HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 595 CHAPTER XXI. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) VERNON TOWNSHIP-GEOLOGICAL-FIRST SETTLEMENT-PIONEER INDUSTRIES-GROWTH OF VILLAGES-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS SEMINARY. This is one of the most attractive and beautiful portions of Craw ford County. It is found within the broad area stretching north and south across Ohio, where the Waverly group of rocks lies next underneath the drift deposits. In almost all cases where wells or other excavations have reached a depth of from ten to fifty feet, passing through the surface deposits, the Berea grit of the Waverly group has been reached. In the northwestern corner, on Bear Marsh Run, where the channel of the stream is worn through the surface deposits, is found a slate, or shale, which has a bluish cast when exposed to the air, but which. under water, is dark brown, or almost black. It evidently belongs to the Huron shale, and lies on the eastern edge of that formation, which passes in a broad belt across the county, a little east of north. West of De Kalb, on the land of James Caruthers. the Berea grit outcrops but, on account of deep beds of overlying drift, has never been quarried in any paying quantity. It is also exposed on the land of James Campbell and Jacob Myers, and may be seen on a small creek in Section 19, and in several other localities. The working of these quarries has proved unprofitable in the past, yet the future will develop rich beds of valuable stone. The township lies on the northern slope of the Ohio water-shed, and is, therefore, drained by streams which flow into Lake Erie. The principal one is Loss Creek, the name being a corruption of "Lost Creek." which, tradition says, was thus named because its source, like that of the Nile, cannot be found, or, as other reports say, because the mind becomes bewildered and lost in trying to discover the head. Which report is correct will be left to the reader to determine. This stream is a tributary of Sandusky River, and has its source in the extensive flat lands found in the southern part of the township. It takes a winding northwesterly course until it reaches the center of the township, and then turns toward the southwest and flows into Sandusky River. The slopes along 596 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. its course are beautiful and rolling. Broken Sword Creek, one of the principal streams in the county, drains the northwestern corner, and Honey Creek, one of the head branches of the Huron River, drains the northeastern corner. The township is bounded on the north by Auburn, on the west by Sandusky, on the south by Jefferson and Jackson, and on the east by Richland County. The southern and eastern portions are flat, and, in early times, were covered with water during the entire year; but, as the sun's heat became unobstructed by the clearing of the land, and extensive drainage was resorted to, the marshy land became suitable for unlimited production. The soil in the southern part is rich, deep and black, and, in the western and northern parts, is a light, sandy loam with some clay. This clay is yellow and tenacious, and is suitable for brick, tile and common red pottery. The western part is billowy, being quite precipitous in some localities. The township is six miles long by four wide, and was created March 9, 1825. Prior to February 3, 1845, it was six miles square, and formed part of Richland County; but, at that date, four tiers of sections on the west were annexed to Crawford County, and now form the present Vernon Township. It was situated in the western part of the Old Purchase-a strip of land called the "Three Mile Strip," lying between it and the New Purchase. The territory composing the township was surveyed, in 1807, by Maxfield Ludlow, and was then an almost impassable forest, covered with swales and marshes, and crossed by numerous Indian trails. The almost impenetrable swamps in the southeastern third of the township were the retreat of many species of wild animals, which fled there for safety when pursued by bands of Indian hunters, or by the more skillful pioneer. The first settler in the township, so far as known, was George Byers, who, in 1820, lived in a small log cabin, or "hen coop," located on Section 17. The exact date of his settling there is unknown or forgotten, but was, probably, 1818. He had several acres cleared in 1820, but from the fact that he spent his time in hunting and trapping, seeming to despise farm labor as a much less dignified pursuit, many think his hind was cleared by an earlier settler of whom he bought. He was a successful hunter and trapper, roaming the forest and swamps for miles around in search of adventure, or joining the circular hunts of the Indians. He became familiar with every path in the cranberry marsh northwest of his cabin, and was about the only hunter who dared, in the night-time, to brave the perils from snakes and from the wolves, panthers and bears which infested that dreary region. He made large wooden traps for wolves and foxes, baiting