398 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY
CHAPTER XIV.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP, or original surveyed Township 3 north, Range 16 east, was surveyed outside the boundaries of the Indian Reservation, by Sylvanus Bourne, in 1820, and, after the last treaty of cession by the Indians, the remainder was surveyed by C. W. Christmas, in 1832.
The outcrop of the lower coniferous conformation on the southeast corner of Section 34, and the several exposures of this and other rocks made by quarrymen, together with the numerous brick and tile yards visible throughout the township, convey at once an idea of the geological value of the township, viewed from an economical standpoint. The State geologist, writing in 1873, makes mention of the Sulphur Spring. He says: "The greatest natural curiosity in Adams Township is the Sulphur Spring. This is nearly in the middle of Section 7, on land formerly owned by Josiah Hedges, the original proprietor of Tiffin. This spring is a natural rising of water impregnated with all the ingredients which are contained in the spring of the famous water cure, situated in the town, Green Spring, of which further mention hereafter. The spring in question issues from the earth, and is cold and refreshing, and not unpleasant to the taste. Many petrified substances are found in the bed of this. spring. The current flowing from it is large and steady, no drought having any apparent effect in diminishing the supply. After a southerly course of almost thirty rods, it mingles with the waters of Beaver Creek." Just north of the county line is the great Sulphur Spring, referred to in the chapter on geology, as well as in the sketch of Green Spring.
The creeks of the township are known as Sugar Creek, watering the southwestern sections, and Beaver Creek, which may be said to drain the whole township. This latter stream rises in Section 36, flows west to the Scipio Bend, thence in a general course northwest to Grove's Lake, on Section 7, passing south of the Great Sulphur Springs, in the southeast quarter of that Section, then through Sections 12 and 1, Pleasant Township, to the north line of the county.
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The eastern fork of Beaver Creek rises in Thompson Township, flows generally westward, and enters the main creek on the line of Sections 9 and 16, Adanis Township. A small creek courses through the extreme northeastern part of the township, while a few rivulets, or small spring creeks, are found almost in every section. The name, Beaver Creek, is derived from the fact that it was a favorite camping resort of the beavers, long before the Senecas came to this district. On this creek, just west of, the township line, Josiah Hedges had a grist-mill erected in 1838.
The township has a rolling surface, is very fertile, and is inhabited by a good class of citizens. The population in 1830 was only 830; in 1880 it increased to 1,624, and is now estimated, including Green Spring Village, at 2,000 in. habitants.
Railroads are represented in the township by the Indiana, Bloomington & Western and the "Nickel Plate," the former an old friend of its northwestern corner, the latter a new friend, equipped after the fashion of modern days.
Organic and Official. - The township, as established December 6. 1826, comprised Township 3, Range 16, and the western tier of sections in Township 3, Range 17; minus the lands of the Seneca Indians to which the Indian grant was added in 1832. The first election was held at Samuel Whiteman's house, December 25, 1826, when Martin Olds, L. T. Butler and Thomas Longwith were elected trustees; Charles Shelby and Thomas Whiteman, overseers of the poor; G. Lee and Samuel Hartsock, fence viewers; Cyrenius Wright, treasurer; William Myers, William Mead and Francis Evans, supervisors, and Moses Pyatt, constable.
Twelve years after the organization of Adams Township, on December 6, 1838, a petition was presented to the commissioners, asking for the establishment of a new township, out of Adams and Pleasant, to be named Sulphur Springs. This petition was not granted.
1827. Record partially destroyed; Samuel Whiteman, justice of peace.
1828. Martin Olds, William Mead, Samuel Whiteman, trustees; Abram Rine, clerk.
1829. Lyman Amsden, Thomas Webb, Samuel Whiteman, trustees: Abram Rine, clerk.
1830. Samuel Elder, Samuel Whiteman, Lyman Amsden, trustee: Abram Rine, clerk; Samuel Whiteman and Martin Olds, justices.
1831. Same trustees; W. Mead, John Paine, M. Olds, trustees of school laws.
1832. Same trustees and clerk.
1833. Samuel Elder, Jacob Rine, Lyman Amsden, trustees; Abram Rive and Zimri Butler, justices; Samuel Whiteman, clerk.
1834. John Bebe, Samuel Elder, Abram Rine, trustees; Samuel White man, clerk.
1835. James C. Hocket, D. H. Dana, Abram Rine, trustees; E. D. Fol let, clerk; Ira Phelps, justice.
1836. John Paine, E. Smith, James Crockett, trustees; E. D. Follet, clerk.
1837. John Petticord, S. Whiteman, John Paine, trustees; A. Crocketi. clerk.
1838. D. H. Dana, John Craig, John Petticord, trustees; S. Whitemam. clerk; E. D. Bradley, justice.
n May 5, of this year, the township was laid off into school district.
1830. D. R. Two. Jolm Petticord, John Waters, or:; trustees I. W. Small. clerk.
400 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
1840. James Crockett, Samuel Whiteman, J. A. Watrous, trustees; I. W. Small, clerk.
1841. Earl Church, Samuel Whiteman, J. A. Wartrous, trustees; I. W. Small, clerk.
1842. George Kline, John Guisbert, John Petticord, trustees; J. W. Payne, clerk.
1843. George Kline, Ephraim Porter, John Petticord, trustees; Abram Rine, clerk.
1844. George Kline, Ephraim Porter, Reuben Drinkwater, trustees; I. W. Small, clerk.
1845. Jacob Bogart, Isaac Smith, Abram Rine, trustees; James Paine, clerk.
The persons over eighteen and under twenty-one years of age in the township, in 1845, numbered twenty-seven, over twenty-one and under forty-five; sixty-one.
1846. Nicholas Noel and Isaac W. Small were elected justices; Abram Rine, H. Neikirk and D. B. Lee, trustees; L. C. Stone, clerk.
1847. A. M. Stem, Ezra West, Abram Rine, trustees; L. C. Stone, clerk.
1848. D. B. Lee, Ezra West, Abram Rine, trustees; L. C. Stone, clerk; John W. Payne, justice.
1849. Same trustees; George Kline, clerk.
1850. R: B. Alexander. A. G. Whiteman, D. Petticord, trustees; James Collins, clerk.
1851. D. H. Patterson, D. Petticord, A. G. Whiteman, trustees; Isaac Stillwell, clerk.
1852. Levi Coup, D. H. Patterson, A. G. Whiteman, trustees; R. B. Mead, clerk.
1853. Levi Coup, William Jordan, A. G. Whiteman, trustees; D. H. Patterson, clerk.
1854. Abner Nims, William Jordan, A. G. Whiteman, trustees; Isaac Stillwell, clerk. ,
1855. Samuel Hunter, Abner Nims, W,. Jordan, trustees; J. B. Buck, justice; A. G. Whiteman, clerk.
1856-57. Samuel Myers, J. W. Payne, James Crockett, trustees; Joel Barber, clerk.
