MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 515

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP.

BY C. F. GRISIER.

" Here shall the spring its earliest sweets bestow,

Here the first roses of the year shall blow."

Mill Creek Township was settled about as early as any township in the county. The soil is of the best, the lands comparing favorably with any in Northwestern Ohio. Wheat, corn, oats, barley, flax and other in grain are always a full crop. Of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, Mill Creek always furnishes its share. The citizens are thriving, social and accommodating. The Detroit & Butler Division of the Wabash Railroad runs through the township, and has two stopping places—Mill Creek and Alvordton.

FIRST SETTLERS.

The first settlers were Theron Landon, Josiah Woodworth, George Berone, James Black, Joseph Haines, John Haines and some others who moved in the years of 1835 and 1836. Talman and Joseph Reasoner, Justice Alvord and Samuel G. Wallace were also among the early settlers. Among those who settled in the strip which has since been set off to Fulton County were Abijah Coleman, David Severence and John Gillett ; Alanson Pike, Nathan Fellows, Calvin Ackley and Elijah Masters were also among the early settlers of the eastern portion of the township ; Jacob Landis and Joseph Miller of the western portion.

ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR.

In the early days, and before Jackson ran for President the first time, John Gillett had an adventure with a bear, which he used to tell to his neighbors and children in after years. The adventure happened near the Mill Creek River, and we give it in his own words as near as possible; " I had known for some time, by the signs, that there was a nest

516 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

of cub bears somewhere in the neighborhood, so one day I concluded that I would put in my time finding them, as a party in Adrain wanted a pair to send over to Baltimore to a friend who was fond of outlandish pets. You see that it was along about the first of September, and pretty warm at that, and after walking up and down the creek, I began to get pretty tired ; so I sat down by the side of a smooth stump about twelve or fourteen feet high to rest. I hadn't sat there more than a minute until I - heard something inside the stump, and soon made out that it was a couple of cub bears playing with one another. I looked on all sides of the stump to find an opening, but none was to be seen. Then I happened to notice the marks of claws up the side of the stump, and I understood it. The hole went in at the top. 1 set my gun against a bush, up-ended the branch off a tree, and was soon at the top of the stump, looking in at the two cubs, which were about the size of full-grown rat dogs. I was so excited that I jumped down into the stump and grabbed the cubs. They at first began to squeal, and then turned on me for fight. But they were small enough to handle, and in a minute or two I had their mouths tied so they could not bite, and their feet fastened so they ' could not scratch. I knew that the old bear would be along pretty soon and make it hot for me if she found me in the nest, so-I swung the youngsters into. my buckskin belt preparatory to getting out. Get out ? Did I get out ? Land of love ! It makes me shiver to think of it yet. I could no more get out of that stump' than I could fly. The hollow was bell- shaped,

 larger at the bottom than at the top—so large, in fact, that 1 could not put my back against one side and my feet and hands against the other and crawl up, as rabbits and other animals climb up inside of hollow trees. In no way could I get up a foot. There were no sticks inside to help me up, and ,I made up my mind I had to die certain. About the time I. came to this conclusion I heard the old bear climbing up the outside of the stump. With only my hunting knife as a means of defense, MI d in such close quarters, you may possibly imagine the state of my feelings. The old bear was not more than half a minute, at the outside, climbing up the stump, but it seemed like a month, at least. I thought of all my sins a dozen times over. At last she reached the top, but she didn't seem to suspect my presence at all, as she turned round and began slowly descending, tail foremost. I felt as though my last hour had come, and began to think seriously about lying down and let the bear kill me, so as to get but of my misery as quickly as possible.:, Suddenly an idea struck me, and despair gave way to hope. I drew out my hunting-knife and stood on tip-toe. When the bear was about seven, feet from the bottom of the hollow, I fastened on her tail with my left hand with a vise-like grip, and with my right hand drove my hunting,

PAGE 517 - PICTURE OF JAMES GARSIDE

PAGE 518 BLANK

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 519

knife to the hilt in her haunch, at the same time yelling like a whole tribe of Indians. What did she do ? Well, you should have seen the performance. She didn't stop to reflect a moment, but shot out at the top of the stump like a bullet out of a gun. I held on until we struck the ground. Then the old bear went like lightning into the brush, and was out of sight in half a minute. I took the cubs to Adrian the next day and got $5 apiece for them, and in those times $5 was as good as $50 now."

SCHOOLHOUSES AND CHURCHES.

The first school building was built on Section 26, in the old limits, the first in the present limits being erected on the present site of the Lutheran Church, Section 20. This was the first church built in the township, and was dedicated in the winter of 1871. The next one was on Section 5, belonging to the Evangelists. 'The first school was taught by Joseph Reasoner.

FIRST BIRTH, MARRIAGE, DEATH, ETC.

The first birth was that of Hannah Woodworth. She was born in the spring of 1839.