them with deer or other meat attached to sharpened sticks which formed the triggers of the traps. His traps for fur bearing animals were thoroughly rubbed with asafetida to remove any suspicious smell. He is said to have caught more than a hundred mink in one winter, together with coon, beaver and a few otter. Mink skins sold for $4; fox for from 75 cents to $3; beaver for $5; otter for as high as $8. After many years, Byers died and was buried in the township. James Richards appeared in 1821. He was the second settler and the first blacksmith, and, shortly after the erection of his cabin, built a small round-log shop. He made cow bells, prepared iron points for plows, hammered out and tempered axes, obtaining his supplies of iron from Sandusky City. He found much to do in repairing settlers' wagons that had become disordered in the long journeys to the West. At this time, there were two roads in the township (if they deserve that name). The Columbus and Sandusky road, running north and south through the township, had been first cut out about the year 1818. and was simply a blazed path through the forest, from which undergrowth and fallen trees had been removed. It was HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 597 located on the site of au old Indian trail, and was one of the routes traveled by settlers living in the central part of the State, on their journeys to the cities on Lake Erie. The other was the Bucyrus and De Kalb road, that had been blazed in 1821. Pioneers in their journeys to the West would follow, as far as practicable. Indian trails to avoid the serious delay and annoyance of having to cut a wagon road. These trails afterward became fixed highways and are now among the best roads in the State. George Dickson, a young unmarried man, arrived. in 1822, and entered the land upon which he yet lives. After clearing a few acres and making some improvements he returned to the Keystone State, where he married, and. in 1823, brought his wife to their wilderness home. He has ever since been one of the most prominent citizens in the township. The fourth settler was Conrad Walters, who arrived in 1824, and began working at the cooper's trade. Several old settlers are yet in posession of kegs, tubs and barrels made by him. Mr. Walters was well educated and well-bred and his case was one of those where men of culture left the attractions of settled localities for the solitude and hardships of pioneer life. He was apt and courageous, and soon became an expert hunter and trapper, learning much from his associations with Byers and from the Indians. One night, just at dark, while hunting in the swamps in the southern part of the township, he shot and wounded a large buck, which was standing knee-deep in mud and water. It fell, and Walters, thinking it was dying, rushed in to cut its throat. He seized it by the horns and drew his knife; but the deer had only been stunned, and began to struggle desperately to get up. It knocked the knife from his hand into the water, and Walters, to prevent the enraged animal from goring him to death, seized him by the antler, and exerted all his strength to prevent it from rising. He clung to it until it was thoroughly exhausted. when throwing his whole weight on its head, he plunged its nose into the mud and water. The animal was too much exhausted to raise its heal and, in a few minutes, was strangled to death. Walters' clothing was cut to ribbons by the sharp horns and hoofs, and his body was covered with bruises and wounds. He was ever afterward careful to avoid a hand-to-hand struggle with a wounded deer. He recovered his knife and, having bled the deer, swung its body into a sapling for safe keeping from the wolves until morning. Levi Arnold, R. W. Cahill, William Cleland, James Dickson, Charles Warner, Jonathan Dickson, Samuel Tarr, David Anderson, Barnet and James Cole, Andrew Dickson, Dennis Orton, Thomas Gill, Samuel Dean and a few others settled in the northern part prior to 1830. These settlers were mostly New Englanders and many of them were the descendants of Revolutionary soldiers. There were probably twenty cabins erected in northern Vernon prior to 1830, and the forests began to disappear. Various industries arose to supply articles which otherwise were only obtained by long and tiresome journeys to Sandusky or some other city. Arnold located where the village of West Liberty now stands. He was a carpenter, probably the first in the township, and began working at his trade. Richards planted the first orchard, in 1825. In 1826, two births occurred Andrew Dickson and Williain Cleland. These were likely the first. David Holstein died in northern Vernon in 1833, and Mrs. Akerman in southern Vernon same year. These, so far as known, were the first deaths. Prior to 1830, no settler had made his appearance in the southern part of the township; but, between 1830 and 1835, as many as twenty families of German emigrants came in and erected cabins in the swamps and marshes. They were induced to come there because the land was cheap, and because their finances were impoverished