1858. N. Noel, D. Hartsock, J. Crockett, trustees; Horace Hall, justice; George K. Kline, clerk.
1859. N. West, J. T. Kistler, Henry Metzger, trustees; D. H. Patterson, clerk.
1860. Isaac Stillwell, J. T. Kistler, Henry Metzger, trustees; H. Whiteman, justice; Isaac Stillwell, clerk.
1861-62. A. G. Whiteman, W. C. Myers, I. Stillwell, trustees; Horace Hall, D. H. Patterson, justices; J. Goodin, clerk.
1863. D. Petticord, A. G. Whiteman, James Crockett, trustees; J. Goodin, clerk.
1864. Monroe Kistler, D. Petticord, Thomas Almond, trustees; J. S. Brown, Isaac Stillwell, justices; P. H. Myers, clerk.
1865. J. S. Myers, Thomas Almond, H. P. Whiteman, trustees; Daniel Metzger, justice; P. H. Myers, clerk.
1866. Same trustees; Humphrey Whiteman, justice.
1867. James Paine, John Wales, Jr., J. S. Myers, trustees; P. H. Myers, clerk.
1868. Peter Coffman, P. S. Myers, James Paine, trustees; W. P. Myers, clerk.
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1869. S. H. Smith, Humphrey Whiteman, Thomas Almond, trustees; Jacob Bonnell, clerk.
1870. J. McIntire, M. H. Hensinger, H. Hoeltzell, trustees; J. S. Myers, clerk.
1871. Same trustees; John Summers, justice; J. S. Myers, clerk.
1872. B. F. Pontius, H. Hoeltzell, James McIntire, trustees; W. J. Payne, clerk.
1873. F. S. Mohr, M. Kistler, Sol. Reiter, trustees; John S. Myers, clerk.
1874. J. J. Miller, F. S. Mohr, Jesse Paine, trustees; John S. Myers, clerk.
1875. John Guisbert, J. J: Miller, W. H. Groves, trustees; Wilson Pontius, clerk.
1876. John Westerhouse, John Guisbert, W. M. Engler, trustees; John Gibbons, clerk.
1877. J. S. Myers, John Guisbert, H. Detterman, trustees; John Gibbons, clerk.
1878. Monroe Lee, John Guisbert, Edward Nims, trustees; James Drinkwater, clerk.
1879. A. McHasser, 11Z. Kistler, S. Detterman, trustees; Daniel Metzger, John S. Myers, justices; James Drinkwater, clerk.
1880. W. J. Johnson, S. Detterman, Monroe Kistler, trustees; J. C. Metzger, clerk:
1881.. W. J. Payne, M. Kistler, Frank Crockett, trustees; R. K. Williams, justice; J. C. Metzger, clerk.
1882. Frank Crockett, W. J. Payne, E. B. Williams, trustees; W. J. Merchant, A. Kistler, justices; J. C. Metzger, clerk.
1883. Michael Schriner, J. H. Westerhouse, H. Harrison, trustees; William Engler, clerk.
1884. C. D. Holtz, J. H. Westerhouse, M. Schriner, trustees; R. K. Williams, justice; William Engler, clerk.
1885. D. W. Whiteman, George W. Fitz, C. D. Holtz, trustees; William Engler clerk; D. J. Myers, Walter Merchant, justices.
The township and school boards of Adams, have generally attached great importance to economical administration. Notwithstanding this feature of the township's official life the roads are well made, the schoolhouses are numerous and substantial, and all those minute details which mark the progress of each little commonwealth of the county are observed.
School Lands.-September 30, 1843, a meeting of the citizens of Adams Township was held to vote on the question of selling school lands-the west half of Section 12. George Kline, Solomon Drown and L. C. Stewart, judges, and T. W. Small and James Paine, clerks, conducted the election. The number of votes polled was eighteen, all in favor of the sale of school lands. On May 14, 1845, John T. Kistler purchased the west half of northwest quarter of Section 12; Isaac Parker, the east half of the northwest quarter; John Kistler, the west half of the southwest quarter, and Isaac Parker, the east half of the southwest quarter. The entire tract brought $2,780, and the sale was conducted under order of chancery on appraisement of Thomas R. Ellis, Jacob Sender and William Toll, and on the Homing survey. (Record of School Lands in Auditor's office.) The sale of school lands in Adams Township has been attendod with some peculiar features. For years after the township was established there was no Section 16 acknowledged, as that section was within the Seneca Indian Reservation, and consequently without the reach of all parties, save the Indians, for whom it was reserved. Under
402 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
the treaty of Washington, negotiated February 28, 1831, the tribe ceded their 40,000 acres, and in November, 1832, the tract was offered for sale-the school section excepted. Prior to this, however, in 1826, the west half of Section 12 was granted to Adams in lieu of Section 16. Nothing was done toward the sale of half-Section 12 until May 14, 1845. Eleven years before this, and under authority of an act approved January 30, 1836, all Section 16 was granted to the township for school purposes, and its sale was soon after effected, thus giving Adams one section and a half, or 320 acres more than should be apportioned. In 1846 an effort was made to rectify this error, but the subject was dropped until recent years, when it was reopened under the title of "Andrew Jackson's Mistake. "
Pioneers of Adams Township. - The settlement of the township was effected without the noise and bustle which marked the occupation of the older townships of Seneca. This was due to the fact that it was not a wilderness in the sense that the country west of the Sandusky was; but a well-trailed land, partly surveyed, and adjacent to the old settlements. In all other respects the work of the pioneer did not differ in quantity or quality from the earlier settlers of Venice or Big Spring, Thompson or Liberty, Reed or Loudon Townships. It is true that the romance of life among the Indians of the great Sulphur Spring region, and the pleasures which the neighborhood of natural phenomena or curiosity bring, were present to lighten, as it were, the load of care by withdrawing attention from ordinary life among the great trees, and lending it to the wonderful in nature. In the following sketches several prominent pioneers are named; while the greater number of pioneers and old settlers find mention in the personal history of Adams Township, and in the chapters of the general history.
Samuel and Elizabeth (Kating) Bartlett, natives of Main, grandparents of Robert M. Bartlett, of Adams Township, settled in this county in 1826, where they died. Oliver L. Bartlett, their son, the father of Robert M., began farm life in this county at an early day, and married, in 1844, Hannah E. Warner, of Virginia, whose mother, when a widow, came about 1833, with her family, to this county, where she died . . . . . George R. Bosworth, a native of Vermont, born in 1800, came with his family to Adams Township in 1834 . . . . . Jacob Bowerman settled in the township in 1830, died in August, 1876 . . . . . John Bowerman settled in the township in 1831; served in the war of 1812 . . . . . Elijah and Catharine Brown, parents of Mrs. Edward Crockett, of Adams Township, formerly of Scipio Township, (former a native of Maryland, latter of Perry County, Ohio,) came to the county in 1842 . . . . . Warren Brown, born in New Hampshire, in 1814, came, in 1839, from Pennsylvania with his parents, Solomon and Fanny (Dennis) Brown to this county (where the latter both died), and settled in Adams Township.
