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SWANTON TOWNSHIP.
The present Township of Swanton bore the name of Wing from 1836 until 1851, the first election under the new name being held April 7th of the last named year.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Wm. Allman settled in the Township in October, 1834. He came from Pennsylvania and settled on Southwest quarter and South half of Northwest quarter of Section 29. He had three sons and two daughters. He sold out in 1860, and located at Centerville, Fulton County, where his wife died in 1869, and he in 1873. He was a very quiet man and universally respected. C. C. Allman, the elder son of William, for some years in Fulton County, went to Iowa, and died there some eight years ago. A. J. Allman, another son, was in mercantile business at Centerville, then in Delta, Fulton County. Subsequently he removed to Toledo, and died there in 1886. Daniel Allman was married with Elizabeth Broadsword, and still lives in the Township, owning a part of his father's old farm, and some 40 acres in Section 6. He has one son, Junius; and one daughter, Addie. Daniel, like his father, enjoys the respect of all. Agnes, the elder daughter, was married with a Mr. Wright, who has been dead some years. She has one daughter, with whom she now lives in Wauseon. Sarah was married with John Burts, lived near Whitehouse several years, and then moved to Missouri.
William Barnes came to the Maumee Valley in 1823, and into Swanton in the Spring of 1834; removed to Illinois in 1838 ; returned in 1853; removed to Spencer Township a few years later, where he resided until his death, January 8, 1879, aged 71. His wife died November 25,1881. They left 10 living children 6 sons and 4 daughters. Harriet (Smith), James and Charles, still live in Spencer; John, Ashbel and one daughter in Michigan; one daughter (Mrs. McNutt) in Minnesota; one daughter was married with a son of Thos. Sabin. Mr. Barnes was a kind, genial, upright citizen ; always ready for a harmless joke. His children in these respects follow his example. The wives of Chandler Wing, David Mills and W. D. Herrick, and Aunt Sarah Marsh of Swanton, Fulton County, were sisters of Mr. Barnes.
Thomas Doren came into the Township about 1844, and located on Section 33. He died some years since. He had a family of seven sons and six daughters. John and Isaac are still in the Township.
Jacob Brindley came to Swanton in the Spring of 1841. He settled on the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 6. He came from Wurtemburg in 1838. He was married with Miss Langenderfer in the fall of
880 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
1840; she coming from Prussia in 1838. They have seven living children-one son and six daughters, all married ; having lost two sons and two daughters.
Peter Broadsword came in 1839 ; settled on South half of Southeast quarter of Section 20. He left the Township in 1854.
Henry Fizer settled in Swanton in 1853, Southwest quarter of Southwest quarter Section 21, and West half Northwest quarter Section 28. He died in April, 1874. His wife died in August, 1882. Three daughters now living - Nancy Jane, wife of J. Fraker of Delta ; Susanna, wife of Mr. Huffine; and Eliza J., wife of John Shaffer, now on Kizer's old farm.
Erastus Brown came in the Spring of 1853, and settled on Northeast quarter of Section 7. He was born near Milan, Ohio. He purchased of Jesse Tyler and F. E. Kirtland, the East half of the old Huntington Larabee place, on which was the first Tavern in the Township a rude log structure. Mr. Brown died in May, 1884, from accidental injuries. Mrs. Brown, with one son (Oscar) and two daughters, ire still in the Township; one son (Charles W.) in Swanton Village; the oldest daughter (Mrs. John Cowling), in Monclova; and the youngest daughter (Mrs. Daniel J. Beard), in Toledo.
David S. Harriott came in February, 1835 ; settled on the Northwest quarter of Northwest quarter of Section 5 ; had several children, the eldest son dying in the Union Army. Two sons are living-Edwin in Spencer, a daughter in Metamora, Fulton County. Mr. Harriott died in July, 1869, aged about 67 years.
James Egnew carne about 1840, and settled on the East half of Southeast quarter of Section 6, where he remained until his death, October 19, 1882, aged 84. He lost his wife soon after settling here, and was left with a large family. He remarried and had 10 children by a second wife-four sons and six daughters. One son was killed in the assault on Fort Wagner, S. C., in July, 1863. One son in Toledo, and seven daughters are still living. Physically, he was a strong man, and was an obliging neighbor.
Benoni T. Geer came to Swanton, in the Spring of 1853, and commenced the practice of the law. He has six sons and three daughters. The oldest son (Frank B.) taught School some years, is now (1888) Deputy Sheriff. Another son (W. W.) and daughter (Laura) have been School Teachers for some years. Mr. Geer is a sound lawyer, a public-spirited citizen, and has been a prominent Republican since 1854. His sister, Betsey Ann Geer, came to Swanton about the same time, and made her home with him. She followed teaching for some years, and was married with W. H. Lacy, who died February, 1869. Another sister, Eliza, came soon after and made her home with him until married with Herman Thompson, in 1873. She died in January, 1875. A brother, Wakeley Geer, was with him for some years, and died in the Fall of 1860.
Wm. D. Herrick came to Swanton in 1834; first settled on the West half of Southeast quarter of Section 6 ; and afterwards on the North half of Southwest quarter of Section 7, where he erected and kept a public house the most of the time until 1869. His first wife died before 1840, and he was remarried within a short time. For a few years he worked at the trade of a Blacksmith, a part of the time. Later he manufactured barrels. About 1860 he purchased a stock of goods and kept a country store. In many respects he was a genial and accommodating neighbor. By his first wife he had two daughters. The elder (Amanda) was married with Frederick S. Allen, who died in 1863, from the effects of a fall, caused by the giving way of a scaffolding used in erecting an Elevator building in Toledo. The younger daughter (Armarilla) was married with A. B. Wales. Both now reside in Toledo. W. D. Herrick died in February, 1869. His with (Laura) died in March, 1888.
