, twenty-eight were received on
T. Stillwell and R. W. R. McLellan were profession and eight by letter. In May, 1850,
chosen, and April 30, 1869, C. R. McCulloch sixteen were added; in May, 1859, thirty-two; in
and I. M. Keeler. May, 1865, seven; in May, 1866, eight; in May,
In regard to the ministers who have served 1867, seven; and in March, 1872, eleven were
the church, the records, whether of the added. In the first four months of 1873 twenty-
church or the session, do not snake it clear, five were received on profession. These
in all cases, when they came or when they members are a key to the fact that the church has
went. There have been ten ministers. Three enjoyed not a few seasons of special revival,
have been regularly installed pastors, viz.: while in the meantime accessions have been
Rev. Ferris Fitch, May 16, 1839, dismissed made more gradually.
May 8, 1844; Rev. Flavel S. White, installed During the first half of the church's history
October 20, 1847, dismissed June 29, 1852; statistics were very sparingly put on the books.
and Rev. Ebenezer Bushnell, installed May The first gives the number of members in 1846
12, 1857, still in office (October, 1881). The as 123, but no "funds raised" are recorded. Since
church has been in existence for forty-eight 1854 the statistics have been regularly recorded.
years. These three pastors have ministered In 1852 the number of members is given as 103;
thirty-four and a half of those years. The in 1855, 109; in 1856, 114. The highest number
remaining thirteen and one-half years have ever reported in the annual report is 199.
been divided between vacancies and
488 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

In April, 1876, it was 193. The neglect to held January 25, 1842, Messrs. D. E. Field
record statistics prevents one knowing what and William C. Otis were chosen wardens,
the church has given for benevolent and John P. Haynes, A. Coles, John R.
purposes. Pease, A. B. Taylor and N. B. Eddy,
In the ordinary course of things this church vestrymen of the new parish.
has caused the preaching of more than five The average attendance at Sunday
thousand sermons, and held two thousand morning services is from eighty to one
five hundred prayer meetings, and two hundred.
thousand two hundred and fifty sessions of The following occurs in the record of the
the Sunday-school. first meeting of the vestry, February 5,
Could the town afford to do without this 1842:
and other churches? Ordered that the secretary be directed to write to
Rev. James O'Kill, assuring him that the sum of one
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.* hundred dollars may be raised for him to officiate as
pastor of this church once a month for the space of one
The parish of St. Paul's, Fremont, does not year, or at that rate, the arrangement, however, subject
possess a very lengthy history, yet that to be put an end to by the vestry of this church, so soon
history includes facts of interest which as a permanent pastor can be secured.
Resolved, That the Secretary write to the Rev. Bishop
should be recorded, and thus preserved from Mcllvaine, requesting him to furnish this church with a
oblivion, and handed down for the pastor so soon as possible.
information of future generations. In accordance with this resolution, the
It was upon a conviction of the value of Rev. Mr. O'Kill came from Norwalk and
religious influences to a community, and a held service a few times. It is said that a
desire to establish here the services of the few of the earlier services were held in the
Protestant Episcopal church, that this parish building then occupied by the Methodist
was organized, in the year 1842, under the society, on the southwest corner of Arch
name of St. Paul's church, Lower Sandusky. and Garrison streets. The abilities of Mr.
The population of the town was then below O'Kill are highly praised by those who
two thousand. Many who were then leading knew him. He was a man of brilliant talents.
spirits of the place have now passed away In November, 1842, the Rev. William Fagg
from the stage of action. The majority of the was invited to the charge of the parish at a
men who united in forming this parochial salary of four hundred dollars per annum.
organization were not professors of religion, This, as we are informed, was Mr. Fagg's
but they acted, no doubt, under a sense of first parish. After serving the congregation
duty to themselves and families and a desire one year he left on account of ill-health. Mr.
to advance the interests of the town. Fagg died a number of years ago in the
The first meeting for the purpose of or- South. There is a record of one marriage
ganizing a religious society according to the and five burials by Mr. Fagg, but no record
constitution and canons of the Protestant of any baptism or of anyone presented for
Episcopal church, was held at the court- confirmation during his rectorship. William
house on Wednesday, the 15th day of C. Otis and D. E. Field held the offices of
January, 1812. The articles of association warden, and D. E. Field was chosen
then and there adopted were signed by delegate to the diocesan convention.
twenty-eight citizens. At a meeting The meetings at this time were held in
*Rev. R. L. Chittenden.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 489

the old stone school-house, a small building pews were to be subject to assessment for
which stood on the present site of the high debts of the church, as well as the support of
school building. Subsequently the meetings the minister. The cost of the new building
of the congregation were held in the exceeded the amount raised by subscription.
courthouse. At the close of the year 1844 a debt of one
In 1843-44 the members of the congre- thousand three hundred and eighty-three
gation erected a handsome and commodious dollars and six cents yet remained, being
church edifice-of brick with stone money advanced in equal amounts by six
trimmings-on the lot on the northwest corner gentlemen, over and above their
of Main and Court streets. A small portion of subscriptions for the erection of the church.
the subscriptions for the work promised Some two years afterward an average of
labor, teaming and materials-the balance about sixty-three dollars was paid to each of
money. The building was sixty by forty-two these gentlemen on the above indebtedness,
feet, with Gothic windows and a handsome and they afterwards generously gave up their
steeple in which hung a sweet-toned bell, claims, still amounting to about one
from the manufactory at Troy, New York. thousand two hundred dollars. The names of
This bell, not being of sufficient size and these gentlemen are: R. P. Buckland, John R.
weight for the expected new tower, was sold Pease, N. B. Eddy, John M. Smith, A. Coles,
a few years ago, and now serves to give fire- and A. W. Cutter. In 1844 the pews were
alarms in case of a threatened conflagration. ordered to be sold for the support of a
The church was heated with stoves, from minister. Rev. Humphrey Hollis having been
which long smoke-pipes extended through elected rector, entered upon his duties on the
the building, entering the rear wall on each 15th day of July, 1844, and continued in
side of the chimney. The number of slips charge until the 10th day of August, 1846, at
was fifty-two. A pulpit of Gothic design, and a salary of five hundred dollars per an-num.
a heavy gallery for the organ and choir at the The first baptism on record in the parish is
east end, completed the interior equipment. that of Caroline Elizabeth Eddy, at the
A small room in the rear, lighted by one residence of her parents, on Thursday,
north window, served as a vestry-room, and August 29, 1844. Date of birth, April 13,
was also used for the instruction of the 1842. Sponsors, the parents, Azariah and
infant class. The interior of the wood-work Harriet M. Eddy, and Mrs. John P. Haynes.
was of an oaken-brown color. The location Clergyman officiating, Rev. H. Hollis.
of the church is quite central, and the On the 14th of November, 1845, fifteen
building at the time of its erection was, persons were confirmed by Bishop
probably, with hardly an exception, the best Menvaine-presented by Mr. Hollis. During
and most tasteful church edifice in the these two years the baptisms numbered
county. The building being completed, the eleven. Rev. Mr. Hollis died not long since
pews were appraised and offered for sale in Ashtabula county, this State.
(six being reserved), the purchase money to We find on record under date of November
apply on the subscription of the purchaser. 1, 1845, a formal request ad-dressed to the
Only seventeen are marked sold in the record bishop of the diocese, asking him to
of proceedings. If no more were disposed of consecrate the new church, thereby
it may be conjectured that it was because the separating it from all unhallowed,
490 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

worldly and common uses, and solemnly the charge of St. Paul's church in June, 1852,
dedicating it to the worship and service of and resigned on Easter Monday, 1856.
Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the During his stay in Fremont the baptisms
Holy Ghost, according to the provisions of were 19; presented for confirmation 7;
the Protestant Episcopal church in the marriages 4; burials 17. Soon after leaving
United States of America. here Mr. Heister took charge of St. Andrew's
We have also a copy of the sentence of church, Farm Ridge, Illinois, where he still
consecration signed by Charles P. remains. Mr. Hiester was evidently very
McIlvaine, bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, much respected by the people, who regarded
under date of November 14, 1845. him as "a true Christian and faithful
The parish now entered upon a new era, minister."
having the advantage of a new and pleasant We find that in April, 1853, H. E. Clark
house of worship. and M. A. Elder were appointed a committee
On the 15th of August, 1846, the Rev. to raise funds to pay the debt on the
Oliver Taylor entered upon his duties as melodeon. In those days the congregation
rector, and resigned July 1, 1847. During his turned around and faced the choir in the
ministry the baptisms were six, and one gallery during the singing. At one time the
confirmed. In the clergy list of 1875 Mr. bass viol and flute were played by two
Taylor is recorded as a resident of Pontiac, gentlemen in the choir as an accompaniment
Michigan. During these three years the to the hymns and chants. More than twenty-
wardens of the church were William C. Otis, five years ago a pipe organ was purchased in
senior warden; A. W. Cutter and A. Coles the city of New York, having been used for a
successively, junior wardens. short time by a congregation there. This
The Rev. H. P. Powers entered upon the instrument was cleaned and repaired several
charge of St. Paul's church in September, times, and served a useful purpose until
1848, and remained with some interruptions, 1881, when it was replaced by a .fine, large
until August 9, 1851. About this time the organ of superior quality. After a vacancy of
name of the town was changed from Lower a few months the Rev. R. L. Chittenden, of
Sandusky to Fremont. The change was Columbus, Ohio, entered upon the charge of
desirable from the fact that the name the parish, remaining eight months, when he
Sandusky was attached to a number of resigned in consequence of ill health. He
towns, townships and streams in this part of administered baptism once to six persons, all
the State. During the rectorship of Rev. Mr. members of one family, and officiated at
Powers there were twenty-four baptisms and four burials.
six persons presented for confirmation; there The second service at that time was in the
were four marriages and five burials. afternoon instead of the evening. During the
Wardens, A. Coles, A. J. Dickinson and Dr. vacancy which followed Mr. Chittenden's
J. W. Wilson; R. P. Buckland, J. W. Wilson, stay here three persons were con-firmed. The
and H. Everett, delegates to the diocesan Rev. W. H. Cooper, of Tiffin, supplied the
convention. church with Sunday afternoon services for
Bishop McIlvaine visited the parish during some time. Rev. William Fulton assumed
the vacancy that followed and ad-ministered charge in August, 1857, and held the
baptism to five children. rectorship until October, 1859, a period of
The Rev. H. T. Hiester entered upon two years and two
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 491

months. Mr. Fulton is spoken of as an able Gas was introduced into the church in the
preacher. During his pastorate the baptisms year 1861. A donation of prayer-books was
were fifteen, and fourteen persons were made to the church by the New York Bible
presented for confirmation. Marriages, six. and Common Prayer-Book Society. The gift
Burials twelve. was very thankfully received, as is proved
During the eight years preceding October, by the resolution of the vestry regarding it.
1859, the following persons held the office Special pains were taken to attract children
of warden: James W. Wilson and Dr. Coles, to the Sunday-school, and it became
senior wardens; A. J. Dickinson, Daniel unusually large.
Cooper, Charles Trowbridge, and John During a part of the year 1865, Mr. Phelps
Flaugher were in succession junior wardens. held only one service on Sunday on account
The names of delegates to conventions of ill health, and in November he resigned
during the same period are James W. the charge from the same cause. The vestry
Wilson, Daniel Capper, and John Flaugher. accepted his resignation with expressions of
The church building had now been in use regret and good-will.
for fourteen years, and the bare walls had, no During the residence of Mr. Phelps here,
doubt, become somewhat discolored by time some preliminary steps were taken looking
and smoke. An artist was accordingly to the enlargement and improvement of the
procured who should adorn the walls with church edifice.
fresco painting. After a number of days the The Rev. George H. Jenks now accepted a
doors of the church were opened, and the call to the rectorship, but resigned within a
members of the congregation were admitted week. This sudden change in his plans was
to view the work. For some cause the work caused by the receipt of a message from
fell far below their hopes and expectations. friends in California, requesting him to come
It was lacking in taste and adaptation, and to to that State. The Rev. Charles H. Young, of
say the least, the interior of the church was Tiffin, Ohio, assumed charge of the church
not improved. The parish was now vacant for in January, 1866, retaining it for over four
more than a year. During the interval The years, or until April 1, 1870. Under Mr.
Rev. Lyman N. Freeman visited Fremont and Young's ministry the baptisms were forty-
administered baptism to four children. two, and seventeen persons were presented
The. Rev. Alanson Phelps, of Painesville, for confirmation. Marriages, sixteen; burials,
Ohio, commenced services as rector of the twenty. Wardens, Dr. Dillon and John
church, on the first Sunday in December, Flaugher. Delegates, Messrs. Wilson
1860, and remained in charge just five years. Flaugher, George H. Rice, E. S. Thomas, and
During his rectorate there were: baptisms, John Weaver.
thirty-six; presented for confirmation, Mr. Young's ministry was marked by an
twenty-four; marriages, nine; burials, event which, it is believed, stands alone in
twenty-three. the whole history of the church in Fremont.
Dr. J. W. Wilson and John Flaugher held, He induced a worthy and intelligent young
the office of warden, and Messrs. Wilson, man, a communicant of the church, to begin
Flaugher, William St. Clair and E. W. his studies at Gambier with a view of
Amsden were delegates to the diocesan preparation for the ministry. Frank M. Quig
convention. might have done good work in the cause of
Christ, but the Lord
492 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of the harvest ordered otherwise. His health by a hail storm, the windows are now all
failed, and he came home to die. After protected by wire netting. These improve-
languishing for several months, he departed ments occupied about one year, during
this life in October, 1870, in the comfort of a which time the court-room was used for our
reasonable, religious, and holy hope. Who services and Sunday-school.
among the youth of this church will take up I have said little of the part taken by the
and carry forward the work which he began. lady members in the work of the church.
The Rev. Mr. Young is now in charge of Their efforts have been constant and very
St. John's Church, Worthington, and Christ helpful. I recall the names of four who were
Church, Clinton, in the Diocese of Southern valued helpers and have been removed by
Ohio. death, viz: Mrs. D. E. Capper, Mrs. Susan A.
During the brief vacancy which followed Everett, Mrs. Priscilla Brown, and Mrs.
Mr. Young's removal, the Rev. C. S. Josephine A. Dougherty.
Doolittle, of Mansfield, Ohio, held Sunday LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.
services. In June, 1870, the Rev. R. L. In the third and fourth decades of the
Chittenden (the writer) took charge of the present century (1820-1830), Lutherans from
parish the second time, and remained until Pennsylvania and Germany began to
succeeded by Rev. D. W. Coxe, in 1879. In emigrate to Sandusky county, and to the
1872-73 the church building was enlarged, town of Lower Sandusky. They were visited
and the interior entirely reconstructed, at a at very long intervals by the missionaries
cost, including furnace, carpets and other Stauch, from Western Pennsylvania, J.
improvements, of some eight thousand Krauss and Rev. Charles Henkel, from
dollars. The plan includes a handsome tower Somerset, Ohio.
and spire to be added at some time in the In 1836 a highly esteemed and pious pastor
future. The leading features of the by the name of Adolph A. Konrad, located at
improvement are, an addition of fourteen Tiffin, Ohio. The Lutherans of this vicinity,
feet in the length of the building, giving hearing of his settlement there, applied to
room for fourteen additional pews, a him for his services as pastor among them.
handsome recess, chancel, vestry and organ Although he had charge of nine preaching
room, an ample cellar for the furnace and places, in Seneca and Wyandot counties, he
fuel, the removal of the gallery, a tasteful saw the need of the Lutherans here, and so
pulpit, lecture and communion-table, and consented to visit them once every four
stained glass windows. Handsome weeks. But the labors and exposures of such
chandeliers have since been added by the a field proved to be too much for the good
young ladies, who are now organized as a man, and being of a frail constitution, he
Church aid society. We also have the died at Tiffin, March 23, 1841. After his
promise of an appropriate baptismal font. death, Rev. J. J. Beilharz, from Seneca coun-
The chancel window is the gift of Rev. Mr. ty, New York, was called to the pastorate,
Phelps, a former rector, and is a memorial of and in the autumn of 1841, moved with his
a deceased daughter. Mr. Phelps now resides family to Tiffin, Ohio, from which place he
with his family in a very pleasant home in served this congregation and also that four
Painesville, the scene of his earlier labors, miles west of this city. The sainted Konrad
and occasionally looks in upon us. The first having promised the little flocks in this
chancel window having been broken vicinity to send them
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 493

Henry Lang as their future pastor, as soon as ship after the necessary changes and re-pairs
he should leave the theological seminary at were completed. Here gradually the flock
Columbus, Ohio, his promise was complied grew larger, and it needed a larger fold.
with by the proper authorities of the synod, At a meeting of the congregation held
and in July, 1843, he was installed as their October 31, 1857 (anniversary of the
future pastor. The congregation being very Reformation,) it was resolved "to erect a
small and poor, was glad to obtain new and more suitable church building." A
permission to worship in the school-houses lot was purchased of Miss Jennie Grant,
of the town. For nearly two years the corner Court and Clover streets, for the sum
congregation worshiped in the Howland of four hundred dollars, November 10, 1857
street school-house. (Luther's birthday); the plan for the church
In 1.843 the congregation purchased of the was adopted (seventy-six by forty-six). June
county commissioners, the old court-house 1, 1858, work was begun; June 25
and the two lots on which it and the old jail (anniversary of the presentation of the
stood, for the sum of eight hundred and ten Augsburg Confession), the corner-stone was
dollars. Eleven years elapsed before this laid; and October 31, 1861, the church was
property was paid for, None but God knows dedicated as a house of divine worship.
the anxiety experienced while this debt was April 11, 1870, a bell weighing two thousand
hanging over the congregation. But then, five hundred pounds was hung in the tower.
what joy when the last installment was paid The tower having as yet no spire, Mr. A.
off ! The membership was small, and, as Foster was employed to erect one, after a
already stated, poor; money was scarce, plan drawn by Mr. J. C. Johnson. This spire
farmers receiving store-pay for their produce was dedicated on the pastor's fifty-fifth
instead of money. The struggle to pay off birthday, November 28, 1873, being
this debt, small as the sum may at present Thanksgiving Day, and also the pastor's
seem to have been, was greater than the thirtieth jubilee as pastor of this
burden of the erection of the new church congregation. On that occasion, among other
edifice, that being by no means insignificant. statements the following was made:
In 1842 the congregation was incorporated Baptisms, 2,300; confirmed, 1,005;
by an act of the Legislature, under the name communicants, 15,000; marriages, 680;
of the Evangelical Lutheran and German burials, 810; sermons preached, about 5,000.
Reformed St. John's Congregation. By a These figures include all his congregations,
unanimous vote of the congregation this however.
name was changed, January 1, 1853, to the As stated above, the congregation
name Evangelical Lutheran St. John's consisted, in 1843, of forty communicants. It
Congregation, only two active members now numbers about six hundred. The
being German Re-formed, and their families congregation, though numerous, is not
being Lutheran. Judge Otis, of the court of wealthy, as the impression seems to be in the
common pleas, granted this petition for community. It possesses a number of well-
change of name in 1856. to-do citizens and farmers, but the greater
For fifteen years the congregation wor- number are yet struggling for an existence.
shipped in the old court-house, which had The growth of the congregation has been
become quite a respectable place of wor- gradual, but healthy. The labors be-
494 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

stowed upon it have been blessed, and not he did not suffer himself to be scared by evil
been in vain. But the changes since 1843 spirits, when Mr. Birchard said: "What! not
have been great indeed. The pioneers have afraid of spooks in the old jail, where Sperry
nearly all passed away. killed himself? It is a capital place for
But to return. In 1865 the old court-house, spooks, sir, a capital place." This old jail,
having become greatly dilapidated, the used as such until the prison under the
congregation determined to renovate the present court-house was prepared to receive
same thoroughly. At an expense of one evil-doers, was taken down in 1865, when
thousand six hundred dollars it was changed eight men worked industriously for three
into a comfortable parsonage. Since 1845 the days to level it with the ground, the logs of
pastor occupied the three lower rooms, which it was built being two feet square. The
which were formerly occupied by the county foundation still remains, but the spot where
auditor, clerk of the court, and county it stood has become an inviting one, forming
treasurer, as offices. The frame of this part of the pastor's flower garden. It is no
building is an immense one, some of the longer a "capital place for spooks." But if
timbers in it measuring fourteen inches that spot could speak, what a sad history it
square. In 1822 it was erected, in the vicinity would relate of the persons imprisoned
of the Pease property, when the above it. But the flowers that grow there
commissioners determined to remove it to annually seem to say: "Cast the mantle of
the present spot. Judge Knapp told the writer charity upon all their sins."
of this repeatedly, that in the removal of this On festival occasions our church proves to
frame twenty-five yoke of oxen were used, be too small for us, and the church officers
all pulling at the same time. And this seems have been seriously talking of an
likely, judging from the ponderous structure, enlargement.
and the want of convenient implements, such The church council consists of the pas-tor
as are now used for the removal of buildings. (being chairman by virtue of his office),
Since 1845 the pastor of the Lutheran three trustees, two deacons, and a treasurer.
congregation occupied this house as a Since 1845 a Sunday-school has been
parsonage. Here all his children were born, sustained by the congregation, At first it
save one. From this house were conveyed the numbered twenty-thirty children, now
remains of his wife, three children, a son-in- upward of two hundred. For a number of
law, and a little grand-daughter, to their years Mr. Jacob Tschumy has acted as
resting-place in Oak-wood cemetery. Joys superintendent with efficiency. He is
and sorrows ex-changed places repeatedly assisted by twenty-five teachers, all of whom
within its walls. were former scholars of the Sunday-school,
The old county jail stood a few feet south and are confirmed members of the church.
of the old court-house, and it was used as a Catechetical instruction is given by the
stable. It was here where Sperry, of Green pastor each Sunday before the close of the
Spring, who had killed his wife, and who Sunday-school, in which the children and
had been sentenced to be hanged, committed teachers participate.
suicide in 1842. Our lamented friend Our history may seem monotonous, but to
Birchard once asked the pastor if he was not the congregation and the pastor it seems
afraid of spooks, coining home late and varied enough. Every year brought forth new
putting away his horse in the old jail. The labors, trials, and conflicts; every year
reply was that
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 495

brought with it new mercies, rewards and many years and so faithfully, to uphold and
victories. extend morality and religion, as the subject
Both the German and English languages of this notice ?
are used in conducting the services of the *THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
church. This makes the labors of the pastor In 1819, Rev. J. Montgomery, Indian agent
greater than they would be if only one at Fort Seneca, and a local preacher in the
language could be made to answer the Methodist Episcopal church, came to Lower
purpose. But the greater part of the Sandusky and preached the first Methodist
congregation being: European Germans, the sermon ever preached in this place. He
German language is indispensible. The continued to preach here at stated intervals
younger members, speaking the English until 1820, when, so far as he had authority,
better than the German, would prefer to have he organized himself, wife, and daughter
the English language used exclusively. into a class. This organization, though well
May God safely conduct us to that land, intended by him, was evidently more in
where but one language is spoken-the assumption than in reality. It was, however,
language of Zion. the nucleus of a church. A letter from
We conclude this sketch with a brief Montgomery's daughter, Mrs. Sallie Tryham,
mention of the faithful pastor of the church. now living in Tiffin, Ohio, to the writer,
He has all this time been emphatically a says: "At the first communion service the
worker. He came to Fremont young and poor communicants were the above mentioned
in this world's goods, and took charge of a three persons with the addition of a local
congregation as young and poor as himself. preacher from Springfield, Ohio, named
Thirty-eight years spent in incessant Moses Hinkle."
application to self-improvement and in In March, 1822, the Bowlus family em-
discharge of his pastoral duties, have at last igrated from Maryland and settled in Lower
borne abundant fruit. Often laboring against Sandusky. Of this family Jacob Bowlus, wife
adverse circumstances, which would have and four sisters, and brother-in-law, Thomas
.discouraged other men, he was always at his White, were members of the Methodist
post. In addition to his pastoral duties, he Episcopal church. These were the first
has exercised a large and beneficial members so far as can be ascertained, of the
influence in the public schools by the Methodist Episcopal church, that settled
faithful discharge of his duty as a member of either in Lower San-dusky, or what is now
the city board of education. He has preached included in the territory of Sandusky county.
and taught his congregation weekly in two In the fall of the same year Joel Strahn
languages, and his incessant work has with his family, emigrated from Perry
evoked, from almost nothing, a large county, Ohio, and settled on what is now
congregation, a comfortable parsonage, and known as the Hafford farm, three miles up
a church edifice worth about twenty-five the river from Fremont. Mr. Strahn and his
thousand dollars, which is an honor and an wife were members of the church before
ornament to the city. His influence now, they emigrated to this place.
through his congregation, is wide-spread and Very soon after Mr. Strahn's arrival Rev.
efficient for good. Without detracting from James Montgomery proceeded regularly to
the merits of any man, it may be pertinently
asked, of all citizens, who has labored so *Rev. A. Skinner and H. R. Adams.
496 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

rganize the first class of the Methodist or a more regularly organized ministry
Episcopal church ever formed in Lower prepared.
Sandusky, with eleven members, namely: From the best evidence at my disposal, it
Jacob Bowlus, Sarah Bowlus, Margaret appears that John and Nathan Walker, two
Bowlus, Susan Bowlus, Elizabeth Bowlus, men of the same name, were appointed to the
Sophia Bowlus, Thomas L. Hawkins, Huron circuit in the fall of 1822, and that
Thomas White, Joel Strahn, Sarah Strahn, Lower Sandusky was sup-plied by them. In
and Nancy Halloway. Joel Strahn was the fall of 1823, William Swazy, presiding
appointed leader. Shortly after the organ- elder on Lancaster district, employed Benija
ization their number was increased by the Boardman, a local preacher living in Huron
addition of Rebecca Pryor, Mrs. Wilson, and county, as a missionary to organize a circuit
Mrs. Tyler. Of these fourteen none are now up and down the Sandusky River, and from
living but Jacob Bowlus, who still lingers the adjacent settlements, with Lower
among the men of another generation, the Sandusky for headquarters. Mr. Boardman
honored patriarch of the Methodist seems to have been a man of fair talents, and
Episcopal church in Sandusky county. His blessed with a good degree of energy and
connection with the church has never been fidelity to his work. The enterprise was a
broken for a day, and he has always enjoyed success, and the close of that conference
not only the respect but the confidence and year the Lower Sandusky circuit was
love of his brethren and the community. Joel organized by the Ohio conference, placed
Strahn moved to Illinois after he had been upon the ministers, and the Rev. E. H.
here some ten years, and died in 1864. Fields, a young man who had recently been
Rev. James McIntyre, a local preacher received into the conference, appointed, with
living in Huron county, visited Lower Rev. James McMahon as presiding elder.
Sandusky occasionally and preached in This is the first recognition of Lower
1822. He subsequently joined the Ohio Sandusky circuit we have. What the extent
conference; travelled a few years and retired. of the territory or number of appointments it
The date of his death is not known to the embraced I do not know. There were ninety-
writer. seven members in all the circuit. Mr. Fields
Rev. James Montgomery was ordained by remained on the circuit but one year, it then
Bishop Asbury, at Lebanon, Ohio. He was a being the practice of the church not to return
local preacher thirty years, and died at Fort young men the second year unless there was
Seneca in 1830. His funeral was preached by something-in the circumstances to require it.
Rev. Ezekiel Cooper, at that time travelling Rev. J. W. Clarke was appointed to succeed
the Lower Sandusky circuit. Methodism and Mr. Field in the fall of 1825. Mr. Clarke
religion, not only in Fremont but in the remained but one year. What his future
surrounding country, owes him a debt of history was is not known.
lasting gratitude. He preached the gospel to In the fall of 1826 Rev. Arza Brown was
the scattered communities in the country appointed to the circuit. He remained two
where no church in its regular organized years. The members of the church and those
capacity had found its way among the that were interestedly associated with it—
people. By him and his early associates in who are still living—have a distinct
this irregular work the word of life was recollection of Mr. Brown. During his
carried to the sparsely settled communities, pastorate. Lower Sandusky was
and the way
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 497

lessed with a powerful and extensive re- continued to labor on districts and in the best
vival, perhaps, considering the number of appointments of his conference. He has been
population, the most remarkable religious more than once, I think, honored by his
awakening the place was ever favored with. brethren with a seat in the general
This revival and ingathering Into the church conference. No man has a warmer heart, or
was a matter of great encouragement to the has been more beloved by the people with
little struggling society, that had become whom he has labored than Elmore Yocum. In
well nigh discouraged in consequence of the the year 1833 Rev. C. Goddard, with the
hardships and privations of a new country. I Rev. J. B. Austin as assistant, were
am informed by Mrs. Sallie Ingham, a appointed. They were both removed at the
daughter of Rev. James Montgomery, that end of the first year, and in the fall of 1834
Mr. Brown died in Chicago in 1870. How Rev. William Sullivan and Rev. John T.
long he continued in the ministry, or what Kellom were appointed. The community this
his occupation was after he left it, is not fall was greatly afflicted with cholera. Mr.
known. Kellom says in a letter to the writer:
The revival gave great strength to the On my way to Lower Sandusky I was stopped by a
circuit, and at the conference held in 1828, J. kind friend, some three miles above the town, and
informed that there were but three living persons in the
Hill and A. Billings were appointed. They place. I staid with him over night, and the next morning
remained on the work but one year, and B. rode to town and found Mr. Birchard, Judge Hulburd,
Cooper and William Sprague were appointed and Dr. Rawson. All the others had fled from the
to succeed them at the conference of 1829. cholera. Some were tenting on a camp-ground on Father
Bowlus' farm, and some had fled to other places. After
Rev. Russell Bigelow was presiding elder. stopping a while, I went over to what is now Clyde, and
Nothing special occurred during the year, then returned and assisted in burying some of the dead.
and in 1830 they were succeeded by Rev. In consequence of the prevalence of
Eline Day and Rev. E. C. Gavitt. At the end cholera, Mr. Kellom received but fifty six
of the first year Mr. Gavitt was removed, he dollars for his year's service.
being a young man. He is still living, a Rev. J. Kinnear and Rev. J. H. Pitzel were
member of the Central Ohio conference, and appointed to the circuit in 1835. They
doing effective work. remained one year, and were followed, in
In 1831 Mr. Day was returned with the 1836, by Rev. Leonard Hill and Rev. Wesley
Rev. E. B. Chase for his colleague. Mr. Day J. Wells. Mr. Hill remained two years and
remained in the ministry of the Methodist had for his colleague the second year Rev.
Episcopal church for a few years, became Osborn Mennett. Father Hill continued to
disaffected and joined the United Brethren, travel as an itinerant preacher for several
remained with them a while, and in his old years, took a superannuated relation to the
age asked the privilege of returning to the conference, returned to Fremont, where he
church of his youth. He was received back spent the evening of his life, and died in
and recognized as a local elder. great peace, April 13, 1869, in the eightieth
In 1832, Mr. Day and Mr. Chase having year of his age, honored and beloved by all
closed their pastorate, Rev. Elmore Yocum who knew, him. Mr. Wells continued to
and Rev. J. Martin were appointed to the travel till 1868. He now holds a
circuit. Mr. Yocum continued to travel superannuated relation to the Central Ohio
several years in Ohio, and was transferred to conference, and is engaged in busi-
Wisconsin, where he has
498 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ness in Toledo, Ohio. In 1838 Rev. Peter of him I do not know. With the misfortune of
Sharp was appointed to the circuit, with Rev. Mr. Campbell the station became discouraged,
B. Blanchard as assistant. Mr. Sharp's health and failed to sustain itself. It was accordingly
was poor, and he insisted on the work being again united with the outlying appointments,
divided and he allowed to remain all the and in 1841 Thomas Thompson and Rev.
time in town that he could attend to the Darius Dodge were appointed. Father Thomp-
work. The presiding elder accordingly son is still living, a member of the North Ohio
consented to the arrangement, and Lower conference, and, I believe, in the religious
Sandusky was organized into a station. Peter world, no man has sustained a better character
Sharp was eccentric, and there are many through a long and useful ministry than he.
amusing anecdotes told about him, one of Darius Dodge became ambitious to be rich,
which is here related: took a supernumerary relation to the
At one of the conferences a good brother conference, went to Illinois, and commenced
was arraigned for heresy. The conference the practice of medicine, became guilty of an
heard the case and pronounced him guilty. offence that disgraced himself and the church.
The bishop said: "Brethren, you have He is no longer a member of the conference,
convicted this brother of heresy; what do and so far as I know is out of the church.
you propose to do with him?" This was a Thompson and Dodge remained on the circuit
stunner, for the church has no law to punish but one year, and in 1842 the Rev. Samuel P.
heretics. In the midst of embarrassment, Shaw was appointed to circuit, with Rev. Mr.
Peter gravely arose in his place on the Grutnley as junior preacher. Mr. Shaw
conference floor and said: "Mr. President, I remained on the circuit for one year, and the
move we proceed at once to burn him." Rev. Hibbard P. Ward was his colleague the
Mr. Sharp was succeeded, in 1839, by Rev. second year. Mr. Shaw afterwards held a super-
Wesley Brock. Mr. Brock was the homeliest annuated relation to the North Ohio con-
man I ever saw. He remained here but one ference, and lived alone on his farm in
year—continued to hold important positions Crawford county, Ohio. He became wealthy,
in his conference for a number of years. and endowed a university in the South named
Finally took a superanuated relation and after himself.
moved on his farm in Mercer county, Ohio, Hibbard P. Ward died of cholera while
where he became guilty of a shameful crime, stationed at Sandusky City. He led his prayer
for which he was expelled from his meeting in the evening, and before morning he
conference in 1859. He died a few years was dead. His last words were, "Gliding
afterward, dishonored and forsaken. I never sweetly." He was a young man of fine talent, of
knew a man for whom I felt so deeply as I great goodness of heart, and of much promise
did for Wesley Brock. to the church. He and William Cooper, and a
In 1840 Rev. A. Campbell was appointed young Presbyterian minister, all died in
to the station. This was unfortunate for the Sandusky City of cholera, and are buried side
charge. Mr. Campbell was of a despondent by side in the cemetery at that place.
turn of mind, which grew upon him, and Messrs. Shaw and Ward were succeeded, in
before the close of the year the poor man 1844, by Rev. W. C. Huestis and Rev. Joseph
lost the balance of his mind and went crazy. F. Kenedy. Mr. Huestis remained
What became
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 499

two years, and Rev. S. Fairchilds was his Caples was a young man of wonderful
assistant the second year. Mr. Kennedy preaching powers. At the expiration of Mr.
continued in the work of the ministry until Caples' term in 1858 Rev. Charles. G. Ferris
1872, when he took a nominal appointment, was appointed. At the close of that
fell into a state of despondency, and put an conference year the Central Ohio conference
end to his existence by a pistol shot. He was held its annual session in. Fremont in 1859.
a sad illustration of the use of opium, and of The conference was, hospitably entertained
disappointed ambition. by the citizens, the members of other
In 1846 Rev. Joseph Jones and the Rev. churches, and. those who were not connected
Jacob T. Caples were appointed to the with any church, generously assisting. The
circuit. In 1847 Mr. Caples was removed and conference adjourned with grateful feelings
Mr. Jones was returned, and a young man by to ward the people for their kind and hos-
the name of Wait assisted him. At the close pitable entertainment. At this conference.
of Mr. Jones' legal term in 1848, Rev. J. Mr. Ferris was removed and Rev. W. S. Lunt
Reese and Rev. J. Elliott were the preachers. was appointed. He remained for the two
Mr. Reese died on the 4th of the following conference years. No pastor ever enjoyed
February, and Elliott was entrusted with the more fully the confidence and affection of
charge of the circuit. He was followed in the charge than did Mr. Lunt. He has been
1849 by Rev. S. M. Beatty, with Stillman for some time broken down in health, and
George for a supply. During Mr. Beatty's sustains a superannuated relation to the
first year on the work Lower Sandusky was Central Ohio conference. He resides in
favored with an extensive revival which Fostoria, and enjoys the confidence and
greatly strengthened the charge, and at the affection of the people. He closed his legal
close of his first year the circuit was again term of service on the charge in 1861, and
divided, and Fremont was organized into a Rev. Simeon Alderman was appointed to
charge by itself; to which Mr. Beatty succeed him. He. remained but one year, and
returned in 1850. in 1862 Rev., E. R. Morrison was appointed.
He was followed in 1851 by Rev. Dorcas Mr. Morrison was of an unfortunate mental
Dodge, and in 1852-53 Rev. W. J. Wells was organism. During his ministry here there
again appointed to the charge, and at the were marked indications of mental
close of his pastorate in 1854, Rev. W. H. aberration: He afterwards became entirely
Seeler succeeded him. He remained but one incapacitated, from this difficulty, for work.
year, and was followed in 1855 by Rev. L. At present he holds a superannuated relation
A. Pounds, and he in 1856-57 by Rev. Jacob to the North Ohio conference, and resides
T. Caples. One year after, Mr. Caples left with his helpless family among his friends,
Fremont. In 1869, at the conference held in somewhere in the West, an object of
Fremont, he was appointed by Bishop profound sympathy. In many respects he was
Morris, presiding elder on the Findlay a man of fine intellect. At the end of his first
district. He served the district with great year in Fremont it was thought best to
acceptability and usefulness until near the remove him, and in 1863 Rev. Amos Wilson
close of the first year, when he was suddenly was appointed to succeed him. The general
stricken down by acute brain trouble, and conference, of 1860 had changed the rule
died in Findlay, Ohio—Brother relating to the term of pastorate to three
instead of Two
500 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

years, and Mr. Wilson remained the full in 1860 or about that date. In 1862 Revs.
legal term. He was followed in 1866 by Rev. Shireman and D. Strohman purchased a lot,
Joseph Wykes, who remained two years. He and an unpretentious but comfortable church
was followed in 1869 by Rev. G. W. Collier. building was erected. During the first ten
Mr. Collier resigned his charge during the years the congregation was composed almost
year to accept the agency of the Soldiers' exclusively of Germans, and the services
Orphans' Home, and Rev. A. Wheeler, of the conducted in their language. But in 1870
North Ohio conference, was employed by the Rev. A. Vandersoll commenced holding
presiding elder to fill the balance of the con- services, in which English alone was used.
ference year. In 1869 Rev. F. Merriott was Since that time the church has been quite
appointed to the work. He remained two prosperous. Its present membership is
years, and was succeeded in 1871 by Rev. seventy.
W. W. Winter. At the close of his first year In the formation of the societies of the
he was appointed presiding elder in the Evangelical church in Sandusky county, the
Findlay district, and Rev. Gershom Lease itinerant preachers were men who hesitated
was appointed to the charge. He was at no hardship which they met in the
reappointed in 1873 and also in 1874. Rev. discharge of duty. They travelled chiefly on
Mr. Wilson became pastor of the church in horseback, and with hymn-book and Bible
1878, and retired in October, 1881. and wardrobe packed in a valise or saddle-
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. bags met their engagements, and fulfilled
This church is one which seems to have their appointments, through snow and rain
been formed to carry the gospel to the poor. and mud. Often their services were at first
It has been doing good work in this county held in private houses, log cabins and even
for many years, and many souls have been barns along the circuit. Rank and style and
saved through the earnest, self-sacrificing wealth were all ignored, while there was an
labors of its missionaries. All through the enthusiasm in the service of "The Master"
county the church buildings of this that never fainted or flagged. In diffusing the
denomination are found, there being one in religion of Jesus through the early
almost every township. Revivals are of settlements and carrying the gospel into
frequent occurrence, and though the remote places, in the woods and over the
preachers are usually itinerants, the church prairies, the Evangelical church has done a
keeps about its work of doing good, and great and noble work for religion and
receives the support of a large portion of the civilization, and is still prosecuting its work
intelligent farmers of the county. The with zeal and success.
present number of church edifices in the THE REFORMED CHURCH.*
county is fifteen; the entire membership The earliest record we find relating to the
seven hundred and seventy. Reformed church of Fremont is dated
The first organization of the church in this November 5, 1857, at a meeting of the male
county was effected in 1830. Since that date members at the house of the Rev. J. Heller,
the progress of the association has been where the following resolutions were passed:
highly gratifying to those who have its Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a German
Reformed congregation, and place ourselves under the
interests at heart. care of Tiffin classes of the synod of the
The society in Fremont was organized * Robert Lucas, clerk.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 501

German Reformed church of Ohio and adjacent States, the charge was carrying on the church
to be known as the First German Reformed church of
Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio.
property in Fremont, no money having been
2. Resolved, That we elect a consistory to consist of paid on the debt for some years, and interest
three elders and three deacons who, together with the accumulating. He set to work to pay the debt
pastor in charge, shall be the directors of the or- by having the members give their notes,
ganization.
The following persons were then appointed: E. B. payable in five years, with interest,
Buchman, Michael Binkley, N. Naaman, elder,; providing enough could be raised to cancel
Frederick Tschumy, John Melhaupt, H. Zweler, deacons, the debt; if not, none was to be collected.
who were regularly inducted into office on the 9th day
of November, 1857, in the Union church at a regular
But by hard, untiring labor, he at last had
meeting of the congregation. enough to cancel the debt. He was
Recorded above May 31, 1858. universally liked by his people—plain,
JACOB SNYDER, Recorder, unassuming, conscientious, and upright; not
Per Charles Atkinson, Deputy.
a brilliant orator, but one whose whole
On the 1st of February, 1862, a joint mission seemed to be to be about his
meeting of the Salem (or Four-mile house) Master's work. By his industry and
congregation and the Fremont congregation systematic course of life he not only relieved
was held at the Reformed church in Fremont, the church of the burden of debt it was
and the two congregations united under under, but awakened a spiritual interest also,
name of one charge. The following persons that was manifest in the Sunday school,
were elected as trustees to serve a term of prayer meeting and church. Being naturally
three years: Fremont church, Daniel fond of music he did much to encourage the
Karshner, D. Koons, Peter Bauman; Salem, younger members in that branch, often
or Four-mile church, A. Hensel, Peter King, meeting with them during the week for
William Rearick; J. J. Siebert was elected practice. In the fall of 1870, while assisting a
treasurer, George B. Heller clerk. Up to this brother minister in Henry county, he
time Rev. J. Heller was the regular pastor. In returned feeling quite unwell, and was soon
1863 Rev. J. B. Thompson accepted a call confined to his bed with typhoid fever, from
and became the pastor, with the following which he never recovered. He died
persons in the consistory: John Dull, Peter November 13, 1870. His remains were taken
Bauman, and John Younkman, elders; D. to Galion, his former home, for burial, a
Karshner, William Shrader, and Daniel large number of his members attending the
Koons, deacons of the Fremont church. In funeral. Some weeks after a funeral sermon
1865 we find the consistory made up of the was preached by Rev. Dr. Williard, of Tiffin,
following members: David Brohm and J. Ohio, in the church at Fremont.
Younkman, elders; Robert Lucas and In 1869, at a meeting of the general synod
William Shrader, deacons. The church held in Philadelphia, the name of the society,
membership at this time numbered about or church, was changed from the German
eighty. Upon the resignation of Rev. J. B. Reformed to the Reformed Church in the
Thompson a call was extended to Rev. James United States. After the death of Rev. James
Seibert, which was accepted by him, he Seibert, the charge was supplied by ministers
entering upon his duties as pastor April 9, and students from the theological seminary
1868. Upon his entering the charge he found at Tiffin for over a year. The names of those
several impediments in the way which were officiating during 1871 are: Rev. R. Good,
quite embarrassing, the greatest one the C. G. A. Hulhorst, J. M. Kendig, A.
burden of debt that Zortman,
502 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and others. In 1872 S. J. Bacher, a the age of sixty-eight years. He it was, who,
theological student, of Tiffin, took charge of in the Northwest, published the first
the congregation, and, upon completing his Catholic extracts out of the Holy Bible, and
course of studies, was ordained as regular distributed them among the people. In the
pastor, serving very acceptably till 1875, year 1809 he published a paper called,
when failing health obliged him to resign, "Essay du Michigan," for which
much to the regret of his people. Rev. Jesse publication, however, on account of its
Richards served the charge till 1880, when altogether too strong Catholic tendencies,
his resignation was accepted, to take place he was imprisoned for some time. Rev.
June 1, 1881. At a special meeting of the Richard, who had come here on a visit,
Tiffin classes, held at the Four-mile church, soon left, and the settlers again were left
September 13, 1881, the Fremont charge, without a priest. Irish Catholics began to
which consisted of the Fremont congregation arrive, and also a young German Catholic
and the congregation at the Four-mile by the name of John Christian, a joiner by
church, was divided into two separate trade, and during the years 1835, 1836,
charges; the Four-mile church and Lindsay 1837, and 1838 our settlement was strongly
congregations to constitute a charge, to be enlarged by families coming from Buffalo.
known as the Lindsay charge, and the Among the first was the family of Jacob
Fremont congregation and the congregation Andres, and in the fall of the same year
southeast of the city (known as the Mourey came Joseph Baumgartner. The next year,
church) to form a distinct charge, to be 1836, brought Mr. Jacob Gabel and his
known as the Fremont charge. A call has sons, John and Michael. In the following
been extended to Rev. J. I. Swander, of year came. Mr. Joseph Huntzinger and
Tiffin, Ohio, who is expected to become the several other families. About the year 1839
regular pastor as soon as the way is clear. came Father Tscheuhens, from Tiffin, on a
visit, and services were held in Beaugrand's
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES.*
house, which was on the side of and near
Within the earliest period of Fremont's the river. From that time on our settlers
existence, Canadian Catholics had settled in were visited alternately by Catholic priests
and around Fremont, but years passed by ere from Tiffin and other neighboring places.
their earnest desire for a Catholic priest was Also, Mr. Gabel, who lived four miles out
gratified; until, shortly after the arrival of of Fremont, in Jackson township, and Mr.
the Beaugrand family from Detroit, Mr. Huntzinger, willingly gave the use of their
Gabriel Richard, a French missionary and an houses for the purpose of holding services.
old acquaintance of the Beaugrand family, Among those priests who from time to time
and who had married Mr. Beaugrand and visited our town we only mention two,
Miss Chabert, made his appearance in namely: Amadeus Rappe and Josephus
Fremont. This priest came to America on the Projectus Macheboeuf. The former became
26th of June, 1792, where, in the far West, bishop of the Cleveland diocese in October,
his apostolic services covered a territory of 1847, resigned in August, 1870, and died in
fifty-five thousand four hundred and nine September, 1877. The latter became bishop
square miles, until in 1832 he died in in part. infid. of Epiphamia for the apostolic
Detroit, at vicariat of Colorado, in August, 1868,
* Written by Helen Furst; translated from the Courier. which position he still holds. As the
congregation be-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 503

came larger they were obliged to look for a Moos, who at present is in Sandusky. On the
suitable place wherein to hold their services, Zest day of September, 1862, Father Bauer
and gladly accepted the kind offer of Mr. took charge of the congregation, and has
Pease, to use his smith-shop on the east side been here ever since. Soon another lot near
of the river. In this building Mr. Balthasar the church was bought from Mrs. Moore for
Keefer was married by Father Macheboeuf, nine hundred and fifty dollars, whereupon
in 1840. the old school-house was erected, and in
Here also was held the first high mass in 1865 was built the present residence of
Fremont, by Father Martin Henni, who, in Father Bauer.
1844, become bishop of Milwaukee, and in In 1870 it became necessary to enlarge the
1875 archbishop of the same place, where he Catholic schools. The sisters, who soon
died last year. Soon after Arch-bishop became teachers in place of hitherto
Purcell, from Cincinnati, officiated here in employed teachers, had to give up part of
the holy sacrament of confirmation, and on their dwelling for school purposes, until in
the same evening lectured in the court- 1878 it became absolutely necessary to build
house. In the year 1842 Mr. Rodolphus a new school-house. The lot, where at
Dickinson donated to the Catholic present the new school-house stands, was
congregation a lot, where now stands the bought from Mrs. James Wilson, for four
present St. Ann's church, on State street, thousand dollars, and upon it was built the
which was built at that time. The first present elegant school-house. The schools
stationed priest was Father Nightingale; his are in a flourishing condition, and aside from
successors were Carobaine, Welsh, Rose and the common elementary branches, some
Mullen. From 1842 to 1857, Canadians, Irish higher sciences are taught; also drawing is
and Germans formed one congregation. In taught, and the girls are .instructed in fancy
1857 Father Franz Xavier Wenninger, a needlework. The number of scholars at
Jesuit missionary, came to Fremont, and present is two hundred and fifty, while the
seeing that the German element was the entire congregation embraces about one
predominant factor, induced them to build a hundred and eighty families.
church of their own. Thereupon they bought ST. JOSEPH'S SOCIETY.
a lot of General Buckland for eight hundred
dollars, situated on the corner of Croghan This society was first introduced by Father
and Clover streets, and upon it erected the Mullen, who himself acted as president, and
present St. Joseph's church. Among the Jacob Gabel, sr., acted as vice-president.
members, at that time, we are able only to This society was reorganized in 1866 and
mention the following: Michael and Jacob 1867 by Father Bauer, who at first became
Gebel, Ambrose Ochs, Joseph and John president, but after his resignation Mr.
Stuber, George Greiner, Philip Gottron, Joseph Stuber took his place. At present Mr.
George Rimmelobacher, John Gompert, L. Franz Giebel, sr., is president; Mr. John
Haberstroh, Charles Oltine, Casper Rust, J. Horn, vice-president; Mr. Fred Buchmann,
Swartz, John Buchmann, Anthon and John treasurer; and Mr. John Rectenwald,
Reineck, Franz Geibel, sr., John Haaser, jr., secretary. The beautiful Munich flag is
Anthon Hochenedel, Paul Gaurus, Anton carried by John Weber at extraordinary
Young, Adam Muller, William Horn, etc. occasions,
Father Mullen's successor was Father
504 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

A GREAT SUNDAY-SCHOOL GATHERING. the first school organized in that place. This
August 18, 1867, was a memorable much-prized banner was used in a wide-
Sunday-school day in Fremont. The county awake procession and afterwards laid aside
Sunday-school society at a meeting held in and forgotten until found a few days before
May, resolved upon a general meeting and this convention. Another banner was carried
picnic of all Sunday-school workers and by a Clyde school, for which it was painted
scholars in the county. Circulars were in 1851, by McPherson while home from
addressed to every school in the county. West Point on a vacation. The device is a
How well they responded a report of the child leading a lion, and has under it the fol-
meeting will show. lowing text: "They shall not hurt nor destroy
There were in procession, by actual count, in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord."
more than four thousand people, besides the A third banner possessing historic interest
crowds who came in from the different was borne by one of the Clyde schools. It
townships, and interested spectators from was presented to Captain Chapman, on
town who filled the grove. The procession entering the Mexican war, by the ladies of
was under the direction of C. R. McCulloch Tiffin, and brought home by him after
and several assistants. It was five miles long victorious peace. The interesting horse
and contained four hundred and nineteen which General McPherson rode on the fatal
wagons packed with happy children and 22d of July, 1864, was an object of interest
drawn by four, six, eight, and ten horse in the procession.
teams, many of them handsomely decorated. The following schools were represented by
Several of the wagons were filled with girls delegations: Fremont Presbyterian,
beautifully dressed in white. It was a Reformed, Episcopal, Methodist Mission,
refreshing spectacle to see these passing Clyde Methodist and Baptist; Butternut
wagons bearing their beautiful and precious Union, South Ridge Baptist, Townsend
burdens to a day's meeting of enjoyment and Centre, Green Spring Union, North Riley
encouragement. Many of the wagons con- Union, Galestown Union, Mt. Lebanon
tained fifty or sixty children, and in one United Brethren, Ballville Union, Maple
there were as many as eighty-six. Union, Centre Union, Wolf Creek Chapel,
Every school had made an elaborate effort Tawa United Brethren, Shiloh Union, Eden
to excel in beauty and tastefulness of Chapel Union, Rollersville Union, Hessville
emblem and decoration. The day was Reformed, Madison Union, Jackson Sunday-
pleasant, and when eight thousand voices school, Muskallonge Union, West Fremont
joined in chorus, the grove rang with Union, Rice Union, Fostoria, Mill Grove.
swelling melody. Rev. J. B. Thompson made The whole number present connected with
the opening prayer, and Dr. Stilwell the membership of these schools was four
interested the children with a speech. Other thousand seven hundred and fifty-four.
speeches were made by Professors J. COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
Tuckerman and W. W. Ross, and Rev. Mr.
Inglf. It is a striking fact in the history of
A feature of the meeting was the display of Sandusky county that old institutions, both
banners borne in the procession. The Green business establishments and charitable
Spring school carried a banner painted by societies, were seriously retarded in their
General McPherson at the age of seventeen, operations by financial embarrass-
when he was a teacher in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 505

ment. The Sandusky county Bible Society accomplished without assistance. A donation
was no exception to the rule, yet general of fifty German Bibles and one hundred and
poverty throughout the county made its labor fifty Testaments was received and a credit
especially valuable. There are rigid purchase made of one hundred and fifty
necessities of life which must be supplied, English Bibles and thirteen hundred and fifty
but hooks, even the Bible, do not belong to Testaments. The finances of the society
that catalogue. People must eat and have the prevented general free distribution of books
wherewithal to be clothed first of all things, and the poverty of newcomers and pioneers
and, as was seen in a previous chapter, prevented their sale. This attempt to
Sandusky county pioneers were scantily resupply the county was practically a failure.
supplied even in those necessities. But an In the language of the record, "from this
association of good people, esteeming the time until February 15, 1840, the society
Bible, if not a vital at least a moral languished."
necessity, at an early period of our history At this latter date a reorganization was
engaged with spirit and earnestness in the effected and a better feeling seemed to exist
praiseworthy enterprise of supplying to the among the members, and more de-
needy and destitute a copy of the Holy termination to carry out the objects of the
Scriptures. association. Forty new members were added.
The Sandusky county auxiliary of the There were received at this time from the
American Bible Society was organized May parent society donations in Bibles and
24, 1830, at Lower Sandusky, and was Testaments to the amount of two hundred
officially recognized by the Continental and forty-three dollars, and by purchase
Association on the 2d of the following books to the amount of two hundred and
December. An installment of books, con- eighty-eight dollars. The society was yet
sisting of two hundred and fifty Bibles, and embarrassed by debt and sought voluntary
six hundred Testaments, besides a number of contributions. The society was active and
Bibles and Testaments sent as specimens, efficient from this time on. The county was
was ordered from the American Bible thoroughly canvassed, the poor sought out
Society the following spring. The work was and supplied, and those in better
then formally inaugurated. circumstances induced to become members
By January 1, 1832, every township, and and contribute funds. It was emphatically a
probably every family in the county, had home missionary organization, and many
been visited and supplied. The good work, homes have not yet forgotten timely favor
however, was not kept up with that constant and assistance. Meetings have been held an-
and watchful zeal which should attend every nually for the last. forty years. On account of
educational and reformatory movement. changes in population it is necessary to be
Nothing worthy of mention was effected constantly watchful in order to carry out the
from January 1832, till July 1835. During design of the society. In 1862, two thousand
this period a flood of immigrants had' been six hundred and nine families were visited.
pouring into the county, most of them poor, Two hundred and nine were found without
and some of them wholly destitute. Duty any part of the Scriptures in their
made vigorous work imperative, and the dwellings—one family out of every twelve
society resolved upon the utmost exertion. A visited. One hundred and seventy-five of the
debt, however, to the general society destitute were supplied. Most of the
remained unpaid, and nothing effective recipients of the society's
could be
506 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

charity "seemed to receive the gift of God miles travel on foot, Mr. Jones visited thirty-
with heartfelt gratitude. Among the destitute one hundred and ninety-nine families. He
families some had lived ten years without a found two hundred and fifty-two families
Bible, having been overlooked, probably, in wholly destitute of any part of the Scriptures;
the previous supply." A few instances are on of these, two hundred and thirty-five were
record which go to show the spirit in which supplied, leaving in 1880 less than twenty-five
the society's charity was received. One said: families without the Bible. This was a fitting
"I have been wanting to get a Bible for a consummation of the labor of fifty years. The
long time. I am poor and have to live by hard present officers of the society are: Dr. James
labor. I give you a thousand thanks." W. Wilson, president; pastors of the various
Another said. "I thank you kindly for this churches co-operating with the society, vice-
Bible. I will read it myself, and will also presidents; C. R. McCulloch, depositary; John
read it to my family." With tears in her eyes G. Nuhfer, treasurer; John Ellston, auditor;
a poor wife said: "I have often wanted a Isaac M. Keeler, secretary.
Bible, but my husband would never buy one. BURIAL PLACES.
I have kept house ten years. Oh, how I prize The military cemetery during the War of
this Bible!" It is more difficult to receive 1812 was on the hill south of the city. The
with disinterested thankfulness than it is to English soldiers who fell in the trench before
give out of the fullness of the heart. It is Fort Stephenson were buried in the bottom east
certainly a subject of congratulation that the of the fort and near the river.
society's efforts of charity were received The first settlers set apart a lot for cemetery
with gratitude and brightened and gladdened purposes on the hill sloping toward the south,
spirits depressed by penury. The secretary's just south of the present track of the Lake
report of 1863 says: "There has been Shore & Michigan Southern Rail-road. This
something to encourage the society in giving was the common burial place until Oakwood
the Word of Life to the destitute in the Cemetery was laid out.
liberality with which many have responded Oakwood Association was formed in 1858,
to the solicitations of the agent. A poor and was composed of the following
widow being called upon said: `I rejoice to individuals: S. Birchard, James Justice, Israel
have the good work go on. I have but two Smith, O. L. Nims, David Betts, James W.
cents; I give them freely, and. would rejoice Wilson, John P. Price, James Valletti, L. Q.
to give more if I had it. Rawson, James Moore, Thowas Stilwell, and
A complete canvass of the county was Platt Bush. A tract of land containing twenty-
made in 1874, and another in 1879. N. J. three acres was purchased and laid out in lots.
Jones was appointed to make the last Since 1858 Oakwood has been the common
canvass, his compensation being rated at one burying place of this community. Within the
dollar a day. Mr. Jones canvassed the entire last five years the trustees have been especially
county except York, Green Creek and diligent in making improvements. Walks and
Townsend townships, which have been roads have been constructed, lots graded and
included in the territory of the Clyde and otherwise beautified. In the year 1878 a
Bellevue societies for a number of years. In residence for the superintendent was erected, at
the course of one hundred and fifty days an expense of one thousand dollars, and in
occupied in the canvass, and twelve hundred 1869 a stone vault was constructed at a
and eighty-four
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 507

cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars. The city until 1853, when a lot of two and one-
present official board are: Stephen half acres was purchased in Jackson
Buckland, C. R. McCulloch, F. S. White, township. This lot is yet used by the
William E. Haynes, and R. B. Hayes, Catholics of that part of the county. In 1863
directors; Stephen Buckland president; E. St. Joseph's church, of Fremont, purchased
Loudensleger, secretary; C. R. McCulloch, eight acres for cemetery purposes, located in
treasurer; and C. Cramer, superintendent. the southwest part of the town. St. James'
The Catholics in this part of the county church purchased, at the same time, eight
buried their dead near the river below this acres lying east and adjoining St. Joseph's
cemetery.

CHAPTER XXXI.
SOCIAL SOCIETIES.
Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Society—Secret and Benevolent Societies.

S OMETIME in February, 1874, ex-


Governor Hayes suggested the formation
of a historical society to his friend, General
SANDUSKY COUNTY PIONEERS.
The old settlers and all other citizens of Sandusky
county favorable to the formation of a County Pioneer
and Historical Society are invited to meet at Birchard
Buckland, and others. The result was a Hall on Saturday, June 6, 1874, at 2 o'clock P. M.
conference of several persons, who favored A meeting was held accordingly, at which a
such an organization. At this first constitution was adopted, providing for the
conference were present General Hayes, name, officers, etc., and also that any resident
General Buckland, L. Q. Raw-son, James of the county might become a member by
W. Wilson, and Homer Everett. These paying one dollar, and that, any person who
gentlemen, after exchanging views, resided in the county on or before the 1st day
concluded to make a start in the formation of January, A. D. 1830, shall be exempt from
of a society, to the end that the pioneers of the payment of any membership fees or dues.
the county might be brought together and At this first meeting the following persons,
more intimately know each other and at having complied with the constitution,
times enjoy themselves in social became members, and signed it, to wit:
intercourse. There was the further intent to Homer Everett, Thomas Holcomb, George
so organize that as much as possible the Bixler, Edward Tindall, Robert S. Rice, L. Q.
events and the names of persons who were Rawson, Platt Brush, O. A. Roberts, Henry
pioneers might be rescued from the oblivion Bowlus, Samuel Skinner, John B. Rice, J. L.
of forgetfulness and kept on record. Green, R. P. Buckland, James W. Wilson, C.
Accordingly the following call was R. McCulloch, H. Lang, F. S. White, and R.
published in the papers of the county: B. Hayes.
508 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

On motion the following officers were then were added as honorary members of the
elected to serve until the regular annual society.
election, to be held August 3, 1874, to wit: The society has maintained its organization
Homer Everett, president; L. Q. Rawson, ever since, re-electing, annually, the same
vice-president; R. B. Hayes, secretary; officers, with the exception of the secretary,
James W. Wilson, treasurer; H. Everett, R. Mr. Hayes being called, in the fall of 1875,
B. Hayes, H. Lang, Platt Brush, R. P. to the Governorship of Ohio, for the third
Buckland, and J. L. Green, executive time, and, in 1876, to the Presidency of the
committee. United States. In his stead the society
On the 3d day of August, 1874, the society elected Isadore H. Bur-goon, who has
met and elected the same officers to serve faithfully discharged the duties of his office
the ensuing year. The constitution was to the present time.
amended so that, in addition to the members This society has done much good in
of the executive committee, there should be several directions. It has annually held its
one person from each township, and the basket picnic, and brought the old settlers of
following-named persons were added, the county into each other's presence and
namely: Edward Tindall, Ballville; William acquaintance in pleasant, social intercourse,
E. Lay, Green Creek; David Overmyre, and thus increased their happiness. It has
Jackson; Martin Klutz, Madison; Grant promoted reverence and respect towards the
Forgerson, Rice; Thomas Holcomb, Riley; early settlers, and made them realize that
Charles H. Bell, San-dusky; David Fuller, their toils and hardships are appreciated by
Townsend; John F. Bowman, Washington; the succeeding generations. By the numerous
Rev. C. Cronenwett, Woodville; John B. discourses and addresses at these meetings a
Mugg, York. very good photo, so to speak, of early
The meeting then, on motion, appointed a pioneer life has been placed on the records
basket picnic, to be held on the county fair of the society for preservation. It has
grounds, in September, 1874. The executive preserved the likeness and biography of
committee designated the 3d day of many of the early settlers in its archives,
September as the time for holding the picnic. which will increase in interest as years pass
The meeting was held accordingly, and was by, and it has been instrumental in
eminently successful in the number of furnishing facts for this history.
attendants from the country, as well as from
MASONIC.
the city. This first gathering of the pioneers
was novel and interesting in many respects. Masonry was instituted in Lower San-
The old settlers were there in goodly dusky during the early years of the history of
number, and the care-worn countenances, the village. Daniel Brainard, Harvey J.
silvery locks, and, in many cases, the Harman, David Gallagher, and others of that
tottering steps of the venerable participants jolly coterie of village wits and friends held
in the reunion, afforded unmistakable meetings in a three-story building which
evidence as to whom the county is indebted, stood on the present site of June's foundry.
at that day, so largely for They paraded the streets on several
Fields of waving, golden grain; occasions, and gave the lodge considerable
Each flowery field, mead, and verdant plain prestige. But the anti-Masonic frenzy, which
Decreed to those who toil. spread over the country like wildfire in
At this meeting the names of Samuel consequence of the reputed murder of
Hollingshead and Augustus W. Luckey Morgan in New York,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 509

compelled the suspension of meetings here Simpkins, till November, 1852; Daniel
as well as at many other places. After the Brainard, till December, 1855; F. Wilmer,
bitterness of feeling had died away, a few of till November, 1858; C. Doncyson, till
the old members who survived, and several November, 1859; F. Wilmer, till July 19,
other Masons who had in the mean-time 1877; C. Doncyson, till December, 1878;
located here, desired that the lodge should be Lorenz Dick, since December, 1878.
reinstituted and work resumed. BRAINARD LODGE.
FORT STEPHENSON LODGE. A charter was issued to Brainard Lodge
The grand master, W. B. Hubbard, was dated February 11, 1861, which bears the
appealed to, and a dispensation received following names: John F. Simpkins, Lewis
May 12, 1852, directed to J. F. Simpkins, Canfield, Samuel M. Ellenwood, Homer
Daniel Brainard, and J. W. Smith, author- Everett, E. F. Hafford, Oscar Ball, John H.
izing them to organize a lodge of Free and McGee, George W. Steele. The dispensation
Accepted Masons, to be known by the above which was read at the first meeting, held
title. A regular meeting for organization was February 11, 1861, designated John F.
held May 27, 1852, at which officers were Simpkins to act as master, L. Canfield,
chosen as follows: J. F. Simpkins, W. M.; senior warden, and S. M. Ellenwood, junior
Washington B. Smith, S. W.; Daniel warden. Masters since organization have
Brainard, J. W.; J. S. Olinsted, secretary; D. been elected as follows: December, 1862,
Gallagher, treasurer; L. Caul, S. D.; A. Homer Everett; 1863, L. Canfield; 1864 and
Gusdorf, J. D.; H. B. Burdick, tyler. Besides 1865, Oscar Ball; 1866, H. W. Bristol; 1866
these there were present at this meeting J. to 1871 inclusive, Robert H. Rice; 1872, W.
W. Main, P. Brown, and O. True. I. Norton; 1873, J. P. Elderkin; 1874-76, W.
At a session of the Grand Lodge, held in W. Ross; 1877-79, S. P. Meng; 1880, E.
Chillicothe October 19, 1852, a charter was Stanley Thomas. The lodge occupies a
issued to Fort Stephenson lodge, its number handsomely furnished room in the third story
being 225. The charter is signed by W. B. of the block corner Front and Croghan
Hubbard, grand master, and B. F. Smith, streets. The membership is active and
grand secretary, and others. The lodge energetic.
prospered and grew so rapidly that in less FREMONT CHAPTER.
than ten years it was thought expedient to A charter was issued February 2, 1855, to
divide. Such a measure was made almost Fremont Chapter, No. 54, Royal and
imperative by the fact that a large proportion Accepted Masters. The charter members
(more than half) of the membership was were: Francis B. Bell, George R. Brown,
German, and desired to work in the German William Hamer, William S. Russell, James
language. In 1861 seven members withdrew W. Foster, J. S. Olmsted, Ferdinand Wilmer,
for the purpose of establishing a new lodge, L. Canfield, I. M. Keeler, E. F. Hafford, B.
and in December of the following year a J. Bartlett.
resolution was unanimously adopted making
FREMONT COUNCIL.
German the language in which all the
proceedings of the lodge should be No. 64, Royal and Select Masons, was
conducted. This rule has been adhered to chartered February 7, 1856, with the fol-
ever since. lowing officers: E. F. Hafford, T. I. M.; J. V.
Fort Stephenson lodge has been presided B. Ames, D. Q. M.; S. P. Meng, R. C. W.
over by the following masters: J. F.
510 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

DRUIDS. the fruit of progressive civilization. By this


The first society entirely German in its power it has been wonderfully advanced and
membership was established in Fremont in developed in the expansion of its
1859, as a lodge of the United Order of capabilities, and the enlargement of its field
Druids. It was chartered as Schiller Grove, of labor. It has grown, as many other orders
August 15, 1859, with the following of kindred character, formed in a good
members: Charles Billinger, George Homan, degree upon its example, out of the demand
Jacob Zorn, Charles H. Shade, C. G. for auxiliaries, by the physical as well as the
Rumoff, James Unkrich, Jacob Fowler, moral needs of men.
Jacob Fretzel, Christoph Rosbach, Christian Progress and civilization, which are
Michael, Joseph Magrum, and William practically correlative terms, are always
Schrader. moving under the light of accumulating
The Druids have a hall on State street, experience, never losing sight of the grand
painted in the Oriental style of Christian art. object of their exalted mission-the amel-
ioration of humanity. All our institutions,
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
whether social, political, religious, or moral,
Fremont Lodge, No. 95, was chartered in are the creatures of this mystic force, and
March, 1875, with the following members: have been controlled, modified, reformed,
H. R. Shomo, P. F. Heffner, James Kridler, and perfected under its processes, so that
Byron Schoville, A. F. Price, C. Strausmyer, their present excellence has been graduated
J. K. Heffner, Perry Close, E. B. Belding, C. from rude and simple originals. Under this
M. Dillon, D. H. Brinkerhoff, E. F. Hafford. law of the social organization, united co-
This lodge meets in Odd Fellows' Hall. operation against the trials of life has been
Humboldt Lodge, No. 852, Knights of introduced, as alike the instinct of common
Honor, is a German society, and was humanity and the suggestion of a wise
chartered January 1, 1878. The following Providence. It has enabled men to uplift and
were charter members: P. Knerr, Charles succor each other in adversity, free from
Schade, Joseph Zimmerman, John G. public dependence, and to promote a spirit
Weisbecker, L. Dick, Charles Klegin, F. of fraternity which knits them together in
Richards, J. Baumann, Christian Neeb, L. spite of the partition walls set up to estrange
Younkman, Dr. M. Stamm, John Buchler, and separate them. Although but feebly
John Renchler, Charles F. Geisin, and C. W. supported in its inception, it has conquered
Tschumy. This lodge has a membership of its way by persistent effort, and today it
forty-two. Its hall is one of the finest in stands on a foundation as firm as the "eternal
town. hills.''
AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. Who can calculate the value of such in-
stitutions, not only to their immediate
A lodge of the American Legion of Honor membership, but as substantial supports?
was organized in Fremont in 1879, and is Their withdrawal would be seriously felt, not
now one of the most prosperous societies of only as a loss of an immense moral power in
its class in the city. society, but also from the fact that their
CROGHAN LODGE, NO. 77, I. O. O. F.* absence would necessarily transfer the
Like all other institutions devised for the burdens which they bear to the public.
benefit of mankind, Odd Fellowship is Among the many tributaries to the general
welfare of this character which
* By W. V. Marsh, secretary.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 511

are noiselessly, yet most effectively diffus- the Morehouse building, owned by Theodore
ing blessing upon humanity, Croghan Lodge, Clapp, on the southeast corner of Front and
No. 77, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Garrison streets. Here they remained about
the pioneer of Odd Fellow-ship in Sandusky two years, when they again removed to a
county, has made a record fully verifying the room in the third story of Buckland's "old
scriptural quotation that "By their works ye block," on Front street. This room they
shall know them." occupied from 1850 to March, 1870, when
A brief statement from the records of the another change was made to the present
lodge will abundantly verify this fact: large, commodious, and beautifully
Croghan lodge was instituted Friday appointed rooms in the Foster block, Front
evening, February 5, 1847, by the Right street.
Worthy District Deputy Grand Master Henry The lodge continued to increase in
G. W. Crouse at, then, Lower Sandusky, membership until 1876, when, numbering
Sandusky county, Ohio, in an upper room of one hundred and sixty-two contributing
John R. Pease's building, situated on Front members and thirty-five past grands, some
street, on the site of the present block of of the brotherhood evidenced a desire to
Roberts & Sheldon. withdraw and form a new lodge. In June of
The petitioners who applied for a charter the same year the matter took tangible form
in May, 1846, and at the installation of the in the institution of McPherson Lodge, No.
lodge became charter members, were: N. S. 637, with twenty-nine charter members, a
Cook, D. H. Hershey, W. M. Stark, B. W. history of which will appear elsewhere in
Lewis, and A. E. Wood, five in number, of this work. Since that time both lodges have
whom Past Grand B. W. Lewis is the only worked harmoniously together, as brothers
surviving member. of one great family, in cherishing the
The district deputy grand master was sentiments and diffusing the divine
assisted at the installation by Past Grands T. principles of friendship, love, and truth.
H. Sheldon, George Rumpp, and Richard The following summary has been care-
Williams; John E. McCormic, Casper fully compiled from records and annual
Parsons, Chester R. Johnson, and R. W. grand lodge reports, from February 5, 1847,
Ruthman, all of Seneca Lodge, No. 35, to July 1, 1881, and is approximately
Tiffin, Ohio, and Mr. Conner, of Apollo correct:
Lodge, No. 61, Middlebury, Summit county, SUMMARY.
Ohio. After the formal institution and
MEMBERSHIP.
presentation of charter, the first election was
held to provide officers for the current term, Contributing members January, 1850 .................... 37
which resulted as follow: H. S. Cook, M. G.; Admitted by initiation from January, 1850, to
D. H. Hershey, N. G.; W. M. Stark, July, 1881 ........................................................ 270
secretary; B. W. Lewis, treasurer. Their Admitted by card from January, 1850 to July,
1881 ...................................................................73
installation followed in due and regular Admitted by reinstation .........................................20
form. For the purpose of giving the new
officers instruction in the initiatory work, Total membership to July, 1881 ...................... 400
the district deputy grand master held an Withdrawn by card ................................ 104
Dropped ................................................. 114
initiation, Mr. John Smith being the Died ......................................................... 26
candidate. 244
The Pease building was occupied about
one, year, when the lodge was removed to Present membership.......................................... 156
512 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

RELIEF. R. P. Buckland, sr., C. R. McCulloch, James


Number of brothers relieved to July, 1881 ........... 344 H. Hafford, S. Buckland, D. L. June, I. M.
Number of widows relieved to July, 1881 ................ 9 Keeler, E. H. Underhill, Jos. Rumbaugh,
Number of brothers buried by the lodge .................. 24 John P. Moore, George J. Krebs, H. R.
Total .................................................................. 377 Shomo, B. W. Lewis, David Otto, George
Beck, Henry Stacy, S. E. Anderson, H. L.
Amount paid for relief of brothers from Jan-
Pennell, M. R. Tucker, John T. Beck, T. F.
uary, 1847 to July, 1881............................... $4,731.10
Seigfried, R. Hermon, William Foresythe,
Amount paid for relief of widows ....................... 89.93
Amount paid for burial of deceased brothers ... 639.40 John Treat, John L. Greene, jr., D. S. June,
Amount paid to charitable purposes ................... 73.50 T. M. Hobart, H. R. Finefrock, M. A. June,
C. F. Reiff, E. H. Morgan, I. Walborn,
Total ........................................................ $5,533.93
Samuel Brinkerhoff, Henry W. Kent.
FINANCE. M'PHERSON LODGE I. O. O. F.
Minimum receipts from 1847 to 1881 ........ $23,192.66
Expenses from 1847 to 1881 ........................ 18,866.03 In 1876 the lodge had grown so large that
it was thought better results could be secured
Balance ................................................... $4,326.88 by division. The Grand Lodge was applied
to, and on May 11, 1876, a charter was
List of Past Grands to July, 1881, in nearly the
issued to McPherson Lodge No. 637. The
regular order: N. S. Cook, D. H. Hershey, W.
lodge was formally instituted June 29, 1876,
M. Stark, John Bell, R. P. Buckland, sr., John
with the following members: George J.
L. Greene, sr., C. R. McCulloch,* James S.
Krebs, John W. Greene, John Pero, C. B.
Fouke, O. A. Roberts, J. F. R. Seibring, W. H.
Tyler, John P. Thompson, S. P. Meng, A.
Morgan, James H. Hufford, G. W. Steele, G. C.
Canfield, S. Buckland, D. L. June, C. M. Alfred, George Maycomber, W. B. Kridler,
Fouke, I. M. Keeler, T. Clapp, D. W. Krebs, S. jr., Charles B. Greene, James West, Henry
Coonrod, James Park, S. J. Ludwig, H. R.
Buckland,* John McKee, N. Haynes, John
Bowlus, G. W. Heberling, Charles
Flaugher, J. R. Bartlett, L. Gelpin, E. H.
Thompson, Benjamin F. Evans, J. H.
Underhill, Joseph Rumbaugh, George
Robinson, James Kridler, Charles Moore,
Reymond, John Bell,* John P. Moore, Aaron
Henry Lesher, Frank Q. Ickes, S. A. Wilson,
Bennett, L. M. Jackson, Charles H. Krebs, H.
P. Knerr, Samuel Ridley, J. C. Rosebach, W.
L. Pennell, H. R. Shomo, S. P. Meng, A. D.
Wiles, C. K. Phelps, B. W. Lewis, James S. Witmer, and James S. Fowler.
Kridler, D. L. Camfield, Henry Lesher, James FREMONT ENCAMPMENT
H. Fowler, F. K. Tetter, David Otto, George
was chartered in May, 1855, with the fol-
Beck, Henry Stacy, S. E. Anderson, H. R.
lowing members: D. W. Armstrong, T. G.
Tucker, G. M. Tyler, John T. Beck, J. C.
Amsden, A. J. Knapp, Samuel Z. Culver,
Rosebaugh, T. F. Seigfried, R. Hermon,
David Moore, A. D. Wiles, Theodore Clapp,
William Foresythe, John Treat, John L.
J. F. R. Sebring, W. W. Seely.
Greene, jr., D. S. June, T. M. Hobart, H. R.
Finefrock, M. A. June, C. E. Reiff, E. H. Lincoln Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca,
Morgan, I. Walborn, Samuel Brinkerhoff, was chartered May 21, 1880.
Henry W. Kent. In concluding this brief and abstract re-
Following is the present list of Past Grands port, it affords great pleasure to he able to
of Croghan Lodge, July 1, 1881: say that both lodges are, at the present, in a
most healthful, progressive, and thriv-
* Passed the chair twice.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 513

ing condition, both in membership and Vermont, a lady of fine intellect and lovely
finance. character. In 1 817 Mr. Hayes, with his
family, came to Ohio, the trip being made in
a covered wagon and consuming forty-seven
days. They settled at Delaware, where, in
July, 1822, Mr. Hayes died, leaving a wife
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
and one daughter. Rutherford Birchard
Hayes was born on the 4th of October
following. The estate and management of
RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES. family affairs was entrusted to Sardis
An able historian has observed that native Birchard, Mrs. Hayes's brother, who was
talent is about equally distributed in all then a young than, and took a loving interest
nations, but it goes to waste wherever the in his sister's welfare. Mr. Birchard became
surroundings are not propitious. Intellectual very fond of his nephew, and at the age of
strength, to be useful must have cultivation, twelve years took him under his immediate
and be associated with good moral qualities; charge, sending him to school and
great occasions are necessary to make it afterwards to Kenyon college. During this
prominent in an individual. This is a school period Mr. Hayes spent a large part of
somewhat abstract theory, but it is a his vacation time at the residence of this
legitimate deduction from the career of that uncle in Fremont. His sister had married
one citizen of Sandusky county who has William A. Platt, of Columbus, and his
filled the highest office provided for by the Hither made her home in that city. - Mr.
Constitution of the Nation. Hayes graduated from Kenyon with the first
It is our purpose to give only a bare outline honors of his class. During the course he
of the life of the ex-President whose home is kept a diary in which is recorded not only
within the limits of this city. His biography casual events of college life, but his
is beyond our scope, it is a part of the estimates of persons with whom he come in
history of the country. But so much of his contact, and occasionally lets drop a remark
time, when not engaged in the performance about himself and his aspirations. Mr.
of public trusts, has been spent here that a William D. Howells, in his biography,
sketch of his career falls within the observes concerning this journal:
legitimate sphere of local history. There are few instances and none of importance set
Rutherford B. Hayes is a descendant of down in these early journals. What distinguishes them
George Hayes, a native of Scotland, who, from other collegian diaries and gives them peculiar
value in any study of the man, is the evidence they
after living for a time in Derbyshire, Eng- unfold of his life-long habit of rigid self-accountability
land, came to America in the latter part of and of close, shrewd study of character in others. At the
the seventeenth century and located at end of the third year he puts in writing his estimate of
the traits, talents and prospects of his fellow-students;
Windsor, Connecticut. Rutherford Hayes, of and in a diary opened at the same time he begins those
the fifth generation from George Hayes, was searching examinations of his own motives, purposes,
born in West Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1787. ideas, and aspirations, with-out which no man can know
He is spoken of as a man of florid other men. These inquiries are not made by the young
fellow of nineteen any spirit of dreamy or fond
countenance and sandy hair, as having a introspection. Himself interests himself, of course, but
great fondness for athletic sports and of he is not going to give himself any quarter on that
popular manners. He married, in 1813, account. He has
Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington,
514 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

got to stand up before his own conscience, and he unprompted choice."


judged for his suspected, self-conceit, for his pro-
crastinations, for his neglect of several respectable but
Mr. Hayes graduated in the class of 1842,
disagreeable branches of learning; for his tendency to and began reading law the same year in the
make game of a certain young college poet, who office of Thomas Sparrow, of Columbus, a
supposes himself to look like Byron, for his fondness, in contemporary of Thomas Ewing, Thomas
fine, of trying the edge of his wit on all the people about
him. Upon consideration he concludes that he is not a Corwin, and William Allen. He afterwards
person of genius, and if he is to succeed, he must work attended the law school of Harvard college,
hard and make the very most of the fair abilities with from which he graduated in 1845, and was
which he accredits himself. He has already chosen his
profession and is troubled about his slipshod style and
admitted to the bar at Marietta. Returning to
his unreadiness of speech, which will never do for an the home of his uncle in Fremont, he formed
orator. He is going to look carefully to his literature, and a partnership with R. P. Buckland for the
takes an active interest in the college literary societies. . practice of law. This partnership continued
. He has to accuse himself, at the age of nineteen, of be-
ing a boy in many things. Even after he is legally a man, two years. Mr. Hayes then accompanied his
he shrewdly suspects that the law will have deceived uncle Birchard to the South, the trip having
itself with regard to him. He also finds that he is for its object the recovery of the tatter's
painfully bashful in society, but that great relief may be
found by making fun of his own embarrassments. It is a
health. In 1849 the young lawyer opened an
frank, simple, generous record, unconscious even in its office in Cincinnati, and for some time had
consciousness, and full of the most charming qualities the experience of most young professional
both of heart and mind. men in a city. He was all the while, however,
While at college, Mr. Hayes, with all his by diligent .reading, preparing for future
introspection, did not foresee the course of emergencies. He had, in fact, always been a
his life. He resolved to devote to law his close student, going through book after
exclusive attention. "But a little later," runs book, seeking to know the facts and ideas
the biography from which we have already contained in them rather than paying
quoted, "we find that he has aspirations attention to the author's art and style of
which he would not conceal from himself, composition. He read pretty much everything
and of which one may readily infer the of importance in current general literature.
political nature from what follows. But what He has carried this habit of reading through
follows is more important for the relation it life, except during those periods too fully
bears to his whole career than the light it occupied by public duties.
throws on any part of it. `The reputation I It was through a circumstance of ex-
desire is not that momentary eminence which ceptional good fortune that Mr. Hayes was
is gained without merit and lost without given an opportunity to show his powers as a
regret,' he says, with a collegian's swelling lawyer, and to earn standing as a
antithesis; and then solidly places himself in practitioner. His first case in Cincinnati was
the attitude from which he has never since his defence of an idiot girl, who had been
faltered: ‘Give me the popularity which runs arraigned for murder. The half daft creature
after, not that which is sought for.’ So early was brought into court to answer to the
was the principle of his political life fixed charge, and, being without money or friends,
and formulated. Every office he has had has had made no provision for an attorney to
sought him; at every step of his advance- defend her. Judge Warden was then common
ment, popularity, the only sort he has cared pleas judge, and was on the bench when the
to have, has followed him. He is and has case was called. The case was such an
always been a leader of the people’s undesirable one, and the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 515

accused such an unprepossessing client that City, Maryland, and on September 13


none of the attorneys present were anxious Middletown was reached. Here began the
to undertake the defence. The judge, finding battle of South Mountain, in which
the poor girl had no counsel, asked the bar Lieutenant Colonel Hayes, in command of
who should be appointed to defend her. Mr. the Twenty-third, led the advance. It was
Hayes, then almost a stranger in the court ordered at an early hour to advance by an
room, was singled out as a proper person to unfrequented road, leading up the mountain,
undertake the undesirable case. After making and to attack the enemy. The enemy, posted
some inquiry concerning the character and behind stone walls, poured a destructive fire
fitness of the young barrister, the of musketry and grape into the advancing
appointment was made, and after a short column. Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, Captain
preparation on the part of the defence, the Skiles, and Lieutenants Hood, Ritter, and
trial proceeded. The case was tried with Smith were each badly wounded. Colonel
vigor on both sides. Mr. Hayes' argument Hayes' arm was broken. Out of the three
was particularly strong, and at once gave hundred and fifty who engaged in the action,
him a reputation as a lawyer. From that time more than one hundred lay dead and
he enjoyed a remunerative practice. In 1856 wounded upon the field. The command now
he declined a nomination for judge of the devolved upon Major Comly, and remained
Hamilton county Court of Common Pleas. with him from that time forward. The enemy
Two years later he. became a candidate, and charged from the left and the regiment
was elected to the office of city solicitor of changed front on the first company. Colonel
Cincinnati, to which, on the expiration of his Hayes, with his wound half dressed and
term, he was re-elected. against the remonstrances of his whole
In 1861, when the first call for troops was command, again came on to the field and
made, Mr. Hayes offered his services, which fought until carried off. Soon after the
were at once accepted by the Governor, and remainder of the brigade, came up, a gallant
when the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer charge was made up the hill, and the enemy
Infantry was organized, in June, he was was dislodged and driven into the woods
commissioned major. He served under beyond. Three bayonet charges were made
Rosecrans in West Virginia, during the during the day, in each of which the enemy
summer and fall, part of the time being judge were driven with heavy loss. The Twenty-
advocate on the General's staff. He was third participated actively in the battle of
appointed lieutenant colonel November 4, Antietam, which followed, being under
1861, and took formal command of the command of Major Comly. In October the
regiment at the opening of the campaign of Twenty-third was ordered back to West
1862. The first great battle in which the Virginia, and on the 15th of that month
Twenty-third participated was South Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes was appointed
Mountain, culminating in the battle of colonel, in place of Scammon, promoted to a
Antietam, September 17, 1862. The summer brigadier generalship. In December of that
had been occupied in skirmishes and forced year Colonel Hayes was placed in command
marches until August, when the regiment of the First brigade of the Kanawha division.
was transferred to McClellan's command. During all that toilsome West Virginia
The enemy was driven from Frederick service of more than a year, Colonel Hayes
won,
516 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

not only the respect, but hearty friendship of called at Winchester in May, 1865, over
his command. He exerted himself to make which Colonel Devol, of the Thirty-sixth
camp life agreeable and to relieve laborious Ohio Volunteer Infantry, presided. A
marches, so far as possible, of hardships. resolution was unanimously and enthusi-
The affection of members of the Twenty- astically passed, declaring that: "Gen-Hayes,
third for their colonel is manifested yet at in addition to possessing the ability and
regimental reunions. In the battle of statesmanship necessary to qualify him in an
Winchester Colonel Hayes, commanding a eminent degree for chief magistrate of the
brigade, took a conspicuous and important State of Ohio, is a soldier unsurpassed in
part. In this battle he exhibited rare personal patriotism and bravery, he having served
bravery, which is a characteristic of the man four years in the army, earning his
and an important element of his success. He promotion from major in one of the Ohio
never hesitated, either on the field or in regiments to his present position."
politics, to do what occasion seemed to This was the first suggestion of his name
require. At North Mountain, Colonel Hayes for Governor, and while the proposition was
took command of the whole Kanawha received with enthusiasm by the army, it met
division, and at Cedar Creek, where a horse with earnest protest from him. General
was shot under him, his conduct was highly Hayes had previously, in October, 1864,
meritorious. Immediately after this battle been elected to Congress from the Cincinnati
Colonel Hayes, "for gallant and meritorious district. He had also protested against this
services in the battles of Winchester, nomination, and when informed of the
Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek," was unsolicited honor, he re-plied in a letter,
appointed brigadier-general, to take rank since several times reproduced in political
from October 19, the date of the last named campaigns, in which he said: "I have other
battle. General Hayes was given command, business just now. Any man who would
in the spring of 1865, of an expedition leave the army at this time to electioneer for
against Lynchburg, and was making active Congress ought to be scalped." Despite this
preparations when the war closed. He was protest, however, General Hayes was
breveted major-general at the close of the triumphantly elected by twenty-five hundred
war to date from March 13, 1865, for majority over Joseph C. Butler, a popular
gallantry and distinguished services in West business man of the city. In 1866 he was re-
Virginia in 1864, and at the battles of elected by about the same majority over
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. He was Theodore Cook. General Hayes was
engaged in much severe service and prominent in Congress rather for his
participated in many battles. He had three usefulness then for the display of brilliancy.
horses shot under him, and was four times He was unobtrusive, and seldom took up the
wounded. time of the House, even with a short speech.
In the spring of 1865 there was a lull in the He was not ambitious to display oratorical
campaign in West Virginia, and many of the ability, but his congressional career is
leading officers sought retirement from the worthy of great respect for the interest he
service, which to them was be-coming took in the questions which at that time
wearisome. Several of the military friends of agitated Congress.
General Hayes desired that he should have a The Republican State Convention of 1867
furlough or be advanced to a civil position of mot in Columbus in June. The
honor. A meeting was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 517

importance of having a strong candidate was paign without an issue General Hayes would
deeply felt throughout the State, and the have been out of place. The contest in Ohio
country looked upon the approaching contest in 1867 was a pivotal one with reference to
with interest. The Republican party proposed the disposition of the National debt and the
a suffrage measure, which, owing to race question of negro suffrage. The Republicans
prejudice, accrued wholly to the benefit of lost the Legislature, but General Hayes and
the Democrats. Further than this, Mr. the rest of his ticket were elected. The
Pendleton had announced plausible and suffrage amendment was defeated, owing to
popular currency theories, then new to the its unnecessary disfranchising clause, but the
people and well calculated to attract votes. principle had developed popular strength and
The Republican convention made General subsequent triumph was assured.
Hayes its spontaneous choice for the head of Governor Hayes' administration com-
the ticket, wholly without his solicitation. manded the respect of the people of the
The Democrats further increased their State, and a second nomination was con-
strength which the popular side of two great ceded long before the convention met in
issues gave them, by selecting for their 1869. The Democrats adopted an ultra
candidate Allen G. Thurman. The canvass platform and nominated General Rosecrans
was vigorous on both, sides. The Democrats for Governor. General Rosecrans, who was
were on the offensive and pushed in California at the time, declined the
prominently the proposition to pay the position, and Hon. George H. Pendleton was
bonded debt in non-interest bearing green- selected as the opposing standard-bearer.
backs. Mr. Hayes resigned his seat in Con- The campaign was fought on issues growing
gress, and early in August entered zealously out of the reconstruction measures of the
into the canvass. He spoke in nearly every Republican Congress, and attracted National
one of the eighty-eight counties of the State, attention. Governor Hayes was re-elected by
opposing with all his force the position of a largely increased majority. His second
his opponents with regard to the currency, administration was liberal and popular, as
and supporting with the same fervor the the first had been. As Governor he was
stand taken by his own party for equal eulogized by the leaders of both political
suffrage. General Hayes is a campaign parties.
speaker of peculiar force and influence. He General Hayes met his first political defeat
is not what is generally known as an in 1872, but it was a party and not a personal
eloquent speaker, yet he has canvassed this defeat. On the 31st of July a large number of
State several times, and drawn large Cincinnati Republicans united in the
audiences in the same towns at each following letter:
campaign. His power lies in clear, bold, Hon. R. B. Hayes:
pungent statement, and he inspires an Believing that it is the desire of the Republicans
audience, with. confidence in the sincerity of generally of the Second Congressional District, that you
be a candidate for the nomination, and feeling that you
his convictions. As a campaigner he would receive a larger vote from the district than any
belonged to that class who appeal to the other person that could be agreed upon, we unite in
reason of the wavering and doubtful. He respectfully asking that you accept a nomination for
fought a political battle on the issues rather Congress.
than by working upon prejudice or inspiring General Hayes positively and unequivo-
faithful partisans with confidence of victory.
cally declined allowing his name to be
In a cam-
518 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

used in connection with the candidacy, but side of an all-absorbing issue, and an
in the face of protestation he was nominated, Administration at Washington generally
and to prevent dissension in the party unpopular, all these obstacles in the way of
accepted. He foresaw defeat from the start, victory had to be overcome, and who should
but made a good canvass, and carried a much be chosen to lead in the unequal contest?
larger vote in his district than General General Hayes, as in 1864 he had been
Grant's vote for President a month later. sought out of the army to be chosen to
Hamilton county was carried for the Congress; as in 1867 he had been recalled
Democrats that year by five thousand from Congress to lead in a doubtful State
majority. campaign, against his will and solemn
In 1873 General Hayes was unexpectedly protest, was in 1875 forced from his pleasant
nominated by the President for Assistant and quiet home to lead in a campaign which
Treasurer at Cincinnati, but declined the was to decide, not only the immediate
office, being desirous to return to his home destiny of parties, but to formulate important
at Fremont. He resumed his residence here in National legislation. General Hayes was the
the summer of that year, and naturally spontaneous choice of the rank and file of
enjoyed relief from more than twelve years the Republican party in that great political
of official care. The two subsequent years of emergency. There were grave doubts,
his life were passed quietly and contentedly. however, as to whether he would accept the
But his party in Ohio was approaching an nomination, and they were not without
important political crisis. The October reason. To all who had approached him on
campaign in Ohio in 1875 was looked upon the subject he had expressed extreme
as the preliminary battle of the National disinclination, and he discouraged, at every
contest of 1876. Far more import-ant opportunity, the use of his name.
interests than mere partisan advantage were Nevertheless Republican sentiment asserted
at stake. Upon the issue of the contest itself, and grew in volume until, by the time
depended, in an important measure, the the State Convention met, It was simply
character of legislation on the currency overwhelming. The only other name
question. The question was similar to the proposed was that of Judge Taft, of
one which General Hayes, eight years Cincinnati, whose high standing and ability
before, had been called from his seat in were beyond question. When the convention
Congress to champion. Republicans of the assembled Judge Taft was presented as a
State felt the weight of great responsibility, candidate. There was also placed before the
and discussed, with solicitude, the choice of convention a dispatch from General Hayes
a standard-bearer. The Democrats, two years positively declining to be a candidate. He
before, had elected their candidate for sincerely desired relief from public life, and
Governor, and the year before carried the on convention day confidently supposed that
State by seventeen thousand majority. he had set at rest the movement toward his
Business failures and general industrial own. nomination. While the convention was
depression made the theory of expanding the assembling at Columbus, General Hayes, at
paper currency of the country extremely Fremont, was quietly directing some farm
popular. In addition to this, discontent with work. The feeling of the convention was
the National Administration made unmistakable, and its demands irresistible.
Republicans indifferent. Seventeen thousand Mr. Hayes did not realize
majority, the unpopular
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 519

the situation on that day until a bundle of pivotal States gave assurance of success in
sixteen dispatches was delivered to him the approaching Presidential contest, and it
imploring a withdrawal of his positive was about this time that Governor Hayes'
declination and another dispatch received nomination for the Presidency became a
soon after, notified him of his nomination by subject of serious discussion. The Governor
a vote of more than three-fourths of the himself, though plainly seeing the possibility
delegates. Judge Taft, by his representative, of his nomination, was free from that intense
moved to make the nomination unanimous, ambition which led some other candidates to
and General Hayes, after consultation with push themselves to the front. Therein was a
his friends here, telegraphed: “In obedience secret of his success. If he was to be the
to the wishes of the convention I yield my standard-bearer of his party, the nomination
preferences and accept the nomination.” had to be offered to him. He did not seek the
General Hayes entered that campaign with high honor, and by not seeking, antagonized
all his force, fighting not Allen and Cary but the ardent partisans of none of those who
the theory of finance which their party were candidates in the full sense of the term.
advanced, and which he believed to be When the National Republican convention
pernicious. Few Ohio campaigns have been assembled in Cincinnati, Governor Hayes'
so free from personality. The candidates of eligibility as a candidate was universally
both parties were men of the highest recognized, although his delegate support
integrity, and with honorable records. The outside of his own State was small. But six
contest was not for the Governorship but for ineffectual ballots exhausted personal
the triumph of a principle which had an enthusiasm, and on the seventh the man
intimate relation to the Nation's most vital whose fitness was universally recognized,
interests. General Hayes was master of the was nominated.
campaign which he led, having at the outset, The result of he convention was most
in a speech before the central committee, gratifying to the people of this county, ir-
conspicuous for clearness, defined the issues respective of party differences, This was
which he desired to have placed before the shown by the brilliant reception tendered
people. That speech, occupying less than Governor Hayes on the occasion of his visit
five minutes in its delivery, was the home, June 24. For three days the city was
Republican keynote, on which the campaign alive with the excitement of preparation.
was fought, the result of which brought its Dwellings, business houses, and public
author prominently into the circle of buildings were tastefully decorated and
Presidential candidates. The Ohio election of brilliantly illuminated. The reception was
1875 was the turning point in the course of held in the evening, and participated in by
party destiny. The political revolution of the fifteen thousand people. The event was a
previous two years was brought to a stand- most fitting tribute of respect to a fellow-
still, and restored to Republicans all over the citizen who had been designated by the
country confidence in their ability to dominant party for the first place in the
maintain ascendency in the affairs of the Government.
Nation. Pennsylvania, largely influenced by General Hayes' letter accepting the
Ohio, was a month later carried by the nomination for the Presidency, was char-
Republicans. The results in these two acteristically strong and clear. If there had
powerful and been any doubt in the public mind as to his
520 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

courage, it was dispelled by the bold and rose in popular favor and official station.
advanced ground upon which the candidate The letter of acceptance was undoubtedly the
placed himself at the opening of the most influential document in the campaign
campaign. His position on the then great which terminated in his election to the
questions then occupying the attention of the Presidency. It was the expression of a man
whole country—reform in the civil service, of decided convictions and with courage to
resumption of specie payments and maintain them. Further than this, it was a
restoration of fraternity throughout the clear, concise definition of Republican
Union—was especially pronounced and doctrines, which Republican papers and
emphatic. With respect to the system of orators amplified, but to which little was
making official appointments, he announced added. Like the brief speech to the State
that the "reform should be thorough, radical, central committee one year before, this letter
and complete." On the currency question determined the issues of the campaign.
then uppermost among business men, he The election was closely contested on both
said: sides. The doubtful result in three Southern
I regard all the laws of the United States relating to States threw the whole country into a state of
the payment of the public indebtedness, the legal tender
notes included, as constituting a pledge and moral
anxiety which continued until inauguration
obligation of the Government, which must in good faith day. The events of that memorable winter
be kept. are beyond our present scope. General Hayes
His attitude toward the South was equally was declared elected by the highest authority
assuring: "What the South needs is peace, in the Government, and his title has never
and peace depends upon the supremacy of since been vitiated by the strongest tests
law." In the last paragraph of the letter is which partisan enthusiasm could institute.
summed up the Republican candidate's It is too soon to write the history of the
pledge to the country. administration from 1877 to 1881. That it
Let me assure my countrymen of the Southern States gave satisfaction to the people is shown by
that if I shall be charged with the duty of organizing an
administration, it will be one which will regard and the renewed growth of the Republican party
cherish their truest interests-the interests of the white from inauguration day, and the decisive
and the colored people both and equally, which will put result of the National election of 1880. Its
forth its best efforts in behalf of a civil policy which
will wipe out forever the distinction between North and
crowning accomplishment was the
South in our common country. With a civil service resumption of specie payment, and the
organized upon a system which will secure purity, consequent re-establishment of financial
experience, efficiency, and economy, a strict regard for security and promotion of business
the public welfare solely in appointments, and the
speedy, thorough, and unsparing prosecution and prosperity. The attitude of the administration
punishment of all public officers who betray official toward the South went far toward allaying
trusts; with a sound currency; with education public prejudices. The immediate result of
unsectarian and free to all; with simplicity and frugality
in public and private affairs, and with a fraternal spirit
this measure has been renewed life and
of harmony pervading the people of all sections and activity in that long neglected section of the
classes, we may reasonably hope that the second century country. We can only enumerate a few other
of our existence as a Nation will, by the blessing of important measures of administration. An
God, be pre-eminent as an era of good feeling and a
period of progress, prosperity, and happiness. Indian policy was permanently established,
We have been endeavoring, so far as a securing the red man undisturbed possession
brief sketch will permit, to point out the of the soil he occupies, and encouraging him
successive steps by which General Hayes
Lucy W. Hayes
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 521

in civilized pursuits. The Mexican border was born at Chillicothe, Ohio. Her ancestors
difficulties were settled by radical measures on both sides were Revolutionary soldiers,
affording greater security to our border on her father's side being Virginians, who
citizens than have they enjoyed since the came from Kentucky to Ohio, and on her
annexation of Texas. Foreign commerce has mother's side being from Connecticut and
been aided by requiring from consular posts Pennsylvania. Dr. James Webb was a soldier
detailed monthly reports. The most difficult in the war of 1812, and was one of Ball's
question with which the Hayes squadron, which engaged with a party of
administration had to deal was reform in the Indians just south of this city a few days
civil service. A system of political before the battle of Fort Stephenson. He died
patronage, quietly acquiesced in for forty of cholera in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1833.
years could not be displaced in four years. Maria Cook Webb, the mother of Mrs.
Bold measures were adopted and the results Hayes, was a lady of unusual strength of
have already received the endorsement of the character and deep religious convictions.
country. After the death of Dr. Webb she removed to
President Hayes was fortunate in Delaware, where her sons were being
surrounding himself with a Cabinet of able educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University.
and distinguished men, and holding them, Miss Webb was instructed at Delaware by
with two exceptions, till the close of his the University professors, preparatory to
term. The administration devoted itself entering the Wesleyan Female College at
assiduously to work, and grew more popular Cincinnati. It was while attending college at
as the results of its labors became known. Cincinnati that Mr. Hayes made her
General Hayes retired from the Presidency acquaintance. Both were spending a short
with the full confidence of the people of all time at Delaware—Miss Webb visiting her
parties. He had traveled in all sections of the mother, Mr. Hayes his old home and
country, and was everywhere received with birthplace. It is said that the first meeting
the respect due the Chief Magistrate of the was at the sulphur spring on the college
Republic. When he again became a private grounds. Her natural gaiety and
citizen, and returned to his home in this city, attractiveness made a strong impression on
he was tendered a hearty reception as a mark Mr. Hayes, who was thenceforth a frequent
of personal friendship and local pride. visitor.
In this sketch of his public services we While at school Miss Webb became a
have deferred mentioning the social and member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
private life of General Hayes and of Mrs. She has ever since been ardently attached to
Hayes, who has occupied a conspicuous the duties and requirements of a Christian
place in the State and Nation. life. At college she bore the reputation of
LUCY WEBB HAYES. being a diligent student, and graduated with
The personal appearance of Mrs. Hayes good standing.
and her qualities as a woman are too well Her marriage to Mr. Hayes took place
known to justify any comment here. She has December 30, 1852. The ceremony was
been before the public many years, and has performed by Dr. L. D. McCabe, of the
always been the recipient of the highest Wesleyan University, who was also present
favor and praise. at the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary,
Lucy Webb was the daughter of Dr. James celebrated at the White House.
Webb and Maria Cook Webb, and Mrs. Hayes first became known to the
522 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

outside world during the war. A distin- than that of General Hayes. His knowledge
guishing characteristic is the great pleasure of Ohio and Ohio history is especially
she takes in making people happy. In the accurate and extended.
army, among volunteer soldiers, she found General and Mrs. Hayes have again settled
ample opportunity for the exercise of her down to the rest and quiet of private life,
rare faculties in that direction: Upon which, for people of their age, they have
learning of the severe wound received by her indeed had little opportunity to enjoy.
husband in the battle of South Mountain, she Fremont has been for years their home,
hastened East and joined him at Middletown, though for the most of the time not their
Maryland. As soon as he was able to walk, residence. It is expected that they are now
she spent a portion of each day in the here to remain.
hospitals, cheering the wounded of both GENERAL R. P. BUCKLAND.
armies with delicate attentions and, tokens
of sympathy. The members of the Twenty- Ralph Pomeroy Buckland was born at
third Ohio Volunteer Infantry remember Leyden, Massachusetts, on the 20th day of
Mrs. Hayes with the kindest affection. January, 1812. His grandfather and father
Mrs. Hayes is eminently social and died from the immediate effects of military
domestic. Her residence has seldom been service in the cause of our country; the
without visitors, and she has always been, in former, Stephen Buckland, who was a
every station, mistress of her own house- captain of artillery in the Revolutionary war,
hold. One feature of White House life, from East Hart-ford; Connecticut, drying in
during the Hayes administration, has been a the Jersey prison-ship near New York; the
subject of much newspaper comment. The latter, Ralph Buckland; a volunteer in Hull's
use of wines was wholly abandoned. Wine army during the War of 1812, dying at
had never been brought "upon the table in Ravenna, Ohio from disease contracted
their own private residence, and it was the while a prisoner of war.* The subject of
desire of both the President and Mrs. Hayes *The following is a copy of a letter written by
that their private custom should be General Buckland's father about one year before his
death:
maintained, and respected while at the head
of the Government. RAVENNA, September 12, 1812.
DEAR SISTER: These lines will inform you that I am
Spiegel Grove is the name given the home well. I have just arrived from Fort Malden in Upper
of the ex-President in Fremont. The grounds Canada, a prisoner on parole. I belonged to General
are located on Buckland avenue, and consist Hull's army, and was sold with the rest of my brother
of thirty acres, a large part of which is volunteers to the British and Indians by that traitor and
coward, Hull. The distress the inhabitants have
shaded by forest trees. The house, a undergone by letting the Indians in upon the frontiers is
substantial two-story brick, stands near the beyond description. Plundered of every article of
centre. It was built in 1860 by Sardis property and clothing; and hundred of families
massacred adds to the scene of distress. But they will
Birchard, and was his residence until his have to share the same fate or worse if possible. We
death in 1874. General Hayes has since made have a fine army of ten thou-sand men within a two
additions to the house. The well-filled days' march of here, which will show them that a Hull
library on the first floor indicates the does not command at this time, Governor Harrison has
the command of this army, and will do honor to his
character of the student whose collection it country and himself. He commanded at the Wabash last
is. Few private libraries in the State will fall at the
furnish more information on topics relating
to our own country
R. P. Buckland
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 523

this biography completes the family's mili- the Ohio canal, down the Muskingum, Ohio
tary record by his service in the Great and Mississippi Rivers to Natchez,
Rebellion. Mississippi. At Louisville he secured a deck
His father, acting in the capacity of land- passage on the Daniel Boone, and worked
agent and surveyor, came to Portage county, his way by carrying wood on board. When
Ohio, in 1811. About the close of the he arrived at Natchez he had less than one
following year, during the severe winter, dollar in his pocket, but he immediately
while an unbroken waste of snow stretched found employment in a warehouse on the
from the New England States westward, the landing, where he remained for a few
father removed his family in a one-horse months, but long enough. to so thoroughly
sleigh, from their Massachusetts home to secure the confidence of his employers, that
Ravenna in this State, where, as above at the end of that time they put him in charge
stated, he died only a few months after. His of two flat boats, lashed together, and loaded
mother's maiden name was Anna Kent. Her with twelve hundred barrels of flour for the
father died at Mantua, Ohio, where he had New Orleans market. On this trip he served
moved from Leyden, Massachusetts. Some his turn with the rest of his crew, as a cook.
few years after the death of Ralph's father, The voyage was successfully completed, and
his mother married Ur. Luther Hanchett, who soon after landing, at the earnest solicitation
then had four children by a former marriage. of his Natchez employers, who had opened a
Six more children were born to them. The commission house in New Orleans, he
family were always in moderate remained in their employ in the latter city.
circumstances. At that time drinking and gambling were
During his earlier years Ralph lived with quite common with young clerks like
his stepfather and family on a farm, but the himself; but, besides a natural disinclination
greater part of the time, until he attained the to indulge in things of this nature, he was
age of eighteen, he lived with and labored further strengthened in his resolution to
for a farmer uncle in Mantua, excepting two wholly abstain from these evils, by the
years when he worked in. a woollen factory untimely death of the book-keeper of the
at Kendall, Ohio, and one year spent as a house in which he was employed, who was
clerk in a store. In the winters he attended killed in a duel arising from dissipation.
country schools, and the last summer, that of These resolutions have ever since been
1830, he attended an academy at Tallmadge, strictly kept. In his spare moments, of which
Ohio, where he made a commencement in he had many during the summer months,
Latin. In the following fall he embarked at while at New Orleans, he pursued the study
Akron, Ohio, on board a flat boat loaded of the Latin and French languages, and
with a cargo of cheese to be transported several of the common school branches.
through In June, 1834, he started for Ohio on a
battle of Tippecanoe, and the Indians have not forgotten visit to his mother, leaving New Orleans
it. I have enjoyed very good health since I saw you last. with the fixed idea of returning and making
Give my love to my mother and all our friends. I am in
great haste, and can write no more at present. Yours,
that city his future home. He had been
RALPH BUCKLAND. offered several first-rate situations, but on
P. S. You will write me an answer soon. I expect to go arriving home, through his mother's
to Cincinnati in a few days, on public business. solicitations, he was induced to remain in
524 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the North. After spending one year at strictly economical, temperate in all things, and
Kenyon College he began the study of law in diligent in business. His expenses during the
the office of Gregory Powers, at Middlebury, first year of married life did not exceed three
and completed it with Whittlesey & Newton, hundred dollars, and his business steadily
at Canfield, being admitted to practice in the increased, so that at the end of three or four
spring of 1837. years he had all he could attend to. In these
During the winter of the previous year he early days of his life he was very slender in
spent several months pursuing his studies in build, and troubled, to some extent, with
the office of George B. Way, who was then dyspepsia, but outdoor exercise, gained in
editor of the Toledo Blade. While the editor- travelling on horseback to the courts of
in-chief was temporarily absent at this time, adjoining counties during term time, cured him
he acted, for a few weeks, as editor pro tent. of that complaint, and gradually increased this
Immediately after admission to the Bar, weight and physical strength.
with about fifty dollars in his pocket, loaned Mr. Buckland first entered into politics
him by his uncle, Alson Kent, he started in prominently as a delegate to the Philadelphian
quest of a favorable location for an attorney. convention in 1843, which placed General
The failure of the wild-cat banks was what Taylor in nomination for the Presidency. In the
settled Ralph P. Buckland in Fremont. On fall of 1855 he was elected to the State Senate
arriving here, at what was then known as as a representative of the Republican party, in
Lower Sandusky, he found that he had not that, the first Legislature after its organization.
enough good money wherewith to pay a He was re-elected in 1857, serving four years.
week's board. The surroundings could not He was the author of the law for the adoption
have appealed very favorable to the young of children, which was passed during his
lawyer; but under the circumstances he was service in the Senate.
compelled to stop. He was trusted, by In October, 1861, he began to organize the
Thomas L. Hawkins, for a sign, opened a Seventy-second regiment, Ohio Volunteer
law office, and soon secured enough Infantry, he having, on the 2d of that month,
business to pay, his expenses, which were been appointed lieutenant colonel by William
kept down to the lowest possible point. At Dennison, Governor of Ohio, and given the
this date he was not only without means, but, authority to raise a regiment for three years
even worse, he owed three hundred dollars service in conformity to general orders from
for his expenses while a student, and for a the War Department at Washington. The
few necessary law books. This, it would particulars of the organization of this, the
seem, to him was but a trifle. He was Seventy-second regiment, are given in full in
confident of ultimate success, for, eight the history of that body. In three months it was
months after opening up his law office in fully equipped and ready for the field.
Lower Sandusky, while still worth nothing On the 10th of January, 1862, he was
in a pecuniary point of view, he went to mustered and sworn into the United States
Canfield, Ohio, and there married Charlotte service as colonel of the Seventy-second
Boughton. With his wife he returned here in regiment, and two weeks later with the
the following spring. Although, as just regiment, in accordance with orders, he
spoken of, he was without means, his credit arrived, by rail, at Columbus,
was good. He was
Charlotte Buckland
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 525

Ohio, and marched at once for Camp Chase, brigade under a very severe fire from the
near the city. At Camp Chase he assumed artillery and musketry of the enemy, there
command, and remained in that position seemed, at the moment, to be some hesitation
until on the 19th of February he was ordered, in the lines. General Buckland immediately
with the regiment, to report to General W. T. rode up to one of the color-bearers, took hold
Sherman at Paducah, Kentucky. of the staff, and con-ducted the bearer and
General Sherman placed him in command colors to the desired point, followed by the
of the Fourth brigade, First division of the cheers of the soldiers as they swept forward.
Army of the Tennessee. On March 7, 1862, General Sherman, in his report of that
General Buckland embarked his brigade on battle, written on the 10th of April, 1862, uses
steamers on the Tennessee River, under the following language: "Colonel Buckland
"orders to report to Major General C. F. managed his brigade well. I commend him to
Smith at Fort Henry. This order complied your notice as a cool, intelligent, and
with; he proceeded, with the rest of judicious gentleman, needing only confidence
Sherman's division, up the Tennessee to and experience to make him a good
Savannah and Pittsburg Landing, and from commander."
there he went some fifteen or twenty miles This opinion of General Sherman's never
further above, for the purpose of cutting the changed during the time of the war, but, on
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, but in the contrary, was strengthened by a more
consequence of the extreme high water, the intimate and longer acquaintance, which has
latter expedition was a failure, and he continued up to the time of this writing.
returned to the Landing. The battle of In the advance on Corinth, begun on the
Shiloh, which took place in the first week in 29th of April, sickness to a great extent
the following April, and in which General prevailed in the ranks, and it required the
Buckland, with the Fourth brigade, took a utmost courage and attention to prevent the
prominent part, is given, in all the details, in men from becoming demoralized. Being in
General Buckland's history of the fight, to be close proximity to the enemy, it was
found in another part of this volume. necessary to form line of battle before
The general opinion entertained by those daylight every morning. The men had be-
opposing enlistments was that the subject of come so weak and dispirited that few turned
this sketch was a man of no courage, and out. This condition was alarming, and
that he would never venture into the field of foreboded fatal results in case of attack. To
battle. This opinion had been diffused to a remedy this increasing evil, General Buckland
considerable extent among the soldiers and took upon himself to arise before daylight,
officers under his command; but after the and with Surgeon J. B. Rice and a lantern,
first fight on that terrible Friday before went from tent to tent of the officers and"
Shiloh, all doubts as to his courage or soldiers, causing all complaints to be
disposition to go into danger were scattered. examined by the surgeon, and compelling all
He there had the opportunity of showing, those whom the surgeon advised it would not
under fire, that valor and determination were injure to turn out. This proceeding made him
some of the strong points of his character. very unpopular, and many bitter letters were
On one occasion, during the battle of Shiloh, written home concerning him. But the soldiers
being ordered to advance his soon discovered that it was done for
526 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

their good; their feelings changed, and by and at times much exposed. On the 19th of
open thanks they showed him their appre- May, on foot, at the head of his brigade, he
ciation. From thenceforward he became marched down the graveyard road, under a
universally beloved by his soldiers. terrific fire of musketry and artillery from
General Buckland remained in command the enemy's works, and, taking a position
of the Fourth brigade until the army reached along the first parallel ridge, to support an
camp No. 6, on the 13th of May, where he assault on the rebel works, he maintained his
was assigned command of the Third brigade; place until after the assault on the 22d of the
but on the following day General J. W. month. Although he was constantly exposed,
Denver, having reported to Sherman, by and his men were shot down around him in
order of General Halleck, was put in charge great numbers, he escaped uninjured.
of the Third brigade, and General Buckland While on duty, on the 24th of September,
returned to the command of his regiment. In by the fall of his horse his right wrist was
the fight before Corinth, his regiment was broken. By this injury he was in-capacitated
constantly under the fire of the heavy guns for active service, but continued to command
on the rebel battlements, and, on the 30th of his brigade, except for a short time, until on
May, entered the city, finding it deserted. the 26th of January, 1864, General Sherman
On the 12th of November, 1862, while at placed him in command of the district of
Memphis, he assumed command of the Fifth Memphis, where his administrative abilities
brigade of troops in General Lauman's were exemplified and his integrity of
division, and formed part of the Tallahatchie character was clearly manifested.
expedition. Under orders from General The incidents connected with General
Grant, who had learned of the capture of Forrest's night raid on Memphis shed the
Holly Springs by General Van Dorn, he strongest light on General Buckland's
marched to retake the place, which was sterling traits of character. But for his
successfully accomplished. Soon after, the courage, decision and promptness of action,
brigade was assigned to the division the rebel forces would have taken possession
commanded by Brigadier General Ross, of the city, and have captured large stores of
who, three days later, was placed under Government property. General C. C.
arrest, and General Buckland, as the ranking Washburne was at that time in command of
colonel, assumed command of the division the department, and had his headquarters in
until December 26. On the following day he the city. General Buckland commanded the
began a march towards Dresden, Tennessee, district. Most of the troops, under command
for the purpose of attacking and driving For- of General A. J. Smith, had been sent in
rest from that place; but, on arriving there on pursuit of Forrest, but, by a piece of
the morning of the 29th of December, he strategy, the latter had eluded his pursuers
found that the enemy had evacuated it the near Oxford, Mississippi, and made a rapid
same day. march to Memphis. He captured the cavalry
On the 10th of March he joined General patrol, rushed over the infantry pickets, and,
Sherman's corps in front of Vicksburg, and under cover of the darkness preceding the
participated in a series of battles and dawn of Sunday, the 21st of August, entered
skirmishes which occurred in the movements the slumbering city. General Washburne was
to the rear of that city. During the siege he surprised at his
was always active and vigilant,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 527

headquarters, his staff and orderlies cap- a few such, but they don't make permanent results like
such men as you do. I entertain for you not only a
tured, and he narrowly escaped the enemy's measure of respect but also of affection. I think you are
clutches. He was in a building near that right now in going to Congress. That is National. I did
occupied by his officers, and, being op- not want to see you return to private life on account of
portunely awakened, with only his pants on, the labor of war. We must have the assistance of the best
men in the Nation to reinvigorate it. In Congress you
he made good his escape to the fort below take a National position, strengthened by a practical
the city. General Buckland was aroused by knowledge of the labor, responsibility, sleepless anxiety
the pounding on his door by the sentinel. and personal danger of war. Your mind can skip the
personal and selfish for the patriotic and real. 'Wu know
The rebels were then in possession of a also that words now must be mistrusted and men judged
considerable portion of the city. At once by acts. Opinions may be soft, pleasant and flowing, but
realizing the full extent of the danger, and the real man must act and not talk. Indeed I do value
determined not to be captured without a your friendship. Poor McPherson was dear to us both;
and well do I remember in our first Shiloh days how he
struggle, but still without the least idea of always hunted out your camp. Whatever may befall us,
the number of the enemy surrounding him, believe me that I feel for you more than usual esteem
General Buckland rallied about one hundred and personal friendship, and feel gratified in knowing it
is reciprocated.
and fifty men; at the same time ordering the
General Buckland remained in command
rapid firing of an alarm gun, which served to
of the district of Memphis until the 22d of
awaken his own troops and alarm the enemy;
December, 1864, and on January 6,
and, in the gray mist of the early dawn,
following, he tendered his resignation at
placing himself at their head, he instantly
Washington, to the Secretary of War, and
attacked the body of rebels collected near
was duly mustered out of the service. August
General Washburne's headquarters. He was
3, 1866, he was commissioned brevet major-
out-numbered by four to one. He swept the
general United States Volunteers, to rank
enemy before him down the darkling streets;
from March 13, 1865, for meritorious
his numbers increased, and in such spirit was
service in the army.
the attack conducted, and so rapidly was it
Without having sought or expected
carried on, that in less than an hour every
political favor, and while still serving in the
rebel was driven from the city. A sharp
army, he had been nominated for Repre-
battle immediately ensued in the morning,
sentative in the Thirty-ninth Congress.
on the Hernando road, in the outskirts of the
Without having gone home to further his
city, between the Union troops under
interests, he had been elected by the people
General Buckland and General Forrest's
of the Ninth district of Ohio. In obedience to
entire forces, in which the latter were
their wishes, he left the military for the civil
defeated and turned in full retreat.
service of his country. In 1866 he was re-
A few weeks after these last occurrences,
elected to Congress. During the whole of the
in answer to a letter of General Buckland's
four years in Congress he served on the
concerning events at Memphis, the present
committee on banking and currency, and on
situation and his prospect of being elected to
the military.
Congress, General Sherman wrote him a
At the close of his Congressional career
private letter, from which we make the
General Buckland resumed his law practice,
following extract:
a field of labor in which, before the war, he
I know on all occasions you will do your best. I attach had attained distinction, and at this date he is
little importance to Forrest's dash at Memphis. He is a
devil of a fellow, and I wish I had
still actively engaged in the labors of his
profession.
528 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

To his example and influence the city of example of what may be attained by a boy born
Fremont is indebted to a great extent for its outside of the pale which is presumed to
many public improvements, and not the least enclose the advantages and the means
among them are the beautiful shade trees, necessary to success, viz:—influential friends
which adorn almost every part of the city. and parental wealth. Left an infant at the death
He erected the first substantial brick block in of his father, whose letter, embodied in this
Fremont, a three-story building of four store- sketch, shows him to have been a man, the
rooms, with a public hall in the third story, impress of whose character was worth more
considered at the time a great and hazardous than an estate to his son, he made his own way
enterprise. In 1853 he erected the finest in the world, and will leave as an inheritance to
dwelling then in Northern Ohio, and sub- his children the record of a successful life,
sequently the three-story brick block at the judged by what it has accomplished, and of a
corner of Front and State streets. In every character for integrity, honor, and noble
public enterprise for the interest of the town, impulses, worthy of all imitation.
he was one of the first to propose and one of In his family General Buckland has always
the foremost to act, relaxing no effort, and been kind and considerate of the best interests
withholding no help until the thing had been of each. With the wife of his youth, who still
pushed to a complete success. lives, he came to his Lower Sandusky home,
In 1870 he was elected president of the and together, with marked mutual esteem, they,
board of managers of the Ohio 'Soldiers' and each in their sphere, worked to prosper, sharing
Sailors' Orphans Home, located at Xenia, alike with cheerfulness and hope the privations
which position he filled for four years. of the beginning. Suited to each other, as no
On the 30th of January, 1875, General man and wife could be better, they have lived
Buckland, Hon. R. P. Ranney, Dr. W. S. happily in each other's confidence and love, to
Streeter, as the guests of Henry A Kent, of enjoy together in an unusual degree the
New York, sailed from that city in the comfortable surroundings their industry has
sailing yacht Tarolinta, for the West In-dies. enabled them to secure; and have always
They visited Martinique, Barbadoes, shared the pleasures of travel and social
Trinidad, Grenada, Santa Cruz, St. Thom-as, enjoyment, for which the later public and
Porto Rico, San Domingo, Jamaica, and official life of General Buckland afforded
Cuba, returning to New York April 19, after unusual opportunity.
having sailed about seven thousand miles.
General Buckland was a delegate to the SARDIS BIRCHARD.*
Cincinnati convention that nominated A detailed biography of Sardis Birchard
General Hayes. It is well known that his would be an important contribution to the
labors and influence contributed largely to history of Sandusky county. Although not
the success of the nomination. one of the first settlers, he, at an early day,
For three years, from 1878 he held the became a man of influence and prominence.
position of Government director of the He was born at Wilmington, Windham
Union Pacific Railroad. county, Vermont, January 15,
General Buckland's career has been *Information derived mainly from Knapp's History of
measured by a success that adds one more the Maumee Valley.
S. Birchard
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 529

1801. Both his parents died while he was yet with apprehension. He was then a slender,
a child. Both of his grandfathers were delicate, handsome youth, with engaging and
Revolutionary soldiers. His grandfather, popular manners, and a favorite among the
Elias Birchard, died of disease contracted young people of the new country. Warmly
near the close of the war. His grandfather, attached to his sister and her children, he
Captain Daniel, served as an officer under devoted himself to them and their interests,
Washington during the war, and survived and was the main-stay of the family.
many years. The Birchards were among the While yet a boy he was hired to help drive
first settlers of Norwich, Connecticut. Sardis hogs to supply the first settlers of Fort Ball,
was the youngest of five children. He was now Tiffin, in 1817. The men in charge were
placed in charge of his sister Sophia, who hard drinkers, and soon after leaving
married Rutherford Hayes; became one of Delaware the whole management depended
the family, and lived with them at upon Mr. Birchard. It was in the bitterly cold
Dummerston, Vermont, until 1817, when he weather of early winter. The streams were
accompanied them in their emigration to bridgeless, and the roads all but impassable,
Ohio. but with praiseworthy energy and zeal he
In Vermont young Birchard acquired the pushed forward to the Tyamochtee, where he
rudiments of an English education, by delivered the drove to a party of Fort Ball
irregular attendance at such schools as were settlers. This was Mr. Birchard's first visit to
in existence at that day in the country the Sandusky. He saw Lower Sandusky for
districts of Vermont. He became, for a boy the first time in September, 1824. His
of his age, an expert hunter and horseman, companion was Benjamin Powers,
and gained some knowledge of business in afterwards for many years a successful
the store of his brother-in-law, Mr. Hayes. merchant and banker at Delaware. The outfit
In Ohio he worked with his brother-in-law of the young men was a little extra clothing
in building, farming, driving and taking care and a jug of fine brandy. They travelled in a
of stock, and employing all his spare hours one-horse spring wagon. The custom which
in hunting. He was able with his rifle to universally prevailed, of acquaintances
supply his and other families with turkeys drinking to each other's health whenever
and venison. they met, made the brandy an important part
In 1822 his brother-in-law, Mr. Hayes, of the outfit. At Fort Ball they met Erastus
died, leaving a widow and two young Rowe, and had a jolly time, to which the
children and a large, unsettled business. Mr. brandy contributed freely. At Fremont they
Birchard, who was then only twenty-one stopped at Leason's tavern, a log house
years old, at once assumed the duties of head which stood where Shomo's block now
of the family, and applied himself diligently stands. The village population at that time
to the management of the unsettled affairs of numbered about two hundred. While
his brother-in-law's estate, and to the care of stopping here they made the acquaintance of
the household. George Olmstead and Judge Howland. Mr.
Inheriting from his father what was con- Birchard and his travelling companion went
sidered a handsome start for a young man, to Portland the following day, and on their
with a jovial and friendly disposition, fond return Mr. Birchard bought a drove of fat
of wild sports and wild company, with no hogs, which, as soon as the weather was cold
one to look to as entitled to control or advise enough, he drove
him, his future might well be regarded
530 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

to Baltimore. Mr. Birchard has narrated two went to New York for the purpose of laying
incidents of the trip: At Wheeling it was in his first stock of dry goods. He was
necessary to swim the hogs across, and they without money, and had no acquaintances.
came near losing them all by the swift Passing about the streets he fell into
current of the river. By great exertions, and conversation with a young merchant named
at considerable risk, they got all but half a William P. Dixon, a stranger to him,
dozen safely over. They were overtaken by a connected with the firm of Amos Palmer &
tall, fine-looking gentleman on horseback, Co., to whom he developed his plans and
who had also a carriage drawn by four explained his condition. Dixon. told him he
horses, and two attendants on saddle-horses. would sell him all the goods he wanted in his
The gentleman helped Mr. Birchard get his line and would recommend him to others.
hogs out of the way, chatted with him about His stock was made up and shipped to
the state of the market, and advised him as to Cleveland, he accompanying the goods. Mr.
the best way to dispose of his drove when he Birchard's plan was to sell to laborers on the
got them to Baltimore. He learned that the Ohio Canal, then being built from Cleveland
gentleman was General Jackson, on his way southward. He followed the canal into the
to Washington after the Presidential election Tuscarawas Valley, but became dissatisfied
of 1824, in which he received the highest and sold part of his goods to another trader,
vote, but was not finally the successful and with the remainder opened a store at
candidate. Fort Ball (now Tiffin). Here he remained,
In the summer of 1825, while mowing in trading successfully. till December, when, he
the hay-field, he was seriously injured in decided to remove to Lower Sandusky. He
health by over-exertion. He never entirely purchased the stock of Richard Sears, who
recovered, but remained in poor health dur- had made his fortune trading with the
ing the remainder of his life. In the winter of Indians.
1825-26 he had an attack pronounced Merchants, at that time, paid very little
consumption, and it was sup-posed he would cash for produce, and consequently received
not live till spring. He however thought very little cash for goods, except from the
hopefully of his condition, and spoke of a Indians. For clothing, broad-cloth, Kentucky
horseback trip to Vermont. One day he heard jeans, and linsey cloth was generally in use.
two men at work in the room below him, The Indians bought fine blue cloth,
discussing his case. One of them said: "It is Mackinaw blankets, beads, powder and lead.
strange how Birchard is deceived; he thinks A great deal of corn was received in
he will make a long journey soon; but the payment for goods. This was traded to the
only journey he will make is when he leaves distilleries for whiskey, and the whiskey was
his house, feet foremost, for the graveyard." shipped to Buffalo and sold.
But the cheerful disposition of Mr. Birchard, Mr. Birchard received the Indian trade to a
assisted by the elasticity of his constitution, large extent by refusing, to sell them
carried him through. In May he made a whiskey. At the end of about four years he
horseback trip to Vermont, where he had accumulated about ten thousand dollars,
remained till the approach of cold weather, which at that time was considered a large
and then travelled South to Georgia, where amount of money. He was making
he remained till the spring of 1827. Having arrangements to retire, but in 1831. was
recovered his health he induced into a larger business than
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 531

ever. In partnership with Esbon Husted and adamizing of the Western Reserve and
Rodolphus Dickinson, under the firm name of Maumee road. The Toledo, Norwalk and
R. Dickinson & Co., the largest store in Ohio, Cleveland railroad enterprise received his
west of Cleveland and north of Columbus, strongest efforts.
was opened. The yearly sales amounted to In politics Mr. Birchard was an enthu-
fifty thousand dollars. siastic Whig, and after the formation of the
Senecas, Ottawas, Wyandots, and a few Republican party became an earnest
Delawares, traded in Lower Sandusky at this supporter of its principles. During the war he
time, and the store was often full of customers used his influence to encourage enlistments,
from the reservations. Mr. Birchard found the and when money was wanted he was never
Indians in his business transactions generally, appealed to in vain. He was the first Ohio
very honest. They would not steal as much as purchaser of Government bonds, in 1862.
the same number of whites with the same Mr. Birchard's private charities were large,
opportunities. He often had his store-room and his public gifts are a monument to his
full of Indians sleeping at night, with no memory. He had a deep sympathy for the
watch or guard. poor, and could not bear to know suffering
In 1835 Esbon Husted died, and his place in without offering relief. During the last years
Mr. Birchard's firm was taken by George of his life, when poor health required
Grant, who had been a clerk in the confinement at home, he left with Mr.
establishment since the organization of the Miller, cashier of the bank, standing
firm. In 1841 Mr. Grant died and the firm was instructions to contribute liberally to worthy
dissolved, the business being settled by Mr. charities. His tenderness and solicitude for
Birchard. the unfortunate is illustrated by a letter
Mr. Grant was one of the most promising which Mr. Miller still preserves. It was
business men in the place. He was tall, written on a cold, stormy day in early winter,
slender, of fine address, and full of life and and reads as follows:
ambition. He died young, aged only thirty- MR. MILLER:
two years. What a storm! I fear many poor people are suffering.
Mr. Birchard's connection with banking is If you hear of any such, give liberally for me.
mentioned under the proper head. He made S. BIRCHARD.
large investments in wild land which, as the
county improved, rapidly multiplied his The Fremont Messenger, in an obituary
wealth. sketch, sums up Mr. Birchard's benefactions,
Mr. Birchard was one of the few men who, as follows:
with increasing wealth, became more About three years since Mr. Birchard presented to the
generous and public spirited. His good works city of Fremont the large park lying between-Birchard
are conspicuous. He advanced by means of avenue and Croghan street, and the small triangular park
at the junction of Birchard and Buckland avenues.
his wealth and influence every public In 1873 he set apart property amounting to fifty
enterprise, and so many were his munificent thousand dollars, for the purpose of establishing a public
gifts that he fully deserves the title often library in Fremont. He contributed from this fund, for
given him—"the city's benefactor," —His the purchase of a library, about one third of the amount
required to obtain for the public the square on which old
business operations stimulated commerce Fort Stephenson formerly stood, and was thus mainly
between this point and Buffalo. He worked instrumental in securing that famous historical locality
unceasingly to secure the necessary to the people of Fre-
legislation for the mac-
532 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

mont forever. His gifts to the city are estimated at In 1823 he visited Lower Sandusky, and
seventy thousand dollars, or about one-fifth of his
estate.
after having made arrangements for a resi-
In addition to the above gifts made during his dence, moved his family here in the year
lifetime, we understand he made in his will the fol- following. He was a millwright by trade, and
lowing bequests: Five thousand dollars to Oberlin upon his arrival he immediately engaged in
college, five thousand dollars to Home Missions, one
thousand dollars to the Fremont Ladies' Relief Society, the milling business, which he followed for
and one thousand dollars to the Conger Fund. Mr. some seven years. The first wool-carding
Birchard was benevolent to a degree and in a manner machine in this vicinity was brought here
known only to his most intimate friends. Aid in
necessity was extended to many when none knew it
and put into operation by Mr. Bell, in the
except the recipients, and perhaps a friend whom he year 1827. Referring to this fact, the Hon.
consulted. Mr. Birchard was especially devoted to the Homer Everett, in a historical lecture
fine arts, and during his eventful life made a fine delivered at Birchard's Hall, in February,
collection of oil paintings, which will eventually form
one of the attractions of the "Birchard Library." 1860, facetiously remarks:
In May, 1857, Mr. Birchard became a member of the
The judge (at that time probate judge) used to pull
Presbyterian church of Fremont, and remained in its
wool over the cards, and learned the science so well that
communion all his life. He contributed constantly to its
he has since somehow succeeded in pulling wool over
incidental and benevolent funds. He also contributed
the eyes of the people, till they sent him to Congress and
seven thousand dollars to the erection of the new edifice
to many other good places; and lie still seems to hold
occupied by the congregation. In this he took especial
on. He sticks the wool on by an adhesive plaster, called
satisfaction. Though a member of this church, he
doing about right, in a very kind manner.
frequently aided other congregations without distinction
of denomination. He gave most satisfactory evidence of
sincerity in his religious experience, and died in perfect
Leaving the mill, he entered into extensive
composure of mind. He had talked much with his friends speculations in wheat and flour, shipping
concerning death, and seemed to be altogether ready. large quantities to Venice and Buffalo. After
a number of years spent in this, business, he
Mr. Birchard was characteristically hos-
turned his attention to merchandising, which
pitable, warm-hearted, and friendly. He was
he followed for some eight years. He had
one of the marked characters in the history
quite extensive dealings with the Indians,
of the county. His life was fortunately spared
with whom he was a special favorite. Time
to ripe old age. He died at 12 o'clock m.,
and again his house was literally filled and
January 21, 1874, aged seventy-three years
surrounded by the red men, in each of whom
and six days.
he and his family recognized a friendly
guard, not an enemy. These and similar
scenes are, today, yet vivid in the memory of
GENERAL JOHN BELL.
his descendants.
General John Bell was a native of Penns- By a course of fair and honorable dealing
borough, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, from the time he first visited the place until
and was born on the 19th of June, 1796. he ceased to move among us, he acquired a
When he was but fourteen years old his high degree of regard and consideration on
father emigrated to Ohio, and located, in the part of all the citizens. This feeling of
1810, in Greene county, near Xenia. While respect and esteem went on increasing in
here he laid out a village, which, in honor of volume and intensity while he lived, and
him as a proprietor, was called Bellbrook. only culminated when the portals of the
On the 28th of March, 1816, the subject of tomb shut him out forever from mortal sight.
this sketch was married to Miss Margaret For a considerable length of time he
Masten, of Greene county.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 533

was the Government land agent at Lower as well as in his private life, he was pre-
Sandusky, and also superintendent of the eminently a peace-maker. He was always in
Western Reserve and Maumee road, between for a compromise if it could possibly be
Lower Sandusky and Perrysburg; and it was effected, rather than to press a matter to
through him, as agent, that the. Government litigation. His great aim seemed to be to aid
lands along this road were disposed of to people to keep out of the clutches of the law,
settlers for the construction of the same. and his advice in legal matters was always
Mr. Bell was deeply interested in devel- given to promote this end. So implicit was the
oping the resources of the country, and on confidence of the people in his judgment and
all occasions manifested a strong desire to honesty, that his counsel was almost
build up the town and to advance its material invariably followed, and many a wrangling
prosperity; and, disregardful of his own lawsuit was lost to unprincipled pettifoggers
interests, this cardinal purpose was kept through the sensible, manly advice, "Settle
steadily in view during his whole life. In the your difficulty between yourselves by
meetings of the people for the advancement yielding each a little, and be brethren."
of public improvements and the promotion General Bell was among the earliest settlers
of the public welfare, he was always a in Fremont, and, along with others, could tell
conspicuous and leading actor. of those deprivations, hardships, and dangers
He was the first mayor of Lower which constitute the life of the pioneer. The
Sandusky, and also the first in the same actual history of any of these worthy veterans
office of the city of Fremont, to which would far surpass in interest and grandeur
position he was repeatedly reelected. For even the recitals of a modern romance.
three or four terms he served the people as And has the West no story
Of deathless deeds sublime?
probate judge; also for a number of years he Go ask yon shining river!
was a justice of the peace. In 1838 he was Up to the day of his fatal illness the General
appointed postmaster, which position he held was remarkably healthy, and, although he had
till 1844. Subsequently he was a member of outlived the number of years allotted to the
the House of Representatives in the Ohio human race, he had the appearance of being
Legislature, to which he was several times much younger. He passed away from the
re-elected; and afterwards, in 1851, elected scenes of earth on the 4th day of May, 1869,
to Congress. During the Toledo war of 1835, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. He
Mr. Bell was the commander of the Ohio was a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
forces, being at that time a major-general of The companion of his life had preceded him
the State militia, having received his by about ten years. She died on the 29th of
commission March 1, 1834. May, 1859.
He was one of the most popular men in the The family comprised four children, three
county, as evinced by the fact that, whenever sons and one daughter. The daughter is now
a candidate for an office, he ran ahead of his Mr. John M. Smith, of Fremont. The only
ticket in almost every instance. surviving son is Charles H. Bell, also of
There was one striking trait in his char- Fremont.
acter that deserves special mention in this Both Mr. Bell and his wife united with the
connection. In all of his public service, Protestant Methodist church at an early
534 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

age, and both were members of the same at the first two years of the course in theology
the time of their death. he acted as instructor in the preparatory
Mrs. Bell possessed an affable, noble school, and the third year was principal of
nature; and he, a man of generous, genial the preparatory department. After graduating
heart, was a universal favorite with the in theology, Mr. Bushnell, on account of an
people, and at the time of his decease affection of the throat, was unable to enter
probably had not a real enemy living. He was the ministry. He accepted the tutorship of
always the same unassuming, cheerful, mathematics for a period of one year, and
obliging neighbor and gentleman, and in his then entered upon his first charge, at Burton,
death the city of Fremont and county of Geauga county. He was pastor of the Burton
Sandusky lost a valuable and much-esteemed Presbyterian church seven years. Ex-
citizen. Governor Sebra Ford was a member of his
church; as was also Chief Justice Hitchcock
and Peter Hitchcock, since well known as a
EBENEZER BUSHNELL, D. D. member of the Ohio Legislature.
Mr. Bushnell became pastor of the
Rev. E. Bushnell has been pastor of the Presbyterian congregation of this city in
Presbyterian church of Fremont since 1857. 1857, since which time his clerical work is
He was born near Granville, Ohio, November set forth in the history of the church
18, 1822. His parents, Thomas H. and elsewhere in this volume.
Charlotte Bailey Bushnell, came from Mr. Bushnell married, in 1850, Julia E.
Norwich, Connecticut, in 1816, and settled on Baldwin, daughter of Sylvester. Baldwin, of
a farm in Licking county. His father was a Hudson. She died in 1856, leaving four
surveyor and civil engineer. Mathematical children, all of whom are living, viz.: Mrs.
ability is a characteristic of the family. When Dr. Byal, of Beardtown, Wood county;
our subject was eleven years old his parents George W. Cleveland; Albert B.
removed to Newark. There the son was placed Washington; and Thomas H.
under the instruction of tutors preparatory to Mr. Bushnell married for his second wife,
attending college, but the death of his father in - 1858, Cornelia K. Woodruff; daughter of
necessitated a change in the plans made for Rev. Simeon Woodruff, a pioneer preacher
him, and he learned the trade of carpenter and of the Reserve. She is a graduate of Mount
joiner as an expedient for earning money to Holyoke seminary, and at the time of her
pursue his course in college. Not only the marriage was engaged in educational work.
desired end was attained, but a business and Three children are the fruit of this
mechanical experience was acquired, which marriage—Annie, Charlotte, and Edward.
has been valuable to him since entering Mr. Bushnell, in addition to his pastoral
professional life. work, superintended the city public schools
Mr. Bushnell became a student at Western from 1860 to 1863. He has been active in the
Reserve College, in 1842. He graduated in ecclesiastical affairs of his denomination. He
1846, with the third honors of his class, has been secretary of the Synod of Toledo
although weak eyes had seriously interfered for more than a decade, and a member of the
with his study. After graduating he entered board of trustees of Western Reserve
the theological seminary then connected with College for more than twice that length of
the college. During time.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 535

During the war Dr. Bushnell was active in tributed largely to the growth of the town.
encouraging enlistments and otherwise
laboring in the cause of the Union. He was a
member of the Christian Commission and JOHN S. TYLER,
was during the year 1865 stationed at
Petersburg. the subject of this sketch, was a native of
Mr. Bushnell is the most scholarly clergyman the State of New York, born in Cayuga
in the city. In addition to general and county, on the 25th day of December, 1806.
professional studies, he has been constantly In 1816 he came to. Lower Sandusky with
adding to his early attainments in mathematics, his father's family, from Detroit, Michigan.
for which he has a special aptitude, and the His advantages for education were limited
languages, particularly Latin, Greek, and by the meager facilities of the day. He was,
German. In 1871 Marietta College conferred therefore, a self made man. For a number of
upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He years he was clerk in the store of George G.
has not entirely laid aside his Mechanical Olmsted, from whom he gathered much
training. Several buildings in Fremont have been valuable information in business matters,
erected under his supervision. and whom he made his model for deportment
and social habits, which were those of the
true gentleman. He became a man of
remarkably quick discernment, and was
FAULKNER I. NORTON.
acknowledged one of the best business
The subject of this sketch was prominently managers in the community. He was
identified with the business interests of probably one of the best judges of
Fremont. He was born in Cam-bridge, investments that the city of Fremont ever
Washington county, New York, March 2, had.
1811. He left home at the age of thirteen From his arrival here till his retirement
years and began clerking in Keysville, New from active life he was intimately connected
York, and afterwards learned the saddle and with the business interests of this place. He
harness making trade in Saratoga county. He contributed to the growth, of the city in the
came to Ohio and settled in Lower Sandusky erection of a substantial brick block on the
in 1833. Here he worked at his trade until corner of Front and Croghan streets, and
1835, and then returned to Claremont, New subsequently a two-story brick on Croghan
Hampshire, where he married Harrietta M. street. The mercantile business was his chief
Willard. After returning to Lower Sandusky employment. His first trade was largely with
Mr. Norton engaged in mercantile business. the Indians, with whom he was a special
His next enterprise was to build a foundry, favorite:
which after operating a few years he sold to About the year 1832 he married Miss
Mr. June. He next engaged in the Phebe Ann VanDoren, of Lower San-dusky.
manufacture of spokes and hubs. The large By this marriage he had three sons and three
brick building on Arch street was erected by daughters. Charleston, his eldest son, served
him for that purpose. Mr. Norton died in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
November 4, 1878. Mrs. Norton is still was wounded at Chickamauga, and died
living in this city. Mr. Norton pushed his September 28, 1863. Mrs. Tyler having
enterprises with commendable zeal and deceased, Mr. Tyler married Eliza Kridler in
enthusiasm, and con- 1850. Death again removed his companion in
1861.
536 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

He married for his third wife Helen S. by whom he has two children, a son, S. M.,
Norton, of Wood county. Mr. Tyler died and a daughter. Mrs. Keeler is a highly
after a brief illness, January 12, 1873, at the educated and literary woman.
age of sixty-seven years.

