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CHAPTER XXIV.

FREMONT.

The Village and Village Life.

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

Go back a quarter of a century further. When the Wyandots made the valley of the Sandusky the tribal seat of empire. What meeting within our corporation

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in the importance of its deliberations equaled that assembled around a council fire in 1785, where the eloquent and masterly Brant formed the league and union which defeated two American armies and retarded nearly a decade the settlement of the Northwest. White captives and their treatment appear, as the picture is fast fading in the distance. That dream of fact or fancy, as may be, paints two neutral forts upon the river's bank—peaceful resting places amidst the fright and blood of exterminating war. The fancied picture has at last faded, and, as we come back to our own time, we seek a reason why this one small tract has figured so conspicuously in history.

We have an answer, at least partially satisfactory, in the geographical conformation of Northern Ohio. Much has been said of the pathless and almost impenetrable forests. Even Indians made streams their highways, and the line of communication between Ohio and Detroit, a trading centre from the first exploration of the country. The Sandusky River, a friendly arm of the lake, stretched across flats and swamps to a range of sandy bluffs, admitting of navigation further south than any other point within the lake system. This reservation was therefore a beautiful inland harbor—a commercial and military port of two races of men. After the treaty of 1815 had brought joy to every home in America, and every foreign troop had left our shores, men resumed peaceful occupations, Western emigration revived, and every Eastern highway presented the spectacle of long trains of covered wagons, conveying families from cultured communities to pioneer homes Indian power, which had long held sway over northwestern Ohio, was broken, and the white settlements and improvement of this fertile region was the irresistible course of destiny.

This historic reservation already had an inhabitance of as many as twenty families and a few squatters were encroaching upon the Indian domain. Negotiations were early set on foot looking toward the eextinguishment of Indian titles, and there being no further apparent use of a military post in this quarter, Congress made provision for the sale of lands reserved for that purpose. The reservation was surveyed into lots facing upon the river on both sides and running back to the limits of the tract. On the east side of the river Mr. Wormley, the United States surveyor, laid out, in 1816, a regular town, which he called "Croghanville," in honor of the hero the scene of whose triumph lay within sight of the prospective metropolis of the Northwest. The city of Croghanville, when this survey was made, commanded scenery of rare beauty which the settler's axe and the growth of a city have destroyed. There was nothing of the grand or sublime in the surroundings, but a rare variety of simple beauty, which interests the imagination and satisfies esthetic longings. High above the surrounding country a green gulf of waving forest stretches far in the distance to where it meets the descending blue horizon. Below, the Sandusky's sleeping water fills a tortuous bed, fringed with alternating prairie and underbrush, with here and there a cluster of plum or locust trees filling the air with the sweet perfume of their white blossoms. But a perfume yet sweeter was brought by northwestern breezes; and the eye, following the direction of its coming, found a fascinating resting place. The hill rising from a green sward, within the river's bend, was thickly covered by crab and plum trees mingling their branches, and in springtime appeared like a mountain of flowers. Toward the west could be seen something of life and human activity, and smoke curling

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from the wooden chimneys of isolated cabins. The plowman's song was heard in the valley below, and toward the south and west, skirting cornfields, the sparkling river hurried over a bed of rock. Beyond, a steep, at some places, precipitous bluff intercepted the view. Such were the surroundings of the site chosen for a city.

That the location was deemed one of promise is indicated by the fact that a reservation was made by Congress of one lot for a shipyard. At the time of the survey a boat was being built on the west side of the river, by the firm of Wilson & Disbrow. Surrounded by excellent inland timber, and the facilities for floating vessels to the lake being remarkably good, there was no reason why ship building should not become an important enterprise. War experience had taught the Government the necessity of having in the West secure facilities for recruiting an inland navy.

Excepting the shipyard the town of Croghanville was held for sale by in- and out-lots, under the direction of the land commissioner. It was expected that a city, in fact, would soon cover this picturesque elevation, regularly laid off in streets and squares. But a rival, almost within a stone's throw, changed the expected course of affairs and left Croghanville for many years with an existence only on paper.

THE KENTUCKY COMPANY.

Among the inhabitants of the reservation in 1817 were a number of men of good business capacity and keen foresight, who were able to command a limited amount of capital. Who they were and their characteristics as citizens and men, will be told subsequently. The Kentucky Company was formed June 9, 1817, and was composed of the following members: Israel Harrington, Thomas L. Hawkins, Ephraim Johnson, Morris A. Newman, William Andrews, David Gallagher, Aaron Forgerson, Randall Jerome, Thomas E. Boswell, John Drury, Joseph Mominne, Joseph Rumery, John A. de La Cost, John Baptiste Mominne, and John Anderson. All became residents of the town they founded except Boswell and Anderson, the former being a Kentucky gentleman of means, who was afterwards associated in business with Thomas L. Hawkins, but never became a citizen.

The reservation was originally surveyed into lots forty rods wide, facing upon the river, and numbered from north to south. The Kentucky Company appointed, in June, 1817, Israel Harrington, Thomas L. Hawkins, and Ephraim Johnson, agents of the company to attend to the land sales at Delaware and purchase lots (or ranges, as they are known in the old records) eight and nine, which include all that part of the present city lying west of the river between parallels intersecting the river near the turnpike bridge and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad bridge. The conditions of the sale provided that a percentage should be paid down and the balance in annual payments; that, in case of failure to pay, the land should revert to the United States. It was the policy of the Kentucky Company to divide their lands proportionately to the stock subscribed, and to give to each member a separate title of ownership, thus making each individual responsible for future payments. This was a wise arrangement, for subsequent records show that much of the purchased tract reverted in consequence of nonpayment. The causes of this are hinted at in a poem written by one of the associates, from which we shall presently quote. The tract was looked upon as especially eligible for a town, and it seems there were many bidders, each determined to have a piece. Mr. Thomas L. Hawkins, in his poetical reminiscence, says:

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Where now Sandusky rolls her lovely tide

Few years since no human footsteps glide;

One dark; dense forest for the bounding roe

From Lake Erie to the pleasant Ohio;

Where silence reigned with her old magic spell,

Broken only by the wolf's or savage yell ;

One spot was marked for Virtue's soft retreat,

Where Proctor's legions met a sore defeat;

Where the young Croghan won a deathless fame,

Implanted honors on Sandusky's name.