Wm. Houser was the keeper of the second public house, from the spring of 1836, and lived in Spencer a number of years before his cleat h, which occurred in 1854. His wife (Caroline Carlin), was born in Monroe, Michigan ; carne with her father (James Carlin) to Man nice in 1810; and died in August, 1887, age 80. She was universally respected.
Frederick E. Kirtland came to Swanton in 1846, and kept the house built by Maning. He was an energetic business man, and a respected citizen, dying in 1853. His wife visited friends in New England, and died there a few months later. Mr. Kirtland was supposed to have a promise from the Railroad officials to locate the Station of the Air Line Road one mile East of the West line of the Township; and it is thought had he lived it would have been so located. In such case, Swanton Village would have been in Swanton Township.
David Mills was one of the settlers of 1831, on East half of Southwest quarter of Section 7. He was on the River at Waterville and Maumee several years previous. He was married with Asena Barnes; had 12 children, eight boys and four girls ; four boys and two girls now living. Four of his sons-Robert, Willard D., Wm. S., and Jefferson C. were in the Union Army. Robert (in 100th Ohio Infantry) died from hardships endured while a prisoner at Belle Isle, Virginia. Jefferson (38th Ohio), and Win. S. (130th Ohio) have since died from disease contracted in the service. Willard D. is now in Fremont, Ohio. The older son (Arthur) died some 2 or 3 years since in Fulton County. Oscar F. and B. Franklin live in Swanton. James is in Wood County. The youngest daughter (Mrs. Reed) resides in Delta. David Mills kept a public house, built by
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Huntington Larabee, for some years in early times. He acceptably filled various offices of the Township, and was widely known when the country was new. Mrs. Mills was an energetic, useful woman, always ready to help those in need. She died in March, 1882, the husband following her in April, 1883.
Andrew Regenold settled in the Township in 1844, on South half of Northeast quarter Section 6, bought of Thos. S. Sabin. He was German born ; has seven living children-three sons and four daughters.
Philo B. Scott came to the Township in April, 1835, and settled on the Southeast quarter of Section 5. He was born in the State of New York ; and came to Painesville. Lake County, in 1807, with his father. He was married with Emelia Brown, step-daughter of Gen. Edward Paine, for whom that place was named. With a brother-in-law, Henry H. Brown, he removed to Fairfield, Huron County, 1819 or 20; from there to Thompson Township, Seneca County, in 1826; and thence to Swanton. He had 10 children, of whom there are now living-Wm. A., Charles J. and Rufus C. A man of pronounced opinions, and expressed them fearlessly. He was a Whig up to 1854, and then a Republican. He was Superintendent of the Lucas County Infirmary from March, 1845, to March, 1848. With Jeremiah Stutts, he built ten miles of the Toledo and Angola Plank Road, from Swanton to near Holland, in 1850 53. His father (Joel Scott) and an older brother (Rufus), carrie to Swanton with him in 1835. Both died the following Fall, and were the first interred in Swanton Cemetery, on Section 8. Soon after coming to this State, Joel Scott put up, at Painesville, the first Flouring and Saw Mills in Northern Ohio. He made the gearing of wood; took the stone from the quarry and dressed them for the Gristmill. P. B. Scott's brother Chester, and sister Persis, came to Swanton in 1838 or '39, and lived with him until their death. The latter died in January, 1861, aged 62 ; and the former in August, 1868, aged 78. His wife (Emelia) died in April, 1865, aged 58, and he in April, 1874, aged 73--all dying on the old homestead.
W. A. Scott was born August 21, 1823. Came to Swanton with his father in April, 1835 ; commenced the study of medicine in 1844, the most of the time with Dr. Calvin Smith, of Toledo; attended medical lectures at the Medical Department of the Western Reserve University, Cleveland ; taught several terms of School-two of which were in Toledo, while studying; was Physician for the Lucas County Infirmary 15 months; and served as clerk in Thomas Daniels's Drug Store, Toledo, one year; and practiced medicine for a few months at Vienna, Michigan. In April, 1850, he was married with Eleanor Johnson, and started with his brother Charles J. arid others for California, by the overland route ; returned via Panama and New York, in December, 1852. He had some rough experiences, quite different from crossing the continent by rail. With his brother (Charles J.) he purchased the greater part of' the North west quarter of Section 8, in Swanton ; made over the building put up by Luther Dodge for a store and residence, arid got into it in the Spring of 1853, where he has resided and practiced his profession until the present time, save an absence of about five years. He has had five children-three daughters and two sons. The daughters are deceased. The elder son, Wm. A., Jr., is in Swanton, Fulton County, and the younger one at home.
Charles J. Scott was born October, 1827, in Seneca County, Ohio. Came, with his father (P. B. Scott) to Swanton in,1835,; went to California in 1850, and returned in December, 1852; in 1855 went to Minnesota and remained three or four years, and then returned. He was in the Union Army about one year; was married with Eliza Ann Cowling, daughter of James Egnew, in 1867, and has three sons. In November, 1886, he removed to Kansas.