REV. SERAPHINE BAUER.


ISAAC MARVIN KEELER.
Rev. Seraphine Bauer was born in France
The man whose name is most intimately on the 17th day of October, 1835. His father
connected with the history of the Fremont came from Baden, Germany, but he lived in
Journal is the subject of this sketch. He is of France for a period of twenty-three years.
Puritan parentage, on both sides, both his His mother came from Southern France. In
father and mother having been born in the year 1848, after the death of the mother,
Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1799. His which occurred in 1846, the father went back
grandfather, Luke Keeler, and his to Germany with his son (the only child),
grandmother, and Isaac Marvin, with their whose life up to that time had been quite an
families, emigrated to Ohio in wagons in the agitated. one. Within the earliest period of
year 1817. The former settled in Huron his life this son began to show remarkable
county, and, in partnership with Platt talent, and his father was bound to use all his
Benedict, built the first house in Norwalk. available means to give his son - a thorough
The latter settled in Richmond county. Isaac education. He soon became familiar with the
M. Keeler was born in Sharon township, German language and literature. Like most
Richland county, September 8, 1823. He of the students he took an active part in the
lived at Norwalk until September, 1840, revolutionary period at that time. From
when he came to Lower Sandusky and youth up he began to show a great desire to
entered the office of the Lower Sandusky become a priest, and in order to reach this
Whig, as an apprentice. Between 1843 and aim he subjected himself to many a sacrifice.
1849 Mr. Keeler was temporarily located in The first disharmonious conflict, which took
Milan, Norwalk, Sharon, and New York. He place in 1851, between the Government and
was commissioned postmaster at Fremont in the Archbishop of Freiburg, suddenly put an
October, 1850, and served in that capacity obstacle in the way of this young man's most
two years. In 1854 he purchased the Fremont ardent wish. After several attempts, first to
Journal, which he edited and published until study medicine, then to enter the army, then
1865, when he sold the office on account of to be-come a merchant, he finally came back
poor health, and entered the insurance and to the profession of his first desire, and, after
real estate business, in which he continued first consulting with Bishop Rappe, of
until 1877. In December of that year he Cleveland, Ohio, he came to America in the
repurchased the Journal, and, in association year 1854, having lived six years in
with his son, continues to edit the paper. Germany.
Mr. Keeler was married to Anna F. In Cleveland he finished his studies, and
Hulburd, of Lower Sandusky, June 23, 1847. on the 13th day of June, 1858, he was
She died October 26, 1850, leaving one ordained a priest. Soon after he took charge
child. He married for his second wife, May of the church in Maumee City,
12, 1859, Jeannette Elliott,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 537

the present South Toledo, where he found a of the Holy Sepulchre. But since it is
large field for his priestly work. Aside from impossible for the members to be constantly
his own church he had offered and given his in attendance, the church has created the order
services to eight different mission places. At of the Franciscaner to represent the same. On
that time a Catholic priest had to battle with Easter Monday, 1872, as before stated, three
the difficulties of pioneer life, especially so new members of the order were created by the
in the entire district from Toledo to Fort Patriarch Valerga from Jerusalem, and these
Wayne, hence in all Northwestern Ohio only three were Rev. Father Bauer, of Fremont;
two priests were to be found. In this place General Vicar, from the Island Burboun, and
Rev. Seraphine Bauer remained for four a gentleman from Lima, Peru.
years and three months. The old pioneers of In two years Father Bauer will celebrate his
Perrysburg today will tell you of their twenty-fifth anniversary, and one year later he
everlasting love for the Rev. Seraphine expects to see the new church completed.
Bauer, remembering the time when this Father Bauer is a man of extraordinary
young priest frequently rode his twenty and talent. He is gifted with a wonderful memory,
thirty miles to come up to their place in and with a sharp and penetrating mind. His
cases of sickness or death among their own. character and his sociability in general has
members. Finally the bishop was pleased to made him friends, not only among his own
give this meritorious priest a position less church members, but also all other
burdensome, and put him in charge of the St. denominations.
Joseph's congregation, of Fremont, on the
21st day of September, 1862, which position
he has since held, now nineteen years. WILLIAM CALDWELL
In order to regain his strength and general
health he went back to the Old World in was born near Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio,
February, 1872. His longing to see the Holy December 23, 1808. His parents were William
Land was gratified. He spent Palm Sunday, and Mary Park Caldwell, with whom he came
Good Friday, and Easter in Jerusalem, at the to Port Clinton, Ottawa county, in 1828, and
grave of our Savior. On Easter Monday he four years later, came to Fremont. Mr.
was favored with a rather unexpected honor. Caldwell married in Fremont in 1836, Jane
For centuries past there has existed in the A., daughter of Thomas and Eliza Davis. She
Catholic church different orders of knights, was a native of New York city, and was born
especially instituted for benevolent December 17, 1808.
purposes. Among these the most principal William Caldwell, sr., was a native of
ones are the order of the Knights of the Holy Pennsylvania, and was one of a family of six
Sepulchre, and Knight Templar. The first- sons and one daughter, who emigrated to
named still exists in the church, but the Kentucky in 1787. He removed to Ross
Knights Templar was dissolved and county in 1806, and in 1812 enlisted in the
cancelled at the Concilium of Vienna in army, being in the Northwestern division
1311, by Pope Clement V. The Knights of under Hull at Detroit. Through that
the Holy Sepulchre, who, with few commander's cowardice the whole army
exceptions, are only of nobility and rank, are became British captives. After
designated to be the custodians
538 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

peace Mr. Caldwell located at Columbus, Mr. Fabing has been a member of the city
then just made the State capital. He did the council two terms. He is at present
blacksmith work on the Ohio penitentiary. superintendent of the Fremont gas works.
He came to Lower Sandusky in 1832, and
subsequently removed to Elmore, where he
died in 1861. JOHN NEWMAN.
William Caldwell, jr., has been justice of
the peace at Elmore for eighteen consecutive John Newman, son of John and Eve
years. He was in earlier years deputy sheriff Newman, was born in York county, Penn-
of this county, and well known among the sylvania, in 1809, and came by wagon to
early men of this city. Ohio in company with his brother, Michael
Dr. William Caldwell, son of William B., in the fall of 1835. He located at Tiffin,
Caldwell, jr., is a practicing physician at and with his brother engaged in the grocery
Fremont. business for a short time. In the spring of
William and Jane Caldwell have had four 1836 they came to Fremont and engaged in
children: William, born May 27, 1837; the same business and continued together
Charles, born February 5, 1839, died in until the death of Michael B., in the spring
1852; Robert H., born June 14, 1841, died of 1839. John then sold out and returned to
February 8, 1863, and Juliet, born January 8, Pennsylvania. In 1841 he came back to
1844. Fremont, and in the spring of the same year
William Caldwell, jr., was elected probate was married to Miss Margaretta Livingston,
judge of Ottawa county at the October who was born in Canton, Stark county, in
election of 1881. 1821. They have had five children, three of
whom are now living, viz: Charles,
Catharine, wife of Charles Boyer, of Lind-
JOHN FABING. say, and Mary S., wife of William E. For-
sythe, of Fremont.
John Fabing was born in Loraine, France Mr. Newman made his first purchase of
(now Germany), in 1797. In 1824 he married land in 1853, buying a farm of eighty acres
Miss Mary Greiner, who still survives. They of General Buckland.
emigrated to this country in 1834, and
located near Syracuse, New York, where
they lived ten years. December 24, 1844, ISAAC B. SHARP.
they came to Sandusky county from Buffalo,
New York. Mr. Fabing died July 25, 1845. Isaac B. Sharp, an old resident, was born
He was the father of six children, four of in Delaware in 1809. In 1834 he came to
whom are living, viz: Catharine, John, Ohio and settled in Fremont. He is the son
Frederick, and Barbara. John and Frederick of Abraham and Catharine (Gray) Sharp.
both reside in this county, Catharine and They were the parents of five children, two
Barbara in California. of whom are living, Isaac B. and Abraham
Frederick Fabing, the son of John Fabing, Sharp, both residents of Fremont.
was born June 14, 1832, in France, and came In 1835 Mr. Sharp was married to
with his parents to this country. In 1858 he Elizabeth L. Davis. She was born in Utica,
married Miss Mary J. Webber, of Fremont. New York, in 1812. Her father, Thomas
She was born in France, January 3, 1833. Davis, carne to that place from Ireland in
They have no children.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 539

1805. Her mother was Mary Avery, of and has practiced that profession twelve
English descent, born in Tarrytown, years, four years in Indiana and the re-
Weschester county, New York, in 1776. mainder of the time in Fremont.
Thomas Davis was born in 1771, died in In 1875 Mr. Creager married Miss Clara
1861. They were the parents of eight Moore, oldest daughter of John and Eliza
children, four of whom survive, Jane Ann, Moore, of Ballville, this county. Mrs.
Elizabeth L., Mary G., and Thomas Robert. Creager was born November 9, 1851. They
To Isaac and Elizabeth Sharp have been have had three children, only one of whom is
born five children: Isaac B., born January 3, living. Edna died February 19, 1880, aged
1836, resides in Wyandotte, Kansas; three years, six months, and twenty-seven
Angelica, born September 29, 1837, lives in days. Volta died February 29, 1880, aged
Bellevue, Kansas; Athenia, born October 28, one year, nine months, and six days. Both of
1841, resides in Seneca county, Ohio; these deaths resulted from membranous
Emma, born August 21, 1845, lives at Mount croup. Grace was born December 7, 1879.
Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Estella, the
youngest, and the only unmarried daughter,
resides at home. W. B. KRIDLER.
The first work Mr. Sharp engaged in, after
coming to Fremont, was to assist in building William B. Kridler was born in Fremont
the second bridge across the Sandusky river, July 12, 1848. He was educated in the public
where the iron bridge now stands. In 1834 he schools of this city, and at Cornell
built the first Methodist church in Fremont. University, New York, graduating from the
He also built the first Catholic church in the scientific department of that institution in
city. Mr. Sharp worked at carpentry eighteen 1872 with the first class that graduated after
years, and then took a trip to California. On the university was founded.
his return he engaged in the lumber business Mr. Kridler was engaged in the banking
for fourteen years, retiring from active business in Fremont from 1872 until 1878.
business at the expiration of that time. In the spring of that year he was elected city
Mr. Sharp has not seen a sick day for more clerk, which office he holds at present. In
than forty years, nor has his family required politics he is a Republican.
the attendance of a physician during all that Mr. Kridler was married in 1878 to Miss
time. Mattie L. Smith, of Hadley, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Sharp is a descendant from a worthy They have two children, Helen Lyman and
family, and bears an excellent reputation as a James Huntington.
wife and mother.

AUSTIN B. TAYLOR
FRANK CREAGER. was born at New Fayne, Vermont, No-
vember 14, 1813. His father was Simon
Frank Creager was born in Bellevue, Ohio, Taylor, M. D. His mother's maiden name
July 25, 1849, and is of German descent. He was Cynthia Birchard, a sister of Sardis
studied dentistry with Dr. B. S. Boswell, of Birchard. Left an orphan he was bound out
Rochester, New York, and S. M. Cummings, as a saddler's apprentice; learned the trade,
of Elkhart, Indiana, but did not work at it after attaining his
majority. On that day
540 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

he started for Lower Sandusky to enter the carried in that service was preserved in the
store of his uncle, Sardis Birchard, arriving family, and kept after his death by his oldest
in Fremont in the fall of 1834. His whole son, Lorenzo, and all traces of it are now
capital at that time consisted of six dollars lost, Lorenzo's family being long since
and an old jack-knife. But he had pluck and dispersed in various parts of the country, but
business energy, and in course of time the writer remembers well using the old
became the successor of the firm of musket in boyhood to shoot ,blackbirds away
Birchard, Dickinson & Grant in the dry from the oat and corn fields in and about
goods business, which he carried on until Lower Sandusky.
1850, when he sold out to Eisenhour & In the fall of the year 1812, intending to
Coles. In 1851 he was elected justice of the settle on the Connecticut Western Reserve,
peace and served one term. April 4, 1853 he which was then attracting pioneers in search
was elected mayor, defeating Brice J. of land, he settled on the Huron River, in
Bartlett by four votes. The vote stood: A. B. Huron county, at the old county seat,
Taylor, 137; B. J. Bartlett, 134; total vote, sometimes called the Abbott Place, where
271. He was married to Delia Pettibone, Mr. Abbott, afterwards known as Judge
daughter of Hon. Hiram Pettibone, a former Abbott, then resided. There was a settlement
lawyer of this city, April 27, 1840. He died of several families in the vicinity, and the
October 28, 1859, and was buried by the fear of Indian attacks caused them to
Masonic fraternity, of which he was a construct a block-house of heavy logs, with
prominent member, holding the office of port-holes, in which the families lodged at
treasurer for many years. He left a family of night, or fled to in case of alarm in the day
seven children-Mary, died the following time. The settlement planted corn and
spring; Sardis B., the doctor; Charles, potatoes, and such vegetables as they could,
George, Oscar, Austin B., and Delia. He left along the river. But the frequent alarms of
a large estate, and his whole life was a Indians, arising from the capture of Mrs.
marvel of business energy. Snow and the Putnam family, on Pipe Creek,
not far away, put them in great fear, and
during the summer the settlers tended their
JEREMIAH EVERETT AND crops with loaded guns standing near, to fire
FAMILY. in defence of an attack, and give warning of
the approach of danger. Here, after the
Jeremiah Everett was a son of John arrival of Jeremiah Everett, and on the 30th
Everett, and was born in the State of Mas- of January, 1813, his son Homer was born.
sachusetts in the year 1783. His father Through the summer of 1813 the in-
moved from Massachusetts to the State of habitants tended their crops and managed to
New York, and settled at Schenectady, live without 'any serious demonstration from
where he raised. his family and died. the lurking savages. On the 2d of August,
Jeremiah married Elizabeth Emery, and left 1813, Croghan's victory at Fort Stephenson
home soon after attaining his majority, and rather diminished the danger from the
worked at an early day at the Onondaga salt savages, and yet the settlers at the old county
works. When the war of 1812 broke out he seat did not slack their vigilance.
volunteered, and served at Fort Erie for a On the 10th of September, 1813, when
time. The musket he
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 541

the writer of this sketch was probably on a Sandusky, now in the city of Fremont. While
blanket, laid upon an earthen floor in a log living in his house, he farmed from the land
cabin by the banks of the Huron River, and near the residence to the mill-race, and there
perhaps trying to put his big toe in his raised fine crops of corn. A little north of
mouth, his anxious parents were listening to and near this house stood a mortar for
the distant roar of the battle on Lake Erie in pounding corn into Indian meal, which was
which the gallant Perry gained such a signal used by him and his neighbors, before any
victory over the British fleet. Jeremiah grist-mill had been built in the vicinity.
afterwards visited the fleet and saw the While living in this house Jeremiah was, in
evidences of the fight in the shattered hulls, the year 1818, engaged by the Government
broken spars and rigging, and bloody decks to carry the mail from Lower Sandusky to
of the vessels which had been engaged. This Fort Meigs. This mail was carried both ways
signal victory lifted a load from the hearts of once a week, when it was possible to get
those pioneers. If the British conquered they through, but was often omitted on account of
must flee, or be scalped; if the Americans the high streams and impassable swamps. In
should win the battle they could stay. There performing this duty Jeremiah Everett often
is no doubt some very earnest praying was encountered difficulties and dangers. There
done by that handful of settlers while the were streams to cross and swamps to go
fight was progressing. But the news of the through, which were enough to discourage
victory soon brought joy of deliverance from any traveler. Often it was impossible for a
peril, and from that time the little band of horse to go through on account of ice,
pioneers felt safer. which, while it would bear a man, would
In the spring of the year 1815 Jeremiah break under the weight of the horse, rider
Everett, with the help of one Aden Breed, and mail, and the only way to perform the
started for the new El Dorado, Lower service in such case was to put the mail in
Sandusky. They moved family and goods by saddle-bags and strap that on the back of the
team from the old county seat to Ogontz man and go on foot. Mr. Everett was often
place, afterwards called Portland and now compelled to take this course, especially in
Sandusky City, on the shore of the Sandusky the spring and fall of the year. Sometimes he
Bay. The household goods and provisions would reach Portage River at night, when he
and the family were there transferred to a would lodge at the house of Mr. Harris. At
pirogue or very large canoe, worked by hand other times on his return trip he would be
with paddles after the aboriginal fashion. unable to reach their hospitable cabin, and
When the wind was fair, they hoisted a would be compelled to stay in the woods
common blanket on a pole for a sail and thus between the Maumee and Portage Rivers. On
made the voyage up the Sandusky Bay and the narrow blazed way through the woods
the river to Lower Sandusky, arriving about between these two rivers, he found a large,
the middle of April in the year 1815. He fallen, hollow, sycamore tree, which had
found shelter with some hospitable pioneers been blown down by the winds which swept
until he, with the help of generous neighbors over the lonely forest. When he, on the trip,
and settlers, erected a log house on the admonished by the approach of darkness,
ground where the present residence of Isaac found he could not reach the cabin of Harris
E. Amsden stands, then in Lower on the Portage River, he would make his
home in the
542 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

hollow of this upturned monarch of the number thirty-one, in Fremont, he ordered


forest for the night. Besides the mail he pine lumber from Buffalo for a house, which
carried a large knife, a tomahawk, his pro- he built entirely of that wood, excepting the
visions for the day and a steel, flint and punk frame, which was mostly of native oak.
with which to strike and kindle fire and a While Everett was living in the log house
blanket. Reaching his tree he would strike a mentioned, Harrold was out in the woods, on
fire and gather logs and sticks until a good the premises now owned by ex-President R.
strong fire was blazing in front of his hollow B. Hayes, looking for suitable timber for his
log. Then, after taking a lunch of cornbread building. While waiting for his workmen,
and dried venison or fried pork, he would and having an axe with him, he chopped and
crawl into the log, wrap himself in his felled a choice tree while alone. When the
blanket for a rest and sleep until the morning tree fell in a direction contrary to his
would break and reveal his way through the expectations, he endeavored to escape being
woods. Several times, while lodging in his injured, and started away but was tripped
lonely retreat, he heard the tramp of some down in some way and fell, and the tree fell
wild beasts making a circuit about his on one of his legs crushing into the ground
resting place. In. such case he kept his fire and holding him fast, without any means of
burning brightly to frighten them away, and extrication. It so happened that on the same
it did keep them off. One night while thus morning Judge Everett was hunting his oxen
camping out, the wolves beat a path on the which had strayed into the woods. The judge
ground around him, but fled at the approach was on horse-back and stopped to look
of day and on seeing the fire blaze up. At around and listen for the cattle, when he
another time he heard a soft, steady tread of heard a faint groan at some distance off, and
some animal around his lodging place, when presently a loud call for help. He hastened to
there was a light fall of snow, and on the spot, chopped off the tree with Harrold's.
looking around, found what was evidently axe and released him, when he found that the
the track of a panther, which had been stranger's leg was broken. He put the man on
reconnoitering around his premises during his horse and took him home, sent for Dr.
the night, but was kept at a respectful Brainard, who set his leg, and Harrold was
distance by the fire. nursed at Everett's house until he recovered
About the year 1825 Jeremiah Everett and was able to walk. The men of course
removed from the log cabin, and settled on became acquainted, and were ever after
the farm now owned by Timothy H. Bush, warm friends. Harrold was quite wealthy and
within the corporate limits of the present city his wife refused to emigrate from
of Fremont. This tract was then owned by Philadelphia to the wilderness in the West.
David Harrold, of Philadelphia, a wealthy Harrold, after finishing his house, offered
Quaker. Harrold attended the land sale at the use of the house and farm for a nominal
Wooster, Ohio, and bought this tract. He was rent, and the judge occupied it for about
wealthy and invested his money with a view eight years, and until he moved his family
of settling on this land for a home. down the river on tract number two of the
original survey of the reservation. Here, on
EVERETT AND HARROLD.
tract two, Judge Everett, having purchased
After Harrold purchased the tract of land it, made a home and kept his family until his
mentioned, which is now known as out-lot
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 543

wife died in December, 1832. About two Bates, in Sandusky county. His wife died in
years after, Judge Everett, to help his sons June, 1840, leaving an infant daughter,
Joel and Lorenzo, sold this tract and married named Hannah Bates Everett. This daughter
Mrs. Eunice Wolley, widow of Daniel was married to Henry Hatfield, in the year
Wolley, who owned a farm on the Sandusky 1856, and is still living, having two sons,
River about six miles north of Fremont. He one now in Osborne, Kansas, and one in
settled there and both husband and wife Denver, Colorado.
having minor children, devoted their time Homer Everett married again, Susan
and care to the farm and the welfare of the Albina Brush, widow of John T. Brush, in
children. He lived on this farm until his December, 1842. By this wife he had two
death, on the 29th day of December, 1842. sons and two daughters. George Homer, his
The children of Judge Jeremiah Everett first child, born at Fremont, November 4,
were Lorenzo, Joel, Homer, Adelaide, 1844, was an expert as a telegrapher, and in
Lodoiska, Zachariah, and Charles by the first the war of the Rebellion was employed by
wife; by the second, Elizabeth, Helen, General Thomas as telegraph operator about
Cyrus, and two others, who died young and Nashville, while that city was threatened by
were buried on the Wolley farm. the rebels, and there in his labors and
Lorenzo Everett, the oldest son, married exposures as field operator contracted the
Catharine Kline, the daughter of a disease of consumption. After working
neighboring farmer, and died in the year successfully after the war, at Cincinnati, he
1847, leaving one daughter, Harriet, who came home to his father's house, and as he
married a Mr. Fulkinson, and removed to entered the door said, “I have come home to
near White Pigeon, Michigan, and died. He die, father.” This was in September, 1873.
also left three sons, Charles Henry Everett, After living through autumn and winter, he
now of Wood county, Ohio; Thomas Hubert died on the 26th day of March, 1874, at his
Everett, now married and living in Green father's house, the home of his childhood,
Creek township, in Sandusky county, a and peacefully passed out of this mortal life
farmer; and Jeremiah Everett, who married a without a murmur. The second child of this
Miss Hutchins, and had one son, who died in marriage was Charles Egbert, born on the
infancy. Jeremiah volunteered in the cavalry 17th day of June, 1846, on his father's farm,
service in the war for the suppression of the about six miles below Fremont. Charles
Southern Rebellion, and was shot from his served in the naval service during the
horse and killed in battle. The second son, Rebellion. On his return from the service he
Joel Everett, married Mariah Grimes, an married Miss Hattie Tindall, daughter of Ed-
adopted daughter of Dr. Daniel Brainard, ward Tindall, of Ballville township. He
and died of cholera in September, 1834, learned, the trade of cabinet-making, is a
leaving one child, a daughter, who married natural mechanic and expert in his business,
Arthur Ellsworth, of York township, and has and is now engaged as foreman in the
since died, leaving one child, a son, named manufacturing establishment of H. Bowlus
Everett Ellsworth, who is still living. Judge & Co. He has two children, Eddie and
Everett's third son, Homer Everett, was Nellie, all living together in Fremont, at the
married, in 1837 to Hannah homestead of Homer Everett's family.
Homer Everett's next and third child
544 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of this second marriage was Albina office of justice of the peace, and kept the
Elizabeth, born at Fremont April 27, 1850, office as long as he could afford to do so,
who went to Kansas as a school-teacher and and until he positively declined to serve
afterwards married at Osborne City, in that longer at the dictates of his own necessities.
State, Frederick Yoxall, a native of England, The first suits about the riparian ownership
with whom she is now happily living there, on the Sandusky River between David
the mother of two beautiful daughters. The Moore and David Chambers, the results of
fourth child by Homer's second marriage which were given by the lately affirmed
was Lillie Everett, born at Fremont January decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio and
10, 1853, who followed her sister to may be found in the Twelfth Ohio Reports,
Osborne, Kansas, about a year after her were tried before him; and Judge Lane in
sister's departure, and after carrying on the deciding the case, of Chambers vs. Gavit
millinery business for a time was married to announced the same principles as the law
James A. Wilson, then doing a large which Judge Everett as justice of the peace
business as a drug and hardware merchant in had declared in his decisions. He was elected
Osborne, where she is now living and has Representative to the General Assembly in
one child, a daughter. Susan Albina, wife of 1825, and was the first resident of Sandusky
Homer Everett, died at Fremont, December county chosen for that place. He was again
21, 1855, at the age of thirty-four years. In elected in 1835 and served to the satisfaction
November, 1873, Mr. Homer Everett, having of the people, but declined to accept the
educated and settled his children, was again position again. During his first term of
married and took for his third wife Minerva service in the Assembly he was largely
E. Justice, daughter of James Justice, whose influential in passing measures favorable to
biography will be found in this history. With the construction of the Maumee and Western
his third wife he is now comfortably living Reserve turnpike. His remains are buried in
in the old homestead of the Justice family, at the old cemetery in a lot surrounded by a
the foot of the hill on the north side of State hedge of arbor-vitae, and a plain marble slab
street in the pleasant city of Fremont. marks the resting place of an honest and
Few men were ever endowed with better honorable man who died a Christian.
intellectual and conversational powers than
those possessed by Judge Jeremiah Everett.
Few men possessed the faculty of keeping HOMER EVERETT,
the respect and confidence and even the love
of all his acquaintances in so high a degree. a son of Jeremiah Everett and Elizabeth
He was too unselfish to get rich, and too (Emery) Everett, was born at the old' county
industrious to come to want. He was fond of seat of Huron county, on the Huron River,
social converse and philosophic thought. below where the village of Milan now
Sardis Birchard used to say that he never stands, now, however, within the bounds of
met a man whom he took as much pleasure Erie county, on the 30th of January, 1813.
in conversing with and listening to as he did The education of Homer Everett was such as
with Judge Everett. Jeremiah Everett was he could acquire by attending the schools in
appreciated by the early citizens of the Lower Sandusky two summer and four
county. He early held the winter terms, and what he afterwards
acquired by
Homer Everett
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 545

his own study out of school. His teachers which cost fifty cents, and nothing more of
were Justus and Ezia Williams, Edson Goit, worldly goods or apparel, but took what was
and Samuel Crowell at different periods, better than gold, a father's and mother's
who are gratefully remembered by their blessing, with an exhortation to be honest
pupil for their efforts to stimulate a desire and true under all circumstances.
for study. In December, 1830, his father He was boarded in Judge Olmsted's family,
gave him liberty to leave home if he thought and his wages for the first year was, cost
best, and he accordingly procured from price for cloth to make a more stylish suit of
Rodolphus Dickinson, then examiner of clothes, and thirty dollars. His wages was,
teachers, a certificate of qualification to however, increased the next year to a salary
teach, and he immediately started on foot for of fifty dollars and a suit of clothes, and
York township, where he had heard a teacher afterwards still further increased, until on
was wanted. The day brought on a terrible the close of his engagement, after six years'
snow storm, but he plodded on. When about service, he was boarded and drew a salary of
half way to Hamar's Corners, on the Western one hundred and fifty dollars. Judge Olmsted
Reserve and Maumee road, he met a man held the office of postmaster for several of
with a yoke of oxen and a sled going to mill, the latter years of young Everett's service,
of whom he enquired the road to the district and Everett, as deputy postmaster, performed
where a teacher was wanted. This man the duties of that office in addition to those
turned out to be Oliver Comstock, one of the of salesman and bookkeeper in the store. In
directors of the very district young Everett 1837 Judge Olmsted resigned the office, and
was seeking. Mr. Comstock was well kindly recommended his boy Homer, as he
acquainted with Judge Everett, the young called him, to be appointed in his stead, an
man's father, and on learning that the appointment which seemed to please the
applicant was his son, and on seeing Mr. people. He was accordingly appointed and
Dickinson's certificate, told young Everett commissioned by President Van Buren in
that he could have the school, and might that year. While engaged in this office he
come and begin the following Monday. He was elected sheriff of the county, and then
then gave him leave to ride back to Lower resigned the office of postmaster. He was re-
Sandusky and make ready. Meantime Judge elected sheriff. He commenced reading law
Everett had seen Jesse S. Olmsted and made in 1834, improving his leisure time in so
arrangements for Homer to enter his employ doing until 1841, when, on the solicitation of
as clerk in his store. On returning home the Nathaniel B. Eddy, he was admitted to the
young man chose to do what his father and Bar at Columbus, Ohio, and resigned the
mother thought best. Mr. Comstock was seen sheriff's office to form a law partner-ship
and the engagement to teach school with him. He practiced several years
cancelled. The following Monday young successfully with Mr. Eddy, when the latter
Everett went into the store as clerk. When he abandoned practice and engaged in mer-
left home he took with him two plain cotton cantile business. Mr. Everett soon after
shirts, made by his mother, two pairs of formed a partnership in the practice of his
woollen socks, knit by her kind hands, one profession. with Hon. Lucius B. Otis, now of
suit, coat, vest, and pants, of linsey cloth, Chicago. After several years' practice in
made by her, one pair of shoes, and one association with Judge Otis, Mr. Everett
wool hat
546 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

retired from practice and removed to his solemn dirge for their lost friend: The band
farm on the river, about six miles below and a large procession of sympathizers
Fremont, intending to lead a quiet farmer's stopped under the window of the mayor, and
life from that time. In 1847, however, he after closing the solemn dirge were silent, as
accepted the office of county auditor, to if expecting some remarks.
which he was elected by the people of the Mayor Everett advanced to an open
county. This position he held for nearly four window and delivered them a .short ad-
years, when, in 1852, he resigned the dress, alluding in touching terms to the
remainder of the last term of that office to bravery of their lost friend, and urging all to
return to the practice of the law with Ralph support the cause in which he had so
P. Buckland. This partnership continued gloriously died. All present were affected
until 1866, when General Buck-land retired and departed in a significant and touching
from practice, and Everett continued the silence. The members of the band were too
business about one year alone, when he deeply affected to even play another dirge
formed a partnership with James H. Fowler, then for Michael Wegstein.
who had studied law under his instruction. The other incident Mr. Everett says was that
This still continues, and Mr. Everett is still which occurred at the news of the death of
in the active practice of his profession. Abraham Lincoln, in 1865. On coming to his
During his life Mr. Homer Everett has office about 7 o'clock in the morning, he
held, at various times, the following official found the telegraphic, dispatches announced
positions: Deputy postmaster under Jesse S. the assassination of the President by Booth,
Olmsted; postmaster under the appointment and that he was dead. Mayor Everett threw
of Martin Van Buren; township clerk; the black signal of public mourning from his
member of the board of education many office window and repaired to the printing
years, in which position he was active in office with a notice of the great National
bringing about the adoption of the Akron bereavement.
school law; deputy county clerk under, Mr. Everett was sheriff of the county two
James A. Scranton; mayor of the city of terms, county auditor two terms, and, to
Fremont. Two scenes while mayor, Mr. finish up his public services, was elected to
Everett says he can never for-get. The first represent the Thirtieth Ohio Senatorial
was the death of Michael Wegstein at the District, composed of Huron, Erie, San-
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Wegstein had dusky, and Ottawa counties, at the fall
been a member of the band of music then election of 1867, and re-elected in 1869,
organized in Fremont. On receipt of the being nominated by acclamation. During his
news of his death while bravely fighting for service in the Ohio Senate he was a member of
his country, the whole community of the. judiciary committee, committee on
Fremont was. deeply affected. The band of finance, and other committees, But his chief
which he had been a member was perhaps labor was on a select committee with
affected most of all. When the news of his Charles Scribner and D. B. Lynn, to certify
death was made certain, his brother the laws relating to municipal corporations,
musicians, numbering among them some of which was the first municipal code enacted
our best citizens, met, draped their in the State of Ohio.
instruments in mourning crape, and went Of Hon. Homer Everett's family nothing
along the sidewalks of the principal streets, need be said, as they are set, forth in
playing a
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 547

the history of Jeremiah Everett and family, to built a small shop on the corner of his
which reference is made for the particulars. father's farm, adjoining the Maumee and
Western Reserve road, and engaged in
general blacksmithing. But in that day there
JOHN P. MOORE AND FAMILY. were stage coaches, and the young smith
made a specialty of shoeing horses there for
This enterprising and esteemed citizen of the Ohio Stage Company, for whom Mr.
Fremont was born on the 1st day of John T. Simpkins, now an aged and
December, 1829, at Hampton, Adams county, esteemed citizen of Fremont, was agent at
State of Pennsylvania. His father was John the time.
Moore, who was born July 10, 1795. His Mr. Moore worked in this shop about a
mother, Mary Picking, was born February 19, year, and then bought a lot on the corner of
1794. Their family consisted of twelve Water and Garrison streets, in Fremont,
children, of whom John P. was the ninth. Ten where he built a shop, and where he has
of the children are now living, the oldest since added a large carriage factory, which
sixty-six and the youngest fifty years of age. he is still carrying on with marked success.
In May, 1834, Mr. Moore moved his family
from Hampton, Pennsylvania, to Woodville
township, in Sandusky county, about eleven DAVID GALLAGHER.
and a half miles west of Lower Sandusky, on
the Maumee and Western Reserve road. Here This very worthy man and early settler in
young John P. spent his boyhood in hard Lower Sandusky was born at Pitts-burgh,
work, with little .schooling and little Pennsylvania, November 12, 1790. He came
amusement, excepting hunting raccoon at from Chillicothe to Lower San-dusky in the
night. He helped to clear and. improve hi's year 1810. He performed picket duty in the
father's farm, burn lime and haul stone for the army at Fort Meigs at the time of the fight
improvement and macadamizing of the road. there. He was also commissary at Fort
The great subject of anxious calculation Stephenson in the year 1814. In 1818 he was
during the summer was to raise provisions to in business with George G. Olmsted in the
keep the family supplied through the winter dry goods trade, most of which was with the
and until another crop could be produced, and Indians. Their store was located a little
hurry the fall work and be ready for two or below the present gas works in Fremont, and
three months attendance at school during the was subsequently moved to the corner now
winter. on the east end of Front street, and opposite
On the 3d of April, 1848, John P. Moore to Buckland's old block. This store is said to
came to Fremont and apprenticed himself to be the second frame structure in the town. In
the blacksmithing trade, in a shop established 1830 he was a very large property owner,
by Ira Camfield, who had died and left the chiefly in real estate. For some years he
shop to be managed by his widow. That good carried on a woollen-mill.
and capable lady is now living and keeping a In 1823, March 1o, he married Miss M.
boarding-house in Fremont. In the fall of Claghorn, by whom he had four children.
1850 young Moore, having learned his trade, Mr. David Gallagher died on the 21st day
returned to his former home in Woodville, of February, 1860, and as a mark of
and
548 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

respect, the Court of Common Pleas, then The subject of this sketch was educated in
holding a session in Fremont, adjourned Fremont, having attended both the parochial
upon the day of his funeral. The Methodist and common schools of the city. He married
Episcopal church, of which he was a Miss Clara Ochs, at Fremont, on the 27th of
member, the order to which he had been January, 1874. He learned the shoemaker's
attached for nearly half a century, and the trade with his father. In December, 1868, at
citizens, almost unanimously attended and the age of seventeen years and a half, he,
participated in the impressive burial ser- with several other citizens of Fremont,
vices, thus testifying how much he was caught the gold fever, and started from home
respected and beloved as a citizen, a man, a to seek gold in Montana. In the month of
Mason, and a Christian. He was one of the October, 1869, he left Montana on his
fathers and faithful members of the Masonic return, and reached home in the month of
order in Lower Sandusky, and few there November following. He immediately went
were who better practiced the precepts of the into the treasurer's office as clerk, under J.
order in daily life than did David Gallagher. P. Elderkin, then county treasurer. Here he
His aged widow and four sons are still continued working through the collection of
living, and are residing in Fremont, where the December installment of taxes for 1869.
the husband passed so large a portion of his He was then employed as clerk in the county
life. auditor's office, under George W. Gurst. In
In the historical lecture referred to Hon. this employment Mr. Giebel continued until
Homer Everett thus alludes to the subject of his election to that office in the fall of 1874.
this sketch: At this time Mr. Giebel was found to be the
He came here a young man, and, as my information youngest county auditor in the State of Ohio,
goes, his first employment here was as assistant
commissary at Fort Stephenson in the year 1814, and
being then only twenty-three years old. He
ever since that time he has been a resident of our town. was re-elected in 1876, and served until
It need scarcely be said that one who settled here at that 1878, when Adam Hodes, present
early day, married, and reared a worthy family, had incumbent, was elected to succeed him. But
many trials and experienced various turns of fortune. He
had seen this country a wilderness, inhabited by wild for the custom of his party to let no county
beasts, and still wilder men, transformed into what it officer remain more than two terms, Mr.
now is, and could look upon its progress for more than Giebel would no doubt have been retained in
fifty years, as we can upon a passing panorama. He has
left this earthly stage! How busy is death! Let us be
that office. Upon the election of Mr. Hodes,
admonished. With Holy Bible, square and compass near he retained Mr. Giebel as his clerk and
his heart, David Gallagher has gone up to the mercy-seat deputy, on account of his thorough
of Christ. Let us rejoice in the belief that it is well with knowledge of the office and its duties, which
him.
position he still holds, and is by all
acknowledged to be a man fit for the place.
Meantime, Mr. Giebel has been clerk of the
FRANCIS JOSEPH GIEBEL, JR. city of Fremont, a member of the city
was born in Fremont, Ohio, March 14, council, in which he is now sitting a second
1851. His parents were Francis J. Giebel, term, and was for one year president of that
and Maria S. (Duerr) Giebel. The father was body. He is also a member and stockholder
a native of Hesse Cassel, and the mother of in the Fremont Brick and Tile Company. As
Bavaria, Germany. Mr. Giebel sr., emigrated a business man in general, and as a county
in 1847; Mrs. Giebel, in 1839. auditor,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 549

he stands high in the estimation of the ported from Albany to Buffalo by land,
people of the county. As a citizen of correct thence by water to this place. The pine
walk and deportment, he is highly esteemed. lumber was brought from Buffalo by water.
His career thus far promises well for the The amount paid for transportation on this
future, and demonstrates what German stock of merchandise was four thousand four
emigrants may gain for their children by hundred dollars. Immediately upon their
emigrating to free America. arrival they commenced the erection of their
store. It was the second frame structure built
here. It was located near Doncyson's
JESSE S. OLMSTED. brewery. Its dimensions were sixty by thirty
feet, two stories high, with dormer-windows
In writing the biographies of pioneers and and projecting beams, with pulley blocks
prominent men of Sandusky county, a link attached in front for raising goods. It
would be missing and the chain in-complete presented a front of sixty feet towards the
should we omit a sketch of the life and river, and the lower story was divided into
services of the gentleman whose family and two apartments—one a salesroom or store,
personal history we give in the following and the other a warehouse.
narrative: Jesse S. Olmsted was born in This was considered a mammoth building,
Ridgefield, Connecticut, December 24, 1792. and for many years it was a kind of
When he was quite young his father removed commercial emporium, the stock of goods in
to Albany, New York, where young Olmsted it being greater than in any other between
was placed for awhile under the instruction Detroit and Cleveland, and Urbana and the
of Dr. Knott. When quite a young man he lake. Mr. Olmsted's first trade was chiefly
was employed as bookkeeper in a large with the Indians of the Wyandot, Seneca,
mercantile establishment. Here he became a and Ottawa tribes. Soon after Mr. Olmsted
thorough accountant, and took his first and his brother opened business, they
lessons in mercantile transactions. In the fall received in trade and shipped in one season
of 1817 Mr. Olmsted, in company with his twenty thousand muskrat skins, worth
brother George G., brought from Albany, twenty-five cents each; eight thou-sand coon
New York, to Lower Sandusky, the first skins, worth fifty cents each; two thousand
stock of goods that rose to the dignity of a deer skins, at fifty cents; one hundred and
mercantile transaction. It consisted of a fifty otter skins, at five dollars each; and two
general assortment of dry goods, groceries, hundred bear skins, at five dollars each. In
hardware, crockery, liquors, and wines, and 1820 the Olmsted Brothers sent the first pork
amounted, upon the invoices at Albany, to from this place eastward, It consisted of one
the handsome sum of twenty-seven thousand hundred and fifty barrels, and was marketed
dollars. This firm of brothers also brought at Montreal. The cost here was two thousand
with them carpenters to build a store, and dollars for the lot, but it was sold for
coopers to make barrels to be used at the considerable less.
fisheries here, which trade was then, and has About the year 1825 the firm dissolved,
since been, very considerable. The workmen, and Mr. Jesse S. Olmsted went into business
eleven in all, together with the nails, glass, at Tymochtee; but in two or three years he
and the hardware necessary for their returned to Lower Sandusky, where he
intended building, were trans- remained the rest of his life.
550 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The first wheat shipped East from this of merchandise, with the price of which the
point a lot of six hundred bushels was sent people. were familiar, to attract custom, and
by Mr. Olmsted in the year 1839. It cost him then make up the loss on articles of which
forty cents per bushel in Lower Sandusky, the customer was ignorant of the value,
and sold in Buffalo for sixty cents. Judge Olmsted's indignation knew no
Transportation was then so high that this bounds. He denounced such a system of
advance of twenty cents per bushel was merchandising as knavery and robbery.
consumed in expenses. He made nothing, The fact that Judge Olmsted was the.
therefore, by the operation. On the 1st of pioneer merchant of the place, that he came
January, 1821, he was married to Miss to Lower Sandusky when the whole country
Azuba Forgerson, of Lower Sandusky, was a sickly wilderness, that he was an eye-
though a native of Orange county, New witness to the birth of the town and of every
York. The marriage license on this occasion step of progress in its early history that he
was the second issued after the organization had seen the country a wilderness inhabited
of the county. The family comprised three by wild beasts and still wilder men.
children—Dorcas Ann, the first daughter, transformed into a peaceful garden, of
born September 12, 1824, died August 25, civilization and beauty, all conspire to rank
1826; Ann M., now Mrs. Charles Foster, of him as the leading pioneer man and
Fostoria, Ohio, and Charles, now partner in merchant of Lower San-dusky, alias
the large mercantile firm of Foster, Olmsted Fremont.
& Co:, of the same place. Mr. Olmsted died In a lecture at Birchard Hall delivered in
in Fremont on the 9th of November, 1860, at February, 1860, Homer Everett, esq., who
the age of sixty-eight. He was always held in had been many years a clerk for Judge
high esteem for his integrity, and Olmsted, and a member of his family, the
discernment, and he held for, a time the judge being then alive and present at the
position of county treasurer; also that of meeting, thus alluded to his marriage:
associate judge of the court of common Forty years a faithful, loving, married pair! For forty
pleas; all the duties of which offices, as well years the same familiar step upon the threshold of a
as those of other official stations, he happy home to meet warm comforts and a loving
performed to the entire satisfaction of the welcome; forty years' hand in hand along life's road, eye
to eye reading the inmost thoughts; and loving more and
people. Humbug found no victim, hollow, more; faithful, true, confiding, with heart to heart
heartless formality no advocate in him. For through all the trials and changes, of mortal life from
the unfortunate he always had an open and youth to age. I have been an inmate of that home, and
claim the right to say there is not in our town a more
helping hand, and in early times here many interesting and beautiful social spectacle than the every
in distress were relieved by his generous day, life of, this aged pair! Surely such are blest.
donations. As an officer, he was prompt and
reliable; as a business man, he was ever Judge Olmsted departed this life on. the
strictly honest. His goods had only one 9th of November, 1860. Mrs. Olmsted still
price, and his book entries told the truth. survives, and is now in her eighty-seventh
Fair profits and unflinching frankness and year, is still vigorous, and retains her mental
honesty in all transactions were the cardinal faculties in a remarkable degree.
principles of his life, and when newly- Azuba Olmsted was born in Orange
arrived merchants came into the place and county, State of New York, March, 1795 Her
adopted the usual tactics of cheapening some parents were Richard Forgerson and, Julia
leading articles (Davis) Forgerson. They came to
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 551

Lower Sandusky with Aaron Forgerson in for the place, "Judge" Howland, as he was called, hated
the Democratic party and all belonging to it. About this
the year 1817. time a young man named Harmon, also a Democrat,
purchased and brought to our town one of those long-
eared animals known as cousin of the horse and father of
the mules-such an animal as Frank Leslie would have us
ELISHA W. HOWLAND. believe is the high priest of the Sons of Malta. Harmon
considered this animal a speculation, and being the first
Elisha W. Howland has been dead many in our town, it attracted considerable attention. One
years. He was never married and left no morning he went to the stable. The halter was in the
relative in this State, and it is now stall, but the jack had stepped out. The door was open,
and Harmon supposed his favorite was stolen. The news
impracticable to obtain facts concerning his of the loss soon spread over the town; scouts were sent
early life. It is known that he, came to Lower out in every direction, and everybody was inquiring and
Sandusky as early as 1821. He resided there narrating these events, and speculation was rife as to
where the chattel had gone.
continually from that date until the time of his About 11 o'clock A. M. a loud braying in the loft of
death, about the year 1854. He worked at the the stable announced that the missing property had been
carpenter business and framed and finished raised to an elevation above that commonly assigned to
most of the frame houses in the place built it. Harmon heard the musical note and hastened with
eagerness to assure himself that the sound had not
previous to that time.. At the time of his death deceived him. Upon approaching the stable the head and
he owned considerable property, including the ears projecting from an upper opening of the stable
hotel on the northeast corner of Front and State assured him that all was safe. But how did he get there?
That was the question. There was no stairs nor ladder,
streets. He was for term one of the associate and how could such a creature climb on pegs driven into
judges of the county, and was afterwards called the wall? He must have been elevated to the haymow by
judge Howland. In the early days of Lower human aid, and who had done it became the great
Sandusky he opened a cabinet-making shop, question. Whoever had perpetrated this sell on Harmon
might expect to suffer. Just then Howland and some
and for many years his shop furnished all the others had been discussing politics in a barroom, and
coffins used in Lower Sandusky and vicinity. Eddy and Everett had undergone some of the judge's
He also made bureaus, bedsteads, chests, and handling, especially in regard to the bad officers they
had been instrumental in hoisting into place, when in
tables for the settlers, and his work was both came Harmon saying, excitedly, that he would give
tasteful and substantial. twenty dollars to know who put his jack up into the loft
In a lecture delivered by Homer Everett at and left his stable door open. Howland quietly replied,
Birchard Hall in 1850, in tracing characteristics "I can tell who it was."
"Well, who was it ?"
of the early settlers at Lower Sandusky, he "Homer Everett and Bish Eddy."
gave the following sketch of Judge Howland: "Why judge, what makes you think so?"
"Because it's their trade, and has been since they took
He was a man of good sense, sound judgment, hold of the Democratic party. They have been engaged
independent, skeptical, of strong intellect and pithy in elevating jackasses for the past three years!"
expression. Many of his center-shot witticisms and During his sickness and while confined to his room he
eccentric speeches are well, remembered, one or two of sent his landlord, Ira Smith, esq., one evening about 7
which will give an idea of the man. o'clock, for a bottle of medicine, with directions to
About the year 1838 our town contained two young hurry. Smith was detained until about 10 o'clock, when
and aspiring politicians by the names of Bishop Eddy he arrived at the door of the Judge's room and found it
and .Homer Everett. They were Democrats, and for some fastened. He had been a little alarmed for fear the Judge
time had been very active in every canvass, organizing might die suddenly and alone. He rapped and no reply
the party, controlling the nominations, and advocating came; rapped again, louder and longer; waited a moment
the necessity of voting the regular unscratched ticket. or so, and no sound.. He was troubled, and he began to
Their efforts were attended with some success, and they think the Judge had locked himself in and become
became quite conspicuous, and got some offices filled speechless, perhaps dead. He took hold of the
by men who were not fit
552 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

door handle and rapped and shook it as if he would tear longed to that coterie of friends who did so
it down. As quick as the rattle of the door subsided, a
well-known powerful voice, hot with anger, roared out:
much to enliven village life.
"I've been dead these two hours; go way and don't Jacob Millious, a small, wiry man in
bother me ! " stature, was three times married, and left a
There was some contention about the location of the number of children to perpetuate his
Cleveland and Toledo Railroad through our town. Judge
Howland's opinion was that it should cross the river honorable name, several of whom, and his
north of town; others contended that it should go worthy widow, reside at Fremont, Ohio.
through on the south side, and the latter was finally Mr. Millious died at Fremont in 1880, at the
chosen as the route. This line through Bellevue ran near
a distillery, and at this place, excepting the curve at the
age of nearly eighty-seven years. As a
west side of the river, ran pretty direct towards the old citizen he was enterprising, and in business
cemetery. After the location and line had been fixed the no man questioned the integrity of Jacob
judge was asked if he did not think it was the best, after Millious.
all. His reply was: "Well, may be 'tis; they have made
two points in the road which will ensure a lasting
business. It runs from . . distillery to our grave-yard. I
suppose the road can carry off the dead as fast as he can
kill." JAMES JUSTICE AND FAMILY.
One Anderson, by cunning management, was
appointed collector of customs in our town, by the Among the pioneers of Fremont who
proper authorities at Washington city, and the deserve a notice in this history, few are more
appointment was not satisfactory to the faithful. deserving a place than the subject of this
Howland disliked Anderson. In course of time, at the
solicitation of the people, John R. Pease obtained the
sketch and his family. James Justice was
removal of Anderson, and secured the office in his born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on
stead. On hearing of this change, Howland would say to the 18th day of August, 1794 His father was
his friends: "It is a fine sight to see a wicked man repent William Justice and his mother was Eleanor
and do penance for his sins. Anderson is going about
with a face as long as your arm, and has peas (Pease) in Umsted. The father of Mr. Justice was of
his shoes." English and his mother of German ancestry.
At about the age of nine years he removed
with his parents from Bedford county to
JACOB MILLIOUS. Ross county, Ohio, about six miles from the
old State capital, Chillicothe. There he
This pioneer of the county was born in received a rudimentary education, such as
Rensselaer county, New York, in 1794. At that early date in the history of Ohio
an early age he learned the trade of painting, afforded, which was indeed limited
and in 1818 started westward. After living in compared with the grand system of
various places in Ohio, painting and doing education now to be found in every part of
odd jobs, in 1821, with a load of whiskey the State. In early life he manifested an
and flour, drawn by two yoke of oxen, he uncommon inclination to activity, a good
started from Cincinnati for Lower Sandusky, share of which was wasted in the
where he opened a grocery store and bakery. prosecution of innocent mischief and
He suffered for several months after arriving resistance to authority. However, as he grew
from malarial fever, which greatly to manhood, business activity took the place
discouraged him. As soon as he had of mischief, and he engaged at about the date
sufficiently recovered strength he packed his of 1817 or 1818 in the flat-boat trade with
gripsack and started for Lancaster, New Orleans. The early settlers along the
Pennsylvania and did not return until 1822. Ohio river and navigable tributaries all
He was for many years employed in trade, looked to this trade as a market for the
and be- bacon, dour and
JESSE S. VAN NESS.
This popular citizen of Fremont was a descendant of that although the city was really a Democratic city, Mr.
the Van Ness family once so noted for wealth and Van Ness drew largely from the Democratic party, and
influence in the State of New York. He was a son of was elected by a handsome majority at the spring
Simon and Julia Van Ness, and was born to Orange election of 1878, and again elected in the spring of
county, State of New York, on the 25th day of October, 1877, and again for a third term in the spring of 1881,
1818. There he learned with his father the trade of and engaged in discharging the du-ties of the office in a
tanning and currying. He was married to Miss Jane A. very satisfactory manner, and to the great approval of
Blakeslee, in Orange county, on the 29th day of August, the people of the city until a short time before his death,
1850, and emigrated from there to Fremont, Ohio, in the when his last sickness disabled him, and his death
month of April, 1852. After locating in Fremont Mr. occurred on the 14th day of June, 1881. Mr. Van Ness
Van Ness worked about two years in what was known as was a warm and faithful friend of the public schools of
the old Van Doren tannery. He then bought a lot not far Fremont, and was a valued member of the Board of
away and built a new tannery for himself, not far from Education for fifteen years, and held that office also at
the Van Doren tannery, on the side hill, on the east side the time of his death. He was also for a number of years
of the river. one of the township trustees of Sandusky county.
In the year 1862 or thereabouts, finding the business He was a member of long and good standing of the
not remunerative, he sold out, and spent several years in order of Free and Accepted Masons, having been a
putting up and supplying the city with ice. His ice house member of Brainard Lodge of Fremont, Ohio, many
was on the premises of Isaac Sharp, next above the river years.
bridge of the Lake Shore Rail-road. He was also a member of the Independent Order of
While thus engaged he was elected Mayor of the city Odd Fellows, perhaps older in Odd Fellowship than any
of Fremont, and although a Republican, the people liked person in Fremont, he having joined Goshen Lodge in
him so well, and had so much confidence in his Orange county, New York, before he came to Fremont.
integrity, ability and good judgment Though not a member of any church, his wife had
joined the Methodist Episcopal church when twelve their home Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness found in the Soldiers'
years old, and has all her life been a consistent member and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Xenia, Ohio. Her name is
and regular attendant on divine service according to the May Bell. The parentage of this child her foster mother,
forms of that church, and Mr. Van Ness, out of regard Mrs. Van Ness, is not now ready to disclose, and the
for religion generally, and especially out of regard for secret remains with her for disclosure when
his wife's deep and settled piety, did much for the cause circumstances may require. She is a bright young
of religion according to the forms of the church which woman now, engaged in teaching one of the primary
she adopted and revered. schools of Fremont, and is at once the companion and
Although Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness were not blest with comfort of Mrs. Van Ness in her widowhood.
children of their own, they adopted and educated two At the funeral of Mr. Van Ness an impressive sermon
daughters, whose education and culture became their was delivered by the Rev. T. H. Wilson, of the
chief desire. The first adopted child was Elsie Jane Methodist Episcopal church. The Odd Fellows then took
Karshner, a relative by blood, whom they reared with charge of the remains, and the closing of business
the most affectionate and tender regard, and who was houses, the large attendance of citizens, the attendance
ready to graduate in the Fremont high school in the class in a body of all the remaining city officials, the long line
of 1866, when she died shortly before the of carriages which followed the remains to the cemetery,
commencement day, to which she and her parents by and the impressive burial services by the large
adoption looked forward with such pleasing attendance of Odd Fellows, all testified that Mr. Van
anticipations, at the age of sixteen. Ness was held in high esteem as a citizen, an officer,
On the death of Elsie there was dark loneliness in the and a man. He rests now in Oakwood cemetery among
home of Mr. Van Ness, and they soon brought a light to the honored ones who sleep there.
supply the place of the beautiful and loved one which
death had extinguished. This light for
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 553

whiskey, so easily and abundantly produced at that place. After spending probably two
in Southern Ohio at that time, and from years in this manner, he removed to Lower
thence drew supplies by exchange, of sugars Sandusky and erected a tannery on the north
and all those goods which we now term side of State street, at the foot of the-hill, on
groceries. Often, however, the flat-boatman the west side of the river. With the tannery
would sell his cargo and boat at New he connected the business of harness and
Orleans for cash and work his way up the shoemaking. Here, again, his financial talent
river to his home the best way he could. In was displayed, and he accumulated money in
this trade young Justice displayed first-class his business quite rapidly, and made large
financial talents and accumulated savings after supporting a family. In this
considerable cash. He maintained regular business Mr. Justice simply managed the
correspondence with the merchants of New financial department, leaving the manual
Orleans, and was at all times well Informed labor to expert workmen, whom he
of the prices of goods there as well as the employed in the different shops. About 1847
price of the products which were designed he turned the business over to his son,
for sale or exchange in the South. Milton J. Justice, and gave his attention to
Before engaging in the New Orleans trade investing and managing his capital. He made
he had taken some interest in and large gains by buying and selling lands,
understanding of the business of tanning at sometimes on his own account, and
Chillicothe, but discontinued this to sometimes in partnership with Rodolphus
volunteer under General William H. Dickinson and Sardis Birchard. Mr. Justice
Harrison in the War of 1812. He was with was prominent in the part he took in
Harrison at Fort Seneca at the time of the constructing the Tiffin and Fostoria plank
battle of Fort Stephenson, August 2, 1813. roads, which for a time contributed so much
After the war he resided at Chillicothe, and to the trade and prosperity of Fremont. When
for a time gave attention to the tanning the Wyandot Reservation at Upper Sandusky
business. On the 12th of October, 1820, he was sold, and the Indians removed to the Far
married Miss Eliza Moore, daughter of West, Mr. Justice was selected by the
David Moore and sister to John and James, Government as appraiser of the land on
deceased, two well-known citizens of account of his soundness of judgment in
Ballville, and both millers and matters of value.
manufacturers, and both wealthy and en- Shortly after coming to Lower Sandusky
terprising men. Mr. Justice was chosen by the Legislature of
In the month of September, 1822, Mr. Ohio one of the associate judges of the court
Justice removed from Ross to Sandusky of common pleas of Sandusky county, which
county, and first located in Ballville office he filled with singular promptness and
township, and in what is now known as fidelity for a number of years, under the first
Ballville village. The manner of his moving Constitution of the State.
from Ross county is quite in contrast with For a period of perhaps ten years Judge
the mode of travel at the present day. He Justice discharged gratuitously and
placed his wife and child on horseback, efficiently the duties of a member of the
while he started with them on foot. For a board of education of the city of Fremont,
time after his arrival at Ballville, Mr. Justice acting most of the time as treasurer of the
assisted his father-in-law, David Moore, in board, a position for which he was
running his grist- and saw-mill
554 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

peculiarly and well qualified. He was also worthy citizens James and John Moore, of
mayor of the village for a term. Ballville township, so well remembered and
When the First National Bank of Fremont esteemed by the people of the county as men
was organized, Judge Justice placed some of high merit awl success in business and in
capital in the stock of that institution, and on usefulness to the community.
account of his well-known financial ability At the age of fourteen years Miss Eliza
and integrity, was one of the first board of Moore emigrated with her parents from
directors, and he held this position by Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, to Ross
successive re-elections until the time of his county, Ohio. Her father, David Moore, was
death, which occurred on the 28th day of of full Scotch blood, and her mother was
May, 1893, at the ripe age of seventy-eight born in Pennsylvania. In 1820 she was
years, leaving a large estate for the support married to James Justice, near Chillicothe,
of his wife and to descend to his four adult and in 1822 emigrated thence to Sandusky
children. county, with her husband and only child and
In person Judge Justice was a man of settled in Ballville township. Her father had
impressive presence and strong magnetic preceded her in coming into the county and
power, of large size, weighing over two was then engaged in the erection of a grist-
hundred pounds, light hair and complex-ion, and saw-mill on the Sandusky River, in what
blue eyes, and full round head and face. In is now known as Ballville village. But Mr.
business promptness and integrity no citizen Moore had not then brought his family into
surpassed him. His punctuality in the the county. The journey from Chillicothe to
performance of all contracts and promises Ballville was made by Mrs. Justice on
was a marked feature in his character, and horseback. The child, Nancy, she brought
his wonderful industry and activity in all with her, is now the wife of Dr. James W.
business affairs continued until the disability Wilson, president of the First National Bank
caused by his last sickness compelled him to of Fremont. The way was through an almost
reluctantly cease his labors. Those who enter unbroken wilderness.
the First National Bank of Fremont may see The inhabitants of this northwestern
an admirable portrait of Judge Justice on the portion of the State were very few and very
south wall of the office, which was poor in the goods of this world, but they
presented by his children. The picture is the were rich in that trust in God, irrepressible
work of his only living son, Milton J. cheerfulness, and indomitable courage which
Justice, who is a natural artist and has set distinguished the hardy pioneers of that
forth his father's features with wonderful period in this portion of the State. After
accuracy. arriving at Ballville, Mrs. Justice passed a
The wife of the subject of the foregoing short time in a fisherman's shanty, until a log
sketch was not only one of the pioneers of cabin was finished, in the performance of
this county but possessed virtues in a her domestic duties,, with scanty means, and
remarkable degree. She was born in for nine months she never saw the face of a
Huntingdon county, State of Pennsylvania, white woman. In this shanty the only fire-
on the 13th day of October, 1800, the place was a heap of stones in one corner to
daughter of David Moore and sister of Mrs. prevent the fire from burning the wall.
William Fields, now a widow residing in this Above the fire-place was an opening in the
county, and also sister of the late roof for the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 555

escape of the smoke. If the rain put out the ities. Among the other pleasant events of
fire, Mrs. Justice would be compelled to go a that evening was one of peculiar interest and
mile and a quarter to the nearest neighbor's pleasure to all present, but especially to Mrs.
to obtain coals to rekindle her fire. Among Justice. This was the presentation from the
her cooking utensils she had what was called children by Rev. R. L. Chittenden of a
a Dutch oven, an iron shallow kettle, with an beautiful gold ring, on the inside of which
iron lid or cover, in which all her baking was neatly engraved was the sacred word,
done, by setting the kettle over coals and "Mother." This was surely a most fitting and
piling coals on the cover. She often significant expression of enduring love and
preserved fire in a stormy time by placing filial affection of the children. Surely this
brands and coals in this oven, and placing it pair of pioneers were honorable, and
out of the reach of the rain in the back part honored by society for their virtues while
of the shanty, and thus saved the time and living, and honored in and by their posterity,
trouble of going to the neighbor's for fire. who live to revere their memories and
Mrs. Justice survived her husband until the imitate their virtues.
17th day of October, 1876, when she died at It is worthy of note, that Mrs. Justice had
the advanced age of seventy-six years and received from her father as part of her outfit,
four days. Her remains now rest by the side a set of Windsor chairs, painted yellow, a
of those of her husband, marked by it bureau, a table, stand, and bedstead, all of
beautiful granite monument, in that beautiful solid black walnut and ornamented with
resting place, Oakland cemetery. brass knobs or handles, which she preserved
This venerable and respected pair reared a to the close of her life and which are still
family whose standing in society testify to kept by her daughter, in the family, at her
the merits of their parents. The family old homestead, now occupied by Mrs.
consisted of three daughters and one son, all Homer Everett. The chairs were used by the
surviving them. Another son was born to aged couple at their golden wedding above
them, named Granville Moore, who died at spoken of, and illustrates that care and
Lower Sandusky at the age of six-teen years. economy of Mrs. Justice which contributed
The names of the surviving children are: so much to the accumulation of wealth and
Mrs. Nancy. E. Wilson, wife of Dr. James the comfort of her descendants.
W. Wilson (this daughter was born in
Chillicothe, and was the child Mrs. Justice
brought on horseback from that place); JACOB BURGNER
Minerva E., wife of Hon. Homer Everett;
Mrs. S. Eliza Failing, wife of Dr. John W. was born in Thompson township, Seneca
Failing, all now residing in Fremont, and county, Ohio, November 5, 1833. His
Milton J. Justice, now a resident of Lucas parents were of Swiss descent. His father,
county, Ohio. Peter Burgner, came from Lancaster county,
On the 12th of October, 1870, this then Pennsylvania, in 1812, at the age of nine
venerable husband and wife celebrated their years, to Stark county, Ohio. Here he twice
golden wedding. The occasion was of helped clear up a home and worked several
peculiar interest to a large assemblage of years in the construction of the Ohio and
friends there present to witness the Erie canal. In 1830 he married Miss
ceremonies and festiv- Catharine Hollinger, and moved to Seneca
county, where he en-
556 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tered a quarter-section of heavily timbered On the 8th of September, 1859, he was


land two miles west of Flat Rock. This he married to Miss Rebecca M. Miller, and
cleared up and improved with unremitting soon after came to Fremont and taught the
toil, making it a comfortable home for East grammar school under Don A. Pease
himself and family for thirty-three years. superintendent. The next year he taught the
Jacob was the eldest of seven children, five Maumee grammar school. In the fall of 1861
sons and two daughters. His first teacher was he returned to Fremont and taught the high
John Grimes. Being assisted at home, and school in a small brick building in the rear of
stimulated by rewards from teachers and the old Presbyterian church, Rev. E.
parents, he made rapid progress in his Bushnell being superintendent. In the fall of
studies, and committed to memory many 1862 he was elected superintendent of the
pages of his textbooks, but his mind was Port Clinton schools, and in 1864 of the
often over-tasked and his health injured by Green Spring union schools. Finding that his
close confinement in the crowded, health was injured by confinement to the
unventilated log school-house where he school-room, he began farming in the spring
spent the first twelve years of his school life. of 1863. Here he has followed farming
He attended several Sunday-schools, read during the summer season and teaching
and re-read every library book and country schools during the winter for the
newspaper that came in his way, and recited past eighteen years. In the summer of 1864
from memory about one-half of the New Mr. Burgner served as clerk of company H,
Testament. When he was eleven years old One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio
his mother died, and this event led him to National Guards, about four months at Fort
look too much on the dark side of life. At the Ethan Allen, Virginia. In April, 1865, he was
age of sixteen he became a member of the elected justice of the peace of Ballville
United Brethren church, under the ministry township, which office he held six years. Of
of Rev. J. C. Bright, and he was soon after Mr. Burgner's brothers, one died in infancy,
elected class leader and Sunday-school David and Joseph in early manhood, and Dr.
superintendent, offices which he held at Samuel H. Burgher, of Bellevue, at the age
intervals for many years afterwards. At the of twenty-eight, leaving an only daughter,
age of seventeen he taught a common school Orie, an orphan. His sister Mary married
in his father's district, and during the next Henry Biechler, and lives at York Center;
five winters he taught in the neighboring his sister Lizzie married Joseph B. Maurer
schools of Thompson town-ship. His wages and lives near Monticello, Indiana. His
meanwhile rose from ten to thirty-two father, Peter Burgner, was three times
dollars per month. He was a careful reader of married, and died at the age of seventy-four.
the Ohio Journal of Education. The summer Jacob Burgner's family consists of his wife
seasons were spent at hard work on his and three children—Kittie, Linneus and
father's farm. From 1852 till 1856 he Louis. His first daughter, Alice, died in
attended school at Otterbein University, and infancy. He took in her place his brother's
at the Seneca County Academy, Republic, child, Orie, at the same early age,
Ohio. maintained and educated her, and she is now
In the fall of 1856 he returned to Otterbein about completing a course of study at
University, where he remained three full Oberlin college.
years and completed his course of study.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 557

In the fall of 1853 Jacob Burgner took his At the May term, 1871, of the court of
first lessons in phonography, of Charles S. common pleas for Sandusky county, Mr.
Royce, at a teacher's institute, held at Burgner made the first stenographic report of a
Republic, Ohio. The novelty, simplicity, and law suit, in the case of Mrs. Harriet Seager vs.
brevity of phonetic shorthand completely J. S. Lutz, at request of the plaintiff.
captivated him, and he at once became In June, 1876, he reported verbatim for the
wedded to it for life. He bought The Cincinnati Enquirer and the Fremont papers the
American Manual of Phonography, by Elias first speech of General R. B. Hayes, after his
Longley, (Ben Pitman's system, Cincinnati, nomination for the Presidency, and, in 1877,
Ohio), and mastered its contents. He then the speeches of many distinguished generals of
wrote a shorthand letter to Mr. Royce, and the army, at the grand reunion of Hayes'
received a similar one in return. While a regiment, the Twenty-third, at Fremont, Ohio.
student at Republic, Ohio, he taught several At the March term, 1880, Jacob Burgner and
classes in phonography, and began the study L. E. Stetler were appointed official
of Ben Pitman's Reporter's Companion. This stenographers for Sandusky county court of
he mastered, column after column, until he common pleas, for three years, by Judge J. H.
could read at a glance, or write instantly, the Doyle, of Toledo, and they then jointly
briefest outline for more than four thousand reported the proceedings in the Pelter Welch
of the most frequently recurring words and murder trial.
phrases in the English language. But it was
not until after he had taught several classes
in phonography at Otterbein University, and STEPHEN BUCKLAND AND
had made many repeated efforts and failures FAMILY.
at reporting sermons and lectures, that, in
1857, he acquired the ability to write legibly This highly esteemed citizen of Fremont was
with the rapidity of speech. Mr. Burgner's born at Hudson, Portage county (since included
first verbatim report was one of Bishop in Summit county) on the 16th day of January,
Davis' sermons, and it was soon after 1814. He is the son of Ralph Buckland and
honored with the dignity of print by the Rev. Ann (Kent) Buckland, of Connecticut, and of
Alexander Campbell, who solicited and English ancestry. His father died before he was
published it in the Millenial Harbinger, born, and was buried at Ravenna, Portage
Volume I, No. 12. county, Ohio. Stephen left home at about six
On coming to Fremont; in 1859, Mr. years of age and became a member of the
Burgner gave a short course of lessons in family of Charles King, whose wife was sister
phonography to the teachers of the Union to Mr. Buckland's mother. Mr. King moved to
Schools, and in the spring of 1861 furnished Brooklyn while Stephen was still quite young,
the Fremont papers with a verbatim report of and engaged in the manufacture of castor oil,
the speeches, of Hon. Homer Everett, and there manufactured the first castor oil
Colonel R. P. Buckland, and Rev. H. Lang, made in the West. In this business young
at a flag presentation to the Seventy-second Buckland assisted as he could, and became
Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This quite an efficient help for Mr. King. At the age
was the first stenographic reporting done in of about fifteen years young Buckland
Sandusky county.
558 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

went home to live with his mother, who tied here. Soon after his arrival Mr.
meantime, had married Dr. Luther Hanchet, at Buckland formed a partnership in the drug
Middlebury, Portage county, Ohio. While at and book business with C. R. McCulloch,
Mr. King's young Buckland often visited his and for some time the firm did a prosperous
mother at Middlebury, and in doing so passed business. In 1855 this partnership was
over the site of the present flourishing city of amicably dissolved and Mr. Buckland
Akron. The country where Akron now stands opened a drug and book store on his own
was then a wilderness without inhabitants or account, in which business he has continued
improvement, unless a hunter's cabin situated to the present time, either alone or in
there can be called an improvement. This was company with his sons. To those who know
about the year 1821 or 1822, and before the Stephen Buckland no praise is necessary.
Ohio canal was located. Stephen was in the His name with them is a synonym of all that
vicinity, and afterwards witnessed the is sincere, truthful, honest, and patriotic. Mr.
construction of the canal and subsequent Buckland now conducts the business he has
growth of the city. He determined, as all young so long been engaged in at Fremont, in
men should, to learn a trade, and according to company with his worthy son, Ralph
this determination he learned the cabinet and Pomeroy Buckland, named after General R.
chair-making business in the establishment of P. Buckland.
Mr. Harry Purdy, in Middlebury. From there he
went to Akron, and after working at his trade
for a time rented the factory at lock number DAVID DEAL.
four, on the canal, which furnished water-
power for the establishment. After remaining The only survivor of the War of 1812, who
in this business a few years he went to Canfield continues to reside in Fremont is David
and engaged as clerk in the mercantile house of Deal. He was born near Harrisburg,
Kent & Lockwood. While so engaged he made Pennsylvania, in October, 1793. In his
the acquaintance of Miss Lucy Whittlesey, younger years he took considerable interest
daughter of the late Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, so in hunting and sporting. In 1813 he was
well known and esteemed in the State of Ohio. drafted and placed in Colonel Stephenson's
He was married to this lady on the 11th day of regiment, under General Harrison's
October, A. D. 1838. Soon after the marriage command. He was with the army at Fort
the husband and wife removed to Edinburg, in Meigs and Upper Sandusky, and was at the
Portage county, where Mr. Buckland engaged former place during the siege. He-was
in merchandising, in which pursuit he discharged at Fort Seneca shortly after the
continued until 1850. unsuccessful attack on Fort Meigs. He
Mrs. Lucy (Whittlesey) Buckland, the wife married, in 1814, Magdaline Overmyer,
of Stephen Buckland, was born at Canfield on daughter of Peter Overmyer. In 1829 they
the 22d day of December, A. D. 1817. The came to this county and settled in Jackson
children of this worthy husband and wife were township. Mr. Deal is now feeble, but retains
all born while they were residing at Edinburg, correct impressions of military operations in
In the year 1850 the family came to Fremont the Northwest during the period of the
and set- second war with England.
TOWNSHIPS OF SANDUSKY COUNTY,

SANDUSKY.

T HIS township originally included all that


part of the county west of the Sandusky
River, together with parts of Seneca and
earthworks. One of the mounds on the river
bank was excavated some years ago and a
skeleton found between plates of mica.
Ottawa counties. Its organization as a These sepulchres of the distinguished dead
township of Huron county in 1815 has of a civilized and probably aesthetic race,
already been given in connection with the which has perished, not only from the earth,
history of Fremont, which, until recently, but from history, furnish interesting data for
was included within its limits. The territory speculation. The chain of enclosures has
was reduced to its present boundaries in almost been obliterated by the gradual
1878, when Fremont town-ship was change of the river channel. Here we have
established. an illustration of the effect of progressive
The sand ridges along the Sandusky River, civilization. The Mound Builders, as is
and extending through the central part of the shown by the location of these earth-works,
township, were the chosen locations of the and the Indians who followed them, chose
first settlers, although the soil on these the dry sandbars for places of residence. The
sandbars is inferior to the vegetable mould early white settlers followed the ex-ample of
on Muskellunge or on Little Mud Creek. the races which had vacated. But times have
During the early period of settlement, the changed; axes, plows, and tiles have
western part being a continuous swamp, the converted the marshy forest, worthless years
first pioneers had no choice in the matter of ago, into fields far more productive than the
location. Besides, numerous small Indian sand acres along the river ridges.
clearings along the river prepared the way Sandusky township is bounded on the
for white occupation. The narrative of the north by Rice, on the east by Riley, on the
two first white families-the Whittaker and south by Ballville and Fremont, and on the
Williams families-is fully given in connec- west by Washington.
tion with the Indian history and discussion The principal streams on the west side of
of land titles. the river are Muskellunge and Little Mud
Along Muskellunge a road was opened out Creek, and on the east side, Bark Creek,
and clearings commenced about 1827, and none of which afford available water-power
the first improvement on Little Mud Creek, for. mills. This, however, was no great
so far as can be learned, was made about inconvenience, as the mills on the Sandusky
1829. River at Ballville and. Fremont were easily
On the dry lands along the east side of the reached. The celebrated
Sandusky is an extensive chain of

559
560 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

"Black Swamp" region begins at a log house in the fort, which had been used
Muskellunge and takes in that part of the during the war by the officers. Esquire
town-ship lying west of this stream. Morrison occupied one end and Mr. Baker
the other; the Patterson family were crowded
SETTLEMENT. into the middle room, the floor of which was
The settlement of Sandusky township was made of clay. A bedstead was placed in a
not as rapid as its location would lead us to corner, and on this, during the day, all the
expect. Ballville was improved before clothing was piled, and at night beds were
Sandusky, and the east part of the county made on the ground. One of the gates thrown
was filling up rapidly before anything more down before the fireplace furnished one
than scattering settlements were made in this small piece of floor, which contributed to the
township. Why this was the case is an easy comfort of this large family in a small room
problem when the miasmatic, sickly state of in wet weather. Mr. Patterson and his sons
the country west of the river is taken into set to work and cleared a piece of land on
account. Muskellunge was dammed up by the west side of the river, near the forks of
fallen timber, and in consequence a wide the road, and in the spring of 1819 the
tract of country was wet and uninviting. No family moved into an unfinished cabin on
roads were opened up in the western part. On this place. The cracks were filled afterwards
the whole there was little encouragement to with mortar made of clay and straw, and a
settle. chimney made of logs heavily interlaid with
Except the Whittaker and Williams clay mortar was erected on the outside of the
families, Reuben Patterson was the first house. The location of the cabin was on the
settler of Sandusky township who remained Whittaker Reserve, a part of which Mr.
to make a permanent improvement and Patterson rented. When the Government sale
home. There were more squatters down of lands was advertised at Delaware, Mrs.
along the river than perhaps any other place Patterson took her little bag of silver coin,
in the county, but most of them, being mounted her horse, and in company with
unable to enter land, deserted their squatter Lysander C. Ball and James Whittaker, went
openings and pushed on farther west. Mr. to Delaware. She purchased what was for
Patterson's family consisted of a wife and six years known as the Patterson farm, on the
children-Alvord, Eveline, Danforth, Julius, east side of the river. Here Mr. Patterson
Harriet, and Caroline. The family left New lived until his death in 1841, having
York in a wagon in the fall of 1816, and survived his wife one year. The living
came to Huron, then the stopping-place of so representatives of the family are: Eveline,
many Western emigrants. At the opening of widow of L. C. Ball; Julius, and Harriet,
the following spring they removed to the widow of James Moore.
peninsula, but sickness so afflicted them that L. C. Ball was a settler in Sandusky
the new home with its improvements was township in 1823. He left his home in New
deserted. Mr. Patterson made a trip to the York in 1818, with a view to locating in the
Maumee in search of a home and there made West, Detroit being his objective point.
the acquaintance of Captain Rumery, who Being without means, he employed the
persuaded him to come to Lower Sandusky. natural method of travelling. High water
When the family arrived from the peninsula intercepted his progress at Lower Sandusky,
no room in which to put their goods could be where he found em-
found, except
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 561

ployment at general work. He soon engaged at usually camped on the river bank near the
the then profitable trade of blacksmithing in Shannon cabin. Mrs. Shannon's "life in the
James Kirk's shop, and afterwards built a shop woods" had familiarized her with their
of his own. In 1823 Mr. Ball married Eveline language and habits, and enabled her to
Patterson, and settled on a farm just below the detect signs of danger. One day, while her
corporation, where he lived, raised a family, husband was at work, an Indian yell startled
and died. Mrs. Ball remains on the home- the family. She called to Mr. Shannon, who
stead. The children are: Eveline, Alvita, did not hear at first, and, before she could
Thaddeus, Oscar, Lysander C., and Sarah repeat the warning, an angry savage had
(Emerson). almost approached the house. There was no
George Shannon, a son-in-law of James time for evading. Shannon was now facing
Whittaker, is mentioned in connection with the Indian, who drew forth a concealed
Indian events of the War of 1812, in the tomahawk, and, with a double oath, said, in
general history, but that event gives us an good English: "Now I going to kill you!"
interest in the personal history of the family. Shannon sprang forward, caught the handle
Mr. Shannon was a native of Schenectady, of the drawn tomahawk in one hand and the
Schoharie county, New York, and was born in strong arm of his savage antagonist in the
1787. He came to Lower Sandusky in 1809, other. A vigorous but brief struggle
and married Mary, a daughter of James and followed, in which the redskin was
Elizabeth Whittaker, by whom he had eight prostrated. Shannon was now master of the
children, three of whom are living-James, situation. He wrenched the hatchet from his
residing in Oregon; John, in this township; antagonist's hand, raised the weapon, and
and William, in Wood county. Mr. Shannon was already directing a deadly blow, when
lived in a cabin on the Whittaker Reserve the savage cried: "Friendship." By a quick
when James, the oldest son, was born. In movement, Shannon changed his fatal aim,
1812, when the Indian troubles began, he and the tomahawk, just clearing his enemy's
sought safety for his family on the Scioto, head, was buried in the ground. Again
having refused to accompany the Whittakers seizing the weapon, Shannon ordered the
in Fort Stephenson, believing that that post Indian into the house, and then gave him a
would eventually be captured. His return to chair. Shannon also sat down, laying the
harvest the corn crop, and adventure with the tomahawk on the table at his side. He then
savages while thus engaged, is narrated asked the Indian why he came to kill him.
elsewhere. When the war had closed, Mr. "Is your name Joe Williams?" asked the
Shannon returned from the Scioto, and settled conquered savage.
on a piece of land given him by Mrs. Whitta- "No; my name is Shannon," was the reply.
ker. He built a cabin near the river, in which "I was told," said the Indian, "Joe Williams
he moved the entire family, now consisting of lived here. I came to kill Joe Williams. He
several children. Posterity must forgive us for sold me a barrel of stinking pork."
stating that, on account of an old prejudice, The Indian took his tomahawk and left the
Mr. Shannon frequently incurred the wrath of cabin, a warm friend of Shannon.
his mother-in-law, and the relation between John, the third son of George Shannon,
the two families was not always lovely. The was born in the Scioto Valley in 1813,
Indians
562 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and was brought to Sandusky, with his berland county, Pennsylvania, 1797, He
parents, after the close of the war. In 1840 married, in Northumberland county, Christina
he married Eveline Patterson, daughter of Reed, and in 1819 removed to Perry county,
Alvord and Julia Patterson, who removed Ohio. In 1827 the fertile farms then being
from New York to Ohio in 1833. The fruit of opened in this part of the State attracted his
this union was nine children, four of whom attention, and having made an entry he
are living. Mr. Shannon has always had a removed his family to the Black Swamp. It has
fondness for the woods, and had a been said that many of the pioneers have
reputation, in early times, as an expert and become wealthy as an incidental result of the
successful hunter. Even in his old age he developing force of progressive civilization.
mourns the loss of hunting grounds. That is true of those who purchased extensive
Casper Remsburg was a native of Mary- tracts and then depended upon the labor of self
land, who came to the county in 1822, and sacrificing neighbors to develop the country
settled on the Muskellunge, where he lived around their estates. But those whose memory
as a farmer until 1849, when he died in the it is our desire to perpetuate, those whose busy
sixty-third year of his age. He married Mary hands built homes and reduced the fertile soil
Bowlus, also of Maryland, who is still to a state of cultivation, have been indeed
living, being now in her eighty-ninth year. poorly paid for leaving well organized and
She is the mother of ten children, nine of cultured communities and submitting to the
whom arrived at maturity. Four sons and two conditions of life in the woods. Daniel Hensel
daughters are yet living. The names of the actually cut his way to the one hundred and
children in the order of their ages were: sixty acres of swampy forest he had purchased,
Matilda, deceased; Hezekiah, attorney at and by the time of his death, in 1842, had
law, Fremont; William, a Protestant cleared and brought under cultivation fifty
Methodist preacher, residing in Des Moines, acres. He also carried on an extensive
Iowa; Mary Ann, the wife of James Rosen- carpentering
barger, Sandusky township; Susan, married business. His family consisted of six
and residing in Rock Island county, Illinois; children, all of whom are living. Adam resides
Rebecca, deceased, was the wife of Adam in Sandusky township; Sarah, wife of N.
Crowell, of Sandusky township; Perry F., Kessler, in Fremont; Eva, wife of J. Waitman,
farmer, Bureau county, Illinois; John, died in in Sandusky township; Daniel, in Sandusky
Sandusky township, in 1849; Lewis E., township; Christina, wife of J. Binkly; and
farmer, Bureau county, Illinois. Mr. George, in Sandusky township. Adam, the
Remsburg was a member of the Protestant oldest son, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in
Methodist church, to which his widow still 1825. He married in 1847, Mary J. Benner,
belongs. whose father Matthias Benner, removed to the
The first settlement in that part of the county, from Union county, Ohio, in 1840.
township lying west of the Muskellunge -and Their family consisted of six children-James
north of the Perrysburg road, was made by D., Ellen (deceased), Sarah, Harriet
three families from Pennsylvania, in 1817. (Stinewalt), Alice (Waters), and Emma, all
They were the families of George Overmyer, residing in this township, except Sarah. James
Michael Overmyer, and Daniel Hensel. D., the oldest son, was born in 1849, and in
Daniel Hensel was born in Northum 1873 married Villa M. Wolf,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 563

by whom he has two children—Nora O. and connection with religious organizations at


Mabel M.. Daniel, jr., second son and fourth Fremont is fully noticed in that connection.
child of Daniel Hensel, was born in 1835. He His son, Jacob Bowlus, was for nearly sixty
married, in 1862, Sarah Hetrich, daughter of years a staid and honored citizen, and a
George and Catharine Hettrich. His family staunch Methodist. He once stated that he
consists of five children, four of whom are never went further than Muskellunge after
living, William W., Charles H., Hattie D., his father's settlement in Lower Sandusky.
and Emma M. Samuel Crowell, an early settler of this
George Reed was born in Northumberland township and an early school-teacher, was
county, Pennsylvania, in the year 18o6. In born in Pennsylvania in 1793. In 1815 he
the year 1829 the family, consisting of the married Mary Link, of Virginia, and about
mother, three boys and four girls, started for 1826 came to this county. He entered a farm
the one hundred acres lying in the northwest on the Muskellunge, in this township, and
part of this township, which George had was a school-teacher of prominence and
entered previously. Three days were more than ordinary severity. He was elected
occupied in the trip from Fremont to the sheriff in 1829 and held the office two
farm, a distance of seven miles. Their slow terms. He had five sons and three daughters.
progress indicates the condition of the road, One of the sons is living—Alexander—in
or rather the trail through the woods, for the Peru, Indiana. Samuel A., who resides in this
State road at that time was no more. Mr. township, was born in Jefferson county,
Reed in a memorandum says: "We came out Virginia, and came to Ohio with his father.
as far as Moses Wilson's. There we staid all He was married three times and had a family
night. Next day we came down to where of twelve children, viz: George W., Samuel,
David Engler lived. Daniel Hensel was our Mary C., Clarissa, Eugene B., Moses H.,
nearest neighbor, and John Wagoner lived on Sardis S., Reuben A., Martha L., William E.,
Little Mud Creek. The country was then John W., and Sarah R. Mr. Crowell died
nothing but a wilderness, and the pike a October 10, 1881, aged sixty-three years.
mudhole. It was almost impossible to get Eugene Crowell was born in 1851. He
along with the empty wagon part of the married, in 1873, Sarah Stine, daughter of
time." Mr. Reed adds .in the spirit of the William Stine, and has four children, Clara,
good old days gone by: "And it seems people William, Ella, and Ida. The old Crowell
enjoyed themselves better then than now. improvement was on Muskellunge.
They were not so selfish; had their log- Henry Bowlus settled in this township in
rollings, and corn-huskings, and old- 1828. He came from Maryland with a family
fashioned country dance, and all hands of eight children, four of whom are living.
engaged in it." He died in 1832; his wife survived him nine
A description of a corn-husking and years.
quilting winding up with a dance, according Aaron Forgerson was one of the first
to the fashion of the period, will be found in settlers of Fremont, having emigrated from
this volume. New York in 1816. The family consisted of
Rev. Jacob Bowlus entered land, and at an eight children, six boys and two girls.
early day made an improvement south of the Sidney, the seventh child, was one of the
pike on Muskellunge. His early settlers of this township.
564 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

He married, in 18J3, Hannah White, whose Frank, John, Elizabeth, Ella, Herman and
father, Ebenezer White, came to the county Edward.
in 1831. John Kuns (spelled Koons by some
Basil Coe, a native of Maryland, married representatives of the family), a native of
Rachel Burgoon, and settled in this county in Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1836,
1833. He died soon afterwards leaving a from Perry county, Ohio. He married
family of eight children, the oldest of whom, Catharine Overmyer, by whom he had five
Jessie Coe, was born in Perry county, Ohio, children: Siloma and Catharine, deceased,
in 1815. He married Mary Bazar, a daughter and Samuel, John and Elizabeth, living. Mr.
of Henry Bazar, a native of Pennsylvania, in Kuns died October 25, 1845, aged fifty-two
1832. Mr. Coe died in 1867, leaving ten chil- years. He had been an invalid for many
dren living: Rebecca L., Richard A., Martha years, and was so afflicted with rheumatism
J., Francis M., Sarah I., Charles J., Josephine that he was helpless during the last fifteen
A., James M., Ellen A., and William S. Mrs. years of his life. Mrs. Kuns died November
Basil Coe died in 1881. Mrs. Jessie Coe is 5, 1874, aged seventy-five years and six
still living. Seven of her children survive. months. Samuel, the oldest son, is living on
Richard A. Coe was born in 1844, and has the old homestead, where his grandfather,
always resided in the county. He was John Overmyer, settled four years before
married, in 1870, to Harriet B. Shank, born John Kuns, sr., came to the place. Samuel
in Cincinnati in 1841. Four children are Kuns was born in Perry county in 1823. He
living-William Edward, Carrie A., John F., married Mary M. Swarm in 1845. They had
and James W. Lloyd N. is dead. five children: John, Riley township;
George Michael was born in France in Catharine (Shively), Sandusky township;
1816. He came to America, and settled in Mary E. (Seibert), Samuel, Sandusky
New York in 1831. In 1834 he removed to township, and Emma A. (Reed), Ottawa
Sandusky township, where he has lived ever county. Mrs. Kuns died March 16, 1866,
since. The family consists of eight children, aged thirty-nine. Mr. Kuns was again
all of whom are living, viz: Caroline married February 4, 1879, to Mrs. Rosanna
(Parker), Sandusky town-ship; Philip, Henry Bruner, daughter of Christian Auxter, of
county; George, John H., and Christian, Washington township. They have one child,
Wood county; Mary (Swartz), Elizabeth Orphie R. John, brother to Samuel, was born
Thompson and Charles reside in this county. in Perry county in 1827. He married in 1850,
Mr. Michael followed coopering for forty Hannah M. Sebring, and has four children
years. He has also improved an excellent living: Maria E., John E., Clara E., and
farm. Wilbur C. Mr. Kuns was in the grocery
George Engler, a native of Germany, business in Fremont. for several years.
settled in this township in 1835, and lived The Sebring family came from Butler
here until his death in 1860. The family county, Ohio, and settled in this county in
consisted of twelve children, all of whom are 1836.
living. Henry, the sixth child, was born in Charles Lay and his parents, John and
Germany in 1831; he married Christina Will, Sarah Lay, came to Sandusky township
a native of Germany, by whom he had a about 1840. Charles Lay married in this
family of eight children, seven of whom are county, Anna Unsbauch, a native of Perry
living, viz: Caroline, county. Three of their children are living:
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 565

Alfred and Albanus in Sandusky township, mont; and Savilla (Hensel), Sandusky
and Rosanna (Fought), Washington township. Levi, the oldest son, was born in
township. Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. In
Jacob Hufford, a native of Frederick 1857 he married Christina Lantz. Nine
county, Maryland, was born in 1773. He children are living—Robert A., Dilla C.,
married Catharine Creager, and emigrated Emma R., Ellen H., James H., Chester E.,
first to Kentucky, and from there to Greene Michael J., Margaret E., and Addie C. A. J.,
county, Ohio. In 1836 they came to this the fourth child of Michael Wolfe, was born
county and settled on the farm where she in 1842, and married, in 1865, Jemima
died in 1842 and he in 1851. Mr. Hufford Stultz. They have two children—William E.
was a blacksmith by trade, but after coming and Nannie A. Mr. Wolfe purchased the
to this county gave his exclusive attention to Alexander Paden farm, which was one of the
farming and improving his land. James, the first improved in the township.
third child of Jacob Hufford, was born in Jacob Faller emigrated from Germany and
Greene county, in 1812. He married, in afterwards settled in this township in 1846.
1838, Susan Arnold, who died in 1847, He married, in 1850, Christina Wegstein,
leaving three children, viz: George W., died also a native of Germany. Her parents came
of disease contracted in the army, at to America in 1840. Four children blessed
Memphis, Tennessee; Harriet A., wife of this union, viz: Sarah E., William, Emma,
William Slates, lives in this township; and and George. Mr. Faller served in the
Joseph N., deceased. Mr. Hufford married, Mexican war. He has engaged in the
in 1849, for his second wife, Elizabeth manufacture of chairs, and also in the
Fisher, by whom one child was born, grocery business, but for nine years he has
William T., a resident of this township. He been farming.
was born in 1851, and married, in 1873, William Webster, son of Joseph and Sarah
Sarah, daughter of William Rhidout, of Webster, was born in Derbyshire, England,
Ballville township. They have two children, in 1820, and came to America and settled in
Eugene L. and James F. Mr. Hufford has Sandusky township in 1851. He lived in this
been a teacher in the public schools. township nine years, and then moved to
Michael Wolfe crossed the mountains in Washington township, his present residence.
1837, for the first time, coming and going on He married, first, in 1847, Salina Wood, who
foot. He had been married at the age of died in 1858, having borne two children,
twenty-two to Margaret Engleman, and, in George, and John Joseph, both deceased. He
1841, with his family, he came to Ohio and married again in 1859, Mary A. Newcomer,
settled in this township, where he lived until whose father, Jacob Newcomer, settled in
his death, in 1879. He was one of the first Sandusky county in 1830. Mary J. and
settlers in the Muskellunge bottom, where he Joseph W. are the children by this marriage.
lived until 1865, when he removed to the Only Mary is living. Mr. Webster followed
pike. It is said of Mr. Wolfe that he never butchering in Fremont during his residence
had an enemy. Of a family of twelve there.
children seven are still living, viz: Levi, Peter Gilbert was another of the indus-
Sandusky township; Solomon, Seneca trious Germans who settled in this town-
county; Josiah and A. J., Sandusky ship, and have contributed so much to its
township; Ella J. (Hook), Tiffin; Anna C. wealth. He was born in Germany in
(Baker), Fre-
566 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

1804. He married Margaret E. Tickel, and tlers of this township. He was born in
emigrated to America in 1852. He died in Pennsylvania, in 1832, and came to this
1859, on the farm where he settled. Mrs. county in 1855. In 1859 he married Abigail
Gilbert survived him three years. The family Ramsel, daughter of Jacob Ramsel, of
consisted of three boys and three girls: Ottawa county. They had two children, one
Henry, Louis, Adam, Julia, Catharine and of whom is living, James L.; Cora J. is dead.
Mary. Henry, the oldest child, was born in Mrs. Greene died in 1873. In 1876 he
1823, and came to this country with his married for his second wife Malinda Bowlus.
father in 1852. The following year he He was in mercantile business eight years.
married Catharine Graft, daughter of George By her first husband Mrs. Greene had four
Tickel, who came to America in 1844. Two children: Orville, Rolla, Ada, and Charles.
of their four children are living-Louisa, the Mr. Greene's father resided in this county
wife of William H. Greene, and Ellen H., until the time of his death in 1875. He was a
wife of Lewis Conicom, both residents of soldier in the War of 1812. John Stayer, Mrs.
Sandusky township. Mr. Gilbert is a mason Greene's father, was also a soldier in the
by trade. He has served as township trustee, War of 1812, and is yet living (1881).
clerk, assessor, etc. Jacob J. Seibert was born in Pennsylvania
William D. Stine, the second child of in 1820. He married Mary A. Walborn in
Philip and Sarah Stine, was born in Penn- 1843, and in 1856 they came to this county.
sylvania in 1827. He married, in Pickaway Four of their six children are living: Monroe,
county, Ohio, in 1852, Rebecca Stout, a Fremont, Emma (Loose), Michigan; Henry,
native of that county, and removed to this and William. Mr. Seibert has been an elder
county the following year. Three children in the Reformed church about fifteen years.
are living: Sarah C. (Crowell), Isaac Eben Root was born in Erie county, in
Franklin, and Lavina E. Mr. Stine followed 1843. In 1868 he married Jemima Fell, and
the carpenter and joiner trade for ten years. settled in this county. Three children are
John Shook, a native of Jefferson county, living—Isabella, Carrie, and Walter. The
Pennsylvania, came to Ohio and settled in youngest child, David P., died at the age of
Pickaway county about 1812. In 1825 he thirteen months. Mr. Root has a fine farm of
removed to the present territory of Ottawa two hundred and thirty acres.
county, where he died in 1863. His wife,
whose maiden name was Susannah Hum, SHOOTING ON BARK CREEK.
died in 1856, leaving seven children. Daniel, The small stream which winds through
the sixth child, was born in Pickaway county Ballville and Sandusky townships; almost
in 1822. He married, in 1850, Rosanna parallel with the river, derives its name from
Bowlus and in 1854 settled in Sandusky the methods employed by the early hunters
township. In 1880 he removed to his present for shooting deer along its course. The
residence in Washington. The family con- stream flows through a flat country, and at
sists of three children, two of them living, places spreads out into little ponds of
viz: Franklin P., William D. (deceased), and considerable area and depth. In these deer
James D. Mrs. Shook is a daughter of David were accustomed to gather in large groups or
Bowlus, of Sandusky township. herds, to avoid .flies and Other
W. L. Greene was among the later set-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 567

annoyances. The professional hunters of the Fremont in 1840, which resulted in gathering
day had canoes in which they embarked for together a small class, which a split in the
game. In one end they placed a candle or United Brethren class, a couple of months
torch, surrounded, except in front, by a piece later, strengthened. The meeting conducted
of bark stripped from an elm tree. Behind by Hannah Reeves was very satisfactory in
this dark lantern he could sit in entire its good results, but the church never
obscurity, while in front the water and prospered in town. A class was organized the
shores were well lighted. Deer seem to be following summer in the country, composed
charmed with a torch in the night. They of Alexander Paden and wife, William Rice
would stand up to their bodies in the water and wife, William Remsburg and wife,
and watch the approach of the destroyer with Sophia Flick, Mary Remsberg, and Polly
evident pleasure, little suspecting that a Remsberg.
charge of buckshot was being aimed at them Two years after the class was formed, a
by a man concealed in the dark end of the meeting house was built on Henry Bowlus'
boat. When the boat had reached a sure farm, where services were held until 1873
shooting distance the hunter fired, bringing when the present house was built. The
down sometimes two victims at one shot. An present membership of this class is about
old hunter informs the writer that he has fifty. Ministers worthy of special mention
brought in as many as twelve deer as the have been William Turner, William Ross,
fruit of one night's hunting. Robert Andrews, Alexander Brown, and
Robert Rice. William Hastings is the present
RELIGIOUS. pastor in charge.
The religious history of Sandusky town- OTHER CHURCHES.
ship is so intimately connected with the
church history of Fremont that little re-mains Lutheran service has been held in the
to be said here. Within this territory Rev. township since 1843, very closely connect-
Joseph Badger, with his assist-ants, ed, however, with the church at Fremont.
established their missionary post while The meeting-house at the four-mile stone on
laboring among the Wyandot Indians. There the pike was built in 1845, or about that
are in the township at present two churches. time. The congregation is composed largely
of Germans or people of German descent.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal church organized
The only congregation of this denom- a class during the early settlement of the
ination in the county, worship in a com- township, and about 1845 built a house of
modious frame house on the Rollersville worship on the pike at Muskellunge. The
road, near Muskellunge Creek. The maintenance of service at this point was,
Methodist Protestants established their form however, entirely unnecessary, and when the
of worship in this county in 1840. Dr. building yielded to the dilapidations of time,
William Reeves, accompanied by his wife, it was abandoned and most of the members
Hannah Reeves, held a meeting in transferred their connection to the church at
Fremont.
RICE.

R ICE is territorially the smallest town-


ship in the county, and its boundaries
the most irregular. The fertile farms of the
The Sandusky River skirts the southeastern
border.
The head of the bay was, years ago, a
eastern end are cut by numerous dead water favorite nesting place for ducks and geese.
courses; the central part is marshy; the An old settler says that, fifty years ago,
western sections will compare favorably for while riding north of Mud Creek, the geese
agricultural purposes with any part of the were so plenty that he was able to kill
county. In going the length of this territory dozens of them, striking with his whip from
from east to west, along the Ottawa county the back of the horse. Fur-bearing animals
line, the traveler is given a glimpse of were also plenty about the mouth of the
pioneer times. Although few of the outward creek. Otters were the trapper's pride, while
appendages of the historic log cabin days are muskrats, and, further back from the bay,
there to be seen, enough points are visible to minks, were so plenty that, although cheap,
enable the imagination to fill up the picture. they were the source of much needed ready
Here are the corduroy roads passing through cash in the pioneer days of poverty.
a forest of massive elms, growing from a Sluggish streams with shallow channels
marshy surface made invisible by decaying have left Rice entirely without water-power.
trees and thick underbrush. Flies, Until a recent period there was neither grist-
mosquitoes, and other tortursome enemies of nor saw-mill. There has never been a grist-
human happiness give the mischance traveler mill, but two steam saw-mills have been
painful consciousness of their half-starved operated. The first was moved from Ottawa
condition. Occasionally we come to a log county, and was owned by Mr. Crosby; the
cabin, resembling in most respects the ideal other was built in 1871 by Guilson &
residence of the olden time. Seigroff, near the centre of the township.
The water courses in the lower part of the The soil is of vegetable composition, and if
township are currentless, rising and falling surface declination permitted draining,
with the tides in the bay. Further up the would be very productive. Corn and wheat
current is perceptible but not rapid. The only are raised with profit as it is. Cultivation
valley is that of Mud Creek, which affords becomes easier as clearing progresses. There
excellent drainage to the country on both was a time when farmers, in dry springs,
sides. Near its mouth the name river would might be seen using axes in place of hoes for
be more appropriate than creek; it is planting corn. A deep gash was cut in the
navigable for a distance of two miles from gummy muck; in which corn was dropped
the mouth, and at places spreads out into and imperfectly covered. A good crop was
little lakes. Fishing Creek courses the center generally harvested, even in spite of such
of the township, Little Mud Creek being the unpromising planting. In
principal tributary.

568
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 569

the western part of the township the drain- direction of a Frenchman named Peter
age system is more perfect, and the soil in Maltosh, who had been an Indian trader. He
consequence much looser and more easily knew the country thoroughly and proved
worked. himself a faithful and valuable guide.
Before the days of bridging Mud Creek The journey to Locust Point was made
was a serious obstruction to travel. People over the ice with ease, in one day. On the
living north of this stream especially were following day Port Clinton or Portage,* as it
inconvenienced in going to and coming from was then called, was reached. This day's
market and mill at Lower Sandusky. Mr. travel was hard on the horses, as the snow
Boggs, an old settler in the south part of was very deep. The train was held close
Ottawa county, says: together and the order of the sleighs
One time Mud Creek was very high. and I wished to
frequently changed, so that the horses having
cross with seven bags of corn. Trees had been cut across become weary, breaking the way, were
and large poles laid on them to walk on. I knew that my rested in the beaten track in the rear. Upon
corn would be wet, if I drove through the stream with it arrival at Portage the horses were almost
in the wagon; so I took one bag at a time and carried it
on my shoulders thirty or forty rods through the bottom. exhausted. Maltosh, the guide, anticipated
I then swam my horses through the main part of the the failure of the horses from exhaustion and
creek, sitting waist-deep in my wagon. This was only on the following morning directed the train
one case of a great many similar experiences.
to follow his tracks. He assured them that he
FRENCH OCCUPATION. would be at Lower Sandusky far in advance
of the train and would have, at the mouth of
After peace had been restored in 1815, this Muskellunge, teams to assist them to the end
township became the home of many of the of the journey. The horses stiffened by two
French families of the colony, which left the days' travel through the deep snow, entered
Maumee and came to Lower Sandusky three upon the third day's trial of endurance with
years earlier. The original settlement of reluctance. With frequent changes in the
these people, after coming to America, was order of travel, the train moved slowly
at Monroe, Michigan. They afterwards across the head of the bay, and entered the
established themselves on the Maumee, river. The delight of our band of weary
where they settled down to habits of travelers, on reaching the mouth of
industry. But the opening of the British and Muskellunge Creek, can be imagined, There
Indian hostilities, in 1812, compelled a number of fresh teams were in waiting.
another removal and doomed them to four The effect of finding the welcoming hand of
years of migration and unsettled life. friendship thus extended far out to them, can
In January, 1813, by direction of the only be appreciated, when we remember that
Government, about twenty families packed these people were strangers in a strange
their possessions and started for Lower country. They or their ancestors had left
Sandusky. It was a fortunate circumstance European homes made miserable by feudal
that heavy ice well covered with snow gave despotism and unsafe by revolution and
them an easy course of travel and at the invasion. They found habitations in America
same time made it possible to avoid the even
savage enemies of the forest. All being in
readiness, a French train was formed. This *This place was given the name Portage, because it
was a custom to land canoes and lift craft there and
consisted of a procession of one horse thence transport them overland a distance of a mile and a
sleighs, the runners of which were made of half to Sandusky bay.
boards. The train was placed under
570 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

less secure, and were now fleeing from a Cavalier was received by Mr. De Mars. Mr.
savage foe under command and direction of Jaco had died during the progress of the war.
the hereditary enemy of their mother Le Point served as a soldier during the war.
country. With what delight, therefore, did The sales of 1821. caused serious contusion
these discouraged and exhausted refugees among all these French squatters. Few of
receive this token of friendship and promise them were prepared to purchase land, and
of protection. those who had the means did not understand
These teams from the fort took most of the how to profit by the opportunities offered.
load and broke the way. Lower Sandusky The land on which Le Point and De Mars
was easily reached. had located was purchased by Samuel
The colony was given quarters in Cochran and the inhabitants compelled to
Government barracks during the remainder seek other homes. De Mars purchased a tract
of the winter. In the spring cabins about the on Mud Creek. Three of his sons are
fort were occupied, but the forest was full of living—George in Bay township, Joseph in
hostile Indians, and at a signal all were ready Rice, and Thomas in Hardin county.
to flee into the enclosure. On the 1st of The Bisnette family permanently settled on
August, 1813, the French families, by order the farm at the bend of the river, now owned
of the Government, were removed to Upper by Mr. Enoch. This farm was the death and
Sandusky. While on the way the sound of burial place of the parents. The Catholic
Proctor's cannon was heard at Fort cemetery is located near the site of their
Stephenson. The families remained at Upper cabin.
Sandusky until the conclusion of the war, Three brothers, Joseph, John, and Peter
and were then moved back to Lower Mominne, made squatter improvements on
Sandusky in Government wagons. During the river bank. Peter finally settled in Bay
these four years this company of refugees township. Joseph purchased land in
remained together and became warmly Sandusky township, and John, after living
attached. They had been wards of the within the present limits of Rice for a time,
Government during the war, and the able- sold his property and removed to Canada.
bodied among them bore their part bravely A member of the company named Minor
in the lines of soldiery. The war having squatted on Negro Point, and remained there
closed, it now became necessary for them to about two years. He returned to the Maumee.
seek homes and earn their own livelihood. Charles Fountaine, after remaining at
We can give further information of but a few Fremont for a time, located on Peach Island.
individuals and families of the company. Christopher Columbo was a migrating
Joseph Cavalier and wife both died at Fort carpenter. His services were not in great
Stephenson before the removal of the demand, as not only houses, but furniture,
company to Upper Sandusky. Their son were constructed in the simplest possible
Albert, who is yet living, and one of the few way, mostly of puncheons.
survivors of the company, was left in charge The Devoir family, consisting of five
of his aunt, Mrs. Jaco. Gabriel O'Dett de Le brothers—Peter, Robert, Francis, Jacob, and
Point and Thomas De Mars made squatter Alexander—returned to the Maumee. They
improvements on the river bank eight miles had been raised among the Indians
below Fremont, on the tract since known as
the Tucker farm. Mrs. Taco married Le
Point, and Mr.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 571

and were thoroughly familiar with their not effected until a few years later. A regular
habits. Peter and Alexander have several congregation was not formed until about the
times visited their friends about the bay. year 1830.
Thomas De Mars had been associated with The French settlement did not establish
the Indians all his life, and was, therefore, any schools. Their children, however,
able to interpret their conduct. He was brave, attended the English schools, one of which
active and trusty, qualities which made him was taught by Mr. Forgerson in Sandusky
a valuable man for the times. During the war township.
he was selected to carry the mails between GERMAN POPULATION.
Upper Sandusky and Fort Findlay—a
dangerous route. He has related rather a German is an important element in the
stirring incident of one of his trips, which population of Rice. During the period of
gives an idea of his character. He says: early settlement the inhabitants were, with a
few exceptions, all French. About 1835 the
I saw an Indian crossing the trail some distance in
front of me, who seemed to have discovered me about first German families moved into the woods
the same time I saw him. I was in doubt whether it was in the western portion, and by that untiring
one of our few friends among the savages or a "British industry which is characteristic of their race,
Indian," as those friendly to England were called. After
some sly maneuvering on part of both of us, I saw the
soon had fertile fields in a state of profitable
Indian had lost my whereabouts, while I knew where he cultivation. Here a large tract of “wild land”
was all the time. At length I saw him carefully examine offered an opening to the emigrants who
the trail for my tracks, with his eyes close to the ground, were seeking Western homes. From 1840 to
as I supposed, to determine whether I had gone past.
After watching these movements I became convinced 1850 the work of clearing and improving
that he was not to be trusted. Being armed with a good was pushed with the greatest rapidity. We
rifle and reliable side arms, I knelt low behind a large have space to mention only a few of the
tree. and having taken careful aim fired. The Indian fell.
When I passed him he was dying. If I ever ran in my life
more prominent of these German families.
it was then, for I feared other Indians had heard the gun. John Smith, one of the earliest German
Finally settling down to a rapid walk Upper Sandusky settlers of this township, came to America
was reached in good time. A detachment of horsemen and settled here in 1833. He was born in
brought the dead body to the fort. Our friendly Indians
identified him as a "bad Britisher," and were delighted Germany in 1783, and married there
at what I had done. Catharine Ernst, also a native of Baden.
The French settlers of Rice were. all They reared a family of seven children, viz.:
Catholics, but it was several years after the Catharine, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Christina,
close of the war before their wild settlement Frederick, and Rosannah. Both of the parents
was visited by a priest. died in 1870. Frederick was born in Baden in
The first mass was held by a Detroit priest 1829. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Kiser, a
named Gabriel Re Shoir. He bore on his face native of France, and in 1877 settled in
the marks of two heavy blows received in Sandusky township, where he has a family of
France during the revolution, at the hands of eight children—Christina (deceased),
a mob maddened by the cry of "down with Frederick, Caroline, Elizabeth, William,
the clergy." The reverend father, after Clara, Amelia, and Edward.
administering absolution, promised that a Christian Kline, who was born in Germany
member of the clergy should visit their in 1790, emigrated to America with his wife
settlement at least once a year. This in 1837, and settled in this county. After
arrangement was remaining eight months they removed to
Lucas county and lived there
572 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

about three years, after which they returned William Seigenthraller was one of the first
to this county, and made permanent German settlers of the township. He
settlement in Rice. Mr. Kline died in 1855, accumulated a large tract of land.
having survived his wife ten years. Four of Gotlieb and Margaret Gnepper had a family
their eight children are yet living - Christian of eight children, two of whom, Francis and
lives in Washington township; Louis lives in Ernst, came to this country. Ernst was born in
Monroe county, Michigan; Susan Germany in 1824. In 1853 he married Mary
(Mullencup), Lucas county; Andrew, the Friar, whose father, Frederick Friar,
third son, was born in 1824, and lives in emigrated from Germany and settled in
Rice. He married Sarah Ann Kreilick, in Woodville township in 1836. Their family
1848. She was born, in Northumberland consists of five children, viz: Henry,
county, Pennsylvania, in 1832. The fruit of Angeline, Frances, Freddie, and John, all of
this union was thirteen children, nine of whom are at home, except Angeline, who is
whom are living. Mr. Kline served both in the wife of Philip Seigenthraller, of
the Mexican war and the war of the Washington township. Mr. Gnepper has
Rebellion. His children are, Christina served in various local offices.
(Cillias), Rice town-ship; Louisa (Wolf), PENNSYLVANIANS.
Michigan; Susan (Smith), Rice township;
Adam, Michigan; John, Rice township; A portion of the population in the western
Sarah E. (Greasman), Rice township; Macida part of the township belongs to what is
C., Mary M., and Andrew W., Rice commonly known as "Pennsylvania Dutch."
township. Peter Hettrick settled near the present location
Henry and Catharine Swint, natives of of the Lutheran church in 1832. He had a
Germany, had a family of eleven children, family of eight sons, whose labors have been
three of whom came to this country. Henry, considerable in reducing the forest. The
previous emigrants from Pennsylvania settled
their fourth child, was born in 1814. He
married, in 1848, Rosena Reinick, who was further south, but an opening once made, fine
born in 183 r, in Baden, Germany. Fifteen farms were soon cleared up. We can mention
children have blessed this union, viz: but a few families.
Anthony, Sandusky township; John,. Michael Smith, a native of France, came to
Ballville township; Catharine, wife of Frank America and settled in Pennsylvania in 1826,
Zimmer, Fremont; Jacob, Fremont; Joseph, at the age of twenty years. After remaining
Fremont; Ambrose, Rice township; Mary, several years he married Margaret Powell,
wife of Frank Freek, Fremont; Edward, who was also a native of France, having been
born there in 1815. They came to Sandusky
Lizzie, Sarah, Ella, Josephine, Henry, Anna,
and Rosa, in Rice township. Mr. Swint is a county and made permanent settlement in
weaver, and worked at the trade in Germany. Rice. Fifteen children blessed this union,
He served twelve years in the German army. seven of whom are living, viz.: Elizabeth
He came to America and settled in Riley (Kesser), San-dusky township; Jacob, Rice
township in 1845, but at the opening of the township; Mary (Seigenthraller), Sandusky
war with Mexico he joined the army and town-ship; Michael, Rice township; John,
continued in the service until July, 1848, Margaret (Wagner), and Kate Gahn, Rice
township. John, the fifth child, was born in
when he returned to this county, married,
and settled down to farming in Rice. 1852. In 1875 he married Susan Kline,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 573

by whom he has three children—David A., to Huron county in 1830 and remained there
Michael I., and Sarah A. about three years. He then permanently
Hugh B. Hineline was born in Easton, settled in Rice township, where he died in
Pennsylvania, in 1802, where he married, in 1852. His wife died in 1866. Of their family
1825, Rebecca Lettig, who was born in 1808. of eight children three are still living—Sarah
They emigrated to Ohio in 1854, and settled Ann, wife of O. C. Brunner, in Kansas; Jane,
in Rice, where he died in 1871. The family wife of Joseph Fry, in Scott township; and
consisted of fourteen children, two of whom Richard, the oldest son, who was born in
lost their lives in the war of the Rebellion. New York in 1817. He came to Ohio with
Ten are living, viz.: Anna (Ruth), Ballville; his parents, and in 1847 married Harriet
Cyrus M., Freeport, Illinois; Elizabeth Walker, who was born in New York in 1825.
(Richards), Fremont; Sarah (Cole), Sandusky They have three children—Eliza, at home;
township; William H., Rice; Alinda (Furry), George W., in Michigan; and Mary E., wife
Woodville; Hugh E., Rice; Thaddeus, of Wallace Scringer, in Rice.
Michigan; R. Emma- (Speller), Ballville; Thomas Tuckerman, fourth child of
and John Franklin, Freeport, Illinois. Abel T. Thomas Tuckerman, sr., was born in Vir-
was killed at Kenesaw Mountain in 1864. ginia in 1809. The following year his parents
Simon P., who was in the naval service, fell removed to Maryland, where Thomas lived
from a ship mast off the coast of North till 1821, when he came to Seneca county. In
Carolina in 1861. Jacob died in 1870, at the 1836 he married Elizabeth Brown, of
age of thirty-nine years. Frances died in Melmore, Seneca county, and in 1842
childhood. William H. and Hugh E. reside on became a resident of this county, his first
the homestead. William H. served three settlement being in Sandusky township.
years in the army, during which time he was From there he removed to Rice. His family
confined six months in Libby prison. consisted of fourteen children, seven of
whom are living, viz.: John, Orrin, Ann,
OTHER SETTLERS. Charlie, Claridon, Arza B., and Clara Belle,
Peleg Cooley was one of the earliest pi- all living in this town-ship, except Ann
oneers of the county. He emigrated with his (Swank ), who resides in Fremont. Mr.
wife, Martha Bassett, from New York to Tuckerman held the office of county auditor
Canada in 1807. In 1815 they came to one term.
Fremont, Ohio. Their family consisted of T. T. Harrison came to Fremont in 1857
eight children, but one of whom is living— from Michigan. He afterwards removed to
Edmond O.—who was one of the earliest Hancock county, Ohio, where he married, in
settlers of Rice. In 1835 he married 1865, Sarah E. LePoint, an granddaughter of
Catherine Ash, who was born in Gabriel LePoint, one of the French colony
Pennsylvania in 1815. She died in Rice in previously spoken of He has been a resident
1880. Four of their eight children are living: of Rice since 1867.
James W., in Kansas; Maggie, in Rice; John Cochran was born in Pennsylvania in
Rebecca (Irwin), in Ottawa county; and 1801. He married Margaret Patterson, also a
Jeremiah in Rice. Isaac B., Anna, Isaiah, and native of Pennsylvania, and moved to Perry
Frances J. are dead. Mr. Cooley was one of county, Ohio, afterwards coming to this
the first members of the Fremont Methodist county. The family consisted of seven
church. children, four of whom are living, viz:
Eleazer Willey emigrated from New York Hannah (Williams), Ball
574 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ville; Isabella (Jackson), Fremont; Ellen This congregation was known as "Philemon
(Mudge), Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Thomas Church," but in 1870, when a new house was
W. Cochran, who was born in Perry county built nearer the centre of the township, the
in 1827. In 1869 he married Jane Wright and name was changed and a general
has a family of three children—John T., reorganization effected. The present
Edmund F., and Nettie. Mr. Cochran was membership is about fifteen families Two of
engaged in merchandising three years and in them are German, the others of French
the manufacture of woollen goods three descent. A cemetery beautifully located on
years in Erie county. He is now farming in the bank of the river marks the site of the old
Rice. church. This continues to be the public
Nathaniel B. Tucker, a native of burying-ground.
Massachusetts, was born in 1796. He ZOAR METHODIST CHURCH (GERMAN).
married in New York, in 1821, Mary A.
Methodist worship was instituted among
Ballard. They came to this county in 1839
the German families of the southern and
and settled in Rice, where they still reside in
central part of the township about 1844. A
the fullness of their age. Three children are
mission church was built, and a grave-yard
living—N. R.; Mary (Snyder), Ottawa
set apart about that time. The heads of
county; Henry H., Rice township. Mr.
families who formed the class, were Michael
Tucker is a tanner and shoemaker. Even at
Schmidt, Nicholas Younker, John Schmidt,
the advanced age of eighty-five he continues
Michael Hulderman, Mr. Paul, Giles Sigroff
to work on the bench mending shoes. He was
and Jacob Switzgreoer. In 1873 increasing
a soldier in the War of 1812. Nelson R., the
congregations, and the dilapidating effects of
oldest son, was born in New York in 1823.
time made a new house of worship
He came to this county with his parents and
necessary. The congregation, which numbers
married Miranda Burgoon, by whom he has a
about sixty members, is connected with
family of nine children living, viz: Martha
Woodville circuit.
Ann Margareta Mary E. (Palish), Sandusky
township; Rachel T. (Kleinhans), Ottawa EVANGELICAL CHURCHES.
county; Harriet I., Nellie I. (Strouble), Juliet Two societies of this denomination have
J., Charles G., Lilla V., and John P., churches within the limits of the township.
Sandusky town-ship. Adeline M., Barrett E., Fishing Creek class was organized about
and Morrison M. are deceased. Mr. Tucker 1850. Meetings were held in school-houses
followed tanning and shoemaking a number until about 1860, when a church was built in
of years, then purchased the farm in San- the southern part of the township. The only
dusky township where he now resides. two surviving members of the first class are
CATHOLIC CHURCH. Joseph Lambert and Michael Stull. Fishing
Creek is the name of this class.
Public worship according to the Catholic
A class has been organized in the north
ritual was instituted in this township at an
part of the township, which erected a church
early period of the settlement. A meeting-
near the Ottawa county line in 1881. It is
house was built about 1830 on the bank of
known as "Mud Creek Class." Both societies
the Sandusky River, and a lot of ground set
are connected with Lindsey circuit.
apart for burying purposes. Most of the
settlers being French the service of the SOLOMON'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
French church was followed. About 1832 the western part of the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 575

township began to fill up with Pennsyl- waters best adapted to fishing, are mainly
vanians and Germans, who had been con- owned by two sporting clubs, the Winous
nected with the Evangelical Lutheran Point Club and the Ottawa Hunting and
church. Peter Hettrich and Adam Kreilich Fishing Club. The buildings and chattels of
were the leading members, and meetings the latter are listed in Rice township.
were held at their residences. Rev. Henry The founder of this corporation was Louis
Lang, of Fremont, formally organized a Smith night, of Cleveland. He camped on a
society in 1843, and a log church was built portion of the ground now owned by the
in 1844, which accommodated the club, during the hunting season of 1869, and
congregation until 1867, when the present at that time conceived the plan of forming an
substantial brick house was erected. Rev. association for the purpose of buying lands,
Mr. Lang- was preacher for more than forty erecting houses, and purchasing equipments.
years, until in 1879 Rev. Mr. Althoff was Captain Smithnight's efforts in this direction
given charge. During Mr. Lang's pastorate proved successful in 1871, when an
Mr. Thornberry supplied the pulpit one year. association consisting of seventy-one
The services of the church are wholly in members was formed. Hone's Point Fishing
German, and are well attended by a large and Hunting Club, of Cleveland, was the
membership. name adopted, and the following officers
ORGANIZATION. were chosen: L. Smithnight, president; G. M.
Rice was formerly included in Bay Barber, vice-president; O. B. Perdue,
township, but the organization of Ottawa secretary; D. H. Keys, treasurer; J. Laisy,
county in 1840 cut off from this county the surgeon; D. Price, quartermaster; L.
larger part of Bay, and made the es- Smithnight, T. Stackpole, C. D. Bishop, J.
tablishment of a new township in Sandusky Huntington, and Charles Pease, executive
necessary. The name "Rice" was conferred committee.
in honor of Judge Ezekiel Rice, who had In 1879 the association was incorporated
been an associate judge of the court of under the name of Ottawa Hunting and
common pleas. He was one of the pioneers Fishing Club. The bylaws of the association
on the Portage River, and a man universally limit the number of members to one hundred.
respected. His residence was north of the No member is permitted more than once in a
new county line. year to invite a guest to accompany him to
The early records of the township have the club grounds, nor can the same guest
been lost. We are, therefore, unable to give enjoy the privilege of visiting the grounds
any list of officers. more than once. A permit in each case must
Public schools under the present law were first be obtained from the president and
organized in the township in 1851. Six executive committee.
districts were laid out. This number was, in Large tracts of land have been purchased at
1880, increased to seven by cutting off a part different times in Rice and Riley townships
of districts two and three, and erecting it into and in Ottawa county, the whole amounting
a separate district. now to about six thousand acres. More than
THE OTTAWA HUNTING AND FISHING thirty-five hundred acres more have been
CLUB. leased on long time so that the club has
In connection with Riley township we have under its authority about ten thousand acres,
spoken at some length on the subject of a part of which
sporting. The marsh and adjoining lands in
which game abound, and the
576 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

is under cultivation. This land was purchased person in charge thereof, not to hunt thereon, shoots at,
kills, or pursues with such intent, on such lands, any of
at prices ranging from five to fifteen dollars the birds or game mentioned in sections twenty-seven,
per acre. Shares are worth about one twenty-eight, or thirty of this chapter; and whoever
thousand dollars each. The old members shoots, kills, or pursues with such intent any of such
have paid into the treasury more than eight birds or game on the lands of another on which there is
set up in some conspicuous place a board, inscribed in
hundred dollars each. The current expenses legible English characters, thus: "No shooting or hunting
for keeper of the club house, patrol, coal, allowed on these premises," or pulls down or defaces
boats, insurance, taxes, etc., amount to about any such board, shall be fined, etc.
two thousand dollars a year. The expenses Among the birds or game mentioned are
are principally incurred, however, by wild ducks.
continued improvements and purchases of John Shannon, on October 29, 1877, as it
land. Many of these improvements are of a appears from the pleadings in the case, was
substantial character—reducing the land to a duck shooting on the Sandusky River;
state of cultivation; planting orchards, etc. between the centre of the stream and the
There are on the property more than four shore owned by George G. Tindall. He shot
thousand fruit trees, some of which are and killed wild ducks swimming in and
bearing. flying over the river, between the middle and
A vigilant patrol guards the property the shore owned by Tindall, on whose
against any infringement of the State laws or complaint Shannon was arrested. Having
the rules of the club. The privilege of been bound to appear and answer the charge
trapping fur is rented. Any person is allowed in probate court, he was there tried,
to fish in the waters belonging to the club convicted, and sentenced. On the trial a bill
with a hook and line, but seining or netting of exceptions, containing all the testimony,
is rigorously prohibited. No one, not even was taken, and upon proceedings in error the
members of the club, are permitted to engage common pleas court reversed the decision of
in shooting of any kind between June 1 and the probate court. To this decision of the
September 15, except on a portion of common pleas court the prosecuting attorney
woodland, where woodcock shooting is took exceptions, and sought the decision of
permitted to members. the supreme court. The defence did not deny
Ever since the organization of the clubs the shooting of ducks at the place charged in
their right to the exclusive privilege of the complaint, but rested his case on the
shooting on the waters included within the ground that the river at that place was a
limits of their several purchases has been a navigable stream, and therefore the riparian
subject of dispute. A decision was finally owner was not protected by this statute
reached by the supreme court in 1881, which against shooting or killing game on land
disposes of the question of riparian rights covered by water.
against sportsman's rights, and is a decision At the same term of the supreme court, in
of general interest, not only to the sporting the case of June vs. Purcell, it was decided
clubs but to owners of property along all the that the title of the riparian owner extended
water courses of the county. Under the to the middle or thread of the stream. It
Legislative act of May 5, 1877, it is provided followed, therefore, in Shannon's case, that
that: the offence had been committed within the
Whoever, having received verbal or written notice limits of Tindall's land, and was embraced
from the owner of enclosed or improved lands, or any within the literal mean-
lands the boundaries of which are defined by stakes,
posts, ditches, or marked trees, his agent or
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 577

ing of the notice, "No hunting or shooting In regard to the claim that the statute was
allowed on these premises." not intended to protect lands covered by the
The court held that while Shannon, was not water of navigable streams, a majority of the
guilty of trespass, a navigable stream being a court held that there was no ground upon
public highway, he was guilty of a violation which such lands should be excluded. They
of the statute, insomuch as he had shot game are as much the subject of private ownership
on the property of another, contrary to as unnavigable streams. There is no
notice. The purpose of the legislature in distinction made between them by the terms
enacting this statute was to confer upon the of the statute. True, navigable streams in this
owner of lands in this State the exclusive State are declared public highways, but the
right to hunt and kill the designated game right to use a public highway is not abridged
upon his own premises, and to protect him in by protecting the owner in the exclusive
such right, provided he complies with the right of killing game therein. Travel and
prescribed conditions in regard to notice. commerce are not thereby hindered. Since
And in regard to notice, if the lands be the power of the legislature to protect game,
"enclosed and improved," or if the boun- or the exclusive right of the owner of the
daries be "defined by stakes, posts, water land to kill the same on his own premises, is
courses, ditches, or marked trees," verbal or as ample over land covered by water;
written notice not to hunt thereon, will bring whether navigable or innavigable, as it is
the offender within the operation of the over dry land, and as there is no attempt to
statute. distinguish between them in the statute, all
It was the decision of the court that where alike come within the protection of the
a water-course, for instance a navigable statute.
stream, constitutes the boundary, if the The clubs took a special interest in this
conditions of the statute with regard to case, for upon its decision depended in an
notice have been complied with by the important measure the extent of their au-
owner, all persons are bound to take notice thority over a large hunting area, to secure
that his lands extend to the middle of the which heavy purchases had been made.
water-course.
BALLVI LLE.