And oh! ye warriors, venerate the dead,

Nor fear in danger's path to take the lead;

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,

For this favored spot Congress took a stand;

In their wise council ventured to declare

That in ‘17 should be sold two miles square;

That in war's event they on arms relied,

A conspicuous place should be fortified.

Now what rushing to the public sale!

All emulous, tract too small, some must fail;

Great speculators, ready to cut a dash,

O'erbid each other, and felt the want of cash.

Yet, keeping in view their first great intent,

Each got a piece, advancing small per cent.

Blessed their stars! weather ,superbly fine!

Per acre a hundred and fifty dollars for lot number nine!

Oh! do you doubt your simple, plain narrator,

And say no man would buy thus in a state of nature?

Yet so it was, and they so deemed them blessed,

Establishing emporium of the West.

Did they misjudge? Do they stand convicted?

Or is Sandusky what they then predicted?

This poem from which we have extracted was written in 1845. It is not probable that Mr. Hawkins foresaw the completion of a grand trunk line of railroad and other great public enterprises which have built a city of the second class from the small village which he knew and of which he wrote. But we return to the Kentucky Company. The purchased tract, lots eight and nine, was carved into town lots and equitably divided among the shareholders. The first town plat of "Sandusky" was made, and recorded at Norwalk in December, 1817, attested by the following names: Thomas L. Hawkins, for self and Thomas E. Boswell; Morris A. Newman; William Oliver, for self and company; Israel Harrington, for self and L. E. P.; Josiah Rumery.

The lots were appraised by commissioners for the purpose of distribution among the proprietors. They considered the land, even though it was in a state of nature, very valuable. For instance, the mill lot containing one acre was appraised at three hundred dollars. We will now cross the river to

CROGHANVILLE.

The original village was laid off in out-lots and in-lots, after the manner so successfully adopted in the founding of towns during the early settlement of Ohio. One lot in each block of sixteen lots and two out-lots, containing about sixteen acres, were set apart for the support of public instruction; one large lot lying on the east bank of the river in the north part of the survey was reserved for a shipyard. A large number of the village lots were purchased by Alexander Morrison, a very respectable citizen who lived on that side of the river for many years, and who filled with honor various local and county offices. Morris A. Newman, one of the proprietors of Sandusky, purchased a tract of lots in Croghanville, and erected a frame house in which he kept tavern. A schoolhouse was erected on that side, in which also the first courts were held. After the seat of justice was removed to the west side of the river, Newman closed his tavern, but for many years resided in the house. With the exception-of these and a few other scattering houses, Croghanville remained a common, without fences, and even the stakes which marked the streets and lots of the prospective city rotted away. In 1830, when Lower Sandusky, which had become a flourishing village, was incorporated, it included within its limits the platted village. Thus Croghanville, which had never existed in fact, passed out of existence even in name.

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LOWER SANDUSKY SIXTY YEARS AGO.

We mean by this heading, Lower Sandusky in the days of its incipiency. The town was always peculiar in its character, made so not only by being an emporium of trade, but a number of eccentric and brainy men gave interest to every street meeting and bar room gathering.

The first frame house was erected by Israel Harrington in the year 1815. It stood near the corner of Croghan and Front streets, on the ground now occupied by the stores of Lewis Leppelman and Philip Dorr. The building, when first erected, was unique in appearance. There were no sawmills, and the builder brought by water lumber only for the frame. The weather-boarding was, therefore, made of split white oak shingles, or clapboards. These were afterwards removed and sawed boards took their place. Mr. Everett, in a lecture delivered many years ago, remarks: "A frame house at that time was a great curiosity in this part of the country, and Harrington's tavern was for some time the centre of attraction." The bar was handy and whisky cheap. The villagers made the tavern a frequent place of resort. The travelling public had to be depended upon for news, and loquacious emigrants and traders detailed events and at times most astonishing stories. In this tavern took place many events of revelry and joy, not unmingled with the inspiration of spirits.

The second frame house was the store building of J. S. and G. G. Olmstead, fully described in another chapter.

The third frame building was built by Cyrus and Jaques Hulburd, on Front street, and was used for a store. This building was erected in 1817.

William Andrews built the fourth frame house in 1818 or 1819. It was three stories in height, and stood on the present site of June's foundry. In the third story of this building the Masonic lodge met.

The fifth frame building is yet standing, and is one of the two oldest structures in the city, now known as the Peach House. It was built about 1821 by Nicholas Whittinger. In the upper story was a hall in which Hawkins' theater gave entertainments.

The oldest house yet standing was also the first brick house in the town. For half a century it has been the Beaugrand residence. It was built about 1819 by a man named Williamson, who never became a citizen, nor paid his building bills.

The next brick building was erected by Josiah Rumery about 1820, on the hill just south of the old Catholic church. It was removed in 1857.

Besides these frame and brick houses, there were about thirty cabins scattered over the tract now covered by substantial blocks and handsome dwellings.