Rufus C. Scott was born in March, 1845, in Lucas County. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Ohio Infantry, and served to the close of the War. In March, 1867, he was married with Harriet Rogers. He has three children two sons and a daughter. He now is on P. B. Scott's old farm.
Ira Wilcox came to Swanton about 1840; peddled clocks for some years; located on the West half of the Southwest quarter of Section 7; was married with David Mills's oldest daughter; had three children. One son, George, was killed while serving in the 100th Ohio Infantry, during the Rebellion. William D. lives on a part of his father's old place, and is an energetic and prominent citizen of the Township. A. daughter (Cornelia), with her husband (Win. Maby), lives on a part of her father's farm. Ira Wilcox died about 1858.
Ezra Wilcox came about 1838 or 39, and followed peddling clocks for some years. He purchased and built on the East half of Southwest quarter of Section 8. After the death of his brother Ira, he was married with the widow, and had one son (Ed.), who, with his mother are in Swanton, Fulton County. The father died about 1865.
Following is a list of other early settlers of Swanton, with the date arid location of settlement:
1834. Chandler L. Wing, West half S E qr. Sec. 7.
Hiram P. Barlow, West half 8 W qr. Sec. 7.
David Purdun, Northeast qr. Sec. 7.
Edward Flint, Southwest qr. S W qr. Sec. 4.
Harvey S. Flint, East half S E qr. Sec. 4.
Wm. J. Ketcham, Northwest qr. S W qr. Sec. 4.
Amos Loop, Northeast qr. S E qr. Sec. 6.
David Clute, West half Northwest qr. Sec. 7.
Nelson Merrell, West part West half Sec. 32.
Abraham Shepler, North half N W qr. Sec. 29.
Minor Septom, Northeast qr. S E qr. Sec. 19.
John Lee, East part Northwest qr. Sec. 32.
882 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
1834. Amos Reynolds, South half S W qr. Sec. 4.
1835. Thomas S. Sabin, South half N E qr. See. 6.
Daniel S. Westcott, N W qr. N. W. half Sec. 3.
Jonathan Wing (brother of Chandler).
James Lindsley (Bachelor), died 1870.
Lyman Parcher, S W qr. N E qr. Sec. 9 ; (put up log house, but did not occupy it).
Geo. Robinson, Southwest qr. Sec. 18. Isaac Cooper, S W qr S W qr. Sec. 21.
James Williams (Blacksmith), part East half N E qr. Sec. 7, S Range.
Huntington Larabee, (left March, '36).
1836. Asa Beal, N W qr. S E qr. Sec. 6. (Loop place.)
1837. -- Affalter, (married Dolly Ray).
------ Ray (old Herrick place).
Charles and John Eccles.
Lewis L. Gage, W half N E qr. Sec. 20. (left '46.)
Luther Dodge, left about 1842. --- Bass, (Blacksmith).
1838. James McKay, West half N E qr. Sec. 20.
Herman Curtis and D. Lyman bought of A.
Shepler; Curtis remained short time.
1839. E. Fairchild (died in 1844 or '45).
1840. James O'Neil, West half S E qr. Sec. 5.
Robert Fullerton, part N E qr. Sec. 8. (Died in 1849.)
Enos Birch ; went to Indiana; in Union Army; died of wounds.
Jerry Sluts, N half S W qr. Sec. 29.
Philo Carter, East half N W qr. Sec. 19.
Dennis Lineham, East half N W qr. Sec. 36; died in Spencer in 1884.
---- Haley (very tall), E half N W qr. Sec. 6.
1841. John Shepler, West part Sec. 32; died recently.
1842. Matthew White, S E qr. S E qr. Sec. 19.
Geo. and Sam. Cable, Northwest qr. Sec. 30.
Harvey Kimber, Sec. 33; to California in '49, and died there.
James manning, (built Geer House).
James Linehan, N W qr. N E qr. Sec. 6 ; died 1880.
1843. Geo. and John Kelso, N E qr. S E qr. Sec. 6.
1844. Wm. Pray, S W qr. Sec. 28; left in 1846.
John Reuben; removed in 1847.
1845. -- Bucks, part East half Sec. 8 ; left 1856.
Anson A. Streator ; kept log tavern.
A. Deck, Southwest qr. Sec. 6.
Robert Moore, lived on West half N E qr
Augustus F. Hull; kept Herrick's tavern.
1846. Jesse Tyler, N E qr. Sec. 7 ; left in 1853.
David T. Marriott ; removed 1848.
Francis H. Dickinson, on W half N E qr. Sec. 20.
Daniel Weed, in the Township short time.
Samuel Kelso, with other Kelsos.
1847. Peter Bird, East part S W qr. Sec. 20; died 1870.
1848. Zebina Bathric. S W qr. S E qr. Sec, 4; died of cholera in 1854.
1851. Ludwig Schaffer, N E qr. N W qr. Sec. 5.
John W, Harter; went to Iowa.
1852. Burr and Fred. S. Allen, E half N E qr. Sec. 8;
Burr and wife now living near Delta.
D. F. Clawson, E half E half; died in '81 ; son (David W.) still on the place.
J. Hartzell, S half S E qr. Sec. 5; now living in Monclova.
Carlos M. Keith; owned several parcels; left about 1860; now in Toledo.
Miles Hayes, E half S W qr. Sec. 7 ; died few years since at Ai.
1853. Geo. Russell ; he and wife died in Swan Creek Township, Fulton County, 1879.
Thos. Russell, S E qr. S W qr. Sec. 3; one son and three daughters still there.