Mrs. Rachel Aldrich was the first person who died in the township; the date of her death was April 18, 1836. Theron Landon was the first resident of the township who was married. He was also the first Justice of the Peace. The first cemetery was started on Section 34, but was soon vacated, and another, now in use, started on Section 27, and called the "Town Cemetery."

VILLAGES.

Four villages have been started, but until the present time have amounted to very little. Since the railroad went through, Alvordton has taken a jump, and improvements are being made in the town every day. The names of the other places are, Primrose, Millcreek and Hamer. The first store was opened by Landon & Haines it 1853, at Hamer. A post office was kept at this place until 1874. The first saw-mill was erected in 1855, by George Berone. The store kept by 0. S. Smith was destroyed by fire in 1873. This was the first building destoryed by fire in the township.

GENERAL FEATURES.

The township is drained by Mill Creek and its branches, and is the .smallest township in the county. When Mr. Landon settled, he had his choice of going either to Adrian, thirty-seven miles, or to Brunersburgh, thirty miles, to get his milling done. Mr. Landon was a resident of Mill Creek Township until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1879. Of the earliest settlers, only a few remain.

520 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

AMUSING INCIDENT.

Many stories could be told of the early settlers, but Mr. Landon used to tell of one amusing incident that happened to him, which does not look as there was " much fun in it." He was rolling a piece of plowed land, when he slipped and fell. Before he could rise, the roller passed up his legs, and rested in the hollow of his back. At this point the oxen, which were supplying the motive power, becoming conscious of an unusual resistance, and feeling no special inducement to move on, came to a halt, and began to chew the cud in placid enjoyment of an unexpected rest. Manifestly, it would do for Mr. Landon to start them, for in that case the roller would inevitably pass over his head, to the great detriment of that valuable organ. He accordingly began to dig himself out as noiselessly as possible, and he had almost succeeded, when the oxen advanced a step, and drew the roller across his shoulders. Thus pinioned, his only resource was to wave his legs silently in the air, in the hopes that some passer-by would be attracted by the unusual spectacle. This tedious maneuver was unsuccessful, but at the end of an hour some men at work in an adjoining field, wondering why the oxen should stand so long in one' spot, and unattended, approached to ascertain, and the farmer was rescued, out of breath, very dusty, but uninjured.

ALVORDTON AT THE PRESENT TIME.

Time with places, as with everything else, brings changes. So it is with the town of Alvordton. Since the railroad has been running through the place everybody is prospering ; buildings are going up on every hand, some new business starting up every month. H. D. Alvord, in honor of whom the town is named, is Postmaster and Notary Public. Mr. Alvord has done more for the advancement of the town than any other man, and at present erecting one of the largest and finest stone and brick hotel buildings that can be seen in this section of the country, and one of which the citizens of Alvordton may well feel proud. It is far the best constructed building in the county, and we might say on this side of Toledo. The building is three stories in height and covers about forty-four by fifty- four feet of ground. The grounds around comprise three lots and are laid out with shade and evergreen trees. But one forgets to think of the outside when once he has entered the door. The interior of the house is simply elegant. The parlor and drawing room, both large rooms, can be thrown into one, at pleasure, having folding doors between them. The dining room is very large and handsomely finished. Single and double bedrooms are sufficient to accommodate all who may stop at this house.. William C. Gill, of West Unity, was the architect. The business men of Alvordton are as follows :

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 521

Catlin & Treat, dry goods, groceries, etc. Their present stock of goods is very large and complete, consisting of a finely arranged' stock Of notions, a tasty assortment of dry and dress goods, while the shirting and jeans department cannot be beaten. A large portion of the shelving is filled with one of the best boot and shoe stocks in town. The counters are variously piled up with clothing, prints, cloths, muslins, etc., and the show cases are filled with an assortment of lighter articles belonging to this business.

Isaac Shaeffer, drugs, groceries, paints, etc. A fine apartment amply filled up for the purpose. The shelving on one side is filled with a large stock of prescription drugs, and everything else used by our medical men. On the opposite side is a complete assortment of every imaginable patent medicine, enough, if one-half of their ample promises were true, to for- ever banish disease from this suffering world of ours. A full line of groceries and paints is also kept. The show cases are filled with a tasty variety of the light articles incident to a business of this nature.

Shipman & Page, hardware, etc. The store of this firm is filled with an ample stock of shelf and heavy hardware, iron, stoves, etc. The excellent variety of stoves embraces nearly every size, price and style, suited to a country trade. They deal largely in wagon material and farm implements. A good tin shop is connected with the store.

William Keiser, butcher, carries on quite an extensive meat market, which has a large share of patronage. He is accommodating, and the people find him a clever gentleman to deal with.

William Cassel, harness dealer, deserves attention. He carries a full line of the stock goods incident to the trade, and, being a man of good business ability and an excellent workman, and as class of goods are a staple, his success is assured.

PRIMROSE.