James and Mary P. (Haskell) Crockett, former born in Maine, in 1798, parents of Edward Crockett, of Adams Township, born in Pleasant Township, in 1833, came to this county in 1828, settling in Pleasant Township; James Crockett was a soldier of the war of 1812, and a temporary settler of 1823. They both died in 1875 . . . . . Josiah and Harriet (Beymer) Crockett, parents of Edwin W. Crockett, of Adams Township, came to this county in an early day. Josiah was accidentally killed in 1879, while engaged in excavating a hole for a huge boulder. His widow resides in Clyde . . . . . Earl and Colena (Titus) Church, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively (parents of Mrs. Daniel C. Rule, of Adams Township, born here in 1839), came here in 1837.
John H. Detterman, born in Prussia, in 1810, came to America in 1833, and to this county in 1834, in which year he married Miss Kathrina Steige-
PAGE 403 - PICTURE OF DANIEL SEITZ
PAGE 404 - BLANK
ADAMS TOWNSHIP. - 405
meier, also a native of Prussia. After living one year in Scipio Township, and five years in Honey Creek, Bloom Township, they located in Adams Township. Mrs. Detterman died in 1866, and Mr. Detterman then married Mrs. Ann Somers, a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1868 they settled permanently in Bloom Township . . . . . Harman H. and Mary E. (Beinedick) Determan, natives of Germany, came to this county in 1834; Henry A. Determan, of Adams Township, where he was born in 1851, is their son . . . . . David W. Dudrow, a native of Maryland, born in 1825, came to Seneca County in 1845, settling in Adams Township; his wife, Mary J. (Rule), born in this township in 1834, is a daughter of Daniel and Jane (Groscrost) Rule, old settlers.
Francis Evans settled here in 1825. . . . . Jeremiah and Lucy (Rule) Egbert, parents of Mrs. Clay Holtz, of Adams Township, were early settlers in the county . . . . Uriah and Susanna (Williams) Egbort, parents of Mrs. George R. Strickling, of Adams Township, formerly of Pleasant Township, came from Franklin County, Ohio, to this county in 1822, and here died, former in 1876, and latter in 1875, both at advanced ages.
Solomon and Mary Gambee, parents of Mrs. William J. Payne, of Adams Township, were early settlers of Reed Township, coming from Now York State . . . . John and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Guisbert (deceased), parents of Mrs. John Wales (second), of Adams Township, were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and were among the first settlers in the county.
Jacob P. and Susannah (Huss) Holtz, parents of Charles D. Holtz, of Adams Township, born in Pleasant Township in 1846, were early settlers of and still reside in that township . . . . . William and Catherine Al. (Cramer) Holtz, parents of Clay Holtz, of Adams Township, were early settlers in the county, the former of whom died here in 1862. Mrs. Holtz still resides in the county . . . . . Benjamin and Hannah Huddle, parents of Mrs. John W. Payne, were among the first settlers of the township
Henry and Elizabeth Kestler, parents of Mrs. Enoch Bolin, of Adams Township, and a native of Pennsylvania, settled in this county in 1833 . . . . . John T. and Eve (Brish) Kistler, parents of Monroe Kistler, of Adams Township (the latter born in Pennsylvania in 1830), settled in this township in 1833, and died in 1870 and 1878 respectively . . . . . Joseph and Catharine (Shawberry) Kistler, parents of Mrs. Henry A. Determan, of Adams Township, were early settlers of the county, where they still reside . . . . . Jacob and Mary (Reiner) Kanney, parents of J. C. Kanney, of Green Spring, Adams Township, were early settlers in the county; still living in Reed Township.
David and Mary A. (Miller) Lee, natives of Pennsylvania and New York State, respectively, parents of John M. Lee, of Adams Township, came with their parents to this county at a very early day, and here David died in 1883 ; his widow resides in Adams Township . . . . George Lee was one of the pioneers.
William Mead settled here in 1826 .....Daniel Metzger, Adams Township, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1818, came into the county in 1833, and bought his first land in this township in 1841 . . . . . Henry and Catharine (Wise) Metzger, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Daniel Metzger, of Adams Township, came to this county in 1833, Henry being one of the first to enter land in this county . . . . . An early settler of this name died March 4, 1868 .. . . Smith and Catharine (Larkins) McIntyre (deceased), parents of James McIntyre, of Adams Township, and who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1825, came to this county in 1832 . . . . . Samuel and Rebecca (Heltzel) Metzger, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, came from Pickaway County, Ohio, to this county in 1836, and purchased land in Adams Township. They were parents of John C. Metzger, of this township, born hero in
406 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
1838. . . . . Simon and Hannah (Mix) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of W . W. Miller, of Bascom, were early settlers in Adams Township . . . . . Daniel and Anna (Bergstresser) Miller, natives of New York State, parents of Mrs. John C. Metzger, of Adams Township, were among the first to settle in this county, where Mr. Miller still lives . . . . . Jacob J. Miller, of Adams Township, a native of New York State, born in 1829, came, in 1838, with his parents, Daniel and Anna (Bergstresser) Miller, to this county; latter deceased, former now living in Clinton Township . . . . . John and Elizabeth (Ryne) Myers, early settlers of Adams Township (about 1825), were married November 11, 1830. Mrs. Myers died January 24, 1885 . . . . . William Myers, a native of Virginia, settled in Adams Township in 1825.
John Noel, who settled in Adams Township in 1830, died October 29, 1883, in his eighty-seventh year. This pioneer was the father of fifteen children, many of whom are still residents . ....Nicholas Noel, Sr... settled in Adams Township in 1830, died in 1847 . . . . . Mrs. Catherine (Rinebold) Noel, of Adams Township, died July 4, 1884. In 1840 she moved with her parents, George and Sarah Rinebold, to Scipio Township, and was married in 1841 or 1842.
John and Sarah (Lawrence) Paine, parents of James Paine (deceased), who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1818, moved to this county in 1832, locating in Adams Township; John Paine was a soldier of 1812, and is credited with settlement here as early as 1830, although 1832 is the only authentic date . . . . . James and Maria Ann (Kline) Paine, parents of Mrs. Nancy M. Pontius, of Adams Township, were among the early settlers of the county . . . . . John Petticord settled here in 1830 . . . . . Moses Pyatt was also one of the pioneers of the township. _ . . . Samuel Pontius (deceased), born in 1814, in Pickaway County, came to this county in 1842, and settled in Adams Township; his widow still resides in this township.