Wm. Drayton; left about 1862.
Geo. Girdham, W half S W qr. Sec. 20; still there,
John G. Wales, on part N E qr. Sec. 7; now in Swanton Village.
Cyrus Livermore, left 1862; died 1885.
James Newell; there two or three years.
James Mullen, N half S E qr. Sec. 5 ; left 1855.
John H. Brown, N E qr. S E qr. Sec. 6; left 1855.
1854. John White; soon went to Fulton County.
Dr. R. H. Hoyt; left about 1859.
Nathan Jones, left 1856.
Levi Roscoe, N W qr. Sec. 17; left in 1855.
James C. Wales, N E qr. N E qr. Sec. 19; died at Whitehouse, in 1883.
1856. Daniel Wicks, S E qr. N E qr. Sec. 5; died in 1879; widow and son there.
John Atkinson, part E half Sec. 8; died in June, 1878.
1857. Thos. Howlett; left in 1862.
Melchior Schlatter, part W half E half N W qr. Sec. 6.
1859. W. H. Lucy ; died February 16, 1869.
1860. M. J. Esterly, N E qr. S E qr. Sec. 6.
S. Rogers, part E half N W qr. Sec. 8.
J. C. Sherwood, E half S W qr. Sea 7.
S. D. Rearick, 60 acres N half N W qr. Sec. 4.
Jacob Hertzig, West half East half Sec. 17.
BEGINNINGS.
The first house built in Swanton Township was of logs and as a residence for Chandler L. Wing. It was constructed in the Spring of 1834, and was located on the West hank of Swan Creek, and on the East half of the Southeast quarter of Section 8.
The first frame house in the Township consisted of the dwelling and store of Luther Dodge, on the East bank of Swan Creek, and on the Northeast quarter Section 5, near the junction of the Northeast and Northwest branches of that stream. This was in 1837.
The first frame barn was put up by Lewis Gale, for - Pray, of Waterville, in 1840. It was on the Southeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Southeast quarter of Section 29.
The first frame building for a dwelling, exclusively, was that of William Allman, built in 1840, near the Northeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 29.
The first Road opened in Swanton Township was what is now known as the State Road, running from Maumee to the Town of Swanton, and on to the State line. It was located in December, 1835, P. B. Scott being one of the Viewers appointed for that purpose.
The first bridge was across Swan Creek and on the State Road, and was built during the Winter of 1836-37. It was located 25 rods East of West line of Section 8. It was built by Samuel Barrett.
The first attempt at fruit growing consisted of the small orchard of P. B. Scott, set out in the Spring of 1835.
The first Blacksmith Shop in Swanton, was that of James Williams; the next by Bass; and the third by W. D. Herrick. The first and third were on the lot now (1888) owned by B. T. Geer, and the third on the Herrick place, near Scott's Corners (South end of East half of Northeast quarter of Section 7.)
The first Wagon Shop was that of Chester
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Scott ; the second that of A. B. Wales ; and the third of James C. Wales. The first and second being located on P. B. Scott's farm (Scott's Corners), and the third on the Herrick place.
The first Saw-Mill in the Township, was that of William Taylor, built about 1858, on the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 6. Thomas Howlett and Robert Taylor were afterwards connected with it.
The first and only Town plat within the limits of Swanton, was laid out in 1836, by James Jackson and James H. Forsyth, of Maumee. The plat was located at the Southwest corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 8, and embraced what is now known as Scott's Corners. Nothing beyond the platting ever became of the enterprise.
The first public house or tavern within what now is Swanton Township, was kept by Huntington Larabee, as early as 1.834. He left in the Spring of 1836. The second house was that of William Houser, in 1836. The third, that of David Mills, in 1836-37. Following these were A. A. Shester, 1845; Jesse Tyler, 1846-53 ; Wm. D. Herrick, 1840-69. In 1842, James Manning built the house in which B. T. Geer now lives (Scott's Corners). Reuben Hastings kept both store and tavern in 1844-46. F. E. Kirtland, Win. Fullerton and others followed. At the time of the first settlement of Swanton Township, the travel through it was comparatively heavy-consisting mainly of" movers," as the emigrants from the East to the West were called. The housing of these and the care of their teams constituted the chief business of the large number of small taverns found along the line of such travel. The cloth-covered wagons of the emigrants often indicated destination. Thus, families going to Southwestern Michigan and Northern Indiana, carried the long familiar sign, "Bound for St. Jo."
MISCELLANEOUS.
Among the practices of former times now seldom found, was that of "binding out" children. A case of this kind is recorded in Swanton Township. In 1844, Henry Knavel, guardian of William Notage, entered into contract with George Curtis, whereby young Notage, then 14 years of age, was bound to Curtis until his majority, to to learn the trade and occupation of a Farmer." Notage was " to faithfully serve said Curtis and correctly demean himself during the term of his apprenticeship;" while Curtis covenanted to "teach the said Notage the said trade and occupation, and provide him with meat, lodging, medicine, washing, clothing, and all other necessaries suitable for an apprentice; and send him three months in a year to School for the first six years ; and at the expiration of said term of service, will furnish him with a new Bible, at least two suits of good new home-made wearing apparel, and one young horse to be worth fifty dollars."