One mile north of Alvordton is the live little town of Primrose. Below we give the names of the different firms doing business at this place

R. Gamble, dry goods, groceries, etc. This gentleman is a matt of recognized business abilities. He has one of the best stocks in the county, and as good a trade as any other house in similar business. The business carried on embraces dry goods, notions, fancy goods, hosiery, gloves, shirts, undergarments, laces, hats and caps, boots and shoes, crockery, groceries, etc.

Bricker & Stahl, hardware, etc. This firm is extensively and favorably known, although they have only been in business a few years. They keep a full stock of everything in their line, and customers cannot fail to accommodated. Their trade is constantly increasing and they have second to none in the county.

522 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

William Moyer's nursery. This gentleman has at present the full trade in the nursery line, as he owns the only one in the county. Mr. Moyer has been located many years on this farm and has at present a fine lot of fruit and ornamental trees which he is selling at reasonable rates. For want of a hotel in the village Mr. Moyer accommodates the traveling public with board and lodging.

John Sampson keeps the post office and a full line of fruits and confectioneries.

A. A. Yagley is a practical boot and shoemaker, and understands everything connected with his trade. He uses nothing but the best material.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The Township Trustees of Mill Creek are : Silas Crum, Robert Newcomb and Thomas Moss. Township Clerk, G. W. Cassel. Township Treasurer, John Bavin.

PHYSICIANS.

The doctors of Mill Creek Township are : Dr. William Noff, of Primrose, and Dr. A. Flora, of Alvordton.

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

The first school building erected in School District No. 1 was in the year 1851. The first school teacher was Miss Sarah McClean. She is now living five miles east, at Fayette, having married Dr. Allen. A new schoolhouse was built in 1874. The teachers have been ast follows : Sarah McClean, Marion Coman, Asher Axtell, William Ogle, Louis Baldwin, from 1857 to 1863 ; 1863, H. J. Heron ; 1864, G. W. Cassel and H. J. Heron ; 1865, Aaron S. Fox ; 1866, Amillia Snyder and G. W. Cassel ; 1867, A. M. Coman and G. W. Cassel ; 1868, Malinda Doty and A. Ayers ; 1869, Louisa Amsbaugh and A. A. Baxter ; 1870, Lizzie Doughton and L. Amsbaugh ; 1871, Sarah B. Doty ; 1872, T. C. Derbin and Malinda Doty ; 1873, Lloyd Mann and Homer Masters ; 1874, S. B. Doty and Lloyd Mann ; 1875-76, James Meehan ; 1877-78, Emma Gillett and Orlando Hershiser ; 1879-80, Anna Hansey ; 1881, Helen Smith ; 1882, Cassie Shilling.

District No. 2 commenced school in the year 1853 ; but the records have been destroyed, and we can only go back to the year 1870, when the present schoolhouse was erected. The cost of this building was $600. The teachers were as follows : 1870, S. B. Doty ; 1871, John White and Lucy Champion ; 1872, Charley Hill and John M. White ; 1873, Julia Spade and Homer Masters ; 1874, Julia Spade and C. W. Marvin ; 1875, Sarah R. Doty ; 1876-77, Adula Huffman ; 1878, John B. Bradhurst ; 1879, Adula Huffman ; 1880, O. H. Nill and John White ; 1881,

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 523

Hattie Lovelass and Olive B. Richardson ; 1882, Orlen Heshiser and Alice Stewart.

Districts No. 3,4 and 5 have kept no record of teachers employed.

The first school in District No. 6 was taught in 1853. David Black was the first teacher ; Jacob Clay, Chairman ; Samuel Amsbaugh, Secretary of first School Board. Below we give the names of teachers from the commencement to 1881: 1854, Mahala A. Masters and M. H. Smith ; 1855, Anette Ely and M. H. Smith ; 1856, Sarah J. Baxter and. M. H. Smith ; 1857, 4gnes M. Heron and Samuel Amsbaugh ; 1858-59, Ellen Grant and M. H. Smith. In 1859, the school was repaired and remodeled. 1860, Charlotte Cogswell and D. K. Bushong ; 1861, Anna Rigs and M. H. Smith ; 1862, Mary A. McMahan and D. Booth ; 1863, D. Booth and Elanda, Clay. In 1864, the board passed a resolution to build a new school building, and the contract was given to Philip and George Widner for $600. The old school building was sold for $5. The next teachers were : In 1865, Theodosia Snyder and Martha Snyder ; 1866, Martha Snyder and W. H. Tiffany ; 1867, Martin Hart and M. H. Doty ; 1868, Miss S. Baxter and L. Baxter ; 1870, Margaret Spade and L. Baxter ; 1871, John Jones and Margaret Spade ; 1872, W. B. Greek and Matilda Beck ; 1873, Marcus Moris. (No record for 1874.) 1875, James Crawford and George W. Finch ; 1876, Elizabeth Bryan and F. Cooper ; 1877, Ellen Smith and William Baltosser ; 1878, Maggie Huffman and William. Baltosser ; 1879, Anny Hansey and D. C. Kimtmell ; 1880, Adula Huffman and H. C. Smith ; 1881, Alice M. Stewart and E. S. Gay.