Abram Rine settled in Adams Township in 1824 . . . . . Solomon and Catharine (Powell) Robenalt, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Mrs. Jacob J. Miller, of Adams Township, came to this county about 1833; they both died at advanced ages . . . . . Daniel and Jane (Groscrost) Rule were among the first settlers in this township, where their son, Daniel C. Rule, still resides.
Thomas and Elizabeth (Whitestine) Strickling, parents of George R. Strickling, of Adams Township, who was born in 1819, came from Fairfield County; Ohio, to this county in 1829, locating first in Clinton Township, then in Scipio Township, and finally settling, in 1837, in Adams Township . . . . . Jacob Stem, born in 1792, in Maryland, came to Tiffin abut 1830; he bought large tracts of land, laid out the village of Green Spring; built mills, etc., etc.; he died in 1860, aged sixty-eight years.
Jacob and Catharine (Russ) Wales, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of John Wales (second), who was born in Thompson Township, in 1835, came to Seneca County in 1828, where they died . . . . . James A. and Hannah F. (Carpenter) Watrous, parents of Mrs. Dr. D. Proctor Campbell, of Adams Township, were from Connecticut originally, and came to Ohio in 1831, settling first in Huron County, then a few years later in Green Spring, where they died .. ..William Webb settled in Adams Township in 1822-23, and was one of the first traders . . . . . Joseph Weiker, of Adams Township, born in Pennsylvania, in 1807, came to this county about 1840 . . . . . Jacob and Mary (Deal) Weiker, parents of Joseph Weiker, came to this county in 1834, and both died here several years ago . .. . .Hugh Welsh, the pioneer of Eden Township, has been a resident of Adams . . . . .Daniel and Susan (Coleman) Whiteman (both now deceased), parents of late Mrs. Daniel Metzger, of Adams Township, came from Pennsyl-
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vania to this county in a very early day . . . . .Col. Williams, whose sister was the wife of Uriah Egbert, served in the Revolution five years, died in Adams Township, in 1841, and lies buried here . . . . . Cyrus Wright settled here in 1824 . . . . . Cyrenus and Diana (Cole) Wright, former a native of the State of New York, latter of Montreal, Canada, parents of Charles 1-G'right, of Adams Township, settled in this county in 1827; both are now deceased.
Charles and Catharine (Spangler) Young, parents of Albert R. and Josiah Young, of Green Spring, came from Germany to this county in 1845.
Among the first settlers the names of Ezra West L. T. Butler, Bishop Adams, Martin Olds, Thomas Longwith, Squire Rider, C. McEwen, the Culbertsons, Stephonsons, Charles Shelby, Solomon Hoppes, Daniel H. Dana, Adam Spade, and Samuel Hartsock must not be forgotten. Together with Daniel Whitman, referred to, were his brothers, Samuel, Jacob and Abraham, all pioneers, and gone with the majority.
The red pioneers left their hunting grounds here over a half-century also. The savages, who wore known to the early settlers, are gone where all good Indians go, even their children have passed away, and now the grandchildren of the tribe, few indeed in number, remember the Sandusky country only a,: something of which they heard their fathers speak.
Common Schools.--In 1836 "the School Section" was sold as ordinary school land, although the west half of Section 12 was granted to the township in 1826 in lieu thereof, as Section 16 was then the property of the Senecas.. Immediately after the sale of this section the school board was formed, and ill 1838 the township was laid off into school districts. In 1845 the west half of Section 12 was sold, and the common school system was fully established throughout the township, as shown in the figures for 1847, given in the Chapter on statistics.
The present condition of the schools of Adams Township is portrayed in the following statistics (1884): Pupils enrolled-boys, 169, girls, 126-total 295, number of houses, 10; value of property, $12,000; number of teachers, 21 average pay of teachers, $43 and $27; total receipts, $5,242.64; total expense, $3,943.62; local tax, $1,862.66.
Statistics.-The assessment roll of Adams Township in 1840-41, shows, 22,593 acres, valued at $57,620; value of town lots and buildings, $1,559: horses, 221, valued at $8,840; cattle, 613, valued at $4,904; mercantile capital anal money at interest, $2,767; total value, $75,690. Total tax, $1,040.73 ; delinquencies, $20.92.
The statistics of assessment and tax levy of Adams Township and Green Spring Village, for 1884, are given as follows: acres in township, 22,756; in village, 165; the former valued at $798,790 and the latter at $53,780. The personal property in the township is valued at $220,750, and in the village at $51,790, giving the total valuation of the township, $1,019,540, and of the Village, $105, 570. This valuation equalized per capita would give $693.41 to each of the 1,624 persons in the township, according to the census of 1880. Crediting the township with 1,624 and:the village with 331, each resident of township would be worth $627.79, and each one in the village, $318.89,--the population as taken at present being 1,624 in the township and 331 in the village. The State tax levied in 1884-85 amounted to $3,150.31, and the total tax levied, $15,930.98, together with $131 dog tax. The true value of the township is estimated at $2,700,000.
The general statistics of Adams Township for 1884 are as follows: acrd under wheat 4,294, product, 26,154 bushels; acres of rye, 31; acres of buckwheat; 5 product, 67 bushels; acres. of oats, 1,343: product of 1,239 acres in
408 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
1883, 51,972 bushels; barley, 24 acres; corn, 2,254 acres, product about 40, 265 bushels; 1,303 acres of meadow; 1,486 tons of hay; 1,113 acres of clover, 1,201 tons of hay and 1,225 bushels of seed; 182 acres plowed under; potatoes, 112 acres, product about 17,000 bushels; home-made butter, 49,050 pounds; sorghum, 3 acres, 211 gallons of syrup; maple syrup, 1,291 gallons; 91 hives, 730 pounds honey; eggs, 35,450 dozens; apple trees, 410 acres, 7,030 bushels in 1883; pears, 4 bushels; plums, 2 bushels; cultivated lands, 12,018 acres; pasture, 2,338; woods, 3,497; waste, 48; total, 17,901 acres; wool in 1883, 33,105 pounds; cows in 1883, 488; dogs, 128; sheep killed and injured by dogs, 153; died of disease, 17 hogs, 121 sheep, 19 cattle and 9 horses.
Villages.-Sulphur Springs on Section 7, was laid off in 1833 by David Risdon for Josiah Hedges and Solomon Krider, near the great sulphur springs. The enterprise was premature, otherwise through the business genius of Mr. Hedges the now thriving town of Green Spring would undoubtedly have been at this point.
Adamsville, on west half of southwest quarter of Section 36, was surveyed by Thomas Homing for Daniel Kistler, in April, 1846. The settlement called Cooperstown is almost on the site of the quondam town of Adamsville.
Lowell, on the northeast quarter of Section 19, was surveyed for Lowell Robinson by G. H. Homing, April 27, 1849. Lowell shows some signs of life, and may reach the height for which its originator hoped.
TOWN OF GREEN SPRING.