The buildings of the fort were sold in 1818. These block-houses had been useful resorts and stopping places for emigrants until houses could be built. One block-house was occupied by three families for a short time just after the war closed.

One of the families who stopped in the fort before making permanent settlement was the Braytons. The capture and life of the eldest son, Matthew, is an episode in the early history of this region. The following is Doctor Daniel Brainard's account:

Mr. Brayton, who lived in this village, moved to the country some time during the year 1824 or 1825, for the purpose of farming more largely. On the 10th of September, 1825, his eldest son, a boy of about fifteen years, and a younger one of about seven years named Matthew, started at evening when the sun was half an hour high, to hunt the cows. Not finding them in their usual range, the oldest told his brother Matthew he had better return to the house, as they might be some distance off, and he himself would find them. On getting upon a log they both thought they could see the opening on their father's farm, and Matthew cheerfully left his brother to return. Some short time after dark the oldest brother

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drove home the cows, when he was asked by his mother "Where is Matthew?" He told the facts, which much alarmed and disturbed the parents. A communication was immediately made to several of their nearest neighbors who turned out and helped to hunt for the boy till morning without effect. A general alarm was then given along the river for forty miles, and to all the settlements on the west side, for it was on the west Brayton lived. The whole people, or all who could leave home, became at once anxious about the fate of the boy, and showed their sympathy for the parents by joining in the task of hunting him. The weather was quite mild, and high hopes were entertained of their being able to find him alive. On the first morning after his absence, the place where the brothers had parted was carefully examined. He was barefooted and could be tracked a short distance towards home, then in a more westerly direction till the hardness of the ground admitted no further impression. It was now the third day when the grand turnout took place. The neighboring Indian villages had been looked to. Many of them in a very kind manner joined in the hunt. As it was thought that all persons, and more especially children, would soon become wild or partially deranged, and would hide or flee on hearing their name called, or the sound of a horn or voice, they thought it advisable to form two extensive wings at some distance apart, to penetrate the wilderness in perfect order, and meet at some given point, then circling in smaller and smaller compass till they would all come together in the centre, that if he was encircled he could not escape. This, no doubt, was a rational plan, but unsuccessful. Many persons in the hunt imagined they had seen under logs, or in thickets, where the child might have bedded in leaves, etc., yet no certain trace could be found. The pursuit was continued daily and unremittingly till the 20th of December, when some gave out from fatigue, and their places were supplied by others. Such was the anxiety of all to afford some relief to the almost distracted parents. If they could find the dead body, or some part of his clothing. it would mitigate their grief, even if they had proof he had been devoured by wolves, and that his sufferings were at an end. But no such consolation; not a foot trace could be discovered; the whole wilderness and settlement had been thoroughly searched from the Sandusky to the Maumee in width, and as much as fifty miles in length, and principally in the manner described, when further pursuit was abandoned in despair.

From that day to this, the fine, active, promising little Matthew Brayton has never been heard of. The mystery will never be solved in this world. Two or three journeys have been made to the far distant tribes of Indians to the West and beyond the Mississippi for the purpose of discovery, believing it possible that some straggling Indians might have come across him, and taken him to some remote tribe. No comments need be made on the unhappy affair, or the affliction of the parents, brothers, and sisters; they can better be conceived than told. However, with regard to Matthew's fate, I am myself of the opinion that if the wolves had killed him, some part of his clothing and some portion of his body would have been found. My conclusion is that he wandered till life was nearly spent by want of food and excessive fatigue; that in this exhausted state he laid himself down in some secret place and perished—though his death has been more generally ascribed to the wolves.

Such is the account of the late Dr. Brainard, of the loss of Matthew Brayton, and the extensive search made for him by his friends and neighbors. It was not the Doctor's lot to live to see Matthew, after thirty-four years captivity among the Indians, return to his parents, and thus to clear up all doubts as to his fate. None would have rejoiced more with the family than he, for, undoubtedly, he had often seen Matthew, and dandled him upon his knee, for he was born in this town.

The Sandusky River was, in the early history of Lower Sandusky, of great commercial and economic value. The settlers produced a surplus of corn and pork, but these articles of food were at first not exchangeable for groceries and wearing apparel. Flour was also a scarce article, and salt was almost impossible to obtain, except occasionally when a schooner ascended the river from Portland (now Sandusky). But in the village there was a man of enterprise and remarkable inventive genius, whose name we have mentioned and shall frequently have, occasion to mention again. Lieutenant Thomas L. Hawkins was ever alive to the interests of the settlement, and his ingenious method for facilitating trade with Portland, for the accommodation of immigrants, is worthy of minute description.

The boat constructed by Mr. Hawkins consisted of two large canoes placed at a proper distance apart, on which were placed a platform sufficiently large to carry the

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superstructure of machinery, a large amount of freight, and several passengers. The machinery consisted of a four horse power, by which was turned wheels or paddles at each side of the boat. When freights were light only two horses were used. The boat was propelled in this way with facility, making trips whenever the demands of trade or travel required. This craft was built in 1819, and during the following three or four years made many rounds trips without any serious accident, though occasionally an incident relieved the monotony of tedious journeys. On one occasion a refractory horse made a successful attempt to escape his dreary work. He broke his halter and leaped over the railing, plunging head first into the water, and in that precarious situation hung until cut loose. He then swam triumphantly to the shore, "to the great delight and satisfaction of the whole crew." *