Another of early-time usages now rarely met, was that of' warning out of Town " incomers " without visible means of support," the object being thereby to protect the tax-payers from the charges of such indigent visitors. Thus, in Wing Township, as early as March, 1842, we have record that the "Poor Masters," as Overseers of Poor were usually called, issued their warrant, directing the Constable " to warn the Niger Gurl Merfey (meaning possibly Negro Girl Murphy), to depart the Township forthwith," which order was served "by reading service," with charge of 25 cents therefor, and 10 cents for traveling fees.
Previous to the formation of Fulton County, Swanton was the most central point in Lucas County, and as such was the usual place for holding political conventions and other County assemblages.
For several years after the settlement of Swanton, game was quite abundant. Deer were numerous, with some Wolves and Wild Cats, and an occasional Bear. Elk horns were found in large number, showing the former presence of that animal. Also, a few Moose horns.
In the Summer of 1837, and for years thereafter, Ottokee, Chief of the Ottawa Indians, with a part of his tribe lived on the North half' of the Southeast quarter of Section 5. He owned the place, and occupied a house thereon. It was built by one Halford in 1834 or '35. The Indians hunted, and sometimes sold a ham of venison for 25 cents, and often traded for vegetables; but the most of the trading in this direction was done by the squaws. Whartleberries were plenty, and the squaws and children picked them. The Indians kept many ponies and dogs. There were some patches of ground in different localities, which formerly had been cultivated, the crop raised probably was corn. The Indians protected the graves of their dead by means of a pen of logs similar in shape to a house. The Ottawas were generally honest. Ottokee was a fine looking Indian, and when the ba'ance of his tribe were removed West, he refused to go. He loved whiskey, as did most of the Indians, and died from freezing while drunk.
On the Northwest quarter of Section 8 (near the original Swanton), was found a mound some three or four rods across, and about two feet high, which was filled with human bones, some of which were found but a few years since-probably the remains of Indians slain in a fierce Indian battle.
Near the line between Sections 5 and 8, on the West bank of the North east branch of Swan Creek, were found in 1835 remains of a stockade some six or eight rods across. It was round, built by digging a trench and setting in upright timbers, some of which were halves of
884 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
logs 15 to 18 inches in diameter. As to the builders, no record is found. Possibly, it was built by a detachment of "Mad Anthony's" men, in 1794, or by Americans or British, during the War of 1812-15.
The soil of the Township is sandy; that of the Northwestern portion being mixed with clay, the latter being better soil than the most of the balance. The timber in the Northwestern portion was White and Burr Oak, Elm, with some Sycamore, Hickory, Black Walnut, Whitewood, Sassafrass and Soft Maple. The timber of the balance of the Township is mostly White, Yellow and Pine Oak. The Township is drained by Swan Creek and its branches. The Creek bottoms and much of the prairies were formerly covered with water in the Spring and early Summer; while the Creeks, having mud bottoms, with serious obstructions from logs, etc., were the source of great extent of malarial diseases, which seriously affected the early development of the Township. But since the Northeast branch, heading in a prairie in Spencer, was improved in 1881, malarial sickness has nearly disappeared, and the Township comparatively free from malignant diseases.
SCHOOLS.
Swanton was not behind other localities in the provision of educational facilities for the young, although these new seem meagre, as do like means in the cases of most early settlements. Tire first School-house was built in 1835 in the Northwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section four. It was a rude structure, of logs. It was seated with long benches made of slabs, supported by wooden pins for legs. Along each side was a desk, made of rough boards, in front of which was a long bench, as before described. The room was heated with an open fire-place, capacious enough for large logs of wood.
The first School was taught by Daniel S. Westcott, for a few weeks, during the Winter of 183536. That gentleman subsequently was Surveyor of Lucas County.
Mrs. -- Chamberlain taught a School during the same Winter in a house built by Willard Barnes, on the North bank of the Northwest branch of Swan Creek, in the East half of the Nortwest quarter of Section 7, where she and her husband then lived.
The subsequent Teachers of this School, so far as the record supplies their names, have been as follows : 1839-41, Samuel Durgin ; 1841-42, Fred. Curtis ; 1842, Persis Scott; 1843, Mary S. Crosby; 1843-4, Morris Curtis; 1844, Caroline Wood ; 1844-5, Lemuel Johnson ; 1845-6, Harvey McCoy ; 1846, Win. Lewis. This School was held for most of three years, in a log-house built by Charles and John Eckels for a shop, while putting up a Saw Mill frame for Jackson & Forsyth and Luther Dodge joint dwelling and store, in 1837.
During the Winter of 1836-37, a second School was held in a log-house West of the Township line and a few rods South of the East and West center of Section 7 (near Scott's Corners) ; such School for most of that time having been taught by Mrs. Chamberlain. In the Winter of 1838-39, Peter Holloway, now of Monclova, was Teacher of this School.
Subsequent Teachers in this District were as follows: 1839-43, Samuel Durgin ; 1841.42, Fred. Curtis; 1843-44, Morris Curtis; 184445, Lemuel Johnson; 1852-53, Lizzie Emery; 1853-54, Miss M. H. Earl, Mrs. Eleanor J. Scott and W. A. Scott; 1854-55, Nathan Jones; 1855 56, Jonah Brewster ; 1856, Mary E. Durgain;1857, Cynthia Curtis; I858,Mary Merrill; 1859-60, B. A. Geer, Cynthia Curtis ; 1861, C. S. Hunt, Cynthia Curtis; 1861-2, Jesse Kerr, S. Mills; 1862-63, Eliza E. Scott, C. B. Wood, B. A. Geer ; 1863-64,B. A. Geer; 1865, Mary J. Taylor, Eliza E. Scott, B. A. Geer; 1866, E. E. Scott ; 1866-67, B. A. Geer, E. E. Scott ; 186768, B. A. Lacy; 1868-69, B. A. Lacy, Maggie Emery; 1869-70, Maggie Emery, A. Warren, Addie Bennett.