by the traveling 598 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. expenses from the old country. They immediately began to clear and drain their land, and were frugal and industrious. The surface was covered with water, and the prospect for anything except frogs and ague was gloomy and disheartening. The marshes were filled with snakes and other reptiles, many of them being large and venomous. Near the center of a swampy section of land, comprising about two hundred acres was a small knob of earth about twenty feet across and two or three feet above the surrounding flats, where large numbers of snakes made their dens, and where, on sunny days, they would lie and bask in the sun. One day, several German settlers witnessed a furious battle. While they were looking at the bank, two rattlesnakes, each about six feet long, came quickly out of an opening, and, throwing themselves into coil about three feet apart, raised their heads about a foot high, and began swaying their bodies from side to side, watching for a chance to strike. Finally, one of them struck the other with its sharp teeth on the neck. The glistening bodies were instantly lashed together like whips, writhing and twisting on the ground for some time, until at last one freed itself from the hold of the other, and, with a rapid movement, darted into its den, leaving its antagonist surprised at its sudden departure. Large numbers of rattlesnakes were afterward killed there. Mr. Tempy was the first settler in the southern part, coming in 1831. Jacob Clahn. George Amspaugh, Christian Makerly, Leanderline Gosser, Gotleib Schneider and Conrad Ebner came in 1832, and John B. Yetser, John Weaver, John J. Rubly, John Baumgartner, Jacob Reichlin, Jacob Shibly, Fredolin Gosser, John Heimgartner, Phillip Akerman and others in 1833. Among those who came in 1834 were Bowers, Beach, Feik, Keller and Reiter. Tempy was a blacksmith, but did not work at his trade. Gosser was a shoemaker, and had a small shop in one end of his log cabin. He did a small amount of tanning, but only enough to supply himself with rough leather for patching shoes. He planted a few apple trees in 1832, the first in the German settlement. Yetser also set out a small orchard in 1834, and many of the trees are yet standing. This man had received an excellent education in Germany, and he soon became a leader in the settlement. He led in all public enterprises and educational undertakings, and is to-day one of the most prominent men in the eastern part of the county. Makerly was a cooper, and began making pails, tubs, barrels, etc., an occupation he followed to a limited extent for many years. Jacob Clahn had previously settled a few miles east. When he moved to Vernon, it is related that his wife, having a pailful of excellent swill, determined not to lose it; so, taking the pail in her hand, she started on foot to carry it two miles to her new home. She got lost in the woods, and, after traveling nearly five miles reached her destination, and was repaid for her effort when the swill was placed before a large family of hungry pigs. The wonder is that she did not empty the swill on the around before starting, but the German characteristic to save was paramount. Beach was a carpenter, and erected the first frame houses in southern Vernon, beginning in 1835. Bower worked at cabinetmaking, although he had not learned the trade. He made rough tables, stands, chairs, coffins, etc. The inability of the Germans to speak English almost severed their intercourse with neighboring settlements except those of their own tongue. This resulted in bringing forward many industries, which made the settlement an almost independent colony. However, the journeys after flour, whisky, powder and shot had to be made. Mansfield was the principal trading-point, although liquor was usually obtained at the extensive distilleries in Monroeville, In 1840, one bushel of corn was worth seven quarts of whisky; sheep sold at HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 599 $2.25 per head; cows at from $12 to $15; pork at $2 per hundred; horses at $50. By this time, all the larger varieties of wild animals had disappeared, except an occasional wanderer, and even deer and wolves were scattering and shy, and could be trapped or shot only with difficulty by experienced hunters. Catamounts occasionally wandered in, and then all the neighborhood turned out with dogs to hunt them down. These hunts afforded great sport and excitement, often coupled with no little danger, before the animal was killed. Coons and the Ohio species of porcupine were yet abundant, especially the former, which could be found in the woods at any time, and which were accustomed in the night to feed extensively in the settlers' corn-fields. The woods were also filled with large flocks of wild turkeys. For several years, about 1840, much consternation had prevailed in the southern part among sheep owners. A few wolves had established themselves in the heavy woods on Lost Creek, and, when the shades of night fell, would steal into a neighboring sheep-fold, and, when the