Hawkins' boat was built the same year the first steamer navigated Lake Erie. The horse power boat brought goods, groceries, and salt, and carried away furs, flour and pork. Lower Sandusky being the most southern market of the lake, became the trading emporium of a large part of Northern Ohio. Fish, which at times literally filled the river, gave Lower Sandusky a prestige in the trade with southern farmers. They brought their flour and pork here in exchange for fish, which cost practically nothing, for, as an old manuscript remarks, "every spring the pickerel and white bass were found in such multitudes lying (apparently waiting to be caught) all along the rapids, that it was often found quite impossible to ride a horse across the ford till much exertion was made to drive them away to make room for his feet."* Did we not know the author of this statement to be

Dr. Brainard's Manuscript.

a man of sincere truthfulness, it might be accredited to Munchausonism. The testimony of many others confirms the statement. Such was the trade in fish that every spring many of the villagers became fishers and fish packers. From the middle of March till early in June other business was practically laid aside. Shanties were built on the river bank, and as often as they cast their nets they drew forth fish in abundance. Early in spring time suckers were drawn forth; next came red horse. Pickerel was the choice quality, which came third during the season ; and last, but in greatest numbers, were brought up out of the water white bass. The sight of these fishers at work was really an interesting one. A law required that all the offal should be buried. For violation of this law criminal proceedings were frequently brought. At the first term of court, held in May, 1820, three indictments were found on the charge of causing nuisance. Fines for this offence were from one to twenty dollars. In the board shanties those in the business kept salt, barrels and salted fish. Outside was a long scaffold or table of convenient height, on one side of which the men engaged at dressing stood, and on the other was a long trench in which the offal dropped and was buried. Fish-dressing was a trade which required a quick hand and accurate eye to learn. By the side of the dresser stood a barrel in which live fish were pouled from the seine. They were seldom given time to die a natural death, but while yet fluttering were caught in the left hand of the dresser, thrown upon the board, when one cut of the knife severed the head and sent it flying into the trench. One more cut opened the back, and a single scrape sent the entrails into the trench. A barrel for the purpose received the dressed fish, and the operation, which required but a few seconds, was repeated.

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Barrels of fish were in this way dressed and salted down. Some men became notorious for their expertness. David Grant and John S. Tyler were known as leaders and masters of their trade.

As soon as roads became passable in spring time, the scattered little village filled with teams from southern counties. Till long into the autumn the road from Urbana, Dayton, and Franklinton was thronged by great covered wagons, drawn by four, six, and sometimes eight horses. Coming down they were weighted with flour, linsey cloth, dried fruit, bacon, and other articles such as in older settled communities were produced. Here they bartered their commodities for fish, salt, and leather, often leaving much cash, occasionally their tavern and whiskey bills. It is said that .a marching army is greatly supported by display of uniform and music. Even horses catch the inspiration of display and are enabled to bear extraordinary fatigue. On the same principle the old-time teamster surrounded his business with attractive paraphernalia and glittering pretension. There was something animating in a street scene, as we picture it on the imagination from a description before us. The horses were large and well trained. No elaboration was spared to make their strong gearing handsome. Broad straps and fancy housings, and an arch of small bells jingling at every step, gave the animal a proud consciousness of being an object of attention. The teamster, almost always a jolly fellow, occupied a saddle on the near wheel horse. In one hand he swung a long whip, which cracked with pistol shrillness whenever a horse was indisposed to pull his share. The other hand held a single line, guiding six horses over roads which, to our untrained eyes, would seem impassable for two. The accuracy attained by the teamster in whip craft is remarkable. It wasan old-time hotel amusement to test each other's teamster ship by snuffing with a whip-lash a tallow candle, at a distance of twenty feet; the driver who outened the flame or missed the candle altogether was ruled out. We have heard tell of teamsters able to pick off with a whip-lash a horsefly without hurting the animal on which it was sitting. The full-freighted wagon, arched over with canvas, was the driver's dwelling place as well as storehouse. The typical teamster was jolly and full of good nature. Nothing would ruffle his cheerful temper except inability to procure feed for his horses. He was willing to endure hardship for himself, but that the horses in which he took an affectionate pride should suffer from hunger, was more than his manly heart could stand. These traders "made our roads, bad as they were, vocal and cheerful, and presented an animating spectacle." During the early life of the village the arrivals and departures of these teams, —sometimes one alone, but frequently consisting of a train of five or six—was of daily occurrence, and the tavern nightly rang with the merry laugh of self-contented, fun-loving teamsters.

Such was the beginning of trade in Lower Sandusky, and such were daily village scenes during the summer for a great many years. A decade later wheat and stave wagons crowded homely Front street, and oftentimes blockaded the way. Indians, from the beginning, made Lower Sandusky their principal trading point. The Senecas, and kindred tribes from the neighboring reservation, traded here exclusively, and the Wyandots of Upper Sandusky often visited and traded with the white man at this ancient seat of their tribe. What change a quarter of a century had made in the condition of this heroic tribe, whose dominion for more than a century had been acknowledged by all the West. Wayne's expedition was

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the arrow which struck deep into the body 0f Indian power, and its deadly effect penetrated the heart. Did the Wyandots who came here to trade ever picture the village home and cornfields, the gauntlet track and the council fire of their heroic ancestors? We know that they were familiar with the history of their tribe, and we have a right to suppose that, as they sat upon store benches or reclined upon the smooth sod of the common, drawing from homely pipes dense mouthfuls of smoke, consciousness of humiliation and degeneracy oppressed them. Little more than a quarter of a century before, their tribe headed a confederacy which defeated two American armies; but the spot lighted by the council tire, around which these great campaigns were planned, was now the scene of busy traffic and trade.