The first School-house in what is now District No. 2, was built about 1837 by William Allman, Abraham Shepler and Jacob Yount, who hired and paid the first Teacher (Carl C. Allman) for the two winter terms of 1837-5, and 1838-9, at $10 per month.
Subsequent Teachers of the School were paid in part with public money, and in part by voluntary subscriptions of citizens ; and after the establishment of the present School system, wholly with public money.
The following named persons taught in this District at the dates stated, viz: 1840-41, Cyrus H. Coy (now of Toledo); 1841-42, Moses Sargent ; 1842-43, Peter Van Blackham ; 184344, Isaac J. Spinger (now of Wauseon) ; 1844-45, Ozeke Merrill (now of Ai) ; 1845 47, Samuel Johnson (now of Des Moines, Iowa); 1853-4, Anna Carter; 1855, Anna Trowbridge; 1856, Sarah E. Gardner ; 1857, Jesse Norton, Maria Nort ; 1857-8, Matilda Matterson; 1858-9, R. P. Bailey; 1859, Pamela Lefly, H. E. Geer; 1859-60, R. C. Quiggle, Sopha P. Thompson, Armenia Quiggle ; 1860-61, J. W. Shaffer ; 1861-62, J. W. Bissell, Cynthia Curtis, Frances Bennett, Maria Haynes; 1863, Maria Haynes, Louisa Winslow, H. C. Norton; 1864, R. H. Calkins, Addie Bennett; 1865, Sarah Gillett, Mary Nobbs ; 1866, M. S. Nobbs ; 1866-67, John Shaffer; 1867-68, R. H. Calkins, Maggie Emery ; 1868-69, R. H. Calkins, Anna Richardson ; 1870, Ira Hanam, Anna Richardson.
Sub-District No. 3, was organized in the Spring of 1862. The contract for the Schoolhouse was let to Fred S. Allen, May 17, 1802, and was completed in December, following.
The first Teacher in this District was Elizabeth Russell, who taught during the winter of 1862-63, and until the Spring of' 1864; 1864 (at
SWANTON TOWNSHIP. - 885
$8 per month), S. H. Smith ; 1864-65, Virginia M. Bows, Norana Owen; 1865-66, Julia Eberly, Abbie M. Coggswell; 186667, B. M. Burge, Cynthia Curtis; 1867-68, Margaret A. Saxton, E. E. Scott; 1868-69, Winfield Scott, Josephine Parks; 1869-70, Orville J. Hatch, Maggie Emery.
Sub- District No. 4 was organized in 1867, the first Teacher having been Clara M. Norton, in 1867 and 1868. She was followed by Mary J Norton in 1868; Addie Bennett, in the Winter of 1868-69; W. S. Mills in 1870; and Flora Carter in 1870.
School-houses are now (1888) located in the several Districts of Swanton Township as follows District No. 1. Near corners Sections 5, fl, 7, and 8.
District No. 2. On line between Sections 29, and 32, and North and South center line.
District No. 3. Near corners of Sections 3, 4, 9, and 10.
District No. 4. Near corners of Sections 17, 18, 19, and 20.
District No. 5. Corner of Sections 15, 16, 19, and 20.
The Township Board of Education was constituted as follows for the years stated, to wit:
1854. W. A. Scott, James Newell.
1855. C. M. Keith, James Newell.
1856. B. T. Geer, J. C. Wales.
1857-59. W. D. Herick, J. C. Wales.
1860. Erastus Brown, J. C. Wales.
1861. J. C. Wales, J. G. Wales.
1862. J. C. Wales, J. G. Wales, G. N. Gardner.
1863. J. G. Wales, Dan. Allman, G. N. Gardner.
1864. W. A. Scott, John Down, O. F. Mills.
1865. W. A. Scott, D. Allman, S. D. Rearick.
1866. W. A. Scott, John Down, F. S. Allen.
1867. B. T. Geer, .J. E. Hatch, F. S. Allen, Parley Parks.
1868. B. T. Geer, D. Allman, F. S. Allen, W. S. Mills.
1869. E. F. Gibbs, D. Allman, J. H. Besson, W. S. Mills.
1870. E. F. Gibbs, Henry Kizer, J. E. Barnes, J. W. Parker.
1871. E. F. Gibbs, D. Allman, J. E. Barnes, Wm. Berry.
1872. Lucius Horner, D. Allman, L. Russell, Wm. Berry.
1873. Lucius Horner, D. Allman, L. Russell, Martin V. Morse.
1874. John Wagner, Aaron Jewell, L. Russell, W. A. Parker.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
The first election in Wing (now Swanton) Township, was held April 4, 1836, when David Clute, Huntington Larabee and Philo B. Scott acted as Judges, and Harry S. Flint and Russell Tavernor as Clerks. The election was for Township officers solely, the following named persons having been chosen : Trustees-Huntington Larabee, James Lindsley, Willard Barnes. Overseers of Poor-Edward Flint, Wm. Houser. Fence Viewers-David S. Harriott, Wm. Houser, Edward Flint. Treasurer - David Mills. Constables-David Mills, Russell Tavernor. Supervisors of Highways-Win. Houser, Wm. J. Ketcham. Clerk-Thomas S. Sabin.