B ALLVILLE embraces all of township


four, range fifteen, in the original
survey, except so much of sections two,
ern part of the old Seneca reservation Bark
Creek flows from south to north through the
entire length of the township, and is the most
three and four as are included in the two important natural drain of the eastern portion
mile square reservation now constituting the of the area. Green Creek crosses the southeast
town of Fremont. The boundaries are: corner.
Sandusky and Fremont on the north, Jackson The soil of the eastern part of this area is
on the west, Seneca county on the south, and black muck, and when properly drained is
Green Creek township on the east. very productive. The work of tiling began
The surface is generally level, but has a more than a decade since, and at present
steep, general slope in a northerly direction, nearly the entire surface is capable of a high
thus giving the streams a rapid current. The state of cultivation. The soil along the river
Sandusky River, the main drain of the on the west side is of a sandy character, and
central part of the county, enters from consequently dry. This condition led the
Seneca County, about two miles from the Indians to locate their clearings and cornfields
corner of Jackson, and flows almost due here, and at a later period invited the first
north until within about a mile of the white settlement.
Sandusky township line, where it takes an Except these few Indian fields, the white
easterly direction for a distance of two emigrants found the whole township heavily
miles, and then again bows to the north, timbered with oak, sugar, ash, and other trees
leaving the township. Nearly the entire common to this climate.
length of its course through this territory the A MILITARY EPISODE.
water rushes over a bed of solid limestone,
The first road through the township was
having a well-marked dip toward the north,
opened along the river from Lower Sandusky
making the stream shallow but rapid,
(Fort Stephenson) to the upper military posts.
affording excellent mill sites; and, on that
Along this road, on the present site of
account, as well as the natural drainage
Oakwood cemetery, occurred an encounter
furnished by its deep channel, this river has
between a squadron under command of
been an important agent in developing the
Colonel Ball and a band of Indians, which is
township.
immortalized in the name of the township.
The main tributaries to the Sandusky River
Two days before Croghan's victory at Fort
are: Wolf Creek, a stream entering from
Stephenson, Colonel Ball's squadron was
Seneca county, near the line of Jackson
dispatched to guard the mail and military
township, and having a course of about two
communications between Fort Seneca and
miles in this county; Sugar Creek, a small
Fort Stephenson. At the place above indicated
stream, flowing in a north-westerly
an unexpected fire was opened upon the
direction, and draining the west-

578
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 579

squadron by the Indians, who were con- ready for a charge, expecting to meet a
cealed on the west side of the road. Quick formidable force of Indians at any point, but the
action was required, and the Colonel ordered squadron reached the fort without further
a charge without stopping to form his men. molestation. A large elm tree on the site of the
Ball himself led the advance and struck the skirmish for many years marked the spot, and
first blow. The savage braves stood their eleven hacks through the bark recorded the
ground, and fought to desperation. Two number of Indians killed. The place has ever
strong warriors opposed Ball's advance. He since been known as "Ball's battle ground,” and
cut down the one on the right; as he passed the town was not inappropriately named in
the other made a blow with a tomahawk at honor of the heroic Colonel.
his back, but a sudden spring of the horse THE SENECAS.
caused it to fall short, and left it buried in
Indian history and tradition clusters along the
the pad of the saddle. Corporal Ryan's
east bank of the Sandusky River for a
prompt rifle prevented a repetition of the
considerable distance below the Seneca county
blow. Lieutenant Hedges (afterwards
line. The various treaties with these original
General Hedges of Mansfield), made a
owners of the soil have already been fully
narrow escape in this skirmish. Mounted on
detailed, but it is proper that a few of the scenes
a small horse he pursued a large Indian and
and incidents with which the early settlers of our
just as he was about to strike, his stirrup
soil were familiar should be reproduced for the
broke, throwing him from his horse against
entertainment and instruction of the present and
his victim, knocking him down. Both sprang
future generations.
to their feet and engaged in a hand to hand
The Senecas of Sandusky were a mixed tribe,
combat. Hedges finally got the better of the
composed of the remnants of the tribes of
Indian and struck him a blow on the head,
Northern and Western New York—the
and as he was falling buried the full length
Wyandots, Tuscarawas, and others. At. the time
of the sword in the Indian's body. On another
they became known to our early permanent
part of the ground Captain Hopkins was in
settlers they were, in some instances, indolent
full pursuit of a powerful savage, when the
and dissolute in their habits. They were rather
latter suddenly turned and made a blow at
depraved than otherwise by intercourse and
the Captain with a tomahawk, but his horse
trade with the whites. They had cleared some of
suddenly sprang to one side, thus saving his
the dry land along the river and raised corn,
life. The Indian then struck at Cornet Hayes,
which was mostly traded for whiskey at the
who followed in the pursuit, but his horse
backwoods distilleries, the art of distilling being
saved him in like manner. This determined
unknown to them. In their intercourse with the
savage met his third combat-ant, Sergeant
settlers they were always friendly, but drunken
Anderson, by whose hand he lost his life. It
quarrels and fatal jealousies not infrequently
is said the Indians numbered twelve, but one
disturbed the peace of their own state.
of whom escaped.* Colonel Ball reformed
Witchcraft was an unpardonable sin, and
his men
punishable by death. Here, as in the more
*A published account of this affair says the Indians
numbered twenty, seventeen of whom were killed. The bigoted ages of the world among so-called
statement in the text is on authority of general tradition. civilized people, many cold-blooded murders
were committed, in the name of
580 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

punishment for this felony. Both the witch Among the Indians was one named Seneca
and the bewitched were held guilty. John, who bore a good reputation in the
Important trials were held at the council white settlements. He was the youngest
house, which stood near the bank of the brother of Comstock, a principal chief of the
river, on the farm lately owned by Mrs. tribe. John maintained his credit at the
Harriet Seager, now owned, by Mr. Myers. trading posts, and often went security for the
This was also the place of their tribal more improvident members of his tribe. He
meetings and religious ceremonies. was a gentle, peace-loving man, but was the
There was among them a tall, noble- victim of brotherly jealousy. The cold-
looking man, whose full head of pure white blooded, unprovoked murder of this worthy
hair gave him the name of "White-head red-skin is told by Henry C. Brish, the sub-
George." He was, in his younger years, a agent of the Government at this station. The
man of good habits and industrious, but his cabin of the chief, Hard Hickory, where the
squaw, whose hair was also whitened by age, deed was executed, stood north of Green
became excessively intemperate. Old White- Spring, in Green Creek township.
head for a few years contemplated the ruin About the year 1825, Coonstick, Steel, and
of his happiness with sadness, but finally Cracked Hoof left the reservation for the
lost spirit and joined his consort in a life of double purpose of a hunting and trap-ping
dissipation. To see one of their most worthy excursion, and to seek a location for a new
and venerable men habitually in the depths home for their tribe in the far West. At the
of drunkenness grieved the great men of the time of their starting Comstock, the brother
tribe, who knew enough of the tradition of of the two first, was the principal chief of
Adam's fall to adjudge Whitehead 's squaw the tribe. On their return, in 1828, richly
the cause of his ruin. A council was called laden with furs, and having many horses,
and the squaw declared to be possessed of a they found Seneca John, their fourth brother,
witch. A sentence of death was executed chief, in place of Comstock, who had died
with a tomahawk in presence of her husband, during their absence. Comstock was the
who was deeply grieved. The short favorite brother of the two, and they at once
remaining period of his life was spent in charged Seneca John with causing his death
licentiousness and drunkenness. by witchcraft. John denied the charge in a
Virtue was at a very low stage among the stream of eloquence rarely equaled. Said he:
Senecas. They maintained in name only the "I loved my brother Comstock more than I
marriage relation, and their free practices led love the green earth I stand upon. I would
to many quarrels and difficulties of a serious give up my-self limb by limb, piecemeal by
character. piecemeal - I would shed my blood drop by
The burying-ground was nearly opposite drop to restore him to life." But all his
the mouth of Wolf Creek. Great numbers protestations of innocence and affection for
were probably buried here. An old citizen of his brother Comstock were of no avail. His
the township relates that after the removal of two other brothers pronounced him guilty,
the tribe to their Western reservation, he, in and declared their determination to be his
company with George Moore, was riding executioners.
over the spot, and the feet of their horses, at John replied that he was willing to die, and
places, sank into cavities caused by the only wished "to see the sun rise once
decay of bodies.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 581

more." This request was granted, and John was already repentant, and the composed
told them that he would sleep that night on face and forgiving remark of John so greatly
Hard Hickory's porch, which fronted the affected him that he interposed to save his
east, where they would find him at sunrise. brother; but so enraged was the envious
He chose that place because he did not wish Steel that he drew his knife and cut John's
to be killed in the presence of his wife and throat from ear to ear. Seneca John was
children, and because he desired that the buried with the usual Indian ceremonies on
chief, Hard Hickory, should witness that he the following day, not more than twenty feet
died like a brave man. from where he fell. His grave was
Coonstick and Steel returned for the night surrounded by a small picket enclosure.
to an old cabin near by. In the morning, in "Three years after," says Mr. Brish, when I
company with Shane, another Indian, they was preparing to move them (the Senecas) to
proceeded to the house of Hard Hickory, the far West, I saw Coonstick and Steel
who informed Mr. Brish of what there remove the picket fence and level the
happened. ground, so that no vestige of the grave
He said a little after sunrise he heard their remained." There could be no better
footsteps upon the porch, and opened the evidence that both the brothers were
door just enough to peep out. He saw John ashamed of their crime.
asleep upon his blanket, and Coonstick, Coonstick was arrested on charge of
Steel, and Shane, standing around him. At murder and brought before the supreme court
length one of them awoke him. He arose to at Lower Sandusky. Judge Higgins decided
his feet and took off a large handkerchief that the act came completely within the
which was around his head, letting his jurisdiction of the tribe, and that Coonstick,
unusually long hair fall upon his shoulders. as chief, was justified in the execution of a
This being done he looked around upon the judicial sentence, and was the proper person
landscape, and at the rising sun, to take a to carry it into effect. The case was
farewell look of the familiar scene which he dismissed and the accused discharged.
was never, again to behold, and then told Sardis Birchard, in Knapp's History, says:
them he was ready to die. Shane and I remember well the death of Seneca John. He was a
Coonstick each took him by the arm, and tall, noble looking man, and is said to have looked much
Steel walked behind. In this way they led like Henry Clay. He was always pleasant and cheerful.
him about ten steps from the porch, when He was called the most eloquent speaker on the reserve.
He could always re-store harmony in their council when
Steel raised his malicious tomahawk and there was any ill feeling. In the evening before the
struck him a heavy blow on the back of the morning of his death he was at my store. The whole
head. John fell to the ground, bleeding tribe seemed to be in town. Steel and Coonstick were
jealous of John, on account of his influence and power.
freely. Supposing the blow fatal they John was a great favorite among the squaws. John bade
dragged him under a peach tree near by. In a me "good-bye," and stood by me on the porch as the
short time, however, he recovered, the heavy other Indians rode away. He looked at them with so
matting of hair having arrested the much sadness in his face that it attracted my attention,
and I wondered at John's letting them go away without
tomahawk. Knowing that it was Steel who him. John inquired the amount of indebtedness at my
had struck him, John, as he lay on the store. We then went behind the counter to the desk. The
ground, turned his face toward Coonstick amount was figured up and stated to John, who said
something about paying it, and then went away without
and said: "Now, my brother, take your relating any of the trouble.
revenge." Coonstick
582 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

An old settler of Seneca county, in giving over it with skates on, trying to excel in the distance
made beyond.
his recollections of these Indians, says: The Mohawks and Oneidas had some very well-
The Indian tribes here at the time of the first set- educated people, and most of their tribe could read, and
tlement of the whites were the Senecas, Cayugas,
write. They had religious services every Sunday in the
Oneidas, and Mohawks. The—Senecas—the most form of the Church of England, conducted by a minister
numerous—and Cayugas occupied the lower part; the
of their own tribe. They were excellent singers, and
Mohawks and Oneidas the upper part of the reservation, were always pleased to see the whites at their meetings.
which was nine miles north and south and six miles east
The Senecas and Cayugas were more inclined to adhere
and west, on the east side of the Sandusky River. The to the worship of their forefathers. They held in
land was held in joint stock, and each had the privilege
reverence many gatherings. The green corn dance was
of making improvements as he wished. They numbered prominent among them, but that most worthy of note
seven hundred, and were not bad in general character, was the dog dance. This was the great dance which took
but friendly and kind when not maddened by whiskey place about midwinter, and lasted three days, at the end
and. well treated. They had a strong passion for of which they burned dogs.
whiskey. I have known them to offer two or three
dollars' worth of goods for a quart of whiskey, and when The annual feasts and dances of the Senecas
intoxicated would give anything they possessed for it. took place at their council house, which stood on
They depended largely upon hunting for subsistence, the river bank in this township during the early
in which they began, when children, by shooting fish
and small game with the bow. Most of the Indians and
settlement of our county, but was afterwards
squaws cultivated each a small piece of land varying abandoned and a new council house built near
from a half to two acres, which they formerly did with a Green Spring. Only particular friends were
hoe, but seeing us use the plow and the amount of labor received on these occasions of hilarity, but the
saved thereby, concluded to change their custom. Seeing
two Indians plowing on the other side of the river one Indians being on good terms with their
day, I crossed over, and discovered them going the neighbors, respectable white people found little
wrong way over the land, throwing the furrow in, and difficulty in gaining admission. These occasions
next time running inside of it, and then another which
they thought very well, until I turned them the other
year after year were much the same, and a
way, and gave them a little instruction which they description of one will suffice for all. The
thankfully received. They raised a soft corn which they religious ceremony consisted mainly in the
pounded into meal, and used to thicken soup. sacrifice of two dogs to the Great Spirit. The
They had much idle time which they liked, the
children spending it in shooting, the old people in following description of the sacrifice and feast
smoking from pipes made in the heads of tomahawks, will be especially interesting in view of the fact
with an adjustable stem. They smoked the sumac leaves that these people, of whom no trace is left, were,
dried and pounded, which gave a pleasant odor.
The young Indians had a love for sports. Their chief
less than fifty years ago, an important element
game was ball—a game in which ten or twelve on a side both in the trade and amusement of the white
engaged. The ground was marked off in a space of about settlements. The following was first published in
sixty rods, the centre of which was the starting point. the Sidney Aurora:
Each player had a staff about five feet long, with a bow We rose early and proceeded directly to the council
made of raw hide on one end, with which to handle the
house, and though we supposed we were early the
ball, as no one was allowed to touch it with his hands. Indians were already in advance of us. The first object
At the commencement the ball was taken to the center
which arrested our attention was a pair of the canine
between two of the staffs, each pulling toward his species, one bf each gender, suspended on a cross, one
outpost. The strife was to get the ball beyond the outpost
on either side thereof. These animals had been recently
which counted one for the successful side. Once out, the strangled; not a bone was broken nor could a distorted
ball was taken back to the centre, and the contest hair be seen. They were of a beautiful cream color,
repeated. The squaws and older Indians were the except a few dark spots on one naturally, which same
witnesses of these sports, and added zest by their cheers. spots were put on the other artificially by the devotees.
A favorite winter sport was running upon skates. They The Indians are
would spread a blanket upon the ice, and jump
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 583

Very partial to their selection of dogs for this occasion, with grave aspect, in solemn silence, stood motionless,
and for which they will give almost any price. listening attentively to every word he uttered.
Now for the decorations to which I have already Thus he proceeded until the victims were entirely
alluded, and a description of one will suffice for both. A consumed and the incense exhausted, when he con-
scarlet ribbon was tastefully tied just above the nose, cluded the service; the oblation now made, and the
and near the eyes another; next, around the neck was a wrath of the Great Spirit appeased; as they believed,
white ribbon to which was attached some bulbous they again assembled in the council house for the
substance concealed by another white ribbon This was purpose of performing a part in the festival different
placed directly under the right ear, and I suppose was from any I had yet witnessed. Each Indian as he entered,
intended as an amulet or charm. These ribbons were seated himself on the floor, thus forming a large circle,
bound around the forelegs at the knees, and near the when one old chief rose with that native dignity, which
feet. These were red and white alternately. Round the some of the Indians possess in a great degree, recounted
body was a profuse decoration, and the hind legs were his exploits as a warrior; told in how many fights he had
decorated as the fore ones. Thus were the victims been the victor; the number of scalps he had taken from
prepared and thus ornamented for the burnt offering. his enemies; and what, at the head of his braves, he
While minutely making this examination, I was almost intended to do at the "Rocky Mountains," accompanying
unconscious of the collection of a large number of his remarks with energy, warmth and strong
Indians who were assembled for the purpose of offering gesticulation, and at the conclusion received the
their sacrifices. unanimous applause of the assembled tribe.
Adjacent to the cross was a large fire built on a few This need of praise was awarded by the chief by
logs, and though the snow was several inches deep, they "three times three " articulations, which were properly
had prepared a sufficient quantity of combustible neither nasal, oral, guttural but rather abominable. Thus
material, removed the snow from the logs and placed many others in the circle, old and young, rose in order
thereon their fire. I have often regretted that I did not and delivered a speech. Among these was Good Hunter,
see them light this pile. My own opinion is they did not but he
use the fire from their council house, because they Had laid his robes away,
would have considered that as common, and as this was His mitre and his vest.
intended to be a holy service, they no doubt struck fire
from a flint, this being deemed sacred.* His remarks were not filled with such bombast as
It was a clear, beautiful morning, and just as the first some of the others, but brief, modest, and appropriate;
rays of the sun were seen in the tops of the towering in fine, they were such as become a priest of one of the
forest and its reflection from the snowy surface; the ten lost tribes of Israel. *
Indians simultaneously formed a semi-circle enclosing After all had spoken who wished to speak, the floor
the cross, each flank resting on the aforesaid pile of was cleared, and the dance commenced, in which Indian
logs. Good Hunter, who officiated, now appeared and and squaw united with their wonted hilarity and zeal.
approached the cross; arrayed in his pontifical robes, he Just as this dance was ended, an Indian boy ran to me,
looked quite respectable. The Indians being all with fear strongl y depicted in his countenance, caught
assembled—I say, Indians, for there was not a squaw me by the arm, and drew me to the door, pointing with
present during all this ceremony—at a private signal his other hand toward something he wished me to
given by the High Priest, two young chiefs sprang upon observe. I looked in that direction and saw the
the cross, each taking off one of the victims, brought it appearance of an Indian, running at full speed toward
down and presented it on his arms to the High Priest, the council-house. In an instant he was in the house, and
who, receiving it in like manner, advanced to the fire literally in the fire, which he took in his hands, and
and with a very grave and solemn air laid it thereon-this threw fire-coals and hot ashes in various directions
he did with the other, but to which, whether male or through the house, and apparently all over himself. At
'female he gave the preference, I did not learn. This his en-trance, the young Indians, much alarmed, had fled
done he retired to the cross. to the other end of the house, where they remained
In a devout manner he now commenced an oration. crowded, in great dread of this personification of the
The tone of his voice was audible and some-what Evil Spirit. After diverting himself with the fire a few
chanting. At every pause in his discourse he took from a moments, at the expense of the young ones present, he,
white cloth which he held in his left hand a portion of to their no small joy, disappeared. This was an Indian
dried odoriferous herbs, which he threw on the fire. This disguised with a hideous false face, having horns on his
was intended as incense. head, and his hands and feet pro-
* The writer probably held to the theory no longer
*Some tribes are in the habit of kindling their fire for generally entertained that the Indians are descendants
sacrifices by the friction of two dry sticks. from the ten lost tribes."
584 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tected from the effects of the fire, and, though not a courage squatter settlers to leave. It would
professed "fire king," he certainly performed his part to
admiration.
not have been strange under the
During the continuance of the festival the hospitality circumstances had acts of actual violence
of the Senecas was unbounded. At the council-house and been resorted to.
at the residence of Tall Chief were a number of bucks The first settlement was, however, in that
and fat hogs hanging up and neatly dressed. There was
bread also of both corn and wheat in abundance. Large part of the township adjacent to the two mile
kettles of soup already prepared, in which maple sugar square reservation. Squatters in this part of
profusely added made a prominent ingredient, thus the territory were quite numerous and
forming a very agreeable saccharine coalescence. All
were invited, and all were made welcome; indeed, a
changed residences with such frequency that
refusal to partake of their bounty was deemed only the names of a few of them can be
disrespectful, if not unfriendly. I left them in the given. There were, however, two classes of
afternoon enjoying themselves to the fullest extent, and, squatters, a reckless and indifferent class,
so far as I could perceive, their pleasure was without
alloy. They were eating and drinking, but on this who sought only temporary places to live
occasion no ardent spirits were permitted, dancing, and and hunt, and those who came with a view to
rejoicing, not caring, and probably not thinking, of making this their permanent place of
tomorrow.
residence, and as soon as the lands came into
The departure of the Senecas marks an the market, made permanent improvements.
epoch in the history of the south part of the Samuel and Margaret Cochran, natives of
county. They had become an element in the Massachusetts, after their marriage, re-
trade and life of the community. A large moved to Vermont and from Vermont to
tract of land was thrown on the market, and Buffalo, New York, where Mr. Cochran built
the white man's industrious axe echoed in a half-deck vessel and transported his
the forest which had previously known only family, in 1816, to the mouth of the Huron,
the red-skin's rifle and hilarious shout. But where the family remained about three years,
the settlers on the other side of the river had, during which time, in 1818, Mrs. Cochran
by association, become somewhat attached died. In 1819 General Cass, then Indian
to their forest neighbors. While for many agent, employed Mr. Cochran to assist the
reasons they hailed with pleasure the mail-carriers at the mouth of Wolf Creek
prospect of a more advanced civilization, on when the water was high. This necessitated
the other side, there were yet demonstrations the removal of the family to the heart of the
of profound sorrow when the day of parting forest. The Indians, who at that time held
came. title to the soil, tried to persuade him to
THE WHITE SETTLEMENT. leave, but resorted to no acts of violence. He
The land came into market in 1820, the cleared a small tract and built a cabin. This
first general sale being at Delaware. But the was the first white man's cabin in the upper
Indians here, as elsewhere, were disturbed part of the township. By the time the land
by white intruders on the soil which for came into market, after the Indian title
centuries had been the rightful possession of became extinguished, he had cleared twenty
their race. They had learned by the acres, part of which had been planted in
experience of their neighbors on all sides, corn. But like many other squatter settlers,
that the white man's axe and plow were the he lost his improvements in consequence of
destroyers of their home and employment. It being overbid at the Government sales. A
is not strange, therefore, that an attempt was Mr. Henninger purchased the property, but
made by them to en- did not move
Mrs. Harriet Seager.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 585

to the county for several years after. Mr. This year added to the inhabitants of
Cochran afterwards purchased land on the township number four several families,
river about seven miles below Lower San- among them being John Fitch, John Custard,
dusky, where he lived from 1822 until his and the Prior family. In 1820 permanent
death, in 1825. He left surviving him nine settlement began. The squatters, most of
children, viz: Elizabeth (Johnson), Minerva them, made purchases at the sales at
(Smith), Cynthia (Sherman), David, Samuel, Delaware, and the country rapidly filled up
Henry, Fannie (Court-right), Harriet with emigrants from New York,
(Seager), and Nancy (Frary). Phineas Frary Pennsylvania, and Southern Ohio. Many had
(husband of Nancy Cochran) was one of the made purchases before visiting the county,
early settlers at the mouth of Wolf Creek. and their first realization of the swamps and
Their daughter, Margaret, was probably the forest to be contended with was upon their
first white child born in the township. arrival in covered wagons with household
Harriet first married Thomas Miller, October goods, farming utensils and families. In
23, 1826. After her father died and until the another chapter is given a general idea of the
time of her marriage she lived with her log-cabin life of the period. The
sister, Mrs. Frary, and assisted in clearing surroundings and homes in one locality were
the farm. Mr. Miller settled on Portage much similar to those of another. This fact is
River, where Woodville has since been laid a clear illustration of the important influence
out. Here he died in 1828. His widow of natural surroundings and conditions upon
remained and kept tavern, which is noticed the habits and character of a people.
more fully in the chapter on that township. The Prior family came from Virginia to
She purchased land after the Seneca Reserve Ohio in 1816. There were at that time but
came into market, where the council-house few white families in this county. The family
of the Senecas had stood. In 1835 she consisted of three sons and two daughters.
married Charles Seager and removed to her The second son had his eyes picked out in a
farm. Mrs. Seager is one of the oldest most shocking manner. Before coming to
persons in the county and the only survivor Ohio he was engaged in a fight with a
of the original settlers of Ballville. By her ruffian who got the better of him, and
first husband she had two children, both of endeavored to force him "to give up." Prior's
whom died young. Charles L. Seager, her father arrived on the scene of action and
second husband, was a native of, New York. charged the son not to yield. The ruffian's
He came to. Ohio and settled in this threat that he would pick his eyes out called
township in 1835. He cleared a large tract of from the father another charge not to give
land, and was an extensive farmer until his up, with the assurance that if he lost his
death, in 1843. Charles D. Seager, the only eyesight he would take care of him all his
son, was born in 1843. He married, in 1858, life. The boy lost both his eyes, thus paying
Caroline Hoover. the penalty of his father's foolish vanity.
Among the settlers of 1818 in the north When the first sale of land occurred the
part of the township were David Moore, Asa blind boy appeared as a bidder, and his
B. Gavit, John Wolcutt, Mr. Rexford, Mr. condition commanded so much sympathy
Chaffee, and perhaps a few others. In 1819, that no one appeared to bid against him. He
the first family, Samuel Cochran's, located thus became the possessor of a good farm.
above the bend of the river, This family suffered another shocking
accident
586 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

while living in Ballville. Foxes were plenty at were Eliza (Justice), Sarah (Fields), George,
that time and frequently made raids on James, and John Moore, all of whom came to
chickens, and even sometimes on young pigs. Sandusky county. George Moore returned to
Their frequent visits at the Prior homestead Ross county in 1830, and settled on. Paint
caused the gun to be always standing ready Creek, Light miles south of Chillicothe,
for the shy thieves. It happened that Henry where he died October 1, 1850, leaving a
Prior, one evening about dark, was doing widow, Mrs. Rachel Moore, still living, and
some work in the pig pen, and his red hair, four children—David, Eliza, Morris, and
just visible in the dusk of evening was William—all of whom are dead but Eliza,
mistaken for a fox by his uncle, Wilkinson who is a widow having married Philip
Prior, who, with steady aim, fired a fatal shot. Rhodes. George's son, David, left four
It is not surprising that a suspicion should go daughters—Georgia, Ella, Kate, and Willie.
forth that the mistake was feigned, but there James Moore died December 20, 1873, from
are in the circumstances no ground for such a an accident that happened to him in his mill,
suspicion. aged sixty-seven. John Moore died May 31,
David Moore moved from Huntingdon 1876, aged seventy-eight. Eliza Justice died
county, Pennsylvania, to Ross county, Ohio, October 17, 1876, aged seventy-six. Sarah
in 1814, and from Ross to Sandusky county in Fields, the only living child of David Moore,
1818. He was a son of Samuel Moore, who is aged seventy-seven.
emigrated from Dalkeith, Scotland, about the J. D. Moore, son of John and Eliza Moore,
year 1760, and settled in New Jersey. He built was born in Ballville in 1844. His parents
a double log cabin on the bank of the river, were among the first settlers of the county.
opposite the residence of Mrs. Eliza Moore, John Moore died in 1876. He was a miller by
in the village of Ballville. A little below that trade, and also carried on farming. His
he built a grist-mill, and ground the grain of widow, Mrs. Elizabeth (Rutter) Moore, still
the pioneers until his death, December 24, survives him. They had eleven children,
1829, which was caused by an accident in seven of whom are living. J. D. Moore
falling at night from the attic in the mill to a married Ellen Dean, and has three children
lower story. He was sixty-three years old. A living—Guy, Philip, and Daisy. Freddie, the
small freestone monument marks his resting eldest, died, aged ten years. Mr. Moore was
place near the centre of the old cemetery. The in business as a merchant in Fremont from
old settlers in those days did not all use patent 1866 to 1873. Since the latter date he has
flour. The following is a copy of one of many been engaged in milling in Ballville.
orders for meal, which are still in the Asa B. Gavit, a native of New York,
possession of Mrs. Eliza Moore, in Ballville: settled on the west bank of the river about
PORTAGE RIVER, July 20, 1825. 1818. He married, in this county, a Miss
David Moore: Strawn, whose family settled further up the
DEAR SIR: Please send by the bearer two bushels
river, near the mouth of Wolf Creek. Gavit
of corn meal, and charge to me.
EZEKIEL RICE. was one of the shrewdest and most
progressive men in the settlement. He had
David Moore's wife, whose maiden name
the reputation of being an excellent trader.
was Elizabeth Davis, remained on a farm in
He died, his wife and one son surviving him.
Ross county, where she died July 1, 1826.
She married for her second husband Charles
The children of David Moore
Blinn, and for her
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 587

third Stephen Emerson, Mr. Gavit's in this chapter will show. Mr. Chambers was
connection with the famous lawsuit re- highly respected in the community, and it
garding the ownership of the bed of the was a matter of regret on the part of many
river, is given in this chapter. that circumstances compelled him to sell his
William and David Chard came as property and seek a home elsewhere. His
squatters in 1819, and when the land came son, Benjamin Chambers, moved west. His
into market they made permanent settlement daughter married John Custard.
on section twenty-one. Their reputation was Mr. John Rhidout, father of William
by no means enviable. Rhidout, was one of the first settlers in the
Morris Nichols came to the township in northwest part of the township. He was a
1820. He constructed a tannery on the river shoemaker, and came west for the purpose of
road just outside the limits of the mile engaging at his trade at the Indian
square reservation. missionary posts on the Maumee. After
John Wolcott was known in early times as settling here in 1824 he engaged in farming.
a hunter, which was a profitable The settlement in the upper part of the
employment, in fact it was the only township, on the east side of the river, began
employment; which brought in ready cash; in 1832, after the Senecas had been removed
labor and farm products were paid for in to their western home, and the reservation
trade. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and which they had occupied thrown. upon the
lived with his mother after coming here. market. There were, however, earlier
We have already spoken of the first settlements further down.
settlement at the mouth of Wolf Creek, On the east side of the river, on section
between here and the village of Ballville. By twenty, had been an Indian sugar-camp of
1824 nearly every farm on the west side of considerable size, which was purchased at
the river had been improved. the Government sales by John Sherrard.
Elizabeth Tindall kept the only public Thomas Sherrard, a brother of John, re-
house along this road. She came to the moved from Jefferson county, Ohio, to
township with her family, consisting of five Lower Sandusky in the summer of 1823,
sons,—Samuel, Daniel, William, John, and with the intention of building a mill on
Edward, and two daughters—Eliza Green Creek, where he owned a tract of
(Lovejoy) and Amy (Bond). J. L. Tindall, land, but after his arrival concluded to settle
the oldest son of Edward Tindall, still on a farm near the site of Oakwood
resides in the township. He was born May 4, cemetery, in Ballville township, where he
1838, and in 1860 married Martha J. Fields, built a cabin and made a clearing. His family
of Sandusky township. was highly esteemed in the neighborhood,
Between the Tindall estate and the Gavit and the untimely termination of his life was
farm were a number of improvements made the occasion of great sadness. John Sherrard,
about 1822, among the settlers being Mr. who owned the sugar-camp, was afraid the
Woodruff and John Custard. Indians would destroy the trees, and
David Chambers purchased a tract of land requested his brother to rent it to some one
in section eight, with a view to engaging in who would live on the property. Mr.
milling. His location, although naturally Sherrard effected a contract with William
good, was unfortunate as the result of a long Chard, by which he was to give a stipulated
course of litigation detailed amount of sugar for the
588 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

use of the camp. But during the first season a of water. It was impossible to recover the
disagreement arose, and Mr. Sherrard began body that night, there being no water craft at
to suspect the honesty of his tenant. He was hand; but on the following day the body was
prevented by high water from crossing the removed from the lower mill-dam. When Mr.
river until March 26, when he came to Sherrard left home he had on an overcoat,
Colonel Chambers' house on his way to the light under-coat, vest, and two shirts; the
camp. After telling the object of his errand, body was found naked. The bridge of his
he inquired the best place to ford the river. nose was broken, one of his eyes bruised
Colonel Chambers says, in a memorandum out, and his right jaw-bone broken, as if
of the affair, that Mr. Sherrard looked done by the stroke of a club. The fore teeth
melancholy, and seemed to be apprehensive were broken and the mouth bruised, and the
of something about to happen. He crossed throat callous. All these wounds bore
the river, but it was the last time. The evidence of having been inflicted before the
Chambers family became uneasy regarding extinguishment of life. The place and time of
his safety in the evening, and Mrs. Sherrard's the discovery of the body, and its condition,
appearance on the following morning, with are circumstances almost conclusive of a
the announcement that he had not returned, most brutal murder. The whole affair
increased their apprehensions, which naturally caused intense excitement
noontime confirmed when James Chard throughout the neighborhood, and suspicion
appeared on the other side of the river with condemned the family supposed to be guilty,
the horse, and made the announcement that but sufficient proof could not be found to
Sherrard had left their house in the afternoon warrant an arrest.
for home, and the horse had returned alone. The first settler of the farm now owned by
The river was searched for nearly a month, L. B. Fry was Benjamin Decker. Thuman
but to no effect, and a high freshet at length Holmes and Dennis Duran lived east of the
destroyed all hopes of recovering the body. Seager farms already spoken of, on which
Mrs. Sherrard was greatly affected, and left the council house of the Senecas stood. The
the cabin home, being kindly received in the Willis family, representatives of which are
family of Colonel Chambers. It is worthy of yet living, settled at an early period. Samuel
remark in this connection that on the day Treat was the first settler on section twenty-
following the misfortune all the cattle and nine. John Myers made an early
horses forsook the home and came to the improvement on the same section. Mr.
Chambers residence. On April 11 the saddle Ensminger, David Halter, Peter Doell, and
was found below Moore's mill-dam. His hat Henry Fry made improvements along down
was found on the previous day, and bore the river, on the east side, from 1830 to
evidence of having been in the water but a 1835. Joseph Edwards made an improvement
short time. On April 21 Joseph Prior saw a on the farm in the interior of the township,
white, fleshy form in the water about half a which was afterwards purchased by Jonas
mile below the Chambers ford, and supposed Smith, and is yet in part owned by him.
it the body of a skinned animal, but that One of the earliest settlers in the centre of
same evening the body was carried down to the township was Samuel Smith, third son of
Moore's mill-dam, and discovered between Adam Smith, who was an early settler in
the breast of the dam and the spill Green creek township. He was born in
Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1817,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 589

and came to the county with his parents. also served as magistrate in Ballville, for
After his marriage, in 1844, to Elizabeth nineteen years. Providence has dealt with
Frary, he settled on section ten and made the this family most generously. Mr. and Mrs.
first improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had Smith celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of
four children, two of whom are living—Dora their wedding, February 19, 1879. During
and Clara. Hattie, wife of Samuel Zontman, this period of, more than fifty-two years of
died, leaving a family of four children. married life, death has never visited their
Charles is also dead. family.
The Strawn family were highly respected From 1833 to 1840 the improvement of the
people, who settled near the mouth of Wolf township was pushed vigorously. All the
Creek. land at the end of that period had been
The Bixler family settled in the north-west entered, and clearings commenced at least on
corner of the township. They were people every lot. Along the river and through the
who took a prominent part in affairs. John centre and eastern line of sections, well
Nyce and family, consisting of three sons— improved farms were already richly
Philip, Isaac, and Michael—and three rewarding the husbandman's industry. From
daughters—Theny, Sarah, and Nancy—came the list of worthy families who carried on
from Pennsylvania at an early day, and this work of improvement and consequent
settled on the east side of the river. production of wealth, the plan of our work
We have now sketched in a general way will permit brief sketches of but a few
the settlement of the township previous to families.
the later period, when, all the lands were John Hutchins, a native of Vermont,
taken up and most of them cleared. It yet settled in this township in 1834. He had a
remains to speak more particularly of those large family (ten children) by his first wife,
families who have taken a leading part in whose maiden name was Russel, and six by
public affairs, and contributed to the growth his second wife, whose maiden name was
of society, since the period of first Hannah Collins. Mr. Hutchins died in 1845,
settlement. aged seventy-seven years. Matthew
Among the earliest settlers of the central Hutchins, the fourth child, of John and
part of this township, and one of the oldest Hannah Hutchins,. was born in Oswego,
pioneers now living, is Jonas Smith. He was New York, in 1822. In 1843 he married
born in New York in 1807. In 1829 he Elizabeth Young, and contributed his labors
married Mary Gilmore, who is two years his to the improvement of the eastern part of the
senior. In 1833 they came to this township, township. The family consists of four
and made a settlement near the centre. Their children—William L., Adrian A., Marion.
family consisted of two boys and four M., and Lewis D., living, and Emery M., and
girls—James N., resident of Michigan; Milo J. A., dead.
Martha J. (Frary), Michigan; S. S., The Frys are representative Germans of
Michigan; Ann (Maurer), Fremont; Hannah this township. They came from Prussia and
(Brunthaver), Ballville and Emma settled here in 1834 and 1835. George Fry
(Hampshire), Ballville, Mr. Smith has been was born in Prussia in 1809. He came to this
crowded with official trusts, having served county in 1835. In 1842 he married Mary
his county as commissioner six years, and Guss, by whom he had nine children, seven
sheriff four years. He has of whom are living. He has been a resident
of Jackson town-
590 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ship since 1846. Henry N. Fry, oldest son of Maurer, was born in this township in 1853.
George Fry, was born in this township in 1844. He married in 1873, Martha J. Brunthaver,
In 1874 he married Ella M. Burgoon, and has and has two children, Gertrude and Maggie.
two children—Roscoe A., and Virginia. One of the first among the settlers of 1835
John Fry was born in Prussia in 1810. He is a was John Halter. He was born in New York
carpenter and millwright by trade, and was in 1803. He married in 1825, Elizabeth
employed in the construction of the frame mill, Bastic, by whom one child was born-
the predecessor of the stone mill, and other Catharine, wife, first, of James Jackson, who
buildings along the river. He also improved a was killed in the army; second of Isaac N.
farm a short distance above the village. He Halter, of Fremont. Mr. and Mrs. Halter are
came, also, in the year 1835. In 1850 he now enjoying the fruits of their early
married Julia A. Miller, of Seneca county. industry.
Henry Fry was born at the paternal David Halter was born in New York in
residence in the Province of Westphalia, in 1816. He married Margaret Plants, and had a
1813. He came to America in 1834, one year family of four children, viz: John, resident of
before his brother, John, and his cousin Seneca county; David, deceased; Leander,
George. In 1841 he married Abbie Rhidout, Ballville township, and Jacob, who
daughter of John G. Rhidout, who came from continues his residence in this county. Jacob
Ross county and settled in this township in was born in 1849, married in 1872, Mary J.
1825. Mr. Fry's family consists of two Cochran, and has four children: Nellie M.,
children living—Cynthia J., the wife of Dr. David F., Edith and Earlie (twins). Both
Robert H. Rice, and Amelia S., the wife of E. David Halter and his wife died in August,
B. Moore. The oldest child, John L. Fry, is 1881.
dead. Mr. Fry followed his trade, carpenter Joseph Hershey, one of the Ballville
and mill-wright, several years after coming to settlers of 1836, was born at Hagerstown,
this township. Maryland, in 1796. In 1808 his father
Isaac Maurer was born in Chester county, removed to Canada, where he remained until
Pennsylvania, in 1808. He married in Wayne the opening of the War of 1812. He then
county, Ohio, in 1831, Mary Ernsberger, who removed to Erie county, New York. In 1836
was born in Maryland in 1812, and died in Joseph came to this township, where he died
this township in 1879. They settled in in 1851, leaving a family of four children
Ballville township in 1834, and raised a living-Eliza (Myers), Frances (Wire), Peter,
family of six children living, viz: Martin, and Martha (Willard). Mrs. Hershey, whose
Emanuel, William J., Eli B., Martha J., and maiden name was Magdalene Frick, died in
Owen. 1871. Peter, the only son, born in Erie
William, the third son, was born in this county, New York, in 1819, in 1855 married
township in 1840. He married in 1865, Eliza Elizabeth Bruner, by whom he has a family
J. Worst, and has a family of three children: of seven children—David, Anna, Willard P.
Tillie L., Delphin B., and Orpheus C. Mr. Elmer E., Grant U., Daisy M., and Bessie S.
Maurer was wounded at the battle of Franklin. Peter Doell was born in Germany in 1819.
He was in the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer In 1838 he emigrated to America and came
Infantry. to Ballville township. Some six years later
Owen L., the youngest son of Isaac he settled upon a farm on
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 591

the east side of the river. In 1841 he married chronicled. The Sherrard family of this
Margaret Resch, also a native of Germany. county is descended from John Sherrard, a
Twelve children blessed this union, four of native of county Derry, Ireland, who
whom are living, viz: Mary (Rearick), emigrated to America in 1772, and joined
Sandusky township; George, Riley township; the patriot army, in 1775, at Bunker Hill. He
Catharine (Kraft) and Joseph, Ballville settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, where he
township. died in 1809, leaving five sons. Robert
Roswell Osborn, a native of New York, Andrew Sherrard, the fourth son, was born
was born in 1800. He married for his first in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1789,
wife, Phebe Card, who died in New York in and died near Steubenville in 1894 he was a
1830, leaving eight children. He married for highly-esteemed man, and a prominent
his second wife Mida Lansing, by whom he member of the Presbyterian church; he was
had three children. The family came to Ohio twice married—first, to Mary Kithcart, by
about 1835 and settled in Huron county. He whom he had five children, and second, to
was a Baptist minister, and about five years Jane Hindman, who bore seven children.
were occupied in preaching. About 1840 Mr. David A. C. Sherrard, the third child by the
Osborn settled in Ballville township and first marriage, was born in Jefferson county
remained about nine years. He then moved to in 1820; in 1843 he married Catharine
Wisconsin, where he died in 1860. Enos, the Weldy, who died in 1847, leaving three
sixth child, was born in New York in 1820. children, viz.: Laura, Kizzie W., and Lizzie
He came to Ballville with the family in 1840 C.; in 1848 he married Narcissa Grant, by
and has continued his residence here since whom he had seven children, viz.: Hattie
that time. In 1847 he married Margaret (deceased), Robert, John F., Emma, Mary J.,
Strohl, who died in 1863, aged thirty-four Rose P., and Ida M.
years, leaving six, children, viz: James, William Smith was born in New Jersey in
editor Fremont Messenger; George, resides 1789. He married, in 1814, Sarah Trimmer,
in Logan county, Ohio; William, Roswell P., also a native of New Jersey. In 1836 the
Anna, and Idella (Hufford), Ballville family removed to Perry county, Ohio, and
township. Mr. Osborn married for his second thence to this county, in 1847, when they
wife Leah Brunthaver, by whom he has had settled in Ballville township. Mrs. Smith
one child—Frank. Mr. Osborn was a soldier died in July, 1858, and Mr. Smith in
in the Mexican war. October, 1865. Four of their children are
George Reynolds was born in New York in living—Sarah Ann (Cole), William P.,
1817. He immigrated to Ohio in 1841, and George G., and John C. Henry, the oldest of
settled in Ballville township, where, in 1844, the family, died in Newark, Ohio, in
he married Maria Prior, a daughter of John October, 1858. Jacob, the third child, died
Prior. A family of five children blessed this young, in New Jersey. Anna Maria, the
union, four of whom are living, viz.: youngest, died in Perry county in 1845, aged
Chauncy, Cynthia (Parker), Della about twelve years. William P., the oldest
(Mitchner), and Rant. Orrin died in 1880, son living, was born February 28, 1824; in
aged twenty-four. He was a practicing 1858 he married Sarah M. Siberal, and had
lawyer. one child, Mina, deceased; Mr. Smith was
The settlement and mysterious death of treasurer of his township twelve years. On
Thomas G. Sherrard has already been account of injuries received in 1844,
592 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

he is unable to perform manual labor. He to his present residence in Washington


has brought up two children in his home— township.
Carrie D. Smith, now the wife of Leonard Simon Hufford was born in 1837. He
Sliger, of Bradner, Wood county, and Mary married, in 1861, Sarah—Short, and has a
E. Harrison, at home. family of five children living—Lillie J.,
Daniel Sherer was born in Seneca county, Jennie, Frank, Armina, and Hattie. Burton
Ohio, in 1828, and in 1846 married Mary A. died when less than one year old.
Rubenault. He settled in this township in Jacob Kline, with his wife and family,
1848. The family consisted of four children, came to America in 1832, and settled in New
two of whom—Henry and Elizabeth A. —are York. Mrs. Kline died at Buffalo in 1845.
dead; Albert O. and Daniel O. are residents Mr. Kline died in this township in 1859.
of the township. Mr. Sherer died in 1858. Jacob Kline, jr., was born in Germany in
Albert O. Sherer was born in 1852, and in 1814. He married Lena Zimmerman in 1845,
1875 he married Jane Siberal. They have two and in 1852 came West and settled in
children living—-Blanche E. and an infant Ballville township. The family consists of
daughter. eleven children, viz.: Jacob, George, Philip,
Daniel O. Sherer was born in 1855. He Martin, Charles A., Lena, Mary M., William
married, in 1875, Martha J. Jackman. Annie H;, Edward F., John A., and Adam H. The
E., Minnie D., and Benjamin F. are their last seven were born in this township. Martin
children. and Charles have been teachers in the public
Victor Rich was born in Switzerland in schools. Charles is preparing for the practice
1832. He came to America in 1851, and of the law.
stopped in New York during the winter, James Traill, with his family, removed
having been employed to chop wood, but from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to
was initiated into Yankee ways by being Coshocton county, Ohio, and from there to
cheated out of his wages. The next spring he Seneca county, in 1851. Thomas, his son,
came to Fremont, and was for" many years a was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania,
well-known stone-mason. He built the vault March 20, 1818. In 1844 he married Mary E.
in the "Oakwood Cemetery," which is a very West, of York township. In 1852 he moved
fine piece of workmanship. In 1861 he from Seneca county to Ballville township,
settled in this township, where he owns a his present home. Four children are living—
farm. In 1859 he married Mrs. Catherine Darling, Olive E., Lovie, and Perry J. "Clara
Swilly, and has five children—Joseph, E., the oldest daughter, died at the age of
Charles, George, Victor, and Clara. John twenty-two.
Swilly is her son by a previous husband. Andrew Wolfe was born in York county,
Cornelius Hufford settled in Ballville Pennsylvania, in 1797. He married Saloma
township in 1836. He was born in Kentucky Garber, a native of Switzerland, and came to
in 1806. In 1833 he married Mary J. Zook, Ohio, settling first in Knox county, then in
daughter of Abram Richland: In 1855 he removed to Sandusky
Zook, and a native of Bedford county, county, and settled in this township, where
Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of ten he died in 1874: Daniel M., the fifth child,
children, five of whom are living—Sarah, was born in Knox county in 1831. He
Simon, Elizabeth, Catharine, and Martha. In married, in 1855, Eunice J. Black, and
1869 Mr. Hufford removed settled where
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 593

he now lives. The family consists of five He married Ellen Chancy in 1865. Five
children—Charles M., Sarah I., Elbridge G., children are living—Eva P., Edward P.,
Inez M., and Daniel M. Mr. Wolfe is a Laura, William A., and Clarence. Mr.
carpenter and followed the trade twenty-five Flumerfelt is a Greenbacker in politics. He
years. owns the old Hiett farm, one of the first that
Henry Turner was born in Fairfield county, was cleared in this township.
Ohio, in 1809. He married Susan Spangler in Abel M. Franks, only son of Uriah M.
1829. She died in 1849, leaving six children, Franks, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in
viz.: William, Emanuel, Samantha, Daniel, 1834. He married in 1862 Eliza McQuigg, a
Perry I., and Mary J. Of these only two are native of Ireland. They have five children—
living—Samantha (Neff), Saginaw, Uriah F., John W., Sarah E., James E., and
Michigan, and Daniel. In 1852 Mr. Turner Samuel C. John, second son, graduated at the
married for his second wife Elizabeth age of fifteen and is preparing for the Bar.
Delong, and had by this marriage two Mr. Franks came to the county in 1865, and
children—Henry Otis, a resident of Lima, settled first in Sandusky township, where he
Ohio, and Marcella, dead. The family came remained two years, then settled in Ballville.
to Seneca county in 1830; moved to Ballville J. B. Lott, son of Peter and Mary Lott, was
township in 1853. born in Seneca county in 1832. He came to
John G. Speller, jr., proprietor of the stone this county in 1858, and settled on his
mill, was born in Prussia in 1843. In 1857 he present farm. He married in 1858 Sarah A.
came to America and engaged in farming in Bretts, a native of Lancaster county,
this township. The following year his Pennsylvania. Three of their five children
parents, Lambert C. and Mary Speller, came are living—Charles, Wilson, and Jennie—
to this country with their family of five Clara Ann and an infant daughter are dead.
children, and remain residents of this Thomas Wickert, a native of Lehigh
township. In 1867 John G. Speller began county, Pennsylvania, was born in 1809. He
clerking for Herman & Wilson, and married in 1832 Lucy Vennor. With their six
continued in mercantile business seven children they came to this township in 1860.
years, the last year in partnership with Mr. The children are: James E., George Harrison,
Herman. In 1875 he purchased the Ballville Thomas J., Mary E., Emma, and Lucy N.
stone mill, half of which he sold to Simeon Wickert. James E., the second child, was
Royce. Business has since been conducted born in Pennsylvania in 1834. In 1859 he
under the firm name of Royce & Speller. Mr. married Martha Abbott, who died in 1865,
Speller, in 1872, married Oriette J. Moore. leaving three children—Frank, James, and
James and Allie are their children. Chester. In 1866 he removed to this county,
George Flumerfelt, the oldest son of D. V. and in 1869 he married Christina Lutz, by
Flumerfelt, settled in this township in 1865. whom six children have been born—Bert,
His father, however, was one of the first Fred, Guy, Hattie, Daisy, and Richard.
settlers of the neighboring town-ship of M. B. Fry emigrated from Virginia to
Pleasant, in Seneca county, having come Seneca county in 1833, and died in Pleasant
there from New Jersey in 1826, at the age of township in 1853, leaving a family of seven.
eighteen. He married Melinda Littler, and children, five of whom are living.
has a family of seven children living. George
was born in 1842,
594 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Littler B., the oldest son, was born in Here arose a controversy, which en-
1826. He came to Ohio with his father, and gendered bitter personal feeling between
in 1865 married Belle Ramsey, a native of neighbors and led to a decision by. the
Pittsburg. Mr. Fry has been living in this supreme court of the State on an important
township since 1871. legal question. David Moore, David
A CHARIVARI. Chambers and Asa B. Gavit owned the lands
adjoining the river in the order named,
John Hofford lived on the lot in Ballville
beginning at the village of Ballville and ex-
now occupied by the cooper shop of J. D. &
tending up for considerable distance. The
George Moore. About 1841, while John
controversy at first seems to have been
Moore was building his mill-race, on which
grounded in the natural desire of both Moore
twenty Irishmen were employed, Almira
and Chambers to have the exclusive use of
Hofford was married to John Johnson, an
the water-power. Chambers built a dam and
attorney, who lived on the farm now owned
erected a mill, but Moore cut off his water-
by Dr. Wilson, west of Fremont. The
power by building a dam below, thus
Irishmen determined upon making It an
throwing the back water on Chambers'
eventful occasion by giving the newly
wheel. Chambers sued Moore for trespass,
wedded couple a serenade after the wild
but as the conclusion of the whole matter
fashion of the day. They collected all the
shows, was himself a trespasser, for the
guns, dinner-horns and cow-bells in the
back-water from his dam covered the
neighborhood, and taking these, together
hitherto exposed limestone ledges in the
with rosined boxes, horse-fiddles and a pail
bottom of the river opposite Gavit's land, to
of powder stolen from the supply used for
the depth of four feet.
blasting, they proceeded to the house. At this
Gavit brought suit for trespass and the case
time the excitement caused by the "patriot
came to trial in the court of common pleas of
war" was at its highest, and a general raid
the county. He proved at the trial that he
was feared. When the confusion of guns,
owned certain lands bounded by the river
horse-fiddles, horns, etc., which was
and situated an its western bank. He also
intended only to disturb the honeymoon of
proved that by the erection of Chambers'
the lately united couple, began, the whole
dam the water was flowed back in the bed of
community was aroused. One Irishman, who
the river opposite his land, so as to stand
knew nothing of the proceedings, expressed
four feet deep on a stone quarry between his
the thoughts of many people, when, leaping
lands and the middle of the stream. In the
from his bed, he exclaimed: "I thought the
original surveys the river was intersected by
Bredish were a cumin, and I tepped out of
lines, but the area occupied by the stream
bed to put." The man who carried the powder
when at high water mark was deducted from
pail met a serious accident. Becoming
the whole area, so that the purchaser paid the
excited, he rushed with Irish ardor into the
United States for lands only to high water
crowd of musketmen. A spark dropped into
mark. It was, therefore, claimed by
the bucket, and the explosion sent him
Chambers that the bed and banks of the river
speechless to the rear. He finally, however,
was public property.
recovered. This is only one of the many
The court of common pleas charged the
amusing tricks carried out by this party of
jury that the plaintiff could set no right, in
witty Irishmen whose residence in Ballville
consequence of owning the lands
is well remembered.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 595

on the shore, to the bed of the river adjacent universal application than that where the reason is the
same the law should be the same.
to such lands. The jury on this charge gave a If, in the case before us, the owners of the lands
verdict in favor of the defendant bounded on the banks of the Sandusky River do not own
(Chambers). the fee simple in that stream, subject only to the use of
The case was taken to the supreme court the public, who does own it, and what is its condition?
The "Ordinance" reserves nothing but the use. No act of
on a writ of error, where it was argued, on Congress makes any reservation in relation to the beds
part of the defendant, that as the Sandusky of rivers. We find no provisions but those of the act of
River was declared a navigable stream no 1996 which are confined to reserving the use of
navigable streams, and declaring the existence of the.
individual could acquire exclusive property common law doctrine in respect to streams not
in its bed. The long course of litigation was navigable.
watched eagerly, not only by those having a A river consists of water bed and banks. At what point
personal interest in the parties to the suit, does the right of the owner of adjoining lands terminate,
on the top or at the bottom-of the bank? At high or low
but by owners of river lands throughout the water mark? Does his boundary recede and advance with
State, for upon its decision depended many the water, or is it stationary at some point? And where is
rights and privileges liable at any time to that point? Who gains by alluvion? Who loses by
disruptions of the streams? No satisfactory rules can be
cause difficulty. The decision of the supreme laid, down in answer to these questions, if the common
court will be of interest in this connection. law doctrine be departed from. And if it be assumed that
The question presented for decision in this case is, the United States retain the fee simple in the beds of our
Has the proprietor of land bounded by a navigable rivers, who is to preserve them from individual
stream a separate and individual interest or property in trespassers, or determine matters of wrong between the
any portion of the bed of the river? trespassers themselves. It can not be reasonably doubted
The cession of the United States of lands within the that if all the beds of our rivers supposed to be
territory of which Ohio is now a part, was made subject navigable; and treated as such by the United States in
to no condition with respect to navigable streams. But in selling lands, are to be regarded as unappropriated
the first frame of government, commonly called the territory, a door is open for incalculable mischiefs.
Ordinance, which is fundamental in its character, it is Intruders upon the common waste would fall into
stipulated that "navigable waters leading into the endless broils among them-selves and involve the
Mississippi and St. Lawrence shall be forever free" to owners of lands adjoining in controversies innumerable.
all people of the United States. The legislation of Stones, soil, gravel, the right to fish, would all be
Congress for disposition of lands has strictly conformed subjects of individual scramble necessarily leading to
to this stipulation. The lands within the beds of violence and outrage. The United States would be little
navigable rivers have not been sold as lands to be paid interested in pre-serving either the peace or the
for, and whether the lands have or have not been made property, and indeed would be powerless to do it
boundaries of surveys, the and usually covered by water without an interference with the policy of the State.
has been deducted from that upon which purchase We do not believe that it was the intention of the
money was charged. This, it is argued, is a fact United States to reserve an interest in the bed, banks or
conclusive to establish the position that the individual water of the rivers in the State, other than the use for
purchaser acquires no tights to the bed of the river navigation to the public, which is distinctly in the nature
adjoining his lands. But we do not think it properly of an easement, and all grants of land upon such waters
attended with such consequence. we hold to have been made subject to the common law,
It is, we conceive, virtually essential to the public which in this case is the plain rule of common sense,
peace and to individual security that there should be and it is this: He who owns the lands upon both banks
distinct and acknowledged legal owners for both the owns the entire river, subject only to the easement of
land and water of the country. This seems to have been navigation, and he who owns the land on one bank only
the principle upon which the law doctrine was originally owns to the middle of the river subject to the same
settled, that when a stream was not subject to the ebb easement. This is the rule recognized not only in
and flow of the tide it should be deemed the property of England but in our sister States.
the owners of the soil bounding on its banks. The reason Before this decision was reached by the
upon which this rule is founded applies as strongly in
this country as in any other, and no maxim of supreme court Mr. Davit died, but his
jurisprudence is of more administrator gained a verdict. Messrs.
596 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Chambers and Moore settled their diffi- To the honorable Commissioners o f Sandusky County.
culties by Moore buying Chambers out; thus SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP, STATE OF OHIO.
giving him full and exclusive right and This petition of the undersigned, residents of San-dusky
privilege to the water power along the county, Sandusky township, prays, that they with the other
residents of said township labor under many serious
Bellville rapids. difficulties and disadvantages in consequence of the
distance they have to go to the place of holding general
EARLY EVENTS. elections. In fact, the great bounds of said township and the
distance public officers reside from each other tends greatly
It is difficult to tell who was the first white to retard public business, particularly as it relates to the
child born in this township, but our best business of the township. Under these circumstances your
information is that it was Margaret Frary, petitioners therefore pray, that you would direct a new
who was born some time in the year 1821. township to be laid out embracing township four, range
fifteen, your petitioners will ever pray.
A squatter named Coburg was the first 1st of March, 1822.
citizen, so far as is known, "to end the earth N. B. And your petitioners also pray that the township be
chapter of life." He died about 1819. During called Ball's township.
[Signers]
his sickness Harriet Cochran (Mrs. Seager), DAVID CHAMBERS.
was the only person in the neighborhood to ASA B. GAVIT.
wait on and care for him. DAVID CHARD.
The first cemetery in the township was the GILES THOMPSON.
MOSES NICHOLS.
one at Salem church, in the south part. This JOHN WOOLCOT.
lot was set apart at the death of Mrs. Frary, JEREMIAH EVERETT.
who was the first person buried there. Her JOHN PRIOR.
ISAAC PRIOR.
husband, Phineas Frary, was the second. The HENRY PRIOR.
inhabitants of the north part of the township JOHN CUSTARD.
were accustomed to bury their dead at BENJAMIN CLARK.
Fremont, then Lower Sandusky. T. A. REXFORD.
WILLIAM CHARD.
The early families of the north part of the The petition was granted and the first election
township sent their children to school in ordered to be held at the house of David
Fremont; those in the south part first Chambers on the 1st Monday of April, 1822.
attended school in Seneca county, where a The early records of the township are lost, so
man named Dicely taught. The first school- that we are unable to give the first officers
house in the south part of the township was elected or the civil list.
built on the Seager farm, on the east side of
MANUFACTURING.
the river, about 1833. Moses Coleby is
remembered as the first master. The water power furnished by the second
rapids of the Sandusky River has been the
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
natural means of building up a little settlement
The following petition appears on the in the north part of the town-ship, which
commissioners' records, which sets forth the deserves to be called a village. It takes the name
reason for setting apart a new town from of the township. About 1821 three mills were
Sandusky, and the signatures also show who built in this locality—two grist-mills, one by
were the leading men at that date in favor of David Chambers, the other by David Moore;
a division of the townships. and, further up, a sawmill, by Mr. Tindall. The
re-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 597

mains of the saw-mill are yet standing. vey of the village a small mercantile
Messrs. Moore and Chambers became in- business has been carried on at Ballville. C.
volved in an expensive litigation, which is B. Moore has been in the grocery business
spoken of at length in this chapter. Moore since 1876.
settled the difficulty, and at the same time
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.*
obtained exclusive control of the available
water power by buying Chambers' farm and The name United Brethren has been
mill. adopted successively by four distinct and
In 1831 Charles Choate came to Ballville separate religious organizations. Early in the
and leased the shed and water power at fifteenth century a church was formed in
Moore's mill, where he began the carding Bohemia, Germany, similar to that of the
and fulling business. (Mr. Choate's father Waldenses, which took the name United
was one of the first settlers of Ohio, and was Brethren. In the sixteenth century a part of
taken prisoner at Big Bottom during the the German Reformed church united with the
Indian war of 1791-95.) James Moore, a son Waldenses, and formed what was called the
of David Moore, began the erection of a new Church of the United Brethren. In the
mill in 1835, which was completed and eighteenth century was organized the Church
placed in operation in 1837. Mr. Choate of the Moravians or The Renewed United
removed his carding machinery to this mill, Brethren. These churches, though similar in
where he continued the business three years name, faith, and practice, had no
longer, making a period of nine years since ecclesiastical connection.
the beginning of wool carding. The last year The Church of the United Brethren in
he worked forty thousand pounds of wool. Christ was organized in the city of
Mr. Choate sold his factory to Asa Otis and Baltimore, Maryland, in 1775. Its principal
P. C. Dean. founder was Rev. William Otterbein, a
The stone mill, which is yet in operation, minister of the German Reformed church. He
was built in 1858 by James Moore. Mr. had been sent as a missionary to America
Moore had also built a cotton factory in from Dillenberg, Germany, and after
1845, but was in a short time burned out. preaching in southeastern Pennsylvania and
In 1839 James Valletti purchased an northern Maryland several years with great
interest in the mills and real estate. The success as a revivalist, he organized an
village of Ballville was surveyed and laid independent church which at first was called
out in lots by Messrs. Moore and Valletti the the Evangelical Reformed church, then the
following year. United Brethren church, and finally, to avoid
P. C. Dean and John Moore built what is a mixing of titles with the Moravians or
now known as the Croghan mill in 1867. Mr. United Brethren, it was called the Church of
Dean sold his interest to his partner, who the United Brethren in Christ.
conducted the business until his death, when The co-laborers of Otterbein in this work
it became the property of his sons. The were Rev. Martin Boehm, Rev. Christian
building and machinery were destroyed by Newcomer, and Rev. John Neiding, each of
fire in 1878, but rebuilt the same year. It is the Mennonite church, and Rev. George A.
now owned by J. D., George N., and C. B. Guething and John G. Pfrimmer, of the
Moore. German Reformed church.
During most of the time since the sur- * By Jacob Burgner.
598 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The first great meeting (grosze versamm- Their preaching places were mostly at
lung), and the one which suggested the name private houses or barns, or in log school-
United Brethren, was held at Mr. Isaac houses, often in widely separated neighbor-
Long's in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, hoods, reached only by winding roads or
and was attended largely by members of the paths cut through the woods. These routes
Lutheran, German Reformed, Mennonite, were often almost impassable on account of
Tunker and Amish persuasions. high water and an almost interminable black,
The labors of these ministers and others sticky mud. They travelled usually on foot or
who joined them, were for half a century on horseback, and preached every day in the
confined almost exclusively to the Germans week and two or three times on Sunday.
in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Their meetings were as well attended on
Since the year 1825, the German language weekdays as on Sunday. Farmers in those
in many places has entirely given place to days cheerfully left their work to attend
the English, and the church has also spread religious services. In times of big meetings
in English communities, where it was they came from several adjoining
formerly unknown. neighborhoods, even in bad weather and
Among the earliest religious workers in over bad roads, on foot, on horseback, and
Sandusky county, Ohio, were the local and not unfrequently in large wagons or sleds,
travelling preachers of the church of the drawn by ox-teams. Thirteen persons
United Brethren in Christ. constituted a Methodist load, but United
Previous to the year 1833 a strong tide of Brethren load was as many as you could pile
emigration set in towards the north-west, and on. At these meeting the early pioneers
among the emigrants to the Sandusky Valley manifested a large-hearted hospitality,
were quite a number of United Brethren unaffected sociability, and much religious
families, including some local preachers. enthusiasm.
These held religious meetings in their In the year 1822 Rev. Jacob Bowles came
respective neighborhoods and prepared the from Frederick county, Maryland and settled
way for the missionaries or travelling near Lower Sandusky (now Fremont, Ohio).
preachers which were sent into this region He was the first Evangelical preacher in the
by the Muskingum conference, as early as Black Swamp. He preached faithfully to the
the year 1829. They had a string of new settlers, as he had opportunity, and
appointments extending from Mount opened his doors to the Methodists and to
Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to Lower Sandusky, ministers of other denominations. A few
Ohio. In common with other pioneers these preaching, places were thus established, a
preachers endured many trials and privations few classes formed, and in 1829 the general
and performed much toilsome and difficult conference of the United Brethren church
work for very meager salaries. They often recognized a circuit called the Sandusky
met with abundant success in revival circuit. At the next session of the
meetings and in the organization of religious Muskingum conference Jacob Bowlus was
societies, but owing in part to the constant elected presiding elder of the Sandusky
shifting of population, they did not succeed district, and John Zahn was appointed to
in establishing permanent societies, and travel Sandusky circuit. In the year 1830 Mr.
building churches as well as those who came Bowlus was re-elected presiding elder, and
later and labored in towns and villages. Israel Harrington and J. Harrison as-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 599

signed to Sandusky circuit. These four, Among other successful evangelists who
Zahn, Bowlus, Harrington, and Harrison are travelled the Black Swamp may be mentioned
said to have been the first pioneer itinerant Rev. Joseph Bever, Rev. Samuel Long, Rev.
preachers of this church in Northwestern Michael Long,. and Rev. J. C. Bright.
Ohio. During the next four years Sandusky The second session of the Sandusky
circuit was supplied with, travelling conference was held at the house of A. Beck, in
preachers by the Muskingum conference. Crawford county, Ohio, April 15, 1835. The
In the year 1833 the general conference of following were received: Jacob Newman,
the United Brethren church made ar- Joseph Bever, Jeremiah Brown, George
rangements for the organization of the Newman, H. G. Spayth;* J. C. Rice, and
Sandusky conference. Joseph Logan.
The new conference held its first session In the first assignment to the fields of labor,
on the 12th day of May, 1834, at the house Benjamin Moore and Joseph Bever were sent
of Philip Bretz, on Honey Creek, in Seneca to travel the Sandusky circuit, which then
county, Ohio. Bishop Samuel Hiestand extended across Sandusky county, and into the
presided. Preachers present—John Mussel, present counties of Ottawa, Huron, and Seneca.
Jacob Bowlus, George Hiskey, Jeremiah Rev. M. Long also travelled the circuit during
Brown, C. Zook; John Crum, W. T. Tracy, the latter half of the year.
Jacob Bair, O. Strong, H. Erret, John Smith, The other circuits of the conference were
L. Easterly, Philip Cramer, B. Moore, Daniel Maumee, Scioto, Richland, and Owl Creek, in
Strayer, Israel Harrington, Jacob Ciunt, H. Knox county, travelled respectively by S.
Kimberlin, J. Fry, J. Alsop, Jacob Garber, Lillibridge, J. Alsop, J. Davis, and B.
Stephen Lillibridge, and John Davis Kaufman.
[familiarly known in Northwestern Ohio as The third session of Sandusky conference
"Pap" Davis, the hatter]. Mr.. Davis labored was held at the house of J. Crum, in Wood
with great faithfulness as a travelling county, Ohio, April 26, 1836. Preachers
preacher for many years, much of the time as received—John Dorcas, T. Hastings, Francis
a presiding elder. On a salary of from Clymer, Michael Long, Alfred Spracklin, and
seventy-five dollars to one hundred and fifty William Williams.
dollars, he travelled on horseback from Jacob Bowlus was chosen presiding elder,
Crawford county, Ohio, to Allen county, and the assignments to fields of labor were:
Indiana, four times a year; year after year. Sandusky circuit, J. Davis; Swan Creek, S.
The roads were extremely bad, but he Lillibridge; Richland, Dorcas and B. Kaufman;
seldom missed an appointment, never Mt. Vernon; Jacoli Newman; Maumee, John
complained, and always wore a smile as he Long; Findlay Mission, Michael Long.
entered the cabin's of the West. The first delegates to the general, conference
Stephen Lillibridge, during the eight short of the United Brethren church from the Black
years of his itinerancy, travelled. the Black Swamp were John Dorcas and George Hiskey,
Swamp at a salary of less than one hundred in 1837.
dollars a year and preached nineteen hundred The salaries paid during the year 1835-36
and thirty-sermons, as shown by his diary. were: J. Brown, presiding elder, $16; B.
He died at the early age of twenty-eight. Moore, $76; B. Kaufman, $49; Joseph
*Author of History of United Brethren Church.
600 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Bever, $40; M. Long, $41; S. Lillibridge, prising eighteen societies in this county.
$80; Jonas Fraunfelder, $2.50; and Samuel Green Creek was detached from the old
Hiestand, bishop, $20.50. Sandusky in 1834, and lies mostly in Ball-
The circuits comprised from a dozen to ville township. It has five societies, three
twenty or more preaching places, and the churches, and one parsonage. The United
preacher was obliged to travel about two Brethren church and parsonage, at Green
hundred miles in making one round, which Spring, were built in 1871-72-73, under the
he usually completed in from two to four direction of Rev. S. H. Raudabaugh. The Mt.
weeps. The following is an outline from Lebanon United Brethren church, two miles
memory of the appointments of Sandusky southeast of Fremont, was built in 1864. The
circuit in 1835, as given by Rev. Joseph first trustees were: Rev. M. Long, Rev. M.
Bever: Bulger, Rev. N. Young, Anson Eldridge, and
Commencing at Peter Bevers, north of Melmore, John Batzole. The society was formed by the
Seneca county, I went successively to Philip Bretz’s,
east of Melmore; Solomon Seary’s, southeast of
union of the classes at the Batzole and
Melmore; Fred Rhodes, north of Republic; Mr. Payne’s, Dawley school-houses. The superintendents
in Huron county; the Snow school-house, near Amsden s of Mt. Lebanon Sabbath-school from 1864 to
corners, now Bellevue; Jacob Bowlus, west of Fremont; 1881 were: Rev. N. Young, Sidney Young,
Port Clinton, Ottawa county; McNamor’s or Zink's,
south of Fremont; Mr. Gaines, southwest of Fremont; Charles Young, Rev. N. S. Long, Rev. B. M.
James Mathews, near Bas-com; Mr. Bodine’s, near Long, Jacob Burgner, J. W. Worst, and Hugh
Fostoria; school-house near Gilboa; Dr. Hastings, on C. Smith.
Tawas Creek; Philip Cramer's, on same; Mr. Bixler’s,
east of Findlay; Father Brayton’s, Springville (father of
The church at Hoover's Corners, or Hard
the Brayton captured by the Indians); Mr. Wyant's, Scrabble, which is used jointly by the United
Tyamochtee, and at other places occasionally. It took me Brethren church and the Evangelical
three weeks, travelling every day, to make the round in Association, was built by the latter about the
good weather, and I received for my salary twenty-five
dollars! year 1854.
The following is a list of the preachers who A class of the United Brethren in Christ
travelled the old Sandusky and the Green was formed of citizens living in the neigh-
Creek circuits from the year 1834 to 1881: borhood of the mouth of Wolf Creek. It was
Benjamin Moore, Joseph Bever, M. Long, organized as the "Clinger Class," April 20,
John Davis, John Dorcas, S. Lillibridge, J. C. 1860, Samuel Jacoby at that time being
Bright, S. Hadley, John Lawrence*, P. J. circuit preacher. The first members were:
Thornton, D. Glancy, B. J. Needles, William John and Catharine Sibberrel, Samuel and
Bevington, Wesley Harrington, R. Wicks, Anna Clinger, Rachel Turner, Jacob and
Jacob Newman, John French, William Jones, John Ridgley, Lucinda, John, and Lucinda B.
James Long, H. Curtis, S. T. Lane, B. G. Hite, Mary Clinger, Jane Hudson, and Mary
Ogden, A. M. Stemen, Silas Foster, William Mills. A meeting-house was built that year
Miller, Peter Fleck, R. K. Wyant, J. Mathews, and the class became known as Wolf Creek
D. F. Cender, S. H. Raudabaugh, D. D. Hart, congregation. It has a membership of about
B. M. Long, E. B. Maurer, A. Powell, D. S. seventy, and has preaching service each
Caldwell, and T. D. Ingle. alternate Sabbath. A summer Sunday-school
Sandusky county is now (1881) divided has been maintained from the first, but in
among five circuits: Green Creek, Bay Shore, 1880-81 it was kept up with profit and
Clyde, Sandusky, and Eden, com- interest throughout the year, winter as well
*Author of History of United Brethren Church. as summer.
Rev. Michael Long
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 601

UNION CHURCH. Ohio; M. DeWitt, who married Pauline C.


The citizens along the river about four McCahan, and is now principal of Roanoke
miles south of Ballville felt the need of a Academy, Roanoke county, Indiana, and
more convenient place for holding religious who is also an ordained minister of the
services, and in 1868 contributed and built United Brethren church.
what is known as Union Chapel, for the use Mr. Long has continually, since the
of all denominations. Rev. E. Bushnell, of commencement of his labors as a preacher,
Fremont, supplied the pulpit for a short time. been in the service of the church, some-
Rev. Mr. Willard, of Tiffin, organized a times as an itinerant preacher, sometimes on
class according to the discipline of the a station, and for a number of years as
German Reformed church in 1870, and held presiding elder.
services in this house. Messrs. Kesselman Mr. Long's services in the United Brethren
and Smith have served since. Preaching is church are set forth in an address delivered
nut regularly maintained. at a ministerial association, held in Attica,
Seneca county, Ohio, in 1879. We here give
the address in full, which relates many
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. hairbreadth escapes, and also most palpably
illustrates his zeal in the work he was
REV. MICHAEL LONG. engaged in. He is endowed with remarkable
physical powers, weighs near two hundred
The subject of this sketch is the son of pounds, and his voice is remarkable for its
Daniel and Margaret (Brill) Long, who were strength and power to reach the outermost
born in the State of Pennsylvania. Their son, limits of the largest gathering at any camp
Michael Long, was born May 3, 1814, in meeting. The following anecdote is told by a
Guernsey county, Ohio. He was educated in friend who happened to live about three
attending the common schools of the miles from where a camp-meeting was in
neighborhood, and worked on a farm until he progress several years ago. A stranger
entered the ministry of the United Brethren enquired of the man where the camp-meeting
church, in Sandusky, in the year 1835. He was, and what road to take to get there. The
afterwards, on the 20th of April, 1837, farmer told him to listen, and on being silent
married Sarah Gear, of the same county. Mr. a moment, the voice of Michael Long in full
Long had emigrated from Guernsey to exercise came through the woods. The
Sandusky in the year 1834. Rev. Michael stranger was told to follow the sound, and he
Long is still living with this wife, Sarah, by would find the camp-meeting about three
whom he has had five children yet living, miles distant in that direction. If there ever
namely: De-sire Angeline, who is married to was a harder worker for the church than
Martin Mowrer, of Ballville township; Michael Long, he has not been found in this
Newton S., who married Carry C. Stahl, vicinity. And he is still at the same work,
daughter of Jacob Stahl. (This son is and, no doubt, will be while life and strength
laboring in the ministry at Osceola, Wyandot are given him to work. He lives on a farm
county, Ohio); Barzillai M., not married, a about three miles southeast of Fremont, and
minister, now stationed at Galion, Ohio; is still a hearty, vigorous and courageous
Sarah Calista, now wife of Professor John man. Read the address, and you may gather a
Worst, superintendent of the schools at faint idea from it of Mr.
Elmore,
602 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Long's labors in preaching the gospel. The the bridge to hear Long preach. There were about
seventy on the bridge at once. It was built with great
address is as follows: logs-they were all afloat and would not lie still, and
I recollect a little over forty years ago I joined the some of the people got a very little wet, but on they
Sandusky annual conference, and I have not forgot-ten
went. They reached the place of worship, and we had a
the way preachers were then taken into conference. good time, as some of them, no doubt, remember well. I
There was not half the trouble getting into conference
am not a little happy to look on some of those faces at
then that there is now. Those days are gone by, and I do this convention. Little did I think that I would live to see
not wish to speak of or recall them now. I well recollect
a ministerial association held on my missionary ground.
when I started on my first circuit, which was four I will now speak of some other circumstances.
hundred miles around, numbering twenty-eight
I well remember when I travelled in the Maumee
appointments. It took me four weeks to get around the country, I would pass trains of Indians near half a mile
circuit; there was not to my recollection one meeting- long. I recollect preaching on this side of the Maumee
house in the entire conference; we preached, as a River and then would ford the river and preach on the
general thing, in private houses. The outline of my work west side, and when I crossed the river I would take
was something after the following: Northeast three miles
corn in my saddle-bags to feed my horse. One place I
below Port Clinton, on the lake; southeast, near preached at they were real old Yankees. I asked them
Bucyrus; southwest, on the Auglaize, twelve miles
what they thought I was? They said they could see that I
below Find-lay. The points alluded to were the outposts was a Yankee. I just let them have it so. We did not
of my field of labor. My salary the first year was forty
quarrel over our pedigree, nor over what we had to eat;
dollars, although it was not quite a full year. My second it all tasted good so long as it lasted. We were thankful
year I was appointed to Findlay mission; I had given to
those days if we had a little corn-bread and a little
me two appointments to start with; I increased my venison. There was a difference between those days and
appointments to about one dozen; it was a year of great
the present. Oh, Lord, bring back some of the old
success. During that year I received into church kindred feelings that used to characterize this church. In
fellowship about one hundred and sixty members; a those days there were but few bridges across the rivers
revival spirit continued the whole year. I held one camp- in this country. When on my first mission in Hancock
meeting that year at which there were between forty and county I had to cross the Auglaize River some nine
fifty conversions. There were wonderful demonstrations
times; my mission was so assigned that I could not do
of God's power manifested during the meeting; many otherwise. I often would swim my horse across the river.
fell to the earth and lay for hours as dead, and when
I recollect of one time at-tempting to cross on the ice, to
raised from that state they generally shouted "glory." go to my quarterly meeting Rev. Z. Crom was my
This manner of demonstration was very general during
presiding elder, and my mission was his district. In
that meeting. Surely God was there to kill and make those days we had local presiding elders; they would
alive. There was one circumstance transpired during that
have one, two, three, or four circuits to preside over. I
camp meeting very much like the one we read of in was the first man that spoke out in the conference in
Mark, the ninth chapter. The conversion of Brother
answer to the bishop when the question was asked, "Will
Galbreath was almost like that of St. Paul. Through the you have local or traveling presiding elders?" I said
persuasion of his daughter he went with her to my travelling, and it raised a commotion for a little while,
meeting and then and there he became so powerfully but it subsided. My elder and I, in crossing the Auglaize
convicted that on his way home he fell from his horse to River, near the mouth of Riley Creek-it was in the
the ground, where he lay for sometime. When he came
spring of the year, and the ice was then very rotten. The
to, his daughter was on her knees by his side praying for elder's horse being the smallest I told him to cross first.
him, and holding both their horses. Surely his
He got across all right. 1 took off my saddle and saddle -
conversion all the way through was marvelous. I bags, took my horse by the bridle and started, and when
remember of forming what we then called Huron
I got near the middle of the river the ice broke and my
mission; it was an entire new field. The conference got horse went under all but his head. I kept ahead of the
up a subscription for me to the amount of thirty dollars,
horse; the bridle pulled off, and when I caught hold of
although I never got it all. With that encouragement I the halter he made a number of springs. He finally
started, having no assurance of any other support, but succeeded in getting nearer the shore, and the ice bore
still I had a good time; the grace of God sustained me, him up. I then led him to the shore, put my saddle on
and I had plenty to eat, such as it was. him, and, having but about two miles to go to the
I remember near this place (Attica, Seneca county, appointment, I went those two miles in pretty quick
Ohio), or within a few miles of there, of crossing what time. My horse came out all right,
we then called the Swamp bridge. The people on the
I recollect another circumstance in going from El-
west side of the bridge said they would go over
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 603

more to the lake. The first four miles (all the way forest) The timbers or trees fell all around me. I turned my
brought me to Tousaint Creek. It being high I swam my horse and ran him back to the river, jumping him over
horse across. I then had eight or ten miles yet through the timber that fell. By that time the storm had passed
the woods to the lake. When I came to the prairie I came over. I then again went on my way. When I came to the
into a French settlement. It was so fenced up that there west branch of Portage I kept up the river, diet not cross
was no way getting through without going through the it. When I came within one-half mile of Brother Crum's
field or through Turtle Marsh. I called at a house. A the water again extended over the road so that my horse
French woman came out and muttered her French and had to swim. When over or through the water I then got
motioned across the marsh. I started across, but had not down into my stirrups and commenced singing, and sang
gone more than one rod when my horse fell over some all the way till I reached the house, and felt fine to
timbers of some kind. I slid off from my horse into the preach for them at night—just as happy as I well could
marsh, held on to the bridle, and got out on the same be. God said: "My grace is sufficient. As thy day is so
side. I think it was a little different from the Slough of shall thy grace be."
Despond that Bunyan speaks of. I know the Lord did not Let me state one more recollection. Well do I
want me to go through Turtle Marsh. The citizens told remember crossing what was known as the Lance bridge,
me that some French ponies bad gone through, but an a little west of Carey. My appointment was at Father
English horse could not. By that time a boy came there. Shoup's. The bridge across the prairie was one mile
I told him I wanted to go through the field. He opened long, and there had been heavy rains, and on the south
the fence and let me through. I asked him if they had end of the bridge the freshet had taken away about two
any meeting in their place. He said they had. I wanted to rods of the bridge. The rails had been laid tight one
know who preached for them. He said the priest. I asked against another on the sod. At this place loose rails had
no more questions—I conjectured the rest. It was been laid for people to walk over, about fifteen or
enough; the Lord delivered me out of Turtle Marsh. twenty inches apart. It looked rather dangerous; there
Well, you see something of the trials of one of the old was no water there, yet I knew not what a wonderful
itinerants of Sandusky conference. I recollect when my place it was. I took off my saddle and knelt down and
circuit led through Wood county, at one time I came to implored God to help me as on other occasions. 1 took
the Portage River, near New Rochester; the river was my horse by the bridle, intending to lead him by the side
very high. It extended all over the bottom about forty of the loose rails, and as I started and stepped quick,
rods. The water had taken away part of the bridge. The intending the horse to walk by the side of the rails, he at
middle bent and the one that extended to the shore on once sprang upon the rails and followed me over; I
the east side was all that was left. Heavy timbers being returned my grateful thanks to the Lord. I then walked
laid on the bridge held those two bents and stringers back and got my saddle, and got upon my horse, and
together. I first got on the bridge and tried its strength. I went to my appointment. They asked me what way I
then led my horse on the first part; then he had to jump came. I told them. They were alarmed when I told them
down about two feet on the middle part of the bridge. I how I crossed the prairie, knowing that some of the
then led him to the end of that part, then made him jump bridge was gone, that scattering loose rails were laid for
into the water. It was about mid-sides to my horse. He people to walk over. A pole could be run down twenty
then was so far from me that I jumped into the water and feet anywhere near that place. So I was convinced the
waded a few rods. I saw a stump extended above the Lord safely led roe through. Now, my dear brethren, I
water. I got onto the stump and then onto my horse, and have just noted down a little of the travels of an early
after riding twenty or thirty rods my horse had to swim itinerant. Those days were days of grace, and not days
the rest of the way, Whenever I started for the west of money or high salaries. Those days were days of
branch of Portage I had about one-half a mile from the grace and glory; many loud hallelujahs went up to God.
river to the main woods. Before I got to the woods I Those days were days of love to God and love toward
heard a wonderful noise. I could not tell what it was till each other; no sparring, no trying to excel. The glory of
all at once a terrible storm broke upon me. God and the salvation of the world was the grand theme.
GREEN CREEK,

G REEN CREEK township embraces an


area six miles square, bounded on the
north by Riley, on the east by York, on the
young forest trees, near the centre of which
is a spring of rare interest, whether
aesthetically or scientifically considered A
south by Seneca county, and on the west by river of water forces itself through a fissure
Ballville. The surface is more undulating in the rock-bed fifty feet below the surface
than any other part of the county, except in and overflows from a great well ten feet in
the immediate vicinity of the river in circumference, and reaching to the depth of
Ballville township. Three well defined sand eighteen feet without an obstruction, at the
ridges Ingle through the township in a rate of more than two barrels per second.
northeast and southwest direction. The roads The water is strongly saturated with sulphur
on the summit of these ridges are the oldest, and mineral solutions which stain every
the ridges being followed on account of their substance coming in contact with it, a rich
dryness. These roads in dry weather become green, varying in shade under the influence
almost impassable for heavily freighted of light. No-where in nature is to be seen a
wagons, as the wheels sink in the sand to the more gorgeous display of coloring than in
depth of six inches, causing resistance this well on a clear morning when the
almost as great as clay mud in spring time. angling rays of the sun, reflected by the
These roads are always best just after a rising current of clear liquid, give to every
dashing rain. object an appearance of moving and
The township is drained by three creeks of gorgeously colored forms.
considerable size, all flowing the whole That the Indian has an appreciation of the
length of the territory from south to north. beautiful in nature is shown by the historical
Farthest east is Raccoon Creek, which passes connections of the place. The surrounding
through the village of Clyde. Through the grove was once an Indian clearing and at the
centre flows South Creek, which rises in this same time a place of resort and amusement.
township. The stream of greatest size is Here the chiefs met for consultation and
Green Creek, the two branches of which mingled with the sulphurous odors of the
meet about one mile and a half from the waters the smoke of cannakanick, arrow
Seneca county line. The west branch rises in wood and tobacco.
Seneca county, its source being a spring The Senecas, whose reservation included
which discharges about six hundred cubic the spring, knew well the medicinal prop-
feet of water per minute. The spring which erties of the water, and were familiar with its
gives rise to the east branch is the most uses. There are many traditional stories
celebrated place in the county. connected with the departure of these
GREEN SPRING. Indians and the springs. They are of little
historic value, being probably poetic
One-half mile north of the Seneca county
inventions. One of these generally
line is a beautiful valley shaded by

604
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 605

accredited is, that a council of chiefs ordered source. The bay near the mouth of Green
that the spring should be forever destroyed Creek is filled with bass and other fish, but
before their unwilling departure for the they are unable to live in sulphur water,
unknown regions of the West. Logs were cut except very small solution.
and thrown into the well lengthwise, THE SENECAS .
brushes, earth and stones were piled upon
Considerable attention is given this tribe of
them, and the channel thus closed. But the
Indians, or more properly, collection of
force of the ascending current was
tribes, in the chapter relating to Ballville,
irresistible; water would plow its way
and also in the general history in the fore
through the interstices which greatly enraged
part of this volume. But as their new council
the Indians. A celebrated chief damned the
house stood within the present boundaries of
water, and to emphasize the curse which he
this township, and consequently in later
had pronounced, placed the muzzle of his
years the seat of empire changed, it is proper
heavily charged musket in the stubborn
that something should be said in this
stream, and fired, but the barrel burst, which
connection descriptive of the habits and life
indicated the disapprobation of the Great
of these semi-barbarians.
Spirit, and no further attempts to destroy this
They had been driven from their native
healer of man's infirmities were made by the
homes in New York, corrupted by contact
red men.
with the border settlements, and as we find
The water has been known to possess
them in this county from 1818 to 1831,
healing properties ever since the first
confined to a comparatively small tract of
settlement of the country. Year by year the
forty thousand acres. The general description
number who came to receive its benefits,
which we here present is based upon an
increased, until better accommodations
interview with judge Hugh Welsh, of Seneca
became desirable. In the summer of 1868
county, who knew these people well. He, in
Robert Smith, the owner of the property,
fact, was one among them. It will be seen
organized a stock company for the
that the distance between the red-skin and
improvement of the grounds and the erection
the white-skin was not so great as is
of suitable buildings. Having had the water
commonly supposed.
analyzed, the company became sanguine of
The members of the several tribes—
being able to build up a great health
Wyandots, Mohawks, Oneidas, and Senecas
institution. A large hotel and water cure
—did not speak a language sufficiently
building was erected, and has been open for
uniform in vocabulary to carry on common
the reception of patients and visitors since
conversation. They, however, made each
that time. The company is largely indebted
other understand their simple wants. Their
to Dr. Sprague, who, by efficient
vocabularies were very different. The
management, gave the institution a full share
Wyandots called tobacco "hamahmah," the
of its well deserved popularity.
Senecas and Mohawks, "mah." The
From the spring a stream capable of
Mohawks called a knife "winnasrah,"
turning a large mill, flows through a beauti-
accenting the last syllable, while the Senecas
ful glen. The water at several places in
accented next to the last.
Green Creek township contains mineral
Quite a number of the Indians had shanties
solutions, but nowhere in such per tentage as
built of twelve foot poles, notched at the
at Green Spring. Fish come up Green Creek
corners like a corn crib, and covered with
to within about four miles of its
bark. The roof, was also made
606 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of bark weighted down with poles. They lived off square and cutting or burning out the
in these huts winter and summer, except when centre. The pestle was a hard piece of iron-
hunting. They frequently made expeditions to wood, made round at both ends. The squaws
trap, hunt, and make sugar. There was more did the pounding as well as cooking. Meat
game here than further west where there were was usually boiled with the corn. A
more Indians. There were plenty of deer, bear, peculiarity of their eating was that only one
and wolves. There never were any beaver in article was eaten at a time. They never
this vicinity. Venison was the staple food, but mixed different kinds of food in their
in winter, while the deer were poor in mouths.
consequence of snow on the .ground, Their corn was long-eared, and had eight
raccoons, turkeys, etc., were used for food rows of grains, sometimes entirely blue,
instead of venison. Indians are born strategists some almost black, and some a mixture or
as well as hunters. Close observation and white, blue, and black. It is raised in this
native ingenuity enabled them to invent calls county yet sometimes, the seed having come
by which deer and turkeys were enticed from the Indians.
almost within reach. Turkeys were called by Their kettles were of copper or brass, and
hiding behind a log and sucking air through held from ten to fifteen gallons. These were
the bone of a turkey wing. In this way a sound used for making sugar and hominy. They
was made identical with that of a tame turkey made considerable sugar which was used for
hen. The deer call was made by blowing sweetening corn. They tapped the trees by
through a hollow piece of wood with one end cutting in notches with hatchets, and made
stopped up and a hole cut in at the side, over troughs of elm bark, for catching the sap.
which was fastened a piece of metal. The Canoes were made of the same material.
sound was like that of a young fawn bleating In the absence of kettles the meat and corn
ma-aa-a. was placed on sticks and roasted. The
These Indians had a great many ponies, Indians were particularly fond of roasting
almost every man owning one. Many of the ears. They usually ate in smell companies, in
squaws were also expert riders. The only relationships rather than in families. At
grain they cultivated was corn, which they times food was hard to get, the supply of
raised in little patches. The corn raised on a corn having been exhausted, and game
quarter of an acre would keep two or three scarce in spring time. Occasionally they
individuals in that article a whole winter. were driven to the necessity of boiling old
Several methods were employed for preparing deer heads, which were anything but savory.
corn, but the common practice was to boil the The boys used for hunting, bows and
grain whole, the hull having been removed arrows. The arrows used for shooting low
with lye. There was, however, variety in the were made with heavy steel points, bought
manner of serving their plain fare. The corn ready made. Feathers set on with a twist
was sometimes pounded to a meal and sifted were always used on the sharp arrows. They
through a skin with holes punched in it. The hunted squirrels with a blunt arrow, on
meal was baked into bread, and the coarser which there was no feather. Boys were given
pieces remaining in the sieve were made into the rifle at the age of eighteen. Grown
hominy. The pounding was done in a mortar Indians generally hunted with the rifle.
made by cutting a tree These Indians were almost incessant
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 607

smokers. Smoking is one of the few customs them. The Indians were fond of paints, using them
especially in their war dances. For red they used blood-
of civilized society to which the red man root; for yellow, some other root, the name of which is
takes naturally. Drinking stimulants is not recalled; and for black, coal mixed with grease or
another. The inference is that all humanity is oil.
naturally predisposed to both. The Senecas The Indians indulged much in gaming,
smoked tobacco and the bark of wahoo, foot-racing, horse-racing, and wrestling be-
which they called kannakanick. They also ing the favorite sports. The burial customs of
smoked the bark of a species of dogwood, the Wyandots were like the whites. The
and sometimes mixed all three of these Mohawks buried along Honey Creek, in
articles in the same pipe. They were what Seneca county. The body was placed in a
has been termed aesthetic smokers, never sort of box made of slabs or poles. The
indulging except when at leisure, which was Sauks, Foxes, and Pottawattomies placed the
the greater part of the time. body in a sitting posture on the ground, and
These Indians did their own tanning. If a built a pen around of sticks and logs.
hide was dry, they soaked it in the water of a SETTLEMENT.
running stream. They then stretched it over a Sometime during the war of 1812 Samuel
smooth log the size of a man's leg, and with Pogue, a soldier in General Harrison's army,
a knife-blade placed in a curved stick, would drove a stake near the spring in the west part
scrape off all the hair and outside skin; then of Clyde, and declared his intention of
turning, they scraped off the flesh, and laid settling at that place after the cessation of
the skin out to dry. They then soaked them hostilities. It is also learned from tradition
in deer's brains and warm water worked into that after viewing the surrounding country
a suds. After leaving them to soak two or from the elevation on the other side of the
three days, these self-taught tanners dressed creek, he ventured the prophesy that
them by rubbing with a stone much like sometime A town would occupy that land.
those called axes, which are sometimes This prophesy was made nearly seventy
ploughed up in the fields. The skins were years ago, when Fort Stephenson and a few
frequently palled during this operation. The army trails were the only evidence, in this
leather thus tanned was colored by digging a county, of the existence of white men; when
hole in the ground, hanging the hides on the forest abounded in the native animals of
sticks standing upright in this hole and the locality; railroads existed only in the
throwing in burning rotten wood until the fancy of dreamy philosophers. But when Mr.
color suited. Pogue, in 1820, came to take formal
Judge Welsh says: possession of the land lie had selected, he
When I first knew the Indians, the men dressed in
moccasins and leggings, a calico shirt reaching to the found a hastily built cabin occupied by the
knees or hips, and above a jacket, or some garment. The family of Jesse Benton. Benton had preceded
principal dress was, however, one of the Canadian him but a few weeks, and was attracted by
blankets fastened with a belt. The arm was protected
with deer-skin from brush in the woods. They wore
the same spring and general surroundings. A
bracelets and ornaments on the breast. The squaws wore squatter's title is possession, and Benton had
broadcloth long enough to fasten with a belt at the waist. possession, but being a typical squatter Mr.
Above they wore a jacket; they had moccasins and Pogue surmised his weak point and brought
leggings. They wore hats got from the whites, when they
could get them, otherwise nothing. Leggings were worn to bear on him the strongest temptation to
much by the whites; rattlesnakes could not well strike abdicate the favorite tract.
through
608 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

The offer of a barrel of whiskey accom- to live in the wild country where he could
plished the purpose, and the cabin was supply the simple wants of his appetite
vacated. Benton built a cabin further up the without the inconvenience of hard labor. He
creek, and put out a tavern sign. This was an reasoned well that it would be folly to stir
ideal pioneer tavern. One of the early settlers his blood by swinging an axe for the benefit
of York township informs us that he once of the man who would eventually crowd him
stopped at Benton's when the table fare off. This class of squatters became a peculiar
consisted entirely of squash. It was not the people. Living between the savage red man
fault of the proprietor of this forest tavern, and the hard working pioneer, they became
for it was simply impossible to obtain other semi-savage. It should, therefore, be
food. remembered that there is a wide difference
But before proceeding with this sketch it is between "squatters" and "squatter settlers,"
proper that we should go back to mention the of which last-named class the pioneers of
first family in the township—the Bakers. Green Creek belong. Thus having given a
Samuel Baker, sr., emigrated from New glimpse of the beginning of white
York to Ohio in the winter of 1818 with a occupation, we will now proceed to sketch
family of one son and four daughters. This briefly the general settlement of the town-
was the first family to penetrate the woods ship.
of Green Creek and begin life among the Amos Fenn was born in Litchfield county,
Indians. The oldest son, Samuel, who died Connecticut, in September, 1793. His
recently, was acquainted with the life of this educational facilities were limited, but a
community from its beginning. A biography taste for reading led him to employ his
of the family will be found in this volume. leisure time in the acquisition of informa-
The Cleveland family settled in this tion, so that he became a remarkably well
township soon afterwards. A biographical posted man. At the age of fifteen, his father
sketch is given in this chapter. having died, he was apprenticed at the trade
Samuel Pogue was accompanied to the of house carpentering. In 1817 he came to
township by his stepson, Lyman F. Miller, Ohio, and landed first at the mouth of the
Silas Dewey, Giles Thompson, and Amos Huron, then went to Ogontz Place, now
Fenn. The farm on which lie built his cabin Sandusky. He was accompanied on this
and commenced a clearing was purchased at journey by Silas Dewey, with whom he
the first Government sale. After the death of afterwards came to Green Creek. While at
Mr. Pogue it came into possession of his Sandusky he made the acquaintance of W. B.
stepson, Lyman Miller, and his son-in-law, Smith, whose sister he married. In February,
George R. Brown, who, after the railroads 1820, he joined the party consisting of the
were built laid it out in lots, as will be seen Pogue family, Silas Dewey, and Giles
further along. Thompson, and came to Clyde. Mr. Camp
These first families, Clevelands, Bakers, was at that time making the survey of the
Pogue, Dewey, and Fenn, were not squatters Indian purchase, and found Mr. Fenn a
in the common sense of that term. They valuable employee. When the land came into
came with the idea of staying-improving market; Mr. Fenn made a purchase and
their farms and buying the land when it was started an improvement. He was in the habit
placed upon the market. The squatter, in the of saving the odds and ends of time. He
commonly accepted sense of the term, was occupied bad weather in the manufacture
one who found a place
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 609

of chairs, which were in demand. Their liman, resided in Green Creek some time,
substitution for slab benches was greatly and died in Michigan. Laura married John
appreciated by the labor-burdened settlers. Davidson, and died in this town-ship.
Mr. Fenn served as justice of the peace for a Chaplin and Lucinda (Sutliff) Rathbun
period of eighteen years from 1843. He was came from Lorain county in 1824. They
also a local preacher of the Methodist were born in New York State. Of their
church. Mrs. Fenn died in June, 1839. In children one son and four daughters are
1840 he married Mrs. Brace, of Erie county, living, viz: Saxton S., Janet (Cleveland), and
who is yet living. Mr. Fenn died January 16, Catharine (Huss), Green Creek S Sarah
1879. (Foster) and Eliza (Hunter), in Indiana.
Lyman Miller removed from New York S. S. Rathbun was born in Livingston
with his mother, his father having died some county, New York, in 1813. In 1835 he
years before, and settled at Huron. His married Barbara Huss. She bore hire eleven
mother was married to Samuel Pogue at sons and two daughters. The daughters and
Huron, who in 1820 came to Green Creek. five of the sons are still living, viz: Norton
Mr. Miller attended the first school in the G., Green Creek; Saxton Burton, Green
township, which was taught by Joshua Creek; Chaplin L., Ballville; Mary Lucinda
Fairchilds. In 1835 he married Melissa (Storer), Green Creek; Martin Brace, Green
Harkness, daughter of Dr. Harkness, of the Creek; Orvilla (Sackrider), Green Creek; and
Corners. His connection with the founding John E., Ballville.
of Clyde is noticed in this chapter. Norton G. Rathbun was born in Sandusky
Giles Thompson, who lived on the op- county, Ohio, September 19, 1839. He is a
posite side of the creek from Mr. Pogue, was son of Saxton S. and Barbara Rathbun, of
a man of good character. His wife was an this township. Mr. Rathbun was brought up
invalid. and educated in Green Creek township.
Jonathan Rathbun, grandfather of Saxton When young he travelled for some time in
S. Rathbun, one of the oldest residents of the the West. He was married December 25,
county, came to Sandusky county in 1820, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Hufford, daughter of
and settled on what is now known as the Cornelius and Mary Hufford, of Ballville
Persing farm. He had four sons—Clark, township. They have three children—Edwin,
Chaplin, Lucius, and Martin. Clark remained Arthur, and Herman. Mr. Rathbun was
a few years, and then returned to New York. elected county commissioner in 1878, and is
Chaplin lived and died in this township, on at present serving in that capacity.
the place where S. S. Rathbun now lives. Previously he was superintendent of the
Lucius remained in the township, and reared infirmary.
a large family. He died in Michigan. Martin Samuel McMillan came from Livingston
lived in the township a number of years, county, New York, to Thompson township,
moved to Michigan, and died there. The Seneca county, in 1818, where he improved
daughters were: Sally, Marvel, Eliza, and a farm and planted apple and peach seeds. In
Laura. Sally married Roswell Merrill, lived 1821 he purchased a tract of land near the
in Green Creek some years, and then present site of Clyde, and removed there
returned to New York. Marvel married with his family, consisting of a wife and five
Lyman Jones, and lived and died in the children. He brought to the
township. Eliza married Anon Mil-
610 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

township the first fruit trees—the growth full list is given: Jared H. Miner, Moses
from the seeds planted in Seneca county. Cleveland, Josiah Rumery, Andrew Matoon,
Their children settled as follows: Samuel, in Abram Mauleray, Rozel Merrel, Samuel
Central Ohio; Henry (deceased), in the Pogue, Andrew McNutt, Levi Fox, Levi F.
western part of Clyde; Sibyl, wife of Norton Tuttle, Jacob Wessels, James Guinall, Levi
Russell, York township; Nancy, widow of Dunham, John J. Quackenbush, Lucius
Elder Isaac May, Townsend; Luther P. Rathbun, Samuel McMillan, George Jones,
settled in Wisconsin, where he died; Betsy Joshua Woodard; Samuel S. Baker, George
died at Amsden's Corners, in 1818. Kemp, Albert Guinall, Samuel Baker, Jesse
Henry McMillan married Sophia Beau- Emerson, Harris Reed, Hiram Baker, Jesse
camp, a native of Guernsey Island, France. Benton, Alexander McMurray, Jonathan
Their family consisted of seven children, Rathbun, Benjamin Collins, Gideon P.
only two of whom are living—Nancy and Chauncy, Clark Cleveland, Abraham Spunn.
Mary. Nancy married Ezra Hall, who was We add one more list of electors, that of
born in Vermont, in 1829. He came to Clyde the October election, 1831: George S.
in 1852, being employed under a contract to Beven, William Helens, William McPherson,
lay railroad iron on the Lake Shore & Nathan Worster, Boston Shoup, John J.
Michigan Southern railroad. He has made Quackenbush, Silas Grover, Amos H.
Clyde his home since that time. In 1853 he Hammond, Luther Porter, Elisha Babcock,
was married to Nancy McMillen, who was Reuben Tilson, Silas Dewey, Elial Curtis,
born in 1833. He is now engaged in Hiram Hurd, James Morrill, Lucius Rathbun,
gardening at Clyde. Their family consisted Hugh Graham, Isaac W. Brown, John
of one child—William. Mary McMillen is Netcher, William Netcher, George Hemp,
married to Gideon Rhodes, of Clyde. They Jacob Wessels, Jacob Daggot, John Monroe,
have two children. Chaplin Rathbun, George Jones, Orsanus
The following list of voters shows who Barnard, Hiram Rice, Shubel Reynolds,
were residents of the township in 1822. The James Gruinall, James Rumery, Erastus
poll is of the fall election: Samuel S. Baker, Tuttle, Elijah Buell, Jared Hoadley, Samuel
Benjamin Collings, Joshua Woodard, Samuel McMillen, Jason Judd.
Uttley, Samuel Pogue, Josiah Rumery, Levi So rapidly did the township fill up after the
F. Tuttle, Silas Dewey, John J. initial, improvements had been made that it
Quackenbush, Jared H. Miner, Clark is impossible even to give the names of all
Cleveland, Moses Cleveland, Clark settlers, even those who built permanent
Cleveland, jr., Jesse Benton, Roswell homes. This part of the county has been
Merrell, Jacob H. Benjamin, Jonathan particularly favored with a progressive,
Rathbun, Andrew McNutt, Lucius Rathbun, energetic class of people who have
and Levi Sawyer. The whole number of accumulated wealth, and given praise worthy
votes at this election was twenty. At the first attention to matters of general culture and
election, held the preceding spring, there refinement. Brief mention of some of the
were seventeen votes cast, but the list of leading families will not be inappropriate in
names was not preserved. At the election this connection.
held in the spring of 1823, thirty-two votes Elisha and Prudence (Hinkley) Babcock
were polled. As these poll sheets came from Middlesex, Ontario county, New
approximately indicate the changes and York, in 1823, and settled on
increase of population, the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 611

Butternut Ridge in Green Creek township, Adam Smith, a native of Pennsylvania,


where they lived and died. They were among came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1820. and
the very first settlers, and located in the then four years later settled in the western part of
almost unbroken wilderness. They came by Green Creek. He died in 1854. Mrs. Smith,
team all the way from New York State, from whose maiden name was Fanny Johnson, died
Buffalo going a part of the distance upon the in 1879. Their children were Mary
ice, and arrived in the township in the month (Brunthaver), Catharine (Preston), Samuel,
of March. The first few weeks after their Adam, and David.
arrival the family lived in an old sugar Noah and Mary (Burkolder) Huss, natives
shanty until a cabin could be erected. After of Pennsylvania, settled in Fairfield county in
he had arrived and settled down, Mr. 1822, and in 1825 in Green Creek township.
Babcock found himself with a cash capital of Two of their sons and four of their daughters
just two shillings. are still living, viz: Mrs. Eleanor Hawk,
Elisha Babcock died in 1841, aged fifty- Green Creek; James Huss, Centreville,
four years; Mrs. Babcock in 1857, aged Michigan; Mrs. Barbara Rathbun and Mrs. M.
seventy-four. They were the parents of three J. McIntyre, Green Creek; Jacob Huss, in
sons and two daughters. Their oldest child, California, and Mrs. Martha Conelly in Iowa.
Esther, was married to Mr. Walldorff in New Joseph Hawk was born in Pickaway county,
York State before her parents came to Ohio, in 1814. He came to Sandusky county in
and remained there until tier decease. Laura 1825. He married for his first wife Sarah
became Mrs. Chapel, and afterwards the wife Tillotson, by whom he had, four children. For
of J. C. Coleman, of Fremont. She is also his second wife he married Martha Harris, by
dead. Clark, who married Ann Lee, died in whom he had eight children, all of whom are
Porter county, Indiana. Hiram married Mary living. Mr. Hawk has always given his
Ann Lay, and after her decease Josephine exclusive attention to farming.
Woodruff. He died upon the old place in Truman Grover was born in New York,
Green Creek township about nine years ago. March 13, 1810. He came to Green Creek in
He has seven children living—three in this 1826, and in 1835 married Catharine Swart.
county, viz: Thomas, Green Creek; Margaret Their family consists of seven children, viz:
(Leslie); Michigan; Prudence (Drown), Eunice (Perin); Milo, Frank, Margaret
Pennsylvania; Mary (dray),Wood county; (Clapp), Enos, Melvina (Hart), and Ella.
Mahala (Craig), Iowa; Clementine, and Ransom died at the age of twenty-one years.
Harry, Green Creek. Mr. Grover has probably made more railroad
Merlin Babcock, the only representative of ties than any man in the township, having
the original family, was born in 1819, and furnished the ties for twenty-eight miles of
now resides in York township. For his first the Michigan & Dayton; while for the
wife he married Almira Dirlam. There were Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati, he
three children by this marriage: Sarah furnished all the bridge and culvert timber
(Craig), Franklin county; Callie (Kinney), from Green Spring to Castalia. Commencing
York township, and Frank, Clyde. For his in 1838 he worked about three years on the
second wife Mr. Babcock married Agnes old Ohio railroad.
Donaldson. John, the only child by this One of the old residents, William E. Lay,
union, is now a resident of Colorado. was born in Seneca county (now
612 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Tompkins county), New York, October 20, (Huss), Green Creek; and Benjamin A., a
180g. His parents, John and Mary Lay, physician at Republic, Seneca county, While
moved to Ohio in 1816; stopped in Huron Mr. Storer was in Brooklyn he carried on the
county a little over a year; moved to Seneca business of tanning; since he settled in this
county and remained there until 1828, when county he has been a farmer. Mr. Storer is a
they came to Sandusky county: John Lay Republican. Both he and his wife are
died at the age of eighty-four, his wife at the members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
age of seventy-six. William E. Lay was Francis and Sarah (Swope) Ramsey came
married, April 11, 1-833, to Margaret Lee, of from Fairfield county, Ohio, to San. dusky
Adams township, Seneca county. They have county in 1830. Three of their children are
had eleven children, nine of whom survive. living—David, in Green Creek; Jane, in
The oldest, Minerva, died in infancy; Clyde; and Frank, in Kansas. George died at
Harkness N., resides at Clyde; Elizabeth, at Clyde in 1879.
home; Cornelia (Lefever), Green Creek; David Ramsey was born in Fairfield
Henry S., at home; Clementine, at home; county in 1820. He married Sarah Ann York,
Frank, died at Savannah, Georgia, while in by whom he had two children—Ella
his country's service, in the nineteenth year (Waugh) and Euphemia (Combs). Mr.
of his age. He was in the Seventy-second Ramsey married, for his second wife,
Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was a prisoner at Charlotte McHenry, by whom he had three
Andersonville, and the hardships and children, two of whom are living, Belle and
deprivations of that prison doubtless caused Grace. Mr. Ramsey has served in various
his death. Harkness was a member of the local official capacities.
same regiment and was also imprisoned. Willard Perin was born in Massachusetts in
Fidelia married Cyrus Alexander, Erie 1802. The family removed to New York, and
county. Alice is the wife of Cyrus L. thence to Ohio in 1833. In 1833 Willard
Hamden, Clyde. William B. and Mabel are at married Lucy Gale, and lives on the same
home. farm on which he settled that year. Mrs.
Samuel Storer was born near the city of Perin died July 31, 1881, aged seventy.
Portland, Maime, January 22, 1807. He came Their children are: Willard Henry, born in
to Ohio with his parents, Joseph and 1833, killed by a threshing machine in
Charlotte Storer, who were among the Michigan in 1862; Dolly Rebecca, born
pioneers. They settled at Zanesville in 1816; 1835, the wife of James B. Drown, Green
remained there ten years, moving to Creek; William Taylor, born 1837; Fernando
Cuyahoga county in 1827. Mr. Storer moved C., born 1839, died in Michigan in 1863;
to Sandusky county in 1863. He was Austin G., born 1841, resides at Green
married, in 1831, to Sarah J. Fish, a daughter Creek; Lucy A., born 1844, married Milo
of James Fish, the first permanent settler in Grover, Green Creek; Bloomy E., born 1847,
Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. They married John Shaw, Green Creek; Genevra
have seven children living, and three A., born 1850, Green Creek.
deceased, viz: Samuel Elisha (deceased); John T. Perin, brother of Willard, was born
Sarah (Pool), Green Creek; Miranda P. in 1820. He came to this county in 1833. In
(Cunningham), Clyde; James, Cleveland; 1848 he married Miss Gale, by whom he has
Mary J. (Clapp), Green Creek; Susan M. four children.
(deceased); Charles W., Green Creek; John William T. Perin, son of Willard Perin,
W. (deceased); Henrietta
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 613

married Eunice Grover, of this township, and 1812. Mr. Hawk died, in 1855, aged fifty
has five children—Perry, Willie, Fannie, years. He was the father of fourteen
Frank, and Bertie. children, thirteen living: David, Green
Christian Huss was born February 21, Creek; John, California; Mary (Hutchins),
1815, and married, in 1837, Catharine Ballville; Lewis, died in Andersonville
Rathbun, who was born in Ontario county, prison—was in the Seventy-second Regi-
New York, in 1818. Her parents removed ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Noah, Green
thence to Lorain county, and a few years Creek; Charles, Iowa; George, Green Creek;
later to Sandusky county. Ten of her twelve Elizabeth (Parker), Iowa; James, Green
children are living, viz.: Chaplin, Eliza Creek; Eliza (Scholey), Clyde; Clementine
(Morrison), Noah B., Burr, Maurice L., Jane (Flora), Green Creek; Clarissa (Moore),
(McMillan), Oliver P., Barbara (Young), Wood county; Cyrus, Green Creek; Alice
Saxton, and Christian E. Christian Huss died (Young), Green Creek.
in 1864, aged forty-nine years. He came David Hawk is a son of David and Eleanor
from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1824. (Huss) Hawk, both of whom were members
Hosea and Mary (Harrington) Harnden of some of the early families which settled in
came to the county about 1835, and lived this township. Mr. Hawk was born in Green
about one year on what is now the Hildwein Creek township February 6, 1830, and his
farm. Then they moved and lived in different home has been here ever since, excepting
parts of the State until 1849, when they about one year, which he spent in California
returned to the township and settled where at the time. of the gold digging excitement.
Kneeland Harnden now lives. Jonathan Mr. Hawk was married, September 1, 1853,
Harnden, son of Hosea, came with his to Mary O. McIntyre, daughter of Oliver and
parents. He married Nancy Smith in Huron Maria (Tyler) McIntyre. His parents. were
county, and was the father of nine children, both natives of New York, and she was born
six of whom are living, located as follows: in Otsego county December 7, 1833. To Mr.
Hosea and Kneeland, Green Creek; Smith, in and Mrs. Hawk have been born five children,
Ottawa county; Alexander and Cyrus L., viz: Frederick, who married Flora Short, and
Clyde, Mary (Tuttle), Clyde. Jonathan resides in this township; Maria, Oliver,
Harnden died in 1867, aged fifty-two years, Ralph, and Laura residing at home.
and Nancy Hamden in 1873, aged fifty-eight. Charles Brush was born in the State of
Kneeland Harnden was born July 3, 1841, in Pennsylvania, March 30, 1816. In the spring
Huron county, now Ashland county, and of 1833 he came to Ohio with his parents,
came to Sandusky county with his parents. Medad and Armida Brush, who located on
In 1865 he married Hattie Fuller of the farm in Green Creek which he still
Townsend township. They have two occupies. The Brush family consisted of four
children, Minnie and John. children—Charles and three sisters: Mary
David Hawk was a native of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth (Thorp), Sally, Martha (Dawley),
and came to Ohio with his parents, Conrad and Amanda Jane (Gray). Mrs. Gray died
and Elizabeth Hawk, when five years old. some years ago. The others all reside in
They lived in Huron county, and. later came Green Creek township. Charles Brush was
to Sandusky county. In 1819 David Hawk married, October 26, 1856, to Hannah F.
married Peanar Buss, barn in Pennsylvania Swart, daughter of Conrad and Margaret
in Swart,
614 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of Green Creek. This union has resulted in family by this wife consisted of twelve
two children: Pamela Aurelia, wife of children, six of whom are living, viz.: Lewis,
Wilton C. Gray, Clyde, and Sarah Jane, wife Martin, William, Margaret, Delilah, and
of Willard S. Drown, Green Creek. They Martha. Mr. Brunthaver died in 1859, the
have also an adopted son, Stephen Sodan, patriarch of a large and respect. able family.
now about twenty-one years of age. Mr. Peter Brunthaver was born in Fairfield
Brush has held various local offices. county in 1823. He married, in 1847, Mary J.
Orrin and Annis (Gibbs) Dirlam were Cook, and has a family of seven children
natives of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Dirlam living, viz.: Charles E., Washington, District
died there. In 1833 Mr. Dirlam moved with of Columbia; Samuel W., Wood county;
his family to Green Creek township. Three Orrin J., Ballville; Frank P., Ballville;
of their sons and one daughter are still Lucinda J. (Dawley), Green Creek; Ellen E.
living: Martin Dirlam, Ashland county; Mrs. (Bennett), Wood county, and Minnie E.,
Mary Hutchinson, Green Creek; Franklin Ballville. Mr. Brunthaver, by trade, is a
Dirlam, Townsend; and James Dirlam, Wood carpenter. He lives on a farm in Ballville
county. Franklin Dirlam was born in township. Levis Brunthaver was born in
Blandford, Massachusetts, December 12, Green Creek township in 1839. In 1860 he
1814; came to Ohio with his parents, who married Laurena Forgerson. Two of their
settled in Green Creek township. Mr. Dirlam four children are living, Elnora and Ralph.
was married in 1855 to Rebecca Van William Brunthaver was born on the old
Buskirk, a native of Tuscarawas county, homestead in 1850. In 1874 he married—
born in 1828. Her parents, William and Annis Smith. Meta O. is their only child.
Jemima (Lindsey) Van Buskirk, are residents John Brunthaver was born in Fairfield
of Riley, where they settled in 1833. Mr. and county in 1815. In 1846 he married Matilda
Mrs. Dirlam have five children living, two Schouten and has six children—Esther (Jay),
deceased: Howard, in Michigan; Adele, in this county; Mary (Waltrus), near Genoa,
deceased; Etina, Burt, Inez, Henry B., at Ohio; J. W. Rodolphus, Lavina, and Flora, in
home. The next, a son, died in infancy. Mr. Green Creek. Five children died before
Dirlam served in the Mexican war over a reaching maturity.
year under Colonel Bruff. He has resided in Daniel Dawling was born in New York, in
Townsend since 1856, and has held the 1813, and came to Ohio in 1835, locating in
office of township trustee. this township. In 1835 he married Emily
Adam Brunthaver, father of the Woodward, who was born in New York but
Brunthavers of Green Creek and Ballville came to Ohio when two year, old, in 1815.
townships, was born in Pennsylvania in She died August 26, 1870, leaving five
1787. He married Mary Ridenhour, and first children, viz: Zerruah, wife of H. J. Potter,
settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1835. Ballville; Susan O., wife of Jeremiah Wolf,.
the family moved to this county and settled Green Creek; Martha M., wife of Amon
in Green Creek. The family consisted of ten Kelsey, Ballville;. Emily, wife of J. W.
children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Knapp, Riley township; and Frances, wife of
Henry, John, Peter, Mary, Christina, U. H. Palmer, of Lorain county. Mr. Dawley
Elizabeth, and Leah. Mrs. Mary Brunthaver married for his second wife Mrs. Martha
died in 1835. He married again in 1839, (Ball) Gale, Mrs. Dawley had two children
Mary Smith. The by a former
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 615

Marriage—Charles J. Higgins, residing in Nebraska; and Francis M., in Green Creek. He


Kansas, and Adelia Higgins, deceased. married for his second wife Annie Huss. One
Elisha Dawley was born in Montgomery child is living, Ellen (Phillips), in Colorado.
county, New York, in 1815. In 1839 lie came For his third wife Mr. Hutchins married Sarah
to Ohio and settled on the farm on which he V. Brumley, by whom he has six children
now resides. In 1843 he married Sallie living, viz: Eveline (Upton), Clara, George,
Brush, who has borne him six children, viz: Flora, Robert, and Ida J. Mr. Hutchins served
Charles, in Green Creek; Armida (Thraves), as township trustee several terms.
Ballville; Mary (Moore), Wood county; Joel Moore was born in New Jersey in
Emeretta (Meggit), Green Creek; Randolph, 1825. Three years later his father removed to
Ballville, and Elsner, Green Creek. Mr. Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1839 to
Dawley in New York engaged in the Sandusky county. Joel Moore, who resides
manufacture of gloves and mittens. upon the farm on which his father settled,
George T. Dana was born in Pembrook, married Mahala Reed, of Knox county.
Western New York, in 1829. With his Three children by this marriage are living—
parents, Daniel H. and Philinda Dana, he Milton, Isaac, and Robert. Mr. Moore
came to Sandusky county, where his home married for his second wife Mary Dice, by
has been ever since. Mr. Dana remained at whom he has five children, viz: John J.,
home and worked in his father's shill at Alice, Laura, Cora, and Jennie. When the
Green Spring until lie began business for Moore family settled in this township only
himself. He was engaged in stock buying a one acre was. cleared on the tract which is
number of years with Mr. Crockett; now known as the Moore homestead.
afterwards was employed. in the same W. C. Lefever, a son of John Lefever, was
business at Bellevue for three years by born in this township in 1836. In 1866 he
Chapman & Woodward. He next managed married Lizzie Mackey, a native of Ross
the grain warehouse of Mr. Woodward at county. Mr. Lefever taught school in
Clyde one year. From 1862 until 1876 Mr. Missouri before the war. He entered the
Dana was engaged in the lumber business in army as private, and was mustered out with
Fremont with N. C. West. Since that time he the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
has been living upon his farm three miles J. D. Lefever was born in this township in
east of Fremont. Mr. Dana was married in 1838. In 1865 he married Cornelia Lay. Mr.
November, 1868, to Miss Sophia Ables, of Lefever served during the war about three
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They have three years in the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer
children living, one deceased. The names are Infantry.
as follows: Philinda H., Grace T., Marion Jonathan Spohn was born in Perry county,
(deceased), and An1anda C. Mr. Dana is a Ohio, January 10, 1822. He came to
Republican. He was census enumerator in Sandusky county in 1843. In 1844 he
1880. married Elizabeth Brunthaver. Three
George Hutchins was horn in Onondaga children are living and one dead—Adam,
county,. New York, May 5, 1811. He Jacob A., and Mary E., all live in this
married, in 1833, Matilda Anthony, and in county; Francis M. died at the age of
1836 came to Sandusky county, Ohio. Three eighteen. Mr. Spohn worked at
children by his first wife are living—Willet, blacksmithing some time, but has been
in this county; Maria (Bush); in farming
616 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

a number of years. He has a good farm of Indiana; Elijah in Riley, and George in
seventy-six acres, situated on the turnpike, two Green Creek. His first wife having died he
miles east of Fremont. Mr. Spohn is a married Rebecca Pocock, and has four
Democrat in politics, and belongs to the children—Eliza J., Ruth E., Daniel I., and
Lutheran church. Eve A. Mr. Pocock settled in this township
Benjamin Colwell was born at Poolville, in 1845.
New York, in 1810. In 1829 lie came to Ohio, Sidney Tuck was born in Wayne county,
stopping first in Seneca county. He then New York. In 1835 he settled on Butternut
removed to Huron county, and from there to Ridge, in Seneca, with his parents, John and
York township, this county, where he resided Eunice Tuck. The same year he introduced
five years. In 1849 he removed to Green Creek the first steam threshing machine ever in this
township, which has been his home since that part of the State. In 1851 Mr. Tuck married
time. He married, in 1830, Lydia Philo. Two Lydia Lee, a native of Seneca county. Their
children are living—Sarah (French) and Frank family consists of three children—Elva
E., both in this township. William E. died in (Colwell), Ward, and Harry. Mr. Tuck
the army, having been a member of the carried on wagon-making and farming. He
Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; John, died June 29, 1880, aged sixty-two years.
the second child; died when fourteen years old. Alexander Kernahan, a native of Ireland,
Mr. Colwell engaged in the merchant tailoring settled in this county in 1854. He died June
business in Clyde for three years. Joseph and 3, 1876, aged seventy-five years. His widow,
Mary Philo came to this county with Mr. Mrs. Hannah Kernahan, is still living. She is
Colwell and lived here until their decease. the mother of three children, who are living
William Hughes, a native of Philadelphia, James; Eliza, and Ambrose, all residents of
died in 1875, aged about seventy-three. He Green Creek. James Kernahan was born
married Mary Ann Ramsey, by whom he had a April 11, 1830, in Onondaga county, New
family of eight children, four of whom are York. Eliza Kernahan was born in the same
living-James, C. J., Melvina E. (Spade), and locality January 7, 1832. Ambrose Cernahan
George. Mrs. Hughes came to Ohio from was born in Livingston county, New York,
Pennsylvania, where she was born, with her July 19, 1836. He married Elizabeth
parents, Charles and Sarah (Hughes) Ramsey. McKinney, a native of that county,
There were four children in this family, who Constantine Meyer was born in Germany
are still living, Mrs. Hughes being the oldest. in 1836. He settled in this county in 1854. In
Her parents first settled in Ohio in Columbiana 1858 he married Barbara Schreiner, who
county, and moved to Sandusky county in bore four children-Ezra, Caroline, Ida, and
1830. Clara, all living. For his second wife he
Daniel Pocock was born in Baltimore county, married Sarah Schupert, who bore four
Maryland, in 1813. Five years later his father children—Rawley (deceased), Frank,
came to Ohio and settled near Canal Dover, in Wesley, and Lilly. His third wife was
Tuscarawas county. In 1834 he married Margaret Schuster, with whom he is now
Elizabeth Malone, by whom he had twelve living. She has one child—Gertie.
children, five of whom are living—Levi and Richard E. Betts was born in Cayuga
Elias in Green Creek township; Mary Ann county, New York, in 1829. His parents
(Walters), in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 617

were Zachariah and Maria Betts. In 1834 The coarse bolts removed only the useless
Richard came to Ohio with them. They hull, leaving the hard but nutritious
located in Seneca county. In 1852 Mr. Betts substance of the grain in the flour. Bread
was married to Lavinia Donaldson, daughter made of this flour was rougher but had more
of George and Ann Donaldson from of the muscle-producing elements in it. Mr.
Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Ohio at Rumery removed from Green Creek about
an early date; lived in Pickaway county, then 1830, his mill by that time having become
in Seneca county, and, in 1833, moved to inadequate to the necessities of the
this county and township. Three of their nine increasing population.
children are living, Mrs. Betts being the Another mill was built on Green Creek
oldest. Susanna (Dixon) and Samuel further down by Mr. Emerson about 1825,
Donaldson reside in Indiana. Mr. Donaldson but was used as a saw-mill only until Mr.
followed blacksmithing many years. Wilks purchased the site. He attached a
John Steffey came to Ohio when quite a grist-mill, which was in operation until
young man. He married Eve Pocock and has 1852, when the building of the Lake Shore &
a family of seven children—Christina Michigan Southern Railroad necessitated its
(Vice), Michigan; Sarah (Stokes) and removal.
Catharine (Miller), Riley township; Calvin Jacob Stine built a mill on the east branch
and Edward, Green Creek; Levi, Riley of Green Creek in 1836, which is still in
township, and Mary Ann (Wykoff), Toledo. operation.
Calvin married Emily Gilbert and has four
OTHER INDUSTRIES.
children living Jesse, W. IV., and Allen and
Ellen (twins). Mr. Kneeland Harnden has established a
successful industry—that of ice-packing. He
MILLS ON GREEN CREEK.
began packing this agreeable summer luxury
The inhabitants of this township were at in the winter of 1875. In the winter of 1880-
first wholly dependent upon the mill on Cold 81 lie stored away about two thousand tons.
Creek for flour. The slow process of Mr. Harnden was born in Ruggles township,
grinding made it extremely inconvenient, Huron county, in 1841, and in 1849 came to
and sometimes caused actual suffering, for Sandusky county with his father's family. In
the consumption of breadstuffs was faster 1865 he married Hattie Fuller. The fruit of
than the simple machinery of this pioneer this union was two children—Minnie and
mill could produce them. It was, therefore, a John.
great relief to the inhabitants of Green The largest saw-mill in the township is
Creek, particularly those living in the owned by Walter Huber. It was formerly
western part, to have a mill in their own owned by Huber & Ellsworth, and has been
neighborhood. in operation since 1873. The capacity of this
Sometime between 1821 and 1823 Josiah mill is sixteen hundred feet per day. The
Rumery built a dam on Green Creek, and with proprietor was born in this county and has
a small buhr began grinding wheat and corn. lived here nearly all his life. He married, in
Customers were compelled to assist at bolting 1866, Emeline Young, by whom he has a
their own flour, as that part of the work at that family of four children, viz: Ida, Vernon,
time had to be done with hand bolts. The Edith, and Floyd. Mr. Huber built in 1881
flour, in a sanitary point of view, was better the largest, and perhaps the finest farm-
than that produced by modern mills. house in the township.
618 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