It is a pleasure to record the fact that the Indians who came to Lower Sandusky were treated with becoming courtesy. Scarcely a day passed without the appearance of some of them, bringing furs, vennison or sugar to exchange for tobacco, pork, ammunition, blankets and calico. A balance was usually due the merchants, which was paid from the annuities. Once a quarter the head chiefs of the Senecas came to Lower Sandusky to transact tribal business and draw their annuity. The Olmsted firm transacted their business, and it is remembered that Hard Hickory, Coonstick, Tall Chief, Crow, Seneca John, and others, being detained late by business, often remained in the store all night. They slept on blankets with their feet towards the fire, the thought of theft or dishonesty never enterering their honest heads.

The chiefs of the Senecas were singularly honest and honorable in their business transactions. They were abiding in their faith that no Indian could enter the happy hunting ground who left debts behind. We believe, however, that purer promptings made these pagans honest. The Socratic death of Seneca John, told elsewhere, shows that he, at least, was a man of lofty character and capable of high moral convictions. The Senecas and Ottawas traded here till 1832. The Wyandots made occasional visits till they moved away in 1842. Of Seneca John, he was murdered by his brothers, Coonstick and Steele, an account of which is given in the chapter relating to Ballville township, Mr. Everett, who knew him well, says:

He was a man of remarkable power of mind, and head chief of the Senecas. When any difficult matter was presented in council Seneca John was looked to by all as the right man to solve and explain it; and, as the Indians said, he always made crooked things straight. At the age of about forty-five years his remarkable mind, with a brave heart, fine person and manly demeanor, had given him unbounded influence over his tribe.

A VILLAGE NIGHT.

While Lower Sandusky sixty years ago was a spot busy with enterprise and traffic, a forest oppressive in its shade, and deep gloom extended on all sides, wild beasts made night hideous and dangerous, and at times in their midnight prowlings ran through the village. Wolves were the boldest of all wild animals, and were often alarming to the settlers. They inhabit almost all unsettled districts; climate has little effect upon them. From Mexico to Hudson's Bay the primitive forest echoed with their howls. Like the Indians they receded before white settlement, but kept up a prolonged and annoying border war.

The primitive village of Lower Sandusky was especially troubled with these obnoxious animals. The packs driven from eastern and southern counties took refuge in Northwestern Ohio, adding greatly to the number already here. To the Indian wolves could do little injury,

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and were of no value. They consequently escaped the primitive hunters, being left to roam the woods at will and multiply rapidly. The bear was a choice mark, and in consequence they were more numerous around this Indian camping ground, and soon disappeared after white settlers broke the stretch of forest. Wolves are naturally thievish. Neither in town nor in country, during the period under consideration, were young cattle, hogs, or sheep safe outside of secure stables. Dr. Brainard, an old resident of the village, remarks in his manuscripts that their hunger and rapacity knew no bounds, and fearing their ferocity, and knowing their peculiar and exquisite taste for sheep, for many years settlers did not attempt to keep this useful animal. They would very often prowl through the village after night, to secure some more delicious repast. This is shown by an incident. A man living on the first street from the main one, one evening being in a paroxysm of chill and fever, recollecting that his horse, in the stable across the street nearly opposite, had not been fed his grain, requested his wife to carry his accustomed allowance to him. She being an accommodating partner in hard times, readily consented. She had proceeded about half way when a gang of wolves made an assault. Being yet young and active, you may conclude she was not long in retracing her steps; fear lent wings to her speed, the wolves close to her heels when she shut the door against them. They being thus foiled and disappointed, appeared to be in great rage, set up repeated and tremendous howls, and seemed unwilling to depart. In a few minutes, however, as the people had not yet retired to rest, nearly all the male part assembled at the scene of this wild confusion, armed with such weapons as they in the moment could most easily grasp. The common enemy, seeing they would be overpowered by numbers, fled, and all again was quiet, except their distant howls, which still sounded upon the ear. This is one of many similar attacks that occurred in our village during the hours of night. The only serious consequence of this was the husband being told by his affectionate wife that, sick or well, he would thereafter feed his own horse for all her.

THE FIRST THEATRE.

Thomas L. Hawkins, the village miller, was one of those useful men in a small community to whom we apply the phrase "universal genius." He was a mechanic and a landscape painter, a poet and a philosopher, a preacher and a stage actor. As master of the village theatre, three of his many faculties were called into exercise. He painted the scenery for the stage, wrote the prologue, and performed difficult and important parts. The Lower Sandusky theatre was formally opened in 1819, by Goldsmith's play, "She Stoops to Conquer," acted by the young men of the village. Mr. Hawkins wrote a prologue, in which he predicted the introduction of railroads, steamboats, and telegraphs. He also hints at the town's general bad reputation for wickedness, and then proceeds to preach a sermon in verse. Here is the prologue in full:

Sandusky Theatre, of tender age,

Now makes its first appearance on the stage.

Lord! what a crowd! I blush for what? These are but men,

And fellow mortals every soul within.

Then, first, my friends,—for friends you surely are,—

As foes and critics have no business here,

Yet, should they come, their astonished sense shall burn

To find how youths in Lower Sandusky learn.

But you, my friends, on your good sense I call,

Oh, pray excuse our imperfections all.

Your uneasy seats—on poles and wooden pins—

May try your patience ere the play begins.

Our paper scenes, and flimsy curtains new,

May make you think our actors flimsy too.

Not so. I hope, and hope you'll hope with me;

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'Tis all I crave,—the exhibition's free.

"That s false! I paid before I entered here!"

You did? But 'twas to pay the music, sir.

" What, free?" says one. "Upon my soul I thought

These painted scenes, these candles bought!"