Other Township officers were chosen as follows:
Trustees.-1837. David Mills, Aaron H. Cole, Eli Munson. 1838, Wm. D. Herrick, Luther Dodge, Philo B. Scott. 1839, Wm. D. Herrick, P. B. Scott, David Mills. 1840, Robert Fullerton, David Mills, Philo Carter. 1841, Elias Fairchild, Robert Eullerton, David Mills. 1842, Elias Fairchild, James Dean, James Egnew. 1843, James Egnew, Win. Allman, Asa Beals. 1844, Wm. Allman, T. S. Sabin, Simon Bartlev. 1843, Harvey Kimber, James Egnew, Reuben Hastings. 1846, Wm. Allman, Tames Egnew, Ira Wilcox. 1847, Reuben Hastings, Peter B. Bateman, ,James Lindsley. 1848, W. D. Herrick, James Egnew, Jeremiah Slutts.
Clerks.-1837-41, Thos. S. Sabin. 1842-44, Lewis L. Gale. 1845, A. F. Hull. 1846, Wm. K. Pray. 184749, Ezra Wilcox, Zebina Bathrick. 1849-50, Ira Wilcox. 1850, Ezra Wilcox. 1851-54, Daniel Allman. 1854-55, John G. Wales.
The poll-book for April, 1846, contained the names of the following persons as then voting Philo Carter, David Harriot, W. D. Merrick, Seth Sweatland, George Kelso, John Kelso, Zebina Bathrick, Weaver Sheplar, Robert Fullerton, Ezra Wilcox, James Doran, John Sheplar, Jacob Yonts, Lewis L. Gale, A. A. Streator, Ira Wilcox, H. N. Cooper, James Egnew, Harvey Kimber, Jeremiah Slutts, Wm. Allman, R. Hastings, Wm. K. Pray, A. F. Hull, Chester Scott.
Following is a list of the Trustees and Treasurers of Wing and Swanton Townships, since the organization of the former :
1836. Trustees, Willard Barnes, Huntington Larabee, James Lindsley. Treasurer, David Mills.
1837. Trustees, David Mills, Aaron H. Pole, Eli Munson. Treasurer, Thos. S. Sabin.
1838. Trustees, William D. Herrick, Luther Dodge, Philo B. Scott. Treasurer, James Lindsley.
1839. Trustees, Wm. D. Herrick, Philo B. Scott, David Mills. Treasurer, Elias Fairchilds.
1840. Trustees, Robert Fullerton, David Mills, Philo Carter. Treasurer, Elias Fairchilds.
1841. Trustees, Elias Fairchilds, Robert Fullerton, David Mills. Treasurer, Asa Beal.
1842. Trustees, James Dean, James Egnew, Elias Fairchilds. Treasurer, Thomas S. Sabin.
1843. Trustees, James Egnew, William Allman, Asa Beal. Treasurer, Thomas S. Sabin.
1844. Trustees, Wm. Allman, Thomas S. Sabin, Simeon Bartley, Robert Kirkwood (appointed). Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1845. Trustees, Harvey Kimber, James Egnew, Reuben Hastings. Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1846. Trustees, William Allman, James Egnew, Ira Wilcox. Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1847. Trustees, Reuben Hastings, Peter P. Bateman, James Lindsley. Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1848. Trustees, Wm. D. Herrick, James Egnew, Jeremiah Streeter. Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1849. Trustees, James Egnew, David Mills, Jeremiah Streator. Treasurer, Robert Fullerton.