JOHN LAY TREED BY WOLVES. the only intelligent course of action. But
while standing a moment trying to
No animal is more annoying to the pioneers comprehend the situation, the distant howl of
of a country than wolves. The bear is stronger a wolf sent whirling his meditations. An
and more dangerous when met, but with the echo seemed to curve from the other side,
first sound of the wood-man's axe he emigrates then another and another, till the dark air
to the wild seclusion for which his nature quivered with dismal, doleful barking. The
yearns. He never seeks the destroyer of his howling grew louder and more savage.
home, and only meets him when retreat is Shortly, stealthy steps and the shaking of
impossible. But howling wolves prowl about
bushes became discernible amid the general
seeking what they may devour. Fifty years ago noise. The benighted farmer, armed only
sheep, pigs, and young cattle were not safe, with a strong club, stood his ground,
even within the cabin door-yard. There is not a determined to fight, until there gleamed
county in Ohio which at some period of the through the underbrush seemingly two balls
settlement did not pay a bounty for the scalps of fire, illuminating a scarlet tongue and
of these camp followers of the army of the uncovered tusks. Fright banished the resolve
wilderness, whose peculiar business it seems to to fight, and the central figure of our picture
have been to obstruct the march of
made industrious progress toward the top of
improvement by doleful howling and nocturnal a small tree. By the time he had obtained
depredations. The record of their presence and safe footing among the branches, the hungry
conduct is found in the commissioners' journal beasts were running and jumping to and fro
in every courthouse, whether among the hills beneath, snarling and gnashing their teeth.
or in the flat country. The Black Swamp was Night progressed. The besieging beasts,
no exception. An incident is told which whose horrid confusion of noises gradually
indicates that in this neighborhood they died into a low, dreary cry, one by one stole
became even more bold and daring than their
mournfully away in search of other prey.
character would lead us to expect. Romance The man in the tree found an easy resting
writers have given startling descriptions of place between two spreading branches, and,
wolves attacking grown men, and an actual overcome by fatigue, a deep sleep buried in
occurrence in this locality proves that these oblivion all the varying emotions caused by
writers' fictions have been limited to the realm the singular evening's experience. But the
of possibility. place proved an unsafe couch. An
Mr. John Lay, about 1833, set out one unconscious turn restored consciousness to
evening on a hunt for his cows, which had the body, which fell prostrate on the ground.
straggled off far into the thick woods of the
The fall resulted seriously. One leg was
northern part of Thompson township and did broken and his body considerably bruised.
not return. He wandered along narrow paths, He was unable to move, and no cabin was
his attention being so wholly occupied with the within hearing distance. Patiently he lay,
object of his search that the decline of the sun suffering the most excruciating tortures for
was not noticed, and darkness coming on nearly twelve hours, until his sons, who,
unexpectedly found him a considerable having become alarmed by his prolonged
distance from any settler's cabin and several absence were making search, found him,
miles from home. To retrace his steps seemed
wholly exhausted.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 619

ORGANIZATION. supervisors stood: Benjamin Collins, eleven;


Samuel Uttley, seven; Josiah Rumery, one;
The county commissioners resolved, at
and Jonathan Rathbun, three. It appears,
their March session, 1822, to establish the
from the number of votes some of those
fourth township of the sixteenth range a
present received, that modesty did not
town corporate. Josiah Rumery, then auditor
prevent them from voting for themselves.
of the county, issued the following notice:
The first justice of the peace was Jered H.
Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of
township four, range sixteen, known as Green Creek, to
Miner. He was the learned than of the early
meet the first Monday of April, 1822, at the house of settlement and the selection was entirely
Samuel Baker, and there proceed to elect between the proper. This office in some localities might
hours of ten and four of said day, township officers as be exalted by more care as to the quality of
the law directs in such cases made and provided.
Auditor's Office, March 9, 1822. talent selected to fill it.
By order of the commissioners, The first township charge to pass from
JOSIAH RUMERY. poor existence was Joseph Baits, who died at
The town meeting system was then yet in Baker's tavern. Bills were allowed as
vogue. The electors assembled at the house follows:
designated. John Pumphrey, Samuel Kepler To Samuel Balser, for taking care of Joseph Baits,
and Samuel Baker were appointed to act as three dollars and fifty cents, and for boards for coffin.
To Abigail Wortley, four dollars for shirt and sheet, and
judges. No party spirit divided the assembly, attendance. Amos Fenn, for furnishing coffin, two
and no candidates appeared on the field. dollars and fifty cents; and to Jonathan Forbes, M. D.,
Nothing in modern politics so nearly two dollars and ninety-six cents for treating the said
approaches one of these old town meetings Baits; James Guinall, seventy-five cents for nursing;
Prudence Benton, same; Polly McMillen, thirty-two
as a county convention of a party hopelessly cents for washing.
in the minority. No one desires to be
The first list of jurors returned were:
distinguished above his fellows, and all are
Grand Jurors—Albert Guinall, James
anxious that perfect harmony should prevail.
Guinall, Samuel S. Baker, Joshua Woodard,
The votes show almost entire unanimity. At
Jonathan Rathbun, John Harris. Petit
this first election Jered H. Miner and George
Jurors—Roswell Merrell, John J.
Hines acted as clerks. For treasurer, Silas
Quackenbush, Samuel Pogue, Jered H.
Dewey received seventeen votes; for
Miner, Moses Cleveland.
trustees, Josiah Rumery received sixteen;
Samuel Pogue, seventeen; and Samuel AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.
Baker, fifteen votes Benjamin Collins A citizens' meeting was held July 23,
received fourteen to Joseph Baits one, for 1870, in pursuance of a call issued by a
constable. Joshua Fairchild and Samuel number of citizens for the purpose of
McMillen received fourteen and thirteen instituting an agricultural fair, independent
votes respectively for overseers of the poor. of the county agricultural association. A
For appraiser of property, Samuel Baker constitution was adopted and board of
received thirteen votes; Samuel Pogue, directors appointed as follows: C. G.
fifteen: and Samuel McMillen, one. For Sanford, Lynlan Miller, David Beard, John
lister, Samuel Baker had thirteen votes. Whitmore, George Mugg, Humphrey
Jonathan Rathbun and Samuel Uttley were Whitman, David Neikirk, Charles Bell,
chosen fence-viewers. Jered H. Miner had all Alfred Stibbins, Darwin Groves, J. W.
the votes except his own for clerk. The vote Payne, M. Sanford, O. J: Stultz; and S. V.
for Hume. A. Throp was chosen president;
620 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

S. H. Rhodes, secretary; and J. T. Chapman, practice in Cayuga county, where he re-


treasurer. mained twenty-five years, and then came to
Sixteen and one-half acres of land were Ohio in 1833, settling at Hamer's Corners,
purchased by the board of directors for fair where he practiced until his death.
grounds, and preparations at once commenced Dr. Seely came from Medina to Hamer's
for the first annual exhibition. Articles of Corners about 1840. He continued practice
incorporation were filed and recorded July 28, most of the time until his death, in 1867.
1870, by J. M. Lemmon, B. French, W. H. Most of his patients remember him.
Bacon, Henry Nichols, Meek, R. F. Patrick, IV. Charles G. Eaton commenced the practice
W. White, T. W. Reed, and S. H. Rhodes. The of medicine in Athens county, Ohio, in 1849.
articles declared that the object of the After two years he removed to West
association shall be to encourage and promote Virginia, where he remained until 1853,
agriculture, stock-raising, and mechanical and when he came to Clyde and soon won the
industrial pursuits, and to hold annual fairs for confidence of the people by his skill in
the exhibition of stock and agricultural physic. Except during the four years spent in
productions. the war, he was in active practice until his
The capital stock was fixed at one hundred death, which occurred in 1875. A biography
shares at ten dollars each. of him will be found in this volume.
The exhibitions at Clyde have uniformly Dr. Treadway was a man of learning, and
been well patronized, and the eleven years of had the true instincts of a physician. He
the existence of the association prove the came to Clyde from Kentucky, and had it not
enterprise a success, not so much financially, been for his suggestion the village would be
as in the end for which it was established. called Hamerville, Middletown, or some
PHYSICIANS. other common name. He remained in
practice here but a short time.
The first resident physician of Green Creek
J. W. Luse was born in Mercer county,
township was Dr. Forbes, who located near the
Pennsylvania; attended medical lectures at
corners as early as 1822. He was also a school
Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at Cleveland,
teacher. As a physician he possessed the
Ohio. He began practicing in Huntingdon
confidence of most of the early settlers and was
county, Pennsylvania, in 1854. In 1857 he
universally well liked as a teacher and a man.
came to Clyde and has been in full practice
Death did not spare him long to the settlement.
ever since. At several different times he has
The next physician was Dr. Henry Niles, who
been connected with the drug trade here.
was a graduate of Dartmouth college. He came
Doctors Price, Leet, and Decker each
to Hamer's Corners in June, 1833, and gave his
practiced in Clyde, but remained only a few
exclusive attention to practice for two years.
years.
He then removed to a farm on the county line
W. V. Stilson was born in Trumbull
of Seneca and Sandusky, where lie continued
county, Ohio, in 1815. He studied medicine
to practice for a number of years. He died in
in Wayne county, Ohio, and graduated at
1864.
Cincinnati Medical College. He practiced a
Dr. William G. Harkness was educated in
short time in Ashland county, then came to
Salem county, New York, and began
Bellevue in 1842, where he
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 621

had a full practice for thirty years. In 1872 on which the statue of General McPherson
he removed to Clyde. He married, in stands. It was formerly owned by the
Ashland county, Elizabeth Cummings. Methodist Episcopal church, and bore the
Corwin Griffin was born in Huron county name of Evergreen Cemetery. The site was
in 1845. He entered Pulte Medical College, selected by Mrs. Guinall who, during a
Cincinnati, in 1873, and received the degree supposed fatal sickness, pointed to the spot
of M. D. in 1876. He began practice in where she wished to be buried, from the
Clyde, and possesses a fair share of public chair on which she was carried to the door
confidence. He is the only graduate of the for that purpose. The lot was fenced off by
Homoeopathic school, in Clyde. her husband, who owned the land, but she
Dr. Brown removed from Tiffin to Clyde was not the first to be buried there. She
in 1875. He was surgeon for the One recovered and was a witness of the burial of
Hundred and Eighth Ohio Volunteer her son John in the place selected for her
Infantry. own grave. Mrs. John J. Quackenbush and
Mrs. Owens and Messrs. Harndon, Benjamin Collins were the two next buried.
Robinson, and Soper are the remaining Many moss-covered freestones mark the
physicians now in practice. last resting places of pioneers of this
M'PHERSON CEMETERY . township—places of sacred and hallowed
memory. It became necessary, as the village
Beneath these rugged elms, that yew tree's shade, grew and the death roll became longer, to
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,
Each in his narrow cell forever laid, enlarge the boundaries. A cemetery
The rude forefathers of our hamlet sleep. association was formed in 1867, and
—Gray's Elegy. Evergreen Cemetery transferred to this
Imperishable marble is the fit emblem of association by the Methodist church. Lands
that love which survives all that is mortal of adjacent, extending to the junction of the
friends and relatives, that love which is the two streets, were purchased and the lot on
noblest attribute of the soul. There is the summit of the beautiful natural mound
something, too, in the unchanging features dedicated to the McPherson family, in
of the country to perpetuate the memory of affectionate remembrance of that noble
friends who gave animation to every lonely soldier and cherished fellow-citizen, Major
scene. The grave seen from our dooryard, or General James B. McPherson, whose statue,
passed in a lonely walk or drive, arrests our cast in imperishable bronze, testifies a
planning and softens the mind to pensive grateful people's love, and symbolizes
meditation. A wound is kept open, it is true, the immortality of his fame.
but it is a wound from which flows THE SCHOOLS.
sanctifying sorrow. We plant flowers to The first school in the township was taught
sweeten the grave, and trees to protect the by Joshua Fairchilds. Jered H. Miner, esq.,
gentle tear of recollection. taught school in 1820 in a cooper shop
The cemetery at Clyde is fast becoming all owned by Abby & Dagget, which stood on
that the most loving heart could wish. the present Persing place. Here the children
Public-spirited citizens have supplemented were gathered, five days in the week, for
nature's generosity, and the place charms the three months. The only seats were split slabs
eye and nurtures the affections. or puncheons, with-out backs. A large slab
The old burying ground lay to the north was placed along one side for a writing desk.
and reached to the foot of the elevation Reading,
622 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

writing, and the elements of arithmetic were that a special school district should be
taught. The "rule of three" was the stopping organized. The necessary legislation was
point for the pupils of that early day. procured, and on April 8, 1867, the Clyde
In the course of a couple of years a school- schools became independent of the town-
house was built on what is now Buckeye ship. The new board consisted of A. B.
street. Dr. Forbes, an amiable, learned man, French, Chester Hunter, and C. G. Eaton.
was the first teacher, in the winter of 1822-23. The village system was adopted May 30,
There was great dissatisfaction with the 1868, with the following named gentlemen
location of the house. The settlers of the east as directors: M. Benner, John Lefever, Milo
part of the neighborhood clamored for a Hunter, D. Terrill, S. B. Taylor, and Smith
school in their vicinity, while those of the Motley. The salary of the superintendent was
west were just as determined to keep it in fixed at one hundred dollars per month, and
theirs. In 1825 a house was built near the S. Motley was elected to the position. He
Corners, much to the dissatisfaction of the hill served in that capacity until 1870, when the
residents, and the cause of a fire which present incumbent, F. M. Ginn, was chosen.
destroyed the building a short time afterwards The subject of a new school building was
was not regarded a mystery. A compromise discussed by the citizens as soon as. the
was made in the location of a new house. It village system had been adopted. In 1869
was built near the site of the railroad crossing, plans were submitted, and a new building
but was after a short time moved to the knoll decided upon. The large and well-arranged
within a few rods of the burial place of three-story brick structure now in use was
General McPherson. This was the last log completed in 1870, and in the fall of that
school-house in Clyde, or at Hamer's Corners, year opened to the public. Schools began
as it was then. Here James B. McPherson, with the following corps of teachers: F. M.
whose statue is the pride of the town and Ginn, superintendent; Rena Richards,
county, received his first instruction. principal of the high school; Jennie Winters,
After the township was divided into districts assistant; Mary BeMuent, grammar; Miss
under the general school law, a frame house Emma Adams, first secondary; Nettie
was built a quarter mile further west, on the Reynolds, second secondary; Julia Eaton,
hill, which was known as the Dewey school- first primary; Alice Keating, second
house. primary; Nettie Van Cleat, intermediate. The
The first school in the west part of the principals of the high school have been:
township was taught by Grant Forgerson, in a Rena Richards, Eliza Bushnell, Miss
school-house which stood a short distance Hitchcock, Anna Kuhn, Miss Barnaby (five
west of the Rathbun place. years), Maggie Taggart, Nellie McDonald.
The public school law of 1852 went into The assistants in the. new building have
effect in Green Creek in 1853, since which been: Edgar Barnett, Emma Taylor, Miss A.
time comfortable houses have been built, and L. Snyder, and. Emma Londe.
generally competent teachers provided for the Professor Ginn, the superintendent for the
instruction of the youth. past eleven years, is deserving of much
CLYDE SCHOOLS. credit for his efficient management of the
schools. The board gave into his hands entire
The rapid growth of Clyde during the years
control over all departments. The
following the war made it desirable
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 623

present condition of the schools shows the novel system of doctrine naturally caused
wisdom of the board in thus selecting a amusement, and sometimes provoked
competent head and then abstaining from laughter. His glowing description of the
officiousness. place of eternal punishment was received
There were, in 1870, four hundred and with provoking ridicule, which caused the
twenty-five pupils. The enrollment of the preacher to burst forth with the remark:
year 1880-81 reached six hundred and sixty- "You white folks a' afraid to go to heaven
one. 'cause ye 'magin thar be niggers thar; but I
Regular courses of study were arranged for tell you dar be niggers in de hot place too!"
all departments in 1870. The aim is to It is unnecessary to state that no conversions
prepare pupils for any of the ordinary resulted from this man's preaching.
callings of business; in other words, to The credit of organizing religious worship
provide a good English education. In the is due here, as in most pioneer communities,
high school, English language and literature to the itinerant clergy of the Methodist
is taught during the whole four years of the church. Some of the early settlers were
course. Students are taken through the Baptists, and, at a later period, Universalists
elements of trigonometry, and given a obtained a foothold.
knowledge of the elements of general
METHODIST CHURCH.
science.
The first class which completed the Methodism was organized in this part of
course—the class of 1874—numbered four; the county in the spring of 1821. The
1875, eleven; 1876, seven; 1879, nine; 1878, country being sparsely populated no regular
ten; 1879, fifteen; 1880, ten; 1881, nine; stations were established, but large districts
whole number of graduates seventy-five, of of country organized into circuits. Lower
whom twenty-five were boys. Few schools Sandusky district embraced the whole
can show so large a proportion of male county. The class in this neighborhood was
graduates. organized by Rev. Mr. Boardman, in the
Primary and secondary teachers have spring of 1821, composed of six members—
received twenty-five dollars per month. Miss Samuel McMillen and wife, James Guinall
Barnaby received sixty dollars per month. and wife, and Albert Guinall and wife. These
The salary of the principal is now fifty three families, together with a few who were
dollars per month. The superintendent not members but were interested in seeing
received, in 1870-71, one thousand dollars; public worship instituted, met in a log
1871-73, twelve hundred dollars; 1873-77, school-house near where the Cleveland,
fourteen hundred dollars, since which time Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad crosses
the salary has been twelve hundred dollars. Main street. The preacher, whose circuit was
CHURCHES. large, could visit this backwoods post but
The first sermon preached to white people, once in four weeks, and then generally on
so far as is known, within this town-ship, week days, his Sundays being occupied
was delivered by a colored man, whose name elsewhere. Samuel McMillen was the class
leader. He held prayer meetings and praise
tradition has not preserved. This religious
enthusiast gathered together as many as he meetings. He never accepted a license as a
could, and that was nearly all who lived in local preacher, but performed the duties of
the settlement. His violent manner, linguistic that office—how well, the prosperity of this
gymnastics, and little society
624 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of Christians shows. In 1825 there was an house was occupied. In 1851 it was decided
especial and important awakening. The to build a church. Mr. Norton Russel
whole settlement became interested in the canvassed Green Creek, Townsend and York
meetings, and several joined the church; townships for money. Jonathan Ames
among the number, Amos Fenn, who became donated a lot, and a contract for building
a local preacher, and was to the end of his was let to William Weeks by Amos Fenn,
long life a faithful member and earnest Norton Russel, M. Persing and others.
worker. In 1827 occurred a revival which George Eaton was at that time a preacher in
brought into the church about twenty-five charge, but his health failed before the
new members, among whom were the three completion of the building, and Alfred
oldest of the present members—Norton Wheeler supplied the pulpit. In December,
Russel, his wife, and Mrs. McPherson. Mr. 1852, Presiding Elder Disbrow preached the
Russel was the first convert. This revival dedicatory sermon, at which time four
extended throughout the circuit. Prayer hundred dollars were raised. This amount
meetings were held every night and each freed the society from the debt incurred by
church enjoyed preaching once every two building. The cost of this house was fifteen
weeks, the circuit preachers—Adam Poe and hundred and thirty dollars. Meetings
John Hazzard—and Presiding Elder continued several weeks, and many were
McMahon dividing up their time among the added to the membership. Sabbath-school
several classes. under the superintendence of Mr. Weeks,
But it is too often the case that rest, was continued for the first time through the
profound sleep, follows a season of activity winter. In the winter of 1853-54 thirty united
and exhaustive effort. A church needs more with the church under the pastorate of
than a start; it needs the watchful care of an Messrs. Pelton and Vertican.
intelligent clergy. As soon as the protracted In 1856 Revs. E. Y. Warner and Mr.
effort had ceased the visits of the circuit McKane were stationed at Clyde, as the
preachers were few and irregular. The local charge was now called. During their pastorate
ministry and a few old members were the church increased in numbers. Revs. Castle
depended upon to carry on the work. They and Thompson occupied the pastorate till
labored zealously and did all that time would 1859. In 1859 Revs. Halderman and Barker
permit and talent could do. Meetings after a were appointed; in 1860 Wilson, and Sites in
time were attended only by the "faithful 1861. The circuit had previously embraced
few," but their faith did not permit the classes in the eastern part of Sandusky and
discouragement. The clouds began to hang western part of Huron and Erie counties. In
dark. Years had passed with but few 1862 it was reduced to three appointments—
additions, while death and emigration was Clyde, Green Spring and Townsend. Rev. Mr.
constantly reducing the number. A brighter Barker was pastor in 1862. Rev. Mr. Jones, in
day came in 1844. An especial interest was 1863, remained six months, and enlisted in
created among the young people. It was the army, Rev. Mr. McKillips being appointed
during this revival that James B. McPherson supply. During this time protracted efforts
joined the church. were made every winter, and the membership
Preaching was held semi-monthly after this steadily increased. In 1864 Rev. J. T.
revival. The old school-house became unfit Broadwell became pastor. The largest revival
for use, and the Dewey school- in the history
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 625

of the church followed. The membership to the pastorate, and applied himself to the
increased, and the house no longer reduction of the debt, but in December,
accommodated the congregations attracted 1871, the great storm so damaged the
by eloquent sermons. In 1866 the official building that twenty-eight hundred dollars
board resolved upon building a new house of were required for repairs. The debt increased
worship. As is not uncommonly the case in this year six hundred dollars. A re-opening
enterprises of this character, land was service was held in May, 1873, Bishop
purchased, and contracts let without Bowman preaching. On this occasion forty-
carefully estimating the cost or knowing the eight hundred dollars were subscribed,
resources. The handsome edifice on the which with notes and previous subscriptions,
corner of George and Buckeye streets was so was thought a sufficient amount to cancel
far completed by February, 1867, that the the debt. During the pastorate of Dr. S. L.
basement was ready for occupancy. In Yourtee only six hundred dollars were
August, 1867, the house was formally raised. The subscriptions taken on the "Re-
dedicated by Rev. Dr. Donaldson. The spire opening Day" for some unaccountable
and gallery remained to be built. Thirty- reason, had lost their value. In 1875 Rev. J.
seven hundred dollars were subscribed at the H. Mendenhall, on assuming the pastorate,
dedication service, and the announcement found a debt of four thousand dollars with
was made that no debt remained, but an no resources to meet it. Mr. Mendenhall
examination of accounts and subscriptions in deserves the highest praise for his zeal, and
1868 showed an indebtedness of eight credit for his talents displayed during his
thousand dollars which was refunded at a pastorate. Before the close of the second
high rate of interest. A brief summary of year the burden which had oppressed the
how this debt was paid may not be amiss. It congregation, and stifled its work, was
is only one of many instances of costly removed. The members and citizens of Clyde
edifices burdening societies, and really are also to be commended for their liberality.
injuring the cause which it was the intention About forty-five hundred dollars were
to promote, and for which generous members subscribed and paid within eighteen months.
were willing to make sacrifices, but under The pastors, succeeding Mr. Warner, were:
pressure of forced assessments became W. S. Paul in 1868; B. Wright in 1871 (to
indifferent and discouraged. When W. S. fill the unexpired term of Mr. Paul); J. H.
Paul became pastor, he took hold of the debt Hartupee in 1871; S. L. Yourtee in 1874; J.
question in a business-like way. A H. Mendenhall in 1875; W. H. Painter in
committee of inspection, was appointed, 1878.
which found the debt to be nearly eight In 1869 Clyde was made a station, and the
thousand dollars, and the annual interest other classes constituted a circuit known as
nearly eight hundred dollars. Through his "Green Spring."
influence a loan was negotiated in 1870 for The membership of the church has
six thousand dollars to be paid in annual constantly been increasing since 1844. An
installments, without interest. Before the interesting Sunday school has been
close of Mr. Paul's pastorate of three years, maintained throughout the year since 1851.
the debt had been reduced to less than seven A ladies' society was organized in 1865,
thousand dollars, very little of which was which has been instrumental in raising funds
bearing interest. Dr. Hartupee succeeded Mr. for the church.
Wright
626 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY Fremont and held services in the same way.


George R. Brown was the founder of The two last named commenced the erection
Universalism in this part of the county. of a church building, which was completed
Nathan Birdseye and Mr. Holbrook, of by Father Monaghan. The property was
Townsend, were among the more prominent enlarged by the addition of two more lots by
members. Mr. Brown came to Hamer's Fattier Mahony, of Bellevue. These three
Corners about 1833, and was engaged to lots, embracing church and burying-ground,
teach the school, which position he filled are located at the corner of Spring and Vine
acceptably during two winters. He then left streets. He was succeeded by Father Means,
for a short time, but returned in 1835 and in July, 1872. Father Bowles was the first
married Jane Pogue, a daughter of Samuel resident pastor. The present parsonage was
Pogue, and lived here until his death, in purchased by him. Up to this time all the
1873. He had a strong mind and was well preaching was in English, but in 1875, when
informed. Few men could cope with him. He Father Rudolph became pastor, both German
met several Methodist clergymen on the and English worship were used, and the
rostrum. The result of the debates was the congregation grew rapidly until 1879, when
gradual increase of adherents to the doctrine Father Nunan became pastor. The pastorate
of Universalism. The society which he became vacant in 1881, J. C. Cahill acting as
formed built the second church at Clyde, supply. Two-thirds of the membership is
which was for many years the most Irish, the other third German.
influential religious association in the place. BAPTIST CHURCH.
The meeting-house stood on what has since There were a few Baptists among the early
become Main street, but the growth of the settlers of the township. Jered H. Miner,
town made the site desirable for business, esq., had meetings at his house occasionally,
and the building was removed to its present and Elder Throp sometimes exhorted.
location. The society was supplied Missionaries held services at irregular
occasionally by other ministers, but Elder intervals, and in 1857 the house of worship
Brown was the main stand-by, as affairs which is yet in use was built. The first
since his death have proved. The organization into a congregation was
membership was largest about 1860, effected April 9, 1859, at which time L. D.
embracing many of the leading citizens. No Caulkins was chosen clerk, Gideon Palmer,
regular service has been held for a number Lyman* Ames, and George N. Thornton,
of years, but the organization yet maintains trustees. Anson Ames was also a member at
its existence. this time. Joseph Jackson was chosen pastor,
ST. MARY'S—CATHOLIC. a choice which, at that time, was particularly
In 1854 Rev. Father Walst visited Clyde unfortunate. Mr. Jackson was a man of
and held the first mass. There were at that radical opinions, and did not hesitate to
time but few Catholics in the township, and propound abolition doctrine in the pulpit.
they were recent arrivals, being induced to Political feeling being at its height, his
make settlement by the employment the preaching caused dissension, and some of
railroad opened up. The service for the first the members withdrew. A debt of one
few years was held in the residences of the thousand six hundred dollars remained on
members. Fathers Rose, Mellon, and Peters, the church building, which was an additional
came over from embar-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 627

rassment. Services were irregularly held by became superintendent in 1867, and has
supplies. In the winter of 1860 a revival was served with commendatory success since
held, which resulted in three ac-cessions to that time. More than a hundred of the
the membership. O. L. Ames, who has since members of this school have been brought
been a member, joined at that meeting. into the church. The average attendance is
Measures were at once taken to pay off the about one hundred and fifty.
debt and re-establish the congregation on a PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
solid foundation. In August, 1864, a pastor
Among the early settlers of the east part of
was called—Rev. Adam Snyder. He was a
the county were a few Presbyterian and
strong preacher, and attracted large
Congregational families from New York and
congregations. In May, 1866, Rev. W. E.
New England. For some years they
Ryon became pastor, and served the church
maintained their own form of worship by
with success about four years. In January,
family instruction and attending the church
1867, a revival was commenced, which
of their choice in the neighboring towns. But
continued three months and resulted in
the natural desire for regular service, and the
seventy-five conversions. The church was
difficulty of attending at distant points,
now on a solid foundation and able to
induced some to unite with the churches of
standalone. Missionary aid was no longer
other denominations, while others became
necessary, and the contributions previously
indifferent. The few who remained attached
received have long since been repaid. During
to the doctrines of their fathers entertained
the remaining years of his ministry the
the idea of establishing a church of their
membership grew steadily, revivals being
own, but the prospect looked doubtful for
held each winter. Rev. J. T. Shepard
many years. Now and then they met
succeeded to the pastorate, and remained
together, at long intervals, until Rev. E.
between one and two years. Rev. J. V. K.
Bushnell, D. D., of Fremont, took the matter
Seely assumed charge in. November, 1872,
in charge and gave them more frequent
and during his term of five years service
services. Encouraged by him a meeting was
added about forty to the membership.
called and a congregation organized in the
Twenty additions was the result of a special
Baptist meeting-house in Clyde, April 6,
revival in 1873, conducted by Rev. Van
1867, Dr. Bushnell, of Fremont, and George
Buskirk. In 1878 Mr. Fernald became pastor,
H. Fullerton, of Huron, being present. At
and remained two years. The greatest revival
that meeting the following` persons were
in the history of the church was held during
received as members: J. W. Luse, M. D.,
this pastorate by an evangelist, Rev. W. H.
Mrs. E. C. Luse, Hiram Vincent, Adam
Hurlbut. More than one hundred were
Dunlap, Mrs. Kate B. Dunlap, Mrs. Margaret
converted, and eighty-four joined the church.
Luse, Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Jane Throp,
Rev. J. L. Phillips was installed pastor in
Mrs. C. Loveland, George B. Fuller, and
August, 1880. Seventeen have been added to
Mrs. Alcena Ellsworth. The first regular
the membership since that time. The present
service of the church was held on the
membership is about two hundred.
following day, conducted by Mr. Bushnell,
The Sunday-school work of this church has
who preached and administered the
been made a special feature. A Sunday-
sacrament. This first service was solemn and
school was organized in April, 1865, C. W.
impressive, and is remembered by those
Page, superintendent. O. L. Ames
present. Rev. J. B. Smith was the
628 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

first minister chosen. He preached at stated difficulties and partly out of an effort of the
intervals for two years. During this time a session to enforce stricter conformity to the
prayer meeting service was instituted, and a rules of the church. These troubles grew, and
number of new members added to the all efforts at peace, even on the part of the
church. In 1869 D. W. Marvin succeeded to presbytery failed. The future of the
the pastorate, and in the winter of that year congregation was doubtful. The pastor
initiatory steps were taker, toward the resigned in 1876, and all services, including
building of a house of worship. The Sunday-school and prayer meeting, were
membership at this time numbered thirty-six. suspended. Some joined other churches, and
By reaching their charitable hands deep into others withdrew, so that in 1878. only about
their pockets and with the assistance of the twenty members could be found out of a
Presbyterian board of church erection, a flourishing congregation at the beginning of
comfortable brick house was erected which the troubles of eighty communicants. At the
was dedicated January 30, 1870. A Sabbath- beginning of 1878 those yet remaining
school was organized about this time. From faithful united with the church at Green
the organization to the present the growth of Spring and employed the services of Rev. J.
this church in members and influence has S. Axtell. The prayer meeting and Sabbath-
been gradual. school were reorganized and the general
In 1871 E. R. Chase, then a student of the church work again set on foot. The former
Theological Seminary at Chicago, accepted a elders having resigned, their places were
call to the pastorate, and was ordained here filled by N. T. Wilder, J. H. Herrick, and H.
in June of that year. In April of the T. Barnum. These, with the minister in
following year he was regularly installed charge, constitute the session of the church..
pastor. During the last three years seventeen new
Elder H. Vincent and wife, two of the most members have been added and all have
earnest and useful members of the church, worked peacefully. The church, although it
were killed by a railroad accident, November has not grown rapidly in members since the
29, 1871. The church in their death sustained healing of the breach, has increased in
a sad loss. David E. Hayes and A. J. Wilder energy and courage, and now the foundation
were added to the eldership in 1872. The seems secure and the outlook favorable for
church was greatly strengthened by a revival great usefulness.
in the winter of 1873. On April 6th of that SPIRITUALISTS.
year, twenty-seven were received into the Spiritualism had for along time a strong
church. Mr. Chase was a young man beloved foothold in Clyde, but as a society no longer
by all. The church prospered under his care, has an existence. The promulgation of the "
bit he was not long spared to his labor. A Woodhull" doctrines caused dissension
disease of the lungs, contracted in the army, which has never been over-come. The
brought him to the grave May 25, 1874. number of adherents is gradually decreasing.
Rev. A. M. Meili, formerly a priest in the ADVENTISTS.
Roman Catholic church, was elected to the The Seventh Day Adventist church of
pastorate in March, 1875. During the Clyde was organized by Elder J. H.
following year troubles of a serious char- Waggoner August 11, 1867. It consisted of
acter arose, growing partly out of personal the union of two companies of Sabbath
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 629

keepers known as the churches of Green covered wagons, carrying the goods and
Spring and West Townsend. This union was families of emigrants to the West; at the
made at the request of the companies named cross roads, Hamer's double log tavern, on
and also by a vote of the Seventh Day one corner, McPherson's blacksmith-shop
Adventist conference, at the session of within a short distance; Amos Fenn’s
August 1 and 2, 1867. At the time of the cabinet-shop, and two small stores. On the
organization of the Clyde church, O. F. ridge to the west and southwest were
Guilford was chosen elder and William flourishing farms; to the south, where the
Herald deacon, and ordained at the same business center of Clyde now is, an
meeting by Elder J. H. Waggoner. W. D. untouched forest:
Sharp was elected church clerk and William The term of "Bang All" had passed out of
Herald treasurer. W. D. Sharp served as use and Hamer's Corners was the only name
clerk until 1876, when A. A. Hutchinson known to travelers or residents.
succeeded and served two years. In 1878 Clyde, as we see it to day, is the creature
Dora F. Rowe became clerk. She opened the of the two railroads which cross here, af-
first book of records and recorded the above fording better facilities for transportation
facts, collected from the scraps left by the than any, other point in the county. The first
previous clerks. town lots were laid out by William Hamer
The society built a. house of worship in and Philip Beery. The construction of the
1899-78. It was dedicated January 20, 1878, railroads was the death blow not only to the
by J. H. Waggoner. Elder H. A. St. John is- name, but also the hamlet of Hamer's
the present pastor. Corners. Mr. Hamer had surveyed, in town-
CLYDE. lots, the land extending from the pike as a
This beautiful and flourishing village is the base line toward the south, so far as the
veritable fulfillment of a prophesy made junction of Maple and Main streets, being a
during the War of 1812, when an Indian trail triangular tract. This is recorded as "Hamer's
along the ridge was the only course of travel addition to Centreville," from which it
through the township. Samuel 'Pogue, a appears that Centreville had become the
soldier in Harrison's army, drove a stake at accepted name of the place, although the
the spring south of Buckeye street, which post office was never so known. On the same
was the spot marked out for his future day, February 6, 1852, Philip Beery had
residence. Here he foresaw a busy town. surveyed a small tract recorded as "Beery's
What was there in the surroundings to addition to the village of Centerville," lying
inspire such a prophesy? Nothing could be south of the Lake Shore & Michigan
seen save a forest awful in its stillness and Southern track and east of the Cleveland,
its density. A surface, except on the sand Sandusky & Cincinnati.
bars saturated with water, was surely no In July, 1852, Lyman Miller fell, in with
encouraging sight. Nor would an occasional the growing spirit of founding a town, and
glimpse of a hostile savage, caught among remembering the prophesy of his step-father,
decaying logs and underbrush, give hope to Samuel Pogue, laid out a large tract west of
anticipation. However this may be there is a the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati track,
growing town where it was prophesied there which is recorded as Miller's "Addition to
would be one. the town of Centreville," but the papers were
A glance over the ground, in 1840, would dated "Clyde," which shows that the name
show the pike filled with white had been
630 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

changed, probably about the time the survey hidden from the burning sun by the foliage of
was made. thrifty maples and elms.
A public meeting was field for the purpose Clyde was incorporated a separate and
of naming the infant Town, there being much independent borough under the laws of Ohio
difference of opinion. A number of names March 8, 1866, and a village government
were proposed, but the three most favored organized soon after that time—in April—with
were Centreville, Hamersville, and Clyde. John M. Lemmon, mayor. Succeeding mayors
The last was the proposal of Dr. Treadway, have been: Joseph Zepernich, to June, 1871; S.
whose personal popularity had perhaps as W. Reed, till April, 1872; Z. Perin, till April,
much weight with the assembled citizens as 1880; since which time J. B. Bush has filled
the beauty and brevity of the name. It is in the office.
the traditional history of the town that a few TAVERNS AND HOTELS.
of the older heads were slightly sore because
of the treatment their suggestions had It is reliably stated that at one time there
received in the town meeting. Clyde had a were eight public houses of entertainment
large majority and was the name known in between Clyde and Fremont. This was during
the records of the county, post office the days of the mud road from Bellevue to
Perrysburg.
department, and railroad offices thereafter.
The next addition was made by George R. A line of stages was early established to
Brown, in September, 1852. Adjacent lands Sandusky over the north sand ridge, intersecting
have since, from time to time, been added, as the State, road at the site of the cemetery. This
growing industries have increased the crossing became a popular place for taverns.
population. The first tavern-keeper of note and prominence
A notable feature of the plat of this village was William Hamer, whose name the place bore
is the irregularity of streets and lots. This for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Hamer
begun to keep tavern on the Corners about 1826.
condition of things is produced by following
the direction of the railroads, which cross at The building was a double log structure, with
an angle of about seventy degrees. The street the cracks well filled and a sawed board floor,
system is still further complicated by the and withal quite comfortable. In this respect it
angling roads, which were laid out before contrasted favorably with the two first taverns in
the existence of the town. The streets in the township, Benton's and Baker's, which were
Miller's addition are parallel with the Lake built six or seven years before, when boards
Shore & Michigan Southern railroad; those were not to be obtained at any price. William
of Brown's addition run with the Cleveland, McPherson's black-smith shop, and in a short
time a small store, gave the Corners a village
Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad. The streets
of Ames' addition follow the county road appearance, and the residents bestowed upon it
leading north, and those of Hamer's addition the name Hamer's Corners. This, however, is not
are laid off with reference to the pike. This the name by which the outside world knew the
irregularity in the system of streets detracts place. Bang All was the more common
somewhat from the simple beauty the place designation. The landlord of the corners is not to
might have, but the luxuriant shading more be held accountable for the condition of things
than supplies the loss. The sidewalk of every which gave origin to this disagreeable pseudo
name.
avenue is
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 631

Hamer, like all good hosts, sold whiskey, but sun generally found travelers on their journey.
for that reason is not to be blamed for the Horses were fed by the break of day, and after
unfortunate reputation the place in early partaking of a cornbread breakfast the
times acquired for drunken rows and general travelers repaired to their wagons and began
banging of eyes. Mr. Hamer's kind the day's travel which, in muddy seasons, was
hospitality is remembered by some of the sometimes not further than the next tavern.
guests of his house. Old men are not few These taverns were everywhere much alike.
who regret that the good log tavern days We have applied these remarks to Hamer's
have passed away. Whatever else may be only because it was the main point between
said of the benefits conferred by industrial Bellevue and Lower Sandusky.
and social developments, it must be admitted The first frame tavern was built by Mr.
that the homely hospitality of the days of Smith and afterwards owned by Wesley
slab benches and cheap whiskey has been Anderson. After the railroad was built the
lost. There was a romance about the old junction House, the oldest tavern in the
tavern which clings to the memory of old present village of Clyde, was built by Lyman
men and fires the imagination of generations Miller.
born since the decay of pioneer institutions. In 1867 Henry Nichols, seeing the need of a
It was the practice of the period for comfortable hotel for the accommodation of
travelers to attend to their own horses. the general public, and at the same time an
Generally the log barn was of sufficient size opportunity for a profitable investment, began
to accommodate all, but in busy seasons it the erection of the Nichols House, which is
was not uncommon to hitch to the hind end now the only hotel, properly speaking, in the
of the wagon. The first business of the village. In 1871 this property passed into the
traveler was to water, wash, and feed the hands of Josiah Barnet. After several changes
horses, while the female portion of the William H. Kauffman became proprietor in
caravan took care of the babies and engaged 1873, and in 1875 purchased the property. He
lodgings. The men having tended their teams brought with him the experience necessary to
made straight-way for the bar, where all the successful management of a hotel. He was
bodily aches and pains were banished by a for a number of years connected with hotels
full glass. No time was lost in establishing in Columbus and Indianapolis, and was
an acquaintanceship, either among the afterwards, until coming to Clyde, proprietor
women who formed a cheerful circle around of the Murray House, Springfield, Ohio, of
a large log fireplace or among the men who which town he is a native.
were drinking each other's health in the bar- MERCHANDISING.
room. The supper bell brought all together
around a table bearing steaming cornbread, It is not easy to say who opened the first
well roasted venison or pork; and other store at the Corners, nor is it of any
staple articles of food. Supper over, the more consequence. The Corners has been a trading
sober and orderly retired early to their beds, point for fifty years. A man named Turk
while some of the gay and festive spent the opened a store at an early day. Previous to
early evening in cracking jokes and spinning 1845 stores were kept by Wesley Anderson,
yarns between drinks, winding up William Hamer, Mr. Bohl, Fred Vandercook,
and E. M. Cook. Darwin E. Harkness began
sometimes, though not frequently, in a
drunken row. The rising busi-
632 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ness in 1840, in a small room on the pike. His store at the Corners, from 1840 to 1857,
He had previously been doing cabinet work. had a substantial patronage. In 1857 he
One of the busiest places in the little removed to the new business centre, and
village was William McPherson's black- maintained a steady trade till 1876, when E.
smith shop. This forge drew to the Corners M. Harkness purchased the store and
considerable trade, for had it been presided succeeded to the business, which he still
over by one less skilled, farmers would have conducts. In 1878 the veteran merchant, not
gone to Bellevue or Fremont more frequently content with rest, again opened a store at the
than they did, The largest store at the north end of Main street.
Corners was opened by P. B. Beery, in 1851. Powers & Joseph continued trade till about
Mr. Beery was a trained merchant and a man 1874, when Powers died. Joseph has been a
of tact. He had been in business in Sandusky successful merchant. The largest store ever
and Fremont as a clerk previous to coming to opened in Clyde was established by Taylor
Green Creek. One of Mr. Beery's clerks, Mr. & Richards, in 1872. After the fire of 1873
William H. Bacon, has since been a they occupied a double room in the new
successful merchant in Clyde. block now occupied by W. H. Bacon. Their
The building now occupied by Norton stock was equal in quality and variety to any
Russel as a residence was used in 1848 by store in Northern Ohio, outside of Cleveland
Mr. E. Ames for a store. Jonathan Ames and Toledo. For the past few years Mr.
soon after purchased the stock and removed Richards has been the sole proprietor, but on
the business to a small room on the opposite a smaller scale.
side of the street. There are at present four dry goods stores.
Mr. Beery sold his business in 1857 to W. K. Bartlett was the pioneer in the
Curtis, Bacon & Co. In 1854 W. H. and B. hardware business. His store was in a little
R. Bacon began business on the south side of room in a frame building, which stood on the
the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern corner of Main and Buckeye streets, about
railroad, and in the following spring 1858. Subsequent dealers were James
removed to the first brick business block in Vandercook, S. B. Mann, William Wicks, W.
the village, which had just been completed C. Andrews, and Frank Rader.
the three-story block nearly opposite the post The first drug store was opened by Dr.
office where they engaged in trade till 1866, Eaton, on the pike. William Miller purchased
when Powers & Joseph succeeded. B. R. the stock, and about 1860 removed to Main
Bacon removed to Kansas City; William H. street. He died in 1865. Dr. Luse engaged in
the following year opened a store on the the trade a short time, and after him it passed
south end of Alain street. From 1873 to 1878 through various hands, till it ceased to exist.
he engaged in farming; since the last named H. H. Rabe has been in the drug trade on
date he has been, in the dry goods trade. Main street since 1862. Rushton & Moll
D. E. Harkness, the oldest merchant in opened a store a few years later, which has
Clyde, is a son of Dr. William G. Harkness, for a number of years been owned by H. B.
who is mentioned under another head. He Tiffany. M. A. T. Pope completes the list of
has never pushed an extensive trade, but has present druggists in Clyde.
always been successful. In boots and shoes, groceries, and other
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 633

branches of trade there is fair and honorable His patent work-basket, particularly, com-
competition between a number of creditable mands a ready sale. He has just patented,
stores in each department. and is preparing to manufacture on an
The Clyde Banking association was extensive scale, a kitchen table which
organized October 1, 1870, B. Kline, D. E. combines many features valuable to the
Harkness, A. Richards, and F. W. Parkhurst housewife. Mr. Wolcott came to Clyde in the
being the partners. Mr. Kline has since spring of 1868 and started a sash and blind
retired. factory which he operated one year, and then
MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. engaged in the lumber business until the
manufacture of novelties received his
Clyde stone mill, the oldest mill in the
attention.
village, was built by a stock company in
The Mefford Fruit Company was
1863. It is now owned by Lawrence &
established in 1878 with a capital of three
McConnell.
hundred thousand dollars, which includes the
Hunter & Miles built the Star mill in 1870.
Mefferd patent for drying fruit. D. M.
C. Hunter is now the exclusive proprietor.
Mefford was elected president of the company
An edge tool factory was established by
and has had general charge of the business.
Hunter & Brigham in 1869. Ten men are
The establishment at Clyde has a capacity of
employed throughout the year.
three to five hundred bushels of green fruit
W. A. Hunter established a bath in 1874
per day. Establishments of this kind are of
with complete modern furniture. A well-used
greater consequence to a town than at first
bathing establishment contributes more to
glance might be supposed. It created an active
the beauty and health of a town than is
market for all kinds of staple fruit, and not
commonly supposed.
only benefits the producers, but brings to the
Clyde, during the last five years, has
town a large trade which would otherwise be
become an important point for the
lost. If public patronage is the proper ground
manufacture of brackets and other similar
on which to estimate merit, the success of the
novelties. Wilbur Finch and George Super
Mefford process has already been established
began the business in the summer of 1876 by
beyond contradiction.
making, on a small scale, work-baskets and
paper-holders. Mr. Super continues the SMALLER INDUSTRIES.
business. He employs three hands. There are in Clyde two carriage shops, two
Hutchins & Brother began the manufacture planing mills, a number of blacksmith shops,
of toilet brackets. Their patent double-frame cabinet shops, etc. The first black-smith was
bracket and glass has an extensive sale and William McPherson, who carried on the trade
employs ten hands in its manufacture. until failing health necessitated his retirement.
D. F. Beck fitted out an establishment with The first cabinet-maker was Amos Fenn; he
suitable machinery and began making toilet "picked up" the trade, but became an efficient
brackets in the fall of 1876. He makes workman. Darwin Harkness did a prosperous
thirteen different styles, and has machinery business in this line for some time.
which enables him to work up common A veteran tradesman of the present time is
walnut cord wood into the most handsome Oliver M. Mallernee. He was born in Harrison
chamber decorations. county, Ohio, in 1836. Having learned the
John W. Wolcott employs twelve hands in blacksmithing trade, he came to Clyde in
the manufacture of slat work novelties. 1857. In 1861 he enlisted
634 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

as army blacksmith in the Third Ohio cavalry, 1854, resulted in the choice of W. M.
and served till 1864. After the war he again Harrison, W. M.; C. G. Eaton, S. W.; Jacob
worked at his trade in Clyde for a period. He McCleary, J. W.; W. S. Rupell, secretary;
then turned his attention to farming. He is William Hamer, treasurer; P. B. Beery, S.
now in the marble and monument trade in D.; William Hinton, J. D.; Robert Clapp,
Clyde. Mr. Mallernee married, in 1866, Mrs. tyler.
Elijah West, whose maiden name was Mary The succession of worshipful masters has
Blake. been; W. M. Harrison, C. G. Eaton, W. M.
POST OFFICE. Harrison, William E. Lay, J. B.. Stark,
William E. Lay, A. B. French; J. W. Forster,
William McPherson was the first
E. T. Gettings, R. F. Patrick, A. B. French,
commissioned postmaster in the township, the
F. M. Ginn.
name of the office then being Harrier's
The following Clyde Masons have re-
Corners. He was followed by D. E. Harkness,
ceived the Knight Templar degree: William
who gave the villagers the benefit of a free
E. Lay, Frank Rader, Tiffin comandery; W.
delivery. Taking the mail in his hat, he would
H. Kauffman, Springfield; and W. M.
walk around to the taverns and stores on a
Harrison, Orlin W. Harrison, and Eli Miller,
distributing tour. There were at this time two
Sandusky.
mail lines, one along the pike, the other on the
Acadia Lodge, No. 42, Free and Accepted
north ridge road to Sandusky. Succeeding
Masons (colored), received a dispensation
postmasters have been Jacob McCleary, D. E.
and was organized June 21, 1870, with the
Harkness, J. W. Wales, W. H. Reynolds, J. B.
following officers: T. G. Reese, W. M.; G.
Bush, J. P. Fish, J. B. Fellows, R. B.
R. Taylor, S. W.; D. Whitsell, J. W.; H.
McPherson, and Mrs. Z. Perin.
Winsor, treasurer; Edward. Simpson,
FRATERNITIES. secretary; S. Manby, S. D.; C. Wood, J. D.;
Five of the leading orders in the United Peter Points, tyler. The lodge was instituted
States have flourishing lodges at Clyde. They December 10, 1872. This was the most
are all fortunate in having a large and notable occasion of the kind which has ever
enthusiastic membership. taken place in the town. Colored Masons
MASONIC.*
were present from Toledo, Cleveland, and
other surrounding towns and cities. The
Monticello Lodge NO. 244 was chartered lodge disbanded July 13, 1875, at which
October 18, 1854, with the following members: time there were twenty-four members.
William M. Harrison, Charles G. Eaton, Jacob ODD FELLOWS.
McCleary, William, S. Rupell, William Hamer,
A charter was granted to Clyde Lodge, No.
James W. Forster, Henry Burdick, John N.
380, May 10, 1866. The lodge was instituted
Rupell, and George R. Brown. A dispensation
August 3, 1866, by Right Worthy Grand
had been granted by the Grand Lodge of the
Master Daniel Fitchen. The charter members
State December 3, 1853, authorizing William
were: Matthias Benner, George B. Fuller,
M. Harrison, worshipful master; Charles F.
Richard F. Patrick, S. M. Reynolds, George
Eaton, senior warden, and Jacob McCleary,
T. Bell, W. W. Stilson, B. R. Bacon, George
junior warden, to assemble and work as a lodge
Smith, Peter Upp, N. K. Taylor, Joseph
of Master Masons. The first election under the
Barnett, John McMartin, James McMartin,
charter, in
A. T. Smith, G. R. Brown, and W. W.
*Information furnished by W. M. Harrison. Whitton.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 635

The past noble grands of this lodge are: bership of this lodge is one hundred and seven.
Matthias Benner, George B. Fuller, R. F. Since organization one death loss has been
Patrick, W. W. Stilson, E. T. Gettings, paid. There is in the treasury a' balance of
Henry Baker, E. F. Drake, Albert Stark, fourteen hundred dollars. At the date of
Charles Wright, B. F. Rodgers, G. P. organization M. B. Lemmon was chosen past-
Humphrey, N. H. Taylor, N. B. Mason, John dictator, and E. T. Gettings, dictator. He served
Malcolm, George H. Brace, J. G: Bruncker, three terms and has been succeeded by B. F.
Henry Bobst, George Carlton, G. W. Dwight, Rodgers, A. B. Chapman, and H. M. Howard.
S. B. Taylor, W. S. Vale, John Gazly. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
The hall in which the lodge was instituted
was burned March 9, 1874. In this fire was Clyde Lodge, No. 126, Knights of Pythias,
lost all the furniture, one set of new regalia, was instituted January 13, 1881, by Deputy
and all the emblems. Meetings were held on Grand Chancellor D. M. Lazarus. B. F. Rogers
the west side of the street until after the was elected past-chancellor and E. T. Gettings,
completion of the Lemmon block, which the chancellor commander. The lodge was
lodge has since used. The largest number of chartered with twenty-nine members, which
members at one time was one hundred and number has been increased to forty-two.
fifteen. The lodge has at present seventy-five AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR.
members and eleven hundred dollars in the Clyde Council, NO. 298, of this order was
treasury. organized September 13, 1880. C. H. McCleary
Earl Encampment No. 105 was instituted was elected past-commander, and W. C.
June 12, 1868, with M. Benner, E. T. Andrews commander. The other officers
Gettings, Henry Baker, Henry Graback, elected were: George W. Lawrence, vice-
George T. Bell, E. F. Drake, Peter Copsey, commander; J. H. Rhodes, orator; O. W.
and G. B. Fuller as charter members. Harrison, secretary; P. W. Parkhurst, treasurer;
Charity Degree Lodge No. 18, Daughters C. K. Hamden. medical examiner; George P.
of Rebekah, was chartered May 12, 1870. Huntley, chaplain; A. B. Chapman, guide; J. H.
The charter members were: Henry Baker and Davenport, warden; John Baker, sentry; H. B.
wife, N. H. Taylor and wife, M. Benner, R. Tiffany, Louis Hoche and Giles Dewey,
F. Patrick, H. F. Barnum, E. Gettings, and trustees.
wife, H. V. Nichols and wife, G. S. Rhodes PERSONAL.
and wife, J. W. Forster, and J. J. Nichols.
Mrs. Lydia Slocum is held in grateful
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
remembrance by the people of this community
Clyde Lodge, No. 989, was instituted on account of her inherent excellence of
March 9, 1879. The charter members were E. character. Lydia Norton was born at New
T. Gettings, John Surbeck, C. Griffin, B. F. Canaan, Massachusetts, in 1777. In her twenty-
Rodgers, George Carlton, Louis Hoch, M. B. first year she married John Russel. Four years
Lemmon, W. J. Payne, S. D. West, W. A. S. later they removed to Ontario county, New
Ward, T. J. Carlton, J. F. Harris, N. W. York. Mr. Russel died in 1813, leaving a
Bush, H. B. Tiffany, W. H. Kauffman, John family of five children, three of whom finally
Billman, and C. H. McCleary. The present settled in this county—Norton,
mem-
636 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

William S., and Cynthia McPherson. A few He is a son of James Harrison, a native of
years after Mrs. Russel married James New Jersey, but during most of his life a
Chase, but after a short period was again left resident of New York. William Marks was
a widow. She came to this township in 1828 born in 1807. In 1837 lie married Adaline M.
and engaged in school-teaching for a period Wright. In 1845 he came to Sandusky
of seven years. She was a competent teacher. county, and settled in Green Creek township.
This cannot be truthfully said of many of the He served as deputy sheriff of the county for
teachers of the time, when the profession a number of years.
was not appreciated as it is at present. In Darwin E. Harkness, son of Dr. William G.
1840 Mrs. Chase married Isaac Slocum and Harkness, was born in 1814 in Spring-port,
removed to Bellevue. After the death of her New York. The family settled at Hamer's
husband she returned to Clyde and made her Corners in 1833. Darwin E. worked at
home with Mrs. McPherson until two years cabinet making until about 1838, when he
before her death, when she joined the family engaged in the grocery business, and has
of her son, Norton Russel. Mrs. Slobum died since been engaged in trade of various kinds.
October 4, 1876, aged ninety-nine years, six Mr. Harkness married Mary De Zang, of
months and seven days. Mrs. Slocum was a Seneca county, New York. They have had a
lady of rare intelligence and Christian family of three children, two of whom are
character. During seventy-eight years of her living. Emmons D. is in business in Clyde;
long life she was a zealous church member. Nettie L. Davenport resides in Missouri.
Her full life was jeweled to the end with McFall, the oldest child, died of disease
good works. contracted in the army.
U. B. Lemmon, the subject of this sketch, Moses O. Nichols was born July 17, 1818,
was born in Livonia, Livingston county, at Deerfield, New Hampshire. At the age of
New York, March 16, 1808; came to Ohio sixteen he engaged in business at Haverhill,
with his father's family in 1827. When a Massachusetts; in less than a year he
young man he learned the carpenter and engaged in the manufacture of shoes on his
joiner's trade, at which he worked for some own account, but a taste for music induced
six years. On the 14th of August, 1834, he him to give all his spare time to
was married to Miss Emily McIntyre, of experimenting on musical instruments. He
Ithaca, New York. For some thirty years invented the first pipe key melodeon. In
subsequent to his marriage he was engaged 1843 he began the manufacture of organs, at
in farming. In 1864 he removed to Clyde, his Brattleborough, Vermont, making the first
present residence. He has been blessed with box swell used in the reed organ. From
a family of six sons and four daughters. Four Vermont, Mr. Nichols removed to Boston,
sons and three daughters are heads of where he manufactured organs for ten years,
families. He had four sons in the late war, He afterwards had a factory at Syracuse,
two in the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer New York, which employed one hundred
Infantry, and two in the One Hundred and men. From 1860 till 1879 Mr. Nichols
Sixty-ninth National Guards. engaged in newspaper publishing and in the
That William M. Harrison is an enthu- sale of musical instruments for the greater
siastic Mason will be seen by glancing at the part of the time in Indiana. In 1879 he
paragraph relating to that subject in a settled in Clyde. His last invention is the
previous part of this chapter. grand dynamicon.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 637

Among the residents of Clyde are a number from the mineral spring situated near it. The
of retired farmers, men who spent their best industries of the place are as follows:
days in hard toil, and are now passing the Sash and blind factory, Smith heirs,
evening of their life amid the pleasant proprietors; the spoke and hub factory of
surroundings of a village. One of the most John Netcher; the furniture manufactory of
highly respected citizens of this class is John A. R. Young & Co.; the pork-packing house
Lefever. He was born in Chester county, of J. W. Stinchcomb & Co.; Hahn's tannery;
Pennsylvania, in 1807. In 1816 the family the saw-mills of John Netcher and Levi
removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, where, in Huber; the First National Bank, two hotels in
1829, John married Rachel Swope. Three the village and one near the Water Cure, two
years later he came to this county and settled drug stores, two variety stores—hardware,
on one hundred acres of land which he had groceries, etc.; three groceries, one stove and
entered in Green Creek township. On this tinware shop, one harness shop, besides
farm he lived till 1865, when he sold and black-smiths' shops, saloons, etc., may be
removed to Clyde. Mrs. Lefever died in 1847. mentioned among the business interests.
The family consisted of nine children, seven Several attempts have been made to run a
of whore are living—Louisa, Rebecca, John newspaper in the village, but each paper has
S., William C., Jacob D., Oscar T., and Jane. had but a short existence.
Mr. Lefever married for his second wife, in M. B. Adams was the first settler in the
1849, Etvira Reed, who was born in Ottawa place, and built the first house. He came
county, New York, in 1814. Mr. Lefever has from Norwich, Connecticut, in 1834, or
frequently been chosen to fill local offices, perhaps the year previous. His daughter
township trustee, etc. His services on the Ellen, who afterwards became the wife of
school board of Clyde since 1868 are worthy George Backus, and died in Defiance, Ohio,
of special mention. was the first child born in the village. Mr.
William Hamer was born in Geneseo, New Adams remained only a few years, then
York, in 1791. In 1815 he married Kezia moved to Defiance, where he died. His
Cleveland, who died September 19, 1856. He widow is still living there.
came to Ohio in 1826, and began keeping Daniel H. Dana, born in the State of
tavern at the Corners. Soon after that time he Vermont, March 29, 1798, moved from New
laid out the first town lots in Centreville, York State and settled at Green Spring in
now Clyde. He married for his second wife 1834, being attracted hither by a belief that
Mrs. Priscilla Blanchard, who is yet living. the mineral spring would some day become
GREEN SPRING. known and valued. The Indians had been
removed a short time previous to his
This thriving little village contains
settlement. Mr. Dana obtained an analysis of
between eight and nine hundred people, and
the spring water, and learned its valuable
is situated partly in the southwestern part of
medicinal qualities. He kept the first store in
Green Creek township, and partly in Adams
the place, having his goods in a room of his
township, Seneca county. It is well known
log-house the first year. The following year
as a health resort, the Water Cure and Dr.
he built a frame store on the corner opposite
Brown’s Diabetic Cure being among the
the store now occupied by Mr. Watrous. He
prominent institutions of the place. The
also carried on the mercantile
village received its name
638 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

business in a store on Butternut Ridge, one- first gristmill north of the village. For use in
half mile east of where William Lay resides, the saw-mill he took the water from the
at the same time. Mr. Dana built a tannery sulphur spring. This mill was erected very
which he operated in company with Robert near the old mill which the Government built
Smith. Soon after they erected a shop in for the use of the Indians.
which the manufacture of boots and shoes The place settled slowly. Other early
was carried on quite extensively. Mr. Dana comers were Phineas Adams, Wilcox, Robert
was a useful citizen, and did much toward Smith, and Jacob Huber. Wilcox acted as
the advancement and growth of the village. clerk in Stem's store. Robert Smith became
He served as justice of the peace, and was one of the leading citizens, and a most
the first postmaster. successful business man. General McPherson
In 1823 Daniel H. Dana married Philinda came to this place when a boy fourteen years
Tiffany. Three of their children are living— old, and clerked for A. M. Stem and Robert
George T. Dana, Green Creek township; Smith, the successors of Jacob Stem in the
Marian and Mary, Green Spring. Mr. Dana mercantile business, until he was about
died March 29, 1881, aged and honored. He twenty.
was an uncle of Charles A. Dana, of the New The post office was established in 1837,
York Sun. Daniel H. Dana, postmaster. The petitioners
J. A. Watrous, who was born in New were allowed a post office on condition that
London county, Connecticut, in 1803, came it should pay current expenses. Mr. Watrous
to Green Spring in 1834, from Huron county. acted as mail-carrier the first year, carrying
Before coming here he married Eunice the mail from Hamer's Corners, now Clyde,
Stewart, by whom he had four children, only twice a week in summer and once a week in
one of whom is living—Mary—wife of winter. The proceeds of the office during
Frederick Wheeler, residing in Iowa. His this year were thirty-seven dollars and fifty,
daughter Laura, afterwards the wife of cents, and this amount was paid to Mr.
William Western, Sandusky City, was the Watrous for his services, the postmaster
second child born in the village. She died in receiving no compensation whatever.
Michigan. For his second wife Mr. Watrous Mr. Todd began wagon-making and Elisha
married Mrs. Hannah (Carpenter) Adams. To Alvord succeeded him in the business. The
them were born four children, three of whom first blacksmith in the place was Ephraim
are living—Nancy, wife of Frederick Durant, Porter, who remained only two or three
in Canada; Alice married D. P. Campbell, years. J. A. Watrous was his successor. The
and lives near Manchester, New Hampshire; first hotel was kept by Roswell George, in
Hannah married J. P. Turner, and lives with 1838. It was built by Colonel Bradley. The
her parents. first shoemaker was Jacob Huber, now living
Jacob Stem, originally from Carroll in Green Creek township. A lot was donated
county, Maryland, was an early settler. He him by Jacob Stem, on condition that he
moved to Green Spring from Tiffin. Three of engage in his trade upon it.
his daughters still reside in the village. Mr. The first church was built by the
Stem built the second store erected in the Methodists in 1853. Doctor Wheeler was its
place the building now occupied by Mr. prime mover. The other churches of the
Watrous, as a tin shop. He also built the first village are the Presbyterian, the United
saw-mill and the Brethren, and Catholic—all of recent date
Alfred Hutchinson
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 639

The village was incorporated in 1873. John chanic, and followed his trade through life.
A. Wright was the first mayor and served After locating upon his land in this county
about two months. His successors have been he went to Monroeville, Huron county, and
O. L. Bartlett, Gideon Gordon, C. S. Burton, there worked at his trade about six years. At
and J. S. Myers. the end of this period he returned to Green
The school district has recently voted to Creek and remained here until his death.
assess its tax-payers to the extent of twenty Joseph Hutchinson was the father of eight
thousand dollars, and has given bonds for children, three of whom are living at present.
that amount for the purpose of erecting a Following are their names and dates of birth:
school-building. Work has already begun. Mary A., born September 9, 1807, married
The school-building will be leased and used June 14, 1829, to Asahel Franklin, Clark
as an academy for tuition schools. The county; died in May, 1848. Joseph H., born
school to be free to scholars in the district. April 17, 1809, died November 24, 1823.
(He was killed by being thrown from a
horse.) Charlotte, born February 7, 1811.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, February 10, 1831, she married S. S.
Kellogg, in Huron county, where they
resided several years. She died in Huron
ALFRED HUTCHINSON. county, in February, 1854. Louisa, born
September 12, 1814, became the wife of
Nathaniel Hutchinson was a native of Elisha Lake; resided in Huron county until
Massachusetts, and passed his life in Cam- her husband's death; married Charles Petty,
bridge in that State. He was the father of and now resides in Woodbury county, Iowa.
John, Thomas, and Joseph Hutchinson, who Josiah B., born November 30, 1817, died
moved to Clark county, Ohio, about the year May 28, 1836. Alfred, born September 17,
1818. John remained only a short time in this 1820. Phebe M., born May 29, 1825; married
State, but went to southern Indiana and Noble Perin, who died in Andersonville
settled on the Wabash, where both he and his prison. She now resides in Green Creek
family fell victims to the fever. Thomas township. Joseph, jr., born May 29, 1830;
remained in Ohio some twenty years, then was killed by falling from a loaded wagon,
removed to Lagrange county, Indiana, and the wheels of which passed over him.
died in that State. The mother of these children died in
Joseph Hutchinson, the father of the February, 1851. Mr. Hutchinson died in
subject of this biography, was born April 21, January, 1855. They were both members of
1782. He was married in his native State in the Baptist church from their youth up, and
the month of October, 1805, to Mary A. were honored and esteemed for their
Hodgman, who was born in Cambridge, integrity, industry, uprightness, and worth.
Massachusetts, October 10, 1783. She was Alfred Hutchinson attended the common
left an orphan while very young, and was schools when a boy. At the age of eighteen
brought up in the family of Mr. Adams until he commenced learning the trade of brick-
her marriage. After coming to this State laying and plastering, working at this
Joseph Hutchinson resided in Clark county employment in summer and attending school
until 1827, and in April of that year moved in winter until he became of age.
to Green Creek township, Sandusky county.
He was a me-
640 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Mr. Hutchinson followed his trade about county was born in Otsego county, State of
thirty years in this vicinity, and since quitting New York, on the 19th day of January, 1802.
it has been engaged in farming. His father's name was Oliver McIntyre, and
He was married, April 6, 1843, to Mary his mother's name was Mary Hitchcock, a
Dirlam, daughter of Orrin and Annis (Gibbs) widow, whose maiden name was Miller. The
Dirlam. Mrs. Hutchinson is the fourth of a subject of this sketch was married on the
family of seven children, and was born 12th of April, 1831, to Miss Maria Tyler, of
August 18, 1823. Her mother died in Otsego county, New York, who died at
Massachusetts when Mrs. Hutchinson was Fremont on January 14, 1849. Mary, his
only six years of age. Her father came to Ohio oldest daughter, was born in Otsego county,
and was a resident 9f Green Creek many and with his wife and this daughter he
years. He is still living in Lorain county at an immigrated, and settled in Townsend
advanced age. township in 1835, where the following other
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Hutchinson are the children were born, namely: George T. and
parents of four children, two of whom are Winfield G. After locating in Town-send,
living, viz.: Zemira, born December 2, 1844; Mr. McIntyre taught school winters and
served in company A, Seventy-second Ohio worked by the day in the summer for about
Volunteer Infantry, and died in prison at twelve years. Here Mr. McIntyre bought land
Florence, South Carolina, October 30, 1864. and settled, and thus taught and labored,
Charles B., born March 21, 1848; married serving meantime as justice of the peace for
Emma Strickland, daughter of Franklin and a number of years, and until he was elected
Hannah Strickland, of Green Creek, and county treasurer of Sandusky county, in the
resides near his parents. He is the father of fall of 1847. He served as treasurer four
four children, three of whom are living— consecutive years, and no man ever served
Aleck, Claude (deceased), Chellie, and Lottie. more faithfully, nor accounted for the funds
The next of the children of Mr. and Mrs. of the county with more sincere honesty than
Alfred Hutchinson was a son, born May 30, he did.
1851, who died in infancy. Frederick, the Mr. McIntyre was married a second time
youngest, now living at home, was born on the 25th day of February, 1851, to Mrs.
January 28, 1861. Margaret Bement, of Sandusky, whose
Mr. Hutchinson and wife have never united maiden name was Margaret Heep, her first
with any church, but in their work and in their husband, George D. Bement, having died
lives they are recognized as friends to truth several years before, and about the same
and religion. Mr. Hutchinson is a temperance time Mr. McIntyre's first wife died, and of
man and a sound Republican. During the past the same disease, erysipelas. By this second
years he has held various township offices, all marriage he had one son, named Wallace,
of which he has filled acceptably. Both he and now living, who is unmarried. He lives with
his wife are nicely situated in a pleasant his mother, and is a devoted helper.
home, and are now able to enjoy with tranquil Mr. McIntyre, shortly before his second
minds the fruits of their toil and industry. marriage, bought the Hawk farm on Green
Creek, and settled on it, and was residing
there at the time. This farm was situated on
HON. OLIVER McINTYRE. the cast side of Green Creek. He sold this
This departed worthy citizen of Sandusky farm April 1, 1875, and purchased
O. McIntyre
James Cleveland
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 641

one on the west side of the creek, to which from Mount Morris to Huron county, Ohio,
he immediately moved, and there lived until and settled and remained there several years.
the time of his death, which was nearly a Mr. Cleveland, the father, lost the title to the
year after his removal. He died on the 11th farm he settled on in Huron county, and then
day of September, 1876. removed to Green Creek township, Sandusky
Wallace McIntyre, the son by the last county, where lie bought land of the
marriage, was born at the farm on Green Government, eighty acres, on which he made
Creek on the 11th day of December, 1857, improvements and remained until the day of
and is a bright and promising young man, his death, which occurred in 1831.
devoted to the maintenance and comfort of Clark Cleveland, sr., left surviving him the
his widowed mother. Although an ardent following named children: Abigail, who
Democrat, when the news came that Fort married Oliver Hayden, not living; Cozia,
Sumter had been fired upon, Oliver who married William Hamer, not living;
McIntyre's patriotism submerged his party Moses, not living; Sally, who married
predilections, and a more thorough and Benjamin Curtis, was left a widow and
patriotic Union man could not be found in afterwards married Alpheus McIntyre, not
the county. now living; Clark, jr., married Eliza Grover,
One day a member of his party, who had and left six children, four girls and two
publicly uttered disloyal sentiments and boys,—parents both dead; Polly, who
denounced the war, was waited upon by a married Timothy Babcock, not living;
committee, who wished to save him from Betsey, who married Samuel Baker, and is
violent treatment. The accused came with the now living, a widow aged about seventy-
committee, a large crowd following, and was eight years.
placed on a dry goods box in the middle of James Cleveland, the subject of this
Front street, and asked to declare his sketch, resided with his father until he was
sentiments, while a Union man floated the twenty-five years of age, at which time he
Stars and Stripes over him. The man made a married Jeanette Rathbun, sister of Saxton S.
satisfactory statement and apology. The Rathbun, of the same township, on the 3d
writer was then standing near Oliver day of March, 1831. At the time of his
McIntyre, who, pale with excitement, and marriage James Cleveland had earned and
flashing eyes, in a voice half-choked with saved sufficient money to purchase forty
emotion, turned to the writer, and said: acres of land, which was part of what was
"Homer, thank God! there is yet power in known as the Sawyer land. On this forty
that old flag, and we can save the country!" acres he began his married life. For about
five years he worked on this farm in making
improvements and supporting his family. He
JAMES CLEVELAND. then, in company with his wife's father
(Chaplin Rathbun), rented a saw-mill on
This early settler in Green Creek town-ship Green Creek, about two or three miles from
was born March 14, 1806, at Mount Morris, his farm, and during the winter kept his
State of New York. His father was Clark family in a house near by the mill. There
Cleveland, sr., and his mother was Jemima was connected with the saw-mill a small
(Butler) Cleveland. When James was at the grist-mill, in which they also took an interest
age of eighteen years, his father removed by lease. In this way Mr. Cleveland
with his family supported his family
642 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and obtained sufficient lumber to build a who married Horace Tyler, with whom she is
barn on his farm the next year. After he left still living, having a family of two daughters
the miles, having run them one winter, he and one son living; Chaplin S. Cleveland,
returned to his farm and continued working who married Susie West, with whom he is
and improving it, and also purchased more still living, and has two sons and three
land adjoining him. daughters living; John H. Cleveland, who
About the year 1841, when the road bed of married Helen Starks, and died October 28,
the Maumee and Western Reserve turnpike 1879, leaving one daughter; Sarah, who.
was being graded and made ready for married Charles Sackrider, still together, and
macadamizing, Mr. Cleveland took a have one son; Mary married George Crosby,
contract to grade a half mile of the road, still living together, and have one child, a
next east of the present residence of Charles daughter; Charles Cleveland, who never
Clapp, esq. He again moved his family to his married, and who died on the 14th day of
place of work and there kept them about five December, 1879. Mrs. James Cleveland, who
months, when he moved back again to his gives the data of this notice, says there are of
farm. His pay for his job on the road was in James Cleveland's family two great-
certificates of indebtedness under the grandchildren which were not noticed in the
authority of the State and was not realized in foregoing list.
cash. He realized about six hundred dollars Mr. and Mrs. James Cleveland were what
for his work. This scrip, or most of it, he may be termed workers. Both were active
traded to Edward Whyler, then a merchant at and incessant in their efforts to prepare for
Lower Sandusky, and bought nails, glass, old age and also for assisting their children
and such articles of hardware as were then to their start in life. At the time of Mr. James
used in building frame houses. He then set Cleveland's death, which occurred on
about building a frame dwelling of good September 1, 1878, himself and wife, by
proportions which he finished in the year their hard work and care, had accumulated
1845, and occupied until his death. very near four hundred acres of land, with
Meantime he kept on buying land and adding dwellings comfortable, several orchards,
to his possessions quite rapidly, proving three barns, and other property in
himself to be an active, vigilant, and abundance. The children now living are all
industrious citizen. settled and comfortable within a distance of
Mr. James Cleveland and his wife Jeanette not over four miles from the mother, who is
had born to them ten children, six sons and now healthy, vigorous, lively and intelligent
four daughters, namely: James B., who at the age of sixty-six years. Mrs. Cleveland
married Julia Parmeter, still living, and has is a woman below the medium size, and in
one son and one daughter; Eliza, who her best days weighed about one hundred
married A. J. Harris, and died in 1861, and twenty pounds. She never shrank from
leaving one son; Clark R. Cleveland, who any work she could do for the advancement
married Sarah Hearl, with whom he is still of the family. When clearing up their farm
living, and has seven children, three she assisted by hauling rails with a yoke of
daughters and four sons; George D. oxen and laying them up into fences, while
Cleveland, who married Rosa Metts, who is her husband cut down the trees and split the
dead, leaving one son and two daughters; timber into rails. One season when help
Lucinda,
Rev. Noah Young
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 643

was not to be had Mrs. Cleveland fastened Mr. Young came to Sandusky county with
her child on her back with a shawl and his family, and located upon a quarter
carried it with her while she planted and section which he had previously purchased
hoed corn in the field. Her first calico dress in Green Creek township. His son is still
she obtained by picking strawberries and living upon a part of the old place. To
bringing them from home on foot, a distance Charles and Nancy Young were born three
of about eight miles, to Lower Sandusky. sons and six daughters, namely: Noah,
These she traded to Jesse S. Olmsted for Nathan, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Susan, Mary,
twelve and one-half cents a quart, and thus Nancy, Lewis I. C., and Elsie. Nathan died
paid for her calico dress pattern of five yards when an infant. Rebecca married James
at twenty-five cents per yard. When her Huss, and died in Texas. She was the mother
husband died he left an estate worth about of two children, who are still living.
thirty thousand dollars and owed no man a Elizabeth married Matthew Hutchins, and
cent. The widow now enjoys a handsome now resides in Ballville township. She has
support from the land and other property left four children living and three deceased.
by her husband. Five generations have lived Susan became the wife of Milton Brown, and
in the vicinity and chiefly on the farm which died in Steuben county, Indiana. She bore
she and her children now occupy: First, one child who is still living. Mary married
Clark Cleveland, sr.; second, James James Fowl, and died in Ballville. One child
Cleveland (the subject of this sketch); third, living. Nancy now resides in California. She
James Cleveland's children; fourth, James is the wife of James Rollins, and the mother
Cleveland's grand children; fifth, James of two children living. Lewis I. C. resides in
Cleveland's great grand children, of which Steuben county, Indiana. He is the father of
there are now two. Surely few localities can six children, four of whom are living. Elsie
show as well in permanent residence and married Hubbard Curtis, and lives in
numbers as the Cleveland neighborhood in California. She has five children living, and
Green Creek township, and few boast of one deceased. The parents of this family of
better citizens than the Cleveland settlement. children had their share of the rough
experiences of pioneers. When they came to
Sandusky county the whole region was little
NOAH YOUNG. more than a wilderness. Indians were far
more numerous than white people. Their toil
Among the earliest settlers in Sandusky and hardships were similar to those which
county were the Young family. Charles almost all of the early settlers encountered,
Young was born in Berkeley county, Vir- but they lived to see a great change wrought
ginia, February 28, 1789. He passed the most upon the face of the country.
of his youthful days in Pennsylvania. At an Mr. Young died December 10, 1841. Mrs.
early date he came to Ohio, took up a tract Young died some years later at the home of
of wild land in Pickaway county, and entered her youngest son in Steuben county, Indiana,
upon the work of a pioneer. His wife was aged about sixty-three years. She was a
Nancy Scothorn, a native of Pennsylvania. sincere Christian and a lady of most
After living some years in Pickaway county, excellent character. Although Mr. Young
they moved to Seneca county, and remained was a member of no church, he was a man of
one year. In 1825 upright principles,
644 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

strictly honest in business, obliging and began planting on Saturday, and it being so
agreeable in his personal address, and died a late in the season, he became so anxious to
most respected citizen. finish the job, that he decided to work on the
Noah Young was born in Pickaway county, following day. After breakfast, Sunday
Ohio, December 24, 1818. Being the son of a morning, he went out to the field, but soon
pioneer farmer, he was brought up to hard returned to the house, greatly to the surprise
work, and had few opportunities for of his wife. "What!" exclaimed she, "Aren't
obtaining a school education. Some idea of you going to finish your planting today?"
his early experiences may be gathered from "No," he replied; "if the corn would get ripe
the following account, it being remembered by planting today, it will have almost time
that Noah was a boy in his seventh year enough to ripen if I put the work off until
when his parents settled in their new home. tomorrow." And he adhered to this
The family arrived upon the 25th of determination to respect the holy Sabbath,
February, 1825. A small log cabin had been although the necessity for working seemed
erected by Mr. Young the same winter. It great.
was built of unhewn logs. In the front side The corn patch was on the high ground,
was an opening, without door or glass in it, some two hundred yards from the house.
which served both as a door and window. After the corn had begun to grow, the
There was also a small opening in the back chipmunks, which were numerous, became
part of the cabin, but this, too, had no glass very troublesome. No corn would be raised
or other substance to keep out the winter if they were allowed to have their way. So
winds. Part of a floor had been laid of loose little Noah was put in charge of the
boards, and overhead was a similar floor or cornfield, and watched it from before sunrise
scaffold, where the family stowed their until after sunset. To a boy less than seven
goods. The cabin had no chimney or fire- years of age, in the midst of a dense forest
place; the roof was made of "shakes," or where there was only one small, solitary
long clapboards, held down by poles laid clearing, a charge of this sort could not be
upon them. The sides of the building were the most agreeable thing in the world. He had
"chinked up" without mud or plastering. no company, save when he could coax the dog
Mr. Young well remembers the keen to go with him. There in the lonely forest he
disappointment his mother felt when she watched patiently day by day, rejoicing as the
arrived, and surveyed the spot that was to be hours passed by, and the long shadows of the
her home. She bore up as long as she could, trees admonished him that night was near. He
but finally seated herself and indulged in a did his work faithfully and well, although his
hearty cry. But the father at once set about courage was often so tried that when darkness
making improvements, and in a few days had came on, and he was to return to the cabin, he
the cabin more comfortably fixed, and better would shout to his mother to come and meet
suited for human habitation. Then he began him, and attend him through the woods. For
clearing away the trees, and preparing a spot about three weeks he was kept at this
for a garden and a corn patch. He exchanged employment, and rejoiced when the corn had
work with his neighbors, and made such grown so that watching it was no longer
progress that, by the 4th of June, he was necessary. What boy of the present day would
ready to plant his corn. He crave a similar job?
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 645

Again, in the fall, when the corn had begun the book. But in addition, the mysterious
to ripen, new enemies appeared—blackbirds, words, "carry one for every ten," stopped
raccoons, opossums, besides the squirrels. short his progress, though he puzzled many
Blackbirds came in flocks; and were more hours over their meaning. At length he
numerous by far than the ears of corn. These obtained the assistance of a young man who
must be kept away, and, of course, the explained away the difficulty; and from that
services of the small boy were again in time onward he pursued the study of
requisition. arithmetic alone, and became master of the
Of Mr. Young's school days something greater part of the book. When he was
deserves to be said. When he was about twenty years of age, the school house having
eight years of age, a young man established been rebuilt and a teacher procured, Mr.
a tuition school in the shoemaker shop of a Young resumed his attendance for the most
neighbor. Noah's father decided to allow his of two terms. He studied by fire-light at
son to attend. But he had no book, and no home and gained quite a reputation for
means of procuring one. As a substitute his scholarship among the neighbors. At the age
father took a sheet of foolscap and wrote out of twenty-four the directors of his school
the letters of the alphabet as best he could district urged him to become their teacher
make them, he was not an excellent penman, for the winter term, assuring him that he was
and furnished with this outfit the boy qualified for the position, although English
trudged off to school. One day the master grammar and other branches, now taught in
gave him a slight cut with a small stick and every school, were subjects which he had
admonished him to "study." The pupil never investigated. After some hesitation
objected to this treatment and soon afterward Mr. Young accepted their offer, and the
severed his connection with the school. He directors took him before Mr. Stark, the
attended school nine days in all, and learned examiner, at Fremont, and assured this
a part of the alphabet. The following winter official that they considered the young man
he attended school a few days at the house of competent to instruct in their school. Upon
a neighboring lady, and made a little further this recommendation a certificate was
progress. The third school he attended about granted and Mr. Young entered upon his
one month, having Webster's spelling-book duties. He taught three terms very
as his only textbook. When Noah was. about successfully, though to qualify himself for
seventeen he went to school a portion of two his work he often studied until late at night
terms and began the study of arithmetic and to be sure that none of the scholars should
geography. He had just begun to get a little catch him tripping over any difficulties in
insight into these sciences when the school- the lessons for the next day. Thus ended his
house took fire and burned down, thus school education; but careful reading and a
abruptly ending the term. A school was not habit of thoughtfully considering all that he
re-established for a year or two. In peruses, has made Mr. Young a man of good
arithmetic he advanced sufficiently to be general information.
able to add a little, and resolved to pursue Mr. Young's father, at his death, be-
his studies at home. By this time he had queathed a portion of his farm to his son,
become a tolerably good reader, and was and soon after attaining his majority Noah
able to comprehend the most of the first took possession and began work for himself.
rules in September 11, 1842, he was married
646 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

to Orlintha Brown, daughter of Jeremiah and THE BAKER FAMILY.


Olive (Hutchins) Brown. Mrs. Young was A portrait is presented of the first known
born in Oswego county, New York, May 27, representative of the family which made the
1824, and came to Sandusky county with her first permanent settlement in this township.
parents. She died April 15, 1870. She was a Samuel Baker, sr., emigrated from New York
woman of industry and economy, a fitting State to Sandusky county in the winter of 1818,
companion and helpmate to her husband, and bringing with him a family of five children,
bore a good reputation as a wife and mother. namely: Samuel, Sarah Ann (Brown),
To her were born eleven children, ten of Cincinnati; Almira (Grover) Michigan;
whom are living. Norman, the first child, Samantha (Shields), Fremont; Amelia
died when about twelve years of age. The (Simpers), Iowa. Samuel Baker, jr,, oldest
others are living, located as follows: child of Samuel Baker, was born in New York
Emeline, wife of Walter Huber, Green in 1802. Rugged labor from boyhood gave him
Creek; Norton, Green Creek; Sidney and a constitution capable of enduring the
Charles, Ballville; Chauncy, Steuben county, experiences of pioneer life. At the age of
Indiana; Olive, wife of Oliver Huss, Green sixteen he was placed in the midst of an
Creek; Burton, Edwin, Nancy, and Villa unbroken forest, with no other society than the
Viola, Green Creek. home circle. Clearing and planting was his
Mr. Young's second marriage took place only occupation, but every working day of the
April 7, 1872, when he wedded Miss Louisa year was diligently occupied.
Braund, daughter of Edward and Ann In September, 1826, Mr. Baker was united in
Braund, natives of England. Mrs. Young was marriage to Elizabeth Cleveland, a lady also
born in Devonshire, England, June 3, 1834. accustomed to the privations of the country,
She belongs to the church of the United being a daughter of Clark Cleveland, one of the
Brethren, of which Mr. Young has been a earliest settlers of this part of the county. The
prominent member for many years. About fruit of this union was eight children, as
twenty years ago he was licensed as an follows: Samuel Baker was born February 20,
exhorter by the quarterly conference of this 1827, married Emeretta Rathbun; died June 1,
church, and during the past fifteen years has 1855, leaving two children of whom is living
been a licensed local preacher. Emma (Wadsworth).
Mr. Young was formerly a Democrat, but Clark Baker, born May 20, 1828; married
since the war he has voted with the Nancy Vroaman; died November 14, 1873,
Republicans. He has never sought office but leaving three children—Ward, Nellie, and
has served in various local offices. Evangeline.
Mr. Young has always believed in tem- Keziah Baker, born in March, 1831; married,
perance and practiced it. He has never used first, William Hoel, who died leaving one
liquor, except as a medicine, and does not child, Samuel; married, second, Edwin Gittins,
know the taste of tobacco. His large family by whom two children were born, one living—
of children have been reared properly and Clark. Mrs. Gittins died July 7, 1859.
carefully. None of the sons use tobacco or Sarah Ann Baker, born August 26, 1833;
liquor, and profane language was never married Solomon Knauss, who died in 1865.
heard in his household. Mr. Young enjoys a The family consists of three children—Clark,
contented mind and has no enemies. Elizabeth, and Solomon,
Samuel Baker
Samuel W. Chapin
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 647

Napoleon Baker was born June 7, 1836; W. Chapin. Luther lived in Cayuga county,
married, first, Cynthia Leach, after her death, New York, until he reached a ripe old age.
Diana Weaver; has a family of five children— Electa married Peter Stiles, moved to
Frank, Susan, Thomas, Abbie, and James. Michigan in 1834, and died in Genesee
Abigail Baker, born July 9, 1838, married county in that State. Chauncy moved to
Franklin Short; died September 30, 1864, Michigan about the same date and died there
leaving one child—Flora. in 1873, in Genesee county. Samuel also
James Baker, born August 28, 1842; married went to Michigan and died there, at Ann
Alice Hayes, and has a family of six children— Arbor. He was a postmaster and justice of
Ella, Joseph, Elizabeth, Ellsworth, James, and the peace in New York State, and an active
Anna. business man, although a farmer the most of
Jeremiah Baker, born February 24, 1844; his days. Willard lived in Perry, New York,
married to Norman Ellsworth and has six and was a tanner and currier by trade. He
children—Elizabeth, Florence, Nellie, served as postmaster several years. In 1849
Frederick, Norman and George. he died of the cholera. Sibyl married and
Mr. Baker died April 5, 1880. Mrs. Baker remained in New York State until her death.
continues to reside on the old homestead, Calvin C. Chapin was born in Litchfield
surrounded by her large family of children and county, Massachusetts, October 22, 1780. He
grandchildren. Samuel Baker was a man of received a fair common school education.
quiet habits and unassuming manners. He was When about twenty years of age, he married
a farmer and wasted little time on outside Rhoda Crofoot, a native of Massachusetts. In
affairs. His many friends will recognize in the 1817 he moved to Kanawha county, West
portrait the plain, honest old gentleman who Virginia, where he remained about four
but a short time ago finished life's duties, hav- years, and then went to Gallia county, Ohio.
ing attained to the ripe old age of seventy- There his wife died April 16, 1830, in the
eight. town of Green, aged about fifty-two. In the
fall of 1831 he moved to Bellevue, Sandusky
county, and after changing his location
THE CHAPIN FAMILY. several times, lived with his son, S. W.
The grandparents of the subject of this sketch Chapin, during the last fourteen years of his
were Deacon Samuel Chapin and his wife, life, and died at his home in Green Creek
whose maiden name was Josselyn, of township, December 28, 1864. He was a man
Litchfield county, Massachusetts. Deacon of restless disposition and was never long
Chapin moved from Massachusetts to Cayuga contented without a change of abode. He was
county, New York, in 1792, his being the third married twice, the second time to Mrs.
white family to settle in that county. Samuel Adaline Russell. By his first marriage six
Chapin was an upright and devout man, and children were born. Asenath, born June 1,
was a deacon of the Baptist church for many 1802, married John McKeen in Gallia county
years. He was married twice, the second time and died there; Pamelia, born May 8, 1804,
to Mrs. Whitney, and was the father of seven married, in West Virginia, Oglesbury
children. Calvin C. Chapin, his oldest son and Higginbottom; Amarilous, born June 16,
first child, was the father of Samuel 1806, remained single. She died at the home
648 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of her brother Samuel in September, 1835; This union was blessed with six children,
Robert P, born May 18, 1808, lived in Gallia two of whom are living: Fatima, born March
county several years, died in Steuben 21, 1840; married, in 1863, Fernando Perin,
county, Indiana, about the year 1845; of Green Creek; after his decease, married
Samuel Willard, born April 10, 1812; Mary Oscar Lefever; she now resides in Liscomb
Jane, born April 15, 1822, married Henry H. township, Marshall county, Iowa. Corydon
Manahan, and resides in Norwalk township, C:, born December 10, 1841; died September
Huron county. Samuel and Mary are the only 5, 1849. Willard, born March 30, 1844;
survivors. The others all died of enlisted in March, 1864, in the Seventy-
consumption. second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; died in
Samuel W. Chapin was born in Aurelius, Memphis September 14, 1864. Willie, twin
Cayuga county, New York. He received a to Wi1lard, died an infant. Ralph H., born
limited common school education in a log August 3, 1854, resides in Clyde, and is
school-house. But in the school of experience engaged in the livery business, a member of
he has been well taught, and reading and the firm of Chapin & Gray. The next, a son,
practice have stored his mind with a good born February 8, 1858, died in infancy.
supply of practical information. He passed his Mrs. Sarah A. Chapin died September 10,
boyhood at home until old enough to work, 1873, aged fifty-five years.
when he began business life by working out Mr. Chapin is now living with his third
upon a farm, —a hard means of earning a wife, to whom he was united in marriage
livelihood, as every farmer's boy who has September 16, 1874. Her maiden name was
tried it can testify. This life he followed for Emma H. Meacham, second daughter of Dr.
eleven years, working in a shoemaker's shop A. G. and Polly (Gault) Meacham. Dr.
in the winter time toward the close of this Meacham was a native of Vermont, moved
period. He worked on the Ohio canal along to Adams township, Seneca county, near
the Scioto Valley three summers, Green Spring, in 1841, and practiced a
commencing when sixteen years of age. number of years in this vicinity. From here
In 1832 Mr. Chapin came to Sandusky he went to Illinois, where the died. Mrs.
county, which has since been his home. He Meacham, a native of New York, is still
was married, February 14, 1835, to Jane living at Green Spring. Mrs. Chapin was
Tuttle, daughter of Van Rensselaer Tuttle, of born in Booneville, New York.
Green Creek township. They had but one Mr. Chapin is a Universalist in his
child, that died in infancy. In 1835 Mr. religious belief, though his parents were
Chapin leased a farm and began work for Baptists. He is liberal in his views, and a
himself. His wife died April 30, 1836, aged friend to every true religious faith. In
about twenty-two years. This great loss politics he is a thorough Republican, and a
destroyed his home, and Mr. Chapin again strong temperance advocate.
became a wanderer and a day-laborer for Mr. Chapin is a self-made man. What he
three years. has gained in this life the has earned, and
May 21, 1839, the married Sarah A. Dirlam, earned, too, by toil, and frequently by
daughter of Orrin and Annis (Gibbs) Dirlam. hardship. Now nearly three score and ten, he
Her parents were both natives of can look back with pleasure upon a busy life,
Massachusetts, and Mr. Dirlam moved to without regret for idle days, for these he
Green Creek township in 1833. never had. He has cleared and
Dr. J. L. Brown
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 649

improved over one hundred acres, and early winter, making good progress in his studies.
and late has been active in working in the At the age of twelve, at the request of his
forest or the field. mother, he was taken into the family of Rev.
Mr. Austin, a Presbyterian minister, there to
be educated for the ministry of that
DOCTOR J. L. BROWN. denomination. Here he remained about one
Dr. J. L. Brown was born in Oneida county, year. At the end of this period he decided
New York, August 31, 1829, His parents were that he never could become a clergyman,
Charles and Anna (Phelps) Brown, of New having no taste for such a life; besides, he
England birth, and both descended from the was already firmly convinced that he never
Plymouth colonists. His grandfather, General could accept the teachings of the
John Brown, was a distinguished soldier of Presbyterian church.
the Revolutionary war; his father served in At the age of thirteen he entered a drug
the War of 1812, and the doctor himself was store for a term of five years; of this time
in the late Rebellion. His father and mother four months of each year was allowed to
went to New York State with their parents himself, and this time he improved to the
when but children, and there were brought up best advantage, continuing his studies and
and married. In 1832 they removed thence to preparing himself for a teacher. When fifteen
Ashtabula county, Ohio. Both are now years old he taught his first term, thus aiding
deceased. himself in furthering the great object of his
Doctor Brown is the youngest of a family of life, the practice of medicine. At the age of
six children. His father was a teacher by eighteen he attended his first course of
profession, and under his instruction each of medical lectures. At twenty he was united in
his children received their first educational marriage to Miss Mary N. McIntyre, a lady
training. The doctor attended school at the still younger than himself. Soon after taking
Jefferson Academy until he was eleven years this step he imbibed the western fever,
of age, then continued his studies at which was raging in his vicinity in those
Austinburg Institute, in Ashtabula county, days, came to Fort Seneca, Seneca county,
working for his board In the family of a Ohio, and there began the practice of
dairyman, where night and morning he milked medicine, with a fortune of one dollar and
seven cows and drove them to pasture a seventy cents as the sum total of his worldly
distance of two and one-half miles. His possessions. He practiced medicine in this
employer allowed him no lights, and as a obscure little village for a period of eight
substitute for these necessary articles in a years. Not satisfied with the slow growth of
student's outfit, while driving the cows he the place, in the fall of 1859 he removed to
gathered hickory bark and made it serve Green Spring. The following winter he
instead of candles. His room contained a large graduated from the Cleveland Medical
fireplace, and in this he built the bark fire, by College, and pursued his profession until the
the light of which he studied, having winter of 1862-63, when he was called to
suspended a large board in front of the fire- examine the Western troops at Fort
place to protect himself from the heat. By this Dennison. Soon after arriving there he
dim light he prepared his daily lessons, often enlisted as a volunteer surgeon, and in that
sitting up until late at night. In this manner he capacity was given charge of the One
passed the Hundred and Sixteenth
650 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Ohio Volunteer Infantry, stationed at afflicted might know where to obtain relief.
Winchester, Virginia, where he continued The doctor's practice is very large; the
until June 16, 1863, when he was taken patients he has treated are numbered by
prisoner at the battle of Winchester, General thousands, and come from all parts of the
Milroy being in command. The doctor was land. All the credit for his successful career,
then sent to Richmond with other prisoners, however, should not be given to the doctor
and confined in that historical prison, alone: his faithful wife has assisted and co-
"Castle Thunder," under grave charges operated with him, proving a faithful and
preferred by the rebels. These charges not constant helpmate.
being sustained, after nineteen days of Dr. Brown is, and has ever been, the
dungeon life he was removed to Libby sincere friend of the suffering and
prison and put on equal footing with other oppressed. Previous to the war he was a
prisoners of war. Here he was kept seven pronounced anti-slavery man, and worked
months and twenty-two days. At the with every means at his command to put
expiration of this time he was exchanged, down the nefarious traffic in human lives.
and returned to his regiment in Virginia, With his father, and his brother, the late O.
where he found awaiting him a commission P. Brown, he made addresses throughout a
as post surgeon of that department, having to large portion of this State, urging the people
report monthly to Washington the sanitary to vote and work for the freedom of the
condition of all the hospitals from slaves. As a "boy orator" the doctor gained a
Martinsburg, Virginia, to Harper's Ferry. wide reputation. Nor did his work consist in
This arduous duty Dr. Brown performed with talk alone; for while the celebrated
honor to himself and fidelity to the Nation, underground railroad was in operation, he
until the troops were all returned from these assisted many a poor negro to gain his
points to Richmond and vicinity. He then liberty. The doctor is a firm supporter of the
returned to his home and family at Green principles of the Republican party.
Spring, and soon after commenced his
present business.
Dr. Brown has attained great renown for
his marvelous cures of diabetes. A little girl CHARLES CLAPP AND FAMILY.
was his first patient and after her cure, he Charles Clapp was born in Somersetshire,
received patients from far and near, England, November 30, 1812. When nine
compelling him to remove from the place he years of age he emigrated to this country
then occupied to his present institution, with his parents, Ambrose and Hannah
which is situated in the most pleasant part of (Bartlett) Clapp. They located in Onondaga
the village. The Health Resort is fitted, county, New York, and resided there until
furnished, and arranged in the best manner, 1849, when they came to Clyde, in this
and secures to his patients the most possible county. Charles Clapp is the fourth child of a
enjoyment. The rooms are well ventilated, family of five sons and three daughters. He
the grounds pleasant and shaded, and has three brothers and one sister living.
everything is carefully superintended by the Matthew, his oldest brother, resides in
doctor and his wife. Many patients have Onondaga county, New York; Joseph,
expressed their gratitude to Dr. Brown by younger than Charles, lives in Oakland
presenting him with sworn testimonials, that county, Michigan; and Robert, the youngest
others of the four brothers, resides
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 651

at Clyde. Mrs. Hannah Kernahan, of Green wells of this sort for Mr. Park and Mr. Johnson,
Creek, is the only sister living. She is older in Ottawa county. He also did the first work of
than Mr. Clapp. the kind in Sandusky county for Paul Tew, in
Ambrose Clapp, the father, died about two Townsend township.
and one-half years after he came to Ohio. Mr. Clapp has been an industrious farmer, a
Mrs. Clapp followed her husband two years careful business manager, and has succeeded
later. Both belonged to the Church of well in every work which he has undertaken.
England, and were worthy people and When he began life in the West it was under
devoted Christians. Ambrose Clapp followed most unfavorable conditions. From New York
farming after coming to this country. he proceeded to Detroit, thence to Toledo,
The subject of this sketch was brought up a having paid his fare to the latter place. While
farmer. He received a good common school stopping in Detroit he had all of his money
education. For several years, while residing stolen. On his arrival at Toledo, he was
in New York State, he was engaged in therefore a stranger in a new place, and, worst
working with a threshing machine. About the of all, without money. But, happening to meet
year 1835 Mr. Clapp came to Toledo, where a gentleman whom he had known in England,
he worked two years and a half farming and he borrowed fifty cents from him, and this
clearing land, excepting eight months of this amount served for his use until he could earn
time, when he was sick with the fever. After more.
this he was engaged upon the turnpike from Mr. Clapp is a worthy and respected citizen. In
Lower Sandusky to Perrysburg, and labored politics he is a Democrat. He has been infirmary
upon this job until it was completed. While director, and has held other local offices.
working at this, probably none of the Mrs. Matilda Clapp was born in Sussex
laborers broke more stone than Mr. Clapp. county, New Jersey, February 22, 1824. Her
He next purchased the farm in Green Creek parents were Daniel and Susannah (Knight)
township, which is still his home, and on the Seaman. Her father was born on Long Island, in
22d day of February, 1844, married Matilda the State of New York. Her mother was of
Seaman, of Ottawa county, and began German parentage, and was born in
farming and keeping public house. His house Pennsylvania. In 1833 Mr. Seaman and wife,
was a well-known stopping place for with two sons and one daughter, moved from
travelers upon the turnpike for twenty-five New Jersey to what is now Ottawa county,
years. The tract he had purchased was a wild where they remained about fifteen years, when
lot, upon which few improvements had been they came to Woodville, Sandusky county.
made. There was a log house upon the land, There Mr. Seaman died, March 25, 1853, at the
and about five acres had been cleared. By age of seventy-six. After her husband's death
unremitting industry and labor, assisted and Mrs. Seaman resided with her daughter, Mrs.
encouraged by the work of his excellent Clapp, twelve years. She died May 15, 1864, in
wife, Mr. Clapp succeeded in making a fine her eighty-fourth year.
farm and a pleasant and beautiful home. Mrs. Clapp is the youngest of a family of
About the year 1852 Mr. Clapp introduced eleven children. Her brothers and sisters who are
the first successful artesian well in this part living at this writing, are—Daniel Seaman,
of the State. He made the first Fremont, now seventy-four;
652 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Ira K. Seaman, Toledo, in his sixty-fourth July 28, 1851; Charles Holmes, born
year; Isaac N. Seaman, Brown county, November 7, 1849, married Sarah Noble, of
Kansas, aged sixty; Mrs. Jemima Roberts, in Green Creek, resides in Clyde; Seaman J.,
Sussex county, New Jersey, in her seventy- born December 10, 1851, married Mollie
second year; and Mrs. Susannah Edinger, Jackson, of Green Spring, resides in Green
Warren county, New Jersey, aged sixty-five. Creek township; Horace, born November 25,
Mrs. Clapp has given birth to eight 1853, married Sudie Keating, of Green
children, five of whom are living—Daniel Creek, resides in Toledo. The next child, a
Ambrose, born January 9, 1845, married daughter, born February 28, 1856, died when
Margaret Grover, of Green Creek town-ship, eleven days old. Arthur, born July 17, 1857,
now resides in Brown county, Kansas; resides at home. Robert Benjamin, born
Ernestine, born April 30, 1847, died December 8, 1861, died January 16, 1865.
YORK.

T HE most striking feature of the topog-


raphy of York is the three parallel
ridges or sand bars extending in a north-
southeast from the crest of North ridge.
About the same distance toward the south-
east trends Butternut ridge, beginning near
easterly and southwesterly direction. The the southeast corner of Green Creek and
township itself embracing an area of six losing its identity near the pike in York. The
miles square, lies in the southeast corner of name Butternut ridge was, very naturally,
the county and is bounded on the north by applied in consequence of the number and
Townsend township, on the east by Erie and size of the white walnut, or butternut trees,
Huron counties, on the south by Seneca which shaded its surface before the day of
county, and on the west by Green Creek railroads and lumber markets.
township. No streams of sufficient size to Nowhere in the county did the primitive
furnish water-power for mills flow through forest appear more hospitable than in York.
this territory. The sand ridges give the West of the Sandusky River was, seemingly,
surface an undulating appearance, and the an endless reach of dismal swamp, steaming
porous character of the drift formation with vapors poisoned by decaying
overlying a heavy stratum of limestone vegetation. But here, trees grew to graceful
contributes to the dryness of the fertile soil. size, and shaded soft grasses. The perfume
It is unnecessary to elaborate on geological of wild flowers wakened birds to song, and
theories concerning the origin of the sand the fleet-footed deer gave gayety to the
bars. They are merely accumulations of scene. Propitious nature welcomed with open
fragments and disintegrated particles of arms all who came to build homes for
rock, washed together by powerful waves themselves and an heritage for their
and currents during the last period of children.
geological history when the water of the lake The soil of York is a sandy loam inter-
basin covered all this region of country. mixed with small particles of limestone, and
Such bars of gravel and sand are yet forming is unexceptionable for agricultural purposes.
near the shores of the great lakes. At the The upper rock stratum is lime-stone of
present time events of real and traditional superior quality and more than ordinary
history in York are located by these sand thickness. An outcrop occurs near Bellevue
bars, and it will therefore be necessary to which supplies large quantities, of stone,
know their location. both for building and for making lime. Land
The crest of North ridge trends through commands a higher price per acre in York
Green Creek in a northeasterly direction, and than anywhere else in the county. Nowhere
extends across the northwest corner of York in Ohio can be found better improved farms.
and southeast corner of Townsend into Erie THE SETTLEMENT.
county. South ridge takes a parallel course, The circumstances leading to the settle-
and its crest is about two miles

653
654 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ment of York were somewhat peculiar. The introducing the topic under discussion than by
improvement of the Fireland district had giving a list of the original proprietors, taken
commenced before the War of 1812, and was from the book of land entries.
well progressed while Indian camp fires It will be necessary, in order to understand
were yet burning on the other side of the the dates here given, to know the method of
line. After the restoration of peace with making entries on the books in the recorder's
Great Britain real estate took a rise in the office. The United States land office gave
Firelands which induced emigrants to camp each purchaser a certificate of entry and
over on the Congress lands until they should receipt of payment. These certificates
be surveyed and offered for sale. Many, too, entitled the holder to a patent from the
who had cleared farms and built houses in United States. They were also filed in the
Huron, were induced to sell and begin again auditor's office, and under the law, five
the trials of pioneer life. The ridges of York years from their date, the property, of which
were favorite places for squatters, who put they stood as a receipt of Payment, was
up temporary buildings, and made small listed on the tax duplicate, and recorded in
clearings with the expectation of buying the the book of entries. It will appear, therefore,
land when in market, thus saving the value that the date of record given in the following
of their improvements. But men were selfish table of Congress lands, is five years later
then as now, and it frequently happened that than the real purchase at the land office.
the most cherished hope of an industrious But the turnpike lands embracing a strip
squatter who had cleared and cultivated, one mile wide on each side of the pike, were
cheered on by the anticipation of being the ceded by the United States to the State of
rightful and legal owner, was blasted by one Ohio for the purpose of constructing a pike
who had risen earlier, and secured a front road from the Western Reserve through the
place at the land office when the book of Black Swamp. These lands were offered for
entries was opened. The scene is said to have sale at the land office at Perrysburg in 1826,
been highly exciting when the turnpike lands and were taxable from the date of entry.
were placed upon the market. Horses were They were at once listed on the duplicate,
rode at full speed to the office, where a and the date of record is also the date of
lively contest for turns ensued. Each man purchase.
had his lot picked out, but each suspected his The following entries are recorded in
neighbor of having envious eyes, a suspicion 1826:
which, in many cases, proved well founded. SECTION ACRES
James Birdseye........................... 17, 20 and 25 542
The feeling of hatred caused by what was Joseph George, jr ....................... 21 135
considered a transgression of rights was in a J. C. and Isaac Hinds ................. 21 30
few instances lasting, and the cause of D. Searls and M. McCoy .......... 21 and 22 222
neighborly feuds in later years. The scramble Jeremiah Smith ......................... 22 124
William T. Tuttle ...................... 19 79
for land was conducted with as much ardor
and self interested feeling then, as the Entries are recorded in 1827 as follows:
scramble for office at the present time, SECTION ACRES
although the assertion may appear to a Augustus Barber ........................ 1 85
casual observer of affairs extravagant. Winthrop Ballard ....................... 31 160
We know of no more accurate way of Abram Marks ............................. 17 160
James Birdseye ......................... 21 211
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 655

SECTION ACRES
Perry Easton .............................. 20 and 22 230
Entries are recorded in 1830 as follows:
L. G. Harkness .......................... 18 and 21 142 SECTION ACRES

Reuben Pixley ........................... 22 and 27 196 N. P. Birdseye ............................ 19 79


L. G. Raymond, ......................... 22 116 Elisha Avery............................... 12 80
Samuel Sparrow......................... 24 and 26 268 James Chapman ......................... 15 80
Jeremiah Smith ......................... 22 124 George Colvin............................ 9 80
Samuel Sparrow......................... 24 70 John Dunse ................................. 13 80
Eli Knickerbocker...................... 3 86
The following entries are recorded in 1828: S. W. Murray.............................. 7 80
SECTION ACRES Charles Sherwood...................... 12 80
Joseph M. Jenkins ..................... 11 80 Lansford Wood .......................... 12 80
Henry Miller .............................. 29 80 L. C. Watkins ............................. 10 80
John Mugg ................................. 10 400
Seth W. Merry ........................... 7 and 18 160
The entries recorded in 1831 were as follows:
Frederick Persing ...................... 17 80 SECTION ACRES

Norton Russell .......................... 7 160 Gideon Brayton.......................... 31 80


Jeremiah Smith ......................... 9 and 15 160 Nathaniel Chapman ................... 36 75
Smith Barber ............................. 2 80 Jesse Gilbert .............................. 30 80
Roderick Bishop ........................ 5 80 Philip Glick ............................... 30 160
H. Baker .................................... 2 and 11 640 Samuel Grover .......................... 34 80
James Birdseye ......................... 5 160 John Glick ................................. 30 80
Lyman Babcock ........................ 7 160 James M. Jenkins ....................... 11 80
Oliver Comstock ....................... 7 80 James Munger ........................... 29 80
William Christie ........................ 18 160 Return Burlingston ................... 25 2
Joseph P. Dean ........................... 31 80 Nathaniel Chapman ................... 25 40
John Dunse ................................ 13 80 Chapman and Amsden............... 25 27
John Davenport .......................... 19 80 Zadock Story ............................. 25 78
Elkana Daniels .......................... 17 80 A. D. Follett .............................. 27 78
Edmond Fuller .......................... 7 and 8 160 Stillman George ......................... 28 79
Stillman George ......................... 33 80 John Lemmon............................. 18 33
Esther F. Green .......................... 19 80 Henry McMillen ........................ 18 14
Martin Hart ................................ 36 80 John West ................................... 17 80
Joseph Hill ................................. 34 80 George W. Franklin ................... 19 79
R. C. Brayton ............................. 28 76
Entries were recorded in 1829 as follows: Roswell George.......................... 146
SECTION ACRES
David Acklar ............................. 25 80 R. Burlingson ............................. 24 67
William Cookson ...................... 4 160 N. P. Birdseye ............................ 20 79
Elizabeth Cady ........................... 25 80 Jacob May .................................. 121
Thomas W. Canada.................... 9 80 The only entry in 1832 was:
John Davenport .......................... 20 80
SECTION ACRES
Joseph T. Doan........................... 31 80 Lyman Amsden ......................... 35 80
Edmond Huldeah ....................... 30 160
Richard Freeman........................ 17 80 In 1833 the following lands were entered:
Stillman George ......................... 28 80 SECTION ACRES
Truman Gilbert........................... 30 160 William Drum ........................... 11 160
Elnathan George ........................ 33 80 William P. White ....................... 14 80
Jared Hadley............................... 34 80 Eli Knickerbocker ..................... 3 80
Samuel Hackett .......................... 28 80 R. Burlingson ............................ 23 80
Lyman Jones .............................. 15 80 R. Burlingson ............................ 24 80
John Knickerbocker................... 4 340 Crowell and McNutt ................. 20 125
Robert Longwell ........................ 8 80 Dyer Carver ............................... 27 316
Ransom and Major Purdy.......... 2 80 E. T. Gardner ............................. 26 116
Simeon Root............................... 29 80 John Lemmon ............................ 19 80
James Strong .............................. 25 147 Lemuel Morse ........................... 24 79
Samuel Sparrow......................... 23 and 24 160 John Riddle ................................ 28 79
E. W. Rice .................................. 22 76
656 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

SECTION ACRES SECTION ACRES


Ephraim Simmons........................ 26 143 John Barber ............................... 13 40
Reuben McWilthey ...................... 26 131 Daniel Clouse ............................ 35 80
T. Alexander ................................ 35 160 M. M. Coe ................................. 1 80
Crowell and McNutt ..................... 24 124 Almon Gray ............................... 3 38
R. Burlingson............................... 24 79 James Haynes............................. 33 160
Lemuel Morse ............................. 24 79 Joseph Hoover ........................... 13 126
John Lemmon .............................. 19 80 Robert Irwin .............................. 31 120
Ephraim Simmons........................ 26 143 E. G. Kearney ............................ 33 80
John Riddle .................................. 28 78 David Smith .............................. 1 80
Dyer Carver ................................. 27 313 Henry Stetler ............................. 34 240
R. W. Willy ................................. 26 130 S. L. Simpson ............................. 14 160
E. W. Rice ................................... 22 76
E. T. Gardner ............................... 26 116 The entries of the year 1839 are recorded as
follows:
The entries recorded in 1834 were as SECTION ACRES
follows: James Armstrong ....................... 14 and 15 120
SECTION ACRES Elisha Avery .............................. 13 40
Theophilus Alexander .............. 35 160 William Bailey ........................... 3 43
Nathaniel Chapman .................. 36 80 H. H. Brown .............................. 33 40
Chapman and Amsden............... 30 75 William Barcan .......................... 6 240
Philip Crapo .............................. 30 78 Edmond Brace............................ 2 42
Samuel Foster, jr ........................ 24 80 Smith Barber ............................. 3 40
H. and Hiram Palmer ................. 29 80 Lester Beach .............................. 9 40
Phebe Sharp ............................... 36 80 John Colvin ............................... 9 40
Tim Sunderland.......................... 26 101 George Colvin ........................... 9 40
R. Burlingson ............................. 23 79 J. G. Coons ................................ 2 85
Martha Baker ............................. 23 79 Matthew M. Coe ........................ 12 80
Wesley Anderson....................... 18 160 O. F. Clark.................................. 32 and 33 80
John W. Hone............................. 18 78 H. S. Cooper .............................. 32 40
James S. Connell ....................... 6 80
Entries were made in 1835 as follows: Jacob Decker ............................. 21 40
SECTION ACRES William Degs ............................ 15 80
William Bates ............................ 6 80 William Dalzell ......................... 9 80
John Brush ................................. 5 80 D. Q. Ellsworth ......................... 8 40
William Brumb .......................... 1 80 Henry Friligh ............................. 1 198
Truman Gilbert........................... 29 240 George Stillman ........................ 32 40
Kiah Gould ................................ 36 80 Hezekiah Grover ....................... 28 52
In 1837 were recorded the entries of: W. F. Gormen ........................... 8 40
Ephraim Hastings....................... 3 120
SECTION ACRES
R. Harding ................................. 9 80
Gilbert Bohls ............................... 8 80
Silas Howell .............................. 13 40
Joseph Chapman .......................... 3 80
William Henrick ........................ 12 113
In 1837 entries are recorded as follows: Robert Erwin .............................. 31 and 32 220
SECTION ACRES Robert Erwin, jr. ........................ 32 80
Fred Chapman............................ 35 and 36 158 A. C. Jackson ............................. 3 42
Samuel Clark ............................. 33 80 John Knuttle .............................. 9 40
James Armstrong ...................... 14 80 James Lemmon, jr ..................... 3 84
E. Hiland..................................... 31 80 U. B. Lemmon ........................... 3 42
Wooster McMillen..................... 33 80 James Meacham......................... 14 80
M. P. Sprague............................. 29 80 Richard Nickerson ..................... 14 80
George Parker ........................... 2 42
The entries of 1838 were: Daniel Rife ................................ 5 and 8 122
SECTION ACRES E. R. Smith ................................ 15 40
Thomas G. Amsden ................... 34 80 Dean Squire ............................... 10 and 13 279
John E. Armstrong .................... 14 80 William Stevenson..................... 6 328
James Armstrong ...................... 14 40 Asa Stanley ................................ 3 43
George Pettyome........................ 35 80 Joel Siezer ................................. 4 80
Augustus Barker ........................ 12 and 13 146 Storey Wills................................ 15 200
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 657

1840 closed out the balance of Congress block, while the men, rather as a pleasure
lands as follows: than a duty, shot game and brought what
SECTION ACRES
Martin Dart .......................... 5 85
could not be traded for whiskey, or some
A. D. Follett ........................ 32 40 other luxury, to the cabin, where hands
Ephraim Hastings ................. 9 40 already over-worked, prepared it for the
Dennis Hamlin...................... 8 80 table. It is often asked, "How did these
W. J. Whittaker ................... 8 and 9 200
people live?" When life loses every motive
The settlement of York proper began in except existence, man becomes a very
1822. The squatters whose shabby cabins for simple sort of animal. Culture and ambition
three years had broken the monotony of are the creators of wants, to supply which
continuous forest, cannot be called settlers, toil, even hardship, is cheerfully endured.
nor would it be prudent to attempt to These people never aspired to the ownership
chronicle their comings and goings. A of property, to the enjoyment of travel nor to
squatter community, such as York was from the refinement of education. Good clothes
1819 to 1822, would be a fruitful field for would have made them uncomfortable and
the study of character. Here were the class of good houses miserable. The woods was their
people who may be termed the overflow of chosen paradise, and cabins preferable to a
civilization—families driven from time to "house of many mansions." We cannot, of
time from the public domain by legal course, fathom the life of people and
owners. They push a little further along, understand what circumstances have been
crowding the savage before them. Their their guides along the highway of existence.
improvements are never of much value. A Crime, laziness, and disease are possible
cabin, eight by ten feet in the clear, built of causes of their degradation.
round logs, with a rough puncheon door and But a respectable class of people also were
two holes over which white paper was known as squatters. Brave, industrious men
pasted, the only windows. A mixture of mud and women left pleasant abodes and planted
and leaves filled the cracks, and the earth in the forest the germs of that civilization
shorn of grass and smoothed down by bare which is already bearing golden fruit. They
feet, made a floor unnecessary. Squatters of bore with patience, not only the hardships
this class farmed very little. In an Indian which nature imposed, but also the
clearing, if one chanced to be in the depredations of the vagrants who had gone
neighborhood, or in a field prepared by before. The progress of material
cutting out the underbrush and deadening the development is like the march of an invading
larger trees, they planted corn. Corn was the army. Retreating barbarism is followed by a
complement of game in their table-fare. horde of half-breed camp-followers pressed
Hunting and story-telling was the only closely by the skirmishers of the pursuing
occupation of this class of semi-civilized forces.
vagabonds. The women, rather from Legal barriers, for a while, prevented the
necessity than choice, were more industrious rank and file of the pioneer army from
than the men. However much the children occupying the fertile country beyond the
might be neglected in other particulars, and, limit of the Firelands. But when these
indeed, were neglected, they had to be fed, barriers had been removed, the way was
and the mothers had to do it. They hoed the already opened by squatters in name, but
corn, harvested it, and cracked it on a settlers in reality.
Jeremiah Smith, one of the earliest set-
658 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tiers of this township, removed from Ful- 1820. Abel D. and Laura Follett removed to
tonville, New York, in the fall of 1822, California.
arriving at Bellevue, October 15th. He The school section number sixteen was
entered land near the central part of the settled mostly by poor people, who may be
township. classed as "good, bad, and indifferent."
A. D. Follett, a son of Eliphalet Follett, of Some lived by begging, some by stealing,
Huron county, settled in this township soon and a few by working. After the lines of
after the settlement of Mr. Smith. His family ownership began to become marked many of
is of Norman origin, and came into England the old squatters took to the school section,
with William the Conqueror. One of the feeling sure that their days would be spent
descendants was attorney general to Queen before the uncharitable hand of industrious
Victoria and member of Parliament for the landlords would defile, with axes and plows,
city of Exeter. His monument in this last haven of wandering humanity.
Westminster Abbey bears the inscription, Sid Perry was a character in his day. He
"Sir William Webb Follett, Kt." The was an industrious visitor, especially about
grandfather of Abel D. Follett was murdered butchering time. Jeremiah Smith used to
at Wyoming during the Revolution. That day make a custom of saving the hogs' heads and
of dreadful butchery is one of the most bony meat, knowing that Sid's complaints of
barbarous episodes of American history. It poverty and ingratitude of the world would
was more than an Indian massacre. It was be forced into his ears soon after the last
inspired, planned, and conducted by Tories, squeal of the dying swine had ceased. Sid
which name has become synonymous with was a zealous Baptist, and always wanted to
treason. Among four hundred brave patriots lead the singing. He had a nasal, high-keyed
who marched to the defence of their wives voice, and stretched out his syllables to a
and children was Eliphalet Follett. The distressing length. He seemed to think of his
murderous horde of allied savages and wicked neighbors when he sang:
Tories surrounded this brave company, of I long to see the season come
whom only twenty succeeded in cutting their When sinners shall come marching hum.
way through the lines. One of these was
Follett; but a bullet cut him down before Speaking of ardent church members calls
reaching the opposite side of the to mind another early settler whose piety
Susquehanna. Mrs. Follett escaped the exceeded his education. Adam Brown lived
massacre of the women and children which on the ridge, and was in most respects a
followed, and with an old horse started worthy man. Revivals always conquered his
toward the east, taking her six children, the nerves. He had but one speech, which was
oldest of whom was thirteen, and the delivered, seemingly with fear, certainly
youngest two. Before she had progressed far with trembling. His tearful sincerity
her arm was broken by an accident, but by drowned laughter even among the sinners,
heroic perseverance she succeeded in when he began his stereotype speech by
rescuing the family, which has become well saying: "Brethren and cistern, I tell you
known in the annals of Huron and Sandusky 'ligion is good, I know it by knowledge
counties. Abel D. Follett, who settled in experimental."
York, was a grandson of Eliphalet Follett, There never was enough business along the
and son of Eliphalet Follett, jr., who settled pike to make taverns a necessity. They were
in Huron county about to be found every mile or two.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 659