morning dawned, the indignant owner would find eight or ten of his flock killed and mangled. Large losses occurred to several citizens, and a grand circular hunt was organized to rid the neighborhood of the marauders. After several trials and a great amount of sport, two or three wolves were killed, and the others were dispersed to distant localities. The first saw-mill in the township was started by Samuel Reed in 1836, and was located about two miles east of West Liberty. It was at first run by a sweep, but afterward by tread-power, and for ten years did a good business. The most extensive saw-mill ever in Vernon was built on Loss Creek, in 1837, by Isaac Vanhorn. It was a water mill, and was enabled to run nine months of the year a very unusual thing for mills on small streams. This was possible by reason of the vast quantity of water obstructed in its flow from the flats by a large amount of fallen timber. The sawing was mostly done on shares. A Mr. Kilgore afterward owned it, as did Walters and Charles Warner; the latter tore the mill down. Several other mills have been run at different times, the most important one being a steam muley mill, built by Nicholas Fetter, in the eastern part in 1862. Previous to 1833, the settlers obtained their flour and meal at the large grist-mills on Sandusky River, or at Mansfield; but, at that date, Conrad Walters erected a frame grist-mill near West Liberty. It at first received the patronage of the citizens, but finally lost support, and was permitted to run down. Samuel Reed built the second grist-mill two miles east of Liberty, in 1836, in which were placed two sets of stone-one, made from " nigger-heads," for grinding corn, and the other, a first-class set of French buhrs, for wheat. It w as run by tread-power, in connection with his saw-mill, and for ten years did a prosperous business ; but, having lost much of its custom, the business was discontinued, and the stones removed. These were the only grist-mills ever in the township. Conrad Walters began making potash in 1834, and Dimmick & Gibbs in 1844, the latter firm making as high as seven or eight tons per annum. Jacob Kemp began burning brick in 1838, and about this time brick buildings began to go up. The village of West Liberty was laid out May 28, 1835, by John Stewart, Surveyor of Richland County, and Thomas Dean, projector and proprietor. It was located on Section 17, and was laid out into twenty-eight lots, to which no additions have since been made. The lots sold originally for $25, a higher price than has prevailed at many periods since. The little village was ambitious in early years, and apparently stood as good chance of becoming populous and opulent as its neighbors; but its dearth of manufacturing facilities, and its lack of capital, were serious drawbacks to its pretensions, men of wealth preferring to invest their means where county seats were likely to be located, or on 600 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. large streams where ample water-power insured a permanent future revenue. The town fell into the hands of poor men, who began improving it as rapidly as circumstances permitted. At the expiration of a decade, the outlook was promising and in 1850, the town reached the pinnacle of its fame. A Mr. Gillespie built the first dwelling in what is now West Liberty, in 1830. It was a double log cabin and was constructed by Eli Arnold, a carpenter by trade. The building was peculiarly constructed. and people spoke of it as "stylish." It was probably the most elegant (if that is the word) dwelling in the township up to that time. Thomas Dean, the proprietor of the town, failing in business, tranferred his interest to Jacob Kemp and .Andrew Miller, each of whom built a log cabin, obtaining the material from a large log barn erected a few years before by Dean. These were built about the same time and, like the Ark. had but one window each. Jacob Kemp, Andrew Miller and Samuel Dean, each began with a separate stock of goods in West Liberty in 1838, and thereby hangs a tale. In the fall of 1838, when there were but four or five dwellings and no store in the town a peddler arrived with about $500 worth of goods in one of the old fashioned box wagons. He was a boy about twenty- years of age, and. to all appearance, was as green as grass. In his awkward way the "Green Irish Boy," as he was called. began praising the town. quietly insisting that its location was a sufficient guaranty of its becoming an important trading-point. The citizens listened and commented, and the three mentioned above, possibly thinking there were "millions in it." determined to embark on the mercantile sea. He sold his entire stock of :goods to the three men, neither of whom knew that the others had bought. When they discovered the truth, they were staggered : but determining not to he outdone by each other, the stock of each was increased to the value of several thousand dollars. But the surrounding country could not furnish the trade necessary for the success of the stores, and after much contention and disappointment, they were