1850. Trustees, James Egnew, David Mills, Jeremiah Streeter. Treasurer, James Lindsley.
1851. Trustees, James Egnew, David Mills, Peter Broadsword. Treasurer, James Lindsley.
886 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
1852. Trustees, Jeremiah Streeter, Wm. Fullerton, Jacob Brown. Treasurer, George Curtis.
1853. Trustees, James Egnew, Wm. Fullerton, N. B. Carter. Treasurer, George Curtis.
1854. Trustees, Win. Allman, Burr Allen, Philo B. Scott. Treasurer, Win. D. Herrick.
1855. Trustees, Burr Allen, Wm. Altman, F. Ruscoe. Treasurer, Wm. D. Herrick.
1856. Trustees, Philo B. Scott, Win. Allman, David Mills. Treasurer, Wm. D. Herrick.
1857. Trustees, Win. Altman, Abraham Deck, Win. Fullerton. Treasurer, Wm. D. Herrick.
1858. Trustees, Wm. Allman, Win. Fullerton, Abraham Deck. Treasurer, Wm. D. Herrick.
1859. Trustees, Jacob Brown, George Russell, Peter Bird. Treasurer, W n-. D. Herrick.
1860. Trustees, Jacob Brown, James C. Wales, Jacob Brindley. Treasurer, Thomas Howlett.
1861. Trustees, James Egnew, Oscar Mills, James C. Wales. Treasurer, Thomas Howlett.
1862. Trustees, Erastus Brown, Andrew Regenald, Henry Kizer. Treasurer, W. A. Scott.
1863. Trustees, Jacob Brown, James Pegdon, Thomas Russell. Treasurer, W. A. Scott.
1864. Trustees, Jacob Brown, Daniel Allman, W. A. Scott. Treasurer, Wm. D. Herrick.
1865. Trustees, Jacob Brown, Daniel Allman, W. A. Scott. Treasurer, Win. D. Herrick.
1866. Trustees, Erastus Brown, Marvin Mosher, Oscar F. Mills. Treasurer, W. A. Scott.
1867. Trustees, Oscar F. Mills, Marvin Mosher, Jacob Brown. Treasurer, W. A. Scott.
1868. Trustees, Marvin Mosher, Jacob Brown, Oscar F. Mills. Treasurer, Urquilla B. Wales.
1869. Trustees, Jacob Brindley, John Doren, H. O. Horner. Treasurer, Robert W. Taylor.
1870. Trustees, Daniel Allman, Thomas Russell, Sebastian Brown. Treasurer, John H. Besson.
1871. Trustees, Charles J. Scott, Thomas Russell, George Girdhain. Treasurer, John H. Lewis.
1872. Trustees, John H. Besson, Andrew Regenold, Lewis Odell. Treasurer, Rouse Curtis.
1873. Trustees, Andrew Regenold, John H. Besson, George Girdhain. Treasurer, Lucius Horner.
1874. Trustees, John H. Besson, Andrew Regenold, Aaron Jewell. Treasurer, Rouse Curtis.
1875. Trustees, Aaron Jewell, Charles J. Scott, Thomas Russell. Treasurer, Lucius Horner.
1876. Trustees, Daniel Allman, Andrew Regenold, Charles J. Scott. Treasurer, Lucius Horner.
1877. Trustees, Jacob Brown, Lewis Odell, John Doren. Treasurer, Benj. D. Angell.
1878. Trustees, Lewis Odell, John Doren, Jacob Brown. Treasurer, Benj. D. Angell.
1879. Trustees, Jacob Brown, Amos S. Trout, Z. A. Barker. Treasurer, B. D. Angell.
1880. Trustees, Samuel Baker, Z. A. Barker, Thomas Girdham. Treasurer, B. D. Angell.
1881. Trustees, Thomas Girdham, Daniel Borduer, Samuel Baker. Treasurer, B. D. Angell.
1882. Trustees, Thomas Girdham, John Doren, Samuel Baker. Treasurer, B. D. Angell.
1883. Trustees. Samuel Baker, J. B. Richardson, Dwight Purdy. Treasurer, B. D. Angela.
1884. Trustees, Dwight Purdy, R C. Scott, Z. Sherburne. Treasurer, Nelson Hagerman.
1885. Trustees, Andrew Bratton, Leroy Beecher, Thomas 0. Fretter. Treasurer, M. K. Lee.
1886. Trustees, Leroy Beecher, 3 years; 0. M. Hatch, 2 years; Jay Adams, 1 year. Treasurer, M. K. Lee.
1887. Trustees, Leroy Beecher, 0. M. Hatch, Henry E. Brown. Treasurers, M. K. Lee, John H. Besson.
1888. Trustees, Leroy Beecher, Henry E. Brown, William Bird. Treasurer, John H. Besson.
Record is found of the following named persons serving as Township Clerk for the years named
1836 to 1842, Thomas Stanton Sabine.
1842 to 1845, Lewis L. Gale.
1845 to 1846, Augustus F. Hill.
April to September, 1846, W. K. Pray.
September to November, 1846, A. A. Streator.
1846 to 1847, F. E. Kirtland,
1847 to 1848, and April, 1850, to Sept., 1851, Ezra Wilcox.
1848 to 1849, Zebina Bathrick.
1849 to 1850, Ira Wilcox.
1850 to 1851, J. W. Harter.
1851 to 1854, Daniel Allman.
1854 to 1859, John G. Wales.
1859 to 1862, Benoni T. Geer.
1862 to 1866, Harmon Farner.
1866 to 1868, Wm. St. Clair Mills.
February to April, 1868, Fred. S. Allen.
1868 to 1870, Wm. D. Wilcox.
1870 to 1876, Wm. A. Scott.
April to September, 1876, Frank B. Geer.
September, 1876, to April, 1878, Wm. A. Scott.
1883 to 1884, Daniel J. Beard.
1884 to 1885, Amos S. Trout.
1885 to 1888, Wm. D. Wilcox.
The following is a list of Justices of the Peace for Wing and Swanton Townships:
1835-Chandler L. Wing, P. B. Scott.
1836-David Mils, Huntington Larabee.
1837-P. B. Scott, Benj. Fairchild.
1839-Luther Dodge.
1840-Thos. S. Sabin.
1842-Elias Fairchild.
1844-P. B. Scott.
1845-Lewis L. Gale, Elias Fairchild.
1846-A. A. Streator, W. D. Herrick.
1848-Philo Carter.
1852-John Shepler, W. D. Herrick.
1854-John Shepler.
1855-W. D. Herrick.
1857-John G. Wales.
1858-B. T. Geer.
1859-John G. Wales.
1865--John G. Wales, Jesse E. Hatch.
1868-J. E. Hatch, W. H. Lucy.
1869-J. G. Wales.
1871-William Beery.
1872-John H. Lewis.
1873-Daniel Allman.
1874-Wm. A. Parker.
1875-John H. Lewis, Geo. Walters.
1878-John H. Lewis, Win. Stone.
1880-Win. A. Scott.
1881-Jeremiah E. Hatch.
1883-Henry 0. Zeigler.
1884-Philo B. Adams.
1886-Wm. A. Scott.
1887-John H. Lewis.