Most of them were poor concerns, while Oliver Comstock was an early settler on
others made comfortable stopping-places. the North ridge, probably having come there
Henry McMillen had a cooper shop west of before the land was in market.
the Centre. It was an easy matter to get out Dr. Avery was the first physician in the
staves and make barrels from the fine, township, but gave most of his attention to
straight timber in which the forest abounded. farming and clearing land.
Barrels, too, were in considerable demand in William Christie settled on the farm on
Lower Sandusky, and Portland (now which John Davenport first settled. It next
Sandusky), also a great many were used for came into possession of his son-in-law,
shipping potash, which was extensively Nathan P. Birdseye.
manufactured in the east part of this county. The Utbey family settled early on the
Rollin Benson sold the first goods in the North ridge.
township. He brought with him from the East David Acklar, though generally a fair sort
a stock of cotton fabrics and notions, also a of a man, was in the habit of much drinking,
barrel of whiskey, which was a necessary and when under the influence of the
article of merchandise. When the whiskey, beverage, so much used by the pioneers, was
calicoes, muslins, etc., had been disposed of, disposed to be quarrelsome. He had the
the frontier merchant shut up store and reputation of being a fighter.
moved away. Doctor James Strong and Charles F. Drake
John Davenport was one of the first purchased in the name of Z. Story a lot now
squatter settlers in the county. He lived on occupied by the west part of the village of
what is now known as the Nathan P. Bellevue.
Bridseye farm, and then removed further Gideon Brayton was a large, good-natured
north, where he entered land and died. His settler of the north part of the township. His
family went west. Davenport was the first presence at a log-rolling or raising was an
postmaster in York, which was also the first assurance that fun would be plentifully
post office in the east part of the county. intermingled with the work. He came to
The Tuttles were early settlers of the York about 1825.
southwest part of York and southeast part of Return Burlingson was one of the early
Green Creek. They were of a sporting settlers of Bellevue. He afterwards moved to
disposition, and often at raisings or log- California, where he died.
rollings demonstrated considerable Deacon Raymond was one of the first
combativeness. settlers on the pike. He was a local preacher
The years 1824 and 1825 were sickly in and farmer.
York. Three of the prominent settlers were The first tavern on the pike was opened by
among the first to die. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Pixley, who had a family of six
Longwell died in 1824, and Seth M. Murray sons—Reuben, Elanson, Alvah, George,
in 1825. Theron, and Charles. The Pixley's were a
Dr. L. Harkness was the physician for all very religious family, and kept the York
this part of the country at that time. He Centre tavern after the fashion of the times.
found considerable difficulty in obtaining Wesley Anderson was the popular land-
medicine. On one occasion he declared that lord of the pike at a later date. He moved
he would give his horse for a bottle of from York to Hamer's Corners, in Green
quinine. Creek. Hiram Baker was born at Homer,
660 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Courtland county, New York, in the year Grace. David A., the second son, was a
1798. His father, John Baker, was one of the member of the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry and
early settlers of Lyme township, In 1817, was killed near Petersburg, Virginia, in
while assisting to raise a log-house in York, 1864.
he received an injury which resulted in his Elder John Mugg settled on the South
death the following day. Hiram thus found ridge in 1822. Being a man of more than
himself at the early age of eighteen, charged ordinary piety and a devout member of the
with the management of the farm and Baptist church he at once began to plan for
support of his mother. In the course of a few the organization of a religious society. His
years he was obliged to sell the farm his desire was realized in 1825, as will be seen
father had purchased, getting some advance further along in this chapter. He eventually
for the cost of improvements. He purchased became a preacher and exhorter. He bore the
a tract on Butternut ridge, in this county, and reputation of being a truly good man. His
moved into an unfinished log-house in children were: Thomas, John B., William,
midwinter. Mechanics of all kinds were Marcus, and Jesse, sons, and two daughters,
scarce, and Mr. Baker finding himself in Mary (Bennett), and Harriet (Colvin).
need of shoes began cobbling with an awl Thomas, Mary, and Jesse died in Indiana;
made of a piece of fork-tine, pegs whittled Marcus became a preacher and removed to
out with a penknife, and common knives and Michigan, where he died; William farmed on
hammers. He soon became expert in making the South ridge until his death; Mrs. Colvin
the fashionable stoga shoes of the day. He died in this township. John B. Mugg, who
could make two pair a day. His neighbors, was more intimately identified with the
and everybody within a distance of several affairs of York than any of the other
miles were neighbors in those days, children, was born in New York in 1801. He
cheerfully gave a day's work for a pair of married, in 1823, Susan Wheeler, and soon
shoes and furnish the leather. In this way after removed to Ohio and settled in this
Mr. Baker soon succeeded in getting his township; but after a residence in the pioneer
farm under a good state of cultivation. Shoe- country of two years, they returned to New
making being profitable, he sold his farm York, where they remained till 1836.
and moved to Bellevue, where he employed Returning to York, they settled on the farm
a journeyman and learned the trade on which he died. Their family consisted of
regularly. Eventually his business became nine children, only two of whom are living-
quite extensive and brought sufficient William A. and George H., the last named of
accumulation of property to make old age whom was born in 1838, married Adelia Hitt
comfortable. He died in 1874. In 1826 Mr. in 1860, and has three children—Elmer E.,
Baker married Mary Ann Forbes, by whom Luella E., and Susan M. He was in the
he had three children—Arabella, Henry, and nursery business in Green Creek township
Hiram F., the last named being editor of the from 1872 to 1874.
Bellevue Local News. Mr. Baker's first wife In October, 1822, a party of four men,
dying in 1835, he married, in 1836, William McPherson, his brother-in-law
Catharine Hagaman, daughter of John Norton Russel, Lyman Babcock, and James
Hagaman. She was born in 1815. John H., Birdseye, left their homes in Ontario county,
her oldest child, died in 1880 leaving a wife New York, for the purpose of
and one child,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 661

seeking new homes in the West. All, except children and one great-grandchild are living.
Mr. Russel, were married, but left their Joseph George, the oldest man now living in
families behind until a location could be Clyde, and also one of the earliest pioneers,
selected. At Buffalo they engaged passage was born in Vermont, in 1795. He belonged
on a packet, but fearing robbery and to the volunteer militia of New York, when
personal violence at the hands of the crew, the British made the raid through Western
they concluded at the harbor at Ashtabula New York and burned Buffalo, and at that
that safety was preferable to ease, and time he was on the march. The war over, he
started for the Sandusky territory on foot. married Sarah McMillen, and in 1819 came
After two or three weary days' walking Mr. to Ohio, first stopping where Bellevue now
Birdseye, who was the oldest member of the is, at the frontier tavern kept by his cousin,
party, became exceedingly tired, and Elnathan George. He first settled in
throwing himself down by the roadside, Thompson township, but after a few years
insisted that his hips had penetrated his body bought turnpike land, near the centre of
at least two inches. But the tiresome journey York, which he improved after the fashion of
was at last finished, and as a result of it the the day. The land was not well adapted to
county gained four good citizens. They each agriculture and was therefore sold by Mr.
entered a quarter section of land, all in York, George after a residence of nine years, at an
except Mr. McPherson, who settled in Green advance barely covering the cost of
Creek. All except Mr. Russel returned to improvements. This has since become a
New York for their wives. A full sketch of valuable tract on account of inexhaustible
the Birdseye family is found at the deposits of fine gravel. It is now owned by
conclusion of this chapter. Further mention the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern
is made of Mr. McPherson in connection Railroad company. Soon after Mr. George
with Green Creek. Mr. Babcock was a moved to York an incident occurred which
worthy and respected citizen of York for shows the friendly disposition of the Indians
many years. Mr. Russel married, in 1825, who roamed through the extensive
Sibyl McMillen, a daughter of Samuel woodlands, hunting. Mrs. George started on
McMillen, of Green Creek. The wedding horseback to the cabin on the pike, where
ceremony was performed by James Rollin Benson was disposing of a small
McIntyre, the Methodist preacher of this stock of goods. In sight of the little store her
circuit for that year. He had by this time horse frightened and threw her violently to
made considerable improvement on his farm the ground, inflicting a severe stunning and
on the North ridge, where he lived and raised painful bruises. A party of Indians loafing
a family of seven children, viz: John N. and near by seeing what had happened promptly
William M., Clyde; Charles P., York; came to her rescue, carried her to Amsden's
Phoebe S., wife of William Mugg, York; Corners, and summoned medical aid. Mr.
Sarah R. (Bell), Clyde; Mary M. (Taylor), George removed from York to Townsend,
Colorado Springs; and Belle R. (Culver), where he lived thirty-three years, and then
Cleveland. The children and grandchildren retired in Clyde, where he yet resides in the
held a reunion at Mr. Russel's residence in fullness of his years, being in the eighty-
Clyde, June 15, 1881, the occasion being the seventh year of his age. Mrs. George died in
eightieth anniversary of his birth. Twenty- 1880, having
two grand-
662 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

borne a family of fourteen children, thirteen Erastus W. All the children, except Joseph,
of whom came to maturity. Nine are yet live in York township.
living: Lorenzo D., Allen county, Indiana; Prominent among the Pennsylvania
Alfred, Bowling Green, Ohio; Rev. Norton German families of this township are the
R., Hill City, Kansas, Joseph, jr., Clyde; Harpsters. Jacob Harpster was born in
Mrs. Archibald Richards, Clyde; Mrs. Joseph Pennsylvania in 1811. He came to Ohio in
Whitehead, Clyde; Mrs. George McFarland, 1834, and settled in Seneca county, where he
Bowling Green, Ohio; Mrs. Milton Gaskill, lived five years, and then made York his
Medina, Michigan; and Mrs. James May, permanent residence. He married, in 1838,
Fairfield, Michigan. Elizabeth Mook, and has a family of four
John Riddell, a native of Pennsylvania, children—Frederick, Jacob D., Benjamin F.,
removed to New York in 1824, at the age of who live in Kansas, and Eliza S., wife of
twenty-four years. He married, in New York, Henry Miller, of York township.
in 1828, Laura Haynes, and three years later Isaac Parker and family emigrated from
removed to Ohio and settled in York Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1842, and remained
township, near York centre. They had one in Huron county one year, then came to York
child, William B., who was one year old township. Mr. Parker married Elizabeth
when his parents came to Ohio. In 1853 he Mook, also of Pennsylvania. He is still
married Barbara Cupp, and has a family of living; his wife died several years ago. They
three children: Ida (Angel), Emma, and John had nine children, seven of whom are living-
C. John Riddell is one of the few old settlers Levi, in York township; Isaac, in Michigan;
still living. His wife died about nine years Jackson, in Erie county; Solomon, in
ago. He belongs to the Christian church. His Michigan; Anna (Rupert), in Michigan;
son, W. B. Riddell, does a good farming Andrew, in the West; and Henry, in Iowa.
business. Levi Parker was born in Pennsylvania in
Isaac Slocum was born in Rhode Island, in 1823. In 1861 he married Caroline Michael,
1775. He married, in Pennsylvania, to whom seven children were born-George,
Elizabeth Patrick, and they emigrated to Charles, Isaac, Mary, Oren, Emma, and
Huron county, Ohio, in 1824, settling in Nettie.
Lyme township, where they remained five Ephraim Sparks was born in New Jersey in
years, and then, in 1829, removed to York. 1790. He settled in Pennsylvania, and there
Mr. Slocum died in York in 1858. The married Sarah Cook in 1813. Four years later
family consisted of twelve children, five of they removed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio,
whom are living, viz : Isaac, in Minnesota; where Mrs. Sparks died, in 1828, and her
William, in Iowa; Abel, in Wisconsin; Giles, husband in 1871. Four of their seven
in Minnesota; Elizabeth, the only daughter children are still living, two in this county—
living, is the widow of Mason Kinney, and Randall. and Isaac. The latter resides in
lives in York township. Clyde. David died in Carroll county, Ohio,
Mason Kinney was born in 1806. In 1833 in February, 1881. The daughters now living
he married Elizabeth Slocum, by whom be are: Mrs. Elizabeth Tressel, Tuscarawas
had a family of seven children, six of whom county, and Mrs. Mary Neal, Westmoreland
are living: Mary, George, Sarah (Bachman), county, Pennsylvania.
William, Joseph, and Randall Sparks was born in Pennsylva-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 663

nia in 1814. He married Ann Wingate in they came to Ohio, and settled in this
1835, and settled in York township, his township. Seven of their nine children are
present residence. Mr. Sparks has served as yet living—Mary, wife of Isaac Parker, York
justice of the peace six years, and has held township; Abraham, New York State; Effie,
other local offices. He is the father of eight wife of Lewis Burgess, New York State;
children, only two of whom are living: Solomon, living in Illinois; Sampson, in
Lemuel, the oldest, enlisted in company B, New York, and Benjamin, in York township.
Seventy-second Ohio infantry, November 9, The last named was born in Pennsylvania in
1861, and participated in the battle of 1820; he came to Ohio with his parents, and
Shiloh. He died in camp before Corinth, May in 1848 married Susan Boyer, who was born
16, 1862, in the twenty-sixth year of his age. in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1827.
Catharine died January 5, 1858, in her Their family consists of nine children, viz.:
nineteenth year; Albert died May 31, 1861, Simon B., Fidelia, Malcomb, Samuel E.,
in his twentieth year. Leslie E. was mustered Elmer J., Clara, Emma and Emerson (twins),
in as a member of company M, First and William G. Mr. Mook made carpentering
regiment Ohio Heavy Artillery; he was a business while living in New York. John
drowned in the Tennessee River, near Mook, father of the Mooks of this township,
Loudon, Tennessee, June 2, 1864, in the died in 1848. His wife survived him ten
twenty-first year of his age. Melissa died years.
November 6, 1869, in her twenty-second William, the only living child of William
year; Elinda Jane died April 25, 1872, in the and Mary Mills, was born of Jersey
twenty-second year of her age. The surviving parentage, in 1809. He married Cornelia
children are Wilbur L., born February 27, Berry in 1857, and has a family of two
1854, and Ella B., born June 15, 1859; both children—Eliza J., Huron county, and Mary
reside at home. E., York township.
Samuel Shutts was a native of New Jersey, William Dymond was born in England, in
and was born in 1797. His family moved to 1811. He married Elizabeth Greenslade, in
New York while he was young. He married 1838. The family consists of eleven children,
in New York, and in 1847, with his wife and viz.: James, resides in Kansas; John, Huron
five children, removed to Sandusky county, county; Anna (Coleman), Clyde; William,
and settled in York township; where his wife jr., Kansas Richard, died in 1872; Samuel;
died in 1855, leaving five children—Oliver Alice (Clacknor); Alfred, York township;
J., Mary, Sarah H., John, and Emma. Mr. Elizabeth (Stotler), Toledo; Mary, Frank,
Shutts removed to Ballville township in and Frederick, York township. Mr. Dymond
1861. Oliver J., the oldest child, was born in is a mason, and followed that trade thirty
New York in 1828; he married, in 1859, years. He has resided in this county since
Margaret Barlow, of York township; their 1848.
children are all deceased. Mr. Shutts was one James F. Smith was born in New York, in
of the founders of the Diabetic Cure at 1809. He removed to Pennsylvania in 1823,
Green Springs. where he married, in 1833, Elizabeth
John Mook was born in Pennsylvania in Alexander. They settled in Huron county,
1765. He was married in Pennsylvania, in Ohio, in 1843, and removed to York
1818, to Mary Baughy, and in 1836 removed township. five years later. Six of their eleven
to Western New York. In 1844 children are living, viz: Mary.
664 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

J., York township; Charles, Kansas; John, their farming for the last fifteen years.
Kansas; Alice, York township; Samuel and M. J. Tichenor removed from New York to
Clara B., York township. Mr. Smith is a York township in 1851. He was born in
carpenter, and worked at that trade twenty 1821, and, in 1827, married Joanna
years. He has been extensively engaged in Torrence, a daughter of William H. and
the manufacture of lime for about twenty Salome Torrence. Nine children blessed this
years. union-Mary A. (Tea), Clyde; Helen (Kline),
Joseph P. Roush was born in Pennsylvania, York township; Zachariah, Kansas; Salome
in 1814. In 1839 he married Catharine (Lemmon), Townsend township; George,
Kreisher, and with his family moved to York Ida, Elizabeth (Haff), Jessie, and John, York
township in 1856. Five children are living township. Mr. Tichenor was an active,
and two are dead. Charles F. and James P. energetic citizen until his death. Mrs.
reside in York township; John Henry, at Tichenor continues a resident of York.
Lindsey; Mary E. (Williams), in Huron Jacob Kopp was born in Pennsylvania in
county; and William A., in York. Alice and 1827. In 1851 he removed to Erie county,
George W. are deceased. Mr. Roush attends Ohio, and in 185.9 to York township. He
his farm, but during the winter works at married Matilda E. McCauley in 1853. The
tailoring. He has about two hundred acres of fruit of this union is six children, as follows:
good land. Mr. and Mrs. Roush, and Charles, John P., Minnesota; Frances (Hoy), Erie
belong to the Reformed church. Mrs. county; Benjamin F., Anna E., Abraham L.,
Williams is a Methodist. and Alice E., York township. Mr. Kopp is a
Gideon Billman and family, originally Republican, He and his family belong to the
from Berks county, Pennsylvania, moved to Reformed church. He has five hundred and
Sandusky county in 1848, and settled where fifty-four acres, and does an extensive
the sons now live, in York township. Mr. farming business. Commencing with little,
Billman married Hannah Donner, and to he is now in very good circumstances as the
them were born six sons and three daughters. reward of his untiring energy.
Three of the sons and all of the daughters One of the first of the "Pennsylvania
survive. George resides near Burr Oak, Dutch" settlers in York was Adam Jordan.
Michigan; John and George, on the home He was horn in 1803, and in 1829 married,
farm; Susan is the wife of John Bauchman, in Pennsylvania, Sophia Orwig. They came
York township; Sarah is the wife of Joseph directly to York and settled on the farm on
Smith, Erie county; Mary Jane, the wife of which he died in 1861. She died in 1872.
Henry Toogood, resides in Sturgis, Their family consisted of eight children, viz:
Michigan. The father and mother have both Sarah (Weaver), Lucas county; Martin,
died within the past six years. Lucas county; Lucy (McCauley), York
George Billman was married, in 1876, to township; Joseph, Mary, Hannah M., James,
Mary Ann Boop, a native of Groton and George W. live in York township.
township, Huron county. They have five William Frederick was born in Pennsyl-
sons-Joseph, James, George, Cloyd, and vania in 1796. He married, in 1835,
Frank. Mr. Billman and his brother are Catharine Kline, who was born in Penn-
Democrats. They worked at fence-making sylvania in 1809. In 1861 they removed to
several years, and have been carrying on the York, where they still live. Their eight
same business in connection with
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 665

children are: George, York township; Jesse, Miller, and died at Coldwater, Michigan;
Maumee, Ohio; William, jr., York township; Rachel, the widow of Jacob Sieber, resides in
James, Michigan; Samuel, York township, Seneca county.
and Henry, Riley township. Reuben and Jacob Hilbish, a native of Pennsylvania,
Robert are dead. Mr. Frederick, though well came to York township in 1871, and settled on
advanced in years, enjoys good health. the farm which he now occupies. He married
Godfrey Deck, one of the later settlers of Susannah Paulin, also a native of Pennsylvania.
this county, was born in Pennsylvania in They have had six sons and three daughters,
1805. He married Christiana Bixler in 1827; viz: Harriet, wife of Nathan Knauer,
settled in York in 1864. He had a family of Pennsylvania; Agnes, wife of Daniel Cleckner,
five children. He died in York in 1871. She Seneca county; Ammon, Pennsylvania; Aaron,
is yet living. John, the oldest child, was born in the West; Matilda, wife of George
in Pennsylvania in 1828. In 1852 he married Hassenplug, York township; Charles, Kansas;
Sarah Klingman, who bore a family of eight Wilson, at home; James, Indiana; David,
children, five of whom are living: A. H. and Illinois. Mr. Hilbish has a good farm of one
Sarah C., York township; Anna M. hundred and thirty-seven acres, situated near
(Bradley), Canada; John F. and William G., town, and does a good farming business.
York township. The names of those that are A WEDDING EPISODE.
deceased were Christiana, Charley, and A wedding in a new country is a particularly
Joseph. All died young. interesting event. Our pioneer fathers and
Edward Kern was born in Pennsylvania in mothers had no newspapers to interest them
1825. He came to Ohio in 1833, and settled with the events of the world at large, nor did
in Seneca county, where he married Sarah many of them have books to occupy an
Stetler in 1846. In 1871 he removed to York occasional hour stolen from the clearing or
township. His family consists of six farm. Similar surroundings and pursuits
children, viz: A. J. and Jacob H., Seneca effected a kind of homogeneity in the
county; Samuel E., York township; Mary F., community. These two circumstances
wife of John Swartz, Michigan; Laura E. conduced to a social feeling and interest which
(Stewart), York township, and Abbie E. it is impossible to appreciate at the present day.
(Ebbersol), Missouri. Mr. Kern's parents Marriage is the second great event in the life of
were George Jacob and Elizabeth (Shuck) an individual, and the one in which people
Kern, both natives of Pennsylvania. After generally are more interested than any other. It
coming to Ohio they lived and died in is but natural, therefore, that in a community
Seneca county. They brought up a family of bound together by personal friendship and
five sons and five daughters. All, excepting social unity, the prospect of a wedding became
three daughters, are still living. The sons the family talk of every cabin.
are: Yost, St. Joseph county, Michigan; The story of an early wedding in York, as
George, Bellevue; Isaac, Seneca county; told by a gay and favorite beau among the red-
Edward, York township; Bennel, in Iowa. cheeked lasses of the time, furnishes a pleasing
The daughters: Sophia, deceased; Sarah, episode to the naturally dry chronicle of prosy
deceased, was the wife of John Romick, facts.
Seneca county; Hannah, wife of George Miss Abigail Bardman, a gay, vivacious, and
Heater, Bellevue; Mary married Jacob handsome girl just past her teens,
666 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

tired of the changeless succession of events To witness the solemnities


Of marriage in New England style.
at her home in New York, and captivated by The bride in white, all blushes, sighs,
the romance of border life as pictured in the Was like all brides, most sweet; her smile,
letters of her sister, Mrs. Knickerbocker, Soft sunshine; and the groom was dressed
from York, resolved upon a visit to the new In black, as were his Eastern kin,
A gay assemblage for the West.
Sandusky country. Having packed the All things were ready, and loud in
plainest articles of her wardrobe she started Its "Varmount" casings struck the clock
upon the long journey, and in a few weeks Twelve sounding strokes, still was not heard
The parson's long-expected knock.
was the guest of her sister's cabin home. She What could the good man have deterred?
at once conquered the rural beaux, while on Most gloomy grew the good groom's face;
the other hand the strong and manly knights The bride felt his anxiety,
of the forest found favor in her sight. Mr. And, sighing, sat and gazed in space;
The house-wife lost her piety,
Platt, from Huron county, pushed his suit And maledictions poured apace
most ardently and won the pearl. The pain of Upon the tardy parson's head,
jealousy was part of the price, for he As fast the steaming feast grew cold,
That marriage feast already spread
suspected Norton Russel of being a rival and To be devoured, the service told.
feared the issue. The load bore heavily upon Right here arose a settler old,
Mr. Platt's heart. One day he and Mr. Russel And with some hesitation said:
were teaming together. Determined to know "I swow thish 'ere's a powerful shame!
These woods '11 get no population,
whether his companion was a stumbling- Ef parsons be so slack.
block in the way of his most cherished Why blame My soul, it's meaner 'n all creation!
ambition, he asked in the most confidential But I hev got a good idee
Thet soon'll make these two relation.
manner possible the exact status of affairs. I know thet you'uns chu'ch-folk be,
On being informed by Mr. Russel that there An' a chu'ch-weddin' you desire,
was no cause for anxiety, deep melancholy But law without an ordained man
took rapid wings and the pathway of the Can bind. Let's call Ballard, the squire."
Objections to this wise man's plan
lovers was straight and clear until the Were scattered like the wind-blown straws,
eventful wedding day. That consummation is And word dispatched unto the squire
best told in the following lines, written by To seize his hat, to seize his laws,
And come forthwith as to a fire.
another:* Time passed; at length was heard the slap
When York was wild, when in her woods Of bare, flat number tens before
The clearings' timbers nightly blazed; The house, and then, without a rap,
When deer grazed in those solitudes, Wide swung the creaking puncheon door.
And but few hardy men had raised A general snicker rose, then died
Their cabin roofs; it chanced a pair As one would snuff a candle's flame.
Of lovers from an Eastern State What wonder, when they all descried
Here met, and here agreed to share The figure of the man who came!
Their lives, and leave the rest to fate. A tattered hat of straw revealed
The records say not whether it Red hairs through every gaping tear;
Was when the woods leaf, or when the wheat A matted, sandy beard concealed
Was ripe, or when the wild geese quit The staring face beneath the hair.
This clime, or 'mid the snow and sleet A woollen shirt, no coat, no vest;
The day was set; but we judge it The baggy breeches home-spun blue,
Was in the season for bare feet Thus stood the last-invited guest,
The sequel shows. Enough to tell, And gruffly stammered, "How dye do?"
One smiling morn, a smiling set As 'gainst the casement rude he leaned.
Of settlers, friends from hill and dell, "Are you the Justice?" some one cried;
Had, in invited concourse, met And, in the quiet that intervened,
"I guess I be, " the man replied;
* W. G. Zeigler.
"You're one, I 'spect, (the groom he eyed,)
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 667

An' you, I reckon, am the tother," The society thus formed was known as the
And nodded toward the happy bride,
Who vainly tried a smile to smother. "Right?
Free-will Baptist church of York town-ship.
Guess I be! Stan' over there." Meetings were held at the houses of
The wond'ring pair rose side by side; Jeremiah Brown and John Mugg until the
The house-wife breathed a silent prayer; log-school house (the first one on the south
The squire stepped in with one long stride,
He cast his straw hat on the floor, ridge) was built. In 1855 the meeting-house
That straw hat minus top and band, on the south ridge was built, but the
Then turned his Treatise' pages o'er organization has been losing its membership
Most slowly with his trembling hand,
To where Ohio's laws provide
gradually, until but one remains—Mrs.
How weddings shall be sanctified; Jeremiah Smith. Sunday-school continues to
What forms the Justice sage shall guide; be held in the meeting-house during the
What questions ask the groom, the bride; summer months. The cemetery, which is one
What costs assess when they are tied.
One foot he rested on his knee, of the oldest in the north part of the
Then on the knee thus raised he put township, was donated by John Calvin.
The opened book, and thus stood he Tryphena C. Smith was the first person
As asleep a goose with one web-foot
Hid in her wing, while high o'er head
buried in this cemetery. This church, in its
Hot beats the sun. Then tracing slow, early history, being the only religious
With finger brown, he spelt and read society, collected, into its membership
In drawling tones, pitched deep and low, nearly everybody in the neighborhood.
And closed by saying, "Yous be wed."
The squire's bare foot fell to the floor; The next religious society organized in
He stooped and seized his tattered hat, York, was the Christian church, the first
Then looked towards the puncheon door, members of which were James Haynes and
And wished that he was out of that.
"You'll stay to dinner?" "No," he said.
wife, Moses George and wife, and John
"Salute the bride?" His face grew red Riddell and wife. Elder Mallery was the first
Then all the color from it fled; preacher. He was succeeded by Elder Vail,
Unnerved he stood and shook his head; who removed from New York to Huron
But still remained as in suspense,
Until the groom placed in his hand county in 1839, and took charge of the
The usual fee, with fifty cents churches in this part of the State. He had
Additional, which made expand been a Methodist during the first years of his
The squire's blue eyes and mouth immense.
Slow backed he from the cabin trim;
clerical life, but became a zealous preacher
Slow climbed he o'er the clearing's fence; of the denomination which he afterwards
Deep were the woods that swallowed him! joined. Under Elder Vail's ministry the Free
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. chapel was built in 1842. In 1849 he
The pioneer church of York township was removed to York, where he died in 1878.
the Free-will Baptist. The first page of the Elder Manville succeeded to the pastorate.
church book reads: The meeting-house is the oldest in the
Be it remembered that on the twenty-third day of township. Services are held regularly.
June, 1825, a number of Christian brethren of the order Emanuel Evangelical church is composed
of Free-will Baptist, met in the town of York, county of
Sandusky, for the express purpose of being organized
mostly of Pennsylvanians. Isaac Parker was
into a church composed of the following brethren, to a member of the church in Pennsylvania, and
wit: Elder John Mugg, Jered H. Miner, Jeremiah P. after settling in York, collected the families
Brown, Moses George, Abner Walker, James Benton, of Michael Waltz, Jacob Harpster, David
Thomas Mugg, John B. Mugg, Elisha B. Mugg, Polly
Brown, and Lydia Miner. These brethren, agreeably to Harpster and John Orwig and formed a class,
the rules of the New Testament, were organized into a which
church, and received by the right hand of Christian
fellowship from Elder Bradford.
668 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

met in private houses. Rev. Mr. Nevil was cago & St. Louis railroad, and the Wheeling
the first preacher. This was about 1850. In & Lake Erie railroad.
1860 the frame church on the pike was built. ITS NAME.
The organization of a class at Bellevue The post office was first known as York X
divided the membership, but each year has Roads, and the village was called Amsden's
brought new accessions, so that there are Corners, in honor of T. G. Amsden, its first
about eighty members at present. The first merchant. It continued to be so known until
class leader was John Orwig. Succeeding the year 1839, when, upon the completion of
leaders have been Reuben Parker, Daniel the Mad River & Lake Erie railroad to this
Loudenschlager, John Null, Daniel Mook, point, it was changed to Bellevue. The
Henry Mook, Michael Finsinger and Jere prevailing opinion among the old settlers is
Filhering. that it was so named in honor of James H.
The United Brethren began holding Bell, the civil engineer who surveyed the
meetings in the southwest part of York. As route through this place for the Mad River
the Pennsylvania element of the population road. Some, however, claim that the
grew the membership increased until in 1863 proprietors of the road, and the chief
the class had acquired sufficient strength to residents of the town agreed upon the name
build a meeting-house. The house and class of Bellevue because the signification of the
took the name "Mount Carmel" and is word made it an appropriate name for the
supplied by the pastor of Clyde circuit. village, which, by reason of its location and
surroundings, well merited a name which
BELLEVUE. means "a beautiful view." At all events the
name has a musical ring, and no resident of
ITS LOCATION.
the place can regret that it was so called.
About one-half of the village lies in Huron, ITS FIRST SETTLERS.
and the other half in Sandusky county. The
county line road, or that part of it lying The year 1815 marks the date when Mr.
within the corporate limits of the village, Mark Hopkins, the first settler within the
being called West street, divides the town corporate limits of Bellevue as now es-
into nearly equal divisions. The centre of tablished, came to this locality. He came
this road is the western limit of the Firelands hither with his family and accompanied by a
and of the Western Reserve. The eastern half bachelor brother, from Genessee county,
of Bellevue is situated in the extreme north- New York, and built a log house on land
western part of Lyme township, and the now owned and occupied by Peter Bates.
western half in the southwestern part of Elnathan George, from the same place, was
York township, Sandusky county. The the next settler. He purchased one acre of
southwestern corner of Erie county, and the land embracing, with other contiguous
northeast corner of Seneca county, lie ground, the lot whereon now stands the
adjoining the extreme northeast and south- Tremont House. He gave a cow in exchange
west limits of the village. The town is for his purchase. Here was built, by Mr.
situated on the southern branch of the George, the second building of the town, in
Toledo and Cleveland division of the Lake the year 1816. In the following year he built
Shore railroad, the New York, Chi- an addition to his dwelling and opened his
house as a tavern.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 669

The third newcomer was Return ried on a mercantile business at Green Bay
Burlingson, who selected land on the for Daniel Whitney. In 1823 he returned to
Sandusky county side, and in the year 1817 this locality. He brought from Boston a stock
built him a log dwelling, and started a of goods, and, in partnership with Mr.
blacksmith shop. His purchase comprised Chapman, opened the first store at this point
what is now known as the Herl property. Mr. in November, 1823. This was Bellevue's
Burlingson was a resident of Bellevue for pioneer store, and the business was carried
many years, but finally left for California. on in the building erected by Mr.
In the year 1819 Mr. John C. Kinney Burlingson, which stood on ground now
completed a log house near the present site occupied by the town hall. They opened a
of the Bellevue bank building. store at the same time at Castalia, Mr.
This year, 1819, marks the date of the Chapman taking charge of the business at
arrival of two very important newcomers, that point, and Mr. Amsden of the business
men who were identified with the history of at this point. It was at this time that the
the village, and to whom, more than any village received its name of "Amsden's
other two men, was it indebted for its Corners."
prosperity. These men were Thomas G. In the meantime Charles F. Drake had
Amsden and Frederick A. Chapman. The settled here, and in the year 1822 purchased
Chapmans came first to Ohio in 1814, soon of the Government the east one-half of the
followed by Mr. Amsden, and, establishing southeast quarter of section twenty-five of
their headquarters at the mouth of the Huron what now is York township, embracing the
River, carried on a very successful traffic greater part of the present village on the
with the Indians, exchanging with them Sandusky county side, and in 1823 Captain
goods and articles of which the red men Zadoc Strong entered for Dr. James Strong
stood in need, for pelts and furs. Besides the eight acres next west. Mr. Nathaniel
trading with the Indians, they were engaged Chapman was among the first citizens of the
in hunting and trapping. They were daring place. Like his brother, he had traded with
and intrepid, full of push and energy, with the Indians, and when he arrived here for the
excellent business abilities, and though they purpose of making this his home, he had
were young men, they accumulated consider- some means.
able means for those days. Mr. Chapman's He purchased a large tract of land, a part
father and brother followed him to Ohio in a of it lying within the present limits of the
year or two after his own arrival and settled village. He was a man of strong, native
at or near the present town of Huron, in Erie ability, and was always recognized as one of
county; In 1819 Mr. Amsden and Mr. the leading men of the town. He possessed
Chapman came to this locality and began the the ability to accumulate property, and died
purchase of property at this point, and did all worth a good many thousands of dollars. He
in their power to attract settlers hither. dealt largely in real estate, and in the
However, they continued their traffic with purchase and sale of sheep, horses, and
the Indians and French, and for two years cattle. He and Mr. Bourdette Wood together
Mr. Amsden made his headquarters at purchased large tracts of land in the West.
Carrion River, now Port Clinton. In 1821 he He was universally esteemed for his sound
established himself at Detroit, and during the business integrity, and for his liberality in
latter part of 1822 he car- the support of benevolent enterprises. He do-
670 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

nated the lands upon which the old Baptist H. H. Brown was at this time the hotel
church stands, and, in many ways, proved keeper, and was very active in his efforts to
himself a staunch friend of all institutions assist the growth of the place. In 1835 the
whose object is the enlightenment and population of the village could not have
elevation of man. exceeded a hundred people, while in 1840, a
His daughter Angeline, in 1846, married year after the completion of the Mad River
the Rev. James M. Morrow, a prominent railroad, it numbered not less than five
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. hundred, and at the date of its incorporation,
He was a chaplain in the late war for about 1831, about eight hundred.
two years, and was connected with the Cuyler Green came here from New York
Ninety-ninth Ohio infantry. While in the State at the age of twenty-two, where he was
service he came home several times on born March 10, 1811. Upon his arrival he
various benevolent errands for the soldiers was engaged as salesman for Chapman &
of his regiment—the last time, in December, Harkness, and afterwards superintended for
1863. Returning January 4, he was fatally Chapman & Amsden the old stone tavern,
injured in a railroad collision near Dayton, since called the Exchange hotel. He built the
Ohio, to which place he was taken, and died old stone blacksmith shop that for so many
there February 12, 1864. His widow resides years stood where the Bellevue bank,
in Bellevue. building now is. In later years he became the
THE GROWTH OF BELLEVUE. landlord of the Exchange hotel, and then of
the Bellevue House, and then purchased the
From 1825 to 1840 the growth of the
farm on the pike, two miles east of town,
village was slow, and it was not until about
now known as the Richards farm.
the time of the building of the Mad River
In 1852, the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland
railroad to this place, in 1839, that the
railroad was located through Bellevue, and
advancement of the town received any
in the following year completed, and the cars
considerable impetus. This was an event of
came whistling through here from the four
no little importance to the prospects of the
points of the compass—north, south, east
place, and in 1835, in view of the ap-
and west. New impetus to the life of the
proaching completion of the road, the land
village was given by this event, and the town
of the village on the Huron county side was
rapidly increased in population. The country
purchased of Gurdon Williams by F. A.
had also been rapidly settled, and Bellevue,
Chapman, T. G. Amsden, L. G. Harkness,
situated in the midst of a fine wheat growing
and others, who lent their best efforts to the
country, came to be an important market for
advancement of the place. The decade from
the shipment of grain. The Higbee flouring
1830 to 1840 witnessed a number of
mill was erected in 1850, and other manu-
important arrivals in Bellevue—men who
facturing enterprises were soon established.
became permanently identified with the
The Mad River road was lost to the place in
town, and to whom its rapid prosperity was
1855, but the detriment to business on this
in no small measure due. Dr. L. G. Harkness,
account was not serious. The town continued
who had been a practicing physician in the
to enlarge and populate, while the
western part of York township, came in
surrounding country in every direction
1833. Abram Leiter came the same year. J.
became thickly settled with an industrious
B. Higbee and Benjamin and David Moore
farming population.
came in 1835. William Byrnes came in 1835.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 671

INCORPORATION. Webers, the Ailers, the Setzlers, etc. The


The town was incorporated by act of Yankees were the first to arrive, then the
Legislature January 25, 1851, its charter Pennsylvania Dutch people, then the Ger-
limits embracing an area of about one mile mans, and lastly the English.
from east to west, by about one-half mile CHURCHES.
from north to south, the centre of the area
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
being the central point of intersection of
Main street with the county line. In the This church was first organized on
month of February, 1851, the following were September 20, 1836, by a committee from
chosen the village officers: Abraham Leiter, the Presbytery of Huron, and was started as a
mayor; S. L. Culver, recorder; Thomas G. Presbyterian church on what was known as
Amsden, Eliphalet Follett, Benjamin F. the accommodation plan, that is, a church
McKim, David Armstrong and Joseph M. under the care of a Presbytery, but which
Lawrence, trustees. The corporate limits received and dismissed its members, and
were enlarged in 1869, so as to be about one transacted other business, not by a vote of
mile and a half from east to west and from the elders, but by a vote of the whole church.
north to south. The number of male members at the
DISTINCT CLASSES OF POPULATION. organization was nine; five of these brought
letters from the church at Lyme, Ohio; three
The village has a population of about from churches in the State of New York, and
twenty-five hundred inhabitants. This one from Norwalk.
population embraces not less than four Among many important resolutions
distinct classes of people, each of which is adopted on the day of the organization, was
represented by about the same number of one declaring that the manufacture or sale of
individuals. First there are those of Ameri- intoxicating liquors was an immorality
can birth, whose parents came to this region which, if practiced by any member of this
at an early day, from New England or New church, made him liable to discipline the
York State, and who were the real pioneers. same as if guilty of any other immorality.
Representative families of this class are the The church continued under care of the
Chapmans, the Woodwards, the Harknesses, Presbytery ten years, and then, so far as we
the Woods (the Bourdette branch), the are able to learn from the records, with much
Sheffields, the Greenes, the Bakers, etc. unanimity, decided to separate itself from its
Second, there are the Pennsylvania people; Presbyterial connection, and become a
many of whom came, at an early day a regular Congregational church. This action
thrifty, sober, industrious class. They are was taken March 7, 1846.
represented by the Moores, the Hilbishes, The first pastor called by the church after
the Sherchs, the Leiters, the Boyers, the the reorganization was Rev. A. D. Barber,
Kerns, etc. Third, came the English, England who was installed by a council October 19,
born, of whom may be mentioned the 1853. Mr. Barber's salary was four hundred
Greenslades, the Wills, the Heals, the Fords, dollars, and parsonage, which shows that the
the Maynes, the Joints, the Radfords, etc.; society had a parsonage at that time. This
and the Germans, who perhaps outnumber pastorate continued five years. In the
any other one class. Of these may be following year after Mr. Barber's departure,
mentioned the Egles, Ruffings, the the church
Biebrichers, the Liebers, the
672 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

called the Rev. James W. Cowles, and of- membership of the church. In 1859 twenty-
fered him a salary of seven hundred dollars. two were added to the church. Again, in
Mr. Cowles served the church about three 1861, the church was visited by a revival
years, and was succeeded on October 30, which resulted in the addition of twenty to
1863, by Rev. John Safford. the membership. In the year 1865, during the
During this pastorate the house of worship labors of Mr. Safford, seventeen were
was removed, enlarged and repaired. The received into membership; and in 1870,
work was completed in the fall of 1865, and under Mr. Sherrill's labors, twenty-three
immediately afterwards the church invited connected themselves with the church. In
Mr. Safford to become its installed pastor 1873, the year that Mr. Sherrill closed his
with an increase of three hundred dollars in labors, forty-five names were added to the
salary. Mr. Safford accepted the call, but roll.
seems to have continued in the pastoral THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
relation only about a year.
of Bellevue, was formed in the year 1839.
When the house of worship was originally
The first class was composed of James
built, it seems that the pews were sold with
Anderson, his wife, Betsy, and daughter,
the understanding that the buyers became
Melissa; Alvin Anderson, his wife, Harriet,
permanent owners. This arrangement was a
and daughter, Adaline; and Mann and
source, afterwards, of much inconvenience
daughter. Meetings were held at this time in
to the society. The owners were not all
the stone school-house, standing on the site
induced to give their pews up again to the
at present occupied by the school-building
society until some time in 1868.
near the Episcopal church. In about 1835
After the departure of Pastor Safford, in
this church erected a substantial brick
1867, the Rev. S. B. Sherrill was called and
edifice, at a cost of some five thousand
was acting pastor from December, 1867,
dollars. This building is at present owned by
until some time in 1873, a period of nearly
the German Lutheran society. After
six years. The successor of Mr. Sherrill was
organization, however, the church fitted up a
the Rev. J. W. White, whose letter accepting
room in the second story of the warehouse,
the call of the church is dated February 28,
standing where the Richards and Egle block
1874. Mr. White's labors did not begin until
now stands, and this was occupied until the
some time after this acceptance, and closed
building of the church as before stated.
near the end of 1878, continuing with the
The present elegant church edifice was
church a little more than four years. Within
completed during the summer of 1868, and
two months after Mr. White's resignation,
was dedicated by Bishop Simpson on August
the church called Rev. S. W. Meek, who was
17, of that year, and cost, including real
installed in the pastoral office by the council
estate and parsonage, some thirty thousand
on February 11, 1879, having begun his
dollars. Among the largest contributors to
labors with the church on the 1st of January,
the erection of the church are: Messrs.
previous.
Anderson, Higbee, Williams, Dole, Adams,
The church has been blessed at various
and Huffman. The first resident minister was
times in its history by revivals. In the year
Rev. Oliver Burgess, who remained two
1854, during the pastorate of A. D. Barber,
years. Father Anderson gives from memory,
thirty-seven were received into
the following names of ministers who have
preached
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 673

to this church in Bellevue: Wilson, Camp, John Grimes were chosen wardens; Messrs.
Pierce, Hill, Cooper, Fast, Start, Fant, F. A. Chapman, G. Woodward, and G. W.
Pounds, Breakfield, Thompson, Worden, Sheffield, vestrymen; and, on September 10,
Spafford, Morrow, and Cables. 1851, this parish was received into
In 1852, when the minister's "historical connection with the Protestant Episcopal
record" begins, the church reported a church.
membership of two hundred and twelve, and In the spring of 1852 Rev. R. K. Nash was
three hundred scholars in attendance at chosen rector, and the church building was
Sabbath-school, Rev. Samuel Beatty, pastor. begun and enclosed. Mr. Nash having
September 18, 1852, it was formally resigned in 1854, the building remained
organized as a station, with the following unfinished. In the spring of 1857 an effort
board of stewards: H. R. Adams, Alvin was made to open the church, and a rector
Anderson, Jesse Haskell, W. W. Stilson, J. was called. Rev. M. Hamilton took charge of
B. Higbee, Orrin Dole, and Barney the church on the first Sunday in July, 1857.
Campbell. Its leaders were Jesse Haskell, Improvements were made in the old church
B. Campbell, 0. Dole, David Williams, and building, and the old debt paid off, and the
W. Curtiss. Superintendent of Sabbath- church was consecrated by Bishop Bedell, in
school, W. W. Stilson. 1853—William M. January, 1861.
Spafford, pastor. He was succeeded in 1854 The lot and buildings cost about three
by Rev. Wesley J. Wells. The following are thousand five hundred dollars. In July, 1869,
the pastors from that time to the present the parish became self supporting, and the
(1881): 1855—John Mudge; 1857—William following year repairs and improvements
Richards; 1859—Asbury B. Castle; 1861— were made, at a cost of one thousand four
Daniel Stratton; 1862—Simon P. Jacobs; hundred dollars.
1863—E. Y. Warner; 1865—Garretson A. The first Sunday-school was organized by
Hughes; 1868—E. Y. Warner; 1871—Elvero the Rev. M. Hamilton in 1857. In 1881
Persons. He was succeeded by Rev. Searls. George A. Holbrook succeeded to the
T. B. Warner succeeded him, remained three rectorate of the parish.
years, and was succeeded by Rev. G. W. ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH.
Pepper, who was appointed at the Wel- The members of St. Paul's Reformed
lington conference, in 1879. The prosperity church originally worshiped at the Free
of the church seems to have declined under Chapel, a few miles west of Bellevue. Some,
Mr. Pepper's charge, and during the latter a goodly number, were also members of the
part of his pastorate the pulpit was filled by Zion's church, in Thompson township,
a stated supply, Mr. Pepper making a trip to Seneca county. In February, 1862, Rev. Eli
Europe. In September last the conference Keller commenced to preach in Bellevue.
appointed Rev. O. Badgely pastor, who is Services were held in the old school
now officiating. building, owned by Mr. George Weikert,
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. afterwards in the old Methodist Episcopal
church, then again in the old school-house.
Before there was any parish organization
At this time, a weekly prayer-meeting was
in Bellevue, the Rev. Ephraim Punderson well sustained, and a Sunday-school
officiated from the year 1842 to that of organized August 16, 1862, at a meeting
1847; but not until April, 1851, was the held at the chapel, it was resolved that a
parish duly organized by Rev. Dr. Bronson. church should be
Messrs. T. G. Amsden and
674 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

built in, or near, Bellevue, and measures dollars restored and much improved the now
taken to select a site and procure building beautiful and commodious church.
funds. The cornerstone of the church was The congregation owns the cemetery
laid on the 19th of June, 1864. On the 19th adjoining the church, and a large and
of June, 1865, the church was dedicated; comfortable parsonage. The present pastor,
sermons by Rev. M. Kieffer, D. D., and Rev. Rev. N. H. Loose, took charge of the
H. Rust, D. D. The ceremonies of laying the congregation August 1, 1877. The interests
cornerstone were performed by Rev. E. of the church are prosperous and
Keller, the pastor. encouraging.
Some time in the fall of 1865, the St. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Paul's Reformed congregation was organized
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was
by the election of a consistory of elders and
organized January 7, 1866, under the laws of
deacons. Since 1865 the following persons
the State of Ohio. The directors were Adam
served respectively as elders, deacons, and
Zehner, Christian Engel, and Philip
trustees, viz: Jacob Bunn, Levi Korner, D. S.
Biebricher. The trustees were Jacob Beiler,
Arnold, John Hilbish, H. Kimmel, Isaac
Charles Beiler, and John Weis. Rev. Jacob
Kern, elders, John Bunn, David Hoch, Moses
Dornberer was instrumental in its
Miller, Joseph Zieber, John Bowman, Aaron
organization, and remained its pastor three
Walters, William Knauss, John Deck,
years, when he was succeeded by Rev. C.
Benjamin Bunn, W. C. Smith, William
Buechler, who has remained as pastor twelve
Aigler, and J. Ferdinand Smith, deacons;
years. At its organization there were thirty-
David Hoch, Harrison Wilt, Elias Schmidt,
nine members. The present membership is
Henry Stetler, John Deck, Aaron Walters,
about forty-five. They also have a
Jacob Aigler, and Frederick Smith, trustees.
prosperous Sunday-school of some seventy
The Sunday-school was organized in the old
members, under the superintendence of
Weiker school-house; superintendent, a Mr.
David Meyers. Soon after the organization
Albert. Since 1865 Mr. John Hilbish has
of the church, the present building was
been the superintendent, with the exception
purchased from the Methodist society for
of one year, when Rev. J. H. Derr officiated
two thousand dollars. Since that time some
as head of the school.
six or seven hundred dollars have been
In the year 1872, July 1, Rev. Eli Keller
expended in refitting and repairing it.
resigned the pastorate, having served the
people for a period of eleven years. He was SALEM EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
succeeded by Rev. Joshua H. Derr, on the This church was organized in Bellevue
1st of December, 1872. His pastorate under the ministration of Rev. L. W.
continued for four and a half years, closing Hankey, in the summer of 1875. The
his services June 3, 1877. During this congregation purchased the building
pastorate the congregation suffered serious formerly occupied by the Baptists, for three
damage to their church edifice by a severe thousand dollars. They then expended six or
storm, which took off about one-third of the eight hundred dollars in repairing and
roof and also broke down the gable end to refitting it. At first, and until the spring of
the square. This much injured the ceiling and 1879, the church was a mission. At that time
the interior in general. A cost of about one it was cut loose from missionary aid, and is
thousand now self-supporting. The present
membership is about, seventy-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 675

five. Thirty-one accessions were made dur- comprises about one hundred and ten
ing the year 1878. The church has had five families. The church still owns the lot
pastors: Revs. L. W. Hankey; S. B. Spreng, bought by Father Mears, and at one time it
who remained eight months; G. W. Meisee, owned the lot on which stands the present
who remained one year; Rev. D. C. union school building.
Eckerman, was in charge a little more than BELLEVUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.*
two years, and W. F. McMillen, who is the It is greatly to be regretted that the records
present pastor. There is connected with the of the early history of the Bellevue schools
church a Sunday-school of seventy-three have been lost. The data for the following
members, of which the pastor is article have been furnished by some of the
superintendent. Regular services of the older citizens, and are as correct as can be
church are held twice each Sunday. The ascertained outside of the school records.
church government is very similar to that of The first building that was used for school
the Methodist Episcopal, but there are some purposes was a little log-house that stood on
differences on minor points. the Herl property, just west of Mr. John
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE Baker's residence. Here a school was opened
CONCEPTION—ROMAN CATHOLIC.
in the fall of 1827, by a gentleman named
About 1852 Rev. James Vincent Conlin, Harris, from Milan. In the following year
stationed at Sandusky, established a mission (1828), Miss Clemence A. Follett (now Mrs.
at Bellevue, and held services some three or Frederick Chapman) taught school in the
four years, when Rev. Punshell, of Norwalk, same building. In those days the village was
came, and then for a short time Father Boff known as Amsden's Corners, and consisted
officiated. Father Tighe, of Sandusky, came, of the Exchange hotel, a frame building just
and bought from J. B. Higbee the building east of it, a double log-house, where Mr.
they now occupy as a church, and perfected Greenslade's store stands, the houses now
an organization. The first resident priest was occupied by Dr. Harris and Mr. John Reis,
Rev. James Monaghan, who remained some and a few scattering log-huts. The scholars
seven or eight years. While in charge he came to Miss Follett's school from the
bought a house of Rev. Mr. Flagler for the country for miles around, walking to school
use of the priest. Father Mahony came next, along the trails of the woods, and bringing
and remained some five years. He purchased their dinners with them. In this school the
ground for burial purposes, and built a girls spent half an hour each day in learning
school-house. Father Mears next came; he to sew. It was a pleasant little school, and
bought a house and lot on the corner of Mrs. Chapman still recalls with delight the
Centre and Broad streets, with the intention days she passed as teacher in the log school-
of building a church. He remained about house. In the following year, 1829, Miss
three years, and was succeeded by Father Julia Follett taught in the same log school-
Bowles, who also remained three years. The house.
church was then attended by Father Rudolph, The next school of which we can find any
of Clyde, for about three months, when record was taught in the old stone school-
Father Molloy came, and officiated for three house that stood on West Main street, where
years. Father Cahill succeeded and officiated the brick school-house now
three years, to the entire satisfaction of the * By J. M. Greenslade, superintendent,
parish. The congregation
676 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

stands. The land was donated by Chap-man the building was let to Mr. A. Leiter. It was
& Amsden, and the building was probably at first intended to build only a one-story
built by the Chapmans—Nathaniel and building, but while in process of erection
Frederick—Dr. L. G. Harkness and Mr. Mr. J. M. Lawrence offered to raise it to a
Thomas G. Amsden, as we find these names two-story building, provided the upper
are closely associated with the early rooms could be used for the Baptist society.
educational interests of the town as well as His proposition was accepted, the directors,
with its business and social interests. The at the same time, reserving the privilege of
stone school-house was built about 1832. In buying the upper part when the growth of the
the fall of 1835 Mr. J. B. Higbee commenced school required it. The building was used as
to teach in this building, and taught two a district school until 1851, when the present
years. Mr. Higbee seems to have been a system of union schools was organized in
successful teacher; at least he was not accordance with the law of 1849.
carried out by the boys, which misfortune The first superintendent of the union
did happen to the gentleman who preceded schools was Rev. Mr. Waldo, an eccentric
him. We are unable to learn who succeeded old gentlemen. He wore a wig which, of
Mr. Higbee, but the building still continued course, furnished endless sport to his pupils.
to be used for school purposes until the old He was also in the habit of lecturing his
brick school-house was built, after which the scholars every morning before beginning the
stone school-house was unoccupied for day's work.
several years. For some years before the old During Waldo's administration, in the year
brick was built, the increasing number of 1851-52, Miss Gardner was assistant
pupils compelled the directors to rent rooms superintendent, and the two lower grades
in different parts of the town to be used for were taught by two sisters, Mrs. Covil and
school-rooms. Miss Wilkinson. Mr. Waldo was succeeded
At one time a school was taught in a frame in the fall of 1852, by Mr. Harvey Holton,
building that was built for a warehouse by who is well and favorably remembered by
James Bell. It was afterwards moved, and many of our citizens. Mr. Holton was
the upper rooms used for school-rooms superintendent several years and was a
during the weekdays, and by the Methodist successful teacher. His assistant in the high
society for services on Sunday. About the school was Miss Celestia Gould, now Mrs.
same time Miss Town, now Mrs. Kent, of Spencer Boise. Mr. Holton was succeeded by
Toledo, taught a very successful private Mr. Jerome Drury who taught two years,
school for girls, on Monroe street, in the from the fall of 1855 to the spring of 1857.
house now occupied by Mr. James Purcell. He was succeeded by Mr. Edward Bradley,
In 1845 the number of scholars had who was superintendent for one year in
increased to such an extent that the school 1857-58. In the fall of 1858, the Hubbard
directors saw the necessity of providing brothers came to Bellevue, and secured
better accommodations than those afforded positions in our schools, Dwight Hubbard as
by the stone school-house and rented rooms, superintendent, and E. B. Hubbard as teacher
so they purchased of Chapman, Amsden, and in the stone schoolhouse. Mr. Dwight
Harkness the lot on which, the same year, Hubbard held his position one year and one
they built the old brick school-house. The term from the fall of 1858, to December,
contract for erecting 1859. His
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 677

place was supplied during the remainder of Mr. Rabe by Mr. Beck, who resigned in
the school year by Mr. Henry Bramwell for October, 1875. Mrs. Beck was employed as
the second term, and Dr. Cornell for the assistant in the German department at the
third term. The last superintendent in the old same time. Her place is filled by Miss Bessie
brick school-house was Mr. Ellis, who held Radford, who has had charge of the English
the position from the fall of 1860 to the branches in the German department since
spring of 1862. After the high school October, 1875.
building was built, the old brick school- Mr. Jacob Frenz succeeded Mr. Beck in
house was sold, and has since been used as a November, 1875, and retained his position
tenement-house. nearly three years. His successor, Mr. Henry
In 185o the "old stone" school-house, Ebertshauser, is the present principal of the
which had been unoccupied for several German department. The German schools
years, was. refitted; and continued to be used occupy the two lower rooms of the school
for school purposes until replaced by the building on West Main street. The classes
present brick building. During these years recite alternately in English and German
several teachers were employed; among branches during the day.
others was Mrs. Eliza Cook, who taught in The high school building was erected in
the stone school-house two years, in 1856 1861, although it was not ready for use until
and 1857, until her marriage with Mr. David the fall of 1862. The contract was so poorly
Williams in the fall of 1 57. filled that the contractor was obliged to put
In the same building, Mr. E. B. Hub-bard, on the second roof within a year, and before
who is now a prominent druggist of Tiffin, the board of education, would accept the
taught three years, from the fall of 1858 to building. Mr. Edward Bradley was the
the spring of 1861. Mr. Hubbard is superintendent at the opening of the high
remembered as a very successful teacher, school building in the fall of 1862. Mrs.
and still keeps up his interest in educational Bradley taught at the same time in a lower
matters; being at present president of the grade, and. also during the following year.
board of education of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Bradley was superintendent one year in
The German school was first started as a the high school building. After him came
private enterprise in 1860, and was held in Mr. Highland, from September, 1863, to
the house now used as a residence by Mr. June, 1864; Mr. J. B. Loveland, from
John Warren. The first German teacher that September, 1864, to June, 1867; Mr., Avery,
taught here was Mr. Ludwick, who is from September, 1867, to June, 1868;. Mr.
considered as the best German teacher that Loveland, from September, 1868, to June,
we have ever had. The German school was 1869; Mr. L. C. Laylin, from September,
partially united with the union schools in 1869, to June, 1875; Mr. E. E. Phillips, from
1860, but received for a year or two only September, 1875, to June, 1877; Mr. J. M.
fifty dollars from the public funds. Mr. Greenslade, from September, 1877, to the
Ludwick was followed by Mr. Cobelli, who present time. The Bellevue schools now
taught the German school after it was moved occupy two buildings—the high school
to the "old stone" school-house. Mr. Menges building and the brick school building on
succeeded Mr. Cobelli, and taught for West Main street, which was built in 1871,
several years, and was a successful teacher. and enlarged in 1875. These buildings are
Mr. Menges was followed by Mr. Rabe, and not large enough to accommodate the
678 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

number of pupils, so that the board of and Tilden, who visited the township
education will enlarge the high school occasionally. Dr. L. G. Harkness was the
building, which will even then afford only first physician prominently identified with
temporary relief. The schools which started the history of Bellevue. He was born in
with four departments in 1852, now have Salem, Washington county, New York, April
nine, and most of these having two grades. 1, 1801, educated for his profession in the
For several years previous to 1877 the State of his nativity, and came West in 1823.
course of study which had been prepared for He located upon the ridge, in Lyme
the schools had been disregarded altogether, township, and became associated,
as not being suited to the wants of the professionally, with Dr. Stevens, He
schools. The result was that the teachers and removed, afterward, to the village of Belle-
scholars worked at a disadvantage; and their vue, and not long after abandoned his
efforts were ill-directed, or entirely wasted. practice. He continued to reside here.
The evil effects of this lack of system was In 1835 Dr. Daniel A. Lathrop cane to
especially noticeable in the high school, Bellevue from his birthplace, Montrose,
where the scholars pursued such studies as Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and
were agreeable, without any regard to almost immediately became a very
previous training, or the relation of the successful practitioner, taking up Dr.
different studies to each other. The board of Harkness' ride, and having all of the business
education, recognizing the value and which that physician formerly attended to
necessity of systematic work in our schools, upon his hands. He not only took Dr.
at a meeting held on the 29th of July, 1877, Harkness' place, but filled it, and enjoyed as
adopted the present course of study, and extensive a practice, perhaps, as any
rules and regulations of the Bellevue public physician who ever located in the village. It
schools, and ordered them to be published. extended over a long term of years, too, and
The schools are at present in excellent really did not terminate until a short time
condition. In the lower grades the aim is to before the doctor's departure from town, in
give thorough instruction in the common 1861, though he was not actively engaged in
branches. In the high school all of the the pursuit of his profession for two or three
studies are pursued that are commonly found years previous to this date. The doctor
in a good high school course. Especial returned to Montrose, Pennsylvania, where
attention is paid to the languages and the he is now located. He is a graduate of a
natural sciences. Through the liberality of Philadelphia college.
the board of education, the superintendent The physicians who followed him were
has been able to accumulate considerable numerous. We shall only speak of those most
apparatus and supplies for the illustration of prominently identified with the history of the
the natural sciences. town. Dr. Gray came in and remained a short
PHYSICIANS. time. Dr. W. W. Stilson was in practice for a
Among the oldest practitioners of medicine number of years, and removed to Clyde,
in the township were Doctors Stevens, Otis, where he is at present in practice. Dr. Amos
Boise, and Charles Smith, of Lyme. Woodward, a native of Lyme, began practice
Contemporary with them, and earlier, were in 1846, and after six or seven years retired,
Doctors Kittredge, Sanders, though he continued to reside in the village,
and has long been one of its leading
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 679

citizens. Dr. Charles Richards, now of Sandusky, in both of which neighborhoods


Binghamton, New York, came in soon after he had a very extensive practice. He ren-
Dr. Woodward began practice, and read dered efficient service at Sandusky during
medicine with Dr. Lathrop, afterwards the prevalence of the cholera there, going
entering into practice. upon the request of some of the local
Dr. John W. Goodson, now in Sterling, physicians. During the whole of his long
Rice county, Kansas, began the study of service in the profession in Bellevue, he was
medicine in Bellevue about 1840, and regarded by all as a man of marked ability in
completed his professional education at his profession, and as a gentleman of rare
Buffalo, there receiving his diploma: He worth in all of the affairs of life. He was a
immediately returned to Bellevue and en- man of liberal culture outside of medicine,
tered into practice. He had a lucrative and was a remarkable linguist, speaking with
practice and accumulated a fine property. He fluency seven languages. He was ever the
was for a time assistant surgeon of the courteous, polished, dignified gentleman,
Seventy-second regiment Ohio Volunteer and won the admiration and esteem of all.
Infantry, and was with Grant's army before He died, in 1865, of consumption, such of
Vicksburg. The doctor was a native of his patients as were able coming to see him,
England, and was born on the 4th of July, whom he treated even up to the hour when
1817. He came to this country when a lad he breathed his last-such was their
thirteen years of age. confidence in his skill. He was a surgeon as
Dr. Ralph A. Severance began practice in well as a physician.
Bellevue in 1854. He was a native of Dr. H. L. Harris, born June 30, 1819, in
Greenfield, Massachusetts, and read med- Oxfordshire, England, is a graduate of the
icine there with Dr. Brigham, who was Starling Medical College of Columbus, and
afterwards in charge of one of the great received his diploma in 1858. Next to Dr.
asylums for the insane. He attended lectures Severance he is the oldest practitioner in the
in New York city, and graduated from place. He was in practice in South Bend, and
Bowdoin college, Bowdoin, Maine, with the in 1849 removed to Flat Rock, where he
class of 1831. He first went into practice at remained until 1859 when he came to
Rockingham, Vermont, and remained there Bellevue.
twenty-three years, coming directly from Quite a number of physicians have
that place to Bellevue in 1854. practiced in Bellevue for a short term of
Dr. J. J. Hartz, who came to Bellevue in years and then removed to other points.
1852, was one of the most eminent men of Among the present physicians who have
the profession who have practiced in this been in practice in Bellevue for some time
part of the State. He was born in Versailles, are Dr. Severance, Dr. Harris, Dr. Robinson,
France, in 1798, and received his medical Dr. Sandmeister, and Dr. Lanterman.
education at the University of Heidelberg. BELLEVUE CEMETERY.
After coming to this country he travelled This cemetery was begun about the time of
through the South, was for a short time a the first laying out of the village of
resident of Charleston, and a transient Bellevue, in 1835, on land given for the
resident of Texas. For a number of years purpose by Messrs. Chapman, Harkness and
before coming to this village he was located Amsden, who were the first proprietors of
in Portage county, and at Upper the land on which the town is
680 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

now situated. The first burial in this ground appointed in 1876 and served until 1879,
was that of Rebecca Christopher, who died when C. C. Cook was appointed. J. L.
March 20, 1836. At the time of giving the Painter is present chief. A first-class Silsby
land for this purpose, the owners fenced it. rotary steam fire engine was purchased in
In 1855 the village authorities purchased 1875, with a hose cart and one thousand feet
something more than five acres of land and of hose, at a cost of about four thousand
made an addition to the cemetery, which seven hundred dollars. In May, 1879, the
now contains over seven acres. The old part companies were reorganized and formed into
was laid out in good form as far as one company, under one set of officers, but
practicable, with walks and paths between one division was assigned to the engine,
the lots, but no uniformity had been another to the hose, and another to the hook
observed in first laying it out, and it was not and ladder. The officers elected were John
possible to arrange it according to the best Eichhorn, foreman; John Toomy, first
order, still it was much improved. The assistant; William Estnaur, second assistant;
addition was laid out in good shape, and lots John L. Painter, secretary; William Mayne,
staked off, which have been disposed of engineer and treasurer. The "hooks" were
from time to time. When the last purchase first organized in 1877, more as a sporting
was made a board of trustees was elected, company, though active at fires. C. C. Cook
consisting of W. H. King, mayor of the was captain; John M. En-right, foreman;
village at the time, Barney York, Lowell Seth H. Cook, assistant foreman; J. C.
Chandler, and D. Moore, for terms of one, Morrell, secretary, and Thomas Rudd,
two, and three years. One trustee is now treasurer.
elected yearly. Most of the religious SOCIETIES.
denominations of the town bury their dead in The charter of Bellevue Lodge, No. 123, I.
this cemetery, as it is situated in a better O. O. F., was granted July 21, 1848. The
location than any other ground in the following are names of the charter members:
vicinity. D. Moore is superintendent of the William W. Stilson, A. Leiter, M. H.
cemetery, and has acted in that capacity Seymour, R. C. McElhany and P. G. Sharp.
most of the time since its organization. The lodge was instituted November 9, of the
FIRE DEPARTMENT. same year, by Grand Master McElwin, when
In June, 1870, the village council of the following officers were elected: A.
Bellevue purchased a second-hand hand fire Leiter, N. G.; William W. Stilson, V. G.; W.
engine, a hose cart and several hundred feet H. Seymour, R. S.; R. McElhany, P. S.; P. G.
of hose from the authorities of Tiffin, for the Sharp, treasurer. The N. G. appointed C.
sum of about three hundred dollars. A fire Cone, Con.; T. Baker, warden; F. H. Cone, I.
company was organized with Dr. J. W. G.; J. Hoover, O. G.; J. L. Hunt, R. S. to N.
Goodson, foreman; Charles Nicolai, first G.; S. G. Culver, L. S. to N. G.; H. G.
assistant; B. Benn, second assistant, and J. Harris, R. S. S.; C. Dwight, L. S. S. ; B. F.
H. Webber, secretary. In 1874 the council Taylor, R. S. to V. G.; C. L. Cook, L. S. to
appointed as chief of the fire department A. V. G. Meetings are held Monday evenings of
B. Smith, who served in that capacity one each week.
year. In 1875 William R. West succeeded A charter was issued by the Grand Lodge
him, he also remaining one year. Charles at its session in Mansfield, Ohio, October
Nicolai was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 681

26, 1855, for Bellevue Lodge, No. 273, Free of banking; but it was not until 1871 that a
and Accepted Masons. The charter members house was established with the clearly
were: W. B. Disbro, L. W. Frary, L. S. defined object of doing a strictly banking
Chandler, M. Peters, D. A. Lathrop, James business. On the 22d of May, of 1871, was
Cady, W. B. Dimick and C. B. Gambies. The organized the banking firm of Wood,
first officers were: W. B. Disbro, W. M.; L. Woodward & Company, Bourdette Wood,
W. Frary, S. W.; L. S. Chandler, J. W. Abishai Woodward and E. J. Sheffield being
A charter was issued for Bellevue Chapter, the partners. The firm opened their bank in
Royal Arch Masons, No. 113, at Dayton, the room now occupied by the First National
Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1868. The Bank, but in 1875 purchased of Mr.
charter members were: D. M. Harkness, J. K. Woodward the site of the present building,
Richards, M. A. Severance, W. W. Beymer, and erected the fine brick block wherein the
W. E. Greene, M. A. Barnes, H. Peck and bank is now located. In September, 1876, the
John Cowles. The following officers were bank was incorporated by act of the State
appointed: R. A. Severance, high priest; H. Legislature, and commenced business
Peck, king; W. E. Greene, scribe. October 2, 1876, as a stock company. The
Bellevue Lodge No. 957, Knights of capital stock with which the bank organized
Honor, was organized March 8, 1878, with was one hundred thousand dollars, Messrs.
the following charter members: H. N. Wood, Woodward and Sheffield becoming
Richards, R. A. Boyer, F. L. Goodson, R. the largest stockholders. The company
Greenslade, W. H. Kern, G. S. Lanterman, included many of the leading business men
H. F. Baker, G. A. Beckwith, H. B. Acker, in the place, and several of the ablest
E. H. Smith, T. H. Wood, J. W. Close, farmers in the vicinity. A board of directors
William Mayne, Joseph Sherck, E. W. was chosen September 23, 1876, consisting
Dorsey, T. C. Wood, C. D. Smith, W. H. of Bourdette Wood, Abishai Woodward, E.
Dimick, Joseph Bannister, Thomas, J. Sheffield, Andrew Smith, A. C. Beckwith,
Thorneloe, C. H. Welch. The first officers and the following year two more directors
were: H. F. Baker, P. D. ; E. H. Smith, D.; were added, viz.: D. M. Harkness and J. B.
H. N. Richards, V. D.; George A. Beckwith, Higbee. Bourdette Wood was chosen
A. D.; R. Greenslade, chaplain; R. A. Boyer, president; Abishai Woodward, vice-
guard; F. L. Goodson, R.; W. H. Kern, F. R.; president, and E. J. Sheffield, cashier; and
Joseph Sherck, treasurer; W. H. Dimick, these gentlemen are the present officers,
guardian; William Mayne, sentinel. The with Thomas Woodward, jr., as teller. The
lodge was instituted by H. R. Shomo, grand stockholders of this bank in number
dictator of Ohio. Meetings are held represent not less than one million three
Wednesday evening of each week in Odd hundred thousand dollars, two of the
Fellows' Hall. directors, Mr. Wood and Mr. Harkness
BANKING. representing, together, three-fourths of a
Chapman, Harkness & Company for some million.
years prior to 1852, Harkness & Company The First National Bank was organized
from 1852 to 1868, and H. M. Sinclair from September 30, 1875, the capital stock being
1868 to 1873, carried on a business fifty thousand dollars. The directors are: J.
comprising some of the features T. Worthington, Dr. Amos Wood-ward, J. B.
Higbee, William McKim, Joseph Egle, and J.
K. Richards. J. T.
682 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Worthington is president, and E. H. Brown The original cost of these distilleries was
cashier. not far from thirty thousand dollars each.
FLOURING MILLS. THE FARMER'S ELEVATOR.
The manufacture of flour has been an Early in 1875 the farmers living in the
industry of considerable importance to vicinity of Bellevue formed a joint stock
Bellevue for many years. There are two large company for the purpose of erecting an
mills owned by Higbee & Company. The old elevator that should be under their own
mill was first built in 1849 by J. B. Higbee control, and from which they could ship
and a Mr. Lawrence. In 1859 the mill was their grain if they thought best, or could sell
burned, Mr. Higbee then owning the on the street if prices offered suited them.
property alone. The loss involved him to a The charter members of this company
considerable extent, but he succeeded in consisted of seventeen persons, and stock
effecting a compromise with his creditors was subscribed to the amount of five
and soon rebuilt the mill and resumed thousand dollars.
business. Since then the mill has been A building about twenty-four by sixty feet
enlarged and improved, and Mr. Higbee was erected, and completed September 11,
associated with him in the business his son, 1875. An engine house was also built, and an
J. A. Higbee. engine provided for hoisting grain and
In 1873 or 1874 the Higbees purchased the running a cleaner and a mill for grinding
mill of H. M. Sinclair & Company and feed. The cost was about nine thousand
received Mr. T. L. Branan as a partner. dollars, a part of it being paid from the
DISTILLERIES. earnings of the elevator after its completion.
Soon after the settlement of the county a The building and attachments were put in
small distillery was started near Bellevue. charge of John Decker, who, the first season,
The grain used was ground at Clear Creek, received and shipped some four hundred
and the still was run by hand. This was thousand bushels of grain.
previous to 1836. On the night of April 10, 1878, the
In October, 1849, Chapman, Harkness & elevator was burned. A new one was
Company built the first large distillery, with immediately commenced, and was in running
a capacity of sixty bushels of grain per day. order about August 1, 1878, but the feed-
This was run until 1852, when it was sold to mill and cleaner were not replaced. Mr.
D. M. Harkness, who formed a partnership Decker continued as manager until
with L. G. Harkness and H. M. Flagler. It November, 1878, when Messrs. Wood &
was then increased to a capacity of six Close took charge. The 1st of January, 1879,
hundred bushels of grain daily, and was run they leased the elevator, the stock-holders
under this management until 1864, when it reserving the right to use it for their own
was purchased by H. M. Sinclair. Since that grain, on paying the lessees one cent per
time it has not been run continuously, and is bushel for elevating and storing.
now abandoned as a distillery. The stock company is managed by a board
In 1853 Chapman, Woodward & Company of directors, consisting of nine persons, three
built another distillery, with a capacity for of whom form an executive committee. It is
six hundred bushels daily. This distillery has believed by the members of the company
been run most of the time since built, and is that since the erection of the elevator, prices
still in operation. for grain have ruled
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 683

firmer, and thus the patrons have received ditch before mentioned. Two more acres
benefit from the investment. were subsequently added to the first pur-
There are two elevators in the building, chase, making the present area seven acres.
both run by horse power, two horses being In digging out the reservoir, the dirt was
used. This is found much more economical piled up around the sides, making a
than an engine, and answers the purpose substantial embankment. The gravel in the
equally well. side of the ridge was struck in some places,
WATER WORKS. and when the reservoir is full the water
The village of Bellevue is situated in a filters through the gravel into the ridge for a
comparatively level country, with no hills great distance, forming an almost
and no elevated land from which to obtain inexhaustible supply, for one season at least.
water by means of springs or natural res- In 1875 water conductors were laid
ervoirs. Underlying it is a limestone for- through Main street, but it was found that
mation, full of cracks and seams, by means there was not sufficient pressure to furnish
of which the surface water is effectually all the water that was needed. In 1877 a tank
drained off, thus forming a fine system of house of brick was built, thirty-two feet
drainage for farms, but giving the town the high, and surmounted by a boiler iron tank,
reputation of a dry place. On the purchase of twenty-five feet high and eighteen feet in
a hand fire engine, in 1869, cisterns were diameter, capable of holding fifty thousand
built in various parts of the town, but the barrels of water. A Knowles engine and
supply of water was not thought adequate. pump were purchased for the purpose of
About that time the subject of some system forcing the water into the tank.
of water works was agitated, and the village POWER HOUSE.
authorities caused an experimental well to be In 1871 some of the capitalists of Bellevue
bored, but the drill became stuck and it was conceived the idea of erecting a large
given up. building, putting in an engine and suitable
In 1872 the village council submitted the machinery, and renting to any persons or
question of a reservoir, to be fed by a large companies, who required power for
ditch on the eastern border of the manufacturing purposes, such part of the
corporation, to the people for a vote, which building as they might need for carrying
resulted almost unanimously in its favor, forward the business in which they were
only two votes being recorded against the engaged. A subscription paper was started
question. An ordinance was then passed and the names of eighty-seven persons were
authorizing the construction of water works, obtained. It was the intention to start with a
and providing for the issue of bonds for the capital stock of fifty thousand dollars,
village, not to exceed the amount of forty though it was found that this amount would
thousand dollars, the same to expire in 1880. not be required, and but thirty thousand
A special election was held July 5, 1875, for dollars were called in. Some few of the
the election of three trustees, for one, two, signers of the subscription did not finally
and three years. J. W. Goodson, A. B. Smith, take shares, though eight hundred and thirty-
and B. Moore were elected, and immediately six were taken.
proceeded to work out the plan. A lot of five A contract was made August 8, 1871, for a
acres was purchased from McKim and Bates, building forty by one hundred and fifty feet,
with the right of way to the two stories in height, and thirty feet to the
roof. This was completed in
684 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the fall of the same year. An engine house a large tract of State land in York township.
was also built, twenty by thirty feet in size, Mr. Birdseye was also contractor and builder
the total cost being about thirty thousand of the first bridge across the Sandusky River.
dollars, including the land on which the Having completed his contracts on public
building was erected. works, he returned to New York, leaving his
son, Nathan P., on the farm in York. For a
period of eight years from 1824, our subject
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. lived alone, all the while enlarging his fields
and reducing the cleared land to a better
state of cultivation. The first cabin in which
N AT H A N P . AN D M A R Y A . B I R D S E Y E .
he lived was built by a man named Harman.
Industry, strength, and sagacity build up In 1828 he erected a frame house, which was
estates; worth of character is a sure occupied for a short time by Dr. L. G.
foundation of public esteem; acute business Harkness. Mr. Birdseye married; April 8,
capacity and fine moral sensibilities are the 1832, Mary Ann Christie. This name carries
elements of a complete man whose life us back to one of the earliest pioneer
makes mankind better and by whose living families in the county.
human welfare has been promoted; such a William Christie, son of Andrew and
man was Nathan Phelps Birdseye. Abigail (Hopper) Christie, was born in
The Birdseyes of this country are de- Orange county, New York, where he married
scended from Rev. Nathan Birdseye, a Mary Slauson. Their family consisted of
Presbyterian clergyman, who came to three children—Andrew, Abigail and Mary
America in the eighteen century and died at Ann. Soon after marriage Mr. Christie
Meriden, Connecticut, in his one hundred moved to Tompkins county, New York, and
and fifth year. He preached on the centennial in 1817 came to Lower Sandusky, making
of his birth. This worthy patriarch's family the entire journey from Black Rock by
consisted of six sons and six daughters. water. There were only about twenty-five
James Birdseye, father of Joseph and families in the village at that time. Mr.
Nathan P. Birdseye of York township, was Christie was a carpenter by trade and found
born in Connecticut. In early life he removed ready employment. His first engagement was
to Ontario county, New York, where he on a frame store building for Jaques
married Phebe Phelps, by whom was born a Hulburd. A year or two later the first brick
family of four sons and one daughter. James house in Lower Sandusky was built, and Mr.
Birdseye came to Sandusky county on a Christie did the carpenter work. This house
prospecting tour in company with William is yet standing, and has for years been
McPherson and Norton Russel in 1822. He known as the Beaugrand property. In 1822
entered one eighty-acre lot and returned to Mr. Christie entered two eighty-acre lots in
New York. Two years after, accompanied by York township, and in February of the fol-
his son, Nathan P., he came to Ohio, and the lowing year joined the pioneers of that part
following year entered upon the discharge of of the county. The only son, Andrew, died in
a contract with the State for grading a 1822, and is buried in the old cemetery at
portion of the Maumee and Western Reserve Fremont. He was a young man of superior
road. He received in payment intelligence, and was employed at writing
for Auditor Rumery and
N. P. Birdseye
Mrs. N. P. Birdseye
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 685

other officials. Mr. Christie himself was not which, occurred 13th day of August, 1881:
spared long to his family and new farm; he The demise of such a man as Nathan P. Birdseye calls
for something more than the bare mention of the fact
died August 1, 1826, leaving two daughters that one who had so long lived in our midst, is dead. It
to support a widow's affliction. The two is paying but a just tribute to his memory that there be
daughters, Abigail and Mary Ann, have placed on record, by those who knew him well, an
never been separated at any one time for a acknowledgment that he lived in such a manner as to
deserve and win the respect and affection of all good
longer period than three months. Mrs. men.
Christie died at the home of her daughter, He was of strong frame; industrious, prudent and
Mrs. Birdseye, November 2, 1846. thrifty; clear-headed, firm, persevering, benevolent and
tender-hearted. He possessed, indeed, in a remarkable
The old Christie farm in York township degree, the traits which distinguish the good old New
has never changed ownership, except by England stock whence he sprung. He was a farmer, and
inheritance to the daughters. The original loved the land which, through years of trial and labor,
patent was issued in 1822, by James Monroe. he saw transformed from forest to orchard and field.
Until enfeebled by disease and advancing years he found
The family cherish this old homestead, made actual enjoyment in the work of his farm, laboring in the
doubly dear by the reposing ashes of their fields with his hired men whom he treated as equals.
parents. Mr. Birdseye was a man of earnest convictions. He
looked upon mankind as a brotherhood, and regarded
Nathan P. Birdseye was born in Hopewell, individuals not from appearances but according to their
Ontario county, New York, January 27, acts. He was originally an anti-slavery Whig, but joined
1804. His education was such as the the ranks of the Republican party at its organization.
common schools of his native State afforded. During the war he was active in the cause of the Union;
encouraged enlistments, and contributed freely toward
He was the only member of the family who the support of the families of those who were fighting
desired to come to Ohio, and by inheritance the battles of the country. In religion he was a
and purchase came into possession of the Universalist. His natural love of his kind made him hope
and believe that
large tract of land in York township, taken
by his father in payment of services on Good, at last will fall,
At last, far off, will come to all.
public works. After his marriage he united
Mr. Birdseye acquired riches; his landed property was
with his own estate that belonging to his large, and includes some of the finest in this county. But
wife, and to further increase his possessions he gained by honest industry and thrift, he never
and advance his lands in value by means of wronged or oppressed any man. His word was as good as
his bond. He continually performed the uncounted deeds
improvements, was the constant aim of his of neighborly kindness.
industrious life. For twelve years he kept a In early times when there was much sickness in the
house of entertainment between Bellevue country, he would, after laboring on his farm all the day,
and Clyde, at the same time superintending watch with those stricken by disease, through every
night in the week. At other times when a whole family
extensive farming operations. He was an were down with contagious illness, he entirely neglected
accumulator of real estate, but speculation of his own work, and gave all his care to nursing the sick.
no kind received his attention. Before He practiced, too, the ancient hospitality which is so
little the fashion now-a-days. To the stranger overtaken
retiring from his active labors, Mr. Birds-eye by storm or by night, no matter what his condition, he
could look over farms embracing in all more always gave food and shelter, and he never knowingly
than one thousand fertile acres, with the allowed the hungry to pass his house unfed.
proud consciousness of honestly earned As has been said, fortune smiled upon him. But he
rendered the equivalent by the labor of his own hands,
ownership. His virtues of character are well and that honest kind of economy which has been
summed up by his intimate friend and commended by good men in every age. It came to him as
physician, Hon. John B. Rice, in an obituary praise of his memory will came, as the love and
faithfulness of dear wife and child, and
published after his death,
686 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

friends; came when disease attacked him, and his work Fremont, having with her constant friend,
was being finished—as the promised reward of a well-
spent life.
companion and sister, Miss Abigail Christie,
who was born December 7, 1806. She has
Mrs. Mary Ann Birdseye was born May near her, for comfort and support, her only
17, 1810. She attended school in Lower child, Cornelia, wife of Isaac Amsden, who
Sandusky during her father's residence there, was born December i6, 1832. The family of
and afterwards continued her studies in the Mr. and Mrs. Amsden consists of five
seminary at Norwalk. She taught school four children.
terms before her marriage—two terms in
Bellevue, during which time she made her
home at the residence of Thomas Amsden, THOMAS GATES AMSDEN.
and two terms in her home district in York. The subject of this sketch was a
As a teacher she is very kindly remembered conspicuous character in the history of
by those who were benefited by her Bellevue for more than thirty years. Thomas
instruction. She possesses a cultured Gates Amsden was born in Ontario county,
imagination and has written some poetry, New York, October 8, 1797, His father,
which, for imagery has real merit: Isaac Amsden, was a Revolutionary soldier.
It is not necessary to say that the home After the war he settled on a farm in Ontario
presided over by a woman of Mrs. Birdseye's county, on which the son was accustomed to
generous, womanly disposition was a model hard work, being given the advantage of a
for regularity and concord. During the war short term of schooling each winter,
her sympathies naturally went out toward the During the War of 1812, when the
soldiers. She was during all that sad period Governor of New York, made a call for
president of the Clyde Ladies Aid Society, militia to defend Buffalo, Thomas, then in
and contributed of her means and labors to his seventeenth year, responded bravely to
the cause. Mr. Birdseye was careful at the the call in place of an older brother. Bravery
same time that no soldier's home in his and courage, which were predominating
community should suffer for support. They characteristics of the man, thus early found
had no sons to send to the field of battle, but expression in the boy.
their benevolent labor at home was no less In early life Mr. Amsden came West, and
useful and appreciated. in company with F. A. Chapman and one or
Mrs. Birdseye is a remarkably well two of his brothers, engaged in the
preserved lady. Her face beams with hazardous business of hunting and trapping
intelligence and good nature, and she holds and trading with the Indians. They finally
in memory with exceptional correctness the entered the employ of General Whitney, who
scenes and events of by-gone years. A at that time was conducting Indian stores at
visitor is particularly impressed with her many of the frontier posts of the Northwest.
cheerfulness of temperament. She Mr. Amsden was stationed at Green Bay,
remembers and narrates with pleasure amus- where he was quite successful, and won the
ing incidents, but, unlike many old people, confidence of his employer to the degree
has little to say of the rougher side of that, in 1823, General Whitney gave to
pioneer life, a full share of which she ex- himself and Mr. Chapman letters of credit on
perienced. the great Boston house of
Mrs. Birdseye enjoys her quiet home in
Thomas G. Amsden
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 687

A. & A. Lawrence, to the amount of a was only partially improved. This farm
general stock of goods calculated to the included nearly all of that part of the present
wants of pioneer trade. This stock, placed in town of Bellevue in Sandusky county. While
a log cabin, was the first store in Bellevue. he was engaged at farming he was elected
General Whitney, in the same way, had and served as justice of the peace. While a
started eight other clerks in business, but his merchant he was postmaster. Mr. Amsden
kindness on the whole cost him considerable afterwards again entered active business in
money, for, as he told Chapman & Amsden partnership with Mr. Chapman, under the
afterwards, they were the only two who paid firm name of T. G. Amsden & Co., dealers
for their stock and made a success in trade. in general merchandise and farm products,
So popular did the store of Chapman & until 1855, tinder the successive firm names
Amsden become that the place received the of T. G. Amsden & Co., Amsden, Bramwell
name Amsden's Corners, the last named & Co., Amsden, Dimmick & Co., and
member of the firm being best known to the Amsden & Co. He was in mercantile and
customers. For several years from 1823 they general business in Bellevue. In 1848 he
continued general merchandising. Their became interested in a store and distillery in
goods were at first adapted to trading with Monroeville. This proved an unfortunate
the Indians, who were then the principal enterprise. It was not only in itself a
inhabitants. As the Indians decreased, and financial failure, but carried the Bellevue
the whites multiplied, they continued the house, in which his son, Isaac E., was
business, increasing it as trade demanded. interested, with it. Mr. Amsden's course was
Beginning in a log hut, they finally carried it in the line of the strictest business integrity.
on in a more pretentious frame building, the He refused to adopt any method which
first of the kind in this region, a part of it prudence might suggest for saving a part of
being occupied by Mr. Amsden as a family his hard-earned estate. He turned over to his
residence. This building was eventually torn creditors all his property, and emerged from
away to make room for the stone block now the general crash in very straitened
occupied by the First National Bank. circumstances. He retained his home in
During this time they built the Exchange Bellevue, where he lived for a few years in
Hotel, which they continued to own for comparative retirement. Then selling out he
twenty years. This was the best hotel purchased a small farm just below Fremont,
building for a long distance around, and had where he died December 7, 1876.
considerable influence upon the growth of The maiden name of Mr. Amsden's first
the village by attracting emigrants and wife was Lydia Chapman, a daughter of
business men to the place. James Chapman, who served in the
The frame building which displaced the Revolutionary army during the whole seven
first log store, was painted red, and was years of the war. This marriage occurred in
known as the "Red Store." It was the largest 1823. They had a family 'of seven children,
mercantile establishment between Norwalk five of whom survived infancy-Sarah, Mary,
and Lower Sandusky. Isaac E., Thomas, and William.
In 1833 Mr. Amsden sold his interest in Sarah was married to Hon. J. P.
the store to Dr. L. G. Harkness and Shoemaker, of Amsden, Michigan, a place so
purchased of Samuel Miller a farm which named because Mr. Amsden once owned
688 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

the land upon which it is located. Mary is Order of Odd Fellows in Bellevue, and
married to Abishai Woodward, son of the afterward in Fremont. At the time of his
late Gurdon Woodward, of Bellevue. Isaac death appropriate resolutions of sympathy
E. married Cornelia Birdseye, daughter of N. and respect were passed by the order, and a
P. Birdseye, and is in business in Fremont. large delegation from the encampment at
Thomas died some years since in Bellevue. Fremont accompanied his remains to the
William, at the opening of the Rebellion, beautiful cemetery at Bellevue, where they
enlisted in the army, and was soon made were deposited amid the ashes of his dead.
captain in the Third Ohio Cavalry; was
prostrated by camp fever in the spring of
1862, and was first brought to the hospital at FREDERICK SMITH AND FAMILY.
Cincinnati and then to his home in Fremont,
In the spring of 1818 George Frederick
where he died June 19.
Schmidt and family, natives of Wurtemburg,
Mrs. Amsden died in 1841.
Germany, emigrated to America and settled
Mr. Amsden subsequently married Harriet
in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, In his
Williams, of Monroeville. The family by this
native land Mr. Smith—as the name is now
marriage consisted of five children—Emily,
written by his descendants—was united in
Edward, Lizzie, Maggie, and Harriet.
marriage to Dorothea Maumann. They
Emily is married to Charles Cullen, of
brought up a large family, there being nine
Delta, Fulton county, Ohio. Edward resides
children in all, seven of whom arrived at
at Canton, Ohio. Lizzie resides in Fremont.
maturity. Four are still living. Seven of them
Maggie died at the age of ten years. Harriet
were born in this country. The names of the
resides in Fremont.
children in the order of their ages were as
Mrs. Amsden occupies the residence to
follows: Maria D., married David Moore,
which the family removed from Bellevue.
and resided in Bellevue; died December 7,
Mr. Amsden was a man of great physical
1879, in her sixty-seventh year. Anna M.
energy and endurance, as well as of fine
married James Chapman, of York township;
intellectual qualities, and in his long
died November 8, 1879, aged sixty-five
partnership with Mr. Chapman took the
years. Frederick, the subject of this sketch;
principal charge of the outdoor business,
David, a resident of York township;
while Mr. Chapman managed the office
Catharine, widow of William White, Grundy
work. Mr. Amsden was highly respected for
county, Tennessee; Sarah A., wife of Elmer
his unswerving integrity, and genial, affable
Simpson, Placer county, California; and
manners. He was so widely known for his
John F., a resident of York township; and
sound and reliable judgment that, for many
two who died young.
years, his advice was uniformly taken before
The family resided in Pennsylvania until
any new enterprise of importance was
the year 1836, when they came to York
started. He was, during his prosperous
township and settled upon the farm now in
business life, free in his charities. Nothing
possession of one of the sons. At the time of
seemed to gratify him more than to relieve
their settlement this entire region bore a very
want or suffering. He was a supporter of the
uninviting aspect. After coming here Mr.
Episcopal church. He was for nearly thirty
Smith purchased a piece of land on which a
years a prominent and faithful member of the
small clearing had
Independent
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 689

been made and a cabin erected. They had the considerable skill and ingenuity in the use of
usual difficulties and experiences incident to various kinds of tools, and frequently did
life in the woods, but by the combined blacksmithing and carpentry work for
efforts of the whole family they succeeded in himself. He was a man who had many
accomplishing the mission which led them sincere friends, won by his upright character
hither and established a home. Mrs. Smith and manly qualities. In politics he was a
did not live to enjoy many of the subsequent strong Democrat, and always labored to
improvements. She died in November, 1842. promote the success of his party. Early in
Her husband survived until the 18th of life he became a Christian, and continued to
February, 1858, when he passed away. Both the end a devout member of the Reformed
were worthy people, and possessed of that church. Just before his death, while
industrious and frugal disposition which conversing on religious subjects, he referred
enables the German emigrant to succeed in to his early religious associations with much
the face of many obstacles. pleasure and satisfaction. He was elected a
Frederick Smith was the oldest son. He trustee of St. Paul's church some three years
was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, previous to his death, and faithfully served
December 10, 1818, and consequently was in that office until prevented by failing
about eighteen years of age when his parents health. He was prostrated by illness in
came to this county. He lived at home and December, 1878, and continued gradually
assisted in clearing up The farm and making declining until the 1st day of April, in the
improvements. In 1845, on the ad day of year 1879, when the end came.
October, he was joined in marriage to Mary Mrs. Frederick Smith was born in
A. Box, of Washington township. The Northampton county (now Carbon county),
following year he bought a farm adjoining Pennsylvania, August 13, 1826. Her parents
the old homestead, upon which he passed the were Nicholas and Eve Margaret Box. Her
remainder of his days. His first purchase was mother's maiden name was Mehrcome. Her
eighty acres, twenty of which were partially father died in Pennsylvania December 2,
cleared. There was also a small cabin upon 1835. Her mother came to this county in
the farm. Mr. Smith labored diligently, 1836, and settled in Washington township,
making inroads upon the forest and where she died April 22, 1857. Mrs. Smith is
improving his fields, and as they became the youngest of a family of eleven children.
fruitful under his skilful hands, thus She has three brothers and two sisters living.
furnishing the means for enlarging his farm, To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three
he made additional purchases, upon which in sons and four daughters, all of whom are
turn he continued the work of clearing. living in York township. Their names are:
Before his death he became the owner of six William Frederick, Mary Armena, Samuel
hundred and forty acres of excellent land, as David, Henry Franklin, Margaret Anna,
the reward of his steadfast industry and Sarah Catharine, and Dora Ella. Two of the
perseverance. His elegant brick residence, sons and one of the daughters are married.
the present home of his widow, was erected William F. married Sarah C. Wilt, and has
in 1866. two children; Henry F. married Hannah E.
Mr. Smith was a successful farmer and a Richards; Mary Armena is the wife of
lover of his occupation, which he carried on George Wilt, York township, and has four
most extensively. He also possessed children.
690 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

T H E McCAULEY FAMILY. were born to them—John A. McCauley, born


Joseph McCauley was born in Mifflin December 27, 1831; Matilda E. McCauley,
county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1811. His born August 30, 1833; Sarah I. McCauley,
father, John McCauley, of Scotch-Irish born January 29, 1839. The daughters are
blood, came to America from Ireland with both living, Mrs. Matilda E. Kopp in York
his parents when a young man. He married, township, and Mrs. Sarah I. Ulsh in St.
in Pennsylvania, Mary Stumphff, and had a Joseph county, Michigan. Joseph McCauley
family of seven sons and four daughters. Of died April 21, 1853, a worthy and highly
these four sons and two daughters are yet respected man. He was a man of industry
living. Joseph was the sixth child. He was and perseverance, and during the eight years
brought up and educated in Pennsylvania. He he lived in Ohio, he made a large number of
was a farmer throughout his life. On the 28th clearings and improvements, erected a
of October, 1830, he married Anna Ulsh, substantial house, barn and out-buildings. He
daughter of Andrew and Barbara Ulsh. She was a self-made man; commenced life with
was born February 17, 1811, and was the little, and worked his way upward by strict
second child and oldest daughter. The Ulsh and careful attention to business. He was a
family consisted of nine children, five sons member of the Lutheran church in
and four daughters. The youngest of these Pennsylvania, but after coming to Ohio
children reached the age of fifty-one years joined the Congregational church. He was a
before any were removed by death. Three of man of a cheerful and obliging disposition,
the sons and all of the daughters are still and is. gratefully remembered by his old
living. Andrew Ulsh spent his life in friends and neighbors who had an
Pennsylvania. He was born September 12, opportunity to become thoroughly
1785; died April 9, 1864. Barbara Ulsh, born acquainted with him, and to know his worth.
September 20, 1788; died October 22, 1828. After his death his widow lived upon the
Mr. Ulsh was married twice, Catharine being old homestead over ten years. November 17,
the name of his second wife. 1863, she was married to John Orwig, and
After his marriage Mr. McCauley resided since that time she has resided at Bellevue.
one year in Snyder county, thence moved to Mrs. Orwig belongs to the Congregational
Mifflin county in 1832, where he lived until church, and is a faithful member.
the spring of 1845. In the month of April of John A. McCauley, only son of Joseph
that year he came to the farm in York McCauley, was born in Snyder county,
township, which he had purchased two years Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his
before, and set about making a home. The parents. He lived and died upon the old
farm contained seventy-eight acres, but was homestead, enjoying the peaceful life of a
afterwards increased in size to one hundred prosperous farmer. January 13, 1853, he was
and sixty-four acres. There had been slight united in marriage to Lucy A. Jordan, born
improvements made, but not enough to make January 18, 1832, in Union county,
the farm of much utility until a large amount Pennsylvania. This union was blessed by
of work had been done. Mr. and Mrs. three children, two of whom are living—
McCauley labored diligently, saved Alice A., born January 26, 1854; married
economically, and in due season had a March 16, 1874, to Harry S. Knauss; resides
comfortable home, Three children in the house with her mother; has
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 691

three children—Virgie M., born November THE RIFE FAMILY.


22, 1875; Olive Maud, born August 3, 1877; Michael Rife was born in Frederick
and John W., born February 6, 1880. John county, Maryland, February 15, 1814. His
Ezra, born May 25, 1857, died September 7, parents were Daniel and Elizabeth
18.58. Joseph Ervin, born June 8, 1859, (Sumbrun) Rife. They had three sons and
married Alice C. Drake, and resides in York seven daughters, with names as follows:
township, this county. Susan, Michael, Daniel, Julia Ann,
John A. McCauley died August 28, 1879. Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah (twins), Sophia,
He united with the Congregational church John, and Frances. The sons and four of the
when about sixteen, and lived a faithful daughters are now living. Michael and John
Christian. He was a man of the highest reside in York township, and Daniel in the
integrity of character, and was highly village of Clyde. They are all farmers. Susan
esteemed by the community in which he is the widow of Chester Kinney, and resides
resided. Like his father he supported the at Green Spring, in this county; Julia Ann
Democratic ticket. married John Hamlin, her home is in Steuben
Mrs. Lucy A. McCauley is the daughter of county, Indiana; Mary married Aaron
one of the pioneers of Ohio. Her father, Bartlett, and lives in Fulton county;
Adam Jordan, was born in Lancaster county, Elizabeth is single, and resides in Bellevue;
Pennsylvania, February 22, 1803. He was Sarah, Sophia, and Frances are deceased.
married in his native State to Sophia Orwig, Frances was the wife of Frank Joint, of
who was born in Schuylkill county, Bellevue.
September 16, 1803. These parents had five The parents of Mr. Rife came to Sandusky
sons and four daughters—Sarah A., who county in 1832 and located where John Rife
married Uriah Weaver; Martin married Mary now lives. The country at that date was but
Soyer; Lucy A. (McCauley); Joseph married thinly settled, and the father and his sons had
Hannah Gamby; Mary A., George, and before them the difficult task of making a
Hannah M., single; James married Emma home in the wilderness and earning a living
Hubble; John, the only member of the family there. That they succeeded well in this
not living at the time of this writing, died undertaking, the neat and pretty farms in
when fourteen years old. possession of the family are sufficient
Adam Jordan moved from Union county, proofs. Daniel Rife died when fifty-five
Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1832; remained years of age, and his wife when fifty seven.
one year in Richland county, then. settled in Both were members of the Lutheran church
Seneca county, whence he moved to York during the greater portion of their lives, and
township, Sandusky county, in 1844. Mr. were earnest and sincere Christians.
Jordan died September, 22, 1860 His widow Michael Rife has always followed the
survived until August 28, 1871. good, old-fashioned employment of tilling
Mrs. McCauley joined the Congregational the soil. At the age of twenty-five he married
church in 1853. Her children also united. and began work for himself. His marriage
with the same organization when quite took place January 1, 1839. His wife, whose
young. She is a lady who enjoys the maiden name was Mary Longwell, was born
friendship and esteem of a large circle of in Berlin township, Delaware county, Ohio,
neighbors and acquaintances. November 9, 1821. She was the only
daughter of Robert
692 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and Lucinda (Butler) Longwell, who were early and late have merited the good things
among the very first settlers in this county. they now enjoy.
They moved to York township in 1823. Mr. Mr. Rife is a Republican and has never
Longwell brought his goods in an ox-wagon, voted any other ticket, excepting that of the
and Mrs. Longwell rode horseback, carrying Whig party. He has never aspired to
her child in her arms. They were here but township or other offices.
one brief year before they were overtaken by
death. Mrs. Longwell died September 17,
1814, aged thirty-two years, and her husband JAMES CHAPMAN.
followed on the 22d day of the same month James Chapman was born in the north-
and year, dying at the age of thirty. After the western part of the State of Pennsylvania,
death of her parents, Mary lived with her December 26, 1809. He is the oldest of the
relatives until her marriage with Mr. Rife, in children of Jeremiah and Sarah (Wilbur)
1839. Chapman. Jeremiah Chapman was a native
For the first few years after this couple of Connecticut, but moved to Pennsylvania
began housekeeping the utmost diligence when quite a young man and was one of the
was required to "make both ends meet." Mrs. pioneers in the part of the State where he
Rife raised chickens many seasons to sell, settled. He was the son of James Chapman, a
and paid taxes with the proceeds. Produce Revolutionary soldier, who lived and died in
brought but a small equivalent in money, Connecticut. Sarah Wilbur was born in
butter often selling for only five cents per Rhode Island, but removed to Pennsylvania
pound, and other articles in proportion. with her parents when young. Soon after he
Young people at the present day can form was married, Jeremiah Chapman removed to
but a vague idea of the difficulties which Ontario county, New York, where he lived
this stout-hearted pair met and overcame. until about 1819, when he came to Ohio. He
Their union has been blessed with four remained one year in Huron county, then
children, three of whom are living. The located on Sandusky River in Seneca county,
family record is as follows: Eudora Ann was where he resided about four years, moving
born March 30, 1841, she married Robert thence to Sandusky county in 1824. Here he
Zuel, and resides in Johnson county, Kansas; settled in York township on a farm which is
Sarah F. was born September 7, 1842, she is still in possession of the family. He was the
the wife of William L. Richards, and lives father of four children, three of whom are
near her old home; Robert L., born April 27, still living—Sarah, the second child and
1846, married Maria Dimock; he also resides oldest daughter, is the wife of George Wood
near his parents; Charles, born February 20, and resides in Erie county; Maria married L.
1848, died March 24th of the same year. P. Warner, and lives in Hillsdale county,
Mr. and Mrs. Rife, now in their declining Michigan; and James. The other child, a son,
years, are the happy possessors of a pleasant, died in infancy.
pretty home, a good farm of three hundred Jeremiah Chapman was a farmer during his
acres, well improved, and supplied with a life. He was a man of hearty constitution,
good orchard and plenty of timber. They strong and vigorous physically, in short,
have always been industrious and almost a perfect type of the sturdy pioneer.
economical, and by toiling He served a short time in the War of 1812.
Both he and his
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 693

wife were members of the Free-will Baptist organization was in existence in his town-
church. Mr. Chapthan died July 1, 1845, ship. His wife belonged to the Lutheran
aged sixty-four years. Mrs. Chapman church.
survived her husband. a few years, and died
at the home of her youngest daughter, in
Michigan. SENECA D. AND MAHALA E. HITT .
From the foregoing it will be seen that Mr. Seneca Dusenberry Hitt was a native of
James Chapman came to this county when Danby, Rutland county, Vermont, and was
about fourteen years of age. He had limited born, October 6, 1800. His father Henry D.
opportunities for obtaining an education, Hitt, was a native of New York, being of
except in the wide and varied field known as Welsh parentage on his father's side, and
the school of life. He attended school .for a Dutch on his mother's side. The mother of
few years during a portion of the winter time Seneca D. Hitt was Mary Nichols, a native
in some of the few log school-houses then in of Vermont. General Greene, of the
York township. His boyhood was passed at Revolution, was her uncle.
home on the farm. When about. thirty years The boyhood of Mr. Hitt was spent on the
old he married Anna Smith, daughter of shoemaker's bench, in business, and teaching
George Smith, of York township. She was school. He married, June 15, 1837, Mahala
one of a family of seven children, and was a E. Stafford, a daughter of Palmer and Betsy
native of Germany. (Paddock) Stafford, of Wallingford, Rutland
To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were born county, Vermont. The ancestry of the
seven children, four of whom are still living. Stafford family is traced back to a Rhode
Following are their names in the order of Island family of that name.
their ages: Albert, died December 14, 1873, The newly wedded couple left their home
aged thirty-two years; he was unmarried. in Vermont on the 27th of June, and after a
Reuben resides near his father's home; he tedious journey of one month and two days;
married Nettie Riley, of Riley township. arrived in Bellevue. Mr. Hitt had, the year
Mary died September 11, 1873, aged twenty- before, in partnership with his cousin, Henry
eight; she was the wife of Atwell Forgerson, Nichols, purchased the farm on which he
of York township. Emeline and Adeline settled, being one hundred and twenty-six
(twins); Erneline married Henry Kopp, and acres, twelve of which was cleared. Mr. Hitt,
resides in York township. Adeline lives at during the earlier years of his residence in
home. The next child was a daughter, who this county, made use of his experience at
died in infancy. Amelia, the youngest, shoemaking to earn a few odd dollars, for
resides at home. Mrs. Chapman died ready cash was scarce, and the pioneers were
November 8, 1879, at the age of sixty-five. driven to various expedients for earning
Mr. Chapman has been one of the money. But hard labor and economy
successful farmers of this vicinity. Of recent triumphed over the rugged opposition of
years he has given up the management of his heavy forest and general scarcity. Mr. Hitt
place to his son, who continues doing a purchased, in a few years, Mr. Nichol's
thrifty business. Mr. Chapman has been a interest in the farm, which he continued to
sound Republican ever since the party was improve till death, when, as an heritage to
formed. He was a member of the Free-will his family, he left an enviable home.
Baptist church as long as that
694 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Mr. Hitt died in January, 1872, in his when the family settled in this county. Of a
seventy-second year. He was frequently robust constitution he was well calculated
entrusted with local offices. He was a warm for the toils and hardships which life in a
advocate of Whig principles, and after the new country imposed. Mr. Gardner, by
fall of that party became a Republican. In working hard on his father's farm and for
appearance he was robust and strong, being himself, accumulated some money which he
five feet eight inches tall, and weighing invested in land then held at a very low
about two hundred pounds, price, but as improvements were made,
Mrs. Hitt is still living on the old farm. gradually increased in value, making him by
She is a well preserved woman, both the time he had reached maturity, a man of
physically and mentally. A naturally happy considerable means. Mr. Gardner married,
disposition fills her home with good cheer January 3, 1833, Ann Alexander, daughter of
and hospitality. Theophilus and Mary Alexander, who came
The family consists of three children living to Ohio in 1825, with a family of eleven
and one dead. children, from the State of New York. Ann
Mary E. was born April 3, 1840. She was was born in New York in 1811.
married in 1871 to Silas A. Wood, who died John S. and Ann Gardner have had a
in June, 1872. She is employed as a teacher family of seven children, five of whom are
in the Fremont public schools. living—John A., was born June 25, 1834,
Marion Adelia, was born February 3, 1842. was married March 12, 1857, to Emeline J.
She was married September 27, 1860, to Bemis; Theophilus E., was born August 6,
George H. Mugg, a resident of Green Creek 1836, married May 20, 1866, to Sarah Ann
township. Their family consists of three Thompson, she having deceased, he married
children—Elmer E., Luella, and Susan M. Justina Alexander in 1869; Mary E. was
Tamson Lavina was born January 17, born, December 4, 1838; Charles C. was
1845. She was married October 23, 1867, to born June 9, 1842, married Rebecca A.
Charles H. Welch. Their family consists of Lemmon; Dyer C. was born July 23, 1845,
four children—Alice R., Mahala, Adelia, and served in the army, married, in 1870, Sarah
Charles H., jr. R. Rowe; Ann, born April 15, 1847, married,
Seneca D. was born January 16, 1849, died in 1868, William Ritter; Julia, horn January
October 2, 1849. 9, 1850, married to Henry Thomas; Mary E.,
died July 25, 1867; Charles C., died October
26, 1877.
JOHN S. AND ANN GARDNER. As will be seen by reference to the civil
list of the county, John S. Gardner served as
John Gardner was a pioneer in York county commissioner for the period of four
township. With his family, consisting of a years. He was always prominent in the
wife and six children, he emigrated from affairs of his township, and a working
Vermont and settled here while nearly the member of the Democratic party in the east
whole township was original forest. John S. part of the county. He was strong in
Gardner, the oldest son, was born in Ver- physique and capable of doing much hard
mont, on the 24th of February, 1806, and work. He was a persevering. farmer and
was consequently seventeen years old pushed work with a diligence which
manifested itself in rapidly increasing
Jeremiah Smith
Mrs. DeLora Smith
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 695

landed possessions. He died May 23,1861. Jeremiah Smith, sr., died October 7, 1826,
Mrs. Gardner remains on the old farm. She aged forty-nine years. His wife, a most
has an excellent memory for a woman of her estimable lady, survived until September 6,
age, and narrates in an interesting manner 1840, when she passed away at the age of
the scenes and incidents of years gone by. sixty-six, universally respected as a woman
of Christian benevolence and genuine worth.
Their son, Jeremiah Smith, was among the
JEREMIAH SMITH. most worthy and highly honored of the
citizens of York township. He was born
Among the many courageous men and October 15, 1801. On the 10th of June, 1835,
women who penetrated the forests of Ohio he married De Lora Knapp, daughter of
while the State was yet the hunting grounds Alvin and Lovisa (O'Bryant) Knapp. Mrs.
of the Indians, the sons and daughters of Knapp's father, John O'Bryant, was an
New England hold a conspicuous place. officer in the Revolutionary war. Alvin
Bravery, generosity, unwavering honesty, Knapp was barn at Lebanon Springs,
united to a strong religious faith, were the Columbia county, New York, and his wife in
virtues that characterized them, and the the western part of Massachusetts, about
principles that animated them. fourteen miles from the place of her
In 1822 a worthy couple, both natives of husband's nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp.
the State of Connecticut, settled on the South lived in New York State until 1833. At. this
ridge, in York township. Their names were date they came to Ohio and settled near the
Jeremiah and Experience (Mills) Smith. centre of York township. They had thirteen
Enough has been written in this volume to children who arrived at maturity, five of
portray the condition of Sandusky county at whom are yet living. Their names in the
that date. The trials, difficulties, and dangers order of their ages were; Arad, Chester,
which beset these bold representatives of the Balsorah, Alanson, Kingsley, De Lora,
Yankee nation need not be rehearsed here. Mary, Wilson, Sarah F., Henry, Martha,
Here they lived, reared a family, and died. Anna, and Amanda. These were all married
But one of their children survives, although and all came to Ohio, but scattered to
the family consisted of three sons and three various parts of the country. Those now
daughters. The names were as follows: living are, Chester, in Cass county,
Jeremiah, Edward, Barzilla, Lucy, Laura, Michigan; Wilson, Lucas county, Ohio;
and Triphena. Jeremiah settled in York Henry, in Decatur county, Iowa; Martha
township and resided here until the close of (Alexander), Whitewater, Wisconsin; and
his days. Edward died in Lagrange county, Mrs. De Lora: Smith, York township.
Indiana. Barzilla died in New York State, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Smith, jr., had no
where his parents had lived before coming to children. Mr. Smith died August 21, 1874, in
Ohio. Lucy married Charles Gardenier, of his seventy-third year. He was a man of
Montgomery county, New York, and died sterling integrity, friendly and courteous in
years ago. Laura married Abel D. Follett, of his manners, pure in motive, and honest and
Bellevue, and now resides in Ventura fair in all his dealings. He passed through a
county, California. Triphena died the year long life with, out losing a friend or gaining
after her parents moved here, aged thirteen an enemy by any fault of his own. During
years. the most
696 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of his years he was a member of the Free- This operation showed Mr. Birdseye's
will Baptist church. business sagacity, and leads to the conclu-
sion that but for his early misfortune at
Rochester, New York, he would have been a
JOSEPH AND AMANDA B. BIRDSEYE. very wealthy man
The family of Joseph and Amanda
The oldest son of James Birdseye, whose
Birdseye consisted of five children-two sons
ancestry and operations in this county are
and three daughters. Eliza was born in
mentioned in the foregoing sketch of Nathan
March, 1824. She died in 1847. Adalaide
P. Birdseye, was Joseph Birdseye. He was
was born October 16, 1825. She resides in
born in Ontario county, New York,
New York City. Emily was born September
November z6, 1800. His boyhood was spent
27, 1827. She is married to John Bruen and
at hard work on his father's farm. He had
lives in Santa Cruz, California: Her husband
opportunity to at-tend school only a few
is dead. Gould was born November 26, 1829.
months during the winter, affording a very
He re-sides in Clyde. Nelson H. was born
limited education.
October 6, 1832. He resides in Clyde.
Mr. Birdseye married, in 1823, Amanda
Joseph Birdseye died April 19, 1868, and
Beach, daughter of Jonathan and Betsy
is buried in McPherson Cemetery in Clyde.
Beach, who were natives of Connecticut.
Amanda B. Birdseye is still living in Clyde.
After his marriage Mr. Birdseye purchased a
She is of genial disposition, affable in
farm in New York, now the site of
manners, and possessed' of good business
Rochester, one of the most flourishing cities
qualifications. She manages the estate left by
of the State. Through -the failure of a
her husband with care and discretion.
neighbor to meet an obligation on which Mr.
Mr. Birdseye, in many of his
Birdseye was security, this farm was lost. He
characteristics, resembling his brother,
then looked toward the West as a field for
Nathan P. and at the same time possessing
the restoration of his lost fortunes. In 1834
many traits of character differing widely
he purchased a farm in York township, on
from those of his brother. Both were
which he settled with his family in 1835. He
scrupulously honest in all business
was a hard worker, and continued making
transactions, and social intercourse. Both
improvements and adding to his possessions.
were Whigs, and afterwards Republicans, in
In partnership with his brother, Nathan P., he
politics. They were simple in their manners
discharged a contract for macadamizing the
and determined in their convictions. It was a
pike between Bellevue and Clyde.
characteristic of Joseph Birdseye never to
Mr. Birdseye, in 1853, sold his farm in
withdraw a command, nor to modify an
York township and moved to Clyde, where
opinion deliberately formed. He was uni-
he had purchased a tract of land, now
formly kind and charitable to the sick or
embraced in that part of the town lying
suffering. In him an iron will was coupled
between the Lake Shore & Michigan
with a tender heart.
Southern railroad track and the turnpike. As
No family stood higher in York town-ship
the village grew he sold, in town lots, about
than the Birdseyes. They were always alive-
fifty acres, a part of which was forest at the
to the welfare of the community, whether in
time of making the purchase.
deeds, of public improvement or acts of
private charity:
Joseph Birdseye
Amanda B. Birdseye
H. R. Adams
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 697

H. R. ADAMS Sandusky, now Fremont, being piloted


Horatio Rogers Adams was born in thither through the wilderness by William
Montville, Connecticut, May 8, 1802, He Chapman, the mail-carrier. There was then
was the oldest of three children, and only no laid-out road west of where Bellevue now
son of William Adams and Nancy Rogers, stands, which then consisted, according to
who were also natives of Connecticut. When Mr. Adams' recollection, of but one log-
Horatio was about seven years of age his house. We next find him in Columbus,
parents removed from Montville to Albany, whither he journeyed on foot. He was now
New York, where they afterwards lived. thrown upon his own resources and among
William Adams was a sea-captain, was the strangers, and he found it necessary to do
owner of a number of vessels, and a man of something to earn a living. The first job he
enterprise and thrift. His wife died in the fall found to do was to take a horse for a man a
of 1820 aged about thirty-seven, and some distance of thirty miles for which service he
two years afterward he married Delia received one dollar. Of course he had to
Olmsted, an estimable lady of Albany, and walk back, but he was well satisfied with his
sister of Judge Jesse Olmsted, the pioneer bargain. It was the first money he had ever
merchant of Fremont, Ohio. Of his three earned. A short time afterward he went to
children by his first wife (his second Worthington, a little village nine miles north
marriage being without issue) only one is of Columbus, where he found employment
now living, viz: Sophia Adams, who still for a time in a printing office. In
resides in Albany. The younger sister, Mary, Worthington he first met his future wife;
died in Albany. Neither of the sisters ever Amy R. Bedell. They were married on the
married. 4th day of May, 1823, and a few years
Horatio being the only child; and his father afterward settled on Darby Creek, Madison
well-to-do, was permitted to follow his county. The farm on which they located had
inclinations and grew to young manhood been partly cleared by a former occupant,
surrounded by the social influences of city who had abandoned it, and the cleared part
life. He attended school but little and had grown over with a heavy undergrowth
employed a part of his leisure in fishing, his and practically required a second clearing.
favorite sport, and in visiting at his uncle, The first season he raised a small crop of
Isaiah Adams's; a farmer living a few miles corn and a few bushels of beans, which
out of Albany. During these visits he would found a market in Columbus, twenty miles
help in the work on the farm and it was distant, at fifty cents per bushel. Cotton
there, doubtless, he formed the desire for the goods were fifty cents per yard, and other
occupation which he subsequently followed. necessaries in proportion. It required a good
When about eighteen he made his way to deal of fortitude and hard toil to keep the
Norwalk, Ohio, where a relative of his wolf from the door during their stay there.
mother, Frederick Forsythe, was then living. While fighting under countless difficulties
He left home in company with George for a livelihood, Mr. Adams was much
Olmsted on the 1st day of October, 1820, distressed by doubts as to the validity of his
coming to Sandusky on the Walk-in-the- land title, his farm being embraced in what
water, the pioneer steamer of Lake Erie. is known as the Virginia Military District.
Shortly afterward he made a visit to his This tract comprised a large extent of
friends, the Olmsteds, in Lower territory lying
698 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

between the Little Miami and Scioto Rivers, roof and stick chimney. The farm was then
and was reserved by act of Congress for an almost unbroken wilderness, and the
compensation of the Virginia soldiers who prospect anything but bright. But attacking
had served in the Revolutionary war. Any his task with his accustomed energy, he soon
soldier, or his representative, who held a had a portion of his land in a condition to be
warrant was at liberty to select his lands cultivated, from which he managed to
wherever he chose within the military tract; support an increasing family, while he
and in consequence of the irregularity with continued to enlarge the boundary of his
which many locations were made, some clearing. The next ten years were years of
locations encroaching upon others, hard work, attended by trials and frequent
considerable litigation ensued. This failures, but instead of tending to
circumstance decided Mr. Adams upon discouragement it was an experience which
disposing of his farm at any sacrifice, and only developed the force and determination
consequently, after living there a couple of of a man by nature determined and forcible.
years, during which he and his always In 1842 he erected the house which was
patient and helpful wife experienced every afterwards his permanent home, and which is
hardship incident to the lot of pioneers, they still occupied by his widow. They took
removed, in the summer of 1830, to Huron possession of this home on Christmas of that
county, and located upon a farm rented of year, and it is a somewhat singular cir-
Jeremiah Sheffield, near Amsden's Corners, cumstance that on each removal they began
now Bellevue. He contracted with Mr. the occupancy of their new home on one of
Sheffield to build a log-house on the farm, the winter holidays.
eighteen by twenty feet, in consideration of On the 8th of May, 1874, Mr. and Mrs.
fifty bushels of wheat, and moved into this Adams celebrated their golden wedding.
house on Christmas Day of the above year. They had been married fifty years the 4th of
The following season being very wet, his May the previous year, but as sickness in the
crops were scanty, and he decided upon family prevented them from assembling that
making another change. He was offered the year, the reunion was postponed until the
farm on which he afterwards lived till his next year, and held on the 8th of May, which
death, in York township, Sandusky county, was Mr. Adams' seventy-second birthday. It
Ohio, for one dollar and fifty cents per acre, was a happy occasion to all, and to the aged
but he hesitated about making the purchase, pair in whose honor it was held, an event
the "oak openings," as they were called, second in interest only to their nuptial day.
being regarded as almost worthless for They had lived to see a large farm brought
farming purposes. Against the advice of from a wild condition to a high state of
some of his friends, he decided to make the cultivation, having increased in value a
investment. That his decision was a wise hundred fold, and to raise a family of
one, one of the finest farms in the county is a children esteemed for their intelligence and
sufficient proof. moral worth.
To this farm on New Year's Day, 1832, he Mr. Adams united with the Methodist
brought his wife and two children, and all Episcopal Church in 1829, and ever
his worldly goods, in an ox-cart, and moved afterward was an active member and devoted
into a log house eighteen feet square, with Christian. His family was brought up in the
puncheon floor, clapboard nurture and admonition of the Lord,
Amy R. Adams
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 699

and he recognized no higher duties on they lived until the fall of 1815, when they
earth than those of husband and father. removed to Worthington, Ohio. Mrs. Bull
He contributed with liberality to the had by her first husband two children, a son
support not only of the church to whit h he and daughter, Burr and Amy. Burr Bedell
belonged, but to that of others as well, and was born September 1, 1802, and at the time
there is hardly a church in the region where of his death, a few years since, was residing
he lived so long that has not bee n the at Clayton, Michigan. By her second
recipient of his benefactions. His business marriage she was the mother of, twelve
record was unimpeachable. It was children, viz: Huldah, Mason, Rosetta,
characterized by energy, perseverance, and Thomas, Smith, Sally, Squire, Alfred, Orrin,
the strictest integrity, which was an integral Henry, Anna, and Alonzo. Mrs. Bull died in
part of his nature. Urbana, Illinois, in October, 1852, surviving
He stood the embodiment of all that was her husband some twelve years. She was
upright, honest and honorable. A born in Adams, Massachusetts, August 2,
conspicuous quality of his mind was the 1782.
faculty of humor. He had a keen sense of the The strongest influence in the shaping of
comic and the ridiculous, and he enjoyed the character of our subject was that of her
nothing, more than a visit with friends, for mother, who was a woman of much strength
whose entertainment he would relate in his and excellence of character, capacity, and
droll way, some humorous incident, usually directness of purpose. Her early years were
in connection with his pioneer experiences. spent in a country home, where her time was
In, manner he was to some extent eccentric divided between a brief attendance at the
and blunt, but he was always courteous, and rude district school and the exacting duties
to those who knew him best he had a nature, of home life on a farm. After the removal of
as tender and sympathetic as a child's. Mr. the family to Ohio, through the perseverance
Adams, from force of habit continued his of her mother she was sent out where she
labor more or less, on the farm, long after could work for her board and go to school.
reaching an age when most men are Possessing a naturally bright mind and an
compelled to rest. In June, 1879, where, at insatiable desire for knowledge, the
work in the field, he was overcome with the opportunity thus afforded for its gratification
heat, which resulted in an affection of the was improved to the utmost, and although
brain, and after suffering intensely, mentally her education at this time was very limited,
and physically, many months, he died March she made rapid progress in her studies, and
22, 1880, aged nearly seventy-eight. at the age of sixteen she began to teach
school. Looking back to this time she says
those were halcyon days and remembers
AMY R. ADAMS. them only with tender and grateful emotions.
Mrs. Adams taught altogether, though not
Amy Rosalia Bedell, daughter of Benjamin
continuously, for a period of seven years,
L. Bedell and Sally Burr, was born in
continuing to teach for a time after her
Manchester, Vermont, January 31, 1804.
marriage. For a time after she began to teach
When Amy was quite small her mother
she continued at intervals to attend school
married for her second husband Smith Bull,
and had recitations to different instructors;
and about the year 1810 the family removed
so that finally she attained a considerable
from Vermont to the vicinity of Plattsburgh,
proficiency
New York. There
700 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

in the branches of study in use at that day. well as the simple pleasures of frontier life.
From the time she began to teach she Mr. Adams in later years often referred to
supported herself entirely by her own the heroic conduct of his young wife during
exertions. She had a laudable ambition to that trying period, whose Christian fortitude
better her condition in the world, physical had smoothed the rugged path by which a
and intellectual, and she possessed an equal virtuous independence had eventually been
measure the necessary determination and gained.
perseverance to accomplish it. An incident in Mrs. Adams is endowed with more than
the beginning of her career as teacher will ordinary intellectual gifts. She is a woman of
illustrate this. She went to Columbus for the ideas and originality of thought and
purpose of securing a school. A friend possesses a happy faculty of expression,
endeavored for some time to find one for both by speech and pen. She has written
her, but failing to do so suggested as an much in both prose and verse, and her
alternative that she accept a vacant position productions evince a high degree of literary
as chambermaid in a hotel. This suggestion talent. The religious element in her character
she emphatically refused to entertain, and is predominant. For more than sixty years
said she knew she was capable of something the Divine Word, the entrance of which
better. Considerably discouraged, but no less irradiated her soul when a girl of fourteen,
determined in the attainment of her object, and dispelled the darkness of doubt and
she was about to return to Worthington when sinfulness, has been a lamp to her feet and a
another friend interested himself in her light to her pathway. From her loyalty to her
behalf and soon brought her the welcome Master she has never swerved. She early
announcement that he had secured for her a connected herself with the Methodist
room in which to teach and two scholars, Episcopal Church, and has always remained
and that she could begin the next day. The a firm adherent of its faith and practices, and
room was in a small building not far from been a useful member. A good and useful
where the Neil House now stands, and the woman, with remarkable endowments of
scholars were his own children. Beginning in mind and character, improved by high
this small way the number of her pupils Christian culture, producing those graces
speedily increased and before her first term which adorn society, the church, and the
closed she had a school of sixty scholars, world, such is the subject of this sketch to
and required an assistant. those who know her best. We who thus know
At the age of nineteen she was married to her feel the power of her single, earnest
Horatio R. Adams, and in the hopefulness of faith, the beauty and reward of a life "hid
youth they entered upon that journey of with Christ in God." Since the death of her
mutual cares and joys, which at its husband Mrs. Adams has had the oversight
termination by the death of her husband, of the farm, and although seventy-eight
spanned by nearly seven years more than years of age, carries it on with admirable
half a century. success.
In all the vicissitudes of the early years of
their married life, when struggling against Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents of
poverty and adversity, Mrs. Adams was the nine children, two of whom died in infancy.
true helpmeet of her husband, sharing the The others are as follows: Lucia, born in
hardships and privations as Rochester, New York, April 22, 1828, is
now the wife of Dr. William Mc-
Gurdon Woodward
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 701

Cormick, and resides in Grass Valley, the partition of the Firelands, he acquired
California; they have two children living, proprietorship of more than four thousand
Horatio and Jessie, and one (Willie) acres, all lying in sections one and four of
deceased. William, born in Lyme, Huron what now is Lyme township. The father of
county, Ohio, in 1831, married Martha T. eleven children, he gave to each an equal,
Pennell, and resides near Grand Rapids, undivided interest in these lands. To the
Michigan; they have two children—Charles ownership, by his father, of western
and Julia. Delia, born August 31, 1833, now territory, is due the fact of Gurdon's coming
widow of Upton F. Yore, and resides in to this locality. Mr. Woodward, Sr., came
Chicago; she has four children—Delia, into the possession of his lands November 9,
Horatio, Upton, and Milton. Sophia, born in 1808, the date when partition was effected,
May, 1837, now widow of John S. Berger, and died the following year.
and resides in Bellevue, Ohio; she has one Gurdon Woodward was born February 21,
child, Binnie, at present attending school at 1795, in New London, Connecticut, and at
Oberlin, Ohio. Julia, born July 11, 1841, the age of fourteen, immediately after the
now the wife of H. H. Queen, and resides in death of his parents, went to reside at
Toledo, Ohio; they have two children— Whitestown, New York. There he learned
Florence and Waldemar. Frank, born June the trade of millwright. His educational
27, 1846, died September 8, 1866. Florence, advantages were not the best, yet he made
born November 29, 1848, now the wife of H. wise improvement of such as were afforded,
Z. Williams, to whom she was married and acquired a thorough knowledge of the
September 1, 1870. They have two children, practical branches then taught, and, for his
Julia and Amy, born respectively May 16, day, was more than an average scholar.
1872, and November 14, 1874. All the Upon the outbreak of the last war with
children except the two oldest were born at England he volunteered his services in
the old homestead in York township. behalf of his country; served her with
fidelity, and, at the close of the war,
received an honorable discharge at Sackett's
GURDON WOODWARD Harbor, New York. This was in 1815. He
had at this time reached the age of twenty
was of English ancestry and New England years. His mind now turned with eager
birth. His parents were Abishai and Mary thoughts toward the distant West. At
Spicer Woodward. The Woodwards settled Whitestown, New York, lived at this time a
in New London, Connecticut, at an early day young lady to whom he had become
in the history of that State, and Abishai attached, Miss Mary Shepard Savage,
Woodward, the father of Gordon, was a youngest daughter of John and Rachel
leading citizen of the town of New London Shepard Savage. She became his betrothed.
during and following the revolutionary Amos, the oldest brother of Gurdon, who
period. Though not of the number whose was the youngest son, had married Rachel,
losses from fire by British soldiery were the oldest sister of Mary, who was the
compensated by a donation of western lands youngest daughter.
made by the State, yet he became the owner, In 1816 Gurdon Woodward started for the
by purchase, of a large amount of these lands of his inheritance, and after a
claims, and, upon temporary stay in Huron, where his sister
702 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Betsey and her husband, Mr. George ing many severe privations, and denied
Sheffield, located in the same year, he came innumerable comforts to which both had
on to Lyme in the spring of 1817, and made been accustomed, they strove together to
a selection of his lands. His first night in better their worldly fortunes, to improve the
Lyme township; then Wheats-borough, was condition of their farm and its surroundings,
spent by the remains of an Indian camp to beautify their home, and to make life
fire—his dog and gun his only attractive. Heaven smiled benignantly upon
companions—upon the very ground which their constant love and patient labor. Seven
was afterwards to be his home during many children blessed the former, and as a result
years of his life. His dreams that first night of the latter, the rude log cabin, in which
must have been filled with thoughts of far their wedded life began, gave place, in time,
away Whitestown, and of the loved one who to a large, substantial and comfortable
awaited there his return. dwelling at the time of its erection, perhaps,
Two years of heroic toil were now spent in the best in the township. Their beautiful
fitting his chosen heritage for the advent of home they christened "Woodlawn." Here
her who, at the expiration of that time, was they dwelt together for forty years, and here
to be his bride. A log house was erected and were born to them all their children: Lucy,
portions of the land cleared and fenced. The Abishai, Amos, William, Mary, Rachel, and
day finally came when he retraced his steps Julia M.
to his former home, Oneida county, New In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Woodward removed
York, and there, at the village of to Bellevue, and, purchasing the Dr. Lathrop
Whitestown, on the 14th day of April, 1819, property, on West Main street, spent there
he united his fortunes in holy matrimony the remainder of their days, receiving kind
with those of Miss Mary Shepard Savage. attentions from relatives and friends. Each
Westward the star of love, as of empire, took lived to a ripe old age, the former dying
its way. Waiting only to receive the December 8, 1874, in the eightieth year of
congratulations of their friends, the happy his life, and the latter February 25, 1879,
pair started for their Western Ohio home, the nearly seventy-eight years of age.
husband, however, coming some weeks in On the fiftieth anniversary day of their
advance of his wife, who came accompanied marriage, April 14, 1869, their relatives and
by Amos Woodward, Gurdon's oldest numerous friends assembled at their pleasant
brother. Their journey hither, thus taken home to celebrate their golden wedding. It
separately, was their only wedding tour, and was a time of joyous greetings and hearty
the first days of their wedded life in their congratulations. The aged pair could look
wilderness home their honeymoon. Those back upon a happy, well-spent life, and
first summer days which the young bride, regard with pleasure their, present condition,
then only eighteen, passed in the rude but blessed with every comfort that heart could
comfortable home which her lover had, with wish. Death had robbed them of three of
dauntless perseverance, prepared for her, their children, Lucy, William, and Julia, and
must have been in striking contrast to the hence their happiness was tempered with sad
life she had spent in her father's home in recollections, but their surviving sons and
Whitestown. Yet who can doubt that they daughters were all happily situated in life—a
were happy days? fact that must have been of great gratifi-
With energy and determination, endur-
Mary S. Woodward
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

cation to them. In their declining years, their and culture of her early life. She loved the
four children and their grandchildren church, and as soon as opportunity offered,
ministered to them with devoted attentions; received the apostolic rite of confirmation by
and rarely in this life is seen so marked an Bishop McIlvaine. There was nothing
exhibition of filial affection as was shown ostentatious in her piety, yet she did not hide
Mrs. Woodward by her sons and daughters it under a bushel, but let her light shine
during the four years of her widowhood. before others. She took a deep interest in all
Of the children, Lucy became the wife of that related to the prosperity of the church.
George Sheffield; Abishai married Mary She loved with a pure and earnest affection.
Amsden, the second daughter of Mr. Thomas In every relation of life she was admired and
G. Amsden, and is vice president of the loved, but it was as a Christian woman that
Bellevue bank, and universally esteemed by they who loved her best, love now to think
his fellow-townsmen; Amos married of her. In her decease the community in
Arabella, eldest daughter of Mr. Frederick which she lived has lost a generous
A. Chapman; is vice president of the First benefactor, the church a devout and
National bank, and a man of wealth and exemplary member, and her domestic and
influence; William died at about the age of social circle a most kind and warm-hearted
fifteen; Mary became the wife of Rev. Mr. relative and friend. Blessed are the dead
Hamilton; Rachel married Mr. Boardman, which die in the Lard from hence-forth, yea,
who died some years ago; a man of culture saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
and intelligence, and a resident of Lincoln, labors."
Illinois, at the time of his death; Julia M.
died in early womanhood.
Gurdon Woodward was a man of marked BOURDETT WOOD,
and clearly defined characteristics. Of the eldest son of Jasper and Elizabeth
commanding person, he was possessed of (Boylston) Wood, was born at Manlius
sound judgment, a strong will and an Square, New York, on the 19th day of
inflexible purpose. In politics, he was a February, 1803. The Woods are of English
staunch adherent to the Democratic faith, origin. Four brothers came to this country
and never swerved from fidelity to party and about two centuries ago, three of them
Jacksonian principles. In religion, though settling in Massachusetts, and one in
not a communicant, he was active in church Virginia. Aaron, the grandfather of the
affairs, and liberal in sustaining its service. subject of this sketch, with three brothers,
He was ever a kind and devoted husband and had emigrated to the State of New York a
an affectionate father. Of Mrs. Woodward's short time preceding the Revolutionary
religious and domestic life the biographer struggle, and had settled on the German flats
can say nothing more to the purpose than to just above Schenectady. All four of the
quote the following just words taken from an brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary
obituary notice published in the Standard of war, and took part in the memorable battle of
the Cross, at the time of her decease, and Monmouth. Aaron Wood was the father of
written by one who knew her intimately: seven children, as follows: Thaddeus,
"Amidst the trials and deprivations of Benjamin, Jasper, Rebecca, Dorothea,
pioneer life, she ever retained the grace Aaron, and Homer. Thaddeus was a lawyer
of distinction and ability. He was, in his
time, not only the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

recognized leader of the bar in Onondaga intelligent and well-to-do class of people,
county, where he resided, but was esteemed and many representatives of the family are
as one of the best lawyers of the State. He now living in Massachusetts, all occupying
was an active participant in the war of 1812, honorable stations in life.
and, by reason of meritorious service, was Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Wood were the
elevated to the rank of brigadier general in parents of six children: Bourdett, Adaline,
1818, and to the rank of major general in Julianne, Juliette, Worthington, and
1820. Jasper Wood, the father of Bourdett, Aramenta. Mrs. Wood died in 1834.
was born in the year in which the war for Bourdett received his given name from the
Independence was declared, 1776, at Lenox, Bourdett family, of Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Massachusetts, where he lived until fourteen At the age of sixteen he was bound for a
years of age, when he went to New York term of four years to Judge Timothy Baker,
State in the service of a Mr. White, the of Norwalk, Ohio. After an expiration of two
founder of Whitestown, near Utica, that years, his father having died, through the
State. Here he continued to reside for eight kindly efforts in his behalf, made by Mrs.
or ten years, and then removed to Manlius Baker, he was released from this service.
Square, where he remained until 1815, the The maintenance of his father's family
date of his removal to the Far West. After a chiefly devolved upon him, and he was
temporary stay at Erie, Pennsylvania, of one brought in close contact with the utmost
year's duration, he came on with his family severity of labor.
to Huron county, and settled at Blooming- Mr. Wood has been a successful man. To
ville. Here he purchased a large tract of land, trace his career and bring to light the
consisting of about one thousand eight discovery of how he accomplished so much
hundred acres, for which he paid about two in the direction of getting on in the world, is
thousand dollars. Soon after this, the an interesting undertaking. His father died
Government lands in the adjoining county of when Bourdett was a young man of eighteen
Sandusky came into market, and were sold to years of age, and not only left him no
purchasers at one dollar and twenty-five inheritance, but placed him in a position
cents per acre. This reduced the value of Mr. where he must, by the labor of his own
Wood's lands so as to render them hands or the employment of his own wits,
comparatively worthless. He died in 1821. provide, not for himself alone, but for others
He was a man of rather superior education dependent upon him for the necessaries of
and abilities; was a good surveyor, and could life. Could the young man, the day after his
speak the Iroquois language with father's death, have had his future career in
considerable fluency. His wife's name was life disclosed to him; could he have seen
Elizabeth Boylston, whom he married May himself standing on the verge of that career,
3, 1802. The Boylstons were also English penniless and seemingly powerless, and then
people, and were among the first settlers of have followed his course through a term of
Boston. They gave their name to many fifty or nearly sixty years, to behold himself
places connected with the early history of the possessor of hundreds of thousands of
that metropolis, such as Boylston Common, dollars of this world's goods, he would
Boylston Square, etc., Boylston Bank, undoubtedly have disbelieved the revelation.
Boylston street—places that are still thus Yet this is what he has accomplished. The
designated. The Boylstons were a very acquisition of great wealth furnishes
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

in itself no marvel, for many men become cook. The mate had laid in a barrel of
possessors of it. Some inherit it; some have whisky to supply the soldiers in garrison at
it thrust upon them by kind fortune or good St. Mary's, and Bourdett was promised half
luck; and some obtain it by a systematic they could make if he would draw the
course of robbery, in which knavery, whisky for those who purchased it.
extortion, and theft, in its various forms, He had the good fortune to obtain quite a
have their part to play. nice little sum of money in his sailing
After leaving the service of Mr. Baker, Mr. operations. This money he invested in
Wood's first employment was in working for calves. In 1825 he worked in the
Charles F. Drake, of Bloomingville, for two Bloomingville brickyard for Dr. Strong. In
months, for a barrel of salt and a side of sole 1826 he returned to Manlius, New York, and
leather, each of which was equivalent to was employed in making water lines for the
about three dollars and fifty cents, and Oswego Canal, the building of which had at
would buy a good two year old steer. The that time just been commenced. In 1827 he
following summer he raised five or six acres bought fifty-seven acres of land for two
of corn. This he was persuaded to apply in hundred and fifty dollars, a part of the old
the payment of a colt, which Mr. Caldwell Wood homestead in Oxford, now owned by
had obtained at a cost of eleven dollars, and his son Thomas. On this purchase he was
for which Mr. Wood was influenced to give enabled to pay sixty dollars. In 1829 he
twenty-five dollars. About one-half this carried the mail from Sandusky to Bucyrus,
money he got together by putting up four receiving four dollars and fifty cents per trip.
tons of hay for Mr. Caldwell, at one dollar On the 1st day of January, 1829, he was
and fifty cents per ton, and by chopping married to Miss Rhoda, daughter of Mr. Seth
twenty-five cords of wood at twenty-five Harrington. Industrious and frugal, Mrs.
cents per cord. In piling this wood he Wood furnished valuable assistance to her
showed himself to be a novice, for he made husband in his efforts to get a start in life.
but about fifteen cords of it, the wood being He soon found himself the possessor of
put up very closely. Eben Dennis, who was surplus funds, which he generously loaned to
present when it was measured, and who took his neighbors upon application. Finally, old
a friendly interest in the boy, said to Bour- man Coggswell said to him: "Charge for the
dett, slyly: "You are a little fool to pile wood use of your money. It is no use to keep a
in that way; now you go ahead and chop cow unless you milk her." Adopting this
more, and by and by, when the old man sage advice, he began to loan money in
Caldwell is not around, I'll come and show small sums, and the accruing interest soon
you how to cord wood." He did so, readily began to tell in his favor. About the year
extending the pile so as to include the 1840 he began to buy and sell stock. He and
requisite twenty-five cords. In process of Uncle Nat Chapman associated themselves
time he got his colt paid for, and was by and together in the business of buying horses and
by enabled to buy an old horse, and then sheep, for cash, in Holmes and Tuscarawas
exchanged his colt and horse for a yoke of counties, bringing them to Huron and Erie
oxen, thus providing himself with a team. In counties, and selling them on credit to
1823, at the age of twenty, he raised a fair responsible farmers. And in 1844 he and Mr.
crop of corn, and then went sailing. He Chapman began the purchase of Western
sailed to Sault St. Marie, and acted in the lands. About this time
capacity of
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

they secured fifteen hundred acres of the in which she lived during her wedded life,
Wyandot reservation, and in 1853 they she won many friends, by whom her memory
bought twenty-three hundred acres in Iowa, is cherished with pleasing recollections. 10.
mostly in Tama county. He began the Julia Louisa, born February 28, 1847. She is
purchase of lands also in Erie county, buying the wife of James B. Wood, of Bellevue,
and selling, and always reaping a gain. Ohio, whose home she renders blessed.
In 1846 he removed to Bellevue with his On the 1st day of January, 1879, the rel-
family, and from this time forward made atives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Wood
money-lending the leading specialty of his assembled at their residence in Bellevue, and
business. In 1871 he associated himself with celebrated with them their golden wedding.
Abishai Woodward and E. J. Sheffield in the The occasion was one of the pleasantest, to
banking business, under the firm name of all participants, that ever took place within
Wood, Woodward & Co., and when the bank that quiet village.
was reorganized as a stock company, Mr. Mr. Wood is now in his seventy-ninth
Wood was made president of the year, but possesses as much vitality as the
institution—a position he still retains. average man of fifty. He has hardly ever
Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of the known a sick day, and the prospect that a
following children: 1. Jasper, born dozen years or more may yet be added to his
November 15, 1829. He is a resident of days is not discouraging. Physically so
Bureau county, Illinois, and a very suc- sound and well-preserved, he is no less so
cessful farmer and stock raiser. 2. Emeline mentally. He attends to all the details of his
Adelia, born May 6, 1831. She is the wife of extensive business, and, though his memory
Peter G. Sharp, and resides near Stockton, is becoming treacherous, his judgment is as
California. 3. Richard Boylston, born unerring, his discernment as acute, his
December 2, 1832, was killed at the battle of reasoning faculties as sound, as they ever
Tunnel Hill, Georgia, February 25, 1864. He have been.
was captain of a company of cavalry Mr. Wood is a man of clearly-defined
soldiers, and a gallant soldier, a brave and traits of character and mental characteristics.
efficient officer. 4. Henry Bourdett, born In manner often abrupt and blunt, he
July 25, 1834, died April, 1873. 5. Elizabeth nevertheless possesses a kindliness of heart
Malvina, born March 19, 1836. She is the that is rarely found beneath so rough an
wife of Adam Burgett, a wholesale boot and exterior. No man in need, whom he believes
shoe merchant of Toledo, Ohio. 6. Benjamin to be deserving, has ever appealed to him in
Lester, born June 21,1838. 7. Florella vain. Schooled in the methods of money-
Sophia, born September 7, 1840, died May lending, and having become naturally
14, 1866, of consumption. She was a young cautious and careful as to his securities, he
lady of much attractiveness and superior has loaned money to hundreds of people who
mental qualities. 8. Thomas Corwin, born had no security to offer him, and toward
April 27, 1842. He resides in Bellevue. 9. whom he has stood wholly in the light of
Susan C., born August 7, 1844. She became their benefactor.
the wife of W. W. Williams April 9, 1868, He is not a member of any church, but
and died of consumption November 5, 1872. Mrs. Wood has been for many years a
In the Western home faithful and consistent member of the
Protestant Episcopal church, and is active in
her zeal for its prosperity.
TOWNSEND.