This settlement may be said to begin shortly after the time when Jacob Stem arrived at Tiffin (1830). The location was well selected, for it embraced one of the most beautiful tracts of land in the two counties of Seneca and Sandusky. The village was surveyed by David Rees and David Risdon, in May, 1839, for Jacob Stem, who had a first addition surveyed by G. H. Homing, in June, 1852, at right angles to the railroad; a third addition, May 2, 1855, and Stem's fourth addition to Green Spring, surveyed by G. H. Homing, in August, 1859, for Elizabeth, Lydia and Clementine Stem. Stephen T. Finch's first addition was surveyed by Homing; his second addition, June 17, 1852, and his southern addition in September, 1860. P. H. Ryan surveyed Robert Smith's addition in 1872. John Seavolt's addition was made in May, 1873, and S. E. Roy's, in May, 1875.
Organic and Official.-The petition to the commissioners, from the people, of what now constitutes Green Spring Village, asking to be incorporated, was presented December 6, 1871. The names of the petitioners are as follows: Gideon Gordon, C. S. Burton, S. H. Rodebaugh, H. Welsh, G. W. Brestell, E. D. Stein, H. Waterman, H. Goetchius, J. P. Dichel, J. H. Baughton, D. Stineheard, John Noah, Peter Overmier, C. H. Neff, D. H. Hutchison, J. Q. A. Bennitt, 1. C. Parker, J. W. Stineheard, P. H. Myers, Dr. J. L. Brown, W. P. Myers, W. J. Merchant, F. J. Wehr, John Fisher, L. Freese, W. B. Radler, J. S. Borland, U. Fink, W . Lot, W. Stevenson, L. C. Bair, P. F. Cardies, J. J. Luman, O. Dyermann, E. Dick, O. W. Osborn, M. Gray, George Setzler, Adam Bose, F. M. Renard, B. M. Reed, A. N. Dennis, F. Vantassel, C. Golls, C. Augustus, T. Cavalier, J. S. Vantassel, J. C. Sharer, J. B. Buck, J. A. Bloomfield, George Kinney, William Prey and B. F. Hottle. Judge H. Welsh was agent for petitioners. February 5, 1872, authority was granted to organize; but the first election was not held until April, 1873.
1873. John A. W right, mayor; H. B. Adams, clerk; G. W. Brestel, marshal; F. Davis, H. Goetchius, G. W. Davis, John Netcher, Ezra Stoner, A. N.
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Dennis and D. Gale, councilmen. W. P. Myers was clerk vice Adams, who did not qualify. G. Gordon was appointed mayor in .July, 1873, vice Wright resigned.
1874. G. W. Davis, John Netcher and Charles Gale, councilmen; John Eisenhart, Joseph Concannon and J. O. Brown, first cemetery trustees; G. Cordon, mayor; William Jodon, clerk.
1875. A. N. Dennis, W. J. Merchant and A. McHesser, councilmen; 1 . Harry, marshal; James P. Turner, clerk, vice Jodon deceased.
1876. John S. Myers, Fred Hahn and H. W. Church, councilmen.
1877. C. S. Burton, mayor; James P. Turner, clerk; H. Ennis, marshal; John Robinson, John Howell and M. Shriener, councilmen.
1878. James Jackson, H. Young and O. McIntire, councilmen.
1879. J. S. Myers, mayor; •J. . Y. Turner, clerk; Fred Hahn, 11. Schriener and H. D. Frank, councilmen.
1880. G. W. Earhart, G. Gordon and J. S\'. Stinchcomb, councilmen.
1881. J. S. Myers, mayor; Orson McIntyre, clerk; H. Ennis, marshal; C. S. Burton, solicitor.
1882. H. D. Frank, James Boughton and W. J. Merchant, councilmen.
1883. B. M. Reed, mayor; Dell McConnell, clerk; A. R. Young, W. J. Merchant and Michael Shriener, councilmen.
1884. B. M. Reed, mayor; Dell McConnell, clerk; C. O. Grove, J. A. Hamilton, M. F. VanBuskirk and 0. J. Shutts, councilmen.
1885. B. M. Reed, mayor; W. J. Merchant, clerk; J. C. Kanney, treasurer; John C. Tarris, 1883-86 marshal; O. H. P. Strong, George Setzler and S. P. Sproul, councilmen.
W. J. Merchant served as secretary of the board of education for fourteen years previous to 1885, and was re-elected for three years in April, 1885. The present board of education comprises J. W. Robinson, John Noah, A. R. Young, J. C. Kanney, W. J. Merchant and H. H. Grown.
The corporation debt of Green Spring was reduced in the year ending April, 1885, from $2, 206.66 to $608.02.
Business Interests.-The advance made by Green Spring within the last few years has been of a very marked character. The editor of the Tinges, writing in February, 1885, says: " Our village is not an exception to the general rule, and, for the purpose of demonstrating how utterly groundless these misanthropic views are, we have compiled the following list of business men and business places in Green Spring during the year of 1881 and that of 1885. Although that of 1885 may be greatly augmented before it ends, yet the comparison is very flattering indeed, and shows a decided increase in point of business. During the year 1881 the following were in business: C. O. Grove, Mrs. Kinney, J. W. Stinchcomb & Co., D. S. Caldwell, C. S. Burton, I. G. Speck, J. C. Sharer, G. Gordon, James Boughton G. W. Earhart, Porter Yates, J. B. Schwendt, A. N. Dennis, John S. Myers, Joe Schaefer, A. McHesser, Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Elevator, Sash, Door and Blind Factory, J. Netcher, First National Bank, William Schrader, Newacheck & Julian, A. R. Young, R. M. Seaman; J. A. Watrous, H. G. Ogden, H. W. Church, John Noah, William Frey and F. Hahn."