closed. The "Green Irish Boy" took possession of the stock, and considerable land, pledged as security for the goods fell into his hands. This for a time dampened the ardor of mercantile pursuits in West Liberty, and the citizens began to suspect that the "Green Irish Boy," was." Tartar" and had outwitted them. Fry & Kaler ventured to begin about 1845, with general assortment of goods, valued at $5,000. The goods were purchased in New York City, and, in 1850, the stock invoiced at $8,000. His years after beginning Mr. Fry sold to Mr. Malic, and the five years afterward Mr. Kaler, having been elected County Treasurer, also sold out to Mr. Malic who continued the business alone for about five years. Brown & Guiss succeeded him and soon afterward Mr. Gloyd took Mr. Guiss's place in the partnership. Brown & Gloyd failed and made an assignment of their goods to J. J. Bowers, who yet has a grocery and notion store in the town. This has been the extent of mercantile pursuits in West Liberty. Mr. Wallace was the first blacksmith, but the date of his location is forgotten. Thomas Gill opened a cooper-shop in 1844. He was well educated, and taught many of the neighboring schools. Jacob Kemp built a large two-story frame tavern as early as 1833: it was one of the first buildings erected in the town. It is yet standing and has been converted into a barn. Charles Warner was the first cabinet-maker in the town. beginning in 1830, and continuing about sixteen years. He was succeeded by Henry Balsor, who, soon afterward, sold to George Parsons. In 1844, Gibbs &. Main erected a distillery, into which they placed a small copper still. having a capacity of fifteen gallons. The grain was ground in a small cast-iron crusher, run by horses. About two barrels of whisky were made each week. It is said that the whisky was imbibed as fast as it was made. Notwithstanding HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 601 this very satisfactory condition of the business, it was discontinued at the expiration of about a Year. A few years before this a Mr. Kile tried the experiment of having a raising without whisky; not a man came to assist him. Dr. J. C. Wood. an allopathic physician, located in the village in 1842. but died five years afterward. He was followed by Dr. Hutchinson, who flourished for a short time, and by Dr. James Aikens, who appeared in 1852. Afterward, in 1873, came Dr. Bevier, who left for more fruitful fields at the end of two years. The town has no physician at present. The village of De Kalb was laid out November 20, 1835, by David Anderson, projector and proprietor, the surveying being done by Christian Wise. The town consisted originally of sixteen lots, and to these Anderson added twelve more October 15, 1838. The town was located on Section .5, and, since the establishment of the station at Tiro. business has been suspended altogether, or transferred to the station. West Liberty and De Kalb were rivals in early years, each striving to surpass the other in improvements and industries. In 1838, Dr. Peter Carlton, a physician of the old school, located in De Kalb. He brought with him about $2,000 worth of goods, consisting largely of drugs, and began selling his stock, practicing his profession at the same time. David Anderson bought his stock in 1840, but, after continuing in business for five years, sold to Gabriel and Cornelius Fox, who disposed of the goods and retired from the business. George Cummings kept a small stock about 1840. Elias Cramer opened a grocery there soon afterward. To him belongs the questionable honor of having kept the only saloon ever in the township. Phillip Artz brought a stock of groceries to the town in 1871 ; his widow is still continuing the business. Samuel Hagarman erected a blacksmith-shop in 1833. He was seceded by John Hanna. The present smith is Christopher Norris. Drs. Henry Mack and B. W. McKee succeeded Dr. Carlton. In 1837, Thomas Mahan and Samuel Wiggins erected a woolcarding and cloth-dressing mill in De Kalb, the building being a large, two-story frame edifice. Several assistants were employed. and large quantities of wool were carded during the first few years of its existence. The business became depressed, and, after fluctuating for several years, died out. .John Fulton sunk five vats for dressing skins at De Kalb, in 1835 ; he continued the business but a short time. Charles Growan also dressed skins there for a short time. R. W. Cahill succeeded in getting a post office established at De Kalb in 1834 . The office was called De Kalb, and was first located at Mr. Cahill's residence, he being the first Postmaster. The office was removed to the village in 1839, and David Anderson succeeded Cahill as Postmaster. Between 1840 and 1850, the two villages in the township were at the height of their business prosperity. All industries were active and thriving, and those who had invested capital realized handsome revenues. Before the establishment of railroads in the county, all villages on well traveled routes seemingly stool an equal chance of becoming populous and wealthy. Villages located