S ANDUSKY Bay and Erie county on


the north, Erie county on the east, York
township on the south, and Riley township
Prior to the settlement the southern part of
the township was all heavily timbered.
Extensive prairies broke the forest in the
on the west, form the boundaries of northern part. These prairies were covered
Townsend. It was ordered by the county with a heavy marsh grass, interspersed with
commissioners at their April session, 1820: an occasional branch of a more nutritious
That a township be detached from the town of variety, which attracted the cows of the early
Croghanville, to be known by the name of "Townsend,"
bounded as follows: Beginning on the east bank of
settlers.
Green Creek, at the division line between Sandusky and The surface slope of the township is
Seneca counties, thence east with said line to the east uniformly toward the northwest, and a
line of Seneca reservation, thence north along said line number of small streams flow rapidly in that
until it shall intersect the road leading from
Croghanville to Strong's settlement, thence along said direction. There is but one mill-site in the
road until it shall reach the Huron county line, thence township, that being in the eastern part, just
north along said line to Sandusky Bay, thence along the below "Rockwell Spring." This spring is the
shore of the bay until it shall reach Green Creek, thence
along the bank of the creek to the place of beginning.
source of the most beautiful stream in the
An old document says there were within township—a rapid current of clear mineral
this territory at that time more than twenty water.
voters, but their names are not given, and The most valuable feature of the water
early election records are lost. The estab- supply of Townsend is the under surface
lishment of Green Creek in 1822, and Riley currents which are the source of artesian
in 1823, reduced Townsend to its present wells. These fountains of cold water,
size. The first election was held at the house pleasantly tinctured with mineral matter, are
of M. Wilson. The town government of that found in all parts of the township. The first
year was as simple as possible. It was, well was sunk by C. G. Sanford about 1850.
indeed, little more than a law and order Some difficulty was experienced in this
society. The land had not yet come into operation. After penetrating the surface soil
market, and consequently the principal and a stratum of blue clay, quicksand,
business of our present official system—the saturated with water, baffled further
collection and expenditure of taxes—was a progress. Mr. Sanford overcame the
thing of the future. Indeed, as we shall see difficulty by constructing a casing of
further along in this sketch, officers for the stovepipe through the sand to the top of a
protection of personal property were stratum of hard conglomerate rock. A hole
unnecessary, for the citizens took into their was drilled through this rock, which at that
own hands the business of inflicting punish- place was about fifteen inches in thickness.
ments. The drill being removed the well soon filled
with pure water and became the source of a
living stream. By means of casing the water

703
704 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

was raised high enough to fill a trough. spaces below, while at many places shrubs
The geological conformation is much the and bushes made the forest absolutely im-
same in all parts of the township, but a penetrable. Through the central part of the
number of attempts to obtain wells have township walnut was the predominating
failed. The water filling a network of heavy timber; on the ridge further south oak
fissures seems to be bound down by the prevailed. Thick grape-vines, with long
stratum of conglomerate above spoken of. tendrils, bound the trees together and made it
When one of these fissures is struck the necessary in some instances to cut half a
experiment of obtaining a well never fails. It dozen trees before one could be brought to
is possible, however, that after a time a the ground. They finally came down with a
fissure may become clogged, and a well once crash, crossing each other in every direction.
strong cease to flow. One of the best wells in Complete clearings generally were made
the township—one on the Beebe farm— only where it was designed to erect. the
became dry after a number of years. A new cabin. Land was first prepared for crops by
shaft in the immediate vicinity brought to cutting the smaller trees, grubbing out the
the surface a strong current. underbrush, and girdling the large trees. This
It is probable that Rockwell Spring and method of clearing saved a great deal of
Cold Spring, in Erie county, draw their water labor. The girdled trees soon became dry and
from the same source through natural were easily burned down during the warm
fissures or breaks in this layer of months of the fall. But, although the large
conglomerate or covering of an under- trees were not cut down, heavy logs had to
ground system of currents, whose source is be piled together and burned before the plow
higher than the surface of the soil. The depth or cultivator could be used. For ages trees
of these wells varies from twenty to fifty had been growing, dying, then falling and
feet. Some places water can be raised six giving place to others. These dead and
feet above the surface. decaying trunks were lying almost concealed
The utility of such a system of water- by underbrush.
works is inestimable. With proper drain-age,
two or three wells can be made to supply all
parts of the farm with fresh, pure water, THE SETTLEMENT.
making stock-raising at once more profitable The first settler in the township was Moses
and easy. It is by no means utopian to say, Wilson. He built his cabin on the North ridge
that as population grows, and, as a in the spring of 1818. When the land came
consequence, the profits of agriculture into market, he made a purchase and
increase, such a system of drainage and removed to the west part of the county.
water supply will be effected as will render The Townsend family, whose name the
the injury of crops by draught an township bears, made the second improve-
impossibility. ment on the present Brush farm, in the
Only a faint idea can be formed by our spring of 1818. Abraham Townsend em-
own generation of the "appearance of things" igrated from New York to Canada before the
before the white man's axe changed the War of 1812. His son, Ephraim K., joined
condition of nature. Except in the marshy the United States army, which circumstance,
northern sections, heavy trees united their together with his known sympathy with his
tops and completely excluded the sun. native country, made it not only judicious,
Smaller trees filled the intervening but necessary, at the opening
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 705

of that unfortunate struggle, for the family to 1831; Paul has been a resident of the
return to the States. The war over Mr. township since the settlement of the family,
Townsend was one among the earliest of the except five years, from 1825 till 1830;
pioneers of Northern Ohio, and in 1818 Robert resides in Sandusky, he lost his
pushed into the thick and heavy forest of this eyesight and became lame in boyhood;
county. The place of settlement had possibly Hiram died in 1819, and is the first person
been selected, during the war, by Ephraim K. buried in the Tew cemetery on the North
The family, at the time of coming to this ridge; Permelia married Alonzo Anson, and
county, numbered two sons and five died in Erie county in 1842; Mary, widow of
daughters, viz: Ephraim K. and Gamalial, Samuel Ainsley, lives in Erie county.
Margaret (Chit-tendon), Betsey, wife of William Tew, sr., was the first postmaster in
Addy Van Ness, Mary (Loux), Amy, and the township, and in every way a worthy
Eliza. Mr. Town-send removed to Huron man; he died in 1842.
county about 1824, and a few years later to Benjamin Barney came to the township
Michigan. Ephraim K. remained in about 1822. His brother Wesley had
Townsend, where he owned eighty acres of preceded him a short time. Benjamin sold his
land, until 1826, when he removed to place to Daniel Rice in 1824.
Sandusky City, where he died the following A. C. Jackson settled in this township on
year. Mr. Townsend was the first clerk of the the ridge in 1822. He married Amanda Olds
township. He married Rebecca Tew in 1820. in Huron county in 1818, and at the time of
The farm was purchased in 1826 by Mr. settlement in this township the family
Tibbals, who died the following year. consisted of two children. Ten children were
The third cabin in the township was built born in this county. Eight came to maturity,
by Mr. Corbit, who never entered land, but and seven are still living. Mr. Jackson died
left the county when the tract on which he October 24, 1865, aged exactly seventy-one.
had squatted was sold. Their cabin was the first house of
William Tew, sr., built the fourth cabin In entertainment in the township. Mrs. Jackson
November, 1818, and was the only one of was one of the most useful women in the
these first families who remained to see the pioneer settlement. Her kindness and skill in
country developed and improved. Mr. Tew the treatment of disease is gratefully remem-
was born in Massachusetts, but early in life bered by those of the pioneers of that
removed to New York, in which State he was community yet surviving. She lives in Clyde.
married, in 1800, to Susannah Barton. In the The prairie in the north part of the
spring of 1818 he came west to Erie county; township had squatter settlements at an early
and in the fall of that year erected a cabin, day. Charles Baker and Levi Chapman lived
and removed to the woods of Townsend. He at the mouth of Little Pickerel Creek, Fred
had a family of eight children—Rebecca, Chapman and his brother on Rush prairie,
wife of E. K. Townsend, was the first and William Poorman a little farther to the
resident of the township to marry, she died south, before 1822.
in Indiana in 1876; William settled in The Winters family made an early set-
Townsend and lived here till 1865, when he tlement in this part of the county. Christian
removed to Clyde, where he died in 1876; Winters was a native of Maryland, which
Seth finally settled in Illinois, where he died State he left on account of anti-slavery ideas,
in and removed to Canada.
706 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

At the opening of the War of 1812 he vol- in 1857. The remaining members of the
unteered in the Federal army, and in 1817 family all reside in this township. The
the family settled in Erie county (then Beebes were the first settlers in the
Huron). A few years later the family, neighborhood of Rockwell Spring. Harriet R.
consisting of Daniel, Benjamin, and John, lives on the old homestead.
came to this township and engaged in stock James Beebe was born near the mouth of
raising. Huron River, in 1816. He married Mary Jane
Ann Winters was born in Canada in 1801. Green in 1839, and by her had one child,
She came to Erie county, thence to George A., now living in California. In 1841
Townsend with the family, and, in 1829, he married Susannah Crandall. The fruit of
married Samuel Kidwell, by whom she had this marriage is seven children living—Mary
two children, both of whom are dead. Mr. J., Nathan M., Rebecca (Black), Ethan A.,
Kidwell died in 1832. She afterwards Frank, Fred, and Harriet A. Mr. Beebe has
married Lyttle White, by whom she has had held various township offices.
one child, Benjamin. Orlin Selvey, who died February 5, 1881,
Silas Freese was born in Ogdensburg, was born in Tompkins county, New York,
Canada, in 1805, and came to Sandusky December 24, 1811. He moved with his
county with his father, John Freese, in 1821. father's family to Huron county, and resided
The family consisted of four children, one of there eleven years. There the father died.
whom is living Hannah (Barney), in Illinois. The widow, with three sons and one
John Freese was a native of New York, daughter, came to Townsend township about
whence he emigrated to Canada. Silas 1824, and here Orlin Selvey lived the
Freese, in 1836, married Eliza Reed, by remainder of his life. In 1840 he married
whom he has eight children living, viz: Harriet Greenman, of Townsend. They had
James L., Townsend; H. J., Downing, one child, Sanford, who now lives in the
Michigan; Ira, Erie county; Isaiah, Ottawa township, a solace to his widowed mother.
county; Lydia (Rodgers), Ottawa county; Oflin Selvey was the only survivor of his
William D., Alice (Cowell), and Elrnina, father's family. He served three terms and a
Townsend. Two of the sons were killed in part of the fourth as justice of the peace. He
the army—George, wounded at was a man of excellent character. Sanford
Chickamauga, and died in prison at Atlanta; Selvey was born August 5, 1841. He married
John, killed in the battle of Altoona. Silas Anna R. McNitt, of Townsend. They have
Freese died in the spring of 1881. four children-Manly Clay, Guy McNitt,
Azariah Beebe removed with his family Hattie Deborah, and Edith Alvina.
from New York to Huron county in 1816, Robert Wallace and Mary, his wife, came
and about 1824 came to this township. They to Ohio in 1826, from Pennsylvania. Their
had eight children, the youngest of whom, children were: John Wallace, now residing in
Ethan, was born in this county. Those born Yazoo City, Mississippi; Sarah (McCord),
before coming to this county were: Diadama who died in Townsend; and Mrs. Eliza
(Snow), Almira (McCord), William, James, Murtz, still living. After the death of Mr.
Harriet R., Aaron, and Enoch. Azariah Beebe Wallace his widow married Thomas
died December 12, 1834; his wife, Mary Fleming, and had four children—Thomas,
(Ryan) Beebe, died December 11, 1864. William, Robert, and George,
Aaron died in 1840, Almira in 1841, and
William
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 707

All lived and died in Townsend except method of grinding corn in a stump. A stump
William, who died in Mississippi. Eliza of hard wood was selected, and by burning
Wallace, the only representative of this and chopping hollowed out, forming a
family now living in this county, was mortar, in which the corn was placed. A
married, in 1831, to David White, who was section of the body of an ironwood tree was
born in Pennsylvania in 1812, and moved to raised by means of a spring-pole, and
Townsend township in 1826. Mr. White died allowed to drop with its end on the corn in
in 1844. His home was the Smith farm, in the stump. In this way a strong man could
the southeast corner of the township. There crack enough corn in one day to last the
were seven children—David A., John W., family a week. Owing to the scarcity and
Mary, Sarah Ann, Esther E., Charles W., and incapacity of mills, it was a handy machine
Harriet S. Of these three are living—Sarah to have, for frequently the good woman of
Ann (Ream) and Esther E. (McCarty), the house had her patience sorely tried
Townsend, and Harriet (Close), Erie county. hearing the children cry for bread while the
Mrs. White married again, in 1848, man of the household was waiting for his
Christopher Murty, a native of Ireland. He turn at some distant mill.
died in 1874, at the age of sixty-seven. Mr. Joseph McCord and his brother stopped in
Murty was an active business man and a Huron county, where they had a cabin, and
most worthy citizen: kept bachelor's hall, until one day the lonely
Ebenezer Ransom was an early settler in sleeping shed caught fire and burned. Joseph
the north part of the township, and was the then came to Townsend, and, like a good
first justice of the peace. settler, married a wife, improved a farm, and
Addy Van Nest was a local preacher and raised a family.
evangelist. He did not remain long in the Harry Snow married Diadama Beebe and
township. He settled in the West. settled in Townsend. His father was one of
The old Lemmon farm was first improved the best fiddlers in Erie county. Speaking of
by the Putnam family. Mrs. Putnam was a a fiddler calls to mind the enthusiastic dance
widow. Her son was a young man, and took of pioneer days, when, in the language of
charge of the clearing operations. one of the girls of that period, "our dresses
Josiah Holbrook emigrated from New York were shorter and our steps higher than
to Huron in 1816, and six years later came to nowadays." A dance was the usual happy
Townsend, where he engaged in the conclusion of a log-rolling, raising, or
manufacture of potash, a common quilting. Carpet-rag sewings were few, for
employment of the time, and one of the few few people had carpets or rags enough to
industries productive of ready cash. make a carpet out of.
Samuel Love came to Townsend in 1822. If a man had logs to pile up preparatory to
He was a peaceable and industrious burning or a building to raise, his neighbors
Irishman, who was highly esteemed. He were given notice of the fact, and all for
lived on the North ridge. miles around (for the word neighbor in
Benjamin Widener was a Pennsylvanian pioneer history has a wide meaning) came to
who came to Huron county, and from there his assistance, bringing with them their
to Sandusky county in 1822. His brother, wives, daughters and sisters to do the
Cornelius, came about the same time. cooking and put in the odd hours at sewing,
Cornelius adopted the Indian weaving, or perchance cheering the success
of favorite beaux in
708 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the many trials of strength which were of joyful feet, till long after wolves had
constantly going on in the clearing. The day ceased their midnight howls, the party, tired
usually closed with wrestling matches, of pleasure broke up, and all quietly
lifting contests or other trials of strength and followed woodland paths to cabin homes.
agility. The victories of strong and active Daniel Rice, one of the earliest pioneers
men were rewarded by the loving smiles of along the Sandusky River, and an early
honest women who were always ready to settler of Townsend, was born in Clarendon,
encourage with hand and heart, and were Vermont, March 29, 1792. At the age of
willing not only to lighten but to take upon thirteen he went to New York, and served in
themselves a fair share of the burdens of the the War of 1812, in Captain John Dix's
times. On one of these gala days, which company, New York militia. At the close of
combined work with fun, as soon as darkness the war, in company with an older sister, he
had driven day away, all the young people came to Ohio and located for a time in
repaired to the place of dancing, to the cabin Franklin county, near Columbus. In 1819 he
or a stand erected for the purpose, but in came to the Sandusky Valley, about eight
either case the floor was made of split miles below Fort Ball. He was a justice of
puncheons. This sort of a floor had one the peace in 1820, and solemnized the first
recommendation, it was firm; but on account marriage recorded in Sandusky county,
of roughness would be badly calculated for October 24, 1820, the parties being West
the graceful, gliding waltz of the present Barney and Sophronia Wilson. Mr. Rice
generation. Indeed, when we picture the married, December 14, 1820, at Lower
conditions, we cease to wonder why the Sandusky, Anna Barney, a native of
"women stepped higher" than now, when Berkshire county, Massachusetts. In 1825
dancing is done on waxed floors. The round they settled in Townsend, on the farm on
dance was a movement unthought of, but which Mrs. Rice now lives, at the advanced
they performed all sorts of figures in the age of eighty-eight years. They had seven
catalogue of square dancing. Those children, four of whom are living. Daniel
movements requiring most exertion were the Rice died May 13, 1872.
most popular. The walk around quadrille of M. B. Rice, son of Daniel Rice, was born
today is looked upon by the women and men in Townsend township in 1831. Before he
of the old school as a silly performance, and married he spent fourteen years of his life in
perhaps it is. The "French Four," "Virginia California, where he was engaged in mining.
Reel," and other similar exercises were In 1868 he married Mrs. Anna (Hathaway)
participated in with an enthusiasm which Rice, widow of Daniel Rice, jr. She was
would have been destructive to set-rings, born in Scott township in 1838. They have
bracelets, or lace sleeves, had the ladies two children—Thaddeus Waldo and DeWitt
worn them. But plain homespun, or in Clinton. Mr. Rice has a good farm and is a
exceptional cases calico dresses, constituted successful farmer. He dwells upon the old
the ladies' costumes. Wooden stays took the Rice farm.
place of corsets, and the feet rested upon Purdy and Warner Smith were early set-
broad soles and heels. When the surrounding tlers of the township. Warner was a single
forest had echoed and re-echoed the in- man and lived with his brother Purdy until
spiring notes of the violin and the clatter after the death of Tibbols, when he married
the widow. He had been a magistrate
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 709

in Huron county (now Erie), and was a Nathan and Sidney Crandall came to the
practical joker. township about 1830. Nathan was a sailor
James Lemmon, sr., was born in Nor- and spent only his winters here with his
thumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 17, brother, Sidney, who owned a farm and had
1779. In 180o he removed to New York, and a family.
in 1805 married Rebecca Blake, a native of A man named Lyon lived on Pickle street
Connecticut. In 1827 he came to Ohio and soon after the road bearing that name was
settled on the North ridge in Townsend, laid out. A little ill-feeling between him and
where he died May 7, 1854. His wife died Mr. Smith about a piece of meat gave the
March 29, 1855. The family consisted of road its name.
five sons and two daughters. Mathew M. was Zelotes Parkhurst was a native of Vermont.
born in Livingston county, New York, in He spent his early life in some of the
1812. He came to Sandusky county with the Southern States, and subsequently in New
family in 1827, and still resides on the farm York. In 1828 he married Lois Stevens, of
on which his father settled. He married Livingston county, New York, and in 1830
Sarah McIntyre in 1848 and has a family of came to Ohio, settling on a farm in
four children-Frank married Hannah Keilor, Townsend township, where he died, January
and lives on the homestead; Harvey married 2, 1844. The three sons, W. T., J. S., and
Bessie Nearkoop, and lives in Townsend; Phineas W., all served in the army. Phineas
Etta, wife of Luther Wilt, resides in W. married, in 1869, Miss S. Z. Richards, of
Townsend; George is unmarried. Townsend, and is now cashier of the Clyde
Albert Guinall, a son of James Guinall, bank. Zelotes Parkhurst laid out and donated
settled in Townsend, where his son still to the public the Parkhurst cemetery, in
lives. which his remains repose.
John Bush came from New York with his Phineas Stevens was born in Massa-
family in 1827 and settled in Townsend chusetts, in 1754. He served in the war of
township. The family consisted of five sons, the Revolution, and afterwards settled in
viz: Fenner, Medina, Michigan; J. B., Clyde; New York. In 1830 he came to Ohio and
Edwin, deceased; N. W. Clyde; and A. L., settled in this township, where he died in
Ottawa county. 1840. His wife survived him two years.
After 1830 the township filled up so The Whitmore family settled in this
rapidly that it is impossible to give the township on the Wadsworth farm in 1830.
names of more than a few of the more George and Margaret were the names of the
prominent and influential settlers. parents. The children who came with them
Alpheus McIntyre, a native of New York, were Rachel, born in 1804; Janet, born in
settled in Townsend in 1830. The maiden 1814; and John. Rachel married Holcomb
name of his wife was Lois Sanford. He had Allen, and died at Port Huron, Michigan.
been deputy sheriff of Hamilton county, and Janet married Benjamin Winters, and died in
in this county served as associate judge of this township. John Whitmore was born in
the court of common pleas. He was one of Leicester, Livingston county, New York,
the early school-teachers and magistrates of May 29, 1816, and came to Ohio with his
Townsend. He married, for his second wife, parents in 1837. He married Marcia (Swift)
Mrs. Sally Curtis, nee Cleveland, who was Chapman. They had only one child, now
the first school-teacher in the township.
710 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

living, Ann J., the wife of Walter Davlin. Two of his sons are living. The surviving
Mr. Whitmore became a most successful daughters of Simeon Haff are Mrs. Sarah
businessman and a very prominent citizen. Bennett, Clyde, and Mrs. Elizabeth Tyler,
He died January 1, 1881. Michigan.
The Beaghler family settled in this county Hiram Haff, oldest son of Simeon Haff,
in 1831. E. Beaghler, still a resident of was born in Livingston county, New York,
Townsend, was born in Perry county, Ohio, December 16, 1812, at which time his father
in 1826. In 1845 he married Lavina Morse, was serving in the war. He came with his
by whom he had five children, three of parents to this county, and resided upon the
whom are living-Nancy (Batsole), Michigan; old place until 18J4, when he moved to York
Mary (Young), Ballville; and Amelia township. About two years ago he moved to
(Thompson), Townsend. He married for his Clyde, his present residence. July 4, 1836,
second wife, in 1858, Caroline Jackson. One he married Cynthia Avery, of this county.
child is the fruit of this union, Anson J., She died in December, 1876. They reared six
living in Townsend. Mrs. Beaghler was a sons and three daughters, who are now
daughter of A. C. Jackson, one of the early located as follows: Sanford, Wyandotte,
settlers in Townsend. Kansas; Edwin, Lenawee county, Michigan;
Hezekiah Higley, who is still living in Elisha, Reuben and Fred, Townsend; and
Townsend township, was born in Massa- Hiram B., York. The daughters: Mrs.
chusetts in 1790, April 6. When eleven years Melinda Lewis, Townsend; Mrs. Betsey
old, he went to New York State, whence he Whitaker, Henry county; and Mrs. Belle
emigrated to Portage county, Ohio, from Heffner, Clyde.
there to Erie county, and in 1832, to his Elisha Haff was born in 1844. In 1871 he
present abode. In 1815 he married Jerusha married Eliza Fuller, and has four children:
Clark, who was born in Berkshire county in Myrtie, Elver, Zedie, and Mabel.
1794, and died in Townsend township in Reuben Haff was born in Townsend
1876. She was the mother of ten children, township in 1846. In 1867 he married Laura
four of whom are living: Laura, wife of Crippen, and has two children living—Ortiff
Cyrus Daniels, Riley; Anson, Hudson, and Elisha.
Michigan; William, Hessville; and Orson, Fred Haff was born in Townsend in 1852.
Townsend. He married Eva Plumb, of this township, in
Simeon Haff was born in the State of New 1875, and has two children—Edith and
York in 1769. At the age of thirty he married Claude.
Betsey Lyon, of the same State. In the spring H. A. Sanford was born in Ontario county,
of 1830 he came West, settled in Townsend, New York, March 4, 1822. He came to Ohio
and passed the remainder of his days here. with his parents in 1832, and settled in
He died October 10, 1841. Mrs. Haff died Townsend township, his present residence.
March 18, 1852, aged sixty-six. The family In 1853 he married Mary Rice, daughter of
comprised five sons and six daughters. Four Daniel and Ann Rice, of this township. To
sons and two daughters are living—Hiram, them have been born three children—
Clyde; Israel, Indian Territory; Francis, Merritt, who married Mary Beebe, daughter
Michigan, and Cyrus in Riley township. of Enoch and Jane Beebe, and resides in
William, the third son, lived and died in this Townsend; Alma L., the wife of Eugene
township, and brought up a family. Winters, Eaton Rapids, Michigan; and
Jennie,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 711

Townsend. Mr. Sanford has held several Ann (Burr), Putnam county; Ora and Eva,
offices, such as treasurer, trustee, etc. Townsend. Names of children deceased—
G. W. Sanford, son of Zachariah and Mary Franklin, Delilah, Jeremiah and Edward.
Sanford, was born in Townsend township, Z. P. Brush was born at Danbury, Con-
February 2, 1840. He lived at home until he necticut, in 1816. His father's family soon
began work for himself. In 1863 he married after removed to New York, whence Z. P.
Miss Adaline Hawkins, daughter of Hiram emigrated to Erie county, Ohio, in 1836, and
Hawkins, of Townsend. He has been residing in 1841 married Almira Tibbals. He removed
on his present farm since 1868. Politically to Townsend the next spring, and settled on
Mr. Sanford is a Republican. the farm on which Abraham Townsend had
James Lewis removed from Ontario, made the first improvement in the township.
county, New York, in 1833, and settled in After Townsend removed, this farm was
the northeast corner of Townsend. He retired owned by Zeno Tibbals, the father-in-law of
from the farm some time since and is now Mr. Brush. The Brush family consists of five
living at Clyde. children living—Z. T., commercial traveler;
Benjamin Hooper, another of the settlers of Joseph B., Townsend; Mildred (Nichols),
1833, was born in Devonshire, England, in Kansas; James Z. and Allie, Townsend.
1787. He emigrated to America in 1833 and The White family settled in Townsend
settled in Townsend the same year. His township about 1843. Lytle White was a
family consisted of four daughters and one native of the State of New York. He married,
son. in Townsend, Mrs. Ann Kittle, nee Winters,
Edward Chambers, a native of Ireland, who still survives him. To them was born
removed from Boston, Massachusetts, and Benjamin L., who now resides in this
settled in Townsend township on the farm township. By her former marriage Mrs.
now occupied by Andrew Smith, in 1845. He White had one child, Mary, deceased. Mrs.
married Mary Hooper, who is still living at White was born in Canada in 1799.
Clyde. Three of their children are living—F. Charles W. White was born in Prussia, in
R. Chambers in Townsend, A. B. Chambers, 1840. In 1848 he came to Sandusky county
Hannibal, Missouri, and Mary A. Chambers, with his father, and in 1865 married
Clyde. Edward Chambers died in March, Catharine Wahl. Three children are living—
1879. F. R. Chambers was born in Townsend Charles F., William R., and Ella. Mr. White
township in 1847. He married, November 1, was elected to the office of infirmary
1880, Annie Mahr, daughter of G. P. and director in 1878, and has also served his
Anna M. Mahr, of this township. township as trustee.
Isaiah Golden was born in Pike county, Joseph Miller, a native of Pennsylvania,
Pennsylvania, in 1819. In 1823 his father came to Ohio in 1830, and settled in
removed to Wayne county, Ohio, and thence Townsend township. In 1864 he married
to Huron county. Mr. Golden, in 1840, came Caroline Wadsworth. Four children of this
to this county and settled in Townsend union are living—J. Henry, Anna, Addie,
township. He married for his first wife, Lucy and Bertie. Joseph Miller died in March,
H. Gifford. For his second wife he married 1881, aged sixty-eight years.
Sarah Ann Short. The fruit of this marriage W. W. Fuller, son of David Fuller, and
is four children living—Seth, Townsend
township; Polly
712 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

grandson of the venerable William Fuller, living—Maria A. (Hamilton), Mary E.


was born in this township in 1847. In 1873 (Hersey), Alice W. (Norman), Henry N., D.
he married Clara Stone, and has a family of B., Olive J. B., and Nellie G.
two children, Raymond and Zella. Mr. Fuller A TORNADO.
has filled the offices of township assessor, The 11th of April, 1834, is memorable in
trustee, and treasurer. the annals of Green Creek and Town-send
Walter Davlin was born in Erie county in townships. Warm thunder-showers
1833, his father having been one of the interspersed by intervals of hot sunshine had
pioneers in that part of the State. In 1862 he prevailed during the day, until about the
married Ann J., daughter of John Whitmore, middle of the afternoon, when a cloud of
and four years later settled permanently in midnight blackness overhung the thick forest
this township. His children are: William, in the neighborhood of Green Creek. As this
Marcia, Sadie, Margaret, and Ann J. Mrs. huge mass of blackness approached the
Davlin had two children by a former earth, trees surged, then reeling fell, some
marriage, Carrie and John. Mr. Davlin is twisted to pieces, others torn from the
postmaster at Whitmore Station. ground. Like a great ball, it rolled in a
Giles Ray removed from Erie to Sandusky northeasterly direction. The rugged trees of
county in 1866, a few months before he had the forest for a moment seemed to offer
married Sophia Brown, the fruit of which resistance to its progress, then snapped and
union is four children—Scott, Jesse, Sophia, were broken like bone between the lion's
and Eva. Mr. Ray served three years in the teeth. Smaller trees and shrubs bowed
army, being mustered out as a corporal. obeisance to the passing giant, but were
Giles Ray is son of Alexander Ray, now crushed beneath the ruins of their stronger
living in Clyde. Giles was born in Erie neighbors. The earth trembled and trees
county in 1841. Mrs. Ray is a native of the bowed down for half a mile on either side of
same county, and was born in 1844. Her its path.
father, Orlando Brown, still resides in that The course was on across the pike and
county. down through Townsend crossing the North
James Black was born in Huntingdon ridge road near the county line. Its path
county, Pennsylvania, in 1835. In 1861 he proper was, less than a quarter of a mile
enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio, and served wide, although the effect of the storm was
three and one-half months. He settled in this traceable for half a mile on either side. Not a
county in 1865. tree was left standing in the path, but
Manasseh Prentice was born in Erie shattered timber lying in every direction
county, Ohio, in 1827. He is a son of Levi covered the ground. One cabin was scattered
and Mary Prentice. Levi Prentice was born and its pieces carried on the bosom of the
in Madison county, New York, in 1801; died winds. The roof of one house on the ridge,
in Erie county, Ohio, in 1834. His wife, although not in direct line of the storm, was
Mary Hartwell, was born in Canada in 1808; blown off, and the good housewife's feathers
died in 1872. Manasseh was the oldest of filled the air like snow in a winter storm.
their five children. He married Elizabeth W. The tornado fortunately did not pass over a
Barnes in 1846, and resided in Erie county thickly settled portion of country. So far as
until 1867, when he became a resident of is known but one life was lost—that of Mr.
Townsend. There are seven children Keiser, of Townsend; Stephen Gillett had his
arm broken by a
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 713

falling tree. He was holding to a stump to arrangement was effected largely through the
keep from blowing away, when a limb struck intervention of William Tew, who adjudged
his extended arm. The movement of the the man crazy, and insisted on his release.
black cloud was very rapid, and its The thief worked for a few days according to
demonstrations caused great excitement. The contract, but soon became tired of the
date we have given is from the diary of a clearing and was never seen afterwards. The
trustworthy lady who still lives in goods were sometime after found in Huron
Townsend. county.
A CRIMINAL EPISODE. EARLY EVENTS.
A curious episode of early times in The first road laid out through the
Townsend was the treatment of a thief who township followed the ridge from the Cold
entered the cabin of Mr. A. C. Jackson, Creek mill, and intersected the pike at
carried out some clothing and the gun, and Hamer's tavern. Stages followed this road to
left the house in danger of being burned. Mr. Sandusky, and, made the cabin of A. C.
Jackson was away from the house and Mrs. Jackson an intermediate stopping place.
Jackson was out on the farm, when a Addy Van Nest also kept public house at
stranger, who had the night before been the which the stage occasionally "put up."
recipient of the household's hospitality, There was another road through the
entered and committed the crime spoken of. township further north cut out just so
On Mrs. Jackson's return she aroused the wagons could be drawn through during the
neighborhood. The woods were carefully War of 1812.
searched and the man found, but the gun and The first sermon was preached by Harry O.
bundle of clothes, which included all the Sheldon in the Jackson neighborhood.
spare wearing apparel of both members of Services were occasionally held after this
the family, were not so easily found. The under direction of Methodist circuit riders.
culprit was asked to tell where the missing The first cemetery was laid out by William
articles could be found, with the Tew, sr., on his farm.
understanding that restoration should requite The first school was taught in an un-
the crime. The place of the gun's finished log house in the south part of the
concealment was faithfully described, but township by Miss Sally Cleveland.
not so with the clothing. The neighbors, The first permanent school-house was built
exasperated with this deception, again seized on the Lemmon farm about 1826.
the robber, and with cudgels and switches Rachel Mack taught a summer school at
began to inflict punishment. To free himself Beebe's, which was attended by the children
from torture, the thief again, although not of that neighborhood. She also did such
yet willing to tell the truth, deceived his needlework as the simple wants of the
executioners, who retaliated by plying their pioneer mothers required.
cudgels with heavier strokes to his body, An early marriage was solemnized by
already bruised to blackness. Ebenezer Ransom, the first justice of the
The whipping in this wise continued for peace, which, on account of the brevity and
more than an hour, the poor man suffering directness of the ceremony reflects credit
excruciating torture all the time. At last he upon that honorable magistrate. Mr. Putnam,
was released on the promise of working for accompanied by his betrothed entered the
Mr. Jackson in the clearing to the value of homely cabin, and after announcing
the stolen property. This
714 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

their errand were joined according to the in the weeds has been the cause of dis-
following formula: "Do you take this here tressing misery and sickness in Townsend,
woman for your wife?" "Yes," was the reply. both on the east and west sides. Milk-
"Do you want this here man for your sickness was, during the early settlement, a
husband?" The bride, whose costume was disease wholly beyond the control of
beautifully simple, sighed a faltering "Yes." physicians. Even Indian remedies were
"You're married," was the squire's blunt employed, but to no purpose, for the wisest
conclusion. The parties most interested of the tribes could not cure their own strong
seemed to doubt the fact, however, and held and vigorous kin when afflicted with this
the floor, when the justice, to end the matter, dread disease. We do not mean to convey
said: "See here, you may think that business the idea that the disease was in all cases
short but it's done just as right as if it took fatal. Many recovered, but in almost every
half an hour. " case with enfeebled constitutions.
The pioneers in Townsend or elsewhere Other diseases greatly afflicted the pio-
had great difficulty to secure the cash neers and retarded the progress of im-
necessary to purchase such articles as could provement. Decaying logs were throwing
not be obtained in exchange for farm off poisoned vapors, and stagnant pools,
products. Furs always commanded ready formed by fallen timbers damming the
money, and in consequence the woods and natural water channels, became malaria
marshes were thoroughly searched during fountains. But in this respect Townsend was
the killing season. The manufacture of black no worse than other parts of the county.
salt or potash was the only profitable use of Since tame grasses have taken the place of
timber in that early day, and Mr. Richardson, wild herbs and plowed fields occupy the
Mr. Holbrook, and others, who had kilns soil once covered by damp forest, milk
found the industry profitable. Black salt sickness has become a disease known only
always sold for cash in the market at Milan. in tradition, and the general health of the
Hogs were generally fattened in the township is good.
woods on acorns and nuts. The first marriage in the township was
Each settler owning stock had a peculiar that of Rebecca Tew and Ephraim K.
"ear mark," which was registered in a book Townsend.
kept for the purpose by the township clerk. It The first barn in the township was built
was against the law for any one to kill by Zeno Tibbals on the farm now owned by
marked animals of any kind. But hogs Z. P. Brush.
frequently strayed away and were lost. A collection of houses on the ridge road
Young pigs as they grew became wild and became known as "Coopertown," taking its
even dangerous; these it was allowable to name from the occupation of the Starks
kill, being classed as "wild hogs." An old family, by whom one of the houses was
settler declared to the writer that he would occupied. They carried on the coopering
rather meet a bear in the woods than an business on an extensive scale. But
enraged wild boar. They fought with that coopering was not the only industry carried
dumb determination which makes even a on at this hamlet. William Willis had a
weak enemy formidable. shoe-shop, and William Wales had a
The practice of allowing cows to pasture wagon-maker's shop. Goods of a general
character were sold here by Benjamin
Bacon and William Willis.
C. G. Sanford
Lydia Sanford
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 715

This village ceased to thrive after the York, which was their home till the fall of
completion of the railroads in 1852. 1832, when, with their family, they removed
Townsend post office was established in to Ohio, and settled in this township. Mr.
1824 with William Tew, sr., in charge as Sanford purchased an eighty acre lot entirely
postmaster. In 1853, after the completion of covered with native forest. The father and
the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati sons made an opening for a log cabin upon
railroad, the office was removed to the their arrival, and during the winter prepared
neighborhood of York Station and placed in a tract for spring crops. On this farm Mr.
charge of Josiah Munger. Whitmore Station Sanford lived until his death, which occurred
was made a post office with Walter Davlin May 6, 1862. His wife, Mary Sanford, died
in charge upon the completion of the March try, 1868. They reared a family of
Sandusky extension of the Lake Erie & seven children—five sons and two
Western railroad. York Station is a small daughters.
hamlet on the Cleveland, Sandusky & Elias M. was born July 19, 1817. He died
Cincinnati railroad near the center of the in Townsend township May 31, 1843,
township. Here, as almost everywhere else, leaving a wife and one child.
religious worship was instituted by the Carmi G. was born December 28, 1818.
Methodists. Harry O. Sheldon and other Henry A. was born March 4, 1820. He
circuit riders preached to the Townsend married Mary Rice, daughter of Daniel Rice,
people as early as 1824. The first church was and lives on the homestead farm.
built by the Methodists, in 1848, with Daniel Sally M. was born December 27, 1826.
Wilcox as circuit preacher. The meeting- William B. was born April 7, 1828. He
house stands on the North ridge road. resides in Riley township.
There is a society of United Brethren in the Almira was born July lo, 1832. She was
north part of the township. Circuit preachers married to Samuel H. Tibbals, and died
and supplies have held service in the school- without issue.
houses in that community for many years, George W. was born February 2, 1839.
but no house of worship was built till 1870. He resides in Townsend township.
Zachariah Sanford was a man of quiet
temperament, unobtrusive and hospitable. In
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES his family he was kind and indulgent; in
intercourse and dealing with his neighbors
he avoided anything like conflict. It has been
CARMI G. AND LYDIA SANFORD.
said of him that he died without an enemy.
Zachariah Sanford, father of the San-fords Mrs. Mary Sanford was an excellent
of this county, and a Townsend pioneer, was mother. She was a woman of deep religious
born near Saybrook, Connecticut, in the year convictions, being in this respect like his
1990. At the age of eighteen he left mother, who made her home for many years
Connecticut, with his widowed mother, and in the Sanford residence.
settled in Madison county, New York. He Bible reading was especially encouraged
married Mary P. Mantor, who was born in in the family. Carmi G., while a boy, was
Massachusetts in 1998. The newly-wedded given a sheep as a prize for having read the
couple settled on a farm in Ontario county, entire Bible through.
New Carmi G. Sanford was in his fourteenth
716 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

year when the family removed to Ohio. His He had previously served his township as
educational advantages in New York were clerk and justice of the peace. He is a
limited, and in this county still more meagre. member of Clyde Lodge of Free and
He worked industriously on his father's farm Accepted Masons, and of Erie Commandery
until young manhood. His first purchase of No. 23, located at Sandusky.
land was a tract of forty acres, Which he still Mrs. Sanford is the daughter of Isaac and
owns. He married, March 9, 1844, Lydia Permelia Allyn, and was born March 20,
Allyn, and settled on a farm, for which he 1828. Isaac Allyn was born in Connecticut,
traded three years before. Only a small September 21, 1786. He left home at the
portion of this farm, located three-fourths of age of eighteen years, and settled, after
a mile north of his present residence, was travelling to various places, in Eric county.
cleared. The cabin was made entirely of logs About 1820, in company with Jonas Gibbs,
and puncheons, except one door, which was he came to this county, and settled on the
made of the boards of a store-box. In this prairie in the north part of Riley township.
cabin they lived for about ten years. Mr. He raised horses and cattle for market,
Sanford removed to his present residence in frequently making large sales. He also
1863, retaining possession of the old farm. engaged largely in raising hogs, and in pork
By economy and industry he has packing. Mr. Allyn made his home in the
accumulated real estate, until at present he Gibbs' family for a few years, and then kept
owns four hundred acres of well-improved bachelor's hall in a cabin on his own place
land. Mr. Sanford has always been an until he was married, which event took
advanced farmer, keeping pace, in methods place June 12, 1827.
and machinery, with the times. In politics he Permelia Allyn, daughter of Cyrus
has been active, and is looked upon as a Downing, was born June 24, 1795, in Win-
leader. A Whig by inheritance, he became a dom county, Connecticut. Before she was
Republican from principle. During the war two years old her parents removed to New
he spent time and money in the York, where they lived till 1809, at which
encouragement of enlistments and support of time they came to Ohio and settled near
the families of soldiers in the field. When Huron.
the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio On account of Indian hostilities, the
Volunteer Infantry was formed, Mr. Sanford family was compelled to leave this new
was chosen captain of the largest company, home and take refuge in the fort at
C, composed of volunteers from Riley and Cleveland. Permelia married, in April,
Townsend townships. At the regimental 1813, Jeremiah Daniels. About twenty
organization at Fremont, he was chosen to families lived at Huron at this time. They
the position of lieutenant-colonel, and were compelled by hostile Indians to leave
Nathaniel, a brother of William E. Haynes, their homes nine times during one year. Mr.
was elected colonel. Through the caprice of Daniels having deceased, Permelia married
Colonel Wiley, Mr. Sanford was dismissed Isaac Allyn, in 1827. The fruit of this union
before being mustered into the service. was three children—Lydia (Sanford), born
Since the war Mr. Sanford has remained March 20, 1828; Isaac M., born February 8,
an active Republican, by which party he was 1832, living in Riley township; and
elected to the offices of county infirmary Permelia (Sanford), born November 6,
director and county commissioner. 1537, died June 25, 1881.
William Fuller
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 717

Isaac Allyn died January 30, 1839. Mrs. he married Philanda Taylor and resided until
Allyn survived him many years, the date of 1816, when he moved with his family to
her death being September 18, 1874. She Ontario county (now Livingston county),
was a hard worker, and a woman of good New York, where his wife died in 1818, on
business ability. She carried on her the 5th of November, at the age of forty-
husband's stock business for several years nine. Jason Fuller and wife were the parents
after his death. One year she salted with her of eight children, all of whom lived to be
own hands more than one hundred barrels of married, and all had families excepting the
pork. Mrs. Allyn, during the last year and a oldest daughter. We will briefly mention
half of her life, made her home with her each in the order of their ages: Cynthia
daughter Lydia. married Silas Pratt, in Massachusetts, moved
Mrs. Sanford is naturally a happy and to Sandusky county in 1824, and died here.
cheerful woman. She takes great interest in Rachel married Amos Hammond in New
the welfare of her family. Her home is one York State; died in Michigan. Philanda was
of the most attractive in the county. the first wife of James Morrill, and died in
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have had seven Massachusetts. Electa married James
children, three of whom are living—Mary P., Morrill, and is now living in Kansas; she
born April 24, 1846, died in infancy; was eighty-four, May 24, 1881. William was
Winfield Scott, born August 16, 1847, the next child and oldest son. John married,
married Eliza McCartney, and has three in Green Creek town-ship, Rhoda Powell;
children, resides in Sandusky; Flora A., born moved to Nebraska, and died there. Betsey
February 3, 1850, married James Gaw, died married Ichabod Munger in New York State;
February 28, 1872; Morgan C., born July 25, died in Michigan. Thomas married Margaret
1861, resides at home; Kate L., born Evart in New York; died in Michigan.
November 7, 1864, died March 1, 1868; Thus it will be seen there are but two
Hattie M., born January 24, 1868, lives at members of the family surviving. Jason
home; Charles G., born January 24, 1871, Fuller followed the occupation of farming
died October 6, 1872. through life. Both he and his wife were
honest, upright people, and members of the
Baptist church. They were kind and loving
WILLIAM FULLER. parents, and tenderly and carefully reared
their large family.
On another page will be found a good William Fuller was born in Hawley,
likeness of one of the few pioneers now Hampshire county, Massachusetts (now
living. One by one he has seen the first Franklin county), on the 23d of January,
settlers carried to their long home, old and 1799. There he lived until the fall of 1816,
young, grave and gay, strong and feeble, attending school and assisting his father on
from the gray-haired grandsire to the the farm. He went with his parents to New
tottering infant. Yet he remains, almost the York State, and resided there until February,
last of a noble race, the heroic race of 1818; then, at the age of nineteen, on foot
pioneers. and alone, he started for Ohio, then the "far
Jason Fuller was born in Connecticut, West." He carried in a package upon his
May 24, 1767. He moved to Massachusetts back a few articles of clothing and some pro-
when quite a young man, and settled in what
is now Franklin county. There
718 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

visions to eat upon the way. He traversed the father, never a very healthy man, was taken
entire distance on foot, except when some ill in the month of September, and after
traveler gave him a ride for a few miles. On lingering a few weeks, died at William's
the thirteenth day after he left home he home on the 25th of October, 1819, at the
arrived in Milan township, Huron county, age of fifty-two. Mr. Fuller lived in Milan
and immediately engaged to work for Squire township until 1824. While there he had
Ebenezer Merry. Two weeks after his arrival cleared about twenty acres, erected a log
his father, his oldest sister and her husband, house and barn, and subdued the land until
and his youngest brother came. His father he had a very fair field of some thirty acres,
took possession of a tract of land previously including ten acres which his father had
negotiated for, upon which William engaged cleared. For this work he received no pay,
to clear ten acres as a compensation for the except the crops he secured; but as neither
use of his time during the remaining period he nor his father had made any payment for
of his minority. William returned to New the land, the only loss was the value of his
York State the following July, his plans labor for six years.
being to settle up some business for his In 1823 Mr. Fuller bought forty acres in
father, do the harvesting on the old farm, and Green Creek township, southeast of Clyde,
return to Ohio in the fall with the rest of the moved upon it in the spring of 1824, and
family. During this summer he made a began clearing and improving. He had
business trip to Massachusetts; on his return erected a cabin before bringing his family
he found his mother quite ill and unable to here. In June he was taken ill, and was
think of performing the long journey to unable to work until the latter part of
Ohio. She died in November. His father, who August. Then he suffered through the fall
had been advised of her illness, was unable with ague. Altogether, the first year was
to accomplish the journey from the West in one which might well be deemed
time to be with her during her last moments, discouraging, but the next brought even
but arrived in New York in December. greater trials and misfortunes. During the
While at home this winter William took following year he was able to do but little
unto himself a wife. He was married on the work. In August, 1826, his wife was taken
7th day of November, 1819, to Mehetable ill with a fever, and on the 15th day of the
Botsford. She was a native of Connecticut, same month his oldest child was killed by
but her parents were then living in New the oxen running away with the cart,
York. On the last day of February, 1819, throwing him out and killing him. The 19th
arrangements having finally been completed day of August his fourth child was born,
for a return to the new western home, and on the following day Mrs. Fuller died,
William Fuller, accompanied by his wife and and was buried, together with her dead
father, started again for Ohio, with a yoke of infant. Mr. Fuller was then obliged to break
oxen and a sled upon which were carried the up housekeeping, leaving his two remaining
few household goods they were then children in the care of his sister, Mrs.
possessed of. They were twenty-two days Hammond, until the spring of 1827, when
upon the road. he went back to New York State, and
William then rented a small log cabin, worked at various employments for four
where he lived the first summer, and began years, paying his children's board.
the task of making a home, His Mr. Fuller married Cynthia Havens, a
native of Livingston county, New York,
J. L. Levisee
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 719

May 15, 1831, and returned to his farm, dren, two of whom are living. Taylor, born
where he continued to reside until March, March 29, 1840, married Angeline Stone,
1834, when he came to his present place of resides in York, has one child. James, born
residence in Townsend township. This, too, October 13, 1844, married Betsey Richards,
was wild, and Mr. Fuller once more had the resides near his parents, has one child.
work of a pioneer to perform. January 23, Albert, born June 22, 1846, died September
1835, death again entered the household, and 26, 1849.
deprived Mr. Fuller of his wife. Being thus Mr. Fuller had his full share of the
left with a farm to manage and four children hardships and privations of pioneer life.
to provide for, he could not well abandon Commencing in a new country, while not of
house-keeping, and on the 6th of July, 1835, age, he fought his way onward against many
he married his third wife, Marcia M. George, difficulties and severe trials. In the days
a native of his New York home. She lived when wheat was only twenty-five cents per
just one year from the day of her marriage, bushel, and groceries were held at enormous
and died July 6, 1836. prices, salt being nine and eleven dollars per
October 19, 1837, Mr. Fuller was united in barrel, it was hard for a man to make and
marriage to the lady, who presides over his pay for a home. But all this is past and gone.
home, Emma M. Levisee, born in Lima, His industry, activity and patience were
Livingston county, New York. rewarded in time. Mr. Fuller has been a
By his first wife he was the father of four successful business man. Though physically
children, one of whom is living. They were somewhat enfeebled by age and the results
Jason H.; David, John, and an infant. Jason of years of toil, his mind is clear and cheer-
H. was born March 1, 1820; died August 15, ful, and he is passing the evening of his days
1826, as before mentioned. David, born July among the scenes of his former struggles and
8, 1821; married Mary Z. Higley for his first triumphs, happy and contented. Each of his
wife, who bore him six children, four of five sons who grew to manhood and married,
whom survive. His second wife, Eliza J. were helped to a farm by their father.
Plumb, bore two children, who are still Mr. Fuller was a Democrat until 1856, but
living. He died in Townsend, May 18, 1879. since that time has voted with the Re-
John, born April 7, 1823 ; married Eliza publicans. In religion he is a believer in the
Mallory; now resides in Branch county, doctrine of universal salvation.
Michigan; has one child living and one Mr. Fuller, wherever he is known, is
deceased. A son, born August 19, 1826, died recognized as a just and honorable man, and
in infancy. is respected by old and young.
Mr. Fuller's second wife bore two children,
one of whom is living:. William T., born
April 10, 1832; married Mary J. Van THE LEVISEE FAMILY.
Buskirk; resides in Townsend; is the father Aaron Levisee was born in the State of
of six children, three of whom are now New Jersey, June 19, 1774, to which State
living—Cynthia M., born November 2, 1833, his father, James Levisee, had previously
died December 22, 1853. moved from Connecticut. Soon after Aaron's
One child was the fruit of the third birth his parents returned to Connecticut,
marriage, Jason. E., born July 1, 1836, died and there his father died.
September, 1836.
His present wife has borne three chil-
720 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Aaron Levisee was the oldest of a family Levisee, in the order of their ages, were:
of six sons and three daughters. He passed Almedia, Eveline, Thankful, Eliza Ann, John
his boyhood in Connecticut and L. and Sarah L. (twins), Sarah Sophia,
Massachusetts principally. Before he was Emma Maria, and Aaron Burton.
twenty-one he engaged as a clerk on a Thankful and Emma M. are the surviving
sailing vessel, and followed the sea about daughters. The former is the wife of David
three years, visiting many foreign countries. Botsford, and resides in Washtenaw county,
He acquired a very fair education, and, after Michigan. Emma Maria is the wife of
quitting the sea, followed the profession of William Fuller, Townsend township. Mrs.
teaching, in Connecticut and Massachusetts, Botsford was seventy-seven years old July
until he was married. While teaching at 15, 188r, and Mrs. Fuller sixty-three March
Lanesborough, in the latter State, he had for 24, 1881. The youngest son, A. B. Levisee,
a pupil the lady who afterwards became his whose name was rendered familiar in the
wife. One day he punished this scholar for Louisiana election controversy of 1876-77,
some trivial fault, and a month later they is now a lawyer at Fargo, Dakota Territory.
were married. In his twenty-fourth year he He was born March 18, 1821.
was united in marriage to Anna Lyon, The records of the deceased members of
daughter of Thomas and Thankful Lyon, this family are as follows: Almedia, born
both natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Levisee August 1, 1799, married Ezra Lyons in 1819,
was born at Lanesborough, May 13, 1778. resided in Livonia, Livingston county, New
After their marriage they lived a short time York, until 1831, then moved to Townsend
in Massachusetts, then went to Greenfield, township, where she died June 28, 1853;
Saratoga county, New York, where they Eveline, born June 21, 1801, married
remained a few years, thence moved to Hubbard Jones in Livingston county, New
Charleston, Ontario county, New York, now York, moved to Townsend in 1842, died
Lima, Livingston county, where Mrs. June 13, 1873; Eliza Ann, born May 6, 1806,
Levisee's parents had moved before them. In married for her first husband Jonathan
this last-named place John L. Levisee was Wisner, resided in Allegany county, New
born. In 1822 the family moved from York, until 1834, when she removed to
Ontario county to Allen, Allegany county, Townsend, having previously married her
in. the same State, where Mr. Levisee died second husband, Joseph Cummings, and died
on the 18th of June, 1828. The widow November 6, 1838; Sarah L., born July 4,
moved, with her family, to Sandusky county, 1809, lived to be a little over four years old;
Ohio, arriving in Townsend township the Sarah Sophia, born February 14, 1815, came
10th day of October, 1832. Here Mrs. to Ohio some time after her mother, married
Levisee resided until 1844, and then Charles Gillett in Townsend, moved to
removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Steuben county. Indiana, died March 16,
Thankful Botsford, north of Ann Arbor, 1847.
Michigan, where she died July 3, 1845. John L. Levisee was born on the 4th of
There were seven daughters and two sons in. July, 1809. He passed his early life upon the
the family. Six daughters arrived at maturity, farm. He being the oldest son, and until 1821
and two are yet living. Both of the sons are the only son, a large share of the work and
living at this date (September, 1881). care of the farm devolved upon him when
The names of the children of Aaron quite young. He attended
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 721

the common schools when he could spare Roush, near Hastings, Michigan. Anna, born
time from manual labor. His father was July 28, 1840, married Hiram Blood in 1862;
taken ill when John was about ten years of resided in Sparta, Kent county, Michigan;
age, and from that time forward the young died November 30, 1874. Elizabeth, born
man's cares and duties were numerous. After October 27, 1842, married James A.
his father's death he worked by the month Downing in 1865; resides at Whitmore
farming, during two seasons, in Lima, his Station. Eliza, born August 18, 1844,
former home. Then, in the fall of 1831, he married Wallace Downing in 1866; lives in
started for Ohio, and arrived in Townsend Clay township, Ottawa county. Mary Jane,
township on the 29th of October. Here be born October 23, 1846, married Winfield
purchased, with some of the proceeds of his Thomas in 1872; died August 28, 1873, in
father's estate and his own earnings, eighty Townsend township. Civilia, born January
acres of land, the farm which is still in his 30, 1849, died September 22, 1853. David,
possession. He erected a log cabin, then born November 21, 1850, married Austany
returned to New York. The next year his M. Cable in 1873; resides in Fremont.
mother, with her two sons and Emma Maria, Chauncy, born May 23, 1855, married Mrs.
came and settled upon the purchase. Of Angeline McCreery in 1879; lives at home
course the country was wild. But one road in with his father.
the township had been cut out, and the Mrs. Levisee died July 4, 1855. She was a
general aspect of the whole region might good wife and a kind mother, nobly assisting
well be described by the inelegant but in supporting the family and putting by
expressive words, "a howling wilderness." something for future use. She united with the
John began chopping, and continued through Protestant Methodist church when young and
the winter and many succeeding seasons lived a faithful Christian. After her death
clearing away the forest and making field Mr. Levisee remained single eleven years,
land. Hard work and a simple diet was the his daughter taking charge of household
rule in those days. Meat was scarce except affairs.
when, occasionally, a deer or wild turkey November 15, 1866, he was married to the
was shot. Wheat was little raised, and flour lady who now shares his home—Mrs. Statira
was an article not much in use. Cornbread E. Cable, nee Reynolds, who was born in
was the staple food. He secured a good crop Sheffield, Lorain county, June 7, 1830. Her
of corn the first season after he began his parents were Shubal and Elizabeth Reynolds.
farming operations, and from that time Her father is deceased; her mother now
onward the family managed to live very resides in Fulton county, this State. This
comfortably. union has been blessed with two children,
May 10, 1836, Mr. Levisee married Diana one of whom is living—Francis A., born
Stanley, daughter of Asa and Anna Stanley, July 12, 1868; and Willie, born July 12,
of York township. She was born in Rutland, 1870. Willie died December 14, 1870.
Jefferson county, New York, October 25, Mr. Levisee has followed agricultural
1810. To them were born nine children, viz: pursuits principally. For a few years he
Sarah, born May 5, 1838; married for her worked at carpentry, but managed his firm at
first husband James Olds; for her second, the same time. He has now re-tired from
Joseph Carter; is now living with her third active business. His son, Chauncy, has
husband, Emanuel charge of the farm, and
722 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Mr. Levisee is enjoying a season of rest after of the time. He received a limited common
years of almost constant labor. school education. His father was a poor man,
In politics Mr. Levisee is a consistent and Franklin was accustomed to hard and
adherent to the principles of the Republican faithful labor from boyhood. In the month of
party. He has voted at every Presidential September, 1834, Mr. Richards and his
election since 1832. In religion he is a brother Archibald came to Sandusky county
Universalist, firm in the faith and and commenced improving land in
pronounced in his views. He is an enemy to Townsend township which they had bought
cant and hypocrisy, but respects true previously. They were both young men and
Christians of whatever name or order. unmarried. During the winter they hired their
Mr. Levisee has a valuable and well- board at the house of their cousin, Lester
selected library, and is a diligent reader of Richards. In the spring of 1835 they erected
newspapers. A good memory and a habit of a log-cabin in which it was their intention to
careful, constant observation of men and live and keep bachelor's hall. One day on
things have given him a discriminating, returning from a visit to their cousin's they
sound judgment and a reliable stock of found that their house with all its contents
useful information. had been destroyed by fire. Mr. Richards lost
a considerable sum of money in the flames.
This was not a pleasing prospect to a young
FRANKLIN RICHARDS. man, to be placed in the midst of a large
Silas Richards, the father of Franklin, was forest without a dwelling-place, until one
a native of Connecticut and passed his days could be made by his own labor or earnings.
in that State. April 28, 1805, he married However they built a small shanty and lived
Mary Rogers, daughter of John Rogers, a in it, doing their own housework, until a new
Connecticut soldier in the Revolutionary house could be erected. In this way passed
war. He was a farmer by occupation, and an the first years.
honest, honorable man. Both Mr. and Mrs. In 1837 Archibald married and established
Richards attained a ripe old age, the widow a home of his own. Franklin lived alone until
surviving the husband a few years. They July 1, 1838; when he was united in wedlock
reared a large family of twelve children, to Diantha May, who continued his faithful
whose names were as follows: Harriet B., helpmeet and de-voted wife until May 8,
Frances A., Franklin, Ira J., Cynthia H., 1879, when she passed from earth and its
Archibald, Mary, Calista E., Silas, Esther R., sorrows in the sixtieth year of her age.
Patience, and Frances M. Of these there are Of the hardships and perplexities of the
four survivors, viz: Franklin, Townsend first years which Mr. Richards spent in Ohio,
township; Archibald, Clyde; Esther, the wife it need only be said that by unceasing
of Abraham Darrow, New London county, persistency and courage he was enabled at
Connecticut; and Frances M., the widow of length to accomplish the purpose which
Samuel Darrow, in the same county and brought him to the new country to establish
State. a home. Rugged toil and exposure gave him
Franklin Richards was born in Waterford, a constitution capable of enduring much
New London county, Connecticut, February physical strain. He never yielded to
24, 1809. There he lived until 1834, working discouragement or despondency,
at farming the greater part
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 723

and in due time had the satisfaction of 1831 the family moved to the eastern part of
seeing his efforts to gain prosperity Townsend township, and in 1833 to the
rewarded. He planned judiciously, saved southwestern part, where they continued to
carefully, and worked diligently. Now, the reside until the death of Mr. May. By his
possessor of a fine home and a comfortable first marriage Isaac May was the father of
property, with a mind of quiet contentment, seven children—a son who died in infancy,
he lives at peace with all men in the same Emily, Diantha, Emily. Louisa, Mary Ann,
place where his early trials were experienced James H., and William. Three survive, viz.:
and his later successes achieved. Mrs. Emily Louisa Tew, Townsend
Mr. Richards has never been much of a township; Mrs. Mary Ann Mason; and James
politician. Formerly a Democrat, he now H. May, Lenawee county, Michigan.
votes with the Republicans, but believes in Mr. May married his second wife, Mary
electing the best men to office, regardless of McMillan, a sister of his first, in 1830. This
party. In his religious views he is a Baptist, union resulted in ten children—Sophronia,
though he has never united with the church. Cynthia, Laura Ann, Rosetta, and Hiram, all
Mrs. Richards was a member of the Free- deceased; and Mrs. Laura Maria Vine,
will Baptist church in her youth, but Townsend; Marilla May, Lenawee county,
afterwards joined the regular Baptists. She Michigan; Mrs. Emeline Elliot, Jackson
was a sincere and devoted Christian, a noble county, Kansas; Theron R. May, Lenawee
mother, a good neighbor, and one whose county, Michigan; and Mrs. Ida Kidman,.
acquaintance and friendship was valued by Townsend, still surviving.
all. We close this sketch with something of Mrs. May is still living with Theron and
her family history. Marilla, in Michigan; Isaac May was a
Diantha May was born in Livingston minister of the Free-will Baptist denomi-
county, New York, October 10, 1819. She nation, and preached in this vicinity until
was the third child of Isaac and Rachel within a few years preceding his death. He is
(McMillan) May, and at the time her parents well remembered by many who have listened
came to Ohio, in 1822, she was the oldest of to his sermons. The family had their full
the two surviving children. Her father was share of hardships. They came here when it
born in Vermont, October 5, 1796, and died required the utmost effort to feed and clothe
in Townsend township, November 5, 1874. a family. The daughters used to work in the
Rachel McMillan was born in New field doing manual labor, and often worked
Hampshire, January 5, 1797, and died in out for the neighbors.
York town-ship, November 13, 1829. They Mrs. Franklin Richards bore twelve
were married in New York State, where the children, five of whom are living. We
parents of each had moved when they were subjoin a copy of the family record:
but children. Mr. and Mrs. May resided in Simon G., born July 12, 1839; died in
Livingston county until 1822, and in that Libby prison December 2, 1863, a member
year moved to Thompson township, Seneca of the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer
county, Ohio, and the following year settled Infantry.
on the North ridge, near the northern line of Silas L., born December 10, 1840; married
York township, being among the very first Josie Kennedy, March 4, 1869; resides in
settlers. In York township.
724 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Theron R., born November 8, 1842 ; died Ohio, and engaged in teaching school in
November 30, 1842. different parts of this county in winter, and
Charles M., born February 28, 1844; working in summer. He taught several terms
married Phebe E. Rhodes, June 1, 1865, who of school and writing school, and is
died December 25; 1873; married Florence remembered gratefully by many of his old
Kellogg, October 20, 1894; re-sides in pupils. He came here poor, but with a
Townsend, near his father. determination to get a start in the world, and
James P., born February 20, 1846; married he believed an education to be essential for
Rachel E. Harvey, June 24, 1868, who died becoming a useful citizen. Therefore he used
April 5, 2873 ; married Alice Straight, his first earnings to pay his expenses at
September 12, 1874; resides in Jackson Milan high school, where he attended several
county, Kansas. terms.
Joseph D., born February 16, 1848; died In 1837 Mr. Thorp's parents followed him
March 26, 1848. to this county, and settled in Town-send
Frances a, born June 1, 1849; married township. He then made his home with them
Charles E. May, March 1, 1870; lives in until 1842, when he married, and
Townsend near her old home. commenced farming for himself. His first
Milo S., born August r, 1852; died August wife was Miss Eliza Cole, daughter of Hon.
24, 1852. Matthew Cole, a man well known to old
William A., born September 4, 1853; died residents. He served as a member of the
June 4, 1870. legislature, and in other public offices. By
Benjamin F., born June 26, 1855; died this marriage Mr. Thorp became the father of
April 18, 1866. one son and two daughters. John C. Thorp
Mary C., born September 30, 1857; died was born April 12, 1843, died of
December 20, 1866. consumption at the home of his father,
Imogene D., born August 8, 1861; married November 6, 1869. Alma E. Thorp, born
Ekin Ridman, September 4, 1878; lives with December 11, 1844, was married in March,
his father. 1865, to Dr. George Salzman, and now
resides in Kenton, Ohio. Gertrude H. Thorp,
born December 25, 1847, died at home
ALONZO THORP. January 20, 1873, of consumption. Mrs.
Thorp died in April, 1850.
Among the leading, public-spirited men
In 1857 Mr. Thorp married Mrs. Mary E.
who have lived in this county, but are now
Ames, widow of Elon G. Ames, of York
gone from us to return no more, there are
township, and daughter of Medad and
few more deserving of notice in this work
Armida (Waller) Brush, who were among the
than he whose name heads this article.
early settlers in Green Creek township. Her
Alonzo Thorp was born in Ontario county,
parents were both natives of Connecticut,
New York, on the 9th day of September,
but lived in Pennsylvania until they came to
1817. He was the son of John and Jane
this State. Mr. Thorp had no children by this
(Wager) Thorp, and was the second of a
marriage.
family of nine children. His early life was
In 1852 Mr. Thorp moved from Town-send
spent in New York, working and attending
township to the village of Clyde, where he
school. When about eighteen years of age he
engaged quite extensively in the lumber
came to
business. He owned and operated a saw-mill,
and was also considerably in-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 725

terested in farming and stock-raising. In his own way from poverty to the position he
1863 he was elected a member of the attained, he knew how to sympathize with
Legislature from this county, and served a the struggling and ambitious. He was
term of two years in a manner highly universally respected as a business man, and
creditable to himself and satisfactory to his stood high in social circles. A prominent
constituents. He also held various township politician of the Democratic party, he
offices at different periods. While residing in numbered some of its distinguished leaders
Townsend, in 1856, he was elected justice of among his intimate friends. In religion he
the peace and served one term. adhered to the principles of the Episcopal
In May, 1873, Mr. Thorp moved upon the church, with which he be-came connected
farm where his widow still resides, in Green soon after his first marriage.
Greek township, and lived there until his Mr. Thorp was a good father, a good
decease. He died January 28, 1879, in his neighbor, and a kind and loving husband.
sixty-second year. He was an energetic, His circle of friends was large, and. all will
active man, of unblemished character and bear cheerful testimony to his worth and
reputation. Having fought usefulness.
RILEY.
ILEY, territorially one of the largest when he can dip them out with a market
R townships in the county, is bounded on
the east by Townsend, on the south by Green
basket, or spear barrels of them in one night,
fishing descends to common labor and
Creek, on the west by Sandusky, and on the amuses no one. The early inhabitants made
north by Sandusky Bay and river. Its surface fish a staple article of food. Flour was hard
is flat, and while yet as nature had made it, to get on account of the distance and
was marshy. Numerous streams flow incapacity of mills. Fish were plenty and
sluggishly through shallow channels toward without price. Winged game then, as now,
the bay, and fill its map with black lines abounded in the north part of the township,
stretching the whole length of the district and settlers, unhindered, enjoyed the luxury
from south to north. These streams widen as of hunting on common grounds.
they approach their outlet, and near the bay These hunting grounds are included in
are more like ponds than living waters. sections thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty-
Pickerel Creek flows near the line of five of township five, and so much of town-
Townsend township. Its banks are higher and ship six as lies within the legal limits of
cur-rent swifter than the other streams. It Riley. Originally this tract was mostly
derives its name from the fact that its mouth prairie, covered heavily with marsh grasses,
was formerly a feeding place for fish, a large and at intervals with shrubs. The freshets in
proportion of which was of the variety spring time inundate the whole tract,
bearing that name. The two branches of bringing from the head waters large quanti-
Raccoon Creek meet near lie:'. marsh. The ties of feed, which attracts the game later in
quiet waters of its lower course is a harbor the season. Trapping fur-bearing animals,
for catfish. South Creek empties at the head and shooting ducks, afforded the settlers of
of the bay, and Green Creek, the largest of the upland farms considerable contingent
all these streams, pours its sulphurous waters revenue—in fact was the source of a large
into the river. In the flat southwestern corner amount of their cash. Trappers often became
are a number of large ponds. Here the hum involved in serious quarrels. A common
of cheerful mosquitoes, and the hoarse croak offense was transferring from one trap into
of lazy frogs break the stillness of summer another the most valuable captives. It thus
sunset. happened "that the early bird caught the
Fishing, during the period of early set- worm. " Suspicion of foul play of this kind
tlement, was little sport. Fish were too not unnaturally produced hard feelings
plenty. The fisherman who patiently waits between rivals, and often led to blows.
half an hour for a bite takes real satisfaction There was another object of dispute. Some
and pleasure in drawing from its water home locations were better than others, but all
one of the finny tribe, but could not be accommodated at

726
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 727

the same place. The ground was public decomposed vegetable matter and produces
property and there was no well recognized large crops of wheat. Originally the south
principle of "trappers' rights." The conflicts part was a thick forest of heavy trees.
of claims had their natural results. But the Toward the north the trees were smaller and
impression should not be entertained that a the forest broken by an occasional tract of
hunter's life was a fighter's life. These prairie. Prairie prevailed north of the tier of
contentions were episodes, the employment sections seven to twelve. The lands of this
in general being calculated to encourage a region were found well adapted to stock-
rough and ready good cheer. raising, but too wet for farming. As we shall
Two classes of individuals' harvested the see presently, the first settlement was made
resources of the prairie marshes—squatters on the clear district.
and upland settlers. The settler devoted his There are on Michael Stull's farm two
energies to clearing and improving land for natural mounds, formed by strong springs
farming or in raising stock. Hunting was a throwing out sand and muck. The hard crust
contingent employment, engaged in only for will bear the weight of stock but a stamp of
recreation or a little ready cash which farm the foot will shake the mass for twenty feet
products did not command at that pioneer around. These springs empty their water into
period. The life of the squatter was the Pickerel Creek, which has its source in a
picture of ease in poverty. A rude cabin similar spring on the Cowell farm about two
furnished shelter; fish and game daily diet, miles south. The cool, fresh water furnished
and the trapped captives were bartered for by these springs attracted the pickerel and
simple clothing and such luxuries as men of white bass, with which this stream once was
their character enjoyed. filled.
But there came a time when the squatter Mr. Stull, who was the first settler on the
lost his home and the settler his hunting prairie, says when he first came there in
ground. Our own people failed to see in this 1820 they made hay and stacked it, where
expanse of marsh any intrinsic value, but left now the water stands four feet deep. The
open to foreigners the opportunity of a heaviest northeast winds did not then drive
speculation. In 1856 all the northern end of the water to their stacks.
this township was entered at a mere nominal ANCIENT WORKS.
price. It afterwards became the property of
two sporting clubs, one known as "Winous' That ancient race, concerning which so
Point Shooting club," the other as "Ottawa much has been written, and so little is really
Shooting club." The State laws against known, have left marks of their residence in
this township. A line of mounds and
trespass are strictly enforced. It seems unjust
to the men who have borne the burden of enclosures extend along the bay from
improving the country, to be barred by Racoon Creek toward the east for a distance
foreign landlords from the privileges of of several miles. None are traceable and,
hunting, but it is the penalty of neglect. This probably, none existed except on the prairie,
tract should have been made a public park, and cultivation has made the outlines of
and regulated by such legal enactments as these indistinct. An enclosure on section two
natural laws require. contains about two acres. The whole
Mississippi basin is dotted with similar
The soil of Riley township is formed of
structures but their occurrence in the lake
system is more rare. An old settler informs
us that he saw these works
728 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

distinct in their entire outline. By whom and here and there a squatter's cabin along the
when they were built will never be known to creek. The school section in every township
a certainty, but there is no doubt of their was the apple in the squatter's eye.
great antiquity. That they are not the works Experience had taught them as they had
of the Indians their mathematical regularity, retreated, from time to time, before
and the contents of those which have been advancing settlement that the school lands
excavated, furnish proof. offered the longest tenure. The first settlers
On Mr. Stull's farm there was a circular located their lands on the prairies, the
enclosure about twenty rods in diameter with heavily timbered district at the south was left
two gates or openings on opposite sides. Part till last, and has furnished comfortable
of the wall on the west side was made by homes for a large and respectable class of
piling up a ridge of limestone of a soft Germans, who began to make improvements
quality, found in the vicinity, about four feet about 1835.
high, covered with earth. The other portions Andrew Stull, one of the earliest settlers of
of the wall was made entirely of earth. There Lyme township, Huron county, was the first
are three other similar enclosures within a settler in Riley. He resided in Huron county
radius of a few miles. In all these stone axes about seven years. In 1820 he packed his
and earthenware were found. goods on a wagon and started westward on
Care should be taken not to confound these the old army trail, which passed through the
remains of an ancient civilization on our centre of Townsend township, about one
continent with the relics of a more recent but mile south of the prairie. The location in
savage population with which we are better view was in section one, township five, and
acquainted. To this latter class belong the when a point opposite had been reached, a
two pieces of skeleton plowed up a number thick and seemingly impenetrable forest
of years ago by Daniel Carl. One was the intervened between the trail and the prairie
shoulder blade of a man pierced by a point farm. But stout hearts and determined spirits
of buck's horn, which had, no doubt, been an were not to be baffled by nature's obstacles.
arrow point; the other was the leg-bone of a A way was cut through, and the spot which
man on which, near the knee, was an en- has been the seat of the Stull family for more
largement containing the point of a flint than sixty years soon reached. Imagine the
arrow-head, as large as a man's thumb-nail. situation of this pioneer family. The nearest
THE SETTLEMENT. neighbor was Mr. Tew, of Townsend, six
miles east, separated by a dark and marshy
The settlement of Riley was later than the
forest. The nearest physician lived at
neighboring townships. The reason for this is
Fremont, ten miles away. The nearest mill
obvious when it is known that the main
was in Lyme township, Huron county, more
roads through the county all ran south of its
than twenty miles away. "Our food," says
territory, and settlement naturally centered
Mr. Michael Stull, "was chiefly wild meat—
along the main roads. A view of the
venison, turkey and fish in plenty. Salt pork
township in 1824 would show one road cut
was fifty cents per pound. Our bread was
through from Erie county to the prairie, three
mostly corn." Michael Stull, the only
or four improvements near the edge of the
surviving member of the family, from whom
heavy forest, and
these facts are derived, says that fifty years
ago fish were so
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 729

plenty in Pickerel Creek that he and his six years, and then, having secured a woman
brother Jacob speared in one night fifteen of his choice as a life companion, removed
barrel: of pickerel. They built a platform of to his farm. No better collections of stock
puncheons across the creek, covered it with could be found in the county than on the
earth and built a fire at the middle of the farms of Jonas Gibbs and Isaac Allyn.
stream. The two fishermen, one in each end Christopher Straight, a worthy pioneer of
of the canoe, picked out the fish with their the township, came about 1822. Three
spears as the canoe moved along. Swan were families by the names of Markham, and M.
often seen from the cabin door, and geese Bristol, settled on the school section. Forton
and ducks could be shot without going out of Twist was well known in the early
the way for them. Mr. Stull once killed six settlement. Charles Lindsey came in at an
deer in one day within three miles of home, early period, and built a mill on Raccoon
and Charles Lindsey shot nine. Howling Creek.
wolves made night hideous. Sheep required David Camp, the county surveyor at an
constant watching while pasturing and a high early period of the settlement, was one day
pen at night. Mr. Stull at one time had thirty- travelling the trail road coming from
three killed in daylight. In five successive Bayrush prairie, and found two bucks in the
nights a common steel trap captured five of trail with horns locked together. One of them
these annoying denizens of the forest. After was dead, and the other unable to extricate
the death of his father Michael Stull came himself. Mr. Camp cut the throat of the
into possession of the farm. He married, in living one. The heads were cut off with the
1829, Diana Baker, of Townsend township. horns thus locked, and no one was able to
Two children survived infancy—Michael, separate them, until, about two years
jr., and Diana, wife of Jacob Brugh. afterwards, Hiram Rawson got them apart,
Jonas Gibbs was one of the earliest settlers but all efforts to fasten them together again
of Erie county, having emigrated there from in the same manner failed.
New York in 1808. When Sandusky county Joseph Harris Curtice was born in
lands came into market, he purchased five Hillsborough, New Hampshire, June 25,
hundred and sixty acres near the centre of 1789. He was a soldier in the War of 1812,
the township, and made an improvement on and after the war came to Ohio, and was
it in 1824, when he removed from Erie engaged in carrying the United States mail in
county. His family at that time consisted of the southern part of the State for several
five children, viz: Mrs. Cynthia Pierson, years, having his home in Cincinnati. He
Dicie, and Isaac (deceased), Jonas, and carried the mail in saddle-bags upon
Jeremiah; Mrs. William Woodford was born horseback. In 1822 he came to Sandusky
in Riley. This family, being one of the county and purchased two hundred and
wealthiest as well as oldest, took a leading sixty-five acres of land from the
part in affairs. Government. December 27, 1824, he was
Isaac Allyn came with the Gibbs family to married to Cynthia Gibbs. To them were
Riley. He entered a large tract of land north born three children, viz: Betsey, now Mrs.
of the Gibbs farm, and engaged in stock- Whittaker, who resides at the old home; John
raising, mostly horses and cattle. He made H., who was killed by a run-away team,
his home with Mr. Gibbs for October 26, 1868; and Cynthia, who died
April 14, 1847. Mr. Curtice died May 23,
1868. He was
730 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

strong, both mentally and physically, to the he married Mrs. R. J. Barkimer, and has
time of his death. After his evening meal he three children living, Clara J., Alva, and
walked about half a mile to see some stock, Ada. Mrs. Barkimer had by her first
returned home and retired to rest feeling as husband one child, Lewis J. Barkimer. Mr.
well as usual. About midnight he awoke with Woodford has been justice of the peace for
a severe pain in the region of the heart, and eleven years. He was appraiser of real estate
died in less than an hour. He was widely and in 1880, and has held various other
favorably known, and in his death the township trusts.
community lost an esteemed citizen. George Jacobs was born in Baden, Ger-
John Karshner settled in Riley in 1830, many, in 1804. He came to America and
having moved from Pickaway county, Ohio. settled in Sandusky county, where he now
The farm on which he settled is now owned resides, in 1834, being one of the first
by his son Daniel. The children of John German settlers in that neighborhood. Seven
Karshner now living are: Daniel; Mrs. Mary children are living, viz: Sarah A.
Black, Ottawa county; and Mrs. Sarah (Fronhizer), Riley; George, Missouri;
Woodford, Riley. Daniel Karshner was born William, Fremont; Caroline (Hughes),
in Pickaway county, in 1822. He married, Clyde; Mary Ann (Zeigler), Riley; and
first, Martha Cooley, and after her death, Charles F., Riley.
Lydia Robinson, by whom he has seven Conrad Wonnan removed from
children—Franklin, Madison township; Columbiana county and settled in this
Alfred, Riley; Mrs. Clara Sherrard, Ballville township in 1836.
township; Mrs. Sarah Plagman, Fremont; William Pierson was born in England in
Anna, Edward, and Willis, Riley. 1806. He came to Canada in 1815, and
The Woodford family settled in this thence to New York, where he remained till
township in 1834. Zerah Woodford, one of 1836, when he came to Riley and harried
the sons, had, however, preceded the other Cynthia Gibbs, who still survives.
members of the family one year. He was one William Harris was born in Columbia
of the first school teachers in the county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1801. In
southwestern part of the township, and was the fall of 1822 he was married to Miss
variously employed until 1838, when he Susan Wagner, of the same county. In the
married Sarah Karshner, and made a spring of 1837 he emigrated to Ohio, and,
permanent improvement. His children were after some fifteen years passed in Riley
Lucy, Lovisa, Sarah, Rachel, Henry, Martin, township, came to Green Creek township
and Charles S., the last named being the only and settled on a farm near Clyde.
surviving child. He married Jennie In the southwest part of the township John
Matthews, and has two children, Stewart L. Faust was one of the first settlers. He was a
and Estella. The parents of the Woodfords native of Pennsylvania, settled first in
were Sylvester and Sarah, both of whom died Pickaway county, Ohio, and in 1826 began
in 1834. After their deaths, all returned to improving the farm on which he died in
Trumbull county except Zerah Woodford and 1859, and on which his son Elias now lives.
Aurilla (Higbee). William, who was born in John was a good shot, and enjoyed hunting
Trumbull county, in 1831, May 28, with all the zest of an ardent youth. Another
afterwards returned to Riley, where, in 1861, characteristic was story-telling ability.
There was, of course, a class of prosy,
matter-of-fact people,
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 731

who were inclined to look upon his stories his life with the family at home in Town-
as creations of the imagination, but the send township. In 1862 he married Julia
romance of frontier life (if we are to believe Clark, and has one child living, Hollis. Mr.
old hunters) transcends the imagination of Haff resides in Riley township, where he has
the present generation. When Mr. Faust tells served several times as trustee.
us that, more than half a century ago, fish in C. P. Daniels, a son of Jeremiah Daniels,
Green Creek, protected from the sun by of Huron township, Erie county, was born in
unbroken shade and secluded by Huron county, in 1814. His father was a
impenetrable forest, were in the habit of native of New York. C. P. married, in 1840,
leaving the sulphurous water to bask in Laura Higley, and has three children—Clark,
mellow air, redolent with the perfume of Riley township; George T., Wood county;
fragrant wild flowers, there is no ground for and Chauncy A., Riley. Mr. Daniels is by
skepticism. Even when he tells us that these trade a carpenter; he is also engaged in
finny creatures sometimes disturbed the farming. He moved to Riley with his mother
peace and quiet of these beautiful banks by when thirteen years old, his father having
fierce and angry fights, what right have we died in Huron county. Of the children of
to shake our heads, for who was there to say Jeremiah Daniels, there are four—survivors-
that such was not the case? There was a C. P. Daniels, Riley; Sarah (Hinkley),
popular prejudice against confounding Townsend; George, Riley; and Rachel
romance with history. The line between the (Higley), Michigan.
two being crooked and imperceptible at Joseph Haaser was born in France in 1803.
places, we prefer not to approach it, but to He emigrated to America in 1830, and
keep upon the high ground of fact, even settled in Pennsylvania, where, in 1833, he
though it is dry and unproductive of that married Catharine Yost, by whom he had a
fascinating interest which we are permitted family of nine children, viz: Elizabeth (Litz),
to see in the distant paradise of romance; York township; Mary (Baker), Toledo;
that paradise is not for the historian to en- Barbara (Moyer), Kansas; Catharine (Horn),
joy. Fremont; Joseph, Fremont; Rebecca (Horn),
Daniel Schoch and family, from Pennsyl- Bucyrus; Frank and Rosa, Riley township;
vania, settled in Riley in 1836. There were and Augustus, Black Hills. The family
eleven children, of whom Henry, William, settled in Riley in 1841. Mr. Haaser has
Edward, and Mrs. Charles Livingstine are at served his township as trustee. He died June
present residents of Riley. Edward lives on 29, 1881.
the old homestead. Henry Schoch was born Samuel Meek settled on the farm where he
in Pennsylvania in 1819. He married now resides in 1848. He was born in Brooke
Catharine Longendoerfer in 1860. They have county, West Virginia, in 1806. In 1848 he
one child, Sarah, living, and two deceased. married Sarah Farber, daughter of John and
William Schoch was born in Pennsylvania in Elizabeth Farber, who were among the early
1832. He married Lena Schumacher in 1860, settlers in Tuscarawas county. She was born
and has four children living—Lydia Ann, in that county in 1821. Her parents came
Emma J., George S., and Charles F. William there from their native State, New Jersey, in
died in 1880, aged sixteen years. 1807. Mr. and Mrs. Meek have nine children
Cyrus Haff, son of Simeon Haff, was born living, viz.: W. C. and Thomas
in 1825, and spent the early part of
732 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

H., Riley; John, Townsend; Martin L., Wood has six children living, viz: William, Allen
county; Samuel, James, Elizabeth, Peter, and county; Lizzie (Daniels), Clyde; S. M., Riley
George, Riley. Several of the family are township; Catharine (Van Buskirk), Riley;
teachers. Abbie (Smart), Townsend township, and
Charles Livingstine was born in the eastern Peter, Townsend. S. M. married Mary B.
part of Ohio in 1826. He came to this county McConnell in 1869, and has five children.
with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Gustavus A. Wright was born in Town-
Livingstine, and has been residing on his send township in 1837, of Vermont par-
present farm about thirty years. Soon after entage. He married, in 1860, Mary A. Gibbs,
coming here he married Mary Ann Schoch. and has a family of nine children, viz:
They have had twelve children, five of Hosea, Emma, Lillie, Clara, Martha, Millie,
whom are living, viz: Charles Henry, Mary Ida, Frank, and John. Mr. Wright was
(Vogt), Hattie, John and Robert. Mr. formerly engaged in the lumber trade, but is
Livingstine has a large farm and is a now farming in Riley township. He is a son
successful farmer. He has been justice of the of Gustavus and Julia Wright.
peace fourteen years, also served as. Henry Vogt was born in Switzerland in
infirmary director, and in other local offices. 1811. He emigrated to America in 1833, and
William B. Sanford was born in Ontario settled in Philadelphia, where he remained
county, New York, April 7, 1828. With his till 1860, when he came to Ohio, and settled
parents, Zachariah and Mary Sanford, he in this township. He married Magdalena
came to this county when three years of age, Mengold in 1849. The family consists of six
and has since resided here. In 1861 he children: Henry, Ballville township; Albert
married Mrs. Permelia Barrett, nee Allyn. and Lizzie, Riley; William, Sandusky; Frank
They have had three children, one of whom and George, Riley.
is living—Lois, Almira and Grant. Grant The following list of freeholders previous
resides with his parents. to 1830 is appended, together with the
James Maurer was born in Pennsylvania in number of the section embracing their lots.
1823. He came to this county with his Less than half whose names are given, were
father's family in 1830. He married Lydia actual settlers of the township: Andrew
Faust in 1851. The family consists of three Stull, 12; Robert Long, 34; Susannah Sutton,
children, viz: Mrs. Maria Mooney, Hancock 6; Thomas Sherrard, 30; Robert A. Sherrard,
county; Noah, Riley township; and Simon, 13; Jacob A. Smith, 20 and 29; William
Hancock county. Daniel and Phebe Maurer, Straight, 14; Samuel Thomas, 31; Henry
the parents of James, were natives of Penn- Vanpelt, 21 and 23; Jac Welchhouse, 19;
sylvania. They had a family of thirteen Isaac Allyn, 2 and 3; Pascal Bisonette, 2;
children, eight of whom are living, namely: Jacob Bowlus, 21; Ezra Clark, 31; Joseph A.
James, Riley township; Samuel, Washington Curtice, 15 and 10; John W. Clark, 27; Oscar
township; Jesse, Michigan; George, De Forest, (township 6), 36; Charles De
Washington township; Mrs. Mary Unger, Forest, 1; Gamaliel Fenn, 17; Jonas Gibbs, 9,
Helena; Jacob, Gibsonburg; Mrs. Isabel 10, 4 and 3; John Hindman, 9; Peter
Alstatt, and Aaron, Washington township. Holbrook, 21; G. H. Hopkins, 11 and 14;
Adam Lute is a native of Washington Jane Hindman, 15; Harriet Hindman, 4;
county, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1805. Alexander Johnston, 1, 8, 4, 13, 26, 33,
He married in Pennsylvania, and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 733

32, 6 and 27—3,360 acres; Isaac Knapp, 5 and sought homes elsewhere while others
and 6; John Herr, 30; Isaac Lathrop, 17 and remained away altogether. Here we have an
20; David Lathrop, 22 and 15; John Ash, 6; example of nature's influence upon history.
Julia D. Forest, 12; Julia D. Forest, jr., 1; ORGANIZATION.
Coles Forest, 1.
The early records of the township have
Thomas Silverwood entered in 1856,
been lost, so that it is impossible to give any
sections 34 and 26, township 6.
civil history. The territory was formerly
MILK SICKNESS. included in Townsend township, which, at
What we are about to say under this head one time, embraced Green Creek also.
might more properly come under the chapter SCHOOLS.
on Townsend township. But the poisonous
The first school-house in Riley stood on
weed which caused so much sickness and
section sixteen, near the site of the town-
distress grew most abundantly on the eastern
house. Caroline Camp taught here a number
bank of Pickerel Creek, within the limits of
of terms and was held in high regard.
the township now under consideration. The
Teaching school in that early day was a
hardships of improving the fertile soil in this
profitless employment. The teacher's
part of the county were increased by this
dependence was upon subscriptions.
distressing and fatal disease in a greater
Comparatively few families lived near
degree than is imagined by the present
enough to the school-house to send their
generation. The species of grass which made
small children and the large ones had too
milk a dangerous poison is easily expelled
much to do at home to give attention to so
by cultivation and has almost ceased to grow
"trifling" a matter as "schoolin'." People,
within the limits of the county. The healthy
too, were poor in those days and could not
cow that eats it (and cattle are very fond of
afford to pay out more money than the home
the young and tender shoots) is apparently
demanded. One dollar a week and board was
little affected. An old settler informs us that
once considered good wages for teaching.
he has often seen suckling calves tremble,
Zerah Woodford was one of the earliest
fall cold upon the ground and die, while no
teachers in the southwest part of the town-
traces of disorder could be detected in the
ship.
mother animal. People, after in any form
The public school system went into effect
using the milk from an affected animal, are
in 1852, since which time good school-
usually taken with a chill. The muscles
houses have been built and public instruction
contract and excruciating pain is produced.
maintained. The number of districts in 1877
The disease, of course, takes different forms
was increased from eight to nine, and in
as it progresses, sometimes settling into a
1880 to ten. The generation of men, now
low form of fever and sometimes death
almost passed away, deserve credit for the
quickly ended the suffering patient's pains.
start they have given our educational system.
In the days when skilled medical aid was
Theirs was a difficult task, being burdened
scarce, the slightest symptoms of the disease
with too many cares and difficulties to give
caused well founded apprehension. Whole
proper attention to matters of culture. Yet
families, whole neighborhoods, were at
they have cleared the way and it is the duty
times brought to beds of suffering, and many
of the present period to see that trained
to silent graves. It is not to be wondered at
that many left their improvements
734 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

teachers raise the standard of intelligence in would not, under any circumstances, be
every community. guilty of doubting a statement of a survivor
MILLS. of the days gone by, it must be remembered
that some people confuse the location of
It may seem strange to the young reader
events. The practice referred to is one of the
why, in a history of this character, the small
traditions of Berks county, Pennsylvania,
and seemingly unimportant mills of an early
where ancient architects left in the basement
period should receive attention. but those
wall two cat-holes, one for big cats and one
who have experienced the difficulties of
for little cats. It is not probable that the old
pioneer life will look upon the subject in a
balancing idea was ever carried into practice
different light. In a period when people were
in this county. It was hard enough work to
compelled to travel long distances through
get the wheat to mill without the stones.
marshy forests and across bridgeless
To Charles Lindsey belongs the honor of
streams, with their small grists on the back
building the first mill in the township. It was
of a horse, and when at length the end of the
located on Raccoon Creek, now a stream of
journey was reached days were consumed in
no value for water power. While the country
"waiting their turn," it is not strange the
was new, marshes and springs kept up an
building of a mill in the neighborhood
even water supply throughout the year, and
should be hailed as the beginning of a new
although the fall was slight a small buhr was
era, and become an epoch in the history of
run by an undershot wheel. Grinding at this
the community; Going to mill has become
mill was a slow operation, but it supplied the
but an evening chore; it once required about
sparsely populated neighborhood. The saw-
one-fourth of one man's time to get the
mill connected with it was scarcely less
grinding done for a family. Nor did the
appreciated than the grist-mill. Logs
pioneers enjoy the luxury of flaky flour
afforded very good material for cabin walls,
made by the present patent process. The
but puncheon floors and doors were great an-
wheat was then crushed between rude, ill-
noyances. It was impossible to fit split
fitting mill-stones, and then sifted by hand
puncheons closely enough to keep out cold
through a bolt of coarse canvas. The bolting
winds in the winter. Besides, doors were
was done by the man owning the grist. This
heavy and hard to open and shut, while
was a slow process, and it was no uncommon
floors were uneven and full of splinters. A
thing for mills to be four days behind, thus
saw-mill once started, boards took their
giving the neighboring taverns a good
place, and the interior of these backwoods
business, while the industrious housewife,
homes assumed a new appearance.
having scraped clean the flour chest, was
The Lindsey mill continued in operation
feeding her children on the hard crusts of
until clearings had destroyed the water-
"johnny cake." The manner of going to mill
power. The framework is still standing.
on horseback has already been spoken of.
William and James Beebe built a saw-mill
Soft ground and thick woods made packing
on Pickerel Creek during the improvement of
the only possible method, and frequent
that part of the county. It is now owned and
streams and marshes prevented heavy
operated by Levi Cowell.
burdens. An old pioneer has said that the
Jason Gibbs built the first steam saw-
custom of putting a stone in one end of the
bag to balance the grain in the other once
prevailed in Sandusky county. While we
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 735

mill in the township. He removed it about whose name is not remembered. Meetings
1870 to its present location at Riley Centre. were very frequently held at this house to
There are at present two grist-mills in the accommodate Mrs. Lathrop's mother, Mrs.
township, both on Green Creek. Eli Faust Bristol, who for sixteen years was both blind
built the first one about 1845. The second and lame. She was a devout Methodist, and
was built by Mr. Schock in 1850. was greatly comforted by the preaching and
CHURCHES. prayers of her brethren. Although the cabin
was not large it was amply sufficient to
In this township, as in most other pioneer
accommodate the small congregations who
communities, the first religious services
gathered there. After the erection of the
were held in private houses, and these
school-house on the corner where the town-
meetings were very infrequent and informal.
house now stands, meetings were held in it.
Attending church is a part of the regular
The first Methodist class, and probably the
routine of life in old settlements, and the
first religious society of any kind, was
loss to emigrants of the comforting
organized in Tuttle's school-house in April,
influences of religious ministrations is the
1853, by W. D. Disbro, presiding elder, and
cause of much discontent. It is a fact
Alfred Wheeler, preacher in charge. It was
inherent in the nature of things that the
known as Tuttle's class, Clyde mission. The
conditions in a new country are not
members were Adam Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz,
favorable to piety. Most emigrants leave
William Lutz, Levi Tuttle, Almira Tuttle,
their homes and neighbors in the hope of
Benjamin Twist, Lavina Twist, Zachariah
bettering their condition in a financial sense.
Franks, Mrs. Franks, and Rhoda Marks. Of
Money becomes scarce, and the demands
these ten first members but three are living-
upon their time are heavy, so that there are
William Lutz, Almira Tuttle, and Rhoda
few people disposed to spend sufficient time
Marks. Services were held regularly in the
and money to keep up religious
school-house until 1864, when, on account
organizations. The few, therefore, who are
of having no suitable place to meet, the class
anxious to hear the gospel expounded must
went down. In 1869 the class-book was
make their own arrangements for it—throw
renewed by O. Squires. A formal re-
open their own houses and entertain the
organization took place in July, 1871, and it
travelling preachers and missionaries.
was connected with Sand Ridge circuit under
The Methodist church may well be proud
the name of "Riley." There were at this time
of its well organized and sensible missionary
twelve members. A revival was held in 1875
system. The policy of dividing a sparsely
during the ministry of Hiram Royce, which
populated district into circuits, and giving all
increased the membership and strengthened
the people an opportunity of occasionally
the cause. Henry C. Martindale and Samuel
hearing preaching, has been the means of
Lane of the United Brethren congregation,
making that church the strongest,
held a joint revival in 1878, which resulted
numerically, in the State, and entitles it to
in many conversions and additions to both
the distinction of being the most useful
organizations. Since 1871 the following
religious organization in the country. The
ministers have served this class and circuit:
first sermon preached in Riley township was
Thomas Thompson effected the
at the residence of Mrs. Lathrop, on school
reorganization and remained
section number sixteen, by a Methodist
circuit preacher
736 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

in charge until the conference appointments houses were completed the same year. The
in the fall of 1872; T. J. Gard served till the South Riley class has now about fifteen
fall of 1873; Hiram Royce till 1875; Hugh members. It is connected with the Bay Shore
Wallace till 1876; H. C. Martindale till circuit.
1879; E. L. Smith till 1880, when the present The following heads of families formed the
pastor, Charles E. Ruddick, came in charge. Evangelical or Albright church: Christian
Near the time of the formation of the Shultz, Daniel Pocock, Jacob Miller, Jacob
Methodist society, a class of the United Stoker, John Gilbert, and Adam Johns. Rev.
Brethren in Christ was organized by Rev. Mr. Whitting was the minister in charge at
Mr. Lemmon. No record is extant, but from the time of organization. Revs. Evans,
the recollection of one of the first members McMillan and Monk have been the
we learn that the first members were: Samuel successive pastors since.
Meek and wife, William Jones and wife, The cemetery in the south part of the
William Van Buskirk, wife and two township was laid out by the Brethren
daughters, Mr. Scouton and wife, and James mission but has since become a public
Walden and wife. Meetings were held in burying ground. The population in the south
Tuttle's school-house until the board of part of the township is largely Lutheran and
directors passed a resolution debarring all Catholic. They worship at Clyde.
religious societies. The resolution compelled MARSH RECLAIMED.
the class to meet at the houses of members
Truth has made common the expression:
until the new union church was completed in
"The ingenuity of man knows no bounds."
1868. This house was built by the joint
At one time the whole west end of the
contribution of both churches. Each church
county was thought a worthless marsh; but
has preaching on alternate Sabbaths, thus
cutting down trees and clearing the natural
giving the community one preaching service
water channels of logs and brush made
each Sabbath. The membership has increased
cultivation possible and profitable. Several
to about forty. It is known as the North Riley
thousand acres bordering the Sandusky Bay
class, Bay Shore circuit.
have always been considered absolutely
South Riley class United Brethren in
worthless except for hunting grounds. The
Christ had its beginning in a mission which
experiment of Dr. Robert H. Rice has,
built a log meeting-house in the south part of
however, demonstrated that much of this
the township about 1855. The interest
marsh land can be reclaimed. The device is
gradually increased and the number of
not new. The fens of Lincolnshire and
communicants grew until, in 1873, a class
Holland flats are kept out of the water by
was formed with sixty members. In 1877 it
similar methods.
was deemed advisable to build a new house
The reclaimed farm land consists of about
of worship, but a difference of opinion
seven hundred acres, and extends from South
created dissension. A portion of the
Creek into the marshes that border the
congregation, together with other religious
Sandusky River. Only about one hundred
professors, founded a society of the
acres of this land is covered with timber, but
denomination commonly known as
before last year less than three hundred acres
Albrights, and built a church half a mile
was tillable, the remainder of the
further west. These two
underwooded section being covered with
water, grown deep and green with
Christian Schultz
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 737

marsh sedge, a good breeding ground for lifted by machinery. An iron wheel sixteen
bullfrogs, and a retreat for mud-hens and feet in diameter furnished on its
solitary bittern. Portions not covered circumference with twenty paddles, which
throughout the year with water were fre- act like buckets, is driven by a ten-horse
quently inundated by wind tides from the power engine. By means of properly
bay. Dr. Rice had for several years en- arranged races the water is driven into the
tertained the idea of draining the marsh and marshes beyond the dike. The wheel
excluding the wind tides by means of dikes. revolves seven times per minute and each
While in Europe, a few years ago, he made a bucket dips up a barrel of water. The water
careful examination of the dikes and drains is therefore poured from the trenches at the
in the low lands of England and Holland, rate of one hundred and forty barrels per
and on his return home began in earnest to minute. In ten hours the trenches can be
carry into execution his long cherished idea. drained dry. This reclaimed land was first
In the fall of 1878 he employed ten or cultivated in 1880. Plows were drawn by
twelve Danes living near Port Clinton and at four horses the first season, but the rich
once set to work. For a year they dug in vegetable soil once disturbed becomes a
water up to their knees. The ditches were light mold and is easily cultivated. The
kept partially clear, however, by two large whole cost was about four thousand dollars.
wind-mills. These Danes were familiar with
that kind of work and prosecuted it with
energy in spite of difficulties which would BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
have baffled native Americans.
There are two trenches from ten to twenty
feet wide and three to five feet deep,
CHRISTIAN SCHULTZ.
extending along the lower part of the tract a
distance of two miles. The earth from these Christian Schultz was born May to, 1820,
excavations is banked up on the outside and in Alsace, department of Strasburg, county
forms a dike from four to eight feet high. of Bichweiler, in Oberhoffen, France. When
This embankment of compact earth ten years of age he came to the United States
completely dams out the marsh water on the with his mother, Mrs. Margaret Schultz, his
other side and inter-poses an effectual father having died when Christian was about
fortification against the high waves driven six months old. He was the only child by the
by strong northeast winds. first marriage of his mother. She became the
One trench begins on the high ground near wife of Albert Strawhacker, and bore five
the creek and extends in an easterly other children, of whom three daughters and
direction, then south. The other runs parallel one son are yet living. With this family his
and close to the south bend of the first, mother came to America, where her husband
forming between their dikes an outlet to a had gone two years previously. They
swamp in the woods at the south—then takes remained near Kenton, in this State, one
an easterly direction. The two trenches are year, then came to the southern part of
connected by a tunnel. The accumulating Sandusky county, about one mile west of
water is drained into these trenches, out of Green Spring, where Mr. Strawhacker had
which it is entered land, and where the family continued
to reside.
738 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Christian Schultz engaged in farming until Schultz family, was the result of the untiring
he was about seventeen years of age. Then labor, and constant, progressive industry of
he entered the mills of Jacob Stem at Green Mr. Schultz and his worthy wife.
Spring, and continued this employment Mr. Schultz was an energetic man. Though
about twelve years. He commenced work in not possessed of great physical strength, he
the saw-mill, but during the last eight years could never endure being idle. . Through his
of this time was engaged in running the efforts and economy he prospered, though
grist-mill. While at work here, he was united very likely his life was shortened by too
in marriage May 26, 1849, to Anna vigorous exertion.
Longanbach, daughter of George and Anna Mr. Schultz was an honest farmer, a good
Longanbach, of Rice township. husband, a kind and indulgent parent, and a
In 1856, in the month of November, having respected citizen. In his business
purchased a farm, he removed and settled in transactions it can safely be asserted that he
Riley township, on the place which is still never wronged any man. January 16, 1877,
the home of the family. The farm had a few he passed peacefully from this life to the
improvements, but Mr. and Mrs. Schultz other, a victim of the dread disease,
found work enough to keep them busy. consumption. He had been ill for nearly two
There was only a small log cabin upon the years, but through the entire period he
place, and no barn or stable. About forty manifested a cheerful disposition and uttered
acres of land had been fenced, but it was not few complaints. He was a member of the
all improved. The land was wet, and Evangelical Association for twenty years,
remained so until it had been drained. Crops and bore the reputation of being an upright
were small; little of wheat or other staples and sincere Christian. Politically he was a
could be raised. During the first few years of Republican, an anti-slavery man and a true
his residence here Mr. Shultz devoted a large lover of his country.
portion of his time to getting out timber for Mrs. Anna Schultz was born in the
staves, hubs, spokes, etc., which he sold, and Province of Wurtemburg, Germany, May 12,
supported the family with the proceeds. 1829. She was the sixth child of a family of
During the last few years a great change has thirteen children, eight of whom are living,
been wrought in this part of the county. four sons and four daughters. Her parents
Twenty-five years ago a trip to Fremont and came to the United States in 1836, and
back was an all-day's journey for Mr. settled in Seneca county, New York, where
Schultz. The school-house was three-fourths they remained five and one-half years,
of a mile distant, and during a part of the removing to Rice township, where Mr.
year it was impossible to get to it with a Longanbach died in July, 1861, in his fifty-
team, owing to the condition of the roads. fourth year. Mrs. Longanbach is still living
But the log cabins have mostly in Sandusky township, at the home of her
disappeared, and in their places stand the oldest son, Martin.
neat and tasteful residences of today, To Mr. and Mrs. Schultz were born nine
comfortably and even elegantly furnished, children, five of whom are living. Amelia
and barns and outbuildings, with all modern Margaret was born October 7, 1850; married
improvements. The beautiful and substantial C. Frederick Jacobs, February 7, 1875; died
dwelling now the home of the August 8th, the same year. John Frederick,
born December
John Zeigler
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 739

18, 1852; died January 15, 1854. Ezra with that intention, left Zanesville by stage,
Christian, born October 29, 1854; died April for the Government land office at Bucyrus,
2, 1856. Lydia Ann, born December 23, on the same morning that the latter started
1856; died December 23, 1877. Mary on foot on the same errand. The foot-traveler
Elizabeth, born March 6, 1859. Charles beat the stage by several hours, and
Martin, born May 12, 1861. Jesse Nelson, accomplished his purpose before his
born February 26, 1863. Ida Elmira, born disappointed competitor put in an
October 12, 1865. Estella Rosine, born June appearance. Martin Zeigler was a man of
24, 1869. Mrs. Schultz belongs to the great energy and perseverance, of sterling
Evangelical Association. Now situated in a honesty and uprightness of character. He was
pleasant home with all her surviving of nervous disposition, showing this strongly
children about her, she enjoys the peaceful in his conversation which he always carried
consciousness that in all things she has on in a remarkably impressive, earnest and
striven to do her duty to her family, her most excitable manner. He died at his home
neighbors and associates. The Schultz family July 24, 1867. His wife died in Fremont,
are well known and respected. February, 3, 1879. They reared a family of
eight children, all of whom (with the
exception of their oldest son, Henry, who
JOHN ZEIGLER. was for twenty-five years one of the leading
Among the early pioneer farmers of merchants in Fremont), carried on the oc-
Sandusky county was Martin Zeigler, a cupation of farming.
native of Hessen, Germany, born in the town John Zeigler, the subject of the engraving,
of Grünberg on the 3d of April, 1795. His was born at the residence of his parents,
wife, Catharine E Kruder, was born in the Martin and Catharine Zeigler, in Riley
same place on the 23d of November, 1796. township, on the 15th of December, 1841. In
With a family of five children, in June, 1865 he married Mary Jacobs, and lived up
1832, they took passage in a sailing vessel to the date of his death on the homestead left
from Bremen, and after a stormy voyage of vacant by his father's demise in 1867. His
seventy-two days arrived at Baltimore, death occurred in a violent manner on the
Maryland. Here, Martin Zeigler was taken 15th day of August, 1876. While working in
with the cholera, which was then raging in the field on the morning of the last-
the city. He escaped with his life, but with mentioned date, he was kicked in the
feeble health, which for some time prevented abdomen by a vicious horse, and died the
him from taking active measures for his same evening, at the age of thirty-four years,
family's support, and consequently reducing leaving a wife and four children. He was an
his capital to a considerable extent. They exemplary father and husband and a model
removed to Zanesville, and remained there farmer. Through hard labor and ceaseless
until 1835, when, having purchased a tract of industry he had accumulated a small fortune,
three hundred and twenty acres of land in and had life been granted him, by the time
Riley township, four miles north-east of he had reached middle age he would have
Fremont, they settled themselves been one of the wealthy farmers of that
permanently. A stranger had determined district, as he was then a representative man.
upon the purchase of this land at the same Honesty, frugality, and industry are
time with Mr. Zeigler. The former, unfailing indicators of ultimate success.
740 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

CASPER HIRT. ber of emigrants, for America. After his


Casper Hirt, a prominent farmer of Riley arrival at Philadelphia he married Miss
township, was born the 3d day of August, Fanny Vogt, born November 24, 1826, in
1820, at Stilli, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. Villigen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. From
His parents were in limited circumstances, Philadelphia he came to Ohio, and settled in
and had a large family. Under such Riley township, Sandusky county, the
conditions Casper Hirt concluded, in the present residence of his family. In
year 1848, after the struggle of the Helvetic consequence of his industry, economy, and
government, in which he was personally skill as a farmer, he made rapid progress in
engaged, against her rebellious Cantons the accumulation of an estate. In the summer
(Sonderbund); to emigrate to America, of 1878, he visited his native land for the
where better prospects are offered a poor second time. During his life he crossed the
man than in his native country. He came to Atlantic Ocean five times, and the Pacific
Ohio, but not pleased with his fortune yet, he twice. In politics he was a Democrat. His
started about two years after for California. family consisted of eight sons and one
To travel from Ohio to California on foot, daughter—John Henry, born August 16,
over the vast plains and deserts of the un- 1855, died January 21, 1877; Charles, born
settled territories was in that time no small February 2, 1857; Samuel I., born August
undertaking. Having arrived there Mr. Hirt 20, 1858; Anna Maria Eliza, born June 10,
met with fortunate circumstances. 1860; Frederick Franklin, born February 18,
Nevertheless he was discontented, and, 1862; Henry Albert, born April 20, 1864;
being fond of travelling, the new reports of Edward Ursinius, born April 20, 1867;
very rich gold mines in Australia led him to Adolph, born April 24, 1869; Lewis S., born
new adventures. But he was badly October 26, 1872.
disappointed in his hopes. He turned back to Mr. Hirt was brought up a member of the
California again, but experienced a voyage German Reformed church, and at-tended its
over the Pacific of great privation and services throughout life.
hardship. Gold could not deliver him from In the long and severe winter of 1881 Mr.
the suffering of homesickness. He was Casper Hirt died (February 3d), in
longing painfully for his native country. In consequence of a bad cold, which turned into
May, 1854, he reached Switzerland again, a lung disease, aged sixty years and six
and remained at his home until the fall of the months. By his death his family lost a tender
same year, and then started, accompanied by husband and father, the township a good
a large num- citizen, and his neighbors a true friend.
JACKSON,

A T a session of the county commission-


ers, held in December, 1829, town-ship
four, range fourteen was constituted a
ical history. The lime element greatly
increases the productiveness of the soil.
Long before man appeared on the face of the
separate town, with corporate powers and earth, and while this sheet of limestone rock
privileges. The name was conferred in honor was yet uncovered, huge mountains of ice,
of the celebrated general, who was then bearing at their base massive ledges of
serving his first year as President of the northern rocks, were slowly forced
United States. For several years after southward. These hard fragments of a harder
settlement began in the county, this township and deeper stratum, called boulders, moved
and its western ands northern neighbors under great pressure, and ground from the
seemed a blot upon the face of the earth. The native limestone surface a powder which,
black surface earth, by its own robe of dense when a warmer age had reduced the glaciers
forest and luxuriant undergrowth of shrubs to water, formed the basis of our fertile soil.
and grasses, had entirely excluded the light A belt of boulders across the township marks
and heat of the sun. Vegetable gases rested the path of one of these moving ice moun-
upon the surface, undisturbed by a troubled tains. These boulders came from north of
atmosphere, and year by year the soil was Canada, and were transported more than a
absorbing chemical elements which, under thousand miles. But this subject can not be
cultivation, have made large houses and fat understood without a general knowledge of
bank accounts. the science of geology. The facts of
But before the period of clearing and geological history are as plainly and
grubbing, all this level tract was a con- unmistakably written in the structure and
tinuous marsh, and where now heavy ears of conformation of the rocks as. the events of
corn are bowing to the ground, fifty years human history are recorded on tablets and
ago only muskrats and snakes were able to scrolls.
live. Nowhere is the relation between natural
The general surface slope of the town-ship. resources and industrial progress better
is toward the northeast, the three. principal shown than in Jackson township. A territory
streams—Wolf Creek, Muskallonge, and which fifty years ago was an unreclaimed
Mud Creek-flowing in that direction. The wilderness will now compare favorably in
valleys of these streams are scarcely improvement and wealth with any similar
perceptible, and the channels are shallow. agricultural district in Ohio. In the winter of
A heavy stratum of limestone underlies the 1828 the first road was cut through the
black vegetable earth, mixed with de- woods, and, by means of logs and brush,
composed particles worn from the rock made passable for a wagon from
surface during the glacial period of geolog- Muskallonge to the Sandusky River. Piked
roads now accommodate every

741
742 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

SECTION. ACRES.
corner of the township. Large, well-repaired
Jacob Bruner, jr...........................................................24 80
houses and barns are evidence to the stranger Christian Bruner..................................................24 80
of the productiveness of the soil and John Bruner .......................................................24 79
prosperity of the farmers. The following entries were made in the
There is practically no water power. The year 1830 :
creeks are small, and their shallow channels SECTION. ACRES.

do not admit high dams. Caleb Cooplin 11 80


George Foltz 1 81
Stone is quarried in several places. The Peter F. Ludwig 35 160
ballasting of the two railroads which cross at Adam Zarung 36 80
Burgoon comes from these quarries, and The following entries were made in the
large quantities are used on the public year 1831:
highways. SECTION. ACRES.
George Phillips ........................................ 2 88
ORIGINAL PROPRIETORSHIP. Samuel Treat ........................................... 14 160
The first entries of land within the limits In 1833 the following entries were made:
of township four, range fourteen, were re- SECTION. ACRES.
William Carr............................................ 2 88
corded in 1828, and the last entry was made Martin Reaper.......................................... 13 80
in 1852. Many changes of owner-ship took
place at the beginning and during the period In 1834 entries were made as follows:
of early settlement, so that the man who SECTION. ACRES.
Joseph Cookson ....................................... 12 80
made the first purchase did not, in every John M. Garn ........................................... 8 80
case, make the first improvement. But no John M. Garn ........................................... 7 80
improvements, except temporary squatter John Garn ............................................... 7 80
George Kessler ........................................ 11 160
shanties, were made before the entries. George Kessler ........................................ 12 80
Settlement, in most cases, followed soon Joseph Leib ............................................. 36 560
after the transfer from the Government. The Gilbreath Stewart .................................... 18 80
following table will, therefore, show in .a The following entries were made in 1835:
general way the date and location of SECTION. ACRES.
improvements, as well as give the names, William Andrew ...................................... 18 80
among others, of most of the early settlers. Daniel Green............................................ 25 80
John Madding .......................................... 4 333
Many early settlers, however, purchased George Overmyer .................................... 2 180
wild land at second hand; their names, George Stockbarger ................................. 4 89
therefore, do not appear in this list: George Stockbarger ................................. 3 92
Entries were made in 1828 as follows: Henry Spohn ............................................ 4 87
James Stult............................................... 3 80
SECTION. ACRES. John Garn ............................................... 8 80
Jacob Nyce ..............................................1 81 David Holts ............................................ 5 160
Thomas Nicholson ...................................35 80 John Madding ......................................... 5 80
Daniel Tyndall .........................................2 80 John Riddell ........................................... 5 80
John Billsland ..........................................1 169
Smith Clauson .........................................25 160 The following entries were made in 1835,
John Custard ............................................24 80 subject to taxation in 1840:
J. and H. F. Hartrell.................................25 80 SECTION. ACRES.
Samuel Henderson ...................................35 80 Matthew Barringer .................................. 3 46
Elizabeth Kendall ....................................1 160 W. E. Chenowith ..................................... 10 40
Elizabeth Kendall ....................................2 160 Jacob Faber.............................................. 3 136
Thomas Gassago...................................... 3 40
The following entries were made in the John Graves ............................................ 3 45
John Graves ............................................ 11 89
year 1829: Peter Hicky ............................................. 21 40
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 743

SECTION. A C R E S.
The following entries were made in the
John Hummel ................................. 8 40
Samuel Hofford ............................. 10 80 year 1838:
SECTION. A C R E S.
David Hoplin ................................. 20 40 Daniel Baker..........................................35 40
D. McCollough .............................. 11 80 Jacob Fry, jr....................................30.......................... 73
J. H. Morrison .............................. 12 160 Leonard Gebhan .............................I2 .......................... 40
David Ripley.................................. 6 80 S. P. Henthorn .......................................22 40
Flora Rodgers ................................ 13 40 Jacob Henry ....................................32.......................... 40
John Seavault................................. 23 80 George Hollinger ............................34.......................... 80
Cynthia Spencer ............................ 22 40 John Ickes ......................................6............................ 86
Henry Bason .................................. 5 40 Abram Johnson .....................................14 80
Hugh Mitchell.................................22.......................... 40
Entries are recorded in 1836 as follows:
John Mowry ....................................33.......................... 80
SECTION. A C R E S. Daniel Roads ..................................12.......................... 80
William Andrew ............................ 18 80 John Thrause...................................18.......................... 37
Jacob Bruner.................................. 27 80 Martin Garn ....................................5...........................160
Jacob Bruner.................................. 26 160 Andrew Roszell ..............................35.......................... 80
Jacob Bruner.................................. 13 80
The following entries were made in 1839:
John Brubaker................................ 2 80
SECTION. A C R E S.
Michael McKinney ........................ 35 80
William H. Bair ..............................7 77
John Stump ................................... 25 160
Jacob Dawhower.............................7 77
Peter Sypher .................................. 18 80
Isaac Posey ....................................5 80
Jacob Shiltz .................................. 14 80
Henry Baughman ............................15 240
Christian Dersham ........................ 6 160
J. W. Baughman .............................1 120
William Russell ............................ 17 80
David Baughman ............................9 80
William Russell ............................. 7 80
Josiah Bair ......................................18 37
William Vernon ............................. 17 158
John Betz .......................................29 40
The following lands were entered in 1836, John Bruner ...................................24 80
taxable in 1842: George Bobletz ...............................27 80
John Betz .......................................29 80
SECTION. A C R E S.
George Bobletz ...............................27 80
Jeremiah Brown ............................. 19 153
M. Barringer ..................................13 40
Hartman Bower.............................. 9 80
M. Betz ..........................................21 80
Martin Bruner ................................ 13 40
John Betz, sr ..................................30 80
Samuel Fry .................................... 31 40
Christian Bruner .............................13 80
William Hederman ........................ 30 80
Martin Bruner .................................13 40
Jacob Krum.................................... 31 80
Henry Burkhett ...............................23 60
Lewis Overmyer ............................ 15 40
James Canfield ...............................17 80
C. W. A. Rodgers .......................... 10 160
Calvin Catkin..................................22 40
Andrew Ruffner ............................. 4 80
Amos Catkin ..................................26 40
Rufus Spencer................................ 19 73
Stephen Dickens .............................35 80
Jesse Stone..................................... 13 80
Jacob Disler ...................................28 160
Newell Wolcott.............................. 30 36
Jacob Disler ...................................29 40
George Wild .................................. 9 40
George Dunbar ...............................34 40
R. Dickinson .................................. 5 40
Jacob Disler ...................................28 120
The following entries were made in 1837: Jacob Disler ....................................29 80
SECTION. A C R E S. Jacob Disler ...................................30 80
John Carnes ................................... 6 168 Stephen Dickens .............................35 40
Jeremiah Brown ............................. 19 149 Isaac Dickens ................................27 80
Henry Havens ................................ 10 160 John Doll .......................................10 60
John Ickes ...................................... 6 86 Daniel Mowry, jr ............................33 80
John Mair .......................................26 40
Hugh lams...................................... 12 80
James McGowen.............................15 40
James Keith ................................... 11 80 Peter Miller ...................................30 80
Samuel King .................................. 3 160 Peter Miller.....................................19 80
Conrad Miller ................................ 22 160 Elijah Moody .................................12 40
Hugh Mitchell .......................................22 80 Hugh Overmyer ..............................2I 80
Jacob Overmyer ............................. 15 160
Daniel Roads .........................................23 80
David Ripley.................................. 7 80
744 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