The professions, trades, etc., in 1884, were represented as follows: James Boughton, blacksmith; J. L. Brown, physician; C. S. Burton, lawyer; Dr. D. Proctor Campbell, successor to Dr. Hillbish; H. F. Case, flour-mill; A. Cohn, dry goods; A. N. Dennis, Nelson House; J. R. Brown, proprietor health resort; George W. Earhart, bakery; D. A. Egbert, livery; F. W. Entrikin, physician; F. W. Entrikin & Co., Green Spring Sanitarium; E. B. Finch, Green Spring
410 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Hotel; J. Foncannon & Co., planing-mill; William Frey, furniture; G Cordon, boots and shoes; John Gordon, real estate; Green Spring Academy; the Green Spring Times; Van Buskirk & Co., printers; Grier & Co., grain dealers; C. O. Grove, books; F. Hahn & Sons, tanners; J. A. Hamilton, fancy goods; Levi Huber, saw-mill; Walter Huber, saw-mill; John Johnson, carriages; J. C. Kanney, grocer: Mrs. S. Kinney, millinery; J. T. Laird, dentist; A. MeHosser & Co., grocers; Orson McIntyre, insurance; Arch. R. McKellar, physician; J. C. McNutt, saloon; M. R. Marks, clothing; Charles Mowry, saloon; J. S. Myers, grocer; L. H. Sprague, physician; J. Netcher, hub manufacturer; A. R. Newhard, jeweler; C. W. Newman, hardware; G. W. Knepper & Co., livery; --Nighsander, saloon; John Noah, meat market; Henry Parker, drayman; B. M. Reed, justice of the peace; L. W. Roys & Co., bankers; Jennie Rule. dressmaker; L. E. Robinson, physician; William Schrader, Jr., saddlery; J. Schaefer, saloon; M. Schriener, flour; J. B. Schwendt, boots and shoes; Mrs. R. M. Seaman, millinery; Setzler; Newacheck & Co., carriages; R. M. Sproul, druggist; Southard & Lutz, livery; I. G. Speck, hardware; J: W. Stinchcomb dry-goods; Stoner House; J. T. Sutton, agent Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad Company, and manager Western Union Telegraph Company; "Nickel Plate" Railroad offices; Lucy Taggart, millinery; United States Express Company; C. R. Walker, physician; J. A. Watrous, stoves; Willard Wentz, barber; George Whitmore, wood turner; Porter Yates, druggist; A. R. Young & Co., undertakers, R. M. Bartlett, lumber, and Josiah Young, brick-yard. Presbyterian, Catholic, Methodist and United Brethren Churches. Masonic, Odd Fellows and Grand Army lodges, and village council.
The following is a report of the amount of business done at the two railroads at this place. We give the Indiana, Bloomington & Western first:
Charges on freight received .. . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .... . . .. . . .. . . .$59,497.29
Tonnage, lbs .. .............................................................................. 44,583,901
Charges on freight forwarded ....................................................... $36,603,43
Tonnage, lbs ............................................................................... 17,997,469
Picket sales . .... . .. . . .. . . .. . . ... . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . ... $3,975.25
The above does not include transfer business from August 17, 1884, to February 1, 1.885, which will amount to
Freight received ............................................................................ $150,000.00
Freight forwarded .......................................................................... 100,000.00
Amount of drafts paid Indiana, Bloomington & Western for
Freight and charges received ......................................................... $194,504.93
Received of Indiana, Bloomington & Western ............................ .....72,460.27
Number cars transferred . .............. . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... . .. . . .. . . ... . . . 18,250
At the "Nickle Plate" is the following:
Freight received ............................................................................... $40,399.29
Freight forwarded ........................................................................... 88,524.24
Ticket Sales ...... . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . ... 3,100.00
The above is the amount of business done by the railroads here for the year ending February 1, 1885.
Churches.-St. Jacob's Reformed Church, of Adams Township, was founded in 1834, by Rev. Conrad, as a Union Reformed and Lutheran Church. During the administration of Rev. J. J. Beilhartz, a house of worship was erected on land donated by Jacob Gruber. In 1851 Rev. J. H. Good became pastor; he organized the Reformed Society and remained here.
Salem Reformed Church, of Adams Township, was organized by Rev. F. Rehauser, and a house of worship was built in 1837 on land donated by John German. The original members were Eli Dought, Joseph Kunes, Jacob Britten, Eli Kaishner, John Hensinger and Andrew Mitower, who organized
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as a Union Reformed and Lutheran Society. The present house of worship, erected in 1868, is the fourth building raised by the congregation. It and the Reformed Church, of Thompson Township, are served by the same preacher; (vide History of Thompson Township).
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Adams Township, was reorganized under State law, October 16, 1856, with John Kistler, chairman, and John Bennehoff, secretary, Reuben Bennehoff, William Muhn and John Kistler were elected trustees.
The English Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Adams Township, was i» corporated September 14, 1867. On the same day a resolution to build a church on a lot of land purchased from Joseph Neikirk was adopted. The trustees elected were Jacob Neikirk, Samuel Metzger and John Clay. The building committee comprised H. Whiteman, Joseph Neikirk and D. H. Neikirk. In November, 1868, John Clay, David Wyand and David Smith worn elected trustees to represent other societies, to whom the new church was doclared open for service. .
The German Baptist Society, of Green Spring District, was incorporated under State law, in March, 1874. The meeting was held at the Union Church, Adams Township, with J. T. Eversoll, chairman, and Jacob Brenneman, secretary. Jacob E. Brenneman, David Wise and Stephen Cocher were elected trustees.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, founded about twelve years ago, now claims, among its members here, the following families: F. Welty, A. Folmer, Charlos Durand, Thomas Kenny, Adam Haas, A. Kanney, Patrick Fog, Patrick Gorman, John Smith, Thomas Scanlon, Mrs. Knepper, Mrs. Maracus, Leonard Muelliard, James Hennessy, and a few others. The church is a neat frame building erected about twelve years ago. The mission is attended from Clyde.
The United Brethren, Green Creek Circuit of the United Brethren Church, was established in 1848, with J. C. Bright, pastor. Prior to that year the pastor of the Honey Creek Circuit attended to this section. Rev. W. Herring, ton was preacher in 1849; R. Wicks, in 1850; J. Newman, in 1851; and M. Lone in 1852. At this time there were 150 members in the circuit. Mr. Long was preacher until succeeded by William Jones, in 1855; and he by James Long and H. Curtiss in 1856. S. T. Lane preached in 1858; D. G. Odgen, 1860; James Long, 1861; Michael Long, 1863; S. Foster, 1864; William Miller, 1865; Peter Flack, 1866; R. K. Wyant, 1867; J. Matthews, 1868; D. F. Senter, 1869; S. H. Roudebaugh, 1870-71; D. D. Hart, 1872; B. M. Long, 1874; E. B. Maurer, 1875; A. Powell, 18 76; D. S. Caldwell, 1878 ; Joseph Bever, 1879; S. T. Lane, 1880; T. D. Ingle, 1881; J. W. Hipple, 1883. The present house of worship at Green Spring was erected in 1873. The members at the present time are Lewis Coy, John Tarris, Daniel Baker, James Steele, James H. Johnson, J. D. Rutter, Albertus Steele, Rev. J. W. Hipple, Amelia Evy, Jennie Tarris, Charlotte Baker, Minnie Baker, Mary Stonebraker, Sarah Arter, Phoebe Arter, Nellie Evy, Mary A. Rutter, Lucy Steele, Ella Sharpe, Eliza Titus, Alice Clinger, Calista Hipple. Rev. J. W. Hipple was appointed pastor in September, 1883.
The "United Brethren Church," of Hedgestown, about two miles southwest of Green Spring, claims the following named members: D. B. Anders, George J. Shedenhelm, W. S. Slaymaker, W. H. Miller; A. C. Brown, J. H. Van Horn, Abbie Anders, Anne Jopp, Jerusha Jopp, Hecla Myers, Laura Shedonhelm, Alice Slaymaker, Mary McKeen, Mary E. Shedenhelm; now attended from Green Spring.