at the intersection of well traveled highways or on large streams, could boast of superior advantages, and could offer greater inducements to men of capital. De Kalb and West Liberty were situated on the route connecting Columbus and the center of the State with Sandusky and other cities on Lake Erie. This route was extensively traveled by settlers Westward bound, many of whom were induced to purchase land and settle in the township. Industry and sobriety are marked characteristics of the citizens. Education and religion received an early impetus, and have steadily kept pace with the progress of the township. Although covered with stagnant water in early years and subject to ague 602 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and various types of malarial diseases, the township slowly arose from the subsiding waters: rich. dry land appeared: forests disappeared : bountiful crops were grown, where erst the songs of batrachians resounded: improvements multiplied ; toil brought rich rewards to the husbandman : good health took the place of burning fever, and happiness and contentment prevailed. The long years have developed a superior soil, and the citizens are proud of their township-one of the most productive in the State. An Underground Railroad, running north and south through tile State, established two or three stations in the township between 1840 and 1850. The road was exclusively traveled by dark men on dark nights, and many a happy African, now in Canada or in the Northern States, will remember with gratitude the hospitality and humanity of several citizens of Vernon Township. Samuel and David Anderson often entertained ebony runaways aiming for the North Star. These were guided to the citizens dwellings under cover of the night, and, if brought there near morning, were kept concealed, and feasted during tile day, and were then conveyed to some station nearer Canada and Freedom. Concealment was necessary, because, in harboring runaway slaves, the law was violated. and many whose sympathies were with the slaveholder would not scruple, and even rejoiced. to reveal the name of the lawbreaker. This resulted in concealment, awl nocturnal pilgrimages by runaways. In 1862, Mr. Bowers, having dug a well, discovered some days afterward that the surface of the water was covered with oil. About this time, great excitement broke out in Pennsylvania, on account of the discovery of large quantities of coal oil. Vast fortunes were realized in a few days by lucky individuals, and the oil mania spread far and wide. Mr. Bowers began to think that Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania. might be rich in coal oil deposits, and began to examine his well and the oil therefrom. It was certainly coal-oil, and as fast as it was removed from the surface of the water, another film quickly took its place. The supply, though limited in quantity, seemed inexhaustible, and exaggerated reports of the discovery spread rapidly over the neighborhood. The citizens swarmed in to examine the well, and test the oil, and all pronounced the discovery valuable, and warmly congratulated the lucky Bowers. A stock company was formed, pledged for the payment of $10,000, should that amount be necessary to develop the resources of the well. One man bought one-twentieth of the stock, paying $500, for it. About $2,000 were paid to begin with, and men of experience were employed to assume control of the' business, which the stockholders ardently hoped would soon afford abundant returns for the investment. But they were doomed to bitter disappointment. The supply of oil instead of increasing, slowly decreased, and boring was soon abandoned as unprofitable; oil was there, but not in paying quantities. Itinerant minister: began to appear in the township as early as 1827, and to hold meetings at the cabins of the settlers. They traveled over large sections of country, and always stopped to preach where a few were ready to listen. At the close of the services, a collection would be taken for the preacher. Many of these early preachers were eccentric characters, singularly gifted with a rude eloquence that fired the hearts of the pioneers. Many had renounced all social ties, except such as bound them to the house of praise and prayer. With hearts overflowing with love for God and humanity they had come into the wilderness to preach "peace on earth: good will to men." They were instrumental in laying the foundation of countless church societies, which sprang up in the fastnesses of tile forest. Church societies were organized in Vernon Township as early as 1827. In 1833, the Dutch Lutherans PAGE 603 - PICTURE OF R. W. CAHILL PAGE 604 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 605 and the German Reformers united means and built a hewed-log church about a mile south of West Liberty. This answered their purpose for forty years, and the two sects, differing from each other in essential particulars, worshiped God together in harmony. A few years ago, when the congregation became too large for the church, they saw proper to divide the membership and