SECTION. A C R E S. SECTION. A C R E S.
Isaac Robbins ............................... 8 8o Joseph Myers ..................................8 40
George Rapp ................................. 24 240 Catharine Murray ...........................31 78
Samuel Rickel .............................. 31 8o John Mowry....................................32 80
Jonathan Robbins .......................... 17 16o Jesse Mowry ...................................32 80
William Robbins............................ 17 40 David Mowry..................................32 40
Philip Siler ................................... 28 40 William McFarland ........................22 40
George Stoner ............................... 34 160 James Russell ................................1 120
George Stoner ............................... 27 16o Ludwig Schwartz ............................15 80
Christian Stoner............................. 34 8o John Stand ......................................17 80
Andy Swickard .............................. 8 16o Elijah Voorhees ..............................26 40
Andy Swickard ............................. 3 40 Jacob Winter 21 80
Andy Swickard ............................. 4 40 Peter Warner 32 0.8
Silas Stafford ................................ 26 16o Benpri Williams 8 40
George N. Snyder .......................... 6 8o John Weaver 22 80
Robert Tevis ................................. 14 8o John Weaver 14 160
Robert Tevis ................................. 23 8o Michael Betz 31 151
James Tissue ................................. 27 40 Peter Brouff. 20 40
Jacob Vandersall ........................... 20 16o George Bolander 33 80
Jacob Vandersall .......................... 29 16o William H. Bair 18 37
Peter Walter .................................. 29 8o Jacob Bowman 20 120
Jacob Winter ................................. 21 120 Jacob Bowman 9 200
Joseph Whitmore ........................... 21 8o John Betz 30 73
Peter Whitmore.............................. 20 8o Jacob Bayor 33 40
Peter Yost ..................................... 27 40 Meshack Fried 27 80
Jacob Fry, jr .................................. 30 36 John G. Gossard 18 37
John Erb ........................................ 28 16o Isaac Hite 25 40
Jacob Fry ...................................... 30 8o Samuel Henry 32 40
Jacob Fry ....................................... 31 8o Martin Hopkins 19 120
Jacob Fry ....................................... 32 8o Martin Hopkins 20 40
John Fahi ....................................... 28 8o Daniel Hite 13 80
J. G. Gaphard ................................ 28 74 Samuel Henry 32 40
George Gehr ................................. 28 240 P. M. Haas 23 40
George Gehr ................................. 31 40 John Houseman 26 40
George Gehr ................................. 32 40 Jacob Henry 32 80
David Greene ................................ 25 40 Jesse Inks 3 46
Henry Hone .................................. 3 40 John Inks 12 40
Henry Hone .................................. 4 40 Samuel Ludwig 1 40
Henry Hollinger............................. 34 160 Samuel Ludwig 22 80
S. P. Henthorn ............................... 14 82 Samuel Ludwig 23 80
S. P. Henthorn ............................... 23 8o Moses Lyth 8 80
Abraham Helm ............................. 20 16o Joseph W. Lyth 17 80
Isaac Hite ...................................... 25 40
John Inkes ..................................... 12 40
The following entries were made in 1852:
SECTION. A C R E S.
Abram Johnson .............................. 9 40 Charles Choate ...............................23 40
Lewis Johnson .............................. 9 40 Martin Kagey .................................30 73
George Kemp................................. 33 80 Benpri Walters ...............................10 40
John Lytle ..................................... 18 75
Archer Ford .................................. 34 40 THE SETTLEMENT.
Joseph Mayor ............................... 8 40 The first man to penetrate the thick forest
John Miller ................................... 11 16o
John Mercer .................................. 26 40 and inhospitable marsh which once covered
Daniel Mowry ............................... 33 160 the whole of this township, was Peter Stultz.
In 1840 lands were entered as follows: He was soon after followed by his brother,
SECTION. A C R E S.
Henry Stultz. They were natives of New
John Leshler .................................. 21 160 Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio about 8808.
Barney Myers ................................ 26 40 They settled in Frank .
Samuel Myers ................................ 26 40
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 745

lin county where they remained until 1828. was covered, and the family, consisting of
That year Peter, first, and then Henry, five persons, moved in. No chimney had yet
erected cabins and removed their families to been built, and the cooking was done on the
Muskallonge, near the bridge on the outside, except in rainy weather, when smoke
Greenesburg pike. They were not, however, was left to find its way through the cracks in
left long to the solitary enjoyment of forest the sides and roof.
life. Others soon followed their trail and David Vernon moved to this township in the
pushed even further into the uninviting fall of 1829, and his son-in-law, Mr.
wilds, to the banks of Mud Creek. The creek Campbell, immediately set to work to make
lands were dryest, and consequently were the an improvement. Mr. Vernon was a retired
first chosen. Gilbreath Stewart was the Scotch merchant, a bred gentleman, and stood
probable builder of the third cabin. He high in the regard of the early citizens of
located near the Mud Creek bridge, on the Lower Sandusky, where he lived for a time.
Greenesburg pike. There was at that time no An incident once occurred in Olmsted 's store
road in the township. Settlers made their which shows that the spirit of Puritan
way through the woods as best they could, Scotland had not forsaken him, even in this
now and then cutting down a tree where it wicked border town. Judge Howland, a man
was impossible to get between. In the winter habitually profane in conversation, became
of 1828 the county commissioners, on the provoked, and swore terribly. As soon as
petition of Henry Stultz, granted a public Howland had left the group, Vernon, then a
road from Muskallonge to Chamber's mill on late immigrant, with an expression of surprise
the Sandusky River. This road was cut and indignation, enquired:
through that winter, the logs and brush being "Da you cavil that mon Judge?"
used to bridge the swamp. Henry Stultz On being informed that that was his office,
erected on his lot a saw-mill. This was a the high-bred Scot continued:
high water mill, the water in Muskallonge "Indade, saire, and you mak' such mon
during most of the year not being sufficient judge in this America! In Scotland, saire, they
to drive the machinery. wud scarcly allow him to ba a wetness."
The Stultz family remained but about five It is said that when the family were moving
years, and from here removed to Indiana. to this township they stopped at the Klutz
These two brothers had been leading cabin, where an interesting situation of affairs
citizens. can be imagined. The Scotch people made
In the spring of 1829, David Klotz* removed several enquiries which the good Dutch
his family from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, people of that home were unable to
and came to this township, John Garn being one understand. After enthusiastic gesticulation
of the party. After remaining at Chamber's mill, on both sides, an understanding was finally
on the river, about one week, they followed the arrived at. A bountiful supper was spread, and
west-ward trail, passed the Stultz improvement, although the guests could not understand their
and finally arrived at the cabin of Gilbreath hosts, or the contrary, their friendship became
Stewart, where they were received until a cabin mutual. The Vernons were all good people,
was completed. In the course of a couple of but unfortunate. Sickness afflicted them and
weeks the log frame two of them died, A small lot was set apart
for a
*Now spelled Klutz
746 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

burying-ground, which has since become a father, and has been a resident all his life,
public cemetery—the Metzger cemetery, in except about ten years, during which he
Scott township. David Klutz was buried in lived in Washington township. He married,
this graveyard in 1834. in 1838, Elizabeth Overmyer, by whom he
John Garn made an improvement on Mud had six children, two of whom are living—
Creek. He was a native of Bedford county, Joel and George W. She died in 1849. He
Pennsylvania, and came to this county with married for his second wife, in 1854, Harriet
the Klutz family. Here he married Catharine Coon, whose father, Adam Coon, settled in
Garn, a second cousin. He built a saw-mill this township in 1853. William H., Charles
on Mud Creek, which has long since been L., Cornelius K. and Adam N. are the
abandoned. children by his second wife. Mr. Overmyer
John Waggoner first settled within the has held nearly all the local official trusts
limits of this township but soon moved down within the gift of the people of his township.
the creek, and is more properly classed with John Moomy, a native of Pennsylvania,
the pioneers of Washington township. came with his parents to Pickaway county,
These few settlements attracted the at- Ohio. In 1830 he came to this township,
tention of the many emigrants then seeking where he has resided since that time. He has
homes. It now began to appear that the helped to improve the township and seen it
swamp wilderness could be made a fit place transformed from a wilderness into a garden
for the habitation of man. The spring of 1832 of plenty. He married Elizabeth Abbott, who
brought from Pennsylvania, and from the gave birth to seven children, five of whom
counties of Central and Southern Ohio are still living.
family after family. The scenes of a decade John Mowry was one of the first to
earlier in York and Townsend, had now penetrate the damp and unbroken wood-
become the every day life of the "Black lands of the southern part of Jackson. He
Swamp" country. It is impossible in the was born in Northumberland county,
scope of this book to sketch every family Pennsylvania, in 1808, being the fifth of a
that came to the township. But it is due to family of eleven children. He married, in
those who endured the toil and bore the self- 1831, Eliza Gear, born in Cumberland
sacrifice of pioneer life, that their names county, Pennsylvania, in 1810. The fruit of
should be preserved to posterity. this union was nine children, five of whom
George Overmyer, a native of Nor- are living—William A., Aaron J., Absalom,
thumberland county, Pennsylvania, came to Sarah E., and Amos G. Mr. Mowry is the
Ohio and settled in Perry county, in 1804, type of the real pioneer. He saw in the
and lived there until 1829, when he came to uninviting swamp, to which he came in
Sandusky county, and settled soon after in 1832, rich possibilities, and all his energies
this township, near the centre. Lewis were devoted to the development of them.
Overmyer joined him in the spring of 1832. Hugh and Mary (Huff) Iams, both natives
Both were highly respected citizens. Daniel of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, emigrated
Overmyer died March 28, 1859, leaving a with their family to Franklin county, Ohio,
family of ten children—six boys and four in the year 1811. In 1832 they came to
girls. Sandusky county and settled in Jackson,
Daniel Overmyer, a son of George where Mr. Iams died in 1838. The family
Overmyer, came to the township with his consisted of ten children, four
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 747

boys and six girls. Jasper Iams, the fifth necessary at every log-rolling and raising,
child, was born in Franklin county, in 1821. where, all recognizing his superior tact,
In 1844 he married Mary A. Moomy, of this placed themselves under his command. His
township, and lived here until 1857, when he familiar voice sounding the "Heave, oh,
moved to Washington township, his present heave" had a peculiar inspiring effect. He
residence. Mr. Iams' family consists of was not one of those rural generals who
eleven children, four boys and seven girls. insulted a jolly crowd by imperious
Their names are as follows: Harriet, commands, but always with a good natured
Elizabeth, John, Mary, Minerva, Sarah, "Come on, boys," led the way. Nor did he
Franklin, Russell, Jesse, Marcella and Etta. ever refuse the heaviest hand-spike. But an
Michael and Eleanor Shawl emigrated to untimely death deprived the community of
Ohio in 1822 and settled in Seneca county. his services. While holding the handspike he
Two years later they removed to Sandusky called out, "Take care of me," and in a few
township, this county, but made final minutes expired. His son, William Mitchel,
settlement in Jackson, in 1832. Seven is still a resident of the township. He was
children of the family are living viz: born in Perry county, in 1832, and in 1850
Margaret (Remsburg), Illinois; Elizabeth married Sarah J. Stewart. The fruit of this
(Michaels), Indiana; Sophia (Remsburg), union was five children, two of whom are
Seneca county; George W., Jackson living—Charles E. and Austin. Mr. Mitchel
township; Vincent, Illinois; Melissa served in this township as trustee a number
(Vandersall), Seneca county, and Caroline of years.
(Overmyer), Scott township. George W. George Roberts removed from Perry
Shawl was born in Sandusky township in county, Ohio, and settled in Jackson
1832. He married in 1854, Mahala Havens. township in 1833. He remained a resident
The fruit of this union was six children, five here until his death, in 1880. The family
of whom are living. John W., Alamina, consisted of seven children. John Roberts, of
Birchard, Hattie, and Edwin. Caroline Shawl Washington township, and a son of George
was born in 1843. She was married to Roberts, was born in this township in 1835.
Benjamin Franklin Overmyer in 1862. Their In 1867 he married Louisa Hufford. Their
family consists of two children living— family consists of six children—Annie,
William G. and Hattie. B. F. Overmyer died Edwin, William, George, Nettie, and Sarah.
in February, 1879, aged thirty-nine years. He Samuel King settled on the pike in 1833.
was a son of Hugh and Eleanor Overmyer, of George Camp settled southwest of
Jackson township. His mother is still living Burgoon Station in 1833.
in Huron county. Samuel Clinger removed from Hocking
George Gier, a native of Carlisle, Penn- county, Ohio, to Jackson, in 1833, and was
sylvania, came to the township in 1832 and one of the first settlers of the eastern part of
settled near the site of Burgoon crossing. His the township, on Wolf Creek. He was
descendants have all left the township. married in 1831 to Anna Hite, who, with
Hugh Mitchel, a brother-in-law of Lewis their oldest son, John H., came with him to
Overmyer, came in about the same time. He the new home, which has been his residence
was one of the most useful men of the times. since that time. The other three children—
His presence seemed Mary A., Sarah, and
748 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Elizabeth J.—were born in this township. years, but is now giving exclusive attention
Mrs. Clinger died June 1, 1873. John H., to farming.
born in 1832, their only son, lost his first Jacob Winter came from York county,
wife, Mary A. Ridley, whom he married in Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1830, and settled
1856, in 1865. He married for his second in Wayne county, where he remained until
wife, August, 1868, Sarah M. Wise. His 1833, when he removed to this township.
children are Daniel M., Samuel J., and From that time to the present he has been a
Estella. Mrs. Clinger had by her first leading citizen of the county, and taken an
husband one child, Emma A. (O'Bryan). important part in the affairs of his
About 1835 the Hite family removed from community.
Fairfield county and settled in the Francis M. Winter was born in 1845. He
southeastern part of this township, where married, in 1866, Samantha Fry, daughter of
representatives of the family are still living. George Fry, of this township. They have one
Isaac Hite, sr., was the father of five sons, child, William F. Mr. Winter served in the
all of whom settled, lived, and died in army. He was a member of company H, One
Jackson township, with one exception, Isaac, Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio
who died in Michigan in 1881. Their names National Guards, from May 2, 1864, until
were: Abraham, John, Isaac, Thomas, and September 4, 1864.
Martin. There were also five daughters: Another of the settlers of 1833 was Peter
Anna became the wife of Samuel Clinger; Whitmore, who was born in Bedford county,
Sarah married Jesse Holt; Polly, and Nelly Pennsylvania, July 7, 1801. He was a
(Eldridge); Betsy married David Hill, and resident of the township until the time of his
lives at Green Spring, she being the only death, which occurred in March, 1875. He
survivor of the family. Isaac Hite, sr., was accompanied to the county by his wife,
married a second time. Seven children by Catharine Stofer, whom he married in 1832.
this marriage are living. The fruit of this union was seven children—
Abraham Hite came with his parents, and six boys and one girl—Joseph, Fulton
lived where his son Thomas now resides, county; Jacob, Jackson township; Samuel,
from 1842 until his death in 1858. He Michigan; Levi, deceased; John, deceased,
married Susan Bruner, a native of Andrew, Fremont; and Susanna (Smith),
Pennsylvania. But one of their children is Fulton county.
living. Peter Warner, a son of Jacob Warner, was
Thomas A. Hite, son of Abraham Hite, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, April.
born in this township in 1840. In 1862 he 15, 1821. The family emigrated to Ohio, and
married Catharine King, by whom he had settled in Wayne county in 1826, and
two children, one of whom, George W., is remained there until about the year 1833, the
living. For his second wife, in 1867, he time of coming to this township. Peter
married Sophia King, born in Seneca county Warner has been married twice, first to
in 1844, by whom he has three children- Susannah Ickes; she died in 1863. He
Rolland D., Myra S., and Cora E. Mr. and married, in 1866, Elizabeth Lockland. The
Mrs. Hite are both working members of the family consists of three children—John M.,
United Brethren church. Mr. Hite is a Aaron N., and Howard M. Mr. Warner is a
carpenter, and has worked at his trade about carpenter, and worked at that trade until
five
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 749

about 1850, since which time he has been 1833. He married Ann M. Paden, who was
farming. born in this county the same year. The fruit
Andrew Swickard was brought with his of this union was ten children, eight of
parents from Washington county, Penn- whom are still living. Mr. Havens served his
sylvania, to Franklin county, Ohio, when he township as treasurer for a period of ten
was quite young. In 1833 he made an years.
improvement in Jackson, and removed here Birchard Havens was born August 16,
with his family. The first camp-meeting in 1846. He married, in 1867, Elizabeth C.
the township was held on his farm. He died Overmyer, daughter of Lewis Overmyer,
in 1849. Of a family of four children but one They have four children—Clara, Harriet,
is still living. Daniel, the second child, was Myrta, and Adella, all of whom except
born in Franklin county in 1824. He married Myrta are still living.
Harriet Metzger, who died in 1850. He Six children of the family of Henry Havens
married in 1851, for his second wife, Sarah survive, viz: William J., Hugh, Mahala
A. Garn, who was born in Washington (Shawl), Birchard, Orra (Stahl), Jackson
township in 1834. His family consisted of township; and Mary J. (Carr), Michigan.
eleven children, seven of whom are still The township after 1833 filled up rapidly
living. Their names are as follows: Marietta with an industrious class of people, whose
(Vandersall), Jackson; Huldah (Cramer), axes made the forests ring in every direction.
Fremont; and a son who died an infant. Roads were laid out and the natural water
These were by Mr. Swickard's first wife. By courses cleared of logs and underbrush, so
his second wife: Margaret M. (Havens), that the fertile soil became dry and ready for
Jackson; Perry D., Scott; Elba J., Jackson; the plow. During the winter and spring few
Isaac, died, aged eight years; Eli, Jackson; days passed without a raising or log-rolling
Deborah (Dudgeon), Scott; Clark died at the somewhere. Later in the spring the evening
age of two months and seventeen days; and sky, in all directions, reflected the leaping
another son died in infancy. flames of burning logs and brush. There is
This brief notice of the settlers of 1833 something romantic and fascinating in the
cannot be closed without speaking of the imagined scene, but when all the realities of
Havens family. Henry Havens was born in that period of work and privation are
New Jersey in 1809. At an early age his contemplated, the picture loses its agreeable
father moved to Ohio. In 1832 Henry cheerfulness. Looking from this distance we
married Sarah Iames, and chose for his home are too apt to see in fancy only the spectres
the then new country of Jackson township, outlined on a background of dull horizon, by
where he moved soon after. He and his wife curling smoke from clearing fires. It is well
bore a full share of the labor and self- to appreciate the poetry of pioneer times, for
sacrifice of pioneer life. Mr. Havens, after it is the gold which occupies small fissures
serving his community and family faithfully, in the great granite mass of that life.
"closed the earth chapter of life in 1853," at We will notice briefly a few of the rep-
the age of forty-four years. His wife resentative families who have become
preceded him two years. William J. Havens, citizens of Jackson since the period of early
oldest child of Henry Havens, was born in settlement, which we have arbitrarily fixed
this county December 13, at previous to 1833.
750 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Elijah Voorhies, a native of Hamilton, New Perry county, Ohio, where he remained until
Jersey, emigrated to Ohio in 1834, and 1835, when he removed to Jackson
settled in the eastern part of the township, township, where he resided till the time of
where he lived until his death, February 11, his death, in 1875. His family consisted of
1863. His family consisted of ten children, eight children, seven of whom are still
eight of whom are still living—five boys and living—George, Peter, Minerva, Mahala,
three girls. Oliver D., the ninth child, lives Francis, Mary A., and Oscar. Peter, the
on the homestead on which his father settled second son, was born in 1828, in Perry
in 1834. He was born July 12, 1843. August county. He has been a resident of Jackson
22, 1863, he married Lucina Schoch, who ever since the settlement of his family here.
died in 1871. In 1872 he married, for his He married, in 1856, Sarah A. Hodgson.
second wife, Sophia Stahl. The fruit of both Their family consists of one child, William
marriages is five children—Mary J., Vernon A., who married, in 1878, Sylvia A. Powell.
B., Benjamin W., George and Frederick. Mr. William Kenan has a fine collection of
John Doll, a native of Pennsylvania, came Indian relics.
to Ohio in 1834, with his family, and settled William Fisher, a soldier of the War of
near the centre of this township, where he 1812, was born in Virginia in 1789. He
lived until his death, in 1871. He was settled in Jackson township in 1836. He had
married in Pennsylvania to Catharine Day previously lived in Perry county, where his
Hoff, by whom he had a family of eleven first wife, whose maiden name was Jane
children, seven boys and four girls. Samuel, Anderson, died in 1833, leaving five
the sixth child, was born in 1835. In 1859 he children living: James A., in Colorado;
married Mary A. Hummel, whose father, George W., Harriet H. (Fought), Margaret
George Hummel, settled in this township in (Hummel), and Mary E. (Hufford), this
1833. Eleven children blessed this union, county. Mr. Fisher married for his second
viz: Artemus J., Mary C., Harmanus, John wife, in 1833, Mary McCullough. The fruit
Leroy, Lucy M., Eddie, George W., Elsie E., of this union was eleven children, six of
Orvill, Arvilda, and Estella. Harmanus, John whom are living, viz.: Belinda (Miller),
Leroy, Eddie, and George W. are dead. William T., Thomas H., Peter B., Sarah
Daniel Mowry removed from Pennsylvania (Klotz), and Flora. Six of Mr. Fisher's sons
to Stark county, Ohio, in 1823, and after a served in the army—William T., Thomas H.,
residence there of several years he removed John, and Austin T. in the Seventy-second
to Wayne, whence, in 1834, he came to Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Sardis B. and
Sandusky county. His son Samuel, who was Peter B. in the one hundred days' service.
born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in Mr. Fisher died in 1872. George W., the
1820, married, in 1844, Rebecca J. oldest son living in this county, was born in
Rosenberger, and is father of a family of five 1819. In 1844 he married Clara Black, and
children living, viz: Sarah J., George W., has a family of three children living-Rhoda
Michael N., Alice I., and Milan E. One son J. (Hathaway), John C., and William F. John
died in the army, Henry A., the oldest. C. Fisher was born in 1848. He married
Silas Kenan emigrated from Virginia to Celia Moore in 1873. They have five
children—Claude, Guy, Webb, James, and
Maud.
William Boor emigrated from Pennsyl-
vania to Ohio in 1836, and settled in the
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 751

northwestern part of Jackson township. He family to Wayne county, and subsequently


was the father of six sons and five daughters. settled in Jackson township, where they still
Five sons and four daughters are yet living. reside. They were originally from Baltimore,
All of the sons, excepting the oldest, were in Maryland, but came to this State from
the army. The sons are: Josiah, Steuben Pennsylvania. John was born in Baltimore in
county, Indiana; William C., Wood county; 1808. He came to Wayne county in 1826,
Samuel, Jack-son township; James H., died and to Jackson township in 1836. Two years
in the war; Silas C., Blackhawk county, later he married Catharine Crites, a native of
Iowa; and Francis M., Jackson township. Stark county. Ten children blessed this
The daughters are: Mary Ellen (Robbins), union: Valentine, Abraham (deceased),
Indiana; Margaret (Grimes), St. Joseph Isaac, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary C. (deceased),
county, Michigan ; Eliza Jane (Rickle), William, Lydia, Mary, and John. Before
Berry county, Michigan; and Elizabeth Ann coming to this county Mr. Shale worked at
(Garn), Steuben county, Indiana. Martha the carpenter trade.
died in Pennsylvania when about two years Isaac Shale, the third child of John Shale,
old. Samuel Boor was born in Pennsylvania was born in Jackson township in 1841. He
the year before the family came to Ohio. He married first Barbara Myers in 1865, who
married, in 1869, Mary E. Snyder, and died in 1870, aged twenty-eight years. He
settled on a farm in Scott township. They married for his second wife, in 1871, Lavina
have three children—Mary, Jessie, and John. Clapper. The children by the first marriage
Mr. Boor served throughout the war as a were: William F., Ida E., and Samuel C.; by
member of the Seventy-second Ohio the second, Solomon C. and Harvey L. Mr.
Volunteer Infantry. Francis M. Boor, Shale, besides his farming operations, was in
youngest of the eleven children of William the grain trade at Burgoon for about three
Boor, was horn in Jackson township in 1845. years.
He married Elizabeth N. King in 1867, Nicholas Shale, jr., was born in Baltimore
daughter of George King. Their family in 1810. About 1835 he came to Ohio, and in
consists of two children—Charlotte and 1836 settled in Jackson township. For his
Charles. first wife he married Elizabeth Herring, a
Peter Nickles was born in France in 1815. native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, who bore
He emigrated from that country in 1836, one child, now dead. His second wife is
and, after stopping a short time in New Mary Herring, a sister of the first. They have
York, settled in Jackson township in the fall had no children. The Shale family are all
of the same year. In 1858 he settled on his members of the Evangelical Association.
present farm in Washington township. He John Vandersall has been living on the
married Sarah Joseph in 1845, who has same farm since 1838. He was born in
borne eleven children, viz: Sophia (Hufford), Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. His
Washington township; Mary A., deceased; father, Jacob Vandersall, removed to Stark
Christina (Mapes), Iowa; Margaret county in 1818. In 1837 Mr. Vandersall
(Wengert), deceased; Sarah (Ross), Fremont; married Susan Kaler, a native of
John G., Washington township; Anna, Pennsylvania, and in 1838 he settled on the
deceased; Jennie C., Lydia E., George H., farm, where he now resides. The family
and Minnie. consisted of eight children, four of
John and Nicholas Shale, two sons of
Nicholas Shale, sr,, emigrated with their
752 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

whom survive: Jacob, William, John and Young, a native of Loteringen, and settled
George. Two sons were in the late war. where he now lives, in Jackson town-ship.
Jacob Vandersall, jr., was born in Stark Twelve children blessed this union, seven of
county in 1818. He married in 1842, Lucetta whom are living. The children were: John,
Hair, and the following year settled in Mary, Catharine, George, Barbara, Henry,
Jackson township. The fruit of this union Catharine, Joseph, Flora, Michael, Rose M.,
was two children—Isaiah and Maria. Isaiah and Fred. Mr. Hoff-man worked at tailoring
married for his first wife, Mary J. Feasel. for about twelve years. The children are all
After her death he married for his second married except the youngest. Henry L.
wife Mary E. Swickard. Hoffman was born in 1843. He married, in
Samuel and Elizabeth Ludwig with their 1870, Mary C. Weible, and settled on a farm
family removed from Berks county, in Scott township. Their family consists of
Pennsylvania, to Crawford: county, Ohio, in three children,—Agnes R., Lawrence, and
1831. Jeremiah, the second child, was born Jacob. Henry Hoffman was born in
in Berks county, 1811. In 1836 he married Loteringen, in 1813. He married, in 1840,
Rachel Meller, and in 1839 removed to Barbara Livingston, a native of Stark county.
Jackson township, where he still lives. They In 1848 he came to Sandusky county,
have eight children living—Elizabeth, settling first in Sandusky township, then in
Rachel, Samuel J., Thomas I., Mary J., Riley. He settled permanently in Jackson in
Geneva, Jeremiah M., and Michael W. Mr. 1861. Six of their nine children are still
Ludwig was well known in former years as a living,-George W., Henry L., Elizabeth,
stock buyer and drover. Henry Ludwig, the Barbara, Charles, and Jacob. The Hoffmans
ninth child of Samuel Ludwig, was born in were early settlers of Ottawa county, and
Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1826 In 1857 bore bravely the hardships of pioneer life.
he married Anna Townsend, of Erie county, They settled there about 1835.
and two years later settled on the farm on David Koleman came, in 1826, from
which he now resides. Mrs. Ludwig died in Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1809, to
1864. In 1875 he married Loretta Hodgson, Ohio and settled in Wayne county. In 1833
by whom two children were born—A. C. and he removed to Stark county, and in 1847
Anna. Henry Ludwig has also engaged in the settled in Jackson township. He married for
stock trade. his first wife, in 1841, Catharine Carr, who
There is near Millersville a German died in 1851. Four years later he married
settlement composed mostly of industrious, Lucinda Carr. The children by his first wife
hard-working people, whose labor has as- were: Mary E., Lucinda (deceased), and
sisted materially in the economic develop- Harriet (deceased); by the second, Rosetta
ment of the township. A representative C., Jacob F., Perry E., and William A. Mr.
family of this class are the Hoffmans. John Koleman served his township as clerk fifteen
G. Hoffman, a son of Frederick Hoffman, years and as treasurer seven years.
was born in Loteringen, France, in 1814. The Most of the settlers of a later period came
family came to America and settled in Stark to the township from Wayne, Franklin,
county in 1831. In 1834 they removed to Perry, Stark, and other counties of Central
Ottawa county. John G. married, in 1839, Ohio. They were originally, however,
Catharine. Pennsylvania or Maryland people.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 753

Otho Lease, a native of Maryland, came to Frederick Miller, a native of Wurtemberg,


Ohio in 1834 and settled in Wayne county, Germany, came to America and settled in
whence he removed to Seneca county, and New York in 1828. In 1854 he came to Ohio
thence to Sandusky county, and settled in and settled in this township. He married, in
this township, where he lived until his death, 1831, Sarah Hoil, a native of Pennsylvania,
in 1876. His family consisted of six boys and and has a family of five children living—
three girls. Jefferson, the eighth child, was Christian F., William S., Sarah, John R., and
born in Seneca county in 1843. He married, Frederick C. Christian, William, and John,
in 1864, Rebecca Carr, a daughter of James were in the army, and one of the sons-in-
Carr, of Ballville township. The fruit of this law, J. R. Rosenberger, died in the service.
union was four children, only one of whom Christian, the oldest son, is married to Sarah
is living Maria B. Mr. Lease owned the saw- Zink, and lives on the homestead. He has
mill at Jackson for about six years. one child—Esther A.
Samuel M. Smith was born in Wayne Joseph Burgett, second child of John
county, Ohio, in 1825. He married, in 1857, Burgett, was born in Mahoning county in
Elizabeth Deahofr, and settled in Seneca 1832, and in 1856 he settled on the farm on
county. The following year he removed to which he now lives. He married, in 1855,
Sandusky county, and has been a resident of Malinda Hammon, who died in 1879. In
this township since that time. Their children 1880 he married Alma Flood. The family
are John W., Alfred, and Samuel. consists of three children. Mr. Burgett
John H. Feasel was born in Franklin worked at blacksmithing in Mahoning
county in 1822. In 1843 he married Martha county about ten years. During the war he
J. Bowers, and in 1853 made permanent was appointed to supervise the Greenbrier
settlement in this township. The children road in West Virginia.
were Mary J., Susan, Alexander, and Jacob Andress settled in Ballville town-
Amanda E., all deceased. ship in 1835, being a native of Buffalo, New
John King was born in Perry county, Ohio, York, where Joseph L. Andress, his son, now
in 1819. He married Mary Mowry in 1841, living in Jackson, was born in 1834. In 1859
and, in 1851, settled in this town-ship, where he married Anna Young, a daughter of
he remained twenty-five years, then removed Michael Young, and settled in Jackson
to Ballville township, where he still lives. township. Their family consists of eight
He has seven children living—Mary children—Mary A., Jacob, Catharine,
(Musier), Allen county; Lydia Reichelderfer, Johanna, Magdaline, Rosa, Theresa, and
Auglaize county; George, Allen county; Joseph L.
Sarah (Mowry), Ballville; John, this Michael Ickes settled in this township in
township; Jacob and Perry, Ballville; and 1856. Hp was born in Bedford county,
Elmira (Searfoss), Scott township. Pennsylvania, in 1817, where he was
John W. King, son of John King, sr., and married, in 1839, to Hannah Ow. Six of their
Mary (Mowry) King, was born in this children are living—Joseph H., Jackson;
township in 1853. He married, in 1875, Harmonous, Anna M. (Oswald), Jackson;
Clara B. Hunlock, and has one child—John Margaret I. (Kenan), Illinois; Sarah C.,
C. Jackson and Lucinda J. (Garn), Jackson.
James W. Laird was born in York county,
Pennsylvania, in 1818. He settled
754 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

in Perry county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 1856 ceased to be a refuge. The last one seen in
came to Seneca county, where he remained Jackson fell a victim the fourth year of the
six years, and has since been a resident of settlement. Zimmerman was quietly strolling
this township. He married Eliza C. Wilson, along the bank of Muskallonge, carrying his
and has seven children: Calvin, Elijah H., gun, when a little black animal arrested his
Mary E., Emma J., Minerva E., Anna, and attention, which, after sneaking up to within
William. Mrs. Laird died in 1866. He is a fair shooting distance, was seen to be a fine
blacksmith by trade, but is now living a fat cub. A well aimed ball made the
retired life. youngster his victim. But the sound of the
Alexander Smith, fourth child of Richard gun and smell of blood brought an angry
Smith, was born in York county, Penn- mother from her quiet den. A moment later
sylvania, in 1824. He married in 1846, the composed hunter was confronted by the
Catharine Richerd, a native of Germany. fiery eyes and open red mouth of the en-
This union was blessed with twelve children, raged beast. "A message of death," directed
seven of whom are living: Mary J., by a steady hand, did its work. One more
Elizabeth, Alexander, Anna, William H., cub was seen and quickly dispatched. The
Matilda, and Josephine C. Before coming to settlers, who were all recent arrivals,
this county Mr. Smith worked at purchased the meat. The cubs were
blacksmithing for a period of twenty years. especially "fine eating."
David A. Pence, son of David L. Pence, DESTRUCTION OF CROPS.
was born in Seneca county in 1844. He
The settlers of the spring of 1833, by dint
settled in this township in 1871. In 1866 he
of hard labor, succeeded in getting into
married Henrietta Gallant, who died in 1877,
ground a few acres of corn—enough in the
leaving three children, William D., Oliver
event of a good crop to keep their families in
L., and Carrie E. Mr. Pence married for his
corn-bread over winter. The work required to
second wife, in 1880, Amelia Finkbeiner.
raise corn on this new, black soil, can be
Rev. Joseph Blaser, pastor of the Catholic
imagined only by the experienced. Although
church of Jackson, was born at Wurtemberg,
standing trees were only deadened and not
Germany, in 1846. He came to America in
cut down, an enormous mass of decaying
1874, and began pastoral duties in Defiance
logs had to be cleared away, underbrush
county, Ohio. Since 1877 he has been
grubbed out, and the water drained into its
officiating in Jackson.
natural channels. After the planting has been
THE LAST BEAR . accomplished, the difficulty of keeping
The last of the tribe of bruin seen in this down the weeds will readily be appreciated.
township was shot in the fall of 1833 by Mr. But this small patch of grain was all the
Zimmerman, who lived on Muskallonge. newcomer, without money, had to depend
This species of forest inhabitant prefer hills upon for his next year's living. He cultivated
and clear, flowing, rapid currents, and were and watched, therefore, with zealous care.
consequently infrequent visitors of this flat The season of 1833 was fortunately good.
country. Now and then one, however, sought Corn promised well, and all things were
refuge in the deep shade of this impenetrable encouraging until about ripening time.
forest, and having sought out some hollow First came the blackbirds in darkening
tree or stump, lived a quiet life. But the time flocks. The numerous deadened trees
came when even the "Black Swamp"
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 755

furnished them a perching and roosting SCHOOLS.


place, while heavy ears were being rapidly The first school-house in the township was
stripped of their yellow fruit. The black- a log building which stood near the bridge,
birds were not icing alone. A larger and across Mud Creek on the pike. James Drake
more destructive fowl played havoc with the was the teacher. This house was built by
corn. Wild turkeys were so plenty that it was Campbell, Klutz, Garn, and a few others,
almost impossible to discharge a load of shot about 1832. Webster's spelling book was the
into the field without bringing one or more standard for spelling, and at the same time
of these ravenous intruders to the ground. served as primary reader. "The English
Blackbirds and turkeys were not alone in the Reader" was the consummation of an
general campaign against these first English education, and very few pushed
cornfields. The raccoon tribe carried on an beyond the "rule of three" in arithmetic.
active and powerful warfare, while squirrels The first school-house in the southern part
of all kinds lost no time in laying aside for of the township was located on Muskellunge,
winter use a fair share of the crop. It is and built about 1834. The school board as
unnecessary to state that this activity was of constituted by the act of 1852, the act which
short duration. Grainless cobs were the only provided for and enforced a free public
mementoes of what had been. school system, met the first time in April,
Mr. Jacob Winter informs us that of five 1853. There were at that time five school-
acres which, at roasting ear time, promised a houses. Eighty-three dollars were ordered
good crop, not a full ear and scarcely a grain expended on repairs.
was left. Some became discouraged and left A public library—the Ohio School Li-
the country. Faith in a better day ahead brary—was furnished the schools, and for a
detained others. There was, indeed, occasion time faithfully managed according to the
for discouragement. Flies and mosquitoes rules. But like all other libraries of this sort,
made war upon the household and stock no it was in a few years dissolved by neglect.
less industriously than the birds, turkeys, Rev. Father Young, pastor of the Catholic
raccoons, and squirrels upon the corn, the church, founded a parochial school in 1871;
only difference being in degree of a building was erected the same year at a
accomplishment. To add to this more or less cost of six hundred dollars. This school is in
sickness incident to a new and wet country, a flourishing condition, the average
we have a picture of distress seldom attendance during the winter of 1880-81
equaled. being about seventy-five.
ORGANIZATION. There are in Jackson at present twelve
The first election was held at the residence public school-houses, including the double
of Henry Stultz on Christmas Day, 1829. We brick building at Burgoon. This district
regret that the first records were either not employs two teachers, one for the primary
preserved at the time or have since been lost, and one for the higher grade.
for it would be a satisfaction to give the PHYSICIANS.
names of the settlers who had conferred Jackson has had a doctor's office within
upon them honor-able Christmas gifts._ John her boundaries, with but few intermissions,
Garn, George Overmyer, Jacob Winter, and for the last twenty-five years. We shall
Henry Haven were among the early justices
of the peace.
756 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

give the names only of a few who remained road then called the Lima & Fremont, now
to establish themselves in a practice. Dr. the Lake Erie & Western. For the
Moore opened an office at Winter Station accommodation of the neighborhood a
before the war. He went into the army as a petition for a post office was sent to the
volunteer and never returned to the county. Department, which was granted, and the new
Dr. Lee and Dr. Orwich were successive office christened Winter's post office. From
practitioners at Winter's Station. that time the place was known as Winter's
Dr. Andrews removed from Fremont to Station. The man who laid out a town, and
Millersville in 1872, being the first physi- whose name it bore, erected the first
cian at the place. In 1895 he removed to business building, in which David Lemmon
Genoa, where he is continuing the practice. placed a stock of general merchandise. Mr.
Dr. Paul succeeded him at Millersville and Edwards opened the second store; John Keen
remained a few years. In 1879 W. J. Gillette, succeeded him.
a graduate of Cleveland Medical. college, David Lemmon was the first postmaster.
located at that point. His successors in business continued the
MILLS. office.
But Winter's Station came to grief in its
We do not know the exact year of the
youth. When the Toledo, Tiffin & Eastern
building of the first saw-mill, but it was
railroad was built the town was discovered
during the period of early settlement. It was
to be about one mile too far to the northeast,
located on Muskallonge and owned by Henry
for the railroad crossing was undoubtedly
Stultz. The machinery has long since been
the most promising site for a village.
removed and but few traces of its existence
remain. BURGOON .
The second mill was built and operated by The land on the east side of the Lake Erie
John Garn, on Mud Creek. Like its & Western, extending as far north as the
predecessor it has also passed away. pike, belonged to Peter Warner. After the
Jacob Winter built a mill on Muskallonge completion of the Toledo, Tiffin & Eastern
in 1843. Considerable work was turned out railroad he laid out a section of town lots
in wet seasons. As the country became more and gave the prospective village his own
generally cleared the stream became less name. Mr. Warner was not long permitted to
reliable as a source of power. enjoy a monopoly of village making. A
The fourth saw-mill, and the only one company, consisting of Messrs. Huss, Noble,
remaining, except the steam mill and factory Nailor, and Loomis, purchased twelve acres
at Burgoon, was built by Joshua Smith, and of the Wise estate and laid it out in town
is located on Muskallonge, near Winter lots. M. F. Hostler purchased a half interest
Station. It is now operated by Thomas in this company soon afterwards. The
Fleming, and steam power is depended upon. subject of a name caused a division of
There never was a grist-mill in the opinion. Mr. Warner's friends insisted that it
township until 1880, when the steam-mill at should be called Warner; Lorain was the
Burgoon was built. choice of the stockholders across the road,
WINTER STATION. but the post office was listed Burgoon, as a
The first village was laid out by Jacob compliment to the superintendent of the new
Winter and was located on the line of rail- railroad.
The dry goods business was commenced
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 757

by Rufus Baker in 1873. He was succeeded lots on the north side of the pike. Millers-
in a short time by Randall Glass, who ville is two miles from Helena and five miles
continued the business about three years. J. from Burgoon.
W. Powell was the next merchant. After A sketch of Helena, which is divided by
about two years he sold to A. J. Mowry. P. J. the township line between Washington and
Kenan opened a store in 1880. His business Jackson townships, will be found in the
was destroyed by fire on the night of March chapter on Washington.
29, 1881. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
M. F. Hostler has been in the grain and
There are in this township seven churches,
stock business since 1874. He has a large
and it is with pleasure we chronicle the fact
elevator and two stock yards.
that the leading citizens are included in their
William F. Fry, in the summer of 1880,
membership. The pioneer. preacher of this
erected a large steam grist-mill, saw-mill,
community was Rev. Jacob Bowlus, of
and planing-mill.
Lower Sandusky. He extended his
A. Mowry and Randall Glass each kept
missionary labors all over the west part of
tavern two years.
the county, and the many flourishing classes
Bricks of fair quality are manufactured
and neat white churches belonging to the
here, and wagon-making is carried on to a
conference of United Brethren in Christ,
limited extent.
testify that seed was sown in good ground.
It is within the possibility of things for
Evangelical (Albright) missionaries also
Burgoon to become a town of some im-
labored faithfully and successfully.
portance. Surrounded with an agricultural
territory inferior to none, and with good UNITED BRETHREN.
railroad facilities there is no reason why it The first sermon was preached in the
should not prosper. residence of Gilbreath Stewart, in 1829, by
MILLERSVILLE . Jacob Bowlus. After the school-house was
built at the site of Mud Creek bridge, on the
This is a post village at the crossing of the pike, meetings were held there. Jeremiah
pike and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Brown occasionally preached here. After
Chicago railway. When the railroad was Jacob Winter settled on Muskallonge,
built the farmers in the community raised, by meetings were held in his barn, generally
subscription, sufficient money to build a under charge of Jacob Bowlus. It was in this
depot. The site seemed auspicious for a barn that Michael Long, who has since
town. Peter Miller laid out a small portion of distinguished himself for usefulness in the
his land in town lots, and the new burgh was church, preached his maiden sermon. A class
called Millersville. The founder of the town was here organized which, about 1840, built
was commissioned first postmaster, and, a meeting-house in the Mowry
after serving in that capacity a short time, neighborhood. The class prospered and
was succeeded by the present incumbent, grew. In 1866 it became necessary to build a
John Garn. new house of worship. A difference of
A man named Grulich opened the first opinion in the matter of location was happily
general store. He was succeeded in 1897 by settled by the preacher, Mr. Long, proposing
S. S. Wright. A blacksmith shop and two that while the subscription paper was being
saloons compose the balance of the business passed around, each one should indicate his
part of the village. choice of location.
Henry Ludwig has laid off a section of
758 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Two points were centered upon Mowry's EVANGELICAL CHURCHES.


Corners and Winter Station. Both parties There are in the township two Evangelical
subscribed liberally, but Winter Station was churches—Zion's and St. Paul's. This form
the point decided upon. A handsome frame of Christian worship was established in the
building was erected and christened Eaton community at an early period of the
Chapel. This class has a membership of settlement, some of the pioneers from
about fifty. Mr. Long held an interesting Pennsylvania having previously been
revival in the winter of 1867, and also the members. John Betts and wife, John Shale
following year, when he was assisted by and wife, Daniel Mowry and wife, Samuel
Rev. Mr. Hart. Leffler and wife, Nicholas Shale and wife,
In 1874 Otterbein class was formed, the and perhaps a few others, are the oldest
first members being M. F. Hostler and wife, members. Aaron Younker and Thomas
Absalom Mowry and wife, Aaron Mowry George are remembered among the early
and wife, William Nye and wife, Aaron preachers. A log meeting-house was built
Warner and wife, Henry Disler and wife, and about 1840, and the class took the name of
Emily Wise. Centennial Otterbein Chapel, a its faithful leader, and was called; and is yet
handsome brick edifice, was erected in 1876, commonly known, as Shale's class. A new
as the name would indicate. The class was house of worship, known as Zion's church,
organized by Rev. Michael Long. His was erected in 1867, at a cost of twenty-five
successor, G. French, was in charge when hundred dollars. Rev. Daniel Stroman was
the meeting house was built. then the preacher in charge. During the
Succeeding ministers have been William winter following the building of the new
Mathers, O. H. Ramsey, and Joseph Bever. church, an awakening revival resulted in
Revs. Long, French, and Mathers, held many accessions to the membership. The
revivals. The class belongs to Eden circuit, class, now numbering fifty-four, belongs to
and has a membership of about twenty-five. Bettsville circuit.
Bethlehem class was organized by Michael St. Paul's Evangelical Association is the
Long in 1875, in the school-house on the northern class of this denomination in the
Greenesburg pike, with the following township. The early members were: John
members: James Seagraves and wife, S. Dole Vandersall and wife, Jacob Vandersall and
and wife, Philip Klutz and wife, and Daniel wife, Michael Shaffer and wife, Jacob
Dole and wife. In 1876 a church was built at Harley and wife, Abram Boroff and wife,
a cost of two thousand dollars. The first and perhaps others. Meetings were held in
deacons were S. Dole, J. Seagrave, and W. J. the residences of these early members for a
Miller. The present membership numbers time and afterwards in school-houses. In
about forty. 1867 a church was built in the Vandersall
A class was organized a number of years neighborhood, at a cost of twenty-three
ago in the western part of the township, and hundred dollars. This class also belongs to
named in recognition of that venerable and the Bettsville circuit.
devoted member, Eli Fetters. "Fetters'' class, CATHOLIC.
though small in membership, maintains its
organization and regular preaching. The old There is in the northwestern part of the
school-house on the Fetters farm was township a large settlement of German
purchased a few years ago and is used for Catholics. They are an industrious, pros-
worship. perous people, and the amount of money
expended on church buildings proves their
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 759

devotion. St. Mary's congregation was BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH,


organized by a colony of about twenty
families from the church at Fremont, in CHARLES ROZELL AND FAMILY.
1858. The leading members were: George Charles Rozell was born in Mercer county,
Hoffman, George Baker, Peter Golwick, New Jersey, October 21, 1 803. His parents
John Kuffler, Maggie Young, Peter Keen, were John and Jane Rozell, both natives of
Myron Hoffman, Joseph Weil, Michael New Jersey. Charles was the oldest of a
Harmer, B. Wilhelm, —Groff, Peter Miller, family of twelve children, seven sons and
John Rumble, Casper Foos, George Rush, five daughters. He passed his early years at
John Newberg, Leodegan Lehman, Benjamin home, and served an apprenticeship to learn
Ontrich, George Strassel, and Andy Foos. the shoemaker's trade, but not liking it, left
The congregation, was organized by Father the shop and engaged in farming. In 1826 he
Engly. Succeeding pastors have been: married Catharine Wiley, of Mercer county.
Fathers Folm, Barber, Young, Litters, Sproll, In 1831 Mr. Rozell left New Jersey and
and Blaser. The cost of the church besides came to Jackson township, Sandusky county,
the general work, which was done and purchased the farm upon which he
voluntarily by the members, was eighteen passed the remainder of his days. The farm
hundred dollars. A priest's house was built was a wild lot; not a stick of timber had been
the following year, which cost about seven cut, and only an unbroken forest marked the
hundred dollars. In 1878 a new parsonage spot which he selected for his home. It was
was built, which cost two thousand dollars. the month of March when he arrived. He
In 1871, during the pastorate of Rev. Father erected a log house and cleared sufficient
Young, a parochial school was established, ground for a garden and cornfield, and in the
and a school-house erected at a cost of six fall sent for his family, consisting of his wife
hundred dollars. The average attendance is and two children. They came, accompanied
about seventy-five. by Mrs. Rozell's brother. Mr. Rozell met
BAPTISTS. them upon their way and con-ducted them to
There was at one time a flourishing his wild and unattractive home. At that date
congregation of Baptists in this township. there was little of romance about life in the
The church stood near Winter Station. woods. The roads, or paths—for there were
Among the members were: William Russel, no roads worthy the name—were in the
Lewis Overmyer, Hugh Overmyer, Silas worst condition imaginable. Lower Sandusky
Kenan, B. Fried, and Mrs. Hansen. All was the nearest point where milling was
things moved smoothly until the Seventh carried on. Mr. Rozell bought a pair of oxen
Day Adventists began to hold service in the with which to do his work. He used up
church, the use of which was kindly granted nearly all of his money before his farm was
them. The faith of some of the members was in a condition to bring any returns.
changed; the congregation weakened and Both Mr. Rozell and his wife toiled
finally died out. earnestly, and saved economically all they
could gain. They denied themselves many of
the comforts and luxuries now found in
almost every farmer's home, and
760 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

restricted themselves to the necessaries of was a native of Pennsylvania, who served


life. They made sugar from the maples for throughout the Revolutionary war; also in
the family use, and strove to curtail expenses the War of 1812. Her father also served in
in every way. the War of 1812. Robert Bay married Tama
In 1 836 Mr. Rozell's parents came to Ann Phillis, of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rozell's
Seneca county, and settled a few miles father, Joseph Bay, was born in 1790; died
distant from their son's home. Mrs. Rozell in 1835. In 1813 he married Catharine
died upon their farm in Seneca county, and Derrick, who was born in England in 1795.
Mr. Rozell a few years later in Jackson She is still living in Zanesville. The Bay
township. family were among the first settlers in
John Rozell gave the land for the cemetery Jefferson county, in this State. They lived
in Seneca county, south of Bettsville. There there until 1822, then moved to Morgan
reposes his body and the remains of those of county, and to Zanesville in 1824. Mrs.
the family who have died in this vicinity. Rozell is the fifth of a family of eight
The industry and economy of Mr. Charles children, three sons and five daughters. She
Rozell were rewarded. He began with eighty has one brother and two sisters living at this
acres of wild land, but added to his time.
possessions at different times Until, at his By his second marriage Mr. Rozell was the
death, he had one hundred and seventy-four father of one child, Jennie, born April 3,
acres of cleared land, and eighty of wood 1865, who is now living with her mother in
land. Fremont.
When the plank road to Sandusky was in Mr. Charles Rozell was always active in
process of construction, Mr. Rozell his business, strictly fair and honorable in all
contracted to build several miles. In 1858 he of his dealings, and treated every man justly.
erected a costly and beautiful residence and He was kind to the poor and unfortunate, and
furnished it neatly and tastefully. March 4, ever ready to assist the deserving. Though
1861, Mrs. Rozell died in her sixty-first not a professing Christian, his moral
year. She bore two children, both of whom character was above reproach, and his
are living, viz: Susan Ann, wife of John reputation for sincerity of friendship and
Fabing, who resides on the farm adjoining integrity was unsullied. By attending
her old home; and Martha, the wife of diligently to his business, be became the
Lucien Hull, who lives in Seneca county, possessor of a good property, and departed
about taco miles from the place where she from earth honored and esteemed. He was a
was brought up. Republican, a strong Union man during the
On the 14th of January, 1864, Mr. Rozell war, and assisted the soldiers and their
married Mrs. Rachel J. Reed. Her maiden widows by every means at his command. He
name was Bay, and she was born in Morgan died at his home in Jackson, November 27,
county, Ohio, November 9, 1822. Her 1870, at the age of sixty-seven.
grandfather, Robert Bay,
W ASHI NG TO N.

T HIS, the largest township in the county,


territorially, embraces all of the
poets are in the habit of making us sorry
because nature's simple beauty has been
originally-surveyed township number five, desecrated by the hand of enterprising man.
range fourteen, and twelve sections of But it is the melancholy task of history in
township six, range fourteen, which were this instance to picture a wild, desolate,
added after the organization of Ottawa almost uninhabitable waste, the sight of
county. The geographical boundaries are: which made strong constitutions wither, and
Ottawa county on the north, Rice and hearts beating nigh with anticipation, sicken,
Sandusky townships on the cast, Jackson on and fill with melancholy forebodings. The
the south, and Madison and Woodville on scene presented to the eye possessed no
the west. Little Mud Creek, Big Mud Creek, encouraging element. Trees of varying size
and Wolf Creek flow from southwest to locked-tops, and were firmly bound together
northeast across its territory. The soil, by vigorous vines, with branches shooting in
excepting the surface of a sand ridge all directions, fastened to every limb by
extending between the two branches of Mud unyielding tendrils. Carbonic gases, emitted
Creek, is a black vegetable mold, the from the water-covered muck sixty feet
mellowed remains of luxuriant swamp below, fed a luxuriant growth of foliage
vegetation. The soil of the sand ridge spoken which completely filled every interstice, and
of is loose, and would be easily cultivated effectually excluded every ray of sun-shine.
were it not for numberless boulders which The dismal view caught in the uncertain
were dropped by a sweeping glacier in its light of this dense shade banished every idea
course toward sure destruction in sunny low of settlement. Immense trunks of fallen and
latitudes. For the source of these decaying trees crossing each other in every
troublesome masses of hard rock, the reader conceivable direction, could just be seen
is referred to the chapter on Jackson through the thick growth of shrubs,
township. underbrush, and coarse grasses. In spring
THE BLACK SWAMP. time, in consequence of the water courses
being completely dammed up by fallen
A map of Ohio, drawn in 1825, represents
timber, whole townships of surface were
an immense tract of country stretching
submerged. When dry weather came on, the
westward from the Sandusky River to far
water slowly found its way to the bay,
beyond the Portage River, by a shade of
leaving a spongy soil so thoroughly
varying density, and is designated by the
saturated that even the light-footed deer
unattractive name of "Black Swamp;" and a
found travel difficult. But these conditions
black swamp indeed it was. Go back, in
favored the making of an excellent soil.
imagination, but little more than half a
Decaying timber, leaves, and grasses, left
century ago and picture the fertile farms you
those chemical ele-
cultivate as they appeared prior to the period
of settlement, Frontier
762 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ments which enter into the composition of half of three counties, almost an unbroken
cereals and furnish the material for their waste till as late as 1828. Many who did
growth. The cost Of reclaiming this enter land and begin improvements soon
wilderness is beyond calculation. Picture to became discouraged, sold out at a sacrifice,
yourselves a solitary log hut, made of round and sought a more hospitable opening. It
logs, with a floor and door of rough thus happened that, in the spring of 1830,
puncheons; with two small square holes in only three families resided within the present
the sides, closed with sheets of greased limits of Washington township.
paper, for windows; the spaces between the ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS.
logs filled with a mixture of leaves and mud;
The following entries are recorded in
an immense chimney at one end, built of
1826:
sticks, through which smoke was forced SECTION. ACRES.
rather than drawn; covered with thin, David Hess ............................... 10, 15, and 9 739
irregularly-split shingles, weighted down by Enoch Rush ....................................13 and 24 210
poles—such a cabin, situated in the midst of Josiah Topping .......................................... 24 140
Harry Fuller ................................................. 9 66
wild desolation, was the residence of the Reuben Wilder.....................................8 and 9 267
first settler. The dreary solitude of an
The following entries are recorded in
autumn evening at that home can only be
1827:
felt, not described. What a medley of
SECTION. ACRES.
discordant sounds pain the ear! What a rush Pontius Wheeler ......................................... 12 320
of melancholy thoughts depress the heart! J. H. Topping.............................................. 24 205
Armies of green frogs leave their slimy George Waggoner....................................... 24 86
Samuel Waggoner ...................................... 23 83
pools and assert, from every log, that they George Waggoner....................................... 24 293
are the proud owners of the swamp, while
their tree cousins mingle disagreeable The following are recorded in 1828:
SECTION. ACRES.
voices; the howl of wolves, as night falls on Robert Long .......................................................36 160
the homesick pioneer, seem to speak in Jacob Nyce .........................................................36 160
strange language the folly of his adventure, Jonas Graham .....................................................36 80
Jonas Graham .....................................................13 160
and the wise owl adds sarcastic hoots to the Michael Hogle .......................................................1 81
distressing medley. The sharp click of the
mud which follows every labored step of the The following are recorded in 1829:
SECTION. ACRES.
cow in the dooryard, brings additional William Floyd ............................................. 2 240
testimony of the unfitness of the place for David Grant ............................................... 21 160
the habitation of man. The thoughts of the Michael Hogle ............................................. 1 81
homesick, discouraged adventurer are turned The following are recorded in 1830:
from plans of clearing, plowing, and SECTION. ACRES.
seeding, to the contemplation of his Magdalina Bowman.................................... 13 80
George Watt ............................................... 36 160
Solitude; and, at length, tired and de- Michael Hogle ............................................. 1 81
pressed, he retires to his simple bed, con-
vinced of being an intruder in a reservation The following are recorded in 1831:
intended by nature for wolves, and frogs, SECTION. ACRES.
and owls. It is not strange, therefore, that David Church.............................................. 22 160
immigrants either turned back from the David Church.............................................. 15 80
Joseph Deck................................................ 14 108
Black Swamp, or pushed through beyond, A. W. Green................................................ 25 160
leaving this vast area, more than Jacob Hendricks ......................................... 13 80
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 763

SECTION. ACRES. RANGE SECTION. ACRES.


Jacob Hendricks ......................................... 24 309 Samuel Miller ................... 8 80
Jacob Hendricks ........................................... 6 147 Benjamin Schothorn ......... 17 161
Jacob Hendricks ........................................... 7 91 A. C. Ross ........................ 27 80
Daniel Hendricks .......................................... 8 370 C. Whitman ...................... 23 80
Daniel Karshner.......................................... 15 79 Henry Sanders .................. 11 40
John Mackling ............................................ 15 251 Henry Salman ................. 6 31 40
Michael Overmyer ...................................... 10 121 Michael Walter ................. 28 40
Peter Poorman .............................................. 8 237 C. M. Welsh ................... 6 30 80
John Rose .................................................. 23 185 George Wales ................. 6 27 40
John Rose .................................................. 25 80 William Walter ................. 28 40
N. P. Robbins .............................................. 9 157 Jonas Walter ..................... 29 80
William Rose ............................................. 22 80 L. Q. Dawson ................... 27 40
Solomon Shoup........................................... 14 86 Jacob Arnstadt ................ 6 33 40
John Shoup ................................................ 14 129 Dickinson & Pease ......... 6 29 and 30 372
Jacob C. Stults ............................................ 25 80 John Evans...................... 6 31 44
William Skinner ......................................... 25 80 Jos. Ferris ...................... 6 30 44
John Strohl.................................................. 19 68 M. L. Harmon ................. 6 31 44
J. H. Topping ............................................. 25 80 Isaiah. Johnson ................. 20 40
Hector Topping........................................... 15 94 Henry Johnson .................. 34 80
John C. Waggoner ...................................... 23 79 Jacob Moses ..................... 28 40
John Smith .................................................. 13 83 Michael Miller ............... 6 31 44
Isaac Rhidnour................................................ 129 Isaiah Morris ................. 6 31 160
John Baird ................................................. 22 79 Jos. Nuding..................... 6 27 40
William Chenaworth .................................. 23 79 G. T. Necher ................... 6 30 80
George Hettrick .......................................... 13 81 Dennis Neil..................... 6 31 169
John Snyder, ..................... 18 80
The following entries are recorded in Ambrose Shell .................. 26 40
1833:
SECTION. ACRES. The records of 1836 show the following
Joseph Cookson .......................................... 36 80 entries:
Joseph Cookson .......................................... 35 80 RANGE SECTION. ACRES.
William Burkett .......................................... 16 60 Robert M. Brown.............. 2 80
Daniel Burkett ........................................... 16 160 Michael Fought ................ 27 80
The following entries of land were Charles D. Ashley .......... 6 36 80
Christian Augster ........... 6 33 40
recorded in 1834: John Bashner .................... 3 87
SECTION. ACRES.
George Skinner ........................................... 25 79 Lorenzo Borden .............. 6 31 44
Edward Bissell ............... 6 25 and 34 2,376
David Karshner........................................... 22 79
Christian Clever ............. 6 34 40
Samuel Murdock............................................. 150
James Easton & F. C.
Isaac Moore ................................................... 137
Sanford ....................... 18, 26, 29 and 30 426
Justice & Birchard ........................................ 6 211
Justice & Birchard ........................................ 7 255 Michael Fought ................ 32 80
G. G. Folger...................... 532
Jacob Karshner ............................................. 5 88
Henry Forster.............................................. 17 161 Jeremiah Ludwig .............. 29 160
Samuel Ludwig................. 33 240
Solomon Waggoner .................................... 12 240
James Ross ................................................ 22 79 Samuel Moss .................. 6 25 and 26 240
John Rinehart ................... 4 80
David Stingier ............................................ 24 79
Isaac and D. Moore ...................................... 6 111 James Robb..................... 6 31 80
H. W. Seymour ............... 6 80
The list of each year now becomes longer. Scott Seymour ................ 6 31 40
The following are recorded in 1835: Henry Shively................. 6 36 80
RANGE SECTION. ACRES. Jesse Stone ....................... 33 80
Chris Graham.................... 33 160 Jesse Stone, ...................... 29 40
Nicholas Schall................. 27 160 Jesse Stone ....................... 12 40
George F. Whitaker .......... 17 161 Narcissa Topping ............. 20 80
Marcus Burley .................. 7 79 Josiah F. Topping ............. 30 88
Grant & Beaugrand........... 7 89 J. M. Turner & Wil-
liam Laughlin ........... 6 32 120
William Walter ............... 6 26 40
764 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

RANGE SECTION. ACRES. RANGE SECTION. ACRES.


Daniel Younkman................6 27 40 Joseph Reed............................ 11 160
P. I. Hetrick & Samuel Peter Reed ............................6 26 80
Hinkley ........................ 19 84 George Skinner ...................... 26 40
Daniel Garn ............................ 31 160 Abraham Stine ....................... 2 170
Joseph Garn............................ 31 169 Hiram Stalter .......................... 34 80
George Geeseman.................. 34 160 Isaiah and J. Topping...........6 34 80
John Moler ............................. 21 80
Michael Obermoyer............... 2 80 The balance of the lands were closed out in 1840
George Skinner ...................... 26 240 as follows:
John Swinehart....................... 11 80 RANGE SECTION. ACRES.
Abraham Yost ........................ 240 Amos Arnold ......................... 20 80
Samuel Treat .......................... 1 80 Ellis Ayres ............................ 21 120
John Waggoner ...................... 23 80 John Bowersoc .....................6 25 80
John Waggoner ...................... 11 160 John Burkett ........................... 19 160
George Skinner ...................... 35 560 Abram Bruce .......................... 12 40
James Snyder.......................... 28 80 Simon Barnhard ...................6 29 160
Abraham Yost ........................ 1 168 John Clover ............................ 19 84
Samuel Crotzer....................... 3 and 4 80
The following entries are recorded in 1837: Samuel Cover.......................6 33 160
RANGE SECTION. ACRES. George Diehl .......................... 26 40
Henry Bayer ........................... 1 80 Robert Eckley.......................6 35 80
Jacob Eversole ...................... 4 176 Abraham Garn........................ 30 87
Joseph Miller ......................... 34 80 John Hudson........................... 30 87
Peter Morton. ......................... 27 80 David Hiser ............................ 3 80
Jacob Newcomer ................... 11 80 John Houtz ............................. 19 80
Peter Swinehart ..................... 21 80 William Johnson .................... 19 89
Michael Fought ..................... 28 80 Samuel Ludwig ...................... 32 160
Peter Ebersole ........................ 4 160 John Lyme ............................6 28 80
The entries recorded in 1838 are: Jacob Moses ........................... 31 160
Conrad Miller.......................6 32 160
RANGE SECTION. ACRES.
Peter Morton .......................... 33 and 34 240
Jacob Heberling .................... 32 160
John Newcomer ..................... 18 40
William Kay ......................... 36 80
John Overmyer, jr .................. 12 80
Peter Overmyer ..................... 21 80
Ph. Overmyer .......................6 35 80
Daniel Spohn ......................... 32 240
David Obermoyer .................. 12 40
Lands were entered in 1839 by: George Obermoyer ..............6 34 40
RANGE SECTION. ACRES. Noah Obermoyer.................... 21 80
Benjamin Burkett .................6 34 80 George Rule .........................6 25 160
Henry Burkett ......................6 35 160 John Rinehart ......................... 18 90
Jacob Brubaker ....................5 26 80 Daniel Rife ............................. 20 240
John Baird ............................. 26 80 Chris Rinehart ........................ 18 45
John Carns ............................. 31 173 George Rinehart ..................... 12 80
Andrew Craig ........................ 4 43 William E. Snow.................... 26 80
George Fought ..................... 3 40 Israel Smith ............................ 27 120
Benjamin Hamberger............. 30 160 Benjamin Stanton................... 19 89
John Heiser ............................ 4 80 Joseph Shively .....................6 25 80
Jacob Harter .......................... 10 40 Jacob Shaffer.......................... 4 40
Christian King........................ 30 160 D. F. Squire ............................ 29 40
George Miller ........................ 34 80 John Smith.............................. 29 80
Daniel Houser, ..................... 3 87 David Waggoner ..................6 32 80
Daniel Houser ....................... 34 120 John Walter ..........................6 26 80
John Miller ............................ 29 160 Gabriel Walter......................6 34 80
Andrew Miller ....................... 28 80 Philemon Waltz....................6 35 80
William Overmyer ................ 3 333 James P. Whithour ...............6 33 40
Jacob Overmyer .................... 34, 35 and 2 202 Joseph Wengart ...................... 28 80
George Overmyer ................. 11 and 12 160 John Walter ............................ 28 80
Samuel Overmyer ................. 12 40 David Waggoner ..................6 30 80
David Olinger.......................6 34 40
Note: —Where the number of the range is not indicated, range
five is meant.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 765

THE SETTLEMENT. removed, and the face of the country became


The settlers of this township were nearly more inviting, but continued wet and
all natives of Pennsylvania, or of Penn- difficult to reduce to a state of cultivation.
sylvania descent, but a large proportion When a few hardy and resolute families had
came directly from Perry county to this made an opening, others took courage and
county; in fact, it might be called a Perry followed their example. Many of course
county colony, as our running sketch of the remained but a few years, and then becoming
representative settlers each decade will weary and discontented sold their claims and
show. Before, however, proceeding to these sought more congenial climes. Those who
sketches of a personal character, we will remained to see the wilderness transformed
give a general view, and preserve the names, have long since been repaid for their
so far as we can, of the earliest pioneers and sacrifices. We will now give as briefly and
first improvements of the township. accurately as possible the names of the first
The first three permanent settlers were settlers on each section, being fully aware of
Josiah H. Topping, David Grant, and John our liability of being misinformed in some
Wolcutt, probably in the order we have instances:
given their names. Topping kept tavern on Joseph Cookson made the second
the pike. He also owned and improved a improvement on section thirty-six, in 1830,
farm, which is now included in the that of John Wolcutt being first. The same
Waggoner farm. David Grant settled year Jacob Stoltz, a native of Pennsylvania,
between the two branches of Big Mud Creek, came from Perry county and settled on
about one mile above their junction. No section twenty-five. The next neighbor north
more lonely place can be imagined. The was Josiah H. Topping, and north of him on
State road was at that time travelled the same section, (twenty-four,) and on
considerably by emigrants going west, but as section thirteen, the Waggoner family took
far back as the Grant opening few white men possession in the fall of 1830. Jacob
ever showed their faces. Indians visited the Hendricks soon after built a cabin in this
cabin frequently, and squaws were the only neighborhood. West, on the pike, on section
physicians and nurses at the birth of their fourteen, John and Solomon Shoup made an
three first children. George Grant is the only improvement the following year. George and
member of this family living in the township John Skinner occupied section twenty-six as
at present. The Wolcutt family settled in the early as 1830, while the mile square lying
southeast corner of the township in 1829. just north was not broken till two years
The fourth settler was George Skinner, who afterward, when John Baird came from Perry
removed from Perry county in the spring of county and Hugh Forgerson removed to
1830, and settled upon land entered in Washington. Toward the latter part of 1830
section twenty-six. A biographical sketch of William and Samuel Black settled in the
this family will be found, together with a southern part of the township, in section
portrait of Samuel Skinner, esq., who was thirty-five. The first improvement west of
for nearly fifty years a prominent citizen of Skinner's, in 1830, was made by Michael
the town-ship. Fought, who set apart the first burying-
In 1830 the settlement progressed actively, ground in the township. Shortly after, in the
so that by the end of that year obstructions to same year, A. G. Ross settled on an
natural drainage were well intervening lot.
766 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

He was an active and useful citizen during shoes and other native German habits of
this early period. Two years later Mr. Ross dress. Avers had a small factory for making
was joined on section twenty-seven by Peter these odd-looking articles of foot ware, or
Morton, who also came from Perry county, more properly foot furniture. People never
and south of him George Geeseman made an having seen them worn will find a ride to
opening the same year. Samuel Spohn settled Woodville township interesting, for there
on section twenty-two in 1831. The earliest they are worn yet by the women and some
settlers on the upper part of Mud Creek, in men at farm work.
this township, were Jacob Moses and Joseph South of the pike, and between Nine-mile
Garn, the latter of whom came in 1831. Creek and Big Mud Creek, were several
David Grant, on section twenty-one, has early improvements. John Mohler settled on
already been mentioned. But to come back to Mud Creek in 1830, and a few years after
the pike. Henry Forster and Daniel Karshner built a saw-mill, which was the first industry
located on section fifteen about 1833. of the kind in the township. David Dell
Christian Dershen came from Perry county settled on Mud Creek about 1830, and James
and settled in this county in 1830. James Snyder the same year. Martin Garn settled in
Ross was the first settler on section twenty- the south part of the township in 1834. The
two, 1831 being the probable date. Henry district west of Hessville, extending to the
Bowman was the first settler and original Madison township line, was not settled until
proprietor of Hessville, south of the pike, the other parts of the township had been im-
and David Hess north of the pike, the latter, proved.
however, never made permanent settlement Having now given connectedly a general
in the county. The property was transferred view of the first settlement, brief sketches of
to his son, Levi Hess, who settled on the a few families will be of local interest.
farm and laid out the north part of the village Michael Fought, a native of Pennsylvania,
which was named in his honor. Philip married Elizabeth Cline, and removed to
Overmyer, with his family of seven boys, Perry county, Ohio, and from there, in 1830,
came to the township in 1833, and were to this township. Their family consisted of
among the first settlers of the northeast part. eleven children, six boys and five girls, two
Previous improvements had been made in of whom, Michael and Paul, are among the
the part included in the original surveyed oldest pioneers in the township. Michael, jr.,
township number six, by Henry Stierwaldt, was born. in Perry county, in 1814. In 1837
John Bowersox, Daniel Boyer, and M. he married Lydia King, and purchased and
Yeagle. Mr. Yeagle was one of the noted cleared the farm in section two, known as
deer hunters of his time. The northwestern the Fought homestead. Paul Fought was born
part of the township was not improved till a in Perry county, in 1818. He married, in this
few years later, when the German emigration county, Mary Hettrick, who died in 1865,
began. B. H. Bowman had a tavern on the leaving thirteen children. He married for his
pike in 1831, just west of Hessville. The first second wife, in 1866, Sarah Parret, by whom
Germans who settled toward the north-west three children were born. Israel, the fourth
were John Avers, E. Humers, H. Bearing, child, was born in 1844. He married Rosanna
and a few others. Until recently it was not Lay, in 1869, and has three children—Festus
uncommon to see wooden
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 767

L., Bertha M., and William A. Mr. Fought Mr. Waggoner is one of the most extensive
has served as teacher in the public schools of farmers in the township.
the county six years. Mr. and Mrs. Fought John Waggoner, oldest son of John
belong to the Reformed church. Waggoner, sr., carne from Perry county and
James Snyder, a native of Virginia, set. settled in Sandusky township at an early
tied in this township in 1830, and lived here date. He married Mary Bauman, and had a
until the time of his death, July 12, 1876. large family. Daniel Waggoner, his oldest
His family consisted of ten children, six son, settled in Washing-ton township, near
boys and four girls. Jacob, the third child, Lindsey, in 1839. For his first wife he
was born in this township in 1833. He married Susan Obermoyer. They had four
married Elizabeth Slates, in 1872, and has children, all of whom are residents of
two children living—Elvia and James. Mr. Washington township—Louisa (Loose),
Snyder by trade is a carpenter. He is also Joseph, John J., and Amos E. Mrs.
engaged in farming. Waggoner died June 20, 1863, aged forty-
John Waggoner, a native of Maryland, four years. Mr. Waggoner married Mrs.
moved to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in Elizabeth Bloker, who died September 30,
1797, and in 1803 to Perry county, Ohio, 1881. She bore him one child, Mary Ellen,
where the family resided until 1830, when who now lives in this township. Mr.
they came to Washington township. The Waggoner died May 31, 1876, aged about
family consisted of eight children, all of sixty.
whom settled in this township. Betsy Joseph Cookson settled in the township in
married Henry Bauman; John married a Miss 1830. His son, William, married, in 1849,
Bauman, Jacob married a Miss Heck, David Rosanna Metzger, a daughter of Joseph
married a Miss Fry, George married Metzger, a native of Bedford county,
Margaret Clinger, Nancy was married to Pennsylvania, who settled in Scott township
John Machlin, Daniel married a Miss about 1840. The fruit of this union was five
Stackbarger, Solomon married a Miss children—David W., Mahala M. (Snyder),
Stackbarger, and Samuel a Miss Smith. John James W., Mary M. (Kenan), and Joseph W.
Waggoner died about 1840. George Mr. Cookson died December 26, 1860.
Waggoner, fifth child of John and Betsy Jacob Heberling came from Perry to
Waggoner, was born near Hagerstown, Sandusky county in 1831, and settled in
Maryland, in 1795. He came to Ohio with his Sandusky township, where he lived about
parents, and, in Perry county, married five years and then removed to Green Creek.
Margaret Clinger. Their family consisted of After remaining in that township three years
eleven children, four boys and seven girls. he settled permanently in Washington
George Waggoner makes his home at present township, where he died in 1845. Those of
with his son Samuel, on the farm on which his children who are living are Jacob and
he settled, and where he has lived for fifty George in Fremont, John, Washington
years. Samuel Waggoner was born in Perry township; and Mrs. Elizabeth Ream,
county, in 1827. In 1851 he married Sarah Madison township. John, the fourth child,
Miller, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruit of was born in Pennsylvania in 1810. He
this union is eight children living—George, married, in 1837, Elizabeth Reed, daughter
Clara, Eugene, Henry, Malvina, Charles E., of John and Mary Reed. Fourteen children
Harriet, and Milan D. Caroline is dead. blessed this union—Harriet, deceased; Levi,
Susauna,
768 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

deceased; Benjamin F., George W., circuit rider. He has also been engaged in the
deceased; Thomas J., deceased; Delia A., grain trade at Helena.
deceased; James M.; Joel, deceased; John; Joseph Reed, with his wife, whose maiden
Mary E.; Michael, deceased; William, and name was Sarah Swinehart, both natives of
Sarah. Mr. Heberling worked at carpentry Pennsylvania, came to Washington township
for ten years in this county. He was justice in 1832, and resided here with his family
of the peace in Jackson and Washington until the end of his life. The family consisted
townships, six years in all, and has been of ten children. John, one of the enterprising
clerk of Washington township. farmers of Washington township, was born
Daniel Spohn emigrated from Maryland to in Perry county in 1823, and, in 1847, he
Fairfield county, Ohio. From there he married Barbara Orndorf, a native of
removed to Perry county, and thence to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Their
Sandusky county in 1831. He settled in children are Edwin, William H., and.
Washington township, where he resided until Charles. Mr. Reed worked at blacksmithing
his death, in 1852. He married, in 1807, during his younger years.
Elizabeth Bashor, and had by her a family of Henry Forster came to Ohio and settled in
eleven children. Catharine H. the sixth child, Perry county in 1804, and about the year
was born in 1817. In 1835 she was married 1833 came to this township. He was married
to Daniel Spohn, son of Henry Spohn, of to Tina Walters, and had a family of seven
Jackson township. The fruit of this union children.
was thirteen children, only three of whom The Overmyers, or Obermoyers, as it is
are living—Barbara (Klussman), Joel, and spelled by some of the descendants, are
Lewis W. W. Mr. Spohn died in 1872. His perhaps the most numerous family in the
widow continues her residence on the township. Philip Overmyer, a native of
homestead. Daniel Spohn was in the War of Union county, Pennsylvania, married
1812, and two of his grandsons, Joel and Rosanna Bishop and removed to New York,
Aaron, served in the Federal army during the whence the family came to Ohio in 1833,
late war. The former was born in this county and settled in Washington township, this
in 1839. He married, in 1864, Nancy J. county. The sons numbered seven, viz:
Cookson, and is engaged in farming in this Samuel, William, Daniel, Jacob, George,
township. Philip, and David, the last of whom settled
Joseph Garn, the pioneer of the south-west in Fulton county, Indiana; the other six
corner of the township, was born in Bedford brothers settled in this county, only one of
county, Pennsylvania, in 1809. He settled whom survives Philip. He was born in Union
where he now lives in 1831. His first wife county in 1801, and, in 1825, married
was Lydia Ickes, a daughter of Adam Ickes. Margaret Swinefort, by whom he has a
He married for his second wife Sarah family of four children—Israel, William,
Andrew, a daughter of William Andrew. The Richard, and Lucinda. Mrs. Overmyer died
fruit of both marriages was fourteen in 1879.
children, five by the first and nine by the last Jacob Obermoyer came to this county from
wife. Mr. Garn may be termed the pioneer Cayuga county, New York, in 1833 and
United Brethren preacher of this part of the settled in Washington township. Mr.
county, although he has never been an Obermoyer was a wagon-maker by trade, but
itinerant followed farming principally. He died in
1863 in the sixty-sixth year of his age.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 769

His wife was Catharine Anderson, a native and had four sons and one daughter. Harriet
of Pennsylvania; she died in 1874, aged married Solomon Waggoner, and died in
seventy-two years. They had eleven children, Indiana; Aaron and David reside in
ten of whom survive—Philip A,, in Fremont; Washington township; Henry died in
William, in Indiana; George, in Washington Rochester, Indiana; Emanuel resides in
township; Luke, in Indiana; Sarah Ann, who Rochester, Indiana. The widow of Samuel
died in 1879, was the wife of Hiram Kratzer died in Indiana in 1874, aged about
Waggoner, of Indiana; Agnes, who is the sixty-seven years. David, the third child, was
wife of Jacob Hoffman, and resides in born in Union, Pennsylvania, in 1826. In
Indiana; Susan, who married Michael 1857 he married Margaret Welker, a native
Obermoyer; of Washington township; Mary, of Franklin county. Their family consists of
who married Solomon Obermoyer, and four children living—Mary R., Sarah C.,
resides in the same township; Catharine, Lizzie C., and Joseph W. Two are dead—
who is the wife of Coonrod Hess, Henry F. and an infant daughter. Mr. Kratzer
Washington township; Amos, Washington worked at carpentry fourteen years, but is
township; and Amanda, who is the wife of now giving his whole attention to farming.
Jacob Hess, of the same township. The Henry Reiling was born in Germany in
family all attend the Evangelical church. 1816. He came to America in 1838, and
Jacob Obermoyer was a well-known citizen, found employment in Portage county on the
much respected in business and social life. canal. He came to this county in 1842. In
His sons are all Republicans and successful 1844 he married Sally Forster, by whom he
farmers. had six children, of whom Tina is the only
Joseph Shively, an old settler and a worthy one living. Mrs. Reiling died in 1855. In
citizen, departed this life in the latter part of 1857 he married for his second wife
the summer of 1881. He was born in Union Catharine Noss, who gave birth to sixteen
county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and came to children, eleven of whom are living. Mr.
Sandusky county and settled in this township Reiling has been in mercantile business in
in 1834. The following year he was united in Hessville the greater part of the time since
marriage to Susanna Obermoyer, daughter of 1842. Since 1867 he has been proprietor of
George Obermoyer. They reared a family of the mill on Mud Creek. The names of Mr.
ten children, viz: Sarah (Engler) and Reiling's children who are living are:
Elizabeth (Kramb), Washington township; Catharine, Lizzie, Henry, Eva, Mary, Della,
Henry, Sandusky; John, Michigan; George Julia, John, Josephine, Helen, and Ann.
A., Sandusky; Solomon, Washington; George W. Stull was born in Sandusky
Franklin, Michigan; William H., Texas; county in 1843. He married, in 1866, Hannah
James A. and Lewis W., Washington. Mr. Cole, who was born in Scott township in
Shively was by trade a wagon-maker. 1844. Six children, four boys and two girls,
Samuel Kratzer came to Ohio and settled blessed this union.
in Columbiana county in 1831, where he William Thraves, a native of Nottingham,
remained three years, then removed to York England, was born in 1799. He was married
township, this county. The following year he in England, in 1827, to Manilla Graves, and
settled in Washington township, where he in 1844, with the family, consisting of seven
died in 1861, in his sixty-third year. He children, emigrated to America and settled in
married Rebecca Mussleman Washing-
770 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ton township. One child was born in this 1880. He married, in Pennsylvania,
county. The following were the names of the Elizabeth Dieffenbaucher. They had a family
children: George, Ann, Robert, Mark, Faith of eight children. Simon, the second child,
E., William, Thomas, and Levi. William was was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830. In 1852
killed by a railroad accident on the Isthmus he married Mary Waggoner, daughter of
of Panama. Mr. Thraves followed butchering John Waggoner. Their family consisted of
in England for twelve years and three years eleven children, eight of whom are living,
in this country. He has since been farming. viz: Sarah E. (Posey), Elizabeth, Mary E.
His present residence is in Ballville town- (Pohlman), Louisa M., Simon E.; Nancy A.,
ship. George, the oldest child, was born in Moses F., and Charles A. Mrs. Lantz died in
England in 1828. He was in California from 1879. Mr. Lantz has served as township
1854 to 1857. In 1853 he married Mary J. trustee four years, and as assessor one year.
Crowell, daughter of Samuel and Mary Of the family of John Lantz, five are living:
Crowell, of Sandusky township. Their Mary A. (Ward), in California, San Joaquin
children are: Samuel, deceased; Anna M., county; Simon, Washington township;
Mark E., Ida H., George M., and Lillie M., Rosanna (Ward), Wood county; Matilda
living. Mr. Thraves is a blacksmith by trade, (Wolfe), Sandusky township; and Emanuel,
but for the last twenty-four years he has been Helena.
giving exclusive attention to farming in Henry Myers, a native of Lancaster county,
Ballville township. Mark, the fourth child of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio in 1840,
William Thraves, was born in England in and settled in Montgomery county, where he
1832. He was in California ten years from remained until 1847, when he removed to
1851, and returning, settled on a farm in Sandusky county and settled in this
Ballville township. He married Sarah township. The family consisted of fourteen
Hufford in 1862, and has three children: D. children,—ten boys and four girls. Henry,
C., William, and Mattie M. the third child, was born in Lancaster
John W. Bauman was born in Lancaster county, in 1809. In 1832 he married Nancy
county, Pennsylvania. He married Polly Fry Bork, daughter of James Bork. They had
and settled in Wayne county, Ohio. From four children, Joseph, Sarah A., Mary E. and
there he removed to Knox county, and in the George H., all living except Joseph, who
year 1845 to Sandusky county and settled in died in the army.
this township, where he died in 1854. Five Casper Heseman emigrated from Prussia in
of the fifteen children are still living; one— 1847. By his wife, Mary Yeasting, a family
John F.—is a resident of this township. He of twelve children were born, five of whom
was born in Wayne county in 1827. In 1850 are living. Charles F., the tenth child, was
he married Harriet E. Winter, daughter of born in Germany in 1843. In 1867 he
Jacob Winter, of Jackson township. Their married Mary Tebbs, who died in 1871,
children are Alvertie J. (Burgett), Emma E. leaving two children, Elmer F., and Emma.
(Doll), Sarah F., and Jerome J. In 1872 Mr. Heseman married for his second
John Lantz, a native of Pennsylvania, came wife Mary Vollman, also a native of Prussia.
to Ohio and settled in Washington township Sarah and Herman W. are the fruit of this
in 1846, and was a resident of the township union. Mr. Vollman emigrated from Prussia
to the time of his death, in to Ohio in 1869, and settled in Madison
township.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 771

Since 1872 he has been living with his grated with him to America, and is yet
daughter, Mrs. Heseman, in Washington. living. The family came to this country in
Benjamin Karshner, a son of Jacob 1850, and after stopping a short time in Erie
Karshner, was born in Berks county, county, settled in Washington township. The
Pennsylvania, in 1810. He married Elizabeth children residing in this county are Adam,
Box, and in 1848 emigrated to this county Elizabeth (Streit), Lewis A., Henry, Amelia,
and settled in Washington township. Their Elizabeth, and Caroline.
family consisted of eight children, viz: Lewis Bolen was born in Perry county in
Henry, Benjamin (deceased), Catharine, 1830 and came with his family to Sandusky
Edward, Isabel, Elizabeth, William, and county at the age of four years. In 1851 he
Newton. Margaret Box, widow of Nicholas married Sarah Smith. A family of eleven
Box, came to the township in 1837, and died children blessed this union, viz: William,
in 1857. Mr. Karshner had a store in Mary, John W., Harry A., Emma, Jesse,
Hessville for about two years, then settled on Lewis, Russell, Clarence, Fannie, and
the farm on which his son, William, now Albert. William, Jesse, and Lewis are dead.
lives. Samuel Sweet, a native of New York
Daniel Ickes, son of Adam Ickes, was born emigrated to Ohio and settled in Sandusky
in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1816. county in 1854. His wife died in New York,
He came to Ohio and settled in Washington leaving a family of sixteen children, eight
township in 1848. He married, in 1840, boys and eight girls. M Sweet died two years
Delila Zimmers, born in Bedford county in after coming to Ohio. Henry Sweet, a son of
1822. They raised a family of ten children, Samuel Sweet, was born in Albany county,
viz: Rebecca, Franklin Q., Mary C., Daniel New York, in 1812. He came to Ohio and
W., George Z., Harvey J., Joseph M. Jacob settled in Seneca county in 1833. The
F., and Naomi E. Saloma A., the seventh following year he moved back to New York,
child, is dead. and remained there till 1843, when he
Christian Schwartzmann was born in returned to Ohio and settled in Woodville
Germany in 1820. He married Wilhelmina township. He next removed to Fremont,
Pohlman in 1844, and in 1849 emigrated to where he engaged in the livery business for a
America. He first located in Madison period, and then settled on the farm in
township, but the following year removed to Washington where he now lives. He has
the farm on which he now lives. Six of their been married twice, first to Lavina Schovil,
thirteen children are living, five girls and and after her death to Mrs. Harriet Reed,
one boy, viz: Rosetta (Hornung), widow of Samuel Reed and daughter of
Washington township; Sophia (Munch), Matthias Benner. The fruit of this union was
Wood county; Charles, Mary Damschroder), four children, viz: William H., Mary E.,
Addie, and Katie, Washington township. Mr. Lawrence, and Sarah J. By his first wife Mr.
Schwartzmann is a tailor by trade. Sweet had three children—Emma, Ellen, and
John Adam Bork, one of the oldest of the Charley. By her first husband Mrs. Sweet
German residents of this township, was born had one child-Edwin Reed. By trade Mr.
in 1802. He was married in Germany to Sweet is a shoemaker. He follows farming,
Catharine Kehler, who died in 1842; then to and is a local preacher of the United
Catharine Helmuth, and after her death to Brethren church.
Anna E. Banze, who emi-
772 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

William Opperman was born in Nassau, that the originally surveyed township
Germany, in 1819. In 1849 he emigrated to number five, range fourteen, be organized
America, and settled in Huron county. He into a town with corporate powers and privi-
married Ruth Purington, of Portage county, leges. This petition was granted, and in
in 1852, and in 1856 they settled in deference to the choice of Mr. Ross, who
Washington township. They have ten had been most active in seeking the
children, viz: Wilhelmina, Emma, Mary, establishment of local government, the new
Lydia, Charles W., Clara, William H., John, township was named Washington. A more
Olive, and Nellie. Mr. Opperman served in significant name would have been Perry, but
the German army seven years. the fancies of men are not always, indeed are
Jerome L. Loose, second child of Peter very seldom, influenced by an appreciation
Loose, was born in 1836, in Perry county, of historical harmony.
Pennsylvania. He lived in Michigan from The first election was held at the house of
1845 to 1863; then came to Sandusky county Daniel Karshner January 1, 1831. The old
and settled in Washington township. In 1862 record containing the names of the officers
he married Louisa Waggoner, daughter of elected and the first voters can not be found,
Daniel Waggoner. Their family consists of but it is remembered that Josiah H. Topping
three children living—Ida R., Elam S., and was elected justice of the peace, Michael
Mary S. The youngest three—Alvin J., Overmyer, treasurer, and George L.
Franklin M., and John H., are dead. Mr. Overmyer clerk, which office he held for
Loose has taught school in this county about many years.
seven years. Twelve sections were added to Washington
Bryan O'Connor, son of Michael and township after the erection of Ottawa
Catharine O'Connor, was born in County county.
Kerry, Ireland, in 1830. In 1852 he In politics the township has always been
emigrated to America and settled in Democratic.
Fremont. In 1858 he married Margaret HESSVILLE.
Keffe, and seven years later settled on a There are in Washington township three
farm in Washington township, where he villages—Hessville, Helena, and Lindsey,
continues to reside. The family consists of the two last named being good trading
six children, viz: Catharine, Martin, points. The founders of Hessville were:
Michael, Mary, John, and Margaret. He was Henry Bowman and Levi Hess. By reference
clerk of Washington township six years from to a preceding topic it will be seen that
1868, and justice of the peace from 1877 to David Hess, at an early date, entered an
1879, when he resigned. The resignation of immense tract of land, and on this land his
William Sandwisch, in 1878, caused a son Levi made a settlement. Mr. Bowman
vacancy on the board of county owned a tract on the opposite side of the
commissioners, which Mr. O'Connor was pike, where he had a tavern.
appointed to fill. He was elected to that William Haverfield opened a store in 1835,
office in 1879. and the hamlet in the woods and swamp was
LEGAL ORGANIZATION. named by the settlers Cashtown.
A petition was presented to the county Most of the pioneers of that day were poor,
commissioners at their session held and the difficulty of obtaining ready money
December 6, 1830, by A. C. Ross, praying has been frequently spoken of in
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 773

preceding chapters. Bowman, to sacrifice houses and would be easily recognized by


dignity for a force of expression, was the settlers who left the county thirty years ago.
keeper of a "barrel," and in consequence was The mill and distillery,—owned and
known by his poor neighbors as "Old Cash," operated by Henry Reiling, remains to be
and his village, "Cashtown." Judging from spoken of. The mill was built by B.
appearances, no one having any sense of the Bowman. It was purchased by Mr. Reiling in
fitness of things can regret that upon laying 1867, who, in 1871, fitted up a complete
out the north part of the town, Mr. Hess gave apparatus for distilling spirituous liquors,
this trading point his own name. with rectifiers and warehouse. The annual
The first physician at Hessville was Dr. product is about one hundred barrels.
Thompson, who bore a good reputation as a Previous to 1875 the business was run on a
skilled practitioner. His successor was Dr. more extensive scale.
McVey. Dr. Philips, the only physician in HELENA.
the place at present, has, since locating a This village is partly in Jackson township.
number of years ago, gained the confidence During the building of the Pittsburgh, Fort
of the people. A few others have opened Wayne & Chicago railroad, Toledo branch,
offices but did not remain long enough to the conditions seemed favorable to the
merit mention in this connection. growth of a town. In the midst of an
The postmasters at Hessville, as they are excellent grain producing territory, and ten
remembered by old citizens, have been: miles from any other market, its location is
David Berry, Henry Forster, Henry Reiling, most favorable. The first lots were surveyed
Samuel Ritter, A. Lay, Jacob Arnstadt, in September, 1871, by Joseph Garn. In
George McVey, and Frank Arts. November, following, John Ickes laid out the
There is in the village one church, built as first addition. Isaac Garn afterwards laid out
a union meeting house in 1843, and used by an addition in Washington, and Jonathan
the German Reformed and Lutheran Wagner in Jackson township.
congregations, and supplied by Rev. George Isaac Garn was the first commissioned
Cronenwett. But in 1851 the Lutherans built postmaster. He was succeeded by James
a house of their own, three-quarters of a mile Donald.
farther west, on the pike. This house, in Irvine Mitchell was the first merchant. He
1877, was torn down and the finest church was succeeded by B. F. Moore, and he in
building in the township erected a short turn by the Fausey Bros., who suspended in
distance east, at an expense of $3,000. 1877. Marvin & Dodge opened a store in
Services have been held regularly in both 1875, which was afterwards removed to
houses by the respective denominations. The Gibsonburg. Frederick Rutchow opened a
first Lutherans were the Auxter, Tappy, store in 1876, now owned by Rutchow & Co.
Schwartzmann, Pohlman, and Upp families. Garn & Mitchell, proprietors of the only
The first members of the Reformed other store, began business in 1880. L. B.
congregation were Henry Bowman, B. Iler opened the first drug store, which is now
Karshner, S. Kratzel, William Keiser, owned by W. H. Spade. Joseph Garn began
William Opperman, the Kline family and a the grain trade as soon as the railroad
few others. offered shipping facilities. Rutchow & Co.,
Hessville is a hamlet of about thirty and Garn & Mitchell, are the present dealers.
774 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

There are in Helena two churches, one Tompson Encampment, No. 209, was
German Reformed, and one United Brethren. instituted July 25, 1876, with J. C. Tompson,
The first United Brethren class was collected I. M. Garn, G. P. Cornelius, J. W. Marvin,
soon after the first settlement of the James M. Jones, Charles B. Inman, A. H.
township, and held prayer and preaching Tice, Henry W. King, and Morris Reese,
service in private houses, most frequently at charter members. A characteristic of the
Joseph Gam's. The first members were Helena Odd Fellows is their punctual
Joseph Garn and wife, William Boor and attendance at meetings. There are not often
wife, John and Rebecca Donald, and David many vacant chairs.
Vernon. The first meeting-house was built in LINDSEY.
1843. A new house was built at the same This village in appearance bears more
place, now in the town of Helena, in 1865. evidence of thrift than either of. the other
John Dorcas was the first circuit preacher, two. It is located on the Lake Shore railroad,
Michael Long the second. nine miles west of Fremont, and is a good
The German Reformed Church was built in market for grain and other agricultural
Helena in 1873. The old house stood a mile products. The incipient steps toward
further north and was built about 1855, but founding a town were taken by Charles
has been removed. Loose, who erected a grain elevator and
Both congregations have Sunday-schools began the grain trade. The following year he
and are in flourishing condition. erected a store and dwelling house. The first
Helena is proud of her lodge of lots were surveyed March 23, 1868, by C. A.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and if Monk and Isaiah Overmyer. Isaiah Overmyer
individual interest in the affairs of a society laid out an addition south of the railroad De-
are evidences of its prosperity and the cember 20, 1868.
practical benefits furnished, the Helena There is in Lindsey one church, the
lodge deserves a higher place among the Evangelical, built in 1869. The first
sister lodges of the county than its priority members were Rev. C. A. Monk, Rev. D.
would indicate. The charter of Helena Strawman, W. M. Boyer, J. J. Walder, Josiah
Lodge, No. 592, was issued May 16, 1874, Overmyer, with their families, and perhaps a
and it was instituted by Special Deputy J. W. few others. It was a branch of the church
Ritchie, July 28, 1874, with the following north of Lindsey, which was the first house
members: J. C. Tompson, I. M. Garn, W. H. of worship in that part of the township.
K. Gossard, Irvine Mitchell, A. H. Tice, G. Services have been entirely discontinued in
P. Cornelius, B. E. Bartlett, J. W. Barnes, J. this house, the class being divided between
W. Marvin, S.. R. Heberling, P. J. Gossard, Lindsey and the North Rice church.
S. Andrew, and P. D. Stephenson. The The Lindsey saw-mill was built by W. M.
present membership is ninety-six. This lodge Boyer & Co., and is now owned by Davis &
has given to Gibsonburg lodge seventeen Beery. J. Wolfe owns the business es-
members; to Bradney thirteen; and to tablished by Charles Loose. The store now
Bettsville three. Two thousand dollars had owned by Overmyer & Brother was
accumulated in the treasury, which fund is established by W. M. Boyer. Brenaman &
now (1881) being drawn on for the Monk's store was opened by J. V. Beery, and
construction of a hall. Dr. Thompson was the has passed through several changes of
first noble grand. proprietorship. The Lindsey
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 775

House, now owned by Mr. Kreilich, was called together about 1833, and after a day
built by H. J. Kramb in 1869. The National of hard work the house was ready for school.
House, a capacious hotel building for a small It was of typical pioneer fashion, built up of
town, was erected in 1872, by J. Burger, and round logs, covered with long shingles
is now owned by H. M. Nichols, of New weighted down with poles, and having a
York; E. S. Bowersox, proprietor. floor of split puncheons, hewn on one side
Lindsey has been set apart a special school and notched in on the other, where they
district, and has a graded school with two rested on the sleepers so as to make the
rooms. surface even. It may be remarked in this
The station was at first named Washington, connection that some of the woodsmen of
but after the survey of lots the name was that early day attained remarkable accuracy
changed. William Overmyer was first of stroke with the axe. Some of them could
postmaster, the office being at his house. dress a puncheon as smooth as a shingle.
"Loose" was at that time the name of the The windows were the most unique feature
post office. Its style was changed to Lindsey of these early school-houses. A piece was
to accord with the new name of the station, sawn out of one log near the middle of each
in 1868, since which time W. M. Boyer has side; a frame was fitted into the hole and
been postmaster. splinters wedged in diagonally, nails being
A. J. Monk began practicing medicine in very scarce and expensive. Over this opening
Lindsey in 1868. He remained about three a sheet of white paper, previously greased,
years, and was followed by Dr. Sailer, whose was stretched and fastened. There were
residence was short. The present physicians, plenty of air holes to supply ventilation.
in the order, of their placing themselves The first school-teacher was Narcissa
before the people, are W. H. H. Wolland, Dr. Topping. From those who were benefited by
Shipley, and Dr. W. H. Lane. her instructions we learn that she was a
Lindsey Lodge, No, 668, Independent popular teacher.
Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted June The first school-house in the southwest
27, 1897. The charter members were Joel corner stood on the farm improved by Jacob
Burkett, Andrew Weis, J. J. Walters, W. Moses, and was built about 1834.
Hubbard, Jacob Widener, Andrew Widener, RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.
John Widener, W. S. Stevens, Nathan It cannot be determined satisfactorily
Cochran, F. J. Weis, William Wiseman, where in the township the first religious
Zachariah Clay, and P. H. Overmyer. The service was held or who the first preacher
lodge has a membership, at present, of fifty- was. United Brethren circuit riders travelled
two. The past noble grands, in their order, the Black Swamp region as soon as any one
are J. J. Walters, Joel Burkett, W. C. could be found to preach to, and that church
Wiseman, W. S. Stevens, E. W. Hubbard, was the first to form an organized class. The
Andrew Weis, A. E. Waggoner, William Evangelical and Methodist churches also
Boyer, and B. F. Overmyer. sent their missionaries into the woods, and
SCHOOLS. as a result of all these evangelical labors a
The first school-house in Washington was sense of the importance of maintaining
built about 1822, north of the pike on the old religious worship was impressed upon the
Hettrick farm. The citizens were people.
There are in the township nine churches
representing six denominations—German
776 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Reformed, Methodist Episcopal, United in the county. The first meeting-house was
Brethren, Lutheran, Dunkard, and built of stone, and known as Washington
Evangelical. We have previously mentioned Stone Chapel. In 1858 a new house was built
those located in the villages. further west, and the stone church allowed to
Wilson Union class, United Brethren, was go down. The present membership at
formed of residents of Sandusky and Washington chapel is about forty. M. D.
Washington townships about 1850, and a Love is entitled to special mention for his
meeting-house was built at the township labors as pastor in 1858.
line, between Washington and Sandusky. A society of Dunkards or German Baptists
The leading members were David Bowlus, built a meeting-house north of the pike, on
Rev. Joshua Hatfield, Jacob Dezelen, and the Noah Hendrick farm, in 1873. Samuel
Rev. Wesley Harrington. The congregation Fink is principal exhorter. Other prominent
gradually grew smaller in consequence of members are: Jonas Engler, Noah Hendrick,
the old members dying and moving away, Mrs. Hettrick, Aaron Mowry, Samuel
and no new ones being added. In 1817 Mrs. Mowry, John Hendrick, and Solomon
Samuel Skinner and daughter were the only Snyder.
regular members. That year George W.
Steward was appointed to the circuit, and
held a protracted meeting at Wilson's BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
meeting-house, which resulted in twenty
accessions. Since that time the church has SAMUEL SKINNER.
had a solid footing. A new brick meeting-
house was built in 1876, opposite the old The first settler of Washington township—
building, in this township. Josiah Topping—located on the pike in
The first members of the Evangelical 1826. He was followed by David Grant, then
church in the south part of this township John Wolcutt, and, fourth, in the spring of
were: Michael Walter, John Walter, and 1831, came George Skinner with his family.
Joseph Wingard. Services were held at George Skinner and his wife, whose
private houses until about 1859, when the maiden name way Mary Goodin, were
brick house, still used for public services, natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania.
was erected. Rev. D Kerns has been They removed to Perry county, Ohio, at an
performing the offices of local preacher for early period of the settlement of that county,
more than twenty years. He was an itinerant and accumulated property which was well
ten years. The membership is gradually improved when the Black Swamp became a
growing smaller, not numbering at present much talked of land of promise. Mr.
more than ten. Skinner's desire to give his children, fast
The founder of Methodism in this growing to `maturity, a start in life, led him
township was Israel Smith, who was one of to sell his farm in Perry county and enter
the early settlers and a working member of land here. His original purchase was larger
the church. He collected a small class, than that of any man in the township with
composed of the following individuals: one exception.
Israel Smith and wife, William Black and In April, 1830, the party, consisting of
wife, Mrs. Russell Smith, John Lash and George Skinner and wife, and eight of their
wife, Mr. Green and wife, and Andrew children, three of whom were mar-
Miller and wife. Mrs. Black and Israel Smith
are the only original members living
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 777

ried, arrived in Lower Sandusky. A short home with a view to providing homes for his
time after they penetrated the swamp and children. He came to a country which nature
made a settlement in the southeast part of had favored with richness, but a full
Washington township. The Skinner family generation's labor was needed to make it an
consisted of twelve children, three of whom inviting dwelling place. He lived to see a
died in Perry county before the family's part of his large tract improved. He lived to
settlement in this county—Elizabeth, Fanny, see a cabin on almost every section and
and Jane. David, the second child, settled in quarter-section in his township. This was the
Morrow county. Those who came to beginning of that transformation which half
Sandusky were: Rhoda, wife of William a century has effected.
Black, settled in Washington township, Samuel Skinner, whose portrait appears in
where her husband died, and she is yet this volume, is one of the few men who has
living, being a woman well known for her seen that transformation from beginning to
kindness of heart and neighborly assistance end, and, at the same time, has been an
in every time of need; Rebecca, active agent in effecting it. He was horn in
accompanied by her husband, Samuel Black, Perry county, Ohio, May 10, 1814, and was
settled in Washington township, where he consequently about sixteen years old when
died, she now living with her children in the family came to this county. His
Illinois; John, accompanied by his family, education was such as the primitive schools
settled in Washington township and of his native county afforded. Accustomed to
subsequently removed to Livingston county, hard work, he was well calculated by
Michigan; Samuel, the subject of this physical strength for the life which lay
biography, came a single man; George before him. He married in Washington
married, in Seneca county, Elizabeth Kimes, township, October 17, 1833, Elizabeth
settled first in Seneca county, then in Geeseman, who was born in Pennsylvania, in
Washing-ton township, and subsequently 1812. Her father, George Geeseman,
removed to Williams county, where he is removed to Perry county, Ohio, and from
now living; Aaron, after the immigration of there to Washington township, Sandusky
his family, returned to Perry county, where county, in 1831. When Mr. Skinner was
he married, and then settled in Washington married, to obtain a start in life was not an
township, and has since removed to Illinois; easy matter. He was unable to provide for
Nathan married, in Washington township, the necessities of life without performing
Sophia Dayhoof, settled in Washington, and day labor for his neighbors. Agricultural
subsequently removed to Cass county, productions could not be exchanged for
Michigan, where he now lives; Mary Ann money, and the wages of a day laborer look
married; in Washington township, John very small in this period of plenty. But these
Walters, and died in Tiffin, Ohio. obstacles of early life finally yielded to the
It was not for Mrs. Skinner long to bear the continuous hard licks of the pioneers, and
toils of pioneer life. She died in Washington eventual success and financial prosperity
township September 24, 1831, about rewarded hardships endured. The family of
eighteen months after leaving the old home Mr. and Mrs. Skinner is somewhat re-
in Perry county. George Skinner died markable. There were ten children, one boy
September 25, 1838, aged fifty-seven years and nine girls, all of whom are living, all
and three months. He had abandoned the married, and all in promising circum-
comforts of a well improved
778 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

stances. Their names and places of residence track, but the following day a couple of
are as follows: George W. was born July 25, young men of the neighborhood, while
1834. He married Theresa Fox, and is living returning from an errand to Jackson
on the old homestead farm, in Washington township, on Muskallonge, saw the track in
township. Mary was born December 7, 1835. the snow. The discovery was reported, dogs
She was married to Jacob Rearick, and collected, and on the following morning, at
resides in Henry county, Ohio. Sarah was four o'clock, a party of four, consisting of
born May 1, 1837. She was married to Samuel Skinner, Robert McCulloch, Samuel
George Rearick, residing in Sandusky Geeseman, and James Fisher, with their pack
township, this county. Cynthia was born of dogs and well charged guns, were on the
January 4, 1841. She is married to David track. Patiently step after step was followed
Burgoon, residing in Sandusky township, by the light of the moon. Daylight came, and
this county. Eliza Ann, wife of Edward the dogs, as the track became fresher, were
Choate, residing in Monroe county, Michi- more anxious and pushed ahead. About noon
gan, was born May 25, 1843. Margaret E., they bounded forward with fierce barks, and
was married to Eli Hansberger, of Monroe the sound soon came from far away in the
county, Michigan. She was born October 3, thicket. The party hurried in eager pursuit of
1844. Laura M., wife of Frederick Zorn, the pack, for the barking and shrill howls of
lives in Poweshiek county, Iowa. She was the dogs, just audible, clearly indicated the
born April 4, 1847. Harriet M. was born progress of a battle. After the pursuit had
October 30, 1849. She is the wife of Lewis continued for some time, Mr. Skinner, who
Zorn, of Madison township. Jane E. was was far in advance of his comrades, met two
born September 7, 185 r. She is married to of the battle-scarred dogs returning from the
Peter Cornelius, and lives at Helena, Jackson fray. One had been severely wounded, the
township. Emma N., the youngest child, was other considerably scratched. Suddenly the
born August 20, 1853. She is the wife of character of the barking changed from sharp
Jacob Hendricks, of Henry county, Ohio. yelps and long-drawn howls, which hunters
Mrs. Skinner died March 8, 1869. recognize as the rapid advances and retreats
Mr. Skinner married for his second wife, in of determined fighting, to the continuous
April, 1870, Mrs. Sarah Guyer, daughter of noise of the chase. When the party came to
George M. Gunter, who settled in Wood the place of encounter, under a large tree,
county in 1824. the snow tracks clearly indicated what had
There is enough of danger connected with happened. The pack had overtaken their
a bear hunt to give it a peculiar interest. Mr. game at that place, and he backed himself
Skinner was the discoverer of the track, and against the tree, thus being securely fortified
one of a party to pursue the last bear, so far in the rear and prepared to give battle with
as is known, to enter the marshes of both paws. The condition of the dogs and
Sandusky county. In the winter of 1834 Mr. blood on the ground showed bruin's victory,
Skinner discovered, one afternoon, the track and as the pack returned one by one from
of a large bear. The animal at that period their futile pursuit, the failure of the chase
was rare in this part of the State, and his was apparent. The party returned to Miller's
track promised a fine day's sport. During the tavern, near Woodville. The host was
night a light snow fell, which obscured the boastful of his
former
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 779

dogs, and anxious to give them a trial. He society and improvement for what I have
offered to keep the party over night, but accumulated." When we remember that Mr.
Messrs. Skinner and McCulloch returned to Skinner is among the most successful of the
their homes. The next day's chase was more pioneers of this part of the county, and has
unsuccessful than the first. But a week later certainly been peculiarly fortunate in respect
a bear, supposed to be the same one, was to health, his remark has a deep meaning. If
killed near Findlay, Hancock county. those of the early immigrants who became
Mr. Skinner retired from the farm in 1871, wealthy do not feel repaid for their toil, what
and has since been living in Fremont. He is a sorrow and suffering must have prevailed
large, good-natured, full-hearted gentleman, among, the multitude less fortunate!
on whom time and hard labor have had little But if pecuniary gain has not been suf-
effect. As remarked before, he has seen the ficient reward, Mr. Skinner and other
growth of his township, and contributed his pioneers of his class can look back over the
strong physical energies toward that growth. busy and clouded past with a consciousness
In reply to the question, "Do you feel repaid of having added to the world's wealth, of
for your labor, and the hardships which having completed nature's work and
nature and the times imposed upon the early conferred an appreciated boon upon their
pioneers of the Black Swamp?" he replied: "I descendants and humanity. No feeling of self
would not like to say that I have not been approbation is stronger in an old man than
repaid, but if I was again a young man, and the sense of having been useful. The life of
could foresee the course of life I have such commands our admiration, and the
followed, I would not sacrifice memory of such is worthy of preservation.
WOODVILLE.

O TTAWA county on the north, Wood on


the west, Madison township on the south,
cance, it was very harmonious, and
everybody had a good time, such a time as
and Washington township on the east with a only a pioneer tavern can furnish. The name
fraction of Ottawa county, define Woodville of the township is in honor of Amos E.
township. In the original division of Wood, who was one of the leading citizens
Sandusky county into town-ships the at the time of its organization. The election
territory now comprised in Woodville was resulted as follows: David Dunham; Lester
embraced in Madison and Clay townships. Allen, and Archibald. Rice, trustees; Ira
The records of the county commissioners Benedict and Jared Plumb, justices of the
show that the township, as it now stands, peace; Ira Benedict, clerk. These men, who
was organized pursuant to the following were the most substantial citizens of the new
order: township, succeeded in their honest
At a special session of the county commissioners held endeavors to further the best interests of the
April 1, 1840, it was ordered that so much of original
surveyed township number six, range thirteen as is
people, and their merit was recognized by.
within the boundaries of Sandusky county, and all that frequent re-elections. Any one taking an
part of original surveyed township number five, range interest in the local history of Woodville
thirteen north of the centre line, running east and west would be amused at some of the old records
through the center of sections seven, eight, nine, ten and
twelve be organized and constituted a new township by kept by the clerk, in . which are carefully
the name of Woodville, and that the first election for noted indentures, accounts of stray cattle,
township officers be holden at the house of Amos E, and the record of the marks by which hogs
Wood in said township on the 14th day of April next,
between the hours required by law.
and sheep were recognized. Sometimes the
unfortunate animal was branded, sometimes
There were at that time a great many more painted, but the most popular way was the
electors than were necessary to effect the rather sanguinary process of slitting and
organization. The earliest township records otherwise mutilating the auricular
have not been preserved so that the exact appendages of the poor animals. Happily,
date of the first election cannot be given. since the days of fences this barbarous
However, it is known that during the summer custom is unnecessary, and the ears of the
of 1840 the voting for the first officers took head are intact. The elections have always
place at the old Wood tavern which stood on been held at Woodville village. The officers
the land now owned by members of the Price elected in 1881 are as follows: R. Hartman,
family, just east of the present village of J. H. Hurralbrink, and Henry Blausey,
Woodville. This was, perhaps, the first trustees; George Wehrung, justice of the
public gathering of the members of the new peace; Dr. Henry Bush, treasurer; George
community, and as the election was merely Wehrung, clerk; Jonathan Faler and B. D.
of local interest with no political signifi- Enoch, constables.

780
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 781

PHYSICAL FEATURES, in thickness. Between the ridges the soil is


The productive territory of Woodville the ordinary clay characteristic of the Black
township has been redeemed from the Swamp. Where there is much fallen timber
famous Black Swamp, elsewhere described and decaying vegetable matter the earth is a
in this work. It lacks six sections in the black loam, which gives the soil a muckish
northeast corner of being six miles square. character. There are considerable areas of
This fractional piece was incorporated into swamp land which, however, is being
Ottawa county at its organization in 1840. redeemed by a thorough system of drainage.
The surface is a monotonous plain, and was Experience has demonstrated that the farmer
at one time covered by the waters of Lake makes most by raising mixed crops. Wheat is
Erie. The Portage River traverses the always good, and its production is
township in a northeasterly course, dividing encouraged by the ready market afforded at
it into almost equal parts. The Tousaint Woodville.
Creek in the northeast corner, and Sugar The monotony of the view is constantly
Creek in the southwest, run parallel with .the broken by extensive forests on every side.
Portage through the township, thus making The most of the township was originally
the gradual slope of the plain toward covered with low-land varieties of timber.
Sandusky Bay. These streams are separated Elm, hickory, cotton-wood, beech, ash, the
by almost imperceptible limestone ridges, varieties of oak, and the like, are found.
which are the out-crops of the underlying In the early days these forests teemed with
strata of Niagara stone, whose western game, small and great. Bear and wolves gave
boundary is marked by a line running south place to less savage game, such as wild
from section eight, leaving the township and turkeys with their gobble, gobble, gobble,
county in section six. Beyond this line, on and the mischievous, barking bunnies, so
the west, may be seen the out-croppings of destructive to the corn. There was scarcely
the water-lime stone, which is very valuable any bottom to the mud that covered the first
for building-stone, and bids fair to rival at roads, as those who tried them will testify.
no far distant day, the more celebrated THE FIRST ROAD
building-stone of southern Ohio. The was the old mud pike, which was called the
Niagara stone is extensively quarried in the Maumee and Western Reserve turnpike. It
vicinity of Woodville village, a number of gave way more than forty years ago to the
lime-kilns being located in section twenty- present substantial stone pike. Bisecting the
one, near the cemetery. In the same locality township, it was the path of the emigrants
there are several good sand-banks that were between Toledo and the far East. It was this
deposited here during the days of geological road that opened the township to the settler,
formation. The land along the line of these and along its course are strewn some of the
stony ridges is unproductive, and in most pleasantest pioneer reminiscences. Imagine
places is covered with a scant growth of yourself in a road little wider than an
grass, which affords pasturage to the ordinary narrow street, bordered by tall,
numerous sheep and cattle annually raised in gloomy-looking forest trees, converging east
the township. The underlying strata are also and west and shutting off the view of the
apparent in the courses eroded by the country ahead and behind. The road which,
streams, and in many places the exposures from the beginning, was a thorough-
are many feet
782 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

fare, is memorable because of numerous The first tavern in the township was
mud-holes extending from one tavern to opened where Woodville village now is, in
another. It was not an unfrequent sight to see 1826, by Thomas Miller, the first settler.
a mover's wagon stuck in the mud, and many This hostelrie is described as a little log
a time were the people along the way called cabin, always full of comfort and good
upon to pull the loads out of the mire. In cheer. The old shell is still standing back of
those early days help was freely given, it Cronnewett's drug store, in Woodville.
being an unusual thing to charge anything There was, a few years later, a tavern just
for service. across the river, which was kept by members
The building of a stone pike was the of the Wood family. This was the place of
making of Woodville township, and the pike the first election.
lands rapidly rose in value. Today, with the About the year 1840 the old trading post,
railroad running. through the township, that had been occupied by C. B. Collins, fell
together with other facilities for travel, it is into the hands of Lewis Jennings, who
hard to realize the situation of travelers in turned it into a tavern, which, for a time, was
the early days. In 1840 there were within the a popular resort. In the spring of 1841 a
confines of the township ten pleasant peddler by the name of Smith stopped for
carriages, valued at four hundred and several weeks at this place. He had a good
seventy dollars, and forty-one horses worth wagon and a fine mare, and his goods were
one thousand six hundred and forty dollars, of the best quality. His stock of goods
or forty-one dollars apiece. Much of the beginning to decrease the peddler one
hauling was done with ox teams. In 1840 morning bid good bye to his host and started
there were one hundred and eighty cattle, on foot to Sandusky, where he intended to
valued at one thousand four hundred and take the boat for Buffalo. When the time for
forty dollars. All the land in the township his return had passed he did not arrive. The
was worth but forty-one thousand five country round about was searched but no
hundred and eighty-seven dollars, including trace was found. Foul play was suspected
houses and other property. Now the real and Mr. Jennings was arrested and taken to
estate is valued at four hundred and sixty- Woodville. The preliminary trial failed to
three thousand three hundred and twenty prove anything and he was released. The
dollars, and chattel property at three hundred excitement did not abate for some time. The
and seven thousand and seventy-eight dol- horse, wagon, and goods were kept by Mr.
lars, making a total valuation of seven Jennings, who, shortly afterwards, moved
hundred and seventy thousand three hundred away. Nothing was ever heard of the missing
and ninety-eight dollars. peddler.
THE OLD TAVERNS. LAND RECORD.
There were at least three public taverns The names of many of the early settlers of
along the pike in Woodville township in the Woodville township appear in the annexed
early days. The necessity for their proximity record of land entries, which indicates the
to one another is more apparent when we original owners: It will be observed that
reflect that between each there was a much of the land fell into the hands of
continuous time-consuming, patience- speculators who never thought of locating on
exhausting mud hole, so bad, in fact, that it their purchases.
took all day to make a journey of a few The first record was made, in 1826, by
miles.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 783

ACRES.
C. B. Collins; others quickly follow. The full John Gassner ....................... section 30 70
list for 1826 is as follows: Samuel Matter ..................... section 34 73
ACRES. Samuel Matter ..................... section 21 80
C. B. Collins .......................... section 26 180 I. G. Scharber and G. H. Sea-
C. B. Collins .......................... section 35 143 ber, section 33 N.E. ¼
C. B. Collins .......................... section 35 I. G. Scharber and G. H. Sea-
Daniel Hubbel ....................... section 21 ber ................................ section 33 248
Daniel Hubbel ....................... section 28 312 David Day .................................tract 95 121
Daniel Hubbel ....................... section 28 George Welker .................... section 29 113
Thomas McKnight .................. section 27 142 Levi Rice and C. Eno ................tract 81 122
Joseph Wood ......................... section 33 81 Francis Lefever .................... section 29 82
Joseph Wood ......................... section 28 68 Hiram Preston .......................section 27 S.E. ¼
Joseph Wood ......................... section 27 Hiram Preston ...................... section 34 169
Joseph Wood ......................... section 27 103 Cyrus Patridge ..................... section 34 126
Harriet Miller ...........................tract 97 102
The record for 1827 is: Justice & Birchard ................ section 34 128
ACRES.
James Brooks ......................... section 28 84 Justice & Birchard ................ section 36 125
James Brooks ......................... sec. 20-29 79 Justice & Birchard ................ section 36 147
Jacques Hulburd .................... section 29 79 Justice & Birchard ................ section 18 144
John Hollister ........................ section 35 96 Justice & Birchard ................ section 19 118
William James ........................ section 27 123 Justice & Birchard ................ section 19 95
Sardis Birchard ..................... section 20 74
The following records of entries made as Sardis Birchard ..................... section 29 128
early as 1829: Sardis Birchard .................... section 20 84
ACRES. Sardis Birchard .................... section 20 80
James Brooks ......................... section 28 John Bell ...................................tract 98 84
James Brooks ......................... section 28 85 William Dunbar .........................tract 80 84
James Brooks ......................... section 29 Truman Wolfe ........................tract 113 118
James Brooks ......................... section 20 143 Truman Wolfe ........................tract 117 85
Dickinson & Justice ............. section 18 78
Land was recorded in 1831 by: Dickinson & Justice ............. section 18 79
ACRES. Jared Plumb ............................ section 2 85
James Brooks ......................... section 28 Jared Plumb ........................... section 2 158
James Brooks ......................... section 28 85 Benjamin Morpher.................. section 2 135
James Brooks ......................... section 29 Justice & Birchard .................. section 2 129
James Brooks .......................... section 20 143 Justice & Birchard .................. section 1 116
James Howell ........................ section 19 71 Justice & Birchard ................. section 1 94
Ludwick Ridenour .....................tract 136 143 Justice & Birchard .................. section 1 154
Clorinda Morrow .......................tract 100 117 Justice & Dickinson .............. section 2 86
William James ............................tract 78 68 Justice & Dickinson .............. section 2 71
Recorded in 1833: Lewis A. Harris ...................... section 1 80
Daniel Seagar ........................ section 2 118
ACRES.
Daniel Seagar ........................ section 2 85
Jacob Bunce ........................... section 26 80
James H. Moore ................... section 21 81
Truman Wolf ............................tract 117 84
Abraham Baity .................... section 30 80
William Dunbar ...........................tract 80 84
Frederick Baity .................... section 30 80
William James ....................... section 26 80
Ignatius Rue ........................ section 30 80
Dickinson & Birchard ................tract 94 102
David Leighty ...................... section 30 137
Truman Wolf .............................tract 113 117
David Leighty ...................... section 19 69
Jacob Bunce ........................... section 26 80
Dickinson & Birchard .................tract 94 103 In the year 1835 the record of land
Recorded in 1834: entries is :
ACRES
ACRES. Henry G. Folger ..................... section 3 80
David Miller .......................... section 21 80 Lewis A. Harris .................... section 18 126
David Stahler .......................... section 29 80 Andrew Friesner .......................tract 86 72
John H. Scott ......................... section 26 80 John Bell ............................... section 34 84
James Scott ............................ section 26 70 John Bell, ............................. section 34 79
Mary Harding ........................ section 30 79
Ignatius Rue .......................... section 30 80
784 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ACRES. ACRES.
John H. Doane ........................ section 26 82 John Kline ............................. section 4 160
George F. Whittaker ............... section 36 163 Abraham Van Tuyl ................. section 8 80
George F. Whittaker ............... section 33 85
John Decker ........................... section 33 150 The list of entries recorded in 1839 is as
S. Birchard and William P. follows:
Dixon ..................................... section 9 80 ACRES.
S. Birchard and William P. John Vanettan ......................... section 6 158
Dixon ...................................... section 10 80 Ira Benedict ............................ section 31 183
Philip Bigh.............................. section 8 80 John Gassner .......................... section 31 141
Charles S. Brown.................... section 17 80 John McCormick .................... section 25 40
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 15 160 John Vanettan ......................... section 31 134
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 15 80 Moses Young.......................... section 25 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 8 80 Benjamin Yates ..................... section 28 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 17 40 In 1840’s record we find more names of
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 8 40
Daniel Church ....................... section 9 80 actual settlers than heretofore:
ACRES.
Daniel Church......................... section 8 80
Daniel Bauer .......................... section 5 40
Eli Church ............................. section 8 80
D. B. Banks ............................ section 6 78
R. Dickinson and John R.
Edward Down ........................ section 3 80
Pease ............................ section 25 40
Edward Down ........................ section 3 80
Robert Fletcher ...................... section 25 40
Peter Kratzer ......................... section 6 80
Benjamin Hilligass ................. section 17 40
Daniel Kratzer ....................... section 6 80
John Harris ............................. section 9 40
David Neely ........................... section 3 80
Jonathan Kelery ..................... section 17 80
Henry Wevrich ...................... section 6 160
Michael Miller ........................ section 29 40
William Wevrich ................... section 4 81
D. D. Ogden ........................... section 9 160
William Wevrich ................... section 4 40
H. P. Russell .......................... section 17 40
Newton G. Eno ...................... section 17 80
H. P. Russell .......................... section 15 40
Newton Eno ........................... section 17 80
James A. ScovilIe ................... section 9 80
Peter Korbal .......................... section 25 80
John Wheeland ...................... section 17 40
Abijah Newman ..................... section 10 80
Anthony Wommer .................. section 8 40
Abijah Newman ..................... section 10 80
In 1836 the record was: Abijah Newman ..................... section 9 80
ACRES. Abijah Newman ...................... section 10 80
Benjamin Moore ..................... section 4 160 Abijah Newman ...................... section 10 40
Benjamin Moore .................... section 4 80 Samuel Pitcher ...................... section 10 80
George Orwig ......................... section 3 42 Erastus Pitcher ...................... section 10 80
George Orwig ......................... section 3 84 Austin H. Walker .................. section 17 40
George Orwig ......................... section 3 44 Austin H. Walker .................. section 17 40
John Strohl.............................. section 5 157 Amos E. Wood ...................... section 32 78
John Strohl.............................. section 5 78 Amos E. Wood ...................... section 32 66
Jesse Stone ............................ section 5 78 David B. Banks ..................... section 32 80
Abraham Tilton ...................... section 4 40 David B. Banks ..................... section 32 80
John Decker ............................ section 34 80 David B. Banks ..................... section 32 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 10 80 William Chambers ................. section 25 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 15 80 Davis Dunham ....................... section 25 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 22 80 Davis Dunham ....................... section 25 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 22 80 Jacob Dobbs ........................... section 15 40
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 9 80
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 22 160 SETTLEMENT.
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 10 40
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 8 160 It was not until other parts of the county
P. W. Benjamin ...................... section 15 240 had been settled for a number of years that a
J. B. Larwill ............................ section 22 80 permanent settlement was made in the
John Strohl.............................. section 32 80
Jesse Stone.............................. section 32 80
territory of Woodville township. During the
Indian occupation of the county the forests
In 1837 there is an account of but two entries, viz.;
in the western part, being low and swampy,
were only used as hunting
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 785

grounds. The settlement was finally made by embraced the south part of what is now the
a number of American families, accom- village of Woodville. Wood's farm consisted
panied by numerous German pioneers. The of one hundred and sixty acres of land in
State of New York furnished Woodville with section twenty-seven, just across the Portage
most of its American population, while River from Price's. He put up a log-house
nearly all of the Germans came from which not long afterwards received a frame
Hanover. addition and became a popular tavern. Here
The line of immigration from New York it was that the first township election was
was generally up the Erie Canal to Buffalo, held, in 1840. Mr. Wood was born in
thence by boat to Toledo, and then by wagon Vermont, in 1780. He married Hannah Doan,
to the place of settlement. Nearly all of the a native of Cape Cod. There were four
first settlers made the first clearings on their children. Amos E. was born in 1811, and
new farms, and built with their own hands died in 1850, ten years before his father.
their log cabins, many of them being Both were leading citizens and had much to
compelled to camp out during the first few do with the prosperity of the township. Mr.
days of their sojourn in the strange land. In Price was a native of New York, having been
1825 it was ordered that the mud pike, which born in Poughkeepsie, in 1783. He was
was little more than a corduroy road, be married, in 1829, to Parthena, second child
built, and that adjoining land be sold as pike of Ephraim Wood. They had two children,—
lands. This was the signal for settlement. George E. and William W. The latter was
Prior to this time there may have been here born in Kent, Ohio, in 1831. By his wife,
and there an occasional squatter. The first Louise B. Ladd, he has had three children,—
clearing was made on the present site of the Willie H., Nellie P., and Grace E.
village of Woodville, in 1825, at which time One of the earliest settlements in the east
a little log cabin was erected, and in the fall part of the township, was that of Lester
of 1826 was occupied by Thomas and Allen who was one of the first township
Harriet Miller. After Mr. Miller's death, in trustees.
1828, Mrs. Miller continued to keep tavern In October, 1831, the Baldwin and Chaffa
until 1837, when she married Charles families settled in the Black Swamp, there
Seager. Tradition has it that, at an early day, being but five families in Woodville
there was an old Indian beating-post at township at the time of their settlement.
section thirty-five, on Sugar Creek, on the They came from Geauga county, having
land now owned by G. H. Damschrader. It is originally emigrated from Vermont.
known that this land was bought, in 1826, by Ebenezer Baldwin died of cholera, in 1834.
C. B. Collins, of Sandusky, who, ten years His son, N. J. Baldwin, married Catharine
later, superintended the grading of the road. Boose, whose parents came from New York
However, it is probable he did not occupy in 1850, and settled in Black Swamp.
the land until 1836. Davis Dunham, who was born in Penn-
In 1832 Ephraim Wood, a native of sylvania in 1789, came to Woodville
Vermont, and his son-in-law, George H. township in 1833, and settled in the south
Price, of New York, bought land and built part of section twenty-five. By his wife,
houses in sections twenty-eight and seven. Anna Widener (born in Pennsylvania, in
Price's eighty acres adjoined and 1795, died in 1867), he had nine children,
viz: Anna, Rebecca, Almon, Sarah, Phineas,
786 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Margaret, Lucy, Davis, and Samantha. Mr. his land and made himself a comfortable
Dunham is the only survivor of the earliest home where he resided until his death, in
pioneers of his neighborhood. He has been a 1864. His widow resides in Toledo.
prominent man, having had much to do with David B. Banks emigrated from New York
the affairs of the township. His oldest son, to Ohio as early as 1834 or 1835 and located
Almon, was born in Erie county, Ohio, in in section twenty-nine, where he built a
1824, and in 1849 married Mary Allen, who grist-mill and saw-mill, his being the first
died in 1879. Two of their four children are mills in the township. He died in 1841. His
living, viz: Oren and Mary E. In 1880 Mr. widow married again and resides in Genoa,
Dunham married Mary E. Miller, who was Ottawa county. About the time of Banks'
born in 1854. Mr. Dunham is at present a settlement Archibald Rice and James
member of the Ohio Legislature. Scoville, his brother-in-law, came from New
John H. Scott and his brother James, who York and settled near Woodville. Mr.
came from Southeastern Ohio in 1834, Scoville's sister, Mrs. Rice, is living in the
settled in the eastern part of the township, village. In 1840 Samuel and Erastus Pitcher,
John locating on the line in section one, who several years before had entered land in
where the toll gate now is, and James the Rice neighborhood, made settlement.
settling on the road from Woodville to They afterwards removed to Michigan. Ira
Elmore, on a farm adjoining that now owned Kelsy, of New York, came with the Pitchers
by Michael McBride. They moved to Illinois and located in the same neighborhood, as did
about 1856. also a Mr. Thatcher. Peter Kratzer also
May 1, 1834, John and Mary Moore, with settled in 1840 in the southwest corner of the
their family of eleven children, started from township, section six, his house being on the
Hampton, Pennsylvania, and on the 19th of county line between Wood and Sandusky.
May arrived at the Black Swamp, three and a He died a few years ago. Members of his
half miles west of Hessville. Land was family live on the old place.
bought of a Mr. Coleman. There was a cabin Edward Down, another settler of 1840,
on the land and two acres had been cleared bought land in the southern part of the
though not fenced. The nearest house west township. He was an Englishman, and
was one and a half miles off, east one mile, emigrated to Ohio from New York. He only
north three, and south three miles. The old lived a short time after his settlement.
house was afterwards used as a school- In 1839 Andrew Nuhfer became a resident
house, Mr. Moore having built a larger of Woodville, coming from Bavaria. He is
house of his own. the present postmaster.
In 1834 Jared Plumb emigrated from New Ira Benedict, a native of New York, came
York, coming to Woodville township via to Woodville township at an early day, and
Buffalo, across the lake to Toledo and bought land up the Portage River, two or
thence by wagon down the Mud pike. He three miles from Woodville village. He
bought land on Sugar Creek now owned by rented his land at first, making final
C. F. Klansing, in section two. So thick was settlement in 1841. He was a very prominent
the woods along the creek that he had to cut man until his death, which occurred ten or
his way to where he erected his log house. twelve years ago. He was considered to be
He rapidly cleared an exceptionally fine
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 787

scholar for his day. He has a son living in pike. His wife, Joanna Kaily, of Ireland, died
Toledo. In 1839 John Vanettan settled in the in 1876. He has four children, all living.
Benedict neighborhood. He was also from Dr. A. R. Ferguson, who was born in
New York. His son Jacob is living. Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1814, came to
Barthol Hurralbrink, a native of Hanover, Sandusky county in 1839, locating in the
Germany, came to Woodville town-ship in village of Woodville, where he kept a small
1835, and settled on the Seager place. He drug store and practiced medicine until
improved a good farm, became a leading 1862, when he removed to Fremont. He was
citizen, and died in 1865, aged sixty-five sheriff of the county for four years, and in
years. His son, John H,, survives him. 1866 moved to Ballville township, where he
In the same year of Hurralbrink's still resides. In 1843 he married Mary E.
settlement, Hiram Preston, who had formerly Hart, a native of New York, who died in
lived on the State line between Pennsylvania 1850. Two children were born of this
and New York, came to this township and marriage, viz: Archibald, who resides in
settled in section twenty-seven, where he Tiffin, and Marietta, deceased. In 1855 Dr.
still is living, at the age of eighty-one years. Ferguson married Savilla, daughter of
Frederick Myerholtz and a Mr. Frary George and Lucy Cook. Ten children are the
located in the Hurralbrink neighborhood in result of this union, all of whom are living,
1835. Both are dead. viz: William and Edward, residing at Green
About 1836 or 1837 Henry Seabert, an Spring; Lillie B., wife of Kelley Myers, of
emigrant from Hanover, Germany, settled in Fremont; the others are at home—Nellie E.,
Woodville. His family still lives in the Lulu M., Savilla E., Frank R., Farinie G.,
neighborhood. Alice B., and John A.
In 1837 William Blank, a native of William C. Hendricks, a native of Ger-
Pennsylvania, settled in the southern part of many, came from Toledo in 1839 and settled
the township, on Sugar Creek, where near Woodville. He is supposed to have been
members of his family are still living. He the first German who settled at Toledo.
died in 1871, aged eighty-one years. A Mr. Thomas L. Truman, jr., came to Woodville
Burnham, from Lake Champlain, came about township in 1840, from Ottawa county. He is
the same time as Mr. Blank. About this time the son of Thomas L. Truman, sr., who
a Mr. Solnan, a wagon-maker from emigrated from Connecticut to Cuyahoga
Germany, located about three-quarters of a county, Ohio, in 1832, and in 1838 moved to
mile south of Woodville. It was he who built Ottawa county, and was the first settler in
the first frame house after the organization Benton township. The younger Mr. Truman
of the township. John Duke, an Irishman, was married in 1843 to Susannah Baldwin, a
lived on the north side of the pike, near native of Geauga county, Ohio. The result of
where the village now is, where he sold this union was five children, two of whom,
goods. Albert A. and Thomas W., are deceased.
Michael McBride, a native of Pennsyl- Emeline married Samuel P. Gardner and
vania, came to Ohio in 1837, and in 1841 resides at home. Betsy married Albert Myers
bought land on Sugar Creek, in section and resides in Madison township; and the
thirty-five, where he still resides. He was third daughter, Minnie, is the wife of D.
contractor for the building of the stone
788 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

B. Brown, M. D., Pemberville, Wood his mother, who was born in New York
county. State, was a descendant of William White,
In 1842 C. F. Klaving, of Germany, and a who came over in the Mayflower. The
Mr. Hiller settled on Sugar Creek in the Bakers were pioneers of Wood county.
southern part of the township. In the same Sanford Baker married Cynthia A. Webster,
year two brothers, H. H. and H. B. who died in 1857. Six children were born of
Shoemaker, and Chris Gerion located in the this marriage, of whom two daughters and
same neighborhood. one son are living. Mr. Baker was again
Rev. George Cronnewett, pastor of the married to Phebe Osborn, by whom he has
Lutheran church, became a resident of had eleven children, ten of whom are living.
Woodville in 1841. During his time he has Mr. Baker held the office of county
organized thirteen churches, and also been commissioner for three years, and has been
their pastoral supply for a greater or less treasurer of the township. Of the children by
number of years. On the third Sunday in Mr. Baker's first marriage, Helen M. is the
Advent 1866 his twenty-fifth anniversary in wife of Israel Morse, and resides in Clay
Woodville was celebrated. At this time he county, Kentucky; Emily is the wife of Jason
preached from "Come, and let us declare in Osborn, resides in Taylor county, Iowa; and
Zion the work of the Lord our God." After John W., Woodville township. The children
the sermon he made a report, from which we by the second wife are: Edmund, Ida,
extract the following items: During twenty- George, Belle, Rose, San-ford G., jr., Katie,
five years he preached about twelve hundred Willie, Arthur, and Charlie.
and fifty sermons, among which were a large Herman Kruse settled in 1845, having
number of funeral sermons. He baptized emigrated from Germany with his wife and
nearly seventeen hundred and confirmed four children. The family was increased to
about twelve hundred and fifty persons. He eight children, all of whom are living.
solemnized three hundred and sixty-four In 1847 John Kline, a native of Germany,
marriages. To accomplish this he travelled settled near the Banks' mill. His family
upwards of sixty-four thousand miles. When reside on the home place.
we think of the work he has done since then George Brion, of Wood county, settled in
we have an idea of his Christian zeal. Woodville township in 1848.
Elijah Kellogg was born in Canada in J. F. Camper, born in Hanover, Germany,
1819, and settled in Woodville in 1843. His in 1794, came to this county in 1850, and
grandfather participated, under General settled in the northern part of Woodville
Ethan Allen, in the capture of Fort township. He died in 1873. His widow,
Ticonderoga. whose maiden name was Catharine
Sanford G. Baker came from Wood county Burgomeyer, is still living with her son
to this township in 1845, and bought land in Charles. The family consists of five children
section twenty. He was born in Georgia, living and one deceased, viz: John, William,
Vermont, in 1817. By his own efforts he and Ernest, Woodville township; Mary,
cleared his farm which was then a vast deceased; Frederick, Ottawa county; and
forest, and has it now under a high state of Charles, Woodville township. Ernest, who
cultivation. He is the son of Elijah and accompanied his father from Germany, was
Layina (White) Baker. His father was a born in 1827.
native of Vermont, and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 789

In 1856 he married Catharine Kruse, who which was drawn for. The ground has been
was born in 1835. Four of the five children enlarged from time to time, and now consists of
born of this marriage are living, viz: Henry, twelve acres. Fully one thou-sand people are
Caroline, John and Charles, George is dead. buried in the cemetery, and it is now the only
Mr. Camper farms two hundred and fifty popular burying place in the township. In
acres of land. passing through we noted the names on the
CEMETERIES. headstones of the more prominent pioneers. The
The oldest burying ground in Woodville following is the list: Jared Plumb, died in 1864,
township is located in section thirty-five, on aged sixty-two years; John Duke, 1853, fifty-
Sugar Creek, about two miles southeast of five years; Captain John D. Hart, 1854, sixty-
the village of Woodville. The land was seven years; Jacob Hiser, 1878, seventy-four
owned originally by C. B. Collins, who came years; Peter Koerhel, 1870, eighty years; Abner
from Sandusky about the year 1834 to Hart, 1854, sixty-four; Chauncy Rundell, 1856,
superintend the grading of the old mud pike. fifty-seven; Frederick Steirkamp, 1879,
In 1836 his wife died, and her grave was sixty-one; George Brim, 1873, sixty-six; Barthol
made across the creek, just west of the Hurralbrink, 1865, sixty-five; Lester Allen,
house. Mr. Collins set apart an acre of land 1847, thirty-two; Ephraim Wood, 1860, eighty;
for burial purposes, and since that time land Amos E. Wood, 1850, thirty-nine; Elijah Baker,
has been added. Many of the pioneers found 1864, eighty-nine; John F. Camper, 1873,
their last resting place in this yard, but it has seventy-eight; John Smith, 1877, seventy-three;
not been used for seven or eight years, and is Herman Beose, 1873, seventy-two; John Kline,
in a dilapidated condition. 1877, seventy-two; Jacob Enoch, 1859 fifty-
five; William Geyer, 1870, seventy-one, and
THE UNION CEMETERY,
many others.
as it is called, has a rather peculiar origin. THE CATHOLIC CEMETERY
In the summer of 1846 a three-year-old son
of Stephen Brown, of Woodville, died, and it is situated immediately south of the Union
was thought best to bury him near the ground and is much smaller. It was laid out
village. Mr. Brown accordingly started in by Michael McBride. The first burial was
search of a suitable spot, and, after that of Bryon Fay, a native of Ireland, who
considerable search in the woods, found it at died October 8, 1854. Among those that
a point one-half mile due north of have since been buried there are Daniel
Woodville, in section twenty-one. Hither the Hagerty, died 1875, aged sixty-one; John
funeral cortege repaired and in this spot was McBride, 1866, eighty-five; Barthol Kaley,
the lonely little grave made. It was not long 1861, thirty-four; Robert Dailey, 1877, fifty-
before there was another grave there, and seven; Thomas Bennett, 1868, seventy-
then another, until there was quite a seven, and John Bookey, 1878, sixty-three.
community as a nucleus for the growth of THE VILLAGE OF WOODVILLE
the silent city that was laid out. In 1847 two is the geographical and political centre of
acres were bought, at fifteen dollars an acre, the township, to which it has given its name.
and the ground was known as a township It is pleasantly situated on the west bank of
burying ground. Lots were laid off and the Portage River, on the line
subscriptions from ten cents upwards to a
dollar entitled one to the ownership of a lot,
790 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Brunce's brick store now stands. Charles
railway, fifteen miles northwest of Fremont, Powers sold goods in the doctor's office in
and seventeen miles from Toledo. The town 1838, where the post office was kept. Mr.
was laid out June 13, 1836, the proprietors Powers, the postmaster, was succeeded by
being Amos E. Wood and George H. Price. John P. Endrekin, who was in turn succeeded
The original plat consisted of forty-four lots by J. H. Rerick in 1860. In 1869 the office
on the west side of the river. At first there fell into the hands of Andrew Nuhfer, who
was a controversy about the name of the still holds it. From a hamlet of three houses
town, one Samuel Cochran being unwilling in 1834 Woodville has become a thriving
that it be called Woodville after Mr. Wood, village. What is known as the Pratt addition
but the name finally prevailed. The first was made in 1855. August 19, 1873, an
house on the present site was Miller's tavern, addition was made by Jonas Keil, and a
built in 1825, described elsewhere in this second one July 28, 1875. There are at
work. The first frame house was erected in present more than five hundred inhabitants.
1833, and was destroyed by fire in 1866. It The streets are broad, well graded and
stood on the main street, where the store of shaded, and are lined with neat dwelling
George Wehrung now is. It was a little houses and well kept yards. The following is
structure, and in it was kept the first store. It a list of the business houses:
was also the office of Dr. Manville, the first Groceries—J. F. Basey and Benjamin
physician in the township. The second Otter.
physician, Dr. A. R. Ferguson, came to Dry goods and notions—George Wehrung
Woodville in 1839, remaining until 1862. and H. Reinkamp.
Dr. Huffman came a number of years after General store—Henry Brunce.
Dr. Ferguson, as did also Dr. Walker and Dr. Hardware—Andrew Nuhfer and William
Bell, from Fremont. Dr. Fred Jager, of Keil.
Germany, located in the village In 1850, Drug store—Dr. Bush and Albert
remaining about eighteen years. The present Cronnewett.
physicians are Drs. Bush and Bricker. After Flouring-mill—William Brunce. Woollen-
the organization of the township the first mill—W. J. Keil.
frame building erected was enclosed in the Saw-mill—Lewis Maynard.
summer of 1840 by Garrett Solman, the first There are two hotels, the Cosmopolitan
wagon-maker. The building, which was six and the Pennsylvania House.
inches narrower at the foundation than at the THE WOODVILLE CHURCHES.
top, still stands just east of the post office. In The Woodville churches are all, without
this same year the old Lutheran church was exception, in the village, there being no
put up. In 1834 John Duke, an old other places of worship in the township.
Scotchman, kept a general store in a log There are at present five organizations, of
house that Harmon Baker now owns, and in which the Lutheran is the strongest. The first
1839 B. L. Capel had a store on the property members of this church emigrated from
now occupied by Jacob Hoof, and afterward Germany in the fall of 1833. In 1840 they
David Day kept a store. elected trustees, deacons, and elders. Pastor
In 1839 Dr. Ferguson had his office in a Konrad, of Tiffin, who had ministered to
little frame building, which stood where them for a short time, dying, Rev. George
Cronnewett, of Michigan, was called to the
pastorate, preach-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 791

ing his first sermon on the third Sunday in time the services have been in that house.
Advent, 1841. In 1843 the church was Regular preaching is given by the present
incorporated by act of Legislature, and pastor, Rev. Mr. Richards.
named the German Lutheran Reformed As early as 1843, Father Rappe, late
Church, of Woodville. The first house of bishop of the Catholic church, held services
worship, a frame, thirty by forty feet, was in Woodville. He found a goodly number of
dedicated March 8, 1843. On March 3, 1860, adherents to the Catholic faith, and in 1851
the name was changed to the Lutheran he succeeded in effecting an organization. A
Solomon's Church, of Woodville. The new dwelling-house was purchased and converted
church edifice, a brick building, forty-five into a church. This was used until 1862,
by seventy feet, was dedicated December 24, when the present substantial brick building
1865. In 1841 the Lutheran society was dedicated, the church receiving
numbered thirty-three families; in 1843, ministerial supplies from the neighboring
sixty-seven families; in 1865, eighty town of Elmore. Rev. Father Reiken is the
families; in 1874, one hundred and fifty present pastor. The membership is now
families. The membership has been greatly about seventy.
increased through the instrumentality of Twenty-five years ago the United Brethren
Pastor Cronnewett. church was organized by Rev. John Long,
The German Methodists organized a who preached the first sermon. The services
society in 1843, with about twenty members. were held in the Union church, and
Rev. E. Reinschneider, who had preached in continued in that place until 1874, when the
Woodville before the organization, presided society purchased the old German Methodist
at the meeting, and was the first pastor of the church building. There are at present about
church. The first house of worship was built thirty members. The present pastor is Rev.
soon after the organization and was used Hartzel, who resides at Elmore. In 1859 the
until 1844, when the congregation moved Methodists, Presbyterians, and Evangelicals,
into the new church, also a frame building, not having any place for worship, combined,
the old house having been sold to the United without outside help, in building a house,
Brethren. The first trustees were: Henry which is known as the Union church, each
Seabert, Frederick Miller, Frederick Gerke, society having one representative on the
An-drew Nuhfer, and Frederick Steirkamp. board of trustees. The Methodists and
The present trustees are: Lewis Walter, Evangelicals were organized. The
Frederick Wilkie, John Frabish, Christian Presbyterians were few in number, and their
Gerwin, and Peter Knoepe. Lewis Gerke is society, with that of the Evangelicals, has
superintendent of the Sunday-school. Rev. become extinct. As has been stated, the
John Haneke is pastor. Methodists now have a house of their own.
The Methodist Episcopal church was THE SCHOOLS.
organized in 1844 in the old school-house,
Woodville township is not lacking in
by Rev. Mr. Norton, the first pastor. There
educational facilities, and is constantly
were about thirty members. The first
increasing them. In the days of settlement,
stewards were: Stephen Brown and Ephraim
little log school-houses quickly sprang up in
Wood. A Sunday-school was organized with
the several districts established. These relics
the church. Meetings were held in the
of pioneer days have given way to
school-house until the building of the Union
church, since which
792 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

the more tasty and substantial frame and Nuhfer, William H. Brunce, and John H.
brick buildings of the present time. The first Furrey. The school is under good
school-house was built at Woodville, in management and is doing good work. A. T.
1836, the same year that the village was laid Aller is the principal, and Miss A. Reynolds,
out. Miss Catharine Seager was the first with Miss Sacharies are his assistants.
teacher. The daughters of Ira Benedict and MILLS.
Jared Plumb also taught in the several early The first grist-mill in Woodville township
schools in the township. In 1839 a frame was built by David B. Banks, in 1835. It was
building was put up in Woodville where the located in section twenty-nine, on the west
blacksmith-shop now is. This was at first bank of the Portage River, a short distance
used by the Lutherans for church purposes, from the present village of Woodville. There
but afterwards became a school-house. was also a saw-mill on the other side of the
In 1836, during the winter, the house of river. The flouring-mill was at first run by
John Moore, in the southwest part of the horse and ox power, the customers
township, was transformed into a school- furnishing their teams to grind the grain As
house, Mr. Moore having removed to a new the whole neighborhood depended on this
house. His daughter was the teacher at this mill, business was lively. It was last run by
place. The next winter the school was held in William Hendricks, who rebuilt it several
the bail-room of the old tavern on the years ago.
present Damschrader place, on Sugar Creek; The first mill at Woodville was built by
John Scott taught this school for his board. Henry Seabert, more than twenty years ago.
In 1837 a new building was put up near the It was doing a prosperous business when it
old tavern. was destroyed by fire. After it was rebuilt it
The educational advantages of Woodville fell into the hands of John P. Endrekin, and
village increased with advancing years. In was afterwards managed by Dr. Archibald R.
1865 an addition of one story was put on to Ferguson. The fine brick structure that now
the brick school-house that for years had occupies the site of the old mill is owned by
served as a miniature temple of Minerva. William Brunce. It is run by steam and has
The crowning work was done in 1878, when the trade of the whole township.
the present handsome brick house was built, There is also a saw-mill in section four, on
that is today the architectural pride of the the farm of Caleb Klink. The steam saw-mill
village. About the year 1865 Woodville had at Woodville is owned by Lewis Maynard.
been made a special school district and the Since the early days there has been a carding
number of children of school age justified machine at Woodville. The woollen-mill, as
the expenditure of nine thousand dollars. it now stands, is owned by W. J. Keil.
The directors at the time of the construction
of the new building were: Andrew
MADISON.