Brick Chapel, of the United Brethren Society, five miles southeast of Green
412 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Spring, has now thirty-four members, including the Hoffman, Beigh, Decker, Hoetzel, Metzger, Morfier, Neikirk, Norris, Stigamire, Nace and Minich families, with a few other members; now attended from Green Spring.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the oldest and largest societies in the township. Rev. T. J. Gard, one of the old pastors of the primitive church of Honey Creek, is preacher in charge. The church building stands on the corner of Main and Morgan Streets. Joseph Cole is superintendent and William Norris assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school.
The Presbyterian Church, corner of Main and Sand Streets, is an old organization.
The corner-stone of the new Lutheran Church building, near the Butz Schoolhouse, Adams Township, was placed in position June 9, 1885.
The new church, known as the Christian Union Chapel, was dedicated November 9, 1884. G. W. Hagans is preacher in charge.
Green Spring Academy.-The Western Reserve University was chartered as Western Reserve College, February 7, 1828, and located at Hudson, Ohio. After many years of successful labor it received increased endowment, and in 1882 was removed to Cleveland, Ohio. It now includes two colleges and two academies: Adelbert College and Cleveland Medical College, both of Cleveland, Ohio; Western Reserve Academy, of Hudson, Ohio, and Green Spring Academy, of Green Spring, Ohio.
The Academy at Green Spring, Seneca Co., Ohio, was founded by the Synod of Toledo, in 1881. After two years of such struggles as are incident to new institutions, it was connected with the Western Reserve University as a preparatory school for Adelbert College. It remains, however, under its own board of trustees, and continues to give special attention to preparation for teaching and general culture, as well as to preparation for college. Normal work is introduced so far as is practicable, and an attempt is made to cultivate all departments with that thoroughness which is necessary in a preparation for higher culture. In the past years good work has been done, and it is the purpose of the trustees and teachers to keep up with all' the improvements and demands of the times. The trustees are R. B. Hayes, president, Fremont; D. J. Meese, secretary, Sandusky; J. A. P. McGaw, D.D., Toledo; I. G. Hall, Lima; J. W. Cummings, Toledo; Samuel Smith, Green Spring; Carroll Cutler, D. D., Cleveland; E.. Bushnell, D. D., Cleveland; C. P. W Wickham, Norwalk.
The faculty is made up as follows; Rev. J. S. Axtell, A.M., principal, and instructor in Greek and Science; Prof. E. O. Loveland, instructor in Commercial Course and Mathematics; Prof. W. J. Alexander, A.M., instructor in English, German and Latin; Miss Rose Giddings, instructor in Instrumental and Vocal Music; Miss Kate Blayney, instructor in Drawing and Painting.
Rev. R. B. Moore, of Tiffin, was the first principal, being in charge from the establishment of the academy until 1883.
Cemeteries.-Butternut Ridge Cemetery Association, was organized August 17, 1877, with W. E. Lay, F. Crockett, H. F. Niles, Denis Downs, John T. Perrin, Alpheus Lee, H. S. Lay, J. D. Lefever, Mrs. S. A. Kistler, Harry Tuck, H. W. Harris and J. R. Downs, members.
St. Jacob's Union Cemetery Association, of Adams Township, was organized at the Reserve Church, November 1, 1884, with the following members: Joseph Hilsinger, H. Brinkman, George Detterman, P. Happas, D. Shawberry, H. Lynn, E. Miller, Jacob Gruver, W. F. Miller, Daniel Gruver, Samuel Determan, H. Miller, H. A. Determan, George Brinney, J. J. Miller, H. H. Determan and F. F. Meyer,
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There are other cemeteries in the township: One on the northeast quarter of Section 2; one on the northwest quarter of Section 20; one on the Albright farm, in Section 24; two on the south line of Section 32, and one in the northwest corner of Section 36.
Postoffice.-The first postmaster at Green Spring was Daniel H. Dana, appointed about 1840. Robert Smith was appointed subsequently, and was serving in 1847-48, and up to the time Mrs. Matilda Bartlett was appointed. In August, 1885, Miss M. L. Bartlett, the late postmistress, retired, and Andrew McHarser took charge.
Banks, Bankers, etc.-Robert Smith, the old postmaster of Green Spring, may be said to have founded the first banking house in the village.
The First National Banking Company, of Green Spring, chartered some years ago, met in February, 1881, and resolved to go into liquidation as a national bank, and transact business under the laws of Ohio. The same month this resolution was carried out, when Addison Hills and L. W. Roys purchased the entire stock, and opened the banking house now known as L. W. Roys & Co.
The Green Spring Building and Loan Association was incorporated Mardi 22, 1873, with J. W. Stinchcomb, C. D. Brick, George W. Davis, J. L. Stooor and John Nash, members. The capital stock was, $80,000.
Secret and Benevolent Societies.-Green Spring Lodge No. 318 I. O. O. F., was chartered June 11, 1857, with the following members: N. C. West, B. F. Porter, J. B. Buck, Ezra Twombly, George T. Bell, James McGregory and M. W. Plain. The lodge was incorporated November 2, 1867, E. Twombly presiding, with H. D. Parmeter, secretary. Hugh Goetchins, William Stevenson and Fred Isenhart were elected trustees, and Gideon Gordon, clerk. All records, prior to July 1, 1870, were destroyed in the fire of June 2; 29, 1870 so that the first record extant is of date July 6, 1870, being a letter from the Grand Lodge agreeing to issue a new charter instead of the one destroyed. The Past Grands since that date are named as follows: J. A. Kettle. H. D. Parmeter, M. Gray, F. J. Wehr, B. F, Boetz, W. Groves, R. H. Slymaker, W. P. Myers, C. R. Huss, John Eisenhart, J. C. Sutton, James Boughton. M. L. Huss, W. C. Gray, F. Hahn, G. E. Whitmore, O. J. Shutts, John Gordon, John Young, A. Ferguson, A. Waldron, William Ross, James McIntire M. Thraves, C. L. Rathbun, F. Clink, N. U. Egbert, W. H. Waldron, J. W. Stinchcomb, A. R. McKellar, C. Holtz, G. W. Davis. The secretary ries since 1870 have been M. Gray, B. F. Bretz, R. H. Slaymaker, W. P. Myers, J. C. Sutton, W. C. Gray, M. L. Huss, G. W. Davis, A. Ferguson. G. E. Whitmore, John Gordon, O. J. Shutts, O. J. Shutts, M. L. Huss, A. Ferguson, A. Ferguson, George W. Davis, John Gordon, O. J. Shutts, G. Gordon, G. Gordon, G. Gordon, G. Gordon, O. J. Shutts, serving his seventh term.
Daughters of Rebekah, No. 82, Green Spring, was chartered October 17, 1872.