They truly were, and dearly paid for, too;

Yet we live in hopes to get that pay from you.

For, if our youths should now be blessed with skill,

We'll force you here, though much against your will.

Our time and talents we will devote to you;

You cannot wish to take our money too?

"Oh!" cries the foe, " I see your whole intent;

I've long wished to know what the deuce you meant.

You think, by painting, pasting, rhyming, jokes,

E'en to make money from us poor folks!"

Not so, good sirs; let me begin again;

Lend but your patience, I'll not long detain.

Long has our place with crimson dies been stained,

And counterfeiters' residences gained;

Both far and near our character been lost,

In the life of Spicer and death of poor La Coste.

But now, thank God! a happy change succeeds;

(With painful hearts we face those wicked deeds.)

'Tis time, good sirs, those actions to despise,

Since all around our tender offspring rise.

In their blest lives let us relive again

A life of virtue, freed from conscious pain.

Those are the pillars of expected state;

As life declines, they will our souls elate.

In future days, when snug on yonder rise

Their once loved parents, freed from toil, lies,

In senates they, as statesmen bright, will stand,

While arts and science roll at their command;

Thy sons shall then in fond remembrance tell,

And bless the sires that tutored them to spell.

Blessed be the man, that friend, who taught me first

From science's page, undaunted, to rehearse—

To stand, regardless of the critic's sneer,

And boldly speak, nor mortal face to fear.

With thoughts like these, we anticipate delight;

'Tis this alone which brings us here tonight.

Dear fathers, mothers, guardians, tutors too,

Oh, what a task, good heavens! devolves on you.

Look forward then, anticipate with joy,

What prospects burst upon your infant boy!

Behold yon wide, uncultivated plain,

From ocean's wave to ocean's wave again;

Where silence reigns, nor human face is found—

All nature sleeps secure from human sound;

Where bounds the deer, pursued by savage cries,

Shall adventurous man with villages arise.

Town after town and State on State unfurled,

'Til the proud Pacific hails a newborn world.

When solitude sits with time and age grown gray,

The arts shall flourish, e'en like the blaze of day.

Hammers shall ring, and the anvil's lab'ring peal

Shall cheer the maid that hums the spinning-wheel.

Those hidden ores that line Superior Bay

Shall quit their beds and shine in upland day;

While o'er its tide sail after sail shall bend,

And with proud cars of fire and steam contend.

Rivers that have rolled since time itself began

Shall lend their aid to bear adventurous man;

While through the groves, uncultivated plains,

They extend their arms, and meet with arms again.

To unite their forks, oh! wonderful to tell!

The up thrown earth bespeaks the proud canal!

With spreading sail, then merchantmen may go

From Hudson's mouth through States to Mexico.

The fluted railroad, with bars above, below,

Thus man may speed a hundred miles a day,

And leave the bird a lingering on the way.

The speaking-tube, concealed beneath the ground,

All news convey to distant seats around.

These, fathers, these might cause e'en stones to speak,

And thoughts like these might entertain a week;

But I too long have trespassed on your time,—

Strove to explain, in disconnected rhyme,

Why we those scenes and exhibitions plan;

Instruct the youth to thoughts and acts of man.

Perhaps from these, to fill us with surprise,

Some Newton, Milton, Washington may rise.

I here would close, but, mixed among you all,

The old bachelor sits, on whom I'm forced to call.

In joys like those which sires anticipate,

You have no share, nor can you,—'tis too late;

But if youthful strength there still remains in one,

Who wishes to live immortal in a son,

Rouse from your stupor! awake your torpid brain!

And quick the heart of some fair maid obtain!

A blight example for you we set tonight;

Four happy souls we shortly will unite.

To prepare for these, goodnight, I won't intrude,

But soon return in woman's attitude.

Such was the prologue recited before the play opened. In a llterary sense it is, of course, crude, but it has the high merit of being suited to the occasion.

The play, considering conditions, was very well produced, and its reproduction on several occasions, and the presentation of other plays from time to time, gave a wholesome spice to village life. The hint at the slab benches, with pins protruding through them, and at the paper scenes and flimsy curtains, gives an interior view of the hall, which was the first place of public entertainment in the village.

LAW AND ORDER.

This is a delicate topic. It would be perverting the truth of history to represent the village from which this city has grown

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as a moral paradise, and at the same time we are inclined to think there was no more depravity here than at other frontier trading posts. The leading citizens were not of the class lauded for piety, yet they were good people who, by example and executive action, endeavored to support law and order in society. But, being the leading village of Northwestern Ohio, it is not strange that a full share of knaves and villains made their temporary home here. There were petty thieves, common swindlers, and a few of that class, one of whom, on a certain occasion, declared that he belonged to a society "for the transportation of horses and improving the currency." How much counterfeiting was done here no man knows nor ever will know; the expeditious method "for transporting horses" made the town somewhat celebrated. Evil report went out from here more than from other frontier posts because Lower Sandusky was made a well-known place by its precedence in trade.