M ADISON, embracing an area twenty-


seven miles square, lies between
Woodville on the north and Scott on the south.
naturally covered lightly the ridges caused
by meeting edges, leaving the surface stony
and throwing obstructions in the way of easy
Wood county is the western boundary, and cultivation.
Washington township the eastern. The The western part of Madison is flat and
geological feature of this township is the two mucky, but an extensive system of ditching
limestone ridges, or out-crops, which traverse its has made the soil capable of high
territory. A ride on the road leading from cultivation, and remuneratively productive.
Hessville to Gibsonburg will convince the most Sugar Creek takes a course almost due north,
unobserving traveler of an unusual formation, and is the best natural drain in the township.
for protruding ledges occur provokingly near Its source is in Sugar Creek prairie, in Scott
each other, and are calculated to disturb the township. Two branches of Coon Creek
mildest temper. But these out-crops are of great drain the remaining area of the western part
economic value. Quarries located on their of the township. Here log houses, stumpy
summits are worked with comparative ease. The fields, and extensive woods, thick with
rock is of excellent quality for the manufacture underbrush, indicate the age of the
of lime, an industry which has, been the means settlement; ditches, bearing away streams of
of building up, since 1871, a town third, living water, explain the cause.
numerically, within the county. Curiosity Madison has had an uneventful life, and
naturally leads to inquiry into the cause of the her history will therefore be short. There are
solid rock formation being thus broken. The none of those exciting episodes to record
only explanation geology has ever set forth is, which throw a whole community into a
that after the upper limestone layer or stratum foment of excitement, and then live in
had been formed of calcareous fossils, a fireside traditions longer than the memory of
powerful disturbance took place, perhaps families themselves. She passes the
making a continent of the bottom of the sea. The chronicle of crime to her neighbor Scott,
tenacity of a comparatively thin shell of rock where certainly there is plenty of material to
could afford very little resistance to a force of fill it. Madison has been rapidly developed
such giant power. The earth's crust, broken in materially against adverse natural
huge blocks, resembled the breaking up of the conditions. No higher compliment can be
ice on a lake surface in springtime. But an era of paid her first settlers and citizens.
quiet restored permanence. Drift, which has THE SETTLEMENT.
covered the surface and formed the soil, filled The first lands were entered in Madison in
up the gaps. The drift 1830 and 1831. Very few, if any, squatters had
penetrated the swamp before that time. This
sickly flat, made hideous by the hum of
mosquitoes, had no

793
794 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

SECTION. A C R E S.
attractions for the professional rovers, whose Philip Roush .................................. 12 80
general character is delineated in a previous Wilson Teeters .............................. 34 80
chapter. Settlement here involved sacrifices Thomas Withers ............................. 22 80
which no one was willing to endure, except The following entries are recorded in 1836:
in the hope of building up a home, and SECTION. A C R E S.
providing a heritage for their children. All Jacob Burkett .................................. 18 40
William Blank ................................. 9 80
who came had the necessary resolution to N. P. Hathaway............................... 31 82
make them wealthy men, but more than half Augustus Hastings .......................... 29 40
were wanting in the stability necessary for T. P. Johnson ................................. 27 80
pioneer service; they abandoned their Joel Kemerling ............................... 26 80
Daniel Kratzer ............................... 26 158
stations and sought a more promising clime. Isaac Ludwig .................................. 25 120
Most of those who remained, the pioneers of George Orwig ................................ 11 40
today, accomplished in a satisfactory William Reed ................................. 14 40
Merrit Scott ................................... 35 160
measure the object of their ambition. They Daniel Smith ............................ 27, 28 80
have also performed a high mission in life J. D. Storms ................................... 19 80
by clearing, plowing, and ditching, thus Jesse Stone .............................. 10, 11 80
finishing the work of creation by adapting David Smith.................................... 17 40
David Smith, jr .............................. 17 80
nature to the use of civilized man. David Smith .................................. 20 80
As a guide to the location of early Morris and John Tyler .................... 20 160
settlers, as they are mentioned in the John Topping .................................. 22 80
Hector Topping .............................. 22 40
foregoing sketch, a list of the original land A. B. Tyler and C. Petti-
entries is herewith given. The date of entry bone ................................................ 27 80
in nearly every case antedates the date of A. B. Tyler and C. Petti-
record five years. A further explanation is bone ................................................ 15 40
A. Vroornan ................................... 10 40
found in connection with York township.
What is said there concerning the State The following entries were recorded in 1837:
SECTION. A C R E S.
turnpike lands does not apply here, there Charles Hazleton ........................... 22 40
being no pike lands in this township: George Sinclair .............................. 30 161
The following entries are recorded in 1825: George Sinclair .............................. 30 40
SECTION. A C R E S.
The following entries were recorded in 1838:
John W. Allen................................... 7 160
SECTION. A C R E S.
Joel Benton ..................................... 25 40
Henry P. Allen................................ 33 160
Eli Charles ...................................... 11 160
Charles F. Gilmore ......................... 34 40 Joel Russiquire ............................... 31 160
Joel Russiquire ...................32 and 33 80
E. P. Hathaway ............................... 29 160
Richard I. Hayek ............................ 20 80 The following entries were recorded in 1839:
Gideon and James Hath- SECTION. A C R E S.
away................................................ 30 80 John Burus................................ 29, 32 240
Freborn Hathaway .......................... 30 79 John Brown..................................... 25 160
N. P. Hathaway............................... 19 160 Solomon Burgman .......................... 25 160
N. P. Hathaway............................... 17 80 Christian Burgman ......................... 13 80
Jac Kemerling................................. 25 40 F. C. Clark ...................................... 33 40
David Kepford ................................ 18 39 John Causer .................................... 13 160
George Lightner ............................. 19 39 Benjamin Cramer ........................... 33 80
Marcus Montelius ........................... 20 160 Elias Frank ..................................... 31 80
Marcus Montelius ........................... 11 80 Jacob Garn .......................... 22, 23, 15 360
George Orwig ................................. 12 80
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 795

SECTION. A C R E S.
SECTION. A C R E S.
Jacob Garn ................................ 21, 20 160 John Marder.......................................80 29
John Hazzard ............................ 23, 26 160 Eli Murry, sr ......................................18 79
Josiah Harman ................................ 36 160 Samuel Myers ....................................18 80
Charles Hazelton ............................ 34 160 Adam Moyer ......................................19 80
George Ickes................................... 25 80 John Moore, jr ...................................18 99
Elias Miller ..................................... 36 160 Philip Moore ......................................18 39
Jacob Mathews ............................... 30 160 J. D. Orwig ........................................12 80
Jonas Rishel .............................. 14, 35 160 Jacob Poorman...........................8 and 9 120
William Reed.................................. 23 80
Henry Roller ......................................35 60
Adam Shaffer.................................. 36 160
John Straughan ............................... 28 160 Calvin Salisbury ................................31 40
David Smith.............................. 32, 33 120 William Smith ...................................44 40
Merrit Scott .................................... 27 80 Benjamin Stanton ..............................24 160
Charles Taylor ................................ 32 40 Benjamin Stanton ..............................21 80
Benjamin Yates .............................. 28 80 Daniel Spohn .....................................26 160
Jasper Whitney ........................... 9, 10 320 Jacob Staner.....................33, 28 and 27 160
John Whitford jr ............................. 32 160 George Spencer .................................31 40
William Whitford ........................... 32 80
John Teeters.......................................32 160
Godfrey Wheeland.......................... 14 160
Lewis 0. Whitmore ......................... 34 160 Wilson Teeters...................................34 80
Edward Webb ................................. 28 80 Samuel Warts.....................................24 160
Andrew Wood................................. 53 160 The first settler of Madison was Henry P.
Fred Zepherick ......................... 14, 13 160
Allen, who came to the township about
The following entries were recorded in 1840: 1831 and built a cabin on the King farm. He
SECTION. A C R E S.
Christian August ............................. 80 23
was a New Englander by birth. Although
Patrick Byrne .................................. 34 40 the first settler he is not remembered with
George Barrier .......................... 23, 28 240 that affectionate interest which would
Joshua Cope .................................... 17 40 secure for him an extended notice. He left
Augustus Campbell .................. 24, 26 160
Frederick Clark............................... 35 80 the country in a few years and was
Charles Choate ............................... 13 160 afterward drowned.
Augustus Campbell ........................ 26 240 We are unable to mention in their order
Samuel Croaks ................................ 13 80
John Dixon ..................................... 19 159
the early arrivals. The year 1833 made a
John Dixon, Jr ................................ 19 79 great change in the appearance of the
Archibald Esther............................. 35 40 township. It is often said that people are
J. L. Flack, 2d................................. 13 80 like sheep; when one takes the lead the
Daniel Forbes ........................... 31, 17 200
Jacob Garn ...................................... 27 80 flock follows. This characteristic of human
George Hartman ............................. 14 80 nature demonstrates itself in the settlement
James and George Holcomb ........... 27 160 of a country. Thus it happens that the first
N. P. Hathaway......................... 31, 32 163
George Ickes................................... 25 40
settler of a district, in an historical sense, is
John Kills ....................................... 34 40 the central figure of an important epoch.
Jacob Kam .......................... 24, 23, 15 360 The second settler of Madison township,
Benjamin Kester ............................. 14 80 and the first one whose residence was
Daniel Kern .................................... 29 80
Joseph Kratzer .................................. 7 80 permanent, was David Smith, who was born
George Lightner ............................. 19 39 in Pennsylvania in 1777. He married
Jacob Maugas ................................. 23 80 Catharine Blank, by whom a family of
In 1840 the following entries were re- seven sons and six daughters were born.
corded: The family in 1821 removed to Columbiana
SECTION. ACRES. county; Ohio. In 1832 Mr. Smith entered a
Daniel McIntosh ....................................... 27 80 tract of land in Madison township, and
shortly afterward recommenced the life of a
pioneer. At the
796 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

first election, in 1834, he was elected one of then, in 1832, removed with his family to
the justices of the peace and held the office Madison. There seems at this time to have
many years. As will be seen by reference to been a stampede from Columbiana county to
a previous chapter, he filled the office of Madison. It will be remembered that about
county assessor for a number of years. By the same time Washington township was
trade Mr. Smith was a gunsmith, and was a filling up with people from Perry county,
workman of more than ordinary skill. He most of whom were native Pennsylvanians.
died in his ninetieth year. Mrs. Smith died at Mr. Reeves was county surveyor eleven
the age of seventy-four. years. He died in 1847. The family consisted
Daniel Smith was born in Columbia of thirteen children, five of whom are living,
county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. He is the son one—Eli—in this township. The Reeves
of Daniel Smith, whose family settled in settlement was in the south part of the
Columbiana county in 1821. He entered land township, near the present village of
in this township, on which he settled, and, in Rollersville.
1834, married Jeanette Holcomb, by whom Fred C. Clark settled in Madison about
he had seven children. Mrs. Smith died at 1833. After a short period he sold to Luther
the age of forty-eight. He married again in Chase, and removed to Wood county. The
1863, Mrs. Emma Brobst. Mr. Smith held the farm was transferred by Chase to John Dean.
office of justice of the peace in Madison Jacob Staner came to Madison in 1833,
township twenty-two years. He was admitted and settled where Smith's sawmill is now
to the Bar in 1874. David Smith, jr., came to located. He removed to Fremont in about ten
the township from Columbiana county with years, and opened a tavern.
his father and entered a tract of land on George Ickes, one of the oldest of the
which he settled and died. pioneers of Madison, was born in Bedford
John Reed was probably the next arrival in county, Pennsylvania, in 1800. He settled in
the township. He was followed by James Madison township with his family about
Holcomb, a native of Connecticut, who came 1833. He married Margaret Croyle in 1821,
to Ohio in 1824 and settled in Portage and had a family of thirteen children, ten of
county. He was married to Dorcas Trumbull whom are living, viz: Henry, Adam,
and had a family of seven children. In the Catharine, Thomas, Barbara, Sarah, Michael,
summer of 1832 he removed with the family Margaret, Sophia, and George. Mrs. Ickes
to Madison, where he lived until the time of died in 1867.
his death. Only three of the children are William Whitford settled in the south part
living, George W., Moses V., and Gideon H. of the township in 1833. He was one of the
George W., the oldest child living, is yet a proprietors of the surveyed village of
resident of Madison township. He was born Rollersville. He lived in the township until
January 11, 1808. He was married, in 1836, his death.
to Catharine Smith, daughter of David Benjamin Yates moved into the town-ship
Smith. Two of their three children are from Columbiana county about the same
living—David and Eli. time. He removed from here to Michigan.
David Reeves, a native of New York, Another of the Columbiana county colony
settled first in Columbiana county, and who came in 1833, was Angus Campbell, a
native of Scotland. He was
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 797

a Scotch Presbyterian of the strict school. He to the county and settled in this township in
died in 1868 at the age of sixty-four years: 1832, where he remained till 1849, then
His wife survived him nine years. Eight of removed to Erie county, and died there in
their eleven children are still living. 1851. The family consisted of eight children,
Caleb Taylor and William Burkett settled five of whom are living, viz: Elias, Illinois;
in Madison in the year 1833. Both had John, Nebraska; Absalom, Ballville;
families, and became respected citizens. Jonathan, Ballville; and Isadore, Madison.
The census duplicates of Jackson, Absalom, who is a well-known citizen of
Washington, and Madison register the name Ballville township, was born in 1839. He
Garn oftener than any other. Jacob Garn, the married, in 1859, Elizabeth Glass.
progenitor of the Garns of Madison, was Josiah Harman came to Madison with his
born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in brothers, Frank and Merritt, about 1833.
1799. In 1824 he married Elizabeth Bittle, Josiah taught school, and had a good
and two years later emigrated to Ohio. After reputation for awhile. What finally became
spending two years in Richland, and five of him is not known.
years in Seneca county, the family settled in Benjamin Cramer settled on the Whitney
Madison in 1833. It was at Mr. Garn's resi- farm about 1833. He soon became
dence that the first election was held in discouraged and removed to Michigan.
1834, also succeeding elections for a number Jasper Whitney was born in Ontario
of years. This family is characteristic, at county, New York, November 8, 1803. He
least for size. The children numbered settled in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1825, and
sixteen, fourteen of whom are living—eleven in 1826 married Elizabeth Gunwer, a native
boys and three girls. One boy and one girl of Switzerland. During his residence in
lire dead. Mr. Garn died in 1879 at the ripe Seneca county he had a severe attack of
old age of eighty years. Mrs. Garn, the sickness. For fourteen days he was
mother of this large family, is yet living on unconscious and apparently lifeless. The
the homestead. The children living are: physician pronounced him dead, and every
Andrew and John (twins), Sandusky county; preparation was made for the funeral—
Milton and Lizzie (Turley), Wood county; coffin, shroud, and all. Mrs. Whitney,
Margaret (Barker), Elijah and Adam, however, insisted on delay. Her judgment
Sandusky county; Peter and Samuel, and resolution prevented what happens more
Williams county; Susannah (Warner), frequently than people generally suppose—
California; Daniel, David and Levi, burial before death. Mr. Whitney has never
Sandusky county. fully recovered his strength, but has raised a
Abraham Shell was one of the earliest large family and attained to a ripe old age.
settlers of Scott township, but is classed He has cleared four hundred acres of land
among the pioneers of Madison because since coming to Ohio. The family consisted
more of his life was spent here than any- of ten children, seven of whom are still
where else in the State. He was born in living. Following are their names: Edwin,
Pennsylvania in 1803. He married Lydia Emily, and an infant daughter, all deceased;
Fought and came to Scott township about Amelia (Spooner), Wood county; Erastus,
1829, and remained two years, then moved Laporte county, Indiana; Ezra, Cass county,
to Columbiana county. Mr. Shell returned Iowa; Ann, Washington township; Mary A.
(Russell), Madison; Ellen
798 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

(Klotz), Wood county; and Ami E. (King), improvements. He was a machinist by trade.
Madison township. Besides the severe and Louis O. Whitman was the owner of a saw-
almost fatal illness above described, he has mill. He settled about 1835.
suffered some severe injuries. In 1840, while Charles T. Gilmore, a native of New
riding a horse, Mr. Whitney was thrown off England, came to Madison about 1835. He
and broke his left leg. Again, in 1858, he returned to the East five years afterward.
was thrown from a wagon and broke the I. D. Storms settled in Madison about
same limb, besides receiving such injuries 1836. He died five years later. The family
upon his head that he was for a long time un- removed to Michigan.
conscious. Some six weeks after, while still Peter and Jacob Kimmerling, born of
suffering from the effects of this accident, he Pennsylvania parentage, in Union county,
was in the barn watching the men who were came to this county in 1836. Peter married,
threshing, when the horses ran over him and in Union county, in 1833, Elizabeth Hartzell,
broke his other leg. who died in 1859, leaving thirteen children,
Ami M., seventh child of Jasper and viz: William, Catharine, James, John,
Elizabeth Whitney, was born in Seneca Edward, Margaret, Mary, Julia A., Ellen,
county in 1842. He came to Madison with Bennel, Peter, Henry and Sarah. He married
the Whitney family in 1852. He married, in for his second wife, Catharine Unger in
1862, Julia Damschrader, who was born in 1861, and by her had a family of five
Toledo in 1844. Two children are living children—Saloma, Samantha, Abram, Jacob
Mary M., and Martha A. Mr. Whitney F., and Lillie M. Mr. Kimmerling left the
removed to Washington township in 1869. farm a few years ago and began keeping
Elias Miller settled in Madison township hotel in Gibsonburg. His family are all
about 1834. He died in this township. married except three. William, Sarah,
Charles Hazleton came to the township in Bennel, Henry, and Peter are dead.
1834. He was a native of Vermont. He Noah P. Hathaway was born in
married, in Madison, Mary Wolcutt, and is Massachusetts in 1801. He married Nancy
now living In Illinois. Payne in 1823, and in 1836 came to Ohio
Jeremiah King was one of the most useful and settled in Madison township, where he
men who ever lived in Madison. He was lived until 1858. He then removed to the
born in Rhode Island in 1805. In 1826 he present site of Helena, where he remained
married Mary Dean, of Massachusetts, and two years, afterwards becoming a resident of
in 1834 they came to Sandusky county and Scott. Fostoria was his home for twelve
purchased a farm in Madison township. years from 1862. The family consisted of six
Being dissatisfied with the country they children—Rowena P. (Merrick), Attica,
returned to the East, but afterwards came Indiana; Ann P. (Thomas), Rollersville; Avis
back and settled on the farm in Madison. He (Thompson), Rollersville; Adelaide C.
was killed May 6, 1856, at Aspinwall, while (deceased); Helena M. (Lloyd), Fostoria, and
crossing the Isthmus of Panama. He had Sylvanus P., Scott township. Mr. Hathaway
been justice of the peace twelve years, and killed the last wolf seen in Sandusky county,
was county commissioner several years. He in 1858.
was a leader in urging forward public About 1836 Freeborn, Gideon and
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 799

James Hathaway settled in Madison, and We have now sketched in a general way
Philip in Scott. the first settlement of the township. We have
William Blank settled in 1836. He died in given our readers as much information
the township nine years ago. George concerning those who went before and
Lightner settled about the same time. prepared the way for rapid improvement, and
David Kepford, a stone mason from progress, as our space and information can
Pennsylvania, came into Madison in 1836. supply. It takes time and labor to improve a
He moved west from here. country. The working pioneer really enlarges
Esquire Plumb settled west of the present the world by just as many acres as he clears
village of Gibsonburg. and reduces to the use of civilized society.
Joseph Slates was born in Carroll county, But there is a class of later settlers who
Maryland, in 1809. He married Elizabeth Fleck deserve some attention, those who have
in Pennsylvania. In 1854 he moved to this carried on the battle commenced by the
county and resided in Jackson, then in pioneer army. This class is so large that we
Washington township, moving thence to can mention but a few families.
Madison, where he now resides. The family William Driftmeyer, son of Lewis and
consists of nine children living: Catharine, Isabella Driftmeyer, was born in Germany in
Madison township; Elizabeth (Snyder), 1816. He came to America in 1842, and
Washington township; Rebecca (Garn), settled in Maklison township. He married, in
Williams county; Jennie (Allen), Defiance 1843, Mary Cook, also a native of Germany.
county; Lucinda (Klotz), Scott township; The fruit of this union was eight children,
Ellen (Klotz), Madison township; Lydia A. viz: William (deceased), Henry, Mary, Eliza,
(Krotzer), Wood county; William, Madison Sarah, Frederick, Sophia, and Louis. Mr.
township; and Jacob, Michigan. Driftmeyer is one of the many foreign-born
William Slater was born in Pennsylvania in citizens who have earned by labor and
1837, and came to Ohio with his .parents. In economy, a handsome estate, with no other
1873 he married Emeline Metzger, who died start than a healthy body and determined
in 1874, leaving one child, Joseph. purpose. He came to this county without a
D. P. Hurlbut, a native of Vermont, was cent, but is now one of the wealthy men of
born in Chittenden county in 1809. He came the township.
to Ohio in 1832 and settled in Geauga John W. Hutchinson, son of William
county. After about one year he left the State Hutchinson, was born in Wayne county,
and did not return till 1837, when he settled Ohio, in 1832. In 1853 he married Rebecca
in Madison township. He married, in 1834, Naylor, a daughter of Samuel Naylor, and a
Maria Woodbury, a native of New native of Medina county, Ohio. He settled in
Hampshire. Nine children blessed this union, 1853, in Madison township. Three of their
seven of whom are living, viz: Wheeler W., six children are living—William W., Willard
Emily A., Emory A., George M., Henry K., B., and Charles. Mr. Hutchinson engaged in
Phebe M., and John L. Mr. Hurlbut merchandising at Rollersville one year, and
purchased his farm at one dollar an acre, is now carrying on undertaking and farming.
land which would now bring in the market Mr. Hutchinson assisted in building the
eighty times that amount. house now used as the Methodist church, the
first frame building erected, in Gibsonburg.
800 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

A. H. Tice, son of Peter Tice, was horn in county, by whom four children were born,
Fulton county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. He one boy and three girls, who are living, viz:
married Catharine Noggle in 1844, and in Elva V., Nancy E., Thomas O., and Susan. In
1853 settled in Jackson township. In 1858 he 1879 Mr. Lattimore returned to his native
removed to Madison. The family consisted county, and settled in this township.
of ten children, nine of whom are still living, GIBSONBURG.
viz: Malinda, Emeline, Andrew J., Elizabeth, The construction of the Tiffin, Toledo &
James B., George W., Sarah J., Hattie, and Eastern Railroad (now the Pittsburgh, Fort
Alpha. Mr. Tice served as magistrate of Wayne & Chicago) seemed to create all
Madison township nine years. along the line a craze for towns. For this, as
Samuel Bell, a son of Abraham Bell, was well as for the disappointment which has or
born in Cecil county; Maryland, in 1823. He inevitably will result, the projectors of the
came to Ohio and settled in Ottawa county in road are responsible. It will be remembered
1834, where he lived till 1862, when that as an inducement to secure a free right
Madison became his home. In 1846 Mr. Bell of way, depots were promised at almost
married Catharine Correll, of this county. every road crossing, and flourishing towns
Seven children blessed this union, five boys pictured at every point. Burgoon,
and two girls, all living—Sarah E. (Lloyd), Millersville, Helena, and Gibsonburg—four
Scott; William, Ottawa county; James O., towns within a distance of ten miles—have
Ottawa county; Mary F. (Edmunds), for ten years been contesting for supremacy.
Bradner, Wood county; Melvin E., Ottawa All except one are flourishing villages for
county; Andrew and Elmer, Madison. their age, and good markets. But if the
Robert R. Webster was horn in Ontario enterprise and business of the four could be
county, New York, June, in 1807. He came consolidated into two, there would be a
to Ohio in 1841, and settled in Erie county. reasonable hope of growth beyond the limits
Ten years later he moved to Toledo, and of a village. From experience has been
lived there till 1867, when with his family he deduced the adage: "The fittest survive."
settled in Madison township. He married, for History is not the place for prophesy. We
his first wife, Amelia McMillen; after her therefore content ourselves with brief
death he married Elizabeth Daum, widow of outlines.
John P. Daum. The fruit of both marriages The founder of Gibsonburg was fortunately
was sixteen children, eleven of whom are a man who knew the methods necessary to
living. Mr. Webster may truthfully be called accomplish the ends in view; in other words,
a veteran soldier, having served three and he was a business man. As a result, his town
one-half years in the Florida war, one year was given a start which attracted the
and a half in the Mexican war, and two years attention of other enterprising business men,
in the Rebellion, in the Sixty-seventh Ohio who have assumed management of affairs,
Volunteer Infantry. and are furnishing the food necessary to
Thomas Lattimore was born in this county nourish a rapid and healthy growth. In ten
in 1829, but while quite young his parents years a population of six hundred has been
moved to Ottawa county. He married, in brought together, who are fed by solid and
1852, Susan Park, of Ottawa productive industries.
To William H. Gibson, of Tiffin, be-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 801

longs the honor of founding this town, which in 1879 the firm name changed to Farmer,
bears his name. After the railroad had been Dorhn & Co. Since 1880 the style of the firm
located, General Gibson purchased a tract of has been E. Farmer & Co. The senior
ninety acres, and early in August, 1871, partner, Mr. E. Farmer, is also extensively
surveyed forty acres into town lots. engaged in other enterprises. He was born in
Associated with him in laying out the town, Concord, Massachusetts, in 1842. In 1862,
as at first platted, August 5, 1871, were T. he enlisted in the One Hundred and
D. Stevenson and J. F. Yeasting. Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after
A post office was at once secured, T. D. the conclusion of the Rebellion settled in
Stevenson being commissioned to take business in Mansfield, Ohio, where, in 1867,
charge of the office. He was succeeded in he married Jennie Smith. Mr. Farmer
1873 by F. W. Dohn, the present incumbent. removed with his family to Gibsonburg in
The first store was opened in 1871, by 1873. He is enterprising in pushing the
Zorn & Hornung, in their own house which various industries in which he is interested
was also the first business building in the and at the same time is a public-spirited
place. citizen.
P. H. Zorn, the senior member of this firm, The first drug store in the village was
was born in Germany. He came to America opened by Carlin & Markle, in 1874. In a
in 1849, and located at Fremont, where he short time it passed under the charge of
was employed at making shoes. He married Cribliz & Shull, and the following year was
Margaret Stotz and afterwards located at purchased by the present owner, S. B.
Hessville, where he opened a shop and Stilson, who is a practical business man and
worked at the trade. By economy and trained druggist. Before coming to
industry he was enabled in a short time to Gibsonburg Mr. Stilson was engaged in the
purchase a stock of boots and shoes. This drug trade for a number of years at Oberlin,
was the beginning of a successful mercantile Ohio. He was born at Edinburg, Portage
career. Adam Hornung, who had learned the county, Ohio, in 1848. His present business
shoemaker's trade in Mr. Zorn's shop, was consists of trade in drugs, books, medical
received as a partner, and the business instruments, etc.
enlarged to a general store. The store at It would be useless and tedious to trace all
Gibsonburg was at first placed under the the changes in the hardware and tin-ware
management of Mr. Hornung, and conducted business. The first store of this character was
as a branch. The rapid growth of the village opened by A. S. Herr. The line of succession
soon induced the firm to consolidate at was from Herr to Bordon & Powers, then to
Gibsonburg, and Mr. Zorn became a resident A. J. Bordon, and from him, in 1878, to M.
of the village. Merchandising has been W. Hobart & Co., H. T. Bowlus being the
continued uninterruptedly since, the only partner. Mr. Bowlus sold, in 1880, to Mr.
change in the firm being the admission of Smith. The business of this house is general
Henry Zorn into the partnership, in 1877. tinwork, and trade in hardware, tinware,
The business of E. Farmer & Co. was stoves, building material, and agricultural
established in 1873, by E. Farmer. In 1875 implements. Mr. Hobart, the senior member
F. W. Dorhn became a partner, and of the firm, is a native of Portage county. He
was engaged in trade in Pemberville, Wood
county, from 1872 till 1878.
The Gibsonburg hotel was built by W.
802 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

H. Gibson, and placed in charge of John are given steady employment in all depart-
Patterson. The property was purchased by ments.
Peter Kimmerling in 1875, who has since Zorn, Hornung & Co. inaugurated the
been the obliging lord of the tavern. The grain trade. In 1875 they built an elevator
bane of most small towns, and in this and are the only dealers at present.
connection we do not hesitate to include the Two stores have not been mentioned, A.
three first named in the introduction to this Fraunfelter, merchant tailor, and M. H.
topic, is miserable dens misnamed houses of Porter, groceries and provisions. There are a
entertainment. Gibsonburg, in this particular, number of saloons.
fortunately has nothing to complain of. The The first member of the medical profession
landlord is as obliging and hospitable as he who settled in Gibsonburg was R. S. Hitell,
is loquacious, and the landlady as neat and who opened an office in 1873. He was a
careful as the most fastidious could wish. graduate of Jefferson Medical college, and
Nature here has left a legacy of inesti- won a good reputation and profitable
mable value in the peculiar geological for- practice during his residence here. He
mation spoken of in the introduction to this removed, in 1881, to Kansas City, Missouri,
chapter. The town stands nearly on the where he is now practicing.
summit of the break or uplift, making it D. G. Hart, a native of Ashland county,
comparatively easy to open quarries. The began practicing in Gibsonburg in 1877. He
manufacture of lime is the prevailing is a graduate of Cincinnati Medical college.
industry of the place. This industry, directly His practice is the best testimonial of the
and indirectly, employs about one hundred confidence reposed in him by the public.
and fifty men. E. B. Erwin opened an office in this place in
The first lime-kiln was built by W. H. 1881. He is a graduate of Cleve-land
Gibson & Co. in 1873. A second kiln was Medical college.
connected in 1877. Both are now owned by We have now outlined the growth of the
E. Farmer & Co. Their capacity is eleven village from a business point of view. The
hundred barrels per week. Connected with exact population in 1880 was five hundred
these kilns, and owned by the same firm, is and eighty-six. The growth since that time
the stave and heading factory. This has been fully one hundred.
establishment manufactures general coopers' But a town needs more than business
supplies, but was primarily built for the establishments. It must have government,
manufacture of lime barrels. The firm educational facilities, and societies for the
employs eighty hands and fifteen teams. promotion of morality and social
The lime-kilns operated by L. Friar & Co., benevolence. Toward the building up of
a two-thirds interest in which is owned by institutions of this kind, Gibsonburg has
Zorn, Hornung & Co., have a capacity of already made a good beginning.
seven hundred barrels per week. Closely The public school enrolls one hundred and
connected with this firm is the Hoop Factory fifty pupils, and employs three teachers. The
company, which supplies the lime barrels growth of the village made the erection of a
and also carries on the manufacture of hoops new school-house necessary in 1876. The
on an extensive scale. Twelve thousand building contains three rooms. A regular
hoops a day are turned out in busy seasons, course of study was arranged in 1877 by T.
and forty men D. Stevenson, who
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 803

was at that time principal. The village was C. D. Patterson, George L. Donnels, John
set apart from the township as a special Sandwich, Henry Zorn, C. W. Heseman,
school district in 1880. The first board were Charles Urech, A. H. Tice, John D. Donnels,
J. W. Marvin, president; John Beach, W. A. Penfield, John W. Brown, F. W.
Charles Sardis, J. B. Taylor, E. Garn, J. Dohn. The past noble grands in their order
Kininger. are: T. D. Stevenson, John Veipch, John L.
T. D. Stevenson has been identified closely Donnels, John W. Brown, and G. L.
both with the business and educational Donnels. The present membership of the
interests of Gibsonburg. He is the son of lodge is fifty-six.
David Stevenson, of Green Creek township. Thomson Lodge No. 1413, Knights of
He learned the saddle and harness making Honor, was instituted October 9, 1879. Dr. J.
trade at Green Spring, and worked there till G. Thomson, of Rollersville, stood sponsor
1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Ohio at the christening. The charter members
Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war were: R. S. Hittell, Jesse E. Caples, S. B.
he returned to Green Spring, and worked at Stilson, J. Kinninger, Charles A. Eslinger,
the trade till 1866. The next two years were Charles Urech, Henry Diel, S. Immel, D. G.
spent at Milan Normal school and Oberlin Hart, Joseph M. Bowser, Robert A. Mitchell,
college. Mr. Stevenson then came to Madi- Peter P. Wolcutt, Martin Vosburg, M. W.
son township, and engaged in school Hobart. The following is a list of past
teaching till June, 1881. He has been justice dictators: R. S. Hittell, D. G. Hart, J.
of the peace for ten years, and was from Kinninger, S. B. Stilson, M. W. Hobart, J. B.
1874 till 1877 senior partner in the firm of Taylor, and J. W. Lewis.
Stevenson, Smith & Co. Mr. Stevenson There are in Gibsonburg three churches—
married, in 1870, Rosetta A. Fowler, of Evangelical, Lutheran, and Methodist. The
Wood county, and has a family of three first-named was organized long before the
children—Thomas B., Amos C., and Ray D. town had an existence. There is one other—
Mr. Stevenson was admitted to the Bar in the United Brethren, one mile south of the
1877. village, which for convenience will be
The village was incorporated under the sketched in this connection.
laws of Ohio in the spring of 1880. On the The Evangelical is probably the oldest
first Monday of April of that year, the religious society in the township. It was
following officers were chosen: J. formed, in 1836, of the following five
Kinninger, mayor; Eli Reeves, J. W. Marvin, individuals: Peter Kimmerling and his wife
Elijah Garn, Charles Sanders, T. D. Elizabeth, Jacob Kimmerling and his wife
Stevenson, and M. W. Hobart, council; S. B. Nancy, and Dena Wickard. The society was
Stilson, clerk; Adam Hornung, treasurer; known as Basswood class. The first meeting-
George Kaunkle, marshal. house was built about 1845. The present
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows house was dedicated in 1874. The preachers
and Knights of Honor are both represented have been: Revs. Lintner, Lumbert, Haley,
in this village. Longbrecht, Kopp, Sintzer, Eckley, Stroman,
Gibsonburg Lodge No. 687, Independent Storkley, Zintner, Strohm, Smous, George,
Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted August Thomas, Rife, Schupp, Crouse, Strohman,
12, 1879, with the following as charter Wingard, and Snyder. The present
members: T. D. Stevenson, A. P. Johnson, membership is about seventy.
John Veipch, Henry H. Tice,
804 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Salem church, United Brethren, was June 3, 1834, Madison was brought into
organized near the time of the organization being, and, in answer to the request of
of the Evangelical church. The first members leading residents, was complimented with
were the families of Jacob Garn, John Reed, the name of that other distinguished
and Lucas Fleck. John Long and Peter Fleck champion of early Democracy, and Chief
were the first preachers. The old log Executive during the War of I812-James
meeting-house was built in 1845. The Madison. The township originally included
present house, one mile directly south of all of township five, range thirteen, but, in
Gibsonburg, was built in 1864. There are 1840, when Woodville was organized, a strip
about seventy members. one mile and a half wide was struck off the
A Methodist Episcopal class was formed at north side and attached to Woodville,
Gibsonburg in 1873, Rev. Christian Wolf leaving Madison six miles long and four and
being the first preacher. In 1877 the old one-half wide.
school-house was purchased and fitted up for The first election was held on the 4th day
a meeting-house. There are at present about of July, 1833, at Jacob Garn's black-smith
fifty members. shop, near the centre of the town-ship, where
A Lutheran congregation was formed in succeeding elections were held for a number
1875, Rev. George Gratz pastor. A meeting- of years. The officers chosen were: David
house was built in 1876. The membership Smith and John Reed, justices of the peace;
includes about fifty families. James A. Holcomb, Jacob Garn, and William
ORGANIZATION. Whitford, trustees; Jesse Johnson, George
Three townships bear the names of il- Ickes, and John Reed, supervisors; Daniel
lustrious Presidents of the United States. McIntosh, treasurer; William Smith,
Jackson, the first of the three established, constable; Frederick Clark and Henry P.
adopted the name of the great organizer, if Allen, overseers of the poor; Gideon Harmon
not real founder, of the Democratic party, and Elias Miller, fence viewers.
who at that time was at, the head of the INITIAL ITEMS.
Government. A new township, bordering The first frame barn in the township was
Jackson on the north, was formed a year built by James A. Holcomb.
later, and, at the request of its leading men, An impetus was given to the settlement of
was honored with the name of the noble Scott and Madison townships in 1836 by the
patriot whose name has been a household erection of a steam saw-mill on Sugar Creek,
word since the foundation of the which was placed in charge of Crawford
Government. The first settlers of King. Why so much importance should be
Washington probably felt like declaring their attached to the building of a saw-mill it is
patriotism in some way or other, even hard for an observer of the present day to
though it was necessary to lay aside partisan understand. But a revolution has taken place
feeling and accept the name of the great in this part of the county since 1836. Boards,
antagonizer of Jeffersonian principles, for if not a necessity, are inestimably
the majority were genuine Jacksonian convenient. Other things being equal,
Democrats. It is barely possible, however, settlers will seek locations where the use of
that the minority who drafted the petition puncheons for floors and doors is
took advantage of the majority's ignorance unnecessary. The condition of the roads
of political history, and secured for the new made it impossible to haul lumber any
township the name of the distinguished distance, so that, in
Federalist leader.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 805

the absence of a local mill, there was no The last wolf seen in the county was killed
alternative to the use of puncheons. This mill by N. P. Hathaway in 1858. This is an
was owned by a joint stock company, known "initial item" in the sense that it marked the
as the Farmers' Union Milling company. beginning of safety for sheep and other weak
Jeremiah N. King was the leading spirit in domestic animals.
the enterprise, and was chosen president of The first important ditch through the
the company. The stock was owned by local township begins in Wood county, drains the
parties. In a financial point of view the northwest corner of Scott township and the
establishment proved a failure, but the main western part of Madison, emptying into
object for which it was built was Sugar Creek in Madison.
accomplished. Rollersville is divided by the township
The second saw-mill in the township was line, and is briefly sketched in a previous
built by Jacob Garn. chapter.
The first cemetery in the township was HIGH WIND.
located in section twenty-three, and has In the year 1839 Madison was visited by
become a township burying-ground named the most terrific storm ever known in the
Madison township cemetery. Mrs. Lucas western part of the county. It was one of the
Flake was the first person buried there. three great tornadoes which have touched
Quinchan cemetery has also become a our territory, and, as it was second in regard
public burying ground. Its incipiency was to time, so also was it second in power and
the burial of a child of Jacob Staner. The destructiveness. The first passed over Green
institutions of a new country usually begin Creek and Townsend, and the last over the
in a very simple way. In the case of a south part of Green Creek. The Madison
cemetery for instance, some one dies. No tornado fortunately passed over a sparsely
tract in the immediate neighborhood has populated region of country and did little
been dedicated for the burial of the dead. A real damage. The timber in its path was
grave is dug at the nearest dry and elevated splintered and twisted to the ground. But this
spot. The place is marked with a wooden circumstance, at that time when forest was a
picket, and fenced up by a square of rails. nuisance rather than a resource of wealth,
Soon there is another death, and the body is had little effect upon values. It made
buried by the side of the first. In course of clearing so much easier, and, to that extent,
time it becomes necessary to enlarge the was a benefit. No one was hurt, no houses
enclosure. The place becomes recognized as were blown down; useless trees were the
a public lot for burial, and eventually is only victims of the wrath of Æolus.
deeded by the owner of the land to the Madison, on account of this circumstance,
township, a church, or association. The was given the pseudonym "Windfall."
wooden slabs have, in most instances, been
HARVEST HOME.
displaced by lettered freestone, but in some
instances the perishable wood has rotted An institution of the west part of this
away, and the resting-place of the eternal county and the east part of Wood county is
sleeper is forever unknown. the annual harvest festival and thanksgiving.
The first school in Madison township was This beautiful social custom of yearly
on the Staner farm, and was taught by Eliza meeting and feasting originated in 1857, in
Davidson. Daniel Smith was one of the early the form of union Sunday-school and pioneer
teachers in this house. meetings. Historical remi-
806 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

niscences and speeches relating to Sunday- of the holiday. The meetings are held in Mr.
school work were delivered and all. united in Reese's grove. Expenses are met by charging
a bountiful picnic dinner. Gradually, license to sell confectionary, etc. No
however, as the range of visitors extended intoxicating drinks are allowed on the premises.
beyond. the limits of the neighborhood, the The farmers of this section can well afford to
character of the meetings changed until now devote one day in the year to social pleasures
it has become a general holiday. and thanksgiving. Nowhere in Ohio is
These annual gatherings are held August agriculture better rewarded, besides, such
30th, and are under the management of a gatherings conduce to the unity and
president and committee of arrangements. consequently the happiness of the community.
Morris Reese, esq., of Pemberville, has been
president since the institution
SCOTT.

T O the writer of ardent imagination and


zealous in multiplying words for the
purpose of interesting those who skim over
life; both are imposed by contingencies
founded in the nature of things.
This rambling preface, it is hoped, is
the chronicles of past times merely for sufficient to tire the reader into a desire to
relaxation and amusement, Scott township take a view of Scott.
would be an interesting field. That this was Madison township on the north, Jack-son
the scene of some criminal episode of more on the east, Seneca county on the south, and
than ordinary consequence was clearly Wood county on the west bound a township
indicated to the present writer by the six miles square, containing more acres of
peculiar manner of a quartette of old settlers marsh and prairie land than is embraced by
during his first interview. About some any other township in Sandusky county. The
persons and places they talked in limestone ridges of Madison barely touch
circumlocutions and carried on private Scott along the northern boundary. The
consultations in a low whisper. From their streams which we have been talking about
disconnected talk nothing could be gleaned, ever since coming into the Black Swamp,
except that there was something to find out. all, except Portage River and Muskallonge,
We do not belong to that class of have their sources in the prairies of this
imaginative narrators who seek only to township.
interest. It is the purpose of this history to Furthest to the south and partly in Seneca
trace the development of the county from a county, is the Tauwa prairie, embracing an
wilderness, which blotted the map of our fair area of about three sections and elliptical in
State, to portray the changes in men and form, the longest axis being in a northeast
manners, effected by the progress of and southwest direction. Running almost
knowledge, the vicissitudes of events, and parallel with Tauwa and separated from it by
the influence of situation. But the rare a strip of woodland, is the largest treeless
prospect of finding a condiment to give zest tract in the township. It is named from the
to the ordinarily flat detail of local history creek which is fed by its numerous springs—
made us inquisitive. Mud Creek prairie. Directly north, and
Before proceeding further it will be nec- almost circular in form, is a pond like
essary, in order that a certain conventional depression of more than a section named
arrangement may be preserved, to give some Miller prairie as a compliment to an early
idea of the "lay of the ground," and a settler on its border. The source of Sugar
detailed account of the settlement. It will Creek was an elliptical marsh two miles in
offend no one if the reader skips the pages its longest axis and one-mile in its shortest.
covering this last topic. Description and We say the source was a marsh, for at the
biography in local history are respectively time we write farmers are threshing im-
like sleep and work in human

807
808 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

mense crops of wheat taken from the fertile life of the Woodville peddler. The snake also
surface of this once useless swamp, contained half a bushel of bogus coins and a
uninhabited except by snakes, frogs, and machine for making them. It further
turtles, which grew to frightful size. We contained the pocketbook of a man from the
were told (credulous people, who believe East who had come to the town-ship to buy
everything they see in print, may skip this land, and whose boots the next morning were
paragraph) we were told - and snake stories found hanging on a tree.
have been believed since the time of Eve's We concluded right here in the progress of
misfortune—that in this swail, about the year the telling of this remarkable story to give it
1841, was captured the monster snake of the to our readers just as it came to us. We
county. A hunter wading in grass almost to spoke above of the indirect way the old
his head, just high enough above the wavy settlers of Scott have of telling the history of
surface to fire deadly shot at ducks chased their township, and this is undoubtedly an
from their secluded retreats, heard a surging allegory invented by a churlish wag, for the
noise at some distance in his path. his eyes purpose of giving us a glimpse at the deeds
met those of a mortal enemy. The snake's of darkness and devilment of times past. We
forked tongue vibrated angrily in a frightful hope to be forgiven for this diversion, but it
mouth raised above the grass. The barrel of seems proper before closing this volume,
the hunter's faithful gun soon contained a which commits to immortal type the best
heavy charge of buck shot. Having taken recollections of the best-posted living
careful aim he fired, dispatching two balls to pioneers, for the recorder to give a specimen
the centre of the monster's head, and a third of his varied experience in making the
knocking out one eye. The writhing squirm collection. This is our only snake story. Its
and roll of death followed. The snake meaning will be more clear before reaching
measured eighteen feet eleven and one half the conclusion of the chapter.
inches long and three feet nine inches and a One of the large Wood county prairies
quarter at the "belt." Careful examination touches the western limits of Scott and is
showed him to be thirty-three years old. The drained by a ditch running toward the
neighborhood was of course somewhat northeast, which is mentioned in the pre-
aroused, and a congregation of men around ceding chapter on Madison.
the dead body determined upon a dissection. All these prairies seem to have been small
It was a happy thought, for within that lakes, or rather large ponds. Exuberant
serpent's skin was contained a part of a vegetation decaying year after year,
human skeleton and a small packet gradually filled them up until they became
containing needles, buttons, and other marshes, which was their condition when
notions. It will be seen by reference to the settlers first penetrated the heavy timber
chapter on Woodville that a peddler was lands adjoining. They remained in this
once mysteriously missing from the hotel at comparatively useless condition until the
that village. That murderer of fair fame, sus- commissioners of the county took one of the
picion, was destroying the honest name of most important steps in the history of public
two or three worthy pioneers, but this story improvements.
cleared the atmosphere of scandal by making It would not be desirable to follow through
known the last chapter of the the construction of all the large
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 809

drains which have transformed useless been constructed. Land, twenty years ago
marshes into fields of inexhaustible fertility. covered with water, is now producing forty
That subject has already been touched in a bushels of wheat to the acre. The croak of
previous chapter on public improvements. the bullfrog is seldom heard in the land, and
It was out of a contingency arising in Scott even mosquitoes have abandoned this once
township that the law regulating the manner favorite watering place. These superfluous
of constructing ditches was changed in 1879. pests abounded in unimaginable numbers,
The former law gave the county and were of monstrous size, before the
commissioners power to order the country was cleared and swamps drained. An
construction of ditches, so many rods being old settler of simple habits and consequently
assigned to each property holder in not given to the prevalent vice of exaggera-
proportion to the amount of benefit, in the tion, told the writer with religious sincerity,
estimation of the board, he would derive that when he came to the township, in 1832,
therefrom. This system in Scott proved swarms of these insects hovered over the
impracticable, for each farmer, having distracted land in such numbers that the sun
assigned a certain portion to construct, and at times became invisible and the horridly
the time within certain limits being optional, monotonous, ceaseless song of these hungry
chose his own convenient season. It often millions, smothered and made imperceptible
happened that the upper part of a long drain the barking of dogs and the ring of cow-
was excavated first, thus opening the marsh bells, the melancholy chorus of wolves being
and throwing the over-flow upon the lands the only sound which rose above the din.
below. Another difficulty lay in the fact that Mosquitoes then were hungry, voracious
it is impossible to secure satisfactory work creatures, with infinite capacity. It was
when unharmonious, unskilled, and often impossible to keep them off children. It is
unwilling hands have to be depended upon known that one child was actually bitten to
for its accomplishment. However, death, and Mrs. Samuel Sprout has informed
unpracticable as it was, at least a half dozen us that when one of her children died, lumps,
useful drains were made according to its caused by the poisonous "sinker," covered
provisions. But the drainage was not its whole head, despite the most careful
sufficient to completely accomplish the watching. Scott was not the only place
desired object, the entire recovery of the cursed in this way. The whole Black Swamp
prairie marshes. The flow of water from the swarmed with them, but the marshes of Scott
Seneca county marshes no doubt increased were summer resorts during dry weather.
the necessity for more and larger outlets. A We have several times in the course of this
new law was passed by the Legislature in history commented on the qualities of the
1879, which overcomes the difficulty wolf. In this last chapter the reader may be
mentioned above, though deemed somewhat interested in Dr. Thomson's experience with
tyrannical by the farmers of Scott. Under the howlers of the wilderness. The wolf is in
this law the commissioners ordered the many respects an eccentric sort of an animal.
construction of a ditch. The contract for the He delights to live on the border of
whole work is given to the lowest bidder, civilization, where the wild seclusion of
and the cost assessed on the property dense forest furnishes a home on one side,
benefited in due proportion. Under this law and settlers' sheep,
several of the largest ditches have
810 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

chickens, etc., occasionally furnish a choice first seemed impossible, but the horse, with
morsel of domestic meat, on the other. The increasing danger, became more and more
wolf is a noisy, boisterous animal, but has impatient, until at last he leaped at full
little courage unless driven to it by hunger. gallop over the perilous corduroy. The
Inability to foresee events makes him an ground trembled at every leap, while the
early victim of strategy. A common method snarling, hungry beasts showed their red
of trapping practiced by pioneers of all tongues in the moon-lighted roadway behind.
climes is to build an enclosure of pickets, in The life of the rider depended upon the
which the sheep are driven at night. On one surefootedness of his noble animal, for the
side are piled logs on the outside almost as slightest misstep would make him the prey
high as the enclosure, which gives the wolf of wild beasts. At length "hope saw a star."
an easy entrance to the sheep; but once there A clearing opened out and a welcoming light
he finds himself in an uncomfortably close shone from the cabin window. The doctor's
place, becomes frightened and forgets to do face even yet turns pale when he tells this
what he came for—kill the sheep. Four or experience and thinks of that perilous ride
five wolves have been captured in that way over shaking logs.
in one night. THE SETTLEMENT.
As hinted above, a hungry wolf will tackle The settlement of Scott began about 1828
anything, and Dr. Thomson had good reason or 1829, and Colonel Merrit Scott was
to be frightened on the night of a memorable without doubt the first settler. He had been
ride into Wood county. It was soon after he in General Harrison's army during the War
began practice here, in 1844. Roads then, of 1812, and had, perhaps, cast a designing
especially west-ward, were in a deplorable eye over this wilderness while out on the
condition. The bottom, where there was one, campaign. Mr. Scott lived to old age, and
consisted of logs of irregular size thrown in raised a family of sons and daughters. He
cross ways, and almost swimming in the was a very respectable man, and the naming
water, so that if a horse stepped between the of the township was a deserved compliment
logs a serious accident was liable to happen. to one who had the resolution to begin the
Over a road of this kind, and through a improvement of its fertile lands. He was a
roadway just wide enough to permit two native of Kentucky. No land was entered in
teams to pass, Dr. Thomson was riding one Scott township until the year 1830. The
moonlight night. The horse was stepping dates given in the following table, showing
carefully from one log to another, lighted by the original proprietorship of the township,
the moon, which was then at full, and sent give the time of listment for taxation. Lands
her light in rays parallel to the direction of were entered five years before, but exempt
the roadway. While the plucky young doctor, from taxation. The table will show, in a few
the son of a Congressman, and bred in a instances, that the same lot was entered
clime somewhat more congenial, was rather twice, which often happened also in other
enjoying the romantic beauty of the townships. Proprietors became discouraged
situation, the angry howl of a wolf and relinquished their claims, thus throwing
quickened æsthetic reverie into a fever of the land back again upon the market.
excitement. An answer came from the other Entries recorded in 1835 are as follows:
side, and soon the underbrush began to
rattle. To hurry at
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 811

SECTION. A C R E S. SECTION. A C R E S.
Jacob Decker .......................................... 24 80 Jacob Fry .................................... 35 and 36 80
William Reed ......................................... 24 240 Moses Fry .............................................. 25 80
Jehiel Abernathy .................................... 33 40 Jacob Herbster........................................ 27 80
James Crandall ....................................... 10 40 Jesse Johnson ........................................... 4 40
J. H. Chipman........................................... 4 40 Lewis Jennings....................................... 21 40
Daniel Doll ............................................. 10 40 Andrew Roush ....................................... 27 80
John Ellsworth ....................................... 22 80 John Roush ............................................ 22 80
Eli Charles .............................................. 30 172 David Scott ............................................ 12 160
William Harpster.................................... 25 80 Michael Seltzer ...................................... 24 40
John Long .............................................. 35 40 Wilson Teeters ......................................... 5 160
George R. Lewis .................................... 33 480 Jacob Buckbiel ......................................... 9 80
George R. Lewis .................................... 32 320 John Buckbiel ........................................ 10 40
George R. Lewis ........................17 and 15 240 John Donnell ............................................ 1 34
Samuel Miller......................................... 32 80 John S. Murray......................................... 5 80
George Maygatt ..................................... 31 84
George Maygatt .........................11 and 12 160 Entries recorded in 1839 are as follows:
E. and J. Pearce ........................................ 7 84 William Aldrich ..................................... 14 120
E. and J. Pearce ........................................ 6 81 Jehial Abernathy ................................... 27 40
John A. Rockett...................................... 34 240 George Boyles ....................................... 15 80
Samuel Sprout ....................................... 36 40 Samuel Biggerstaff ................................ 15 40
John Spade .................................15 and 22 80 Jeremiah Brown ..................................... 24 80
Jacob Blantz .......................................... 18 174
Entries recorded in 1836 are: George Beawoa........................................ 7 165
SECTION. A C R E S. Seth Ball ................................................. 11 80
Daniel Garn .............................................. 4 221 Samuel Biggerstaff ................................ 11 40
Peter Cypher........................................... 23 80 S. R. Ballard .......................................... 14 40
Henry Roller............................................. 4 215 Patrick Byrne ........................................... 4 80
Peter Smith ............................................... 4 3 Peter Corner ............................................ 5 80
George G. Baker .................................... 22 40 James Cruson ........................................ 11 40
L. B. Coates............................................ 28 120 David Darling ............................... 6 and 31 81
M. L. Hammond..................................... 15 40 James Dormal .......................................... 2 40
Josiah T. Nye............................................ 3 66 Benjamin Ettinger.................................. 27 80
Lemuel Randall ...................................... 18 40 John Ellsworth ....................................... 15 80
John F. Scott............................................. 2 40 James Eyans ............................................ 5 156
G. H. Evans ............................................. 5 80
Entries are recorded in 1837 as follows: Cyrus Fillmore ....................................... 21 80
SECTION. A C R E S.
James Frisby........................................... 35 80
Jeremiah Brown ..................................... 24 80 Merrit Scott .................................. 12 and 1 194
Jacob Fought .......................................... 10 160 Michael Seltzer, .................................... 34 80
Peter King .............................................. 10 160 George N. Snyder .................................... 1 160
Merrit Scott ............................................ 14 80 John Sample, sr ........................... 29 and 30 490
Peter Whitmore ........................................ 9 160 Henry Smith ............................... 32 and 33 120
Robert Shippy ....................................... 32 40 John V. Stahl ......................................... 19 320
David Solomon ..........................35 and 36 200 William Stacey....................................... 12 40
John Strohl ............................................. 14 40 Ethan A. Smith....................................... 17 80
Christopher Wonder ................................ 2 69 A.J. Stearns ............................................ 12 40
Merrit Scott ........................................... 12 40
The following entries are recorded in 1838: Wilson Teeters ......................................... 5 75
Michael Thomas .................................... 22 80
SECTION. A C R E S.
Albin Ballard.......................................... 13 80 George Thomas...................................... 23 120
Nelson Ballard ...................................... 14 80 Abraham Unger........................................ 1 149
Patrick Byrne ........................................... 4 132 Rice Woodruff ....................................... 27 120
Andrew Ballard...................................... 11 40 George Weiker ....................................... 23 240
William Boyle ....................................... 15 80 Jacob Weaver .............................. 20 and 29 80
C. C. Barney........................................... 12 80 Edward Webb .......................................... 4 40
James Crusson........................................ 11 80 Newel Wolcutt ......................................... 3 68
James Donnell .......................................... 2 80 D. P. Wilcox................................ 27 and 34 160
Jacob Fry ............................................... 25 320
812 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

SECTION. A C R E S. SECTION. A C R E S.
D. P. Wilcox ....................... 35 and 26 640 Philip Roush ................................... 27 40
James Frisley .................................. 26 120 Jacob Kinehart ................................ 14 10
A. P. Gossard.................................. 24 80 Joseph Robbins................................. 2 9
A. P. Gossard ................................. 13 40 Isaac Rundel ................................... 17 40
Horace Gardner .............................. 18 177 Benjamin Shively ............................. 6 40
John A. Miller ................................ 17 160 Barton Sweet .................................. 18 40
John Miller ....................................... 8 80 Samuel Schofield ................... 2 and 3 126
Philip Miller .................................... 9 80 Ethan E. Smith ............................... 17 40
Samuel Miller .................................. 8 80 Peter Smith ....................................... 6 40
D. Mittlicrauf.................................. 21 80 William Stacey ............................... 12 40
Sylvester Murick ................. 8 and 17 320 Peter Smith ....................................... 6 40
R. Daniels ........................................ 3 160 Merrit Scott ...................................... 1 80
John Orwig .................................... 28 80 William Stacey ....................11 and 12 120
John Orwig, jr................................. 26 40 Richard Temple ................................ 7 80
Jacob Plantz ........................ 6, 7 and 8 525 George Weiker, Jr ...............26 and 11 80
Samuel Ryder .................... 20 and 21 560 George Weiker, Jr ...............10 and 33 160
Ph. Rush ........................................ 27 40 Edward Webb ................................... 4 40
Jacob Rinehart ................................ 13 160 Solomon Weeks .............................. 21 80
Christian Ruphe ................................ 2 101
Samuel Ryder ................................ 31 84 The records of 1847 show the following
Jacob Reigart ................................... 1 34 entries:
Jonas Rishell................................... 31 160 SECTION. A C R E S.
Jonas Rishell................................... 32 40 Reuben Cary............................................. 32 40
Samuel Ryder .................... 21 and 22 160 David Earl ................................................ 30 40
Conrad Smith ........................................... 24 40
Entries are recorded in 1840 as follows:
In 1848 is recorded:
SECTION. A C R E S.
William Boyles ............................... 15 80 L. Q. Rawson ........................................... 29 80
George Boyles ................................ 14 40
Jacob Buckbiel ..................... 9 and 10 200
In 1852 are recorded:
Daniel Baker........................... 6 and 7 166 Samuel Long ................................. 36 40
Charles Choate ............................... 20 80 Solomon Sturgess ...............35 and 36 80
Michael Derrenberger....................... 8 120 Margaret Verking .......................... 19 40
George H. Ellsworth....................... 22 40 Charles Choate .............................. 36 40
John Ellsworth ................................ 22 80 C. W. Foster .................................. 32 40
Cyrus Fillmore.................................. 6 158
Jonathan Fought ............................... 6 39
In 1854 were recorded:
Moses Fry ....................................... 25 40 F. I. Norton and A. B.
Samuel Fry .................................... 28 80 Taylor .................................... 28 40
Thomas Galauger............................ 17 80 F. I. Norton and A. B.
George Gilbert ................................ 36 160 Taylor .................................... 29 40
John Houseman............................... 29 40 F. I. Norton and A. B.
Charles Hubbs ................................ 22 40 Taylor .................................... 30 40
John Haines ................................... 10 80
Fetzland Jennings ........................... 21 40
The last entries are recorded in 1856:
Noah Jennings ................................ 21 40 John Hough ............................................. 29 80
Henry S. Johnson............................ 29 40 Horace Sessions........................................ 29 40
Jacob Clingman .............................. 28 80 Scott was followed closely by Samuel
Charles Long .................................. 36 80
Samuel Long................................... 36 80
Biggerstaff, who settled on section twelve,
Sylvester Merrick ............................. 8 40 and after several years residence in the
Montelius & Templeton ................. 22 80 township, removed to Wood county and is
Montelius & Templeton ..... 13 and 28 80 now living in Minnesota. He and Mr. Plantz
Joseph Metzger ............................... 12 40
Elisha Moore .................................... 9 80 are the only two men living who voted at the
James McKey .................................. 3 68 first election in Scott.
Samuel Paine .................................. 11 40 It is not possible to give the names of all
Henry Roller ..................................... 3 160
the early settlers, for many of them remained
but a short time and deserve no
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 813

place in a history of this county for they James Baker settled south of Rollersville.
never accomplished anything in the way of The first grave in the township was on his
improving the county or building up its place. A further account of the funeral will
institutions. be found in the proper connection.
Henry Roller, one of the earliest settlers, C. C. Barney, the first justice of the peace,
and senior proprietor of the projected village lived on the present Wright farm at
which bears his name, removed to Scott from Greenesburg. He sold to Greene and Ryder,
Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1832. He lived the proprietors of the town.
in the township until his death, in 1850. The James Donnel, a native of Ireland, made.
family consisted of several children, four of an early settlement here, where he died. His
whom are living: Elisha T., Nebraska; son James is station agent. at Helena.
Shedrick B., Columbiana county, Ohio; Three old settlers, when asked who Patrick
Mary (Clary), Wood county, and Susan Byrne was, answered: "He was a fine
Breakfield, Michigan. Mr. Roller was a Irishman." He settled in the northern part of
native of Tennessee. He enlisted in the War the township, and acquired the reputation of
of 1812, in Captain Gilbert's command, and being an industrious worker and excellent
assisted to cut the first road from the Huron citizen. He sold his place in 1840, and in
River to Fort Stevenson. He received his dis- company with Jesse Johnson, a tenant, or
charge from service on Christmas, 1812. more properly a hired man, started for the
Wilson Teters came from Columbiana West, but was the victim of a fatal accident
county with Roller and settled on the at the Rock River, Illinois. A hand was
adjoining quarter. driving the stock across the stream, but in an
The first settler on Tauwa prairie was attempt to swim the current, became
Samuel Miller, a native of Pennsylvania. He exhausted, and sank. Byrne, seeing the man's
came to Scott at an early period of the peril, leaped into the stream, and succeeded
settlement. He is yet living but is no longer in grasping the drowning man, who seized
engaged on the farm. both of Byrne's arms with a death grip. Both
The first settled preacher in the town-ship sank, and were drowned.
was Jeremiah Brown. He came to Scott from The Ballard family came from Rhode
Muskingum county. After remaining here a Island, and settled in Scott soon after the
number of years he moved to Illinois, where first settlement of the township. They were
he died. factory men in the East. One of them kept
M. L. Smith came to Scott in 1832 and is tavern in Rollersville for a number of years.
yet a resident of the township. They finally removed to Iowa. Albin Ballard
Lewis Jennings settled in the west part of is now living in Michigan.
the township in 1832. He was the first settler The most extensive landowner in the
on the prairie, which has taken his name. township was George R. Lewis. He never
The prairie lies mostly in Wood county. lived in Scott, but entered extensive tracts
Joseph H. is the only one of the sons yet for speculative purposes. He donated to
living. Western Reserve college a tract of several
Jacob Rinehart came from Pennsylvania in hundred acres.
the year 1832, and settled in Scott township. John Harpster came to Scott about
He remained here one year and then moved
to Jackson, his present residence.
814 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

1833. He was a native of Pennsylvania. He sylvania, and settled first in Marion county.
settled on the Ludwig farm. He removed Ira 1823 they settled in the north part of
from here to the eastern part of the county. Scott township. Mr. Unger died in Indiana in
George N. Snyder settled in this township 1876; his wife had died seven years before.
at a very early date. He was born in The family consisted of six children, two of
Pennsylvania in 1808. In 1834 he married whom are living in this county—Joel and
Mary Harmon, a native of Vermont, who Mrs. Peter Kimmelling.
died in 1870, leaving five children: Daniel Long, father of the Longs of this
Elizabeth, Scott; Merrit L., Fremont; Harvey county, was a native of Maryland. He came
J., Kansas; Mary E. (Boor), Scott; and Sarah to Ohio in 1812, and settled in Guernsey
E. (Cessna), Scott. Mr. Snyder married for county, Ohio, where he lived until 1834,
his second wife, Mrs. Nancy Houston, when he came to the Black Swamp, settling
widow of Alexander Houston, by whom he in Seneca county just south of Scott
had twelve children. township, where he died in 1865 at the
Philip and Diadama Hathaway were advanced age of ninety-two years. The
natives of Assonett, Massachusetts. In 1832 family consisted of ten boys and two girls.
they moved to Ohio and located in Scott Seven children are yet living, Two of the
township. They were the parents of six sons—David and Wesley—died in the army.
children, four of whom are living: Philo W., Three—Samuel, John, and Michael—are
resides in Fostoria, Wood county; Gardner preachers, and have travelled the United
D., in Scott township; Mrs. Eunice W. Brethren circuits of this county. A more
Eaton, at Rollersville, and Mrs. Anna Rice, extended biography of the last-named will be
in Townsend. Two children died in found in a previous chapter. Charles Long
Massachusetts—Philip and Dudley. Mr. was the first settler in the southeast corner of
Hathaway died in 1844, aged forty-nine; the township, where his widow still lives.
Mrs. Hathaway in 1848, aged fifty-one. Charles was soon followed to the county by
Jacob Kuntz was born in Lancaster county, his brother-in-law, Samuel Sprout, the
Pennsylvania, in 1793. He married Rowena husband of Nancy Long. John Long, one of
Rhode in 1810, and came to Ohio in 1833. the first settled preachers of this part of the
He entered a quarter section of land in Scott, county, is now living in Wood county; he
on which he settled and has lived ever since. once owned a farm bordering on Tauwa
He is the only one of the first voters yet prairie. Benjamin lives on the homestead in
living in the township. He is the oldest man Seneca county.
in the township. Of a family of ten children, Samuel Sprout removed from Pennsylvania
seven are living. to Guernsey county in 1816. He married, in
Philip Miller, with his wife Matilda Howe, Guernsey county, Nancy Long, and in 1834
came to Scott in 1833. Mr. Miller died in came to Scott, settling at the west border of
1873, having been the father of thirteen Tauwa prairie. His children living are:
children, six of whom are living. Margaret (Doll), John, Samuel, Marion,
Abraham Unger and Sarah Snyder Unger Caroline (Downing), Jane (Hays), Calista
emigrated from Berks county, Penn- (Hipple).
Michael Seltzer was one of those char-
acters whom everybody knows, for the
people of the whole neighborhood were
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 815

called upon to pity him, both on account of the House of Representatives, from this
imbecility of mind and poverty of purse. The county, in 1873.
poor fellow became a Mormon, then a Jacob Havley removed from Mansfield,
pauper, and finally died in Jackson township Ohio, to Scott. He was the father of a family
in an open field. He never liked to work, but of fourteen children. He died a few years
in these days of culture, that could not be since, a highly esteemed old gentleman.
called an eccentricity. Prominent among the settlers of 1835, and
Andrew Roush and family left their im- one who has given his life to the im-
provements here and removed to Michigan. provement of the township, is Elisha Moore.
It will be noticed that many of the settlers He was born in Columbiana county in 1809.
here made Michigan the objective point of In 1829 he married, in his native county,
second immigration. There was at one time Phebe Smith, who has been a faithful
what was known as the Michigan fever, helpmeet. Their family consisted of six
caused by malarious reports about the children—D. W., Charity, Martha, Rachel,
unbounded fertility of soil and healthfulness Elvina (Shively), and Minerva, all of whom
of climate. It is safe to say that those who are dead except Rachel and Elvina.
remained to improve the Black Swamp It is really gratifying to a young man to
country were wiser than those who were observe the conscious, though unexpressed
lured by Michigan stories, for no agricultural pride of an active pioneer who has seen the
tract in the country has grown in value more wilderness gradually transformed. A talk
rapidly than this swamp. with such a man will convince the meanest
John Spade had a cooper-shop near the skeptic that the self-consciousness of having
centre of the township, probably the first added to the world's wealth, material or
manufacturing industry in the township. The moral, is a reward worth living and working
timber in this region made excellent staves, for.
being thrifty, straight, and close-grained. Reuben McDaniels, a native of New
Ezekiel Abernathy, an early settler of Hampshire, came to Ohio and settled in this
Scott, removed from here to York, and from township in 1833. The following year he
there to Iowa, where he now lives. married Joanna C. Nye, by whom he had a
No man worked harder and accomplished family of five children. Mr. McDaniels has
more for Scott than Hon. Benjamin Inman. taken special interest in educational affairs.
He was a native of New Jersey, born in William Wright, with his family, came
1817. He came to the county in 1832, and in from New York to Scott in 1836. He died
1834 settled in Scott township, his residence about 1855. His sons are Martin, Louis, and
for more than forty years. He was elected Solomon. Martin has been in mercantile
county commissioner in 1860, and held the business in Greenesburg for more than
office twelve years. During that period the twenty years. Solomon is in business at
ditching movement was inaugurated, and Millersville.
carried forward with vigor. Mr. Inman was John Ellsworth is one of the men whose
personally interested in these public name causes shy glances and winks among
improvements, and used his influence en- his old neighbors. He could not read, but
thusiastically, both as an official and a was naturally a bright fellow. He left the
citizen. Mr. Inman was elected to a seat in country rather hastily on one occasion,
816 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

much to the disappointment of the sheriff of The surviving representatives of this family
Wood county. But let the report of a man's are: John W., Madison township; S. I., Scott;
evil deeds decay with his bones. Wickedness Ellen (Underwood), Wood county; Irene
is born of the flesh and should perish with (Smith), Washington township; E. F., Scott,
the body. When a man dies he shuffles off and William R., Wood county.
these mortal sins, and history has no Henry and Elizabeth Buchtel settled in this
business to make a monument of them. It is township in 1837, and resided here a number
given to us as matter of history, however, of years. They were from Pennsylvania. Mr.
that bogus coins have been plowed up on his Buchtel went to Kansas and died there. Eight
old farm. of his children are now living: George,
James Crandall came to Scott about 1837. Fostoria; Elizabeth (Smith), Republic; Esther
He was taken away by the California fever, (Hartman), Wood county; Jemima
and never returned. (Callahan), Wood county; Mary (Cook),
David Solomon should have been men- Freeport; Alfred, Kansas, and Malinda
tioned before. He has been one of the old (Evans), Scott.
standbys in the United Brethren church of James Evans settled in the township in
the south side. He came to the township in 1837. He was born in Massachusetts in 1808.
1836, and is yet living, though in feeble He married Hannah C. Dean, a native of the
health. same State. The family consisted of nine
Frederick Bowser was born in Pennsyl- children, three of whom are living—George
vania in 1824. He married Margaret Fickes D. and Joseph, in Scott, and Everett, in
in 1848, and settled in Scott township in Bradner. Mr. Evans died in 1864. His wife
1856. Mr. Bowser died in 1871. The family survived him twelve years. G. D. Evans
consisted of seven children, five of whom occupies the homestead. He was four years
are living, viz: George, Scott township; old when his parents came to the county. He
Jacob, Madison; Barbara, Alice, and Maggie, married, in 1856, Malinda Buchtel. Anson
Scott township. Clark is the only child.
The Wyant family came to Scott township Joseph Metzger emigrated from Bedford
at an early date, probably about 1831. The county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and settled in
father, George Wyant, moved to Seneca the eastern part of the township.
county and died there. Of his children, Eli We have now sketched the early settlement
was a carpenter, and worked several years at of the township. But there are a few others,
his trade in Scott and Jackson. He died in although settlers of a later date, who deserve
Farmington, Missouri. Abraham remained in mention in this connection, on account of
Scott township some years. He now resides their representative character as citizens.
in St. Joseph county, Michigan. Mary is the W. W. Peck was born in Connecticut in
wife of Isaac Harley, of Scott. R. K. Wyant, 1800. In 1811 he went to New York, and in
one of the sons who was. very well known in 1827 married Lima Cole, of Al. bang. In
this county, was born in Pennsylvania in 1830 he removed to Cortland county, where
1827. He taught thirty-four terms of school he remained ten years, and then came to
in Sandusky county, and was a minister of Ohio, settling in Scott township. He now
the gospel a number of years. He married lives in Madison. The family consists of four
Sarah Sprout, who died in 1866. Mr. Wyant children—Nelson
died in 1880.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 817

and Catharine (Spade), this county; Jason whom are living—Lillie D., John O., and
Lee, Kansas; and William, on the homestead. Henry H. Mr. McIntire is the oldest of the
Add Bair was born in Stark county, Ohio, six children of James and Catharine
in 1825. He lived there till 1847, when he McIntire, of Seneca county.
married Theresa Fay and moved to Scott John Ernst was born in Pennsylvania in
township. His first wife died in 1849. The 1833. In 1860 he married Hester Noble, also
following year he married for his second a native of Pennsylvania. In 1865 they came
wife Maria Baker. The family consists of ten to Ohio and settled in Scott township. Their
children, nine of whom are living—O. W., family consists of seven children—Lillie
Miami county; E. E.,-Kansas; Frank G., Amanda (Homerer), Susannah, Savilla,
Mary E., Rosa M., Grant, Ella E., Charles Arabella, Ara, Hettie May, and an infant
D., and C. Foster, Scott township. daughter. By trade Mr. Ernst is a carpenter.
William A. Gregg was born in New TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
Hampshire in 1825. He married Elsie Foster On the 4th of March, 1833, there were
in 1852, and settled in Scott township the more than twenty voters in Scott, as is
same year. The following year Mrs. Gregg shown by a petition presented to the
died; leaving one child, Frank, who lives in commissioners on that date praying for the
Michigan. In 1854 Mr. Gregg married for his erection of a new township, to be named and
second wife Harriet Hanline, who has given known as Scott, and to comprise the territory
birth to nine children, viz: Charles, lives in included in the original surveyed township
Illinois; Elsie (Peterson), Wood county; number four, range thirteen. This petition
Hattie, Sadie, William D., Lettie, Schuyler, was presented by Lewis Jennings, at whose
Grace, and Roscoe. house the first election was held on the first
John Houtz was born in Pennsylvania in Monday of April of that year.
1801. His family came to Columbiana At this election Lewis Jennings was
county, Ohio, in 1808. He married, first, elected clerk, and C. C. Barney justice of the
Catharine Houtz, of Washington township, peace. S. D. Palmer and Samuel Bickerstaff
who died in 1843. In 1847 he married, for were two of the three first trustees. Lewis
his second wife, Elizabeth Boyer, and soon Jennings, at the next election, became
after moved to this township, where he died justice, and held the office a number of
in 1881. The family consisted of six years. There are but two of the voters at the
children—Mary E. (Phister), Wood county; first election living—Jacob Plantz and
Cornelius, Scott; Zachariah, Scott; Elizabeth Samuel Bickerstaff—the former being the
(Tyson), Wood county; John, Washington only one living in the township.
township; and Sarah (Tyson), Scott.
CHURCHES.
Cornelius, second child of John Houtz, was
born in 1848. He married Mary Benton in The United Brethren were the first to
1872, and has one child—Jessie M. establish their form of worship in this
John E. McIntire was born in Reed township. In most parts of Ohio, Methodist
township in 1851. He married, in 1872, missionaries first preached in the rural and
Elizabeth Jane Nevils, who was born in new settlements, but here the prize of
1850. They had four children, three of vigilance belongs to the United Brethren.
Canaan class is the oldest. Meetings were
held in the south part of the town-
818 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ship as early as 1834, the first preachers pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. J. C.
being Revs. Beaver, Moore, and Davis, the Thompson. The house of worship in
last being known as "John Davis, the hatter." Rollersville was built in 1860.
Daniel Long and David Solomon organized There are a number of families belonging
the first class, David Solomon being class to the Disciple church who meet for worship
leader for more than thirty years. A meeting- at residences and school-houses, and are
house was built in 1867. The present ministered, to by itinerant preachers. They
membership is thirty. are not a regularly organized body.
The Evangelicals organized a class at an GREENESBURG.
early period of the settlement. Among the This village is one of the oldest west of the
first members were John Roush, John Sandusky River. It was laid out by John L.
Harpster, John Orwig, Isaac Miller, Mr. Green, who, in partnership with Ryder,
Hartman, and perhaps a few others. Meetings opened the first store in 1836. About this
were held in school-houses until 1870, when time a road was built to Fremont, and the
a church was built by public subscription. village was supposed to have a future. But
There are about thirty members. the fondest hopes of the wisest men are often
Sandusky class, United Brethren, was never realized. Certain it is that the reality of
formed about 1845, by D. P. Hulbert, and the village of Greenesburg has never been
was composed of Henry Orwig, L. M. Smith, realized except on paper. But a surveyor is
and David Vandersall, with their families. unable to make a town. Natural advantages,
The class is at present composed of twenty- business tact, and enterprise are required.
two members. Meetings are held in school- The projectors of several towns will find this
houses and in residences. out, if they have not already learned it.
Methodism has had an existence in the Millersville is an example to the point.
township for a great many years. Mount Zion John L. Green failed in business in 1840
class was formed, and a meeting-house was and then began the study of law. His career
built, in 1872, near Greenesburg. is noticed in the chapter relating to the Bar.
The Congregational church at Rollersville The first postmaster at Greenesburg was
was formed in 1842, through the efforts of James Russel. He was succeeded by D. G.
Rev. M. P. Fay, who continued to minister to Tinney, and he in turn by Martin Wright,
the congregation until 1878. The first who held the office until 1873, when an
members were: John Miller and wife, Philip office was established at Millersville and the
Miller and wife, Mr. Jewett, Sylvester office at Greenesburg cancelled.
Merrick and wife, James Merrick and wife, Martin Wright has been the storekeeper for
Angus Campbell and wife, Mrs. Reuben more than twenty years.
McDaniels, George N. Snyder and wife,
ROLLERSVILLE.
Williston Merrick and wife, and Mr.
Harrison and wife. Of these first members, Rollersville is situated on the township
Mrs. McDaniels is the only one yet living in line between Madison and Scott. The Scott
the community. Rev. Mr. Hadley succeeded side was laid out by Henry Roller and
Mr. Fay to the pastorate. In 1880 Rev. Mr. Wilson Teeters; the north part, lying in
Preston became Madison, was laid out by William Whitford
and Luther Chase. James Evans proposed the
name which was adopted as
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 819

a compliment to the oldest of the four pro- and D. B. Baker has filled the position since
prietors. that time.
Jeremiah N. King opened the first store, D. B. Baker conducts the only general
but the woodland village consisted chiefly of store. There are two saloons, a black-smith
taverns. Jonathan Fought built the first one. shop and wagonmaker's shop, a church,
This was a log house one and one-half school-house, and about twenty dwellings.
stories high and eighteen by twenty-four feet The hotels have gone down.
in the clear. It stood on lot sixty-three. PHYSICIANS.
The second tavern was built by Alvin The first physician in Scott was Dr.
Ballard. It was a two-story log house of William Durbin. He located in Rollersville
commodious size. in 1834, and continued in practice three
The third tavern was built by Barringer, years. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania
and stood on the lot now occupied by the Medical College and is now practicing in
Congregational church. It was one story Mahoning county, Ohio.
high, contained one room and was sixteen by John B. Chamberlain, a graduate of
twenty feet in size. How would you like to Quebec Medical College, was the next local
stay all night in that house? The whisky doctor; he had been previously located in
trade gave spirit to village life in those days Fremont. He had been a surgeon in the War
of hard work and unrestrained revelry. The of 1812. He left Scott about 1848 and went
average consumption of whisky per week to St. Clair, Michigan, where he died in
was one barrel. Considering the fact that the 1852.
population was then comparatively sparse, J. C. Thomson, with one exception, is the
we must conclude that there were some hard oldest active practitioner in the county. His
drinkers in that community. father, John Thomson, was born in Ireland.
An idea of the value of property in those He studied medicine in Washington,
days of cheap whiskey can be formed from Pennsylvania, and began practice in New
the following incidents: Barringer met Lisbon, Ohio, in 1807. He married a
Sheriff Crow riding in the streets of Fremont daughter of Joseph Patterson, a Presbyterian
one day, and proposed to trade his tavern clergyman, of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomson
stand for the horse. Crow knowing the was in Congress ten years, being elected first
infirmities of the horse, accepted the during Jackson's administration. He
proposition, and a few days after visited his represented Columbiana county in the
purchase. He was some-what disappointed, Legislature sixteen years. Dr. J. C. Thomson
however, when he found that he had been was born in 1822. In 1839 he entered a drug
under a misapprehension, supposing that store in New Lisbon, Ohio, and two years
Barringer occupied the two-story house. But later began the study of medicine at
log houses at that time were of little value. Mansfield, Ohio, which he pursued three
The first building in the village was built years, including a course of lectures at the
by William Whitford. University of Pennsylvania. He began
The first postmaster was David Smith. Dr. practice in Scott, in 1844. His extensive
Thomson was postmaster from 1847 till practice and the confidence of the public are
1862; Daniel Baker till 1874; William sufficient testimonials of his worth. His
Herriff till 1875; S. P. Hathaway till 1876, standing as a citizen is shown by repeated
elections to local trusts. He was justice of
the peace from 1853 for a
820 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

period of twenty-seven years. Dr. Thomson C. Thomson took the lead in the
married, in 1845, Jane Roller, who died in organization, and infused into it his
1847. In 1848 he married for his second wife characteristic enthusiasm.
Avis P. Hathaway, daughter of N. P. EARLY FUNERALS.
Hathaway. Three children are living—Anna Life is a frost of cold felicitie,
P. (Inman), John, and Helen M. Dr. And death the thaw of all our vanitie.
Thomson holds membership in Masonry in [T. B., 1580.
Tiffin commandery, Fremont chapter, and The sacredness of the tomb commands a
Brainard lodge; in Oddfellowship, in Helena reverent approach to a description of early
lodge, Thomson encampment, and Rebecca funeral customs. The mention of death
lodge; Knights of Honor, in William brings a crowd of the saddest but sweetest
Whitford lodge. He received the degree of recollections. The sight of a grave refreshes
Doctor of Medicine from Charity Hospital mournful memories of some dear friend's
Medical College, Cleveland, in 1869. departing.
Dr. Charles A. Roush had an office at Of all the truly simple usages imposed
Rollersville, and practiced from 1848 till upon the pioneer of this region by natural
1854. He is now practicing in Toledo. conditions, none more solemnly impressive
Dr. John B. Ginn was a physician of worth ever existed than their funeral customs. The
at Greenesburg. He had a large practice. He scene of a woodland funeral at fifty years
died at Greenesburg in 1856. distance is picturesque, even poetical. We
SOCIETY.
can only give the outlines, the imagination
must supply the coloring of the picture.
William Whitford lodge, Knights of In this part of the county underbrush and
Honor, No. 948, was instituted by H. R. marsh grass covered the ground, shaded by
Shomo, March 11, 1878. The name was large trees, making it difficult for even a
conferred as a compliment to one of the footman to find a way through, except where
original proprietors of the village. The nature had thrown up ridges and seemingly
charter members were: Dr. J. C. Thomson, provided passageways. Along these ridges,
Dr. E. R. Sage, R. A. Foregrave, William H. densely timbered, ran "cowpaths," no roads
Aldrich, Edwin Aldrich, W. H. Campbell, J. having yet been cut out. The first burial in
E. Dean, Adam Bair, G. D. Evans, Josiah Scott took place at a very early period of the
Fairbank, J. M. Garn, Theodore Munz, L. A. settlement. The deceased had been a veteran
Mitchell, William Peck, S. R. Heberling, H. of the Revolution, and lived about two miles
C. Green, John Hutchinson, G. D. Hathaway, west of the line, in Wood county. A path led
Charles D. Inman, H. W. King, Joseph M. from the house of mourning across the marsh
Jones, George W. Miller, and R. C. Thomas. and prairie, and along the ridge, to an
The past dictators, in their order, have elevated spot on the tract now known as the
been: Dr. J. C. Thomson, E. R. Sage, J. M. Minkly farm, in Scott. The few settlers for
yarn, George N. Miller, Charles D. Inman, J. miles around all gathered at the house and
Fairbank, W. H. Campbell, and R. A. performed the funeral rites. Then six strong
Foregrave. The lodge is in a prosperous men volunteered to consign the body to the
condition, all the members taking an elements from which it had come. The path
enthusiastic part in its business, and leading to the burial place was, at places, so
cheerfully meeting its demands. Dr. J. narrow that two men could not walk abreast.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 821

Single and alone, they started on the MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS.


mournful journey, bearing upon their One of the settlers on the prairie at an
shoulders all that was mortal of him whose early date was a good fellow on general
spirit had gone to the home of the brave and principles, but he had a keen eye for
honest. One man going before explored the business, and was not burdened with over-
path, four bore the precious load, while the sensitive susceptibilities. The Senecas made
sixth followed ready to afford relief. Thus a custom of camping annually on the ridge,
the sad, silent company moved along over just south of the prairie in Seneca county.
swamps bridged with logs, between One season a squaw died during the
impenetrable growths of underbrush, and encampment, and was buried after the
into a more accessible upland forest. At last manner of the Senecas. The Indians, out of
the open grave was reached. Overshadowed respect, at once abandoned their sports at the
by oak, and elm, and maple, this silent, lone place of burial, having first invoked the
grave was bathed in the perfume of wild blessing of the Great Spirit. But the prairie
flowers and shrubs, and a choir of wild birds settler was not the man to allow reverence
pensively chanted while the earth was for lifeless bodies to stand in the way of
swallowing its own. Cold clay, unsoftened making a few dollars. The shades of night
by the loving tears of mourners, rattled had no sooner enveloped the grave than with
against the rough box coffin. Soon this gap pick and shovel he was at work. Log after
in the earth's fair bosom was closed. The log which had been carefully laid to protect
burial company scattered to their homes, and the body from contact with profane earth,
even the name of the brave soldier who was removed until at last the body, dressed
imperiled his life for our liberties, is now in a fancy hunting skirt, could be removed.
forgotten. A man's faults fare better than his The shrine formed by savage but
name, for they die and are buried with his conscientious hands, and blessed by pagan
body, but his name, after a time, sinks into rituals, was desecrated and robbed of its
obscurity, and at last perishes without the own. Taking the body on his back, the grave
rights of Christian funeral. This grave was pilferer started for his cabin through the still
the beginning of a public cemetery. and black forest, carrying the stiff, cold,
The largest cemetery in the township is clammy body on his back. After travelling a
located on the Metzger farm in the eastern mile shut off from all the world by dense
part. The Vernon family's were the first woods, he emerged into the moon-lighted
graves here. No roads led to this lot for a prairie, through which lay the remainder of
number of years, the bodies being carried to the journey. Painful ending, indeed, it was.
the grave through the woods. It was, indeed, In full view were the glassy eyes half closed
a task to be a pallbearer in those days. in death, and ghastly features of his stolen
Neither was it an easy task to dig a grave, burden. But a hard heart assisted him to the
for roots seemed to begrudge enough end, where the corpse was boxed, taken to
ground. It will be inferred that muddy roads, Lower Sandusky and sold.
scanty food, uncomfortable houses, severe In a few years after, the central figure of
labor, and the torture of wolves howling, and this strange affair sold his farm and left the
mosquitoes biting did not complete the township.
catalogue of pioneer hardships. Even The first school-house in the township was
Christian burial was accomplished with great built near Greenesburg in 1834. The
difficulty.
822 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

second school was on the farm now owned body is so dumb or impolite as to ask her any questions.
We get the wheat sacked, load it in the wagon, and drive
by Mrs. Charles Long. Jacob Sprout was the off. That is the last of it till next morning, when the
first teacher in this part of the township. wheat is gone, and we are away off. Oh, it's no danger to
Considerable excitement was caused in the steal if you work it right.
north part of the township by the finding of The old man is probably right in his last
the remains of the body of a man, torn to statement. This is a unique method,
pieces by wolves. A pair of boots were however, and seems to have been peculiarly
found on a tree near by, which were the property of Sandusky and Wood
supposed to belong to a man who had been counties.
in the country a few days looking for land. THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR.
His sudden disappearance confirmed this
That the love of money is the root of sin, is
opinion, but the circumstances of his death
a doctrine as old as the Bible. Another old
were involved in mystery, and gave rise to
axiom is, "The way to make money is to
considerable suspicion.
make it." The history of Scott township
The reader is charged against forming an
shows that this doctrine was literally
opinion prejudicial to the fair fame of Scott
believed in by a coterie of sharp and
township: It is a community of enterprising,
ambitious men. No event ever occurred in
law-abiding citizens. The early settlers were
the western part of the county which created
generally a good class of people, but a few
such general excitement and so much anxiety
were not; but these, like pomace from cider,
as the arrest of Jacob Weaver, in 1840, on a
have been worked off; and the quality
warrant charging him with coining
improved by their presence. There used to be
counterfeit money. His supposed associates
a good deal of stealing going on in this part
were prominent men in the community, but
of the county. Hams and wheat were in
Weaver was the only person proved guilty
especial danger. An old wheat thief once
by legal processes, and in consequence will
gave his experience to a highly esteemed
have to stand the brunt of our description of
citizen of the township, under promise never
the whole affair. This, too, is in harmony
to reveal the name. Thieves are proverbially
with the actual facts of the case, for, in
smart, and these country thieves were no
reality, he was the willing tool of abler and
exception to the rule, as is shown by the
shrewder men.
strategic methods adopted. The retired thief
A fire in the woods often attracted the
to whom we have referred said in substance:
attention of settlers late at night, but for a
A dark night was always selected. Let me tell you
never try to steal near home. Go where you are not
time nothing was thought of what the
known. We always took a team, hitched to a wagon, and phenomenon meant. But after a time people
drove eight or ten miles. The party generally consisted began to grow suspicious and watched.
of two men and one woman, or a man dressed in Certain individuals were found often absent
woman's clothes. We chose a place close to the road. It
is much safer than a place back from the road, for, you from home and "what was going on down in
see, the plan won't work back from the road. Well, when the woods" became a question which honest
we came to the place, we drive as close to the house as folks asked each other in whispers. One day
the road will take us, there stop. Leaving the woman in
the wagon to hold the horses, we go to the barn and sack
fragments of metal and a molder's ladle were
the grain. If any body comes out or noise is made, there found near the pile of ashes. The discovery
the woman is in the wagon, and no- of several quarter and half dollar pieces of
suspicious composition began to define
conjecture, and increased, but quiet
vigilance followed.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 823

At last sufficient evidence was accumulated sheriff, with his deputies, tarried in the
to justify legal proceedings. Noah Jennings woods till light dispelled the darkness which
placed in the hands of Sheriff Everett a had completely concealed their well-timed
warrant for the arrest of Jacob Weaver. The ride. The time for action came. A man stood
day was disagreeable and steady rain set in on guard at each corner of the house while
toward evening. The utmost quiet was the sheriff roused the family, entered the
prerequisite to the success of the enterprise. house, and quietly made the arrest of the
Sheriff Everett chose as deputies Noah unsuspecting victim of his warrant. A
Jennings, who knew every crook and turn of diligent search followed for the wicked
the roads; Levi Parish, a brave, muscular tools, which proved fruitless until the boards
young fellow of more than average size and of the barn floor were overturned, where was
strength, and two other young men. These found a large leathern bag filled with pieces
four constituted the sheriff's body guard. of metal carefully worked to the size of the
They planned to reach the house, of their larger silver coins in general circulation.
victim just after daylight in the morning, that These were exhibited to the jury at the trial
hour being the only certain time of finding of the case.
him in the house and at the same time Weaver was tried, convicted of coining
affording no possibility of escape in the counterfeit money, and sentenced to the
darkness of the earlier hours of the night. penitentiary. There was no direct evidence
The sheriff and his deputies quietly left against any one else, but one who claims to
Lower Sandusky just after dark. Rain was know says the facts would show even more
falling thick and fast; the roads were a sheet to have been implicated than were suspected.
of water and mud; ebony blackness seemed But it is better to cover up faults rather than
to oppress the earth, indeed everything parade them; consequently we close the
conspired to make the expedition successful. chapter against suspicions.
Jennings took the lead, the others The method of manufacturing these
following single file in close succession to spurious coins has come to light. The metal
prevent being lost in the darkness. The south was moulded to the exact size of some
road, then a mere path through the woods, common piece—quarter dollar, half dollar,
was chosen for secrecy. The horses carried or dollar. A die was then set on each side
their speechless riders, keeping time in their and pressed into the metal by means of
pace with the long-drawn hours of that awful screws resting against trees for resistance.
night. Toward morning the rain ceased. The The money was passed in considerable
eastern sky gave signs of approaching day quantities, and could scarcely be detected by
just as the officers came in sight of the house the inexperienced from genuine coin. In
wherein the miserable tool of that wicked some parts of Scott farmers even yet
conspiracy was peacefully sleeping, little occasionally plow up a piece of the bogus
dreaming that such a night would be chosen money. From this circumstance Scott has
by the officers of the law for his arrest. The been named "the bogus township."
MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES.*

ALFRED H. RICE. still living. When the country called for help,
This prominent and promising member of in 1861, Mr. Rice volunteered as a private in
Sandusky county Bar was born at Fremont the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
on the 23d day of September, 1840. He is a and in the same year was promoted to first
son of Dr. Robert S. Rice, one of the early lieutenant.
settlers of Lower Sandusky, and brother of Mr. Rice has good faculties and is
Hon. John B. Rice, member-elect of studious, and, although not yet old in the
Congress from this Congressional district. practice, his prudence and industry will
Alfred H. Rice was educated at the common carry him upward in his profession. With
schools of Fremont. After leaving school he large social and business influences to back
went into the mercantile business with his him and furnish him ample employment, he
brother, William A., in Fremont, and spent a is bound to succeed.
number of years in the business as a partner,
performing the duties of salesman behind the
counter, and also performing the duties of JACOB NYCE.
bookkeeper for the establishment. Their This early settler and esteemed citizen of
store did a large and successful business, and Sandusky county was born in Pike county, in
Alfred H. acquired there those business the State of Pennsylvania, on the 6th of
habits and that knowledge of men which are October, 1783. His means of education were
so essential to a good attorney. He had, limited, but his strong common sense and his
however, aspirations for something more great heart in social life and citizenship put
intellectual, and finally quitted the him forward into a prominent position
mercantile business, and, after studying law amongst the pioneers of the county where he
with John M. Lemmon and John T. Garver, finally settled and died.
he was admitted to practice by the Supreme At the age of twenty-two years he
Court of the State of Ohio, at Columbus, on purchased a farm in Ross county, Ohio, and
the 3d day of January, 1878, and at once came there to live. On the 24th day of
commenced practice in Fremont. Not long September, 1811, he was there married to
after commencing practice Mr. Rice became Miss Margaret Graham by the Rev. James
a member of the firm of Lemmon, Wilson & Robinson.
Rice, who opened an office in Fremont, and In the spring of the year 1823 he started
is now engaged in practice as a member of with his family, consisting of his wife and
the firm. He married Miss Mary James, at five children, from Ross county to Lower
Marion, Ohio; with whom he is Sandusky, in Sandusky county. His farm was
*NOTE.—The following biographies were on what is now known as the Stony Prairie, a
received too late from Mr. Everett for little way west of the line of the Reservation
insertion in the proper place. of two miles square at the lower rapids of
the Sandusky River,

825
826 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

and he arrived in the county on the 10th day from their patriotic hearts. He entered upon
of May, 1823. He afterwards bought a lot the duty of recruiting a company for the
and erected a dwelling house on the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
southwest corner of Croghan and Main and after completing that service was taken
streets, and a little south of the present sick in camp at Toledo. He came home in
courthouse. While residing at this place he the hope of recovering his health, but died
became a prominent citizen of Lower in August, 1862, in the dawn of his
Sandusky, and reared and educated a family promising and patriotic services to the great
of eight—six daughters and two sons, cause of the Union and liberty.
namely: Jane, Susan, Rachel, William, and Margaret (Graham) Nyce, the faithful
Thomas, who were born in Ross county, wife of Jacob Nyce, and mother of his
Ohio; two daughters, who died in infancy, children, was born in Cumberland county,
were born in Lower Sandusky, as was also State of Pennsylvania, on the 25th day of
Isabel H. Nyce, who is still alive and a March, 1791. She came with her father's
respected lady of Fremont. family to Ohio at the age of sixteen years,
Jane Nyce, the eldest daughter, was many or in the year 1807, and was, four years
years ago married to Isaiah Strawn, son of afterwards, married to Jacob Nyce, as
Joel Strawn, a pioneer of Ballville above stated. She survived her husband
township. Isaiah Strawn migrated many many years, and was all the time revered by
years ago to La Salle county, Illinois, and our citizens, and especially by her
became very wealthy, and the descendants acquaintances until her death, which
of that family are still residing there. occurred on the 8th day of February, 1878,
Susan Nyce was married to Jacob Kridler, at the age of eighty-six years, ten months,
and died in 1848, leaving an infant and thirteen days, having survived her
daughter, who is married to H. L. Salisbury, husband over thirty-five years. During this
and is now residing in Fremont. period the faithful sons, Thomas and
Rachel Nyce was married to M. W. Trask. William, labored for their mother with
She has three children, and resides at cheerful devotion while they lived, and her
Independence, in the State of Iowa. daughter, Isabel, after they were taken
Thomas Nyce died at Lower Sandusky in away,
the year 1845 at the age of twenty-two Here history should record that amongst
years and unmarried. the early settlers in Lower Sandusky none
William Nyce died at Fremont, Ohio, in were more prominent for their good works
August, 1862. William had for many years, than Jacob Nyce and wife. Was a neighbor
and, in fact, all the time after the death of woman in distress, Mrs. Nyce was there to
his brother Thomas, in 1845, been the stay help at the dead of night, regardless of
and support of his aged mother and the weather or comfort to herself. Was a man in
unmarried sisters of the family. In 1862, want of help to raise a log cabin or barn,
when the war assumed an earnest form, and Jacob Nyce was foremost there to help him.
the struggle for the life of the Nation He won the hearts and respect, of his
became palpable, young William Nyce neighbors to such a degree for his honesty
could no longer be restrained, and and humanity that he was, not-withstanding
notwithstanding his burden of duties to his his defective early education, made one of
mother and sisters, he sought their the Associate Judges of the county, in
permission to enter the service of his which position he discharged the
country, and obtained it without murmur
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 827

duties to the satisfaction and approval of all C. Bristol, in Buffalo, to learn the business
interested, for several years. of druggist. Here he displayed remarkable
Judge Nyce, personally, was a man of industry and aptness in acquiring a
magnificent proportions and in full health knowledge of the business, and remained
weighed over two hundred and twenty with his employers about three years and a
pounds. half. Thence he came to Lower Sandusky,
Shortly after Judge Nyce's coming to and in June, 1842, went into business with
Lower Sandusky, and during the contest his elder brother, Carlton G. McCulloch,
between the old fashioned Pennsylvania also a druggist, who had preceded him to the
reapers, and the then new fashion of cradling place, and who has since located in the city
wheat, Judge Nyce walked into a field of of Chicago.
wheat one harvest with his cradle, and put About six years afterwards, in the year
the reapers with the sickle to shame by his 1848, Charles R. McCulloch bought his
stalwart march through the field, in which he brother's interest in their business and set up
demonstrated that the cradle was superior to a drug store for himself. He became partner
the sickle in harvesting the grain crops of the with his brother-in-law, Charles Burt, in the
county. purchase and selling of wheat, which they
Jacob Nyce was a monarch in the harvest stored in J. K. Glenn's warehouse, a wooden
field, and also in every other pursuit where building then standing on the site of Shomo's
muscular power decided the contest. For Block, on Front street, although the
good works in all directions, and for that warehouse was in fact on the back part of the
true benevolence and humanity which lot. The warehouse, with a large quantity of
distinguished pioneer life in Sandusky wheat, was destroyed by fire in 1849, and
county, few could rival Jacob Nyce and his Mr. McCulloch lost largely by the fire, so
noble wife. much so that he was compelled to sell out
his drug and book business to S. Buckland &
Co. After arranging his business Mr.
CHARLES ROLLINS McCULLOCH. McCulloch, in 1851, became a partner in the
firm of S. Buckland & Co. in the drug and
As a representative man in the drug and
book business at Fremont, and so remained
book business of Fremont, as well as a
in business until the year 1858, when he
conservator of moral order in society, we
bought out the interests of his partners,
make the following mention of Charles
namely, Stephen Buckland and Ralph P.
Rollins McCulloch, now engaged actively in
Buckland, in the business, and became sole
his business.
proprietor of the concern. Since that date he
Mr. McCulloch is the son of Jonathan and
has, through all the vicissitudes of business,
Cynthia (Graves) McCulloch, and was born
continued steadily on in the same place
at Sherburne, Chenango county, in the State
without check or failure, and is now prob-
of New York, on the 4th day of April, 1825.
ably the head of the longest established drug
He was removed by his parents with them to
store in the county, doing business now for
Erie, Pennsylvania, in the year 1827, where
thirty-two years in Buckland's old block,
they settled. At Erie he received such
where he has remained since purchasing out
education as was afforded by the common
the Bucklands.
schools of the State. About the age of
He married Miss Rhoda Gould in the
thirteen years, in 1838, he became an
apprentice to C.
828 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

month of October, 1848, and about six laid, and his name is commemorated, by that
months before the above-mentioned fire. long-to-be-remembered event in the
This marriage has produced seven children, engravings on the cornerstone.
six of whom are now living, namely: Jessie When Mr. McCulloch commenced
(now Mrs. J. E. Heffner), Fannie, Margaret, business in Fremont (Lower Sandusky), the
Rollin F., Josephine, and Julia. One, Charles drug business was comparatively small and
Rollin, died at the age of eight months. The hardly supported one man. There are now,
living children are all now residing in however, six establishments, most of them
Fremont. The surviving son, Rollin F., after employing numerous clerks, engaged in that
attending the high school of Fremont and business in Fremont, and all seem to be
graduating and also assisting his father in the doing a flourishing business.
store, graduated at the School of Pharmacy Mr. McCulloch has always been a firm and
at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and having finished steady supporter and conservator of morals
his course there, became a partner in and orderly conduct in society, and as a man
business with his father, in March, 1881, and citizen he has always been, in honesty
which position he now occupies, and is a and purity of life, a bright example to all
highly accomplished and popular druggist. who have been favored with his
Charles Rollin McCulloch, the subject of acquaintance. Of him it may be said
this notice, has been a consistent and worthy emphatically, he is a Christian gentleman,
member of the Presbyterian church for the and a most worthy citizen.
forty-two years last past, all of which time
he was connected with the Sabbath-schools
of that denomination, and for thirty years has CAPTAIN JOHN B. BEAUGRAND.
acted as Sabbath-school superintendent. This early settler at Lower Sandusky was
From his first connection with the church he born at Detroit, Michigan, January 31, 1813.
has been a member of the church choir, and His father was the John B. Beaugrand
has been leader of it for the term of thirty- mentioned in the history of the Catholics,
two years. He was by nature gifted with a found in this work. The subject of this notice
fine tenor voice and his practice and came with his parents to Lower Sandusky
cultivation of it has made him a desirable about the year 1820, and attended the
help, not only in church music, but in all common schools of the place. But the young,
other proper musical entertainments. This strong, and daring man that he was, could
taste and talent for vocal music is manifested not be contented in the school-room with
in his children, who are quite talented in that only books and children. His ardent and
direction. He has also been ruling elder or ventursome disposition impelled him to
deacon of the church in Fremont for about some other pursuit, and at an early age he
sixteen years, and has greatly assisted his was found a sailor on the lakes. For a
church in all its enterprises. He has been number of years he was under the tuition of
chosen member of the city council of Captain Morris Tyler, a celebrated lake
Fremont three terms, in which he did honor captain whose home was in Lower
to the place. He was president of the council Sandusky. Under Captain Tyler's instruction
in 1877, when the corner-stone of the City he became a thoroughly trained sailor, and
Hall was his personal strength and fearlessness,
together with deep enthusiasm in his
profession, marked him for something more
than a
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 829

common sailor. For a number of years he life and died at Toledo on the 6th day of
acted as Captain Tyler's first mate, and often December, 1879.
the captain entrusted to him the sole
management of his vessel, and never found
his confidence misplaced. The result was
that Beaugrand became noted for his energy, AMOS R. CARVER
pluck, and luck, as well for his skill in was one of the early settlers of York
managing a vessel, as for his complete and township, and one of its most worthy
accurate knowledge of all the harbors on the citizens for many years. He was born in
Lakes, and hence he rose rapidly to the Cayuga county, New York, July 23, 1802,
position of captain. In his day he and came to York township, Sandusky
commanded some of the finest steamers county, Ohio, to live, in the fall of 1837. His
plying between Buffalo and Chicago. So family then consisted of his wife and oldest
well acquainted was he with the Lakes, and daughter, now Mrs. Johnson. Miss Hattie
so prudent, withal, that his services were Hunt, who made her home with the family
always in demand. On one occasion, in 1846, for a number of years, now living in Topeka,
he was presented, by the mayor of Kansas, came with them. The father of
Cleveland, with a beautiful stand of colors Amos, Dyer Carver, moved out previous to
for safely bringing into that harbor, during a his son, and located on the place which was
terrific storm, the steamer under his afterwards the home of Amos. He died about
command, laden with passengers from the year 1866.
Buffalo. The, grateful passengers also voted Amos Carver and Martha C. Hazletine
him their thanks, besides making him a very were married March 6, 1834. She was born
substantial present. Captain Beaugrand was in Rutland, Vermont, September 15, 1816,
well known in nautical circles as one of the but removed with her parents when five
luckiest commanders who ever stepped on years old to Cayuga county, New York. Mr.
board a craft. Carver died July 6, 1874, and Mrs. Carver
Captain John B. Beaugrand was brother to January 9, 1879. They had four daughters.
Mrs. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. Margaret Laura E., the oldest, was born July 19, 1835,
Dickinson, and Dr. P. Beaugrand, of the city and became the wife of David Johnson in
of Fremont, Mrs. M. A. Castle, of Cleveland, 1857, who was killed by a railroad accident
and James A. Beaugrand, of Racine, at Springfield, Illinois, in 1865. His widow,
Wisconsin. He acted for a time in the until recently, had resided in Oberlin, Ohio,
employment of the United States as pilot to for a number of years. Adelaide, born
revenue cutters on the Lakes, and at another August 25, 1841, married, in 1869, Eugene
time as superintendent of railroad repairing S. Aldrich, of Pleasant Lake, Indiana, where
for the Union army in the South during the they now live. Julia M., born October 30,
Rebellion. He was married at Racine, 1844, married, in 1865, David H. Foster, of
Wisconsin, in 1849, His wife died, leaving Port Byron, New York, and now resides in
him and a daughter surviving her. The Hamilton, that State. Clara S., born April 5,
daughter subsequently married F. A. Narcott, 1848, was married to C. B. Greene, of
of Chicago, where she is now living. Fremont, Ohio, in 1868, and now resides in
Captain Beaugrand, some years ago, on Toledo.
account of rheumatic affections brought on
by exposure in his vocation, ceased active
830 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

STEPHEN GRISWOLD. off and reduced them to the proper length, and during
the day he found it necessary to repeat the operation
Of this eccentric man there is little several times.
information concerning his life except what Night came and the two travelers slept in a vacant log
is found in Mr. Everett's lecture. Griswold cabin. Like true woodsmen they kindled a good fire,
took their supper, and without undressing, laid
never married and when he died, many years themselves down wrapped in blankets, with their feet to
ago, left no family and no relatives in this a good blazing fire. While they slept the fire burned, and
vicinity surviving him. Hence the the buckskin dried and shrunk, and shrunk and dried,
until, except in length, it was a perfect counterpart of
impracticability of obtaining information Griswold's skin. The pants contracted so that his
concerning his early life. We give Mr. stalwart walking-beams protruded from the knee. He
Everett's mention of him, which was as slept soundly, and was awakened by the loud "ha! ha!"
follows: of his companion. The leather, under the influence of the
fire, had become not only fitted to the skin, but stiff and
One of the early inhabitants of our town was a strong- hard, and he had to make a second effort before he could
minded, giant-framed, and eccentric man. One instance rise to his feet, so tightly were his body and limbs bound
will give an idea of his peculiarity of mind. Trapping in up. Finally he rose erect and took a deliberate survey of
those days was a familiar occupation, and the kind of himself. Legs naked below the knee, half his forearm
traps and method of trapping various animals were protruding beyond his coat-sieve; every joint, muscle
matters of frequent discussion. Stephen Griswold used and projection of his person perfectly delineated through
to tell about one of his traps, and the conception is so his garments, there he stood; such a picture! such a
odd and poetic that I choose it for the occasion. Said he, figure! such a fit! His perplexity was ludicrous in the
"I once made a trap to catch earthquakes in. I took two extreme. His companion caught his eye and roared with
large, fine rainbows, and two smaller ones—the best I laughter. Griswold could stand it no longer. He opened
could get—so as to have it double jawed. I had double his mouth, and it is said that a "blue stream" went down
springs at each end. For these springs I took four streaks from his mouth to the lower regions, to apprise the
best quality double-refined chain lightning. I used a inhabitants that the science of profanity was well
small volcano for bait; got my trap put together and understood on earth. Griswold hurried into town,
commenced business in the hilly parts of South changed clothes, and never wore leather pants
America, and was doing pretty well till one day a large afterwards.
bull earthquake got into my trap. It held him for a while,
but by and by he took a lunge and a flounder and tore
the trap into a thousand fragments. You can see pieces
of my trap springs flying among the clouds yet, every THOMAS VINCENT CURTIS.
time a thunder-shower comes up.”
In those times cloth was both scarce and dear, but This worthy citizen of Lower Sandusky is
dressed deer skins were plenty, cheap, and much worn the representative man of the colored or
for pants and coats. Griswold, like all of us, followed
the fashion and got coat and pants of smoke-dressed
African citizens of the county. He was born
deer skin. This leather is a very good dry weather in St. Mary's county, Maryland, in the year
material, but when wet becomes very flabby and 1798, and came to Chillicothe, Ohio, when a
susceptible of extension in any direction, to almost any boy about twelve years old, in the year 1810.
extent, and when dry would shrink to the exact
dimensions of any opposing substance. After Griswold He came with an uncle and aunt, and was
got his new suit, of which he was very proud, he started apprenticed to James V. Hill, a colored man,
on a three days' exploring tour into the woods, with a then carrying on a small tannery in
traveling companion. Snow lay quite deep upon the
ground, and rain set in after they had started. The
Chillicothe, and there learned the tanning
consequence was that Griswold's new clothes became and currier business in an apprenticeship of
very wet. The pants began to settle, and soon hung under five years. While an apprentice he
his heels and over his toes, much to his annoyance and remembers making the acquaintance of
hindrance in traveling. In vain he tried the roll. They
would not stay put, and, finally, getting out of patience, James Justice, deceased, late a resident of
he applied the ready knife and cut off the extending Fremont. Mr. Hill failed in business, and his
nuisance. They continued walking and wetting soon property tannery, and residence, were sold at
made them too long again, and again Griswold cut
sheriff’s
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 831

sale. Young Justice was then learning the a number of years at the trade. Here his other
same trade with a Mr. McLean, near children were born-Mary, the wife of
Circleville, Ohio, and was sent by McLean Thomas Rees; Ellen, who married Samuel
to attend the sale of Hill's property, and did Jones, who died at Norwalk, Ohio, and who
bid off a considerable amount of the stock, afterwards married a Mr. Wethers, near
and this transaction brought on an Oberlin. Another son, Alexander, was born
acquaintance between Curtis and Justice. at Chillicothe.
After Hill's failure Curtis went to Cincinnati, Mr. Curtis, though not rich in lands and
and there worked at his trade eighteen money, having suffered loss of property by
months for a man named Henry Funk. He fire, has always been a well behaved,
went back to Chillicothe and helped Hill industrious citizen. Recently, however, his
finish off his stock. Mr. Curtis then went to infirmities and age have disqualified him
Piketon, Pike county, Ohio, and worked at from manual labor.
his trade for Dennis Hill, a brother of his He has never been known to violate the
former employer. He then returned to laws of the land, nor has he failed at any
Chillicothe, worked for Mr. Thomas Jacobs, time to observe the proprieties of life, or to
and there married Miss Jane Brison, who observe good manners in society.
was raised by Mr. Galbreath, a lawyer from
the State of Pennsylvania. His wife was full
half white blood, and a very intelligent, J. C. JOHNSON.
lady-like person. There the couple had two This gentleman is the first professor of
children—Sarah and Orlando—and with architecture who settled in Sandusky county,
these and his wife he moved to Philadelphia, and for that reason, rather than for his early
Pennsylvania, where he remained working at settlement, deserves mention in this history.
his trade about three years, and where his He was born in the town of Wentworth,
third child—Charles—was born. He returned State of New Hampshire, on the 8th day of
to Chillicothe and remained about six December, A. D. 1828. His father was Henry
months, thence went to Clarksburg, where he Johnson, who was Justice of the Peace in his
worked for a man named George King, a native town for more than thirty years, and
tanner, for a time. Mr. King then put Mr. all the time also a farmer, and reared a large
Curtis in charge of a large tannery at family who left home, especially the sons, in
Columbus, Ohio, he not being a practical early maturity. His mother was Rebecca
tanner, himself. Here he remained for some (Brown) Johnson. Henry Johnson's father
time, and then, with his family, removed to and the father of his wife were both soldiers
Tiffin, Ohio. After spending a winter at in the War of the Revolution, and were with
Tiffin, he removed with his family to Lower General Washington at Valley Forge, where
Sandusky. Here he met his old acquaintance, the army underwent such terrible suffering
Judge Justice, and although Curtis had in the service.
letters to another tannery, that of Isaac Van John C. Johnson, the subject of this notice,
Doren, he prevailed on Curtis to go into his was a graduate of Wentworth Academy and
tannery, where he worked for five or six intended to study and practice law, but a
years, when they differed, and Curtis went to strong natural inclination to mechanics
work for Mr. Van Doren, where he worked diverted his intentions, and he
832 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Northwestern Ohio and Northern Indiana,
After learning the trade he worked in the and elsewhere. His skill has been called in
towns of Manchester and Nashua for a requisition as far away as Kansas,
period of about two years. He then worked. Indianapolis, and various parts of Tennessee.
at his trade in many towns and cities in The new Ohio penitentiary is one of the
Massachusetts .and Connecticut until he felt finest buildings of the kind in the West, and
himself master of the trade and able and is built according to the design of Mr.
qualified to do good. work anywhere among Johnson. This is considered the best building
men of the same vocation. In 1852 he started of the kind in the United States, and like
from New England for the West there to many of the courthouses and jails designed
carve out his future fortune single-handed by him has been extensively copied for like
and alone. Mr. Johnson meantime applied buildings in other places and many States.
himself to the study of architectural designs Mr. Johnson was one of eighteen
and drawings, and made great proficiency competing architects who submitted plans
and soon was prepared to make accurate and for the elaborate and costly State House at
reliable plans and specifications of all Indianapolis, a building to cost two millions
buildings in whole and also in the minutest of dollars and stood a tie vote with one other
detail. competitor for adoption; but his competitor
Mr. Johnson struck the West at Akron, in this design was a resident of Indiana, and
Ohio, in the year last named, 1852, where he State pride gave the Hoosier the first, and
worked at his trade. about one year. From real merit gave the Fremont architect the
Akron he went to Warren, in Trumbull second premium for excellence in design,
county, Ohio. Warren at that time being and yet Mr. Johnson's general plan for the
without a railroad was quite elated by the building was afterwards followed in its
acquisition of a down East mechanic, who construction. The best architectural skill of
could design and display on paper any the whole country, from Boston, New York,
architectural design in a fine picture in Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis,
whole and in detail, and who was able to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville were
distance at that time all com-petition in in competition, and the merit of even second
talent for architecture. At this place and in choice was a high compliment to the State of
its vicinity Mr. Johnson built some of the Ohio and to Fremont in particular. The
finest buildings in that section of the State, Indianapolis Sun said it was the highest
and gave a new impetus to taste and compliment paid any State.
convenience in the building of public and Mr. Johnson has introduced into Fremont
private houses. an improved style of tasty and convenient
Here Mr. Johnson married Celia Sigler in residences and public buildings.
the year 1857, and moved to Cleve-land, and Here a permanent testimonial of his skill
there followed draughting and building one may be seen in the beautiful and well-
year. He returned to Warren, and in 1860 proportioned City Hall, designed by him,
removed to Fremont, Ohio, where he carried and erected on the northeast corner of Fort
on the business of architect, and of Stephenson Park. Mr. Johnson is highly
contractor to erect buildings. Mr. Johnson esteemed as a man and citizen, and has for
has furnished drawings, plans and some years been a member of the City
specifications for some of the finest and best Council of Fremont.
architectural works in
APPENDIX.

FORT STEPHENSON. A SOLDIER’S DESCRIPTION OF CROGHAN’S


VICTORY.
Simon Figley, a member of Major Rhodes'
company in the Northwestern Army, gives the The following account of the battle of Fort
following account of Fort Stephenson before the Stephenson is from William Gaines, an
battle. Mr. Figley is at present a resident of inmate at the National Soldiers' Home;,
Defiance, Ohio: Washington, D. C. He was a member of
When we arrived at Lower Sandusky in the latter part Captain Armstrong's Company, Twenty-
of March, 1813, the fort was not completed. There was fourth Infantry, in the command of General
nothing more than a stockade, in which Government Harrison. He was at Fort Meigs during the
horses and cattle had been fed during the winter. We
spent several days hauling out the mature from the fort.
siege. His account, as given to a reporter
After cleaning out the stockade, we set tents into camp. there; was as follows:
Our next business was to get out timber and put up the Our company was then ordered to Camp Seneca in July. I
block-houses. We only built two, which were situated on think about this time there came a rumor that Fort Stephenson
the north side of the fort. There was, when we came, a was to be attacked. A detail was made from the different
smaller house standing in the southwest corner of the companies to relieve Fort Stephenson, this being done so that
fort, which appeared to be an old house, and was, I each company should have an equal chance of winning glory.
presume, used for a trading post. After erecting the At this time I was a private in Captain Armstrong's company,
block-houses, our next business was to dig the trenches having exchanged my drum for a musket. I was also acting as
around the stockade. Our commander was Major Joseph cook for Lieutenant Joseph Anthony of my company.
Rhodes, who came all the way from Canton with us. The Lieutenant Anthony, John Foster, James Riggs, Samuel
work was conducted under the orders of Major Rhodes Thurman, and myself composed the detail from my company.
until nearly completed, when Colonel Stephenson We started at daybreak and reached Fort Stephenson at 9 or 10
arrived and took command. About the last of May or o'clock in the forenoon. We had not been there more than an
first of June, 1813, we left the fort by water and went hour and a half or two hours before the British hove in sight
down the Sandusky River and Bay, and thence to and began landing their troops, cannon, etc. Between 11 and
Cleveland. We were, after leaving the fort, under the 12 o'clock there came a flag of truce and an officer and six
command of Adjutant Samuel Creswell. I afterward men. They were blindfolded and taken in at the west gate. It
enlisted and served three months more. While I was was rumored that the officer was sent to demand the surrender
serving at the fort a young Frenchman was married to an of the fort or threaten to show no quarter. When they were
Indian woman. The few inhabitants were a mixed race, gone Major Croghan told us to prepare ourselves as no quarter
of French and Indian blood. There were, perhaps, three was to be shown. They came around on the west side, which,
or four of pure white blood. The settlers commonly lived at the distance of one hundred and fifty yards, was covered
near to the fort, and when danger approached would with woods, and between the woods and fort was a ravine
come in for protection. There was not a log house for down which they would haul the cannon to load and then push
residence in sight of the fort, except a log house built upon the brow of the hill and fire. They could not approach on
and used by the Government for storing purposes. It was the east side because that was an open field and we could have
a double log house, near the river. In the winter of 1812- brought them down. To the north and south it was also quite
13 the inhabitants lived partly under ground, by open. The weather was good but warm and a storm which had
excavating the earth and then setting up puncheons and threatened finally disappeared. They fired on us for some time,
partly covering them with earth. That winter was very but Major Croghan would not allow us to return it.
cold, and clothing was hard to obtain.

833
834 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

Samuel Thurman was in a block-house and determined marched his troops from Fort Seneca, down on the east
to shoot a red coat. He climbed upon the top of the side of the Sandusky and crossed it, it would have
block-house and peered over when a six-pound cannon brought the enemy between him and their boats, and
ball took his head off. Finally, toward evening, they thus he could have captured them all.
made a charge, and when they got on level ground we When the firing commenced Lieutenant Anthony was
got orders to fire. We shot through loop-holes in the panic-stricken, and secreted himself and did not come
pickets and portholes in the block-houses. out until after the battle was over. He was put under
I recollect very well when Colonel Short fell. I see it arrest by Major Croghan, sent to Fort Seneca, court-
all as plainly as I see you two gentlemen. Our cannon martialed for cowardice, and cashiered the service.
was loaded with six-pound ball and grape; I was in the Major Croghan was a very thin man, but became very
block-house, and after Colonel Short fell, he held up a corpulent and fleshy some years after. He was a very
white handkerchief for quarter. Some one in the block- courageous man, afraid of nothing under the sun.
house said, "That man is hollering for quarter; he said he
would show none, now give him quarter." It passed all
through the fort. The bugle sounded a retreat. They had
old Tecumseh and about one thousand five hundred Ind-
ians and seven or eight hundred regulars. I only
estimated them by seeing them march from the water.
There were no buildings near the fort nor any women in
the fort, as there was no settlement nearer than
Franklinton. They landed a mile and a half or two miles
below the fort, opposite the island. The British wounded ERRATUM.
who were not taken away lay in the ditch. The British On page 123, in the chapter devoted to civil history, the
soldiers were buried the next day—perhaps one hundred residence of John B. Rice, Representative in Congress, should
and fifty. be Sandusky county in place of Seneca, as given.
I have often thought that if General Harrison had

You might also like