to build two churches, one for each sect. The cost of each of the churches was about $1,200. and they were located near each other, about a mile south of West Liberty. The Methodists organized a society in the northern part of the township as early as 1828, but the followers of Wesley were few, and the society only became strong after many years. A society of United Presbyterians sprang up near De Kalb in 1830, which. at first, was the strongest society in the township. It began with a membership of about thirty. Its early prosperity was, in a measure, due to the energy and eloquence of Rev. Mr. Thompson, who soon afterward became President of the "Boys and Girls' Seminary," an institution which flourished for a short time, between 1830 and 1840, at De Kalb. The membership in these early churches was greatly increased by memorable revivals, which continued for months during the long winters. Some years before the German emigration into southern Vernon had ceased, a Catholic Church society was organized in the township. Forty acres of land on one of the sections which, in 1845, when the township was divided, was retained by Richland County - were purchased, and a large hewed-log church erected thereon. This society, though beset with numerous difficulties at first, finally became the strongest country society in the county. The church was early visited by the Bishop, who gave it a strong impetus, and its commencement really began then. The first priest to locate there was Tschenhaus, who remained some five or six years, placing the society on firm footing. About twenty years ago, the old church building was removed, and a large, fine, brick edifice erected in its place. It is one of the costliest and most imposing country churches in the State, and has a membership of about one hundred, largely from southern Vernon. The church, though previously in Vernon, is now in Richland County. Many citizens of the township are members of it. The society has had a Sunday school for about forty years. In 1850, Elder William Adams organized a society, called the "Church of God," in the northeastern part of the township. The early meetings of the society were held in schoolhouses. Ten years after its organization, it was sufficiently prosperous to warrant its building a church, which was done at a cost of $800. William Adams, William Shaffer and David Shriner were among the early Pastors. The church is in good condition, and has a membership of about thirty. A Sunday school was organized in 1852, and Samuel Dean became the first Superintendent. He was succeeded by Solomon Goss, who was re-elected to serve in the same capacity for many successive terms. The other church societies, soon after their organization, established Sunday schools, and have maintained them with but little cessation until the present time. Great efforts were made in early years, by the united churches of the townships, to end, as far as possible, the almost unlimited use of liquor by the settlers, and to inaugurate an era in which intemperance should be unknown. Several melancholy deaths from exposure during severe winter weather having occurred while the unfortunate debauchee was under the influence of alcohol, prepared the way for a vigorous onslaught against the traffic. People began to learn the true nature of alcohol. They learned that, though it might be a valuable re-agent in pharmacy, yet its abuse was cursing the world with wrecked and ruined lives, that had begun in innocence at the mother's knee. They saw it enter their midst-saw the dark form of In- 606 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ebriety come in at the open door with smiling face, and remembered, with a shudder, that "Vice is a monster of such frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; But, seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace." A temperance society was organized in about 1838, and much zeal was manifested; but King Alcohol's domain was too strong to be taken, and the little party was disbanded, retiring quietly from the contest. The first school building in Vernon was built of round logs, in 1831, and located about half a mile south of West Liberty. It was sixteen feet square, and had a large, conspicuous chimney, built of flat stones, picked up at random in the woods, and held in their place by clay mortar. It stood back a short distance from the Columbus & Sandusky road, and for many years was the seat of learning for the bareheaded, bare-footed children of the pioneers. Many of the gray-haired citizens of the township remember this as "The school-boy spot They ne'er forget, though there they are forgot," It was here they learned their A B C's, and acquired what little education Dame Fortune allotted pioneer children. Mr. Gill was the first teacher, and was one of the best instructors ever in the township. He was severe in his administration of school discipline, but his uniform kindness and sympathy won the hearts of his pupils. It was his habit to discard textbooks during recitations, and to avoid those topics of no practical value to the student. He