Very few of the villagers were close Sabbath observers. This is almost universally the rule of pioneer settlements. Those people who have persuaded themselves that the commandment setting apart a day of rest has been downtrodden by constant violation in these latter years, and that the world is daily becoming more Godless, will find in the history of Ohio communities, with but few exceptions, a refutation of their opinions. In Lower Sandusky, sixty years ago, a few of the residents observed the Sabbath, but a weekly day of rest, and worship, and thanksgiving was not on the calendar of the business men or an influential proportion of the citizens. Now, as a rule, the Sabbath is observed; disregard is the exception. When Rev. Jacob Bowlus, an ardent Methodist, came here in 1822, he was very unpopular. The account given by his son, at a pioneer meeting a fewyears ago, is full of interest, for it reflects not only the moral status of the village at that time, but also the impolitic method of the preacher in his hasty zeal to reform the place in which he was a very new resident. People then, as now, became indignant at interference with their private affairs, especially so when interference touched their method of living. Mr. Bowlus, in his address in 1878, said:

I was with father when he came here in 1822. The first Sabbath after our arrival he thought it was his duly as a minister of the Gospel to use his influence to have the Sabbath properly observed. He went around town and told the people what he came here for—to live among them and have them live as Christian people. He went from house to house and from store to store, and induced the people to close their places of business and observe the Sabbath. Precious to that, Sunday had been to them like any other day. They did probably more business on Sunday than on other days. It is true, however, that some permitted smuggling goods through the back doors. Father noticed this, and talked to them about it frequently, but did not succeed in preventing the practice altogether.

Several families were considered pretty rough folks. Among them, some of you remember old Mr. Dew and family. A man lived with this old man Dew named Sanford Maines. Father met him down in the village after Sabbath was over, and said to him: " Is your name Sanford Maines?" He told him it was. "They tell me," said father, "you are a set of horse thieves, and I warn you to take care.'' "What!" exclaimed Maines, apparently surprised. Father repeated the same words and passed on. The next night father's buggy was hauled back of where the courthouse now stands, where there was a thicket of hazel bushes. A chip fire was started and the vehicle burned up. Many such instances occurred in those days. It was a wild country indeed.

The forefathers of our city occasionally inflicted summary punishment upon those who trespassed upon the laws of society. One charactetistic instance is remembered: A man by the name of Avery, some time during the year 1820, stole an axe. He was arrested, and, there being no jail to confine him in till he could be tried, the citizens decided to take him down to a locust tree about where the Fremont & Indiana railroad engine house now stands, and give him a sound thrashing. They

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tied him up to the tree and gave him one hundred lashes, well laid on. After being released he swam the river, and never came back.

The practice of stealing firewood is shown by the records of the village justice, to be a very old one. An eccentric old man by the name of Hawkins, father of the miller, poet, preacher and actor, spent a portion of the time from 1816 to 1820 in Lower Sandusky. He was interested in the mill with his son, Thomas L. Hawkins, and occasionally missed slabs from the log yard. Being convinced that they went for firewood, he prepared some slabs by boring, and then loading them with tremendous charges of powder. The next morning there was such an explosion, in a log-cabin near the mill, as to take the gable end and a part of the end wall out of it, besides frightening and somewhat injuring the inmates. This was considered dangerous, and although the man owned up to stealing the slabs, Hawkins was arrested for an attempt upon his life. The old man, when arraigned before the justice, told all he had done, and, in justification, said his slabs were green, and wouldn't burn without some powder to help them, and he prepared his own slabs just as he pleased, and if they didn't quit stealing, he blow them all to-.

Hawkins was a party to another novel lawsuit of the period. He kept a canoe in the mill pond. A Frenchman one day took the canoe to hunt ducks, and after landing it on the other side, left his gun in the canoe, and went after plums. The old man waded the river, and took the canoe, fired off the Frenchman's gun, and paddled for the other shore. Fastening his canoe, he hastened to Esquire Harrington, a justice of the peace, and had the Frenchman summoned, to the tune of fifteen dollars damages for taking one canoe. But the old man found his match. Frenchy came, and laid in a counter claim to same amount, in about this style: "Mr. Hawkin owe me for shoot my gun one time for noting, fifteen dollars." The justice suggested that that was a pretty high charge for one load of powder and shot. "Sacre," said the Frenchman, "suppose he sharge me ver' high, I sharge him ver' high, too, aha! dat not right, sare."

Whatever may have been the reputation inflicted upon the town by a coterie of rakes, outlaws and swindlers who were not citizens but only transient sojourners, there was much virtue here. People were generally hospitable and generous, honest in dealing with each other, and united heartily in the amenities, and sympathized with each other in the asperities of border life.

POSTAL FACILITIES.

We are unable to say just when postal facilities were provided for Lower Sandusky, but it is altogether probable that military routes were established in the winter of 1812–13 when the stockade was built. After the war a postoffice was established, and according to our best information Morris A. Newman was commissioned postmaster. Three mail routes were established—one up the river through Fort Seneca to Delaware, another east to Norwalk, and a third west to Fort Meigs. During the war mail-carriers were in great personal danger. Some of the Indians were hostile, and the mail-bag was a tempting object of plunder. The first mail-carrier of whom we have any personal knowledge, was a man named Munger, whose route was from here to Fort Meigs. One mile from the fort he was attacked by a party of Indians, but made his escape with but slight wounds, leaving the mail-bag and his horse to the red robbers. The thick woods and swamp sheltered him while he travelled four days, as he supposed toward Fort Stephenson.

410 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

At the termini of his route he was supposed to be dead, or taken captive, but on the fifth day he made his appearance at Lower Sandusky, having wandered as far north as Port Clinton on the lake shore.

During the early stages of the war it was sometimes necessary to give the mail-carriers a military escort. This was the mission of Colonel Ball's detail when attacked by a party of Indians about one mile south of Fort Stephenson, in 1813, a full account of which is given elsewhere.