Green Spring Lodge No. 427 F. & A. M., was chartered October 20, 1869, on petition of S. T. Finch, Horace B. Adams, Truman Grover, E. 13. Finch, Sidney Tuck, Val. Ham, Thomas Almand, C. D. Buck, L. E. Sprague, D. H. Clark and L. H. Sprague. The records of this lodge, prior to October 1873, were destroyed, so that the names of masters and secretaries from this date forward can only be given: Past Masters. Thomas Almand 1873; George Raymond, 1874-75; H. B. Adams, 1876; E. T. Gettins, 1877-78; Walter J. Merchant, 1879-80; George Raymond, 1881-82-83; A. R. McKellar, 1884; W . F. Huber, 1885. Secretaries.-G. W. Brestel, 1873; W.
416 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Jodon, 1874; W. Wilson, 1875; W. J. Merchant, 1876; Truman Grover, 1877; W. J. Merchant, 1878; E. W. May, 1879-80; W. J. Merchant, 1881; Ed Walden, 1882; C. O. Grove, 1883; H. C. Campbell, 1884; J. W. Stinchcomb, 1885. A. A. Jones is acting secretary. The lodge claims a membership of twenty-six, with hall in Pearson Block, in good financial condition.
Potter Post, 105, Green Spring, was instituted under charter July 19, 1881, and named in honor of Henry C. Potter, whose record is given in the military chapter. The charter members were G. W. Brestel, James Martin, James P. Turner, A. Grove, Jacob Shultz, P. Unser, A. N. Dennis, J. C. Tarris, William Ross, W. Fitz, James H. Boughton, J. W. Stinchcomb, Francis Keenan, M. Alspaugh, H. H. Roselle, D. H. Hutchison, Porter Yates, John Seaman, Rufus Slaymaker, John Kimsman, G. W. Earhart, W. J. Merchant, Walter Huber, Harry Crull, M. Clinger, John Noah, Henry Ennis, Daniel Guisbert and George Raymond. The commanders are named as follows: J. W. Stinchcomb, 1881; G. W. Earhart, 1882; J. W. Stinchcomb, 1883; G. W. Brostel, 1884; A. A. Jones, 1885. The post has now about fifty members. The adjutants were W. J. Merchant, 1881; Henry Ennis, 1883; George W. Brestel, 1883; J. W. Stinchcomb, 1884; A. G. Perrine, 1885.
The Green Spring Temperance Aid Society was organized September 9, 1862, with Mrs. Dr. Brown, president; Mrs. W. L. Bartlett, vice-president; Sam. Stoner, treasurer, and Miss P. Finch, secretary. This society sent a great quantity of valuable clothing to the volunteers in the field. Temperance organizations in one form or another have been carried down since 1862, always exercising a beneficial influence.
Green Spring Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, was incorporated September 19, 1876, with M. Alspaugh, M. D. Jopp and John Shulls, trustees; B. F. Britz, secretary, and E. May, master.
Green Spring Cure and Health Resort.-The mineral resources of the Green Spring District were first developed in 1867, and a home for visitors and patients opened January 1, 1868. The first patient was Mrs. Hugh Welsh, who died at the Spring June 6, 1869. When the Cure was erected and the enterprise organized, Charles E. Stockley was manager, and Dr. I. W. Moliere, physician. Since that time it has had its vicissitudes, but is now one of the best supported institutions of the kind in the West. The Marshall brothers succeeded Dr. L. H. Sprague as physicians in charge in 1885, while John Koller took charge of the hotel, making all the departments during the season of 1885 a success. The legend of the spring is as follows: "Once, a number of `moons' ago, a fair Indian maiden, the daughter of a great chief of the Ottawa tribe, was taken dangerously sick with a malady unknown to the wisest of their medicine men. The poor girl was becoming worse every day, and many fears were entertained of an early dissolution. A young chief, who was her lover, and to whom she had promised her hand, felt keenly the illness of his promised bride. One day he was out hunting, and becoming tired, he lay down under the shady branches of a large oak and fell asleep. While sleeping he had a dream in which he was advised by the ° Great Spirit' of the existence of a wonderful pool of water, the use of which cured many of the numerous diseases of the body. The dream depicted this modern pool of Siloam as lying far toward the setting sun, and to reach it a person must encounter many dangers and untold hardships. The young chief was greatly impressed with the dream, and resolved, at all hazards, to procure some of this water for the sick maiden. Accordingly, he called his warriors together, and selecting a few trusty braves, he started on the journey. After many days he
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reached his destination, and found the spring. He procured some of the water and returned to his nation. The maiden partook of the water, and soon recovered from her sickness."
This beautiful summer resort is situated about 160 rods north of the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Depot at Green Spring. Nature has done her duty nobly in giving the grounds a picturesque and pleasing site for the location. The hotel stands upon a hill a few hundred feet back from the street, and is surrounded by a heavy foliage of trees that during the warm summer months shade every walk and avenue about the grounds. At the foot of the hill is the Sulphur Spring, which discharges about 700 cubic feet of water per minute through a fissure in the bed rock. The water is as clear as crystal. of a slightly greenish cast, and possesses remarkable curative properties, and hundreds of invalids avail themselves of its benefits every year. The hotel is in keeping with the management of the Spring, and has accommodation for 150 guests.
Statistics of Corporation.-The general statistics of Green Spring, for 1884, are as follows: Acres of wheat, 652; acres of rye, 15; of oats, 78; of corn, 60; of meadow, 182, product, 273 tons; of clover, 94, product, 111 tons, 43 bushels of seed, with 12 acres plowed under; of potatoes, 4, yielding 1,790 bushels; home-made butter, 3, 200 pounds; 1 acre of sorghum yielded 41 gallon a of syrup; maple trees yielded 50 pounds of sugar and 120 gallons of syrup; 5 bee-hives; 2,240 dozens of eggs; 41 acres of apple trees yielded 819 bushels of fruit in 1883; acres of land cultivated, 1,130; of pasture lands, 264; of woodland, 346 acres; waste land, 15 acres; total acreage, 1,755; wool, 5,233 pounds in 1883; milch cows, 38; dogs, 9; sheep killed and injured by dogs, 16; 54 sheep, 2 cattle and 1 horse died of disease.
The Green Spring schools presented the following statistics at the close of scholastic year, 1884: number of pupils, 201-99 boys and 102 girls-- of whom 41 are attending the high school; one school building valued at $9,000; 4 teachers; average salaries, $95 and $30; local tax, $1,347.15; revenue, $4,213.27; expenditure, $3,451.62.
CONCLUSION.
There are so many incidents connected with the settlement and progress of this division of the county, related in the chapters of the general history as well as in that on the personal history and reminiscences of the township, that this chapter is confined especially to matters pertaining directly to Adams. It presents a plain record of pioneer and official, religious and social, commercial and statistical history, and as such lays claim to so much completeness as history based on records and authentic statements warrant.