anticipated many of the present improved methods of instruction. Miss Richards, now Mrs. R. W. Cahill, and Mr. Orton were early teachers in this schoolhouse. In 1835, a school cabin, built of hewed logs, was erected about a mile north of West Liberty. Maria Swan "kept" school there the first, teaching three months during the summer of 1835. John Farrell taught the succeeding winter, but was turned out of the house the first day by the large boys, and went for consolation and advice to R. W. Cahill, who was one of the Board of Directors. But Mr. Cahill refused to interfere with the programme of the boys, who, after having their sport with the "new teacher," became docile and obedient. Another school cabin was erected a mile and a half east of West Liberty, in about 1835. Emanuel Warner was probably the first teacher. Between 1830 and 1845, as many as seven or eight school buildings-some log and others frame-were located in this division of the county. The southern part was behind the northern in all educational enterprises, not because the Germans had less interest in public improvements, but because the northern part was earlier settled, and had the start by a decade. They were slower, but, as the years passed by, various school buildings arose from the bogs and marshes, and ample opportunities were given German boys and girls to secure the rudiments of an education. The German language was taught almost exelusively at first, and even at the present time it is taught in connection with English. No teacher is employed who cannot give instruction in German, and the rich mother-tongue is wisely retained. A frame school building was erected in De Kalb in 1841, Mr. Phillips being the earliest teacher. This was supplanted a few years later by a much more commodious one, built near the town, and the old one was devoted to other uses. At an early day, when the town was prosperous and ambitious, several citizens conceived the idea of adding to the attractions of the town by the establishment there of a seminary. An organization was effected, and funds raised by subscription sufficient to defray the expense of erecting suitable buildings. A Board of Trustees was elected, and a President and other instructors employed, and, as far as could be seen, the enterprise was destined to become highly successful. The permanent and unquestionable value of such an institu- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 607 tion in the town could not be denied. Several, however, shook their heads and looked wisely down their noses thinking, no doubt, a great deal, but saying nothing. Arrangements were completed, students were enrolled, classes were formed, and for two or three years the citizens pointed with pride to the spacious building with its efficient corps of instructors. The school was under the management of the United Presbyterian Church, and students of both sexes were enrolled, which gained for the institution the jocular term of the "Boys and Girls Seminary." But the school was destined to die early. A misunderstanding arose, which soon widened a gulf between two opposing parties: earnest endeavors were made to re-unite the opposing elements without success; mutual recriminations followed. No one seemed to blame, and, as is natural with the majority of the human race, each insisted on having his own way. No doubt the division arose from the looseness of the articles by which the institution was organized and managed. It was found that views widely differed as to the nature of the enterprise. Some thought the school was designed for both sexes; others insisted that it was established exclusively for girls. Important questions arose as to when subscribed funds were to be paid. No ill-will was displayed. and yet each party insisted in ruling, or in quietly abandoning the project.. It was thought best to follow the latter course, which was accordingly done. It is to be lamented that the school, which began under such auspicious circumstances, should have had such an unexpected and premature death. The village was nicely located in one of the most fertile regions in Ohio, and the settlers who clustered around it were intelligent, ambitious and moral, and keenly alive to any enterprise to insure their advancement and happiness. This was a most desirable state of things. There were over sixty scholars enrolled at the beginning, more than many of the most imposing colleges in the country could at first exhibit. The President Rev. Mr. Thompson, was a fine classical scholar, but he lacked executive ability, and the management became unsatisfactory to its Board of Trustees. The institution was closed, to the regret of all. These facts have long since faded from the minds of the people, many of whom know nothing of the efforts made to establish the 'Boys and Girls' Seminary " in the township nearly fifty years ago. It remains for the historian to recover the dates and incidents from the dusty records of forgotten years. Many of these records have been destroyed or lost. leaving an almost barren field to be worked over by the "searcher after truth."