It is difficult to realize the perils and hardships of the early mail-carriers. The most difficuit and dangerous route was from here to Perrysburg (Fort Meigs). There was no road, and the carrier was guided by blazes or scars made on the trees. The route was from Lower Sandusky down the river through the Whittaker farm, to where two large white oaks were blazed. These two trees were solid guides pointing to the thick, swampy forest westward. Muskallonge was forded some distance from the mouth, and from there to the site of Elmore was a tortuous path, at places scarcely wide enough for a horse to pass through. From the Portage River at Elmore, a crooked path led to Fort Meigs. After leaving Mrs. Whittaker's, there was not an inhabitant on the whole route. After Munger had been robbed, it was difficult to get any one to travel this route. In spring or winter time, when the ice was breaking, the journey could be performed only on foot. Isaac Knapp, a young man of distinguished bravery, who had located here in 1814, undertook the perilous contract. He associated with himself his lion-hearted brother Walter, who carried it some of the time, Walter being selected chiefly on account of his lightness of body, and consequent ability to walk lightly over their ice or frozen crust, which would break through with a heavy man or horse, and make progress extremely difficult. It needed the Knapp sort of spirit to travel this lonely path during that dangerous period. One day, just before leaving Fort Meigs, Isaac Knapp saw from the fort two men who had just started out, waylaid and murdered by a party of Indians. With this terrible scene fresh on his mind, he, a few hours afterward, shouldered the mail-bag, and set off into the forest By a devious route he evaded the watching red-skins, and safely performed the journey.

The Knapps had hearts for any fate. Isaac became a highly esteemed citizen of the town, and an associate judge of the county. Walter also located here in later years, where he raised a family and died. These two brothers were the heroes of a romantic adventure which illustrates their character, and proves their fitness for the public service performed during times which tried men's souls:

Shortly after the War of 1812 closed, Walter Knapp, for speaking disrespectfully of the British Government, was arrested and imprisoned in Sandwich, Upper Canada, a town opposite Detroit. The crime charged to him was punishable by fine, and his brothers James and Isaac prepared to pay the fine, and went to Detroit to await the trial of Walter, pay his fine for him and bring him away. The court sat at Sandwich at this time, but, contrary to usage, the trial of Walter was not brought on, and the court adjourned leaving him in jail where he might stay another year. The brothers, James and Isaac, therefore resolved on rescuing him, for he was badly treated, and might die before trial day. They found friends enough in Detroit who were willing to go over and assist in the enterprise, but upon consultation it was thought best for only two to go over, as that number would not excite suspicion. At about to o'clock at night Isaac applied to the ferryman for the use of his canoe for three hours to go to Spring Wells, a place on the American side, but the suspicious Frenchman refused to let hint have it until he promised three dollars for its use, and left ninety dollars as a pledge for its safe return inside of three hours. It was a good-sized pine canoe, light, and easily propelled.

At a little after to o'clock that night Isaac Knapp left the American shore at Detroit. They selected a landing place on the Canada side under a high hank near a church, whose steeple towered up visible in

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

With the Judge himself, and others who knew the facts, it is still a mystery how Isaac got Walter over the pickets of that jail yard; and this rescue was considered one of the most daring and successful of Northern adventures. The Judge said: "I was in Major Holmes' command on the Thames when we were one hundred and fifty surrounded by about five thousand British, and yet entering that jail in the dark was more trying to my nerves than that battle. But as soon as the jailor waked and spoke, and I had something to do, my courage and coolness came to me at once. I was cool and determined. I did not wish to injure the jailor, but I had determined to save my brother, and we did." *

In 1818 Jeremiah Everett was appointed mail-carrier on this route, which was somewhat changed, but reached 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 there was now a solitary cabin, occupied by the family of a Mr. Harris, who kept the mail-carriers over night. Hon. Homer Everett gives the following account of his father's experience while in the service:

From two to three days, often four, were required to perform the trip. I have heard my father frequently mention his disagreeable experiences in this service, being often compelled to camp out between Maumee and Portage River at night and alone. He told of a fallen hollow sycamore tree which he used as a protection on these occasions, when the state of the roads, or accident prevented him from reaching Portage River on his return trip, which frequently happened. If on foot, the mail, and a blanket made into a pack, were slung upon his shoulders, with bread and meat for the journey,—and with a hatchet and knife in his belt, he would set out. If on horse-back, which the roads permitted only a part of the year, a more ample outfit was carried, and grain for the animal. At the sycamore tree the axe, steel and flint aided to build him a good fire in front, which kept off cold and wolves. The wolf's howl near by was familiar music then, and he was waked in the morning, and found a path beaten in the snow around him by the feet of these prowlers. He was always anxious to have a good road from Lower Sandusky to Fort Meigs, and lived to be eminently useful and influential in having one made.

One of the old mail-carriers on the route up the river to Delaware was named Brush. Samuel Cochran was stationed near the mouth of Wolf Creek, in Ballville township, to ferry the mail-carriers overthe creek during times of high water.

The route from the east, opened soon after the war closed, came from Norwalk across Strong's ridge to Amsden's corners (Bellevue); from thence by a crooked path through the southern part of Green Creek township to the old Rumery place and thence to Lower Sandusky. A fourth route was established during the period which we are describing, from Lower Sandusky to Venice on the bay shore.

After the Maumee road was completed a stage line was established, which carried east and west mails. Mails front the south were brought down the river on horseback for a number of years afterward.

Harvey J. Harman succeeded Newman as postmaster, and alter his death in 1834, the office was placed in charge of Grant F. Forgerson. Jesse S. Olmsted succeeded. Homer Everett, who had charge of the office during Olmsted's administration, was commissioned postmaster in 1837. His successors have been Benjamin F. Meeker, Wilson M. Stark, Isaac M. Keeler, L. E. Boren. We are unable to conclude the list, no record having been kept. George Krebs is the present efficient incumbent.